We find that the ratings of discomfort from a wide variety of images can be predicted from the energy at different spatial scales in the image, as measured by the Fourier amplitude spectrum of the luminance. Whereas comfortable images show the regression of Fourier amplitude against spatial frequency common in natural scenes, uncomfortable images show a regression with disproportionately greater amplitude at spatial frequencies within two octaves of 3 cycles per degree. In six studies, the amplitude at this spatial frequency relative to that 3 octaves below explains variance in judgments of discomfort from art, from images constructed from filtered noise and from art in which the phase or amplitude spectra have been altered. Striped patterns with spatial frequency within the above range are known to be uncomfortable and capable of provoking headaches and seizures in susceptible persons. The present findings show for the first time that even in more complex images the energy in this spatial frequency range is associated with aversion. We propose a simple measurement that can predict aversion to those works of art that have reached the national media because of negative public reaction. Keywords photophobia; visual stress; art appreciation; image analysisIt is known that certain geometric patterns, most notably those of stripes with a spatial frequency close to 3 cycles per degree, can induce seizures in patients with photosensitive epilepsy (Chatrian et al., 1970;Wilkins, 1995), and discomfort in others (Wilkins et al., 1984), particularly individuals with migraine (Marcus and Soso, 1989). Stripes with sinewave luminance profile and square-wave luminance profile, and patterns comprising the first and third Fourier components of a square-wave pattern in triangular or square-wave phase are all capable of inducing seizures when the fundamental spatial frequency is close to 3 cycles/degree (Soso et al., 1980). We show for the first time that the discomfort experienced in response to more complex images can be predicted from their Fourier components, including complex images from non-representational contemporary art or created from filtered noise, and even representational images: photographs of urban and rural scenes.Our investigation was prompted by concern over the complaints with which contemporary art is sometimes associated. In 1971 when an exhibition of Op art was held in London, the Daily Telegraph reported that the guards complained of headaches and were issued with dark glasses. In 1989, the front page of the Sunday Observer carried the story of a newspaper advert with swirling stripes that had been banned after it evoked seizures. In 2005, when a London hospital commissioned artwork and three members of staff complained of migraines in consequence, the resulting controversy reached the national Correspondence should be addressed to: Professor Arnold Wilkins, Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK, tel +441206872381, fax +441206873590, email arnold@esse...

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Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a problem in residential aged care facilities (RACF). There is a gap in our understanding of how psychosocial barriers such as risk perceptions shape staff attitudes towards antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). We sought to ascertain the attitudinal domains that have been identified to be of importance to AMS in RACF and comment on how they have been measured empirically. Our aim was to consolidate what is known regarding staff attitudes and perceptions in order to inform future stewardship. Method We searched PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Scopus databases for primary studies of healthcare workers attitudes to AMS in RACF (1990-February 2021). Results 14 Studies were included in the review, within which 10 domains were identified: attitudes towards antimicrobial prescribing; guidelines; educational interventions; self-confidence regarding clinical assessment and prescribing; awareness of AMR as a problem and stewardship as a priority; self-efficacy; perception of role; perception of risk; team culture and resident/family members expectations. 46 measures were developed across the 14 studies to measure the 10 domains. The variability in the attitudinal domains and how these domains were measured was large. Only 13% included psychometric data regarding reliability and/or internal consistency. Conclusions Attitudes are generally defined as having three evaluative bases: cognitive, behavioural, and affective. Findings from the current review suggest that the measures commonly used to capture healthcare staff attitudes to AMS do not sufficiently capture affect; particularly with respect to staff’s risk perceptions, perceptions of their role, and family members’ expectations. Given that affective processes have been postulated to influence medical decision making, these findings highlight the importance of understanding how staff, especially nurses feel about implementing AMS strategies and other peoples’ (e.g. residents and their families) perceptions of stewardship. It is expected that a more nuanced understanding of RACF nurses affective experiences when applying AMS, and their perceptions of the risks entailed, will help in reducing barriers to overprescribing antibiotics.

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