Abstract: An oil-in-water emulsified composition, containing the following components (A), (B), and (C): (A) a fat or oil having a content of diacylglycerols of 15 mass % or more and a content of ?-linolenic acid in constituent fatty acids of the fat or oil of 15 mass % or more, (B) 0.020 mass % to 1.0 mass % of a vitamin C fatty acid ester with respect to the component (A), and (C) 0.15 mass % to 6.0 mass % of a hydroxy acid or a salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining an instant coffee product, the method comprising: performing a first aqueous extraction by contacting roast and ground coffee beans with a soft water at a temperature of up to 140° C. to obtain a first coffee extract and partially spent coffee beans; and performing a second aqueous extraction by contacting the partially spent coffee beans with a hard water at a temperature of from 175 to 205° C. to obtain a second coffee extract and spent coffee beans; combining the first and second coffee extracts to form a combined extract; and concentrating and optionally drying the combined extract to form the coffee product.

Abstract: A frozen product machine that solves problems associated with conventional home ice cream and frozen product machines by prevents loss of product in the chamber and decreases freezing time for a liquid product. A cooling chamber is cooled by a cooling element that provides variable cooling temperatures throughout the cooling chamber. A temperature gradient, progressing from lower temperatures at the bottom of the chamber, or the outlet, to higher at the top of the chamber, or inlet, create a more efficient means of cooling a frozen product. An auger, that may be shaped to match the shape of the cooling chamber may include slots that allow for controlled flow of frozen product through the chamber to promote efficient cooling. Hinged fins may rotate from open to closed within the slot to further enhance flow of frozen product through the frozen product machine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a colostrum hydrolysate having a content of L-tryptophan improved by hydrolysis of colostrum using a proteolytic enzyme, a method for production of the same, and a whitening composition including the above hydrolysate as an active ingredient. The colostrum hydrolysate according to the present invention has an advantage in that low molecular weight components such as peptide, L-tryptophan, etc. are generated by hydrolyzing protein contained in a colostrum extract using hydrolase, thereby enabling easy absorption thereof to the human body. The colostrum hydrolysate may be usefully utilized in cosmetics, foods, medicines, feed industry and the like.

Abstract: An elderberry extract dog treat includes 45-55% by weight elderberry syrup extract, 15-25% by weight chia seeds, 10-20% by weight oatmeal flour, and 5-15% by weight peanut butter.

Abstract: An ozone supply device is described for generating ozone and supplying the ozone to a livestock feed system for application to livestock feed to sanitize the feed. The device includes an intake port for receiving air from outside the device, an ozone generator for receiving air from the intake port and converting oxygen in the air to ozone, an ozone compressor intake for receiving ozone produced by the ozone generator, a compressor pump for compressing ozone received through the ozone compressor intake, and an ozone supply line for transmitting compressed ozone to a livestock feed system for application to the livestock feed. The device also includes an ozone meter and display, a timer, an inverter, and one or more housings. An adapter is interconnectable between the livestock feed system and the ozone supply line of the ozone supply device to connect them together.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same, in methods for modulating the production of poultry, disease resistance, and egg yield. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing feed efficiency, and methods of preventing colonization of pathogenic microbes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel sparkling beverage having foam retention and a method for improving foam retention. According to the present invention, provided is a sparkling beverage containing Reb. D and Reb. M, wherein a content of Reb. D is 60 to 600 ppm, a content of Reb. M is 50 to 600 ppm, a total content of Reb. D and Reb. M is 110 ppm to 700 ppm, and (Reb. D content)/(Reb. M content) is 2.50 or less, and pH is 2.5 to 6.0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sweetened beverage compositions comprising the steviol glycoside rebaudioside D (Reb D) and combinations of Reb D and rebaudioside M (Reb M). The present invention also relates to methods to reduce the degradation and improve the stability of Reb D.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid nutritional composition comprising (a) 2-25% by weight of a calcium-depleted milk protein concentrate (MPC) that has undergone a heat treatment to at least 80° C. and has between 15-45% by weight of the calcium removed; (b) 0-30% by weight fat; (c) 5-45% by weight carbohydrate; wherein the nutritional composition has a viscosity of less than 200 cP at a temperature of 20° C. and shear rate of 100 s?1, and has an energy density of at least 0.5 kcal/ml, and wherein protein provides 10-40% of the total energy content of the composition. Also provided is a powdered composition dispersible in water to form the liquid composition.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a mixture of pregelatinized, amylose-rich starches, having large particle size and soluble fibers, for coating and glazing breakfast cereals, enabling the production of breakfast cereals with a reduced sugar content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new flavour composition, a preparation or semi-finished preparation comprising such a flavour composition, and the use of such flavour composition for enhancing and/or imparting desired taste impressions.

