Abstract: A housing for an animal having a toroidal body defining an annular chamber therein. One or more openings are formed in the body and permit communication with the annular chamber so that the animal to enter or exit from the annular chamber. The housing is preferably formed from yarn or fabric and can be crocheted. Animals that prefer to relax on a coiled configuration can easily enter the housing and then coil into their preferred resting configuration once inside the annular chamber.

Abstract: An interactive pet feeder where the rate of release of an edible treat for the animal can be regulated by the user. The interactive pet feeder may therefore be configured to release an edible treat depending upon the level of engagement that the pet maintains with the feeder and adjusted by the user to maintain the animal's interest.

Abstract: An animal feeder system includes a container having a hollow interior configured to receive a product therein. The container includes a selectively positionable closure member configured to control access to the product. An actuator assembly is coupled to the closure member. The closure member is in the open first position when a first daylight period occurs, and/or when an illuminance level of a surrounding environment is at least a predetermined illuminance threshold value, and/or during a first time period. The closure member is in the closed second position during precipitation, and/or when a second daylight period occurs, and/or when the illuminance level of the surrounding environment is less than the predetermined illuminance threshold value.

Abstract: Tracking tag and method for livestock tracking. The tracking tag includes, in some implementations, a near-field communication (NFC) module, a battery module, and a Bluetooth module. The NFC module is programmed with a unique identifier. The battery module is coupled to the NFC module. The battery module is configured to supply battery energy when active. The battery module is also configured to activate when the NFC module is first read after being programmed with the unique identifier. The Bluetooth module is coupled to the battery module. The Bluetooth module is configured to receive the battery energy from the battery module. The Bluetooth module is also configured to transmit the unique identifier using a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transmission protocol.

Abstract: A drying machine, comprising a box body. A first partition plate is provided in the box body, and the first partition plate is located in front of a rear wall of the box body; a drying cavity and a first accommodation cavity are respectively located on two sides of the first partition plate; the first accommodation cavity is defined between the first partition plate and the rear wall; a fan wheel is provided in the first accommodation cavity, and a rotation axis of the fan wheel is perpendicular to the first partition plate and the rear wall; a first air inlet is formed in the first partition plate, a second air inlet is formed in the rear wall; the first air inlet and the second air inlet are respectively opposite to the axial direction of the fan wheel; the fan wheel realize the inner circulation and outer circulation of air.

Abstract: An autonomous biometric wearable system, animal monitoring system, animal monitoring system for companion animals and methods of use are presented. The biometric wearable for pets and animals includes a plurality of sensors and stimulators. The biometric wearable provides for detecting and notifying when stress and/or other anxiety-like symptoms are detected. The system then also provides for stimulation which may help in calming the animal or pet.

Abstract: A leash has a length of material folded back at a first end and joined to itself, forming a loop having an inside surface rounded on one side and converging to a point on an opposite side, with leash material extending from the loop to a second end, a clasp mechanism joined at the second end, adapted to clip to a collar or a harness of an animal, and a closure mechanism implemented in the loop, adapted to urge one side of the inside surface of the loop for a closure distance from the pointed end to the rounded end into intimate contact with a second side of the inside surface of the loop for the closure distance.

Abstract: An egg management support system (1) in the present invention includes a receiver (11) and a storage (12). The receiver (11) receives from an information processing apparatus (2) at a hatchery (4), biological information of an egg measured before hatching and incubation performance obtained for a chick that has hatched out of the egg. In the storage (12), the biological information and the incubation performance are stored in association. Thus, the egg management support system capable of effectively making use of information obtained from the hatchery can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides transgenic animals (e.g., transgenic porcine animals), organs, tissues, and cells derived from the transgenic animals that are particularly useful for xenotransplantation therapies. In particular, the present invention provides transgenic porcine animals, as well as organs, tissues and cells derived from the transgenic porcine animals, which lack any expression of a functional alpha 1,3 galactosyltransferase (GTKO) gene and comprise at least six transgenes under the control of at least three promoters within a single multi-gene expression vector, and further comprise at least four additional genetic modifications. Also provided are methods of making the transgenic animals (e.g., transgenic porcine animals), and methods of using the transgenic animals, organs, tissues, and cells derived from the transgenic animals for xenotransplantation therapies and treating a disease or condition.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a transgenic, immunocompromised mouse engineered to express a human angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (huACE2) sequence. The huACE2 sequence may be operably linked to a human keratin 18 (hKRT18) promoter or the endogenous mouse angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (mACE2) promoter. Transgenic immunocompromised mice of the present disclosure may be utilized in methods of evaluating a test agent for reducing or preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Abstract: Wearable container systems for containing items. The wearable container systems include a strap and a container. The strap is configured to operatively secure to a person. The container is coupled to the strap and includes a body and an insert. The insert is disposed within the body. The insert is configured to support the items.

