Inhibition of Three Pathogens on Bologna and Summer Sausage Using Antimicrobial Edible Films

Whey protein isolate (WPI) films (pH 5.2) containing 0.5 to 1.0% p‐aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and/or sorbic acid (SA) were assessed for antimicrobial and mechanical properties while in contact with sliced bologna and summer sausage that were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT104. WPI films containing SA or PABA decreased L. monocytogenes, E. coli, and S. Typhimurium populations by 3.4 to 4.1,3.1 to 3.6, and 3.1 to 4.1 logs, respectively, on both products after 21 d at 4 °C. Background flora was inhibited compared with controls. Film tensile strength decreased while % elongation remained unchanged following 72 h of product contact.     

Adsorption of phthalic acid and its esters onto high-area activated carbon-cloth studied by in situ UV-spectroscopy

The adsorption behavior of phthalic acid and its three esters dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate and diallyl phthalate onto high-area activated carbon-cloth was studied by in situ UV-spectroscopic technique. The effect of ionization of phthalic acid on its adsorption was examined by carrying out the adsorption process in three media; water, 1 M H(2)SO(4) and 0.005 M NaOH. Maximum adsorption was observed in 1 M H(2)SO(4) and almost no adsorption in 0.005 M NaOH. These results were discussed in terms of electrostatic and dispersion interactions between the adsorbate species and the carbon-cloth surface taking the point of zero charge (pH(pzc)) of the carbon-cloth into account. The adsorption process for the phthalate species studied was found to follow the first-order rate law, and the rate constants were determined. The isotherm data for the adsorption of phthalic acid and its esters were derived experimentally and fitted to Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm equations. Both equations were found to represent the experimental isotherm data almost equally well.     

Adaptive multi-view video streaming using side information over peer-to-peer networks

Multimedia Tools and Applications - Multi-view plus-depth-map (MVD) video streaming with autostereoscopic displays provides multi-user immersive media experiences. In this context, delivery of MVD...     

QoS‐aware LTE‐A downlink scheduling algorithm: A case study on edge users

4G/LTE‐A (Long‐Term Evolution—Advanced) is the state of the art wireless mobile broadband technology. It allows users to take advantage of high Internet speeds. It makes use of the OFDM technology to offer high speed and provides the system resources both in time and frequency domain. A scheduling algorithm running on the base station holds the allocation of these resources. In this paper, we investigate the performance of existing downlink scheduling algorithms in two ways. First, we look at the performance of the algorithms in terms of throughput and fairness metrics. Second, we suggest a new QoS‐aware fairness criterion, which accepts that the system is fair if it can provide the users with the network traffic speeds that they demand and evaluate the performance of the algorithms according to this metric. We also propose a new QoS‐aware downlink scheduling algorithm (QuAS) according to these two metrics, which increases the QoS‐fairness and overall throughput of the edge users without causing a significant degradation in overall system throughput when compared with other schedulers in the literature.     

Label‐Free Bioanalysis Based on Low‐Q Whispering Gallery Modes: Rapid Preparation of Microsensors by Means of Layer‐by‐Layer Technology

Low‐Q‐whispering gallery modes (low‐Q‐WGM) can be used for label‐free detection of interactions between biomolecules, measuring their binding and release kinetics or for analysis of changes in the medium in real‐time. The main advantage of the low‐Q‐WGM approach over other label‐free methods is the possibility of measurements in small cavities as the method uses microparticles down to 6 µm as sensors. Commercially available dye‐doped microparticles that are used as low‐Q‐WGM sensors exhibit several drawbacks. Therefore, alternative particle types are developed and optimized as low‐Q‐WGM sensors. First, dye‐doped particles made of different materials are screened. The most critical parameter for WGM performance is the refractive index (RI) of sensor particles. Furthermore, surface roughness of particles, determined by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, affects their performance as WGM microsensors. In the second test, fluorescent dyes immobilized on nonfluorescent particles by means of nanometer thick layer‐by‐layer (LbL) films are shown to generate a strong WGM signal. The LbL‐coated particles show remarkably less background fluorescence than dye‐doped particles and are easier to prepare. Finally, this article proposes rapid preparation methods for WGM microparticle sensors based on various parameters such as material type, RI, surface roughness, and number of coated polymer layers.     

