Showing papers on "Accommodation published in 2014"

When Narrative Brands End: The Impact of Narrative Closure and Consumption Sociality on Loss Accommodation

Abstract: This research emically documents consumers' experience of the end of a favorite television series. Anchored in the domain of evolving narrative brands, of which TV series are an archetypal example, this work draws from narrative theory, brand relationship theory, and basic research on interpersonal loss to document the processes of loss accommodation. The authors triangulate across data sources and methods (extended participant observation, long interview, and online forum analysis) to unfold the processes of loss accommodation triggered by brand discontinuation. Accommodation processes and postwithdrawal relationship trajectories depend upon the nature and closural force of the narrative inherent to the brand but also the sociality that surrounds its consumption. Consumption sociality allows access to transitive and connective resources that facilitate the processes of accommodation during critical junctures in consumer-brand relationships.

3D Visual Discomfort Prediction: Vergence , Foveation, and the Physiological Optics of Accommodation

Abstract: To achieve clear binocular vision, neural processes that accomplish accommodation and vergence are performed via two collaborative, cross-coupled processes: accommodation-vergence (AV) and vergence-accommodation (VA). However, when people watch stereo images on stereoscopic displays, normal neural functioning may be disturbed owing to anomalies of the cross-link gains. These anomalies are likely the main cause of visual discomfort experienced when viewing stereo images, and are called Accommodation-Vergence Mismatches (AVM). Moreover, the absence of any useful accommodation depth cues when viewing 3D content on a flat panel (planar) display induces anomalous demands on binocular fusion, resulting in possible additional visual discomfort. Most prior efforts in this direction have focused on predicting anomalies in the AV cross-link using measurements on a computed disparity map. We further these contributions by developing a model that accounts for both accommodation and vergence, resulting in a new visual discomfort prediction algorithm dubbed the 3D-AVM Predictor. The 3D-AVM model and algorithm make use of a new concept we call local 3D bandwidth (BW) which is defined in terms of the physiological optics of binocular vision and foveation. The 3D-AVM Predictor accounts for anomalous motor responses of both accommodation and vergence, yielding predictive power that is statistically superior to prior models that rely on a computed disparity distribution only.

Novelty and social preference in phonetic accommodation

Abstract: Abstract Phonetic imitation is the unintentional, spontaneous acquisition of speech characteristics of another talker. Previous work has shown that imitation is strongly moderated by social preference in adults, and that social preference affects children's speech acquisition within peer groups. Such findings have led to the suggestion that phonetic imitation is related to larger processes of sound change in a change-by-accommodation model. This study examines how preferential processing of particular voice types affects spontaneous phonetic accommodation, interpreting the results in the context of how sound change can be propagated through a speech community. To explore this question eight model talkers previously rated as attractive, unattractive, typical, and atypical for each gender were used in an auditory naming paradigm. Twenty participants completed the task, and an AXB measure was used to quantify imitation. Female participants imitated more than male participants, but this varied across model voices. Females were found to rely more on social preference than men, while both groups imitated the atypical voices. The results suggest that females adapt their speech to auditory input more readily, but the nature of the accommodation does not qualify as direct evidence for a change-by-accommodation model given the constrained context of the task.

Understanding Senior Self-Drive Tourism in Australia Using a Contingency Behavior Model

Abstract: This aticle is the first application of the contingency behavior model to understand the behavior of grey nomads to changes in the availability of accommodation facilities when visiting regional Queensland of Australia. Using a pilot survey of 90 respondents, it was found that grey nomad future visit trip would be adversely affected by a decrease in accommodation facilities and an increase in travel costs. However, for an increase in accommodation facilities, repeat visitation takes place but with a smaller impact (than the decrease) and, interestingly, travel costs become insignificant. In addition, income levels proxied by education, and social events are significant determinants of future visits. These findings provide important policy considerations for effective management and understanding of the self-drive silver market for tourism.

Influences of luminance and accommodation stimuli on pupil size and pupil center location.

