Ethanol Release Research Articles

Atypical cleavage of protonated N-fatty acyl amino acids derived from aspartic acid evidenced by sequential MS3 experiments.

Lipidomics calls for information on detected lipids and conjugates whose structural elucidation by mass spectrometry requires to rationalization of their gas phase dissociations toward collision-induced dissociation (CID) processes. This study focused on activated dissociations of two lipoamino acid (LAA) systems composed of N-palmitoyl acyl coupled with aspartic and glutamic acid mono ethyl esters (as LAA(*D) and LAA(*E)). Although in MS/MS, their CID spectra show similar trends, e.g., release of water and ethanol, the [(LAA(*D/*E)+H)-C2H5OH]+ product ions dissociate via distinct pathways in sequential MS3 experiments. The formation of all the product ions is rationalized by charge-promoted cleavages often involving stepwise processes with ion isomerization into ion-dipole prior to dissociation. The latter explains the maleic anhydride or ketene neutral losses from N-palmitoyl acyl aspartate and glutamate anhydride fragment ions, respectively. Consequently, protonated palmitoyl acid amide is generated from LAA(*D), whereas LAA(*E) leads to the [*E+H-H2O]+ anhydride. The former releases ammonia to provide acylium, which gives the C n H(2n-1) and C n H(2n-3) carbenium series. This should offer structural information, e.g., to locate either unsaturation(s) or alkyl group branching present on the various fatty acyl moieties of lipo-aspartic acid in further studies based on MS n experiments.

Advantage of ethanol fuel for gas generator cycle air turbo ramjet engine

Performance analyses of Gas Generator cycle Air Turbo Ramjet (GG-ATR) engine are conducted to investigate the feasibility of ethanol fuel, as comparing Liquefied Hydrogen (LH2), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), and n-C12H26. Liquefied Oxygen (LOX) is considered as an oxidizer. Gas generator combustion temperature and compressor pressure ratio are selected as the analytical parameters, which are varied from 900 to 1700 K and from 2.0 to 4.0, respectively.In general, specific impulses of light molecule weight fuels, such as LH2 and LNG, are higher than those of large molecule weight fuel. For storable fuel, Isp of ethanol is larger than that of n-C12H26 when gas generator temperature is less than 1300 K, although specific heat release of ethanol is only two thirds of n-C12H26 heat release. The main chemical species of n-C12H26 gas generator (GG) combustion gas are CH4 and CO. On the other hand, ethanol GG combustion gas is mainly composed of H2 and CO, resulting in smaller molecular weight than n-C12H26. These characteristics contribute to larger Isp of ethanol than n-C12H26 and indicate the feasibility of ethanol for GG-ATR engine fuel.

Effect of active modified atmosphere packaging with different initial gas compositions on nutritional compounds of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinus edodes)

The effect of active modified atmosphere packaging with different initial gas compositions on fresh shiitake mushrooms was investigated. Shiitake mushrooms were packaged under each of the following conditions: (1) high oxygen packaging (HOP), 100% oxygen initially; (2) medium oxygen packaging (MOP), 50% O2 and balanced with N2 initially; (3) low oxygen packaging (LOP), 3% O2/5% CO2, balanced with N2 initially. Passive modified atmosphere packaging with air inside initially (AIR) was used as the control treatment. All the packaged samples were stored at 10°C with 90% RH for 7 days. During storage, gas compositions, electrolyte leakage, crude water-soluble polysaccharides, total phenolic content and free amino acid content were determined. The results showed that ethanol release was high in LOP and AIR but retarded in MOP and HOP. No packaging could prevent the decrease in polysaccharide content decreasing. Both the active and passive modified atmosphere packaging maintained the color and integrity of the mushrooms. The active modified atmosphere packaging had a significant effect on the increase of total phenolic content and total amount of free amino acids. LOP had a harmful impact on mushrooms with high levels of electrolyte leakage. In conclusion, HOP and MOP had a better effect on maintaining the nutritional compounds of shiitake mushrooms.

