Odorous Materials Research Articles

ScentClue: Enhancing Story Engagement in Virtual Reality Through Hedonically Varied Olfactory Hints

To enhance the engagement and significance of olfaction as a novel medium in multimedia systems, we aim to integrate different hedonic odorous cues into narratives to augment immersion in virtual experiences. We introduce the ScentClue system, comprising (1) an original and murder-themed experimental film incorporating four distinct hedonic odor cues synchronized with audiovisual elements, (2) a neck-worn scent delivery device capable of dispensing four different odors, and (3) an Unreal Engine-based virtual cinema environment enabling rapid control of video playback and odor dissemination. Experimenting with 18 participants divided into control groups with and without odor stimuli, we validated the system’s usability and effectiveness of odor cue settings. Furthermore, we found that the use of odors with different hedonic qualities could enhance odor recognition, amplify thematic story ambiance, and aid in the rapid differentiation of complex relationships. Finally, we discussed expanded scenarios and interaction modalities for ScentClue, proposing future narrative-driven olfaction-enhanced multimedia designs with considerations for odor cue settings, odor material selection, and scent-releasing setup, particularly unpleasant odors.

Ozone catalytic oxidation of dimethyl sulfide and surface analysis of iodine catalyst

This study reports on the ozone catalytic oxidation of dimethyl sulfide; a major odor material in wastewater facilities. A xenon excimer lamp (XEL) was used for ozone generation, and iodine compounds (I− and IO3 −) were utilized as a catalyst. The three types of activated carbon tested as catalysts were: activated carbon impregnated with iodine compounds and sulfate (AC-I/S), activated carbon impregnated with iodine (AC-I) and activated carbon without impregnation (AC). Only AC-I/S had catalytic activity in the dynamic adsorption experiment. The breakthrough time of dimethyl sulfide increased by 10 times upon adding ozone to the AC-I/S. Catalyst characterization by pH measurement and XPS analysis suggested that the catalytic activity of iodine compounds was influenced by the surface acidity. These results suggest that the XEL and AC-I/S are applicable for ozone catalytic oxidation in gas treatments.

Seasonal atmospheric characteristics in a swine finishing barn equipped with a continuous pit recirculation system using aerobically treated manure.

This study was conducted to determine the seasonal characteristics of odorous material emissions from a swine finishing barn equipped with a continuous pit recirculation system (CPRS) using aerobically treated manure. The CPRS consists of an aerobic manure treatment process and a pit recirculation system, where the solid fraction is separated and composted. The aerated liquid fraction (290.0%±21.0% per day of total stored pig slurry) is continuously recirculated to the top of the slurry in the pit. Four confinement pig barns in three piggery farms were used: two were equipped with CPRS, and the other two operated a slurry pit under the slatted floor across all seasons. The indoor, exhaust, and outside odor intensities were significantly lower in the CPRS group than in the control group (p<0.001). In the CPRS group, the odor intensity outside was significantly lower in the fall than in the other seasons (p = 0.015). In the indoor atmosphere, the temperature and CO2, NH3, and H2S contents of the CPRS group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05). In the CPRS group, indoor temperature did not significantly change in the spring, summer, and fall seasons and was significantly lower in the winter (p = 0.002). NH3, H2S, methyl mercaptan, dimethyl disulfide, trimethylamine, phenol, indole, and skatole levels were significantly lower in the CPRS group than in the control group (p<0.05). There were significant seasonal differences on the odorous material in both the control and CPRS groups (p<0.05), but the pattern was not clear across seasons. The CPRS can reduce the indoor temperature in the summer to a level similar to that in the spring and fall seasons. The CPRS with aerated liquid manure is expected to reduce and maintain malodorous emissions within acceptable limits in swine facilities.

Effect of aerobically treated manure on odorous material emissions from a swine finishing barn equipped with a continuous pit recirculation system.

