PERFUME COMPOSITIONS

This invention relates to compositions for use in air fresheners which impart a measurably improved physiological response to a subject, to methods of air-freshening using said compositions, and to air-freshening devices containing said compositions.

Air freshening compositions and devices are well known in the art as a means of delivering a pleasant and desirable fragrance to an environment, and/or masking or removing malodours in the process, thus imparting a sense of well-being to individuals in said environment.

Such effects have hitherto only been temporary and perceptually subjective, and much focus has been on the achievement of a longer lasting benefit by delivery mechanisms which overcome the so-called 'habituation' or fragrance-fatigue' phenomenon.

As an alternative means of improving the environment of an individual, aromatherapy oils have been widely used, typically in a simple receptacle where the evaporation of the active components occurs naturally or is aided by heat provided by a candle.

Research indicates that the presence of certain odors during human performance assessment can dramatically influence motivation, task performance, and alertness.

EP1424071 describes a perfume composition for mental control comprising one of a long list of chemical components having a psycho-sedative effect but does not disclose the use of essential oils as the primary source of these chemicals, and the compositions disclosed comprise at least 20 of these chemical components.

WO 2002/49600 describes a perfume composition comprising at least 25 wt% of at least 5 selected relaxing fragrance materials, again selected from an extensive list of pure chemical components. Qualitative measurements of the change in brain (alpha wave) activity are disclosed.

It is an object of the present invention therefore to provide a solution to the objective technical problem of providing a perfume composition which imparts a measurably improved physiological response on humans the active part of which is based solely on essential oils.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a perfume composition containing between 0.5 to 10 wt% of an essential oils component, wherein said essentials comprises a first component of at least 5 essential oils selected from: Myrrh; Nutmeg; Frankincense; Rosemary; Black Pepper; Cinnamon; Fennel; French Clary Sage; Lemon; Peppermint; and

characterised in that said essential oils component comprises a second essential oils component of at least one essential oil selected from: S.sclarea; Fennel; B.carterii; C.sinensis; Orange; M.ericifolia; Basil; Geranium; Cedarwood; Coriander; Galbanum; Rosemary.

Preferably the essential oil component of the perfume composition comprises a first component of at least 5 essential oils selected from: Rosemary; Black Pepper; Cinnamon; Fennel; French Clary Sage; Lemon; Peppermint; and further comprises a second essential oils component of at least one essential oil selected from: Fennel; Cedarwood; Coriander; Galbanum; Rosemary.

Even more preferably the essential oil component of the perfume composition comprises a first essential oils component of: Rosemary; Black Pepper; Cinnamon; Fennel; French Clary Sage; Lemon; Peppermint; and further comprises a second essential oils component of at least one essential oil selected from: S.sclarea; Fennel; B.carterii; C.sinensis; Orange; M.ericifolia; Basil; Geranium; Cedarwood; Coriander; Galbanum; Rosemary.

Even more preferably still, the essential oil component of the perfume composition comprises a first essential oils component of: Rosemary; Black Pepper; Cinnamon; Fennel; French Clary Sage; Lemon; Peppermint; and further comprises a second essential oils component of at least three essential oils selected from: Fennel; Cedarwood; Coriander; Galbanum; Rosemary.

Most preferably, the essential oil component of the perfume composition comprises a first essential oils component of: Rosemary; Black Pepper; Cinnamon; Fennel; French Clary Sage; Lemon; Peppermint; and further comprises a second essential oils component of: Fennel; Cedarwood; Coriander; Galbanum; Rosemary.

Preferably the ratio of the first essential oils component to the second essential oils component is in the range of 2:3 to 1 :25, and more preferably in the range of 1 :2 to 1:10, and most preferably in the range of 1:4 to 1 :7.

The wt% of the individual essential oils within the first essential oil component may be provided in a range of 0.001 wt% to 1.0wt%, and preferably in a range of 0.01 wt% to 0.5wt%, and most preferably in a range of 0.05wt% to 0.4wt%.

The wt% of the individual essential oils within the second essential oil component may be provided in a range of 0.001 wt% to 2.0wt%, and preferably in a range of 0.01wt% to 1.0wt%, and most preferably in a range of 0.05wt% to 0.8wt%.

