Abstract: A harness for an animal includes a body portion having first and second sides; an aperture defining an opening extending through the first side of the body portion; a ring positioned in the opening and defining a ring opening; and one or more straps at least partially sandwiched between the first side and the second side of the body portion and configured to secure the body portion to a chest of the animal. A respective strap extends through the aperture and the ring opening. The straps are adapted to move relative to the first side and second side of the body portion in response to an external force on the ring. The movement of the one or more straps relative to the first side and the second side of the body portion in response to an external force tightens the body portion to the animal.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system for determining a parameter of a set of animals present on a surface area, wherein the sensing system comprises: a controller; at least one range sensor having a Field-of-View to the surface area; wherein the at least one range sensor is configured to at least continually measure heights of animals of the set of animals passing the Field-of-View during a period of time, and to provide a height signal comprising said measured heights during the period of time; wherein the controller is configured to obtain said height signal, and to determine the parameter of the set of animals based on the measured heights during the period of time.

Abstract: An animal detecting device includes circuitry configured to: obtain one or more images; perform image processing on the one or more images, wherein the image processing includes detecting the presence of an animal in one of the one or more images, produce, when the presence of an animal is detected, image representation data associated with the one or more images according to a result of the image processing; and send, in the event of a predetermined condition being met, the image representation data to another device over a communication link.

Abstract: Animal sensing systems and methods are described. An animal sensing system can include an input section with an entrance and an output section having at least two output paths each having its own exit. An animal can enter the animal sensing system through the entrance. A sensor within a sensing area of the input section can detect one or more characteristics of the animal, and can communicate the detected characteristic(s) to a central processing unit. The central processing unit can use the received data to classify the animal based on the detected characteristic(s), and then control a directional guide, such as a gate, in the animal sensing system on the basis of the classification, so as to direct the animal within the animal sensing system, such as to allow access to only one of the output paths at a time. The animal may thus be allowed to exit the animal sensing system through only one output path, directing the animal to a desired location based on the classification.

Abstract: A new chick production method and a new chick production system are obtained which are different from a conventional method in which all live eggs are collectively accommodated in a hatcher tray to develop chicks. The chick production method of the present invention divides mid-hatch eggs into a plurality of groups based on physical information measured for the mid-hatch eggs during a period from when the eggs are accommodated in a setter tray to when the eggs are transferred to a hatcher tray, and accommodates the mid-hatch eggs in the hatcher tray to develop chicks. In addition, a chick production system of the present invention includes a measurement unit, a sorting unit, and an accommodation unit, and the chicks are developed by each of a plurality of hatcher trays.

Abstract: An artificial beehive includes at least one artificial hive chamber for storing a bee colony and/or honey produced by a bee colony; with at least one removable frame stored in the hive chamber, the frame serving as a supporting base for the production of a honeycomb, and being removable from the hive chamber for extraction of honey from the honeycomb; and at least one cover that closes the hive chamber from an external environment. The hive chamber includes at least one interior surface having grooves extending therealong, the grooves having a depth of between about 1 mm and about 6 mm, and arranged in a predetermined and repeatable pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method of use for capturing data on an environment and determining a parameter of that environment. The apparatus having a housing, a sensor, and a controller, the sensor capturing data pertaining to the environment, the controller processing, by a data processing pipeline, the data to determine or estimate a parameter of the environment. In one embodiment of the present invention, the apparatus captures data on aquaculture environments and estimates parameters relating to underwater creature such as fish biomass, fish feeding state, or fish satiation score.

Abstract: Disclosed are livewell systems and methods of operating livewell systems. A livewell system may include a livewell tank having a chamber formed therein, a fill sensor configured to detect a fill level of the chamber, an intake pump configured to selectively convey water into the chamber, and a control unit including a processor and a memory storing instructions. The processor may be configured to execute the instructions to receive a fill signal, determine whether the chamber is filled to a predetermined fill level; and in response to the fill signal and a determination that the chamber is not filled to the predetermined fill level, cause the intake pump to convey water into the chamber.

Abstract: A fishhook including a shank, an eye attached to the shank, a bend attached to the shank and terminating in a point. The fishhook further including a core of a dissolvable material, and at least one coating or layer on the core. The at least one coating is dissolvable in water, saltwater, or the stomach acid of an animal. A fishing line includes a line composed of a dissolvable material, and a coating coated on said line composed of a dissolvable material.

