Filling Technique Research Articles

One-Year Clinical Performance of the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique and Composite-Up Layering Technique in Class I Cavities.

The aim of this study was to assess the one year clinical performance of a new application method, the Fast-Modelling Bulk Technique (FMBT), in comparison to the Composite-Up Layering Technique (CULT) in posterior cavities. Thirty patients with two class I cavities on permanent human molars were enrolled in the present study. A total of sixty class I cavities were prepared and randomly divided according to the restoration technique used: 30 cavities restored by incremental layering technique and modelling of the last layer with Composite-Up Technique (CUT) using the composite Filtek Z250XT (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA) and the other 30 restored by Bulk Filling technique and modelling of the last layer by Fast-Modelling Technique (FMT) using the composite Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (3M ESPE; St. Paul, MN, USA). Restorations were evaluated for up to one year by two observers according to Federation Dentaire Internationale (FDI) criteria, through clinical and radiological exams. Exact Fisher tests were used for statistical analysis. (p ≤ 0.05). From a biological perspective, at baseline, teeth restored with both techniques did not reveal any postoperative sensitivity. However, with time, FMBT showed less postoperative sensitivity and therefore more desirable results than CULT with a nonsignificant difference after one year (p > 0.05). Concerning secondary caries, fracture of the material, and marginal adaptation, no significant difference was noted between both techniques (p > 0.05). Regarding marginal staining, CULT resulted in more staining with a significant difference, as compared to FMBT (p < 0.05). Upon radiological examination, FMBT showed a good marginal fit during the first year, whereas CULT showed small empty voids from baseline with a nonsignificant difference (p = 1.00). After one year of clinical function, both techniques showed promising results. The present study indicates that the new FMBT could have a positive effect on the marginal staining of resin composite.

Impact of the Porosity from Incremental and Bulk Resin Composite Filling Techniques on the Biomechanical Performance of Root-Treated Molars.

To analyze the effect of the porosity caused by incremental and bulk resin composite filling techniques using low- and high-viscosity composite resins on the biomechanical performance of root-treated molars. Forty intact molars received standardized mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavity preparation, were root treated, and randomly divided into four groups with different filling techniques (n=10). The first involved two incremental filling techniques using VIT/Z350XT, a nanofilled composite resin (Filtek Z350XT, 3M ESPE) associated with a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC; Vitremer, 3M ESPE) for filling the pulp chamber. The second involved TPH/VIT, a microhybrid composite resin TPH3 Spectrum associated with Vitremer. The third and fourth involved two bulk-fill composite resins: SDR/TPH, a low-viscosity resin composite (Surefill SDR flow, Dentsply) associated with TPH3 Spectrum, and POST, a high-viscosity bulk-fill resin composite (Filtek Bulk Fill Posterior, 3M ESPE). The volume of the porosity inside the restoration was calculated by micro-CT. The cusp deformation caused by polymerization shrinkage was calculated using the strain-gauge and micro-CT methods. The cusp deformation was also calculated during 100 N occlusal loading and loading to fracture. The fracture resistance and fracture mode were recorded. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey test. The fracture mode was analyzed by the χ2 test. The volume of the porosity was correlated with the cusp deformation, fracture resistance, and fracture mode (a=0.05). Incremental filling techniques associated with RMGIC resulted in a significantly higher porosity than that of both bulk-fill techniques. However, no significant difference was found among the groups for the fracture resistance, fracture mode, and cusp deformation, regardless of the measurement time and method used. No correlation was observed between the volume of the porosity and all tested parameters. The porosity of the restorations had no influence on the cuspal deformation, fracture resistance, or fracture mode. The use of the RMGIC for filling the pulp chamber associated with incremental composite resins resulted in similar biomechanical performance to that of the flowable or regular paste bulk-fill composite resin restorations of root-treated molars.

Filling and retouching techniques in outdoor tiles with saline efflorescence problems. A case study