The perfume composition of the present invention may be diluted to using standard excipients and/or solvents in order to produce the desired range of essential oils within said composition.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an inhaleable medicament, wherein said medicament comprises the perfume composition according to the first aspect present invention, and wherein the perfume composition has been volatilised, in use, for inhalation by a user.

Preferably the medicament is adapted for administration by the perfume composition being initially provided in liquid form before subsequently being volatilised so that it may be inhaled by a user.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a stimulant composition, wherein said stimulant comprises the perfume composition according to the first aspect present invention, and wherein the perfume composition has been volatilised, in use, for inhalation by a user.

The perfume inhaleable medicament and/or stimulant composition may utilise the perfume composition to impart detectable physiological and/or psycho-physiological responses to a user, in particular, such responses may have alertness and/or stimulated and/or energised properties.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a perfume composition according to the first aspect of the present invention wherein the composition has, upon inhalation by a user, a measurable beneficial physiological and/or psycho-physiological response on the user which improves the ability of the user to perform mental tasks.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of making the perfume composition of the first aspect of the present invention available for inhalation by a user, comprising the steps of: loading said composition into an aerosol; charging the aerosol with propellant; and activating the aerosol to emanate said composition.

Preferably the method comprises the step of loading the aerosol into a device and the device is configured to activate the aerosol to emanate said composition.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided an alternative method of making the perfume composition of the first aspect available for inhalation by a user, comprising the steps of: loading liquid perfume composition into a reservoir container;

using a wick immersed in said reservoir to uptake the composition from the reservoir to a distal portion of the wick beyond outside of said reservoir; and emanating the composition from the distal portion of the wick.

Preferably the method of the sixth aspect uses an emanation device wherein the device comprises a support structure adapted to hold the reservoir container and, optionally, support a heating means and/or a fan means substantially adjacent the distal portion of the wick to increase the rate of emanation of the perfume composition from said wick portion.

The emanation device may be provided with boost functionality wherein upon activation of the boost mechanism the heating means and/or the fan means are activated to impart heat and/or the passage of air respectively over at least a part of the distal portion of the wick. Alternatively or additionally, said boost mechanism may, upon activation, increase the heat and/or the rate of the passage of air respectively from said heating means and/or fan means.

According to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the alertness of a subject which comprises the inhalation of a perfume composition according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a eighth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the mental alertness of a user which comprises the volatilisation of a perfume composition according to the first aspect of the present invention into the ambient atmosphere of the user.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention there is provided a patch for emanating a perfume composition according to a first aspect of the present invention, wherein the patch is configured to retain a quantity of the composition and the patch is adapted, in use, to be located adjacent to a user.

Preferably the patch is adapted to be releasably attached to the skin of a user. The patch may comprise an adhesive side which is configured, in use, to adhere to a user and further comprise an emanation side which is configured, in use, to permit the emanation of the composition therefrom.

Preferably the patch comprises heating means. The heating means may be configured to impart an amount of heat which may be suitable to increase the rate of emanation of the composition from the patch and/or may impart a heating effect on a user.

The patch may be provided with a reservoir section that is capable of retaining a quantity of the perfume composition for subsequent emanation. Alternatively or additionally, the patch may be impregnated with a quantity of perfume composition for subsequent emanation.

The invention will now be described with reference to the following examples, without limitation in any way.

Composition 1

A blend of the following essential oil componen

African Geranium Oil 0.06%

Black Pepper Oil 0.06%

Cedarwood Oil 0.60%

Cinnamon Oil 0.06%

Coriander Oil 0.12%

Fennel Oil 0.06%

French Clary Sage Oil 0.06%

Galbanum Oil 0.02%

Italian Lemon Oil 0.01%

Peppermint Oil 0.30%

Tunisian Rosemary Oil 0.60%

This overall mixture was then diluted to a level of 1.95 wt% with standard excipients and introduced into the refill bottle of an electrical plug-in air freshener unit, which may serve as a fragrance warmer.

Testing Part 1

To test the effect of Composition 1 on alertness, the following experimental method was used:

Participants

The participants were 20 adult volunteers (10 male and 10 female). The mean age was 20.1 years, with a range of 18 to 24 years. Participants were compensated at the rate of $8.00 per hour.

