Strong Odor Research Articles

Carvacrol-loaded chia mucilage nanocapsules as sanitizer to control Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes in green cabbage.

Cabbage is susceptible to various microbiological risks, frequently serving as a vehicle for pathogenic bacteria, mainly Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Therefore, ensuring the safety of this vegetable is essential to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses. Traditional sanitization using chlorinated water, although effective, raises concerns due to the production of potentially carcinogenic compounds, and this method is banned in some countries. In recent years, alternative sanitizing methods have been developed using essential oils (EOs). However, EOs present high volatility, limited solubility in water, and strong odor and taste. This study introduces an innovative approach to overcome these disadvantages by employing carvacrol encapsulated into chia mucilage nanocapsules (CMNC), prepared through high-energy homogenization. Encapsulating carvacrol in chia mucilage nanocapsules helps to mask its strong sensory characteristics, making it more suitable and acceptable for use in food applications. The antimicrobial efficacy of CMNC (1.67mg/mL), carvacrol emulsion (CE: 10.6mg/mL), and chlorine solution (CS: 200 ppm) was evaluated against Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes. CMNC decreased Salmonella to levels below the detection limit of the technique (< 2 log CFU/g), reduced 3.5 log CFU/g of E. coli, and 2.5 log CFU/g of L. monocytogenes. These results are similar to or better than those obtained with CS. In addition, sanitizing cabbage with CMNC preserved the firmness and color of the samples, important aspects for consumer acceptance. This innovative approach is promising for increasing the food safety of cabbage, while mitigating the potential drawbacks associated with traditional sanitization methods.

Optimization of anaerobic filter reactor with zeolite immobilization media for dairy sludge waste treatment for biogas production

Abstract Sludge from the dairy industry’s wastewater treatment contains a high organic content and a strong odor. It is proposed to treat the sludge by an anaerobic digestion process using a continuous anaerobic filter reactor (AFR) equipped with media immobilization support and a combination of ORP and pH sensors. Three immobilized media were put into different AFRs. The process took place in a cylindrical reactor with a column height of 150 cm and diameter of 63 cm with a total volume of 30 L. The total period of the anaerobic digestion process took place 17 days after the batch process. When the experiment was carried out using a flow-rate of 5 L/day, the highest sCOD removal of 90.44 % was using bioring media. Meanwhile, using flow-rate of 8L/day the highest sCOD removal up to 88.05 % was achieved by using zeolite media. The highest average methane production was obtained 8 mL/day and 24 mL/day of zeolite media by using flow-rate 5 L/day and 8 L/day respectively and reduced HRT up to 90 hours. To ensure the cellular activity on degradation of organic compounds is measured by Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) value. In the first stage, the ORP value is -60.23 mV to -472.82 mV for a flow-rate of 5 L/day subsequently the second stage is -471.9 mV to -477.75 mV for a flow-rate of 8 L/day. Anaerobic filter reactors using zeolite media can retain the effect of influent perturbation with a high range of alteration of sCOD and high recovery.

Captive-raised western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) with a bold personality have higher survival rates when released into the wild

We tested if the personality of captive-raised western ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus occidentalis), and the impact of other variables would influence their survival after release using radiotelemetry. We hypothesised a greater survival for individuals: (i) bold; (ii) habituated in advance to food collected from the release area; (iii) juveniles instead of adults, because more easily tolerated by wild individuals, and (iv) released in new dreys (nests) as they would not have the strong odour of old dreys and would be less attractive to foxes. After 3 months of radio tracking, out of 143 possums released, 79 died: 51 (64.6%) were preyed upon by European red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Bold or female individuals had higher survival rates than shy or male individuals (survival rate bold: 53%, shy: 41%, p = 0.046, hazard ratio = 0.352, 95% CI HR [0.126, 0.979]; survival rate females: 44%, males: 35%, p = 0.007, hazard ratio = 2.811, 95% CI HR [1.322, 5.976]). Shooting was a more effective fox control strategy to improve survival compared to baiting (p = 0.019, hazard ratio = 0.167, 95% CI HR [0.038, 0.742]). Our results demonstrate that the control of introduced predators is critical for the success of reintroductions of this critically endangered species.

