Odor Test Research Articles

Identification of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cepae race 4 isolated from shallots in East Java Indonesia

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp cepae (Foce) which causes moler disease, has been mutated into four races. The fourth race is the riskiest due to its vulnerability to being attacked by various cultivars. This research aims to identify the existence of Foce Race 4 in the shallot production center districts. The plant samples attacked by moler disease were taken in three districts (i.e., Magetan, Nganjuk, and Probolinggo) by Purposive Random Sampling method with 5% samples, obtaining 9 Foce isolates. The results were then identified using Volatile Odor Test (VOT), Biochemistry, and Vegetative Compatibility Group (VCG); four were identified as Race 4. Those four isolates were then examined for their virulences towards three cultivars, particularly Bauji, Tajuk, and Biru Lancor. The findings show that all four isolates were noxious and able to plague all the varieties.

Predictive value of abbreviated olfactory tests in prodromal Parkinson disease

There is disagreement in the literature whether olfaction may show specific impairments in Parkinson Disease (PD) and if olfactory tests comprised of selected odors could be more specific for diagnosis. We sought to validate previously proposed subsets of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT) odors for predicting conversion to PD in an independent, prodromal cohort. Conversion to PD was assessed in 229 participants in the Parkinson At Risk Study who completed baseline olfactory testing with the UPSIT and up to 12 years of clinical and imaging evaluations. No commercially available or proposed subset performed better than the full 40-item UPSIT. The proposed “PD-specific” subsets also did not perform better than expected by chance. We did not find evidence for selective olfactory impairment in Parkinson disease. Shorter odor identification tests, including commercially available 10–12 item tests, may have utility for ease of use and cost, but not for superior predictive value.

Emission and Mechanical Properties of Glass and Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Bio-Polyamide Composites.

Climate change, access, and monopolies to raw material sources as well as politically motivated trade barriers are among the factors responsible for a shortage of raw materials. In the plastics industry, resource conservation can be achieved by substituting commercially available petrochemical-based plastics with components made from renewable raw materials. Innovation potentials are often not used due to a lack of information on the use of bio-based materials, efficient processing methods, and product technologies or because the costs for new developments are too high. In this context, the use of renewable resources such as fiber-reinforced polymeric composites based on plants has become an important criterion for the development and production of components and products in all industrial sectors. Bio-based engineering thermoplastics with cellulose fibers can be used as substitutes because of their higher strength and heat resistance, but the processing of this composite is still challenging. In this study, composites were prepared and investigated using bio-based polyamide (PA) as a polymer matrix in combination with a cellulosic fiber and, for comparison purposes, a glass fiber. A co-rotating twin-screw extruder was used to produce the composites with different fiber contents. For the mechanical properties, tensile tests and charpy impact tests were performed. Compared to glass fiber, reinforced PA 6.10 and PA 10.10, a significantly higher elongation at break with regenerated cellulose fibers, can be achieved. PA 6.10 and PA 10.10 achieve significantly higher impact strengths with the regenerated cellulose fibers than the composites with glass fibers. In the future, bio-based products will also be used in indoor applications. For characterization, the VOC emission GC-MS analysis and odor evaluation methods were used. The VOC emissions (quantitative) were at a low level but the results of the odor tests of selected samples showed values mostly above the required limit values.

Biochemical conversion of waste paper slurries into bioethanol

Waste papers, which are a major constituent of municipal wastes, can be repurposed into the production of bioethanol, a renewable and ecofriendly fuel. Many studies have produced ethanol from print-grade papers, but literature on conversion of waste cartons is sparce. In this study, waste corrugated cartons and print-grade papers were reduced into slurries and were subjected to physical and chemical tests to determine their suitability for biosynthesis. Cellulose fibers in the slurries were directly hydrolyzed into glucose without prior pretreatment by dilute hydrochloric acid, and fermented into ethanol using Saccaromyces cerevisae. Density, flammability, color, odor, non-volatile residue and other qualitative tests were conducted on the ethanol produced. Glucose yield and the extraction efficiency in cellulose hydrolysis were significantly higher for waste cartons than print paper slurries. Qualitative tests reveal that the ethanol produced from both slurries has physical and chemical characteristics that are comparable to laboratory grade ethanol, contains no toxic impurities, and is suitable for use as a biofuel.

