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NeuroHelpers Launches Cutting-Edge Solutions for Enhanced Mental Well-BeingIn Spain, a court has convicted four men for the homophobic murder of Samuel Luiz, a 24-year-old nursing assistant. The brutal crime, which took place in July 2021, ignited protests both within the country and abroad, shining a spotlight on the persistent issue of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Luiz suffered a fatal assault from a group outside a nightclub in A Coruna, in the Galicia region. Among the convicted, Diego Montaña, Alejandro Freire, and Kaio Amaral faced charges of aggravated murder, while Alejandro Míguez was found guilty of complicity. The trial lasted nearly four weeks, and the jury took a lengthy five days to reach a verdict. Spain's Interior Ministry reported 364 hate crimes linked to sexual orientation or gender identity in 2023, resulting in 184 arrests. The case underscores the broader context of hate crimes in Spain, with the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights noting that many incidents remain unreported. (With inputs from agencies.)
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US announces new Ukraine weapons packageAhead of the 2025 fiscal year, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube faced a daunting task on Thursday: revitalising Zimbabwe’s economy and filling the coffers of a Government encountering challenges to meet its obligations. In 2024, Government coffers came short, forcing Treasury to order ministries, departments and Government agencies (MDA) to prioritise spending. In a letter to the MDAs, Treasury said during the last quarter of the year, priority will be given to support social protection programmes, “which are still lagging behind in terms of their budget utilisation”. This is after revenue projections fell short of expenditures. During the first nine months of the year, total revenue collections amounted to ZiG62,4 billion, against expenditures amounting to ZiG66,5 billion. Consequently, a budget deficit of ZiG4,1 billion was recorded. Total revenue collections to year end are projected at ZiG110,7 billion, while expenditures are expected at ZiG119,97 billion (18,4 percent of GDP), resulting in a projected deficit of ZiG9,3 billion. With a constrained fiscal space, Treasury relied heavily on borrowing and even faced accusations of excessive money printing. The fiscal deficit as at September 2024 stood at ZiG4,1 billion and was financed through issuance of securities amounting to ZiG2,3 billion and drawdown of bank balance carried forward from the previous financial year. The year 2025 is not expected to be any better. In line with the projected GDP growth of 6 percent, during 2025, revenue collections are estimated at ZiG 270,3 billion (19,6 percent of GDP) while the 2025 fiscal framework provides for overall expenditures of ZiG276,4 billion or 20,1 percent of GDP. In US dollar terms, the Fiscal Framework translates to a GDP of approximately US$38,2 billion, revenues of US$7,5 billion and expenditures of US$7,7 billion. Mthuli said the budget deficit will be financed from the domestic markets and external sources. However, even after accounting for borrowing, the spending envelope still fell short of vote allocations. During the 2025 National Budget formulation stage, MDAs submitted total bids of over ZiG$700 billion, against the available budget envelope of ZiG 276,4 billion. This is more than double the ceiling of revenue collection capacity of 19,6 percent of GDP. To address this, Mthuli embarked on an ambitious plan to broaden the tax base by tightening existing tax administration and introducing new taxes and regulations. One such measure was the imposition of a “Fast Foods Tax” on popular items like pizza, burgers, and shawarma that will attract a tax rate of 0,5 percent on the sales value, with effect from 1 January 2025. The betting industry was not spared. A 10 percent withholding tax was imposed on the gross winnings of sports betting punters, aiming to tap into this growing sector. Furthermore, a wide range of businesses, from fabric and clothing merchandisers to car dealers and lodges, are now mandated to register for corporate and personal income tax. Failure to comply would result in hefty penalties. Mthuli proposed that any operator that fails to register and account for taxes be compelled to pay tax between US$9 000 and US$15 000. “I, further, propose to empower ZIMRA to temporarily close businesses which fail to adhere to the above requirements, including failure to register for tax purposes, until such registration and payment of applicable taxes are completed,” said Mthuli. To monitor transactions and enhance tax compliance, even small businesses were required to adopt the Virtual Fiscalisation System. “I, propose to extend the Virtual Fiscalisation System for the recording of VAT taxable transactions to Micro and Small Enterprises whose turnover falls below the VAT registration threshold for purposes of monitoring sales, during the first quarter of 2025. “This will assist in promoting transparency and ultimately enhance tax compliance by Micro and Small Enterprises,” said Mthuli. The mining sector also came under scrutiny. Mineral royalties were included in the definition of taxes, and mining companies were required to register for income tax before applying for mining rights. “I, therefore, wish to emphasise that, in the general interest of the public, royalties shall be