Irrigation Delivery Research Articles

The carbon footprint of the perioperative transurethral resection of bladder tumour pathway.

To evaluate the carbon footprint of the perioperative transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) pathway from decision to treat to postoperative discharge, and model potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies. This process-based attributional cradle-to-grave life-cycle assessment (LCA) of GHG emissions modelled the perioperative TURBT pathway at a hospital in Southwest England. We included travel, energy and water use, all reusable and consumable items, and laundry and equipment sterilisation. Resource use for 30 patients undergoing surgery was recorded to understand average GHG emissions and the inter-case variability. Sensitivity analysis was performed for manufacturing location, pharmaceutical manufacturing carbon-intensity, and theatre list utilisation. The median (interquartile range) perioperative TURBT carbon footprint was 131.8 (119.8-153.6) kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. Major pathway categories contributing to GHG emissions were surgical equipment (22.2%), travel (18.6%), gas and electricity (13.3%), and anaesthesia/drugs and associated adjuncts (27.0%), primarily due to consumable items and processes. Readily modifiable GHG emissions hotspots included patient travel for preoperative assessment, glove use, catheter use, irrigation delivery and extraction, and mitomycin C disposal. GHG emissions were higher for those admitted as inpatients after surgery. This cradle-to-grave LCA found multiple modifiable GHG emissions hotspots. Key mitigation themes include minimising avoidable patient travel, rationalising equipment use, optimally filling operating theatre lists, and safely avoiding postoperative catheterisation and hospital admission where possible. A crucial next step is to design and deliver an implementation strategy for the environmentally sustainable changes demonstrated herein.

Efficacy of different irrigation techniques in removal of N-acetyl cysteine as an intracanal medicament- An study

Intra canalmedicament must be completely removed from the pulp space for better penetration of sealers. Various methods of irrigant delivery are used for removal of medicament from root canals. Removal of N-acetyl cysteine when used as an intracanal medicament hasn't been studied yet.To compare efficacy of different irrigation techniques, ultrasonic, sonic, navi tips, side vented needles in removal of N-acetyl cysteine as an intracanal medicament- an study Fifty-two maxillary anterior teeth were decoronated and standardized to a root length of 13 mm. Root canals were prepared with Protaper Universal rotary system. N-acetyl cysteine paste was placed in root canals with lentulospiral and kept in an incubator for 7 days. Then four groups (n=13) were established according to the removal technique- Group 1- Passive ultrasonic irrigation, Group 2- Sonic irrigation, Group 3- Manual irrigation with NaviTip, Group 4- Manual irrigation with side vented needles. Each tip was placed 2 mm short of working length and irrigation was done using 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Final irrigation was done, then roots were split buccolingually and evaluated for residual medicament under stereomicroscope at 24x magnification. Done using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests (P ≤ 0.05). In coronal and middle third, there was significant difference in removal of medicament by Group 1- Passive ultrasonic irrigation compared to other techniques, whereas, in apical third Group 2- Sonic irrigation showed better result. Group 3-Manual irrigation with NaviTip and Group 4- Manual irrigation with side- vented needles was significantly less effective than other techniques.Use of irrigants with activation devices like ultrasonic and sonic revealed improved removal of N- acetyl cysteine intracanal medicament.

Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Penetration Depth of Root Canal Irrigant Using Different Irrigation Activation Systems: A Comparative Study.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the penetration depth and smear layer removal of root canal irrigant using various irrigation activation techniques. In this investigation, sixty single-rooted premolars extracted for orthodontic purposes were chosen. Diamond burs were used to create an access cavity, and #10 K-file was used to determine the patency. About sixty samples were divided into the following three groups (20 samples in each group), group I: Irrigation with conventional needle, group II: Activation of EndoVac system, group III: Passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI). The efficacy of the smear layer was assessed using a scanning electron microscopy at a ×2000 magnification. One-way ANOVA was used to record and analyze the data. All statistical analyses were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. At coronal third, the maximum smear layer was removed in group II (1.26 ± 0.02) followed by group III (1.84 ± 0.16) and group I (2.89 ± 0.21). At middle third, smear layer removal was maximum in group I (1.18 ± 0.10) followed by group III (1.72 ± 0.09) and group I (2.66 ± 0.18). At apical third, the more smear layer was removed in group II (1.02 ± 0.01) followed by group III (1.58 ± 0.08) and group I (2.38 ± 0.06). There was a highly significant difference found between the three different irrigation systems at all three levels (p < 0.001). In conclusion, every irrigation device that was evaluated was successful in removing the smear layer from the root canal. However, the EndoVac system group removed a greater amount of smear layer compared with PUI and conventional needle group. With the goal of promoting cleaning that is beyond the ability of mechanical devices, irrigation is a crucial part of root canal therapy. If an efficient irrigation delivery system is used, the irrigants can reach the working length (WL). This type of distribution system needs to provide a suitable amount of irrigants up to the WL, as well as have enough flow and be effective at debriding the entire canal system. How to cite this article: Pujari MD, Das M, Das A, et al. Assessment of Smear Layer Removal and Penetration Depth of Root Canal Irrigant Using Different Irrigation Activation Systems: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(4):331-334.

An Ex-vivo Comparative Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Three Root Canal Irrigation Systems in Reduction of Enterococcus Faecalis.

The purpose of this ex-vivo study is to evaluate the efficacy of three irrigation techniques in the reduction of E. faecalis in root canal. Eighty healthy maxillary anteriors were employed in this investigation. The bacteria E. faecalis was left on teeth for 7 days while they were kept. Once teeth were contaminated, they were randomly divided into three groups of 20 for experimentation and a control group of 20 for comparison. NaviTip FX was used to irrigate Group I, the Max-I-probe was used to water Group II, and the Endovac system was used to water Group III. The number of colony forming units (CFUs) was determined by growing bacteria from root canal samples for 2 days in Brain heart infusion agar after chemo-mechanical operations. There was a substantial decrease in bacterial numbers across all experimental groups compared to group IV (control). Group III (Endovac) had the fewest bacterial colonies among the test groups. There were no discernible changes between Group I (the Navitip FX) and Group II (the Max I probe). Endovac was the most effective of the three irrigation methods for reducing CFUs. This study's findings lend credence to the idea that the apical negative pressure approach has more potential than the conventional irrigation delivery system for achieving an enhanced antibacterial impact.

Localised 0.2% chlorhexidine irrigation delivery system versus oral antibiotics in reducing postoperative complications in the surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molar (IMTM). - a randomised controlled trial.

The purpose of the study was to compare the efficacy of the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine irrigation and the oral antibiotics for the prevention of postoperative complication like pain, trismus, swelling and infection after the surgical extraction of IMTM. A randomised, double blinded clinical trial was planned with two equal groups. Patients were randomly divided into two groups using computer-generated codes with an allocation ratio of 1:1. Group I (Control): Standard preoperative and postoperative systemic oral antibiotics and Group II (Study): No systemic antibiotics and Chlorhexidine irrigation local delivery. The primary outcomes evaluated were postoperative pain, mouth opening, swelling and infection. The secondary outcome variables were the number of analgesics and antibiotics taken by the patient in the postoperative period, the satisfaction of the patient and adverse events, were followed up regulary for 7 days postoperatively. A total of 84 patients, divided into two equal groups participated in the study. In intergroup comparison of swelling, the difference was non-significant on postoperative day (POD) 1 and 7, except for POD 3, where it showed significantly lower results in the antibiotic group (p = 0.012). However, there was no significant difference in pain found between both groups at any of the postoperative time points, and the study group had a lesser need for rescue analgesics than the control group. A statistically significant difference in incidence of dry socket was observed (p = 0.03) and gastrointestinal adverse symptoms, but it showed insignificant results for wound dehiscence and pus discharge. Also, patient satisfaction was higher in the study group. both antibiotics and localised delivery demonstrated comparable results in terms of swelling, pain and trismus. However, with lesser adverse events, the localised chlorhexidine delivery with curved tips outperformed the antibiotic group.

A Novel Educational Approach for Safe Endodontic Syringe Irrigation: A Randomized Controlled In Vitro Study.

