Technical Requirements Research Articles

Feelings and Physics: Emotional, Psychological, and Other Soft Human Requirements, by Model‐Based Systems Engineering

ABSTRACTTraditionally, engineering encourages requirements statements that are objective, testable, quantitative, atomic descriptions of system technical behavior. But what about “soft” requirements? When products deliver psychologically or emotionally based human experiences, subjective descriptions may frustrate engineers. This challenge is important for products appealing to senses of style, enjoyment, fulfillment, stimulation, power, safety, awareness, comfort, or similar emotional or psychological factors. Automobiles, buildings, consumer products, packaging, graphic user interfaces, airline passenger compartments and flight decks, and hospital equipment provide typical examples. This paper shows how model‐based systems engineering helps solve three related problems: (1) integrating models of “soft” human experience with hard technical product requirements, (2) describing how to score traditional “hard” technology products in terms of “fuzzier” business and competitive marketplace issues, and (3) coordinating marketing communication and promotion with the design process. The resulting framework integrates the diverse perspectives of engineers, stylists, industrial designers, human factors experts, and marketing professionals.

Unlocking the Potential of Secondary Data for Public Health Research: Retrospective Study With a Novel Clinical Platform.

Clinical routine data derived from university hospitals hold immense value for health-related research on large cohorts. However, using secondary data for hypothesis testing necessitates adherence to scientific, legal (such as the General Data Protection Regulation, federal and state protection legislations), technical, and administrative requirements. This process is intricate, time-consuming, and susceptible to errors. This study aims to develop a platform that enables clinicians to use current real-world data for testing research and evaluate advantages and limitations at a large university medical center (542,944 patients in 2022). We identified requirements from clinical practitioners, conceptualized and implemented a platform based on the existing components, and assessed its applicability in clinical reality quantitatively and qualitatively. The proposed platform was established at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf and made 639 forms encompassing 10,629 data elements accessible to all resident scientists and clinicians. Every day, the number of patients rises, and parts of their electronic health records are made accessible through the platform. Qualitatively, we were able to conduct a retrospective analysis of Parkinson disease over 777 patients, where we provide additional evidence for a significantly higher proportion of action tremors in patients with rest tremors (340/777, 43.8%) compared with those without rest tremors (255/777, 32.8%), as determined by a chi-square test (P<.001). Quantitatively, our findings demonstrate increased user engagement within the last 90 days, underscoring clinicians' increasing adoption of the platform in their regular research activities. Notably, the platform facilitated the retrieval of clinical data from 600,000 patients, emphasizing its substantial added value. This study demonstrates the feasibility of simplifying the use of clinical data to enhance exploration and sustainability in scientific research. The proposed platform emerges as a potential technological and legal framework for other medical centers, providing them with the means to unlock untapped potential within their routine data.

Integration of Inventory Data from Cohort and Registry Studies into an Existing Research Network: National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON)

In the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, many local collections of clinical data on patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were initiated in Germany. As part of the National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON) of the University Medicine Network, the "Integration Core" was established to design the legal, technical and organisational requirements for the integration of inventory data into ongoing prospective data collections and to test the feasibility of the newly developed solutions using use cases (UCs). Detailed study documents of the data collections were obtained. After structured document analysis, a review board evaluated the integrability of the data in NAPKON according to defined criteria. Of 30 university hospitals contacted, 20 responded to the request. Patient information and consent showed a heterogeneous picture with regard to the pseudonymised transfer of data to third parties and re-contact. The majority of the data collections (n=13) met the criteria for integration into NAPKON; four studies would require adjustments to the regulatory documents. Three cohorts were not suitable for inclusion in NAPKON. The legal framework for retrospective data integration and consent-free data use via research clauses (§27 BDSG) was elaborated by a legal opinion by TMF - Technology, Methods and Infrastructure for Networked Medical Research, Berlin. Two UCs selected by the NAPKON steering committee (CORKUM, LMU Munich; Pa-COVID-19, Charité- Universitätsmedizin Berlin) were used to demonstrate the feasibility of data integration in NAPKON by the end of 2021. Quality assurance and performance-based reimbursement of the cases were carried out according to the specifications. Based on the results, recommendations can be formulated for various contexts in order to create technical-operational prerequisites such as interoperability, interfaces and data models for data integration and to fulfil regulatory requirements on ethics, data protection, medical confidentiality and data access when integrating existing cohort data. The possible integration of data into research networks and their secondary use should be taken into account as early as the planning phase of a study - particularly with regard to informed consent - in order to maximise the benefits of the data collected.