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to determine reduction of various odorous materials from a swine farm equipped with a continuous pit recirculation system (CPRS) with aerobically treated liquid manure.MethodsThe CPRS is used in swine farms in South Korea, primarily to improve air quality in pig houses. In this study, CPRS consists of a manure aerobic treatment system and a fit recirculation system; the solid fraction is separated and composted, whereas the aerobically treated liquid fraction (290.0%±21.0% per day of total stored swine slurry) is continuously returned to the pit. Four confinement pig barns in three piggery farms were used; two were equipped with CPRS and the other two operated a slurry pit under the slatted floor.ResultsAll chemical contents of slurry pit manure in the control were greater than those of slurry pit manure in the CRPS treatment (p<0.05). Electrical conductivity and pH contents did not differ among treatments. The biological oxygen demand of the slurry pit treatment was greater than that of the other treatments (p<0.05). Total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ammonia nitrogen contents of the slurry pit treatment were greater than those of other treatments (p<0.05). Odor intensity of the CPRS treatment was lower than that of the control at indoor, exhaust, and outside sampling points (p<0.05). The temperature and carbon dioxide of the CPRS treatment in the pig barn was significantly lower than those of control (p<0.05). All measured odorous material contents of the CPRS group were significantly lower than those of the control group (p<0.05).ConclusionThe CPRS application in pig farms is considered a good option as it continuously reduces the organic load of animal manure and lowers the average odorant concentration below the threshold of detecting odorous materials.

Multivariate Analysis and Classification of 146 Odor Character Descriptors

IntroductionSmells can be described by assigning the words that come to mind when sniffing an odorous material. A great number of terms can be applied, but not all of them are independent, and it is possible to establish groups of words often applied together when describing a smell. Such classification of olfactory descriptors is of scientific interest in order to better understand the dimensionality and structure of human olfactory perception space. For this purpose, compilations of olfactory profiles contain valuable information that may lead to certain consensus in odor classification.MethodsOne of the most comprehensive odor databases is the Dravnieks’ Atlas, which contains quantitative olfactory profiles for 160 samples. For each one, a large panel rated the applicability of 146 odor character descriptors on a numeric scale.ResultsBy applying principal component analysis to this Atlas, 105 descriptors were reorganized in 24 classes, and 33 attributes were considered as odors intermediate of two or three categories. The similarities between classes were studied by means of a further multivariate analysis based on latent variables, which provides valuable information about the most salient dimensions of odor space.ConclusionsConsistent with other reported statistical analyses of olfactory databases, the perceptual space of odor character is multidimensional with about 20–30 dimensions, and it is better described as a continuum spectrum rather than as a segmented space.ImplicationsAttempts to classify all possible odor descriptors in a restricted number of classes appear to be inappropriate. Instead, 24 categories of related terms are proposed here, regarding the rest as intermediate smells, assuming that olfactory classes are not independent and follow certain hierarchy according to particular underlying dimensions.

Comprehensive analysis of microbial dynamics linked with the reduction of odorous compounds in a full-scale swine manure pit recharge system with recirculation of aerobically treated liquid fertilizer.

It is believed that the generation of odorous materials in manure-slurry pits during the storage can be reduced by recirculating aerobically treated liquid fertilizer (ATLF) to a manure-pit recharge system (PRS). However, the biological mechanisms for reduction of those problematic compounds remain poorly understood. In this study, the links between microbial evolution and changes in chemical composition and odorous compounds were analyzed where swine-manure slurry was stored in a full-scale PRS. Some beneficial microorganisms were successfully established in the PRS. This resulted in the accumulation of fewer undesirable chemical components and lower amounts of odorous compounds compared to those in a conventional swine-manure slurry pit (the control). Decrease in the volatile fatty acids (1387-8478mg/L→306-1258mg/L) and NH3 (3387-4300mg/L→85-200mg/L) in the PRS was mainly due to the development of a key community that included a mix of aerobic, anaerobic fermentative, nitrifying (0.1-0.6%) and denitrifying (1.7-3.5%), and methanogenic microorganisms (2.1-4.2%). Meanwhile, the generation of greater amounts of H2S (12-290mg/L→61-1754mg/L) was found in the PRS, which condition was supported by the increased proportion of sulfate-reducing bacteria (0.5-3%). To the authors' best knowledge this is the first study comprehensively analyzing microbial dynamics linked with the reduction of odorous compounds in the full-scale PRS in response to recirculation of ATLF.

