Also. . .

* Japanese electronics maker Toshiba Corp. said a severe semiconductor slump and weak demand for computer products would wipe out its profit in the current business year. The company expects to post a group net loss of $190.7 million for the first six months.

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* United Technologies Corp.’s Pratt & Whitney unit, maker of aircraft engines, will cut 1,000 hourly jobs in Connecticut, about 3% of its worldwide work force, citing order delays from Boeing Co. and Airbus Industrie.

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* Wal-Mart Stores Inc. said Mark Hansen, chief executive at Sam’s Club, has resigned for personal reasons. A successor has not yet been named for Hansen, a former CEO of Petsmart Inc. who joined Wal-Mart a year ago.

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* US West Communications started notifying companies that provide long-distance phone service over the Internet that it will begin charging an access fee for completing their calls. The Denver-based company is the second Baby Bell to impose such fees.

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