Toward sustainable urban health: defining hospital outdoor spaces for community well-being

Abstract The challenges that Bologna is facing belonging to the 100-carbon neutral city list are largely related to the quality of its urban fabric. The site hosting the IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero - Universitaria di Bologna Policlinico di Sant’Orsola represents one of the largest green areas of the city. The renovation plan the hospital has launched represents an opportunity to contribute to the city’s sustainability goals and to enhance the value of the hospital’s outdoor spaces for users. The hospital experiences over 20, 000 accesses per day, with a significant proportion of these being for work or medical visits; the informal use of outdoor spaces often leads to tensions among users with diverse needs, discouraging access and depriving individuals of potential benefits that could be derived from spending time outdoors. Reflecting the management’s commitment towards two of the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), the hospital created a design team with the cooperation of the University of Bologna to research the technical and functional requirements for adapting outdoor spaces to meet the needs of users. The research is based on a human-centred design approach while the methods are grounded in Service Design practices.

Surgical challenges in Non-combatant Evacuation Operations

BackgroundGlobal uncertainties have prompted nations to adopt vigilant approaches to safeguard their citizens. Recent crises have compelled Western nations to undertake evacuations, ranging from peaceful scenarios to urgent military interventions. In April 2023, Sudan descended into civil war, prompting France to orchestrate a complex evacuation operation leveraging prepositioned forces in Djibouti. Materials & MethodsThis retrospective observational study aims to analyze the surgical challenges encountered during Operation SAGITTAIRE (OS), focusing on human, technical, and logistical requirements for successful military interventions in multinational civilian populations. ResultsOS successfully evacuated 1017 individuals of 84 nationalities from Khartoum using road, sea, and air routes. Special forces teams, including the Surgical Life-saving Module (SLM), were mobilized alongside conventional military elements. The Joint Medical Surgical Center (JMSC) in Djibouti served as a permanent medical facility with comprehensive facilities and staff. Air Medical evacuations were performed for vicitms and surgical interventions were conducted, including damage control surgery, orthopedic procedures, and debridements. Five surgical evaluations and four surgical procedures were performed. The operation spanned 96 hours without death. The SLM, deployed in Khartoum and within an aircraft, played a crucial role. DiscussionOS highlighted the need for a comprehensive health support system. Challenges in assessing health needs led to the establishment of a substantial and adaptable system. The report emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive approach to support Non-combatant Evacuation Operations in French Doctrine. ConclusionOS showcased the French Health Military Service's capabilities in deploying a comprehensive damage control chain in challenging environments. This fatality-free success underlines the effectiveness of coordinated resuscitation, damage control, and transportation. Evacuation operations in non-combatant settings during civil wars pose formidable challenges, requiring a modular and adaptable support concept. Coordination, communication, logistical preparation, and training are crucial elements for successful management of such operations.

Asia-inclusive drug development leveraging principles of ICH E5 and E17 guidelines: Case studies illustrating quantitative clinical pharmacology as a foundational enabler.

