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Open Access December 12, 2023

Threatened Wildlife for an Instructional Approach about Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract Biodiversity is related to a global problem: its destruction, a fact supported by scientific authorities. It is not trivial that educational dimension has been contemplated as one of the strategies for its conservation. Since 1992 global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity postulates concepts that linked education and nature conservation. The main objective of this research work is to test the level of assimilation of extracurricular scientific knowledge by primary school pupils. The method chosen for the content was, on the one hand, a master class intervention with an interactive presentation on a digital whiteboard. Third cases were chosen. Each case consisted of a presentation of the current status of a species of fauna present in Spain. On the second part, students were asked to write an essay and to illustrate the experience during the presentation. Regarding the essays, students showed that they were more attracted to the first species that was presented (Iberian lynx) in a proportion of over 45% of cases. The “Endangered species” concept appeared in more than 77% of the texts reviewed. In terms of drawings, almost 55% of the responses seem to devote more attention to the second species described (Testudo graeca [...] Read more.
Biodiversity is related to a global problem: its destruction, a fact supported by scientific authorities. It is not trivial that educational dimension has been contemplated as one of the strategies for its conservation. Since 1992 global initiatives such as the Convention on Biological Diversity postulates concepts that linked education and nature conservation. The main objective of this research work is to test the level of assimilation of extracurricular scientific knowledge by primary school pupils. The method chosen for the content was, on the one hand, a master class intervention with an interactive presentation on a digital whiteboard. Third cases were chosen. Each case consisted of a presentation of the current status of a species of fauna present in Spain. On the second part, students were asked to write an essay and to illustrate the experience during the presentation. Regarding the essays, students showed that they were more attracted to the first species that was presented (Iberian lynx) in a proportion of over 45% of cases. The “Endangered species” concept appeared in more than 77% of the texts reviewed. In terms of drawings, almost 55% of the responses seem to devote more attention to the second species described (Testudo graeca). An attempt was made to offer rigorous, structured information related to different aspects of natural reality in order to contemplate the broadest possible vision. The example of an instructional intervention presented here aims to be an alternative to other transmissive teaching models. Likewise, the linking of abstract concepts with socio-cultural reality proved to be a successful strategy to reinforce knowledge about natural biodiversity, endangered species or threat factors.
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Open Access June 30, 2022

Weekly Quizzes Reinforce Student Learning Outcomes and Performance in Biomedical Sciences in-course Assessments

Abstract Studies have highlighted the benefits of frequent quizzing in class. Frequent quizzing can promote more student attendance, engagement, practice and review, and achievement. Conversely, the opponents of frequent quizzing suggest that too frequent testing might hinder learning by frustrating anxious students and inhibiting larger units of instructional material. Notably, most studies have used [...] Read more.
Studies have highlighted the benefits of frequent quizzing in class. Frequent quizzing can promote more student attendance, engagement, practice and review, and achievement. Conversely, the opponents of frequent quizzing suggest that too frequent testing might hinder learning by frustrating anxious students and inhibiting larger units of instructional material. Notably, most studies have used degree examinations to evaluate the impact of quizzes on student learning and performance, yet little is known about whether quizzes can reinforce student performance in the in-course assessments (ICAs) despite ICA importance in student learning. The present study aimed to test the hypothesis that administration of weekly MCQ quizzes can enhance the leaning outcomes and performance of biomedical science students in assessment methods such as essay and oral presentation that can directly measure and provide information about student learning. It was therefore limited to in-course assessments. We found that the performance of the weekly quiz student group is remarkably better than that of the control student group in both the essay and oral presentation ICAs, which are two measures and indicators of student learning, suggesting improved student learning outcomes and performance after administrating weekly MCQ quizzes that also promoted student attendance in classrooms. The findings of this research study have implications for students, teachers, and curriculum designers in higher education.
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Open Access September 09, 2024

An Evaluation of Modal Verbs Teacher-Trainees Used in Writing Long Essays and Assignments

