Goniometric Method Research Articles

Quadriceps angle as an outcome measure for structural integrity following total knee arthroplasty in individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis

PurposeTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is routinely performed for pain relief and to improve performance of the knee in individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis (OA). The quadriceps angle (Q-angle) is a key component of knee joint stability. However, there is a dearth of literature evaluating Q-angle as an outcome measure after TKA in individuals with severe knee OA. ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to assess the Q-angle as an outcome measure before and after TKA and to find the correlation of Q-angle with pain, quadriceps strength, and knee flexion range of motion (ROM) after TKA in individuals with severe knee OA. MethodsThe Q-angles of 34 individuals (male: female = 17:17) were measured using standardized procedures. Pain, quadriceps strength, and knee flexion ROM were measured. The measurements were taken preoperatively (one day before surgery), and postoperatively at the sixth week and third month after TKA. ResultsThe mean Q-angle was 19.17° (SD = 1.92°) before TKA, 16.06° (SD = 1.87°) at the sixth week and 13.43° (SD = 1.77°) at the third month after TKA. Significant linear correlations were noted between the Q-angle and pain, quadriceps strength, and knee flexion ROM following TKA. ConclusionThe Q-angle was measured before and after TKA using a standardized clinical goniometric method. Understanding the Q-angle before and after TKA and its relationship with various clinical and functional variables is imperative in clinical practice for orthopedic surgeons and rehabilitation professionals.

Evaluation of the Rennes Universal Measurement Method (RUMM), an artificial intelligence application for hand joint angle assessment.

Although goniometric measurement is considered the gold standard for the measurement of digital range of motion, visual estimation is often employed due to its simplicity despite being inconsistent with recommended guidelines. We evaluated the Rennes Universal Measurement Method, an innovative tool employing artificial intelligence to concurrently analyse hand joint angles based on a single photograph. We found a strong correlation between the goniometric method and the photograph-based approach (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.7). The mean standard error of measurement was -1° (SD 17°). Regarding reproducibility with different photographic angles, an excellent intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.9 was noted. The tool had a processing time of less than 0.1 s per hand, while traditional goniometric methods took 20-30 s per finger. Combining simplicity, high reproducibility and good inter-rater reliability, this is a potentially useful tool that can be used to monitor patient progress in place of traditional goniometry.

82‐2: Rapid Eyebox Measurements for Wide Field of View Near‐Eye Displays

Measuring the eyebox of a near‐eye display is a complex and time‐consuming process. The recent introduction of the Draper eyebox method offers an opportunity to simplify the process and dramatically reduce the measurement time. This study compares the Draper method with the standard goniometric method with both pupil and eye rotation, and discusses its correlation.

Comparison of the validity and reliability of three different methods used for wrist proprioception measurement

Backgroundː Early detection of loss of proprioception is essential to prevent injury and maintain professional work activities. However, although many different methods are present for wrist proprioception measurement, these methods' validity and reliability studies are quite limited. ObjectiveTo compare the validity and reliability of the goniometer, inclinometer, and joint position sense goniometer methods used in measuring wrist active joint position sense (AJPS). Methodsː Thirty-two volunteer healthy participants (64 wrists) between the ages of 19–31 (mean age:23,34 ± 3,84) were included in the study. Wrist AJPS was assessed with an isokinetic dynamometer as a reference standard in addition to an inclinometer, goniometer, and joint position sense goniometer (JPSG). Spearman's Correlation Coefficient was used for validity analysis, and Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC3,1) was used to analyze test-retest reliability. Resultsː It was found that the goniometer (p < 0.001, r = 0.529) is a moderately valid method to assess active wrist joint position sense. The JPSG (p < 0.001, r = 0.432) and inclinometer (p = 0.005, r = 0.350) have weak validity. According to the results of ICC3,1 analysis, the goniometer (p < 0.001, ICC3,1 = 0.422) and JPSG (p < 0.001, ICC3,1 = 0.369) were found to have poor reliability in assessing wrist AJPS, and the inclinometer (p = 0,183, ICC3,1 = 0,114) was not found as a reliable method. Conclusionsː Our results suggest that the JPSG and inclinometer should not be used in the wrist active joint position sense evaluation because of weak validity and poor reliability. The goniometer can be used in clinics and academic research to evaluate wrist joint position sense if the rater lacks a reliable and valid measurement tool.

