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Hu H, Tang S, Fang C, Mu K, Su J, Zhang J. Presence of nontarget prey, Tetranychus truncatus, affected the predation by Neoseiulus bicaudus on Tetranychus turkestani. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2023; 116:1137-1145. [PMID: 37247377 DOI: 10.1093/jee/toad094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Neoseiulus bicaudus (Wainstein) (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is a generalist predatory mite that consumes several pest species, including Tetranychus turkestani (Ugarov et Nikolskii) (Acari: Tetranychidae) in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The release numbers of predatory mites are based on the populations of target pests and their ability to control them. Populations of T. turkestani and T. truncatus Ehara (Acari: Tetranychidae) often coexist and damage many crops. To determine whether the presence of the non-target prey T. truncatus affects the ability of N. bicaudus to control the target prey T. turkestani. The study evaluated the predation rate and functional response of N. bicaudus to 4 stages of T. turkestani in the presence of T. truncatus. The consumption of T. turkestani by N. bicaudus gradually decreased as the proportion of T. truncatus increased. The functional response of N. bicaudus to T. turkestani was not changed when T. truncatus was presented, which was consistent with a type II response. The attack rate of N. bicaudus on the egg, larva, and nymph of T. turkestani was significantly decreased and the handling time of N. bicaudus on T. turkestani was significantly extended when T. truncatus was presented. The preference index showed that the preference of N. bicaudus for eggs and female adults of T. turkestani decreased with increasing density of T. turkestani in the same proportion as T. truncatus. The presence of T. truncatus can negatively affect the predation of T. turkestani by N. bicaudus. We suggest that the number of N. bicaudus released to control T. turkestani should be increased when T. truncatus coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxiao Hu
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
| | - Siqiong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
| | - Chen Fang
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
| | - Kaiqin Mu
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
| | - Jie Su
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oasis Agricultural Pest Management and Plant Protection Resources Utilization, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, College of Agriculture, Shihezi University, Shihezi 83200, China
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Buxton M, Cuthbert RN, Basinyi PL, Dalu T, Wasserman RJ, Nyamukondiwa C. Cattle dung in aquatic habitats alters mosquito predatory biocontrol dynamics. FOOD WEBS 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2022.e00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Juliano SA, Goughnour JA, Ower GD. Predation in Many Dimensions: Spatial Context Is Important for Meaningful Functional Response Experiments. Front Ecol Evol 2022. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2022.845560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For simplicity and to minimize variation, functional response experiments frequently use environments of simple physical structure and small size. Less attention is paid to similarity of the experimental environment to the natural environment where predation occurs. Assumptions about predator and prey use of space are often implied in the choice of experimental environment. We illustrate how these assumptions may affect conclusions with an experiment testing how arena size affects a functional response. Toxorhynchites rutilus preyed upon larval Culex restuans in containers differing in volume by 15x, but spanning a similar range of prey/liter. The most plausible Type II model included attack rates that were statistically indistinguishable, but in the larger volume, had handling time that was lower by > 30x compared to the smaller volume, suggesting a major change in predator behavior with container volume. When we altered our assumption that predation scales with prey/liter, assuming instead that aggregation causes predation to scale with prey/area of surface or bottom, the conclusions changed: neither attack rate nor handling time differed with container size. Thus, our assumption about how predator and prey used space altered the conclusions of the experiment. We then summarize recently published experiments showing that spatial context affects estimated functional responses. We suggest that functional response experiments would be improved by using larger experimental spaces that represent physical complexity of environments where predation occurs. Greater spatial extent and complexity are likely to cause aggregation of predation. Effects of more realistic spatial context are likely to yield more complete understanding of quantitative aspects of predation.
