Should you worry about cell phone, cellular antenna and Wi-Fi device Research Paper

Should you worry about cell phone, cellular antenna and Wi-Fi device radiation why or why not - Research Paper Example Therefore, every individual should be worried about cell phone, cellular antenna and Wi-Fi device radiation (Mercola, 2008). Studies conducted by scientists have indicated that exposure to electromagnetic waves cause significant changes on the human body. Doctor Mercola indicates that although extensive research has not been carried out to determine the clear effects that radio radiation has on individuals, it would be a grave mistake to conclude that the emissions are inconsequential (Mercola, 2008). Some scientists have used rats to conduct similar experiments and have concluded that the radiation emitted by these devices has an effect on the biological and maturation processes of the rodents. Other researchers have scientifically linked some health complications such as sleep disruptions, dementia, fatigue, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Autism, Headaches, poor concentration and failing memory to the electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones, cellular antenna and Wi-Fi devices. However, these health implications have other causes as well, although the radiation emitted from these devices ca nnot be ruled out. Cell phone, cellular antenna and Wi-Fi device radiation seems to create potential health risks to humans. Therefore, people should be worried about being exposed to this kind of radiation, as it has adverse effects on their health (Shelly and Vermaat,

Special Interests Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words - 1

Special Interests - Essay Example These interest groups lobby around with the help of their members who are a part of the several legislative organizations (Jaatinen, 1998). Their role is proactively driven towards the political parties for whom they wish to serve in the long run. These interest groups do their utmost to elect politicians who have a good enough idea of their related cause and have the right kind of empathy for their settings. These interest groups recruit individuals who can have hidden and on other occasions, propaganda movements which might be quite extrovert in nature. One needs to know that many interest groups exist within any society in this day and age. These include the different economic groups which have within them the various chambers of commerce, the trade unions and a few factions that belong to the religious groups. Also the professional interest groups comprise within them the doctors, lawyers, business people, architects and skilled workers. The public interest groups focus more towa rds the environment and look after the issues which plague the people more than anything else, on a one to one level. The aim here is to provide people with benefits as much as possible. Then there are the special interest groups which are part of the subgroups that are formed within larger groups and where the main focus is upon a narrow interest area. The need is to know that these interest groups are very different from the pressure groups. Since these interest groups have a proper definition of their intentions and mission, their supporters take a stance for these interest groups at every level and on all forums. The ones who support it are of the view that these interest groups depict what others should feel about their own selves and the community that they are a vital part of. Many individuals believe that these interest groups have a hidden agenda behind their institution which may not be right. Quite a few eyebrows are raised when one questions their existence and formation . The need is to discern some interest groups that have made their mark throughout the world over the years. These include the NEA which has been a proactive supporter of educational professionals and has done immense work at raising the standards of these people over the years. Then there is the example of NAACP which guarantees that social, political, educational and economic equality of rights of the people are there and also to remove hatred and discrimination which crops up in the name of race (Blom, 2006). The role of these interest groups is important to understand and more so in the times much like today. This is because they pinpoint the critical issues which make their mark within a society, for good or for bad. They shift public opinions in a positive way which is an essential aspect of their formation in the first place. If people connect with these interest groups well, then their roles are magnified and purposes are served well. If this does not happen, then there are immensely significant concerns which must be taken care of, and the sooner it happens the better it will be for people within any society of the world where these interest groups exist and make their essential mark within the lives of the people. 2. Discuss the relationship between interest groups and political parties. The linkage that has come about between the interest groups