Enhancing Si1-XGex/Si Etch Rate Selectivity Using Etching Inhibitor in Radical Oxidation By Halide-Based Oxidant

As the technology node shrinks, innovation in the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) architecture has been required to mitigate the short-channel effects (SCE). Thus, planar FET had changed to FinFET and now gate-all-around FET (GAAFET) has been introduced with entering the 3-nm-generation. To fabricate GAAFET, selective etching of Si1-xGex- to Si-film is a key technology. According to the International Roadmap for Devices and Systems (IRDS™), the gate width of GAAFET is around 30 nm. Therefore, higher than 30 nm/min of etch rate for throughput and more than 400:1 of selectivity for acquiring a uniform Si-channel layer are required.As is well known, the etch rate in wet etching strongly depends on the standard reduction potential (SRP) of the oxidant. Our research group previously revealed the radical oxidation mechanism of sodium periodate (NaIO4) oxidant. In an acidic medium, NaIO4 can exist in periodate ion (IO4 -) form capable of generating hydroxyl radical (•OH). The high SRP value of hydroxyl radical (2.80 eV) compared to conventional oxidant, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 1.76 eV) and peracetic acid (PAA, 1.75 eV), resulted significantly high etch rate. In subsequent research, we introduced inhibitors reducing the Si-film etch rate to enhance Si1-xGex/Si etch rate selectivity when using sodium periodate as an oxidant.Acetic acid is commonly used as an additive in wet etchants to maintain uniform pH and control the etching of Si-film. However, it has several issues, strong vinegar odor, relatively large concentration to act, etc. Therefore, other additives are needed to substitute acetic acid. In selecting inhibitors, 2 factors are considered, i) scavenging effect for hydroxyl radical, and ii) hydrophobicity, as shown in Figure 1. Because the concentration of hydroxyl radical influences not only the Si1-xGex-film etch rate, but the Si-film etch rate, the scavenging effect of an inhibitor can reduce the film etch rate to enhance etch rate selectivity. Furthermore, the hydrophobicity part of inhibitors can build a hindrance layer on Si-film. Generally, Si-film has more hydrophobicity than Si1-xGex-film, inhibitors having hydrophobicity part are more prone to form a hindrance layer on Si-film than Si1-xGex-film. This results in the enhancement of Si1-xGex/Si etch rate selectivity by reducing Si-film considerably than Si1-xGex-film. The qualitative comparison of hydroxyl radical concentration depending on inhibitors and characterization methods to confirm the hindrance layer will be presented in detail. Acknowledgement This work was supported by the Technology Innovation Program (20022475, Development of wet Etchant capable of high selection etching in microprocesses below 10 nm) funded by the Ministry of Trade, Industry & Energy (MOTIE, Korea) References [1] Lee, Seung-Jae, et al. "Extremely high selective Si1−xGex-film wet etchant generating highly dissolved oxygen via peracetic acid oxidant for lateral gate-all-around FETs with a logic node of less than 3-nm." Chemical Engineering Journal 475 (2023): 146257. Figure 1

Suicide by Ethyl Methacrylate Ingestion.

This case report characterizes a unique way in which suicide was accomplished through ingestion of chemicals typically used to create acrylic fingernails that resulted in death. Ethyl methacrylate and acrylic powder are commonly combined to form acrylic nails in nail salons. The process of applying acrylic nails utilizes each substance by mixing both before it typically solidifies within seconds of combining the two compounds. Ingestion of these compounds has not been previously described within the medical literature. The decedent was a nail technician at a local salon. He was found unresponsive in his yard which led to a 911 call. At the scene, a mostly empty 16-oz bottle of ethyl methacrylate, a chemical used at the salon where he worked, was found. At autopsy, the decedent's body had a strong chemical odor consistent with odors present at nail salons. Significant gastrointestinal tract damage was seen including discoloration within the esophagus, and the stomach contained a molded, hardened nail compound. The cause of death was ruled as complications of nail acrylic powder and liquid ethyl methacrylate ingestion. This case shows the unusual findings seen at autopsy from a decedent who committed suicide by ingestion of ethyl methacrylate with acrylic powder.