A survey on packet size optimization for terrestrial,underwater, underground,and body area sensor networks

Packet size optimization is a critical issue in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for improving many performance metrics (eg, network lifetime, delay, throughput, and reliability). In WSNs, longer packets may experience higher loss rates due to harsh channel conditions. On the other hand, shorter packets may suffer from greater overhead. Hence, the optimal packet size must be chosen to enhance various performance metrics of WSNs. To this end, many approaches have been proposed to determine the optimum packet size in WSNs. In the literature, packet size optimization studies focus on a specific application or deployment environment. However, there is no comprehensive and recent survey paper that categorizes these different approaches. To address this need, in this paper, recent studies and techniques on data packet size optimization for terrestrial WSNs, underwater WSNs, wireless underground sensor networks, and body area sensor networks are reviewed to motivate the research community to further investigate this promising research area. The main objective of this paper is to provide a better understanding of different packet size optimization approaches used in different types of sensor networks and applications as well as introduce open research issues and challenges in this area.     

Delay-sensitive and multimedia communication in cognitive radio sensor networks

Multimedia and delay-sensitive data applications in cognitive radio sensor networks (CRSN) require efficient real-time communication and dynamic spectrum access (DSA) capabilities. This requirement poses emerging problems to be addressed in inherently resource-constrained sensor networks, and needs investigation of CRSN challenges with real-time communication requirements. In this paper, the main design challenges and principles for multimedia and delay-sensitive data transport in CRSN are introduced. The existing transport protocols and algorithms devised for cognitive radio ad hoc networks and wireless sensor networks (WSN) are explored from the perspective of CRSN paradigm. Specifically, the challenges for real-time transport in CRSN are investigated in different spectrum environments of smart grid, e.g., 500 kV substation, main power room and underground network transformer vaults. Open research issues for the realization of energy-efficient and real-time transport in CRSN are also presented. Overall, the performance evaluations provide valuable insights about real-time transport in CRSN and guide design decisions and trade-offs for CRSN applications in smart electric power grid.     

Experimental validation of a regression‐based predictive model for elastic constants of open mesh tubular diamond‐braid composites

The prediction of elastic constants of open‐mesh diamond braids has not been adequately studied. The objective of this work is to provide a further comparison of longitudinal elastic and shear moduli regression equations previously developed with experimental data from in‐house experiments; to determine the regression equations linearity limits; and to provide a validated predictive model for E _x, E _y and G _xy for large open mesh composites. The results of the model match well with experimental findings for close‐mesh braided composites; however, for open‐mesh braided composites the results show differences. Also, the lower linearity limit (LLL) of the model for different fiber‐matrix systems were calculated and discussed. The comparison of initial experimental findings of the open‐mesh structures and the model suggests a full characterization of the model can be possible by increasing the experimental data pool in the literature which is currently very limited. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Suitability of acid whey for fermented and fresh-pack cornichon pickle production

Suitability of acid whey (AW) as brine media in fermented and fresh-pack cornichon pickle production was investigated. Fermented and fresh-pack pickles were produced with AW and vinegar (control). Microbiological, textural, colour and sensory properties of the pickles were monitored during 12-wk storage at room temperature. Fermented and fresh-pack pickles manufactured with AW exhibited higher total solids content than the pickles manufactured with vinegar. Acid whey as pickling media increased the development of presumptive lactococci species both in fermented and in fresh-pack pickles. This study shows that AW is a suitable pickling media for fermented and fresh-pack cornichon pickle manufacture.