Volvo Cars Essay Example for Free

Volvo Cars Essay 1) Why had Volvo lost its way in the years leading up to the takeover? Volvo started to manufacture and export cars to foreign countries since the mid-1950s. The company set up plants in Torslanda, Sweden, in 1964, followed by plants in Belgium and the Netherlands. Before Volvo was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999, they had a joint-venture partnership with Pininfarina SpA of Italy. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 2, 2007, pp. 9-11) Volvo is a premium brand; with market shares of 1.5% and 0. 6% in the EU and US respectively (Wang 2011). Volvo faces competition and threat from Premium brands like Mercedes Benz, BMW and Audi, who have increased product offerings. While the competing premium brands increase their product offering, Volvo markets 10 models under Brand categories S, XC, C and V. This gives the competing premium brand an advantage over Volvo, therefore enabling them to grasp a bigger market share then compared to Volvo. The company’s market shares are further threatened by the growing invasion of the Asian car manufacturers. (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). During the recent years, a rise in cars manufactured by the Asian market has been affecting the automobile industry. Asian car manufacturers have the advantage of producing cars at the cheaper cost compared to cars from the US and EU regions. This enable them to export cars to foreign market at a cheaper rate. Thus, apart from competing premium brands, Volvo faces increasing competition from emerging Asian car manufacturers. One of Volvo’s major competitor, Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz car division have implemented a strategic initiatives to run the cost down and revenues up by reduction in costs of materials, fixed cost, improved efficiencies and overall improvement (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: Competitor analysis, 2007, pp. 6-8). In comparison, Volvo’s high cost of premium cars is a result of cars being made in Sweden and then imported. â€Å"This makes the Volvo brand cars expensive when compared to the others, which enjoy strong regional production and distribution operations.† (Volvo Car: 2007 company profile edition 3: SWOT analysis, 2007, pp. 12-13). Volvo is also affected by the increasing prices of steel, and other raw materials which eventually threatens the company’s margin and profitability (Volvo Car Corporation: 2006 company profile edition 2, 2006, pp. 12-13). When compared to Asian car manufacturers, the competition enjoys cheaper labor costs and plant facilities that have been set up in the developing countries. Apart from export costs and increasing prices of raw materials, Volvo also has to take account for their higher labor cost when compared to the Asian Market. Volvo did not show growth in the market share, making it a small player. Volvo’s markets were generally focused on the US and the Swedish markets. However, other EU countries have shown growth. The recent years have also shown growth in the Chinese market. Volvo have less market exposure compared to the other premium brands as well as the Asian brands. â€Å"Volvo has been losing money for a continuous period of 4 years† (Wang, 2011, p. 24). The reduction in sales is the major reason for Volvo’s financial problems. Volvo was hit financial crisis in second quarter of 2006 making a loss in the global operations. After the losses, Volvo decided to cut costs in all areas, this was the reason behind the reduction in employees. â€Å"Tough currency exchange rates and an aged product line have hammered Volvo revenues, forcing a second round of employee cutbacks† (Rechtin, 2006, p. 3). After the financial problems, Ford decided to sell Volvo. Volvo have been affected by the growth of its competitors and their market expansion, eventually leading to its fall. 2) What are the risks for Geely in trying to turn around a premium brand such as Volvo? This acquisition has been the subject of heavy speculation by the media, as it went against the norm of the acquirer being better off than the acquired. The first risk that Geely being a Chinese company and Volvo being a Swedish company will face is that the, differences in work culture and environmental culture would be prominent. The Swedish and the Chinese are very different in terms of work and environmental cultures. The risk of Geely trying to impose Chinese culture upon the Swedish based company might impact the merger negatively. One such internationally criticized union was Daimler’s acquisition of Chrysler. It was reported that, â€Å"this clash was intrinsic to a union between two companies which had such different wage structures, corporate hierarchies and values† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 4). While Daimler established a hierarchical company with a chain of command, Chrysler was team-oriented. Differences also existed between the products begin offered. While Chrysler had car models which displayed reliability for competitive prices, Daimler-Benz had cars offering quality at any cost. Geely-Volvo also have differing products; Volvo being recognized for its quality, safety and premium brand, Geely, on the other hand, produces lower, cost effective range of cars. Integration of the two companies would be risky as it would be difficult to merge management styles. Using an example from the Daimler-Chrysler union, Chrysler was known for â€Å"its assertiveness and risk-taking cowboy aura, all produced within a cost-controlled atmosphere.† (Finkelstein, 2002, p. 5), while Daimler is known for its German engineering, quality and precision. Similarly, Volvo is known for its’ quality and safety. â€Å"Over the years Volvos design and production have been closely integrated with Fords, so much so that it will take years to unstitch them† (Devolving Volvo, 2010). This poses as a challenge for Geely to be able to manage Volvo from its’ style of management that has been adopted from Ford. â€Å"Acquirers often under-estimate the scale of integration.† (Pearson, 2013). BMW acquired Rover without completely estimating the scale of integration that would be needed. â€Å"BMW acquired Rover in a hurry, and never got to grips with the business before selling it at an estimated loss of Euro 4.1bn.