Rhamnolipids stabilized essential oils microemulsion for antimicrobial and fruit preservation

Essential oils, well-known for their antifungal properties, are widely utilized to combat fruit decay. However, their application faces big challenges due to their high volatility and hydrophobic traits, which leads to strong odor, short effective time and poor dispersivity. This study aimed to address these challenges by formulating microemulsions consisting of essential oils and rhamnolipids. The optimized microemulsion, featuring a small particle size of 6.8 nm, exhibited higher stability and lower volatility than conventional emulsion. Notably, the prepared microemulsions demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial efficacy against E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans, S. cerevisiae, and A. niger. The application of these microemulsions proved to be highly effective in preventing blueberry decay while preserving fruit's quality, particularly by minimizing the loss of essential nutrients such as anthocyanins. Consequently, essential oil microemulsions emerge as a highly effective postharvest preservative for fruits, offering a promising solution to extend their shelf life and enhance overall quality.

Ambrox through the Looking Glass: Chemoenzymatic Synthesis and GC‐Olfactometric Analysis of 15 Ambrox Stereoisomers

AbstractAll eight theoretical stereoisomers of (10S)‐Ambrox have been synthesized by enzymatic polycyclization of the four geometric isomers of homofarnesol with selected squalene hopene cyclases. This includes the highly strained (+)‐(8S,9S)‐Ambrox, an isomer historically considered unlikely to exist. The enantiomeric (10R)‐series has been prepared by a combination of diastereoselective synthesis and preparative chiral HPLC. Thus, for the first time, the synthesis and sensory properties of all but one stereoisomers of Ambrox are presented. The results solve a long standing peradventure: the commercial product (−)‐Ambrox exhibits by far the strongest odour, the previously described 9‐epi‐Ambrox is 26 times weaker. The enantiomer difference between (−)‐and (+)‐Ambrox was also found much higher than in previous reports (1000 vs. 8 times). The (8R)‐configuration was identified as the single most important structural feature for high odour strength.

What Phenomena Happen During Pyrolysis of Plastic? FTIR AND GC-MS Analysis of Pyrolyzed Low Linear Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Polymer Particles Completed with Bibliometric Research Trend and Pyrolysis Chemical Reaction Mechanism

This research aims to determine the compounds produced from the pyrolyzed Low Linear Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC MS). We used pyrolysis of 985 g of 2-mm diameter LLDPE plastic ore at a temperature between 192-194°C for 135 min using a batch reactor (length x width x height = 35 cm x 24 cm x 44 cm) equipped with an outlet connected to two condensers (24°C). To ensure the chemical results, the reactor was connected in series to condensers 1 and 2. The results obtained in condenser 1 were 3 mL of 2-phase liquid with a strong odor. The upper fluid is yellow, and the lower fluid is brown. In condenser 2 (connected directly to condenser 1), 4 mL of yellow single-phase liquid was produced with a strong odor. The liquid obtained from the pyrolysis process was then analyzed by FTIR and GC-MS. FTIR results on both samples showed that the samples contained the functional groups O-H, CH₂, and C=O. The GC-MS results on condenser sample 2 showed that the pyrolysis product contained acetone compounds. This confirmed that pyrolysis caused chemical structural changes in LLDPE due to LLDPE chain bond-breaking reactions, producing many smaller chemical compounds. Additionally, some oxidation happens, which is due to the oxygen content in the reactor. This study provides new insights into the LLDPE pyrolysis mechanism and the physical and chemical properties of the liquid resulting from the pyrolysis process.

Inadequate sanitation in healthcare facilities: A comprehensive evaluation of toilets in major hospitals in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Lack of access to functional and hygienic toilets in healthcare facilities (HCFs) is a significant public health issue in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), leading to the transmission of infectious diseases. Globally, there is a lack of studies characterising toilet conditions and estimating user-to-toilet ratios in large urban hospitals in LMICs. We conducted a cross-sectional study in 10-government and two-private hospitals to explore the availability, functionality, cleanliness, and user-to-toilet ratio in Dhaka, Bangladesh. From Aug-Dec 2022, we undertook infrastructure assessments of toilets in selected hospitals. We observed all toilets and recorded attributes of intended users, including sex, disability status, patient status (in-patient/out-patient/caregiver) and/or staff (doctor/nurse/cleaner/mixed-gender/shared). Toilet functionality was defined according to criteria used by the WHO/UNICEF Joint-Monitoring Programme in HCFs. Toilet cleanliness was assessed, considering visible feces on any surface, strong fecal odor, presence of flies, sputum, insects, and rodents, and solid waste. Amongst 2875 toilets, 2459 (86%) were observed. Sixty-eight-percent of government hospital toilets and 92% of private hospital toilets were functional. Only 33% of toilets in government hospitals and 56% in private hospitals were clean. A high user-to-toilet ratio was observed in government hospitals' outpatients service (214:1) compared to inpatients service (17:1). User-to-toilet ratio was also high in private hospitals' outpatients service (94:1) compared to inpatients wards (19:1). Only 3% of toilets had bins for menstrual-pad disposal and <1% of toilets had facilities for disabled people. A high percentage of unclean toilets coupled with high user-to-toilet ratio hinders the achievement of SDG by 2030 and risks poor infection-control. Increasing the number of usable, clean toilets in proportion to users is crucial. The findings suggest an urgent call for attention to ensure basic sanitation facilities in Dhaka's HCFs. The policy makers should allocate resources for adequate toilets, maintenance staff, cleanliness, along with strong leadership of the hospital administrators.