Abstract: A sweetener additive for use with consumable products, such as foods and beverages, to sweeten the consumable product and provide health benefits to a consumer who consumes a consumable product. The sweetener additive has a sweetener base and one or more of selected flavonoids. The sweetener base has one or more sweeteners commonly utilized to sweeten consumable products. The flavonoids may be extracted from plants chosen from the genus Hovenia, such as the Japanese raisin tree. The selected flavonoids provide various health benefits, including stimulating naturally occurring enzymes in the consumer's body. One or more aldehyde reducing enzymes, one or more glucose reducing enzymes and/or one or more alcohol reducing enzymes may be added to the sweetener additive to supplement naturally occurring enzymes in the consumer's body to reduce the deleterious effects of aldehydes, glucose and/or alcohol on the consumer. The flavonoids will also stimulate the added enzymes.

Abstract: A plant-based food product with zero sugar is provided. The plant-based food product includes an amount of water, a sugar content of between 0 wt % and 0.4 wt % referred to as having “zero sugar,” and a plant-based fiber product. The plant-based fiber product includes an amount of water, a plant-based flour, an amount of plant fiber, and a plurality of enzymes comprising: an alpha amylase, a glucose oxidase, catalase, and a cellulase. The plant-based food product may be incorporated in a milk, yogurt, shake, or bar, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a preparation comprising or consisting of a protein-carbohydrate conjugate, a preparation comprising or consisting of a protein-carbohydrate conjugate, a process for producing a product for nourishment or pleasure using said preparation, the use of the preparation as an emulsifying agent, and a product for nourishment or pleasure comprising the preparation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for providing a food grade thickener, the method comprising the steps of: establishing an aqueous continuous phase of a first polysaccharide, adding a second polysaccharide to the continuous phase thereby forming a gelled mixture, hydrolysing the gelled mixture to reduce the viscosity of the gelled mixture, and adding a gum to the hydrolysed gelled mixture under conditions such that the gum only partially expresses its viscosity, thereby forming the food grade thickener. The invention also relates to a method of treating a subject suffering from a mastication and/or deglutition disease, disorder or condition, comprising the step of administering a foodstuff to the subject, wherein the foodstuff comprises the food grade thickener of the invention. The invention further relates to a storage and delivery system for a food grade thickener, comprising: a.) a container containing the food grade thickener of the invention, and b.

Abstract: Methods of production of edible filamentous fungal biomat formulations are provided as standalone protein sources and/or protein ingredients in foodstuffs as well as a one-time use or repeated use self-contained biomat reactor comprising a container with at least one compartment and placed within the compartment(s), a feedstock, a fungal inoculum, a gas-permeable membrane, and optionally a liquid nutrient medium.

Abstract: Methods of production of edible filamentous fungal biomat formulations are provided as standalone protein sources and/or protein ingredients in foodstuffs as well as a one-time use or repeated use self-contained biomat reactor comprising a container with at least one compartment and placed within the compartment(s), a feedstock, a fungal inoculum, a gas-permeable membrane, and optionally a liquid nutrient medium.

Abstract: Methods of production of edible filamentous fungal biomat formulations are provided as standalone protein sources and/or protein ingredients in foodstuffs as well as a one-time use or repeated use self-contained biomat reactor comprising a container with at least one compartment and placed within the compartment(s), a feedstock, a fungal inoculum, a gas-permeable membrane, and optionally a liquid nutrient medium.