† (Pearson, 2013). Geely might run the risk of not completely understanding the scale of integration that would be required and the type of business model that is adopted by Volvo. Without understanding the type of company Volvo is, Geely might make the same mistake as BMW. In order to overcome this, Geely will need to develop strong leadership skills and the scale of integration between the two companies needs to be effectively evaluated and implemented in order for this merger to bear fruits. Had BMW looked at the operations and business model adopted by Rover, they would have had a better understanding if Rover’s Problems. BMW would have been better equipped to handle Rover’s problems, similarly, if Geely has a better understanding of Volvo’s operations it will be able to direct it towards success. Another such risk is in the investment that Geely would have to make in order to make Volvo profitable again. â€Å"Turning around Volvo Car needs a large amount of input which will definitely burden Geely in the initial investment period.† (Huihui, 2012, p. 41). Volvo would need a considerable amount of investment if it is going to overcome the reasons it failed in the first place. Volvo needs to broaden its product offerings and increase its market exposure if it is going to compete with other premium brands. Geely and Volvo differ hugely in terms of Cost structure. Geely, being the owner of Volvo, will need to invest heavily in Volvo cars to maintain its quality, premium brand name and its cost structure. Geely on the other hand, will be able to make cars with lesser cost and sell it at a more affordable price. Geely needs to be able to understand the difference in the cost models. Geely will have to overcome differences, invest heavily and be a strong leader in order to make this a profitable take over. 3) In your view, was the purchase of Volvo a brilliant strategic decision, or a mistake? Explain. Based on my view the purchase of Volvo was a good strategic decision made my Geely. Geely has a lot to gain from this take over. One advantage is its access to Volvo’s technologies and expert knowledge on the international automobile industry. Geely will have access to Volvo’s expertise on medium-sized vehicles, the indoor air quality and especially safety. Volvo owns advanced skills on a large range of technology, and is renowned for its safety features. Geely can use this technology to its competitive advantage to improve the quality of its product in the domestic market and international market. Geely has been facing difficulties as it could not meet the safety and emissions standards in those areas. (Wang, 2011). Apart from access to Volvo’s intellectual property rights, Geely will have also gained access into Volvo’s global marketing network and supplier base. Geely is very ambitious and keen to enter the American and European markets. It can now use Volvo’s network and supply chain to access the international market. The use of the same supply chain will also help Geely minimize its cost, and be more efficient. Volvo is a renowned premium brand, however as discussed above, it lacks market exposure and a diversified product offering base. With proper leadership and management, Volvo can boost its profit and market growth. If Geely is able to provide a good leadership and guidance, it would be able to enjoy the profits that Volvo, as a premium brand, would offer. Volvo, already being an established brand, would only require good marketing, expansion and cost reduction strategy. Geely can reapthe fruits of a globally established brand with much ease. Geely has made acquisitions that can also benefit Volvo. â€Å"The first acquisition happened in 2009 when Geely paid AUS$58 million for purchasing Drivetrain Systems International (DSI), an Australian transmission company.† (Wang, 2011, p. 19). This acquisition of DSI, could be used to help both Geely and Volvo benefit from advanced in-house transmissions that can be produced cost effectively and gain a competitive edge on their competitors. Volvo can gain advantage from Geely offering a more Ccost effective production line. Volvo now has the capability to set up manufacturing plants in China, which will inevitably help them in cost reduction. Volvo can use Geely’s supply chains in China, which will encourage growth in the Chinese market. Geely is said to â€Å"repurposing a nearly completed Geely plant in south-western China to make Volvo cars—part of a turnaround strategy† (Shirouzu, 2010). By using China to manufacture cars, it can be cost effective on it supply chain, as well as cost effective labour. However, on the other hand, this strategic decision might backfire. As discussed above, Geely is taking a big risk by taking over a Volvo. A premium brand like Volvo would require large investments towards their manufacturing to ensure quality, as well as towards market expansion and diversification in product offering. Geely will also have to take into account the investment it would have to put towards research and development. The challenges Geely will have to overcome to make this an effective decision is â€Å"Geelys lack of global stature, as well as its past reputation for making low-end vehicles, could be a drag on Volvos reputation† (Shirouzu, 2010). While Volvo is considered as a premium brand, acquisition by a small Chinese company might tarnish the Volvo brand name. One of the more successful alliance is of the French Renault and the Japanese Nissan. The two companies faced similar problems likes culture differences, language barrier and financial situation. However, the objective adopted by this alliance is â€Å"to establish a powerful automotive group and develop synergies while conserving the corporate culture and identity of each brand† (Wang, 2011, p. 41). Taking an example from this, Geely and Volvo would need to develop a successful strategy if it has to overcome their differences. I believe, the strategic decision can be an effective one, provided Geely demonstrate good leadership qualities as well as develop an effective strategy in order to ensure profitability from both, Geely and Volvo.