Abstract: A live crustacean holding fishing device is disclosed. The device has a clasp secured to the shank of a fishing hook in a proximity of the start of the arcuate bight of the hook. A ring tab is attached to the clasp via a stretchable hook casing. The components of the fishing device are sized and shaped such that a shrimp may be attached by passing the ring tab over the horn of the shrimp and stretching the hook casing so until the clasp is hooked under the armor plate shell of the shrimp, thereby securing the shrimp to the device, but allowing the shrimp to swim freely.

Abstract: A fishing system includes a container having a cavity sized to pass a jig line therethrough and to store the jig line and fasteners for releasably connecting the container to a fishing rod. The fasteners are configured to secure ends of the jig line to an exterior of the container.

Abstract: An illuminating fishing device removably connected to at least a portion of a fishing rod, the illuminating fishing device including an illuminating fishing line to illuminate in response to receiving at least one beam of light therein, and a reel assembly, including a reel body, an illuminating line spool disposed on at least a portion of the reel body to store the illuminating fishing line therein and illuminate a surrounding area therefrom, such that the illuminating line spool emits the at least one beam of light into the illuminating fishing line, and an illuminating bail disposed on at least a portion of the reel body to illuminate the surrounding area.

Abstract: A device for intercepting crawling insects includes at least one body. The body includes a base for resting against a piece of furniture and having a hole at its center; a first skirt extending from the base so as to form a circumferentially closed side wall; a second skirt surrounding the first skirt externally so that an outer periphery of the side wall faces an inner periphery of the second skirt; and at least one sticky strip arranged on the outer periphery of the side wall or on the inner periphery of the second skirt.

Abstract: An electrifiable projectile for an insect zapper gun is capable of killing a target insect at a distance from the user. The projectile includes a pattern of electric wires forming a front-facing conductive contact structure having a breadth sufficient to allow the projectile to intercept an insect when propelled in a forward trajectory toward an insect. When the projectile's pattern of electric wires comes into contact with the target insect, an electric charge on the projectile is transmitted to the insect rendering the insect deceased.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and systems for generating instructions for variable rate application of crop protection materials, comprising computing a total dosage of crop protection material(s) allowed for application in a crop field such that crop protection material(s) residue in products of crop planted in the crop field does not exceed a predefined MRL, adjusting the total dosage according to residue affecting parameters, mapping the crop field to segments according to pest distribution of one or more pests in each segment, computing a dosage of the crop protection material(s) estimated to effectively control the pest(s) in each segment based on the pest distribution in the respective segment, computing a variable rate application of the crop protection material total dosage in the crop field based on the dosage estimated for each segment, and outputting instructions to apply the crop protection material(s) in the crop field according to the variable rate application.

Abstract: A lightweight barrier insert door is attached to an enclosure, such as a shipping container that holds a product to be fumigated, such as during transport of the product to a new location. The barrier insert door fits within the doorway of the container to provide a sealed barrier to mitigate leakage of a fumigant from the interior of the container. The barrier also includes air intake ports to maintain the structural integrity of the container and to provide ambient air to the interior. Additional ports allow for connection for fumigant entry, monitoring, and/or an exhaust hose to be connected to or through the barrier for the fumigation process. The barrier can be height adjustable to account for shipping containers of various sizes and can be connected with fumigant exhaust and release systems for the safe release thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are ex-vivo cardiac perfusion systems that can support the metabolic function of an ex-vivo heart and also have the capacity to test the functions of the heart. For example, an ex-vivo heart can be placed within and connected to a cardiac perfusion system, as disclosed herein, resuscitated and supported medically, and also tested to determine cardiac recovery. Further, these systems can also be used for research purposes to study the pressure, work, and mechanical function of many types of hearts (e.g., failed hearts that are explanted at the time of heart transplant). Some embodiments include a detachable sub-system that includes a heart chamber and components for operating in a Langendorff mode while transporting an ex-vivo heart, and the sub-system can be coupled to a differential perfusion system to form a larger, full service system for supporting, recovering, testing the heart.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and system for fast freezing of a biological product (such as blood plasma) contained in an individual bag or a plurality of bags. This disclosure relates to a method and system for freezing plasma in an individual bag or a plurality of bags, favoring bottom-up ice-growth, by implementing a differential air flow on top and bottom surfaces of a horizontally placed bag or bags filled with plasma. This disclosure relates to a method and a differential air flow system for freezing plasma, wherein the heat transfer coefficient on a bottom of a bag is at least 10 times larger than at a top. This disclosure relates to a differential air flow system and method for freezing plasma, wherein the differential air flow on top and bottom surfaces of a plasma bag is imposed by at least one fan or blower.