The effects of cognition, quality of life, and fatigue on olfactory function in patients with multiple sclerosis

AimThe frequency of olfactory dysfunction in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has revealed very different results in studies. Some studies have shown that olfactory dysfunction may be associated with cognitive impairment and poor quality of life. In these studies, different odor tests and cognitive tests were used and different results were obtained. Materials and methodsForty literate patients over the age of 18 and 24 healthy volunteers of similar age and education were included in the study. Sniffin' Sticks Odor Test, California Verbal Learning Test II, Symbol Digit Modalities Test, Revised Brief Visuospatial Memory Test, Trail-Making Test, Quality of Life Short Form-36, Fatigue Impact Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory were applied to the individuals. ResultsOlfactory dysfunction was detected in 50 % of the patients. High disability rate, low cognitive functions, low quality of life, and fatigue were identified as the factors affecting olfactory function negatively. Odor discrimination and identification abilities were associated with disability level and cognitive functions, whereas quality of life was linked to odor threshold scores. The olfactory function and cognitive abilities of patients with progressive MS (n = 5) were worse than those of patients with relapsing remitting MS (n = 35). ConclusionOlfactory dysfunction is common in patients with MS and is associated with disability and quality of life. Olfactory function can be used in the follow-up of patients and olfactory dysfunction deserves further study as a metric that might emerge as a biomarker.

E-Nose design and structures from statistical analysis to application in robotic: a compressive review

Since 1982, the olfactory system of creatures has piqued the interest of academics who seek to create a comparable system. Despite its mysterious nature, the first stage has been successfully completed with the development of the E-nose. Its extended applications have opened new doors for researchers, ranging from food quality testing to bomb detection and even, more recently, identifying those infected with the coronavirus. In this talk, we will review the structure and sensor behavior of the E-nose, as well as its applications, such as odour source localization and various applications in agriculture. The challenge of odour identification has prompted researchers to employ robots with sensors to investigate and locate odour sources. The present study aims to synthesize documented research and provide a fresh perspective on odour localization research efforts and tests conducted. The study highlights previous attempts to equip robots with sensors to explore the real indoor or outdoor environment. Initially, a review was conducted to investigate various aspects of the sector and the obstacles involved.

Reorganization of Brain Networks as a Substrate of Resilience: An Analysis of Cytochrome c Oxidase Activity in Rats.

The unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model has been used to induce depressive-like symptoms in animal models, showing adequate predictive validity. Our work aims to evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment (EE) on resilience in this experimental model of depression. We also aim to assess changes in brain connectivity using cytochrome c oxidase histochemistry in cerebral regions related to cognitive-affective processes associated with depressive disorder: dorsal hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, amygdala, accumbens, and habenula nuclei. Five groups of rats were used: UCMS, EE, EE+UCMS (enrichment+stress), BG (basal level of brain activity), and CONT (behavioral tests only). We assessed the hedonic responses elicited by sucrose solution using a consumption test; the anxiety level was evaluated using the elevated zero maze test, and the unconditioned fear responses were assessed by the cat odor test. The behavioral results showed that the UCMS protocol induces elevated anhedonia and anxiety. But these responses are attenuated previous exposure to EE. Regarding brain activity, the UCMS group showed greater activity in the habenula compared to the EE+UCMS group. EE induced a functional reorganization of brain activity. The EE+UCMS and UCMS groups showed different patterns of connections between brain regions. Our results showed that EE favors greater resilience and could reduce vulnerability to disorders such as depression and anxiety, modifying metabolic brain activity.

Development of parallel forms of a brief smell identification test useful for longitudinal testing.

Although there are numerous brief odor identification tests available for quantifying the ability to smell, none are available in multiple parallel forms that can be longitudinally administered without potential confounding from knowledge of prior test items. Moreover, empirical algorithms for establishing optimal test lengths have not been generally applied. In this study, we employed and compared eight machine learning algorithms to develop a set of four brief parallel smell tests employing items from the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test that optimally differentiated 100 COVID-19 patients from 132 healthy controls. Among the algorithms, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) achieved the best overall performance. The minimum number of odorant test items needed to differentiate smell loss accurately was identified as eight. We validated the sensitivity of the four developed tests, whose means and variances did not differ from one another (Bradley-Blackwood test), by sequential testing an independent group of 32 subjects that included persons with smell dysfunction not due to COVID-19. These eight-item tests clearly differentiated the olfactory compromised subjects from normosmics, with areas under the ROC curve ranging from 0.79 to 0.83. Each test was correlated with the overall UPSIT scores from which they were derived. These brief smell tests can be used separately or sequentially over multiple days in a variety of contexts where longitudinal olfactory testing is needed.

