bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Descriptive, inferential, functional outcome data on 9,025 torture survivors over six years in the United States
Authors: NCTTP - 
Published: July 2019

Background: The National Consortium of Torture Treatment Programs conducted a large voluntary research project among torture rehabilitation centers in the United States (US). Its goal is to fill the void in the literature on demographic and diagnostic data of torture survivors across a large country.
Methods: Twenty-three centers across the US collaborated over six years, utilizing training and making decisions via conference calls and webinars. A data use agreement signed by all the participating centers governed plans and the use of the data.
Findings: This study reports on torture survivors from 125 countries, 109 of which signed the United Nations Convention against Torture (UNCAT). Of the 9,025 torture survivors represented, most came from Africa and Asia and reported an average of 3.5 types of torture. Asylum seekers have different immigration experiences and show significantly higher rates of major depressive disorder (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than refugees. Torture survivors at high risk of PTSD and MDD in this sample reported three or more types of torture, reported rape and had the immigration status of asylum seeker. At one and two years after beginning treatment, both asylum seekers and refugees reported increased rates of employment and improvements in their immigration status.
Interpretation: This longitudinal project provides basic data on a large number of torture survivors who accessed services in the US, and provides a foundation for long-term follow up on immigration status, employment status, diagnostic status, medical diagnoses, and eventually, the effectiveness of treatment for torture survivors in the US. This article shares demographic and diagnostic findings useful for informing programmatic and policy decisions. However, these findings on refugees and asylum seekers in the US may not reflect the experience in other receiving countries. Collaboration with other researchers across continents is required to provide a much needed, more complete picture of torture survivors seeking rehabilitation across the world.
Reviewing outcomes of psychological interventions with torture survivors: Conceptual, methodological and ethical Issues
Authors: Patel Nimisha , Williams Amanda C de C , Kellezi Blerina 
Published: July 2019

Background: Torture survivors face multiple problems, including psychological difficulties, whether they are refugees or remain in the country where they were tortured. Provision of rehabilitation varies not only with the needs of survivors and resources available but also with service models, service provider preferences and the local and country context. Despite increasing efforts in research on the effectiveness of psychological interventions with torture survivors, results are inconclusive.
Methods: We undertook a Cochrane systematic review of psychological, social and welfare provision, with meta-analysis to best estimate efficacy. The process raised conceptual, methodological and ethical issues of relevance to the wider field. Findings: We searched very widely, but rejected hundreds of papers which recommended treatment without providing evidence. We found nine randomized controlled trials, from developed and under-resourced settings. All conceptualized survivors’ problems in psychiatric terms, using outcomes of post-traumatic stress symptoms, distress, and quality of life, by self-report, with or without translation or unstandardized interpretation, and with little mention of cultural or language issues. None used social or welfare interventions. Four related studies used narrative exposure therapy (NET) in a brief form, and without ensuring a safe setting as recommended. Five used mixed methods, including exposure, cognitive behavioral therapy, and eye movement desensitization. Combined, the studies showed no immediate improvement in PTSD, distress, or quality of life; at six months follow-up, a minority showed some improvement in PTSD and distress, although participants remained severely affected.
Conclusions: While applauding researchers’ commitment in running these trials, we raise ethical issues about exposure in particular, and about the effects of shortcomings in methodology, particularly around assessment using unfamiliar cultural frameworks and language, and the lack of concern about dropout which may indicate harm. The issues addressed aid interpretation of existing research, and guide clinical practice as well as future studies evaluating its effectiveness.
Group treatment for survivors of torture and severe violence: A literature review
Authors: Bunn Mary , Goesel Charles , Kinet Mélodie , Ray Faith 
Published: July 2019

Methods: The authors conducted a systematic review of scholarly journals and manuscripts. The search was limited to articles published in English that focused on group treatment with torture survivors.
Findings: The authors identified 36 articles and chapters for review describing a variety of group interventions for survivors of torture, including:

Supportive Group Therapy
Empowerment Workshops
Group Treatment for Sleep Disorders
Den Bosch model
Wraparound approach
Stage-oriented model

The literature examined varied in approach and format: present-day and past-focused groups; structured, time-limited groups; and flexible, ongoing support groups.
The studies took place in diverse locations, including Denmark, Germany, Guinea, Namibia, the Netherlands, Palestine, Serbia, the U.S., the UK, and Zimbabwe, and, in conflict, post-conflict and/or humanitarian settings. The interventions were facilitated by licensed mental health professionals, paraprofessionals, and bilingual/bicultural staff – or a combination of the latter two.
Interpretations: Group treatment is an approach which can be administered to larger groups of survivors to address a range of treatment issues. The authors examined key clinical practice issues for group treatment including group composition and content, facilitation and measurement strategies. While the literature does provide a compelling conceptual rationale for using group treatment, the empirical literature is in fact very limited at this time and needs to be strengthened in order to build confidence in outcomes across contexts and survivor communities.
Conclusions: This paper points to a growing interest in the topic of group treatment for survivors of torture and severe violence, providing a comprehensive picture of group-based interventions and highlighting the need for additional research and knowledge-building.
Comment and response to the commentary
Authors: Harlacher Uwe , Polatin Peter , Buhmann Caecilie Boeck , Nordentoft Merete , Ekstroem Morten , Lohmann Jessica Carlsson , Mortensen Erik Lykke 
Published: July 2019