With the International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E17 guidelines in effect from 2018, the design of Asia-inclusive multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs) has been streamlined, thereby enabling efficient simultaneous global development. Furthermore, with the recent regulatory reforms in China and its drug administration joining the ICH as a full regulatory member, early participation of China in the global clinical development of novel investigational drugs is now feasible. This would also allow for inclusion of the region in the geographic footprint of pivotal MRCTs leveraging principles of the ICH E5 and E17. Herein, we describe recent case examples of model-informed Asia-inclusive global clinical development in the EMD Serono portfolio, as applied to the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related inhibitors, tuvusertib and berzosertib (oncology), the toll-like receptor 7/8 antagonist, enpatoran (autoimmune diseases), the mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor inhibitor tepotinib (oncology), and the antimetabolite cladribine (neuroimmunological disease). Through these case studies, we illustrate pragmatic approaches to ethnic sensitivity assessments and the application of a model-informed drug development toolkit including population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling and pharmacometric disease progression modeling and simulation to enable early conduct of Asia-inclusive MRCTs. These examples demonstrate the value of a Totality of Evidence approach where every patient's data matter for de-risking ethnic sensitivity to inter-population variations in drug- and disease-related intrinsic and extrinsic factors, enabling inclusive global development strategies and timely evidence generation for characterizing benefit/risk of the proposed dosage in Asian populations.

Exploring willingness to use adverse drug reaction reporting systems: a multicentre qualitative study in China based on the technology acceptance model and task-technology fit integration approach

BackgroundAdverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting systems are critical for monitoring and managing drug safety. However, various factors influence the willingness to use these systems. This study aimed to investigate the...

Evaluation of Commercially Available Plant-based Food Serving Disposable Crockery for Quality Standards

Biomass-based disposable crockery products are in high demand as an alternative to the plastic-based products considering negative effects of plastic-based products on environment. Biomass-based cutleries are being made from locally available different sources such as leaves, sheaths, straws and other plant fibres. A study was conducted to assess the quality of the biomass-based utensil product and provide the standard technical requirements of selected biomass-based disposable products. The plant-based utensils made from corn starch, sugarcane bagasse, areca, paper and Sal (Shorea robusta) leaves were selected for this study. The available standard methods such as International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI), National Standard of the People’s Republic of China, and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) were adapted, with suitable modifications wherever required, for conducting the experiment. The test included measurement of dimensional specifications, grammage, moisture content, temperature resistance test, load bearing test, high heat performance test, drop test, tensile test and three point bending rig test. The plant-based utensils were classified as very strong, strong and weak based on the strength characteristics test. The utensils made from sugarcane bagasse fall in all three categories (very strong, strong and weak), whereas areca-based lies between very strong and strong while corn starch- based fall between strong and weak category. Overall, the results showed a lot of variation in strength characteristics of biomass-based disposable crockery products. The data of this study can serve as a valuable information for manufacturers and suppliers of plant-based utensils to ensure and improve product quality while maintaining the technical standards.

Design of experimental section of a water tunnel for simulation of heat dissipation condition of seawater-activated battery

Abstract A water tunnel is a crucial experimental apparatus in hydrodynamic research, as the traditional water tunnel has drawbacks such as a small cross-sectional area of the test section and higher costs, which makes it difficult to meet the requirements of a water tunnel for simulating the heat dissipation conditions of the seawater-activated battery. This paper proposes a water tunnel specifically designed for simulating the heat dissipation conditions of seawater-activated batteries, and the water tunnel consists of an external cooling water circulation system and an internal electrolyte circulation system. The experimental section’s design determines the water tunnel’s size and key technical indexes. The temperature distribution contour maps of the experimental section were obtained using Ansys Fluent software simulation. The cooling effect was analyzed, and a cooling water flow rate of 10 m/s was selected. Pressure and velocity contour maps were obtained by simulating the experimental section of the water tunnel. The results show that when the cooling water velocity is 10 m/s, the pressure drop of the experimental section is approximately 1.76 atmospheres. The flow field is uniform and stable, and the heat dissipation power can reach 45.5 kW, meeting the technical requirements.

Key requirements for implementing digital governance in Algerian sports institutions

The present study aims to determine the human, technical, and legislative prerequisites for implementing electronic governance in Algerian sports institutions. Employing a descriptive methodology, we selected a purposive sample of 30 employees from the Youth and Sports Directorate in the state of Souk Ahras, using a questionnaire as the primary research tool. Our findings indicate that there are specific human, technical, and legislative requirements necessary for the successful implementation of electronic governance in sports institutions in Algeria.