Abstract: The invention is a vapourising device (10) for vapourising a volatile liquid for supply to an environment. The device has a housing 100 having an inlet (109) for receiving inlet air which is warmed by inlet heater (111) before being supplied to cartridge assembly (200). Cartridge assembly (200) has a reservoir (204) for containing the liquid to be vapourised and at least one wick (206), one end of which is located in the reservoir to receive and transport the liquid to the other, exposed end of the wick where the liquid evaporates and mixes with the supplied stream of heated inlet air. The wick may be heated by a wick heater (211). The device also includes an outlet duct section (217) between the wick (206) and the outlet (221) which is conical in shape and is configured to accelerate the flow of the mixture of inlet air and vapourised liquid away from the wick towards the outlet (221).

Abstract: Provided herein is a trap and related method for catching vermin, especially rats. The trap allows mechanical energy to be stored in an elastic element. This energy can be released momentarily in order to quickly actuate a trapdoor, a cover, from a closed position to an open position, in order to catch a rat thereby.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a detachable lure and/or bait chamber adapted for providing natural illumination in a trap for luring a target species into the kill zone chamber of said trap.

Abstract: A trap for capturing a plurality of animals is provided. The trap can comprise an enclosure having an opening through which the at least one animal can pass to enter the enclosure. A gate, movable between an open position and a closed position, is positioned therein the at least one opening and can be selectively moved from the open position to the closed position when desired. Methods are also provided for capturing at least one animal by providing a trap with a gate, positioning the gate in an open position, monitoring the trap until at least one animal has entered the trap, and remotely triggering the gate to move from the open position to a closed position.

Abstract: A tree step for use in climbing a tree while mobile hunting, and as part of a ring of steps while saddle hunting, which can be useful for resisting slippage and movement when a hunter applies side pressure to the step. In general, the tree step includes a unitary body having at least one concave surface for contacting the convex surface of a tree trunk. The concave surface of the tree step can provide a large surface area of contact with the tree. The step also includes a second surface coming together with the first surface at a bend in the unitary body. A strap portion of the unitary body connects and supports the contact surfaces, and includes a hole or opening therethrough for threading a strap or rope.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an ex vivo tissue perfusion apparatus are provided. In certain embodiments, the disclosed subject matter includes a container to store ex vivo tissue, a plurality of tubes containing a perfusate, and a pump which cycles the perfusate through the ex vivo tissue. The perfusion apparatus can be configured for mobility and can be transported to active emergency situations in order to perform mobile perfusion of ex vivo tissues. In certain embodiments, the discloses subject matter contemplates a method for performing mobile profusion of ex vivo tissue in emergency situations, for example, active warzones. In certain embodiments, the profusion apparatus can be used as part of a method of training for doctors in the reattachment of limbs or other extremities that have been amputated.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples includes a first chamber that holds a first amount a cryogenic liquid. A container holder, which is positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber, holds a removable container positioned therein. The container holds a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber. An elongated tube holder holds a hollow elongated tube into the container. A sample wand holds and transfers a sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving and thawing an organ-on-a-chip that has a three-dimensional tissue structure and function. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for cryopreserving and thawing an organ-on-a-chip that comprises cells and hydrogel and has a microchannel structure, whereby the organ-on-a-chip has an excellent effect of being able to maintain the structure and function of the three-dimensional tissue before and after cryopreservation and thawing.