Comment and response to the commentary based on the two: ‘Follow-up study of the treatment outcomes at a psychiatric trauma clinic for refugees’ and ‘Cognitive-behavioral psycho-therapeutic treatment at a psychiatric trauma clinic for Refugees: description and evaluation’ by Buhman et al. (Volume 25, No 1, 2015)
Anal Examinations in Cases of Alleged Homosexuality
Authors: Alempijevic Djordje , Beriashvili Rusudan , Beynon Jonathan , Deutsch Ana , Duque Maximo , Duterte Pierre , Van Es Adriaan , Fernando Ravindra , Fincanci Sebnem Korur , Hansen Steen Holger , Hardi Lilla , Hougen Hans Petter , Iacopino Vincent , Louahlia Said , Modvig Jens , Mendez Maria-Dolores Morcillo , Özkalipci Önder , Payne-James Jason , Quiroga Jose , Rasmussen Ole Vedel , Reyes Hernán , Rogde Sidsel , Sajantila Antti , Thomsen Jørgen Lange , Tidball-Binz Morris , Treue Felicitas , Vanezis Peter , Vieira Duarte Nuno 
Published: July 2019

Anal examinations are forcibly conducted in many countries where consensual anal intercourse is considered a criminal act. They are conducted almost exclusively on males in an effort to “prove” that they are “homosexuals” despite the fact that anal intercourse is not a necessary determinant of “homosexual activity.”
Forcibly conducted anal examinations are usually initiated at the request of law enforcement officials, the prosecutor, or the court and conducted in the absence of informed consent or in circumstances where individuals are not capable of giving genuine informed consent or where refusal to give consent would be interpreted as self-incrimination. This may be presumed to be the case when examinations are conducted on individuals in detention, subsequent to allegations of criminalised sexual acts by the authorities.
The purpose of this medico-legal statement is to provide legal experts, adjudicators, health care professionals, and policymakers, among others, with an understanding of: 1) the validity of forcibly conducted anal examinations as medical and scientific evidence of consensual anal intercourse; 2) the likely physical and psychological consequences of forcibly conducted anal examinations; and 3) whether, based on these effects, forcibly conducted anal examination constitutes cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or torture.
Incommunicado detention and torture in Spain, Part II: Enhanced credibility assessment based on the Istanbul Protocol
Authors: Hárdi Lilla , Pérez-Sales Pau , Morentin Benito , Barrenetxea Olatz , Navarro-Lashayas Miguel Angel 
Published: July 2019

Background: The Istanbul Protocol (IP) is the key instrument in the documentation of allegations of torture. However, few scientific studies have evaluated its effectiveness as a tool to assess credibility of allegations of ill-treatment or torture.
Objective: Present data on the credibility of allegations of torture in a sample of 45 Basque people held in short-term incommunicado detention between 1980 and 2012, using a modified version of the Standard Evaluation Form for Credibility Assessment (SEC), a new tool to assess credibility based on the IP.
Method: Each case was evaluated by two psychiatrists, a psychologist and a physician through a layered system of simultaneous, independent assessments, blind audits, and peer-review processes. Clinical interviews following the IP were contrasted with psychometric tests and external documentary evidence by independent experts. All available data were structured using the SEC and cases were accordingly classified as having Maximum consistency, Highly Consistent, Consistent or Inconsistent.
Findings: According to the SEC, 53% of allegations of torture were considered to have Maximum Consistency, 31% Highly consistent, 15% Consistent and 0% Inconsistent. The items that most contributed to the overall credibility assessment came from the psychological evaluation, including the description of alleged torture, emotional reactions, objective functional changes, changes in identity and worldviews and clinical diagnosis. There was little contribution from previous medical reports.
Interpretation: When applied competently, the IP is an essential tool in the documentation of torture. Our study shows: (a) evidence that allegations of ill-treatment and torture in the Basque Country are consistent and credible, being ascertained beyond reasonable doubt and aside from any political debate; (b) the wider use of the IP as a tool to assess credibility of allegations of ill-treatment and torture; and, (c) the usefulness of the SEC as a tool. The SEC can help as a tool for documenting torture in contexts where there are political differences and figures are distorted as a result of polarized political debates, and where legal documentation is needed for judicial purposes. Forensic science can help by providing an objective assessment of the credibility of allegations.
Incommunicado detention and torture in Spain, Part III: 'Five days is enough’: the concept of torturing environments
Authors: Hárdi Lilla , Pérez-Sales Pau , Navarro-Lashayas Miguel Angel , Plaza Angeles , Morentin Benito , Salinas Oihana Barrios 
Published: July 2019

