Rate-distortion driven decoder-side bitplane mode decision for distributed video coding

Distributed video coding (DVC) features simple encoders but complex decoders, which lies in contrast to conventional video compression solutions such as H.264/AVC. This shift in complexity is realized by performing motion estimation at the decoder side instead of at the encoder, which brings a number of problems that need to be dealt with. One of these problems is that, while employing different coding modes yields significant coding gains in classical video compression systems, it is still difficult to fully exploit this in DVC without increasing the complexity at the encoder side. Therefore, in this paper, instead of using an encoder-side approach, techniques for decoder-side mode decision are proposed. A rate-distortion model is derived that takes into account the position of the side information in the quantization bin. This model is then used to perform mode decision at the coefficient level and bitplane level. Average rate gains of 13–28% over the state-of-the-art DISCOVER codec are reported, for a GOP of size four, for several test sequences.     

Characterisation,storage viabilit,and application of microspheres with Lactobacillus paracasei obtained by the extrusion technique

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of pH, bile salts and different storage conditions at two different temperatures (30 and 4 °C) on the viability of free and microencapsulated Lactobacillus paracasei. Microspheres encapsulating L. paracasei were obtained using an extrusion method. The efficiency was 87.6%, the diameter 70 µm and the zeta potential 7.22 ± 0.05 mV. Encapsulated L. paracasei showed higher resistance to stomach pH and bile salts compared to free cells. Microspheres were evaluated under four different storage conditions: fresh, suspended in a solution with a pH of 4, suspended in saline solution and lyophilised. The lyophilised microspheres presented the highest stability with 89.2% survival rate after six weeks of storage; however, free bacteria in saline solution (0.145 N) presented a 65.3% survival rate. Finally, a new product (a strawberry ice popsicle) with possible functional characteristics was obtained using microencapsulated L. paracasei.     

Evaluation of Antioxidant, Radical Scavenging Activity and Polyphenolics Profile in Solanum torvum L. Fruits

Solanum torvum fruit widely used in traditional medicine of India and also in food preparation. Three different extracts such as water (WE), methanol (ME), and ethanol (EE) were used to evaluate their antioxidant and radical scavenging activity by different methods. All the assays results were compared with well-known standard antioxidants. The IC(50) values of assays were determined. The total phenolic and flavonoids content were found to be maximum in water and ethanol extracts, respectively. The electron quenching ability of fruit extract was assayed by DPPH and reducing power assays succeeding order were ME > EE > WE, respectively. Inhibition of membrane damage, was assayed interns of oxidative hemolysis and lipid peroxidation assays, among all WE extract shows 58.00% and 68.55 5% percentage of inhibition with 0.9 and 0.8 correlations (r(2) ), respectively. Antioxidant and radical quenching efficiency were assayed by β-carotene bleaching and hydroxyl radical scavenging method and results were compared with vitamin C and catechin. The in vitro free radical quenching and antioxidant results were well correlated with in vitro DNA protection assay. As analyzed by HPTLC gallic acid content is high in WE (1394 ± 25.0) and ME (598 ± 54.0) whereas ferulic acid is high in EE (32 ± 5.94) μg/g, respectively. This study indicate that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidant and could be an effective nutritional food supplement, which interns will have therapeutic applications. Practical Application: In siddha medicine on the traditional systems of India the, ripened fruits are used in the preparation of tonic named as a "sundaivattaral choornam" is used to improve the health and prevent several diseases. This study has given an experimental evidence that S. torvum fruit is an excellent source of natural antioxidants.     

Mint and pomegranate extracts/oils as antibacterial agents against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes on shredded carrots

Among minimally processed vegetables, shredded carrots are particularly popular. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of different washing treatments with aqueous solutions of mint essential oil (EO) (1:1000), mint hydrosol (1:10), and pomegranate juice (1:10) against two major foodborne pathogens on shredded carrots as well as their effect on carrot's quality. The results of this study indicate that the tested washing treatments resulted in a small but significant decrease of the microbial load of Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes on the sixth day of storage. Pomegranate juice and mint hydrosol were more effective against L.   monocytogenes, whereas mint EO was more effective against E.   coli. Furthermore, an increase in carrot's total phenolics and antioxidants was observed with the application of mint hydrosol and pomegranate juice, whereas mint EO resulted in a decrease on the sixth day of storage. Additionally, a decreased chroma of the shredded carrots were observed during the application of mint hydrosol on the sixth day. Total carotenoids, ascorbic acid, total soluble solids, and tritratable acidity were not differing after six days of storage of shredded carrots. These washing products can be used for the partial disinfection of shredded carrots.

Practical applications

Pomegranate and mint natural products solution can be used for the partial disinfection of minimally processed fresh produce as an alternative to chlorine, and these products can be a part of the sanitation process.     

Postharvest ozone application for the preservation of fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits have been recognized as a healthy and nutritive value food, with both a noticeable rise in consumption nowadays and greater frequency of foodborne illnesses associated with fresh produce. Current sanitation disinfectants fail to adequately control common spoilage microorganisms as well as potential harmful human pathogens. Alternative and effective disinfectants are being sought, with ozone being a viable alternative to traditional disinfectants. Despite the considerable commercial interest that ozone has attracted, several contradictions regarding the ozone efficiency are often found in the literature and further research is still needed to explore its potential application in the food industry as sanitizer.     

Propriétés antiélastasiques des propionylaminoacides

Antielastase activity of derivatives like 'propionylaminoacid'(C₃ prolin, C₃ hydroxyprolin, C₃ collagen) was examined for pancreatic elastase, and fibroblastic elastase production. Essential metabolic variations of normal dermal fibroblasts were evaluated: adhesion, proliferation capacity, total protein biosynthesis and collagen type I and type III production. Possible other factors such as cellular nutrients were examined by oxygen consumption evaluation.
Propionylaminoacid derivatives have antielastase activities. Pancreatic elastase showed dose related inhibition (20% to 50% inhibition for concentration from 5 to 80 mg ml⁻¹.
Moreover, fibroblastic elastase production was inhibited, cellular respiration was enhanced. A very good tolerance in vitro was observed for concentration 0–1 mg ml⁻¹ range: adhesion, proliferation capacity and collagen (type I and type III) production were not altered, and oxygen consumption was enhanced.