Abstract: Prilled lime compositions and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the prilled lime composition comprises 1-10% by weight of a binder; 45-75% by weight calcium hydroxide; no more than 30% magnesium oxide; and 1-10% water. The binder can include molasses, sodium lignosulfonate, calcium lignosulfonate, starch, sodium silicate, or bentonite.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for enhancing antimicrobial effect of an antimicrobial agent. The method includes steps of (1) producing a titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowires structure; (2) loading an antimicrobial agent into the TiO2 nanowires structure; and (3) forming a TiO2 nanowires - antimicrobial agent complex.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition for increasing the retention of a biocide in a glueline-treated glued-wood product, a method for increasing the retention of a biocide in a glueline-treated glued-wood product, a glueline-treated glued-wood product, a glue for producing a glueline-treated glued-wood product, and the use of a composition for increasing the retention of a biocide in a glued-wood product.

Abstract: Provided are an eco-friendly and safety-conscious disinfectant composition for plants excellent in disinfection performance against a wide range of fungi including resistant fungi or the like, having no phytotoxic effects on plants and excellent in formulation recoverability, and an eco-friendly and safety-conscious disinfectant treatment liquid for plants excellent in disinfection performance against a wide range of fungi including resistant fungi or the like and having no phytotoxic effects on plants and a method for disinfecting a plant using the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of strobilurin type compounds of formula (I) and the N-oxides and the salts thereof for combating phytopathogenic fungi containing an amino acid substitution F129L in the mitochondrial cytochrome b protein (also referred to as F129L mutation in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene) conferring resistance to Qo inhibitors, and to methods for combating such fungi. The invention also relates to novel compounds, processes for preparing these compounds, to compositions comprising at least one such compound, and to seeds coated with at least one such compound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of methods for conditioning water in the preparation of agricultural sprays for application of herbicides. The methods further relate to drift reduction of such agricultural sprays. In particular, while providing water conditioning and potentially drift reduction as well, the methods do not increase or effectively reduce vaporization of the herbicides carried within the agricultural sprays.

Abstract: An antimicrobial hard surface treatment composition having an antimicrobial system is described. The antimicrobial system has from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of the composition of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of non-ionic, cationic, amphoteric and a mixture thereof; from about 0.01 to about 10% by weight of the composition of a non-aqueous solvent; an antimicrobial agent having a modified amino acid according to Formula I, at least 50% by weight of the composition of water and has a pH less than or equal to 7 as measured at 25° C.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition for treating plant diseases includes a solvent into which an antibiotic is substantially dissolved to achieve a concentration of the antibiotic sufficient to treat a bacterial infection in a plant. An acid is added to the solvent at a concentration sufficient to generate a pH in a range of 1.5 to less than 4.0. The antimicrobial can be delivered systemically to a plant, thereby allowing the antibiotic to treat a bacterial disease inflicting the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the process for the production of an agricultural composition comprising the photostabilization of indoleacetic add (IAA) of biological and/or synthetic origin in a mixture comprising said IAA and sources of nitrogen and reducing sugars. Photostabilization of IAA phytohormone for application in crops of agricultural interest according to the present invention is achieved by applying high temperatures to said mixture in order to cause conversion of said sources of nitrogen and reducing sugars into melanoidin type pigments via a Maillard reaction to reduce IAA photodegradation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of compounds of Formula (I) as herbicides, wherein Z, W, X1-X4, R1, F2, R3, R4, m and n are as defined herein. The invention further relates to agrochemical compositions comprising a compound of Formula (I) and to the use of such compositions for controlling weeds at a locus, particularly among useful crops. The invention further relates to select compounds of Formula (I).