Abstract: Solid formulations include a milled carotenoid, at least one hydrocolloid, a glucose syrup, sucrose and at least one water-soluble antioxidant (preferably sodium ascorbate), wherein the carotenoid is selected from the group consisting of lutein and zeaxanthin and any mixture thereof, wherein the hydrocolloid is selected from the group consisting of modified food starches and any mixtures thereof, and wherein the milled carotenoid has the following particle size distribution: D [3,2] in the range of from 0.6 to 1.5 ?m and D [v, 0.5] in the range of from 1.1 to 3.5 ?m, all D values as measured by laser diffraction (Malvern Instruments Ltd, Malvern, UK, Mastersizer 3000) according to the Fraunhofer scattering model. The solid formulation is in form of granules which are used for dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals, such as e.g. multi-vitamin and/or multi-mineral tablets and surprisingly show a low compression loss.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of modifying the swelling behavior of a dietary fibre in an aqueous medium by providing a synergistic fibre composition comprising the dietary fibre embedded within a lipid material comprising a lipid selected from a free fatty acid exhibiting a melting point in the range of from 30 to 60° C., a glycerol- or sorbitan based fatty acid ester exhibiting a melting point in the range of from 30 to 75° C., a plant-derived wax exhibiting a melting point in the range of from 30 to 75° C., or a homogenous mixture of two or more of these lipids, wherein said homogenous mixture exhibits a melting point in the range of from 30 to 70° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel strain of Acetobacter malorum, compositions comprising said strain and to methods for the preparation of such compositions.

Abstract: A fruit processing apparatus includes a chute through which fruit passes to be placed into a series of holding cups positioned around the perimeter of a first rotating indexing delivery carousel. A second rotating indexing delivery carousel is located side by side the first delivery carousel and also includes a series of cups positioned around its perimeter. Two corresponding holding cups from the rotating delivery carousels close towards each other to cooperatively form a cavity to retain the fruit therein. A small separation remains between the two cups through which passes a splitting device for splitting, with one section/half remaining within each of the two cups. An ejector for ejecting the pit from the split fruit includes at least one pick configured to strike against the pit to remove the pit from the fruit.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of preparing whitened tobacco composition including chemically pulping a tobacco material to form a tobacco pulp, extracting the tobacco pulp with an extraction solution, treating the tobacco pulp with a solution comprising an oxidizing agent for a time and at a temperature sufficient to lighten the color of the tobacco pulp to give a whitened tobacco pulp, and drying the whitened tobacco pulp to provide the whitened tobacco composition. Alternative bleaching processes and treatment methods effective for preparing whitened tobacco compositions are also provided herein.

Abstract: Described is a pouched product for oral use that includes a liquid permeable cover material and a portion sized amount of a filling material including a water insoluble particulate material, the filling material being enclosed by the liquid permeable cover material. The water insoluble particulate material contains less than 0.5% of particles passing through a sieve having a mesh size of 250 ?m, the filling material includes one or more water soluble components.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for analysing the operation of an automatic machine which processes products in the tobacco industry includes the following steps: introducing into the machine an endoscopic probe whose shape and size correspond to the shape and size of the products the machine is designed to process and which the machine processes as if it were a real product. During processing in the machine, the probe acquires data through a sensor of its own. The method also includes determining the positions adopted by the probe while it is being processed in the machine and associating them with the data acquired by the probe while it is being processed in the machine.

Abstract: This non-combustion heating type flavor suction article, which is used together with an electric heating-type device including an inductor for electromagnetic induction heating, comprises: a mouthpiece segment for suctioning a flavor component, the mouthpiece segment having a flavor generation segment including a flavor generation segment filler containing an aerosol base material, and a plate-shaped susceptor for electromagnetic induction heating of the flavor generation segment filler, a cooling segment, and a filter segment positioned downstream of the cooling segment; and a lining sheet including a first sheet material that winds at least a portion of the flavor generation segment and a portion of the cooling segment, and a second sheet material which is disposed outside of the first sheet material and winds at least the entirety of the filter segment and a portion of the cooling segment.