Abstract: Purpose We investigated effects of luminance and accommodation stimuli on pupil size and pupil center location, and their implications for progressive addition lens wear. Methods Participants were young and older adult groups (n = 20; 22 ± 2 years; age range, 18-25 years; and n = 19; 49 ± 4 years; age range, 45-58 years). A wave aberrometer included a relay system to allow a 12.5° × 11° background for the internal fixation target. Participants viewed the target under a matrix of conditions with luminance levels 0.01, 3.7, 120, and 6100 cd/m(2), and with accommodation stimuli up to 6 diopters (D) in 2 D steps. Pupil sizes and their centers, relative to limbus centers, were determined from anterior eye images. Results With luminance increase, reduction in pupil size was accentuated by increase in accommodation stimulus in the young, but not in the older, group. As luminance increased, pupil center location altered. This was nasally in both groups with an average shift of approximately 0.12 mm. Relative to the lowest stimulus condition, the mean of the maximum absolute pupil center shifts was 0.26 ± 0.08 mm for both groups with individual shifts up to 0.5 mm, findings consistent with previous studies. There was no significant effect of accommodation on pupil center locations for either age group, or evidence that location was influenced by the combination of luminance and accommodation stimulus that resulted in any particular pupil size. Conclusions Variations in luminance and accommodation influence pupil size, but only the former affects pupil center location significantly. Pupil center shifts are too small to be of concern in fitting progressive addition lenses.

Depth-of-field of the accommodating eye.

Abstract: Our eyes project information from a three-dimensional world to a basically two-dimensional surface, corresponding to the photoreceptor plane in the retina. In theory, only one plane or surface of world can be in focus at one time. However, the eye exhibits a certain tolerance to out-of-focus images, a feature that is known as depth-of-focus (DOF). The corresponding distance range in which the objects are seen “clearly” is known as depth-of-field (DOFi). Although DOF and DOFi refer to an interval of distances or a dioptric range in the image and object space, respectively, both parameters define a similar concept and are usually interchangeable. This article will mainly refer to DOFi because it represents a more practical parameter, which can usually be determined through direct measurement. It is a well-known fact that certain optical and neural factors can change the DOFi. One of the most important ones is pupil size1; the presence of chromatic2,3 and monochromatic aberrations4–6 play a significant role as well. The precise value of DOFi also depends on the specific way DOFi is defined. Whereas some definitions are related to an absolute minimum value of visual acuity (VA),2,7 there are others based on relative VA values, for example, dioptric range over which VA exceeds some percentage of its optimum value.8–10 In practice, DOFi is usually based on a simple letter legibility criterion. In this case, the letter size plays an essential role in the final DOFi value.11,12 As a simple example, most presbyopes recognize the visual loss at near distances when trying to read small text, but not with large font sizes, which are nonetheless out-of-focus by the same amount. Depth-of-field of the presbyopic eye is a critical determinant of the prescribed add power or the design of contact or intraocular lenses13,14 and refractive surgery.15 It has been proposed that DOFi is responsible for some or most of the accommodative errors (lead or lag).5 Although there are some studies that have examined the origins of accommodative errors,10–12 the true origin of the accommodation error remains an unanswered question. Moreover, it has been shown quite recently that the error of accommodation can actually be a “false accommodation error” resulting from criterion differences between the subject (for subjective measurements) and the measuring device (for objective ones) when choosing the best image.16,17 There have been numerous studies devoted to measuring the DOFi on either side of the far point (FP) of paralyzed lens or presbyopic eyes.1,5,10,18 However, there is a lack of data regarding the DOFi as a function of the accommodative state. The reason behind this lack of data is the difficulty to accurately measure the DOFi of the accommodated eye because accommodation cannot be blocked—neither voluntarily nor involuntarily (by means of drugs) to remain at a specific desired accommodation level. The DOFi, although accommodating, can certainly differ from that of the relaxed eye because the pupil size and the aberration pattern change with accommodation.16,19–23 Several authors have used an optical system in which the subject focuses his or her attention on a stimulus located at a given distance, while another stimulus close to it can be moved voluntarily by the subject until its image is no longer clear and sharp, that is, until it falls out of their DOFi.2 However, it is quite difficult to perform this task with accuracy, because VA decreases very rapidly with stimulus eccentricity.24 As far as we are aware, there are only three studies that measured DOFi for objects located between the far and near points.2,25,26 Campbell2 used a stimulus made up of a vertical row of three dark discs. The vergence was set during the experiment to a fixed −2 diopter (D) value and it was used at a fixation point that presumably led to a steady accommodation state. Two plates, one with a single disc on the left of the vertical row and another one having the disc on the right side, were moved by the subject along an optical bench so as to find the distance range in which both discs could be seen clear simultaneously. In 1998, Mordi and Ciuffreda25 used a similar technique to study a large population having a wider age range. For each subject, they measured the subjective DOFi in the middle of the linear part of the stimulus-response curve. Moreover, in 2010, Yao et al.26 performed objective and subjective measures of DOFi for 0, −1.5, and −4 D stimulus vergence under the hypothesis that the accommodative and perceptual systems have different abilities to detect blur. The system used was similar to that from Campbell, but only measured the distal half of the DOFi. Therefore, estimating the total DOFi with this approach assumes that DOFi is symmetric in the object space.5 Although accommodation leads and lags may be influenced by DOFi, there are few studies of DOFi with varying levels of accommodation, and therefore, none of the previous studies answer the key question: why is the actual accommodative response different from the ideal one for most stimulus vergences? In this work, we propose a novel methodology based on wavefront technology to provide an answer for this question.

