Sons And Daughters Of BBCMF Homeland Defense/Security Technology

[mick]

Ready.gov
make a kit, make a plan, and be informed. From the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Category: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
http://www.ready.gov/

stocks...http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp

[TITAN]

NNSR HERE IS THE LINK http://www.nanosensorsinc.net/news/DKL%20NNSR%20Press%20Release.pdf

[TITAN]

((NNSR)) • Executed a non-binding letter of intent to acquire privately-held DKL International, Inc., (www.dklabs.com) a provider of passive technology and related products to the homeland security, defense, military, law enforcement, security, safety, and rescue markets. DKL is currently selling its LifeGuard ™ product in Asia.
Products
Present detection sensors and instruments that are being used today by the government, military and private sector provide low sensitivity, take up too much space, have a high cost and require a high level of supervision.

Detection of E.coli in Food

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), e.coli is a general term that includes many strains of the bacteria. In fact, there are more than 170 strains of e.coli (called "serogroups"); although most strains are harmless, e.coli (particularly the strain called e. coli O157:H7) produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness, qualifying it as a pathogen. It is commonly found in the intestines of healthy cattle, deer, goats, and sheep.

This will be big remeber last weeks meat Recall??????

[mick]

hi GS, give the ibox a check for some ceo stuff.

[mick]

good afternoon to friends and readers.

[mick]

hi GS, good afternoon.

[Golden Cross]

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Features Spade Defense Index Monthly Update Addressing Recent Port Controversy, New Port Security Technology and Defense Market Performance
Wednesday March 29, 9:00 am ET


Founder Scott Sacknoff Discusses Key Trends Including Recent Defense Budget Proposal, Ongoing World Instability, and a Need to Invest and Replenish Our Defensive and Security Capabilities


POINT ROBERTS, WA--(MARKET WIRE)--Mar 29, 2006 -- www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com (HDS), a global investor and industry news portal for the homeland defense and security sector, presents the Spade Defense Index Monthly Update. Track trends and stay up to the minute with events in the defense sector provided by Scott Sacknoff, President of the Spade Defense Index (AMEX: ^DXS) http://www.spadeindex.com. The Spade Defense Index® is a modified capitalization-weighted index comprised of publicly traded companies that benchmarks the performance of companies involved with the defense, homeland security, and space marketplace.
ADVERTISEMENT


In this month's interview, Scott Sacknoff discusses how investments in homeland security and defense have performed as the Index has hit 16 all-time highs so far this year. Mr. Sacknoff also addresses the port controversy and looks at companies positioned to benefit in this area, along with a new technology solution being implemented to improve port security that entails cargo monitoring.

Overall Mr. Sacknoff anticipates the homeland and defense market to continue to grow based on a variety of factors. "There are a number of positive trends. In particular, the recent defense budget proposal, ongoing world instability, and a need to invest and replenish our defensive and security capabilities," states Sacknoff.

Recent online audio interviews:

March 2006: http://homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/news/mar06.asp

February 2006: http://homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/news/feb06.asp

January 2006: http://homelanddefensestocks.com/Content_Partners/SI/news/jan06.asp

www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com (HDS), www.BorderandPortSecurity.com (BPS), and www.NationalHomelandSecurityKnowledgebase.com (NHSK), portals within the InvestorIdeas.com content umbrella, offers investors research, news and links to public companies within the homeland security and defense sector. HDS, BPS and NHSK do not make recommendations, but offer unique free information portals to research news, articles, interviews and a growing list of participating public companies in the security industry.

