Effect Of Different Techniques Research Articles

Comparative analysis of hospital laboratory wastewater treatment techniques in Syrian Arab Republic

Background: Hospital wastewater poses a significant threat to human health due to the presence of difficult-to-degrade organic compounds, active pharmaceutical ingredients and multiple inorganic substances that can pollute water resources and ecosystems. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of different techniques for removing organic load from hospital laboratory wastewater in Aleppo, Syria. Methods: We treated wastewater samples from hospital laboratories at Aleppo University Hospital, Syria, using several techniques, including biological treatment with the rotating biological contactor, adsorption with Syrian natural clay, coagulation with aluminium sulphate, advanced oxidation with ultrasound, and a combined treatment using natural clay and ultrasound. We assessed the organic load removal efficiency for each technique under different conditions. Results: The most effective technique was the combination of natural clay and ultrasound. Applying natural clay at a concentration of 1 g/L of wastewater along with ultrasound at 40 kHz for 30 minutes achieved chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand values suitable for irrigation, in accordance with the Syrian standard. The chemical oxygen demand value decreased to 212 mg/L with 94% removal rate, and the biochemical oxygen demand value decreased to 82 mg/L with 87% removal rate. Conclusion: Based on our findings, techniques that combine different methods of hospital wastewater treatment, such as combining adsorption with advanced methods like ultrasound, are more effective than those that use single methods. Such techniques should be promoted.

Examination of the effect of different techniques (demonstration, telesimulation and game-based training) in teaching the management of shoulder dystocia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study evaluated the effect of demonstration, telesimulation and game-based training in teaching SD management for midwifery students. MethodsThis randomized controlled trial was completed with 123 participants. To collect data, the ‘Introductory Information Form’, ‘Self-efficacy Visual Analog Scale (VAS)’, ‘Shoulder Dystocia Skill Checklist’, and ‘Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS) were used. ResultsAfter the training, mean VAS scores of self-efficacy in diagnosing and intervening SD were higher in the telesimulation and demonstration groups, and mean VAS scores of self-efficacy in evaluating the postpartum mother and infant were higher in all intervention groups than in the control group (p < .001). There is a difference between the control group and all intervention groups in terms of total skill score in SD management (p < .001). Demonstration group's mean total score of MMS of students is higher than kahoot and control groups (p < .005). ConclusionIt was seen that all three methods were more effective than theoretical training in gaining SD management skills, but telesimulation was more effective than other methods.

Effective Engagement Techniques Across the Agricultural Conservation Practice Adoption Process

Encouraging agricultural landowners to adopt conservation practices is crucial to enhancing ecosystem services in privately-owned farm landscapes. To improve engagement with landowners and increase adoption rates, much research has been dedicated to investigating how different psychological, social, economic, and political factors correlate with adoption. However, these studies largely measure adoption as a discrete, binary event. Doing so obscures sequences of landowner decisions and engagement techniques that conservation practitioners use to encourage landowners’ progression through the adoption process. We report on two studies that contribute to the emerging literature on the agricultural conservation practice adoption process and the varying effectiveness of engagement techniques throughout. First, interviews with conservation practitioners in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, USA, yielded a preliminary model of the different stages in the adoption process and what techniques practitioners find effective at each stage. Second, an online experiment examined the effectiveness of a visualization intervention across two sequential outcomes in the adoption process, seeking further information and contacting a practitioner. Our results suggested that practitioners use a wide variety of engagement techniques, most of which are unique to a single stage in the adoption process, and that the effectiveness of the visualization technique varies substantially between different stages. Together these studies outline a suite of techniques that other practitioners may find effective at different stages of the adoption process, and suggest that research can better inform practice by accounting for variation in the effectiveness of different techniques across stages of adoption.

