Abstract: Camera device for observing and recognising a livestock animal in a shed environment, comprising a housing with an outer surface and with a light transmitting opening, an optics for forming an image of the environment, a light-sensitive sensor provided in the housing for recording the formed image, an image processing device for processing the recorded image and recognising a portion of a shed animal therein, and a control unit. A first portion of said outer surface is lighter in colour on a side of the opening at least directly around said opening than a second portion of said outer surface which is located away from said opening and which is at least half the size of the first portion. Because of the lighter colour directly around the one or more openings for the camera, there is much less soiling by flies in comparison with known cameras with black surroundings for these one or more openings. This is important for mostly autonomously operating cameras for animal recognition.

Abstract: In one arrangement, a pet detection system for domestic pets comprises a passive infrared detector. The passive infrared detector as two passive infrared sensors, one of which is covered, so that the covered sensor always detects ambient temperature. A difference between the sensors is indicative of a live object being detected. Also described is equipment for a domestic pet, such as a cat flap or a pet feeder, in which access is controlled by a pet detection system as aforesaid or by a pet detection system comprising a capacitive proximity detector. The respective pet detection system detects whether a live object is present, while a pet authorisation system determines whether the live object so detected is an authorised pet.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for predicting a demanded net energy for maintenance, and an electronic device. The method comprises: acquiring a heart rate data of a target pig (110); and on the basis of the heart rate data and a pre-trained net energy demand prediction model, acquiring a demanded net energy for maintenance of the target pig, wherein the net energy demand prediction model is a neural network model acquired by a productivity parameter-based training (120). According to the method, a prediction based on the heart rate data of a pig is effectively introduced in the prediction process of the demanded net energy for maintenance of the pig. Moreover, the overall prediction process is simplified and optimized, so as to conveniently and quickly predict the demanded net energy for maintenance of the pig in real-time with improved reproducibility and applicability.

Abstract: Egg processing system including a transport structure (1) configured for supporting eggs (E) along a transport direction T, wherein the transport structure includes at least two neighboring sections (1a, 1b, 1c) separated by at least one slit (2), one of the at least two sections (1b) being part of an egg weighing device (5), wherein the system includes cleaning means (1a, 1c) for cleaning said slit (2). The invention also provides an innovative method for processing eggs.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure may include an automated system for application of beehive treatment to a beehive, including a movable carriage, and a reservoir configured to hold the beehive treatment. Embodiments may also include a vision system disposed on the movable carriage and configured to detect an entrance of the beehive, an applicator system in fluid communication with the reservoir, the applicator system including an end effector configured to deliver the beehive treatment to the beehive through the entrance to the beehive. Embodiments may also include a controller in communication with the movable carriage, the vision system, and the applicator system.

Abstract: A bee cup includes a bowl, a stem, and an ultraviolet pattern. The bowl is configured to capture water for bees to drink. The stem is attached to an outside surface of a bowl and configured to support the bowl. The ultraviolet pattern is applied to an inside surface of the bowl. The ultraviolet pattern includes a center portion of a non-ultraviolet color, and alternating ultraviolet and non-ultraviolet concentric rings around the center portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an automated method, computer program, and system for estimating the average fish weight in an aquaculture environment. An underwater camera in the aquaculture environment captures video frames from the environment. These frames are inputted into a machine learning detection model that has been trained to detect fish. The machine-learning vision detection model identifies a virtual box-region around detected fish and outputs size and location for the virtual-box regions, as well pixel data related to the virtual-box region and the frame as a whole. This size, location, and pixel data is processed and then inputted into an AI-based length estimation model, which computes a fish length for each virtual-box region inputted into the model. The system then calculates the average fish weight from the fish length using an analytical model.

Abstract: An aquarium substrate cleaning system, including one or more motion-generating elements positioned within or beneath the aquarium substrate and a power and control system to control the activation and intensity of the motion-generation elements. The system allows for automated, hands-off maintenance and cleaning of substrates such as aquarium sandbeds. The motion from the device disrupts and liberates detritus from the substrate, allowing it to be removed by the water column.