Optimalisasi Desain Struktur Gedung Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) – Fakultas Teknik Universitas Indonesia dengan Memanfaatkan BIM (Building Information Modelling)

Project design is a step in the construction process that determines the technical requirements to be applied when the project is constructed. BIM (Building Information Modeling) is a form of technological innovation used in project design. BIM (Building Information Modeling) has become the main factor for increasing efficiency and accuracy; using BIM, everything related to design, construction, scheduling, and costs can be integrated into one digital platform that all stakeholders can access. In this paper, the structural planning optimization of the Interdisciplinary Engineering (IDE) Building - Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia, will be carried out. This building planning refers to (SNI-2847-2019) concerning Structural Concrete Requirements for Buildings and (SNI-1726-2019) concerning Procedures for Planning for Earthquake Resistance of Structures. Outputs are generated through superstructure and substructure plans, the design of foundation structures, columns, beams, and plates, 2D Detail Engineering Design (DED), 3D modeling, and construction management plans in the form of Budget Plans and scheduling.

A Method of Realizing Adaptive Uniform Illumination by Pyramid Prism for PA-LiDAR

In this paper, we propose a simple method to generate the uniform illumination using a pyramid prism for Plane Array Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (PA-LiDAR). The principle of the pyramid prism shaping the Gaussian beam to form a uniform beam was analyzed theoretically. By changing the parameters of the pyramid prism and laser beam, the profile distribution of the output beam can be easily adjusted. Based on the operation mode and illumination requirements of PA-LiDAR, we have developed a set of LiDAR prototypes using a pyramid prism and carried out experimental research on these prototypes. The simulation and experimental results demonstrated that this method can achieve a uniform illumination beam with excellent propagation properties for meeting the technical requirements of PA-LiDAR. This method of uniform illumination has the advantages of being simple, flexible, easily adjustable and convenient to operate.

An Ensemble Method for the Fraud Detection in Transactions

In today's world, bank fraud has become one of the significant threats to the financial stability and security of clients of financial institutions. The development of technologies, in particular in the field of machine learning, opens up wide opportunities for building effective systems for detecting and preventing fraud in the banking sector [1, 2]. Detecting fraudulent transactions is an important task that requires thoughtful and technological solutions. One of these methods is the use of machine learning approaches and methods. This paper proposes the use of an ensemble method that combines several machine learning models at once. This approach will reduce the probability of false positives and increase classification accuracy. In addition, for the optimal operation of the model, preprocessing of the data will be carried out, in particular, their normalization, balancing of classes, as well as the selection of features. During the research, it is important not only to achieve high accuracy, but also to reduce as much as possible the number of fraudulent transactions that will be mistakenly classified as normal [3]. This is related to the business requirements of the banking sector, as each such transaction causes losses to the system's reputation, as well as direct financial losses. Within the framework of the study, it is substantiated that the use of this approach gives better classification results than single models due to the compensation of the shortcomings of each of them. The choice of this approach is also due to high practicality, compatibility with financial systems, as well as ease of integration. This paper analyzes the proposed model, its advantages and disadvantages in comparison with analogues. The ensemble method helps to combine the advantages of simple models and reduce the impact of their shortcomings on the final result. In general, the choice of software should depend on the technical requirements of the project and to obtain better results, different models and approaches should be analyzed.

Oxidative stress-induced degradation of Brinzolamide: Isolation and in-depth characterization of unique hydroxylamine and oxime degradation products

Since the safety and efficacy of therapeutic products are strongly related to their stability and purity, impurities including the unavoidable degradation products may affect the pharmacological effect. The International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) guidelines Q3A requires the identification of process impurities and as well as degradation products in any drug substance to assess the inherent stability of the drug. The present work involves an ICH-guided degradation study for the Brinzolamide (BRZ), a topical ophthalmic drug which is generally used to lower the intraocular pressure (IOP) during glaucoma. Under oxidative stress at room temperature for 20 h, four degradation products (namely BRZ-Pk1, BRZ-PK2, BRZ-Pk3, and BRZ-Pk4) are isolated using advanced chromatographic techniques. Upon confirming the masses of the compounds using High-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS), functional groups are identified with the help of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Extensive 1-dimensional (1D) and 2-dimensional (2D) Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopic (NMR) experiments especially 1D nOe, 1H-13C-HSQC and 1H-13C-HMBC unequivocally confirm the structures. Among the four compounds analyzed, three (BRZ-Pk1, BRZ-Pk2, and BRZ-Pk4) are novel, while BRZ-Pk3 was previously reported solely with mass spectrometric data. Nitrogen-based 2D NMR experiments are crucial for determining the oxidation state of hydroxylamine and oxime products within the molecules, and 1D nOe measurements help confirming E/Z isomerism (geometrical isomerism) for BRZ-Pk2 and BRZ-Pk4. All the proposed structures are justified with appropriate analytical data. The proposed mechanisms are expected to help in identifying the possible degradation pathways for similar pharmaceutical candidates.

