Economic Trend in Countries Like Ireland, Malaysia, Essay

Economic Trend in Countries Like Ireland, Malaysia, - Essay Example an Institute of Economic Research, such corrective measures have led to an increase in most of the consumer product prices, thus raising the cost of living. Such a situation is giving inflation an upper hand, especially with issues revolving around the cost-push and demand-pull factors being on the rise. In a report made by the Department of Statistics of Malaysia, there was a noticed expansion in the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the 2013 fourth quarter. There is a sense of growth in Malaysia because it is demonstrating to be an economic pace-setter in the Asian region. The table below shows the GDP growth rate of Malaysia since 2010, expressed as a percentage. From the table, it is very clear that the last quarter in the year 2013 recorded an improvement of 2.4% from the previous quarter that was at 1.9%. However, TradingEconomics.com records that the total growth rate in 2013 fell to 5.6 from 6.4 in 2012. There is a clear indicator that Ireland’s GDP recorded a 2.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, which is due to the massive imports and a reduction in the general consumer expenditure. This is in relation to IAB Treasury Economic Research as shown in the chart below. The Economic and Social Research Institute confirms that there are many investment opportunities in Ireland. This is because there are positive trend in the machinery and equipment purchases. The statistical calculations indicate that the trend has grown by a margin of 11 percent. In addition, there is a huge growth base in the construction industry, which indicates good improvement. Regarding Ireland’s expenditure, there is a massive growth in imports (stlouisfed.org). Statistically, there is a 1.0% improvement in government spending as compared to the 2013 third quarter, which was at 4.9%. The imports show a slight improvement that is 0.8% as compared to the previous quarter, which was at 0.5%. Ireland’s expenditure had 9.8 percent in the total exports because of a

The Role of Literacy in Society Essay Example for Free

The Role of Literacy in Society Essay Adult literacy is essential to the economics of modern nations. It is crucial to individuals to have proficient literacy skills to make a difference to their prosperity. In 2003 the National Assessment of Adult Literacy used the following as a definition of literacy: using printed and written information to function in society, to achieve ones goals, and to develop ones knowledge and potential. This definition does not simply mean comprehending text it includes the range of information-processing skills that adults use in home, work and community. Literacy can be subdivided into three different categories: prose literacy, document literacy, and quantitative literacy. Prose literacy is defined as editorials, news stories, poems and fiction; these can be broken down into two categories expository prose and narrative prose. Expository prose is printed information that defines, describes, or informs. Narrative prose tells a story. Prose literacy is divided into 5 different level of learning. The first level of prose requires a person to read a short passage of text and locate a single piece of information that is identical with the information given. The second level of prose literacy requires a person to locate a single piece of information in the text, compare and contrast easily identifiable information based on criteria provided in the question, or integrate a few pieces of information, when distracters were present or when low level inferences were required. Level 3 of the prose requires a person to match literal or synonymous information in the text with that requested in the question, to integrate many pieces of information from dense or lengthy text, or to generate a response based on information that could be easily identified in the text. The fourth level requires a person to search through text and match multiple features, and to integrate multiple pieces of information from complex passages. The last level requires a person to search through text and match several features contained in dense text with a number of plausible distracters, to compare and contrast complex information, or to generate new information making high-level inferences. Document literacy is defined documents that are short forms or graphically displayed information found in everyday life. Some examples of document literacy are job applications, payroll forms, transportation schedule, etc. Document literacy is also divided up into five levels of document literacy. The first level is requires a person to locate information based on a literal match to the question or to enter information from personal knowledge into a document. The next level requires the reader to match a piece of information either when several distracters were present or when low-level inferences were required. Level 3 requires a person to integrate multiple pieces of information from one or more documents. The fourth level requires a