Abstract: A pet training pad includes at least three supporting rods, a middle rod, at least three first connecting rods and at least three second connecting rods. For each supporting rod, one end of it is configured to be supported on a supporting surface, the other end of it is configured to support a campfire assembly. One end of the middle rod is provided with a first pivot, and the other end of the middle rod is provided with a second pivot. For each first connecting rods, one end of it is pivotably connected to corresponding one of the at least three supporting rods, the other end of it is pivotably connected to the first pivot. For each second connecting rods, one end of it is pivotably connected to corresponding one of the at least three supporting rods, the other end of it is pivotably connected to the second pivot.

Abstract: A herding ball has a pliable inner sphere and a spherical fabric cover. The pliable inner sphere has an outer surface and a port through which the pliable inner sphere may be filled with air. A plug is provided for plugging the port once the pliable inner sphere has been inflated. The spherical fabric cover is sized and shaped to fit around the pliable inner sphere, and provides a durable outer surface that includes a zipper closure. The zipper closure includes a slider having an attachment ring. A removable zipper pull includes a removable fastener for attachment to the attachment ring of the slider, and a pull that extends outwardly from the removable fastener.

Abstract: A multi-length leash is disclosed that comprises a handle, a line member, and an elastic member. The first end of a first region of the line member is secured to a closed bracket of a leash connector, and the second end is secured to the first stop of a second region. The first end of the elastic member is directly connected with both the handle and first connecting member, and at least the second end is directly secured to the second connecting member that slidably engages with the second region at the second stop. The elastic member is configurable in one of at least a first state or a second state to alter an effective length of the multi-length leash.

Abstract: An intelligent dog collar for monitoring physiological parameters of a dog, comprising: a movement sensor unit comprising an accelerometer and/or a gyrometer, wherein the movement sensor unit is configured to detect raw movement signals of the dog collar, a storage module storing a trained neural network, the neural network being configured to determine a physiologic information into raw movement signals detected by the movement sensor unit, a processing unit connected to the movement sensor unit and configured to operate the trained neural network, a memory configured to store the identified physiologic information, an interface for transmitting to a communication device the identified physiologic information.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising livestock includes one or more confinement pens together with alleyways for transfer of the animals from one location to another. The apparatus includes one or more cameras for obtaining images of all animals in the containment area. A processor is provided for analyzing the images, the processor being arranged to allocate an arbitrary identification to each animal and to track all animals continually to maintain the allocation. From this tracking various data related to individual animals or the animals as a group can be obtained to assess their characteristics and to provide an indication to the worker of the animal to be extracted. The processor can be arranged to detect by image analysis of the image a quantity of feed and/or water in a feeder and to obtain images of the farrowing pen including the sow confinement area and at least one piglet confinement area.

Abstract: A system configured to receive video and/or images from an image capture device over a livestock path, generate feature maps from an image of the video by applying at least a first convolutional neural network, slide a window across the feature maps to obtain a plurality of anchor shapes, determine if each anchor shape contains an object to generate a plurality of regions of interest, each of the plurality of regions of interest being a non-rectangular, polygonal shape, extract feature maps from each region of interest, classify objects in each region of interest, in parallel with classification, predict segmentation masks on at least a subset of the regions of interest in a pixel-to-pixel manner, identify individual animals within the objects based on classifications and the segmentation masks, and count individual animals based on identification, and provide the count to a digital device for display, processing, and/or reporting.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of raising fish in a recirculated aquaculture system which includes a fish holding unit in fluid communication with a water supply, the fish holding unit containing a volume of water defining a water depth, and having an osmotic concentration, an oxygen concentration, a temperature, and a pH. The method includes providing a flow of non-recirculated water to the water supply, the non-recirculated water being different from the water in the fish holding unit with respect to the osmotic concentration, the oxygen concentration, the CO2 concentration, the N2 concentration, the NH4+ concentration, the temperature and/or the pH, providing feed pellets, adding the feed pellets to the non-recirculated water and hydraulically transporting the feed pellets to the fish holding unit. The invention also relates to a RAS facility.