Stimuli

The stimuli consisted of three scents of equal concentrations, one of these scents being Composition 1 as described above, two comparison scents (Scent A & Scent B) that had been sourced from two separate fragrance manufacturers where said manufactures had identified the scents as creating a state of mental alertness and/or being uplifting, and a control scent.

Odorant Delivery

Odorant delivery was made through a low flow (1.3L/min) nasal cannula connected to an

AirSept NewLife Oxygen Concentrator.

Physiological Measurements

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, oxygen concentration and mean arterial pressure were recorded with a Keller KMS 890+ Vital Signs monitor. EEG activity was recorded with a BioPac MP100 Data Acquisition System.

Additional Assessments

The following inventories and questionnaires were used to a) assess general participant health, b) screen for normal olfactory processing, c) assess level of alertness, mood, and workload, d) evaluate cognitive performance, e) determine clerical office work performance, and f) provide for an exit interview concerning assessment of the sample: Health Assessment Screening Questionnaire (HAQ; Krisnan, Sokka, Hakkinen, Hubert, Hannonen, 2000). The HAQ consists of 100 questions concerning health behaviors, health control, wellness behaviors, health history, physical shape, medication use, and other health- related items. Participants indicate the extent to which each question is characteristic of them using a 5-point scale.

Olfactory Screening Test (Cranial One Corporation. The Olfactory Screening Test assesses both perceived odor intensity and odor recognition of scent samples.

Profile of Mood States (POMS; Reddon, Marceau & Holden, 1985). The POMS contains a list of 65 adjectives concerning mood. Participants indicate the extent to which each adjective describes them at a particular moment using a 5-point scale. In addition to being able to assess each of the 65 adjectives, the POMS also contains summative sub-scales related to fatigue, tension, anxiety, vigor, and alertness. NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX: Hart & Staveland, 1988). The NASA-TLX is a multi-dimensional scale which measures both overall workload as well as specific components of workload in a given task along three dimensions (mental, physical, and temporal demand) related to demands imposed on the participant by the task, and three dimensions (effort, frustration, and performance) related to the interaction of the participant and the task.

IMPACT™ Cognitive Assessment (IMPACT Applications, Inc.). The IMPACT™ software measures a variety of aspects of participants' cognitive performance and function. Different versions of the test were used in each condition to control for learning effects. Subscales of this assessment include:

Word Discrimination, assessing attentional processes and verbal recognition memory. Twelve words are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds. Subsequently,

participants are presented with 24 different words, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which words were part of the list and which words were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 words presented.

Design Memory, assessing attentional processes and visual recognition memory. Twelve various designs are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds. After all twelve designs have been presented, participants are presented with 24 different designs, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which designs were part of the list and which designs were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 designs presented.

X's and O's, assessing visual working memory and visual processing speed. Individuals are presented with a random assortment of X's and O's, 3 of which are highlighted in yellow. Participants are required to remember the location of the 3 highlighted letters and recall that information after performing a distracter task (i.e. a task that is presented between the primary exposure to the information and the cued recall of that information in an attempt to challenge the working memory of participants). After viewing the highlighted letters for 1.5 seconds and also performing the distracter task, participants are asked to recall the location of the 3 highlighted letters. Participants repeat this task for a total of 4 trials.

Symbol Matching, assessing visual processing speed, learning, and memory. At the top of a computer screen, participants are presented with a grid that matches 9 numbers to 9 common symbols (i.e. star, triangle, square, arrow, etc.). At the bottom of the screen, participants are presented with a random symbol to which he or she must match with a number on the top of the screen. After 27 practice trials have been completed, the symbols paired with the numbers on the top of the screen disappear. Subsequently, participants are again presented with random symbols at the bottom of the screen, and he or she must recall to which number the specific symbol was paired. This assessment records both a reaction time score and a memory score.

Color Match, assessing reaction time and impulse control/response inhibition. Before beginning the assessment, participants are asked to click a "RED," "BLUE," and "GREEN" button as it is presented on the screen. This screening procedure helps assure that subsequent trials will not be affected by color blindness. Thereafter, words are presented in either the same color of ink as the words read (e.g., "BLUE" in blue ink) or a different color of ink (e.g., "BLUE" in red ink). Participants are asked to click on the word only if the word is printed in the same color of ink as the word reads.