Syringe irrigation, commonly used for delivering sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) during root canal treatment, requires careful handling to prevent NaOCl extrusion into periapical tissues. This randomized controlled in vitro study aimed to quantify syringe plunger forces exerted by dental undergraduates and to assess the impact of an educational intervention on adherence to safe irrigant delivery parameters. Fifty-two undergraduates performed syringe irrigation at three intervals: baseline (T1), after two weeks (T2), and after 12 weeks (T3). At T1, irrigation was conducted without prior educational intervention, while at T2, it was preceded by an intervention. The educational intervention involved a short video highlighting safe irrigation practices, including plunger force and time recommendations for syringe irrigation. At T3, the undergraduates were randomly allocated to two groups: One received a repeated intervention, while the other did not. Syringe irrigation was performed on a 3D-printed tooth using two side-vented cannulas: one of 25 Gauge (G) and another of 30 G. A syringe equipped with a force sensor recorded the plunger forces. Based on earlier research, plunger forces exceeding 10 Newtons (N) for the 25 G cannula and 40 N for the 30 G cannula were deemed critical. The data were subjected to descriptive statistical analyses. Overall, the mean of maximum values of plunger forces remained under 10 N for the 25 G and below 20 N for the 30 G cannulas, with only few measurements exceeding 40 N. Instances of surpassing the critical plunger force threshold were more common with the 25 G side-vented cannula than with the 30 G variant. At T3, the group that received the repeated educational intervention exhibited lower average maximum plunger forces for both types of cannulas compared with the group that did not receive the intervention. Integrating plunger force measurements with targeted educational interventions presents an effective approach for instructing undergraduates in the proper techniques of syringe irrigation. The findings suggest that, generally, undergraduates do not apply excessive plunger forces that could risk apical irrigant extrusion. The implementation of repeated educational interventions has been shown to decrease the plunger forces exerted by undergraduates, underscoring its effectiveness in fostering safe endodontic irrigation.

Bacteria debridement efficacy of two sonic root canal irrigant activation systems

ObjectiveTo evaluate the bacteria debridement efficacy of two generations of sonic root canal irrigant activation systems: EndoActivator (Dentsply Sirona), the first generation, and SmartLite Pro EndoActivator, the second generation. MethodsInstrumented, autoclaved, single-rooted human premolars were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC-29212) for 21 days. The bacteria biofilm-containing teeth were randomly divided into 5 groups (N=8): Group 1: Syringe-side-vented needle (S-N) delivery of saline for 1 min; Group 2: S-N delivery of 2% NaOCl for 1 min; Group 3: S-N delivery of 2% NaOCl for 5 min; Group 4: EndoActivator activation of 2% NaOCl for 1 min; Group 5: SmartLite Pro EndoActivator activation of 2% NaOCl for 1 min. The teeth were evaluated for bacterial reduction using CFU counts, and the percentages of dead bacteria within the dentinal tubules using confocal laser scanning microscopy. ResultsActivation of NaOCl with EndoActivator or SmartLite Pro EndoActivator significantly reduced the overall intracanal bacterial load, compared with S-N irrigant delivery (P<0.05), with no significant difference between the two agitation devices (P>0.05). Nevertheless, S-N delivery of 2% NaOCl for 5 min produced better bacteria debridement than either sonic agitation system. Different degrees of bacteria kill were identified in the coronal-middle portions and apical portion of the canal space. ConclusionDelivery time of NaOCl affects the efficacy of bacteria disinfection. Activation for 1 min with the EndoActivator or SmartLite Pro EndoActivator demonstrated comparable canal wall biofilm and intracanal bacteria reduction efficacy when 2% NaOCl was used as irrigant for disinfecting E. faecalis in single-rooted teeth. Clinical significanceAlthough the sonic root canal irrigant activation devices investigated do not completely eliminate live bacteria biofilms from the canal space, they help reduce bacteria load during irrigant activation.

