background performance evaluation is essential to quality improvement in healthcare. the current study has identified the potential pros and cons of external healthcare evaluation programs, utilizing them subsequently to look into the merits of a similar case in a developing country.   methods a mixed method study employing both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniqu...

This article was prepared initially for an international conference of social security program administrators and researchers. They examined the reasons for, and implications of, a recent trend in several European countries toward making it easier to qualify for retirement or disability benefits as a way of alleviating long-term unemployment. The article notes that the United States has not fol...

This paper explores two related questions: Does unsecured debt help households supplement lost earnings during unemployment, and does limited access to such credit have important welfare implications? These questions have become particularly relevant as consumers increasingly rely on unsecured debt to finance consumption. Growth in unsecured debt has been most striking among the poor. Some rese...

This purpose of this paper is to provide a summary of the cost-effectiveness research for the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy. Studies based on four sources of data were considered: (1) a western United States HMO covering 180,000 subscribers; (2) the Kansas State Medicaid system with over 300,000 beneficiaries; (3) Cigna, a large Unites States health insurance benefits m...

The extracts and pure saponins from the roots of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) are reported to have a wide range of health benefits. Platycosides (saponins) from the roots of PG are characterized by a structure containing a triterpenoid aglycone and two sugar chains. Saponins are of commercial significance, and their applications are increasing with increasing evidence of their health benefits. ...