Three Letters, assessing working memory and visual-motor response speed. Before testing, participants are allotted time to practice a distracter task, consisting of 25 grid blocks (5 x 5 grid design) numbered 1-25 in random order. Participants must click on the blocks in reverse order, starting with block #25 and progressing through block #1. Once the test begins, participants are presented with three consonant letters (e.g. WFL). Immediately after these

letters have been displayed, they are removed and the participant must complete the distracter task. He or she is once again asked to perform the numbered grid task described above as quickly as possible. Once 18 seconds have elapsed, the grid disappears, and the participant is asked to recall the three letters that were displayed on the screen earlier.

Procedure

Participants were briefed as to the various measures that will be made during testing. After completion of the IMPACT™ cognitive assessment, participants completed the POMS to assess mood, alertness, fatigue, tension-anxiety, and vigor, in addition to the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) to assess workload measures associated with the task. Participants performed the protocol four times, each time in a different scent condition, with the conditions separated by at least 48 hours to control for fatigue effects. The conditions consisted of the presentation of one of the three scents plus low flow oxygen, and a control condition of only low flow oxygen where no scent was presented. The order of the conditions was randomly assigned. The administration of scent plus low flow oxygen (or, in the control condition, only low flow oxygen) began 10 minutes prior to the participants engaging in the IMPACT ™ assessment.

EXPERIMENTAL OUTCOMES

All sub-scale scores, and scores comprising the sub-scale, were subjected to a one-within analysis of variance (ANOVA). The within factor was the scent condition (composition 1 , two separate scents and the control). When the analysis of variance indicated significant effects, Tukey post-hoc tests were employed to determine the direction of the effects. A statistical test will be considered statistically significant at the σ=.O5 level. A statistical test will be considered a trend at the σ=.1O level.

SUB-SCALE A: Word Discrimination, assessing attentional processes and verbal recognition memory

Procedure: Twelve words are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds.

Subsequently, participants are presented with 24 different words, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which words were part of the list and which words were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 words presented.

A trend was found for the total percent correct, F(3,57) = 2.55, p = .06. Composition 1 produced the greatest percent correct.

SUB-SCALE B: Design Memory, assessing attentional processes and visual recognition memory

Procedure: Twelve various designs are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds. After all twelve designs have been presented, participants are presented with

24 different designs, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which designs were part of the list and which designs were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 designs presented.

A significant effect was found for total percent correct, F(3, 57)=2.85, p=.O4. Each scent produced a greater total percent correct in relation to the control.

SUB-SCALE C: X's and O's, assessing visual working memory and visual processing speed. Procedure: Individuals are presented with a random assortment of X's and O's, 3 of which are highlighted in yellow. Participants are required to remember the location of the 3 highlighted letters and recall that information after performing a distracter task (i.e. a task that is presented between the primary exposure to the information and the cued recall of that information in an attempt to challenge the working memory of participants). After viewing the highlighted letters for 1.5 seconds and also performing the distracter task, participants are asked to recall the location of the 3 highlighted letters. Participants repeat this task for a total of 4 trials.

No significant effect was found for the total correct, F(3, 57)=1.70, p=.26.

SUB-SCALE D: Symbol Matching, assessing visual processing speed, learning, and memory. Procedure: At the top of a computer screen, participants are presented with a grid that matches 9 numbers to 9 common symbols (i.e. star, triangle, square, arrow, etc.). At the bottom of the screen, participants are presented with a random symbol to which he or she must match with a number on the top of the screen. After 27 practice trials have been completed, the symbols paired with the numbers on the top of the screen disappear. Subsequently, participants are again presented with random symbols at the bottom of the screen, and he or she must recall to which number the specific symbol was paired. This assessment records both a reaction time score and a memory score.

A significant effect was found for the total correct, F(3,57)=2.74, p=.O5. Composition 1 produced the largest number of correct symbols. There was no difference in reaction time, F(3,57)=.O4, p=.99

SUB-SCALE E: Color Match, assessing reaction time and impulse control/response inhibition. Procedure: Before beginning the assessment, participants are asked to click a "RED," "BLUE," and "GREEN" button as it is presented on the screen. This screening procedure helps assure that subsequent trials will not be affected by color blindness. Thereafter, words are presented in either the same color of ink as the words read (e.g., "BLUE" in blue ink) or a

different color of ink (e.g., "BLUE" in red ink). Participants are asked to click on the word only if the word is printed in the same color of ink as the word reads.

