Development of a Mathematical Model and Statistical Procedure for the Analysis of Multiple Time Intensity Curves of Sweet Beverages

The aim of the present study is to develop a mathematical model devoted to analyze the Multiple Time Intensity Curve (MTIC) and to establish a statistical methodology appropriate to draw conclusions about how to vary the taste sensation perceived at successive sips during time. It was designed a software in Turbo Pascal language, MTIC.exe, running under the DOS operating system. It allows an adequate acquisition of data to assess the MTIC. To model experimental MTICs it is proposed a function I=f (t) that represents the real action of ingesting a drink. A mechanistic approach could be able to interpret all physicochemical and physiological events during sensory testing. We developed a model representative of the MTICs dependent of six parameters. It was analyzed, step by step, all the phenomena occurring while registering the curve. That is, since the judge puts the solution in his mouth, until the completion of recording after repeating four sips. A function I=f (t, a, b, k0, tl, vl, h) describes temporal changes in perceived sweet intensity.