A case brief of the Scottish decision in Robertson v Anderson [2002] Essay

A case brief of the Scottish decision in Robertson v Anderson [2002] ScotCS 312 - Essay Example The trial court found in favour of the pursuer. In the Court of Session held that there was no argument related to an intention to effect legal relations. It was argued that a promise or agreement would be binding only if the promisor intended to enter into a legally enforceable agreement. The Court of Session considered the critical issue to be ‘Whether the talk between the parties amounted to an agreement with binding effect or a ‘statement of future intention of a non-binding character?’ The decision of the Court of Session was that there was a special agreement as to the national prize on previous occasions, and that this pointed to a conclusion that such agreement was seriously intended. It was also held that the defender’s conduct suggested that she considered the agreement to share the prize and that the parties intended the game to be an informal joint venture which doubled their chances of winning the

Millions With Chronic Disease Get Little to No Treatment Essay Example for Free

Millions With Chronic Disease Get Little to No Treatment Essay Relation to Management: The management team of every organization is expected to handle employee issues to be able to increase their competencies at work, which includes their health status at work. Helping employees avoid developing chronic illness through giving them better access to healthcare assistance availabilities as well as giving them fine environment for work is a huge step up in solving this issue on the part of the organizations’ management team. The rate of employees having the need to deal with suffering from chronic disease increases every year, especially in the American region. It could not be denied that the stress and the pressures that most employees deal with at work costs their lost of health stability. The article of Reed Abelson aims to show how many employees today are already affected by the illness. As the years of economic downfall over the world enters the scene, the problem becomes even more serious thus demanding a more serious attention on the matter from the management teams of the different business organizations all over the world. (Abelson, 2008, Intenet) The most disturbing issue that has been noted by the author is that most of the people having this particular illness actually receive lesser attention from the administration of the business organizations that they are working for. This is the reason why Jeffrey Harris and his colleagues decided to search for evidences that prove that chronic disease among employees in America today and thus be able to find a solution to the said issue. The group of Harris conducted a pilot test of the American Cancer Society Workplace Solutions, which they applied as intervention system in the work operations of eight major employers in the Pacific Northwest.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The said intervention proposed at least 15 major focus-activities that are further subdivided into five categories that are listed as follows: health insurance benefits policies workplace programs health promoting communication tracking of employees health behaviors to measure progress Along the said process of intervention, the researchers even added a 4-meeting session to be held with the employers of the companies involved for two months which are to begin with handed questionnaires that are designed to asses their involvement in the program and how well their employees are faring due to the effects of the program.(Harris, et al, 2008, 16)   TO be able to test the effectiveness of the program, the researchers decided to present the data in a before-after pattern which gave a clear depiction on how the program affected the existing systems of the organization and the health awareness culture that the said business organizations adapt to. Why have the research been concentrating on the employers as source of motivation on the staff personnel of the business organizations tested and not direct the study on the employees at once? There are three main reasons why this process had been considered effective by the researchers: Employers have power over the workplace environments that directly affect the health of the old-aged employees of the organizations. Employers face rapidly mounting healthcare and productivity costs that could affect the process by which they aim to safeguard the health of their people at work. Employers are the once who are in charged of controlling health insurances of employees. These reasons actually showed how much the employers could do to imply a health-conscious environment at work and thus increase health assured number of employees, in the aim of trying to help them avoid the causes of Chronic Disease that could result to long time illness. As a result of the study, the data gathered by the researchers showed that most employers who to involved in the study chose to impose non-smoking policies. Since it appeared to be the least expensive and actually the easiest way to encourage employees to be health conscious, it has been the â€Å"favorite† of the employers. Least applied on the organization on the other hand is the sun-protection program which aims to protect the employees, especially the ones working in the field, from being affected by the heat rays of the sun at work. (Harris, et al, 2008, 13) It is also through this study that it was found out that employers are less able to apply policies, especially when they are not at first handed through a written proposal that would outline the significance of the process to their business and their employees as well. More over, the study revealed that employers are more than willing to learn how to deal with the health needs of their people. Primarily, this is because aside from increasing the employees’ loyalty to them, it also serves as a protection to their gains in the future time as it would help them avoid paying for unnecessary or emergency health cases that their employees have to face. From the study analyzed, it could be noted that employers are indeed expected to take serious consideration of their employees’ health as they are considered to be the organization’s foundation now and in the future. Hence, the application of health-conscious programs on their part for the benefits of their people is an essential part of employee loyalty enhancement proceedings. Being able to establish such particular program in an organization makes the process of dealing with health issues in the organization be met with better ease and understanding on the part of the parties involved in the situation.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   True, as Abelson notes in his article, understanding the health needs of the employees working for the success of the business actually ensures the progress of the entire business in the industry that they are involved with. This is the reason why the management team of the organizations today should actually give focus in answering these issues to ease the employees of the health problems that they need to deal with and thus give them better chances of performing better for the business organization’s sake. Reference: Harris JR, Cross J, Hannon PA, Mahoney E, Ross-Viles S, Kuniyuki A. Employer adoption of evidence-based chronic disease prevention practices: a pilot study. Prev Chronic Dis. 2008;5(3). Reed Abelson. (August 2008). Millions With Chronic Disease Get Little to No Treatment. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/05/business/05health.html?_r=1ref=businessoref=slogin. (August 5, 2008).