Abstract: An organ container has a pouch-shaped body having contraction and expansion properties and an opening. In a no-load condition, a maximum width of the opening is less than a maximum width of the body. On the other hand, the opening is expandable to a state in which the maximum width of the opening becomes greater than the maximum width of the body. Thus, the organ container covers the surface of an organ along the surface of the organ. Accordingly, when an organ is placed in the body cavity of a recipient, the organ container does not expand around the organ. For this reason, the organ container is less likely to hinder work during operation. Moreover, the organ container covers most part of the organ and thereby suppresses a temperature rise in the organ.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a biosticker composition comprising: a) at least one polymer having a weight percentage in a range of 1-10% with respect to the composition; b) at least one starch having a weight percentage in a range of 2-15% with respect to the composition; c) at least one organic acid having a weight percentage in a range of 0.01-1% with respect to the composition; and d) at least one solvent having a weight percentage in a range of 1-10% with respect to the composition. The method of preparing the biosticker composition is also disclosed herein. The present disclosure also discloses a biocoat composition comprising the biosticker composition, at least one microbial culture, and at least one pesticide.

Abstract: A method for preparing a natural antibacterial agent by utilizing attapulgite pore channels to immobilize plant essential oil. Natural antibacterial agent plant essential oil is sprayed on the surface of attapulgite powder while stirring, after mechanically grinding the materials, a liquid glycerol monolaurate and quaternary ammonium salt aqueous solution are sequentially sprayed, after uniformly stirring and mixing the materials, a mixture is extruded by using an extruder, and drying, crushing and packaging are performed.

Abstract: A decorative panel includes a substrate, a decor layer and a cover layer. The cover layer has a lacquer or is composed of a lacquer. The lacquer includes antimicrobial additives; and has an acrylate matrix and/or a methacrylate matrix.

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 invention provides methods in which early season vigor or canopy formation are stimulated in cereal plants via application of a fenclorim seed treatment. Methods for planting fenclorim-treated seeds at a lower than recommended seed count are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel selective herbicidal active compound combinations which comprise substituted isoxazolincarboxamides or agrochemical acceptable salts thereof and isoxadifen-ethyl and which can be used with particularly good results for the selective control of weeds in various crops of useful plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the effective control of undesired weeds. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method of controlling undesired weeds that are resistant to herbicides.

Abstract: Whole cell based biostimulant compositions and methods for improving agricultural productivity the compositions including: a microbial consortium having gammaproteobacterial methanotroph. As a result of these methanotrophs, the biostimulant composition enables plant performance improvement, utilization of methane, and facilitates improved nitrogen fixation in plants. The composition also helps in reducing the need of external chemical fertilizers for plant growth, development, performance and/or survival.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to protein hydrolysate based biostimulant composition derived from methanotrophic bacteria, and methods for enhancing agricultural productivity. In particular, the compositions disclosed herein comprise a protein-derived component in an amount of about 30% or less with respect to weight of the composition, wherein said protein-derived component is obtained from a methanotrophic bacterium. The present biostimulant composition finds applications in methods for improving plant performance along with methods for reducing the need of external chemical fertilizer-based inputs for plant growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bio-control method for combating the propagation of phytopathogenic fungi or oomycetes on plants, comprising the application, to the soil and/or to the vegetative apparatus of plants that are infected or are capable of being infected by pathogenic endemic fungal or oomycete strains referred to as type A, of a composition comprising a mixture of at least two strains, referred to as type B, of the same species, said type B strains being non-pathogenic for said plant, sexually compatible with said pathogenic type A strains and characterized in that they exhibit: a) sexual reproduction, b) a sexual phase initiated in non-parasitic mode, c) reproduction according to a heterothallic mode, and d) the existence of special forms or divergent populations within the species, capable of producing, by crossing with the type A strains, descendants that are non-pathogenic or even sterile on said plant of interest, and characterized in that the mixture of non-pathogenic type B strains compr

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods of preparing compositions from microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, particularly to preparing compositions with antifungal and/or antibacterial characteristics, and more particularly to preparing cyanobacteria or other microorganism-derived compositions for use in construction materials. Cyanobacteria make various kinds of natural products that may be useful for a variety of applications, including products with antifungal and/or antibacterial activity, and other biologically active compounds (e.g. immunomodulatory, antitumor, antithrombotic, anticoagulant, anti-mutagenic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiviral). Some of the especially useful ones might be antifungals and antibacterials, such as by incorporation or application onto construction materials (e.g. drywall).