Lyophilized Emulsions of Thymol and Eugenol Essential Oils Encapsulated in Cellulose.

Efforts to tap into the broad antimicrobial, insecticidal, and antioxidant activities of essential oils (EOs) are limited due to their strong odor and susceptibility to light and oxidation. Encapsulation of EOs and subsequent drying overcome these limitations and extend their applications. This study characterized freeze-dried (lyophilized) emulsions of eugenol (EU) and thymol (TY) EOs, encapsulated by chemically unmodified cellulose, a sustainable and low-cost resource. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy showed successful lyophilization. While the observed "flake-like" structure of the powders differed significantly from that of the emulsified microcapsules, useful properties were retained. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of EOs in their corresponding powders and thermo-gravimetric analysis demonstrated high encapsulation efficiency (87-88%), improved thermal stability and resistance to evaporation, and slow EO release rates in comparison to their free forms. The lightweight and low-cost cellulose encapsulation, together with the results showing retained properties of the dried powder, enable the use of EOs in applications requiring high temperatures, such as EO incorporation into polymer films, that can be used to protect agricultural crops from microbial infections.

A Pharmaceutical and Analytical Study on Palasha Kshara

Kshara is an important dose type stated in Ayurveda that is made from plant ash. Kshara has some similar qualities, such as an alkaline nature, water solubility, and a pale colour. Kshara has an advantage over all surgical and parasurgical measures since it can be used on skinny, frail individuals who are afraid of surgery. In classical writings, many herbs like as Apamarga, Snuhi, and Kadali Palasha are utilised to create Kshara, either individually or combined. The therapeutic usage of Kshara of different plants differs from one another, hence analytical research of each Kshara is required. Aims &amp; Objectives The current study involves the preparation and analysis of Palasha (Butea monosperma) Kshara in order to better understand its properties. Material and Methods: Kshara preparation consists of several steps. In this study, Palasha Kshara is prepared using the general process described in the Sharangadhara Samhita. The prepared Kshara is submitted to several physicochemical evaluations, and the results are concluded. Results: The Palasha Kshara has physical features such as pale colour, strong odour, and softness to the touch. Chemically, it contains potassium, phosphorus, and sulphur, as well as trace amounts of other elements. The current study describes the methods and findings of Palasha Kshara's medicinal and analytical studies.

Prediction of pregnancy disorders in female workers in the industrial sector

ContextAs female workers face a higher risk of exposure to workplace hazards than women in general, it is imperative that measures be put in place in the workplace to ensure safe and healthy pregnancies. ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze the effects of occupational hazards in the workplace environment on the potential for pregnancy disorders experienced by female workers. MethodsThis was an analytical, observational study with a case-control design. The participants were female workers who worked in industrial environments in both formal and nonformal industries. The inclusion criteria used in this study were female workers who had been or were pregnant at the time of the study, had worked in the industrial sector for at least one year, and did not smoke or consume alcohol. The samples were collected from 144 female workers. Midwives assisted in collecting data and conducting examinations of female workers. This study was conducted in Surabaya and Sidoarjo between June and December 2020. Data were analyzed descriptively, and a multivariable logistic regression test was performed. The study was conducted in accordance with the health protocols and prevention of COVID-19. ResultsThe results showed that occupational hazards in the workplace environment that affect pregnancy disorders include workload (p = 0.004, OR = 28.676 (2.979–276.076); hot working environment (p = 0.014, OR = 3.077 (1.254–7.552); strong odors (p = 0.017, OR = 7.640 (1.436–40.656); shift work (p = 0.023, OR = 8.063 (1.337–48.623); irregular shift work (p = 0.018, OR = 7.371 (1.409–38.557); and night shift work (p = 0.015, OR = 11.780 (1.605–86.450). ConclusionsCompanies are expected to pay special attention to female workers regarding various workplace controls to prevent potential pregnancy-related disorders.