Abstract Qualitatively, the study adopted a case research design. The population of this study comprised the last batch of Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) and the current first-year students of the new programme (Bachelor in Basic Education) of Mount Mary College of Education. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 15 long essays from the final year, while 30 assignments were [...] Read more.
Qualitatively, the study adopted a case research design. The population of this study comprised the last batch of Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) and the current first-year students of the new programme (Bachelor in Basic Education) of Mount Mary College of Education. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 15 long essays from the final year, while 30 assignments were chosen from the first year. Nine (9) long essays from the English language, five (5) essays from Social Studies and one (1) essay from Mathematics. The main tools used for the study were students' assignment items and copies of long essays. Through an interpretative lens, the data were analysed into themes. The data and the analysis largely showed that students employed different kinds of modal verbs in their writing, including complete and periphrastic modal verbs. There was evidence that students have used these modal verbs in different ways that sometimes affected the intended meaning. These inappropriate choices are evident in both written texts and oral presentations. Findings showed that students employed modal verbs indiscriminately with little attention to contexts. It would be recommended that language teachers deal with the issue by giving written feedback on the use of modal verbs to students in their texts anytime they are given assignments.
Article
Open Access January 23, 2024

Ethical assessment of the culture clash as a universal occurrence

Abstract The debate on culture clash necessitates a theoretical framework, and three perspectives that merit attention are homogenization, polarization, and hybridization theories. These intersecting paths lead to the hypothesis that all civilizations could assimilate into the Western model as it is currently conceived. Culture clash is approached from multiple angles due to the widely held belief that [...] Read more.
The debate on culture clash necessitates a theoretical framework, and three perspectives that merit attention are homogenization, polarization, and hybridization theories. These intersecting paths lead to the hypothesis that all civilizations could assimilate into the Western model as it is currently conceived. Culture clash is approached from multiple angles due to the widely held belief that rejecting culturally novel concepts is unethical. However, imposing new rules and customs will inevitably encounter innate resistance, as evidenced by numerous examples. The exchange of behavioral models does exist, with one of globalization's main tenets being the universality of values – including the uprooting of what we refer to as primitive manners. Nevertheless, anthropology and cultural research have witnessed intergenerational and long-term survival of elements that contemporary civilization believed it had overcome or at least suppressed deep within the subconscious mind. This article will offer an essayistic approach to certain forms of culture clash.
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Essay
Open Access January 07, 2024

Textuality in Text: A Discourse Analysis of Nelson Mandela‘s I Am the First Accused

Abstract The thrust of this paper is to delve into the cohesive devices of political discourse as it pertains to Nelson Mandela‘s I Am the First Accused. The text was codified and the lexico-grammatical resources were examined in terms of semantic ties through the lens of Discourse analysis. The text was analysed based on Halliday and Hasan’s, 1976 five major cohesion classification categories: reference, demonstrative references, substitution, conjunction and lexical cohesion [...] Read more.
The thrust of this paper is to delve into the cohesive devices of political discourse as it pertains to Nelson Mandela‘s I Am the First Accused. The text was codified and the lexico-grammatical resources were examined in terms of semantic ties through the lens of Discourse analysis. The text was analysed based on Halliday and Hasan’s, 1976 five major cohesion classification categories: reference, demonstrative references, substitution, conjunction and lexical cohesion. The research indicated that there were sufficient phenomenon-example relationships within the text. In other words, there was adequate justification for claim statements within the text. There are also adequate cause-consequential relations in the text. Anaphoric references were commonplace in the text. It was also found out that cataphoric reference was sparingly used in the text. Analysis of the data also revealed that there were 30 instances of personal references, 21 demonstrative references, 3 instances of comparative references, and 6 instances of substitution. There were no instances of ellipsis. There were 7 instances of conjunction as a semantic link. There were 15 instances of repetition, 5 examples of synonyms and 3 instances of antonyms. It is recommended that public speakers and media practitioners take cognisance of cohesive devices and make their write-ups and speeches more cohesive and coherent for their audience and readers to decode meaning. Teachers of English as a second language should give serious attention to the teaching of cohesion as a semantic link within a text since cohesion and coherence aid the readability of a text. Cataphoric references sustain the interest of listeners and readers since they expect information yet to be given. Therefore, it is recommended that teachers of English as a second language should encourage their students to use some cataphors in their essays to create some kind of suspense in their readers. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) could also be used as an analytical tool to examine how power plays within the text.
Article
Open Access June 27, 2023