Abstract: Provided herein is a herbicidal composition which exerts excellent control effect on weeds, and a method for controlling weeds. A herbicidal composition comprising epyrifenacil and one or more compounds selected from the following compound group Y: Compound group Y: group consisting of 4-amino-3-chloro-5-fluoro-6-(7-fluoro-1H-indol-6-yl)pyridine-2-carboxylic acid cyanomethyl ester, phenylisoxazoline compound represented by the following formula (1): (1S,4R)-4-[[[(5S)-3-(3,5-difluorophenyl)-5-vinyl-4H-1,2-oxazol-5-yl]carbonyl]amino]-cyclopent-2-ene-1-carboxylic acid methyl ester, rimisoxafen and 2,4-D DMAPA salt.

Abstract: Bark beetles of the genus Dendroctonus are the main cause of deterioration of pine forests in Mexico, causing a negative ecological, economic, and social impact. The repellent effect of the mixture of levonorgestrel and ethinylestradiol on Dendroctonus frontalis and D. mexicanus in pine trees was determined in this study.

Abstract: The present invention relates to herbicidal mixtures and their methods and uses for controlling undesirable vegetation in conventional and tolerant, e.g.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition contains hydrogen peroxide, an organic sulfonic acid, and a peroxide adjuvant. The peroxide adjuvant is a small molecule organic acid, such as formic acid. The antimicrobial composition is very effective at sanitizing surfaces in all different types of fields, such as in the healthcare industry. The antimicrobial composition is well suited for controlling C.difficile.

Abstract: Colloidal silver particles are incorporated into emulsions and other compositions that find use, for example, as pharmaceutical and dermatological serums, creams, lotions and ointments.

Abstract: The present application provides powder metal ion disinfectant compositions, methods for preparing powder metal ion disinfectant compositions, and methods of disinfecting an article and/or maintaining the pathogenic sterility of the article using the solid powder metal ion disinfectant composition. These solid powder disinfectant compositions are light stable heat stable, non-toxic, and non-corrosive, achieve a greater than 99% kill rate of a variety of pathogens for up to 60 days on a variety of surfaces, and do not contain nanoparticles.

Abstract: Described herein is a “paperclip” structured dsRNA (pcRNA) that has two closed ends (FIG. 1), and was developed and tested for its ability to enter insect cells and induce RNAi. While conventional dsRNAs, with their two collinear RNA strands, enter insect cells by clathrin-mediated endocytosis, the pcRNAs can enter cells by a clathrin-independent mechanism. The new structured dsRNA can be used to deliver dsRNA to insects that either develop resistance through alterations to their conventional uptake mechanisms and to insects that are naturally refractory to dsRNAs, including lepidopteran pests.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to articles and methods for handling food items. In one aspect, an article for receiving or holding a food item comprises: a blade; and a rim extending along at least one side of the blade. In another aspect, a method of handling a food item using an article comprises a blade and a rim extending along at least one side of the blade, the method comprising: gripping or holding a part of the rim by hand; causing the food item to be placed onto the blade; and moving the article containing the food item therein to a desired location.

Abstract: A optical communication system including a source device and an endpoint device. The source device include an array of laser diodes and is configured to drive the laser diodes to project a sequence of patterns into the field of view of the source device to define a set of serially-projected codes, each of which isolated to one respective angular division of the field of view of the source device. The endpoint device receives a serially-projected code from the source device which varies based which angular division of the field of view of the source device is occupied by the endpoint device.

Abstract: A cookie cutter apparatus comprising: a horizontal handle, the horizontal handle having a first end, and a second end on an opposite end of the horizontal handle from the first end; a first side member attached to one end of the horizontal handle; a second side member attached to a second end of the horizontal handle; a first slide plate configured to removeably attach to the first side member and second side member, the slide plate having a first cookie cutter pattern.

Abstract: A possibility to enhance the action of transglutaminase by helping the formation of peptide bonds with the glutamine present in the wheat flour, directed to a bakery pre-mix composition including pea protein and transglutaminase and a carrier, and a flour formulation including wheat flour, transglutaminase and pea protein. It was found that with the flour formulation a dough could be prepared with an improved process tolerance. The baked products prepared by baking the dough were found to have an improved crumb structure.