Complex resistivity signatures of ethanol biodegradation in porous media

Numerous adverse effects are associated with the accidental release of ethanol (EtOH) and its persistence in the subsurface. Geophysical techniques may permit non-invasive, real time monitoring of microbial degradation of hydrocarbon. We performed complex resistivity (CR) measurements in conjunction with geochemical data analysis on three microbial-stimulated and two control columns to investigate changes in electrical properties during EtOH biodegradation processes in porous media. A Debye Decomposition approach was applied to determine the chargeability (m), normalized chargeability (m(n)) and time constant (τ) of the polarization magnitude and relaxation length scale as a function of time. The CR responses showed a clear distinction between the bioaugmented and control columns in terms of real (σ') and imaginary (σ″) conductivity, phase (ϕ) and apparent formation factor (F(app)). Unlike the control columns, a substantial decrease in σ' and increase in F(app) occurred at an early time (within 4 days) of the experiment for all three bioaugmented columns. The observed decrease in σ' is opposite to previous studies on hydrocarbon biodegradation. These columns also exhibited increases in ϕ (up to ~9 mrad) and σ″ (up to two order of magnitude higher) 5 weeks after microbial inoculation. Variations in m and m(n) were consistent with temporal changes in ϕ and σ″ responses, respectively. Temporal geochemical changes and high resolution scanning electron microscopy imaging corroborated the CR findings, thus indicating the sensitivity of CR measurements to EtOH biodegradation processes. Our results offer insight into the potential application of CR measurements for long-term monitoring of biogeochemical and mineralogical changes during intrinsic and induced EtOH biodegradation in the subsurface.

Ethylene promotes induction of aerenchyma formation and ethanolic fermentation in waterlogged roots of Dendranthema spp.

The role of ethylene in induction of aerenchyma formation and ethanolic fermentation in waterlogged roots of Dendranthema zawadskii and D. nankingense, two species that differ with respect to waterlogging tolerance, was examined. In the more tolerant D. zawadskii, but not in D. nankingense, ethylene accelerated programmed cell death and promoted formation of lysigenous aerenchyma, both of which were inhibited by treatment with the ethylene inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene. Waterlogged D. zawadskii roots generated a higher quantity of endogenous ethylene than did those of D. nankingense. In waterlogged D. zawadskii roots, transcription of the genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1) and pyruvate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.1) increased rapidly but transiently, whereas expression of these genes in D. nankingense increased gradually and over a longer period. In D. nankingense, waterlogging elevated both alcohol dehydrogenase and pyruvate decarboxylase activity, and the production of ethanol and acetaldehyde was increased in the presence of exogenous ethylene and inhibited by 1-methylcyclopropene. In D. zawadskii, in contrast, after a prolonged episode of waterlogging stress, exogenous supply of ethylene suppressed the production of ethanol and acetaldehyde, whereas exogenous 1-methylcyclopropene enhanced their production. In the more tolerant Dendranthema species, ethylene appeared to signal an acceleration of both waterlogging-induced programmed cell death and aerenchyma formation and to alleviate ethanolic fermentation, whereas in the more sensitive species ethylene activated fermentation and increased the release of ethanol and acetaldehyde, which are by-products probably responsible for the collapse of the waterlogging-damaged root.