Teachers’ Knowledge Base in Community Resources Used in Assessing Social Studies Concepts

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ knowledge base in community resources used in assessing Social Studies concepts in the University of Education Practice Junior High School (JHS), Winneba. The case study design was employed as the study's qualitative methodology. The population comprised two Social Studies teachers in the University Practice JHS, Winneba. Purposive and convenient [...] Read more.
The purpose of this study was to examine teachers’ knowledge base in community resources used in assessing Social Studies concepts in the University of Education Practice Junior High School (JHS), Winneba. The case study design was employed as the study's qualitative methodology. The population comprised two Social Studies teachers in the University Practice JHS, Winneba. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used to select the teachers and school for the study. The main instrument for data collection was the interview guide. The two teachers were interviewed because they were in a position to give all the relevant information required for the research. They were also readily available at the time of the research. The study revealed that even though the Social Studies teachers were aware of community resources, they did not involve them often in their lesson delivery. However, in the only case where a teacher took the learners round the school compound to look at the various types of rocks, the learners were excited and willing to learn. The assessment results also showed that almost all learners, both low and high achievers had high scores. Evidence from the inquiry also shows that teachers used only traditional forms of assessment in Social Studies. Teachers give multiple choice and essay type of assessment items to learners. Teachers did not involve community resources in the assessment of Social Studies concepts because of challenges like inadequate time allocated for the teaching of the subject, financial constraints, bureaucratic processes involved in obtaining permission and the need to meet the requirements of external examinations. It is recommended that the Ghana Education Service (GES) should design appropriate policies to ensure that provision is made in the school academic calendar for field trips and community resource engagement for Social Studies education. Social Studies teachers should also be trained on the full range of assessment techniques suggested in the 2012 syllabus. Emphasis should be laid on authentic/alternate assessment practices. At the school level, heads of Social Studies department should organise periodic in-service training for the teachers to ensure that the curriculum, instruction and assessment practices are aligned to ensure that the subject attains its intended goals and outcomes.
Article
Open Access May 15, 2023

Social Studies Teachers' Authentic Assessment Practices, Tools and Challenges in Assessing Students' Learning Outcomes

Abstract Assessment is a vital aspect of curriculum practice. The study adopted explanatory mixed-method approach and sequential research design. The population for the study comprised all Social Studies teachers in Junior High Schools in the Ayensuano District. Convenient sampling techniques and census method were used to select the district, and all the one hundred and twenty-seven (127) teachers who [...] Read more.
Assessment is a vital aspect of curriculum practice. The study adopted explanatory mixed-method approach and sequential research design. The population for the study comprised all Social Studies teachers in Junior High Schools in the Ayensuano District. Convenient sampling techniques and census method were used to select the district, and all the one hundred and twenty-seven (127) teachers who teach Social Studies in the junior high schools in the district. The main instruments used for data collection and analysis were questionnaire and interview guide. The quantitative data was analysed both descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The qualitative data was transliterated and coded based on themes. Pre-set themes were used to generate the transcript (text) data based upon the research questions and discussed. The study concluded that authentic assessment practices by Social Studies teachers included the occasional guidance they give to their students about how to interpret topics and situations into relevant tasks with a clearly defined goal, and how to relate their knowledge in practical challenges. The study also revealed that refined essays, oral presentations, interviews, case study discussions, and live performances as authentic assessment strategies or tools Social Studies teachers used in assessing their students' learning outcomes in lessons. The study indicated that large class size, traditional assessment (examination) system, insufficient logistics and infrastructure, a paucity of funds to begin various activities and programs, a lack of motivation from school administrators, time constraints and difficulty in developing some authentic assessment tasks coupled with assessing some lessons using authentic assessment method are some of the criteria that influence the effectiveness of authentic assessment execution in teaching Social Studies courses. It is recommended that educational leaders should provide the resources to motivate Social Studies teachers to use authentic assessments for students’ learning in the classroom situation. It is also recommended that, Colleges of Education, Universities and National Teaching Council should organise professional development workshops and seminars to build the capacity of trained Social Studies teachers on the effective uses of authentic assessment practices.
Article
Open Access April 08, 2022

