Good Condition Research Articles

The effects of communication topology on mixed traffic flow: modelling and analysis

This paper aims to evaluate the combined impact of the communication topology (CT) and vehicular spatial distribution (SD) on mixed traffic of human-driven vehicles (HDVs) and connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs). A generalized car-following (CF) model is presented to capture mixed traffic dynamics, integrating the effects of the CT, human reaction time, information delay and the optimal velocity changes with memory. Then, the linear stable condition of the model is derived using the perturbation method. Finally, extensive simulations are conducted under different CTs (i.e., multiple-predecessor leader following (MPLF) topology, predecessor following (PF) topology, and predecessor-leader following (PLF) topology) and six kinds of SDs. The results reveal that the MPLF topology demonstrates the best steady performance (i.e., stability) and dynamic performance (i.e., smoothness), and that the SD where CAVs are concentrated at the front of the traffic flow shows superior dynamic performance.

Stability of steady-state solutions of Jeffcott rotor with varying rotational speed

AbstractThe behavior of flexible rotating systems with varying rotational speeds is essential in engineering applications. Analysis methods that consider linear dynamic models and many existing nonlinear analysis approaches assume constant rotational speed. These approaches are unsuited to study the dynamic interaction between driving torque and whirling motion in this class of applications. In this paper, an analysis of the stability and control of a Jeffcott rotor under varying operational conditions is presented. A nonlinear dynamic model of the system is formulated to enable a detailed stability and parametric analysis. A proportional-integral (PI) torque command is employed to achieve a steady-state rotational speed. Assuming constant lateral control effort, system equilibrium points and their stability characteristics as functions of the system’s parameters are analyzed. A control law that minimizes the lateral effort is derived. A feedback proportional lateral control strategy is introduced to enhance the system’s region of stability, particularly in the supercritical speed range. Finally, a simulation study is conducted to validate the analytical findings. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach for defining stable operating conditions and improving system performance.

Prediction of Delamination Defects in Drilling of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers Using a Regression-Based Approach

Carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) structures have been increasingly used in various aerospace sectors due to their outstanding mechanical properties in recent years. However, the poor machinability of CFRP plates, combined with the inhomogeneous behavior of fibers, poses a challenge for manufacturers and researchers to define the critical factors and conditions necessary to ensure the quality of holes in CFRP structures. This study aims to analyze the effect of drilling parameters on CFRP delamination and to predict hole quality using a regression-based approach. The design of the experiment (DOE) was conducted using Taguchi’s L9 3-level orthogonal array. The input drilling variables included the feed rate, spindle speed, and three different drill types. A regression-based model using partial least squares (PLS) was developed to predict delamination defects during the drilling of CFRP plates. The PLS model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting delamination defects, with a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.0045, corresponding to an accuracy of approximately 99.6%, enabling the rapid estimation of delamination. The model’s predictions were closely aligned with the experimental results, although some deviations were observed due to tool inefficiencies, particularly with end mill cutters. These findings offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners, enhancing the understanding of delamination in CFRPs and identifying areas for further investigation.

Can miRNAs in MSCs-EVs Offer a Potential Treatment for Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy?

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a critical condition resulting from impaired oxygen and blood flow to the brain during birth, leading to neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and long-term neurological deficits. Despite the use of therapeutic hypothermia, current treatments remain inadequate in fully preventing brain damage. Recent advances in mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) offer a novel, cell-free therapeutic approach, as these EVs can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and deliver functional microRNAs (miRNAs) to modulate key pathways involved in inflammation and neuroprotection. This review examines how specific miRNAs encapsulated in MSC-EVs-including miR-21, miR-124, miR-146, and the miR-17-92 cluster-target the complex inflammatory responses that drive HIE pathology. By modulating pathways such as NF-κB, STAT3, and PI3K/Akt, these miRNAs influence neuroinflammatory processes, reduce neuronal apoptosis, and promote tissue repair. The aim is to assess the therapeutic potential of miRNA-loaded MSC-EVs in mitigating inflammation and neuronal damage, thus addressing the limitations of current therapies like therapeutic hypothermia.