Investigation of the effects of different needle hole covering techniques on seam characteristics of waterproof breathable fabric

PurposeStitching is the traditional method of creating seams using needles and threads. However, this is not useful for waterproof breathable garments as needle holes allow water to penetrate inside the garment, compromising its functionality. This study aims to investigate different techniques for covering the needle holes formed during stitching to achieve a seam that is waterproof, durable and functionally effective.Design/methodology/approachThis study investigates different methods to cover needle holes formed during stitching with the help of seam tape, seam grip adhesive and fuser thread. The emphasis is on evaluating the seam characteristics, including seam strength, seam efficiency, puckering, bending stiffness and resistance to water penetration. Statistical analysis involves the use of the Shapiro–Wilk test, Levene statistic, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD and Tamhane post-hoc tests.FindingsThe experimental results suggest that seam tape is effective in enhancing water resistance, seam strength and seam efficiency, but it contributes to stiffness and aesthetically degrades seams due to increased puckering. Meanwhile, the use of fuser thread presents an alternative, exhibiting improved waterproof properties compared to regular stitching. It offers more flexibility and less puckering compared to seam tape.Originality/valueThis study contributes novel insights by shifting the focus from alternative seaming methods such as bonding and welding, to enhancing traditional stitching for waterproof seam construction. While prior research primarily explored alternatives to stitching, this study uniquely addresses the effectiveness of different techniques in covering needle holes to achieve waterproof seams. The findings provide valuable information for enhancing the functionality of stitched seams in the production of waterproof breathable garments.

Enhancing Visual Data Security: A Novel FSM-Based Image Encryption and Decryption Methodology

The paper presents a comprehensive exploration of a novel image encryption and decryption methodology, leveraging finite state machines (FSM) for the secure transformation of visual data. The study meticulously evaluates the effectiveness of the proposed encryption algorithm using a diverse image dataset. The encryption algorithm demonstrates high proficiency in obfuscating the original content of images, producing cipher images that resemble noise, thereby substantiating the encryption’s effectiveness. The robustness of the proposed methodology is further evidenced by its performance in the National Institute of Standards and Technology Statistical Test Suite (NIST STS). Such achievements highlight the algorithm’s capability to maintain the stochastic integrity of encrypted data, a critical aspect of data security and confidentiality. Histogram analysis revealed that the encryption process achieves a uniform distribution of pixel values across the encrypted images, masking any identifiable patterns and enhancing the security level. Correlation analysis corroborated the success of the encryption technique, showing a substantial reduction in the correlation among adjacent pixel values, thereby disrupting spatial relationships essential for deterring unauthorized data analysis. This improvement indicates the algorithm’s efficiency in altering pixel patterns to secure image data. Additionally, a comparative analysis of correlation coefficients using various encryption methods on the Lenna image offered insights into the relative effectiveness of different techniques, emphasizing the importance of method selection based on specific security requirements and data characteristics.

Anomaly Detection in Smart Grid Application

The smart grid, a modernized electrical grid integrating advanced communication and information technologies, enables bidirectional flow of electricity and information, offering numerous benefits such as enhanced reliability, efficiency, and sustainability. However, the complexity and scale of the smart grid introduce new challenges, including the need for effective anomaly detection to ensure its secure and reliable operation. This research paper presents a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art anomaly detection techniques in smart grid applications. We explore various methodologies, including statistical methods, machine learning algorithms, and hybrid approaches, highlighting their strengths and limitations. Furthermore, we discuss the importance of accurate data preprocessing and feature selection to enhance anomaly detection performance. Through a comparative analysis, we demonstrate the effectiveness of different techniques in detecting anomalies in smart grid datasets. Our findings provide valuable insights for researchers and practitioners in developing robust anomaly detection systems for smart grid applications, ultimately contributing to the advancement of smart grid technology.

Influence of the use of remediated soil and agricultural drainage water on the safety of tomato fruits