The Use of Waste Low-Density Polyethylene for the Modification of Asphalt Mixture

In this study, a critical evaluation and the benefits of using a waste and a virgin polymer in an asphalt mixture are presented. The present paper is the result of a three-year research effort to find a suitable recyclate compatible with asphalt binder and setting reaction conditions in the preparation of asphalt mixtures with the mentioned recyclate. This suitable candidate was recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which was produced by recycling old, worn-out bags and films. An amount of 6% of LDPE by the weight of the binder content was suggested as the best amount of the modifier. Physical tests, including penetration, softening point, and kinematic viscosity have been carried out to prove the effectiveness of the modification on the binder properties. The effectiveness of the blending process and the appropriate concentration of additives led to a homogeneous polymer-modified bitumen without any imperfections in the structure. After successful preparation under laboratory conditions, this paper describes the preparation of asphalt mixtures directly in an asphalt-mixing plant and the subsequent implementation of a verification section. The overall composition of prepared polymer-modified asphalt mixtures has been studied. An important result of this study is the preparation of the asphalt mixture with waste LDPE that meets all the technical requirements. Moreover, it has been proven that this type of waste PE is fully applicable in asphalt-mixing plants in Slovakia, with zero or minimal financial burden on construction companies to complete the construction of their production facilities. Using such a technology, we can reduce the amount of waste plastics that otherwise end up in landfill.

Evaluating Procedure-Linked Risk Determinants in Trichinella spp. Inspection under a Quality Management System in Southern Spain

Trichinellosis is a major foodborne zoonotic disease responsible for 41 human cases, according to the European Union One Health Zoonoses Report. In southern Spain, a quality management system (QMS) was applied to satellite laboratories (SLs) that conduct meat inspections of Trichinella spp. ensuring excellence practices. This study aimed to determine how eventual deviations from standard procedures may influence risk levels using Canonical Discriminant Analysis (CDA). Data were collected during slaughterhouses and game handling establishments’ official audits in 18 SLs located in the provinces of Cordoba and Seville during a 6-year period. Technical requirement deviations regarding technique and trial information, such as performing tests or calculations incorrectly or not following technical procedures, significantly increased risk level differences. Imminent risk levels were detected if the above-mentioned deviations arose. Quality assurance compromising deviations were responsible for 1150 times risk level differences, suggesting finding such may be critical for risk determination. A lack of significant influence of records and documents compromising deviations (incomplete forms or missing-erroneous or illegible data) was found. These results strengthen Trichinella spp. control strategies by pinpointing crucial aspects within QMS that require improvement, particularly in addressing deviations related to technique, trial information, and quality assurance procedures to mitigate associated risks effectively.