Intraoperative Wound Lavage System for Deep Neck Infection: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Multiple solutions are currently used to cleanse a deep neck infection (DNI), and a variety of devices are available to deliver wound irrigation solutions. An essential difference between these devices is the pressure that the irrigation solution exerts over the wound tissue. Objective To compare low-pressure and high-pressure irrigation delivery systems for wound cleansing in DNI. Methods we designed a retrospective cohort study and reviewed the medical records of patients operated on due to DNI from June 2016 to December 2017 at our institution. One cohort included patients treated with an intraoperative irrigation method that exerts low pressure over the irrigated tissue, and the other cohort, to a system capable of generating higher pressure. The Pearson Chi-squared test was used to analyze the data. Results A total of 42 patients whose ages ranged from 16 months to 72 years were included. The low-pressure irrigation system was used in 18 patients, and the high-pressure system was used in 24 patients. No statistical differences were observed regarding the irrigation methods, the complexity of the DNI, and the overall outcomes. Conclusions The present is the first study in which low- and high-pressure systems for wound lavage were evaluated in the treatment of DNI. When comparing these methods, we did not find one to be superior to the other; however, the additional cost associated with the high-pressure devices may not justify their in head and neck procedures.

The Effect of Ornamental Groundcover Habit and Irrigation Delivery on Dynamic Soil Conditions

Sustainable landscapes provide environmental, social, and financial benefits, with interest and adoption increasing due to environmental awareness. Ornamental ground-cover systems have garnered interest in the landscape due to the reduced need for water, fertilizers, pesticides, and maintenance compared to typical landscapes; however, limited research on groundcover ability to modulate soil conditions or suppress weeds exists. This study explored how ornamental groundcover systems impact the sustainability of landscapes. The effects of ground-cover growth habit (matting; bunching) and irrigation delivery method (micro spray; overhead) on soil temperature, volumetric water content (VWC), and electric conductivity (EC), along with impacts on weed growth, soil microbial communities, and plant coverage, were measured. Soil temperatures were generally lower under groundcover species with a matting growth habit, and to a lesser extent, bunching growth habits, in comparison to the warmer fallow systems. Groundcovers with a matting form led to lower VWC values compared to taxa with other growth habits, particularly when micro-irrigated. Plant form did not significantly influence EC values; however, micro spray irrigated plots had significantly higher EC values, likely attributed to irrigation spray patterns. Micro spray irrigation in tandem with matting growth habit taxa decreased weed density more effectively than taxa with bunching growth habits or groundcovers maintained under overhead irrigation. Selection of groundcover species with greater foliar coverage along with implementing more efficient irrigation practices can decrease soil temperatures, soil moisture, and weed density. Incorporating groundcovers in the landscape can decrease maintenance requirements and water/chemical use, thus increasing sustainability and decreasing environmental consequences.

Novel use of an irrigated ablation catheter to monitor real-time hemodynamics during ablation.

Hemodynamic decompensation during catheter ablation occurs due to prolonged procedure time and irrigant delivery directly into the cardiac chambers. Real-time hemodynamic monitoring of patients undergoing catheter ablation procedures may identify patients at risk of decompensation; we set out to assess the feasibility of a novel, real-time, intracardiac pressure monitoring system using a standard irrigated ablation catheter. We studied 13 consecutive who underwent pressure measurement of the left atrium (LA) and left ventricle (LV) via transeptal access with a Swan Ganz (SG) catheter followed by two commercially available irrigated ablation catheters. Pressure waveform data was extracted to compare LA peak pressure, LV peak systolic pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, and waveform analysis. Comparison between the SG and ablation catheters (AblA; AblB) demonstrated that LV systolic pressure (0.61-16.8 mmHg; 1.32-18.2 mmHg), and LV end-diastolic pressure (-3.4 to 2.8 mmHg; -3.0 to 3.35 mmHg) were well correlated and had accepted repeatability. Ablation waveforms demonstrated an 89.9 ± 6.4% correlation compared to SG waveforms. Pressure measurements derived from an irrigated ablation catheter are accurate and reliable when compared to an SG catheter. Further studies are needed to determine how real-time pressure monitoring can improve outcomes during ablation procedures.