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of different techniques employed in remediating contaminated soil and wastewater ecosystems to ensure the safety of tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. cerasiforme) cultivated in these environments. Three biochemical techniques T1–T3, besides two controls CCU and CCT, were used to remediate contaminated soil ecosystems using rock phosphate, elemental sulfur, bentonite, phosphate-dissolving bacteria, and Thiobacillus sp. The contaminated agricultural drainage water was remediated by a down-flow hanging sponge (DHS) system. Two experiments were conducted: a pot experiment took place in the greenhouse at the National Research Center of Cairo (Egypt) and a field experiment was carried out at the basin site in the village of El-Rahawy, applying the optimal treatment(s) identified from the greenhouse experiment. The health risk assessment for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the harvested tomato fruits was conducted by calculating estimated daily intake (EDI) and target risk quotient (THQ) values. Results from the greenhouse experiment indicated the high effectiveness of the DHS technique in remediating El-Rahawy agricultural drainage water. The content of PTEs after remediation was significantly reduced by 100%, 93.3%, 97.8, and 77.8% for cadmium, copper, manganese, and zinc, respectively. The application of treated drainage water in employed reclaimed soil ecosystems led to a remarkable decrease in PTE levels, especially under T3 treatment; the reduction reached 89.4%, 89.5%, and 78.4% for nickel, copper, and zinc, respectively. The bioremediation technique also reduced the content of PTEs in tomato fruits harvested from both greenhouse and field experiments; the cadmium content, for example, was below detection limits in all treatments. The T3 treatment applied in the greenhouse experiment caused the highest percentage decrease among the employed PTEs in tomato fruits grown in the greenhouse. The same trend was also reached in the field experiment. Microbiological analyses of tomato fruits revealed that E. coli, Salmonella, or S. aureus bacteria were identified on tomato fruits harvested from either greenhouses or field experiments, showing that the counted total bacteria were higher under the field experiment compared to the greenhouse experiment. The health risk assessment parameter THQ was below 1.0 for all tested metals under all treatments. This means that no potential health risk is expected from consuming tomato products produced under the different employed remediation treatments. In conclusion, the employed bioremediation techniques successfully reduced the PTE content and microbial load in both soil and drainage water ecosystems and in harvested tomato fruits. Henceforth, no health risks are expected from the consumption of this product.

Microwave- and Oven-Heat Moisture Treatment of Broken Rice Flour and the Improvement in Flat Rice Noodle Quality

The characteristics of starch used in the production of rice noodles greatly influenced the product quality. Some rice noodle varieties are made from rice flour, which is typically derived from broken rice grains. Broken rice flour has been associated with a higher level of starch damage that could adversely affect the cooking, textural, and eating qualities of noodles. Hydrothermal treatments have been proposed as a technique for improving starch functionality. This study aims to investigate the effect of different techniques employed in heat moisture treatment (HMT) applied to broken rice (MR263) and their impact on flat rice noodle quality. Rice flour adjusted to 20% moisture content was subjected to two HMT techniques; oven-heat moisture treatment (O-HMT) at 110°C for 3 h and microwave-heat moisture treatment (M-HMT) at 119 W for 5 min. HMT reduced the swelling capacity and solubility of the flour. M-HMT flour had the lowest swelling capacity, whereas O-HMT flour exhibited the lowest solubility. The oven-HMT reduced the L* and whiteness index values of both rice flour and noodles, whereas the microwave-HMT recorded comparable color parameters as the non-treated samples. HMT improved the cooking quality of flat rice noodles, resulting in lower water absorption and cooking loss. Noodles made with oven-treated flour had the lowest cooking loss, whereas the microwave-treated flour resulted in noodles with the lowest water absorption. O-HMT produces noodles with greater improvement in gel texture. Despite the reduced whiteness of the O-HMT noodle, it received higher consumer acceptance in terms of appearance, color, flavor, and hardness. Heat moisture treatment can be used as an economical viable technique for enhancing the quality of flat rice noodles. The varying noodle quality resulting from both oven- and microwave-HMT is attributed to a distinct degree of molecular changes in the starch components, which eventually impact the overall product quality.

Comparing the Effectiveness of Different Techniques for the Management of Dental Implant Peri-Implant Mucositis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT Background: Dental implant peri-implant mucositis is a prevalent complication that can lead to implant failure if left untreated. Various management techniques have been proposed, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear of dental implant peri-implant mucositis Materials and Methods: A total of 120 patients with peri-implant mucositis were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: Group A received mechanical debridement alone, Group B received mechanical debridement with adjunctive antiseptic mouthwash, Group C underwent laser therapy, and Group D received a combination of mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics. Clinical parameters, including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), and plaque index (PI), were recorded at baseline and after a three-month follow-up period. Results: At the three-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in all treatment groups. However, Group D, which received a combination of mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics, showed the most substantial reduction in BOP (mean reduction of 78.2%), PPD (mean reduction of 2.5 mm), and PI (mean reduction of 1.7). Group C, treated with laser therapy, demonstrated the second-best outcomes with a mean reduction of 65.4% in BOP, 2.0 mm in PPD, and 1.3 in PI. Groups A and B showed moderate improvements, with no statistically significant differences between them Conclusion: This randomized controlled trial (RCT) suggests that a combination of mechanical debridement and systemic antibiotics (Group D) is the most effective treatment for managing dental implant peri-implant mucositis, yielding superior clinical outcomes compared to other techniques.

