An encoding apparatus and an encoding method, a decoding apparatus and a decoding method, a recording medium, and a program suitable for encoding image signals with a higher compression ratio for transmission or accumulation. Automatic air dampers are used to reverse the airflow at the proper time to initiate defrost of that section of frosted cooling coil. A system and computer program product for communication between a geologic downhole measurement device and a receiver are also provided. A mandrel is employed for shaping the stent graft, and means for irradiating the biomaterial effects sutureless bonding.