Abstract: A circulation and aeration system 10 for an aquaculture facility including an elongated reservoir for cultivating aquatic species is provided. The system includes a number of vertical manifolds distributed along the length of the reservoir through an interconnecting piping and arranged to generate a number of adjacent rotating liquid flow patterns by injecting aerated water into the reservoir via exhaust ports, wherein each the pattern forms an individual rotating flow cell, and wherein the system further includes at least one airlift pump configured to supply the aerated water into the manifolds. Related facility, methods and uses are further provided.

Abstract: This document relates to non-human animal models (e.g., non-human mammalian models such as mouse models) for aging (e.g., neural aging). For example, non-human animal models having reduced or eliminated levels of aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) polypeptide expression are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can provide an automated mass rearing system for insect larvae. The automated mass rearing system can facilitate hatching, feeding, monitoring the growth and emergence of insect larvae and pupae. In some embodiments, the automated mass rearing system can include a production unit, a transportation unit, a storage unit, a dispensing unit, and a monitoring unit. In some embodiments, this automated mass rearing system can facilitate mass mosquito growth from egg hatching all the way through to full adults or certain stages in between such as the larvae rearing process (i.e., from larvae to pupae) with little or no human intervention. By automating the rearing and transportation of insect eggs, larvae, and pupae, deaths or developmental issues can be minimized. Various techniques and apparatuses are used in this automation that causes minimal disturbance to the insects during development, and thereby maximizing survival rate and fitness of the insects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fishing products, including weights and jigs, that comprise a novel configuration to accommodate fish scent attractant. The invention further comprises the combination of the fishing products and a fish scent attractant.

Abstract: A fishing tackle comprising a hook with a protruding portion disposed on a shank of the hook and an artificial bait over-molded on the hook and protruding portion. The protruding portion includes a plurality of ridges disposed along a first section and second section. The ridges disposed along the first section are angled towards the proximal end of the hook, and the ridges disposed along the second portion are angled towards the distal end of the hook.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing leader device comprised of a line, at least one hook, at least one weight, and at least one leader attachment member. The weight is positioned at the bottom of the leader above the hook to allow the hook and the leader to be pulled downward toward the bottom of a body of water to prevent tangles and snags. The device is also comprised of at least one bead that can attract fish, as well as protect the connection members from fish biting which can weaken the fastening.

Abstract: An insect monitoring system (ISM) and related e-commerce system are provided. The ISM includes an insect attracting light, an intake, an exhaust, an airflow conduit between intake and exhaust, an insect collecting mesh in the conduit, a fan for generating airflow in the airflow conduit, and one or more cameras pointed on the insect collecting mesh. The insect attracting light and the fan are activated such that insects are drawn into the intake and trapped against the insect collecting mesh. The images of the insect collecting mesh are processed and analyzed using a machine learning algorithm to recognize a type and number of insects. Recommendations are provided based on the analysis. In some aspects, the insect monitoring system is connected to electronic client devices over a communication network. The electronic devices are provided with an e-commerce application for sale of products and services responsive to the recommendations.

Abstract: An intelligent Forcipomyia taiwana monitoring and management system comprises: a catching mechanism grabbing a to-be-identified target; a database storing a datum comprising pictures of a flying insect category; a model training module using the pictures to establish a training model; an image capture module shooting an image including the target; an identifying module selecting a first segmented region including the target by using YOLO detection framework technology, extracting a first identification feature from the target, and inputting the feature into the training model for deep learning to identify a flying insect category to which the target belongs and produce an identification result; a counting module recording a number of the target into the database; and a predictive tracking module obtaining a marked object based on the result marked with the target identified in the image, and using a Monte-Carlo category algorithm to track and predict the object.

Abstract: A spraying device 1 for attachment to an elongated boom 3 present on an agricultural tractor, which extends at right angles to the direction of movement 5 of the agricultural tractor, has an elongated first blade 15, which is parallel to the boom 3. The spraying device also has a number of nozzles 19 which are connected to the first blade 15 and are oriented in a direction opposite to the direction of travel 5. Furthermore, the spraying device has an elongated second blade 25 which is also parallel to the boom 3 and which is spaced from the first blade 15. This second blade 25 is pivotable about a pivot axis 27, which is parallel to the boom 3. The second blade 25 is pivotable independently of the first blade 15 to direct the air flow 27 above the nozzles 19 so that the spray liquid completely ends up on the crop.

