Every simple compact semiring is finite

A Hausdorff topological semiring is called simple if every non-zero continuous homomorphism into another Hausdorff topological semiring is injective. Classical work by Anzai and Kaplansky implies that any simple compact ring is finite. We generalize this result by proving that every simple compact semiring is finite, i.e., every infinite compact semiring admits a proper non-trivial quotient.Comment: 6 page

The Origins of Terrorism - Cross-Country Estimates on Socio-Economic Determinants of Terrorism

To expand our knowledge about an appropriate anti-terror strategy, it is indispensable to assess the underlying causes of terror. We examine social and economic conditions in the country of origin of terrorist attacks, claiming that low opportunity costs of terror, e.g. approximated as slow growth and poor institutions raise the propensity of terror and the willingness in the population to support terror. Using a mixed effects Poisson regression model, we are able to show that unfortunate socio-economic conditions in a country are suitable to reduce the opportunity cost for potential terrorists and increase the likelihood of terrorist attacks originating from a specific country. Interestingly, this effect is relevant after a certain level of development has been reached. We therefore distinguish between the OECD, Europe and Islamic countries.terror attacks, openness, discrete choice analysis, institutions

Vom katholischen Deutschordensgebiet zum protestantischen Herzogtum Preußen

The secularisation of the domains of the Teutonic Order in Prussia led to the establishment of thefirst Lutheran territorial church in the world. This fact is almost forgotten today, and this is evidenteven in specialised literature on the Reformation. The article outlines the introduction of the Reformationin Prussia, considering it as an example of its smooth and successful entrenchment. In orderto show this, the late stage of the rule of the Teutonic Order is defined, showing that fundamentalreform was triggered by a multi-layered crisis characteristic of the Order’s domains in Prussia. Thearticle shows that, in coordination with Martin Luther and Philipp Melanchton, and assisted by hisbishops, after becoming the first Duke of Prussia in 1525, Albert, the Grand Master of the TeutonicOrder, implemented reforms in his domains that resembled the main problems raised by the Reformationin an almost exemplary way. But at the same time, it shows that the introduction of theReformation in Prussia was not a unidirectional process, for Duke Albert supported Andreas Osiander’sideas for some time, before he gradually entered the ranks of the confessors of Augsburg.KEY WORDS: Teutonic Order, Prussia, Reformation, Albert, Martin Luther, Andreas Osiander