Background: Torture is changing in western societies, evolving from pain-producing torture to more subtle mixed psychological methods that are harder to detect. Despite this, there is not an adequate understanding of the complexities of contemporary psychological techniques used in coercive interrogation and torture.
Methods: The interrogation and torture techniques used on 45 detainees held in short-term incommunicado detention in Spain during the period 1980-2012 were analyzed. The list of torture categories set out in the Istanbul Protocol (IP) were assessed quantitatively. Software-aided qualitative analysis of the testimonies was conducted, using both inferential and deductive approaches to deduce a classification of torture techniques from the point of view of the survivor.
Findings: The most frequent methods according to the IP categories used against detainees were isolation and manipulation of environment (100%), humiliation (93%), psychological techniques to break down the individual (91%), threats (89%) and forced positions and physical exercises until extenuation (80%). Additionally, with a frequency of between 51 and 70%, mild but constant blows, being forced to witness the torture of others, hooding (mainly dry asphyxia) and unacceptable undue conditions of detention were also frequent. Sexual torture was also widespread with sexual violence (42%), forced nudity (38%) and rape (7%). Qualitative analysis showed that most detainees were submitted to coercive interrogation using a wide array of deceptive techniques. This is often a central part of the torturing process, frequently used in conjunction with many other methods. It was found that giving false or misleading information or making false accusations was most frequently used, followed by maximization of responsibility or facts and giving false information regarding relatives or friends. Different patterns of harsh interrogation, ill-treatment and torture are described that appear to have been tailored to the profile of Basque detainees.
Interpretation: The study shows the need to improve the conceptualization of psychological torture suggested by the IP. Key to this view is the idea that we must not concern ourselves with 'torture methods' but with Torturing Environments. The concept of Torturing Environments is defined and proposed as a focus for future study.
Enhancing empathy among humanitarian workers through Project MIRACLE: Development and initial validation of the Helpful Responses to Refugees Questionnaire
Authors: Potocky Miriam , Guskovict Kristen L. 
Published: July 2019

Background: Empathy is an important tool needed for service providers working with people who have experienced trauma, such as refugees and torture survivors. However, the high caseloads, rigorous deadlines, and overwhelming circumstances under which humanitarian workers typically operate often make it challenging to employ empathy. The Helpful Responses to Refugees Questionnaire (HRRQ) was developed to measure empathetic responsiveness, a core skill of Motivational Interviewing, among service providers working with refugees, including torture survivors.
Methods: The HRRQ was adapted specifically for measuring empathy in refugee contexts, including among asylum-seekers and torture survivors. Face validity and content validity were established by a panel of refugee resettlement experts prior to administration. The instrument was then administered via an online survey to a national sample of refugee service providers (valid N=90).
Findings: The HRRQ demonstrated good psychometric properties.
Interpretation: The HRRQ has several potential applications for work with refugees, including torture survivors. It could be used as a supervisory tool to assess service providers’ skills in this area and provide feedback for improvement if needed. It could also be used as a screening tool for hiring new staff as part of a comprehensive screening and selection process. Finally, it may be used as a pretest-posttest to evaluate the impact of staff training in motivational interviewing. Limitations of this study and implications for future research are discussed.
Enhancing Class IX Students Participants in Group Work in Chemistry
Authors: Penjor Dorji , Wangchuk Galay , Dorji Lam , Dorji Sangay , Wangmo Choki 
Published: July 2019

This action research has investigated ways to enhance students’ participation in group work in chemistry. It is observed that Bhutanese students participate minimally in group activities especially in science. Most Bhutanese students shy away from participating or interacting in the classroom. To enhance participation and interaction, the curriculum experts developed the curriculum considering the need of every students in Bhutan in science. Research in Bhutan found out that heterogeneous grouping is an effective way to maximize students’ success and collaborative learning is effective for meaningful learning and in solving problems. Some researchers found that in Bhutan science subjects are seen as difficult for both students and teachers. Through our experience of being science student, we saw that many students do not like to study Chemistry because they believe it is a difficult subject.
Aim of this study is to identify effectiveness strategies that teacher can use to enhance students’ participation in group work in Chemistry. This study was carried out with class IX students of Taktse Central School. We collected our data through observation and questionnaire. A tally was used to record their participation in the group such as the frequency volunteering to do presentation and taking initiatives in the group work. The data collection also involved survey questionnaire which consist of open ended questions. Baseline data was collected and analyzed after which intervention strategies, such as allocation of group members and cooperative-learning methods was applied. After two months of the intervention process, post-intervention data was collected, analyzed and compared with the baseline data. The findings from this two sources reveal that students are more open for discussion and participation after the intervention process, and their initiative, contribution and understanding of contents increased. We were impressed by some student, who were usually quiet, shy and unsociable themselves to the teacher, became so close with us toward the end of our academic session.
Some Characterizations of Transmuted Modified Burr III Distribution
Authors: Ahmad Bhatti Fiaz , G. Hamedani G. , Ali Azeem , Ahmad Munir 
Published: July 2019