Metastatic pituitary lesion

Metastatic lesion of pituitary is a rare condition and is diagnosed in 1.8-4% of cases. Monitoring and treatment of such patients is a complex task and requires increased attention from a multidisciplinary team of specialists. The authors represent three patients with metastatic pituitary lesion who underwent neurosurgical treatment at the National Research Center of the National Research Institute of Endocrinology with subsequent pathomorphological confirmation of the diagnosis. The primary tumors were breast cancer, lung carcinoid, and clear cell kidney cancer. Two patients had distant metastases other than the pituitary gland. The clinical manifestation consisted in the appearance of symptoms of panhypopituitarism, chiasmal syndrome and mass effect in all cases. The follow-up period after surgical treatment was 0.25-2.5 years. Progression of the underlying disease was noted in two patients. One of them carried out stereotactic radiosurgical treatment and stereotactic oriented irradiation. One patient has a stable condition.

THE ROLE OF BRONCHOSCOPY IN INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE, CASE REPORT

Purpose. Airway maintenance, adequate ventilation, and pulmonary gas exchange are crucial for critically ill patients. The challenges of performing in intensive care patients often differ significantly from routine surgical procedures in the operating room. The aim of our study was to assess the effectiveness of bronchoscopic aspiration in improving respiratory function in a patient on prolonged artificial ventilation. Material/Methods. A 69-year-old male was admitted to the ICU six days after an open cystoprostatectomy, presenting with respiratory failure. Initial treatment included blind airway suctioning, nebulization, chest physiotherapy, and empirical antibiotics. Due to persistent atelectasis and respiratory failure, bronchoscopic aspiration was performed. A total of nine bronchoscopies with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were conducted for aspiration and microbiological testing, guiding adjustments in antibiotic therapy. After 61 days in the ICU, the patient was transferred to the Department of Urology and later discharged. Results. Bronchoscopic aspiration significantly improved the patient's condition, with noticeable improvements after the first bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Pulmonary imaging on X-ray and blood oxygenation showed clear progress, with better lung function and enhanced ventilation parameters. These changes allowed for a reduction in oxygen concentration and improved gas exchange. After 61 days in the ICU, the patient was successfully transferred to the Department of Urology and later discharged in stable condition. Conclusions. Bronchoscopic aspiration is a highly effective method for improving ventilation and oxygenation in patients on prolonged mechanical ventilation. It plays a crucial role in managing airway obstructions atelectasis, and enhancing microbiological diagnostics.

Sex-related differences in early morphological and clinical outcomes in patients with type A intramural haematoma: an observational cohort study.

To investigate sex-based differences in presenting characteristics and early outcomes of type A intramural haematoma. Patients with type A intramural haematoma in an institutional cohort were consecutively enrolled between December 2013 and July 2022. Presenting characteristics, morphological progression and all-cause death during hospitalization were evaluated according to patient sex. Among 473 patients, 48.0% were female. Females were older (65.9 ± 9.1 vs 58.5 ± 11.5 years, P < 0.001) with larger ascending aortic diameters (52.2 ± 6.6 vs 48.3 ± 6.1 mm, P < 0.001), thicker haematomas (11.5 ± 4.9 vs 9.5 ± 3.4 mm, P < 0.001) and more frequent focal intimal disruptions (45.4% vs 29.7%, P < 0.001). Within 30 days of initial medical therapy, 89.8% of males vs 70.1% of females showed morphological regression or stable condition on repeat computed tomography angiography. The in-hospital mortality was 9.7% in females (n = 22) and 2.8% in males (n = 7). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed higher early mortality in females (P = 0.002). Multivariable Cox regression showed female sex as an independent risk factor for early death (hazard ratio: 2.8, 95% confidence interval: 1.2-6.8, P = 0.021). Subgroup analysis revealed no heterogeneity according to subgroups including older age (71-90 years), ascending aortic diameter ≥50 mm, presence of focal intimal disruption, presence of pericardial effusion, haematoma thickness ≥11 mm and hypertension. Female patients with type A intramural haematoma presented with worse characteristics, higher early morphological progression and an increased risk of early death compared to males.

Challenges in institutional ethical review process and approval for international multicenter clinical studies in lower and middle-income countries: the case of PARITY study

