Japan to reduce aid to China

Wednesday, November 17, 2004

JAPAN — Japan’s Diet has proposed to reduce economic assistance given to China. Economic aid is currently given in the form of grants and technical assistance under the Official development assistance (ODA) program. ODA contributes to the development of the economies of states harmed by Japan during World War II, an approach pursued not only as restitution but to improve regional stability and to secure scarce natural resource trade.

Assistance to mainland China will total $8.9bn this year, making Japan an unusual second to the United States in aid. This is down 30% from 1997, and is the fourth year-on-year decline as of 2003. Loans to China total $30bn to date.

The ODA has been a key feature in Sino-Japanese economic and diplomatic relations. It was begun in the 1980s as China “opened up” to foreign investment. It is in part restitution for damage inflicted on China and atrocities such as the Rape of Nanking, seen in Chinese culture in much the same way as The Holocaust is in Western culture.

China is increasingly being seen as a competitor, however. Popular opinion in Japan is also increasingly resentful of what is perceived as anti-Japanese sentiment in China. Some feel that China should be grateful for ODA funds and that it is not. China has also been criticized by Japanese Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura for not being sufficiently cooperative with regards to environmental issues, which necessarily affect its eastern neighbor Japan.

The People’s Republic of China’s Communist leaders have also been criticized for violating w:human rights and effecting a military build-up. Some argue that economic aid should be tied to compliance on relevant standards.

Through the ODA, Japan enjoys the support of many developing nations in UN votes. When China did not react favorably to Japan’s intention to seek permanent UN Security Council membership, The Japan Times criticized the aid as a “complete waste”.

Asia Times Online predicts “it is inevitable that funds flowing to China are set for further downsizing.”

Total Japanese expenditures on ODA have reached $221bn distributed to 185 nations. Currently, the biggest recipient of Japan’s ODA aid is India. Japan may soon be outspent in aid to China by France, Germany and Italy.

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Scientists use gene therapy, patients’ own immune systems to fight leukemia

Friday, August 12, 2011

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new treatment for a type of leukemia (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) that uses a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. Scientists extracted the blood from three male patients, all of whom suffered from advanced leukemia. They inserted a gene into the patients’ T-cells (the cells normally responsible for ridding the body of foreign pathogens such as viruses), and the gene reprograms the cells to actively seek out and kill cancer cells within the blood. They then returned the modified blood to the patients.

The patients initially reported symptoms similar to those of a bad case of the flu, but the researchers pointed out that this was likely due to the body’s response to rapid cancer cell death all at once. However, once the symptoms subsided, the scientists found that two of the three patients had no signs of leukemia and the third, while still sick, showed significant improvement. Additionally, they discovered that the modified T-cells not only killed existing cancer cells, but brand new ones as well.

Though optimistic, experts say that more research needs to be done to determine if this will be a viable treatment on a large scale and warn that this therapy would not be available as an approved treatment for several more years.

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Maximum Benefits Of Prefabricated Steel Building

Everything nowadays are moving so fast. There are numerous things to accomplish and other people lack material time. Out of this, people find ways to things in less time while maintaining the quality of output. For instance within the engineering and construction industry, engineers opt for the use of Prefabricated Steel Building. This is suggested when construction must be done immediately and the budget is tight. Some benefits of Prefab Buildings that you may want to look at are the following:> Durability. A Prefabricated Steel Building is known on the engineering world to possess utmost durability. They are sure to be resistant from various climatic conditions which might be considered to be intense for example high winds, earthquakes and heavy snow. The steel panels can even be coated with aluminum compounds to further strengthen them. By the process, rusting is prevented while increasing the life of the panels. These form of prefabricated steel are made to become fire-resistant. Thus, you’re able to store sensitive materials like dangerous chemicals.> Fast Construction. One important benefit of prefab metal buildings would be the speed of construction. Panels are only assembled so the building can be done in less time than actual construction. Everything is done by the manufacturer in their site for instance the cutting, welding and other works. After the materials are ready, they are going to be shipped to the construction site to become assembled.> More Economical. Compared to traditional method of building construction, prefab steel buildings tend not to require structural and building plans. Therefore the expenses associated with construction is largely minimized. And since there isn’t a need for you to apply for building permits, time and expenses are lessen. The construction is also not affected by weather and other natural calamities that can delay the construction. The materials and building parts can be effortlessly assembled by anyone once they’re delivered. This way, the necessity to hire laborers and masons are eliminated. As you can actually see, there are a lot of costs which might be reduced along the way so all in all, you get a sturdy building without spending too much.> Insulation. Prefab Buildings possess a lot of advantages but certainly one of the most valuable is the automatic insulation. Unlike common buildings, you would need to spend for the insulation materials. With these kinds of buildings, the panels are made to overlap leaving no gaps to allow outside conditions to set in. This way, you possibly can expect for the building to get cooler during summer and warmer in the winter thereby allowing you to save on energy.

