The scentscape: An integrative framework describing scents in servicescapes

The systematic use of ambient scents is a trend in service companies that is accompanied by increasing research attention. However, we lack a theoretical framework that ad-dresses ambient scents' specific role in physical surroundings of services. Thus, this article develops the 'scentscape', a model that describes the process of olfactory stimulation and its impacts on customers and employees in service environments. The paper extends Bitner's servicescape model (1992) and combines it with Gulas and Bloch's (1995) model of the influence of ambient scent, while integrating further results from a literature review in scent-related sciences. The paper consolidates existing theory into a holistic framework and discusses present inconsistent findings. The scentscape illustrates different scent sources, provides an overview of the process of scent perception and evoked internal and behavioral reactions in a servicescape. We derive 11 key findings, which need to be considered by managers and scientists when using / investigating scents in service environments. We identify key determinants and independencies to be considered by service academics and provide a wide range of future research directions. We provide crucial facts to guide practitioners in integrating ambient scents in service settings. The scentscape illustrates that the olfactory situation in an environment will influence individuals through their perceived air quality even if no ambient scents are introduced into the servicescape. Therefore, an active indoor air quality management should be generally a key task for managers, in order to avoid the potential negative impact of an unpleasant olfactory experience - and focus of further research

Cross-Cultural Comparison in the Emotional Responses Elicited by Wine Odors

To remain competitive in the wine market, wine companies must strive for a deeper understanding of the factors that influence consumers at an emotional level in order to sustain consumer satisfaction. Evaluating the wine odor-induced emotional response, in addition to hedonic response and descriptive analysis, may provide valuable information into the perspective of the consumer and potentially insight to repeat purchases. The objectives of this research were to measure the emotional responses elicited by odor attributes in wine samples and determine whether these emotional responses vary as function of cultural and experiential backgrounds, as well as sensory characteristics of wine odors. In Study 1 (Chapter 3), 10 trained panelists evaluated odor attributes of the five pre-selected wine samples; four specific odorants, linalool, 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl), 2,4,6-tricholoroanisole (TCA), and acetaldehyde, were added to the base wine to maximize the odor effect of sensory perception. The five wine samples were found to differ in the odor intensities of sulfur, moldy/musty, honey, and leather attributes. In Study 2 (Chapter 4), French (N = 86) and U.S. (N = 89) participants rated their emotional responses elicited by the odors of five wine samples on the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale (GEOS). There were significant interactions between country and wine sample for the ratings of well-being and excited in emotional response. Significant cross-cultural differences were obtained in the emotional responses evoked by the wines for 19 of the 36 terms, which led to the difference in the distribution of wine samples as shown by principal component analysis between two countries. In addition, the emotional responses elicited by wine odors were different as a function of gender and previous reading of wine-related literature. Furthermore, the odor of wine sample including TCA was rated at the least pleasant in both countries. This study shows that emotional responses and hedonic responses, as well as sensory attributes can be modulated as a function of the odor of wine samples and consumer characteristics such as gender and culture. A better understanding of the emotional effects of odors found in wine, and how these effects vary among consumers, will allow the wine industry to develop products with specific emotional impacts on users of different consumer groups

EU Funded Projects: from Financial to Economic Analysis

Investment projects represent the basis of economic and social development of our country. The investment is a cost that will most influence the future, but it is necessary that this influence should be not only positive, but also should exceed the investment efforts. There could be different sources of financing the investment, but lately, European grants are more and more accessed by various economic agents or institutions. To obtain European financing, the project must fulfill certain conditions and must follow certain economic, social and environmental indicators. Also, for some financing lines, is required the economic analysis preparation, in order to demonstrate that the project benefits to society are important and cover the investments efforts. Thus, economic analysis studies the project influence on macro-economic or regional level, and evaluates its contribution to the welfare of the region or local community. The present paper aims to analyze the most important and available theoretical resources and to provide practical examples for carrying out the economic analysis. In conclusion, economic analysis is an useful tool for each project evaluation, but the biggest barriers to its development are the lack of valid data and the reduced Romanian experience. Under these conditions, input data can be incorrectly estimated, resulting illusory and subjective project data. For a proper projects selection based on indicators of economic assessment, it must be developed a national, complete and complex guide.performance Cost-benefit analysis, European funds, externalities, investments, shadow prices.

Olfactory-related quality of life impacts psychological distress in people with COVID-19: The affective implications of olfactory dysfunctions

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) often causes chemosensory impairment, and olfactory dysfunctions may have negative consequences on psychological distress. This study aimed at assessing which dimension of perceived olfactory disfunctions (i.e., subjective olfactory capability, smell-related problems, or olfactory-related quality of life [QoL]) was most associated with psychological distress in people diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods 364 participants (65 men and 299 women) diagnosed with COVID-19 on average 7 months prior to the beginning of the study were recruited between June 5 and 21, 2021, to take part in an online cross-sectional survey. Participants answered questions on demographics, clinical factors, perceived olfactory functioning, and psychological distress. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was conducted, assessing the role of demographics, clinical factors, and perceived olfactory functioning dimensions on psychological distress. Results More than half of the participants met the cut-off for all perceived olfactory dysfunctions scales and psychological distress. Being women, smoker, with comorbidities, and greater severity of COVID-19 symptoms were associated with higher scores on psychological distress. Among perceived olfactory functioning scales, only impairment in olfaction QoL was associated with psychological distress. Limitations Limitations concerned the cross-sectional nature of the study and the unbalanced sample in terms of gender. Conclusions The study confirmed the core intertwining between mood, perceived QoL, and olfactory functioning, showing how impairments in olfactory processing are strongly correlated with psychological distress through the impact they have on the perceived QoL

