REVIEW AND REALIGNMENT OF THE NAVY’S IN-SERVICE, CONVENTIONAL ORDNANCE LOGISTICS SUPPLY CHAIN (NAVSUP AMMUNITION LOGISTICS CENTER)

The purpose of the research conducted was to identify the main contributing factor for inaccurate inventory validity within the ordnance community. Our research question addresses the current organizational structure of the ordnance supply chain and its overall effectiveness by evaluating the leading cause for discrepancies of inventory validity throughout the fleet. Our methods included gathering data from 12 months of overaged intransit messages, researching current organizational structures for ordnance stakeholders, and examining instructions governing supply chain processes. Our results produced data which illustrated that on average $34.2M of ordnance was overaged and not accounted for each month. It was determined that the unaccounted ordnance is the number one cause of unfavorable inventory validity. We recommend that by reorganizing the ordnance supply chain under one overarching command, inventory validity can be increased by creating positional authority from a singular source, eliminating competing interests and decreasing ambiguity from separate authorities. Additionally, realigning the command structure enables oversight for standardization of business practices within one streamlined organization.Lieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States NavyLieutenant Commander, United States NavyApproved for public release. Distribution is unlimited

DNA methylation and single nucleotide variants in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genes are associated with anxiety/depression in older women

Background: Environmental effects and personal experiences could be expressed in individuals through epigenetic non-structural changes such as DNA methylation. This methylation could up- regulate or down-regulate corresponding gene expressions and modify related phenotypes. DNA methylation increases with aging and could be related to the late expression of some forms of mental disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between anxiety disorders and/or depression in older women and DNA methylation for four genes related to anxiety or depression. Methods: Women aged 65 and older with (n = 19) or without (n = 24) anxiety disorders and/or major depressive episode (DSM-IV), were recruited. DNA methylation and single nucleotide variant (SNV) were evaluated from saliva, respectively by pyrosequencing and by PCR, for the following genes: brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF; rs6265), oxytocin receptor (OXTR; rs53576), serotonin transporter (SLC6A4; rs25531), and apolipoprotein E (APOE; rs429358 and rs7412). Results: A greater BDNF DNA methylation was observed in subjects with anxiety/depression compared to control group subjects (Mean: 2.92 SD ± 0.74 vs. 2.34 ± 0.42; p= 0.0026). This difference was more pronounced in subjects carrying the BDNF rs6265 CT genotype (2.99 ± 0.41 vs. 2.27 ± 0.26; p= 0.0006) than those carrying the CC genotype (p= 0.0332); no subjects with the TT genotype were observed. For OXTR, a greater DNA methylation was observed in subjects with anxiety/depression, but only for those carrying the AA genotype of the OXTR rs53576 SNV, more particularly at one out of the seven CpGs studied (7.01 ± 0.94 vs. 4.44 ± 1.11; p= 0.0063). No significant differences were observed for APOE and SLC6A4. Conclusion: These results suggest that DNA methylation in interaction with SNV variations in BDNF and OXTR, are associated with the occurrence of anxiety/depression in older women

A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) on Quality of Life in Persons with Dementia

Quality of life (QoL) is an established outcome measure of patients with dementia and is strongly influenced by an individual\u27s environment and mood. While there are many outcomes that can be examined with Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) interventions, this systematic review focused on quality of life

Efficacy of Work-Related Training for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Research suggests that traditional models of work-related training, in addition to a lack of on-the-job support, may exacerbate difficulties experienced by individuals with autism spectrum disorder with obtaining and maintaining employment The poor employment outcomes experienced by individuals with ASD are well-documented throughout literature and have resulted in the need to examine more effective ways of providing support and work-related interventions. Although research has investigated the efficacy of work-related training on successful employment outcomes when used with individuals with ASD, a systematic review summarizing this evidence has yet to be published. Therefore, this review examines and interprets current research evidence on the efficacy of work-related training for individuals