Design of a sweeping robot based on fuzzy QFD and ARIZ algorithms

The design of a multifunctional intelligent robotic vacuum cleaner is essential for meeting user needs and replacing human cleaning tasks, thereby improving the effectiveness and convenience of human-robot interaction. Existing robotic vacuum cleaners can address the issues of small dust and hair accumulation; however, a comprehensive and integrated solution for sweeping, mopping, sanitizing, and general waste cleaning remains necessary. This paper employs the Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment (FQFD) tool and the Algorithm for Inventive Problem Solving (ARIZ) algorithm to address these challenges. The research framework integrates FQFD with the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) methodology to evaluate the weights of user requirements for a robotic vacuum cleaner. Subsequently, these requirements were translated into technical specifications, thus establishing a link between user needs and technical requirements. The ARIZ algorithm is subsequently employed to resolve conflicts and inconsistencies within the FQFD model. Finally, an innovative design for a robotic vacuum cleaner was proposed by utilizing the ARIZ algorithm's problem-solving principles and qualitative and quantitative insights derived from the FQFD. The design is evaluated using the Fuzzy Order Preference Technique (FTOPSIS) method, which resembles the ideal solution. Furthermore, the operational dynamics of the critical components of the design solution that navigate obstacles are analyzed to ensure their effectiveness. The final product can effectively replace humans in complex cleaning tasks while navigating obstacles during sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing for comprehensive space cleaning. The results of this study provide valuable insights for designers to enhance user experience, improve customer emotional satisfaction, and guide future product designs in related product development initiatives.

Design and Development of Miniature Measuring Instrument for Parachute Cords Dynamic Load for Stepless Parachute Opening.

Spacecraft recovery technology is crucial in the field of aerospace, in which the parachute plays a key role in slowing down the descent speed of the spacecraft and realizing a smooth landing. In order to construct a dynamically adjustable parachute deployment strategy, it is necessary to measure the parachute dynamic load accurately in real-time. However, the existing sensor measurement scheme makes it difficult to meet the measurement requirements due to its large structure and complex wiring. In order to meet the current demand for real-time measurement of parachute cords dynamic load, a miniature measuring instrument is designed. According to the function and technical requirements of the miniature measuring instrument, the hardware modules of the acquisition system are selected and designed, and the integration debugging and performance optimization of the microcontroller module, A/D sampling module, signal acquisition circuit, and power supply module are carried out. The software of the parachute cords tension acquisition system based on the miniature measuring instrument is developed. The Load Cell is modeled by using SolidWorks 2022 and statically analyzed by using Ansys 2022 R1 Workbench finite element analysis software. Then the final structure of the Load Cell and the pasting position of the strain gauge are determined through the results analysis as well as experimental verification. The hardware module of the signal acquisition system for the miniature measuring instrument is then encapsulated. The force value of the miniature measuring instrument is calibrated and tested many times by using the microcomputer-controlled electronic universal testing machine. The experimental results show that the designed miniature measuring instrument has accurate data, strong stability, and good real-time performance, which meets the demand for real-time accurate measurement of miniature measuring instruments, and can provide reliable data for parachute cords parameter validation and stepless unfolding design.

Integrative approach for formation damage diagnosis in a Colombian brownfield: a comprehensive methodology

Formation damage is the reduction of a well's productivity due to the alteration of the permeability of the subsurface rock, leading to economically inefficient operations. This research established a methodology to diagnose such damage, which is divided into: 1) Identification of operational problems, 2) Field sampling and analysis of geological and engineering data, 3) Adaptation of API standards for the study of fluid-fluid and rock-fluid interactions, 4) Identification of damage mechanisms and recommendations. This methodology was applied to two depleted wells in a brown oilfield with reduced productivity to address scale deposition and casing corrosion issues. Finally, the application of control and stimulation fluids must satisfy technical and environmental requirements, with the objective of inducing destabilization of the identified formation damage mechanisms.

Respiratory Responses to a Single Oral Dose of Caffeine in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats.

Caffeine is a key component of beverages such as coffee and tea and has effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, prompting a variety of physiological changes. In our previous study, intravenously administered caffeine at high concentrations significantly influenced respiratory rates. However, comparative research on the potential adverse effects of caffeine consumption on the respiratory system is limited. To address this issue, in this study, we focused on evaluating the effects of orally administered caffeine (0, 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg) on the respiratory system of 6-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats. We measured the respiratory rate, tidal volume, and minute volume following the guidelines set forth by the International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use, specifically adhering to Harmonized Tripartite Guideline S7A for Safety Pharmacology Studies for Human Pharmaceuticals. Caffeine administration led to a notable increase in both the respiratory rate and the tidal volume. Conversely, a marked reduction in minute volume was recorded between 0.5 and 2 h following caffeine administration in doses exceeding 6 mg/kg.