Therapeutic effects of CD133 + Exosomes on liver function after stroke in type 2 diabetic mice.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to adversely affect stroke recovery. However, few studies investigate how stroke elicits liver dysfunction, particularly, how stroke in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) exacerbates progression of NAFLD. In this study, we test whether exosomes harvested from human umbilical cord blood (HUCBC) derived CD133 + cells (CD133 + Exo) improves neuro-cognitive outcome as well as reduces liver dysfunction in T2DM female mice. Female, adult non-DM and T2DM mice subjected to stroke presence or absence were considered. T2DM-stroke mice were randomly assigned to receive PBS or Exosome treatment group. CD133 + Exo (20 μg/200 μl PBS, i.v.) was administered once at 3 days after stroke. Evaluation of neurological (mNSS, adhesive removal test) and cognitive function [novel object recognition (NOR) test, odor test] was performed. Mice were sacrificed at 28 days after stroke and brain, liver, and serum were harvested. Stroke induces severe and significant short-term and long-term neurological and cognitive deficits which were worse in T2DM mice compared to non-DM mice. CD133 + Exo treatment of T2DM-stroke mice significantly improved neurological function and cognitive outcome indicated by improved discrimination index in the NOR and odor tests compared to control T2DM-stroke mice. CD133 + Exo treatment of T2DM stroke significantly increased vascular and white matter/axon remodeling in the ischemic brain compared to T2DM-stroke mice. However, there were no differences in the lesion volume between non-DM stroke, T2DM-stroke and CD133 + Exo treated T2DM-stroke mice. In T2DM mice, stroke induced earlier and higher TLR4, NLRP3, and cytokine expression (SAA, IL1β, IL6, TNFα) in the liver compared to heart and kidney, as measured by Western blot. T2DM-stroke mice exhibited worse NAFLD progression with increased liver steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, fibrosis, serum ALT activity, and higher NAFLD Activity Score compared to T2DM mice and non-DM-stroke mice, while CD133 + Exo treatment significantly attenuated the progression of NAFLD in T2DM stroke mice. Treatment of female T2DM-stroke mice with CD133 + Exo significantly reduces the progression of NAFLD/NASH and improves neurological and cognitive function compared to control T2DM-stroke mice.

UJI EFEKTIFITAS EKSTRAK KULIT KULIM (Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc) SEBAGAI REPELLENT ANTI NYAMUK

The use of Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc as wood causes its availability in nature to decrease. An alternative step to utilize and maintain the availability of Kulim in nature is to utilize Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc’s bark extract. The bioactive substances and scent of Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc are considered capable of repelling insects and replacing DEET in chemical mosquito repellent raw materials. The use of Kulim wood extract is considered to be far better than the use of chemicals that can affect human health. This research was conducted in three laboratories, namely the forestry laboratory, organic chemistry laboratory and natural synthesis and chemical engineering laboratory. The parameters to know the quality of the extract from the bark of the Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc’s branch were yield observation, color observation, odor test and skin sensitivity, phytochemical test and the extract effectiveness test against mosquitoes which were expected to be in accordance with the criteria of the pesticide commission of the Department of Agriculture in 1995. The results showed that the yield from Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc’s wood extract was found to be worth 0.83%, the color of the extract was brown because it used water solvent, the distinctive aroma of the Scorodocarpus borneensis Becc was not found in the extract because it was dominated by tannins and the extract felt warm on the skin, phytochemical tests showed that the kulim extract contained substances such as saponins, phenolic, steroids and tannins as well as the effectiveness test of the extract against mosquitoes found a protection result of 44% which has not been able to meet the standard of repellent protection criteria from the Pesticide Commission of the Department of Agriculture in 1995.

