There is provided a digital image encoding device which can enhance image compression performance while maintaining an image quality. The invention also encompasses methods for the fermentative production of L-amino acids using bacteria in which the gene encoding transaldolase is amplified. Each entry is associated with one of a plurality of communication types and includes an identifier for use with an application of the associated communication type. A comparator compares the monitored amount and a reference amount. Also, the present invention concerns a request routing entity and a database entity, adapted to mutually cooperate with each other in order to perform the method according to the present invention. 53 inches; and a cover comprised of a material having a second Shore D hardness at least 10 points less than the first hardness.