person to perform multiple-feature matches, cycle through documents, and integrate information, all of which required high-level inferences. The fifth level requires a person to search through a complex displays that contained multiple distracters, to make high-level text-based inferences, and to use their specialized knowledge. Quantitative literacy is information that is displayed visually through graphs, charts, etc. Quantitative literacy like the other types of literacy is divided into five different levels. The first level requires a person to perform single, relatively simple arithmetic operations, such as addition, when the question included the numbers to be used and the arithmetic operation to be performed. The second level requires a person to locate numbers by matching the required information with that given, infer the necessary arithmetic operation, or perform an arithmetic operation when the tasks specified the numbers and the operation to be performed. The third level requires a person to locate numbers by matching the required information with that given, infer the necessary arithmetic operation and perform arithmetic operations on two or more numbers, or to solve a problem, when the numbers must be located in the text or document. The fourth level requires a person to perform two or more sequential arithmetic operations or a single arithmetic operation, when the quantities could be found in different displays, or when the operations had to be inferred from semantic information given or drawn from prior knowledge. The last level requires a person to perform multiple arithmetic operations sequentially, when the features of the problem had to be extracted from text; or when background knowledge was required to determine the quantities or operations needed. The relationship between economy and literacy is a crucial and well documented relationship. In a Canada study close to 50% of adults with a low literacy lived in low-income households, compared with only 8% of adults with high literacy lived in high-level incomes. This clearly shows what low literacy is capable of doing to the economy of the country. Also during that study it found that the risk of living in a household below the poverty lines is six times greater for a person that is at level one than someone that is at level four or five. It did say however the risk is significantly decreased from 50 percent to 22% if the level of literacy is increased from the first level to the second level. The other interesting fact is that women make about half of what men. This translates to all levels of literacy no matter what level of literacy it seems that women make about half of what the men make in that literacy level. If more of the population were literate it would increase the wealth of the entire nation. In conclusion it is clear that adult literacy is essential to the economics of modern nations. Many are below literacy level and these effects the economics of a country because the low literacy directly affects the wealth of an individual thus effecting countries wealth. Bibliography 1. The Value of Words: Literacy and Economic Security in Canada, Vivian Shalla and Grant Schellenberg The Centre for International Statistics Canadian Council on Social Development 2. Literacy in a thousand words. Beatriz Pont and Patrick Werquin, Education and Training Division, Directorate for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs Published: November 2000 3. Hughes, Languages and writing from class.

Construction Of Real Numbers

Construction Of Real Numbers All mathematicians know (or think they know) all about the real numbers. However usually we just accept the real numbers as being there rather than considering precisely what they are. In this project I will attempts to answer that question. We shall begin with positive integers and then successively construct the rational and finally the real numbers. Also showing how real numbers satisfy the axiom of the upper bound, whilst rational numbers do not. This shows that all real numbers converge towards the Cauchys sequence. 1 Introduction What is real analysis; real analysis is a field in mathematics which is applied in many areas including number theory, probability theory. All mathematicians know (or think they know) all about the real numbers. However usually we just accept the real numbers as being there rather than considering precisely what they are. The aim of this study is to analyse number theory to show the difference between real numbers and rational numbers. Developments in calculus were mainly made in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. Examples from the literature can be given such as the proof that Ï€ cannot be rational by Lambert, 1971. During the development of calculus in the seventeenth century the entire set of real numbers were used without having them defined clearly. The first person to release a definition on real numbers was Georg Cantor in 1871. In 1874 Georg Cantor revealed that the set of all real numbers are uncountable infinite but the set of all algebraic numbers are countable infinite. As you can see, real analysis is a somewhat theoretical field that is closely related to mathematical concepts used in most branches of economics such as calculus and probability theory. The concept that I have talked about in my project are the real number system. 