Day: December 19, 2024

    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “Amazon’s RTO Setbacks Emphasize Employee Discontent with Enforced Regulations”
    “Amazon’s RTO Setbacks Emphasize Employee Discontent with Enforced Regulations”

    **Amazon’s Return-to-Office Dilemmas: An Examination of Workforce Management**

    Amazon, the worldwide leader in e-commerce and technology, is encountering considerable obstacles in its return-to-office (RTO) approach. The organization recently declared that employees would need to work in the office five days per week beginning January 2024. However, logistical difficulties, employee resistance, and communication errors have transformed the transition into a cautionary narrative for other companies managing the post-pandemic work environment.

    ### The Space Dilemma

    One of the most prominent problems with Amazon’s RTO requirement is its insufficient office space to fit its large workforce. With more than 350,000 employees impacted by the mandate, the organization has been racing to prepare office locations in various major cities. As reported by Bloomberg, workers in at least seven cities—including Phoenix, Austin, Dallas, and New York City—will experience setbacks in their RTO timelines due to space limitations. In certain scenarios, these delays may extend into the spring of 2024, with offices in New York City anticipated to be prepared only by May.

    The deficiency in office space has led to grievances from staff about crowded environments, shared workstations, and an insufficient number of conference rooms for private discussions. Such logistical oversights not only disrupt everyday operations but also diminish employee faith in leadership.

    ### Employee Discontent and Morale

    Amazon’s RTO strategy has sparked broad discontent among its workforce. Many staff members have voiced their annoyance at the sudden transition from a hybrid setup—where they worked remotely for two days each week—to an all-office requirement. This discontent is intensified by employees’ perception of an absence of data-driven justification for the policy.

    In October, over 500 employees of Amazon wrote a letter to Amazon Web Services CEO Matt Garman, challenging the reasoning behind the RTO requirement. The correspondence emphasized worries about the policy’s effects on productivity and work-life integration. To complicate matters, Garman reportedly informed employees that those unwilling to comply with the new directive could look for jobs elsewhere—a remark that did little to alleviate fears.

    A survey by Blind, a professional networking platform, revealed that 73% of Amazon employees were contemplating job transitions due to the RTO rule. This aligns with broader research indicating that inflexible RTO policies can result in talent loss, particularly among senior and highly skilled employees who have more career options.

    ### The Wider Consequences of RTO Policies

    Amazon’s difficulties with its RTO policy are not isolated incidents. A study conducted in November 2024 that involved over 3 million workers from 54 S&P 500 companies found that RTO policies generally lead employees to question the leadership’s judgment. The research also pointed out that senior employees are more inclined to exit firms with stringent RTO mandates, as they possess more robust professional connections and enhanced job mobility.

    Tech powerhouses such as Apple, Microsoft, and SpaceX have encountered comparable issues, witnessing a marked exodus of senior talent following the enforcement of RTO plans. For Amazon, the potential loss of seasoned employees could have lasting effects, especially as the company navigates a challenging labor market amid ongoing economic instability.

    ### Insights for Workforce Management

    Amazon’s RTO implementation highlights the significance of effective communication, strategic planning, and employee involvement in workforce management. Here are several vital lessons for organizations:

    1. **Logistical Planning Prior to Policy Implementation**: Amazon’s office space insufficiency underscores the necessity of comprehensive logistical planning before rolling out significant policy changes. Ensuring office spaces are prepared and well-equipped can avert unnecessary delays and employee dissatisfaction.

    2. **Transparent Communication**: Employees appreciate clarity and decisions grounded in data. Offering transparent, evidence-based justifications for policy modifications can help build trust and lessen resistance.

    3. **Acknowledge Employee Preferences**: The pandemic has altered workplace expectations, with many employees now emphasizing flexibility. Firms that do not adapt to these evolving preferences risk losing top talent.

    4. **Encourage a Collaborative Transition**: Engaging employees in the planning phase and soliciting their feedback can lead to more seamless transitions and improved morale. Tools such as office space reservation systems, while beneficial, cannot replace authentic employee engagement.