BackgroundOne of the greatest challenges to conducting multicenter research studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is the heterogeneity in regulatory processes across sites. Previous studies have reported variations in requirements with a lack of standardization in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) processes between centers, imposing barriers for approval, participation, and development of multicenter research.ObjectivesTo describe the regulatory process, variability and challenges faced by pediatric researchers in LMICs during the IRB process of an international multicenter observational point prevalence study (Global PARITY).DesignA 16-question multiple-choice online survey was sent to site principal investigators (PIs) at PARITY study participating centers to explore characteristics of the IRB process, costs, and barriers to research approval. A shorter survey was employed for sites that expressed interest in participating in Global PARITY and started the approval process, but ultimately did not participate in data collection (non-participating sites) to assess IRB characteristics.ResultsOf the 91 sites that sought IRB approval, 46 were successful in obtaining approval and finishing the data collection process. The survey was completed by 46 (100%) participating centers and 21 (47%) non-participating centers. There was a significant difference between participating and non-participating sites in IRB approval of a waiver consent and in the requirement for a legal review of the protocol. The greatest challenge to research identified by non-participating sites was a lack of research time and the lack of institutional support.ConclusionsGlobal collaborative research is crucial to increase our understanding of pediatric critical care conditions in hospitals of all resource-levels and IRBs are required to ensure that this research complies with ethical standards. Critical barriers restrict research activities in some resource limiting countries. Increasing the efficiency and accessibility of local IRB review could greatly impact participation of resource limited sites and enrollment of vulnerable populations.

Osmotic demyelination syndrome: revisiting the diagnostic criteria through two fatal cases

BackgroundOsmotic Demyelination Syndrome (ODS) encompasses Central Pontine Myelinolysis and Extrapontine Myelinolysis, both of which are serious neurological conditions linked to the overly rapid correction of hyponatremia. Despite growing evidence, the exact etiology of ODS remains incompletely understood. The present paper describes two case studies, aiming to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathological findings and clinical outcomes associated with ODS.Case presentationCase #1. A 74-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department following a head trauma caused by a loss of consciousness. Initial laboratory tests revealed severe hyponatremia (sodium level of 101 mmol/L) and hypokalemia (potassium level of 2.9 mmol/L). The patient underwent corrective therapy with saline and potassium chloride. Despite the correction of electrolyte imbalances, the patient developed a hyperintense lesion in the median portion of the pons on T2-fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) MRI sequence 14 days post-treatment, consistent with ODS. The patient’s condition deteriorated, leading to irreversible coma and status epilepticus, culminating in death 32 days after admission. Case #2. An 81-year-old woman with a medical history of hypothyroidism, hypertension, major depression, and stage 3 chronic kidney disease presented with mild gait disturbances. Subsequent testing revealed severe hyponatremia (sodium level of 100 mmol/L). Following an initial clinical improvement due to sodium correction, the patient’s condition worsened, with symptoms progressing to confusion, lethargy, and eventually, ODS. Dermatological manifestations, including blistering lesions and facial edema, appeared as the condition advanced. The patient succumbed to irreversible coma 47 days after admission.ConclusionODS traditionally carried a poor prognosis, with high mortality rates and diagnoses often made postmortem. However, recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology, along with improvements in diagnostic techniques such as MRI and intensive care treatments, have led to earlier identification, treatment, and recognition of milder forms of the syndrome. Despite these advancements, ODS remains a critical condition with significant risks, particularly following the rapid correction of severe hyponatremia.

070. Total Bowel Obstruction and Secondary Renal Impairment Following Bajakah Root Ingestion: Case Report

Background: Total bowel obstruction is a critical condition often caused by malignancies and adhesions or rare caused by foreign bodies. The bajakah root is a herbal medicine in Dayak community (Central Kalimantan), traditionally used to treat any diseases. This report presents a unique case of bowel obstruction due to bajakah root, and renal impairment as a complication. Case: A 62 years old female without any psychiatric disorders with history bajakah root consumtion complaint difficult defecation and green vomiting. Physical examination showed abdominal distention with collapsed rectal ampulla. Laboratory results revealed renal impairment. Imaging studies confirmed total bowel obstruction. Exploratory laparotomy identified ileoileal and ileo-omental adhesions with 0.5x0,5 cm ileum perforation 120 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz and a 2x2 cm wooden foreign body 10 cm distal from the perforation site. Surgical management included adhesiolysis, wedge excision of the ileum, foreign body extraction and anastomosis. Conclusion: Total bowel obstruction, renal impairment, bajakah, foreign body, foreign body extraction.