2 Definitions Natural numbers Natural numbers are the fundamental numbers which we use to count. We can add and multiply two natural numbers and the result would be another natural number, these operations obey various rules. (Stirling, p.2, 1997) Rational numbers Rational numbers consists of all numbers of the form a/b where a and b are integers and that b ≠  0, rational numbers are usually called fractions. The use of rational numbers permits us to solve equations. For example; a + b = c, ad = e, for a where b, c, d, e are all rational numbers and a ≠  0. Operations of subtraction and division (with non zero divisor) are possible with all rational numbers. (Stirling, p.2, 1997) Real numbers Real numbers can also be called irrational numbers as they are not rational numbers like pi, square root of 2, e (the base of natural log). Real numbers can be given by an infinite number of decimals; real numbers are used to measure continuous quantities. There are two basic properties that are involved with real numbers ordered fields and least upper bounds. Ordered fields say that real numbers comprises a field with addition, multiplication and division by non zero number. For the least upper bound if a non empty set of real numbers has an upper bound then it is called least upper bound. Sequences A Sequence is a set of numbers arranged in a particular order so that we know which number is first, second, third etc and that at any positive natural number at n; we know that the number will be in nth place. If a sequence has a function, a, then we can denote the nth term by an. A sequence is commonly denoted by a1, a2, a3, a4†¦ this entire sequences can be written as or (an). You can use any letter to denote the sequence like x, y, z etc. so giving (xn), (yn), (zn) as sequences We can also make subsequence from sequences, so if we say that (bn) is a subsequence of (an) if for each n∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ we get; bn = ax for some x ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ and bn+1 = by for some y ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ and x > y. We can alternatively imagine a subsequence of a sequence being a sequence that has had terms missing from the original sequence for example we can say that a2, a4 is a subsequence if a1, a2, a3, a4. A sequence is increasing if an+1 ≠¥ an ∀ n ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢. Correspondingly, a sequence is decreasing if an+1 ≠¤ an ∀ n ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢. If the sequence is either increasing or decreasing it is called a monotone sequence. There are several different types of sequences such as Cauchy sequence, convergent sequence, monotonic sequence, Fibonacci sequence, look and see sequence. I will be talking about only 2 of the sequences Cauchy and Convergent sequences. Convergent sequences A sequence (an) of real number is called a convergent sequences if an tends to a finite limit as n→∞. If we say that (an) has a limit a∈ F if given any ÃŽ µ > 0, ÃŽ µ ∈ F, k∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ | an a | < ÃŽ µ n ≠¥ k If an has a limit a, then we can write it as liman = a or (an) → a. Cauchy Sequence A Cauchy sequence is a sequence in which numbers become closer to each other as the sequence progresses. If we say that (an) is a Cauchy sequence if given any ÃŽ µ > 0, ÃŽ µ ∈ F, k∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ | an am | < ÃŽ µ n,m ≠¥ k. Gary Sng Chee Hien, (2001). Bounded sets, Upper Bounds, Least Upper Bounds A set is called bounded if there is a certain sense of finite size. A set R of real numbers is called bounded of there is a real number Q such that Q ≠¥ r for all r in R. the number M is called the upper bound of R. A set is bounded if it has both upper and lower bounds. This is extendable to subsets of any partially ordered set. A subset Q of a partially ordered set R is called bounded above. If there is an element of Q ≠¥ r for all r in R, the element Q is called an upper bound of R 3 Real number system Natural Numbers Natural numbers (à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢) can be denoted by 1,2,3†¦ we can define them by their properties in order of relation. So if we consider a set S, if the relation is less than or equal to on S For every x, y ∈ S x ≠¤ y and/or y ≠¤ x If x ≠¤ y and y ≠¤ x then x = y If x ≠¤ y and y ≠¤ z then x ≠¤ z If all 3 properties are met we can call S an ordered set. (Giles, p.1, 1972) Real numbers Axioms for real numbers can be spilt in to 3 groups; algebraic, order and completeness. Algebraic Axioms For all x, y ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , x + y ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  and xy ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ . For all x, y, z ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , (x + y) + z = x (y + z). For