Denatured ethanol release into gasoline residuals, Part 1: Source behaviour

With the increasing use of ethanol in fuels, it is important to evaluate its fate when released into the environment. While ethanol is less toxic than other organic compounds present in fuels, one of the concerns is the impact ethanol might have on the fate of gasoline hydrocarbons in groundwater. One possible concern is the spill of denatured ethanol (E95: ethanol containing 5% denaturants, usually hydrocarbons) in sites with pre-existing gasoline contamination. In that scenario, ethanol is expected to increase the mobility of the NAPL phase by acting as a cosolvent and decreasing interfacial tension. To evaluate the E95 behaviour and its impacts on pre-existing gasoline, a field test was performed at the CFB-Borden aquifer. Initially gasoline contamination was created releasing 200 L of E10 (gasoline with 10% ethanol) into the unsaturated zone. One year later, 184 L of E95 was released on top of the gasoline contamination. The site was monitored using soil cores, multilevel wells and one glass access tube. At the end of the test, the source zone was excavated and the compounds remaining were quantified. E95 ethanol accumulated and remained within the capillary fringe and unsaturated zone for more than 200 days, despite ~1m oscillations in the water table. The gasoline mobility increased and it was redistributed in the source zone. Gasoline NAPL saturations in the soil increased two fold in the source zone. However, water table oscillations caused a separation between the NAPL and ethanol: NAPL was smeared and remained in deeper positions while ethanol moved upwards following the water table rise. Similarly, the E95 denaturants that initially were within the ethanol-rich phase became separated from ethanol after the water table oscillation, remaining below the ethanol rich zone. The separation between ethanol and hydrocarbons in the source after water table oscillation indicates that ethanol's impact on hydrocarbon residuals is likely limited to early times.

Denatured ethanol release into gasoline residuals, Part 2: Fate and transport

When denatured ethanol (E95) is spilled in a site with previous gasoline contamination, it modifies the source distribution (Part 1). But it can also impact the transport and fate of hydrocarbons in the groundwater. Ethanol could cause an increase in dissolved concentrations and more persistent plumes due to cosolvency and decreased hydrocarbon biodegradation rates. To investigate these possibilities, two controlled releases were performed: first of E10 (gasoline with 10% ethanol) and one year later of E95 on top of the gasoline. Groundwater concentrations were monitored above and below the water table in multilevel wells. Soil cores and vapor samples were also collected over a period of approximately 400 days. Surprisingly, ethanol transport was very limited; at wells located 2.3m downgradient from the mid-point of the release trench, the maximum concentration measured was around 2400 mg/L. After 392 days, only 3% of the ethanol released migrated past 2.3 m, and no ethanol remained in the source. The processes that caused ethanol loss were likely volatilization, aerobic biodegradation in the unsaturated zone, and anaerobic biodegradation. Evidence that biodegradation was significant in the source zone includes increased CO2 concentrations in the vapor and the presence of biodegradation products (acetate concentrations up to 2300 mg/L). The position of the dissolved hydrocarbon plumes was slightly shifted, but the concentrations and mass flux remained within the same range as before the spill, indicating that cosolvency was not significant. Hydrocarbons in the groundwater were significantly biodegraded, with more than 63% of the mass being removed in 7.5m, even when ethanol was present in the groundwater. The impacts of ethanol on the hydrocarbon transport and fate were minimal, largely due to the separation of ethanol and hydrocarbons in the source (Part 1).

Involvement of nitrite in the nitrate-mediated modulation of fermentative metabolism and nitric oxide production of soybean roots during hypoxia

It is widely accepted that nitrate but not ammonium improves tolerance of plants to hypoxic stress, although the mechanisms related to this beneficial effect are not well understood. Recently, nitrite derived from nitrate reduction has emerged as the major substrate for the synthesis of nitric oxide (NO), an important signaling molecule in plants. Here, we analyzed the effect of different nitrogen sources (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium) on the metabolic response and NO production of soybean roots under hypoxia. Organic acid analysis showed that root segments isolated from nitrate-cultivated plants presented a lower accumulation of lactate and succinate in response to oxygen deficiency in relation to those from ammonium-cultivated plants. The more pronounced lactate accumulation by root segments of ammonium-grown plants was followed by a higher ethanol release in the medium, evidencing a more intense fermentation under oxygen deficiency than those from nitrate-grown plants. As expected, root segments from nitrate-cultivated plants produced higher amounts of nitrite and NO during hypoxia compared to ammonium cultivation. Exogenous nitrite supplied during hypoxia reduced both ethanol and lactate production and stimulated cyanide-sensitive NO emission by root segments from ammonium-cultivated plants, independent of nitrate. On the other hand, treatments with a NO donor or a NO scavenger did not affect the intensity of fermentation of soybean roots. Overall, these results indicate that nitrite participates in the nitrate-mediated modulation of the fermentative metabolism of soybean roots during oxygen deficiency. The involvement of mitochondrial reduction of nitrite to NO in this mechanism is discussed.