This article will be focusing on a retouching conservation and restoration treatment, of two figurative ceramic tiles panels belonging to the Baroque artistic period. The ceramic tiles of blue and white colors dating from the final of the 18th century are inserted in a relevant historical period for the Portuguese tiles art entitled Grande produção Joanina. The purpose of the intervention was the return the readability of the scenes in the panels, without hiding major signs of degradation. This conservation treatment was made within a rehabilitation project of the building that holds them, which had its own intervention criteria and in which the conservation criteria had to fit. One of the issues during this case study, was to find a commitment between the conservation ethical approaches, considering the panels will continue to be exposed outdoors and there are soluble salts present on the wall where they are settled. The intervention criteria chosen was made, using diverse solutions within materials and techniques such as the application of new ceramic elements, filling gaps with lime mortars and al fresco retouching. A capillarity and permeability based method was used to fill the glazed gaps. Retouching methods were tested including neutral tone or continuing the shapes and tones. In the end al fresco retouching method was chosen and the preparation of the new ceramic elements supported by a study of graphic and photographic documentation, completing the big gaps in the panels. The results of the chosen al fresco technique show a satisfactory level of mimicry, enough to return the readability of the panel. This technique revealed to be suitable for the retouching of ceramic substrates affected by soluble salts. The reading of the scene panels became passively also, by completion the missing parts, with the introduction of new elements what, was achieved with success too.

Novel Techniques for Void Filling in Glacier Elevation Change Data Sets

The increasing availability of digital elevation models (DEMs) facilitates the monitoring of glacier mass balances on local and regional scales. Geodetic glacier mass balances are obtained by differentiating DEMs. However, these computations are usually affected by voids in the derived elevation change data sets. Different approaches, using spatial statistics or interpolation techniques, were developed to account for these voids in glacier mass balance estimations. In this study, we apply novel void filling techniques, which are typically used for the reconstruction and retouche of images and photos, for the first time on elevation change maps. We selected 6210 km2 of glacier area in southeast Alaska, USA, covered by two void-free DEMs as the study site to test different inpainting methods. Different artificially voided setups were generated using manually defined voids and a correlation mask based on stereoscopic processing of Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) acquisition. Three “novel” (Telea, Navier–Stokes and shearlet) as well as three “classical” (bilinear interpolation, local and global hypsometric methods) void filling approaches for glacier elevation data sets were implemented and evaluated. The hypsometric approaches showed, in general, the worst performance, leading to high average and local offsets. Telea and Navier–Stokes void filling showed an overall stable and reasonable quality. The best results are obtained for shearlet and bilinear void filling, if certain criteria are met. Considering also computational costs and feasibility, we recommend using the bilinear void filling method in glacier volume change analyses. Moreover, we propose and validate a formula to estimate the uncertainties caused by void filling in glacier volume change computations. The formula is transferable to other study sites, where no ground truth data on the void areas exist, and leads to higher accuracy of the error estimates on void-filled areas. In the spirit of reproducible research, we publish a software repository with the implementation of the novel void filling algorithms and the code reproducing the statistical analysis of the data, along with the data sets themselves.

Usefulness of T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Image based on Radial K-space Filling Technique for Liver Cancer Radiation Therapy

Usefulness of T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Image based on Radial K-space Filling Technique for Liver Cancer Radiation Therapy

기후변화 시나리오 자료의 통계적 상세화를 위한 결측자료 추정 기법 개발

기후변화 시나리오 자료의 통계적 상세화를 위한 결측자료 추정 기법 개발

Challenges of the Direct Filling Technique, Adoption of CAD/CAM Techniques, and Attitudes Toward 3D Printing for Restorative Treatments Among Finnish Dentists.

To evaluate the challenges of the direct filling technique, the use of dental chairside CAD/CAM milling, the use of 3D printing, and the attitudes toward 3D printing-based applications for restorative treatments among Finnish dentists. An electronic questionnaire was sent to 3,777 Finnish dentists. Background information, challenges linked to the direct filling technique, use of dental chairside CAD/CAM milling, use of 3D printing, and attitudes toward 3D printing-based applications in restorative dentistry were asked in the questionnaire with multiple-choice questions. The number of replies was 760, and the response rate was 20.1%. Poor survival rates and moisture sensitivity were the main reported challenges associated with the direct filling technique. Use of chairside CAD/CAM milling was reported by 271 (35.7%) respondents. Use of 3D printing technique was reported by 54 (7.1%) respondents. Most respondents answered that they would consider using 3D printing for manufacturing tooth fillings in the future. If dental chairside CAD/CAM technology can provide a solution for manufacturing long-lasting indirect restorations with good esthetic properties and an effective cost-benefit ratio, the wider use of chairside CAD/CAM systems might be indicated, especially in the public sector. New 3D printing-based applications used for restorative treatments are attracting interest among Finnish dentists, but also indicate a need for further development of 3D printing techniques for cost-effective restorative treatment.

