Expenditures on health are currently an important and growing item of public as well as private budgets in the developed world. This diploma thesis analyzes two different approaches to the function of health insurance on the example of the Czech Republic and the United States of America. The theoretical part will generally characterize access to health care through different theories; there will be also introduced the system of health insurance and the agents on health care market. The specifics of the health care market will be also explained. The analytical part of the work will focus on health insurance systems in the Czech Republic and the United States and their development, with accent on major reforms of recent years. With mutual comparison of the two systems, thesis will examine the shortcomings of public health insurance and private health insurance, including the effectiveness of their removal. Afterwards, the analysis of selected indicators of health care will be provided. The aim of the work is an analysis of the different systems of health insurance in the Czech Republic and the United States with relationship to the recent reforms and evaluation of their mutual effectiveness.

The intent of this study was to design produce a comprehensible but user-friendly method that would provide a step-by-step process and guide in originating sustainable, affordable and energy efficient net-zero residential housing. The right-step procedure of the VERSAE Method was linked to the traditional vernacular architecture of the Hopi, a Native American people who still reside on part of their aboriginal lands in northeastern Arizona. The process combined traditional strategies identified in local vernacular Hopi architecture with modern strategies to successfully design sustainable, affordable and energy efficient (net-zero) housing specifically for contemporary Hopi housing. The process was documented in the capstone project, "Housing for the Hopi Community: Designing Sustainable, Affordable and Energy Efficient Housing in the Hopi Community, Linking to Cultural Patterns of Sustainability". For this thesis, the VERSAE method and process was replicate to create a sustainable, affordable and net-zero housing prototype for the Omaha Nation located in Nebraska with significantly different climate, environment, local materials and cultural patterns. Both case studies validated the VERSAE method as conductive to sustainable, affordable and energy efficient (net-zero) housing design.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2016-06-23T15:08:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Camila Moreira Almeida de Miranda.pdf: 1266815 bytes, checksum: 66e3558fbbcb16267a31b699d5fe51cc (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-23T15:08:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Camila Moreira Almeida de Miranda.pdf: 1266815 bytes, checksum: 66e3558fbbcb16267a31b699d5fe51cc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-12-09 / This paper seeks to explain the motivators of perceived value among young consumers who purchase affordable luxury branded goods. The main objective was to study the motivators of perceived value and more specifically: to identify the latent variables which affect the behavior of the young consumer of affordable luxury branded goods; to assess how the latent variables interfere with the young consumers’ perceived value of affordable luxury branded goods; to assess how young consumers’ perceived value affects their attitude, loyalty and repurchase intention; and finally, to provide a specific measurement model for this consumer group. The model is based on existing models by Vigneron and Johnson (1999), Wiedmann, Hennings and Siebels (2009) and Galhanone (2013). This is a descriptive study using a quantitative approach. Data was collected using a survey, based on previously tested and validated scales, which was completed by a sample group of 246 university students at a IFES in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Structural equation modeling and confirmatory factor analisys using Smart-PLS software were used for statistical analysis. The results show a statistically significant correlation between perceived value of young people who consume products of affordable luxury with the variables identified in the study. These results contribute to an understanding of the world of luxury of these youth and how they relate to brands. In general terms, the study offers useful tools for companies operating in the luxury market and tailoring their product offerings to their clients by helping them understand how a youth perceives a luxury product, and what the motivators are behind its purchase. / Este trabalho buscou compreender quais são as variáveis da percepção de valor de consumidores jovens que compram produtos de marca de luxo acessível. O objetivo principal foi estudar os motivadores da percepção de valor e mais especificamente: identificar as variáveis latentes que interferem no comportamento do consumidor jovem de produto marca de luxo acessível; avaliar como as variáveis latentes interferem na percepção de valor do consumidor jovem que compra de produto marca de luxo acessível; avaliar como a percepção de valor do consumidor jovem que compra de produto marca de luxo acessível interfere na atitude, lealdade e intenção de recompra; e finalmente, propor um modelo de mensuração específico para esse grupo de consumidores. O modelo foi baseado nos estudos existentes de Vigneron e Johnson (1999), Wiedmann, Hennings e Siebels (2009) e Galhanone (2013). A pesquisa foi de natureza descritiva com abordagem quantitativa. Foi aplicada uma survey (survey), baseada em escalas já testadas e validadas, para uma amostra de 246 estudantes universitários em uma IFES do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul para coleta dos dados. Estes foram analisados estatisticamente por meio do software Smart-PLS para realização da modelagem de equações estruturais e análise fatorial confirmatória. Os resultados apresentaram correlação consideravelmente satisfatória entre a percepção de valor de jovens que consomem produtos de luxo acessível com as variáveis apontadas no estudo. Esses resultados contribuem para a compreensão do universo do luxo dos jovens e como eles se relacionam com as marcas. Em termos gerenciais, o estudo apresenta valiosas ferramentas para organizações que atuam no mercado de luxo e gerenciam suas ofertas de produtos para seus clientes entenderem como um jovem percebe um produto de luxo, e quais são os motivadores para tal consumo.