Temporal GPR imaging of an ethanol release within a laboratory-scaled sand tank

Within the last decade efforts in geophysical detection and monitoring of fossil fuel releases into the subsurface have shown increasing success, including the ability to geophysically detect and delineate enhanced and natural biodegradation and remediation activities. The substitution of biofuels, such as ethanol, for fossil fuels is becoming persistent in the national and international marketplaces making it subject to the same types of accidental releases and exposure scenarios currently associated with the transport and storage of fossil fuels. Thus, there is interest from both academics and regulators to investigate the feasibility of applying geophysical methodologies to biofuel releases. In this study, we performed experimental and numerical investigations on the feasibility of using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to monitor the migration of an ethanol release. A tank scale model of a closed hydrologic system was prepared with Ottawa sand and instrumented with an automated gantry measurement apparatus for time-lapse measurement of zero offset and coincident GPR reflections on multiple horizontal planes. Measurements were acquired in the unsaturated and saturated zones throughout the injection and transport of the ethanol release. The results of the monitoring suggest a measureable contrast within both time and frequency domains of the GPR data coincident with the ethanol release and subsequent migration. We conclude that the monitoring of ethanol in a sand matrix at various levels of saturation is possible with GPR.

Gel-Based Self-Propelling Particles Get Programmed To Dance

We present a class of gel-based self-propelling particles moving by the Marangoni effect in an oscillatory mode. The particles are made of an ethanol-infused polyacrylamide hydrogel contained in plastic tubing. These gel boats floating on the water surface exhibit periodic propulsion for several hours. The release of ethanol from the hydrogel takes place beneath the liquid surface. The released ethanol rises to the air-water interface by buoyancy and generates a self-sustained cycle of surface tension gradient driven motion. The disruption of the ethanol flux to the surface by the bulk flows around the moving particle results in their pulsating motion. The pulse interval and the distance propelled in a pulse by these gel floaters were measured and approximated by simple expressions based on the rate of ethanol mass-transfer through and out of the hydrogel. This allowed us to design a multitude of particles performing periodic steps in different directions or at different angles of rotation, traveling in complex preprogrammed trajectories on the surface of the liquid. Similar gel-based self-propelling floaters can find applications as mixers and cargo carriers in lab-on-a-chip devices, and in various platforms for sensing and processing at the microscale.

Evidence for ascending bubble driven flow patterns in champagne glasses, and their impact on gaseous CO2and ethanol release under standard tasting conditions

A simple glass of champagne or sparkling wine may seem like the acme of frivolity to most of people, but in fact it may rather be considered as a fantastic playground for any fluid physicist or physicochemist. In this tutorial review, some recent investigations on ascending bubble driven flow patterns found in various champagne glasses, and their impact on gaseous carbon dioxide and ethanol release under standard tasting conditions, are reported. Ascending bubble driven flow patterns found in the bulk of various glasses were evidenced, through laser tomography techniques, which illustrate the fine interplay between ascending bubbles and the fluid around. Moreover, spontaneous and self-organised two-dimensional convective cells were also evidenced at the air/champagne interface. In addition, the simultaneous monitoring of gaseous CO2 and ethanol in the headspace of both a flute and coupe filled with champagne was reported, depending on whether or not the glass shows effervescence. Both gaseous CO2 and etha...