Influence of green tea extract in the color of composite resin restorations

The aim of this study was to evaluate the color change of composite resin restorations in Class I cavity preparation with different depths, submitted to challenge of thermocycling in coffee, after the use of green tea extract (EGCG) as treatment on the dentin surface. Forty-eight human molars were divided into 6 groups according to dentin treatment and depth of restoration (n = 8): Group C3- Control/3 mm; Group C4- Control/4 mm; Group C5- Control/5 mm; Group EGCG3- EGCG/3 mm; Group EGCG4- EGCG/4 mm; and Group EGCG5- EGCG/5 mm. The teeth of the control groups were restored by the bulk fill technique (Filtek Bulk Fill), conditioning the dentin surface only with universal bonding system (Single Bond Universal). The teeth of the EGCG groups were also restored by the bulk filling technique, but conditioning the dentin surface with 0.5% EGCG for 30 s prior to the application of the adhesive system. Initial and final color readings were performed according to the CIE L*a*b* scale in UV-2450 spectroscope, before and after challenge of thermal cycling in coffee. The color change (ΔE) was then calculated based on the formula ΔE = [(ΔL*)2+(Δa*)2+(Δb*)2]½. The ΔE data were submitted to statistical tests of normality, two-way ANOVA and Tukey test to compare the means (p < 0.05). There was no statistically difference for both study factors analyzed (EGCG application and restoration depth), as well as the interaction between both, after aging in coffee (p > 0.05). It was concluded that the previous application of EGCG did not cause a significant color change at the dentin-resin interface.

A Combined Amalgam-Composite Filling Technique to Resist Cuspal Fracture

This study was carried out to study a restorative technique of 2 mm thickness of composite resin filling material that bonded, by adhesive (4-META), to MOD cavities (Mesial, Occlusal and Distal surfaces of a tooth) partially filled with amalgam filling materials in upper premolars on the fracture resistance when compared to a sound tooth. Forty freshly sound extracted upper premolars were divided into four groups: the first group of ten sound premolars is subjected to fracture resistance test, the second group of ten premolars with a MOD of half intercuspal distance cavities, which was prepared with long bevel at the cavosurface angle and the teeth were filled with composite resin following incremental technique. The third group of ten teeth were prepared with a box form and butt joint of the same MOD cavities dimension and filled with non-gamma II amalgam. The fourth group of ten premolars with the same MOD cavities dimension are filled with amalgam, a 2 mm thickness of amalgam was removed of the occlusal surface after 24 hours, extended proximally mesially and distally, etch of the exposed enamel, dentin and amalgam was performed, and 4-META adhesive was applied to amalgam and exposed dentin and enamel followed by posterior composite bonded to tooth and amalgam, and cured with light for 40 seconds. The teeth of all groups were tested for fracture resistance. The group I showed the highest resistance to fracture followed by group IV followed by group II and lastly, group III. This study concluded that the use of combined bonded amalgam-composite and tooth structure provided the best technique for filling than cavity only filled with composite or amalgam.

Morphochemical characterization, microhardness, water sorption, and solubility of regular viscosity bulk fill and traditional composite resins.

To evaluate the morphology of filler particles, chemical composition, microhardness (MH), water sorption (WSp), and solubility (WSl) of a regular viscosity bulk fill and traditional composite resins. Eighty samples (Ø:5 mm; height: 4 mm) were prepared according to the factors "composite" (Aura/SDI, FiltekZ250 XT/3M, Aura Bulk Fill/SDI, and Filtek Bulk Fill/3M) and "filling technique" (incremental and bulk) (n = 10). Vickers MH was measured on the top and bottom surfaces of each samples, and then WSp and WSl were obtained by means of mass gain and loss. Morphology of filler particles and chemical characteristics of composites were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersity spectroscopy (EDS) in additional samples (n = 1/group). Data were analyzed using two- and three-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests (p < .05). No significant difference was found for WSp among the groups. Comparing composites in the incremental technique, Aura bulk fill composite showed lower WSI than the other materials and in the bulk fill technique, Filtek Bulk Fill showed the lowest value. Filtek Bulk Fill showed higher MH than the other composites on the bottom surface when samples were produced by bulk filling. The composites presented good physical properties, but the bulk fill ones showed better results for the bottom microhardness and solubility, although chemical elements and morphology were similar in general.