Features of Measurement and Presentation for Germicidal Lamps Parameters

The aspects of measurement and presentation of radiation parameters of germicidal lamps, including radiant flux within the set spectral range, are under consideration. Radiant flux is currently used as their main parameter. There are the following methods of measurement of this parameter: indirect, by means of irradiance from the lamps, goniometric, and the integrating sphere method. The goal of the work was to compare the results of measurement of germicidal lamps using different methods and to analyse the practice of presentation of germicidal lamp parameters. TUV, HNS, LTC, DB, DKB and DKBU germicidal lamps and irradiators with different power capacity and peak radiation in the mercury line 253.7 nm were selected as the measurement objects and such parameters as radiant flux, germicidal flux, and radiant flux stabilisation time were selected as assessed parameters. The measurements were made and the values of radiant flux and germicidal flux, using the indirect and goniometric methods, were obtained. The graphs of radiant flux stabilisation of different lamps are presented. The analysis of the measurements demonstrated necessity of modification of the approaches to measurement and presentation of the germicidal lamp parameters.

Accuracy analysis of the refractive index measurements by modifed prism methods

Goniometric methods of measuring the refractive index of optically transparent materials based on the refraction of light by a triangular prism are considered. Modified method of the minimum deviation and 3 modified constant deviation methods are considered, which allows determining the refractive index of triangular prisms with unknown apex angles. According to modified methods, the angles of light deviation by a prism are measured with goniometer, and the refractive index of the material and the prism angles are determined from solving the systems of equations. Thus, there is no need for preliminary measurement of the prism angles, which requires the use of special autocollimation goniometers. In addition, the modified methods do not use radiation reflected from the faces of the prism, which makes it possible to extend the spectral range of measurement of the refractive index to the infrared and ultraviolet regions. A comparative accuracy analysis of the considered methods for a prism with a refractive index of 1.5 and an angle of 60° as example is carried out. It is shown that the modified methods can be used for high-precision measurements of the refractive index in cases if the apex angles of the prism are unknown or their measurement is associated with technical difficulties. The considered methods can be used to measure the refractive index of triangular prisms made of optically transparent materials, as well as liquids poured into hollow prisms with plane-parallel transparent windows. The practical implementation of such a methods can be useful in the optical, chemical and food industries to control the composition and properties of optically transparent substances.

Measurement of the refractive index using a goniometric system in an automated mode

Subject of study. A method for the measurement of the refractive index using an automated autocollimating goniometric system is proposed. Aim of study. The study facilitates the precise measurement of the refractive indices of transparent solid and liquid optical materials. Method. Goniometric methods based on the measurement of angles of light refraction caused by a substance are often used to measure the refractive indices of trihedral prisms. A method to determine the refractive index via measuring the light deviation angle caused by a prism after reflection from the internal facet in the automated mode is proposed. Main results. The refractive indices of two trihedral prisms composed of different glass types, namely, N-BK7 and SF-1, measured using the proposed method and autocollimating goniometric system are presented. The measurement error did not exceed 1.5×10−4 when compared with the nominal value for these prisms at the wavelength of the radiation source of the autocollimator, thus confirming the prospect of application of this method in high-precision refractive index measurements. Practical significance. The method proposed in this study can be used to measure the refractive indices of trihedral prisms made of optically transparent materials with different apex angles using the goniometric system in an automated mode. The method can also be applied to optically transparent liquid materials located in a hollow trihedral prism.

Zinc Oxide Films Fabricated via Sol-Gel Method and Dip-Coating Technique-Effect of Sol Aging on Optical Properties, Morphology and Photocatalytic Activity.

