The efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy for depression among economically disadvantaged mothers

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for ethnically and racially diverse, economically disadvantaged women with major depressive disorder. Non-treatment-seeking urban women (N = 128; M age = 25.40, SD = 4.98) with infants were recruited from the community. Participants were at or below the poverty level: 59.4% were Black and 21.1% were Hispanic. Women were screened for depressive symptoms using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; the Diagnostic Interview Schedule was used to confirm major depressive disorder diagnosis. Participants were randomized to individual IPT or enhanced community standard. Depressive symptoms were assessed before, after, and 8 months posttreatment with the Beck Depression Inventory—II and the Revised Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The Social Support Behaviors Scale, the Social Adjustment Scale—Self-Report, and the Perceived Stress Scale were administered to examine mediators of outcome at follow-up. Treatment effects were evaluated with a growth mixture model for randomized trials using complier-average causal effect estimation. Depressive symptoms trajectories from baseline through postintervention to follow-up showed significant decreases among the IPT group compared to the enhanced community standard group. Changes on the Perceived Stress Scale and the Social Support Behaviors Scale mediated sustained treatment outcome

Estimating the contribution of key populations towards HIV transmission in South Africa

INTRODUCTION: In generalized epidemic settings, there is insufficient understanding of how the unmet HIV prevention and treatment needs of key populations (KPs), such as female sex workers (FSWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM), contribute to HIV transmission. In such settings, it is typically assumed that HIV transmission is driven by the general population. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men, and other heterosexual partnerships to HIV transmission in South Africa (SA). METHODS: We developed the "Key-Pop Model"; a dynamic transmission model of HIV among FSWs, their clients, MSM, and the broader population in SA. The model was parameterized and calibrated using demographic, behavioural and epidemiological data from national household surveys and KP surveys. We estimated the contribution of commercial sex, sex between men and sex among heterosexual partnerships of different sub-groups to HIV transmission over 2010 to 2019. We also estimated the efficiency (HIV infections averted per person-year of intervention) and prevented fraction (% IA) over 10-years from scaling-up ART (to 81% coverage) in different sub-populations from 2020. RESULTS: Sex between FSWs and their paying clients, and between clients with their non-paying partners contributed 6.9% (95% credibility interval 4.5% to 9.3%) and 41.9% (35.1% to 53.2%) of new HIV infections in SA over 2010 to 2019 respectively. Sex between low-risk groups contributed 59.7% (47.6% to 68.5%), sex between men contributed 5.3% (2.3% to 14.1%) and sex between MSM and their female partners contributed 3.7% (1.6% to 9.8%). Going forward, the largest population-level impact on HIV transmission can be achieved from scaling up ART to clients of FSWs (% IA = 18.2% (14.0% to 24.4%) or low-risk individuals (% IA = 20.6% (14.7 to 27.5) over 2020 to 2030), with ART scale-up among KPs being most efficient. CONCLUSIONS: Clients of FSWs play a fundamental role in HIV transmission in SA. Addressing the HIV prevention and treatment needs of KPs in generalized HIV epidemics is central to a comprehensive HIV response

The effects of organisational decision making on supply chain execution : a case study of the NZDF light armoured vehicles supply chain : submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Master of Supply Chain Management thesis, Massey University / New Zealand Defence Force

The following Figures were removed for copyright reasons but may be accessed via their sources: Figs 1 (=Lambert, Cooper & Pagh, 1998 Fig 2), 2 (=Tan, 2001 Fig 1), 3 (=Tan, 2001 Fig 3), 4 (=Lambert, Cooper & Pagh, 1998 Fig 10), 5 (=Christopher & Towill, 2001 Fig 5).The purpose of this research is to examine how organisational management models, outside of traditional corporate supply chains, drive supply chain success. Corporate supply chains have applied supply chain improvement theories and practices, which have resulted in supply chain success and, ultimately, organisational success. Supply chains for military industries and non-commercial industries are not sufficiently unique to be able to discount the advances that have occurred in corporate supply chain management (SCM) concepts. This lack of uniqueness has seen the military industry commence implementing supply chain improvement theories and practices to its supply chains. Limited research has been conducted into the rationale for non-commercial industries delaying the implementation of advances in SCM concepts or, when they have been implement, why they have not had the desired level of success. Research in the field of organisational management and its influence on supply chains may provide insight into how advances in SCM concepts can be successfully transferred from commercial organisations to other industries. The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) provides a non-commercial context with sufficient complexity regarding its drivers for implementing changes that are likely to result in observable performance trade-offs with respects to SCM and organisational management models. This research will examine existing and previous supply chain and organisational management scenarios to determine the level of success achieved. It will also identify strengths and weaknesses with the existing models and propose an alternative organisational management model

Intersectionality and its impact on the school experiences of African-American females

Race, class and gender are interlocking forms of oppression (Collins, 1990) and impact the life experiences of Black females. When Black females are educated in environments that do not consider the multiple identities that they posses, the effects are damaging and detrimental to their development as young women. The impact that race, class and gender has upon the lived experiences, identity development, and quality of life of adolescent females is enormous. The research that exists on this phenomenon is limited. The ways in which Black females experience everyday life varies according to context, location, and circumstance and it is imperative that their epistemology is taken into consideration and subjected to further research. In this action research study, I utilized a mixed method approach to understanding the impact that race, class and gender had on the schooling experiences of Black girls in a predominately White schooling environment. Much of the empirical, referenced research on the lived experiences of African Americans females had been by White males and considered as truth. This study, conducted by a Black female brings to light, the shared experiences of subjects and researcher and lends itself to the epistemology of Black females that could not otherwise be captured by anyone other than a Black female. This study further captures a journey of leadership development and exploration of self through the reflective cycles that make up action research. Reflecting upon espoused theories of leadership it became apparent that my commitment to social justice through Black feminism and critical race theories grounded my quest for the articulation of my authentic truth. Creating a space to explore that authentic truth came to fruition when the voices of those silenced were captured and will now be heard. This study revealed that cultural disconnects, lack of diversity, and mental models impact the schooling of African American females within this context. In order to offset the detrimental effects, girls need safe spaces in which to sustain their daily lives. The first step toward building the capacity of schools to provide an educational environment in which all students will thrive is to make inquiry into pedagogical practice, refine professional teaching skills and remain constantly aware of the individuals that make up the student body we serve. In order for our American society to remain viable, we must educate and include all members understanding that one size does not fit all