Performance evaluation of complementary code combining diversity in DVB-SH

In this paper, the application of code combining diversity in Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite to Handheld (DVB-SH) systems is analyzed. The complementary code combining diversity is a simple and efficient technique that exploits the advantages of a hybrid satellite/terrestrial system. A meaningful diversity gain can be obtained in multiple frequency networks, allowing an improvement of the receiver robustness in both static and mobile scenarios. Furthermore, for typical DVB-SH terminals with two receiver branches, this gain can be easily obtained without increasing the hardware complexity.     

Incidence in diverse pig populations of an IGF2 mutation with potential influence on meat quality and quantity: An assay based on real time PCR (RT-PCR)

IGF2, insulin-like growth factor 2, is implicated in myogenesis and lean meat content. A mutation in a single base (A for G substitution) of the gene for IGF2 (position 3072 in intron 3) has been recently described as the cause of a major QTL effect on muscle growth in pigs [Van Laere, A. S, Nguyen, M., Braunschweig, M., Nezer, C., Collete, C., & Moreau, L. et al. (2003). Nature, 425, 832-836]. We describe here a rapid assay based on real time PCR (RT-PCR) to detect this mutation. We have evaluated the incidence of the mutation in commercial pig crosses, in three populations of purebred Iberian or Iberian×Duroc crosses, and in cured meat products and wild boars. The incidence of the mutation varies among these groups. Penetrance of the A mutation is about 80% in the commercial population. Purebred Iberian pigs were all homozygous G/G whereas crosses of Iberian pigs were heterozygous (90%) or homozygous A/A (10%). The implications of this gene for the selection of Iberian pigs are discussed.     

Suitability for minimal processing of non‐melting clingstone peaches

Clingstone non‐melting peach cultivars (Prunus persica L. Batsch) are used primarily for canning, but their processing as fresh‐cut products is also of interest. Four clingstone peach cultivars (‘Andross’, ‘Babygold 8′, ‘Calante’ and ‘Romea’) were evaluated for their suitability for minimal processing (washing, peeling and slicing) followed by storage for 9 days at 4 °C in a modified atmosphere using microperforated films. Romea cultivar, which has low polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzymatic activity, proved to be the most suitable cultivar for minimal processing, given its lower degree of browning as well as the results from a sensory evaluation. Maturity indicators varied slightly during storage at a different degree depending on cultivars. We have found that PPO activity and browning potential are adequate indicators for surface browning in fresh‐cut non‐melting peaches.     

Optimization of processing of fresh‐cut pear

BACKGROUND: Successful processing of pears to render fresh‐cut fruits requires a thorough knowledge of their sensitivity to browning reactions, their respiratory metabolism, and their behaviour under modified atmosphere packaging. RESULTS: First, three different varieties of pear (Williams, Conference, Passacrassana) that had reached their commercial ripening stage were evaluated for suitability for minimal processing. Two antioxidant treatments were tested (treatment 1: 2% ascorbic acid + 1% citric acid + 1% CaCl₂; treatment 2: 2% ascorbic acid + 0.01% 4‐hexylresorcinol + 1% CaCl₂) to decide which one was the most effective against enzymatic browning. Finally, a modified atmosphere packaging was designed after two previous tests: measurement of respiratory activity of the peeled and cut pear at three temperatures (4, 15 and 25 °C); and evaluation of fruit tolerance to three different atmospheric compositions (21% O₂ + 10% CO₂; 2% O₂ + 0% CO₂; 2% O₂ + 10% CO₂). CONCLUSIONS: Conference pear was found to be the most suitable variety. Among the antioxidant treatments the one consisting of ascorbic acid, 4‐hexylresorcinol and CaCl₂ was proven to be the most effective against browning. The samples were packaged in a modified atmosphere with a composition of 10% O₂ + 10% CO₂ + 80% N₂. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Improved power efficiency for DVB-SH transmitters

Power efficiency is an important criterion for modern communications systems. It is well known that due to its high Peak-to-Average Power Ratio (PAPR) the Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme presents serious power efficiency problems related to the High Power Amplifier (HPA) of the transmitter that are critical in satellite systems like Digital Video Broadcasting Satellite to Handheld (DVB-SH). In order to improve the power efficiency we propose to apply to DVB-SH the Active Constellation Extension (ACE) algorithm as a PAPR reduction method. Additionally we also present a new ACE optimization criterion: the reduction of the cubic metric (CM). The minimization of both metrics provides an important improvement of the out of band distortion and the Output Back Off (OBO) of the amplifiers, and consequently an increase of the HPA power efficiency.