CHARACTERISTICS OF LOCAL PUMP SCHEMES REUSING DRAINAGE WATER IN A MAJOR RICE-BASED IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE AREA IN THE RED RIVER BASIN, VIETNAM

A comprehensive study was undertaken in a major rice-based irrigation and drainage area, with the objective of assessing the characteristics and importance of the wide-spread use of drainage water from canal irrigation schemes by local schemes. The irrigated area of 18,308 ha consisted of the public managed Cau Son canal scheme and 208 electric-powered pump schemes, of which 109 were classified as drainage reuse schemes using drainage water from the canal scheme. The reuse pump schemes covered 27% of the irrigated area, including 6 public and 103 local managed pump stations, the latter with about 21,000 households engaged in reuse irrigation. The local schemes were typically 25 years old and showed a high degree of variability in irrigated area, total dynamic head, design capacity, and energy use. The seasonal irrigation delivery ranged by a factor 10 with about 65% “lost” in return flow mostly as surface drainage. The use of electric power was excessive, associated with low pumping and irrigation efficiencies related to poor maintenance, inadequate water management and capacity overdesign. A significant scope was identified for improved use of water and energy and for integrating local reuse schemes in performance evaluations and water management frameworks in canal-irrigated areas.

Effect of various volume syringes on solution delivery time using conventional irrigation technique in 0.04 tapered preparations of single straight root canals

Introduction: The important aspect of endodontic treatment is root canal irrigation. Although agitation systems proved to have enhanced irrigant wall interactions, syringe needle-based delivery systems still play a significant role during the preparatory phases of root canal treatment. The current study aimed to evaluate the time taken for the irrigant delivery during conventional syringe irrigation using different volume syringes in different root canal preparations. Materials and Methods: Two hundred extracted single-rooted premolars with approximately round canals were randomly instrumented to preferred apical preparation sizes using 0.4 tapered Hyflex-CM rotary Ni-Ti instruments and randomly divided as follows: Group I, instrumentation to size 40, 0.04 taper (n = 50); Group II, instrumentation to size 30, 0.04 taper (n = 50); Group III, instrumentation to size 25, 0.04 taper (n = 50); and Group IV, instrumentation to size 20, 0.04 taper (n = 50). Fifty operators were chosen for the experimentation. They were asked to irrigate the prepared specimens using different volume syringes. The entire irrigant delivery time was recorded by a head nurse using a stopwatch, and the values were calibrated and statistically analyzed. Results: Group I recorded significantly lesser time for irrigant delivery during manual syringe needle irrigation (P = 0.005) compared to other groups. Conclusion: Irrigation delivery time was less in 40/0.04 taper preparations, using 1 ml volume syringes.

Comparative Efficacy of Different Irrigant Activation Techniques for Irrigant Delivery Up to the Working Length of Mature Permanent Teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review aims to establish whether various irrigant activation techniques (IATs) result in greater penetration of irrigant up to the working length. The MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library electronic databases were searched to determine the difference in irrigant penetration depth in the main canal following the use of manual dynamic activation (MDA), sonic irrigation (SI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and apical negative pressure irrigation technique (ANP) in comparison with conventional needle irrigation technique (CNI) in mature permanent teeth. Meta-analysis was performed for straight canals as well as curved canals in addition to subgroup analyses for a) Individual IATs in comparison with CNI, b) Comparison of PUI v ANP and SI v ANP in the straight canals, c) comparison of different IATs performed in straight and curved canals. The outcome was presented as effect size: standardized mean difference (SMD) and percentage difference (% diff) of irrigant penetration up to the working length (WL) alongside 95% confidence intervals using chi-square analysis. Of the 840 records screened, 20 studies were included in the systematic review and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. It revealed IATs had significant improvement in irrigant delivery up to the WL in straight (% diff: 51.94%, 95% CI: 39.20-64.67%) and curved canals (SMD: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.64-1.52) over CNI. The subgroup analysis revealed ANP was the most effective and significant technique followed by PUI, SI and MDA techniques in straight canals (% diff: 91.70%, 95% CI: 75.63-107.77%) and curved canals (SMD: 1.45, 95% CI: 0.77-2.13). IATs improve irrigant penetration when compared to CNI technique. In both straight and curved canals, ANP is the most effective in delivering the irrigant up to the WL followed by PUI, SI and MDA techniques. Hence adaptation of recent IATs in routine endodontic practice is recommended. (EEJ-2022-03-036).

