Collective Improvisation

Collective improvisation as a creative practice is intensely social, trusting, unpopular, anti-hierarchical and, for these reasons, political. Cooper describes the risks and rich rewards of improvising with fellow artists and identifies the parallels between improvising ensembles of musicians in Australia with the collectively painted protest banners of the Taring Padi Collective in Indonesia after a brief visit to Jogjakarta

Anger, Quality of Life and Mood in Multiple Sclerosis

This research was funded by The Multiple Sclerosis Society (UK).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Effect of Different Types of Physical Activity on Activities of Daily Living in Older Adults : Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

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The harp extended: an exploration of resonance, mimicry and improvisation

This research project explores methods of extension of the pedal Harp vocabulary in an attempt to develop a unique language that challenges the instrument's stereotype and better responds to a range of contexts. I have investigated three key areas of extension: the physical structure of the Harp and its internal resonant spaces, mimicry as an exploratory tool useful in better understanding the Harp in relation to the Australian environment, and improvisation both free and structured used to challenge the vocabulary of the Harp in solo performance and collaborative contexts. The research stems from my longstanding curiosity with regards to the limits that a sanctioned or stereotyped repertoire of sounds and techniques places on an instrument for those who engage both as players and listeners. This critical commentary documents the results of the three areas of exploration indicated above as well as exploratory practice undertaken by other Harpists, it also discusses the problematic term 'extended techniques’ and draws on interviews conducted with progressive Harpists and improvisers with regards to extending the vocabulary of their own instruments. The sixty concerts I have performed internationally over the research period have also been central to my research. The final work consists of three elements: a solo Improvised Harp performance in my family home in suburban Sydney (filmed and recorded), a recording of Second Stabbing (Ohnedaruth), a Harp-lead composition by my Berlin-based ensemble: Hammeriver, and a series of three short studies composed of recordings of the resonant spaces inside the Harp entitled Spinal Fluid. All four pieces draw from and address what I have learnt from exploring the resonant physical structure, mimicry and improvisation. The result is a unique language that challenges the stereotypical profile of the Harp as a decorative instrument by embracing both its unique resonance and capacity for darkness, subtlety and texture. This language allows for a more flexible response to a broader range of contexts

Multiple sclerosis, emotion perception and social functioning

Funding Information: This research was supported by a PhD studentship funded by the Economic and Social Research Council through the Scottish Graduate School for Social Sciences, and a grant from the UK MS Society.Peer reviewedPostprin

Henry Cadell’s Experimental Researches in Mountain Building : their lessons for interpreting thrust systems and fold-thrust structures

Funding The Fold-Thrust Research Group has been funded by InterOil, Santos, OilSearch and NAGRA. The original compilation of Cadell’s researches was part of an outreach programme funded by BP. Acknowledgements RWHB is indebted to the late John Mendum for arranging access to Cadell’s notebooks and his field maps that were lodged in the then offices of the British Geological Survey in Murchison House, Edinburgh. This formed part of a collaboration with BGS and the development of the “Assynt’s Geology” website in the early 2000s. Many of the images from Cadell’s notebooks, including his experimental results, were part of this site. Regrettably it has not been maintained and is no longer accessible. Rectifying this loss of resource forms the motivation for this contribution. We thank Juergen Adam and an anonymous referee for construct reviews, together with James Hammerstein for shepherding the manuscript through the editing process, although of course the views expressed in this paper remain the responsibility of the authors alone.Peer reviewedPostprin

Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period: Implications and Guidance for Professionals Asylum seekers & refugees: A cross European perspective

Bringing together experts in the field, this important book considers the underlying risk factors that create situations of psychosocial vulnerability and marginalisation for mothers, from their baby’s conception up to a year after birth. Adopting a strengths-based approach, the book looks not only at the incidence and impact of disadvantageous circumstances on women but also explores protective factors at an individual, family, community and service level. It identifies promising evidence-based interventions and sources of resilience. With a distinctive focus on social and cultural diversity, Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period considers a wide range of personal circumstances and social groups, including women’s experiences of traumatic birth, domestic and family violence, drug and alcohol use and mothering by indigenous, same-sex and disabled women. Throughout, case studies and service user experiences are used to illuminate the issues and illustrate exemplary care practice. International in scope, this book is particularly strong on the implications for care practices and health service delivery within Western models of maternity care. Its applied focus and evidence base makes it eminently suitable for study purposes and professional reference. Of relevance to midwives, health visitors, nurses and social workers, Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period’s final chapters focus on developing resilience amongst professionals and multiprofessional and interagency working. Psychosocial Resilience and Risk in the Perinatal Period: Implications and Guidance for Professionals