Preventative care services allow patients to be fully equipped with the knowledge, tools, and other resources to help them discover and treat many diseases and illnesses so that the burden of costs will not fall on patients and their families. Since the passage of the Affordable Care of Act (ACA) by President Barack Obama, the requirement for health insurance coverage has not translated to utilization of preventative care services. The purpose of this study is to determine the motivation for African Americans who have insurance coverage and access to care who are not taking advantage of opportunities for screenings and health education. The health belief model was used to determine how belief and modifying factors influence health decisions. The quantitative study required use of a secondary dataset to determine utilization of preventative care services, insurance affordability, future access to care and understanding of the health care law. The study included testing the statistical significance of these factors among African Americans, White Americans, and Hispanic Americans who participated in the Healthy Americas Survey. Using the program SPSS to process data analyzation and organize output, results reveal that African American participants are concerned about the future ability to access and afford care. With a history of distrust amongst African Americans and the health industry, social implications are for administrators and providers to bridge the gap by offering health education to those in their immediate communities and requesting and implementing feedback from those same individuals.

Introduction: The desire to have a biological child transcends race, religion and socio-economic status. However for those faced with infertility, the financial resources needed to conceive are often not available. Current research in assisted reproduction has gravitated towards cost reduction to address restricting financial factors, without compromising quality of treatment. One such initiative is the development of a low-cost embryo culture method by The Walking Egg foundation. This method utilizes a standard chemical reaction and simple equipment to equilibrate culture media pH and to regulate temperature; both aspects were investigated in this study. An exploration into the insemination concentration to achieve oocyte fertilization was also undertaken. Methods: Quality control of temperature regulation on six different heating devices, including a comparison of inter- and intra-variations was carried out. The utilization of citric acid and bicarbonate of soda for carbon dioxide production, which subsequently facilitate setting of pH values, was tested by injecting increasing citric acid volumes (1.2 ml – 3.0 ml in 0.2 ml increments) into set volumes of bicarbonate of soda. Further investigation evaluated gas production at various temperatures (37°C, 25°C and 15°C), at increasing intervals (16 – 30 hours) of equilibration and these were compared by measuring pH of the culture media. The influence of altitude on pH was explored by repeating the chemical reaction experiment at five different locations in South Africa. Furthermore, the addition of water to citric acid before gas generation was explored. The minimal insemination concentration needed for fertilization was determined by the addition of decreasing numbers of spermatozoa to non-fertilized bisected oocytes. The experiment was repeated with a selected sperm insemination number in 1 ml or 50 μl culture media to compare the tested culture system with conventional culture. Spermatozoa bound to the hemi-zonae were counted with the aid of an inverted phase contrast microscope. Hemi-zonae with bound sperm were also stained with ethidium homodimer and evaluated using a confocal laser-scanning microscopy system. After removal of hemi-zonae, the spermatozoa in culture were isolated for deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation analyses and reactive oxygen species presence in the culture media was measured. Additionally, reactive oxygen species generation in simulated culture was measured over time. Results: All the equipment tested bar one, the warming oven, proved useable with the simplified Walking Egg in vitro fertilization culture system. By decreasing the citric acid volumes, it was indicated that 1.8 ml citric acid, diluted with 1.2 ml water, is the optimal volume to facilitate the required culture media pH. Omitting the water dilution from citric acid volumes affected the culture media pH adversely, however reducing the temperature during gas equilibration did not. A change in altitude had no effect on culture media pH. Lower insemination numbers resulted in decreased sperm binding, with 2 x 103 motile sperm insemination providing the lowest number to still obtain sufficient sperm–zona binding (≥20 sperm bound). Incubation in 1 ml vs. 200 μl culture media indicated decrease in sperm bound. Sperm deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation and the presence of reactive oxygen species in the culture media were similar in both the test and control groups. A comparison over time revealed less reactive oxygen species in 1 ml culture media, from the simplified Walking Egg in vitro fertilization culture system after three days of culture, than 200 μl culture media drops under oil, from conventional culture after 18 hours, however the results were not statistically significant. Discussion: Purpose-made heating devices provide superior stabilization of culture media temperature. When selecting a heating device, intra-variations should be considered. Culture media can be manipulated to the required pH by carbon dioxide production, with meticulous attention paid to the citric acid volumes used. However, if gas generation is performed at room temperature, equilibration time must be increased. In conventional culture, the minimum insemination number can be reduced to 2 x 103 motile sperm. Due to lower binding of sperm in large volumes of culture media, 2 – 5 x 103 motile sperm should be considered for the simplified culture system, depending on a holistic consideration of all sperm parameters. Extended culture for at least three days with the simplified culture system can be performed without increasing reactive oxygen species present in culture media. Further research of this novel culture method should include the application of the culture method in a South African environment. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Obstetrics and Gynaecology / MSc / Unrestricted

No description available.