In this paper, Transmuted Modified Burr III (TMBIII) distribution (Ali and Ahmad; 2015) is characterized through (i) ratio of truncated moments; (ii) doubly truncated moments; (iii) hazard rate function; (iv) reverse hazard rate function and (v) elasticity function. The applications of characterizations of TMBIII distribution will be beneficial for scientists in different areas of science.
Measuring the Cost for Some Single Channel Waiting Line Models
Authors: A. Ali Doaa , A. Ismail Elham , E. AL-Tayeb Lobna 
Published: July 2019

Queuing models applications are centered on the question of finding the ideal level of services, waiting times and queue lengths. The aim of this study is to measure the cost for three models and compare the cost for the three single channel waiting line models instead of finding the ideal level of services, waiting times and queue lengths which calculated in many studies. Each model depends on two important parameters arrival rate (λ) and service rate (μ) which followed different distributions. The cost for the three single channel waiting line models is calculated when arrival rate (λ) is followed Poisson distribution and service rate (μ) is followed different distributions. The objective for the waiting line models is to minimize total expected costs by minimize the sum of service costs and waiting costs. Therefore, the study concerned with changing the distribution of the service rate (μ) and examining its impact on cost. This choice was made to emphasize the basic idea of the study (there is a relationship between the service rate distribution and the cost). The study results showed that there is a relationship between the service rate distribution and the cost.
Comparison of Goodness of Fit Tests for Normal Distribution
Authors: Agu, Friday I. , Francis, Runyi E. 
Published: July 2019

Goodness of fit test is a test that has attracted researchers’ interest over the decades. This study is on goodness of fit test for normal distribution only. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-St) and Pearson’s Chi-square (χ² test) goodness of fit test were used to determine the normality of a given data. The result revealed that the data is normal under the two tests and that the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S test) were preferred to Pearson’s Chi-square (χ² test). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test of goodness of fit is the most suitable in terms of the p-value.
Group Divisible Variance – Sum Third Order Rotatable Design through Balanced Incomplete Block Designs in Four Dimensions
Authors: Chebet N. , Kosgei M. , Kerich G. 
Published: July 2019

In the study of rotatable designs, the variance of the estimated response at a point is a function of the distance of that point from a particular origin. Group divisible Rotatable Designs have been evolved by imposing conditions on the levels of factors in a rotatable design. In Group Divisible Third Order Rotatable Designs (GDTORD), the v-factors are split into two groups of p and (v-p) factors such that the variance of a response estimated at a point equidistant from the centre of the designs is a function of the distances and from a suitable origin for each group respectively. Where and denotes the distances of the projection of the points in each of the group from a suitable origin respectively. In this paper, a four dimensional Group Divisible Variance-Sum Third Order Rotatable Design is constructed using a balanced incomplete block design.
Analysis of Rainfall Pattern in the Western Region of Ghana
Authors: B. K. Twenefour Frank , Techie Quaicoe Michael , M. Baah Emmanuel 
Published: July 2019

The primary aim for this paper is to examine the pattern of rainfall in the western region of Ghana. Data was obtained from the Ghana Meteorological Agency. The sample include January to September pattern of the amount of rainfall, for the years 2006 to 2016. That is nominal daily rainfall recorded (1485) aggregated into monthly rainfall value (99 data point). The analysis includes fitting an auto regression moving average model (ARMA) model for the data. The series was found to be non-stationary which resulted from the presence of a unit root in it. The series became stationary after eliminating the unit root by finding the first difference in the amount of rainfall. The time series component found in the model were a trend and random variation. ARMA (1, 1) which has all parameters significant was fitted for the data and found to be the most suitable model for the conditional mean. A Ljung Box test statistic of 47.207 with a normalised BIC of 6.420 and a Root Mean Square error of 24.16 supported by a probability value of 0.001 show that the fitted model is appropriate for the data. An = 0.532 indicates that about 53% of the variations seen in the pattern of rainfall recorded for the period is being explained by the fitted model. The 18-month forecast for the mean actual rainfall and mean returns could show that the fitted model is appropriate for the data and an increasing trend of rainfall for the forecasted period.