Exploring the Evolution of the Mousetrap

This paper contributes to a pedagogical approach to teaching design related to social development by presenting and discussing the technical-solution and design evolution of a simple, everyday product. There is a need to explore the influence of social developments on approaches to product development and design solutions. It is important that students experience and observe how social conventions influence design. This paper investigates whether the evolution of the mousetrap has been driven by highly pragmatic and ergonomic influences or by certain social developments influencing how the (Western) world behaves towards fundamental questions, such as the issue of death. A case study of mousetraps focuses on what has been a principal solution of mousetrap construction from the first patented trap in the early 1900s to the latest models: a stroke against the neck of mice. How has the evolution of this solution been expressed in the objects? Immaterial values are reflected in the traps, and this case study shows how social norms can outweigh technical and ergonomic considerations in product development. Describing and analysing the history of the trap and considering relevant theory can have an impact on design students to reflect more on the market and social awareness. Using specific and typical examples from the history of the mousetrap and visually showing how the development of the trap over more than 100 years will contribute to understanding the complex issues involved in simple, everyday objects

Exploring the design of mousetraps

Based on a case study of a collection of a couple of hundred mousetraps this paper presents a systematic categorisation of their principles of technical construction, material consistence and principles of function. This study of mousetraps introduces decision making involving ethical dilemmas, the discussion of intrinsic value of animals of this kind, and finally the user’s need to be comfortable with the process of use. The principle of its technical construction among a large diversity of possible solutions must be chosen on the basis of a set of criteria. Equal for all traps is the demand for inclusive usability and low cost results. This criterion promotes low-tech constructions with high visual transparency. The presentation of the mousetrap study introduces in a way the general connections between material and technical constructions and moral consequences of ethical perspectives. Ethical values are guidelines in the decision making. Together with a categorisation and presentation of technical principles of mousetraps, the graphical design illustrations and text information on the belonging packaging shows in a pedagogical way how it is possible to contribute to complex issues with simple everyday object

Increased Vascularity in Cervicovaginal Mucosa with Schistosoma haematobium Infection

Schistosomiasis is a fresh water parasite infection that affects millions of people, especially in Africa. Recent knowledge about the genital manifestations of schistosomiasis; especially its possible association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, has led to increased focus on this neglected tropical disease. Millions of women remain undiagnosed for genital schistosomiasis, and may suffer from abnormal mucosal blood vessels, contact bleeding and lesions named sandy patches. This study analyses a unique selection of female genital biopsies containing parasite eggs. Protein detection and standard histopathological assessment are combined to quantify and study the characteristics of the mucosal blood vessels surrounding the eggs. Our results show that the genital mucosa with parasite eggs is more vascularised compared to healthy tissue, and that viable eggs tend to be surrounded by proliferating blood vessels. These findings have not yet been correlated directly to clinical manifestations. Further studies are needed in order to provide clinical advice on the risks and consequences of mucosal lesions particular to female genital schistosomiasis

Visual communication of design principles in a complex kinetic construction

Design students need to be able to build a bridge between their own practice and the various receivers of their messages. Studies in design practice confirm that visualisation is a powerful communication tool often used by artists and designers. Despite these studies, a knowledge gap was identified concerning how design principles of concepts and quantitative structures can be communicated to engineers concerning complex and kinetic art constructions. Through a case study of a cross-disciplinary collaboration, a complex and technological public art sculpture was developed cooperatively with various professionals. The main concept for the sculpture project was to use the airflow from two ventilation systems. Based on this process in a real-life situation with objects that can lead to a situation of failure in the materialisation of a project it is discussed how two different disciplines can have discipline specific languages and further it is discussed what kind of competence that can contribute to communicate in a productive way. The discussion concerns the representation of an idea through a tangible model in different traditions and cultures. Such a communication process was visualized as a pedagogical concept for cross-disciplinary communication. Students can benefit from being prepared for these kinds of situations in collaborative design practic

Visual communication of design principles in a complex kinetic construction

Design students need to be able to build a bridge between their own practice and the various receivers of their messages. Studies in design practice confirm that visualisation is a powerful communication tool often used by artists and designers. Despite these studies, a knowledge gap was identified concerning how design principles of concepts and quantitative structures can be communicated to engineers concerning complex and kinetic art constructions. Through a case study of a cross-disciplinary collaboration, a complex and technological public art sculpture was developed cooperatively with various professionals. The main concept for the sculpture project was to use the airflow from two ventilation systems. Based on this process in a real-life situation with objects that can lead to a situation of failure in the materialisation of a project it is discussed how two different disciplines can have discipline specific languages and further it is discussed what kind of competence that can contribute to communicate in a productive way. The discussion concerns the representation of an idea through a tangible model in different traditions and cultures. Such a communication process was visualized as a pedagogical concept for cross-disciplinary communication. Students can benefit from being prepared for these kinds of situations in collaborative design practic