Negotiating individual accommodation in higher education

Abstract: This article discusses ways of understanding the processes involved when disabled students negotiate accessibility in higher education. Despite legislation for universal design and political aims to increase the number of disabled students, individuals themselves have to take initiatives to obtain needed reasonable adjustments. Findings are drawn from a study of everyday lives of disabled students. Research methods employed were: time geographic diaries, in-depth interviews and focus groups. Findings include issues of disclosure and stigma management, supports provided with a twist of ambiguity, and experiences of combatting for individual accommodation. The process of negotiation is discussed in terms of traditions in higher education, the burden individual accommodation in practice place upon disabled students, and the need for changes based on universal design.

Nonverbal Accommodation in Health Care Communication

Abstract: This exploratory study examined patterns of nonverbal accommodation within health care interactions and investigated the impact of communication skills training and gender concordance on nonverbal accommodation behavior. The Nonverbal Accommodation Analysis System (NAAS) was used to code the nonverbal behavior of physicians and patients within 45 oncology consultations. Cases were then placed in one of seven categories based on patterns of accommodation observed across the interaction. Results indicated that across all NAAS behavior categories, physician-patient interactions were most frequently categorized as joint convergence, followed closely by asymmetrical-patient convergence. Among paraverbal behaviors, talk time, interruption, and pausing were most frequently characterized by joint convergence. Among nonverbal behaviors, eye contact, laughing, and gesturing were most frequently categorized as asymmetrical-physician convergence. Differences were predominantly nonsignificant in terms of accommodation behavior between pre- and post-communication skills training interactions. Only gesturing proved significant, with post-communication skills training interactions more likely to be categorized as joint convergence or asymmetrical-physician convergence. No differences in accommodation were noted between gender-concordant and nonconcordant interactions. The importance of accommodation behavior in health care communication is considered from a patient-centered care perspective.

Gaze-contingent depth of field in realistic scenes: the user experience

Abstract: Computer-generated objects presented on a display typically have the same focal distance regardless of the monocular and binocular depth cues used to portray a 3D scene. This is because they are presented on a flat screen display that has a fixed physical location. In a stereoscopic 3D display, accommodation (focus) of the eyes should always be at the distance of the screen for clear vision regardless of the depth portrayed; this fixed accommodation conflicts with vergence eye movements that the user must make to fuse stimuli located off the screen. This is known as accommodation-vergence conflict and is detrimental for user experience of stereoscopic virtual environments (VE), as it can cause visual discomfort and diplopia during use of a stereoscopic display. It is believed that, by artificially simulating focal blur and natural accommodation, it is possible to compensate for the vergence-accommodation conflict and alleviate these symptoms. We hypothesized that it is possible to compensate for conflict with a fixed accommodation cue by adding simulated focal blur according to instantaneous fixation.We examined gaze-contingent depth of field (DOF) when used in stereoscopic and non-stereoscopic 3D displays. We asked our participants to compare different conditions in terms of depth perception, image quality and viewing comfort. As expected, we found that monocular DOF gave a stronger impression of depth than no depth of field, stereoscopic cues were stronger than any kind of monocular cues, but adding depth of field to stereo displays did not enhance depth impressions. The opposite was true for image comfort. People thought that DOF impaired image quality in monocular viewing. We also observed that comfort was affected by DOF and display mode in similar fashion as image quality. However, the magnitude of the effects of DOF simulation on image quality depended on whether people associated image quality with depth or not. These results suggest that studies evaluating DOF effectiveness need to consider the type of task, type of image and questions asked.

Finding Zelig in Text: A Measure for Normalising Linguistic Accommodation

Abstract: Linguistic accommodation is a recognised indicator of social power and social distance. However, different individuals will vary their language to different degrees, and only a portion of this variance will be due to accommodation. This paper presents the Zelig Quotient, a method of normalising linguistic variation towards a particular individual, using an author’s other communications as a baseline, thence to derive a method for identifying accommodation-induced variation with statistical significance. This work provides a platform for future efforts towards examining the importance of such phenomena in large communications datasets.