The Use of Language and Thematic Concerns: A case of Five Selected African Poems

Abstract This study is a critical analysis of the language and themes used by the under listed five African poets: The Cathedral by Kofi Awoonor, Troubadour by Dennis Brutus, Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka, I Will Pronounce Your Name by Leopard Seder Senghor, and If You Should Know Me by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali. Its main thrust is, therefore, the isolation and discussion of the elements of [...] Read more.
This study is a critical analysis of the language and themes used by the under listed five African poets: The Cathedral by Kofi Awoonor, Troubadour by Dennis Brutus, Telephone Conversation by Wole Soyinka, I Will Pronounce Your Name by Leopard Seder Senghor, and If You Should Know Me by Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali. Its main thrust is, therefore, the isolation and discussion of the elements of language and the themes that make up the artistic framework upon which their individual poems are based. The writers employ Critical Race Theory as the framework for this work. It looks at how individually and collectively they tackle the theme of racism as well as their choices of language in expressing their contempt to this social canker. The study narrows down to a discussion of the artistic positions of the authors within these two basic narrative variables. An examination of the various artistic strategies employed to create a multi¬plicity of poetic fronts and their attendant scenes as well as backgrounds are what these divisions of the study target. It is this primacy of the artistic theme that this study dwells upon. The study intends to condemn this social injustice that brings separation rather than cohesion to human race. It is recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service should organise essay competition on these African Poets' books to bring social cohesion among students in Ghana and Africa as a whole.
Article
Open Access July 22, 2021

Mapping Shoreline Changes Over the Years: The Case Study of Navarino Bay, Pylos, Messenia, Greece

Abstract This paper deals with the mapping of shorelines through existing maps. Its main purpose is not to give an accurate change of sea level and shoreline in general, but to give guidelines to a more general mapping of shorelines. Geographic Information System (GIS) and paleoenvironmental analysis are powerful tools for archaeology and environmental researches and contributes in such a direction. [...] Read more.
This paper deals with the mapping of shorelines through existing maps. Its main purpose is not to give an accurate change of sea level and shoreline in general, but to give guidelines to a more general mapping of shorelines. Geographic Information System (GIS) and paleoenvironmental analysis are powerful tools for archaeology and environmental researches and contributes in such a direction. Furthermore, this essay will present an analysis of the shoreline changes and the resultant geomorphologies during the prehistoric eras, especially the Mesolithic, Neolithic, and the Helladic eras of the area. The study area which was selected concerns the west part of Messenia Prefecture in Greece. More specifically it concerns the wider area of Pylos and the Navarino bay. The Navarino bay is located near the ancient city of Pylos and the kingdom and palace of Nestor during the Mycenaean period
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Open Access December 23, 2022

Effect of Modal Verbs on Students’ Writing in the Colleges of Education

Abstract The study adopted a mixed-method research approach. The population size of this study constitutes the last batch of Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) and the current first-year students of the new programme (Bachelor in Basic Education) of Mount Mary College of Education. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select seven hundred and seventy-nine (779) respondents for the study. A [...] Read more.
The study adopted a mixed-method research approach. The population size of this study constitutes the last batch of Diploma in Basic Education (DBE) and the current first-year students of the new programme (Bachelor in Basic Education) of Mount Mary College of Education. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select seven hundred and seventy-nine (779) respondents for the study. A purposive sampling technique was used to select final year Diploma in Basic Education (DBE), made up of 312 and first-batch first-year students of the new programme (Bachelor in Basic Education) of Mount Mary College of Education, made of up 467 were used for data collection. A simple random technique was used to select 15 long essays from the final year Diploma in Basic Education while 30 assignments were selected from the first batch Bachelor in Basic Education students. Documents and interview guides were used for data collection. With an interpretative lens, the data were analysed in themes. The challenges in writing are the substitution of one modal verb for another, forceful insertions of modal verbs and improper modal forms. There was also proof that students were found to have used modal verbs in sentences that lacked the corresponding relationship with other clausal elements, making such constructions grammatically and pragmatically non-harmonious. It is recommended that there is a need to have a run-on design of the curricula by making sure that, a gradual introduction of modal verbs begins from the basic and low-grade level of the educational system to the highest. As these learners move up, they will correctly apply the verbs, changing from the core meaning of the modals to more complex uses. This concerted effort though will not be a panacea to the modal verbs challenge; it could mitigate he problem to a large extent.
Article
Open Access December 27, 2020