Handling innovative transformation processes in public environment

Design of environment is one example from which debates can emerge. Such public debates can influence public opinions and subsequently influe nce political debates and bureaucratic processes. Studies have shown that there is more difficulty achieving successful radical innovations if organisations have entrenched structures and burea ucratic processes. Design debates that influence bureaucratic processes are important to discuss in ge neral, and in design education especially, because they can tell us something about how visual expressions are read and what kind of impact they have. Therefore, the present study investigated ways to overcome bureaucratic and commercial resistance to implementing visual changes in public spaces. To explore these processes and gain a deeper understanding of the different ways to deal with a range of opinions, a case study method was used involving participants from different types of organisa tions and fields of interest. The empirical data was gathered from the design of a public memorial pr oject that created a fierce debate in Norway and even abroad, called Smash Nazism , a monument of a resistance group acting during World War II. The conclusion of the study explains how a confrontational process was handled in the permanent change of a public space and how aspects of such transfor mation process can be linked to radical innovation. This is essential knowledge in design education pr eparing students for how visual transformation processes can contribute to corporate social responsibility

Prospective study of toric IOL outcomes based on the Lenstar LS 900® dual zone automated keratometer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To establish clinical expectations when using the Lenstar LS 900® dual-zone automated keratometer for surgery planning of toric intraocular lenses.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Fifty eyes were measured with the Lenstar LS 900® dual-zone automated keratometer . Surgical planning was performed with the data from this device and the known surgically induced astigmatism of the surgeon. Post-operative refractions and visual acuity were measured at 1 month and 3 months.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Clinical outcomes from 43 uncomplicated surgeries showed an average post-operative refractive astigmatism of 0.44D ±0.25D. Over 70% of eyes had 0.50D or less of refractive astigmatism and no eye had more than 1.0D of refractive astigmatism. Uncorrected visual acuity was 20/32 or better in all eyes at 3 months, with 70% of eyes 20/20 or better. A significantly higher number of eyes had 0.75D or more of post-operative refractive astigmatism when the standard deviation of the pre-operative calculated corneal astigmatism angle, reported by the keratometer, was > 5 degrees.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>In this single-site study investigating the use of the keratometry from the Lenstar LS 900® for toric IOL surgical planning, clinical outcomes appear equivalent to those reported in the literature for manual keratometry and somewhat better than has been reported for some previous automated instruments. A high standard deviation in the pre-operative calculated astigmatism angle, as reported by the keratometer, appears to increase the likelihood of higher post-operative refractive astigmatism.</p

The current burden and future solutions for preoperative cataract-refractive evaluation diagnostic devices: A modified Delphi study

Purpose: To obtain consensus on the key areas of burden associated with existing devices and to understand the requirements for a comprehensive next-generation diagnostic device to be able to solve current challenges and provide more accurate prediction of intraocular lens (IOL) power and presbyopia correction IOL success. Patients and methods: Thirteen expert refractive cataract surgeons including three steering committee (SC) members constituted the voting panel. Three rounds of voting included a Round 1 structured electronic questionnaire, Round 2 virtual face-to-face meeting, and Round 3 electronic questionnaire to obtain consensus on topics related to current limitations and future solutions for preoperative cataract-refractive diagnostic devices. Results: Forty statements reached consensus including current limitations (n = 17) and potential solutions (n = 23) associated with preoperative diagnostic devices. Consistent with existing evidence, the panel reported unmet needs in measurement accuracy and validation, IOL power prediction, workflow, training, and surgical planning. A device that facilitates more accurate corneal measurement, effective IOL power prediction formulas for atypical eyes, simplified staff training, and improved decision-making process for surgeons regarding IOL selection is expected to help alleviate current burdens. Conclusion: Using a modified Delphi process, consensus was achieved on key unmet needs of existing preoperative diagnostic devices and requirements for a comprehensive next-generation device to provide better objective and subjective outcomes for surgeons, technicians, and patients