payable on any mineral or mineral bearing ore or products during any period of assessment. “In addition, I propose that the Minister responsible for Finance be empowered to designate any mineral as being subject to royalties, notwithstanding the provisions of any other legislation. The Government also introduced a Special Capital Gains Tax on the transfer of mining rights. “I propose that no mining company should be allowed to make any application for mining rights without registration for Personal and Corporate Income Tax. “While these measures aimed to increase revenue, Mthuli also acknowledged the need for tax relief. The personal income tax-free threshold was adjusted to provide relief to taxpayers. “I propose to review the local currency Tax-Free Threshold to ZiG2 800 per month and accordingly adjust the tax bands,” said Mthuli. Additionally, the Capital Gains Withholding Tax on marketable securities was reduced. “I, therefore, propose that marketable securities be subject to Capital Gains Withholding Tax at a rate of 1 percent on the gross value of the price at which the security is sold, with effect from January 1, 2025. To promote environmental sustainability, the Government introduced a 20 percent Plastic Carrier Bag Tax and provided incentives for the use of electric vehicles and solar power. Trigrams Investment analyst, Walter Mandeya, said the success of these measures will depend on effective implementation and enforcement. “As Zimbabwe navigates its economic challenges, the Government’s ability to strike a delicate balance between taxation and economic growth will be crucial,” he said. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s economy is poised for significant growth in 2025, with projections indicating a 6 percent expansion. While slightly lower than the initial forecast of 6,5 percent, this figure represents a significant rebound from previous years including 2024, which is expected to grow by just 2 percent. Key sectors driving this growth include agriculture, which is expected to surge by 12,8 percent, powered by favourable weather conditions and increased investment. The energy sector, specifically electricity generation, is projected to grow by 10.6 percent, alleviating power shortages and boosting industrial activity. The information technology sector, a burgeoning industry, is anticipated to expand by 9,9 percent, fueled by increasing digital adoption and innovation. The mining sector, a traditional economic mainstay, is expected to grow by 5,6 percent, driven by rising commodity prices and increased investment in mining operations. On the demand side, private consumption is projected to be the primary driver of growth in 2025, with an estimated 6,6 percent increase. This is attributed to a strong recovery in household spending as economic conditions improve. Government consumption is also expected to contribute to growth, albeit at a more modest pace of 5,3 percent. Gross fixed capital investment is projected to rebound significantly from 0.5 percent in 2024 to 4,6 percent in 2025. This surge in investment is expected to be driven by the private sector, which is increasingly confident in the country’s economic outlook. The economy is expected to experience stable inflation in 2025, with a projected average month-on-month inflation rate of less than 3 percent. This stability is attributed to the implementation of tight fiscal and monetary policies. While US dollar year-on-year inflation increased from -2,9 percent in January 2024 to 3,3 percent in November 2024, the outlook for the exchange rate remains positive. Mandeya, however, called for caution. “While these projections are promising, it is crucial to note that several challenges remain. These include high levels of debt, infrastructure deficits and political uncertainty. ‘However, with prudent economic policies, sustained reforms, and a conducive business environment, Zimbabwe has the potential to unlock its economic potential and achieve sustainable growth,’ said Mandeya. Source: Business WeeklyChief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement followed by the results of the Maharashtra Assembly elections has generated a debate in the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir about the role of the "weak" Congress party in the coalition regime of the Union Territory. A day after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah remarked that the Congress is not part of the coalition government, the grand old party suffered a humiliating defeat in the Maharashtra Assembly polls. The Congress party's weakening position is expected to reshape the dynamics of its alliance with the National Conference (NC). With the Congress struggling to hold its ground after a dismal performance in Maharashtra, political analysts believe the NC may reconsider the significance it places on its partnership with the party in J&K. On Friday, Omar Abdullah remarked that the Congress party is not a part of the government in Jammu and Kashmir. "Congress is supporting us from the outside; it has not joined our government. The government brought the resolution, and except for the BJP, all the Assembly members passed it that time which included the Congress as well", the Chief Minister said when his reaction was sought regarding differences with Congress on the issue of resolution on the special status. Reconsidering the Alliance It is believed that the NC will try to get rid of the "non-performing liability" Congress in Jammu and