Abstract: The subject invention provides microbial cover crops for the management of crops, soil, and water. More specifically, the invention provides for methods of using the microbe-based cover crop to address various soil quality issues, including those involving soil fertility and stability and water management.

Abstract: A dividable dough sheet piece gives consumers enhanced flexibility in creating food items from pre-made sheeted dough. The dividable dough sheet piece is cut from a dough sheet, with the dividable dough sheet piece having a perimeter and including a plurality of interconnected, sub-pieces defined within the perimeter. Each sub-piece is defined by one or more lines of structural weakness that provide predetermined breaking points. The dividable dough sheet piece can be used as a whole or can be divided into the sub-pieces for alternative use.

Abstract: A system and method for the production of doughs and products using textured pulse proteins, including legume-based crunchy snack foods, said method comprising the following steps: homogenization of ingredients in the form of dry feed powders, mixing and hydration of powders with liquid ingredients to form a dough, forming of the dough into form factors, drying and expansion of the form factors to develop texture and shelf stability, and cooling.

Abstract: A deskinning apparatus including a conveyor with shackles from which a poultry leg or part of a poultry leg is suspendable by the ankles. Rollers may be positioned below the conveyor to define a nip between the rollers, which may be movable to engage, grip and draw skin on the poultry leg or part of the poultry leg into the nip. The rollers may be arranged to stop rolling after gripping the skin to hold the skin in the nip and may be equipped to subsequently move away from the poultry leg so as to pull the skin loose from the poultry leg The rollers can be configured to enable rotation in one direction only so that after the rollers have stopped rolling to hold the skin in the nip between the rollers, the rollers are blocked from rotating in a counter direction.

Abstract: A control method of a refrigerator is provided. The control method includes obtaining identification information of a meat product. The control method also includes obtaining slaughter date information of the meat, based on the identification information of the meat product. The control method also includes obtaining part information of meat product. The control method also includes generating aging information including an aging level for each aging period of the meat, based on the obtained slaughter date information and the obtained part information. The control method also includes outputting the aging information. The control method also includes aging the meat at a set temperature and a set humidity.

Abstract: A non-freezing meat fresh-preservation control method, a controller and a refrigerator are provided. The non-freezing meat fresh-preservation control method comprises: S1 (101), acquiring a current temperature of meat food in a compartment of a refrigerator in real time; S2 (102), judging whether the current temperature of the meat food is greater than or equal to a first temperature threshold t0, and if yes, performing S3 (103); S3 (103), controlling the compartment to perform a cooling operation; S4 (104), judging whether the meat food is frozen during the cooling operation, and if yes, performing S5 (105), S5 (105), controlling the compartment to perform a heating operation; and continuing the performance of the S1 (101) after the performance of the S5 (105) is completed. The non-freezing meat fresh-preservation control method provided by the present disclosure may prolong the fresh-preservation period as much as possible while ensuring that the meat food is not frozen.

Abstract: This disclosure features human milk permeates and compositions containing the same obtained from fractionated whole human milk. The oligosaccharide rich permeate and permeate compositions of the present invention are useful as nutritional supplements for pre-term and full term infants, for establishing or maintaining gut flora and for treating the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to creamers for food products such as coffee and tea. In particular, the invention relates to a foaming liquid creamer that provides a foam layer when added to a beverage.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a nut milk for foaming, which has excellent foaming properties and foaming stability and of which foam is hard to break even when a nut milk whipped by foaming with a steamer etc. is added to beverages such as coffee. A nut milk for foaming, which has excellent foaming properties and foaming stability, can be provided by using at least one modified starch selected from the group consisting of a phosphate cross-linked starch, a phosphate monoesterified phosphate cross-linked starch, a starch acetate, an oxidized starch, a hydroxypropyl starch, a hydroxypropylated phosphate cross-linked starch, a sodium octenyl succinate starch, a phosphorylated starch, and a starch decomposition product.

Abstract: Tofu products and methods of making the same. The tofu products may include one or more layers. A first layer may include added fat, and a second layer may include no added fat. The fat may be introduced into the soymilk prior to curdling. The first and second layers may be layered to form a layered tofu product such as a bacon analog.

Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsion is disclosed. The oil-in-water emulsion contains an oil phase, an aqueous phase, and an emulsifier system. The emulsifier system can include modified starches such as octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA)-modified starch. The disclosed oil-in-water emulsions can include acidulants and can have a pH less than 5.0. Also disclosed are consumer products and methods of preparing the oil-in-water emulsion.