    5. **Maintain Flexibility and Adaptability**: Inflexible mandates can backfire, particularly if they are viewed as disregarding employee needs. Providing hybrid or flexible working arrangements can aid organizations in retaining talent and sustaining productivity.

    ### The Future Path for Amazon

    As Amazon navigates the complexities of its RTO policy, the company has a chance to recalibrate and restore trust with its workforce. Implementing strategies to alleviate overcrowding, enhancing communication, and displaying readiness to adjust could help lessen some of the adverse effects of the policy.

    In conclusion, Amazon’s experience serves as a crucial case study for other organizations grappling with the intricacies of the contemporary workplace. In an age where flexibility and employee well-being take precedence, companies must find a delicate balance between operational requirements and workforce contentment. For Amazon

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on “The Reality of World Maps: What They Should Truly Represent”
    “The Reality of World Maps: What They Should Truly Represent”

    # Every World Map You’ve Encountered is Incorrect – Here’s How Maps Should Appear

    For ages, the world maps we have depended on have been filled with errors. While they provide a functional representation of our globe, they do not accurately convey the genuine proportions and forms of the continents and landmasses. Now, the Equal Earth World Map is set to change that, presenting what experts are calling the most precise map of Earth ever developed.

    ## The Issues with Conventional Maps

    The difficulty of accurately depicting a spherical Earth on a planar surface has long challenged cartographers. Conventional maps, such as the Mercator projection, have led to notable distortions. The Mercator map, for example, was initially created for navigation, preserving angles and directions; however, it significantly enlarges landmasses further from the equator. This is the reason Greenland seems nearly as large as Africa, even though it is only about 1/14th its actual size.

    Other efforts to amend these distortions, like the Gall-Peters projection, have brought their own complications. While the Gall-Peters map more accurately represents the relative sizes of continents, it alters their shapes, making them appear stretched and unrealistic.

    These inaccuracies have had tangible consequences. Distorted maps can reinforce misconceptions about the size and significance of different regions, impacting everything from geopolitics to cultural viewpoints.

    ## Introducing the Equal Earth World Map

    The Equal Earth World Map, created by cartographers and published in the *International Journal of Geographical Information Science*, seeks to address these problems. This new map builds on the advantages of earlier projections, such as the Robinson projection, while correcting their limitations.

    The Robinson projection, unveiled in the 1960s, was a blended map that aimed to balance size and shape distortions. It gained widespread acceptance for its visual appeal and relative accuracy. Nevertheless, it still had difficulty maintaining the authentic proportional sizes of landmasses.

    The Equal Earth map advances this further. It preserves the aesthetically pleasing attributes of the Robinson projection while ensuring that continents and landmasses are accurately depicted in their true relative sizes and shapes. This means Africa, for instance, is accurately shown as significantly larger than Greenland, and South America comes across as the vast continent it genuinely is.

    ## The Importance of the Equal Earth Map

    The Equal Earth World Map is more than merely a cartographic success; it serves as an instrument for education and comprehension. By offering a more precise depiction of our planet, it can help rectify long-held misconceptions regarding the size and relevance of different regions.

    For example, many are astonished to discover that Africa is larger than the United States, China, and India combined. Conventional maps have frequently downplayed Africa’s size, contributing to a distorted view of its importance. The Equal Earth map corrects this, providing a more accurate perspective of the world.

    In addition, the map’s creators hope it will become the standard for educational institutions, replacing outdated projections that have long been utilized in classrooms. By presenting the world as it genuinely is, the Equal Earth map can foster a greater appreciation for the diversity and interconnectedness of our planet.

    ## A Progression in Cartography

    Although the Equal Earth map may not be as revolutionary as a 3D rendition of the universe, it signifies a substantial advancement in our understanding of Earth. It addresses the two primary issues that have troubled traditional maps: size and shape distortions. By doing so, it offers a more accurate and fair depiction of the world.