Kashmir. The Congress, already grappling with internal divisions and leadership challenges at the national level, faced another blow in Maharashtra, where it failed to make any significant electoral gains. This weakening of the Congress's stature is expected to have ramifications beyond the state, particularly in regions like J&K, where the party is part of a "self-proclaimed alliance" with the NC because the ruling is party is not giving any importance to the grand old party. NC's Strategic Shift The NC, led by Omar Abdullah, has traditionally shared a pragmatic relationship with the Congress, often collaborating on key political issues. However, the Congress's eroding strength has raised questions about its viability as a dependable ally. According to political observers, the NC may seize this opportunity to sideline Congress's influence in J&K's political affairs. "Given the Congress's poor performance in Maharashtra, it is likely that the party will re-evaluate its approach to the alliance," said a senior NC leader, wishing anonymity. "The National Conference has always prioritized regional interests, and with the Congress losing ground, the NC may feel less compelled to accommodate its demands." In J&K, Congress has struggled to maintain its relevance in the face of shifting political dynamics. The party's weakening national stature further diminishes its ability to negotiate from a position of strength. Sources within the NC suggest that the party is unlikely to give the Congress much importance in the upcoming electoral strategy. The Congress's internal divisions and leadership challenges at the national level have compounded its difficulties, making it a less attractive partner for the NC. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the NC's strategic decisions will likely shape the future of its alliance with the Congress in Jammu and Kashmir. BJP celebrates Maharashtra victory. Meanwhile, the BJP celebrated the party's victory in the Maharastra assembly elections. J&K BJP president Sat Sharma said that the BJP has become the world's largest political party, and the credit for the same goes to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, national president J.P. Nadda, and the consistent working of the activists in every nook and corner. He said that the BJP has the distinction of reaching new heights in the shortest period, which is also reflective of the people's mindset, which has seen the good governance model of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and wants to contribute to the country's march towards peace, progress, and prosperity by supporting and voting for it repeatedly. He further said that the results of the 2024 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir stand testimony to the fact that the BJP is strengthening its base in every state and UT. The BJP, here, created history by winning the highest percentage of votes and also taking its height up from last time's 25 to 29. J&K Police Launches Sports Initiative To Combat Drug Abuse, Connect With Youth BJP Leader Warns Omar Abdullah Against Tampering with Reservation Quota Of Paharis Suspense over Congress role in J&K coalition after Chief Minister's remarks
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Wall Street Loses Iconic Voice: Art Cashin Dies At 83( MENAFN - PR Newswire) CHICAGO, Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd. ("Neusoft Medical Systems"), a global leader in medical imaging solutions and services, is proud to announce its participation in the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) 2024 Annual Meeting, taking place in Chicago from December 1-5. RSNA is the world's premier scientific and educational event for the radiological sciences, bringing together leading professionals from around the globe. At this year's meeting, Neusoft Medical Systems is showcasing its cutting-edge portfolio of AI-powered medical imaging technologies designed to enhance diagnostic precision, streamline clinical workflows, and expand access to quality care globally. "At Neusoft Medical Systems, we empower radiologists to address clinical challenges while enhancing the accessibility and affordability of medical imaging for regions and communities in need," said Patrick Wu, CEO of Neusoft Medical Systems. "By integrating advanced medical imaging, artificial intelligence, and clinical expertise, we aim to provide caregivers with comprehensive tools for accurate diagnoses. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders at RSNA 2024 to further advance healthcare through innovation." The booth features a variety of groundbreaking innovations, including: For further information, please visit About Neusoft Medical Systems Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd. is a global leader in medical imaging solutions and services, delivering intelligent, efficient, precise, and secure products to customers worldwide. Serving over 13,000 medical institutions in 110+ countries, the company has installed more than 47,000 units globally, covering diverse categories, grades, and customer segments. * Not all equipment models and services featured in this press are available in every region of the world. SOURCE Neusoft Medical Systems Co., Ltd. MENAFN02122024003732001241ID1108948874 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
The AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! Get the poll delivered straight to your inbox with AP Top 25 Poll Alerts. Sign up here . CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — AJ Clayton scored 34 points as Ohio beat Portland 85-73 on Friday. Clayton added 12 rebounds for the Bobcats (2-4). Aidan Hadaway scored 13 points while going 5 of 12 from the floor, including 1 for 6 from 3-point range, and 2 for 3 from the line and added eight rebounds. Victor Searls had 11 points and finished 5 of 8 from the field. The Pilots (2-4) were led by Vukasin Masic, who posted 17 points. Portland also got 13 points and seven rebounds from A.Rapp. Max Mackinnon also recorded 10 points and seven rebounds. Clayton scored 14 points in the first half to help Ohio up 46-30 at the break. Ohio pulled away with a 7-0 run in the second half to extend its lead to 19 points. Clayton led the way with a team-high 20 second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
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Surprised by Shaq Barrett unretirement, Mike McDaniel says he need to talk to Chris Grier - NBC SportsAs technology transforms the face of the battlefield, the impasse over whether drones can replace advanced crewed fighter jets like the has increased. High-profile figures, such as Elon Musk, aver that the future lies in uncrewed systems; however, military experts insist that human-piloted aircraft must coexist with autonomous machinery. Elon Musk Ignites Frenzy Over F-35 Amplitude Last week, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk called the F-35 an outdated aircraft in the era of drones. As observes over social media, he argued that manned fighters are obsolete, putting pilots at risk unnecessarily in scenarios of modern warfare, which increasingly feature advanced airborne threats and drones. Drawing on the conflict in Ukraine, where drones have become critical tools for surveillance and strikes, Musk said autonomous warfare is the future in waiting. "Manned fighter jets are obsolete in the age of drones anyway. Will just get pilots killed," Musk said via Why Drones Are Changing the Nature of Warfare Drones have revolutionized war due to their ability to offer inexpensive alternatives for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and tactical maneuvers. Drones are small, versatile, and relatively cheap. As such, it has proven to be of immense value for land conflict warfare. With expansive air and sea combat theater, especially in the Indo-Pacific region, drones have limitations with regard to payload capacity, speed, and range. The Case for Crewed Fighter Jets According to experts, despite the advancements in drone technology, crewed aircraft like the F-35 could still remain indispensable. According to airpower analyst Justin Bronk, "no current uncrewed system can offer the range and versatility of the F-35." The stealth fighter at the same time is a bomber, surveillance platform, electronic warfare tool, and communication hub, functions that drones cannot as yet fully replicate. Critical decision-making skills are brought to unpredictable combat situations by human pilots, while autonomous systems, as efficient as they are, often lack the adaptability necessary for missions dynamic in nature. Human pilots provide invaluable flexibility and situational awareness for missions where rapid, nuanced decisions are essential. Hybrid Approach: Crewed and Uncrewed Systems The US DoD is weighing hybrid approaches that fully take advantage of the strengths and weaknesses of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Programs, such as pilotless F-16s and collaborative combat systems, are seeking to increase the efficiency of operations. As noted by Mark Gunzinger at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies, an optimal solution will be some form of hybridizing the complementary strengths of crewed and uncrewed systems to maximize combat effectiveness. "If I develop an aircraft that does not require a human in the cockpit, I could develop one that could pull 15 Gs, 20 Gs because you're no longer worried about the physiology of the human," retired naval aviator Guy Snodgrass said. What Future Airpower Looks Like Although the F-35 is expensive and, in many ways imperfect, it remains an essential bridge to the future of airpower. The are still perfecting their tactics so that drones and crewed aircraft can operate in tandem. That hybrid capability promises adaptability and resilience as battlefield conditions continue to shift.
What is going on at Manchester City ? After five successive defeats Pep Guardiola’s team were cruising with a 3-0 lead after 53 minutes. But then the defensive lapses that have haunted them of late returned as Feyenoord scored three times in the final 15 minutes to snatch an unlikely point Erling Haaland (2) and Ilkay Gundogan had put City in control only for Anis Hadj Moussa, Santiago Gimenez and David Hancko to stun the Etihad Stadium. Advertisement City were sluggish in the opening stages following the 4-0 home hammering by Tottenham Hotspur and hardly helped themselves early on when Jack Grealish ’s goalbound shot was kept out... by team-mate Phil Foden to deny him a first goal of the season. It took until a minute before the break for City to take the lead. Haaland was fouled in the box by Quinten Timber and got up to send Timon Wellenreuther the wrong way from the spot to become the fastest player to 50 goal involvements in the Champions League . Gundogan added a second from a corner five minutes after the restart before Haaland slid in for his second on 53. All was going swimmingly until Moussa