Microscopic and Chemical Assessments of the Filling Ability in Oval-Shaped Root Canals Using Two Different Carrier-Based Filling Techniques.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the filling ability in oval-shaped canals using two different carrier-based filling techniques. Materials and Methods Twenty-four human mandibular premolars with one oval canal were selected. Canals were shaped using WaveOne Gold Primary and ProGlider. Samples were divided into two groups and filled as follows: Thermafil and GuttaCore. The proportions of gutta-percha-filled areas (GPFAs), sealer-filled areas (SFAs), and void areas (VA), at 2 and 5 mm, were analyzed using optical numeric microscope, scanning electron microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray. Statistical Analysis Data were compared by Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance on ranks, with statistical significance set at α = 0.05. Results At 2 and 5 mm distances from the apex, this study discloses no statistically different filling ability for the two techniques. Concerning each sample treated using both filling systems, the presence of tags was visualized. At working length (WL)-5, and WL-2, the maximum tag penetration depth for the GuttaCore group into the dentinal tubules was, respectively, 96 μm and 48 μm, whereas the values in the thermafil group were 109 μm, and 55 μm, respectively. Conclusions Our results clearly show that Thermafil and GuttaCore can fill oval-shaped canals in appropriate way. Furthermore, we can state that the GuttaCore obturator allows to preserve the same filling ability than Thermafil obturator, in view of the fact that there was no difference, in terms of GPFA, SFA, and VA between the two different carrier-based obturation techniques.

Intra-Omental Islet Transplantation Using h-Omental Matrix Islet filliNG (hOMING)

Regenerative medicine based on cell therapy represents a new hope for curing disease. Current obstacles include proper in vivo validation of the efficiency of the therapy. For transfer to the recipient body, cells often need to be combined with biomaterials, especially hydrogels. However, validation of the efficacy of such a graft requires the right environment, the right hydrogel, and the right recipient site. The omentum might be such a site. Based on the example of islet transplantation, we developed the hOMING (h-Omental Matrix Islet filliNG) technique, which consists of the injection of the graft inside the tissue, in between the omental layers, to improve islet implantation and survival. To achieve this, islets have to be embedded in a hydrogel with a viscosity that enables its injection using an atraumatic needle. Syringes are loaded with a combination of hydrogel and islets. Several injections are performed inside the omental tissue at different entry points, and the deposition of the islet/hydrogel mixture is made along a line. We tested the feasibility of this innovative approach using dextran beads. The beads were well spread throughout the omental tissue, in close proximity to blood vessels. To test the efficacy of the graft, we transplanted islets into diabetic rats and perform a metabolic follow-up over two months. The transplanted islets exhibited a high rate of re-vascularization around and inside islets, and reversed diabetes. The hOMING technique could be applicable for other types of hydrogel or cell therapy, for cells with high metabolic activity.

A Comprehensive Review on Applications of Don’t Care Bit Filling Techniques for Test Power Reduction in Digital VLSI Systems

Massive power consumption during VLSI testing is a serious threat to reliability concerns of ubiquitous silicon industry. A significant amount of low-power methodologies are proposed in the relevant literature to address this issue of test mode power consumption and don’t care bit(X) filling approaches are one of them in this fraternity. These don’t care(X) bit filling techniques have drawn the significant attention of industry and academia for its higher compatibility with existing design flow as neither modification of the CUT is required nor they need to rerun the time-consuming ATPG process. This paper presents an empirical survey of those X-bit filling techniques, applied to mitigate prime two types of dynamic power dissipation namely shift power and capture power, occurred during full scan testing.

Dentinal Microcrack Formation During Root Canal Treatment with Mtwo Instruments and MicroSeal Filling Technique

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dentinal microcrack formation during root canal treatment using Mtwo NiTi rotary instruments and MicroSeal filling technique. Materials and Methods: Forty-five single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study and divided into 3 different groups ( n = 15): Group 1, in which root canals were instrumented with Mtwo rotary files; Group 2, in which root canals were instrumented with Mtwo rotary files and filled using the MicroSeal technique; and Group 3, that acts as a control group in which no instrumentation nor obturation were performed. Then, roots were sectioned 3 mm, 6 mm, and 9 mm from the apex and the cut surface has been observed under a stereomicroscope to check for the presence or absence of dentinal microcracks. Number of dentinal microcracks was registered for each group at different levels and data were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test with a level of significance set at P &lt; .05. Results: No statistically significant differences were registered among groups ( P &lt; .05). No microcracks were detected in Groups 1 and 3, while two dentinal microcracks were registered in Group 2. Conclusions: Mtwo rotary instruments and the MicroSeal root canal filling technique did not significantly induce dentinal microcrack formation.