АНАЛІЗ ЦІНОВИХ СТРАТЕГІЙ ТА СПОЖИВЧА ПОВЕДІНКА В КОНТЕКСТІ МАРКЕТИНГОВИХ ДОСЛІДЖЕНЬ

Abstract introduction. The article examines the views of scientists regarding the formation of price strategies. The main approaches to pricing are considered, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. Factors affecting the company's choice of pricing strategy and affecting consumer behavior are considered. It is conducted research in relation to behavior of consumers and built model of satisfaction of consumer necessities. The purpose of the article. Consideration of pricing strategies of companies and their impact on consumer behavior. Researching consumer behavior and building a model for satisfying consumer needs in goods or services. Methods. Carrying out research the methods of abstraction, analysis, logical, theoretical and historical generalization and comparison are used. For basis of research a dialectical method is taken. Results. The article examines the main approaches to pricing, with the help of which companies set optimal prices for their services and goods. The factors affecting the company's choice of price strategy are considered, and the factors influencing consumer behavior are highlighted. Conducted research on consumer behavior. The proposed model of meeting the needs of consumers in goods or services, which contains 8 sections: the consumer's awareness of the need for the need for a product or service; collection of information; selection of goods or services; decision-making; purchase (payment) of goods or services; evaluation of the choice made and enrichment of experience; the degree of satisfaction of the need for a product or service and consumption of the results. Conclusiоns. After researching and analyzing the available types of marketing price strategies, business entities choose their own price strategy, taking into account certain existing tools, taking into account: characteristics of the service or product, market segment, market competition, competitor analysis, level of market demand, marketing strategies, etc. .. The use of the correct price strategy and the concept of pricing contributes to the achievement of goals: ensuring the stable financial condition of the business entity, meeting the needs of consumers. The offered model in relation to satisfaction of necessities of consumers in commodities or services gives understanding to the process of making decision by consumers in relation to a purchase that is the basic factor of success of company in a competition environment. Companies, that is able to adapt oneself to the necessities of consumers and, to their requirements, that understand the customers, have more chances to retain and attract clients, promote a competitiveness and score a success at the market. The question of the method of determining prices for certain types of services and the behavioral reaction of consumers requires further research.

Anomalous Origin of the Right Subclavian Artery from the Right Pulmonary Artery in a Patient with d-Transposition of the Great Arteries: Diagnosis and Surgical Treatment.

Anomalous origin of the right subclavian artery (AORSA) from the right pulmonary artery is a rare congenital anomaly usually diagnosed by computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or angiography. We present a very rare case of diagnosis and surgical correction of AORSA coexisting with d-transposition of the great arteries in a newborn's first hours of life. Due to the critical local hospital and patient conditions, additional cross-sectional imaging was not feasible. The diagnosis was suspected by clinical signs, confirmed by transthoracic echocardiogram, and the patient was urgently taken to the operating room. We discuss clinical and echocardiographic signs of this child with d-transposition of the great arteries and AORSA from the right pulmonary artery.

A Magyarországon tartózkodó belső ukrajnai menekültek nyelvhasználati szokásai és nyelvi attitűdjei

The armed conflict in eastern Ukraine since 2014 has escalated into the Russo–Ukrainian war that broke out on February 24, 2022, leading millions of Ukrainian citizens to decide about leaving the country and seeking temporary and, in many cases, permanent shelter abroad, including in Hungary. The threat to their existence posed by the military actions, the general mobilisation of men aged 18–60, and the economic downturn have led to a significant increase in the number of Ukrainian citizens leaving their homeland behind. At the same time, it is also important to highlight that the mobilisation law banned men of military age from leaving the country as of February 25, 2022, so that men who left the Eastern Ukraine region have predominantly found temporary shelter in the Western part of the country, including in Transcarpathia. At the same time, many men who were not obliged to mobilise because of a medical condition (e.g., disability) or family status (e.g., having at least three children) and who still had the right to leave the country also decided to go abroad. Their numbers are, of course, negligible compared to the number of women and children, who have left Ukraine. On the basis of the results of an online questionnaire survey conducted among internally displaced Ukrainians currently residing in Hungary, the paper aims to show how the Russian and Ukrainian native speakers of the data, having been exposed to a language environment with which they are completely unfamiliar, have developed language usage strategies and attitudes towards their mother tongue, Hungarian, and the various intermediary languages used during everyday communication. In the first part of the work, the migration processes that developed in the context of the war and the measures taken by the European Union in response to them are presented. The second part provides general information on the distribution of respondents by place of residence in Ukraine and by place of residence in Hungary, as well as other sociological indicators. The next section describes the respondents’ language skills and characteristics. This is followed by a presentation of respondents’ opinions on their attitude towards Hungary, the Hungarian language, learning the Hungarian language, and the possibility of returning to Ukraine. The paper also includes comments from respondents in the form of narrative texts, which help to provide a more balanced picture of the statistics.