The Malaysian Consumer Price Index Economics Essay

The Malaysian Consumer Price Index Economics Essay The consumer price index (CPI) is measurement of the percentage change through time in the cost of purchasing a constant group of goods and also services and it also representing an average pattern or index from the purchases made by the citizen in one specific period of time. The Index is started since 1967 = 100 (which is the based year) was the index for the Peninsular Malaysia while the Index for the year 1980 is referring to Malaysia which means that the whole Malaysia. All the series of data of the CPI are based on internationally accepted statistical procedure. Each of this series is follow the recommended classification contained in the United Nations System of National Account (SNA), 1968 that must be followed by every country in measuring CPI. The most commonly methods or formula that been use to analyze and collect the data of CPI is Laspeyres, which is based on the item that are locally consumed reflecting the spending habits of average citizen. The items then been includ e in the Consumer Price Index is usually a necessity product or the product or services that been continuously used by the consumer. In prior 2006 the goods and services were classified according to Classification of Household Goods and Services (CHGS) with the nine main group which is Food, Beverage and Tobacco, Clothing and Footwear, Gross Rent Fuel Power, Furniture and Furnishing Household Equipment and Operation, Transportation and Communication, Recreation Entertainment Education and Cultural Services, and lastly is Miscellaneous goods and services. These baskets of consumer product have been changes from CHGS to COICOP (Classification of Individual Consumption According to purpose) in year 2006 until now and the additional group of product has been change to twelve which is Alcohol and Non-Alcohol Food and Drink and Routine Household Maintenance, others are remained constant. 1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY This study conducted to examine what is the causal relationship between economic variable and Malaysian CPI. The main purpose of this research is to reveal the relationship of economic variables impact towards the CPI for the last five years. The consumer price Index or CPI is the general and major indicator that explained the changes in retail price paid by the household for goods and services. CPI measures the changes in the general level of prices of a fixed basket of goods and services which represents the items which are normally consumed by an average household in Malaysia with reference to the base period. The CPI is designed to provide a broad measure of changes in retail prices experienced by Malaysian households as a group and should not be expected to exactly reflect the experience of any individual household. Therefore it will keep changes depending on the many factors that will influence it. The economic variable that been research in this study is inflation rate, Exchan ge rate, Palm oil, Money Supply and also Consumer Price Index. This research wants to reveal what is the variable that will have the relationship with Consumer price Index. Although the existing research provides some support links between the economic variable and CPI there is need for additional research. 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT Consumer Price index is one of the major indicator in one country because of ità ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s explained the average general price of consumer product in that country. This is important because of its related with the efficiency of the country in managing the price of the consumer product that will remain changes from time to time. Therefore it is very important to understand what exactly the factors that lead to the change on the CPI and the methods to control the changes. It is not good if a country have a higher consumer price index compare to the average household income, it means that the household have a constraint in spending their money towards necessity product. Thus, in this research the main point is to know which economic variables that will give an impact towards the consumer product and the efficiency of the variable influence the CPI. 1.3 RESEARCH QUESTION In this study, there are several research questions that has been developed regarding the problem statement occurred. The research question of this research is: 1.3.1 To find out the current condition of the Consumer Price Index 1.3.2 To find out the reason the fluctuation of Consumer Price Index 1.3.3 To identified the effect of the economic variable towards the consumer price Index 1.3.4 To find out the consequences of the impact towards the country and household. 1.3.5 To list the ways to overcome a large fluctuation of the Consumer Price Index. 1.4 OBJECTIVE OF STUDY Several studies on CPI found that it is a common view that every country has a fluctuation on the Consumer Price Index. However, it cannot be denied that some of the economic variable will impact the fluctuation of CPI and it are been prove by the past research that been found in the abroad study. Therefore the main purpose of this study is to know the impact of the economic variable that been used as a variables towards the Consumer Price Index. 1.5 SIGNIFICANT OF THE STUDY There are several others factors that lead to the fluctuation or changes on the consumer Price Index such as political decision making, political stability, and a government decision development plan. In this study we just only want to research on the economic variable that would give a huge impact towards the CPI, compare to the others economic variables and the significant of the impact. 1.6 SCOPE OF STUDY The scope of this study would cover the consumer price product in Malaysia and the significant changes of the consumer product price. Next, this study also cover some of the economic variable that been choose as independent variables. The time horizon used in this study is single cross sectional where the economic variables may come from consumer price index (CPI), interest rate, foreign exchange, Money supply and palm oil. 1.7 LIMITATION OF STUDY Time constraint has been encountered ever since the study has been started at the early semester 2011 until April 2011 therefore its difficulty in order to distribute questionnaire and have a respondent and get a feedback on CPI. The study has been done by using the data that been collected and also the recent past supporting journal that have been done. This study is based on the data collected from the secondary sources and also the primary resources. The data been collected from the beginning January of the year 2005 until December end 2010. The time period of this research is for the 5 years. 1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS 1.8.1 CPI CPI volumes represent the Consumer Price Index which is the average general price of consumer product that been group in Malaysia. 1.8.2 Inflation rate The rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising, and, subsequently, purchasing power is falling 1.8.3 Exchange Rate The price of one countrys currency expressed in another countrys currency. In other words, the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another 1.8.4 Money Supply The entire quantity of bills, coins, loans, credit and other liquid instruments in a countrys economy. 1.8.5 Palm oil Palm oil is the current price of the Palm Oil in countries. 