HomelandDefenseStocks.com Sponsors: (HDS is compensated by Detex Security Systems, Sense Holdings, and Sniffex as disclosed in disclaimer)

SENSE Holdings Inc.(TM) (OTC BB:SEHO.OB - News) is a provider of biometric solutions, and micro-sensor identification systems as well as enabling technology for explosives detection. Sense develops products targeting Homeland Security, and offers solutions that improve and secure many business, military, and personal processes. http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/CO/SEHO/Default.asp

Detex Security Systems, Inc. (Other OTC:DXSC.PK - News) owns a state-of-the-art plastic explosive and weapon detection technology, the Milliscope. This revolutionary, portable device utilizes millimeter wave sensors to detect security threats including plastic explosives, metallic and non-metallic weapons and drugs. http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/CO/DXSC/Default.asp

Sniffex, Inc. (Other OTC:SNFX.PK - News) is the manufacturer of a pocket-sized, hand held explosives and weapons detection device which operates through its ability to detect the presence of nitrous oxide (free) radicals within its effective range. http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com/CO/SNFX/Default.asp

Additional Homeland Security Content:

HomelandDefenseStocks.com (HDS) provides a variety of global defense and security content through: The "Defense Market Report," by James H. Smith, Homeland Defense Business Correspondent for MSNBC, CNN and the BBC; "The Spade Defense Index" with Scott Sacknoff, "Mallon's Security Report" by Mallon Associates and the HDS Blog all available at: http://www.homelanddefensestocks.com or become a 'priority' member of the Investorideas.com investor and industry research resource portals and be at the top of our list to be the first to know what is happening in industry and sector trends. http://investorideas.com/membership/

HDS also includes one of the most comprehensive free Homeland Security stock lists in the investment industry: www.HomelandDefenseStocks.com/Companies/HomelandDefense/Stock_List.asp

[mick]

me again, HISC IS DOING SOME SHARE STUFF THIS MONTH IF I RECALL RIGHT FOR US.

[mick]

TO ALL, BBCMF,FRIENDS AND READERS. ONE OF FRIENDS HAS PASSED ON. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY SOMETHING FOR HER OR ABOUT HER GIVE THIS PALACE A CLOCK TO.

IN MEMORY FOR MARIE az2820


http://www.investorshub.com/boards/board.asp?board_id=2463

[mick]

NOT A LOT OF ACTION WITH P&F BUT WE LIKE HISC VERY MUCH.

[PieSky]

Morning, Mick! Keeping an eye on HISC... have a great day!!

[mick]

hi bill, i like HISC

chart ... p and f

[PieSky]

HISC gettin' there..

[mick]

nice sig, got milk? HISC

[PieSky]

Nice, Mick... gotta keep 'em laughing...!!

[mick]

that is so nice to hear. i did a little different at our comedy stuff.

i condensed it there.

Moderator: mick
Assistants: momo player, PalmBeachAJ
Created: 12/29/2005 7:15:59 PM


Redneck Comedy, Comedy, Cartoons,

PARENTS ARE FROM BBCMF ,,,#Board-3665

I'M PLACING THIS FOR A CLICK TO FOR OUR NETWORKING IDEAS.
OUR NETWORKING FORUMS...#msg-10254804

[PieSky]

Anytime, Mick... you're one of the 'good' guys in MY book...:)

[mick]

thank you ever so much. she is not doing very well with these cancer problems.

pancreas been trouble for 7 years and now swelling [ovaries]in her stomach.

i was in church praying. father cahill passed a few years ago.

while i was praying saturday in church he said " I WILL PRAY FOR CATHY AND SHE IS GOING TO BE O.K. WITH THESE CANCER PROBLEMS."

[midastouch017]

My prayers for her to get well.

Regards,

Dubi

[mick]

i have been some. my daughter is my biggest worry and about her health.

she has a problem with her ovaries now. doing some test today.

[midastouch017]

Hi Mick,

Been somewhat busy today

Regards,

Dubi

[mick]

thank you, we should be informed from many sides and views from many friends and readers.

thanx for being a real friend when i needed friendship.

[PieSky]

Cool, Mick.... you've got a bunch of good people there...

[Golden Cross]

galaxykirk

[mick]

hi GS again, longtime not kicking the tires with ya. say what did you say your i.d. at poker party?

[Golden Cross]

Sold GNBT, waiting for new entry....Trading XKEM with meeting tonight in Africa... FDG taking a tank today might buy it for a div play....You have anything going on? GLTY

[Golden Cross]

Thanks I will check them out...GLTY

[mick]

hi bill, letting you know i have added these to our iboxes.