Shrinkage stress of high and low viscosity bulk-fill composites with incremental and bulk fill techniques

Purpose Evaluate shrinkage stress of incremental and bulk filling techniques of high and low viscosity bulk fill nanohybrid resin-based composites (RBCs) by assessing cuspal deflection, microleakage, and gap formation. Flexural modulus of different RBCs was also studied. Patients and methods Eighty molars were divided into four groups according to the type of RBCs. Each group subdivided into two subgroups (n = 10) depending on application techniques; A: bulk fill and B: incremental filling. Buccal and palatal cuspal deflection was measured by strain gauge. All teeth were subjected to several steps to evaluate cervical microleakage% by Stereomicroscope. Scanning electron microscope was used to estimate gap formation%. Flexural modulus was measured by three-point bending test. Kruskal–Wallis's test was used for comparison of quantitative variables and post hoc test was used for multiple comparisons. χ2 test was used to test the qualitative data. P value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Cuspal deflection: bulk filled teeth of low viscosity SDR flow (group III) and incremental filled teeth of the four groups were not significantly different from each other and were significantly lower than bulk filled teeth of high viscosity materials. Cervical microleakage%: the lowest scores were recorded in group II and group III which were not significantly different between both application techniques. Gap formation%: the two lowest means % were recorded for bulk filled teeth of group III and incremental filled teeth of group IV. There was a positive correlation between cuspal deflection, cervical microleakage% and gap formation%. Flexural modulus of group III was significantly lower than other groups which were not significantly different from each other. Conclusion Incremental filling technique was the best technique to decrease contraction stress and its complications. Bulk filling technique of low viscosity SDR achieved comparable results to incremental filling technique.

Effects of Filling Technique and Light Irradiation Distance on the Push-Out Bond Strength of Dual and Light Cured Core Materials in a Direct Core Build-Up

This study evaluated the effects of filling technique and light irradiation distance on the push-out bond strength of dual-cured (DC) and light-cured (LC) core materials to the root canal dentin. DC and LC core materials were filled with a bovine root canal post space of 8[Formula: see text]mm deep, and polymerized under two different filling procedures, i.e., an 8[Formula: see text]mm bulk filling (I) and two times of 4[Formula: see text]mm incremental filling (II), multiplying two different light irradiation distances (0 or 5[Formula: see text]mm) from top of the root canal. After 24[Formula: see text]h water storage, specimens were horizontally sectioned to obtain [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]mm thick core/dentin slices, and five slices were obtained for each root. After the slicing process, push-out tests were performed. Among all groups, the highest bond strength was observed in DCI5 (13.7 [Formula: see text] 4.3[Formula: see text]MPa), whereas the lowest was observed in LCI0 ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]MPa). Consequently, the recommended curing procedure between DC and LC core materials differed. Combination of LC core material with incremental filling technique and of DC core material with bulk filling technique indicated higher bond strength. Higher bond strength was measured at a 5[Formula: see text]mm light irradiation distance for both LC and DC core materials.

Evaluation of High Doses to Small Volumes of the Bladder and Rectum During HDR Endocavitary Vaginal Brachytherapy With Bladder Filling Techniques

There are approximately 4800 cases of vaginal and 60,000 cases of endometrial cancer diagnosed each year in the United States. Treatment for these diseases often includes the use of HDR endocavitary vaginal brachytherapy for boosting the dose to the Vaginal apex. The intent of this work is to determine if bladder filling techniques influence the high dose to different volumes of the Bladder and Rectum. 10 sequential patients scheduled to receive HDR treatments for gynecologic cancer were selected for evaluation. A Foley catheter was placed into the bladder using sterile technique and then placed to straight drain.(“Empty bladder CT”) The patient was immobilized using standard techniques. A CT scan was performed of the patient from bottom of SI joints to the distal end of the vaginal cylinder with slice thickness of 1.25mm, to include the vagina, bladder and rectum to the level of recto-sigmoid junction. The CT scan was repeated after 120 cc’s of saline & contrast were instilled into the bladder with the Foley catheter clamped. (“Full bladder CT”). Both sets of CT data were exported to the treatment planning system. The Dosimetrist and Physician contoured the Rectum, Bladder, and Urethra on both image sets. The physician determined the treatment length and depth (standard 5mm) for the treatment delivery. Dose structures were constructed on both data sets and the dwell position and times were optimized. Comparison DVH’s and volume doses for the Rectum, Bladder, and Urethra were determined for each data set. The dose increased on average for all small volumes of the Bladder when the “full bladder” was used for treatment planning as compared to the “empty bladder” plans. This increase was on the order of 5% (±1.0%) for Bladder volumes of (0.03cc, 1cc’s, 2cc’s, 3cc’s, 10cc’s, and 20cc’s.). For the Rectum, the dose was increased by 1.5%, but the variability was higher on the order of (±1.2%) for Rectum volumes of (0.03cc, 1cc’s, 2cc’s, 3cc’s, 10cc’s, and 20cc’s). In contrast, the mean dose for the Bladder and Rectum decreased by 20%, and 2% respectively with the "full bladder”. With the “empty bladder” the dose to 1cc, and 2cc of the Urethra was reduced on average by 3%. Bladder filling for this cohort of patients increased the average high dose to small volumes of the Bladder and Rectum. The increase in dose to the Bladder was approximately 5% and was more consistent for all patients when compared to the average dose increase of 1.5% for the Rectum.