Enhancing Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Efficiency with Deep Learning-Driven Insights

Abstract The growing complexity of the operating environment urges pharmaceutical innovation. This essay addresses the need for the integration of advanced technologies in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It justifies the value proposition and presents a concrete use case for the integration of deep learning insights to make data-driven decisions. The supply chain has always been a priority for the [...] Read more.
The growing complexity of the operating environment urges pharmaceutical innovation. This essay addresses the need for the integration of advanced technologies in the pharmaceutical supply chain. It justifies the value proposition and presents a concrete use case for the integration of deep learning insights to make data-driven decisions. The supply chain has always been a priority for the pharmaceutical industry; research and development recognizes companies' increasing investment in big data strategies, with plans for a CAGR in big data tool adoption. The work presented herein has a preliminary explorative character to recuperate and integrate evidence from partly overlooked practical experience and know-how. The practical relevance of the essay is directed toward practitioners in pharmaceutical production, supply chain management, logistics, and regulatory agencies. The literature has shown a long-term concern for enhanced performance in the pharmaceutical supply chain network. This essay demonstrates the application of deep learning-driven insights to reveal non-evident flow dependencies. The main aim is to present a comprehensive insight into deep learning-driven decision support. The supply chain is portrayed in a holistic manner, seeking end-to-end visibility. Implications for public policy are discussed, such as data equity: many countries are protecting their populations and economic growth by building resilience and efficiency to ensure the capacity to move goods across supply chains. The implementation strategy is covered. The combined reduction of variability, efficiency as matured richness, reliability (on stochastic flows and their understanding through deep learning and data), and system noise (increased dampening through the inclusiveness of all stakeholders) results in increased responsiveness of supply chains for pharmaceutical products. Future work involves the integration of external data, closing the loop between planning and its application in reality.
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Open Access December 27, 2019

Data Engineering Frameworks for Optimizing Community Health Surveillance Systems

Abstract A Changing World Demands Optimized Health Surveillance Systems – and How Data Engineering Can Help There is a growing urgency to manage the public health and emergency response practices effectively today, in light of complex and emerging health threats. Fortunately, a host of new tools, including big and streaming data sources, methods such as machine learning, new types of hardware like [...] Read more.
A Changing World Demands Optimized Health Surveillance Systems – and How Data Engineering Can Help There is a growing urgency to manage the public health and emergency response practices effectively today, in light of complex and emerging health threats. Fortunately, a host of new tools, including big and streaming data sources, methods such as machine learning, new types of hardware like blockchain or secure enclaves, and means of data storage and retrieval, have emerged. But, with these innovations comes a grand challenge: how to blend with, and adapt them to, the traditional public health practices. The long-in-place infrastructures and protocols to protect and ensure the welfare of communities are in need of change, or at least update, to enhance their marked longevity of impact directly on the health outcomes and community wellbeing they were designed to fortify. It is in this vein that the essay is written and composed. The investigation in this essay is to query what, particularly, might be the aspects and influences of the emerging veritable cornucopia of new data engineering frameworks that are either being developed specifically for health surveillance and wellness, or are available to be co opted from devices and services already thriving in the current market and research milieu. Knowing what these ways may be could well aid in molding their uptake and spread, ensuring their beneficial impacts on those communities who stand to gain the most. The essay is divided into several key segments. After this introduction, section two details the research methods. In the section that follows, the maximum health outcome potentials of these novel frameworks are reviewed. Part four of the essay takes a more critical approach, addressing how the success of these methods may be hindered and future research avenues. Lastly, the concluding information suggests some actions to take to aid best suit the implementation of these ways, and suggests some thoughts for further research after the completion of these inquiriestrand [1].
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Case Report
Open Access December 27, 2022