NetWorking with Moderator: FinancialAdvisor Assistants: FinancialAdvisorFinancialAdvisor's College Class(FACC)...#board-2767

NetWorking with Moderator: kgoodrich Assistants: cats, flota, Gok...Seasonals rock...#board-1616 & #board-3424 Seasonals rock.

NetWorking with: Moderator: puppman Assistants: Creede Bighorns, rrufff...The Transparent Flamingo 2...#board-5260

NetWorking with Moderator: SeriousMoney, Assistants: None...
Toby Smith Stock Review...#board-4469
Moderator Or An Assistant To These Forums In This Click...#msg-10253185

NetWorking with Moderator: Trade_4_Money,Assistants: IAMSAM, Pay_tience...PENNIES TO DOLLARS...#board-3802

[mick]

hi dubi , just checking in with ya here.

[mick]

I ADDED THESE TO OUR IBOXES.


NetWorking with Moderator: FinancialAdvisor Assistants: FinancialAdvisorFinancialAdvisor's College Class(FACC)...#board-2767

NetWorking with Moderator: kgoodrich Assistants: cats, flota, Gok...Seasonals rock...#board-1616 & #board-3424 Seasonals rock.

NetWorking with: Moderator: puppman Assistants: Creede Bighorns, rrufff...The Transparent Flamingo 2...#board-5260

NetWorking with Moderator: SeriousMoney, Assistants: None...
Toby Smith Stock Review...#board-4469
Moderator Or An Assistant To These Forums In This Click...#msg-10253185

NetWorking with Moderator: Trade_4_Money,Assistants: IAMSAM, Pay_tience...PENNIES TO DOLLARS...#board-3802

[mick]

hi GS, ARE YOU DOING ANY TRADING THIS WEEK?

[Golden Cross]

GLGT H7 Security Systems Develops Silent Soldier Video Surveillance: Early Warning Technology Detects, Identifies and Notifies of Potential Threats to Ports and Oil Refineries
Business Wire - March 14, 2006 8:15 AM (EDT)

MIAMI, Mar 14, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Global General Technologies (OTC Bulletin Board: GLGT), announced today that its subsidiary H7 Security Systems, Inc., completed the first generation of its Silent Soldier Video Surveillance product line. H7 creates, executes and maintains intelligent high tech surveillance systems that provide 'earlier' warnings for long range incursions that allow for rapid responses in the prevention of terrorist attacks. The Silent Soldier has been engineered specifically to be used at high value large scale facilities such as oil refineries, pipeline, port terminals and military installations. Founded on Intelligent video, advanced sensors, and a proprietary seamless communication technology, the system was developed to provide protection through long range threat detection and identification. Unlike current security systems, this early-warning technology distinguishes itself by providing a preventative security system, rather than one designed as reactionary to attacks.

"Our mission is to provide international homeland solutions --by offering an unprecedented alternative to security solutions today which have a forensic approach to attacks by insurgent forces. H7's powerful innovation is groundbreaking because of its anticipatory technology provides an early warning alert against infrastructure attacks" said CEO Al Mercado.

The Silent Soldier leverages its object-tracking and intelligent video software to determine the viability of a threat, based on pre-determined criteria. In conjunction with its 360 degrees of view, its long-range capability enables ease of observation in the determination of 'qualified' activity. This automated technology is equally effective at night as it is in the daytime, providing a remote interdiction system that truly defines early-warning. The Silent Soldier is currently being marketed by H7's sales force and its foreign distributors.

About Global General Technologies

Global General Technologies, Inc. trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol GLGT, through its subsidiary H7 Security Systems, Inc designs, implements and maintains homeland security systems internationally with a primary focus on perimeter security of large high value facilities. www.globalgeneraltechnologies.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information included in this news release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("Reform Act"). Such statements are based on current expectations and involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results and performance of the Company to differ materially from any expected future results or performance, expressed or implied, by the forward-looking statements. In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Reform Act, the Company has identified important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such expectations, including operating uncertainties, uncertainties relating to economic issues and competition. Reference is made to all the Company's SEC filings, including the Company's Reports on Forms 10K, 10Q and other periodic reports.