Nelson Mandela lies in state as South Africa mourns

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Wednesday was the first of three days for the body of former South African President Nelson Mandela to lie in state at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, at the same amphitheatre where he was inaugurated on May 10, 1994. The amphitheatre was renamed The Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre, by President Jacob Zuma at the Mandela memorial service held in FNB Stadium in Soweto on Tuesday.

The weather for the memorial service on Tuesday was inclement, as the day was filled with rain and cold wind. There were logistical “glitches” in ferrying the public to the stadium which resulted in long waiting times. A less than expected attendance by the public resulted in a partially filled stadium. Some sections of the crowd were heard booing the state president Jacob Zuma when his image appeared on the stadium screen, prompting the program director Cyril Ramaphosa to call for discipline amongst the crowd. The discovery that the sign language interpreter was actually signing “rubbish” has since caused uproar in the deaf communities of South Africa and around the world.

US president Barack Obama and Mbuso Mandela both received the loudest cheer and standing ovation as they each delivered their tributes. They drew on Mandela’s quotations over the years as they delivered heartfelt and spirit stirring eulogies.

The GCIS has advised that tight security measures will be taken in Qunu Eastern Cape Province where Nelson Mandela is to be buried. No members of the public or Media are to be allowed near the home stead.

The body of the former state man lay in state through yesterday. This morning it was to be transferred from the 1 Military hospital to the Waterkloof Air Force Base and flown by the South African Military to Qunu Eastern Cape Province. The former state man is to be laid to rest amongst his ancestors tomorrow.

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G20 protester dies after collapsing

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

According to reports, a man protesting the G20 Summit in London, England has died after collapsing at a protester camp.

Sky News says the man collapsed on the street inside a camp close to the Bank of England and when found he was still breathing, but efforts by paramedics to rescue him failed and he was pronounced dead at an area hospital. The name of the person and cause of death are not yet known, but several people were injured earlier in the day. The police claim that protestors threw bottles at them while trying to rescue the protestor.

The London Ambulance Service reported that “we received a 999 call at 7:24 pm from a member of the public reporting that a man had fallen over and was unconscious, but was breathing. [They] made extensive efforts to resuscitate him both there and on the way to hospital.”

Earlier in the day a minimum of 20 protesters broke into the bank and according to reports vandalized furniture, broke windows and cut the telephone lines to the building.

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Romania plans its next privatisation initiatives

Monday, February 21, 2005The Romanian Government has made plans and identified its aims for the next privatisation program which will end in 2006. By the end of next year, the government hopes to sell all of its shares in Romtelecom, Romania’s largest telecommunications company, which is currently owned by Greece’s OTE but which the government maintains a 47% share in. The full privatisation will occur in two phases, with some of the government’s existing shares being sold on the Bucharest Stock Exchange this year, and the remainder being sold in 2006.

By 2006, the government also wants to sell its share in Postelecom, another telecommunications operator, and complete the privatisation of the Radiocomunica?ii, the national radio communications company.

The Government also wantes to begin analysis and consulting into the privatisation of Po?ta Român?, or Romanian Post, the full privatisation of which is set to be completed by 2009 at the latest.

Romania has embarked on a quite comprehensive program of privatisation since 2000, having privatised a part of Romtelecom, as well as full privatisations of several energy distributors and the nation’s largest banks, in addition to other smaller companies. However, these privatisations are dwarfed by that of Petrom, Romania’s national oil company, which was bought by Austria’s OMV in 2004 and is the largest Romanian privatisation ever.