How Joseph Nicéphore contributed to the early development of photography.

How Joseph Nicà ©phore contributed to the early development of photography. How Joseph Nicà ©phore contributed to the early development of photography. Born Joseph Nià ©pce March 7th 1765, Nià ©pce developed Heliography, a process of printing, which then lead on to the creation of world oldest surviving product of a photography process. A military veteran and previous teacher, Nià ©pce found a passion for inventing working alongside his older brother Claude, during their time working together they made many successful inventions including; The pyrà ©ophore: the world’s first internal combustion engine for propelling boats. Therefor photography wasn’t his first interest and he spent almost 20 years with his brother Claude promoting and improving The Pyrà ©ophore, which then resulted in Claude moving to England. During this time the only time to capture a moment was by using a Camera Obscura, a device which consists of a box or a room with a hole in one side. Light from an external scene then passes through the hole and strikes a surface inside the box where it is reproduced rotated 180 degrees but with the colour perspective preserved. The image then could be projected on the paper in which then it can be traced using a steady hand and patience. Nicà ©phore used this method many times but felt he did not have the skilful hand in drawing to pursue this method effectively. Then during 1813 the invention of Lithography swept France, Lithography was a printing process in which it used an image drawn with oil, fat, or wax onto the surface of a smooth lithographic limestone plate. The stone was treated with a mixture of acid and gum Arabic, etching the proportions of the stone which were not protected by the grease-based image. When the stone is subsequently moistened, these etched areas retained water; an oil-based ink could then be applied and would be repelled by the water, sticking only to the original. The ink would then finally be transferred to a blank paper sheet, producing a printed page. This method was made from the concept of oil and water being unable to mix. This new craze then caught Nicà ©phore’s attention after there being many inventors who trialled and tested the camera obscura and finding a way to reproduced and image without having to drawing it yourself. Nicà ©phore trailed the use of lithography with the camera obsucra for six years until he finally came up with Heliography. Heliography is a process which uses Bitumen of Judea, a naturally occurring asphalt, as a coating on glass or metal, the glass or metal is the inserted into the camera obscura in place where the light will come through the hole. It hardens in proportion to its exposure to light, when the plate is washed with oil of lavender only the hardened areas remained, producing a photo printed on the glass or metal. After mastering this process Nicà ©phore travelled to England in 1827 to visit his older brother Claude, there he was introduced to Francis Bauer, a noted botanist, who recognised the importance of Nicà ©phore and encouraged him to write about his invention of heliography. Bauer then went on to help Nicà ©phore in producing his work by providing introductions to present his paper and heliographs to the Royal Society. All of the specimens in which Nicà ©phore referred to as ‘Les Premiers’, were rejected and returned to him because he chose not to fully disclose his process. After this Nicà ©phore returned to Le Gras continuing his experiments, in 1829 he agreed to a ten year partnership with Louis Jacques Mandà © Daguerre to help develop his work. Nicà ©phore continued with his experiments hoping for recognition and success with heliography. During this time both Nicà ©phore and Daguerre were working together to create Daguerreotype, a printing process which devel oped from heliography. Daguerreotype is made by coating a copper plate with a silver iodide and being exposed to light in the camera obscura, the copper plate is then fumed with a mercury vapour and fixed by a solution of salt, forming a permanent image. The first image produced using the Daguerreotype