The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range...The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range. Robust growth prospects of both countries will also vigorously support their future mitigation of government debt level. Comparatively speaking, China's government debt level is healthy and, despite extensive concerns, even its local government debt is not very high. The assessment that China may encounter a crisis is not supported by evidence. Yet in the long run, both countries will face pressures from increased fiscal spending on elder care and healthcare stemming from an ageing population, which will threaten their fiscal sustainability. These challenges require both countries to speed up reforms of elder care and healthcare. Specifically, China needs to focus on elder care reforms and the US should attach more importance to healthcare reforms.展开更多
Objectives: The study assessed if the level of knowledge of HIV-infected about HAART and waiting-times in the PHC (primary healthcare) clinic have an influence on antiretroviral adherence. Methods: A descriptive-c...Objectives: The study assessed if the level of knowledge of HIV-infected about HAART and waiting-times in the PHC (primary healthcare) clinic have an influence on antiretroviral adherence. Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in South Africa. Data collected uses a standardized-questionnaire and face-to-face-exit interviews. Pill-count technique was performed and a value of≥ 95% acceptable. Data were analysed using SPSS. Univariate-factors associated with poor-adherence to knowledge about HAART and waiting times were assessed using ANOVA and p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Key findings: Of 86 enrolled, 63(73.3%) were females and 23(26.7%) males, with mean-age (± SD) of 35.6(±9.6) years and on HAART for 35.5(± 31.8) months ranging from 1-137. Of these, 27(31.40%) and 25(29.07%) were on WHO stages 2 and 3 respectively. Adherence-rates computed from 32 patients, 23(71.9%) revealed poor adherence-rates. The level of knowledge about HAART in terms of names of tablets, correct-dose, frequency, adverse-effects had no influence on ARV-adherence (p _〉 0.05). Of 23 non-compliant, 10 (40%) gave the reason of drugs-unavailability, 7(30%) adverse-effects, 5(20%) drugs' complexity, and 1(10%) too busy to take them. Waiting areas associated with poor ARV-adherence were reception (p = 0.028), doctors (p = 0.027), while nurse's station (p = 0.29) and pharmacy (p = 0.43) revealed acceptable ARV-adherence.展开更多
The study aimed at evaluating the nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the selected seaweed biomass namely Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii. The selected seaweeds were found to be rich in macro and micronutr...The study aimed at evaluating the nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the selected seaweed biomass namely Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii. The selected seaweeds were found to be rich in macro and micronutrients. Kappaphycus contained high amount of ash when compared to U. lactuca. It is revealed that the mercury level in U. lactuca was 0.017 ppm and it was not detected in K. alvarezii. The heavy metal concentration in the selected seaweeds was within the tolerable value reported as quality criteria for edible seaweeds. These seaweeds were also found to be rich sources of vitamin antioxidants namely Vitamin C, total carotenoid, beta carotene, total chlorophyll and polyphenol. The phytochemical screening of the selected seaweeds showed that both seaweeds contained carbohydrates, protein, gums and mulicage, phenols, starch and quinones. Alkaloids was absent in Kappaphycus, saponins was moderate in U. actuca when compared to Kappaphycus. Glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids were absent in both the species. The selected seaweeds also possess antibacterial activity. The selected biomass could be recommended for use in dietaries to combat protein energy malnutrition and in particular micronutrient deficiencies.展开更多
文摘The fiscal sustainability of China and the United States is of major concern globally. Based on comparative data analysis, this paper reveals that the government debt level of both countries is within the normal range. Robust growth prospects of both countries will also vigorously support their future mitigation of government debt level. Comparatively speaking, China's government debt level is healthy and, despite extensive concerns, even its local government debt is not very high. The assessment that China may encounter a crisis is not supported by evidence. Yet in the long run, both countries will face pressures from increased fiscal spending on elder care and healthcare stemming from an ageing population, which will threaten their fiscal sustainability. These challenges require both countries to speed up reforms of elder care and healthcare. Specifically, China needs to focus on elder care reforms and the US should attach more importance to healthcare reforms.
文摘Objectives: The study assessed if the level of knowledge of HIV-infected about HAART and waiting-times in the PHC (primary healthcare) clinic have an influence on antiretroviral adherence. Methods: A descriptive-cross-sectional study was conducted in South Africa. Data collected uses a standardized-questionnaire and face-to-face-exit interviews. Pill-count technique was performed and a value of≥ 95% acceptable. Data were analysed using SPSS. Univariate-factors associated with poor-adherence to knowledge about HAART and waiting times were assessed using ANOVA and p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. Key findings: Of 86 enrolled, 63(73.3%) were females and 23(26.7%) males, with mean-age (± SD) of 35.6(±9.6) years and on HAART for 35.5(± 31.8) months ranging from 1-137. Of these, 27(31.40%) and 25(29.07%) were on WHO stages 2 and 3 respectively. Adherence-rates computed from 32 patients, 23(71.9%) revealed poor adherence-rates. The level of knowledge about HAART in terms of names of tablets, correct-dose, frequency, adverse-effects had no influence on ARV-adherence (p _〉 0.05). Of 23 non-compliant, 10 (40%) gave the reason of drugs-unavailability, 7(30%) adverse-effects, 5(20%) drugs' complexity, and 1(10%) too busy to take them. Waiting areas associated with poor ARV-adherence were reception (p = 0.028), doctors (p = 0.027), while nurse's station (p = 0.29) and pharmacy (p = 0.43) revealed acceptable ARV-adherence.
文摘The study aimed at evaluating the nutrient and nutraceutical potentials of the selected seaweed biomass namely Ulva lactuca and Kappaphycus alvarezii. The selected seaweeds were found to be rich in macro and micronutrients. Kappaphycus contained high amount of ash when compared to U. lactuca. It is revealed that the mercury level in U. lactuca was 0.017 ppm and it was not detected in K. alvarezii. The heavy metal concentration in the selected seaweeds was within the tolerable value reported as quality criteria for edible seaweeds. These seaweeds were also found to be rich sources of vitamin antioxidants namely Vitamin C, total carotenoid, beta carotene, total chlorophyll and polyphenol. The phytochemical screening of the selected seaweeds showed that both seaweeds contained carbohydrates, protein, gums and mulicage, phenols, starch and quinones. Alkaloids was absent in Kappaphycus, saponins was moderate in U. actuca when compared to Kappaphycus. Glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and terpenoids were absent in both the species. The selected seaweeds also possess antibacterial activity. The selected biomass could be recommended for use in dietaries to combat protein energy malnutrition and in particular micronutrient deficiencies.