The likelihood of teaching a student with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has steadily increased over the past two decades. However, the practical information about working with students with ASD has not increased at a similar rate. Teachers may therefore be unaware of simple modifications they can make to their classrooms to meet the needs of…

Daylighting, a controlled architectural tool that influences users' perception and behavior, in university libraries and their influences on users' preference and satisfaction was examined in this study. The effects of daylighting in coordination with visual comfort, on university library users were measured in relation to four environmental…

We describe the use of acrylic tanks (400 x 450 x 27 mm) for visualization of chemical demonstrations in aqueous solutions. Examples of well-suited demonstrations are oscillating reactions, pH indicators, photochemical reduction of Lauth's violet, and chemoluminiscent reactions. (Contains 1 figure.)

Imaging of artwork is an important aspect of art conservation, technical art history, and art authentication. Many forms of near-infrared (NIR) imaging are used by conservators, archaeologists, forensic scientists, and technical art historians to examine the underdrawings of paintings, to detect damages and restorations, to enhance faded or…

Discusses educational facility lighting management, and examines how light quantity, distribution, and quality-enhancement strategies can improve the indoor environment while reducing lighting costs. Informational tables provide lighting pattern, color, and illuminance data. (GR)

The perception of 2nd-order, texture-contrast-defined motion was studied for apparent-motion stimuli composed of a pair of spatially displaced, simultaneously visible checkerboards. It was found that background-relative, counter-changing contrast provided the informational basis for the perception of 2nd-order apparent motion; motion began where…

Energy-efficient school lighting systems are outlined along with lighting options needing consideration when placing computers in classrooms and offices. (MD)

The New York State Lighting Efficiency Standards for existing public buildings were developed so that nontechnical persons can calculate present power used for lighting in various spaces of their buildings and then determine the recommended allowable power budget for lighting each space. (Author)

Using Keene "Director" fixtures, a Rotterdam, New York, school will save over $16,000 annually and have improved classroom light. These fixtures will pay for themselves in 3-4 years, halving the wattage used per square foot; they direct 40 percent of their light upward to provide uniform, glare-free lighting. (MCG)

In addition to their restricted peripheral fields, persons with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) report significant problems seeing in low levels of illumination, which causes difficulty with night travel. Several devices have been developed to support the visual needs of persons who have night blindness. These devices include wide-angle flashlights,…

A brief target that is visible when displayed alone can be rendered invisible by a trailing stimulus (metacontrast masking). It has been difficult to determine the temporal dynamics of masking to date because increments in stimulus duration have been invariably confounded with apparent brightness (Bloch's law). In the research reported here,…

Merrimack College in North Andover (Massachusetts) has reduced the cost of lighting its physical education center by over 70 percent; the new lighting system, which uses metal halide lamps, has also doubled the illumination in the building, attracting revenue-producing activities. (MCG)

Summarizes findings of an Alberta light/color study that looked at mood, noise levels, IQ test scores, blood pressure, and absences under fluorescent or full-spectrum light in two color schemes in four elementary schools with 700 students. (MLF)

Describes a research project that will measure whether student achievement, blood pressure, height, and weight gain are influenced by the choice of color and/or the source of artificial light in the classroom. Four third-grade classrooms will be the treatment groups involving two colors and three different artificial light sources. (MLF)

Details the dramatic changes in school lighting. Describes how lighting will be more closely integrated into the "smart" school building of tomorrow and how lighting systems will evolve with schools as technology changes. Claims that direct/indirect lighting systems will serve computer users as well as reduce energy and maintenance costs. (RJM)