Assessment on irrigation system performance of sugarcane farm using remote sensing at lower Omo basin, Ethiopia

This study was aimed at assessing the irrigation system performance at Omo Kuraz Sugar Cane Development Project using data from remote sensing and meteorological stations. To analyze the distribution of evapotranspiration over the treatment area, the SEBAL (Surface Energy Balance Algorithm) model was used to evaluate the evapotranspiration (ET) rate for sugarcane at the lower Omo River Basin. Surface energy balance algorithm input like NDVI, Land surface temperature, TOA albedo and emissivity was calculated from Land Lat 8 image using the ENVI software. The data were collected from the farm site meteorology station, and the calculated evapotranspiration rate was one of the inputs into irrigation system performance indicators model, along with actual field data gathered from irrigation delivery schedule, root depth of crop at each growth stage, soil moisture before and after irrigation, and water diverted to the field. The four pillars of irrigation system performance are over all consumed ratio, depleted fraction, evaporative fraction, and relative evapotranspiration. This study also examined system performance using four standard indicators; namely, adequacy, efficiency, reliability, and equity. These indicators were calculated using the SEBAL algorithm and data were classified based on satellite and irrigation application. The findings of this study revealed that the irrigation system performed poorly with all treatment fields being below the target performance indicator values (overall water consumption ratio, ep; depleted fraction, DF; evaporative fraction, ᴧ and relative evapotranspiration, RET). The calculated crop water requirements using the SEBAL model and satellite data were not consistent with applied water. The findings from this study also showed that irrigation system performance indicator parameters were limited due to excessive water applied to the field. The study also revealed an acceptable range of RET (0.8, 0.9); however, the irrigation system's reliability was poor according to the results of field observations at the experimental site. This observation was due to the field receiving an excessive amount of water. These results and observations suggest that the irrigation agronomist should schedule irrigation water application based on crop water requirements to manage poor irrigation system performance. Key words: Irrigation system performance, SEBAL model, Remote sensing, Landsat 8, lower Omo Basin

Nasal Irrigation Delivery in Three Post-FESS Models From a Squeeze-bottle Using CFD

PurposeNasal saline irrigation is highly recommended in patients following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) to aid the postoperative recovery. Post-FESS patients have significantly altered anatomy leading to markedly different flow dynamics from those found in pre-op or non-diseased airways, resulting in unknown flow dynamics.MethodsThis work investigated how the liquid stream disperses through altered nasal cavities following surgery using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). A realistic squeeze profile was determined from physical experiments with a 27-year-old male using a squeeze bottle with load sensors. The administration technique involved a head tilt of 45-degrees forward to represent a head position over a sink. After the irrigation event that lasted 4.5 s, the simulation continued for an additional 1.5 s, with the head orientation returning to an upright position.ResultsThe results demonstrated that a large maxillary sinus ostium on the right side allows saline penetration into this sinus. The increased volume of saline entering the maxillary sinus limits the saline volume available to the rest of the sinonasal cavity and reduces the surface coverage of the other paranasal sinuses. The average wall shear stress was higher on the right side than on the other side for two patients. The results also revealed that head position alters the sinuses’ saline residual, especially the frontal sinuses.ConclusionWhile greater access to sinuses is achieved through FESS surgery, patients without a nasal septum limits posterior sinus penetration due to the liquid crossing over to the contralateral cavity and exiting the nasal cavity early.

Maximizing soybean productivity and profitability by transitioning from flood to furrow irrigation on clay‐textured soils

AbstractThe type of irrigation delivery system used in the mid‐southern United States can have an effect on crop–water relationships and withdrawal from the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer. This study was conducted to determine whether converting from flood irrigation to an optimized furrow irrigation delivery system improves soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain yield, net returns, and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE). The effects of flood and optimized furrow irrigation on soybean grain yield, net returns above specified costs, irrigation water applied, and IWUE were investigated from 2016 to 2018 on 24 paired fields with the same soil type, cultivar, planting date, and management practices in the Delta region of Mississippi. Transitioning from flood irrigation to an optimized furrow irrigation system increased soybean grain yield by 7% and net returns above specified costs by 18% but had no effect on consumptive water use or IWUE. Our data indicate that mid‐southern US soybean producers should convert from flood to optimized furrow irrigation systems to maximize soybean grain yield and net returns; however, switching between irrigation delivery systems will have no effect on aquifer decline

Auto irrigate - The continuous irrigant delivery and intracanal aspiration system