all x, y ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , x + y = y + x. There is a number 0 ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  such that x + 0 = x = 0 + x for all x ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ . For each x ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , there exists a corresponding number (-x) ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  such that x + (-x) = 0 = (-x) + x For all x, y, z ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , (x y) z = x (y z). For all x, y ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  x y = y x. There is number 1 ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  such that x x 1 = x = 1 x x, for all x ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  For each x ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  such that x ≠  0, there is a corresponding number (x-1) ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  such that x (x-1) = 1 = (x-1) x A10. For all x, y, z ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , x (y + z) = x y + x z (Hart, p.11, 2001) Order Axioms Any pair x, y of real numbers satisfies precisely one of the following relations: (a) x < y; (b) x = y; (c) y < x. If x < y and y < z then x < z. If x < y then x + z < y +z. If x < y and z > 0 then x z < y z (Hart, p.12, 2001) Completeness Axiom If a non-empty set A has an upper bound, it has a least upper bound The thing which distinguishes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  from is the Completeness Axiom. An upper bound of a non-empty subset A of R is an element b ∈R with b a for all a ∈A. An element M ∈ R is a least upper bound or supremum of A if M is an upper bound of A and if b is an upper bound of A then b M. That is, if M is a least upper bound of A then (b ∈ R)(x ∈ A)(b x) b M A lower bound of a non-empty subset A of R is an element d ∈ R with d a for all a ∈A. An element m ∈ R is a greatest lower bound or infimum of A if m is a lower bound of A and if d is an upper bound of A then m d. If all 3 axioms are satisfied it is called a complete ordered field. John oConnor (2002) axioms of real numbers Rational numbers Axioms for Rational numbers The axiom of rational numbers operate with +, x and the relation ≠¤, they can be defined on corresponding to what we know on N. For on +(add) has the following properties. For every x,y ∈ , there is a unique element x + y ∈ For every x,y ∈ , x + y = y + x For every x,y,z ∈ , (x + y) + z = x + (y + z) There exists a unique element 0 ∈ such that x + 0 = x for all x ∈ To every x ∈ there exists a unique element (-x) ∈ such that x + (-x) = 0 For on x(multiplication) has the following properties. To every x,y ∈ , there is a unique element x x y ∈ For every x,y ∈ , x x y = y x x For every x,y,z ∈ , (x x y) x z = x x (y x z) There exists a unique element 1 ∈ such that x x 1 = x for all x ∈ To every x ∈ , x ≠  0 there exists a unique element ∈ such that x x = 1 For both add and multiplication properties there is a closer, commutative, associative, identity and inverse on + and x, both properties can be related by. For every x,y,z ∈ , x x (y + z) = (x x y) + (x x z) For with an order relation of ≠¤, the relation property is a. we can claim that < b. if not then since < a and > b we would have > b a. John OConnor (2002) axioms of real numbers Theorem: The limit of a sequence, if it exists, is unique. Proof Let x and x†² be 2 different limits. We may assume without loss of generality, that x < x†². In particular, take ÃŽ µ = (x†² x)/2 > 0. Since xn→ x, k1 s.t | xn x | < n ≠¥ k1 Since xn→ x k2 s.t | xn x†²| < ÃŽ µ n ≠¥ k2 Take k = max{k1, k2}. Then n ≠¥ k, | xn x | < ÃŽ µ, | xn x†²| < ÃŽ µ | x†² x | = | x†² xn + xn x | ≠¤ | x†² xn | + | xn x | < ÃŽ µ + ÃŽ µ = x†² x, a contradiction! Hence, the limit must be unique. Also all rational number sequences have a limit in real numbers. Gary Sng Chee Hien, (2001). Theorem: Any convergent sequence is bounded. Proof Suppose the sequence (an) ®a. take = 1. Then choose N so that whatever n > N we have an within 1 of a. apart from the finite set {a1, a2, a3†¦aN} all the terms of the sequence will be bounded by a + 1 and a 1. Showing that an upper bound for the sequence is max{a1, a2, a3†¦aN, a +1}. Using the same method you could alternatively find the lower bound Theorem: Every Cauchy Sequence is bounded. Proof Let (xn) be a Cauchy sequence. Then for | xn xm | < 1 n, m ≠¥ k. Hence, for n ≠¥ k, we have | xn | = | xn xk + xk | ≠¤ | xn xk | + | xk | < 1 + | xk | Let M = max{ | x1 |, | x2 |, , | xk-1|, 1 + | xk | } and it is clear that | xn | ≠¤ M n, i.e. (xn) is bounded. Gary Sng Chee Hien, (2001). Theorem: If (xnx, then any subsequence of (xn) also converges to x. Proof Let (yn) be any subsequence of (xn). Given any > 0, s.t | xn x | < n ≠¥ N. But yn = xi for some so we may claim | yn x | < also. Hence, ( Gary Sng Chee Hien, (2001). Theorem: If (xn) is Cauchy, then any subsequence of (xn) is also Cauchy. Proof Let (yn) be any subsequence of (xn). Given any s.t | xn xm | . But yn = xi for so we may claim | yn ym | Hence (yn) x Gary Sng Chee Hien, (2001). Theorem Any convergent