A PROSPECTIVE STUDY ON MANAGEMENT OF CARDIOGENIC SHOCK WITH PERCUTANEOUS CORONARY INTERVENTION

Cardiogenic shock following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a critical condition with high mortality rates. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has emerged as a key intervention, but the outcomes and associated risk factors, including comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking, remain essential to understand for optimizing treatment and improving prognosis. Objective: To evaluate outcomes and identify risk factors in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to acute myocardial infarction managed with percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital involving 70 patients aged 60 years and above who presented with cardiogenic shock due to AMI within 24 hours of symptom onset. Data were collected on demographics, clinical indicators of shock severity, and mechanical complications, including pump failure, papillary muscle rupture, ventricular septal rupture (VSR), and free wall rupture. The incidence of comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes, and smoking status, was documented. Mortality and recovery patterns were assessed during hospitalization and post-discharge. Statistical analysis was performed to examine associations between comorbidities and adverse outcomes. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 68.8 ± 4.5 years, with a male predominance of 57.1%. Key complications included pump failure in 31.4%, papillary muscle rupture in 11.4%, papillary muscle dysfunction in 34.3%, VSR in 7.1%, and free wall rupture in 4.3% of patients. Overall mortality was 12.9%. Hypertension was present in 67.1% of patients, diabetes in 61.4%, and smoking in 21.4%, all of which correlated with higher complication rates and adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Early PCI management in patients with cardiogenic shock secondary to AMI is associated with favorable survival rates. However, comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes significantly increase complication rates. These findings underscore the importance of timely intervention and risk-targeted management to improve survival outcomes in high-risk patients.

Multi-objective optimization of a novel hybrid battery thermal management system using response surface method

This study evaluates the thermal performance of a Z-type battery thermal management system (BTMS) designed for nine lithium-ion batteries discharged at a high rate of 5C, using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The investigation employs Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to optimize two critical thermal performance parameters: the maximum battery temperature (Tmax) and the maximum temperature difference between cells (ΔTmax). Various cooling strategies are explored to comprehensively assess the BTMS, including natural convection, forced convection, cooling fins, phase change material (PCM), and composite PCM. These methods are analyzed to determine their effectiveness in controlling the thermal behavior of the battery pack. The simulation results indicate that integrating different cooling techniques can significantly lower Tmax from 352.38 K to 309.14 K and reduce ΔTmax from 14.6 K to 3.31 K, depending on the method used. Under critical conditions, such as the failure of the active cooling system, the BTMS still maintained a Tmax of 310.64 K and a ΔTmax of 0.95 K, demonstrating its robustness and reliability. Further optimization identified the ideal configuration for the system, including an inlet air speed of 1.2 m/s, an inlet temperature of 297.15 K, and a PCM thickness of 3.8 mm, achieving optimal thermal performance with a Tmax of 303.97 K and ΔTmax of 3.17 K. This study offers valuable insights into the design and optimization of effective BTMS for enhanced battery safety and longevity.

Health Anxiety, Sleep Quality in Healthcare Workers Under Critical Conditions of Emerging Diseases

Background: One of the crises recently affecting human society is an emerging pandemic that has had a significant psychological impact on healthcare workers. Studies have shown that staff experience psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia when exposed to crises. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the association between health anxiety and the sleep quality of healthcare workers during crisis conditions. Methods: This cross-sectional, correlational descriptive-analytical study was conducted from late February 2019 to late March 2020. Using convenient sampling, 382 healthcare workers from medical universities in Golestan province participated in the survey. Data were collected via an internet link shared with participants through WhatsApp working groups. The instruments used in this research included demographic information, sleep quality, and health anxiety inventories. The data were analyzed using SPSS-21 with descriptive and analytical statistics. Results: Of the participants, 77.2% were women, 65.4% were single, 60.7% were nurses, and 64.4% had a bachelor's degree. The results revealed that 72.7% of the staff experienced moderate to high levels of anxiety. Regarding sleep quality, 28.3% (n = 108) of healthcare workers reported good sleep quality, while 71.7% (n = 274) reported poor sleep quality. Additionally, the results indicated a significant correlation between health anxiety scores and sleep quality scores (r = 0.129, P = 0.01). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that the critical conditions caused by emerging diseases have led to health anxiety among healthcare workers, negatively affecting their sleep quality. Therefore, medical center officials must address such psychological issues and implement preventive measures to maintain the mental health of healthcare workers.