Optimizing Ethanol-Baited Traps for Monitoring Damaging Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) in Ornamental Nurseries

The exotic ambrosia beetles Xylosandrus crassiusculus (Motschulsky) and Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) are serious pests in ornamental tree nurseries. To optimize bottle-traps as a monitoring system for X. crassiusculus and X. germanus in nurseries, we tested whether increasing the rate of commercial ethanol lures improved captures or early detection of these species. Experiments were conducted in Ohio (2008 and 2009) and Virginia (2008), two states that have experienced significant damage from X. crassiusculus, X. germanus, or both. There were four treatments: no-lure (unbaited control), 1-ethanol lure, 2-ethanol lures and 1 + 1-ethanol lures (one lure in the trap and one suspended 0.5 m above the trap). Captures of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus were higher in all ethanol treatments than unbaited controls, and were generally higher in treatments with two lures versus one. There was no difference in beetle captures between the 2-lure and 1 + 1-lure treatments. First detection of X. crassiusculus and X. germanus occurred more consistently in the treatments with two lures than one lure. Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg), Anisandrus sayi Hopkins, Hypothenemus dissimilis Zimmermann, and Hypothenemus eruditus Westwood were also more attracted to traps baited with ethanol than unbaited controls. X. saxesenii was captured in higher numbers in the treatments with two lures than one in Virginia but not in Ohio. There was no difference in captures of the other species among ethanol treatments. The current research shows that ethanol release rates influence sensitivity of traps for detecting emergence of overwintered ambrosia beetles.

The fire hazard of an ethanol process facility

AbstractA large release of high purity ethanol has been shown to pose a significant hazard to the structure and sensitive equipment of an unprotected process facility. A new methodology was developed that provides a practical means of measuring the maximum heat flux from an unprotected fire and the relative effectiveness of various water‐based protection schemes. These results were combined with large‐scale testing, using a representative multilevel process structure, to evaluate the performance of several sprinkler and water spray systems designs common to the industry. Several of these protection systems were shown to be inadequate to reduce the hazard below an acceptable level. However, when designed properly, sprinkler systems were shown to provide acceptable protection of the process structure, though local area water spray was needed for protecting objects near the pool fire surface. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2011

Impact of Swallowing on the Dynamics of Aroma Release and Perception during the Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages

The consumption protocol used during alcoholic beverage tasting may affect aroma perception. We used an integrated approach combining sensory analysis and physicochemistry to investigate the impact of swallowing on aroma release and perception. A panel of 10 persons evaluated the dynamics of aroma perception during the consumption of a commercial flavored vodka, using the method of temporal dominance of sensations. Two protocols (spitting out or swallowing of the product) were tested. Nosespace analysis was simultaneously carried out by proton transfer reaction mass spectrometry to evaluate aroma release in the nasal cavity. Comparison of the results obtained with the 2 protocols highlighted significant differences in both the perception and the release of aroma: the swallowing of the product resulted in more complex perceptions but decreased the dominance rates of aromatic attributes. Ethanol perception also had an impact when the product was swallowed. Aroma release data partly accounted for the differences in perception, particularly as concerned ethanol release. The time at which dominance appears as well as the dominance duration of some attributes can be related to some temporal parameters of release data. But the lack of knowledge concerning the variety and complexity of mechanisms continues to limit our understanding of relationship between aroma release and perception.

Metabolic effects of feeding ethanol or propanol to postpartum transition Holstein cows