sequence is a Cauchy sequence. Proof If (an) a then given > 0 choose N so that if n > N we have |an- a| < . Then if m, n > N we have |am- an| = |(am- a) (am- a)| |am- a| + |am- a| < 2. We use completeness Axiom to prove Suppose X ∈ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ , X2 = 2. Let (an) be a sequence of rational numbers converging to an irrational 12 = 1 1.52 = 2.25 1.42 = 1.96 1.412 = 1.9881 1.41421356237302 = 1.999999999999731161391129 Since (an) is a convergent sequence in à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  it is a Cauchy sequence in à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  and hence also a Cauchy sequence in . But it has no limit in. An irrational number like 2 has a decimal expansion which does not repeat: 2 =1.4142135623730 John OConnor (2002) Cauchy Sequences. Theorem Prove that is irrational, prove that ≠¤ à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  Proof We will get 2 as the least upper bound of the set A = {q Q | q2 < 2}. We know that a is bounded above and so its least upper bound b does not exists. Suppose x ∈ , x2 0 be given. Then k1, k2 s.t | xn xm | < ÃŽ µ/(2Y) n, m ≠¥ k1 | yn ym | < ÃŽ µ/(2X) n, m ≠¥ k2 Take k = max(k1, k2). Then | xn xm | < ÃŽ µ/(2Y) | yn ym | < ÃŽ µ/(2X) n, m ≠¥ k Hence, | xn yn xm ym | = | (xn yn xm yn) + (xm yn xm ym) | ≠¤ | xn yn xm yn | + | xm yn xm ym | = | yn | | xn xm | + | xm | | yn ym | ≠¤ Y | xn xm | + X | yn ym | < Y(ÃŽ µ/(2Y)) + X(ÃŽ µ/(2X)) n, m ≠¥ k = Hence, (xn yn) is also Cauchy. 5 Conclusion Real numbers are infinite number of decimals used to measure continuous quantities. On the other hand, rational numbers are defined to be fractions formed from real numbers. Axioms of each number system are examined to determine the difference between real numbers and rational numbers. Conclusion of the analysis of axioms resulted to be both real numbers and rational numbers contain the same properties. The properties being addition, multiplication and there exist a relationship of zero and one. The four fundamental results are obtained from this study. First concept is that the property of real number system being unique and following the complete ordered field. Second is that if any real number satisfies the axioms then it is upper bound, whilst rational numbers are not upper bound. The third being that all Cauchy sequences are converges towards the real numbers. Finally found out that all real numbers are equivalence classes of the Cauchy sequence. Appendices List of symbols à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ = Natural number à ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚  = Real number = Rational number ∈ = is an element of = There exists = For all s.t. = Such that

Are You Unique? (for Cloning) :: essays research papers fc

You have been told that you are unique. The belief that there is no one else like you in the whole world has made you feel special and proud. In the near future, this belief may not be true. The world was stunned by the news in the summer of 1995, when a British embryologist named Ian Wilmut, and his research team, successfully cloned Dolly the sheep using the technique of nuclear transfer. Replacing the DNA of one sheep’s egg with the DNA of another sheep’s udder created Dolly. Plants and lower forms of animal life have been successfully cloned for many years, but before Wilmut's announcement, it had been thought by many to be unlikely that such a procedure could be performed on larger mammals and life forms. The world media was immediately filled with heated discussions about the ethical implications of cloning. Some of the most powerful people in the world have felt compelled to act against this threat. President Clinton swiftly imposed a ban on federal funding for human-cloning research. Bills were put in the works in both houses of Congress to outlaw human cloning because it was deemed as a fundamentally evil thing that must be stopped. But what, exactly, is bad about it? From an ethical point of view, it is difficult to see exactly what is wrong with cloning human beings. The people who are afraid of cloning tend to assume that someone would, for example, break into Napoleon's Tomb, steal some DNA and make a bunch of emperors. In reality, infertile people who use donated sperm, eggs, or embryos would probably use cloning. Do the potential harms outweigh the benefits of cloning? From what we know now, they don't. Therefore, we should not rush placing a ban on a potentially useful method of helping infertile, genetically at-risk, homosexual, or single people to become parents. Do human beings have a right to reproduce? No one has the moral right to tell another person that they should not be able to have children, and I don't see why Bill Clinton has that right either. If humans have a right to reproduce, what right does society have to limit the means? Essentially all reproduction done these days is with medical help at delivery, and even before. Truly natural human reproduction would make pregnancy-related death the number one killer of adult women. Some forms of medical help are more invasive than others.

