Spying on Americans: US Intelligence, Race Protests, and Dissident Movements

Protests against racism erupt in cities across America. A White House, under siege, believes a vast conspiracy is at work, and, to uncover it, instigates a policy to spy on Americans. This is not the United States in 2020, but half a century earlier. Using a wealth of declassified records, this article explores a domestic intelligence collection program (CHAOS) instigated by two successive US administrations and conducted by the Central Intelligence Agency in the late 1960s and early 1970s. By studying this historical chapter, we observe how quickly an agency, equipped with intrusive powers, can infringe on Americans’ civil liberties when tasked by a US president. Applying this case to our contemporary context, this article argues that robust whistleblower procedures, as well as informal oversight, are powerful defenses against such abuses. Understanding why CHAOS occurred is an essential public policy first step to prevent similar abuses happening again.

Anticonvulsant Activity of Elaesis guineensis (Jacq) Oil in Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Seizure in Drosophila melanogaster

Elaesis guineensis, a plant whose oil extract (palm kernel oil) is medicinal, is reported to treat a wide range of disorders, including seizures. However, the anticonvulsant activity of this oil extract has not been exhaustively studied. This study aimed at evaluating the anticonvulsant activity of Elaesis guineensis oil in pentylenetetrazol-induced seizure in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit-fly). Pentylenetetrazol (50 mg/5 g diet) was used to induce seizure in Drosophila melanogaster. Flies were exposed to different concentrations (0.5-5%) of the oil and phenytoin for 28 days in a survival assay to determine the safety in the fruit flies. Five replicate of fifty files each were exposed to diet containing the LC50 of phenytoin and other groups were exposed to different concentrations of the extract for 7 days. Seizure was then induced with Pentylenetetrazol. The Trikinetic system was used to monitor activity and the DAMSystem3 data collection program to collect, process and store data. The results showed that the extract increased the latency of seizures and improved survival in the flies and suggest that the extract possesses anticonvulsant properties.

Strategi Peningkatan Penghimpunan Wakaf Melalui Kegiatan Dakwah di Pesantren Baitul Hidayah

ABSTRACT This study examines strategies to increase the collection of waqf through Islamic Da'wah activities. This is important to do, considering the Baitul Hidayah Islamic Boarding School has a large potential for waqf while the ongoing collection of waqf has not yet reached the expected target. This study aims to find a solution in the form of a strategy to increase the collection of waqf by utilizing da'wah activities as a way of socialization and promotion. This type of research is a qualitative descriptive study, while the data sources are obtained directly in the field (field research). The research approach uses case studies with data collection techniques through interviews, documentation studies and field observations. The results of this study recommend strategies for increasing the collection of waqf through: (i) Optimizing the role of dai as a marketing of waqf. (ii) fulltime managing human resources. (iii) Improvement of Facilities and Infrastructure. (iv) Creating a creative collection program. (v) Standardization of Data Management. (vi) Improvement of convenience services and activity reports.Keywords: Collection, Waqf, Da'wah and Islamic boarding schools. ABSTRAKPenelitian ini mengkaji tentang strategi peningkatan penghimpunan wakaf melalui kegiatan Dakwah Islam. Hal ini penting dilakukan, mengingat Pesantren Baitul Hidayah memiliki potensi wakaf yang cukup besar sementara penghimpunan wakaf yang berjalan belum mencapai target yang diharapkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendapatkan solusi berupa strategi peningkatan penghimpunan wakaf dengan memanfaatkan kegiatan-kegiatan dakwah sebagai jalan sosialisasi dan promosi. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kualitatif, adapun sumber data diperoleh langsung di lapangan (field research). Pendekatan penelitian menggunakan studi kasus dengan teknik pengumpulan data melalui wawancara, studi dokumentasi dan observasi lapangan. Hasil penelitian merekomendasikan strategi peningkatan penghimpunan wakaf melalui : (i) Optimalisasi peran dai sebagai marketing wakaf. (ii) SDM pengelola fulltime. (iii) Peningkatan Sarana dan Prasarana. (iv) Menciptakan Program penghimpunan yang kreatif. (v) Standarisasi Pengelolaan Data. (vi) Peningkatan layanan kemudahan dan laporan kegiatan.Kata Kunci: Penghimpunan, Wakaf, Dakwah dan Pesantren.

The distribution and direct impacts of marine debris on the commercial shrimping industry

Commercial shrimpers frequently encounter marine debris in their nets, resulting in the loss of time and catch, and added repair costs. Prior to this study, no information existed on the spatial and temporal distribution of marine debris that shrimpers encounter and the subsequent economic impact on commercial shrimping. To characterize the quantity and impacts of marine debris, twenty commercial shrimpers participated in a comprehensive data collection program within the north central Gulf of Mexico, USA. Results showed that derelict crab traps were an overwhelming issue for shrimpers, and the type of fishing gear used (skimmer vs. otter trawls) influenced both the type of marine debris encountered and the subsequent economic impacts. Surveyed shrimpers encountered marine debris on 19% of tows and lost an average of 18.21 minutes, 7.88 kg of catch, and $6.37 (USD) in gear damage per tow with encounters, resulting in losses of $7,683 (USD) per year, per shrimper.