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Influence of habitat complexity on the prey mortality in IGP system involving insect predators (Heteroptera) and prey (Diptera): Implications in biological control. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264840. [PMID: 35286333 PMCID: PMC8920208 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intraguild predation (IGP) is common in the freshwater insect communities, involving a top predator, intraguild prey (IG prey) and a shared prey. Influence of the habitat complexity on the prey-predator interactions is well established through several studies. In the present instance, the IGP involving the heteropteran predators and the dipteran prey were assessed in the background of the habitat complexity. The three predators Diplonychus rusticus, Ranatra filiformis, and Laccotrephes griseus, one intraguild prey Anisops bouvieri and two dipteran prey Culex quinquefasciatus and Chironomus sp. were used in different relative density against the complex habitat conditions to deduce the impact on the mortality on the prey. In comparison to the open conditions, the presence of the macrophytes and pebbles reduced the mortality of the shared prey under intraguild system as well as single predator system. The mortality of the shared prey was however dependent on the density of the predator and prey. Considering the shared prey mortality, predation on mosquito larvae was always higher in single predator system than chironomid larvae irrespective of identity and density of predators. However, for both the shared prey, complexity of habitat reduced the prey vulnerability in comparison to the simple habitat condition. Higher observed prey consumption depicts the higher risk to predation of shared prey, though the values varied with habitat conditions. Mortality of IG prey (A. bouvieri) in IGP system followed the opposite trend of the shared prey. The lower mortality in simple habitat and higher mortality in complex habitat conditions was observed for the IG prey, irrespective of shared prey and predator density. In IGP system, the shared prey mortality was influenced by the habitat conditions, with more complex habitat reducing the vulnerability of the shared prey and increased mortality of the IG prey. This implies that the regulation of the mosquitoes, in the IGP system will be impeded by the habitat conditions, with the heteropteran predators as the top predator.
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Functional Responses and Additive Multiple Predator Effects of Two Common Wetland Fish. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14050699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Understanding trophic interactions is essential for the prediction and measurement of structure and function in aquatic environments. Communities in these ecosystems may be shaped by variables such as predator diversity, prey density and emergent multiple predator effects (MPEs), which are likely to influence trophic dynamics. In this study, we examined the effect of key predatory fish in floodplain wetlands, namely Oreochromis mossambicus and Enteromius paludinosus, towards Chironomidae prey, using a comparative functional response (FR) approach. We used single predator species as well as intra- and interspecific paired species to contrast FRs under multiple predator scenarios. Attack rate and handling time estimates from single predator FRs were used to predict multiple predators’ feeding rates, which were compared to observe multiple predators’ feeding rates to quantify potential MPEs. From single fish trials, each species displayed a significant Type II FR, characterized by high feeding rates at low prey densities. Oreochromis mossambicus had a steeper (initial slope, i.e., higher attack rate) and higher (asymptote of curve, i.e., shorter handling time and higher maximum feeding rate) FR, whereas E. paludinosus exhibited lower-magnitude FRs (i.e., lower attack rate, longer handling time and lower feeding rate). In multiple predator scenarios, feeding rates were well-predicted by those of single predators, both in conspecific and interspecific pairs, and thus we did not find evidence for antagonistic or synergistic MPEs. Predator–prey interactions in wetland systems can have significant consequences on the structure and dynamics of ecological communities. In turn, this could have destabilizing effects on resources in tropical wetlands. These results, although experimental, help us understand how trophic interaction among conspecific or interspecific fish species in Austral tropical wetlands might influence their aquatic prey species. This will help us to understand food web dynamics better.
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Alkhayuon H, Tyson RC, Wieczorek S. Phase tipping: how cyclic ecosystems respond to contemporary climate. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2021; 477:20210059. [PMID: 35153584 PMCID: PMC8511773 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2021.0059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We identify the phase of a cycle as a new critical factor for tipping points (critical transitions) in cyclic systems subject to time-varying external conditions. As an example, we consider how contemporary climate variability induces tipping from a predator–prey cycle to extinction in two paradigmatic predator–prey models with an Allee effect. Our analysis of these examples uncovers a counterintuitive behaviour, which we call phase tipping or P-tipping, where tipping to extinction occurs only from certain phases of the cycle. To explain this behaviour, we combine global dynamics with set theory and introduce the concept of partial basin instability for attracting limit cycles. This concept provides a general framework to analyse and identify easily testable criteria for the occurrence of phase tipping in externally forced systems, and can be extended to more complicated attractors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Alkhayuon
- University College Cork, School of Mathematical Sciences, Western Road, Cork T12 XF62, Ireland
| | - Rebecca C Tyson
- CMPS Department (Mathematics), University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sebastian Wieczorek
- University College Cork, School of Mathematical Sciences, Western Road, Cork T12 XF62, Ireland
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Vardi R, Kotler BP, Altstein O, Abramsky Z. Social behaviour and foraging success of little egrets (Egretta garzetta). Behav Processes 2021; 183:104318. [PMID: 33434628 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2021.104318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Intraspecific interactions among predators can change the game between a predator and its prey. Individuals of different size or sex can differ in their responses to conspecific competitors. We studied intraspecific interactions among pairs of little egrets (Egretta garzetta) while foraging on responsive prey (comet goldfish, Carassius auratus). Testing little egrets in an artificial patchy environment both singly and while engaged in social forging in pairs (male & female) at two prey densities, allowed us to explore individual differences in foraging success. We found sexual dimorphism with males being bigger and more aggressive than females. However, female foraging success was positively affected by the time they spent foraging with a conspecific male, suggesting they might be able to mitigate male aggressiveness with an indirect positive interaction. Despite the presence of direct interactions between individuals in the pair, egret foraging success was not affected by such interactions, nor by prey density. Our results demonstrate the importance of sex and an individual's ability to adjust its social behaviour based on the behaviour of others in this predator-prey foraging game.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reut Vardi
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel; The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
| | - Burt P Kotler
- The Jacob Blaustein Institute for Desert Research, Mitrani Department of Desert Ecology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Midreshet Ben-Gurion 84990, Israel.