    As we continue to explore and comprehend our planet, resources like the Equal Earth map will be vital in shaping our perceptions and cultivating a more informed global outlook. Whether in classrooms, boardrooms, or living rooms, this map holds the power to transform how we view the world.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on Apple and NVIDIA Collaborate to Explore Improved Performance in Large Language Models
    Apple and NVIDIA Collaborate to Explore Improved Performance in Large Language Models

    # Advancing Text Generation with Apple’s ReDrafter and NVIDIA’s TensorRT-LLM

    In a recent blog entry, engineers at Apple revealed thrilling developments arising from their partnership with NVIDIA, aimed at enhancing text generation capabilities utilizing large language models (LLMs). This collaboration centers on incorporating Apple’s cutting-edge Recurrent Drafter (ReDrafter) method into NVIDIA’s TensorRT-LLM platform, promising substantial improvements in speed and efficiency for machine learning practitioners.

    ## The ReDrafter Method

    Earlier this year, Apple launched ReDrafter, an innovative approach to text generation that merges two potent techniques: **beam search** and **dynamic tree attention**. Beam search enables the model to assess multiple possible outputs at once, whereas dynamic tree attention adeptly navigates the various decisions made during the text generation phase. This synergy not only hastens text generation but also achieves top-tier performance regarding quality and coherence.

    Research from Apple highlighted the efficiency of ReDrafter, illustrating its potential to transform the way LLMs produce text. Nevertheless, the genuine obstacle was the implementation of this technique in a production context, prompting the collaboration with NVIDIA.

    ## Partnership with NVIDIA

    NVIDIA’s TensorRT-LLM serves as a robust tool tailored to optimize the performance of LLMs on NVIDIA GPUs. By integrating ReDrafter into this framework, NVIDIA has significantly augmented its features. The partnership entailed introducing new operators and refining existing ones to better suit advanced models and decoding strategies. This integration empowers machine learning developers to utilize ReDrafter’s rapid token generation effortlessly within their production ecosystems.

    ### Impressive Performance Outcomes

    The results from this collaboration are encouraging. When benchmarking a production model with tens of billions of parameters, integrating ReDrafter into the NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM framework yielded an astounding **2.7x acceleration** in the number of tokens generated per second during greedy decoding. This enhancement not only diminishes latency for end-users but also facilitates a more efficient use of computational assets, requiring fewer GPUs and less energy consumption.

    ## Consequences for Machine Learning Progress

    The ramifications of these advancements are profound for the machine learning domain. As LLMs increasingly become essential to diverse applications, boosting inference efficiency is vital. Enhanced performance can result in lowered computational expenses and improved user experiences by decreasing latency.

    Apple’s machine learning researchers underscore the significance of this integration, stating, “With ReDrafter’s groundbreaking technique for speculative decoding incorporated into the NVIDIA TensorRT-LLM framework, developers can now take advantage of quicker token generation on NVIDIA GPUs for their production LLM applications.”

    ## Conclusion

    The partnership between Apple and NVIDIA signifies a vital progression in the field of text generation with large language models. By merging Apple’s ReDrafter method with NVIDIA’s TensorRT-LLM, developers can anticipate swifter, more efficient text generation functionalities that can benefit a range of applications. As the need for LLMs continues to escalate, innovations like these will be instrumental in shaping the future landscape of machine learning.

    For additional information on this collaboration and the ReDrafter technique, you can check the resources available on [Apple’s website](https://machinelearning.apple.com/research/redrafter-nvidia-tensorrt-llm) and

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “The Backbone One: An Enthusiastic Game Controller Restricted by the iPhone’s Game Collection”
    “The Backbone One: An Enthusiastic Game Controller Restricted by the iPhone’s Game Collection”

    **The Backbone One: A Revolutionary Tool for iPhone Gaming or a Specialty Gadget?**

    In the past few years, the gaming scene on iPhones has seen remarkable change. With the arrival of classic console emulators, extensive mobile game collections through Apple Arcade and Netflix Games, and even prominent console franchises like *Assassin’s Creed* and *Resident Evil* entering the market, the iPhone has evolved into a more adaptable gaming device. Nonetheless, the absence of an official controller from Apple has opened the door for third-party companies to take charge. Among them, the Backbone One has surfaced as a favored option for gamers desiring a console-like feel on their iPhones. But does it justify the $99 cost and the optional subscription-based app? Let’s take a closer look.