Chemical characterization of Thymus zygis L. (thyme) and Elettaria cardamomum L. (cardamom) essential oils and investigation of their inhibitory potentials against cervicovaginal Escherichia coli isolates

IntroductionThe cervicovaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in women's well-being and reproductive health. This study initially focuses on identifying the chemical components of the essential oils (EOs) from Elettaria cardamomum L. (cardamom) (Ec) and Thymus zygis L. (thyme) (Tz). Subsequently, this study aims to determine the antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory effects of these EOs against both cervicovaginal mixed cultures and the microbial strains isolated from them. MethodsThe compositions of EOs were determined by GC–MS analysis using an Agilent 7890B GC/5977A Series MSD System. Cervicovaginal samples were obtained from two women presenting complaints of a strong odor and vaginal discharge. Samples were collected from the cervix using a sterile cytobrush, ensuring no contact with the urethra, rectum, or external parts of the vagina. The cytological examination was conducted using Papanicolaou staining. Isolated microorganisms were identified through 16S Ribosomal RNA Gene Sequence Analysis and characterized using antibiogram tests. Antimicrobial tests of the EOs were performed by broth microdilution and disc diffusion methods. Biofilm formation was assessed using a crystal violet binding assay. ResultsThe major components of Ec EO were α-terpinyl acetate (41.95 %) and eucalyptol (28.58 %), whereas Tz EO contained significant amounts of o-cymene (38.76 %), carvacrol (22.66 %), and thymol (20.69 %). Escherichia coli codes OR651248 and OR651249 were isolated from CV 6 and CV 7 mixed cultures, respectively. E. coli OR651248 demonstrated a higher antibiotic resistance level than E. coli OR651249. Biofilm formation by mixed cultures was significantly higher than that by E. coli isolates (P < 0.05). The Ec EO displayed minimal to no effect against both mixed cultures, showing zero inhibition zone, 500 μL/mL minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), and 500 μL/mL minimum microbicidal concentrations (MMCs). However, the Tz EO exhibited antimicrobial activity against both mixed cultures and the E. coli isolates, with inhibition zones > 15 mm and MICs/MMCs < 4 μL/mL (P < 0.05). In all microbial cultures, 0.5 MIC of both EOs inhibited biofilm formation by more than 80 %. ConclusionThe Tz EO exhibits promising potential as an antimicrobial and biofilm inhibitory agent for managing cervicovaginal E. coli infections.

Sprayed Urine Emits a Pungent Odor due to its Increased Adhesion to Vertical Objects via Urinary Proteins Rather Than to Changes in its Volatile Chemical Profile in Domestic Cats.

Spraying urine on vertical objects by raising the tail is a commonly observed functional behavior for chemical communication in Felidae species, including domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus). The sprayed urine is recognized as a chemical signal for territorial ownership of their habitats. Previous studies reported that sprayed urine emits a more pungent odor than urine excreted from a squatting position. However, little is known about how sprayed urine acts as a strong scent mark in the environment. Here, we showed that sprayed urine originates only from bladder urine without any secretions, such as anal sac secretions, but it can effectively emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when smeared on vertical objects due to its strong adhesion. Chemical profiles of VOCs and odor qualities were similar between fresh sprayed urine and bladder urine sampled immediately after spraying from the same individuals. Meanwhile, feline-specific proteinuria arising from excretion of a carboxylesterase that produces a precursor of cat-specific odorants resulted in reduced surface tension of the urine and increased adhesion to vertical surfaces, which kept sprayed urine on the surfaces and led to the emission of large amounts of VOCs. In conclusion, proteinuria contributes to the emission of a strong odor through its enhanced adhesion to vertical objects without other secretions containing malodorous substances. These findings improve our understanding of the mechanism of scent marking via the spraying of urine for chemical communication in cats.

Floral mechanisms promote pollination success and reduce the incidence of self-pollination in a fly-pollinated self-incompatible orchid.