Abstract: An aerosol generating article includes a plurality of elongate first strips having an aerosol generating material; a plurality of elongate second strips having an inductively heatable susceptor material; and a plurality of elongate third strips to which the plurality of elongate second strips are adhered. A width of each of the elongate second strips is equal to a width of each of the elongate third strips, and the elongate first, second and third strips are arranged to form a rod-shaped aerosol generating article.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating is provided, the article having proximal and distal ends and including: a first aerosol-generating substrate located between the distal end and the proximal end of the article; a first air inlet configured to admit air into the article; a second aerosol-generating substrate located between the first aerosol-generating substrate and the proximal end of the article; a second air inlet configured to admit air into the article; a first airflow pathway extending from the first air inlet through the first aerosol-generating substrate towards the proximal end of the article; and a second airflow pathway extending from the second air inlet through the second aerosol-generating substrate towards the proximal end of the article, the first airflow pathway and the second airflow pathway being isolated from one another. An aerosol-generating system including the article and an aerosol-generating device is also provided.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating article is provided for producing an inhalable aerosol upon heating, the aerosol-generating article including: an aerosol-generating element including aerosol-generating substrate including a homogenised tobacco material including aerosol former; and a susceptor arranged within the aerosol-generating element and configured to heat the homogenised tobacco material, the susceptor being coated with a coating composition including at least 20 percent by weight of an aerosol former, the coating composition further including about 0.5 percent by weight to about 10 percent by weight of isolated nicotine or a monoprotic nicotine salt derived from tobacco or both. A method of manufacturing the aerosol-generating article for generating an inhalable aerosol upon heating is also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article that is to be used with an electric heating device that comprises an inductor for electromagnetic induction heating. The heat-not-burn flavor inhalation article comprises: a flavor generation segment filler that includes an aerosol base material; a flavor generation segment that includes a plate-shaped susceptor for electromagnetic induction heating the flavor generation segment filler; and a mouthpiece segment for inhaling a flavor component. The compressive change rate of the flavor generation segment and the mouthpiece segment as measured in accordance with a specific compressive change rate measurement method by pressing an airflow-direction center part of each segment is at least 70%.

Abstract: An electromagnetic heater for hookah includes a shell and an electromagnetic heating body, the shell includes a heat-insulating base plate, and the electromagnetic heating body includes an excitation coil and a drive circuit, the excitation coil is in a shape of a sheet and formed by spiraling a wire outward from a center, and the excitation coil is configured to face the heat-insulating base plate and send out a high-frequency AC signal by which an eddy current effect is produced on an electromagnetic induction element to the heat-insulating base plate, under a control of the drive circuit. The heater applying to the hookah can increase the heating efficiency, the safety and the reliability.

Abstract: A case for an aerosol delivery device, and a method for using the case, is described and can include a lid having an open position and a closed position; a magnet and hall sensor pair configured to provide a signal indicative of whether the lid is in the open position or the closed position; and a controller configured to receive a signal from the hall sensor indicative of whether the lid is open or closed.

Abstract: A case for an aerosol delivery device, and a method for using the case, is described and can include a lid having an open position and a closed position; a detector configured to provide a lid signal indicative of whether the lid is open or closed; and a controller configured to activate diagnostics depending on the lid signal. The controller may be configured to activate first diagnostics when the lid signal indicates a change from lid being open to the lid being closed.

Abstract: There is provided a portion of a vaporization device, comprising: a body comprising a cartridge-mating portion for removable connection to a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first reservoir containing a first liquid, a first atomizer for vaporizing the first liquid, a second reservoir containing a second liquid, and a second atomizer for vaporizing the second liquid; a sensor in communication with an air passageway for measuring one of a pressure and a flow rate of air flowing into the air passageway; and a controller for: determining a first vaporization rate for the first liquid and a second vaporization rate for the second liquid based on the one of the measured pressure and the measured flow rate; and controlling a power source for vaporizing the first liquid at the first vaporization rate and vaporizing the second liquid at the second vaporization rate.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes An aerosol-generating device comprising: a body with a buttonhole; a button key configured to be inserted into the buttonhole; a circuit board disposed inside the body to face button key; a seal disposed between the circuit board and the body, wherein the seal comprises a central portion positioned to face the button key and a peripheral portion surrounding a periphery of the buttonhole and in contact with the body; an actuator mounted between the circuit board and the central portion of the seal to provide elastic force to the central portion toward the button key; and a support projecting from the circuit board toward the peripheral portion for supporting the peripheral portion.