converted after a mistake by Josko Gvardiol in the 75th minute and then substitute Gimenez set up a tight finish by scrambling home a second with eight minutes remaining. Ederson then went walkabout and Hancko headed in the equaliser with a minute remaining. Guardiola’s team will have to defend a lot better on Sunday when they head to Premier League leaders Liverpool . The Athletic’s Sam Lee and Liam Tharme analyse the talking points. Expectations lowered and boos at the end It was quite striking inside the stadium before kick-off, and even during the game, that expectations had fallen significantly in light of recent results and performances. This is a temporary thing, of course — if City get back to their usual selves soon then the high standards will return, and if they go back to dropping points there will come a time when more is demanded — but rather than hoping to see the usual sparkling football, basic competence, a bit of fight and some energy were all that were required, going by what supporters were saying. And while things were panning out just fine — not spectacularly, but certainly solid enough in the circumstances — it all came crashing down again by conceding three goals in the final 15 minutes, each more farcical than the last, and by quite some measure. With Liverpool coming up next things really do look bleak at the moment. That basic competence cannot come soon enough. Advertisement The boos at the end showed that even the lowest expectations had not been met Sam Lee What’s going on at the back? Somehow, from the jaws of a 3-0 win at 75 minutes, City’s clean sheet disappeared and the defence disintegrated. A straightforward long ball from Feyenoord ended up with Moussa rounding Ederson. Manuel Akanji headed the initial pass away, only for Gvardiol to try and hook the ball back to Ederson. It meant City only have five clean sheets in 19 games in 2024-25. Guardiola said pre-match that “a lot of minimal factors are the reason” for City’s five consecutive defeats, in which they’d shipped 14 goals. Things were controlled for 75 minutes, with Feyenoord’s only big chance before scoring coming via a tidy through ball from midfielder Hwang In-beom to winger Igor Paixao, who rushed his shot at Ederson. Within six minutes, a Feyenoord consolation turned to game on, as City failed to defend a back-post cross — Gvardiol was overloaded two-v-one — and Gimenez tapped in from a knock-back. Then another direct ball, with City’s high-line holding but Paixao timing his run perfectly, rounding Ederson as the goalkeeper tried to sweep up, then crossing for marauding left-back Hancko to rise above Rico Lewis and head in the equaliser. Guardiola stared at the floor. There was nowhere else to look — according to Opta, his side are the first in Champions League history to lead by three goals as late as the 75th minute and not go on to win the game. Liam Tharme City’s indirect threat from corners It wasn’t trademark City for the first two goals — there was no cutting an opponent open with a thousand passes and creating tap-ins from cutbacks — but set-piece quality matters a bit more on European nights. Lining up before kick-off, it was noticeable that City only had three real aerial threats (Akanji, Gvardiol and Haaland). Feyenoord, by comparison, were much taller. While they didn’t win many first contacts, it was City’s reaction to the second (and third) balls that made them effective. Advertisement City’s territorial dominance meant corners came in abundance, and they mixed between inswingers, outswingers and corners. For the opener, from a Foden outswinger delivered from the left, Akanji rose highest and nodded it back towards the near-post, where City had numbers. Haaland was kicked by Timber as he tried to clear, and City had a penalty. Scrappy, but effective. Gundogan doubled the lead at the start of the second-half when Foden’s inswinger from the right was headed clear, attacking the ball from his position on the edge of the box (where he was stood to stop counter-attacks) and firing through bodies. Man City double their lead over Feyenoord! ⚽️⚽️ Ilkay Gundogan’s strike from distance goes in via a deflection! #UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/tDpK4y50bp — Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) November 26, 2024 Liam Tharme Gundogan shows he’s still got it Gundogan’s return to City has not, so far, turned out to be the no-brainer that we all expected. After a slow start matters have got worse in recent weeks as injuries around him have increased the demands on his shoulders and exposed some of the shortcomings. It is no secret that City are missing a bit of physical presence in midfield and Gundogan has been one of those to be too easily exposed by a bursting run or a quick pass around the corner. Again, the effort has been there — see his desperate dart to try to stop Tottenham’s fourth on Saturday — but whether it is age (34), fatigue or both, he has struggled to keep up. Even the on-the-ball stuff has deserted him at times and that has only added to the problems City are having on the break, because when the players most trustworthy in possession are turning it over, and unable to win it back, you are going to struggle. But to continue the overall theme of the night, his performance here was more like it. His goal did get the luck of a deflection but he played a nice ball to Matheus Nunes to set City on their way for the third and overall it was a tidier display than recently. Sunday’s challenge will be significantly harder but this was a night to get a bit of feeling back and Gundogan certainly managed it. Sam Lee What did Pep Guardiola say? We will bring you this after he has spoken at the post-match press conference. What next for Manchester City? Sunday, December 1: Liverpool (A), Premier League, 4.30pm UK, 11.30am ET Recommended reading (Top photo: Carl Recine/Getty Images))