Abstract: The disclosure provides, in various embodiments, systems, devices and methods relating to ex-vivo organ care. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to maintaining an organ ex-vivo at near-physiologic conditions. The present application describes, for example, a method for using lactate measurement in the arterial and the venous blood lines of the Organ Care System Heart perfusion device to evaluate, for example, the: 1) overall perfusion status of an isolated heart; 2) metabolic status of an isolated heart; and 3) overall vascular patency of an isolated donor heart. This aspect of the present disclosure may use, for example, the property of myocardial cell’s unique ability to produce/generate lactate when they are starved for oxygen and metabolize/utilize lactate for energy production when they are well perfused with oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the viability of macrophages subjected to cryopreservation, particularly for macrophages which are to be used in therapy, wherein the method comprises a step of maintaining the macrophages at a temperature of 2-12° C. for at least 30 minutes during either freezing or thawing procedures. Following the holding step during cooling, a cooling rate of 1 to 5° C. is used until the macrophages in a medium are frozen. For thawing the macrophages, a warming rate of 1 to 5° C. per minute is used until a temperature of 35-37° C. is reached. The present invention further relates to the cryopreserved macrophages, and the thawed macrophages produced by such methods. The technique may provide macrophages that are GMP-compliant and have a viability of at least 60%.

Abstract: A method involving administering to a phloem sap-feeding insect one or more dsRNAs capable of suppressing activity of one or more RNAi-suppressing nuclease genes expressed in the gut of the insect and one or more dsRNAs capable of suppressing one or more osmoregulatory genes expressed by the insect.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of an aqueous pesticide dispersion comprising the steps of: a) dissolving a pesticidal active ingredient in a water miscible organic solvent to obtain a pesticide solution; b) mixing the pesticide solution with water in the presence of surface active agents to form aqueous pesticide dispersion. This invention further discloses a method for controlling pests comprising of diluting the aqueous pesticide dispersion of the present invention in water to obtain diluted aqueous pesticide dispersions and applying an effective amount of said diluted dispersion to a site.

Abstract: Provided herein are antimicrobial coating compositions and food packaging materials coated therewith. The coating compositions include at least one antimicrobial active agent and a hydrophilic polymer, such that the active agent is immobilized within the composition.

Abstract: Compositions for controlled release of active ingredients and methods of making same are generally provided. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an active ingredient and a delivery material. In some embodiments, the composition comprises a volatile or gaseous active ingredient useful for applications in at least one of agriculture, pest control, odor control, and food preservation. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a cyclopropene. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is an essential oil, a terpene, or a terpenoid. In some embodiments, the delivery material is a carbon material or a silicate material.

Abstract: A technique for inducing tolerance to environmental stress in a plant is provided. Tolerance to environmental stress in a plant is induced by applying to the plant an abscisic acid-like substance, such as abscisic acid and agonists thereof, in combination with a nitrogen-containing compound, such as amino acids and amino acid derivatives.

Abstract: The invention relates to herbicidal mixtures and compositions comprising isoxaben, dithiopyr, 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), 3,6-dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid (dicamba) and methylchlorophenoxypropionic acid (Mecoprop or MCPP), and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for growing plants, wherein said method comprises supplying to at least part of a plant or a seed at least one beta-amino carbonyl compound.

Abstract: A fungicidal composition comprising a mixture of components (A) and (B), wherein components (A) and (B) are as defined in claim 1, and use of the compositions in agriculture or horticulture for controlling or preventing infestation of plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi.

Abstract: A fungicidal composition comprising a mixture of components (A) and (B), wherein components (A) and (B) are as defined in claim 1, and use of the compositions in agriculture or horticulture for controlling or preventing infestation of plants by phytopathogenic microorganisms, preferably fungi.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a composition comprising: (a) at least one sulphated galactose; and (b) at least one saccharide selected from a group consisting of disaccharide, trisaccharide, tetrasaccharide, pentasaccharide, and salts thereof. The present disclosure further discloses a weight percentage of the at least one sulphated galactose to be in a range of 15-90% with respect to the total sugar content. Further, the present disclosure discloses a use of the composition for protecting/treating plants from infection. Also provided is a use of the composition for protecting/treating animals from infection. The present disclosure discloses a use of sulphated galactose for protecting/treating plants from infection. Also provided is a use of sulphated galactose for protecting/treating animals from infection. The present disclosure also discloses a method for preparing the composition as described herein.