‘Out of Control’: Making Sense of the Behaviour of Young People Referred to Secure Accommodation

Abstract: In social work practice, there are often concerns raised about young people who are felt to be beyond the control their parent(s) or carer(s). However, few studies have attempted to unpick what practitioners mean when they describe young people as being ‘out of control’.

Adaptive model of the aging emmetropic eye and its changes with accommodation

Abstract: This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economia y Competitividad and the European Union, grant FIS2011-22496, and by the Government of Aragon, research group E99.

Change in convergence and accommodation after two weeks of eye exercises in typical young adults

Abstract: Background Although eye exercises appear to help heterophoria, convergence insufficiency, and intermittent strabismus, results can be confounded by placebo, practice, and encouragement effects. This study assessed objective changes in vergence and accommodation responses in naive young adults after a 2-week period of eye exercises under controlled conditions to determine the extent to which treatment effects occur over other factors. Methods Asymptomatic young adults were randomly assigned to one of two no-treatment (control) groups or to one of six eye exercise groups: accommodation, vergence, both, convergence in excess of accommodation, accommodation in excess of convergence, and placebo. Subjects were tested and retested under identical conditions, except for the second control group, who were additionally encouraged. Objective accommodation and vergence were assessed to a range of targets moving in depth containing combinations of blur, disparity, and proximity/looming cues. Results A total of 156 subjects were included. Response gain improved more for less naturalistic targets where more improvement was possible. Convergence exercises improved vergence for near across all targets ( P = 0.035). Mean accommodation changed similarly but nonsignificantly. No other treatment group differed significantly from the nonencouraged control group, whereas encouraging effort produced significantly increased vergence ( P = 0.004) and accommodation ( P = 0.005) gains in the second control group. Conclusions True treatment effects were small, significantly better only after vergence exercises to a nonaccommodative target, and rarely related to the response they were designed to improve. Exercising accommodation without convergence made no difference to accommodation to cues containing detail. Additional effort improved objective responses the most.

Accommodation stimulation and recording device

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices and methods for stimulation or recording of accommodation of an eye. Accommodation of an eye naturally occurs through contraction of the ciliary muscle. Embodiments described herein can deliver electrostimulation to the ciliary muscle through a pair of electrodes which deliver power over an area of the sclera which is both positioned above and over an area which is substantially equivalent to the surface area of the ciliary muscle. In further embodiments, electrical impulses produced by the ciliary muscle can be received by one or more electrodes positioned proximate the ciliary muscle. Thus, by embodiments described herein, accommodation of the eye can be reproducibly achieved by external stimulation of the ciliary muscle or measured based on electrical impulses generated by or in conjunction with the ciliary muscle.

Prevalence of presbyopia in a rural African community.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION When presbyopia (loss of accommodation of the crystalline lens with increasing age) sets in, doing near work becomes associated with headache and eye strain. Reading and writing become a challenge. Literacy levels may be low in rural communities; nevertheless some work other than reading, like sewing, sorting stone from grain and operating mobile phones, is done with dissatisfaction. This study aims to determine the prevalence of presbyopia, the unmet presbyopia need and the presbyopia correction coverage in a rural African community. METHODS A population-based cross-sectional study was carried out in a rural population aged 35 years and greater, selected by cluster random sampling. Information was sought on biodata of the participants and they were subsequently examined. Distance visual acuity for each participant was determined. Anterior and posterior segments of the eyes were examined. Objective refraction with subjective refinement was done on all subjects with distant visual acuity less than 6/6. Near visual acuity was assessed at 40 cm with distant correction in place if required. Presbyopia was defined as inability to read N8 at 40 cm or requiring an addition of at least +1.00DS to improve near vision to at least N8. Questionnaires were administered to those identified as presbyopic on source of procurement of spectacles (if they had one) and on reasons for non-procurement of presbyopic spectacles. They were also asked to rate their difficulty with various listed near work. Data entry and analysis were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences v16.0 and Program for Epidemiologist v4.01 software. RESULTS A total of 585 subjects (participation rate 81.1%) aged 35 years and greater were interviewed and examined. The prevalence of presbyopia was 63.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 62.6-64.2%). There was increasing prevalence with increasing age. The met presbyopia need was 17.6%, unmet need was 45.8% and presbyopic correction coverage was 27.8%. The commonest reasons for not procuring presbyopic correction were 'not a priority' (21.5%) and 'cost' (21.2%). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of presbyopia in this rural African community is high. Many who need presbyopic correction do not have corrective spectacles.