1.9 SUMMARY Consumer price index is one of the major indicator that been see in evaluate the condition of one country. There are a few other indicator that can been use to evaluate one country such as the criminal cases, population, economic and others variable but the most preferable indicators is CPI because its related with the consumer which is the customer and price which is resources and leads to the revenue. So it is important to control CPI simultaneously with the household income because of its have a negative correlations. This study will examine the impact of economic variable towards the CPI. Few economic variables are taken to test whether there are any significant correlation between the dependent and independent variables. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY AND DATA 3.0 INTRODUCTION The objectives of this study are to find the correlation between the economic variables and impact towards the consumer price index. Specifically, this study is determined which variable is have a huge impact towards the movement of the CPI. Therefore by doing this research we can exactly get the true information on the movement of the consumer price index rather than make assumption based on the own ideology. To achieve the objective of study, several test have been use to get the result of the variable. Example of the test that wants to be done is T-Test, F à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ Test and Multiple Regressions. The test has been choosing because of it will give a clear and transparent view on the result and its uncomplicated compared to others test that more complicated. This test also have been supported by the hypothesis based on the understanding on the issued that been research or discuss. The hypothesis is the early assumption on the result that will happens at the end of the stud y. 3.1 DATA COLLECTION Data concerning on the historical of CPI and the economic variables were gathered to see whether there are any correlation between the dependent and all those independent variables. The secondary data will be collected from the past recent journal regarding this study. The study or research have been develop by the foreign people or country, but the variable is not the same but still similar. The journal that been used is only for support the consumer price index situation. 3.2 SAMPLING FRAME To secure an acceptable result, this study decided to use 5 economic variables from others economic variables and the data is collected for 5 years and in monthly basis. 3.3 SOURCES OF DATA The data on the dependent variables CPI was collected from the Malaysian Department of Statistic and the data are updated until December 2010 which is on the current updated. The data is in Malaysian Ringgit (RM). Next for the independent variables the data are been collected from the DataStream which is for Inflation Rate in percentage (%), Exchange rate in Malaysian ringgit (RM), Money Supply in Malaysian Ringgit (RM), and lastly for the palm oil is still in the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). The data have been collected from January 2005 until December 2010 and by using monthly data basis. 3.4 VARIABLES AND MEASUREMENT The variables used in this study can be categorized into two main types which are the dependent and the independent variables. 3.4.1 Dependent Variables The dependent variable for this study is the Consumer Price Index which will be measured in terms of average general level of price that been group under COICOP. 3.4.2 Independent Variables For this study, there are four independent variables that will be measured. There is the inflation rate, exchange rate, Money Supply and Palm Oil 3.5 RESEARCH DESIGN This research is designed to explore the relationship between dependent and independent variables. In this study, it engages in hypotheses testing that will explain the certain significant correlations between economic variables and the decision of going public. 3.5.1 Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to determine the causal relationships between economic variable and CPI or want to know the impact of the economic variable towards the CPI. 3.5.2 Types of Investigation This study involved the correlation types of investigation which is want s to investigation the relationship between the variables whether have a strong relationship, semi strong relationship, weak relationship and lastly is no relationship with the variables. 3.5.3 Unit of Analysis In this study, Consumer Price Index, Exchange Rate, Inflation rate, Money Supply, Palm Oil Price. 3.5.4 Time Horizon This study will use monthly basis data from year January 2005 until December 2010 THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK There is a classical theory that explained the high correlation between the economic variable factors influence the fluctuation of the Consumer Price Index Dependent variable: Consumer Price index Independent variables: Inflation rate, exchange rate, Money Supply and Palm Oil Price. Figure 1: Schematic Diagram (Relationship Diagram) Inflation Rate Independent Dependent Consumer Price Index Exchange Rate Money Supply Palm oil Price According to the schematic diagram above, it can be elaborated that the Consumer Price Index are determine by the inflation rate, Exchange Rate, Money Supply and Palm Oil Price. 3.6 DATA ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT The statistical tools use in the study is Multiple Linear Regression Model. This model of analysis is done to examine the simultaneous effects of several independent variables on a dependent variable that is interval scaled. In other used since is can explain the correlation between the dependent and independent variable. By using this correlation we can identify which variable will affect most on the dependent variable. This equation is one of the method that easier to use and understand. Multiple Linear Regression Model: (Equation 1) Where; Y = Dependent variable which represent Consumer Price Index = The constant number of equation = Independent variable which represent Inflation Rate = Independent variable which represent Exchange Rate = Independent variable which represent Money Supply = Independent variable which represent Palm Oil Price = Error 3.7 HYPOTHESIS STATEMENT Consumer Price Index movement can be influenced by many factors. The changes in these CPI may significantly change the spending of consumer and household. The consumer price index may also be effect by others external factors that canà ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢t be measures by using the data as an example political, government plan , and criminal cases that are happens and increase from time to time. Thus, there is important to make the hypothesis before makes a research and construct a finding. This hypothesis is bringing a general assumption the impact of the economic variables towards the consumer price index. Hypothesis 1 H0: inflation rate is a main contributor of the increasing in oil price. Hypothesis 2 H0: exchange rate is not a main contributor to the changes in general level of price. Hypothesis 3 H0: Money supply also a contributor to the movement of the Consumer Price Index level. Hypothesis 4 H0: Palm Oil is not a main contributor to the changes in average level of consumer price Index. 3.8 SUMMARY In the nutshell, this chapter will provide the research design that will be used in this study. The study aims to determine the relationship between economic variable factors and the consumer price index. This research will be done in accordance to the objective where to know whether there is any significant relationship between the economic variable factors with the average general price of CPI. This information will perhaps can be used by the household, private and public sector, for them to make a plan in the current general consumer price Index. Since study focuses on the data from 2005 until 2010, if would give a better picture on the movement of the historical CPI until current price influence by positive relation economic factors.