Abstract: An object is to provide a honeybee repellent for the prevention, in the use of pesticides applied on agricultural crops as well as controlling agents for exterminating carnivorous bees such as hornets and paper wasps, of damage inflicted on honeybees, the extermination of which is not intended by these agents. As a solution, a honeybee repellent is provided whose active ingredient comprises one or more types selected from tetradecane, furfuryl alcohol, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamaldehyde, 3-methyl-2-butenal, methyl cinnamate, geranyl formate, allyl cyclohexanepropionate, isoquinoline, borneol, carvacrol, ?-dodecalactone, ß-ionone, quinoline, butylamine, and citronella oil.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance is provided including a cabinet defining a chilled chamber and a climate control assembly for regulating a chamber temperature within the chilled chamber. A controller receives a command to perform a dough proofing cycle and a dough removal time, determines a temperature schedule to facilitate the dough proofing cycle, the temperature schedule ending at the dough removal time, and operates the climate control assembly to regulate a chamber temperature of the chilled chamber in accordance with the temperature schedule.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves an intelligent method and device for cutting squid white slices, the intelligent method being implemented on the intelligent device for cutting squid white slices. The method may be implemented on a calculating device, the calculating device may have at least one processor and at least one storage medium including an instruction set used for cutting the squid white slices, the method including: reading a laser point cloud data of a three-dimensional (3D) topography of the squid white slices; optimizing the laser point cloud data; extracting an effective area of the squid white slices; determining a cutting zero point; determining a cutting process area; and determining optimization of a cutting point position and a cutting angle. The one or more embodiments provided by the present disclosure may satisfy the needs of large-scale continuous production in factories, reduce labor costs, and improve production efficiency.

Abstract: A method of storing potatoes, the method comprising the steps of: iv. providing a plurality of dormant potatoes, wherein the potatoes have been cured after harvesting; v. treating the potatoes with 1-methylcyclopropene, the treatment comprising exposing the potatoes, which are at a first treatment temperature within the range of from 10 to 30° C., to 1-methylcyclopropene; storing the potatoes at a second storage temperature within the range of from greater than 6 to up to 15° C. for a storage period within a potato store, wherein the storage period extends continuously until at least 1 week after initiation of eye movement in at least one of the potatoes, and wherein during the storage period the potatoes are stored in atmospheric air free of an external supply of ethylene sprout suppressant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new improved peptide or dimeric peptides exhibiting beta- galactosidase enzyme activity as well as improved methods for reducing the lactose content in compositions in particular at low temperatures.

Abstract: Fermented milk, containing 0.8 g or more of dephosphorylated casein per 100 g of the fermented milk. Dephosphorylated milk, containing dephosphorylated casein. A method for manufacturing fermented milk, including: (a) fermenting raw material milk in a presence of a protein phosphatase and (b) fermenting raw material milk enzyme-treated with the protein phosphatase.

Abstract: Methods related to producing a fermented plant-based food product comprising high protein content.

Abstract: Provided is an oil composition comprising, by weight based on the weight of the composition, (a) 2-12% of one or more ethylcellulose polymers; (b) 2-12% of an additive selected from the group consisting of one or more fatty acids, one or more monoglycerides of fatty acids, one or more diglycerides of fatty acids, and mixtures thereof; (c) 2-12% of one or more starch; and (d) 64-94% of one or more oils. Also provided is a margarine-type composition and a puff pastry composition, both comprising ethylcellulose polymer, an additive (b), and starch.

Abstract: It relates to a fat composition for use in a food item. The fat composition includes interesterified cottonseed stearin. It further provides a shortening, a filling, a flaked fat, a frying fat, or a food item including the fat composition. Methods of making food items including the composition and methods of making the composition are included.

Abstract: It provides a fat composition for use in a food item. The fat composition includes interesterified pequi oil. It provides for a shortening, a filling, a flaked fat, a frying fat, or a food item including the fat composition. It further provides methods of making food items including the fat composition and methods of making the fat composition.