Among flowering plants, self-incompatibility is considered the most efficient system for avoiding self-fertilization. However, many self-incompatible plants have also evolved floral mechanisms to reduce sexual conflict. In China, some studies of Bulbophyllum have been reported to be self-incompatible and no fruit sets. However, we have observed relatively high fruit sets in Bulbophyllum funingense. Therefore, we speculated that if B. funingense is also self-incompatible, and it might present a floral mechanism to avoid sexual conflict. Natural fruit sets, pollinia removal and deposition rates were determined and breeding system was tested in a hand-pollination experiment. The pollination process and visiting frequency of pollinators and their behavior after escape from access were observed and recorded. Floral traits associated with pollination and pollinator size were measured. B. funingense was completely self-incompatible, the fruit sets of cross-pollination in 2 years were all more than 70%, and the natural fruit sets for 2 years were 1.70 ± 4.31% and 6.63 ± 5.29%, respectively. B. funingense did not produce strong odor or nectar, but produced a kind of secretions from its labellum that attracted flies. Calliphora vicina (Calliphoridae) was its only effective pollinator. When C. vicina licked the secretions, they were stuck in the access for a long time. Thus, when they escaped from access, they almost always flew quickly away from the inflorescence removing pollinia most of the times. In B. funingense, a floral mechanism improves pollinia transfer efficiency, reduces pollinia waste, promotes pollination success, reduces the incidence of self-pollination, and avoids sexual conflict to a certain extent.

Quality criteria, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh

The aim of the present study is the valorization of the essential oil of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. The research plan and methods included 3-axis: the first axis consists of studying the organoleptic and physicochemical characterization of the essential oil, the second is the chemical analysis carried out by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and the third consists of evaluating its antimicrobial activity against selected microorganisms. The results obtained for the organoleptic and physicochemical properties are as follows: appearance: Liquid, mobile and clear, odor: Strong odor characteristic of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh, color: Pale yellow; relative density (0.92), miscibility with ethanol (1V/2V), freezing point (Tfreezing < −10 °C), refractive index (1.5256), rotating power (+0.825), acid index (1.68), ester index (68.44), saponification index (70.13) and iodine index (12.05).Chemical analysis identified 69 compounds which are mostly oxygenated monoterpenes such as piperitenone oxide (32.55%), pulegone (10.14%), piperitone oxide (8.34%), etc. The microbiological tests were carried out by an agar diffusion test using the essential oil of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh. The microbiological tests were carried out by a diffusion test on agar, these tests are carried out on six microbial strains (five bacteria and one yeast).The inhibitory effect of our oil is well marked against bacteria: Proteus mirabilis (17.50 ± 0.70 mm at 50 μL/mL), Enterococcus faecalis (17.00 ± 1.00 mm at 50 μL/mL) and Staphylococcus coagulase negative (16.33 ± 0.57 mm at 50 μL/mL) while it was moderate against Escherichia coli (14.33 ± 1.15 mm at 50 μL/mL) and Streptococcus spp (13.00 ± 0.00 mm at 50 μL/mL) as well as against yeast, Candida albicans (15.33 ± 1.52 mm at 50 μL/mL). It appears from these results that our oil is of high quality and can be used in several areas. The results obtained are therefore promising and thus open the way for manufacturers to use this essential oil of Mentha suaveolens Ehrh in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, agricultural and food industries.

Volatile organic compounds and odor emissions from typical building materials and air sample storage time analysis

Building materials are the main sources of indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odors, which significantly impact indoor air quality and perceived air quality. In this study, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure VOC emissions from 34 building materials, while an untrained panel assessed odor intensity (OI) and acceptability (ACC). The total VOC (TVOC) concentrations ranged from 156.5 to 3572.0 μg/m3, with alkanes identified as the predominant types of VOCs. Formaldehyde and n-hexane were found to be the most abundant compounds. Aldehydes are the dominant odorants, with hexanal being the most prevalent one according to the odor activity value (OAV). OI ranged from 2.35 to 4.69, while ACC ranged from −0.49 to 0.36. Adhesives exhibited both the highest TVOC concentration as well as a strong odor compared to other building materials; furniture boards emitted the lowest TVOC concentrations; wall coverings emitted minimal levels of odors. The effects of storage time on VOC concentrations and odor assessments were analyzed after sample collection for different durations: 6 h, 24 h or 48 h. A storage time period of 24 h was determined to be sufficient for assessing OI and ACC whereas shorter durations may be required when analyzing VOC concentrations or OAV values. The data provided in this study could help regulate VOC and odor emissions from building materials, as well as facilitate developing a model correlating subjective assessment results of OI and ACC with objective measurements of VOC concentrations and OAV.