Abstract: Provided herein are pongamia oil compositions suitable for animal consumption, in particular human consumption, as well as methods of producing such compositions. The compositions are edible and non-bitter tasting, and have certain attributes that make such compositions suitable for use as and/or in various food and beverage products. Provided herein are also methods of analyzing pongamia oil.

Abstract: A particulate solid fat composition comprising coconut oil is prepared by a method comprising heating a fat composition comprising coconut oil, cooling the melted fat composition with stirring to provide a substantially uniform solid fat composition, and chopping the solid fat by a food cutting device under chilling conditions at a temperature low enough to form a a substantially uniform particulate solid fat composition wherein at least 90% of the particles have a particle size of from 1.5 mm to 26 mm. The substantially uniform particulate solid fat composition is substantially compositionally uniform, or is substantially visually uniform, and/or is substantially uniform in color. This particulate solid fat composition is mixed with a hydrated plant protein composition under chilling conditions at a temperature low enough to maintain the particulate nature of the solid fat composition to form an animal meat mimic.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of the LC-PUFA containing compositions. For example, the present invention relates to at least partially preventing, inhibiting, reducing and/or stopping the oxidation of LC-PUFA in a composition. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a composition comprising at least one LC-PUFA containing oil and green coffee extract. The composition may contain at least 0.01 weight-% LC-PUFA. Another embodiment of the present invention relates to the use of green coffee extract in compositions comprising an LC-PUFA containing oil to at least partially prevent, reduce, inhibit and/or stop the oxidation of LC-PUFA in a composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for producing fermented green coffee beans and fermented green coffee beans produced thereby, the method including: (A) a step of freezing green coffee beans at ?10 to ?25° C.; (B) a step of immersing the frozen green coffee beans in water for 3 to 10 hours; (C) a step of taking out the green coffee beans immersed in the water, removing the water and leaving the beans to stand for 5 to 15 hours while supplying air at 20 to 30° C.; (D) a step of sterilizing the green coffee beans and then inoculating the same with a strain to anaerobically ferment the same; and (E) a step of sterilizing and then drying the anaerobically fermented green coffee beans. When the fermented green coffee beans are roasted into coffee beans, aroma and taste may be improved and odor may be removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a three-dimensional confectionery item from at least one sugar mass (19, 28) using a casting mould (1) which can be assembled from at least two casting mould parts (2, 3, 15, 16), wherein each casting mould part has at least one partial cavity (5, 17, 18), with the proviso that the two casting mould parts (2, 3, 15, 16) can be brought into an assembled state in which the two partial cavities (5, 17, 18) produce a common mould cavity (8, 20) which gives the confectionery item its three-dimensional shape, wherein the two casting mould parts (2, 3, 15, 16) are arranged in an open casting position (PG) in which the partial cavities (5, 17, 18) are arranged so as to be open towards the top, and the two casting mould parts (2, 3, 15, 16) are then put together and brought into a closed transport position (PT).

Abstract: Alcohol-based, edible ink formulations comprising scalenohedral calcium carbonate particles are provided. The calcium carbonate particles can act as a white pigment to impart white color properties to the edible ink formulations. The edible ink formulations can be printed onto a variety of surfaces, including the surfaces of food products such as confectionery products and snack food products.

Abstract: A variegator and a process for using it. The variegator permits the manufacturer to obtain desirable patterns of distribution of sauce and chunks in frozen confections while at the same time permitting fast cleaning-in-place times to minimize factory downtime. The variegator comprises a) one or more conduits, each suitable for feeding a base frozen confection to a first opening or set of openings into a chamber, b) one or more conduits suitable for feeding a fluid variegating material such as a sauce through a second openings or set of openings at a level below the first set into the chamber below the base frozen confection opening, and c) a static mixer below the variegating material opening, the static mixer comprising at least two baffles.

Abstract: Described herein are frozen dessert compositions containing allulose and low-sugar syrups and/or solids, along with use of the allulose and low-sugar syrups and/or solids in frozen dessert compositions. Beneficially, the compositions described herein reduce added sugars and/or caloric content of a frozen dessert while overcoming formulation limitations of low- or reduced-sugar frozen dessert products, including matching the hardness, texture, and/or sweetness of their full-sugar counterparts.

Abstract: A low osmolality oral rehydration slush composition is provided. The oral rehydration slush composition includes: water; a source of carbohydrate; a source of electrolytes; and a source of citrate. The oral rehydration slush composition has an osmolality of 70 mOsm/kg H2O to 350 mOsm/kg H2O. The oral rehydration slush composition can be used to treat individuals suffering from dehydration.