was in 1837, by which time Nicà ©phore had died, so it was a name in which Daguerre took. Daguerreotype then became very commercialised and shadowed Nicà ©phore and his progression with Heliography to form Daguerreotype due to his partner taking most of the credit. Even though Daguerre went on to name the process and get the profit, without Nicà ©phore the process wouldn’t have even existed for Daguerre to succeed in. The early development of photography was created and pioneered by many people, it was almost as if every single inventor put their own input into the creation of photography. Nicephore was inspired by Lithography invented by Alois Senefelder and The Camera Obscura invented by Alhazen from this Nicephore then shared his passion and influenced his parted Daguerre who then went on to inspire and develop more methods of photography to the point were at today. It is still being debated now upon who in fact took the first photograph, it is stated throughout Geoffrey Batchen’s â€Å"burning with desire; the concept of photography† in chapter four that there is many possibilities into which the first ever photograph was and who was the photographer. The pictures promise more stable evidence for the point of origin to the history of the medium, but historians have offered very little detail analysis of the images at issue so there is no exact date upon what photo or what process was first. Nicephore is mentioned and his photographs are analysed within this chapter, it describes the trials he went through to get to the creation of heliography and the photos and prints that still remain to this day. The one photo that was spoke about the most was his â€Å"View from the window at Le Gras 1827,† it speaks about how they tried to reproduce this photo but failed due to the ‘foundation stone’ being impossible to rep roduce, it was then sent to Kodak Research Laboratory where they produced what Gernsheim describes as a â€Å"greatly distorted image which no way corresponded with the original. A travesty of the truth.† Consequently Gernsheim then went on to touch up this copy for two days with water colour abolishing hundreds of light spots and blotches and giving the image a â€Å"pointillistic effect† that he admits is completely unfamiliar to the medium. He reassured the people that it was only an estimate of the original and it was similar to the drawing that he has made before any of the reproductions had even existed. This image then went on to feauture in his ‘The photographic journal’ in 1952; it appears as â€Å"the world’s earliest photograph† in his The Origins of photography 1982. The same reproduction of the photo and claim also appear in a vast number of more recent histories of photography. Even though the Daguerreotype overshadowed Nicà ©phore’s hard work and determination with heliography at the time, he is still remembered today to be a pioneer and inventor in photography, and for him to still be looked back on today proves how much of and influence he was to our world. Without his determination and curiosity we wouldn’t have the ability to capture and keep a moment or share it with the world and potentially pursue and career in the profession. BBC GCSE Physics The invention of photography by Nicephore Niepce. 2014. BBC GCSE Physics The invention of photography by Nicephore Niepce. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/education/clips/z7w34wx. [Accessed 8th November 2014 heliography YouTube. 2014. heliography YouTube. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JAeXQ_IHdE. [Accessed 11th November 2014]. History of photography: Nià ©pce pictures. 2014. History of photography: Nià ©pce pictures. [ONLINE] Available at: http://akvis.com/en/articles/photo-history/niepce.php. [Accessed 11th November 2014]. Joseph Nicà ©phore Nià ©pce: The First Photograph. 2014. Joseph Nicà ©phore Nià ©pce: The First Photograph. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/firstphotograph/niepce/. [Accessed 8th November 2014]. Geoffrey Batchen (1999). Burning With Desire: The Conception Of Photography. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Cambridge, Mass. : The MIT Press. p120-p127.