Human Genome Project :: essays research papers

Human Genome Project   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scientists are taking medical technology to new heights as they race to map all of the genes in our body. There are about 100,000, in the 23 chromosomes of the human body. In doing this they hope that they can understand the basis of the genes and maybe even develop methods of treating certain genetic diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Muscular Dystrophy. The scientists identify the DNA sequence of someone with the disease and then compare it to a person without the disease. By doing this they can recognize which gene is abnormal and causes the disease. This entire process is called the â€Å"Human Genome Project† and is being done in more than 200 laboratories, with more and more labs joining each year. Most of these labs are located in France and the United States. The project started in 1990 and was predicted to take 15 years and cost $3 billion. It costs the United States about $200 million per year. The $200 million per year has only covered abou t 60% of the annual need. This has created some funding problems for the project. On the brighter side the project has made huge steps in gene mapping and continues to improve every year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Researchers have successfully located the gene and the DNA sequence that causes Huntington’s Disease. It is located on Chromosome 4. Scientists have created a genetic test, which can determine whether someone carries these genes or DNA pattern. Every child of someone with Huntington’s Disease has a 50% chance of inheriting the gene, which then inevitably leads to the disease. Because of the high amounts of money it costs for treatment of this disease insurance companies see this test as an opportunity to screen potential clients for the probability of such diseases. This would allow them to deny certain people insurance if they are at high risk. This puts the people being screen in a position where they might not be able to receive treatment for their illnesses because they won’t be able to get insurance. This is morally wrong and also violates the patients right to privacy. This information must be safeguarded from insurance companies so they will not be able to discriminate against someone with â€Å"bad genes†. These actions also bring up several ethical questions. â€Å"Does genetic testing constitute an invasion of privacy, and would it cause discrimination against those born with genetic deficiencies?

Acupuncture as a nonconventional chronic neck pain treatment Essay

Acupuncture as a nonconventional chronic neck pain treatment Introduction Abstract   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic neck pain is an ailment that is characterized by pain in the neck that lasts for a period of more than three months. It is usually different from common medical conditions of neck pains that last for only days. In most occasions, chronic neck pain is an ailment that may even take years without success in its treatment, particularly in the mainstream medical practices. Research assert that chronic neck pain is usually associated with a number of disorders, as well as diseases that can involve any of the tissues around the neck. The study was carried out to fully analyze the effectiveness of acupuncture in the reduction of chronic neck pain, and also to examine whether the possible effects attributed to the therapy are long lasting. The data used in this study was collected through specified procedures to ensure credibility of the results in regard to the use of acupuncture in health care to provide a remedy for chronic neck pain in both short and long term basis. Using a well-structured methodology to guide the research patients were carefully analyzed in regard to the various methods of acupuncture to determine the respective effectiveness of each method. Further, a thorough analysis of the data collected is subsequently discussed showcasing the viability of the medical alternative. Lastly, recommendations for further research of acupuncture as an ideal treatment for individuals with chronic pain of the neck is well provided in this paper. See more: Social process essay   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Research indicate that acupuncture as a recognized nonconventional alternative for chronic neck pain that is increasingly becoming popular across the world. Acupuncture therapy is among world widely known health care procedures that is used to treat over 30 health conditions and diseases, with a major emphasize of relieving pain to different ailments. One of the main uses of acupuncture is to relieve pain, hence it is one of effective remedies for chronic neck pains. Research has for a long time hinted on the benefits of acupuncture for relief of chronic neck pain, as well as other body pains such as chronic shoulder pain, migraines and osteoarthritis among others(Blossfeldt 2004, p. 146). Researchers have provided data from over 30 high quality studies involving more than 18,000 patients with different chronic pains. As a nonconventional remedy for different pains, acupuncture is commonly used in different methods, providing flexibility i n its treatment procedures, as well as a provider of choice for patients who opt to use acupuncture as a remedy for chronic neck pain(Salter et al, 2004, p 10).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Further, researchers assert that although acupuncture is increasingly being used for various conditions including chronic neck pain treatment, the evidence of its effectiveness remains inconclusive. This indicates that there is a need for a further well designed research. With the use of a variety of methods or options on the use of acupuncture to relieve pain, there is also a need to establish the key features required for the design, as well as implementation of larger scale trial on acupuncture for neck pain. Acupuncture is believed to decrease pain by enhancing the release of the chemicals responsible for blocking pain, commonly referred to as endorphins(Liang et al, 2010, p. 8). Most of the acu-points are usually found near the nerves. In this regard, when stimulated, the nerves cause a dull ache, a feeling of fullness in the patient’s muscle. The stimulated muscle then sends a message to central nervous system subsequently cau sing a release of endorphins. These are crucial elements in the human body that are automatically released to modify the nerve impulses, hence reducing or nullifying the effect of pain to the patient.The endorphins together with other neurotransmitters subsequently block the message of pain from being taken up to the brain, hence a relief to the patient(Blossfeldt 2004, p. 146). Acupuncture may be used as a reliable treatment for chronic neck,and therefore, should be included as a part of an extensive and comprehensive pain management programs for relieving pain in patients.