Abstract: A module for use with an aerosol provision device is described, the module including a housing and one or more connectors configured to interact with an aerosol provision device or another module. In use, the module is configured to be operatively connected by means of the one or more connectors to the aerosol provision device, either directly or via one or more further modules. The module can include one or more components configured to provide the operatively connected aerosol provision device with additional functionality, in use. There is also provided an aerosol provision device and a system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vaporizer configured to be connected to a consumable container for vaporizing a consumable contained in the consumable container, a vaporizer connecting surface of the vaporizer being connected to a consumable container connecting surface of the consumable container when the vaporizer is connected to the consumable container, wherein the vaporizer comprises one or more detecting units comprising a resilient member on the vaporizer connecting surface, on which the resilient member can take a projected or retracted position, configured to detect one or more aspects of the shape of the consumable container connecting surface encoding information about the consumable container by detecting whether or not or to which extent the resilient member is in a projected or retracted position when the vaporizer is connected to the consumable container.

Abstract: A cartridge for an aerosol-generating system is provided, the cartridge including: a reservoir configured for liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a heating element configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the reservoir; and a wall including a porous material, such that: a first space adjacent to the heating element and between the wall and the heating element forms a hot zone, a second space adjacent to the heating element forms a feed zone, the reservoir is in fluid communication with the feed zone and the hot zone, at least a portion of the wall is positioned between the hot zone and the reservoir, the wall is in contact with the hot zone and the reservoir, and a portion of the wall in contact with the feed zone is thinner than a portion of the wall in contact with the hot zone.

Abstract: An electronic vaporization device includes a liquid storage part internally having a liquid storage chamber for storing a liquid substrate and an airflow channel isolated from the liquid storage chamber; a vaporization element for vaporizing the liquid substrate to generate aerosol; a first shell that defines an air outlet hole for the aerosol to escape from the electronic vaporization device; and a second shell connected to the liquid storage part and covering a second part of the outer surface of the liquid storage part; the liquid storage part includes a protrusion part protruding from the first or the second part of the outer surface, at least part of an outer surface of the protrusion part is not covered by the first shell nor by the second shell. During assembly, only the first shell and the second shell need to be fixedly connected to the liquid storage part respectively.

Abstract: A system can include an aerosol provision cartridge; and a body to which the aerosol provision cartridge is attachable, wherein the cartridge comprises: a refillable chamber for aerosolizable material, the refillable chamber comprising an opening for insertion of aerosolizable material into the refillable chamber, an aerosol generating component comprising a heater, and closure means for preventing access to the opening, wherein the closure means is moveable from a first position in which access to the opening is prevented, and a second position in which access to the opening is possible, wherein the closure means is prevented by the body from moving to the second position when the aerosol provision cartridge is attached to the body, and wherein the closure means is covered by the body when the aerosol provision cartridge is attached to the housing; wherein the aerosol provision cartridge is attachable to the body by being inserted into a recessed end of the body, and wherein the closure means is configured t

Abstract: A cartridge for an e-vaping device enables simultaneous vaporization of different pre-vapor formulations to form a vapor for vaping by an adult vaper. The cartridge includes a dispensing interface coupled to a plurality of reservoirs and a heater coupled to the dispensing interface in a housing. The dispensing interface may include a trunk and separate roots extending into separate reservoirs, such that the dispensing interface draws different pre-vapor formulations from the reservoirs to the trunk via the separate roots. The heater is coupled to the trunk, such that the heater is operable to simultaneously vaporize the different pre-vapor formulations drawn into the trunk.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes a housing comprising an inner wall to define an insertion space therein and an outer wall surrounding an outer side of the inner wall to define a coil reception space formed between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein each of the insertion space and the coil reception space have an opening at one side; a heating coil wound around the outer side of the inner wall and disposed in the coil reception space; and a cover configured to cover the opening of the coil reception space and comprising an insertion port allowing communication between the insertion space and an outside of the housing, wherein the cover comprises a sealing protrusion positioned between the opening of the insertion space and the opening of the coil reception space to press against the inner wall.