John Cabot :: essays research papers

Earlier this week received word that the famous explorer John Cabot died. He died mysteriously, no one really knowing when, where, or how he died. He was born in Genoa, Italy in 1450. His name was actually Giovanni Caboto, but he would be remembered by the English translation, John Cabot. In 1476, Cabot lived in Venice, Italy, the main trading center for the entire Mediterranean region. He worked there as a merchant and a navigator. Horrible experiences with Arab traders probably influenced Cabot’s decision to find a new sea route to the Far East which would allow merchants to trade directly with Asian traders instead of the Arab traders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1483, Cabot moved to Bristol, England. He believed that Asia could be reached by sailing west. In 1493, when word of Columbus’ reports of his successful journey to the New World arrived, Cabot convinced King Henry VII that England did not have to sit still while Spaniards helped themselves to the New World. Even though the Pope had given Spain control of all of the new lands in the New World, King Henry VII liked Cabot’s idea. He had this to say about Cabot, â€Å"He was so Passionate about helping England I just couldn’t turn him down.† He paid for Cabot to begin an exploration of the New World because Cabot convinced him that it was possible to reach Asia on a more northerly route than Columbus had taken, and this route would be even shorter. The idea that a northern route existed started the search for the Northwest Passage to the Indies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cabot sailed out of Bristol with his ship, the Matthew, on May 2, 1497. He landed in the New World, believing that he had landed on the east coast of Asia. Even now, we don’t know exactly where he landed. He may have landed in Maine or Newfoundland, Canada. Wherever he landed, he claimed it in the name of King Henry VII. Cabot became the first European explorer to discover the mainland of North America. He sailed further north, making the first recorded attempt to find the Northwest Passage, only to find icy waters. John Cabot :: essays research papers Earlier this week received word that the famous explorer John Cabot died. He died mysteriously, no one really knowing when, where, or how he died. He was born in Genoa, Italy in 1450. His name was actually Giovanni Caboto, but he would be remembered by the English translation, John Cabot. In 1476, Cabot lived in Venice, Italy, the main trading center for the entire Mediterranean region. He worked there as a merchant and a navigator. Horrible experiences with Arab traders probably influenced Cabot’s decision to find a new sea route to the Far East which would allow merchants to trade directly with Asian traders instead of the Arab traders.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1483, Cabot moved to Bristol, England. He believed that Asia could be reached by sailing west. In 1493, when word of Columbus’ reports of his successful journey to the New World arrived, Cabot convinced King Henry VII that England did not have to sit still while Spaniards helped themselves to the New World. Even though the Pope had given Spain control of all of the new lands in the New World, King Henry VII liked Cabot’s idea. He had this to say about Cabot, â€Å"He was so Passionate about helping England I just couldn’t turn him down.† He paid for Cabot to begin an exploration of the New World because Cabot convinced him that it was possible to reach Asia on a more northerly route than Columbus had taken, and this route would be even shorter. The idea that a northern route existed started the search for the Northwest Passage to the Indies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Cabot sailed out of Bristol with his ship, the Matthew, on May 2, 1497. He landed in the New World, believing that he had landed on the east coast of Asia. Even now, we don’t know exactly where he landed. He may have landed in Maine or Newfoundland, Canada. Wherever he landed, he claimed it in the name of King Henry VII. Cabot became the first European explorer to discover the mainland of North America. He sailed further north, making the first recorded attempt to find the Northwest Passage, only to find icy waters.

Essay --

Anxiety disorders are the 2nd most diagnosed mental illness in the United States. Anxiety comes from the â€Å"fight or flight† physiological response in ones body. The fear a person experiences is an intense emotional alarm accompanied by a surge of energy in the autonomic nervous system. The surge is what motivates us to flee from danger, cueing the â€Å"flight† response. However, some anxiety is good for us in moderate amounts. Most people perform better when we are a little anxious (Yerkes & Dodson, 1908). Anxiety can improve test performance or make you more energetic and charming on a date. It improves, social, physical, and intellectual performance. In fact little would get done if we didn’t have any anxiety. However anxiety can be negative as well. The most common symptoms are looking worried and anxious or fidgeting. That is pretty normal for most people. These symptoms are a physiological response that starts in the brain. It elevates the heart rate and creates muscle tension. Most of the research has been done with animals. Animals seem to experience anxiety in a similar way to ...