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The scope of this paper is to ascertain the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic neck pain. The paper seeks to understand the role played by the various methods of acupuncture that are used to relieve pain for patients ailing from neck pains. Shallow, Sham and randomized acupuncture therapies are well explained in regard to their role in relieving pain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lastly, the main purpose of this study is to establish the use of acupuncture in individuals with chronic pain of the neck. The paper focuses to establish the effectiveness of three acupuncture therapies used as alternative medical conventions to relieve pain. Additionally, the study proposes to explain both the short term and long term effects of acupuncture therapies in the treatment of chronic neck pain. To establish the viability of acupuncture therapies in the treatment of chronic neck pain. To understand how sham, shallow and randomized acupuncture therapies are utilized in the treatment of chronic neck pain. To provide a conclusive evidence of the success of acupuncture as an ideal method of relieving pain. To establish the effects of the three acupuncture therapies in the treatment of individuals with chronic pain of the neck. To offer recommendation of the viability of acupuncture as a treatment option that can be used by people with chronic neck pains. Basic approach to acupuncture as a nonconventional chronic neck pain treatment   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The use of acupuncture as an alternative chronic neck pain treatment is based on the medical understanding of the specific elements responsible for alienating pain or sending messages of pain to the brain. The study of acupuncture is based on the thought that decrease or alienation of pain can be enhanced by releasing the chemicals responsible for blocking pain, referred to as endorphins. Most of the acu-points are usually found near the nerves(Liang et al, 2012, p. 8). The approach of this study is based on the understanding that, when stimulated, the nerves cause a dull ache, a feeling of fullness in the patient’s muscle. The stimulated muscle then sends a message to central nervous system subsequently causing a release of endorphins. These are crucial elements in the human body that are automatically released to modify the nerve impulses hence reducing or nullifying the effect of pain to the patient(Willich et al, 2006, p. 98). T he endorphins, as well as other neurotransmitters, subsequently block the message of pain from being taken up to the brain, hence a relief to the patient. The findings of this study will pin point out how the alienation of pain is conversely connected to the various elements thought to treat people suffering from chronic neck pains. Basic Background information   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Acupuncture used in the modern day alternative treatment for pain is a branch of a traditional Chinese medicine practice. It is a practice that has historically been tired, and equally tested as a health care practice that has in practice for thousands of years, particularly in China and South East Asia. For centuries, acupuncture has been gradually developed, tested and researched, as well as refined over many centuries giving out a complex, and rather detailed understanding of the energetic balance of the human body. The first known record of Chinese Medicine was a book, the classic of Internal Medicine of Yellow Emperor, which dates back to between the 1st century BC and the 1st century AD(Sun et al, 2009, p. 850). It is essential to acknowledge that all the styles of acupuncture found in the modern day health care practices trace their roots to this particular text.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Without the help of the modern day scientific equipment, scholars from the Ancient China discovered many aspects of biomedical science, like the effect of emotional stress on an individual’s immune system. The traditional acupuncturists were not less scientific or sophisticated that it is the case with the western clinicians with their understanding of the functioning of the body, although the contemporary acupunctural practices depict that of the culture and historic origin of the Chinese medicine. The traditional Chinese medicine has vividly remained in the shadow of the western medicine, until a certain period between 1934 and 1935, where the without drugs sick and wounded faced death. It was the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine, which generally used acupuncture and other several traditional treatment methods(Witt 2004, p. 99). From this point, the traditional and western medicines started to be practicing side to sid e in China. In the contemporary, the practice has gained popularity across different region of the world. More people with chronic pains, where it is primarily being used to treat such case, as it with the alienation chronic neck pain. Methods Population   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The research data collected in this study focused on patients suffering from chronic neck pain. The individuals used in the research fell within the age of 21 and 55 years old. Although there are many patients who report about neck pain ailments in different health care facilities across the United States, patients with the age of 21 and 55 years old were ideal for a research. This is due to the fact that they are easier to track their progress of healing over a longer period of time. Elderly patients over the age of 55 years are not best placed in this research considering the various attributes in the healing processes of such people, which is proven to be relatively lower. Most of the data about individuals with chronic pain of the necks was randomly collected in health care facilities in the State of California, United States. The majority of these patients was diagnosed with chronic neck pain and were put under a special focus while t hree acupuncture methods of therapies were performed(Witt 2004, p. 99). The study generally involved a thorough investigation of 191 patients in California’s health care. It is important to acknowledge that the various patients were deliberately initiated to acupuncture treatment as their decision to try the alternative medical practice after allegedly failed treatments in the mainstream medical procedures.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   There were certainly no limitation on the sex of the patients, hence the research involved both male and female patients. Additionally, there were no specified number of male or females in the study, as patients, as treatment and progress of treatment of patients was randomly taken. Further, it was assumed that both male and female patients presented similar responses to the different acupuncture therapies performed in the study(Sun et al, 2009, p. 850). The research was also not limited by either ethnicity or race, although believed to have different characteristics in regard to various medical procedures. Variable and Delimitations   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The dependent variables in this study included the neck pain as an ailment caused by various aspects such as physical injury and disease or condition among others. The rates of cases involving chronic neck pains during the period of this study was generally unprecedented as the causes of such ailments greatly varied. Chronic neck pain among the patients varied in regard to the specific causes, which in this case included degenerative disc disease, neck injury, neck strain, herniated disc as well as pinched neck(Sun et al, 2009, p. 850). The first step in the treatment procedure involved a thorough diagnosis of common neck infections that caused the chronic pain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The key delimitations were based on neck pain due to common infection like virus infection of the neck and lymph nope swelling, as well as other infections such as tuberculosis of the neck, meningitis, and infection of spine bones around the neck.The