Abstract TMP112: CD133+Exosome Treatment Improves Neuro-cognitive And Cardiac Function After Stroke In Female Adult Type 2 Diabetic Mice

Background: Cardiac complications post-stroke are common, and diabetes exacerbates post-stroke cardiac injury. In this study, we tested whether treatment with exosomes harvested from human umbilical cord blood derived CD133+ cells (CD133+Exo) improve neuro-cognitive and cardiac function in female type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) mice subjected to ischemic stroke. Methods: Female, adult non-DM and T2DM mice were randomized to: 1) Non-DM (n=6), 2) Non-DM-stroke (n=15), 3) T2DM (n=8), 4) T2DM-stroke (n=12) and 5) T2DM-stroke+Exo (n=13). CD133+Exo (20μg/200μl PBS, i.v.) was administered 3 days after stroke. Evaluation of neurological function (mNSS, adhesive removal test), cognitive function (novel object recognition (NOR) test, odor test) and cardiac function (echocardiography) was performed, and mice were sacrificed at 28 days after stroke. Results: Stroke induces severe neurological deficits and significant short-term and long-term memory deficits which were worse in T2DM mice compared to non-DM mice. CD133+Exo treatment in T2DM-stroke mice significantly improves neurological function and cognitive outcome indicated by improved discrimination index in NOR test and odor test compared to control T2DM-stroke mice. T2DM-stroke induces significant cardiac dysfunction indicated by reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and shortening fraction (LVSF) compared to T2DM-control and non-DM-stroke mice. CD133+Exo treatment significantly improves LVEF, LVSF and heart rate and reduces left ventricular dimension compared to T2DM-stroke mice. T2DM-stroke mice exhibit significantly increased cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and inflammation compared to T2DM-control and non-DM-stroke mice. Treatment of T2DM-stroke with CD133+Exo significantly reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, cardiac fibrosis and inflammation compared to T2DM-stroke mice. T2DM-stroke increases while CD133+Exo treatment reduces expression of serum inflammatory factors such as MMP-2, DKK-1, CRP, VCAM, CXCL5 and Cystatin-C. Conclusions: In T2DM-stroke mice, CD133+Exo treatment significantly improves neurological, cognitive, and cardiac function, and reduces cardiac pathological remodeling compared to T2DM-stroke control mice.

Preparation and Characterization of Natural Zeolite Minerals to Reduce Free Fatty Acid Levels in Used Cooking Oil

Zeolite as a catalyst can increase its activity by carrying out physical and chemical activation processes. Physical activation can be activated by reducing the size of the zeolite through grinding and sieving methods, from the physical activation process it can increase the surface area of the zeolite. In this study, zeolite was chemically activated by acid activation method by immersing natural zeolite with HCl and HF. The oxide compound in the activated zeolite was characterized using XRF. The activated zeolite was used to reduce the free fatty acid levels with variations in the addition of 7 to 10 grams of zeolite. The content of free fatty acids is then compared with the quality requirements of cooking oil according to SNI 01-3741-2013. The results of the research conducted showed that there were differences in the content of oxide compounds in zeolite before and before activation with differences in SiO2 content, namely 69.4% before activation and an increase of 82.1% after activation. The results of the state test including physical properties, odor, and taste tests of used cooking oil that have been purified indicate that used cooking oil that has been purified meets the quality requirements of cooking oil based on SNI 01-3741-2013. Used cooking oil that has been purified has a normal taste, does not smell. rancid and yellow. The content of free fatty acids meets the requirements of SNI 01-3741-2013 for all variations of the addition of zeolite with the highest decreasing value obtained at the addition of 10 g of zeolite with a free fatty acid content value of 0.22%.