Characteristics of at-Risk Students (Aed201)

School Program for At-Risk Students In the United States many students face many problems or terrible conditions in their lives at home, school and in life in general. These problems and conditions can affect students tremendously when it comes to schoolwork or academic success. Many schools nationwide have set up programs or assistance to help these students succeed despite the problem or condition being faced. Not all students may encounter a problem or condition, but some encounter multiple problems. The types of problems and conditions include changing families, poverty, violence, abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, suicide, and child abuse (Axia College, 2005). These are serious problems that many students face in today’s world, which can seriously affect academic success. Students who face one or more of these problems is said to be â€Å"at-risk† for academic failure (Axia College, 2005). The characteristics of students placed at-risk are a low SES, inner city, male, transient, minority, non-native English speaker, and divorced families (Axia College, 2005). The only way a school, district, or state can do something about the at-risk students is to assist the needs of these students as much as possible. Many schools, districts, and states have set up special programs for at-risk students, including anything from afterschool programs to housing assistance. Usually the programs assist one of the characteristics of at-risk students to assist these students for their particular problem. The Phillipsburg school district of New Jersey has taken the issue of at-risk students very seriously by setting up an afterschool program to assist students facing the problem of low SES (socioeconomic status). Students who come from a low SES family face issues that interfere with academic success, such as low income families, lack of parental involvement, low exposure to school-related experiences, and so on (Axia College, 2005). The Phillipsburg school district has incorporated a program called Youth Center to assist the students who face these challenges. The Youth Center program is offered to all students, whether from low SES or high SES families. As soon as school ends, the students can board a free bus that transports them directly to the Phillipsburg school district youth center. The youth center contains a gym, field, classrooms, tutors, assistants, and anything else needed for the program. Students are offered tutoring services, homework help, supervised recreation, supervised educational activities, and volunteer opportunities (Wyant, 2010). This program is free of charge and is offered after school of every full day of school. Students arrive immediately after school to the youth center and are allowed to stay there until 6pm. The Youth Center program should be viewed as an exemplary and beneficial program to all. This program is exemplary because it offers many options for students and parents as well. The latchkey students have a place to go instead of sitting at home alone waiting for a parent to arrive. The wide range of activities offered is exemplary because it attracts many different types of students to participate. Offering the program at no cost and no cost transportation is also exemplary and beneficial because these students typically come from low income families that would never be able to afford such a program elsewhere. The benefits of the program go beyond giving the students a place to go free of charge. The academic benefit of this program is exemplary because the students have the access to tutors and homework helpers. Students who have attended this program for one year showed an improvement in school by seventy five percent, which is very good (Wyant, 2010). Since the program was established in the Phillipsburg school district, the academic achievement test scores have risen respectfully. Ensuring the youth center program reaches all targeted students and meet the students’ needs is crucial for this school district. All students and parents are aware of the existence of this program and are often encouraged to join. The statistics have shown how students academically progress after joining the program, which is attractive to other students found in the same situation. The school district is even considering an expansion to the program by adding counselors to assist students’ emotional needs (Wyant, 2010). Many schools, districts, and states are doing everything possible to assist students who are considered at-risk. The Phillipsburg school district has had success with the youth center afterschool program to assist low SES students. There are many programs available to students who are at-risk, but maintaining and improving these programs is essential to success. Students do not have to face the challenges of being at-risk alone anymore. References Axia College of University of Phoenix. (2005). Changes in American Society. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from Axia College, Week Three reading, aXcess, AED201—Teaching as a Profession Course Web site. Wyant, H. (2010). Joseph H. Firth Youth Center. Retrieved April 30, 2010, from http://www. phillipsburgnj. org/index. php? option=com_content&view=article&id=42&Itemid=53 FOR AXIA COLLEGE AED201†¦ RECEIVED â€Å"A† on this paper.