different patients involved in this study had chronic neck pains attributed to extremely different causes, which included physical injuries, some rare infections, and virus infections among others(Witt 2004, p. 99). The patients with this problem are generally taken through the three acupuncture therapies, regardless of the cause of their condition(Hush 2004, p. 1533). The fact that all patients are uniformly taken into similar medical procedures without being categorized in relation to their specific cause of chronic neck pain remain as the greatest delimitating attribute of this research. Search Criteria   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The key terms I commonly used while searching for the relevant articles included: chronic neck pain, cervical pain types of acupuncture, alternative medicine, sham acupuncture, Shallow acupuncture and randomized acupuncture. Short statements were also useful in searching for relevant information about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain. These statements included: Alternative treatment of chronic pain, use of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic neck pain, and the acupuncture methods used in the treatment of chronic neck pain(Witt 2004, p. 99). I thoroughly searched in various databases for article that provided information for patients suffering from chronic neck pains, specifically those individuals between the age of 21 and 55 years old. I further categorized the data collected to form two groups of patients of the age bracket of 21 and 34 years and those between 35 and 55 years old. The creation of these two grou ps was essential as taking a wider range of people of ages 21 to 55 years old would present relatively a higher deviation in the healing processes of the patients, as those above the age of 35 years present a much longer period of healing as compared to the youthful 21 to 34 years group. I also focused my research on the following: MasterFile Premier, ALT Healthwatch, US National Library of Medicine, BioMed central. Chronic Neck Pain   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic neck pain is an ailment that is characterized by pain in the neck that lasts for an unusually long period of time, commonly over a period of three months. Although different from the common medical conditions of neck pains that last for only days, chronic neck pain is typically an ailment that takes even years without success in its treatment in the mainstream medical practices. Chronic neck pain is usually associated with a number of disorders, as well as diseases that can involve any of the tissues around the neck(Witt 2004, p. 99). For instance, the common causes of this condition are strains of the neck, injury of the neck like a herniated disc, pinched disc, or whiplash, and degenerative disc disease. In addition, chronic neck pain is also linked to common infection like virus infection of the neck and lymph nope swelling, as well as other infections such as tuberculosis of the neck, meningitis, and infection of spine bones ar ound the neck. Some patients also had chronic neck pains caused by extremely different causes, which include physical injuries, some rare infections, and virus infections among others. Further, chronic neck pain is also caused by certain infections like virus infection of the neck and lymph nope swelling, as well as other infections such as tuberculosis of the neck, meningitis, and infection of spine bones around the neck. Risk Factors   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic neck pain is generally caused by numerous factors ranging from physical injury to certain infections around the neck body tissues. Since neck pain affects the muscles around the body areas of the neck, it becomes painful to move the neck as it is usually painful. The risk factors for pain usually include injury from involvement in motor vehicle accidents, horse rising, contact sports and bull riding among others(De Loose, 2008, p. 475). In order to avoid or to prevent neck pains for the patients, it is always essential to consider staying away from activities may twist the neck and subsequently aggravate the already painful section of the neck(Witt 2004, p. 99). In addition, it is also advisable to have activities that will enhance neck strengthening exercise, as well as neck bracing. Types of acupuncture used in the treatment of chronic neck pain Optimized acupuncture therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Optimized acupuncture therapy in the treatment of chronic neck pain involves the utilization of traditional acupuncture, which is usually followed by intradermal needle therapy, commonly referred to as INT(Hush 2004, p. 1533). The use of OAT usually consists of the use of nine acupuncture points typically selected for an optimized acupuncture therapy group on the advice and consensus of the national expert committee of the OAT procedures. In this case, four points are subsequently located by physician intending to perform the OAT. The points selected are usually the cervical positive reactions planes found in the top and bottom of the cervical planes as well as horizontally away from the corresponding cervical vertebra(Witt 2004, p. 99). This type of acupuncture practice is highly sensitive and usually need to be performed by an individual with more than five of practice experiences. Sham acupuncture therapy   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sham acupuncture therapy involves the use of skin penetrating shallow needles on the specified sham groups’ tender points.The tender points that are used in this method of acupuncture therapy are categorized as the key areas recommended for the acupuncture, which are the Ah Shee, also referred to as â€Å"oh yes point†. The points are crucial in this therapy and have to be used throughout the treatment procedure. Typically, the location of sham points is commonly defined by 25mm lateral extending to the standard location used for the OAT group.They include: the sham point of Dazhui (GV14) 25mm, which is 25 mm vertically below the usual standard GV14, sham points of (S115) Jianzhongshu and Huatuojiaji, which is 25 mm lateral to standard S115 (Liang et al, 8).After the sham acupuncture, individuals undergoing the process or patients are treated through the use of point pressing (De Loose, 2008, p. 475). Shallow acupuncture therapy Shallow acupuncture group undergoes similar procedures as the other OAT groups.