No effect was found for total correct, F(3,57)=.82, p=.49.

SUB-SCALE F: Three Letters, assessing working memory and visual-motor response speed. Procedure: Before testing, participants are allotted time to practice a distracter task, consisting of 25 grid blocks (5 x 5 grid design) numbered 1-25 in random order. Participants must click on the blocks in reverse order, starting with block #25 and progressing through block #1. Once the test begins, participants are presented with three consonant letters (e.g. WFL). Immediately after these letters have been displayed, they are removed and the participant must complete the distracter task. He or she is once again asked to perform the numbered grid task described above as quickly as possible. Once 18 seconds have elapsed, the grid disappears, and the participant is asked to recall the three letters that were displayed on the screen earlier.

A trend was found for total sequence of letters correct, F(3,57)=2.23, p=.O6. Scent A produced the lowest number correct.

In addition to the above sub-scales, composite scores were calculated for verbal memory, visual memory, visual motor speed, overall reaction time, and impulse control.

VERBAL MEMORY - A significant effect was found, F(3,57)=3.20, p=.O3. Verbal memory scores were greatest for Composition 1.

VISUAL MEMORY - No significant effect was found for visual memory, F(3,57)=.58, p=.63

VISUAL MOTOR SPEED - A significant effect was found for visual motor speed, F(3,57)=4.44, P=.007. Visual motor speed was faster for Composition 1.

OVERALL REACTION TIME - No significant effect was found for overall reaction time, F(3,57)=.13, p=.94.

IMPULSE CONTROL - No significant difference was found for impulse control, F(2,59)=1.12, p=.35.

PROFILE OF MOOD STATES

Profile of Mood States (POMS; Reddon, Marceau & Holden, 1985). The POMS contains a list of 65 adjectives concerning mood. Participants indicate the extent to which each adjective describes them at a particular moment using a 5 point scale. In addition to being able to

assess each of the 65 adjectives, the POMS also contains summative sub-scales related to anxiety, anger, vigor, confusion, fatigue, and depression.

ANXIETY - A significant effect was found for anxiety, F(3,57)=4.38, p=.008. Scent B produced an increase in anxiety, while Composition 1 produced a decrease in anxiety.

ANGER - A trend was found for anger, F(3,57)=2.69, p=.O6. Scent B produced an increase in anger.

VIGOR - A significant effect was found for vigor, F(3,57)=3.11, p=.O2. Vigor was highest with Composition 1.

CONFUSION - No significant effect was found for confusion, F(3,57)=1.05, p=.22.

FATIGUE - A significant effect was found for fatigue, F(2,57)=4.04, p=.01. Fatigue was greatest with Scent B and lowest with Composition 1.

DEPRESSION - No significant effect was found for depression, F(3,57)=1.08, p=.37.

NASA TASK LOAD INDEX (NASA-TLX)

NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX; Hart & Staveland, 1988). The NASA-TLX is a multidimensional scale which measures both overall workload as well as specific components of workload in a given task along three dimensions (mental, physical, and temporal demand) related to demands imposed on the participant by the task, and three dimensions (effort, frustration, and performance) related to the interaction of the participant and the task.

MENTAL DEMAND

Questions for this dimension include: How much mental and perceptual activity was required (e.g., thinking, deciding, calculating, remembering, looking, searching, etc.)? Was the task easy or demanding, simple or complex, exacting or forgiving?

There was a significant effect for mental demand, F(2,57)=5.10, p=.001. Mental demand was greatest with Scent B and lowest with Composition 1.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

Questions for this dimension include: How much physical activity was required? Was the task easy or demanding, slow or brisk, slack or strenuous, restful or laborious?

No significant effect was found for physical demand, F(3,57)=.39, p=.76.

TEMPORAL DEMAND

Questions for this dimension include: How much time pressure did you feel due to the rate or pace at which the tasks or task elements occurred? Was the pace slow and leisurely or rapid and frantic?

No significant effect was found for temporal demand, F(2,57)=1.49, p=.23.

PERFORMANCE

Questions for this dimension include: How successful do you think you were in accomplishing the goals of the task set by the experimenter? How satisfied were you with your performance in accomplishing these goals?

A significant performance effect was found, F(3,57)=8.40, p=.0001. Performance was highest with Composition 1 and lowest with Scent B.