The current Liberal-Democrat governing coalition in Romania has privatisation and economic liberalism as one of its main policies, having also introduced a 16% flat tax rate for personal income and corporate profits at the start of 2005.

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The Many Options For Aluminum Extrusion Shapes

bytimothyharvard

With new technology and the natural properties of aluminum alloys, it is possible to create a wide range of different aluminum extrusion shapes. Creating different shapes all starts with developing a die which will produce the desired shape once the process is complete.

The most common aluminum extrusion shapes are those which are used to create square or rectangular bars as well as round or hexagonal shapes. However, there are also channel shapes, z-bar, solid round or square rod or bar, H-shaped aluminum corners and aluminum angles which are used in a variety of aerospace, automotive and aircraft applications.

How It Works

Aluminum extrusion is a very common process. It can be used to create amazingly complex shapes including hollow cavities within a pipe, T-slots and unique shapes which can then be cut to display a specific profile.

To create aluminum extrusion shapes a die is constructed which is like a mold. The hot aluminum is forced through the die using high-pressure rams in a confined space, moving the aluminum through the die and out the other side in the form required. Liquid or gaseous nitrogen is also pumped through the system to prevent the formation of oxides during the extrusion process.

After the extrusion process, the aluminum extrusion shapes are further processed. This includes using a stretching processes to release any internal tension and create straight sides and angles which will be true and identical to all other materials produced by the same die.

Internal cavities are formed during the process through a slightly more complex mechanism. Specialized pieces known as piercing mandrels or pins are located within the die to create the designed internal open space. After the extrusion is completed the aluminum extrusion shapes can be further processed to the desired finish.

Unique Shapes

It is possible to create very elaborate aluminum extrusion shapes with one pass. There are different components used in the aerospace industry which are formed using the extrusion process since they are continuous, strong and uniform in every aspect.

There is really no limit to the development of aluminum extrusion shapes for parts and components. Small parts such as those required in electronics and the communication industry can also be created using this process and it can be a very cost effective option when compared to machining and milling rod or bar to create the individual pieces.

Learn more about custom aluminum extrusion and their benefits be sure to visit our website or give us a call. Our specialists at Howard Precision Metals are here to help at Howardprecision.com.

Wikinews interviews William Pomerantz, Senior Director of Space Prizes at the X PRIZE Foundation

Regardless of who wins the prize, people all around the world will be able to experience the mission through high-def video-streams.
Saturday, August 28, 2010

Andreas Hornig, Wikinews contributor and team member of Synergy Moon, competitor in the Google Lunar X Prize, managed to interview Senior Director of Space Prizes William Pomerantz of the X PRIZE Foundation about the competitions, goals, and impacts via e-mail for HDTVTotal.com and Wikinews.

By Wikinews,the free news source

Other stories: Science and technology
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  • “Japanese probe snatches first asteroid sample” — Wikinews, November 26, 2005
  • “$20 million prize offered in lunar rover contest” — Wikinews, September 13, 2007

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This exclusive interview features first-hand journalism by a Wikinews reporter. See the collaboration page for more details.


This article is part of a page redesign trial on Wikinews. Please leave comments or bug reports on this redesign.This interview originally appeared on HDTVTotal.com, released under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Credit for this interview goes to HDTVTotal.com and Andreas -horn- Hornig.

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Transgender woman dies after beating in Harlem, New York

Saturday, August 24, 2013

A transgender woman attacked in Harlem, New York last week died on Thursday after being declared brain dead and taken off life support. Police are treating the death of Islan Nettles, 21, as a hate crime.

They were called faggots, they were called he-shes, she-males, things of that nature

Nettles was walking with transgender friends early on August 17 when they met a group of men opposite a local police building. Police say a fight ensued after the men discovered the group was transgender and local man Paris Wilson, 20, was arrested at the scene.

Wilson was charged by prosecutors in Manhattan with assault and harassment. Prosecutors say more serious charges could be brought after police received allegations homophobic language was used, with a hate crimes team now investigating. The death has been ruled a homicide and a spokeswoman for the New York City medical examiner’s office said Nettles was killed by “blunt impact head injuries”.

The criminal complaint Wilson presently faces says a police officer found Nettles “unconscious on the ground with a swollen shut eye and blood on her face”. Wilson is accused of punching Nettles to the ground and then repeatedly hitting her while she lay there.