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   However, the physicians are required to insert the needles in a vertical manner in order to reach the subcutaneous level at a specified depth of not more than 3 mm (Salter et al, 2004). Needle manipulation or any other sensation is prohibited in this particular group. Ultimately, after the shallow acupuncture, the patients are additionally treated by INT through the use of a similar method as in the other OAT groups. Physiotherapy versus acupuncture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Zhuang (2012) compares the use of acupuncture and physiotherapy in the treatment of chronic neck pain in a research that took place in China. The research involved screening of a total of 310 patients. The patients were then randomly split into two equal groups, where one group was treated using acupuncture method, while the other group received treatment through physiotherapy. The outcome of the treatment of the two procedures revealed that patients treated under acupuncture procedures had better results in relieving neck pain, particularly after a period of three months.It is essential to acknowledge that physiotherapy is an alternative medical practice that can be used in the treatment of chronic neck pain. While acupuncture therapies generally used sterilizes needles that are usually inserted in the area around the neck depending on the type of acupuncture used, physiotherapy does not involve the use of needles. Physiotherapy utilizes several types of manipulation as well as exercise to relieve pain. The common illustration of the use of physiotherapy is the stretch, strengthen and straighten up exercise movements of the neck. Adverse event and acupuncture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   White (2001) researched about the adverse events following a use of acupuncture to treat patients with chronic neck pain. In his survey, which included a prospective survey of 32,000 consultations with physiotherapists and doctors, the researcher, Adrian White aimed at ascertaining the incidence of adverse events that are related to acupuncture treatment, as practiced by British doctors during that time. The research utilized data that were collected for the June of 1998 to February of 2000, from a total of 78 acupuncturists. Altogether the resulting significant events were 43, subsequently giving only a rate of only 14 patients of the 10,000 patients included in the data. The results of this study showed that only 0.14 percent of the patients who used acupuncture in the treatment of chronic pain experience adverse events. All the adverse events were reported to have had cleared within the period of one week after the therapy. Similar dimi nishing events were characterized at a longer period, except foronly one incident that lasted for several weeks. The result derived from the data of acupuncture treatment did not report any serious adverse events. The rates can only be classified as minimal considering that it was only 14 adverse effects out of the total 10,000 patients who were analyzed with the data provided. Generally, these event rates do not give significant risk per individual patient. Physician views on acupuncture   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The article by Chen, L. et al., (2010), offers exclusive views on acupuncture given by various physicians. The research by Chen among other authors who contributed to the article, there study targets collecting information that addresses the role of acupuncture in the management of pain in regard to opinions of physicians who manage such conditions. The research was conducted between 2007 and 2008 using a nationwide e-mail to 1083 physicians who were in active acupuncture practice in the United States. Chan et al., (2010) found that the overwhelmingly majority of the responders of the survey had a positive attitude and favorable experience of the use of acupuncture as an alternative modality in the management of chronic pain. The results of the survey subsequently indicate that acupuncture is considered effective by physicians in the management of chronic neck pain. Discussion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Chronic neck pain commonly occur as a result of a number of disorders, and diseases that in involve any of the tissues around the neck (Witt 2004, p. 99). The risk factors of this condition have also been linked tothe strains of the neck, injury of the neck such as the herniated disc, pinched disc, or whiplash, and degenerative disc disease. Additionally, chronic neck pain is also associated with to common infection like virus infection of the neck and lymph nope swelling, as well as other infections such as tuberculosis of the neck, meningitis, and infection of spine bones around the neck. Further, chronic neck pain is also found to be caused other different causes, which include physical injuries, some rare infections, and virus infections among others. Moreover, chronic neck pain is also caused by certain infections like virus infection of the neck and lymph nope swelling, as well as other infections such as tuberculosis of the neck, me ningitis, and infection of spine bones around the neck. Despite the different causes of the chronic neck pain, the use of acupuncture has subsequently been showcased as an ideal alternative medical procedure towards the treatment of this condition. The research shows that the three types of acupuncture are equally ideal in providing effective treatment for neck pain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Although I extensively performed research on a wide range of databases, there are some articles that may have been missed out. Since I was individually conducting this research alone, it is possible that the large number of crucial articles were subsequently overlooked. In addition, there are many external factors that could have influenced the entire result of the use of acupuncture as an ideal treatment for chronic neck pain. The majority of studies slightly differs in a number of issues such as data collected, population, or any of combinations of these factors. White (2001) preciselyresearched about the adverse events following a use of acupuncture to treat patients with chronic neck pain, with an extreme number of respondents. Chen, L. et al., (2010), had a relatively smaller number of responders, and also had collection of data to be collected only through email in his research on the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of chronic pain in the neck. These are some of the factors that were out of the scope of the research, hence determining the effectiveness of acupuncture was difficult, since the aspect of effectiveness could easily be isolated from some external factors.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The analysis of the specific information provided by the studies of the literature review of this research paper indicate that either of the three methods of acupuncture can effectively treat the chronic neck pain. The procedural practice of sham, shallow and optimized acupuncture, though different, they present similar way of performing the acupuncture therapy, equally offering effective treatment for chronic neck pain. Liang et al, (2012) asserts that the three types of acupuncture to be based on the thought that decrease or alienation of pain can be enhanced by releasing the chemicals responsible for blocking pain. Issues of age in the study have been considered as the research only focused on individuals between 21 years old and 55 years, as they are likely to have a faster period of healing as compared to adult elderly groups of more than 55 years old. Generally, the use of acupuncture is illustrated as effective as it has previously been used to treat patients with chronic neck pain.