Comparison of the acute effects of different techniques on the ankle joint range of motion in healthy older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Aim This study aimed to compare the acute effects of different methods on ankle joint range of motion (ROM) in older adults. Materials and Methods Seventy-eight older adults were randomly divided into three groups. After the warming-up, static stretching, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) contract-relax, and roller massage were applied, at the same period. Before application, immediately after, 10 and 20 min after application, ankle joint dorsiflexion ROM was measured in the weight-bearing position. Results No statistically significant difference between the groups in demographic characteristics and baseline ankle ROM (p = 0.413). In all groups, post-application measurements revealed increased ankle joint motion (p < 0.0125). Groups were compared, and a statistically significant difference between the three groups was found (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the change of ROM between the Static Stretching and PNF Stretching Groups in the change of ROM group comparisons (p = 0.089). There was a statistically significant difference in ROM changes Roller Massage Group and both Static Stretching and the PNF Stretching Group (p = 0.001). Conclusion The acute effects of roller massage, on ankle ROM, were superior to static and PNF stretching. The application of roller massage, which was shown to be an effective method for increasing ROM, can be safely applied in physiotherapy programs for older adults.

Visualizing and Understanding Contrastive Learning.

Contrastive learning has revolutionized the field of computer vision, learning rich representations from unlabeled data, which generalize well to diverse vision tasks. Consequently, it has become increasingly important to explain these approaches and understand their inner workings mechanisms. Given that contrastive models are trained with interdependent and interacting inputs and aim to learn invariance through data augmentation, the existing methods for explaining single-image systems (e.g., image classification models) are inadequate as they fail to account for these factors and typically assume independent inputs. Additionally, there is a lack of evaluation metrics designed to assess pairs of explanations, and no analytical studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of different techniques used to explaining contrastive learning. In this work, we design visual explanation methods that contribute towards understanding similarity learning tasks from pairs of images. We further adapt existing metrics, used to evaluate visual explanations of image classification systems, to suit pairs of explanations and evaluate our proposed methods with these metrics. Finally, we present a thorough analysis of visual explainability methods for contrastive learning, establish their correlation with downstream tasks and demonstrate the potential of our approaches to investigate their merits and drawbacks.

Multimodal Imaging of Cancer Therapy-Related Cardiac Dysfunction in Breast Cancer-A State-of-the-Art Review.

This review focuses on multimodality imaging of cardiotoxicity in cancer patients, with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of different techniques in detecting and monitoring cardiac changes associated with cancer therapy. Eight studies were included in the review, covering various imaging modalities such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, echocardiography, and multigated acquisition scanning. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging emerged as the most definitive modality, offering real-time detection, comprehensive assessment of cardiac function, the ability to detect early myocardial changes, and superior detection of cardiotoxicity when compared to the other imaging modalities. The studies also emphasize the importance of parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain in assessing cardiac function and predicting cardiotoxicity. Due to the common use of HER2 agents and anthracyclines within the breast cancer population, the LVEF as a critical prognostic measurement for assessing heart health and estimating the severity of left-sided cardiac malfunction is a commonly used endpoint. CTRCD rates differed between imaging modalities, with cardiac MRI the most sensitive. The use of multimodal cardiac imaging remains a nuanced area, influenced by local availability, the clinical question at hand, body habits, and medical comorbidities. All of the imaging modalities listed have a role to play in current care; however, focus should be given to increasing the provision of cardiac MRI for breast cancer patients in the future to optimize the detection of CTRCD and patient outcomes thereafter.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound-guided versus Anatomical Landmark-guided Genicular Nerve Block to Treat Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