Effect of operational conditions in a biomass stoker incinerator on the concentration of odorous materials emitted from stack

Effect of operational conditions in a biomass stoker incinerator on the concentration of odorous materials emitted from stack

Comparison of OH and NaClO on geosmin degradation in the process of algae colonies inactivation at a drinking water treatment plant

• OH equipment was developed to install in drinking water system of 12000 m 3 /day. • OH degraded GSM in the process of algae colonies inactivation within 20 s. • OH inactivated algae colonies to individual intact ones without IOM release. • OH mineralized GSM through the crucial ring opening reactions. • All water quality and DBP indexes satisfied the limits of Chinese Standards. Excessive proliferation of cyanobacteria blooms resulting in metabolic musty-earthy odor materials such as geosmin (GSM) pose potential risks to aquatic ecosystems and human health. In this paper, a high-yield OH equipment was developed to be installed in drinking water treatment system with a capacity of 12,000 m 3 /day in the Xiang’an Water Plant, Xiamen, China, and the comparison of OH and NaClO on GSM degradation in the process of algae colonies inactivation were studied. The results showed that with OH inactivation at 1.0 mg/L within 20 s algae colonies were scattered to individual algae that still had intact shape, while with the NaClO inactivation at 2 h algae still mainly existed as colonies form but were deformed and ruptured due to extensive damage of cell membrane. After the coagulation sedimentation with injection of OH at 1.0 mg/L and the sand filtration at 0.5 mg/L, the GSM were both degraded to below 10 ng/L (Chinese standard limit) within only 20 s, while the NaClO degraded GSM slightly until 2 h later. Based on the intermediates analyses with mass spectra database, pathways of GSM degradation by OH or NaClO were obtained. With OH disinfection at 0.5 mg/L, all water quality and disinfection by-product indexes satisfied the limits of Chinese Standards. Therefore, the OH method based on the strong ionization discharge showed great prospect for large-scale industrial application in inactivation of algae colonies meanwhile degradation of odorous material GSM.

Local dispersion of odorous materials from cement manufacturing stack by computational fluid dynamics

Local dispersion of odorous materials from cement manufacturing stack by computational fluid dynamics

Design of automated collection and transfer robot for powder and flexible materials

In order to solve the problem of collection and transport of toxic or odorous powder and flexible materials in industrial production, this article designs a robot that automatically collects and transports materials. Firstly, the system composition of the automated collection and transfer robot with the functions of collecting, transporting and trajectory traveling is discussed. The working principle of each functional module is introduced. The mechanical structure design of parallel parallelogram switch mechanism, grade I and II height adjusting mechanism, transfer device and walking device is completed. Secondly, a control system with STM32 chip as the core is designed. With the signal of relevant sensors as the auxiliary, the material collection, posture adjustment and trajectory traveling are realized. Finally, the rationality of the scheme is verified by the static and dynamic simulation of the key components of each functional module of the robot. The designed robot had been proved to have good running stability and reliability by simulation results, prototype trial and commissioning for key parts.

Antifouling Cellulose Hybrid Biomembrane for Effective Oil/Water Separation.

Oil/water separation has been of great interest worldwide because of the increasingly serious environmental pollution caused by the abundant discharge of industrial wastewater, oil spill accidents, and odors. Here, we describe simple and economical superhydrophobic hybrid membranes for effective oil/water separation. Eco-friendly, antifouling membranes were fabricated for oil/water separation, waste particle filtration, the blocking of thiol-based odor materials, etc., by using a cellulose membrane (CM) filter. The CM was modified from its original superhydrophilic nature into a superhydrophobic surface via a reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer technique. The block copolymer poly{[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl acrylate]-block-myrcene} was synthesized using a "grafting-from" approach on the CM. The surface contact angle that we obtained was >160°, and absorption tests of several organic contaminants (oils and solvents) exhibited superior levels of extractive activity and excellent reusability. These properties rendered this membrane a promising surface for oil/water separation. Interestingly, myrcene blocks thiol (through "-ene-" chemistry) contaminants, thereby bestowing a pleasant odor to polluted water by acting as an antifouling material. We exploited the structural properties of cellulose networks and simple chemical manipulations to fabricate an original material that proved to be effective in separating water from organic and nano/microparticulate contaminants. These characteristics allowed our material to effectively separate water from oily/particulate phases as well as embed antifouling materials for water purification, thus making it an appropriate absorber for chemical processes and environmental protection.