Neck pain brought into focus.

Abstract: A time honored dictum states that the eyes "lead the body", i.e., that the body typically adjusts its position to compensate for an impoverished retinal image (e.g., as due to optical blur, and/or inappropriately sized visual target). But only moderate or low level of evidence exists in support of this view. Inconclusive evidence does not, however, equal negative evidence. The accommodation/vergence system does exhibit signs of overload in contemporary working life, including eye discomfort, transient myopia, altered pattern of eye-lens oscillations, and associated phoria. Accommodation/vergence overload, caused by non-ergonomic near work, may also emerge as quickly as within one regular workday. Long-term musculoskeletal consequences of high accommodation/vergence demands have nevertheless not yet been studied in any detail. A research agenda which aims to provide multi-scientific evidence for eye-neck/shoulder interactions with public health implications and which also, in addition, study the eye-neck/shoulder mechanisms and elucidates the operating characteristics, should consequently be highly warranted. This new knowledge would be useful for physiotherapists, ergonomists and opticians, who in their profession treat patients experiencing vision- and musculoskeletal disorders. If both visual and the musculoskeletal aspects are given full and equal weight in the design and evaluation of work places, it is predicted to lead to an improved quality of life for the individual worker, and an enhanced productivity for the employer.

Biometry of the ciliary muscle during dynamic accommodation assessed with OCT

Abstract: Little is known about the structural changes of the ciliary muscle with age and how it may contribute to presbyopia. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been used to perform ciliary muscle biometry at different age and accommodative states with low resolution and speed. Dynamic imaging and accurate biometry of the ciliary muscle requires high-speed, high-resolution and correction of the OCT image distortions. We integrate an existing custom-made Spectral Domain OCT (SD-OCT) platform working at 840nm for biometry of the human eye with a SD-OCT system working at 1325nm that enables high-speed and high-resolution transscleral imaging of the ciliary muscle dynamically during accommodation and we developed an algorithm to provide corrected thickness measurements of the ciliary muscle.

Overcoming Presbyopia by Manipulating the Eyes' Optics

Abstract: Presbyopia, the age-related loss of accommodation, is a visual condition affecting all adults over the age of 45 years. In presbyopia, individuals lose the ability to focus on nearby objects, due to a lifelong growth and stiffening of the eye’s crystalline lens. This leads to poor near visual performance and affects patients’ quality of life. The objective of this thesis is aimed towards the correction of presbyopia and can be divided into four aims. First, we examined the characteristics and limitations of currently available strategies for the correction of presbyopia. A natural-view wavefront sensor was used to objectively measure the accommodative ability of patients implanted with an accommodative intraocular lens (IOL). Although these patients had little accommodative ability based on changes in power, pupil miosis and higher order aberrations led to an improvement in through-focus retinal image quality in some cases. To quantify the through-focus retinal image quality of accommodative and multifocal IOLs directly, an adaptive optics (AO) IOL metrology system was developed. Using this system, the impact of corneal aberrations in regard to presbyopia-correcting IOLs was assessed, providing an objective measure of through-focus retinal image quality and practical guidelines for patient selection. To improve upon existing multifocal designs, we investigated retinal image quality metrics for the prediction of through-focus visual performance. The preferred metric was based on the fidelity of an image convolved with an aberrated point spread function. Using this metric, we investigated the potential of higher order aberrations and pupil amplitude apodization to increase the depth of focus of the presbyopic eye. Thirdly, we investigated modified monovision, a novel binocular approach to presbyopia correction using a binocular AO vision simulator. In modified monovision, different magnitudes of defocus and spherical aberration are introduced to each eye, thereby taking advantage of the binocular visual system. Several experiments using the binocular AO vision simulator found modified monovision led to significant improvements in through-focus visual performance, binocular summation and stereoacuity, as compared to traditional monovision. Finally, we addressed neural factors, affecting visual performance in modified monovision, such as ocular dominance and neural plasticity. We found that pairing modified monovision with a vision training regimen may further improve visual performance beyond the limits set by optics via neural plasticity. This opens the door to an exciting new avenue of vision correction to accompany optical interventions. The research presented in this thesis offers important guidelines for the clinical and scientific communities. Furthermore, the techniques described herein may be applied to other fields of ophthalmology, such as childhood myopia progression.