The Role of AI Driven Clinical Research in Medical Device Development: A Data Driven Approach to Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance

Abstract This essay explores how AI can enhance clinical research and, particularly, its pivotal role in the development of medical devices. A data-driven approach to medical device development that can streamline regulatory compliance and quality assurance is discussed. Methods that generate insights from pre-stage data and utilize it during development are detailed. The effectiveness of this approach in [...] Read more.
This essay explores how AI can enhance clinical research and, particularly, its pivotal role in the development of medical devices. A data-driven approach to medical device development that can streamline regulatory compliance and quality assurance is discussed. Methods that generate insights from pre-stage data and utilize it during development are detailed. The effectiveness of this approach in compliance audits, 510(k) submissions, and quality system audits - reducing time, effort, and risks is analyzed. The findings are illustrated with practical examples and takeaway recommendations. When reading a scientific article, how many times have you judged the quality of the research by looking at the methodology section? Artificial intelligence algorithms can be developed with the most robust and innovative technology, but if they are not properly validated, they will be worthless in the eyes of regulatory authorities. Conversely, outdated and simplistic models can still gain regulatory clearance if robustness is effectively demonstrated. For better or worse, ethics, economics, and robustness are often sacrificed in the constant government struggle to keep up with the technological edge of AI development. The slow crawl of lawmakers is constant in every field. Automating small tasks can save time and reduce risks when playing catch-up with a changing regulatory framework so the rest of the AI development can continue uninhibitedly. This dives into using FDA open data to collaborate with a food and drug law company and develop several bottom-up initiatives that supply knowledge needed for regulatory compliance and quality systems development. Methods that input pre-stage data and output actionable insights as models are provided. By sharing these resources and advice as academic researchers, efficiency in streamlining processes is maximized, thereby letting more time and resources be allocated to the actual development [1].
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Open Access December 26, 2018

Understanding Consumer Behavior in Integrated Digital Ecosystems: A Data-Driven Approach

Abstract This study aims to achieve a new understanding of how, why, and when consumer behavior is shaped, enacted, and experienced inside and across integrated digital ecosystems related to large-scale trackable goods, all in service of helping marketers optimize their business performance in the new economy. The pioneering understanding begins by exploring what motivates the choices of a homogeneous [...] Read more.
This study aims to achieve a new understanding of how, why, and when consumer behavior is shaped, enacted, and experienced inside and across integrated digital ecosystems related to large-scale trackable goods, all in service of helping marketers optimize their business performance in the new economy. The pioneering understanding begins by exploring what motivates the choices of a homogeneous group of consumers to organize their consumption of national and store brand varieties of consumer package goods in a certain manner. Thereafter, the essay explores how, if at all, the other digital activities of consumers across various product-related digital spaces and on various platforms build expertise and interest in these products such that they exert an effect on the purchase choices for these products. The essay then advances to asking how online information seeking, in various product-related digital spaces, on various platforms, and from various sources, and taking place at various points in the purchase journey affects online-offline dynamics in purchasing these products. Thereafter, the research examines how paid digital communication in various product-related digital spheres and forms, enabled by consumer advertising engagement on various platforms, boosts the offline sales of these products. Finally, by employing a new methodology that combines consumer scanning data, self-reported online activity data, and transaction data collected from an ad-tech partner, the research presents a fresh set of marketing action levers and performance outcomes on chosen products. Along the way, progress is made on four under-investigated topics in the advertising literature – the role of consumer actors and their expertise in the online-offline purchasing dynamics for ads, advertising engagement, consumer digital spaces, and consumer digital activity investment.
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