Abstract: Provided is a heating member including a base formed to radiate heat in a heat emission direction so as to heat the smoking material, and a heat emission layer that is formed to be arranged toward the heat emission direction from the base and has a thermal emissivity of 0.94 or greater.

Abstract: A heater device for an electronic cigarette includes a vaporiser arranged to vaporise a liquid received from a liquid reservoir and generate a vapour; an airflow path arranged to fluidly communicate with a mouthpiece of an electronic cigarette; wherein the vaporiser includes a first surface and the airflow path is located next to the first surface of the vaporiser; a heater unit including a first surface and a second surface, wherein air is arranged to enter the heater unit via the first surface and exit the heater unit to the air flow path via the second surface, and further wherein air entering the heater unit is cold and air exiting the heater unit into the airflow path is hot; wherein the hot air in the airflow path flow is arranged to flow over the first surface of the vaporiser in a direction towards the mouthpiece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heating mechanism for healing in stages, which comprises a heating circuit and electrodes; the heating circuit comprises a pre-heating portion buried within a liquid guide body, and an atomization portion fit on or inlaid in an atomization surface of the liquid guide body; the pre-heating portion and the atomization portion are connected in series and/or connected in parallel between electrodes the pre-heating portion and the atomization portion are stacked, causing projections thereof to completely or partially overlap; or the pre-heating portion and the atomization portion are arranged at high and low levels, causing projections thereof to not overlap; and at least the atomization portion is a complete structure, and the shape and size thereof match uniformly with the atomization surface of the liquid guide body.

Abstract: A vapour generating system includes a base part including a heating element and a cartridge connectable to the base part. The cartridge includes a liquid store for storing a vapour generating liquid, a vaporization chamber in communication with the liquid store for receiving liquid therefrom, a heat transfer unit configured to transfer heat from the heating element to the chamber to vaporize liquid in the chamber, and a connector for releasably connecting the base part and the cartridge. The connector is configured to apply a connecting force between the base part and the cartridge to urge the heating element and the heat transfer unit into contact with each other. The connector includes a first connecting element on the cartridge and a second connecting element on the base part. The chamber projects from an end of the cartridge and is received in a heater cavity in the base part.

Abstract: A vaporizer includes an air inlet, an air outlet, and an airflow channel from the air inlet to the air outlet a liquid storage cavity storing a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; a first porous substrate, including a first liquid absorbing surface and a first vaporization surface, where the first liquid absorbing surface is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity, and a first heating element to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed on the first vaporization surface; and a second porous substrate, including a second liquid absorbing surface and a second vaporization surface, where the second liquid absorbing surface is in fluid communication with the liquid storage cavity, and a second heating element configured to heat the liquid aerosol-forming substrate is formed on the second vaporization surface; and both the first vaporization surface and the second vaporization surface are in a flat shape and exposed to the airflow channel.

Abstract: A split airflow system for an electrically heatable smoking system for generating aerosol is provided, the system having a downstream end, the system including: a first channel defining a first flow route; and a second Channel defining a second flow route, the first flow route directing ambient air from outside the split airflow system to the downstream end of the split airflow system, the second flow route directs ambient air from outside the split airflow system towards a substantially flat, fluid-permeable heating element before conveying the ambient air to the downstream end, and the first channel and the second channel define a total volume of ambient air passing through the split airflow system and the first channel provides at least 50 percent of the total volume of ambient air passing through the split airflow system.

Abstract: A flavour inhaler includes a heater having a main surface and an end surface for heating a smokable material. The heater generates heat by the flow of current in the direction orthogonal to the main surface.