Abstract: A system for sizing a natural intestine comprising a carrier, a product transport and sealing system, a measuring system, and a control system. The carrier comprises a fluid channel and a measuring portion. A carrier surface at the measuring portion comprises perforations fluidly connected to the channel. The product transport and sealing system is configured for moving the intestine over the carrier. The intestine surrounds the carrier surface, and for temporarily sealing the intestine along the measuring portion. The measuring system comprises a radiation sensor system for measuring a cross-sectional dimension of the intestine at the measuring portion, a pressure sensor for sensing pressure of the fluid in the channel, and a sensor for sensing a flow of the fluid in the channel. The control system determines a cross-sectional size of the intestine at the measuring portion based on signals of the radiation sensor system, the pressure sensor, and the flow sensor.

Abstract: A smoker device for the preparation of foodstuffs or beverages, comprising a tubular main body with a frontal opening communicating with an internal combustion chamber wherein combustible, aromatic material is disposed before a grille or filter, and with a smoke outlet on the opposite side of said tubular body communicating, via an orifice foreseen for this purpose, with a hood suited to cover a container with the foodstuffs or beverages, there also being a flame generator directed through the frontal opening to burn the combustible material, generating a flow of smoke into the hood. The smoke outlet is constituted by multiple outlets, and next to the grille or filter an impurity collector is located, closing the extremity of the tubular main body.

Abstract: Provided are composite antimicrobial and laminar antimicrobial materials that are suitable for use with food packaging. The materials may be edible, recyclable, or biodegradable materials. Methods for making the materials, uses of the materials, and products that pertain to the materials are included.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a preservative combination for inhibiting growth of gram negative bacteria in or on a meat product. The invention also relates to a method for reducing growth of gram-negative bacteria in or on a meat product. The invention also relates to a meat product, treated with said preservative combination.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for sprout removal treatment of tubers, especially potatoes, preferably by fogging a highly concentrated limonene composition. The invention also concerns limonene treated tubers obtainable by said method. The invention further provides limonene compositions suitable for sprout removal by fogging. The invention is advantageous as it provides a renewable and natural sprout removal agent. It allows the removal of sprouts from tubers destined for the fresh produce market, where practically no pesticide residues are allowed.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for performing freeze drying of small quantities of a liquid for personal use, wherein a liquid material is disposed within a single-use container, the container is then coupled to a small-scale freeze-drying unit which extracts liquid from the material in the container using a freeze-drying process, and the freeze-dried material is then left in the container and the container is stored until rehydration. The container may be a specialized single-use container that may be used to rehydrate the liquid and then fitted with a delivery device to feed an infant or child.

Abstract: Methods of making protein-fortified yogurt products are described. The methods may include mixing a casein-containing ingredient with starting milk to make a yogurt milk, where the casein-containing ingredient has a casein-to-whey protein ratio of 82:18 or greater. The yogurt milk may be fermented after adding yogurt culture to make a yogurt mixture. The yogurt mixture may then be formed into the protein-fortified yogurt product. The total protein concentration in the protein-fortified yogurt product may be 10 wt.% or more. One variety of the protein-fortified yogurt product is a spreadable yogurt product having the total protein concentration of 11 wt.% or more.

Abstract: Methods for preparing dairy compositions utilize an electrodialysis apparatus to separate a feed stream into a lactose stream and a mineral stream. The feed stream can be a UF permeate fraction, a NF retentate fraction, or a RO retentate fraction. The brine input to the electrodialysis apparatus can be a milk mineral stream.

Abstract: A base unit device for effective mixing and dispensing of a material, and for quick and efficient cleaning of all components. The base unit defines a base internal cavity, and a removable auger and a removable mixer each rotatably located in the base internal cavity. A mixer support ledge of the mixer can overlap an auger support ledge of the auger to prevent the auger from being withdrawn from the base unit when the mixer and the auger are operatively assembled with the base unit. The mixer can include a locking end featuring locking tabs that can engage with a surface of a sidewall of the base unit that defines a mixer bore, thereby locking the mixer and the auger in position during operation. The base unit can be utilized with a hopper defining a hopper internal cavity for storing the material and providing it to the base internal cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a product comprising: a) a tea component, b) FeNaEDTA; and c) di-basic NaPP.