Benefits of Medical Marijuana Essay

Marijuana is perhaps one of the most controversial herbs rendered illegal by United States laws. Several sectors in the society advocate for the legalization of marijuana. These arguments usually point out to the medical benefits that marijuana contains. The supposed medical benefits of marijuana have been scrutinized by several scientific researchers and some of these claims have been supported by studies. By looking objectively at these medical claims can help people be more aware of the facts and the actual benefits that marijuana offers if there are any. Medical Benefits of Marijuana Medical marijuana, according to some studies can help relieve pain, nausea and muscle spasms. Although these illnesses may be simple symptoms of more serious diseases, they are being experienced by a number of patients that are suffering from hepatitis and cancer among others. In this regard, medical marijuana can be a cheaper alternative for the treatment of these medical conditions (Legal Reefer, 2004). Another medical condition that marijuana can help treat is glaucoma, which impairs the vision because of intra-ocular pressure damage. The reason behind this is that marijuana helps relieve the pressure felt in the eyes, thereby preventing glaucoma from worsening and leading to eventual blindness. Glaucoma, interestingly, is the leading cause of blindness in the United States. With the use of marijuana, therefore, this cause of blindness can be mitigated and more people can cherish their sight for a longer time in their lives. Glaucoma and the pain associated with it can be relieved with marijuana (Legal Reefer, 2004). Other illnesses that marijuana helps treat includes tremors, unsteady gait, muscle pain, multiple sclerosis and spasms. Multiple sclerosis is one of the most debilitating neurological illnesses that afflict young adults in the US. With the help of marijuana, those who are suffering from epileptic seizures also find help. Arthritis, dysmenorrheal, depression and migraines also benefit from treatment with marijuana. The Legal Reefer (2004) reports that some courts and agencies of the US government have verified these findings. Two compounds, Cannabidiol and Caryophyllene, are present in medical marijuana. These two compounds are responsible for the medical effects of marijuana. Cannabidiol helps relieve inflammation, nausea, inflammation and convulsion (Grlie, 1976). In addition, it also helps inhibit the growth of cancer. Caryophyllene, on the other hand, is responsible for reducing tissue inflammation. It usually comes in the form of oil and applied on the inflamed body part (Grlie, 1976). Even if the issue of legalizing marijuana is contentious in the United States, medical practitioners are coming to a consensus that medical marijuana is needed helpful in relieving up to 250 medical conditions. This number is too huge to be ignored by the greater majority in the society. Legalizing Marijuana The literature in support of medical marijuana is robust and continues to grow. Medical marijuana has been shown to aid in the treatment of symptoms for AIDS and cancer. It can also serve as an immuno-modulator and analsgesic. Furthermore, it can help treat asthma and other emotional and bipolar disorders (Lucido, 2008). The American College of Physicians (2008) have also come up with a position paper in support of research concerning medical marijuana and the exemption of medical marijuana from the prosecution of the law. In their paper, the organization cited the health benefits of marijuana in stimulating appetite, in treating glaucoma, neurological and movement disorders and its use as an analgesic. The position of the ACP gives credence to the claims that marijuana can really function as a good medicine. The ACP, however, noted that there are adverse effects associated in marijuana. If smoked, marijuana can increase the heart rate of the user and help decrease the blood pressure. In addition to this, there are other psychoactive effects that are of a more serious nature. These may be manifested in short-term memory impairment, reduction of motor skills, attention and reaction times. There may also be some difficulties in organizing and processing information given to the one who used marijuana. These effects are more severe for those who orally take medical marijuana. So this is certainly an adverse effect that should be carefully taken into account in the case that marijuana is approved as a medicine (Joy, Watson & Benson, 1999). Smoked marijuana also has important adverse effects similar to tobacco. If marijuana is smoked on a regular basis, it can help induce cancer, lung problems, pregnancy problems and even bacterial pneumonia. When taken orally, medical marijuana has less lethal toxicity than other psychoactive drugs being used in the world today. Since medical marijuana will not be prescribed for smoking, then the dangers posed by the adverse effects will be mitigated and will be contained. In fact, these adverse effects are also