Eight lactating Holstein cows implanted with a ruminal cannula and permanent indwelling catheters in major splanchnic blood vessels were used to investigate metabolism of propanol and ethanol in the postpartum transition period. Cows were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 treatments in a randomized design with a 2 by 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factor 1 was 2.6g of calcium carbonate/kg of dry matter (DM) versus 1.5g of 2-hydroxy-4-(methylthio)-butanoic acid isopropyl ester/kg of DM. Factor 2 was supplementation with 14g of propanol/kg of DM (propanol treatment; PT) versus 14g of ethanol/kg of DM (ethanol treatment; ET). Only factor 2 data are presented in the present paper. Treatments were administered in silage-based total mixed rations and cows were fed the experimental total mixed ration from the day of parturition. Daily rations were fed in 3 equally sized portions at 8-h intervals. Eight hourly sets of ruminal fluid, arterial, and hepatic portal and hepatic vein samples were collected at day −15±5, 4, 15, and 29 relative to parturition. Dry matter intake and milk yield increased with days in milk (DIM), but were not affected by treatment. From prepartum to 4 DIM ruminal concentrations of propanol and ethanol increased with PT and ET, respectively. Postpartum, alcohol intake increased 49% in PT and 34% in ET from 4 to 29 d in milk, respectively. Ruminal concentrations of the alcohols remained unaffected by DIM. Treatments did not affect total ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations, but the molar proportion of acetate increased in ET and the molar proportion of propionate increased in PT compared with the contrasting treatment. Propanol treatment decreased milk fat content at 15 to 29 DIM compared with ET. The net portal release of propanol and ethanol increased with increasing ruminal concentration of the respective alcohol. The portal release of alcohol accounted for 43 to 85% of ingested propanol and 36 to 57% of ingested ethanol. Hepatic uptake of propanol and ethanol equaled the net portal flux and no effect of treatment was detected for net splanchnic release of propanol and ethanol. In conclusion, ruminal metabolism is a major component of alcohol metabolism in dairy cows. The postpartum transition dairy cow has sufficient metabolic capacity to cope with high dietary concentrations of primary alcohols even when alcohol intake is abruptly increased at the day of calving. Alcohol intake affects milk fat content and alcohol composition of silage might be important to improve predictions of milk composition.

Species Dependent Influence of (−)-α-Pinene on Attraction of Ambrosia Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to Ethanol-Baited Traps in Nursery Agroecosystems

Field-based trapping experiments were conducted in Ohio in 2003, 2004, and 2008 to determine the influence of (-)-alpha-pinene on the attraction of exotic and native ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) to ethanol-baited traps. In 2003 and 2004, we determined the effect of adding an (-)-alpha-pinene ultrahigh release lure (UHR; 2 g/d at 20 degrees C) to traps baited with an ethanol UHR lure (0.39 g/d). FewerAnisandrus (Xyleborus) sayi (Hopkins) and Xyleborinus saxeseni (Ratzeburg) were collected in 2003 and 2004 from traps baited with ethanol UHR plus (-)-alpha-pinene UHR compared with ethanol UHR. (-)-alpha-Pinene also reduced the attraction of Xyloterinus politus (Say) to ethanol-baited traps in 2004. Total captures of Xylosandrus germanus (Blandford) in 2003 were higher in traps baited with ethanol UHR plus (-)-alpha-pinene UHR than in traps with ethanol UHR alone but not in 2004. In 2008, captures were compared among traps baited with eight combinations of ethanol and (-)-a-pinene at both UHR and low release (LR) rates. Release rates for ethanol LR and (-)-alpha-pinene LR were 0.027 and 0.0015 g/d, respectively. (-)-alpha-Pinene UHR and (-)-alpha-pinene LR reduced the attractiveness of ethanol UHR to A. sayi and X. saxeseni. Ethanol UHR was also more attractive than ethanol LR to A. sayi and X. germanus. These findings demonstrate traps baited with ethanol alone are more effective than ethanol plus (-)-alpha-pinene for monitoring ambrosia beetle flight activity in ornamental nurseries. Ethanol release rate is also an important consideration for monitoring purposes.