EFFORT

Questions related to this dimension include: How hard did you have to work to accomplish your level of performance?

A trend for effort was found, F(3,57)=2.27, p=.O6. Effort was lowest with Composition 1.

FRUSTRATION

Questions related to this dimension include: How insecure, discouraged, irritated, stressed and annoyed versus secure, gratified, content, relaxed and complacent did you feel during the task?

No significant effect was found for frustration, F(3,57)=1.24, p=.3O.

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS

In terms of cognitive processing, Composition 1 produced the greatest word memory percentage correct, symbol match percentage correct, and verbal memory score; increased design memory percentage correct; and produced the fastest motor speed.

In terms of mood, Composition 1 produced a decrease in anxiety and fatigue, and an increase in vigor.

In terms of workload, Composition 1 produced a decreased mental demand, an increase in performance, and a decrease in effort.

Scent A produced the lowest number of correct responses for the three letters task.

Scent B produced an increase in anxiety, an increase in anger, an increase in fatigue, an increase in mental demand, and the lowest performance.

All scents (Composition 1 , Scent A and Scent B) increased design memory.

Testing Part 2

To test the effect of concentration of Composition 1 on alertness, the following experimental method was used:

Participants

The participants were 34 adult volunteers (17 males and 17 females). The mean age was 27.3 years, with a range of 18 to 62 years. Participants were compensated at the rate of $8.00 per hour.

Experimental Scent

The experimental scent using composition 1 above was used. Scent presentations were made in three concentrations: 60 ng/L (LOW), 120 ng/L (MODERATE), and 240 ng/L (HIGH).

Odorant Delivery

Odorant delivery was made through a nasal cannula connected to an AirSept NewLife

Oxygen Concentrator.

Physiological Measurements

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse, oxygen concentration and mean arterial pressure were recorded with a Keller KMS 890+ Vital Signs monitor. EEG activity was recorded with a BioPac MP100 Data Acquisition System.

Additional Assessments

The following inventories and questionnaires were used to a) assess general participant health, b) screen for normal olfactory processing, c) assess level of alertness, mood, and workload, d) evaluate cognitive performance, e) determine clerical office work performance, and f) provide for an exit interview concerning assessment of the sample: Health Assessment Screening Questionnaire (HAQ; Krisnan, Sokka, Hakkinen, Hubert, Hannonen, 2000). The HAQ consists of 100 questions concerning health behaviors, health control, . well ness behaviors, health history, physical shape, medication use, and other health- related items. Participants indicate the extent to which each question is characteristic of them using a 5-point scale.

Olfactory Screening Test (Cranial One Corporation. The Olfactory Screening Test assesses both perceived odor intensity and odor recognition of scent samples.

Profile of Mood States (POMS; Reddon, Marceau & Holden, 1985). The POMS contains a list of 65 adjectives concerning mood. Participants indicate the extent to which each adjective describes them at a particular moment using a 5-point scale. In addition to being able to assess each of the 65 adjectives, the POMS also contains summative sub-scales related to fatigue, tension, anxiety, vigor, and alertness.

NASA-Task Load Index (NASA-TLX; Hart & Staveland, 1988). The

NASA-TLX is a multi-dimensional scale which measures both overall workload as well as specific components of workload in a given task along three dimensions (mental, physical, and temporal demand) related to demands imposed on the participant by the task, and three dimensions (effort, frustration, and performance) related to the interaction of the participant and the task.

IMPACT™ Cognitive Assessment (IMPACT Applications, Inc.). The IMPACT™ software measures a variety of aspects of participants' cognitive performance and function. Different versions of the test were used in each condition to control for learning effects. Subscales of this assessment include:

Word Discrimination, assessing attentional processes and verbal recognition memory.

Twelve words are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds. Subsequently, participants are presented with 24 different words, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which words were part of the list and which words were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 words presented.

Design Memory, assessing attentional processes and visual recognition memory. Twelve various designs are presented on a computer screen, each for 750 milliseconds. After all twelve designs have been presented, participants are presented with 24 different designs, 12 of which were part of the list they just viewed, and 12 of which were not part of the list they just viewed. Participants must decide which designs were part of the list and which designs were not part of the list by supplying a "yes" or "no" response to each of the 24 designs presented.

