Tobacco Documents Online

Report to assess the influence of product design/delivery on smoking behavior and how changes in smoking behavior influence perceived sensory response, providing a link between standard smoke/ physical measures and sensory responses. Assesses effects of changing rod density on sensory and behavioral responses. Concludes increased rod density increases pressure drop with minimal effects on per puff deliveries of tar and nicotine, insignificant changes in strength attributes, and significantly increased perceived mechanics (draw resistance). Notes smokers "decreased the amount of work done during the puff when faced with lower density products." Describes study to determine if light versions of products are perceived as milder. Concludes that when pressure drop of light cigarette is higher, smoking behavior results in equivalent puff volumes and relative difference in deliveries (Marlboros), whereas light cigarette with lower pressure drop results in greater puff volumes and reduced or no difference in delivery (SE555). Assesses impact of ventilation levels. Finds increased ventilation results in increased puff count, volume, duration, and reduced pressure drop. Notes behavioral changes may be due to reduced smoke deliveries, reduced pressure drop, or combination.

Review of theory on the interaction between smoker and cigarette. Hypothesizes that while nicotine is responsible for sensory effects, it is other compounds in cigarette smoke and design parameters of cigarette that modulate how the smoker delivers nicotine to herself. Discusses possible measures for physiological response, focusing on puff profile, amount of smoke that is "wasted" after the puff is taken, and the characteristics of the first inhalation after the puff. Suggests use of these measures to improve marketplace performance and directly effect product construction/design. Analyzes degree to which measurements can be made accurately, degree to which these behaviors are influenced by habit, determinants of behavior, and predictive ability of measures (alone or in combination). Provides recommendations for future research.

Consists of review of product design literature related to flavor and impact aspects of low-tar cigarettes. Includes chapters: "Summary; I. Introduction; II. Smoke chemistry and subjectives; III. Tobaccos and tobacco chemistry; IV. Filtration and filter ventilation; V. Nicotine, smoke pH and smoke subjectives; VI. Conclusions; VII. Indicates substantial evidence suggests that "increased nicotine, and optimal combinations fo nicotine, volatile organic acids and/or total remaining sugars probably will yield major flavor improvements of [ultra-low tar and lowest tar] cigarettes". Recommendations; IIX. Acknowledgements; [and] IX. References". Recommends future studies in "1. Manipulating smoke pH; 2. Higher nicotine tobacco blend with added organic acid(s) and/or increased total reducing sugars; [and] 3. Utilization of the supercritical extraction process". Indicates accession number "90-047".

Reports on a "harshness workshop" conducted to address the historical perception of RJR products as harsher than Philip Morris counterparts. States that corporate emphasis on younger adults mandates improvements in harshness ratings in Winston and Camel products to appeal to this population. Presents a synopsis of brainstorming sessions identifying solvents, leaf/blends, tobacco processing, cigarette construction and consumer language/testing as key areas of interest. Opines that there may be some overlap with harshness, tobacco taste and strength. Recommends defining language with consumers to explore this overlap.

Reports on the third study in "a series of studies with similar objectives," to identify the role of perceived draw "in smoker preferences and to suggest ways to manipulate the perception of draw beneficially." Discusses the present study and its intent to "further explore the effect of an oral stimulant on the perception of puff resistance" through the use of aerosol delivery, including pressure drop standards; objective measures of puff behavior; "and subjective measures of key sensory attributes." Delineates experimental procedure and the experimental conditions. Determines that this study, along with the previous two studies, shows that one of the sensory cues determinining "perceived resistance to a puff is the chemosensory stimulation of the oral cavity." Includes various tables and charts.

Reports full flavor non-menthol [FFNM] smoker's behavior when presented variable draft and blend nicotine cigarettes. Says a secondary objective focuses on confirming results of a prior study of full flavor smokers desire for cigarette [DFC], and identifying descriptors. Says Winston 85 specifications were used as the benchmark of the test cigarettes, while Marlboro and Winston Lights served as controls. Describes experimental design, data analysis and concludes: FFNM smokers react to product changes, personality profiles vary and states "Smokers do not smoke the same and therefore get different deliveries from the same cigarette."

Summarizes Project Aries research and presents detailed status reports regarding: radical cigarette designs, sensory profiles, smoking behavior, smoke chemistry, mouthpieces and cigarette assembly.

States the Group Research & Development Center budget has been approved and says research objectives will be assigned differently. Lists budget allocations and organizational staffing charts. Describes and details the stategic objectives of: biological research, smoke research, smoker behavior, flavor research, process research, analysis and test method development.