Simulation of fate & transport of contaminants in groundwater for supporting site assessment

Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in science and engineering. Simulations can be used to explore and gain new insights into new technology, and to estimate the performance of systems too complex for analytical solutions. BIOPLUME III is a numerical two-dimensional model that tracks the fate and transport of aromatic hydrocarbons. To help the environmental professional with the data management, visualization, and decision making tasks involved. Interpretations based on model analyses must recognize the significance of uncertainties in input data. Models of ground-water systems should be regarded as just one tool among many that can be used in the analysis of a ground-water quality problem. Numerical simulation can help the analyst integrate available data, evaluate conceptual models, test hypotheses pertaining to flow and quality changes, and predict system responses to alternative stresses. The models do not replace field data, but they help to guide the design of a more effective and more efficient data-collection program.

Simulation of fate & transport of contaminants in groundwater for supporting site assessment

Computer simulations have become a useful part of mathematical modeling of many natural systems in science and engineering. Simulations can be used to explore and gain new insights into new technology, and to estimate the performance of systems too complex for analytical solutions. BIOPLUME III is a numerical two-dimensional model that tracks the fate and transport of aromatic hydrocarbons. To help the environmental professional with the data management, visualization, and decision making tasks involved. Interpretations based on model analyses must recognize the significance of uncertainties in input data. Models of ground-water systems should be regarded as just one tool among many that can be used in the analysis of a ground-water quality problem. Numerical simulation can help the analyst integrate available data, evaluate conceptual models, test hypotheses pertaining to flow and quality changes, and predict system responses to alternative stresses. The models do not replace field data, but they help to guide the design of a more effective and more efficient data-collection program.

Prioritizing Pedestrian and Bicyclist Count Locations for Volume Estimation

As data collection programs grow, cities need a way to systematically deploy counting equipment in a way that ensures robust pedestrian and bicyclist volume data are collected across a spectrum of use patterns and infrastructure contexts. This paper presents the findings from a deep dive into pedestrian and bicyclist volumes and exposure, including statistical modeling, as well as translating the outputs into an algorithm for systematically growing Seattle Department of Transportation’s nonmotorized count data collection program. The data collection location prioritization algorithm described in this paper provides a roadmap for cities and other agencies as they build their nonmotorized data collection programs.

RFID Based Vehicle Toll Collection System for Toll Roads

The RFID-based vehicle collection program is intended to better handle toll operations through technology that aims to streamline the flow of vehicles. The purpose of this work is to plan, introduce and promote the automated operation of the car selection system (VTS). The Vehicle Toll Collection Device in this paper automatically detects vehicles and gathers machine-readable details on tolls for automobiles driving in the toll road. This knowledge is instigated by the modification and installation of at least one vehicle with a moving vehicle detection device. The computerized control device located along the toll line will transmit the registration signal as the car is reaching the registration point and will determine the toll to be debited and transfer the toll electronically to the account of the individual vehicle. This device helps a car to proceed beyond the scan point with no halting, thereby providing commuters with optimum comfort, speeding up traffic movement and reducing the need for human capital on highways

Strategy of Zakat Collection during the Covid-19 Pandemic at Padang City (Case Study at LAZ Charity Risalah)

Currently, zakat management was also affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The reason was that the muzaki have decreased their income, thus affecting Zakat collection they do. This study aims to determine Strategy of Zakat collection during the Covid-19 pandemic at LAZ Risalah Charity. The researcher used qualitative, while the type of research was descriptive. The results showed that there were six strategies carried out by LAZ Risalah Charity in Padang City in order to increase the zakat collection target during the pandemic period, namely the socialization of the zakat collection program, the socialization of the zakat distribution program, cooperation with zakat management units (UPZ), zakat pick-up services, online, zakat services via transfer and increasing the capacity of Human Resources (HR). Apart from this program, LAZ Risalah Charity also plans to provide digital financial service facilities for muzaki who will pay zakat. Keywords: Zakat in Covid-19 Time, Strategy of Zakat, Zakat Collection

Rapidly Establishing a Hospital-Based Convalescent Plasma Collection Center With the Alyx Apheresis Collection Device

The effort to collect convalescent plasma from individuals who recovered from COVID-19 began in earnest during the spring of 2020. Either whole blood or apheresis donations were obtained, the latter yielding higher numbers of units per donor per collection and more frequent collections. The NorthShore University HealthSystem blood donor center purchased 2 Alyx (Fresenius Kabi) apheresis plasma collection devices and quickly implemented them in order to collect COVID-19 convalescent plasma. Apheresis-experienced and inexperienced phlebotomists operated the instruments. Donors were collected >14 days from symptom resolution and all donors were negative by SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab. Both internal metrics of performance as well as a post donation survey were used to evaluate the feasibility implementing this collection program. During the first 100 days of the collection program, 650 plasma units were collected. In particular, during the first week of the program, 38 units were collected and distributed to hospitals under the emergency investigational new drug and expanded access program. Fifty-one donors (15%) were deferred due to vital signs out of range or donor screening questions. Thirty-one donors (10%) were deferred due to positive nasopharyngeal swab. Lower than target yield occurred in 16.6% of collections due to donor reactions or flow errors. Donors rated the overall program lower, but not the staff, when they reported symptoms related to collection. In conclusion, a hospital-based apheresis convalescent plasma collection program can be rapidly implemented. Donor reaction rates and vein infiltration rates should be carefully monitored for each phlebotomist.