Analysis of menisci formed on cones for single field of view parasite egg microscopy.

Parasite ova caused to accumulate in a single microscopic field simplifies monitoring soil-transmitted helminthiasis by optical microscopy. Here we demonstrate new egg-accumulating geometries based on annular menisci formed on the surface of a wetted cone. Fluidic features extracted from profile images of the system provided mathematical representations of the meniscus gradient that were compared quantitatively to numerical solutions of an axisymmetric Young-Laplace equation.

Quantitative particle microscopy in self-metered fluids.

We describe a simple device that volumetrically samples poured liquids and draws buoyant  materials into a single field of view for quantitative particle microscopy. Our approach relies on the formation of axisymmetric menisci and computational models of the static fluid developed using surface evolver showed close agreement with experiment. The apparatus was evaluated by counting pollen and demonstrated utility for the field analysis of microparticles.

Height, fun and safety in the design of children's playground equipment.

The study reported in this paper adopted a holistic design approach to investigate issues associated with height related playground injuries from a users' perspective. The main objective was to gain an understanding of the relationship between height and fun so as to establish practical guidelines for addressing the causes of height related injuries whilst maintaining the attributes of playground equipment that children find fun and challenging. Results show that, on the one hand, the risk of injury increases when height is coupled with the use of upper body strength and, on the other hand, that coordination is a greater source of fun and challenge than height for children.

The illusion of weightlessness.

The ballet pointe shoe is an interesting example of a product that has developed from the experimentation of a dancer to extend the art form. Over time, as the use of such a shoe became part of the tradition the form stagnated and there was little formal interaction with the user as to its continued effectiveness in terms of injury, cost and fit. This work re-examines the shoe from the dancer's point of view and demonstrates a way forward that illustrates that even with severe constraints the designer with a user-centred approach can improve the performance of a product whilst maintaining a required external aesthetic.

Experimental investigation of the effect orifice shape and fluid pressure has on high aspect ratio cross-sectional jet behaviour.

Prevention of major disasters such as Piper Alpha is a concern of oil and gas companies when commissioning a new offshore superstructure. Safety studies are undertaken to identify potential major hazards, risks to personnel and that sufficient precautions have been employed to minimise these. Such an assessment will also include the consideration of the protection from gas leaks such as the optimum positions of gas leak detectors and startup safety procedures after a leak.