Removal of dyes from water using chitosan hydrogel/SiO2 and chitin hydrogel/SiO2 hybrid materials obtained by the sol–gel method

This work describes the synthesis of chitosan hydrogel/SiO2 and chitin hydrogel/SiO2 hybrid mesoporous materials obtained by the sol–gel method for their use as biosorbents. Their adsorption capabilities against four dyes (Remazol Black B, Erythrosine B, Neutral Red and Gentian Violet) were compared in order to evaluate chitin as a plausible replacement for chitosan considering its efficiency and lower cost. Both chitin and chitosan were used in the form of hydrogels. This allowed full compatibility with the ethanol release from tetraethoxysilane. The hybrid materials were characterized by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Nitrogen Adsorption Isotherms and 13C solid-state Nuclear Magnetic Resonance. Adsorption experimental data were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm models along with the evaluation of adsorption energy and standard free energy (ΔG0). The adsorption was observed to be pH dependent. The main mechanism of dye adsorption was found to be a spontaneous charge associated interaction, except for EB adsorption on chitin/SiO2 matrix, which showed to involve a lower energy physical adsorption interaction. Aside from highly charged dyes the chitin containing matrix has similar or higher adsorption capacity than the chitosan one.

Atração de adultos de Sphenophorus levis Vaurie (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) a fragmentos vegetais em diferentes estados de conservação

The occurrence of the sugarcane weevil Sphenophorus levis Vaurie is important in sugarcane in some regions in Brazil. Damage is caused by the larvae as they bore into the nodes and can reach 30 ton/ha/year. Many control alternatives have been attempted, but none were satisfactory, except for the use of toxic baits. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize their efficiency or to propose new techniques. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the attractiveness of adults of S. levis to sugarcane nodes and pineapple peelings in an 'Y' tube olfactometer. The sugarcane internodes were treated with 10% molasses, and tested after different periods of fermentation (24, 48 e 72h), at different times of the day (diurnal and nocturnal) and with both sexes. These tests were carried out in order to correlate the response of S. levis to ethyl acetate and ethanol release as a result of the fermentation process. The release of both compounds was monitored by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Our data indicated that sugarcane internodes mixed with 10% molasses fermented for 24h and 48h were the most attractive to S. levis (up to 90%). Pineapple peelings attracted 62.5% of the tested insects. The olfactory response was higher during the day, and no differences were found between the sexes. The production of ethanol in all plant substrates was higher than ethyl acetate, but we could not establish a clear correlation with the insect response to baits.

The perception of fragrance mixtures: A comparison of odor intensity models

AbstractA comparison of two psychophysical odor intensity models and their effect on the prediction of the odor character for perfume mixtures is presented. The odor value (OV) and Power‐Law models were applied together with previously developed perfumery ternary diagram (PTD®) and perfumery quaternary diagram (PQD) methodologies to map the perceived smell of quaternary and quinary fragrance mixtures. A diffusion model was used to simulate the evolution of liquid and headspace concentrations. The evaporation of perfumes starts with a fast ethanol release, then the diffusion of the fragrant components. The composition paths were predicted through the evaporation lines plotted in the PQD. The two odor intensity models present differences in the initial perfume impact, but after some time tend to similar profiles. The Power‐Law predicted higher ethanol intensities than the OV model, due to its exponent. Introducing water in perfume formulation fixes ethanol in the solution, thus reducing alcohol perception. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010

Comparative fire risk of motor vehicle fuels: Gasoline versus ethanol

AbstractIf motor vehicles switch from gasoline to E‐85 ethanol, is the fire risk to the general public reduced or increased? This article explores the fire risk associated with four accident scenarios: Transport from refinery to distributor (pipeline vs. truck or barge), Transport from distributor to retail facility by truck, Spill during fuel dispensing to motor vehicle, and Motor vehicle fire following traffic accident. Each of these scenarios represents a stage in the life cycle of the liquid fuel, from wholesale distribution and consumer usage.In each case the risk of fire is composed of the probability of occurrence and the consequences of the fire. The probabilities were estimated from various compilations of accident statistics. Overall, the probability of an E‐85 ethanol release was greater than or equal to a gasoline release. This was due to the comparative accident frequency of different transportation modes and distances involved.The fire consequences were quantified in terms of spill area, heat release rate and radiant heat flux to nearby targets. For spills of the same size, the gasoline fire tended to be more severe than the E‐85 ethanol fire. This is due to the differences in their physical properties, the enthalpies of combustion, and the emissivities of the flames. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2009