    —

    ### **The Backbone One: A Brief Overview**
    The Backbone One is a clip-on game controller that turns your iPhone into a portable gaming console akin to a Nintendo Switch or Steam Deck. Built to overcome the challenges of touch controls for certain games, it provides a more conventional dual-stick controller setup. With its robust construction and clever design, the Backbone One has gained popularity among iPhone users, particularly those who appreciate emulators or want to stream games from their consoles.

    —

    ### **Transitioning from the Razer Kishi**
    Before examining the Backbone One, it’s essential to acknowledge its rivals. Many gamers, myself included, previously used the Razer Kishi—a reliable choice featuring Xbox-style thumbsticks and satisfactory ergonomics. However, the initial version of Kishi had shortcomings, such as a flimsy, foldable back that complicated the detachment and attachment of the controller. Furthermore, the switch from Lightning to USB-C ports on newer iPhones made earlier Kishi models incompatible, pushing users to find alternatives.

    The Razer Kishi V2, the next iteration, brought some updates, but not all were positively embraced. The thumbsticks, for example, now mimic those on the Nintendo Switch, providing less motion range and stability compared to the original Xbox-style sticks. This transition made the Backbone One a tempting option for users in search of something new.

    —

    ### **Hardware Insights**
    One of the prominent aspects of the Backbone One is its solid build quality. Unlike the earlier Kishi, which had a flexible rear, the Backbone One lives up to its name with a robust plastic hinge that guarantees stability. The PlayStation-themed variant especially boasts buttons and a directional pad that are reminiscent of Sony’s DualSense controller, making it a fantastic pick for enthusiasts of PlayStation games.

    Nevertheless, the Backbone One has its shortcomings. The triggers and thumbsticks, while operational, lack the depth and accuracy found in full-sized controllers. This could be a limitation for games that demand quick reflexes and precise aiming in 3D environments. Additionally, the location of the USB-C port for linking the controller to the iPhone necessitates a degree of force, which raises concerns about potential long-term wear.

    —

    ### **The Backbone App: A Mixed Experience**
    The Backbone One isn’t solely a piece of hardware; it also includes a companion app that consolidates various gaming platforms into a cohesive interface. Echoing the PlayStation 5’s home screen, the app enables users to explore games from streaming services, mobile game subscriptions, and installed applications. It features capabilities such as voice chat, multiplayer lounges, Twitch streaming, and video highlights.

    However, these features come with an annual price tag of $40 following a one-month free trial. The upside is that the app isn’t compulsory; the Backbone One operates exceptionally well as an independent controller. Still, the subscription model has faced backlash, with many users arguing that a mobile game controller shouldn’t incur continuous fees.

    The presence of the subscription also underscores two larger concerns: the specialized nature of this product and the absence of intrinsic support for such functionalities in iOS. While Apple has made progress in offering AAA games on the iPhone, the platform still has significant work ahead to rival consoles regarding attractiveness to serious gamers.

    —

    ### **The Status of iPhone Gaming**
    Though the Backbone One is a thoughtfully crafted accessory, its value heavily relies on the genres of games you engage with. For popular games like *Genshin Impact* and *Call of Duty Mobile*, which already feature excellent touch controls, a gamepad is more a matter of personal choice than a necessity. Simultaneously, the AAA console games available on iPhone remain relatively sparse, and their high initial prices might dissuade mobile gamers used to free-to-play models.

    The true advantage of the Backbone One shines through its compatibility with emulators. For enthusiasts of classic games or indie titles, the controller offers a tactile, nostalgic experience that touchscreens can’t replicate. However, for those aiming to play contemporary games, the iPhone still doesn’t serve as a fully viable alternative to consoles or PCs.

    —

    ### **Concluding Thoughts: Is the Backbone One Worth Your Investment?**

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    • Richard
    • Comments Off on Louisiana Resident Admitted to Hospital in Serious Condition from H5N1 Avian Influenza Infection
    Louisiana Resident Admitted to Hospital in Serious Condition from H5N1 Avian Influenza Infection

    ### Serious H5N1 Bird Flu Incident in Louisiana: An Increasing Concern

    The Louisiana Department of Health has verified a serious case of H5N1 bird flu in a resident, representing the first occurrence of severe illness connected to the virus in the United States. The patient, a person over 65 years old with pre-existing health issues, is currently receiving critical care in the hospital and is experiencing severe respiratory symptoms. This occurrence has heightened worries regarding the possible dangers brought about by the virus, even as health officials assert that the overall public health threat remains low.