Computer-Animated Model of Accommodation and Presbyopia

Abstract: Purpose To understand, demonstrate, and further research the mechanisms of accommodation and presbyopia. Setting Private practice, Little Silver, New Jersey, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods The CAMA 2.0 computer-animated model of accommodation and presbyopia was produced in collaboration with an experienced medical animator using Autodesk Maya animation software and Adobe After Effects. Results The computer-animated model demonstrates the configuration and synchronous movements of all accommodative elements. A new classification of the zonular apparatus based on structure and function is proposed. There are 3 divisions of zonular fibers; that is, anterior, crossing, and posterior. The crossing zonular fibers form a scaffolding to support the lens; the anterior and posterior zonular fibers work reciprocally to achieve focused vision. The model demonstrates the important support function of Weiger ligament. Dynamic movement of the ora serrata demonstrates that the forces of ciliary muscle contraction store energy for disaccommodation in the elastic choroid. The flow of aqueous and vitreous provides strong evidence for our understanding of the hydrodynamic interactions during the accommodative cycle. The interaction may result from the elastic stretch in the choroid transmitted to the vitreous rather than from vitreous pressue. The model supports the concept that presbyopia results from loss of elasticity and increasing ocular rigidity in both the lenticular and extralenticular structures. Conclusion The computer-animated model demonstrates the structures of accommodation moving in synchrony and might enhance understanding of the mechanisms of accommodation and presbyopia. Financial Disclosure Dr. Goldberg is a consultant to Acevision, Inc., and Bausch & Lomb.

Accommodating Every Body

Abstract: This Article contends that workplace accommodations should be predicated on need or effectiveness instead of group identity status. It proposes that, in principle, “accommodating every body” be achieved by extending Americans with Disabilities Act type reasonable accommodation to all work-capable members of the general population for whom accommodation is necessary to enable their ability to work. Doing so shifts the focus of accommodation disputes from the contentious identity-based contours of “disabled” plaintiffs to the core issue of alleged discrimination. This proposal likewise avoids current problems associated with excluding “unworthy” individuals from employment opportunity — people whose functional capacity does not comply with prevailing workforce design and organizational presumptions — and who therefore require accommodation. Adopting this proposal also responds to growing demands to extend the length of time people remain at work by enhancing employment opportunities for aging individuals still capable of contributing on the job. Provision of accommodations for age-related alteration of functionality, when the accommodations are effective, is reasonably prescribed because it is in everyone’s interest to retain maximum capabilities as they grow older, whether or not they also possess identity-based characteristics sufficient to constitute a “disability” under the ADA.

When Narrative Brands End: The Impact of Narrative Closure and Consumption Sociality on Loss Accommodation

Abstract: This research emically documents consumers’ experience of the end of a favorite television series. Anchored in the domain of evolving narrative brands, of which TV series are an archetypal example, this work draws from narrative theory, brand relationship theory and basic research on interpersonal loss to document the processes of loss accommodation. We triangulate across data sources and methods (extended participant observation, long interview and online forum analysis) to unfold the processes of loss accommodation triggered by brand discontinuation. Accommodation processes and post-withdrawal relationship trajectories depend upon the nature and closural force of the narrative inherent to the brand but also the sociality that surrounds its consumption. Consumption sociality allows access to transitive and connective resources that facilitate the processes of accommodation during critical junctures in consumer-brand relationships.

Network-based identification of device usage patterns that can indicate that the user has a qualifying disability

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method, instructions and system to collect accommodation and/or impairment-related information associated with one or more computational devices associated with a user, determine, based on the collected accommodation and/or impairment-related information, that the user potentially requires accommodation of an impairment and/or disability, and perform an action associated with the determination that the user potentially requires accommodation of an impairment and/or disability.

Students' satisfaction with their university accommodation

Abstract: There has been little research on students' satisfaction with the spaces making up their university accommodation. Our study takes a systemic perspective whereby the university accommodation can only be seen within a broader environment, namely the neighbourhood, to (a) compare students' satisfaction with their university accommodation according to its location (town centre, out-of-town campus), and (b) identify the socio-demographic, residential and personal variables, which could predict this residential satisfaction. A questionnaire was completed by 124 students living in France, identifying their satisfaction with various spaces making up their accommodation, together with the "Interpersonal relationships" sub-scale of the French version of the university residence environment scale (Moos, 1988). The results show that the reasons for satisfaction (vs non-satisfaction) differ according to the location of the accommodation and that satisfaction with communal areas is a highly significant predictor of satisfaction with both types of accommodation, thus confirming that students look for a place to live which provides opportunities for social interaction, and not just a roof over their heads.