NON-CONTACT DIELECTRIC MEASUREMENTS ON POLYMER FILMS

Dielectric characterization of materials in the RF domain is usually carried out on samples with applied electroconductive electrodes. A high-quality contact between a sample and the measuring electrodes provides a stable current flow through the sample and information on the exact value of the electric field in which the sample is located. It also enables a simple measuring instrument to determine the dielectric parameters of the material being tested. However, the presence of contact potentials and the exchange of charge between the test material and the applied electrodes can mask some electrical phenomena in the material or significantly affect how we perceive these phenomena. In order to detect weak electrical processes in the material, for example the photoelectric response of non-polar polymers, contactless dielectric measurements must be carried out. The literature on non-contact dielectric measurements in the RF domain is poor, and because of that, this paper presents the methodology for determining the dielectric parameters of film-shaped materials in conditions of contactless dielectric measurements.

The reliability and validity of goniometric elbow measurements in adults: A systematic review of the literature

Background The universal goniometer is a simple measuring tool. With this review we aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the universal goniometer in measurements of the adults' elbow. Methods Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines were followed and our study protocol was published online at PROSPERO. A literature search was conducted on relevant studies. Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality Appraisal of Diagnostic Reliability (QAREL) scoring system. Results Out of 697 studies yielded from our literature search, 12 were included. Six studies were rated as high quality. The intrarater reliability intraclass correlation coefficient ranged from 0.45 to 0.99, the interrater reliability ranged from intraclass correlation coefficient 0.53–0.97. One study providing instructions on goniometric alignment did not find a difference in expert versus non-expert examiners. Another study in which examiners were not instructed found a higher interrater reliability in expert examiners. One study investigating the validity of the goniometer in elbow measurements found a maximum standard error of the mean of 11.5° for total range of motion. Discussion Overall, the studies showed high intra- and interrater reliability of the universal goniometer. The reliability of the universal goniometer in non-expert examiners can be increased by clear instructions on goniometric alignment.

Buckling Restrained Brace Deformation Measuring Device

Buckling Restrained Braces (BRB’s) have become common in seismic frames in earthquake areas. If a BRB performs as desired the steel core may yield but it is not easy to know the degree of yielding, or how much of the BRB earthquake life has been used up. To determine whether such a brace should remain as is, or whether it needs to be replaced, an inexpensive and simple measuring device that reports the deformations undergone is required. This paper discusses a study undertaken to develop such a device. Firstly, a literature study was undertaken and candidate devices were selected. Using Subjective Quantitative Analysis (SQA) and specific performance objectives the most appropriate of these was chosen. This device was then constructed and tested in a controlled environment. This mechanical device performed well through various stimulated earthquake cycles and events, is cheap, simple to install, and small. It provides cumulative and maximum displacement estimations and will be beneficial to the industry in post-event decision making.

L’expertise communicationnelle au prisme de ses instruments

Logiciels de veille, analytics, cartographies… s’imposent comme les auxiliaires du communicant. S’ils semblent perçus comme de simples outils de mesure, ils accompagnent la redéfinition des professions et contribuent à l’institutionnalisation de savoirs, de savoir-lire et de savoir-faire. À travers l’observation de Google Analytics, cette contribution s’intéresse à l’action des équipements de l’expertise, aux représentations qu’ils actualisent, à la manière dont ils préconfigurent des espaces de pratiques possibles. Comment influent-ils sur les compétences, connaissances et attitudes que les praticiens doivent intégrer ? Dans quelle mesure participent-ils à la professionnalisation des « métiers du numérique » ? L’analyse sémio-communicationnelle de GA illustre la diversité des prises que se donnent ses concepteurs sur la circulation des savoirs, compétences et valeurs dans ces mondes professionnels. Elle articule trois regards sur le logiciel. Elle l’envisage comme une technologie herméneutique contribuant à la stabilisation d’une manière de contempler l’objet de l’expertise communicationnelle (le web et les productions médiatiques). Elle l’observe comme une technologie pragmatique qui représente, autorise et suggère des usages, configurant l’usager, le conduisant à adopter une posture d’enquêteur, d’analyste, puis de gestionnaire. Elle l’étudie comme une technologie normative disciplinant la pratique des professionnels, imposant valeurs et normes pour décrire et concevoir les médias informatisés. Intelligence softwares, web analytics, network mappings… have gradually emerged as almost indispensable auxiliary equipment for marketing and communication experts. Although generally thought of as simple measuring instruments, these medias embody definite conceptions of communication and contribute to the socio-symbolic construction of expertise. Through careful observation of Google Analytics, this article critically reflects on web analytics tools and the way they influence professionals in their daily jobs. How do they impact the skills and knowledge the experts now have to integrate? How do they influence the professionalization process of the communications industry? From a semio-political perspective, this contribution explores how far a firm like Google can shape the evolution of professional communication. Three hypotheses are discussed. First, Google Analytics is considered as a technology that guides media interpretation, then, as an instrument that encourages its user to adopt certain postures, and finally, as a means to institute a set of norms and values to describe and design websites.