Zinc oxide layers on soda-lime glass substrates were fabricated using the sol-gel method and the dip-coating technique. Zinc acetate dihydrate was applied as the precursor, while diethanolamine as the stabilizing agent. This study aimed to determine what effect has the duration of the sol aging process on the properties of fabricated ZnO films. Investigations were carried out with the sol that was aged during the period from 2 to 64 days. The sol was studied using the dynamic light scattering method to determine its distribution of molecule size. The properties of ZnO layers were studied using the following methods: scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, transmission and reflection spectroscopy in the UV-Vis range, and the goniometric method for determination of the water contact angle. Furthermore, photocatalytic properties of ZnO layers were studied by the observation and quantification of the methylene blue dye degradation in an aqueous solution under UV illumination. Our studies showed that ZnO layers have grain structure, and their physical-chemical properties depend on the duration of aging. The strongest photocatalytic activity was observed for layers produced from the sol that was aged over 30 days. These layers have also the greatest porosity (37.1%) and the largest water contact angle (68.53°). Our studies have also shown that there are two absorption bands in studied ZnO layers, and values of optical energy band gaps determined from positions of maxima in reflectance characteristics are equal to those determined using the Tauc method. Optical energy band gaps of the ZnO layer fabricated from the sol aged over 30 days are EgI = 4.485 eV and EgII = 3.300 eV for the first and second bands, respectively. This layer also showed the highest photocatalytic activity, causing the pollution to degrade 79.5% after 120 min of UV irradiation. We believe that ZnO layers presented here, thanks to their attractive photocatalytic properties, may find application in environmental protection for the degradation of organic pollutants.

Measurement of the refractive index using a modified prism method

Goniometric methods of measuring the refractive index of optically transparent materials are considered. A modified method for measuring the refractive index of triangular prisms is proposed. In the previous work [1], a modified constant deviation method was proposed for measuring the refractive index, which does not require measuring the refractive angle of the prism. That modification is simple, but its implementation uses low-intensity radiation reflected from the input face of the prism, which creates difficulties in processing signals from a photoelectric receiver and can lead to an increase in measurement error. In this paper, to obtain the reflection of the refracted beam, we used two fixed mirrors, and the refractive index of the prism material was calculated from the solution of a system of equations. This approach makes it possible not to use radiation reflected from the faces of the prism, which makes it possible to increase accuracy by automating the measurement process. The results of an experimental study of a triangular prism made of optical glass using the proposed modified prism method and their comparison with the method of minimum deviation, which has the highest accuracy of determining the refractive index, are presented. The proposed method can be used to study triangular prisms made of optically transparent materials, as well as optically transparent liquids poured in a hollow triangular prism.

Inertia Sensors for Measuring Spasticity of the Ankle Plantarflexors Using the Modified Tardieu Scale-A Proof of Concept Study.

Ankle spasticity is clinically assessed using goniometry to measure the angle of muscle reaction during the Modified Tardieu Scale (MTS). The precision of the goniometric method is questionable as the measured angle may not represent when the spastic muscle reaction occurred. This work proposes a method to accurately determine the angle of muscle reaction during the MTS assessment by measuring the maximum angular velocity and the corresponding ankle joint angle, using two affordable inertial sensors. Initially we identified the association between muscle onset and peak joint angular velocity using surface electromyography and an inertial sensor. The maximum foot angular velocity occurred 0.049 and 0.032 s following the spastic muscle reaction for Gastrocnemius and Soleus, respectively. Next, we explored the use of two affordable inertial sensors to identify the angle of muscle reaction using the peak ankle angular velocity. The angle of muscle reaction and the maximum dorsiflexion angle were significantly different for both Gastrocnemius and Soleus MTS tests (p = 0.028 and p = 0.009, respectively), indicating that the system is able to accurately detect a spastic muscle response before the end of the movement. This work successfully demonstrates how wearable technology can be used in a clinical setting to identify the onset of muscle spasticity and proposes a more accurate method that clinicians can use to measure the angle of muscle reaction during the MTS assessment. Furthermore, the proposed method may provide an opportunity to monitor the degree of spasticity where the direct help of experienced therapists is inaccessible, e.g., in rural or remote areas.