Development and characterization of socks with improved anti-odour, thermo-regulating and handle properties

Due to awareness of the potential threats of spreading diseases, the demand for antimicrobial fabrics in the world market has grown significantly and, is, expected to increase the share of medical textiles in the future world market. The purpose of this study is to develop antibacterial socks with the application of silver particles and to study thermo- physiological properties as well as the evaluation of tactile sensory perceptions of treated socks against untreated socks. Socks, which are a necessary item of clothing, need to be comfortable and affordable. The materials used for this study are cotton and polyester fibre with three different cross-sectional shapes i.e., common Polyester (round shape), Coolmax (Channeled polyester) and Thermolite (Hollow polyester). Blend ratios with percentages of 80/20 Cotton/Polyester, 80/20 Cotton/Coolmax and 80/20 Cotton/Thermolite were used as main yarns in plain crew socks while elastane yarn is used in the same percentage in all developed socks. A comparison between the samples treated with silver particles and the corresponding control samples concerning the selected properties was done. The presence of particles on the treated fibre was confirmed through an SEM study. Testing of untreated and treated fabrics for antibacterial study and odour test was carried out and found significant. The thermo-physiological properties such as air permeability, relative water vapour permeability % and thermal resistance were also studied and found better results as compared to untreated samples. Later tactile sensorial comfort i.e., fabric hand value was compared which is improved for treated samples which makes the wearer comfortable hand feeling. These data present a great interest to socks manufacturers who can make better choices to manufacture, cost-effective anti-odour socks.

Sinonasal Outcome After Endoscopic Transnasal Surgery-A Prospective Rhinological Study.

The sinonasal outcome after transnasal skull base surgery has often been neglected aside from major outcome criteria as extent of tumor resection, ophthalmological, and endocrinological parameters. To analyze rhinological outcome after endoscopic transnasal neurosurgery. Patients were treated using a middle turbinate-preserving transnasal endoscopic approach for sellar/parasellar lesions. As major variables, olfactory function and nose breathing ability were assessed. The study participants were investigated by odor testing ("Sniffin' sticks"), rhinomanometry, and endoscopic inspection of the nasal cavity before and 6 months after surgery. Furthermore, sinonasal-associated quality of life was measured before, immediately and 6 months after surgery with a standardized questionnaire (SNOT-20-GAV). Eighty-two patients (47 male, 35 female, median age 55 years) matched the inclusion criteria. Before surgery, the average odor was found to be 30.75 (≥31 = normosmia); in the postinterventional examination at 6 months, the average increased to 33.08 (n.s.). Rhinomanometric examination of binostril nasal airflow showed an average of 590.42 mL/s on inspiration before and an increase to 729.78 mL/s at 6 months after surgery. SNOT-20 symptom scores had a maximum score right after and no difference at 6 months after surgery (scores 23.76 and 14.91 vs 15.53 before surgery). Based on the study, the endoscopic transnasal technique preserving the middle turbinate has no significant negative effects on the rhinological outcome.

A highly expressed odorant receptor from the yellow fever mosquito, AaegOR11, responds to (+)- and (−)-fenchone and a phenolic repellent

The cornerstone of the reverse chemical ecology approach is the identification of odorant receptors (OR) sensitive to compounds in a large panel of odorants. In this approach, we de-orphanize ORs and, subsequently, measure behaviors elicited by these semiochemicals. After that, we evaluate behaviorally active compounds for applications in insect vector management. Intriguingly, multiple ORs encoded by genes highly expressed in mosquito antennae do not respond to any test odorant. One such case is CquiOR125 from the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus Say. To better understand CquiOR125's role in Culex mosquito olfaction, we have cloned a CquiOR125 orthologue in the genome of the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti (L.), AaegOR11. Unlike the unresponsive nature of the orthologue in Cx. quinquefasciatus, oocytes co-expressing AaegOR11 and AaegOrco elicited robust responses when challenged with fenchone, 2,3-dimethylphenol, 3,4-dimethylphenol, 4-methycyclohexanol, and acetophenone. Interestingly, AaegOR11 responded strongly and equally to (+)- and (−)-fenchone, with no chiral discrimination. Contrary to reports in the literature, fenchone did not show any repellency activity against Ae. aegypti or Cx. quinquefasciatus. Laboratory and field tests did not show significant increases in egg captures in cups filled with fenchone solutions compared to control cups. The second most potent ligand, 2,3-dimethylphenol, showed repellency activity stronger than that elicited by DEET at the same dose. We, therefore, concluded that AaegOR11 is a mosquito repellent sensor. It is feasible that CquiOR125 responds to repellents that remain elusive.

