Oscillatory and periodic solutions of differential equations with piecewise constant generalized mixed arguments

We study scalar advanced and delayed differential equations with piecewise constant generalized arguments, in short DEPCAG of mixed type, that is, the arguments are general step functions. It is shown that the argument deviation generates, under certain conditions, oscillations of the solutions, which is an impossible phenomenon for the corresponding equation without the argument deviations. Criteria for existence of periodic solutions of such equations are discussed. New criteria extend and improve related results reported in the literature. The efficiency of our criteria is illustrated via several numerical examples and simulations.