There is limited data on the relative effectiveness of different techniques used for administering genicular nerve block (GNB) for pain management of chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the Malaysian population. This study aims to determine and compare the effectiveness of GNB administered using two pain management techniques?"anatomical landmark-guided (ALG) and ultrasound-guided (USG)?"for chronic knee OA in this population. This retrospective cohort study included 40 patients with chronic knee OA who received GNB, 20 of whom underwent treatment with the USG technique and the other 20 with the ALG technique. Pain, stiffness, and functional limitation scores were assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Questionnaire (WOMAC) and Numeric Rating Scale (NRS-11) at baseline and post-treatment day one, three weeks, and six weeks. Both groups reported a significant reduction in WOMAC and NRS-11 scores as per their feedback on day one, three weeks, and six weeks post-treatment. Greater reductions in WOMAC and NRS-11 scores were reported by patients who received GNB via USG than by ALG technique, the difference achieving statistical significance at six weeks after treatment (p =0.026). GNB administration using USG and ALG techniques are both effective in significantly reducing pain, stiffness, and functional limitation in patients suffering from chronic knee OA. Among the two techniques, USG appears to be more effective. Nevertheless, GNB guided by ALG continues to be a viable treatment modality, especially in healthcare settings with limited to no USG facilities.

Effectiveness of calcium hydroxide removal with irrigation techniques using ProTaper and ultrasonic activation: an in vitro study

Background: Residual calcium hydroxide might adversely affect the outcome of endodontic treatment results. Calcium hydroxide affect the adhesion of endodontic sealers to the canal walls and interfere with sealing ability of endodontic sealers. To remove this intracanal medicament, there are various irrigation techniques have developed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different techniques in removing calcium hydroxide from the root canal. Materials and methods: Thirty extracted single-rooted mandibular premolar were instrumented and filled with calcium hydroxide and divided into three groups (n = 10/group). After 7 days, calcium hydroxide was removed. All root canals were received 2.5% NaOCl, followed by 17% EDTA and a final flush with 2.5% NaOCl. In group I, no additional agitation of the irrigant was performed. In group II, agitation was done for 20 s between irrigants with a size of F2 ProTaper rotary file. In group III, an ultrasonic activation was delivered for 20 s between irrigants. Finally, the roots were grooved longitudinally and split in two halves. Selected half of each tooth was observed under a stereomicroscope at 30x magnification. Results: In groups needle irrigation and ProTaper technique, score of residual calcium hydroxide in apical third is higher than cervical and middle thirds (p &lt; 0.05). Needle groups demonstrated the significantly higher score of residual calcium hydroxide than ProTaper and ultrasonic groups (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: None of irrigation techniques could remove all calcium hydroxide completely. Ultrasonic irrigation and ProTaper irrigation was more effective in removing calcium hydroxide than needle irrigation. Key words: calcium hydroxide, irrigation solution, ultrasonic irrigation.

Performance Improvement of Recycled Concrete Aggregates and Their Potential Applications in Infrastructure: A Review

In the construction industry, natural aggregates (NA) can be replaced by recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), which can address the issue of construction-waste disposal and resolve the dilemma between demand and supply. This paper aims to systematically review the modification of RCA techniques and their application in producing recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). First, the pretreatment approaches for enhancing the properties of RCA are introduced. Next, the improved efficiency of these approaches and their influences on the workability, mechanical strengths, and permeability of RAC are analyzed and discussed. Subsequently, the effectiveness of different techniques and their cost/environmental impact are compared. Finally, some case studies of the application of RCA in infrastructure are presented, and the remaining challenges and perspectives are discussed. The results of this review work can extend the knowledge of RCA and RAC, as well as serving as a source of inspiration for further studies.

Critical Review of Ca(OH)2/CaO Thermochemical Energy Storage Materials

Thermal energy storage is an essential technology for improving the utilization rate of solar energy and the energy efficiency of industrial processes. Heat storage and release by the dehydration and rehydration of Ca(OH)2 are hot topics in thermochemical heat storage. Previous studies have described different methods for improving the thermodynamic, kinetic, and structural stability of Ca(OH)2 to improve energy storage density, energy storage rate, and cycle stability, respectively. Here, the mechanisms and effects of different techniques on the performance improvement of Ca(OH)2 and some common problems were reviewed. Specific problems were also clarified based on the characteristics of different technologies. Finally, suggestions for the future development of Ca(OH)2 heat storage materials were provided.

Comparison of the modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) with Incision thread drawing method on serum IgA and IL-10 levels in high simple anal fistula.