    #### **The Situation in Perspective**

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the initial tests conducted by the Louisiana health department, verifying the H5N1 virus’s presence. Genetic testing of the strain identified it as belonging to the D1.1 genotype, which has previously been found in wild birds and certain poultry in the U.S. This genotype matches that identified in a Canadian teenager who was hospitalized in critical condition the previous month. However, it differs from the B3.13 genotype that’s currently circulating in U.S. dairy cattle.

    The Louisiana patient reportedly had interactions with sick and deceased wild and backyard birds suspected of being infected with the virus. This marks a notable difference from earlier U.S. cases, which were mostly mild and occurred among workers in poultry or dairy sectors who were exposed to infected animals in commercial settings. The Louisiana case is the first severe one associated with non-commercial animal contact.

    #### **H5N1: A Worldwide View**

    H5N1, a subtype of avian influenza, has been a concern for health authorities globally for many years. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there have been 939 confirmed cases of human H5N1 infection worldwide from January 2003 to November 2024. Among these, 464 cases resulted in fatalities, yielding a case fatality rate of 49 percent. These statistics highlight the virus’s potential severity, particularly in at-risk populations.

    In the U.S., there have been 61 reported human cases of H5N1 this year, nearly all of which were mild and occurred among workers in the poultry or dairy industries. The Louisiana incident is exceptional, both in its severity and its association with non-commercial animal contact.

    #### **CDC and WHO Evaluations**

    Despite the gravity of the Louisiana case, the CDC has stressed that the overall risk to public health remains low. In a statement, the agency remarked:

    > “An isolated case of severe H5N1 bird flu illness in a person is not surprising; avian influenza A(H5N1) virus infection has been linked to severe human illness in other countries during 2024 and previous years, including cases leading to death. No transmission from person to person of H5 bird flu has been observed. This case does not alter CDC’s overall evaluation of the immediate risk to public health from H5N1 bird flu, which stays low.”

    The WHO has similarly underlined the significance of monitoring and preparedness, given the virus’s capacity to induce severe illness and high mortality rates in humans.

    #### **Consequences and Safety Measures**

    The Louisiana case acts as a reminder of the necessity for vigilance when monitoring zoonotic diseases—those transmissible from animals to humans. While the likelihood of widespread human transmission of H5N1 remains low, sporadic instances like this one underscore the requirement for comprehensive surveillance and public health strategies.

    Health officials advise the following measures to reduce the possibility of H5N1 infection:

    1. **Avoid Handling Sick or Dead Birds**: People should refrain from touching sick or dead wild birds and inform local wildlife authorities about such cases.
    2. **Maintain Good Hygiene**: Wash hands thoroughly following any interaction with animals or animal products, and avoid touching the face with unwashed hands.
    3. **Thoroughly Cook Poultry**: Proper cooking of poultry and eggs can eliminate the risk of infection from contaminated food.
    4. **Employ Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Workers in poultry or dairy sectors should use adequate PPE and adhere to biosecurity practices.

    #### **Future Considerations**

    The Louisiana case highlights the erratic nature of zoonotic diseases and the ongoing need for vigilance. While the immediate threat to the broader public remains low, health authorities will persist in closely observing the situation. The case also underscores the significance of public awareness and preventative actions to lessen risks associated with H5N1 and other zoonotic pathogens.

    As the global community confronts the persisting challenges of emergent infectious diseases, the Louisiana case acts as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Collaborative endeavors in surveillance, research, and public health preparedness will be vital in addressing the threats posed by H5N1 and similar challenges in the future.

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    • sparta
    • Comments Off on “YouTube Tests Improved PC-Style Interface for Foldable Devices”
    “YouTube Tests Improved PC-Style Interface for Foldable Devices”

    # A Contemporary Upgrade: How YouTube’s Redesign Might Transform the Mobile Experience

    YouTube, the leading platform for video sharing globally, is reportedly experimenting with a new look for its mobile application that could greatly improve user engagement, especially for those with larger devices such as tablets and foldables. This modest redesign seeks to refresh the app’s landscape orientation, tackling persistent problems related to unused screen space and boosting content visibility. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the features of this redesign and its potential impact on mobile users.

