Postural sway was measured in 12- to 14-month-old infants and adults while they were standing in the light and dark. Infants did not sway significantly more in the dark than in the light, whereas adults did. These findings indicate that early regulation of standing posture does not depend on visual information. (Author)

This review of the literature examines the effects of blue light (or near UV - ultraviolet), especially that given off by black-light tubes, often used with children with visual impairments. It finds a long-term danger of retinal and lens damage and offers six practical suggestions which emphasize using proper filters and limiting exposure to…

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…

Participants were required to detect spot stimuli briefly presented to the upper, central, or lower visual fields. The stimuli were presented either on a green or a red background. Results showed that reaction time (RT) was shorter for the lower visual field (LVF) compared to the upper visual field (UVF). Furthermore, this LVF advantage was…

This paper examines the prominence of written English on shop signs in Japan. Based on data from a larger empirical study into multilingual signs in Tokyo, the most common ways of using English and the roman alphabet on Japanese shops signs are identified. It is argued that the ambivalent nature of English loan words plays a key role in the ever…

Studying imagery, irrespective of the kind, must focus equally upon its aesthetic attractiveness, its sensory lures, and its oftentimes dubious social ideology. The terms "aesthetic" and "ideology" are addressed as problematic and are defined in current, ordinary language terms: aesthetics as visual appearances and their effects and ideology as a…

The first thing a visitor notices when entering Hollytree primary school is the art-work displayed on every wall. This paper, based on a three-year ethnographic study of the school, mobilizes field notes and interview and photographic data to probe the meanings of this visual "display". We argue that the walls (re)produce and promote…

Describes how to save money when designing AV facilities; excellent viewing from all seats is achieved by applying certain basic principles to the design of the room and the selection of the equipment. (Author/MLF)

Discusses the nature of the system that keeps track of where things outside as well as inside the visual field are located. (Author/RK)

To breathe a spark of life into public spaces that seem cold and lifeless, progressive architects and planners have increasingly turned to artists for help. Some typical results of this cooperation can be seen in Philadelphia where a variety of stimulating sculptures have been arranged. (Author/RK)

A series of experiments is described whose aim was to define certain of the effective dimensions of stimulation in the newborn's visual environment. (Author/JMB)

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

The Robert Hutchings Goddard Library of Clark University is designed to provide fixed functions rather than interchangeable space with two separate but dependable structures. It conceals a three-story "box of books and provides 137,000 square feet of reading, study, and book-stack space. (WM)