Abstract: An installation for producing and collecting newly-hatched larvae comprises cages equipped with at least one collector of insect eggs, a transfer line for transferring the larvae from the collectors to a conveyor, and equipment for concentrating the newly-hatched larvae. It also comprises: a collection of modules grouping together a plurality of egg collectors, the modules being open at their bottom; the modules being mobile between a point of loading and the transfer line; the transfer line being open to receive the modules at the top, and at the bottom having a guide system with divergent walls, which at its top has a width tailored to the cross section of the modules and at its bottom has an opening tailored to the dimensions of a conveyor, the guide system being configured to group together the newly-hatched larvae falling from the collectors onto the upper surface of the conveyor.

Abstract: A fishing reel of the present invention comprises: a pinion gear that is rotatably driven by a rotating operation of a handle; and a bearing that rotatably supports the pinion gear with respect to a reel main body. The bearing comprises a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, an axial movement of the bearing is restricted by fitting the first engagement portion into a movement restricting portion provided in the reel main body, and a rotational movement of the bearing is restricted by fitting the second engagement portion into a rotation restricting portion provided in the reel main body.

Abstract: Concealed catch insect traps are described.

Abstract: A grasshopper harvesting system for collecting grasshoppers featuring a vehicle, a collection array, a transfer mechanism, and a storage container or shredder. The system can be attached to an existing vehicle such as a tractor, ATV, truck, or a GPS-controlled autonomous vehicle that can be programmed to collect grasshoppers according to a particular desired route of a particular field, to protect crops or for consumption purposes. Further, the system may feature a detachable bin that empties the grasshoppers when the bin is full. The system may collect grasshopper pests in organic fields, reduce locust swarm densities in breeding grounds, and harvest grasshoppers from rangeland. The grasshoppers may either be destroyed or processed as edible insects for food and feed.

Abstract: A bait scale device (2) and a remote monitoring device (16) are provided. The bait scale device (2) comprises a bait holder (4) for receiving a bait product: an electronic weighing unit (7): a power source (9) providing electric power: a timing device (11.1) and signaling means (11.1, 12). The electronic weighing unit (7) is configured to measure the weight of the bait held by the bait holder (4) and the timing device (11.1) is configured to activate the power source (9) and trigger a weight measurement by the electronic weighing unit (7) in predetermined time intervals. The signaling means (11.1, 12) are configured to generate a signal (17) corresponding to the measured weight and transmit said signal (17) to a remote monitoring device (16). The remote monitoring device (16) is configured to receive signals (17) corresponding to a measured weight from said bait scale device (2).

Abstract: A mousetrap assembly includes a mousetrap that has a platform, a bait tray, a pair of snap bars and a trip wire. Each of the snap bars is biased into a first position and each of the snap bars is urgeable into a second position. The trip wire is positionable to extend across each of the snap bars when the pair of snap bars is in the second position. The trip wire disengages the bait tray to facilitate each of the snap bars to be biased into the first position to crush the mouse. A bag is extendable through each of the snap bars to require the mouse to enter into the bag to access the bait tray. The bag contains the mouse when the mouse is crushed by a respective snap bar to facilitate a user to remove the mouse from the mousetrap without has to touch the mouse.

Abstract: A waterfowl decoy flag and associated components and methods. The waterfowl decoy flag may include a wing support, first and second wings, and a wing driver configured to drive the wings between stowed and deployed orientations. The waterfowl decoy flag may include a frame including a wing support and left and right wing arms supported by the wing support. A webbing mounted on the frame includes left and right wing webbing portions associated with the left and right wing arms to form the left and right wings.

Abstract: A reconfigurable hen turkey decoy is disclosed comprising: a housing, where the housing includes plastic, where the housing has an outer surface, an inner surface, an interior space, and at least one opening, and where at least a portion of the outer surface resembles a hen turkey; a guide member, where the guide member includes an elastic material, where the guide member has an opening, and where the guide member is at least partially disposed over the opening of the at least one opening of the housing; and a support member, where the support member has a length and a radius, where the support member is removably positioned in the opening of the guide member, where the length of the support member and the length of the housing forms an angle, and where the support member and the housing can be releasably secured into at least two different angles.