To compare the effect of different techniques on serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 in patients with high simple anal fistula. .The cross-sectional study was conducted at Dongyang People's Hospital, Weishan, China, from January 2019 to April 2021, and comprised patients with high simple anal fistula who were randomly and equally divided into Group A getting treatment with modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract, and Group B getting treatment with incision-thread-drawing method. Serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 as well as the Wexner score were compared between the groups. Data was analysed using SPSS 25. Of the 140 patients, there were 70(50%) in each of the two groups. There were 125(89.2%) male subjects overall. The mean age in Group A was 38.91±8.91 years, while in Group B it was 38.20±8.51. Mean hospital stay in Group A was shorter than that in Group B (p<0.001). Mean serum immunoglobulin A and interleukin-10 values were not significantly different at baseline, but on day 7 post-surgery, the difference was significant between the groups (p<0.05). Likewise, Wexner score was significantly different at 3 months post-surgery (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the groups (p=0.730). The modified ligation of intersphincteric fistula tract method was found to be a better option in the management of patients with high simple anal fistula.

Minimally invasive interventions for biopsy of malignancy-suspected pulmonary nodules: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Imaging tests are important for diagnosis during the management of pulmonary nodules; however, biopsy is required to confirm the malignancy. To compare the effects of different techniques used for the biopsy of a pulmonary nodule. Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted using Cochrane methodology in São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. We conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on minimally invasive techniques, including tomography-guided percutaneous biopsy (PERCUT), transbronchial biopsies with fluoroscopy (FLUOR), endobronchial ultrasound (EBUSR), and electromagnetic navigation (NAVIG). The primary outcomes were diagnostic yield, major adverse events, and need for another approach. Seven RCTs were included (913 participants; 39.2% female, mean age: 59.28 years). Little to no increase was observed in PERCUT over FLUOR (P = 0.84), PERCUT over EBUSR (P = 0.32), and EBUSR over NAVIG (P = 0.17), whereas a slight increase was observed in NAVIG over FLUOR (P = 0.17); however, the evidence was uncertain. EBUSR may increase the diagnostic yield over FLUOR (P = 0.34). PERCUT showed little to no increase in all bronchoscopic techniques, with uncertain evidence (P = 0.02). No biopsy method is definitively superior to others. The preferred approach must consider availability, accessibility, and cost, as safety and diagnostic yield do not differ. Further RCTs planned, conducted, and reported with methodological rigor and transparency are needed, and additional studies should assess cost and the correlation between nodule size and location, as well as their association with biopsy results. PROSPERO database, CRD42018092367 -https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=92367.

EvoDCMMO: Benchmarking and solving dynamic constrained multimodal optimization problems

In the field of evolutionary computation, many dynamic optimization problems whose fitness values and/or constraints are changed over time have been studied. As the research progresses, complex dynamic optimization problems draw the attention of researchers, such as the dynamic constrained optimization problems with constraints and the dynamic multimodal optimization problems with multiple optima in each environment. Dynamic, constrained, and multimodal properties frequently appear in real-world applications, but the dynamic constrained multimodal optimization problems (DCMMOPs) that simultaneously possess all these properties have not been studied yet. This paper is the extended version of our conference work, aiming to investigate the effect of different techniques for solving DCMMOP. Compared with the previous work, we proposed a more challenging benchmark suite and designed a framework called EvoDCMMO to make further research on DCMMOPs. The new challenge of the proposed benchmark problems arises from the additional constraint based on the fitness values. More techniques, including the optimizers, niching methods, constraint handling techniques and dynamic response strategies are implemented in EvoDCMMO to carry out the comparative studies for solving DCMMOPs and discussed in our work.

Removal of the Previous Root Canal Filling Material for Retreatment: Implications and Techniques

Adequate removal of the previous filling material may be pivotal to a favorable outcome of root canal retreatment of teeth with post-treatment periodontitis in order to permit the access of irrigants and medicaments to persistent bacteria. However, even with recent technological advances, including the introduction of specially designed instruments, no technique has been shown to predictably promote complete filling removal. Supplementary approaches used after chemomechanical preparation, including the use of finishing instruments, ultrasonics and laser, have shown promising results in enhancing root canal cleaning and disinfection. This narrative review addresses the importance and implications of maximal filling removal during retreatment and discusses the effectiveness of different techniques and supplementary approaches used for this purpose.