Moments of inspiration: performing Spike

This article explores the way in which the actor, James Marsters, performs the character of Spike. Beginning with the Greek term ekphrasis (the verbal representation of visual representation) this article is an endeavour to describe and recover in language the effect which a particular performance, moment or TV series may have on us. The specific moment of performance that the article addresses is that of Spike's first appearance on Buffy the Vampire Slayer in the episode 'School Hard' (2:3) - a point at which something magical occurs. We breathe in Marsters' performance and establish an emotional connection with the character. It is this connection, based on Marsters' embodied performance, which inspires fan investment in the character and influences subsequent conceptions of what the character should or should not do, resulting in a tension between scriptwriters and the fans who know better

Indirect language therapy for children with persistent language impairment in mainstream primary schools : outcomes from a cohort intervention

A manualized language therapy developed via a randomized controlled trial had proved efficacious in the short-term in developing expressive language for mainstream primary school children with persistent language impairment. This therapy had been delivered to a predetermined schedule by speech and language therapists or speech and language therapy assistants to children individually or in groups. However, this model of service delivery is no longer the most common model in UK schools, where indirect consultancy approaches with intervention delivered by school staff are often used. A cohort study was undertaken to investigate whether the therapy was equally efficacious when delivered to comparable children by school staff, rather than speech and language therapists or speech and language therapy assistants. Children in the cohort study were selected using the same criteria as in the randomized controlled trial, and the same manualized therapy was used, but delivered by mainstream school staff using a consultancy model common in the UK. Outcomes were compared with those of randomized controlled trial participants. The gains in expressive language measured in the randomized controlled trial were not replicated in the cohort study. Less language-learning activity was recorded than had been planned, and less than was delivered in the randomized controlled trial. Implications for 'consultancy' speech and language therapist service delivery models in mainstream schools are outlined

Strategies to increase parent participation in IEP conferences

This is the publisher's version, also found here: http://sped.org

Barriers and facilitators to diagnosing dementia in migrant populations:A systematic review of European health professionals' perspectives

BackgroundRates of dementia are increasing in migrant populations, however, there is evidence that they remain underrepresented in older adult healthcare services. Barriers and facilitators to accessing dementia care have been explored from the viewpoint of migrants and caregivers, however, no review has synthesised the literature pertaining to clinicians' viewpoints. This review aimed to explore clinician perspectives as to the barriers and facilitators in assessing and diagnosing dementia in migrant populations.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was conducted. Databases included EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE and ProQuest. Qualitative studies from the perspective of European clinicians were included. The methodological quality of each study was assessed using the Critical Appraisals Programme Tool (CASP). The analysis adopted a thematic synthesis approach.ResultsThe review included 11 qualitative studies relating to the diagnosis of dementia in migrants. The quality of the studies was generally high, although few studies reported on the relationship between the researcher and the participants. The data related more to the barriers in diagnosing dementia, and few facilitators were found. Four themes were constructed: (1) service access (2) perceptions of migrant beliefs (3) relationships and (4) quality of the diagnostic process.ConclusionsThe review is limited by the small number of studies available. The findings highlight significant clinical concerns in the diagnosis of migrants, in particular the underrepresentation of migrants within services and the barriers to access they may face. The quality of the diagnostic process was often thought to be undermined by a lack of culturally sensitive assessment tools. Further research on the use of an interpreter in diagnosing dementia is needed

Psychological Sequelae of Head Injuries: Is Amnesia for the Event a Protective Factor in Developing Post-traumatic Stress Disorder? and Research Portfolio

Background: There is controversy as to whether PTSD can develop following a brain injury with a loss of consciousness. However, few studies have taken into account the extent of the actual amnesia for the event. Aims: To consider how amnesia for the traumatic event effects the development and profile of traumatic stress symptoms. Method: 1500 case records from an accident and emergency department were screened to identify 371 individuals with traumatic brain injury to be invited to complete questionnaires. 53 responses were included in the study. Groups were compared with no memory (n=14), untraumatic memories (n=13) and traumatic memories (n=26) for traumatic stress symptoms as measured by the IES-R. A structured interview (CAPS-DX) was used to determine caseness and provide details of symptom profile. Results: Groups with no memories or traumatic memories of the index event reported higher levels psychological distress than the group with untraumatic memories. Prevalence of PTSD in the entire cohort was 17-27%. Ratings of PTSD symptoms were less severe in the no memory group compared to those with traumatic memories. Conclusions: Psychological distress was associated with having traumatic or no memories of an index event. Amnesia for the event did not protect against PTSD, however, it does appear to protect against the severity and presence of specific intrusive symptoms

Moving on Up

This article shows how a practical approach, developed at Cranfield School of Management, can shift the dials on the numbers of women executives in organizations. We illustrate how we have used our Inclusive Talent Management template to guide our partnership with HSBC’s 80,000-strong global Operations, Services and Technology division (HOST). The HOST Executive Committee (ExCo) established a programme called Accelerating for Difference to create a strong pipeline of female talent and achieve greater female representation, particularly at the most senior levels

A Survey And Cohort Intervention Using Indirect Speech And Language Therapy For Children With Primary Language Impairment In Schools

A cohort intervention was carried, out with 42 children with primary language impairment (PLI) receiving intervention from education staff in their mainstream school following discussion with and on the advice of a speech and language therapist (SLT). This is a widely-used consultancy model. No significant language gains were made on standardised language or reading tests, but the children fared as well as a comparable group in another research project who received community-based SLT services. The model was broadly acceptable to schools, but amount and patterns of intervention varied considerably amongst school classes. A survey of SLT managers provided a critique of the model, confirming that variation in implementation would be a likely issue. SLT services adopting this model will require to undertake careful audit of service provision and monitor the implementation of intervention in schools