SOURCE: Global General Technologies

Global General Technologies
800-936-3204
www.globalgeneraltechnologies.com
or
Investor Relations:
Mark Wachs and Associates
Mark Wachs, 212-832-2800
[e-mail]

Copyright Business Wire 2006

[mick]

TCGD ... hi dubi, it looks to be a very interesting conference for homeland security.

very nice article.

[midastouch017]

TraceGuard to Unveil Exclusive Airport Security Technology at ValueRich Small-Cap Financial Expo in Miami

Friday March 3, 1:30 pm ET

NEW YORK and TEL AVIV, Israel, March 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Technology development company TraceGuard Technologies, Inc. (OTC BB:TCGD.OB - News) will unveil its exclusive explosive trace extraction technology at the ValueRich Small-Cap Financial Expo. This expo, being held in Miami on March 8-9, offers small-cap companies the opportunity to present their products and services to a highly targeted audience.

With offices in New York City and Washington DC, TraceGuard is conducting its development work in its R&D facility in Israel. The company is at the forefront of the battle to prevent explosives from being taken aboard aircraft, and is a leader in automated explosive trace extraction.

TraceGuard hopes to launch its first product, CarrySafe, by the end of the year. Targeted at the airport security requirements of the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and other regulatory authorities, CarrySafe is designed for integration into existing screening equipment. CarrySafe should automatically extract and collect air particles from both the outer and the inner surfaces of luggage. Particles are then fed to the standard chemical analyzers already deployed by airport authorities to check for the presence of hidden explosives in carry-on luggage. By delivering greater accuracy and speed than screening solutions based on manual checking, CarrySafe is designed to dramatically shorten passenger lines.

Future products include HoldSafe for checked-in luggage, and CargoSafe for palletized airborne cargo. TraceGuard also plans to expand the applications of its trace extraction technology to include drugs and biological contamination.

TraceGuard's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Ehud Ganani, has assembled an experienced management team of engineers, scientists and business executives with proven credentials in anti-terrorism, security and technology. Dr. Ganani, a former head of Israeli Military Industries and former VP Marketing & Business Development with RAFAEL, Israel's military technology powerhouse, states that ``We are delighted to be exhibiting in this show, where we hope to engage in a fruitful dialogue with key capital market players. We believe that our innovative products can introduce an unprecedented level of automation to airport luggage screening. TraceGuard's ultimate goal is to become a major player in the Homeland Security market, and to this end we intend to explore strategic partnerships with manufacturers of synergetic equipment.''

http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/060303/95176.html

Dubi

[mick]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO OUR FRIENDS, READERS, MY ASSISTANTS, AND TO ALL THAT WORK HARD FOR SHARING AND CARING FOR EACH OTHER HERE AT THE IHUB.

[mick]

all wish andi a very happy birthday. happy birthday ANDI.

[mick]

good morning friends and readers.

[mick]

hi dubi, good afternoon. a very nice article.

[midastouch017]

Elbit's Ortek deploys $8m Asian coastal security project

The peripheral coastal security system allows operators to track vessels automatically. Ortek is the homeland security house of Elbit Systems.

Globes correspondent 6 Feb 06 11:26

Elbit Systems (Nasdaq: ESLT; TASE: ESLT) announced today that its subsidiary Ortek Ltd. completed deployment of its first peripheral coastal security system for a customer in Asia. Ortek is the homeland security house of the Elbit Systems group.
Ortek’s contract for the project is estimated at approximately $8 million.

The deployment of the system is the first stage of the project, which also includes deployment of peripheral coastal security systems at additional locations in the customer’s country.

The peripheral coastal security system is remote controlled and allows its operators to automatically track a large number of vessels simultaneously, for dozens of miles, using its identification capabilities to send alerts regarding any type of threat those vessels may pose.

Ortek’s coastal security system is based on multi-layered capabilities developed by Elbit Systems, and includes advanced night vision sensors, daylight surveillance and laser rangefinders developed by Elbit Systems Electro-Optics ELOP Ltd.