Abstract: This disclosure provides a preserving composition comprising a cholesterol:carrier complex, optionally a cholesterol:cyclodextrin complex (CC complex) and/or a cell permeable antioxidant peptide and a biological buffer and optionally a cryprotectant, wherein the preserving composition is optionally substantially free of animal phospholipid, animal protein and/or animal lipoprotein. The disclosure also provides methods for the use of the preserving composition in cryopreservation of semen or sperm cells. Also provided is a kit comprising the preserving composition having a CC complex, a biological buffer, a cryoprotectant, a carbohydrate, a pH stabilizer, an antibiotic or antibiotic cocktail and/or a cell permeable anti-oxidant peptide.

Abstract: Disclosed are a composition for NK (natural killer) cell cryopreservation and an NK cell cryopreservation formulation. This composition can exhibit cell surface marker expression and NK cell degranulation ability at at least the same level as formulations using commercially available cryopreservation media, even in low-concentration DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) not including HEPES (hydroxyethyl piperazine ethane sulfonic acid) or HES (hydroxyethyl starch), and can show a high cell yield and vastly superior ability of NK cells to kill cancer cells. Since a conventional cryoprotectant, showing side effects due to nonspecific toxicity, is not included or is comprised at a low concentration and is replaced with a nontoxic and biocompatible cryoprotectant, the composition can be administered to a patient immediately after thawing without additional culture or replacement of the solution with an injectable solution, and is thus usable for a pharmaceutical formulation.

Abstract: A whole blood anticoagulant composition and system including the composition, wherein the composition includes sodium bicarbonate, mannitol, sodium acetate, and magnesium citrate—and may optionally include sodium bisphosphate and/or adenine. The whole blood storage system may include apparatus that allows for whole blood leukoreduction with pH optimization for improved RBC storage. Such a system can provide leukoreduced whole blood for field medical use, and preserve RBCs and maintain or mostly maintain coagulation activity of the whole blood.

Abstract: Described are methods of Poaceae pollen preservation which improve the viability and longevity of such pollen for use in pollinating plants. In addition, methods of thawing and stabilization of cryogenically stored pollen are described. Methods of statically drying pollen in preparation for cryogenic, refrigerated, or ambient storage that help preserve high pollen fertility levels are described. In addition, the requirement for a specific relative humidity range during drying is demonstrated. Using a rate of drying that is optimized to predict the pollen moisture content is used to maximize pollen fertility post-storage. In addition, the consideration of evaporative demand at the time of preparing pollen for storage is demonstrated to be important to maximizing post-storage fertility.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural tank-mix composition, comprising an agricultural active composition and a compatibiliser selected from naphthalene sulphonate or the formaldehyde condensates thereof.

Abstract: Described are a plant disease control composition with enhanced efficacy and improved rainfastness of D-tagatose, and a plant disease control method using the composition. The plant disease control composition includes D-tagatose as an active ingredient, an oil component and a surfactant, and is effective against plant diseases, especially diseases caused by fungi and bacteria.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an aqueous suspension concentrate composition comprising an anilide herbicide and a dispersant combination comprising a) a graft or comb copolymer containing polyalkylene oxide moieties grafted on a polymeric backbone; b) an anionic dispersant having an SO3 group; and c) a poly alkoxy late of mono-, di- or tristyrylphenol. The invention is further directed to a suspension concentrate composition comprising an anilide herbicide and an antifreeze combination of urea and propane-1,2-diol. Disclosed are methods to prepare the compositions and their use for the control of undesired plants.