    —

    ## **Essential Information**

    – YouTube is assessing a new landscape layout for its mobile app, specifically designed for larger devices like tablets and foldables.
    – The redesign minimizes redundant screen space, optimizing the usage of the available display area.
    – Updates feature a more structured organization for subscriptions, video thumbnails, and Shorts.
    – The modifications are still being tested and may be made available to select users prior to a wider rollout.

    —

    ## **New Aesthetic for Landscape Orientation**

    This redesign was first uncovered by X (formerly Twitter) insider AssembleDebug during an APK disassembly, as reported by *Android Authority*. The fresh layout is designed for larger screen devices, including foldable phones and tablets, although it may also enhance the experience for conventional mobile devices.

    One of the standout adjustments is the relocation of the subscriptions list. In the updated layout, the channels users subscribe to are placed on the left side of the screen, with an “All Channels” button beside them. This button allows users to explore their subscriptions in a more thorough manner, presumably arranged by upload date. This change not only streamlines the interface but also facilitates easier navigation through favorite channels.

    —

    ## **Optimizing Screen Space**

    An ongoing issue with the existing landscape orientation of YouTube is the inadequate use of screen area. In the current configuration, video thumbnails are positioned on the left, with titles, channel identifiers, view counts, and upload timings on the right. Nevertheless, a considerable portion of the display remains unoccupied, leading to an unattractive visual experience.

    The redesigned configuration tackles this concern by pairing videos, effectively doubling the content viewable on the screen. Shorts, YouTube’s response to TikTok-like vertical videos, are also given more visibility. Even in their vertical format, the new orientation showcases multiple Shorts in sequence, simplifying the browsing experience.

    —

    ## **Enhanced Channel Navigation**

    The redesign also applies to individual channel pages. When users click on a subscribed channel, they will encounter an interface reminiscent of the updated subscriptions page. A “View channel” button positioned beneath the channel name offers quick access to the creator’s complete content library. Although specific details regarding the channel designs remain undisclosed, it is likely that the new layout will ensure consistency throughout the app.

    —

    ## **Progress Towards Desktop-Like Features**

    The enhancements in YouTube’s mobile app seem to bring it into closer alignment with the desktop interface. On desktop, YouTube has already rolled out updates that highlight the description box and other video specifics. The new mobile layout could introduce comparable functionalities, enhancing versatility and user-friendliness.

    —

    ## **User Feedback and Future Implementation**

    YouTube’s redesign initiatives have not always been greeted with excitement. Earlier this year, the platform tested a new video page format for desktops, which led to backlash from users across social media. However, the existing mobile redesign addresses functional challenges like unused space and navigation, which may enhance its appeal to users.

    Currently, the revised landscape orientation is still being tested, available within YouTube version 19.50.36. A select group of users might gain early access to the layout before a broader release takes place. If successful, this update could establish a new benchmark for mobile video applications, particularly on larger devices.

    —

    ## **Significance of This Development**

    YouTube’s mobile application has remained largely stagnant in visual design over recent years. Although new features such as engaging video pages and highlighted comment sections have been introduced, the overall layout has not adapted to the changing requirements of contemporary devices. This redesign marks a critical advancement, offering a more refined and efficient user engagement.

    For content creators, these adjustments could translate to greater visibility for their videos, especially in the subscriptions and Shorts categories. For viewers, the redesign holds the promise of a more intuitive and pleasing way to discover and enjoy videos.

    —

    ## **Future Outlook**

    While the new layout is still undergoing testing, it is evident that YouTube is dedicated to enhancing its mobile platform. By addressing enduring issues and tailoring the app for larger screens, the platform is setting itself up to maintain its leadership in the highly competitive arena of video streaming.

    As the redesign becomes available to a wider audience, it will be intriguing to observe user reactions and whether it inspires additional updates throughout the app. For the moment, this subtle redesign is a hopeful preview of YouTube’s mobile future.

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