Fashion became a definite decision for my life after my first show with my hand designed garments in high school

Nettles was interested in a fashion career, working as an intern for local fashion firm Ay’Medici. “Fashion became a definite decision for my life after my first show with my hand designed garments in highschool”, she wrote on LinkedIn, where she described herself as “anti-violence”. She has previously instructed fashion at Harlem Children’s Zone, undertaking studies at New York College of Technology and the Bread and Roses Integrated Arts High School.

Her mother, Dolores Nettles, told press Nettles and her friends were subject to transphobic insults. “They were called faggots, they were called he-shes, she-males, things of that nature,” she said.

Daniel L. Squadron of the New York State Senate said yesterday in a statement “Islan was 21 years old — 21 years old. And her life and future were stolen from her. Let’s be clear: intolerance, discrimination and hate have no place in New York or anywhere.” He called for the passage of a related bill he supports, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act.

Wilson is presently free on bail, with a court hearing scheduled for October 4.

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How To Learn Data Science

Brief about Data Science Learning

Learning data science can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. You just need to know what you’re getting into. I’ll share with you some tips that will help you get started. It’s important that you realize this isn’t for everyone, and there is a lot of competition out there. However, if you’re willing to stick with it, you’ll reap the rewards in no time.

You need to think long and hard about what type of formal education you’re going to need. There are many types, so you need to decide what’s best for you. If you like college, then you’ve probably figured out what type of formal education you need. If not, you might want to consider taking classes online or through an institution. No matter what you choose, there is enough to cover this topic that you’ll be prepared.

What to Study ?

Next, you need to figure out what you want to study. This can be done by listing your interests and defining the tools and materials that you’ll use. You might want to do a little bit of analysis as well, such as looking at existing data sets or trying to predict the future. It’s really up to you.

Once you know what you’re going to do, you can start thinking about how to get started. You can take a course at your local college. Some colleges even offer online courses for learning. If you prefer the written word, you can always read books on the subject or check out websites to see data sets and other examples.

If you’ve already got some education, you can read up on specific subjects and begin studying. This can be done at home, on the Internet, or in a library. There are many ways you can learn. The fastest way, of course, is to download eBooks on the subject and begin learning immediately. You’ll save money and get instant results.

Some good learning resources

You can also learn online or through video tutorials. There are many websites offering tutorial type courses on how to learn data science. These courses are designed to be self-directed or interactive. They usually involve learning scientific concepts using specific software applications. You might find that the best courses are those that combine text with video tutorials. I particularly would refer these two websites as I have been a contributor myself in their content. Imurgence forself paced data science courses and Integrumlitera for One on One machine learning courses.

These programs are designed to give you hands-on experience with actual data science projects. Some are based on experiments you might do at home. Others are more project based than anything else. Whatever you choose, you need to be aware that learning this way is just that: learning. Don’t become so confident in your understanding that you think you understand it all.

Remember that as you learn you need to keep things interesting. Keep re-thinking things and questioning yourself. Be willing to accept that things don’t always work the way you expected them to. You’ll find that the more questions that you ask and the more independent data you collect, the more you’ll learn about data science in the process. The better you get at it, the more value you will earn.

While the science part of this is important, remember that you’re also learning to communicate. In the beginning, you should probably use a visual tool to make simple expressions and plots. Over time you can probably move beyond that. It’s okay if you don’t know everything right from the beginning. You should be able to figure out what to write in your own words. You don’t need to understand everything right now, but you should gather some knowledge at each step of the way.

Once you have some initial data, try to backtest it. This means looking at how your system or application performs against a known set of standards. This lets you see what kind of effect you may have had if you tweaked the system to its maximum potential. If you find that it still performs poorly, consider changing your approach.

Parting Views

Finally, you want to find out if there are other people who are learning the same things as you. This is where message boards and forums become useful. Find others with the same goals as you and ask for tips and advice.

There is a lot involved in understanding how to learn data science. However, once you have some preliminary knowledge, you can proceed with confidence. You will be ready to take on more advanced tasks. And even if you never go beyond a basic program, having the basic foundation will help you be prepared to move forward when you choose. This holds true for almost every subject you might choose to study.