Abstract: Composition for the treatment of textile articles comprising graphene and a binder agent dispersed in an aqueous medium, in which the binder agent is a polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of starch, glycogen, chitosan, pectin, salts of alginic acid or alginates, dextran, chitin, and glycans, and textile article treated with said composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a water dispersible, semi-solid emulsion which can be applied as dollops or sprayed on plant foliage, its surfaces, any support systems in agricultural field to treat, and prevent insect population either by mass trapping, mating disruption or attract & kill technique and method of preparing the composition. The semi-solid composition comprises either semiochemical(s) alone or adsorbed on mesoporous materials or encapsulated with polymer matrix and combination thereof which displays sustained release for a longer period of time. It shows prolonged release and protects crop effectively, independent of environmental temperature and shows high stability even under humid conditions. The composition is water dispersible, eco-friendly in nature, cost-effective, exhibits stable physiochemical properties with good adhesion properties to plant surface after application and necessary rain fastness.

Abstract: Suggested is a composition with virucidal or antiviral activity, comprising or consisting of (a) certain hydroxy compounds and optionally (b) one or more solvents.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an oil flowable formulation comprising a first active compound having a structure and a lipophilic solvent, a first dispersant, and a rheology modifier. The formulation comprises particles of the first active compound having a median particle size, as measured by light scattering, of from 0.1 to 20 microns. The formulation may also comprise an emulsifier, a second dispersant, and/or an agriculturally active compound, such as an acaricide, antimicrobial, fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, molluscicide, or nematocide, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are agricultural compositions comprising the formulation and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A glycoside compound of fatty acids that includes the general formula: GalNAc-GalNAc-Glc-O—R, where GalNAc is ?- or ?-D-N-acetylgalactosamine, Glc-O—R is a molecule of ?- or ?-D-glucose esterified to a monounsaturated fatty acid (R), where R is selected from 12:1(n) and where n is an integer between 2 and 11; 11:1(n) and where n is an integer between 2 and 10; 10:1(n), and where n is an integer between 2 and 9; 9:1(n), and where n is an integer between 2 and 8; 8:1(n), and where n is an integer between 2 and 8; 7:1(n) and where n is an integer between 2 and 7; and 6:1(n), and where n is an integer between 2 and 6. The compound has activity against plant pathogens, and induces the defense, and promotes the growth, of plants.

Abstract: Methods of reducing plant injury and/or increasing plant or crop yield are provided. The methods include contacting a plant, plant part, soil, or soilless medium with an HYT plant ameliorant composition and one or more pesticide and/or plant growth regulator, wherein the HYT plant ameliorant and the one or more pesticide and/or plant growth regulator are contacted with the plant, plant part, soil, or soilless medium simultaneously or sequentially.

Abstract: Pesticidal compositions comprising a spinosyn active ingredient and a salicy late solvent operable to dissolve the spinosyn active ingredient are provided. The pesticidal composition may comprise an emulsion and/or an emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and may comprise an emulsifier. The pesticidal composition may comprise a carrier oil, such as a neutral oil, e.g. to limit potential phytotoxicity induced by the salicy late solvent. The pesticidal composition may comprise an oil-soluble saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acid dissolvable in the salicylate solvent and/or the carrier oil. The pesticidal composition may comprise one or more diluents, fragrance additives, ultraviolet light blockers, and/or other additives. The pesticidal composition may comprise a solution, emulsion, emulsifiable concentrate, and/or any other suitable composition of spinosyn active ingredient and salicylate solvent.

Abstract: Synergistic oil dispersion agrochemical composition containing Spinetoram. More particularly the present invention relates to a synergistic Oil Dispersion agrochemical composition comprising bioactive amount of (A) Spinetoram; and (B) at least one more of active ingredients selected from class of an insecticides; or a fungicides; or a plant health additive; or combination thereof. The present invention further relates to selection of suitable formulation excipients, process of preparation of the said oil dispersion formulation and its application in the field of agriculture.