Introduction: The US Health Care and Social Services sector (North American Industrial Classification System 'sector 62') has become an extremely important component of the nation's economy, employing approximately 18 million workers and generating almost $753 billion in annual payrolls. At the county level, the health care and social services sector is typically the largest or second largest employer. Hospital employment is often the largest component of the sector's total employment. Hospital employment is particularly important to non-metropolitan or rural communities. A high quality healthcare sector serves to promote economic development and attract new businesses and to provide stability in economic downturns. The purpose of this study was to examine the intensity of hospital employment in rural counties relative to the nation as a whole using location quotients and to draw conclusions regarding how potential changes in Medicare and Medicaid might affect rural populations. Methods: Estimates for county-level hospital employment are not commonly available. Estimates of county-level hospital employment were therefore generated for all counties in the USA the Census Bureau's County Business Pattern Data for 2010. These estimates were used to generate location quotients for each county which were combined with demographic data to generate a profile of factors that are related to the magnitude of location quotients. The results were then used to draw inferences regarding the possible impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010 (ACA) and the possible imposition of aspects of the Budget Control Act 2011 (BCA). Results: Although a very high percentage of rural counties contain medically underserved areas, an examination of location quotients indicates that the percentage of the county workforce employed by hospitals in the most rural counties tends to be higher than for the nation as a whole, a counterintuitive finding. Further, when location quotients are regressed upon data related to poverty, county demographics, and the percentage of the population insured, a relationship between the proportion of the population over 65 years, the percentage of the population living in poverty, the percentage of the population without insurance and county density was found. Conclusion: The results of the analysis suggest that hospital employment in rural communities is higher than would be expected in the absence of programs that provide external funding to support hospital hiring. The most important public programs providing this support are Medicare and Medicaid. Social Security is another source of federal funding important for rural populations. Sequestration and other cuts in funding could impact rural communities significantly. This can be even worse in states that fail to expand Medicaid and in states that fail to increase Medicaid reimbursements for services important in rural communities.

Introduction: The US Health Care and Social Services sector (North American Industrial Classification System 'sector 62') has become an extremely important component of the nation's economy, employing approximately 18 million workers and generating almost $753 billion in annual payrolls. At the county level, the health care and social services sector is typically the largest or second largest employer. Hospital employment is often the largest component of the sector's total employment. Hospital employment is particularly important to non-metropolitan or rural communities. A high quality healthcare sector serves to promote economic development and attract new businesses and to provide stability in economic downturns. The purpose of this study was to examine the intensity of hospital employment in rural counties relative to the nation as a whole using location quotients and to draw conclusions regarding how potential changes in Medicare and Medicaid might affect rural populations. Methods: Estimates for county-level hospital employment are not commonly available. Estimates of county-level hospital employment were therefore generated for all counties in the USA the Census Bureau's County Business Pattern Data for 2010. These estimates were used to generate location quotients for each county which were combined with demographic data to generate a profile of factors that are related to the magnitude of location quotients. The results were then used to draw inferences regarding the possible impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act 2010 (ACA) and the possible imposition of aspects of the Budget Control Act 2011 (BCA). Results: Although a very high percentage of rural counties contain medically underserved areas, an examination of location quotients indicates that the percentage of the county workforce employed by hospitals in the most rural counties tends to be higher than for the nation as a whole, a counterintuitive finding. Further, when location quotients are regressed upon data related to poverty, county demographics, and the percentage of the population insured, a relationship between the proportion of the population over 65 years, the percentage of the population living in poverty, the percentage of the population without insurance and county density was found. Conclusion: The results of the analysis suggest that hospital employment in rural communities is higher than would be expected in the absence of programs that provide external funding to support hospital hiring. The most important public programs providing this support are Medicare and Medicaid. Social Security is another source of federal funding important for rural populations. Sequestration and other cuts in funding could impact rural communities significantly. This can be even worse in states that fail to expand Medicaid and in states that fail to increase Medicaid reimbursements for services important in rural communities.

No description available.

This research paper aims to explore the use of project finance to fund urban infrastructure in order to aid the development of affordable housing. This is due to the high rate of urbanisation in developing nations, leading to the challenge of providing adequate shelter and the requisite infrastructure. Although South Africa has been lauded for making observable strides in housing and infrastructure provision, infrastructure is still required. There is reluctance to bring private finance into infrastructure development in developing economies because full recovery of invested capital is not easy to achieve. Project finance is recommended to improve the rate of shelter provision as well as to catalyse the eradication of slums. Project finance was investigated through interviewing selected participants, based on their role in the infrastructure provision sector. The outcomes indicated that project finance is an appropriate tool due to its characteristics.