The system’s surveillance, monitoring and control capabilities allow processing of online data received simultaneously from numerous surveillance pods. The integration and data analysis received from electro-optical (EO) sensors in the control room enables a rapid alert and a suitable response to any type of port threat.

Ortek managing director Eli Venezia said, “Our coastal security system is unique in its ability to provide the customer with a comprehensive solution to meet the specific needs of defense against terrorist threats. There is an increasing global demand for these types of systems, and we are already involved in the integration of similar systems for customers in Europe and other worldwide locations.

Ortek develops and manufactures EO systems for surveillance and tracking, optical fiber technology for security, video communication, supervision and control systems as well as image processing and smart systems for electronic fences. Approximately 60% of Ortek’s sales are to international customers.

Among Ortek’s many projects of peripheral defense in Israel are defense systems for Israel’s land and sea borders, peripheral security systems of air force bases, major sections of the border security fence, the detour route around Jerusalem, and others.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on Monday, February 06, 2006

Dubi

[midastouch017]

And indeed so it does

:)

Dubi

[mick]

minor breakout at $0.78/$0.82 area. major breakout is about to happen.

[midastouch017]

Re : SPCBF



Dubi

[mick]

SuperCom Ltd. DL (02/01/2006 10:23 AM EST)

SPCBF 1.00 0.07

Today 5 Dy 1 Mo 3 Mo 1 Yr more
Last Price
1.00
Change $
0.07
Change %
7.53%
Tick


Bid
1.00
Bid Size
2500
Ask
1.05
Ask Size
500

Open
0.97
High
1.00
Low
0.95
Prev Close
0.93

Last Trade
10:21
Volume
76.96 k
52 Wk Hi
2.66
52 Wk Lo
0.56

Market Cap
18.35 m
Ex-Div Date
N/A
Div. Rate
N/A
Yield
N/A

Shares
18.35 m
EPS (TTM)
-0.11
PE Ratio
N/A
Exchange
OBB




SuperCom Ltd. News and Filings As of 02/01/2006 10:38 AM EST


Wed, Feb 01, 2006

10:09 AM Former CIA Director Woolsey Named Chairman of SuperCom's New Advisory Board - PR Newswire

Tue, Jan 17, 2006

9:36 AM Supercom Announces Contactless Smart Card Project Win in Asia-Pacific - PR Newswire

Tue, Jan 10, 2006

8:18 AM SuperCom Announces the Award of a Tender for a Biometric Passport Issuing and Control System for a Western European Country - PR Newswire

Mon, Dec 12, 2005

4:01 PM SuperCom Completes $3m Private Placement - PR Newswire

Mon, Nov 28, 2005

4:06 PM SuperCom Reports Financial Results for the Third Quarter Of 2005 - PR Newswire

Mon, Nov 21, 2005

11:51 AM SuperCom Announces Third Quarter 2005 Results Conference Call - PR Newswire

Mon, Oct 10, 2005

8:03 AM Leading Consumer Products Company Approves SuperCom's Cashless Environment/Vending Machine Payment Technology - PR Newswire

Fri, Aug 26, 2005

9:30 AM SuperCom Announces Appointment of Director and Increase in Authorized Share Capital - PR Newswire

Thu, Aug 25, 2005

9:31 AM SuperCom Reports Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2005 - PR Newswire

Fri, Aug 19, 2005

11:33 AM Supercom Announces Second Quarter 2005 Earnings Conference Call - PR Newswire


More News for SPCBF More Filings for SPCBF


Copyright © 2006 QuoteMedia. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.
RT = Real-Time, EOD = End-Of-Day, PD = Previous-Day, otherwise data delayed 15-20 min.
Market data powered by QuoteMedia, www.quotemedia.com

[mick]

me again, this is a very interesting move. SPCBF

[midastouch017]

Former CIA Director Woolsey Named Chairman of SuperCom's New Advisory Board

Wednesday February 1, 10:09 am ET

NEW YORK and RA'ANANA, Israel, February 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- SuperCom Ltd. (OTCBB: SPCBF.OB; Euronext: SUP), a leading provider of smart card and electronic identification (e-ID) solutions, today announced that R. James Woolsey, former Director of Central Intelligence and one of America's preeminent authorities on security issues, will be Chairman of the Company's newly created Advisory Board.