Reliability Comparisons of Cervical Active Range of Motion Measuring Methods: Universal Goniometer versus Virtual Reality

The purpose of this research study is to compare the reliability of measuring active cervical range of motion performed with the universal goniometer with an FDA approved XRHealth virtual reality computer program and the Oculus Rift. Methods: The design of the study is a single-blinded randomized controlled study. A sample size of 40 adults was recruited via email, posters, and person to person recruitment. The sample was comprised of males and females, ages 20 to 72-year-old. Equipment included a large universal goniometer with 12-inch arms and a covered full circle plastic body, oculus rift with a computer, VR Health System, chair with arms and a gait belt to control for trunk movements. All four investigators underwent a training session in the measurement of cervical range of motion utilizing a universal goniometer. Each participant was measured with each tool twice. Results: Virtual reality demonstrated a statistically significant difference from the standard goniometer methods at a 99% confidence level (p=0.01). Both tools (goniometer and virtual reality) were found to have good to excellent inter-rater reliability. Conclusion: This study suggests a virtual reality method can be used as a reliable clinical tool in comparison with the universal goniometric cervical active range of motion measurement. Recommendations for future studies should be focused on establishing the validity of virtual reality as an assessment tool using a larger sample size with a wide age range and those who have current cervical discomfort or are experiencing functional limitations in cervical ranges of motion.

Порівняльний аналіз валідності гоніометричного, інклінометричного та рентгенологічного методів вимірювання розгинання у гомілковостопному суглобі

Актуальність. Пошук оптимального методу оцінки амплітуди розгинання в гомілковостопному суглобі (ГС) залишається актуальним предметом наукових дискусій. Мета роботи — провести порівняльний аналіз валідності гоніометричного та інклінометричного методів вимірювання обсягу розгинання у гомілково-стопному суглобі порівняно із рентгенологічними показниками. Матеріали та методи. У дослідження ввійшло 25 здорових, фізично активних осіб (50 гомілковостопних суглобів), серед яких чоловіків було 18, жінок— 7; середній вік обстежуваних становив 25,8 ± 5,2 року; середнє значення індексу маси тіла — 25,01 ± 5,01. Обсяг розгинання у ГС вимірювали при навантаженні за допомогою двоплощинного гоніометра та інклінометра і порівнювали їх з рентгенологічними показниками. Результати вимірювань оцінювали методами описової статистики. Результати. Cередні значення розгинання у ГС, виміряні за допомогою двоплощинного гоніометра, становили 37,62 ± 5,56°; інклінометра — 40,61 ± 5,15°; рентгенологічні показники — 23,69 ± 7,25°. Різниця між середніми була вірогідною (p &lt; 0,001). Середнє значення коефіцієнта варіації для рентгенологічного методу становило 0,31 і значно переважало показники гоніометричного (0,15) та інклінометричного (0,13) методів вимірювання (p &lt; 0,001). Рентгенографія ГС при навантаженні при максимальному розгинанні стопи призводить до збільшення показників тало-1-метатарзального кута. Висновки. Значення кутових параметрів розгинання у ГС при гоніометричному та інклінометричному методах вимірювання суттєво перевищують рентгенологічні показники. Більший коефіцієнт варіації для рентгенологічного дослідження вказує на кращу відтворюваність інклінометрії та гоніометрії при оцінці розгинання у ГС. Навантажувальна рентгенограма ГС в положенні максимального розгинання демонструє збільшення тало-1-метатарзального кута порівняно із нормативними значеннями, що потрібно враховувати при інтерпретації результатів рентгенологічної оцінки розгинання у ГС.

Analysis of Predictors Affecting Biomechanical Function of the Knee Joint and Its Relation to Anterior Knee Pain.