Pengujian Kualitas Air Minum Isi Ulang (Galon) Masyarakat Samata-Gowa Sulawesi Selatan

An assesment of the quality of refill drinking water (gallon water) has been carried out. The purpose of this study is to determine the quality of drinking water consumed by people in Samata-Gowa. There were five water samples taken from five residents' houses. The method used were testing physical and chemical parameters. These two methods consisted of temperature, color, odor, and taste tests; biological test with simple method; chemical test using tea water; pH meter test (acidity); conductivity test; and assay for Pb and Fe metal levels using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer). The results obtained included that the temperature of the five samples was in the range of 23.0 °C-27.0 °C, there were showing no turbidity/colorless, odorless, and bland taste; biological test of each sample showed no precipitate formed; chemical tests on the five samples indicated that there were no change in color; pH and conductivity values ranged from 7.5-8.79 and 65.2-109.3 S/cm, respectively; Fe and Pb levels in each sample were 0.0-0.1 mg/mL and 0.05-0.08 mg/L. Based on these data, the quality of refill drinking water for the people of Gowa-Samata is still suitable for consumption because some of these parameters qualified the standards.

Anosmia/hyposmia differences between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants; objective olfactory function evaluation

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate whether the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants cause more or less loss of smell than the wild type variant as a clinical finding that may guide physicians in addition to the increased mortality feature. Patients and Methods: In the prospective study, Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center (CCCRC) odor testing was performed on patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) between May 2021 and December 2021, and variants of SARS-CoV-2 isolated from patients were analyzed. A total of 51 patients (30 males and 21 females; mean age 59.3±14.2 years; range, 29 to 88 years) were included in the study. Age, sex, and COVID-19 vaccine status of the patients were recorded. The patients were asked whether they had new-onset odor or taste complaints and whether they differently perceived smells they knew. Results: The delta variant was detected in 14 patients, the alpha variant was detected in 20 patients, and no variant of concern was detected in 17 patients. Odor disorders were present in 79.4% of all patients (13.73% anosmia, 15.69% severe hyposmia, 13.7% moderate hyposmia, and 37.2% mild hyposmia). There was no statistically significant difference between sex, age, smoking habits, presence of parosmia, degree of smell disorder, and Vicks definition results according to the variants (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference was found between alpha and delta variants in terms of patients' complaints of decreased smell and taste, mean olfactory threshold value, and mean olfactory score variables (p<0.05). There was no difference in terms of age and identification score. The complaints of smell and taste disorders, the mean threshold value of odor, and the mean odor score were found to be significantly lower in the delta variant than in the alpha variant. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 variants differ significantly in olfactory dysfunction. Future clinical and laboratory studies may show the diagnostic, clinical, and prognostic significance of olfactory nerve injury.

Analysis of the Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Odor Occurrence in South Korea - Focused on Chungcheongnam-do Area

This study was performed to analyze the temporal and spatial characteristics of odor occurrence, how to set priorities of institutional support for customized odor management measures suitable for each region's situation, and manage effective odor reduction focusing on the complex odor test for 1,476 odor samples that filed a complaint in 15 cities and counties of Chungcheongnam-do area in South Korea, for 5 years from 2016 to 2020. In particular, the cause of odor focusing on the odor complaints by livestock farms and large businesses place was identified, and spatiotemporal characteristics were investigated. civil complaints caused by odor occurrence are increasing year by year, and over the past five years, 424 cases at the outlet of facilities and 1,052 cases at the borderline were much more frequent. Also, the nonconformity rate exceeding the emission acceptance criteria increased by 3.7 % at the outlet and 13.2 % at the borderline. In addition, the occurrence of odors has been steadily increasing every year since 2016, and the nonconformity rate exceeding the criteria at the borderline is high. The monthly odor occurrence is 184 cases in July, the highest in summer and 56 cases in January, which is relatively low in winter. The number of odor occurrences showed a correlation with temperature (R2=0.7104) and humidity (R2=0.7879). In addition, the highest number of complaints occurred when the average humidity 70 ~ 80 %, the average temperature 20 ~ 25℃, and the average wind speed were 1 ~ 1.5 m/s. Looking at the characteristics of odor occurrence by facility, of 1,476 cases that have been filed in Chungcheongnam-do area, odor complaints by livestock farms accounted for 48.4 %, 715 of 1,476. Also, out of 715 cases, 502 cases were pig breeding facilities and 125 cases were poultry places. The nonconformity rate exceeding the emission acceptance criteria was showed as 32.8 % for poultry place and 19.9% ​​for pig breeding facility. A relationship between the number of breeding livestock and the occurrence of odor complaints was found R2=0.714. Accordingly, it is considered that it is necessary to study on the separation distance of odor component and the appropriateness of the number of breeding livestock by identifying the odor component of type of livestock and the number of breeding livestock for the administrative and institutional measures. With using geocoding program to visualize the source of odors and use a system that shows the density of the facility by city and county, it is judged that it will be able to monitor odors, respond quickly to odors, predict their spread, and manage the sources efficiently. The discomfort caused by odor are mostly occurring in surrounding of livestock facility are concentrated. In order to solve the fundamental odor problem, it is urgent to improve technology and related systems for reducing odors generated in livestock facilities, and provide administrative and financial support. Applying big data analysis technology using visualization programs such as geocoding is considered to be useful for systematic odor management policies by scientifically investigating and managing occurrence.