Conservation of Waterlogged Wooden Structures from the Late Bronze Age at İnönü Cave (Türkiye)

ABSTRACT During the excavations carried out in the İnönü Cave, located within the Western Black Sea region of Türkiye, four separate floor structures made of wood, dating back to the Late Bronze Age (1436-1123 Cal BCE), were unearthed. The way the corners of the structures are connected shows that the structures were built with the çantı or bell technique, a traditional nail-less wooden architectural form of the Black Sea region. Thanks to the wet and stable environmental conditions within the cave, the wooden floors have survived and are well preserved from the Late Bronze Age to the present day. This study presents the details of the conservation practices developed and deployed in order to ensure that the wooden floors are well protected and remain available for study in the short and medium term.

Self-centering rocking steel frame with column mid-height uplift: Experimental and numerical investigation

This paper proposes a self-centering rocking steel frame with column mid-height uplift (SCRSF-CMU) that exhibits high post-yield stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. The hysteretic performance of the SCRSF-CMU was investigated through cyclic loading tests. A numerical model of the SCRSF-CMU was established and validated against experimental results. Subsequently, the seismic performance of the SCRSF-CMU was compared with that of the self-centering rocking steel frame with column base uplift (SCRSF-CBU) using nonlinear time history analysis. Finally, the seismic responses of the SCRSF-CMU and SCRSF-CBU under varying earthquake intensities were analyzed using the endurance time analysis. The results indicate that the designed SCRSF-CMU demonstrates excellent lateral force resistance, energy dissipation, and self-centering capabilities. The rocking effect and the restoring force of the post-tensioned steel strands effectively controlled the residual lateral displacement of the specimens. The multi-scale numerical model of the SCRSF-CMU accurately captured its hysteretic behavior and deformation patterns. Compared to the SCRSF-CBU, the SCRSF-CMU exhibited superior rocking deformation capacity, post-yield stiffness, and hysteretic energy dissipation. Under MCE excitation, both SCRSF-CMU and SCRSF-CBU showed uniform inter-story drift distribution with minimal residual deformation, creating a satisfactory condition for the post-earthquake repair work if necessary. The high post-yield stiffness of the SCRSF-CMU was more effective in reducing both maximum and residual displacements. Endurance time analysis revealed that SCRSF-CMU and SCRSF-CBU exhibited relatively uniform inter-story drift distribution under SLE, DBE, and MCE earthquakes. Under FE excitation, the inter-story drift ratio of both structures were nearly identical; however, under DBE and MCE excitations, the maximum roof drift ratio and inter-story drift ratio of the SCRSF-CBU were larger, indicating that the SCRSF-CBU had higher deformation demands than the SCRSF-CMU.

Overzealous over-the-counter cough syrup ingestion leading to serious manifestation in a child – A case report

ABSTRACT Cough is a protective reflex that allows clearance of secretions from upper respiratory tract. It is not a disease by itself but a symptom of underlying disease. In a majority of cases, it is self-limiting and requires only supportive care. But over-the-counter cough syrups are inadvertently used to relieve cough in Indian settings. We hereby report a case of a 6-year-old girl child who presented to pediatrics emergency services with complaints of loss of consciousness and abnormal body movement after ingestion of dextromethorphan and chlorpheniramine containing cough syrup. All investigations including cerebrospinal fluid examination, neuroimaging, and electroencephalogram revealed no significant abnormality. The child was admitted for 5 days and discharged after that in stable conditions.

Quality control of eddy covariance fluxes of two ecosystem types with local flux-variance similarity functions in West Africa

Ecosystem capacity studies for carbon sequestration and water extraction are largely conditioned by Eddy Covariance (EC) measurement availability and quality. Our study aims at evaluating several procedures of EC data qualification. Indeed, quality control of EC data is generally ensured by stationarity and well-developed turbulence tests. The latter is based on integral turbulence characteristic (ITC) models. In this study, we revisited the quality control procedure using locally established ITC models for wind speed components and atmospheric scalars (temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide molar densities) in unstable and stable conditions. We also considered the interdependence of flux qualities because of the corrections applied to fluxes during their preprocessing. The analyses were carried out using one year of data collected above a woodland forest and mixed crop sites, both situated in Northern Benin, West Africa. From these analyzes we note that the quality flags vary depending on the use of local or existing ITC models. Also, the test of turbulence development on atmospheric scalars, previously neglected, is of great importance in the quality control of data. Thus, taking into account the ITC models associated with the atmospheric scalars established locally in the well-developed turbulence test as well as taking into account the interdependence of the flux quality have considerably improved the standard quality control procedure used in effectively filtering unrealistic flux data while keeping a considerable percentage of good and medium quality data.