Background: Anterior knee pain is the most common problem in the young and sporting population. Quadriceps femoris angle and condylar distance are tools to assess the bio-mechanical function of the knee joint. The aim of this research was to give comparative data of quadriceps femoris angle and condylar distance in the Indian population (sedentary/sportsperson). The study also aims to know which parameter (condylar distance/quadriceps angle) is the better predictor for knee pain in the young Indian population.Materials and methods: This study was composed of a total of 130 individuals suffering from anterior knee pain which was divided into two categories; Sedentary and sportsperson. Each category consisted of 65 individuals. Q angle (goniometric method) and condylar distance (manual caliper) of each participant were calculated. A comparison of body parameters was done by independent t-test. Comparison between the two parameters (condylar distance and quadriceps angle) was done to know which is the better predictor of anterior knee pain.Results: Statistically significant sexual variation (p<0.05) was observed in both quadriceps angle and condylar distance in sedentary and sportsperson groups. Females had a higher value of Q angle than males (p<0.05). The difference in quadriceps angle was statistically significant (p<0.05) between sedentary and sportsperson groups. Cohen’s kappa coefficient of Q angle was 0.72 while that of bi-condylar distance was 0.49. Conclusion: Q angle is a better indicator for anterior knee pain than condylar distance. Females in either category; sedentary and sportsperson, had higher Q angle in comparison to males making them more susceptible to disorders of the patellofemoral joint. Hence, encouragement and awareness are needed not only to carry out periodic screening of the susceptible population but also to emphasize its usage in clinical practice and the prognosis of the affected individual after treatment.

Validation of an on-screen application-based measurement of shoulder range of motion over telehealth medium.

Shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) assessment is vital for the follow-up evaluation of operated patients and for the outcome-based research studies. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy and reliability of a remote on-screen application (app)-based method of shoulder ROM measurement through a telehealth medium. A consultant shoulder surgeon, a board-certified orthopedic resident, and a graduate medical doctor served as the examiners. The cohort consisted of 24 healthy volunteers and 16 symptomatic patients with expected shoulder ROM deficits. Shoulder ROM was first examined physically using a goniometer in the clinic and then over Zoom remote conferencing using the protractor extension app of the Chrome browser. Instrument validity was examined by comparing the goniometer method with the protractor app-based method of the expert shoulder consultant using Bland-Altman analysis. It showed only minor mean differences between the healthy volunteers and the patients in elevation (2.0° and 5.0°, respectively), abduction (2.0° and 3.0°, respectively), external rotation with the elbow adducted (1.9° and 0.2°, respectively), external rotation with the elbow abducted at 90° (0.4° and 4°, respectively), and internal rotation with elbow abducted at 90° (2.3° and 1.2°, respectively), with limits of agreement that were below the well-established minimal clinically important difference values. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values varied between 0.83 and 0.96 for the volunteers and between 0.90 and 0.98 for the patients, indicating excellent correlation between the 2 methods. The interobserver reliability between 2 examiners for the protractor app-based method as evaluated by ICC scores was excellent; it ranged between 0.86 and 0.98 for the volunteers and between 0.88 and 0.99 for the patients. Comparison of the protractor app-based method with the gold-standard goniometer method for the resident and the graduate doctor showed excellent ICC values. A protractor app-based method of measuring shoulder ROM over a telehealth medium is accurate and reliable compared with a clinical goniometer method. This validated method can be used during remote telehealth consultation with significant benefits of saving patients travel and time during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and even later.

Interrater Reliability of a Novel Goniometric Technique to Measure Scapular Protraction and Retraction.