Abstract: The present invention provides crystalline forms of 5-fluoro-4-imino-3-methyl-1-tosyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one, and uses and processes of preparation thereof. The present invention also provides combinations, mixtures and compositions comprising the crystalline forms of 5-fluoro-4-imino-3-methyl-1-tosyl-3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-one, and uses and processes of preparation thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stable aqueous fungicide mixture formulation comprising a phthalimide fungicide selected from the group consisting of folpet, captan and any combination thereof and an additional fungicide selected from the group comprising a strobilurin fungicide, a triazole fungicide and any combination thereof, and to methods for controlling or preventing fungal diseases in crop plants.

Abstract: The present provides a synergistic insecticidal composition comprising Chlorantraniliprole, Spirotetramat and at least one insecticidal compound selected from Buprofezin, Bifenthrin, Propargite or Pyriproxyfen, process of preparation of the composition and uses thereof.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure relates to biocidal compositions comprising an isothiazolone biocidal active compound in combination with a cystamine enhancer. These compositions can demonstrate highly effective prevention of deterioration and decay that can be caused by microbial contamination using low concentrations a biocidal active compound.

Abstract: Water conditioner compositions useful for agricultural formulations are disclosed. The compositions comprise ammonium sulfate, water, an optional antifreeze agent, and a blend comprising a C12-C14 fatty amine oxide and a C8-C10 fatty amine oxide. Agricultural formulations that comprise a weak acid-based herbicide and the water conditioner compositions are also described. The fatty amine oxides are compatible with the levels of ammonium sulfate needed for effective water conditioning. The formulated water conditioners resist separation for weeks at elevated and cold temperatures. Compared with water conditioners that contain alkylpolyglucosides, those formulated with the fatty amine oxide blends have reduced foaming problems and excellent wetting properties at relatively low surfactant concentration, thus demonstrating performance and cost advantages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disinfection composition and a process for disinfection hard surface. This invention is especially useful for remove bacteria and virus.

Abstract: Plant protection mixture and composition comprising a protective effective amount of mycorrhizal fungi of the species G. manihotis and G. deserticola. Applying a protective effective amount of the composition is protects plants from a fungal pathogen attack. The composition can be applied to the soil or the growth media of loci of the plant or propagating material of the plant, to the roots or as a seed coating. The plant protection composition can be applied in combination with chemical fungicides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device for loading and/or unloading a food treatment unit (1a, 1b), with a movable transfer trolley (3) which has a support device (20, 22) for at least one loading rack (27, 28) or for at least one product carrier, with a drive (19) for moving the transfer trolley (3), and with at least one actuator (21, 23) arranged on the transfer trolley (3), which actuator is configured to move the loading rack (27, 28) or the product carrier into a receiving device (25, 26), located on a first side (13) of the transfer trolley (3), of the food treatment unit (1a, 1b) and to remove it therefrom. The task of the invention is to make the loading and/or unloading of a food treatment unit (1a, 1b) particularly flexible, time-efficient and cost-efficient.

Abstract: Process for the production of pasta, preferably durum wheat semolina dried pasta, which involves the extrusion of a dough through a bronze die plate insert with grooves and a subsequent step of drying until a predefined moisture content is reached; the present invention also relates to pasta which can be obtained by means of the process described above.

Abstract: Intervention of contamination of an exposed carcass meat surface during processing of an animal carcass comprises providing a flexible sheet having first and second major surfaces comprising an antimicrobial agent on the first major surface of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is food-contact safe; detaching a portion of hide from the carcass, thereby providing an exposed carcass meat surface; and placing the flexible sheet on the exposed carcass meat surface so that the antimicrobial agent contacts the exposed carcass meat surface. The flexible sheet is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating meat from bone. Meat-laden bones are fed to a compression screw rotating within a barrel. The compression screw and the barrel cooperate to progressively compress the meat-laden bones to force the meat-laden bones radially outward against an inner wall of the barrel as the meat-laden bones move axially along the compression screw. At least a portion of the meat is separated from the meat-laden bones by forcing the meat through apertures in the barrel while inhibiting the meat-laden bones from co-rotating along within the barrel with the compression screw. In one embodiment, inhibiting the meat-laden bones from co-rotating within the barrel along with the compression screw is accomplished by cooperation of guide channels extending axially along an inner surface of the barrel with curved fillets extending between a root of the compression screw and screw flights of the compression screw.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooking chamber having a cooking space in which an object to be cooked is placeable, a heating member configured to heat the object based on the object being placed in the cooking chamber, and a smoking module configured to smoke the object placed in the cooking chamber, wherein the smoking module includes: a capsule placement unit in which a capsule containing smoking chips is insertable and placeable therein; a smoke generation unit configured to penetrate one end of the capsule based on the capsule being paced in the capsule placement unit and heat the smoking chips inside the capsule such that smoke is generated from the smoking chips; and a smoke transfer unit configured to transfer the smoke generated from the smoking chips to the cooking chamber.

