The efficiency of a metaheuristic algorithm for global optimization is based on its ability to search and find the global optimum. However, a good search often requires to be balanced between exploration and exploitation of the search space. In this paper, a new metaheuristic algorithm called Ringed Seal Search (RSS) is introduced. It is inspired by the natural behavior of the seal pup. This al...

OBJECTIVE To test sealants to prevent erosive tooth wear caused by extrinsic and intrinsic acids under long-term exposition. METHODS 144 bovine enamel samples were randomly allocated to twelve groups (1-12). Samples of groups 1, 5 and 9 remained unsealed (positive controls), 2, 6 and 10 were sealed with Silicon Seal Nano Mix and 3, 7 and 11 with Seal&Protect. Groups 4, 8 and 12 were sealed wi...

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leakage is a major complication in colorectal surgery and with an incidence of 11% the most common cause of morbidity and mortality. In order to reduce the incidence of anastomotic leakage the C-seal is developed. This intraluminal biodegradable drain is stapled to the anastomosis with a circular stapler and prevents extravasation of intracolonic content in case of an ana...

objectives : the aim of this study was to compare apical sealing ability of alpha and beta phases of gutta-percha by means of bacterial leakage model. materials and methods: fifty single-rooted human premolars were selected. the root canals were prepared with mtwo rotary instruments up to apical #35.04. forty teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n= 20). the root canals were obturated by...

objectives: this study aimed to assess the effect of re-etching of desensitized dentin for five and 10 seconds on marginal microleakage of composite restorations. materials and methods: class v cavities (4x2x2mm) were prepared on the buccal surfaces of 64 third molars and randomly divided into four groups of 16. in the control group, single bond (sb) adhesive was applied after etching. in bb+sb...

In the present work, fat, skin, liver and muscle samples from Leptonychotes weddellii (Weddell seal, n=2 individuals), Lobodon carcinophagus (crabeater seal, n=2), Arctocephalus gazella (Antarctic fur seal, n=3) and Mirounga leonina (southern elephant seal, n=1) were collected from King George Island, Antarctica, and analysed for POPs (PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and PBDEs) and stable isoto...

A comparison of identified faunal assemblages from the Dorset site of Phillip's Garden indicates that harp seal hunting was the main focus of activity throughout the site's occupation. Despite the highly specialized nature of site use, it appears that reliance on harp seal decreased over time while fish and birds became increasingly important. These changes may reflect longer seasonal occupatio...

A recent case of seal finger which was misdiagnosed and hence mistreated at the patient's first presentation is described. The patient was eventually referred to a hand specialist and after the correct treatment with tetracycline, responded well without any long-term sequelae. Seal finger is an occupational injury that occurs to those who work directly or indirectly with seals. The disease enti...

The interactive influence of furrow surface seal formation and surge irrigation (intermittent flow) on furrow infiltration into a Portneuf silt loam soil was measured with a recirculating infiltrometer. When the formation of a surface seal was prevented by a layer of cheesecloth laid on the furrow perimeter, flow interruption increased furrow bed bulk density by 100 kg/m 3 and decreased infiltr...

Set expansion refers to expanding a partial set of “seed” objects into a more complete set. One system that does set expansion is SEAL (Set Expander for Any Language), which expands entities automatically by utilizing resources from the Web in a language-independent fashion. In this paper, we illustrated in detail the construction of character-level wrappers for set expansion implemented in SEA...