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World Math Championship Qatar 2024 comes to a closeStoke City succumbed to a sorry home defeat on a foggy night which showed the gulf between their side and the promotion pack. Stoke should have taken the lead in the opening minutes through Lewis Koumas but from that point on, barring a couple of minutes mid-way through the second half, it was heavy one-way traffic and as routine a win for Leeds United as they’ll probably have all season. It seemed like only a matter of time before the visitors broke through Stoke’s deep defence and Joel Piroe broke the deadlock in the 42nd minute when he latched onto a rebound after Viktor Johansson had stopped an initial one-on-one. It was Piroe who put the game to bed just after the hour mark when he was free to tap in a cross from Daniel James and the miserable home fans slowly trudged to the exits; an all-too predictable and depressing match that means Stoke are now nine games without a win. Stoke should have been ahead right at the start. Junior Tchamadeu burst into the box and might have had a good shout for a penalty if he’d gone down amid clumsy attention, staying up instead to cross well for Koumas in the six-yard box. It was a golden opportunity for Koumas but the forward couldn’t pick a spot either side of the keeper and Illan Meslier made the save. James has given Stoke defenders sleepless nights on a couple of previous occasions and it was his cross for Solomon that should have led to the opener. Instead Solomon, who had managed to get free of defenders at the back post, blundered his shot wide. Wilmot deflected a low cross towards his own goal too as pressure built. Still, it felt inevitable that Leeds would poke through Stoke’s concentration and it happened three minutes before half-time. Aaronson played a pass into the box for Piroe to dart diagonally between Phillips and Gibson in a race with Johansson. Johansson dived at his feet six yards out to make the block – but Wilmot, Gibson and Phillips had all run behind the keeper and Piroe was free to control the rebound and blast past him and high into the net. Bocat’s first touch as a sub was a shot, which sparked the biggest cheer to that point from Stoke fans, albeit in irony with a chant to follow: “We’ve had a shot!” But it did briefly spark Stoke to life and although Junho’s first corner couldn’t beat the first man, Bocat whipped in a beauty of a cross that Phillips steamed in to attack at the back post, sending a header just wide. However, Bocat was soon chasing James down the other end and the winger dinked a cross over Johansson for Piroe to add his second and put the result beyond doubt with about half an hour still to play. The home stands had all-but emptied long before the final whistle confirmed it, which told as much of a story as the boos that groaned into the night. Here are the player ratings from the bet365 Stadium. Johansson: Some comfortable stops from long range and unfortunate with the opener after making initial block, as defenders weren’t in position to attack rebound. Dinked cross over him for second. 5 Tchamadeu: Super run into box in opening moments and did well to pick out Koumas. Daft lunge on Byram to earn yellow card. 5 Gooch: First start under Pelach and used on left of defence. Can’t have relished tests against Bogle and James and took one flush in the guts to rub it in. 5 Wilmot: Grateful not to deflect into own goal in first half and took up poor position when Piroe broke into box for opener. 4 Phillips: A couple of important touches with telescopic reach but couldn’t keep tight enough on Piroe for first goal. Header just wide from Bocat cross. 5 Gibson: Dashed back to the line to try to stop Piroe, which wasn’t the best course of action. Taken off at half-time. 4 Burger: Sitting deep in midfield but struggling to put a stamp on the game, certainly to anywhere near the level that is needed. 4 Sidibe: Big test on recall against best team in division. Let down with lack of options in front of him when he got on the ball. 5 Moran: Struggled to keep the ball on the break for Stoke. One slipped pass through to Cannon but couldn’t impact the game. 4 Koumas: Should have buried chance in opening minutes after getting into good position deep in Leeds territory. Largely anonymous thereafter. 4 Cannon: Struggled to impact game or hold up the ball enough as sole striker. Prepared to press when he got the chance. 4 Substitutes Rose (for Gibson, 46): Defence was the wrong side of Piroe for Leeds’s second. Heart in mouth clearance from underneath own bar. 5 Bocat (for Gooch, 56): Willing to shoot and excellent cross for Phillips chance but skinned by James for second. 5 Junho (for Sidibe, 56): Can’t afford to see so many corners hit the first man. 4 Gallagher (for Wilmot, 67): Welcome minutes as he builds up match fitness but the game had already gone by the time he was summoned. 5 Lawal (for Burger, 79): Cameo in central midfield for another long-term injury victim. 5 Not used: Bonham, Seko, Ennis, Tezgel. Referee: Stephen Martin (Staffordshire) 5 Match rating: 2