Abstract: The compositions described herein comprise isoamyl hexanoates, and at least one organic acid component. These compositions are useful for reducing odors. Another form of the composition, further comprising at least one additional ingredient selected from: lecithin, and peracetic acid, is useful for reducing microbial contamination of raw animal tissue. The at least one acid may be lactic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, butyric acid, formic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, uric acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, or combinations thereof. The compositions may be provided in any suitable form depending largely on the intended use or mode of application test.

Abstract: Aqueous suspensions including very slightly water soluble or water-insoluble magnesium compounds such as magnesium oxide and/or magnesium hydroxide, in particular for use in prolonging the shelf life of agricultural food products, such as fruit and vegetables and for protecting harvested produce from decay by fungal infections.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of dairy technology. It relates to a method for producing a fermented milk product comprising the steps: (a) Providing a starter culture comprising one or more lactic acid bacteria strains selected from a group consisting of: DSM 22935, DSM 22585, DSM 22586, DSM28910 and DSM33677; (b) Adding the starter culture to a milk base to ferment said milk base until a target pH is reached; and (c) Adding a lactase to the milk base; wherein the fermented milk product has improved texture and/or reduced post-acidification as compared to a fermented milk product produced without addition of the lactase of step c) or the starter culture of step a).

Abstract: A method including sonication of a yogurt culture produces desirable texture and yield characteristics. An apparatus for producing yogurt from milk includes a sonicator for controlling texture.

Abstract: A method for the production of hazelnut milk is provided. Hazelnut milk with high purity and low cost was obtained with the method. The method includes the following steps: a. supplying hazelnuts; b. subjecting hazelnuts to the shelling process; c. adding water to the shelled hazelnuts; d. keeping the hazelnuts to which water is added for 24 hours; e. weighing of wet hazelnuts obtained in step d; f. taking the weighted wet hazelnuts into the mixer; g. adding water to the hazelnuts taken into the mixer in step f; h. mixing the hazelnuts to which water is added in step g in the mixer; i. filtering the mixture obtained in step h; j. subjecting the milk obtained in step i to heat treatment.

Abstract: A salted spreadable food cream consists from 3%-60% by weight of a lipid component (A) including or consisting of a solid fat; (B) 5%-50% by weight of a dehydrated, dried, and/or freeze-dried flavor component; (C) 5%-70% by weight of a filler consisting of milk or its derivatives; (D) 0.2%-3% by weight of an emulsifier; and (E) 0%-5% by weight of a supporting ingredient, has salt between 1 g/100 g and 2.5 g/100 g, a viscosity between 11,000 cP and 65,000 cP, a fineness between 10 pm and 100 pm, and a water activity value lower than 0.5. A method for the preparation of the salted spreadable food cream includes providing the ingredients (A) to (D) and optionally (E), and refining the ingredients (A)-(D) and optionally (E) at a predetermined working temperature for a predetermined working time.

Abstract: An animal fat functional analogue (e.g., mimic) can include a gapped formulation of interesterified triglycerides that include saturated fatty acids. The animal fat functional analogue can have thermal properties (e.g., melting point, solid fat content, specific heat, etc.), rheological properties (e.g., viscosity), organoleptic properties (e.g., texture, mouthfeel, etc.), and/or other properties that imitate the properties of animal fat produced agriculturally.