Scapular protraction and retraction are often essential for occupational performance; however, clinical assessment of these movements is uniquely challenging. To analyze the interrater reliability of a novel goniometric method to measure scapular protraction and retraction. An observational, descriptive design was implemented to evaluate interrater reliability between two experienced occupational therapists who were also certified hand therapists. Academic institution. Convenience sample of graduate students (N = 80). Outcomes and Measures: The hypothesis, developed before study implementation, was that the technique would demonstrate clinically acceptable interrater reliability, defined as a standard error of measurement (SEM) <8°. Goniometric measurements of the scapula at rest, in maximal protraction, and in maximal retraction were independently obtained from each participant by each evaluator. The goniometer was aligned on the scapula using the superior angle as the axis of motion to measure the movement of the acromion relative to the frontal plane. The SEM was calculated in each position using the intraclass correlation coefficient values and the average of the standard deviations from the two raters. The SEM values between the two evaluators for the resting, protracted, and retracted positions were 3.46°, 2.93°, and 2.74°, respectively. The SEM between the two evaluators for each scapular position was <4°, suggesting that the technique may be clinically reliable. However, additional research regarding the reliability and validity of the technique is recommended. What This Article Adds: The findings of this study support the use of goniometry to measure scapular protraction and retraction in relation to occupational performance. The technique provides a way to quantify baseline scapular mobility and track progress.

SMARTPHONE APPLICATION FOR COMPUTING JOINT RANGE OF MOTION: A RELIABILITY TEST FOR ITS EFFICACY

"Goniometry" is derived from two Greek words: Gonia, which means "angle," and Metron, which means "measure." The focus of the research is to see if a smartphone-based goniometer application for knee flexion range of motion was reliable. The technology of smartphones is one of the most often used alternatives. A literature evaluation of 12 studies showed that smartphone applications are sufficiently trustworthy to be employed in research and clinical practice. As ROM angulation is widely employed in treatment policy decisions, new measures have to be thoroughly tested before use in clinical practice. The study design used was an observational study. The participants were recruited using a simple random sampling method. The total number of participants was 100 in the age group between 20-60. With Universal Goniometer and Goniometer records, three certified physiotherapists measured maximum active knee flexion in a supine position. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS (version: 20) and the Bland Altman Test was used. Results revealed that a significant correlation was found between the application Goniometer Records (r=0.9409) and Universal Goniometer (r= 0.8149) methods for the mean of 3 trials. The application Goniometer records mean and the universal goniometer means were found to differ significantly by the two-tailed paired t-test. The ICC and 95% confidence interval (CI) for Smartphone Goniometer was 0.9409 (95% CI, 0.9133-0.9599) and that for Universal Goniometer was 0.8149 (95% CI, 0.7363-0.871). It could be concluded that the Goniometer Records demonstrated acceptable test-retest reliability. The Goniometer Records exhibited high reliability.

Application of Inertial Measurement Units and Machine Learning Classification in Cerebral Palsy: Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundCerebral palsy (CP) is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. Approximately 17 million people worldwide and 34,000 people in Australia are living with CP. In clinical and kinematic research, goniometers and inclinometers are the most commonly used clinical tools to measure joint angles and positions in children with CP.ObjectiveThis paper presents collaborative research between the School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences at Curtin University and a team of clinicians in a multicenter randomized controlled trial involving children with CP. This study aims to develop a digital solution for mass data collection using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and the application of machine learning (ML) to classify the movement features associated with CP to determine the effectiveness of therapy. The results were calculated without the need to measure Euler, quaternion, and joint measurement calculation, reducing the time required to classify the data.MethodsCustom IMUs were developed to record the usual wrist movements of participants in 2 age groups. The first age group consisted of participants approaching 3 years of age, and the second age group consisted of participants approaching 15 years of age. Both groups consisted of participants with and without CP. The IMU data were used to calculate the joint angle of the wrist movement and determine the range of motion. A total of 9 different ML algorithms were used to classify the movement features associated with CP. This classification can also confirm if the current treatment (in this case, the use of wrist extension) is effective.ResultsUpon completion of the project, the wrist joint angle was successfully calculated and validated against Vicon motion capture. In addition, the CP movement was classified as a feature using ML on raw IMU data. The Random Forrest algorithm achieved the highest accuracy of 87.75% for the age range approaching 15 years, and C4.5 decision tree achieved the highest accuracy of 89.39% for the age range approaching 3 years.ConclusionsAnecdotal feedback from Minimising Impairment Trial researchers was positive about the potential for IMUs to contribute accurate data about active range of motion, especially in children, for whom goniometric methods are challenging. There may also be potential to use IMUs for continued monitoring of hand movements throughout the day.Trial RegistrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12614001276640, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=367398; ANZCTR ACTRN12614001275651, https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=367422