Abstract: A nutritional additive for tea or a tea drink includes a species of Camellia sinensis or an extract derived from the species of Camellia sinensis, an extract of a green coffee bean, and L-theanine or any salt or derivative thereof. A method for preparing the additive is disclosed herein, as well as a tea drink containing the additive, and a method for preparing the tea drink.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat resistant fat based confection. The heat resistance of the confection may be conferred either via inclusion of a polyol and at least one other thermal structuring component in the fat based confection, or via preparation of a premix comprising the polyol and at least one other component of the confection, or a combination of these. Methods of making the fat based confection, and packaged fat based confections, are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides low-water oral care compositions comprising a whitening agent and a flavor system encapsulating one or more flavor ingredients, wherein the flavor system provides improved taste to the consumer, masking the negative taste attributes of the whitening or oxidizing agents, and is also believed to be able to improve the flavor stability over the life of the product, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method for improving a texture of a protein. By allowing a protein deamidase to act on a substrate protein, a feeling of the protein on a tongue can be smoothened, and the texture thereof can be improved.

Abstract: A method of producing a hybrid foodstuff is provided. The method comprises combining a plant-originated substance with an amount of cultured animal cells so as to enhance a meat organoleptic and/or meat nutritional property in the hybrid foodstuff, wherein the animal cells do not form a tissue, and wherein the amount is below 30% (w/w) of the hybrid foodstuff.

Abstract: A method of producing a hybrid foodstuff is provided. The method comprises combining a plant-originated substance with an amount of cultured animal cells so as to enhance a meat organoleptic and/or meat nutritional property in the hybrid foodstuff, wherein the animal cells do not form a tissue, and wherein the amount is below 30% (w/w) of the hybrid foodstuff.

Abstract: A method of producing a hybrid foodstuff is provided. The method comprises combining a plant-originated substance with an amount of cultured animal cells so as to enhance a meat organoleptic and/or meat nutritional property in the hybrid foodstuff, wherein the animal cells do not form a tissue, and wherein the amount is below 30% (w/w) of the hybrid foodstuff.

Abstract: A method of producing a hybrid foodstuff is provided. The method comprises combining a plant-originated substance with an amount of cultured animal cells so as to enhance a meat organoleptic and/or meat nutritional property in the hybrid foodstuff, wherein the animal cells do not form a tissue, and wherein the amount is below 30% (w/w) of the hybrid foodstuff.

Abstract: A method of producing a hybrid foodstuff is provided. The method comprises combining a plant-originated substance with an amount of cultured animal cells so as to enhance a meat organoleptic and/or meat nutritional property in the hybrid foodstuff, wherein the animal cells do not form a tissue, and wherein the amount is below 30 % (w/w) of the hybrid foodstuff.

Abstract: This invention is related to fat-free, starch-free protein food that can be processed into noodles, spherical and rice-similar shapes, which consist of 2 parts: the first part are boiled water, egg white powder and/or soy protein, and/or whey protein, and/or pea protein, and/or brown rice protein, and sodium alginate; and the second part are boiled water and calcium chloride concentration as solid gel agent. Fat-free, starch-free protein food in noodles form has 0.5-5 mm diameter, spherical and rice-similar shapes have 2-5 millimetres diameter. Protein foods can be substituted for noodles or glass noodles, or beverages and desserts. This product is a nutritious health food, a good choice for patients and those who want to supplement protein to be able to eat in a variety way and more appetizing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition of one or more nutritional supplements. The composition may include a relaxant, an emulsifying agent, and a palatability enhancer. In another embodiment is disclosed a composition of relaxant, palatability enhancer, and adhesive. Further disclosed, are various methods of delivery of one or more nutritional supplements to the animal through water and feed.

Abstract: Provided in the present disclosure is a mixture, comprising 86-89 wt % of a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof, more than 99.95 wt % being a monomer, dimer and trimer, and the ratio of monomer:dimer:trimer by weight being 77-80:18.5-19.5:3-4; 9.2-13.5 wt % of water; and less than 0.5 wt % of ammonium sulfate and ammonium bisulfate. The viscosity of the mixture at 10° C. is lower than 200 mPa·s. Further provided is a method for processing a mixture containing a methionine hydroxy analog and an oligomer thereof.