Sleep Period Optimization Model For Layered Video Service Delivery Over eMBMS Networks

Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A) and the evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast System (eMBMS) are the most promising technologies for the delivery of highly bandwidth demanding applications. In this paper we propose a green resource allocation strategy for the delivery of layered video streams to users with different propagation conditions. The goal of the proposed model is to minimize the user energy consumption. That goal is achieved by minimizing the time required by each user to receive the broadcast data via an efficient power transmission allocation model. A key point in our system model is that the reliability of layered video communications is ensured by means of the Random Linear Network Coding (RLNC) approach. Analytical results show that the proposed resource allocation model ensures the desired quality of service constraints, while the user energy footprint is significantly reduced.Comment: Proc. of IEEE ICC 2015, Selected Areas in Communications Symposium - Green Communications Track, to appea

Characterization of Some Stilbenoids Extracted from Two Cultivars of Lambrusco-Vitis vinifera Species: An Opportunity to Valorize Pruning Canes for a More Sustainable Viticulture

Pruning canes from grape vines are valuable byproducts that contain resveratrol and other health-boosting stilbenoids. This study aimed to assess the effect of roasting temperature on the stilbenoid content of vine canes by comparing two Vitis vinifera cultivars, Lambrusco Ancellotta and Salamino. Samples were collected during different phases of the vine plant cycle. One set was collected in September after the grape harvest and was air-dried and analyzed. A second set was obtained during vine pruning in February and evaluated immediately after collection. The main stilbenoid identified in each sample was resveratrol (similar to 100-2500 mg/kg), with significant levels of viniferin (similar to 100-600 mg/kg) and piceatannol (similar to 0-400 mg/kg). Their contents decreased with increasing roasting temperature and residence time on the plant. This study provides valuable insights into the use of vine canes in a novel and efficient manner, which could potentially benefit different industries. One potential use involves the roasted cane chips to accelerate the aging of vinegars and alcoholic beverages. This method is more efficient and cost-effective than traditional aging, which is slow and unfavorable from an industrial perspective. Furthermore, incorporating vine canes into maturation processes reduces viticulture waste and enhances the final products with health-promoting molecules, such as resveratrol

Candying process for enhancing pre-waste watermelon rinds to increase food sustainability

This work describes two alternative laboratory methods 'candying fruit' methods of fresh mesocarp of Crimson sweet watermelon, a typical waste and unappetizing material. Our experimental candying process was conducted by slow osmosis, lasting 24 weeks at room temperature. It was activated with granular sucrose according to our two alternative laboratory methods, WET and DRY. Fresh watermelon rinds were transformed into candied fruit with excellent flavor and aromas. The aromatic profile of all the materials was characterized with HS-SPME-GC–MS technique. The results highlighted some significant differences in the Volatile Organic Compounds fraction, probably attributable both to the cultivar and to the two candying methods, as verified also by a panel test. The class of alcohols remains almost constant in all the samples. Terpenoids are highly present in FRESH samples, while they disappear in DRY candied ones. Acetate esters are absent in FRESH rinds, they reach the maximum level in WET, and stop at the middle in DRY samples. The trend of the values ​​relating to the class of acids is opposite: absent in the FRESH aromatic profile, maximum and average for DRY and WET samples, respectively

Diagnostic performance study on the relationship between the exfoliation of the deciduous second molars and the pubertal growth spurt

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between the exfoliation of the deciduous second molars (Es) and the onset of the pubertal growth spurt assessed with the cervical vertebral maturation method. Methods: The ability to identify the onset of the pubertal growth spurt (cervical stage 3, CS3) was evaluated in a sample of 123 patients with exfoliation of the Es (exfoliation group) with respect to a control group of 250 subjects in the late mixed dentition selected with random criteria. Tests of diagnostic performance were applied. Results: The comparison of the prevalence rates of CS3 in the exfoliation group vs the control group was not statistically significant. The positive likelihood ratio was smaller than 1, thus indicating lack of diagnostic power of the exfoliation of the deciduous second molars with regard to CS3. Conclusions: No significant relationship was found between the moment of exfoliation of the Es and the onset of the pubertal growth spurt

Influence of Chemical and Physical Variables on 87Sr/86Sr Isotope Ratios Determination for Geographical Traceability Studies in the Oenological Food Chain

This study summarizes the results obtained from a systematic and long-term project aimed at the development of tools to assess the provenance of food in the oenological sector. 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios were measured on a representative set of soils, branches, and wines sampled from the Chianti Classico wine production area. In particular, owing to the high spatial resolution of the 87Sr/86Sr ratio in the topsoil, the effect of two mill techniques for soil pretreatment was investigated to verify the influence of the particle dimension on the measured isotopic ratios. Samples with particle sizes ranging from 250 to less than 50 m were investigated, and the extraction was performed by means of the DIN 19730 procedure. For each sample, the Sr isotope ratio was determined as well. The obtained results showed that the 87Sr/86Sr ratio is not influenced by soil particle size and may represent an effective tool as a geographic provenance indicator for the investigated product