Could Early Identification of Changes in Olfactory Function Be an Indicator of Preclinical Neurodegenerative Disease? A Systematic Review

Abstract Introduction Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative disease that currently affects 850,000 individuals in the UK with estimates continuing to rise. Diagnosis is only available in the presence of significant neuronal pathology and apparent cognitive decline, meaning that treatment avenues are often limited and carry little to no effect on prognosis. Olfactory function has been shown to have a direct correlation with cognitive function and therefore may serve as a potential diagnostic tool for the detection of preclinical disease. The objective was to examine the current literature to establish the accuracy of olfactory function testing in determining current and future cognitive function. Methods A systematic review was performed via Medline on 17 October 2019 using the search terms and Boolean operators ‘Dementia OR Alzheimer’s AND olfaction AND cognitive impairment’ yielding 111 results. These were then screened using inclusion/exclusion criteria alongside a PICO strategy. After titles, abstracts and full text were screened, nine articles were included in the review and critically appraised using the AXIS and CASP tools. Results Significant correlations are demonstrated between olfactory impairment (OI) and cognitive decline. However, there were limitations of many of the studies in that confounders such as head trauma, upper respiratory infection (URTI) and smoking history were not considered. The majority of the studies also used an olfactory screening tool that was not designed for the population being examined. Conclusion Despite improvements in olfactory testing needing to be implemented, OI is clearly impaired in neurodegenerative disease across a multitude of ages and cultures, offering an early marker of future cognitive decline. As a result of the heterogenous nature of the included studies, there is a further need for future research to ensure the sensitivity, validity and reliability of implementing olfactory testing as an early marker of future cognitive decline

Investigation of the Psychopathological Aspects of Patients Suffering from Self-Reported Bad Breath

Purpose: Bad breath as one of the problems of human societies can affect people's personal life and social relationships. In severe cases it may lead to depression, decreased self-confidence and sensitivity in interpersonal relationships. As a result, bad breath as a physical and psychological illness should be considered in both medical and psychologic fields. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the psychopathological aspects related to self-expression of halitosis. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional descriptive study, a 25-question SCL-25 questionnaire was used to investigate the consequences of halitosis. The Questionnaire was distributed between 222 patients referred to Dental Clinic of Golestan University of Medical Sciences with the entry criteria of 15 year old patients with self-reported of bad breath. The simple sampling method was performed and the data was analyzed using statistical software STATA version 14. Findings: Among 222 participants, 60.8% were women and 39.2% were men. Average overall index of disabling symptoms (GSI) was found to be 1.02±0.55 in the participants, according to which 90.5% were healthy and 9.5% were suspected of having psychological disorders. Paranoid thoughts, sensitivity in interpersonal relationships, obsession and compulsion were in the highest frequency.They showed psychological problems in the studied statistical population according to the determined cut-off point. Moreover, psychological disorders in all dimensions (except obsession, compulsion and depression) were significantly higher among women than men (p. 0.05). Conclusion: In the present research, 9.5% of people showed the possibility of suffering from some degree of psychological disorders and apart from the physiological treatment, the psychological status of patients with halitosis should be carefully evaluated. In addition, psychological intervention should be considered as well

Multisensory contributions to skin‐cosmetic product interactions

The human face is one of the most salient regions of the body surface. Ratings of facial attractiveness, as well as judgements of a person's age, are influenced by the appearance of facial skin (not to mention the presence/absence of wrinkles). Unsurprisingly, many consumers spend huge amounts of money on trying to protect, maintain, and/or enhance their facial appearance. As highlighted by the evidence presented in this narrative review, both the skin and the cosmetic products that many consumers use are fundamentally multisensory in nature. The complex interaction between the particular skin site stimulated and the multisensory attributes of the product (e.g., when it is applied) can exert a number of effects on an individual's mood, their emotions, as well as on their self‐perception (and self‐confidence), over‐and‐above any functional effects that the cream or lotion may have on the skin itself. In this narrative historical review, the literature on the multisensory perception of facial skin is summarized and critically evaluated. Multisensory interactions taking place between the cosmetic product, its packaging, as well as its use/application at the sensory, cognitive, and emotional levels are all discussed

Psychologie und Gehirn 2007

Die Fachtagung "Psychologie und Gehirn" ist eine traditionelle Tagung aus dem Bereich psychophysiologischer Grundlagenforschung. 2007 fand diese Veranstaltung, die 33. Jahrestagung der „Deutschen Gesellschaft für Psychophysiologie und ihre Anwendungen (DGPA)“, in Dortmund unter der Schirmherrschaft des Instituts für Arbeitsphysiologie (IfADo) statt. Neben der Grundlagenforschung ist auch die Umsetzung in die Anwendung erklärtes Ziel der DGPA und dieser Tradition folgend wurden Beiträge aus vielen Bereichen moderner Neurowissenschaft (Elektrophysiologie, bildgebende Verfahren, Peripherphysiologie, Neuroendokrinologie, Verhaltensgenetik, u.a.) präsentiert und liegen hier in Kurzform vor