Physical and Chemical Characterization of Granules from 70 % Ethanol Extract of Ganitri Leaves (Eleocarpus serratus L.) using Wet Granulation Method as An Anti-Osteoporosis

Elaeocarpus serratus L. leaves have been used as an antiosteoporosis treatment and it contains active compounds such as quercetin, rutin, and myricetin. The pre-formulation study was done by making granules from 70 % ethanol extract of this plant through the wet granulation method. These granules were determined by physical characteristics including organoleptic, flow properties, real and incompressible specific gravity, moisture, particle size distribution, and chemical characteristics including flavonoid content. The organoleptic result showed that all formulas had a strong characteristic odor and a slightly bitter taste. Formula A had a dark brown color, while formulas B and C were whitish brown. Based on the results of the flow properties test, all formulas had good flow properties because they had gone through the granulation process. The compressibility index, Hausner ratio, and % moisture content displayed that all formulas met the requirements and had almost the same value. In the assay process, the average % w/w content of formula A was 0.68 ± 0.017 %, formula B was 0.66 ± 0.044 %, and formula C was 0.16 ± 0.006 %. The most optimum formula was formula C with whitish brown color, slightly bitter taste, and strong odor, 10.90 ± 0.000 g/s of flow rate, 25.41 ± 0.000 ° of angle, 4.36 ± 0.214 % of moisture content, 13.80 % compressibility index, 1.1601 of Hausner ratio, 1772.04 µm of particle average distribution, and 0.66 ± 0.044 % w/w of percent routine flavonoid content. HIGHLIGHTS This study aims to determine the characteristics of granules from 70 % ethanol extract of ganitri leaves (Elaeocarpus serratus), the optimal formula to make granule preparations with active ingredients of ganitri leaves, and the levels of flavonoids using the spectrophotometer method. It also determined the characteristic physics of granule preparations including flow properties, organoleptic, moisture, particle size distribution, and real and incompressible specific gravity. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Enhancing properties and manufacturability of post-consumer recycled polypropylene via gas counter-pressure injection molding

In contemporary times, the most effective strategy to mitigate the environmental effects of plastics and their manufacturing is through recycling. Nonetheless, the production of high-quality items from recycled materials remains a challenge. This study addresses these challenges, specifically in the context of the injection molding process for recycled polypropylene. The key issues identified include poor surface finish of the molded items, mold contamination with oily residues, and strong odors during processing. The proposed solution involves the innovative use of gas counter pressure in conjunction with injection molding. The study explores various nitrogen pressure levels to assess their impact. Findings indicate that an optimal pressure level significantly improves the surface quality of the products and reduces the accumulation of dirt in the mold cavities. Additionally, the research investigates the potential impact of this method on the mechanical performance of the molded items. Results confirm that the appropriate use of gas pressure does not deteriorate these properties. While gas counter pressure does not mitigate odor emissions, it represents a promising step forward in developing a high-quality recycled polypropylene compound. This approach could pave the way for more advanced recycling techniques, enhancing the quality of products made from recycled plastics.

Insight into a traditional culinary practice: Late-stage addition of spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) in Indian cooking system

Spiny coriander (Eryngium foetidum L.) is a food flavouring herb with strong coriander-like odour. The leaves are traditionally used for flavouring the curries, boiled items, soups in Indian subcontinent and added during the final stage of cooking. The current study aimed to validate this traditional culinary knowledge on the addition of spiny coriander leaves and provide a scientific insight into this practice. To pursue the objective, fresh leaves were subjected to simulated open and close-vessel cooking conditions in Clevenger-type apparatus and pressure cooker, respectively. An extensive loss (∼43 %) in volatile flavours occurred after 30 min of open-vessel boiling and similarly for close-vessel process (∼39 %). However, the volatile composition, exclusively dominated by fatty aldehydes, especially trans-2-dodecenal (>70 %) remained practically unaltered throughout this process; rejecting the possibility of considerable transformation or degradation. Thus, boiling process during cooking promoted the loss of aromatic flavours through evaporation and justified the late-stage addition of spiny coriander to preserve its key flavours.