On the Control Process of Odor Material by Using Coffee Wastes

On the Control Process of Odor Material by Using Coffee Wastes

A Study on Relationship between Odor Contaminants at Industrial Complex and Neighboring Residential Area

This study investigated relation between odor contaminants at industrial complex and neighboring residential area. The subject was Seongseo Industrial Complex at Dalseo-gu, Daegu. The study examined not only composite odor but also 15 odor matters nominated by areas of control, boundary and influence. The composite odor had no difference between control area, boundary area and influence area. The nitrogen compound of the composite odor material had ammonia, and aldehyde compound had acete aldehyde and butyl aldehyde, and volatile organic compound had toluene, styrene, xylene, methyl ethyl ketone and methyl isobutyl ketone. To solve odor problem concerning civil petition of odor at residential area in industrial complex, investigation into ingredient and concentration of odor matter shall be done firstly. Evaluation on effect of odor point based on the findings was difficult to do. This study investigated characteristics of odor according to civil petition of odor in industrial complex to establish systematic program and to give actual lessening of odor.

Confirmation of odor materials in the Cheong-ju industrial complex area and characteristics of diffusion in residential areas

Confirmation of odor materials in the Cheong-ju industrial complex area and characteristics of diffusion in residential areas

Experimental Evaluation of Odor Treatment for Discharge Plasma by Using Ceramic Tube

The odor removal technology in this research is the new technology which emits the discharge plasma in the area of AC, and through the research discharge plasma-ozone-absorption filter is accomplished as process system. In order for this, we combine the advantages of chemical technology, a discharge plasma technology, and ozone absorption filter technology together and emit the plasma on the odor materials that is collected in first step. Through this process, we are able to see that hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptan, trimethylamine and volatile organic compounds, bacteria, etc. which are major cause of various ill odor are removed, and through passing the plasma generator which makes free radicals that is ten times more powerful than ozone sterilizer, the rest of the odor substances is removed by redox reactions. In the third step, the rest of zone is absorbed and emitted into the air by using the absorption filter. The rate of efficiency as the result of this research is 99%, using 5㎥/min ceramic tube and applying 15m/sec wind and 360mm/Aq pressure.

Characteristics of actinomycetes producing geosmin in Paldang Lake, Korea

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB) are organic compounds known to cause earthy and musty odors in drinking water. In Korea, during the summer of 2012, a geosmin outbreak in the drinking water supply prompted further research to identify the source of the odorous materials, since these occurrences were not well understood or monitored. The purpose of this study was to investigate how important a role actinomycetes play in the production of geosmin and 2-MIB in Paldang Lake by measurement of microbial density (the number of colony-forming units), pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA genes, and determination of the prevalence of the geosmin synthase gene. Three sampling sites (P1, P2, and P3) were selected. The increase in geosmin concentration was paralleled by an increase in actinomycetes (Streptomyces spp.) and cyanobacteria (Anabaena spp.) populations. The bacterial communities in Paldang Lake were characterized by 454 pyrosequencing based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. P1 (North Han River) showed the highest density of actinomycetes, followed by P2 (Paldang Dam), and P3 (South Han River). The density of Streptomyces spp. increased at P1, while that of cyanobacteria increased at P3. No significant density change was noted in those two species at P2, a confluence of two rivers. The genes producing geosmin or 2-MIB were detected in 60 single strains that were isolated from water samples in Paldang Lake. This study confirmed that Streptomyces spp. significantly affect the production of geosmin that causes odors in Paldang Lake.

Preparation and characterization of chitosan nanoparticles as the delivery system for tuberose fragrance