Influence of Root Canal Filling Techniques on Sealer Penetration and Bond Strength to Dentin.

The influence of root canal filling techniques on the penetration of AH Plus into dentinal tubules was evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and the impact on the bond strength of the filling material on the root dentin was evaluated using the push-out test. Roots of the maxillary central incisors (n=40) were prepared with ProTaper Universal and assigned to four groups: lateral condensation, vertical compaction, modified Tagger hybrid and single cone. After root canal filling with gutta-percha and AH Plus, along with the addition of 0.01% fluorescein, the roots were cut into 2-mm slices. CLSM was performed on the first slice of each root third, followed by the push-out test. The second slice was analyzed under SEM. ANOVA demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the root canal filling techniques and the root thirds (p<0.05). For percent penetration, Tukey's test showed that the vertical compaction (91.77±13.51), lateral condensation (89.18±10.91) and modified Tagger hybrid (87.53±15.42) presented the highest values, which significantly differed (p<0.05) from those of the single cone (78.19±22.46). For bond strength (MPa), lateral condensation (3.42±0.54) and vertical compaction (3.47±0.53) had the highest values (p<0.05), while the modified Tagger hybrid (2.19±0.41) and single cone (0.54±0.21) had the lowest. In conclusion, the lateral condensation, vertical compaction and Modified Tagger's hybrid techniques resulted in greater penetration and bond strength to the intra-radicular dentin.

Scheduling Jobs through Gap Filling and Optimization Techniques in Computational Grid

Due to the heterogeneity and complexity in grid computing, classical algorithms may not be able to deal with dynamic jobs properly. In the dynamic mode, incoming jobs reach the scheduler arbitrary. Therefore, scheduling the jobs using simple policy alone deteriorates the performance of the scheduler. Thus, a policy that can handle the dynamicity efficiently is indispensable. This paper presents the Swift Gap mechanism (SG), which is a hybridization of the Best Gap mechanism, alongside with Tabu search (BGT). In addition, a new decision rule based on completion time is included into the outcome mechanism. The new decision rule based on completion time has shown a significant improvement in the Quality of Service (QoS), especially for a slowdown, tardiness, waiting time and response time. Moreover, an evaluation of the new proposed mechanism Swift Gap is provided. From the evaluation, Swift Gap outperforms BGT, Conservative Backfilling (CONS) and Extensible Argonne Scheduling System (EASY).

A Cocoon-Shaped Copper Plating Filling Technique for through Hole Metallization

Recently, with the electronic products tending to be light, multifunctional and a high speed transmission, the IC substrates and printed circuit boards (PCBs) must increase circuit density and be able to accommodate a lot of elements in a single device. In order to accommodate more elements in a single device, the circuit density of PCB and IC substrate have to decrease line width and distance between conducting lines, but their overall thickness must be thinner than before. It means that the conducting via or through-hole (TH) will be small and a thin surface copper layer is necessary. In this work, we developed a copper plating formula composed of several additives to perform TH filling of an IC substrate. The results show that the copper plating formula can perform a highly selective TH filling. Copper was mainly plated in the TH and a thin surface copper layer was obtained outside the TH. The plated copper shape in the TH looks like a cocoon according to its cross-section, which can solve the dimple issue of current TH filling technology, even it can be used as copper bump for copper-to-copper connection. Keywords: Through-hole filling, Printed circuit board, IC substrate, Copper Plating, Cocoon Reference W. P. Dow, H. H. Chen, M. Y. Yen, W. H. Chen, K. H. Hsu, P. Y. Chuang, H. Ishizuka, N. Sakagawa, R. Kimizuka, “Through-Hole Filling by Copper Electroplating”, Journal of The Electrochemical Society, 2008, 155, D750-D757.