Study of Ti Effect in Solder Type In-Ag-Ti on Bond Formation with Ceramic Materials by Use of Hybrid Soldering Process - Laser/Ultrasound

The work deals with the study of Ti effect in solder type In10Ag4Ti on bond formation with the ceramic materials Al2O3, SiC and ZrO2. The aim of this research was to study the wettability and interfacial reaction between solder and ceramic substrates using the progressive hybrid technology - laser/ultrasound. The goniometric method was used for the solder wettability measurement. The wettability of the solder on the ceramic substrates at the temperature of 700°C attained the values from 17 to 34°. Structural analysis of the boundary between the solder and substrate was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. The planar analysis of elements in bonds between the ceramic substrates and solder revealed the presence of a higher concentration of Ti on the boundaries. The wetting of oxidic ceramic materials was assured by bonding of titanium with oxides from the substrate’s surface by the formation of a thin layer of TiO. The SiC substrate was wetted by In10Ag4Ti solder owing to the reaction of titanium with carbon and/or silicon by the formation of reaction layers TiC and TiSi. The reaction between titanium from the solder during soldering and ultrasonic activation provided wetting and interactions between the solder and the ceramic substrates.

Evaluation of the inter and intraobserver reproducibility of the GRASP method: a goniometric method to measure the isolated glenohumeral range of motion in the shoulder joint

PurposeTo evaluate the intra and interobserver reproducibility of a new goniometric method for evaluating the isolated passive range of motion of the glenohumeral joint in an outpatient setting.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study on healthy subjects. The Glenohumeral ROM Assessment with Scapular Pinch (GRASP) method is a new method for assessing the isolated range of motion (ROM) of the glenohumeral joint (GH) by a single examiner with a clinical goniometer. It measures the isolated glenohumeral passive abduction (GH-AB), passive external rotation (GH-ER) and internal rotation (GH-IR) with the arm at 45º of abduction.These three GH ROM parameters were measured in both shoulders of 30 healthy volunteers (15 males/15 females, mean age:41.6[SD = 10.3] years). The full shoulder passive abduction, passive external rotation and internal rotation 45º of abduction were measured by the same examiners with a goniometer for comparison. One examiner made two evaluations and a second examiner made a third one. The primary outcome was the intra- and interobserver reproducibility of the measurements assessed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot.ResultsThe intra-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.84 ± 0.07 for GH-ABD, 0.63 ± 0.09 for GH-ER, and 0.61 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. The inter-observer ICC for isolated glenohumeral ROM were: 0.86 ± 0.06 for GH-ABD, 0.68 ± 0.12 for GH-ER, and 0.62 ± 0.14 for GH-IR. These results were similar to those obtained for full shoulder ROM assessment with a goniometer.ConclusionThe GRASP method is reproducible for quick assessment of isolated glenohumeral ROM.Level of evidenceIII

Energy budget and methods for determining coordinates for a radiomonitoring system based on a small spacecraft

The existing ground-based radio monitoring systems do not allow performing the functions and tasks of radio spectrum monitoring in a quality manner. Therefore, to improve the efficiency of the radio spectrum monitoring systems for countries with a large territory, such as the Republic of Kazakhstan, it is proposed to use low-orbit small spacecrafts as radio monitoring stations. The analysis of the energy budget of radio lines on the basis of existing radio electronic means on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan, carried out in this work, showed the possibility of using low-orbit small spacecrafts for performing the functions and tasks of radio monitoring. The paper proposes and develops a method for determining the coordinates of radio emission sources based on the goniometric method using scanning antennas on board of one spacecraft. The ranges of the antenna scanning angles are substantiated, and the estimates of the coordinates determination errors are made. Algorithms have been developed and computer programs have been compiled to determine the coordinates of the radio emission sources, which will make it possible to use this method at the initial stages of developing a radio spectrum monitoring system based on one small spacecraft.