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The loopholes evident in the research include the possibility of a prior knowledge in determining the differences that may emerge upon consideration for gender in the treatment program. In the entire study, there is no single explanation of the ratio of females against the males in finding out the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment procedures. The study focused on a general perspective of patients with chronic neck pain regardless of their respective sex or gender. The knowledge of the differences that exist between males and females could have some effects on the understanding the use of acupuncture. In addition, the paper did not focus on the causes of the various neck pain, which could also compromise the results of the study, considering that such plans are typically attributed to a wide variety of causes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Topics that can be considered for further research are establishing the element of gender in determining the effectiveness of acupuncture while treating chronic neck problem. The various studies illustrated in the research paper did not point out the importance of understanding differences in the healing process of male and female patients with chronic neck pain. I suggest a study be conducted with a major emphasis on the aspect of gender differences between patients in order to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for neck pain in male and female patients. If this study is conducted, it will be possible to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment between male and female patients within the same health condition of chronic neck pain. References Blossfeldt, P. (2004). Acupuncture for Chronic neck pain: a cohort study in an NHS pain Clinic.22(3): 146-151. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15551941Chen, L., Houghton, M., Seefeld, L., Malarick, C. & Mao. Jianren. (2010). A Survey of SelectedPhysician Views on Acupuncture in Pain Management. 11(4), 530-534 Salter, G.C, Roman, M., Bland, M. J & MacPherson, H. (2006). Acupuncture for chronic pain: apilot for randomized controlled trial. 7(1): 3-14 . Retrieved fromhttp://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/7/99 Liang, Z. H., Di, Z., Jiang, S., Xu, S. J., Zhu, X. P., Fu, W,. & Lu, A. P. (2012). The optimizedacupuncture treatment for neck pain caused by cervical spondylosis: a study protocol of amulticenter randomized controlled trial. 13(1): 2-18 . Retrieved fromhttp://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22776567 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2013). neck pain. Retrieved from http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00231Chen, L., Houghton, M., Seefeld, L., Malarick, C., & Mao, J. (2010). a survey of selected physician views on acupuncture in pain management. Pain Medicine, 11(4), 530-534. Retrieved from SPORTDiscus. De Loose, V., Burnotte, F., Cagnie, B., Stevens, V., & Van Tiggelen, D. (2008). Prevalence and risk factors of neck pain in military office workers. Military Medicine, 173(5), 474-479. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. Hush, J. M., Michaleff, Z., Maher, C. G., & Refshauge, K. (2009). Individual, physical and psychological risk factors for neck pain in Australian office workers: a 1-year longitudinal study. European Spine Journal, 18(10), 1532-1540. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. Irnich, D., Behrens, N., Gleditsch, J. M., Stà ¶r, W., Schreiber, M. A., Schà ¶ps, P., & †¦ Beyer, A. (2002). Immediate effects of dry needling and acupuncture at distant points in chronic neck pain: results of a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled crossover trial. Pain (03043959), 99(1/2), 83. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. Ji-Eun, P., Myeong Soo, L., Jun-Yong, C., Bo-Young, K., & Sun-Mi, C. (2010). Adverse Events Associated with Acupuncture: A Prospective Survey. Journal Of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 16(9), 959-963. Retrieved by Academic Search Premier. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. (2012). Acupuncture: an introduction. Retrieved from http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/introduction.htmNational Institutes of Health. (2013). neck pain. Retreived from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003025.htmRobertshawe, P. (2008). acupuncture and physiotherapy for neck tension. Journal Of The Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, 14(3), 187. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. Sun, M., Hsieh, C., Cheng, Y., Hung, H., Li, T., Yen, S., & Huang, I. (2010). The therapeutic effects of acupuncture on patients or individuals with chronic neck myofascial pain syndrome:: a single-blind randomized controlled trial. American Journal Of Chinese Medicine, 38(5), 849-859. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. Vas, J., Perea-Milla, E., Mà ©ndez, C., Navarro, C., Leà ³n Rubio, J., Brioso, M., & Obrero, I. (2006). Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic uncomplicated neck pain: A randomised controlled study. Pain (03043959), 126(1-3), 245-255. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier. White, A. (2001). Adverse events following acupuncture: prospective survey of 32,000 consultations with doctors and physiotherapists. 10(1), 3-14 Retrieved from BMJ Research Articles Willich, S. N., Reinhold, T., Selim, D., Jena, S., Brinkhaus, B., & Witt, C. M. (2006). 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Publishing and Crowdfunding with Publishizer

Publishing and Crowdfunding with Publishizer Crowdfunding is the perfect medium for today’s author raising funds for marketing and publishing expenses. But there is a hybrid alternative to straight crowdfunding. Instead of querying multiple publishers on their own, authors can raise funds on a platform like Publishizer that also matches authors with publishers based on pre-order milestones of their book. After doing much research, I chose  Publishizer  over  Kickstarter,  Indiegogo  and a number of hybrid crowdfunding/publishing sites such as  Inkshares  for one main reason: the idea of matching authors to publishers. I didn’t want to send multiple emails to publishers. I wanted them to come to me based on the merit of my proposal. All I needed to do was demonstrate proof of concept of the book Having gone through the experience growing my platform With Publishizer, you write a proposal outlining your book’s marketing plan for approval. You not only set a date to launch your campaign, but you also reach out to readers for pre-orders. The number of pre-orders lets Publishizer know that you are a serious writer and that there’s a following out there willing to buy the book. Then Publishizer queries publishers on your behalf based on number of pre-orders signed up Throughout the campaign, I worried whether I could even reach the 250 pre-order milestone needed to attract an indie/independent publisher, my ideal publishing goal. Acquiring 250 pre-orders takes endurance and stamina! To help me stay accountable, Guy Vincent, founder of Publishizer and his team set up weekly strategy calls (at no extra charge) via Skype and Zoom calls. They are big on helping you think outside the box in terms of getting supporters and talking about your book to sponsors to increase your marketability. Since I had an already established fan base, I reached out to those supporters first – most of whom supported this second crowdfunding campaign. I held contests, offered enticing rewards, did giveaways on social media, did several Facebook live videos, shared milestone updates – in short I built a lot of book buzz. At the end of the intense, three-month campaign, Sand and Steel: The Spiritual Journey Home was queried to 98 publishers thanks to 253 preorders that also included a very generous sponsor, growing my platform and fan base Out of the seventeen publishers who expressed interest, I ended up signing a contract with Mascot Books who, from the start, resonated very strongly with the themes and messages of my memoir about what it means to find a home in the United States as a returning American struggling with Reverse Culture Shock. It was a perfect match. Like publishing, the crowdfunding world is changing, and Publishizer is matching reputable publishers with authors like myself who otherwise, would not have known about these publishers.