X's and O's, assessing visual working memory and visual processing speed. Individuals are presented with a random assortment of X's and O's, 3 of which are highlighted in yellow.

Participants are required to remember the location of the 3 highlighted letters and recall that information after performing a distracter task (i.e. a task that is presented between the primary exposure to the information and the cued recall of that information in an attempt to challenge the working memory of participants): After viewing the highlighted letters for 1.5 seconds and also performing the distracter task, participants are asked to recall the location of the 3 highlighted letters. Participants repeat this task for a total of 4 trials.

Symbol Matching, assessing visual processing speed, learning, and memory. At the top of a computer screen, participants are presented with a grid that matches 9 numbers to 9 common symbols (i.e. star, triangle, square, arrow, etc.). At the bottom of the screen, participants are presented with a random symbol to which he or she must match with a number on the top of

the screen. After 27 practice trials have been completed, the symbols paired with the numbers on the top of the screen disappear. Subsequently, participants are again presented with random symbols at the bottom of the screen, and he or she must recall to which number the specific symbol was paired. This assessment records both a reaction time score and a memory score.

Color Match, assessing reaction time and impulse control/response inhibition. Before beginning the assessment, participants are asked to click a "RED," "BLUE," and "GREEN" button as it is presented on the screen. This screening procedure helps assure that subsequent trials will not be affected by color blindness. Thereafter, words are presented in either the same color of ink as the words read (e.g., "BLUE" in blue ink) or a different color of ink (e.g., "BLUE" in red ink). Participants are asked to click on the word only if the word is printed in the same color of ink as the word reads.

Three Letters, assessing working memory and visual-motor response speed. Before testing, participants are allotted time to practice a distracter task, consisting of 25 grid blocks (5 x 5 grid design) numbered 1-25 in random order. Participants must click on the blocks in reverse order, starting with block #25 and progressing through block #1. Once the test begins, participants are presented with three consonant letters (e.g. WFL). Immediately after these letters have been displayed, they are removed and the participant must complete the distracter task. He or she is once again asked to perform the numbered grid task described above as quickly as possible. Once 18 seconds have elapsed, the grid disappears, and the participant is asked to recall the three letters that were displayed on the screen earlier. TvpinqMaster™ Assessment (TypingMaster, Inc.). The Typing M aster™ program presents the participant with a written story to be recreated to the best of the participant's ability. The program measures typing duration, gross speed, accuracy, and net speed. Different stories are presented randomly in each scent condition to eliminate practice effects.

An exit interview questionnaire for each scent condition, consisting of questions such as a) having this scent in my working environment would make me feel better, b) having this scent in my working environment would make me feel like I could better control my environment, c) this scent is a beneficial scent to have in my working environment, and d) this particular scent would make an appropriate room air freshener. Participants indicate their level of agreement with each statement on an 11-point scale. In addition, participants rate the intensity and pleasantness of each scent concentration on an 11-point scale.

EXPERIMENTAL OUTCOMES Cognitive performance:

• Scent administration of any concentration produced greater word memory scores in relation to the control condition.

• Low and moderate scent administration produced a greater design memory total percent correct in relation to both the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Moderate scent administration produced more correct symbol matches in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Low and moderate scent administration produced faster reaction times in symbol matching in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Low and moderate scent administration produced a greater color match total correct in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Verbal memory scores were greatest with low and moderate scent administration in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Visual motor speed was faster for low and moderate scent administration in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Impulse control was highest in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to all other conditions.

Mood:

• Low and moderate scent administration produced lower anxiety in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Vigor was highest in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Fatigue was lowest during the low and moderate scent administration conditions in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

Workload:

• Mental demand was lower in the low and moderate scent administration conditions in relation to the high scent administration condition.

• Mental demand was lower in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to the control condition.

• Performance was higher in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to the high scent administration and the control condition.

• Performance was higher in the low scent administration condition in relation to the control condition.

• Effort was lower in the low and moderate scent administration conditions in relation to the high scent administration and control condition.

Typing performance:

• Typing accuracy was greatest in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to all other conditions.

• Errors were lowest in the moderate scent administration condition in relation to the high scent administration condition and the control condition.

Physiological measurements:

• High scent administration was associated with increased diastolic blood pressure.

Left and right temporal response patters showed increased EEG activity in the presence of scent, regardless of the scent administration concentration.