Auto irrigate - The continuous irrigant delivery and intracanal aspiration system

SEM Evaluation of Various Intracanal Irrigation Devices on Smear Layer Removal: A Comparative Study

The present study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of different intracanal irrigation devices on the removal of the smear layer. The recently extracted 80 lower premolars having single canal were chosen for this in vitro study. A round diamond bur was used to gain endodontic access and the root canal was entered with a #15 K-file until the tip was just seen at the apical foramen. Manual instrumentation of root canals of all teeth was done using the step-back method. The samples were later divided randomly into four groups. Later, each sample was exposed to final irrigation by using four different irrigation systems, group 1: conventional needle irrigation, group 2: irrigation with ultrasonic activation, group 3: irrigation with EndoVac system activation, group 4: irrigation with EndoActivator. The samples were next mounted and visualized under scanning electron microscope (SEM) for the absence or presence of the smear layer. Irrigation with EndoVac system activation showed the presence of least smear layer (2.40 ± 0.32), followed next by EndoActivator (3.24 ± 0.46) and ultrasonic activation (4.96 ± 0.54) and conventional needle irrigation (5.20 ± 0.10). No statistically significant difference was found in the apical and coronal thirds of the root canal in removal of the smear layer on an intragroup comparison. However, a statistically significant (p < 0.001) difference was seen between the groups at the apical and coronal thirds on an intergroup comparison. This study demonstrated the EndoVac system group to be efficient in removal of the smear layer when compared to the EndoActivator system, ultrasonic activation, and conventional needle irrigation group. The definitive objective of endodontic therapy is to transform the affected teeth to a healthy and functional state. The irrigants can reach the working length when delivered by an effective irrigation delivery system. This type of delivery system should deliver adequate volume of irrigants all the way up to the working length and have sufficient flow and be efficient at debridement of complete canal system.

Autogation: An Alternate Wetting and Drying-Based Automatic Irrigation and Paddy Water Level Control System through Internet of Things

This study aims to create an automated watering system that can adapt with network-based irrigation monitoring and a safe alternate wetting and drying or AWD. A secure AWD irrigation method is one in which the rice paddy is alternately subsided and immersed with a critical level of 100mm below the ground and a maximum irrigation level of 150 mm above the ground. The designed methodology automates irrigation by considering the needed water level in the field and its present level. It determines and controls the watering schedule based on the data collected by the sensors and then acts on it. It regulates the irrigation delivery gate to close or open the counterweight-designed water gate valve following the smart timetable that it has established. This approach conserved around 20% of the water used in a two-hectare area with four weirs compared to the traditional irrigation method in three weeks.

Impact of Drought and Changing Water Sources on Water Use and Soil Salinity of Almond and Pistachio Orchards: 2. Modeling

California is increasingly experiencing drought conditions that restrict irrigation deliveries to perennial nut crops such as almonds and pistachios. During drought, poorer quality groundwater is often used to maintain these crops, but this use often results in secondary salinization that requires skilled management. Process-based models can help improve management guidelines under these challenging circumstances. The main objective of this work was to assess seasonal soil salinity and root water uptake as a function of irrigation water salinity and annual rain amounts. The manuscript presents a comparison of three-year experimental and numerically simulated root zone salinities in and below the root zone of almond and pistachio drip-irrigated orchards at multiple locations in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), California, with different meteorological characteristics. The HYDRUS-1D numerical model was calibrated and validated using field measurements of soil water contents and soil solute bulk electrical conductivities at four root zone depths and measured soil hydraulic conductivities. The remaining soil hydraulic parameters were estimated inversely. Observations and simulations showed that the effects of rain on root zone salinity were higher in fields with initially low salinities than in fields with high salinities. The maximum reduction in simulated root water uptake (7%) occurred in response to initially high soil salinity conditions and saline irrigation water. The minimum reduction in simulated water uptake (2.5%) occurred in response to initially low soil salinity conditions and a wet rain year. Simulated water uptake reductions and leaching fractions varied at early and late times of the growing season, depending on irrigation water salinity. Root water uptake reduction was highly correlated with the cumulative effects of using saline waters in prior years, more than salt leaching during a particular season, even when rain was sufficient to leach salts during a wet year.