within the acceptable range of effects present in other forms of medication. Marijuana: To Legalize or to Remain Illegal? With the support of the ACP for the continuation of research for the medical implications of marijuana. With such support, the impetus for legalization will be picked up by those who are advocating for the legalization of marijuana. Another reason why people are pushing for the legalization of marijuana is the perceived economic benefits that it will bring to the government. Marijuana has often been compared with alcohol, which also have harmful contents but is being allowed to be marketed all over the country. If the government could legalize it, then it can derive huge revenues from the taxes and sales derived from marijuana. As it stands now, it is illegal. So the ones who benefit from the marijuana trade are the black market and organized criminals (Gerber & Sperling, 2004). Marijuana is similar to alcohol and tobacco. The major difference is that marijuana offers therapeutic and medicinal effects while tobacco does not and alcohol only helps enhance health minimally. According to Herer and Cabarga (1998), those who are getting rich through the black market want it to remain illegal because if it becomes legal, the money will then have to be transferred to the hands of the government. Conclusion What is needed now is to strike the right balance between maximizing the medicinal effects while mitigating the negative effects of marijuana. The answer to the question of legalization would be a controlled legalization. Marijuana could be used for medicinal purposes and alternative treatment. This means that it would have to be recommended by licensed physicians and that there should be a regulation in using it in the same way that certain narcotic pain killers are regulated in the market. Marijuana should not be offered as an over-the-counter medicine or offered like tobacco or alcohol as this would only make the negative effects of marijuana more prevalent in the society. With government legislation and strict implementation of the law, the medicinal values of marijuana would be used by society while its negative effects would be avoided. Reference American College of Physicians (2008). Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana. Philadelphia: American College of Physicians. Retrieved 25 September 2008 from http://www. acponline. org/advocacy/where_we_stand/other_issues/medmarijuana. pdf. Grlie, L (1976). â€Å"A comparative study on some chemical and biological characteristics of various samples of cannabis resin†. Bulletin on Narcotics 14: 37–46. Herer, J. & Cabarga, L. (1998). The Emperor Wears No Clothes: Hemp and the Marijuana Conspiracy. New Jersey: Ah Ha Publishing. Joy, J. E. Watson SJ, Benson JA. (1999). Marijuana and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base. National Academy of Sciences, Institute of Medicine. Washington, DC. Legal Reefer. (2004). Marijuana Offers Medicinal Benefits. Retrieved 17 June 2008 from http://www. legalreefer. com/article4. shtml Lucido, F. (2008). Therapeutic Effects. Retrieved 25 September 2008 from http://www. medboardwatch. com/wb/pages/therapeutic-effects. php

Customer Service Legislation Essays

Customer Service Legislation Essays Customer Service Legislation Essay Customer Service Legislation Essay The goods supplied to customers and the customer service provided is influenced by certain factors in UK. The way that the products are sold: Effects on customer service of regulating the nature and standards of products: * Sale of Goods Act, 1979 the product must be sold according to the description and satisfactory quality also fit for purpose. For example at Thorpe Park they cannot advertise the tickets for a certain price and sell it at different price at the gates. * Supply of Goods and Services Act, 1982 services must be at merchantable value and at practical rates. For example if customers book for two tickets and they only have 1 ticket given. * Food Safety Act, 1990 the food must be quality and up to standards. For example at Thorpe park restaurants they cannot sell food which is decayed or has passed its sell by date. Not all of these are linked with Thorpe Park but the Food Safety Act is an important because there are restaurants in the park which supply food to customers at Thorpe Park. Price The price displays are also very important and there is a law for this too. The Prices act 1974 and 1975 is controlling the price displays. They require prices to be indicated on goods or services offered by businesses. It is illegal for Thorpe Park to mislead the customers by displaying wrong pries for entering the park and using the rides. Age restrictions Varies legislations restricts sales on products to children. These products are such as tobacco, alcohol and lottery tickets. This also does not apply to Thorpe Park. The ways that the products are advertised and promoted are also a part of legislation. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) is an authority which controls advertising in UK. Advertisements must be legal, decent, honest and truthful, prepared with responsibility of customers and society and in the line with fair competition. The ASA has the power to force a business to remove their advertisement. Thorpe Park must comply with this advertising and promotion law. They need to be honest about their park and rides to show that they care for their customers and they are reliable. There are many laws which control what information a business should provide for their customers on their products. Thorpe Park must comply with these laws. They must provide information about their rides for their customers. For example they must make sure that height restrictions are clearly written where customers can see. Not complying with legislation and implications If a business does not comply with legislation they may need to face some negative effects. The criminal law There is some legislation which is covered by criminal law and if the business breaks the laws they will be a criminal offence and the business is then forced to be: * Prosecuted * Fined * People responsible may be imprisoned Some of the main criminal laws in UK are: * Trade Descriptions Act 1968 an Act of which prevents manufacturers, retailers or service industry providers from misleading consumers as to what they are spending their money on. * Consumer Protection Act 1987 this act affect the producer of the product not the supplier and it allows the person injured to contact authorities about the damage that has been made to them. * Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 under this act the customers are expected to be entoleted to the goods which should be satisfactory quality, fit for any particular purpose made known to the seller; and the good is as it was described. These acts also affect Thorpe Park. For example the trade descripcitions act prevents Thorpe Park to promote the attraction by misleading customers by saying that there are rides which cannot be found at the Park. The Consumer Protection Act also affects Thorpe Park because if a customer is injured on rides they have the right to complain about this. The Sale and Supply of Goods Act affects the Park by making sure that they check all rides everyday so they are sure that it does work properly and it is also a health and safety procedure also to make sure they work as a part of the quality and they will have to make sure the rides are as they have been described to the customers. Other negative effects it may have on business are that the products may be seized at the court, the business activity may be restricted, and the image of the business may be damaged. Thorpe Park must comply with legislation because it is a very big business and very popular in UK. They need to make sure that their image is not affected by anything. They need to make sure that their business is running smoothly without any implications. Safe Working Businesses have to operate in a safe environment; they must have policies to ensure the safety and security aspects. For Thorpe Park safety at work is a big issue. The business is responsible for safety of customers, visitors, personnel and security procedures. Safety of Customers Businesses must make sure that their customers are safe and secure. A business must be sure that the products they sell are safe and legislation is there to prevent businesses selling harmful products. Business which provides harmful products may pay fines or other penalties. Machinery is particularly important for safety purposes. The business must be definite that the machinery is fitted and operates and there are no electrical faults. Thorpe Park has various rides and they are responsible for safety of customers by making sure that the rides are functioning properly. They do this by testing the rides on daily basis. Thorpe Park is also responsible of making sure that the staffs are trained so in an emergency they are there to provide help and make sure the customers are secured when on the rides. Safety of Customers and Visitors A business is liable for safety of its customers and visitors. If there is a visitor at the premises they need to be sure that the visitor is safe. Staff also needs to be trained for emergency purposes. Thorpe Park is liable to make sure that their staff is trained. They train their staff for facts such as first aid, evacuation procedures, using the rides and other safety points. Safety of Personnel It is imperative that the staff at a business is safe. If a staff is injured at work they have the right to: * Take time off * Covered by other workers during their absence * Become less motivated * Return and become less productive * Lave altogether * Sue the business and claim compensation The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the legislation which protects the employees. For a business like Thorpe Park they have a major liability for the safety of their personnel. They must make sure that the working environment is safe and employees are not injured.