ABSTRACTChitosan (CS) exhibits non‐toxicity, biocompatibility and antibacterial activity in the pharmaceutical field. Fragrance is obtained by blending a large number of different spices and odorous materials in a specific ratio. However, their main ingredients are labile and volatile. Most volatile fragrances are easily lost during manufacture, storage and use of the perfumes or the perfumed consumer products. In this study, tuberose fragrance (TF) was encapsulated inside CS nanoparticles (TC‐NPs) via the ionic gelification in emulsion system. The influence of reaction conditions, such as weight ratio of CS to tripolyphosphate (TPP) as well as CS and TF concentration, on the properties of nanoparticles (particle size and zeta potential) was investigated in detail. TC‐NPs were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). TC‐NPs (174 nm) were obtained with the weight ratio of CS/TPP 5:1, 1.5 mg/ml CS and 100% TF. FTIR demonstrated that TF can be functioned with CS via intermolecular forces and hydrogen bonds. TGA displayed that the thermal stability of TC‐NPs was improved compared with that of TF and that TF loading capacity was 29.5%. GC–MS showed that 90% fragrances in TF had been encapsulated into TC‐NPs. GC with flame ionization detector (FID) displayed that the contents of fragrant components released from NPs were much less than that of TF after heating for 30 h. The antimicrobial activities of TC‐NPs were higher than that of TF. TC‐NPs displayed lower cytotoxicity to the cells. It is shown that CS‐NPs is a multifunctional carrier material for fragrance. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

Analysis of Odor Compounds in Feces of Mice that Were Exposed to Various Stresses during Breeding

In order to provide healthy experimental animals, it is important to find and remove animals that have been accidentally exposed to various stresses during breeding. This study focuses mouse health-care management. Here we used human olfaction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to assess odor intensity and determine the concentrations of odor components. The feces were collected from mice that were exposed to 4 different stresses (no bedding chips, shaking, fasting, and movement restriction). These stresses caused a change in odor intensity as assessed by 6 panelists. Seventeen components were identified as dominant components in the odor that was emitted from feces. The concentration of each compound was converted to relative values versus its odor threshold levels in order to select ones effective for the quality of the odor. As a result, 12 selected components were found to be a useful set for the recognition of mice bred under different stress conditions. The present results may provide useful information for the development of standard fecal odor materials that may be used for the training of mouse care personnel.

What is a Fresh Scent in Perfumery? Perceptual Freshness is Correlated with Substantivity

Perfumes are manufactured by mixing odorous materials with different volatilities. The parameter that measures the lasting property of a material when applied on the skin is called substantivity or tenacity. It is well known by perfumers that citrus and green notes are perceived as fresh and they tend to evaporate quickly, while odors most dissimilar to ‘fresh’ (e.g., oriental, powdery, erogenic and animalic scents) are tenacious. However, studies aimed at quantifying the relationship between fresh odor quality and substantivity have not received much attention. In this work, perceptual olfactory ratings on a fresh scale, estimated in a previous study, were compared with substantivity parameters and antierogenic ratings from the literature. It was found that the correlation between fresh odor character and odorant substantivity is quite strong (r = −0.85). ‘Fresh’ is sometimes interpreted in perfumery as ‘cool’ and the opposite of ‘warm’. This association suggests that odor freshness might be somehow related to temperature. Assuming that odor perception space was shaped throughout evolution in temperate climates, results reported here are consistent with the hypothesis that ‘fresh’ evokes scents typically encountered in the cool season, while ‘warm’ would be evoked by odors found in nature during summer. This hypothesis is rather simplistic but it may provide a new insight to better understand the perceptual space of scents.

Study of prognostic factors for meconium-stained amniotic fluid

Introduction: meconium is the thick, Green - Black, with a bad odor material, that founded around the third month of pregnancy in the intestines of fetus. 8 to 15 percent of infants has the evidence of meconium stained fluid at birth. In this study the factors affecting maternal and neonatal meconium-stained amniotic fluid be examined. Methods: This study was done in the Vali-e- asr hospital in Birjand in 2011-2012. During this period, 48 delivery with meconium-stained amniotic fluid with 48 cases with clear amniotic fluid were compared. spss software and the t-test, Mann-Whitney and chi-square were used for data evaluation. Results: The results showed that gestational age in meconium-stained amniotic fluid group was higher than the control group. If the distance of prior pregnancy to the current pregnancy was less, likelihood of meconium-stained amniotic fluid was higher, so the average distance in meconial group was 1.8 and in the control group was 2.8 years. Number of nulliparous women in the meconial group was more than control group. This was showed with the most number of history of abortions in the control group. Rate of cesarean delivery was higher in meconium- stained amniotic fluid group than the control group, which was mainly due to the prevention of Complications. Sex of infants in meconium- stained amniotic fluid group was more boy and in the control group was more girl. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that in gestational age above, the low distance of the previous pregnancy , nulliparous women and male sex of fetus, is more likely to have meconium-stained amniotic fluid .