Experimental protocol to repel opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) through an artisanal odor repellent device

Background: The human-opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) conflict has increased during the last decades mainly due to natural habitat loss, and mediated by generalist and opportunistic habits of opossums. A potential solution to reduce this conflict is to discourage the presence of opossums in human settlements without affecting the welfare of either part. Objective: To develop an artisanal odor device and test three chemical substances (citronella, ammonia, and creolin) for their separate effectiveness to drive away opossums. Methods: We first attracted local opossums using fruits or canned sardines as bait in an urban natural park (n=2 sites) and a peri-urban forest reserve (n=4 sites), both located in the Municipality of Envigado, Province of Antioquia, Colombia. Then we installed odor devices containing one of the three chemicals on each site and let them there during two weeks. The test was repeated with each of the chemicals in all sites. The number of opossum visits per night was recorded daily using camera-traps with bait and bait+chemical. Results: We found that ammonia and creolin were associated to fewer opossum visits per night. Citronella did not reduce the presence of opossums. In addition, the number of opossums/per night was higher in the urban park compared with the forest reserve. Conclusion: We suggest to further test the repellent effect of ammonia and creolin on real human-opossum conflict scenarios; however, caution is warranted given their irritant, flammable, and corrosive properties.

Validation of a polymer odor capture-and-release (POCR) aid for training canines to detect triacetone triperoxide (TATP)

A major issue in canine training for the detection of hazardous materials is the limited availability of materials for handlers and trainers on a routine basis. This is particularly a challenge for homemade explosives such as triacetone triperoxide (TATP), which is friction and impact sensitive, making it hazardous to handle for all canine and bomb technician personnel. The polymer odor capture and release training aid (POCR) was designed as a solution to this challenge. The TATP POCR consists of a layer of absorptive polymer enclosed in a seamless metal container. In this configuration, the POCR provides a non-hazardous training aid that delivers odor at a known, reproducible rate. This study evaluated the TATP POCR both chemically and in canine testing to provide a validated training aid. Chemical analysis determined how much TATP was absorbed by the polymer in the POCR, and subsequently determined that the POCR had an odor concentration comparable to a 1 g laboratory-grade TATP training aid with a 13-hole lid. Finally, the dissipation rate of TATP from the POCR (7.8 m/min) was established up to 0.5 m.The chemical results were compared to the success in canine detection results. Three phases of canine testing were conducted: 1) Initial validation with an internal cohort of canines imprinted on the TATP POCR, 2) Pilot testing with operational explosives detection canines imprinted on the bulk TATP, and 3) External testing with operational explosives detection canines imprinted on either TATP POCR or bulk TATP. Across all phases, alerts to the respective testing odor in both controlled odor discrimination and operational search testing was above 80 %. For the internal cohort of canines that were trained on the TATP POCR, alerts to the TATP training aid were >90 % and false alerts were < 10 %, validating the training method and material. The combined results provide evidence that the TATP POCR may be used efficiently in initial or maintenance training as well as in retaining motivation and performance in operational settings. This is one of the first studies of its kind to thoroughly evaluate a canine training aid by presenting chemical analysis and supporting canine testing across internally-sourced and operational externally-sourced canine groups.