The Advisory Board was established to enhance SuperCom's presence in the United States and other nations, and to help identify new applications for the company's technologies in the homeland security, defense and document authentication markets.
(#msg-9507394)

One of my GemOrJam picks

Dubi

[mick]

many items in this click to.

#msg-9473814

[mick]

Eco Rx Inc (OTC: ERXX) may be a target of aggressive investors

and day traders this morning! Yesterday after the stock markets closed, the company issued a press release announcing that it has achieved full production of its Master Series Rx 400 in China with deliveries commencing in first quarter of 2006.

News of the production should get the attention of investors! This will allow the company to meet an ever growing demand for its air purification products. The company believes that by utilizing the economies and quality of Chinese manufacturing, its product can achieve profitability and wide distribution at attractive price points.

Continue to watch this company! According to the company’s press release, The Master Series Rx 400 kills more than 99% of bacteria and viruses while deactivating and neutralizing pollen, pet dander, dust mites and mold spores etc. The unit’s UV chamber design is very effective as a means of achieving their goal to provide purified indoor air without using or producing ozone. A number of air filtration products currently in the market are known to produce this harmful gas. An Rx 400 can purify 3,200 cubic feet (20 x 20 x 8) 4 times in an hour.

Investors should continue to monitor the progress of Eco Rx! The press release also states that independent FDA and EPA certified laboratory testing has confirmed the effectiveness of the Rx 400. The Company believes it is the finest air purification product on the market today; Eco-Rx has spent nearly ten years in Research and Development of air sterilization technology. Due to the huge number of allergy and respiratory illness sufferers,the market for indoor air purification/sterilization products is estimated at over 50M units in the United States alone.. The market for these products is stronger today than ever before. Initial sales activity indicates a very strong demand for this superior air purification product.

[mick]

right on. this company has the gun.

Metal Storm Ltd DL (Jan 24 10:07 AM EST)

MTSX 3.47 0.022

Today 5 Dy 1 Mo 3 Mo 1 Yr more
Last Price
3.47
Change $
0.022
Change %
0.64%
Tick


Bid
3.44
Bid Size
300
Ask
3.48
Ask Size
100

Open
3.50
High
3.66
Low
3.43
Prev Close
3.45

Last Trade
10:07
Volume
117.9 k
52 Wk Hi
4.84
52 Wk Lo
1.75

Market Cap
90.61 m
Ex-Div Date
N/A
Div. Rate
N/A
Yield
N/A

Shares
26.1 m
EPS (TTM)
-0.40
PE Ratio
N/A
Exchange
NSD




Metal Storm Ltd Headlines As of Jan 24 10:22 AM EST

01/24/06 12:00 AM SEC Filing: Report of foreign issuer rules 13a-16 and 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act - Form 6-K
01/17/06 6:29 PM Metal Storm Wins US Funding for Munitions Development - PR Newswire
01/17/06 12:00 AM SEC Filing: Report of foreign issuer rules 13a-16 and 15d-16 of the Securities Exchange Act - Form 6-K
12/02/05 9:32 AM Metal Storm Wins Further Funding For Remote Weapon System Development - PR Newswire
11/21/05 10:34 AM METAL STORM LIMITED CEO's Update - PR Newswire


More News for MTSX ...


Copyright © 2005 QuoteMedia. All rights reserved. Terms of Use.
RT = Real-Time, EOD = End-Of-Day, PD = Previous-Day, otherwise data delayed 15-20 min.
Powered by QuoteMedia, www.quotemedia.com, market data by FRI.

[midastouch017]

With some more Machine guns added, Sure.
:)

>>"In the middle of 2004, we were approached by a foreign country - in the Far East - who said they wanted to buy a Protector immediately. And by the end of that year we delivered the first complete ship. Right now there are two fully operational systems. If there's a customer that wants a boat immediately, we can provide it." <<

They still have pirates in these parts, like in the old days.

Regards,

Dubi

[mick]

hi dubi, nice comments for sea safety. i wonder if this would help the pirate problems on the high seas.