| | - Ofir Altstein
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Zvika Abramsky
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev 84105 Beer Sheva, Israel.
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Buxton M, Nyamukondiwa C, Dalu T, Cuthbert RN, Wasserman RJ. Implications of increasing temperature stress for predatory biocontrol of vector mosquitoes. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:604. [PMID: 33261665 PMCID: PMC7706185 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04479-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predators play a critical role in regulating larval mosquito prey populations in aquatic habitats. Understanding predator-prey responses to climate change-induced environmental perturbations may foster optimal efficacy in vector reduction. However, organisms may differentially respond to heterogeneous thermal environments, potentially destabilizing predator-prey trophic systems. METHODS Here, we explored the critical thermal limits of activity (CTLs; critical thermal-maxima [CTmax] and minima [CTmin]) of key predator-prey species. We concurrently examined CTL asynchrony of two notonectid predators (Anisops sardea and Enithares chinai) and one copepod predator (Lovenula falcifera) as well as larvae of three vector mosquito species, Aedes aegypti, Anopheles quadriannulatus and Culex pipiens, across instar stages (early, 1st; intermediate, 2nd/3rd; late, 4th). RESULTS Overall, predators and prey differed significantly in CTmax and CTmin. Predators generally had lower CTLs than mosquito prey, dependent on prey instar stage and species, with first instars having the lowest CTmax (lowest warm tolerance), but also the lowest CTmin (highest cold tolerance). For predators, L. falcifera exhibited the narrowest CTLs overall, with E. chinai having the widest and A. sardea intermediate CTLs, respectively. Among prey species, the global invader Ae. aegypti consistently exhibited the highest CTmax, whilst differences among CTmin were inconsistent among prey species according to instar stage. CONCLUSION These results point to significant predator-prey mismatches under environmental change, potentially adversely affecting natural mosquito biocontrol given projected shifts in temperature fluctuations in the study region. The overall narrower thermal breadth of native predators relative to larval mosquito prey may reduce natural biotic resistance to pests and harmful mosquito species, with implications for population success and potentially vector capacity under global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmabaledi Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
| | - Casper Nyamukondiwa
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana.
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, 0950, South Africa
| | - Ross N Cuthbert
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, 24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ryan J Wasserman
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, Palapye, Botswana
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, 6140, South Africa
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Cuthbert RN, Dalu T, Wasserman RJ, Weyl OLF, Froneman PW, Callaghan A, Dick JTA. Inter-Population Similarities and Differences in Predation Efficiency of a Mosquito Natural Enemy. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2020; 57:1983-1987. [PMID: 32459349 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjaa093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Predation is a critical factor that mediates population stability, community structure, and ecosystem function. Predatory natural enemies can contribute to the regulation of disease vector groups such as mosquitoes, particularly where they naturally co-occur across landscapes. However, we must understand inter-population variation in predatory efficiency if we are to enhance vector control. The present study thus employs a functional response (FR; resource use under different densities) approach to quantify and compare predatory interaction strengths among six populations of a predatory temporary pond specialist copepod, Lovenula raynerae, from the Eastern Cape of South Africa preying on second instar Culex pipiens complex mosquito larvae. All individuals from the sampled populations were predatory and drove significant mortality through per capita predation rates of 0.75-1.10 mosquitoes/h at maximum densities over a 5-h feeding time. Individuals from all copepod populations exhibited Type II FRs with no significant differences in attack rates. On the other hand, there were significant differences in handling times, and therefore also maximum feeding rates (maximum experimental prey density: 32), suggesting possible genetic differences among populations that influenced predation. Owing to a widespread distribution in arid landscapes, we propose that predatory calanoid copepods such as L. raynerae play a key regulatory role at the landscape scale in the control of disease vector mosquito populations. We propose that these ecosystems and their specialist biota should thus be conserved and enhanced (e.g., via selective breeding) owing to the ecosystem services they provide in the context of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross N Cuthbert
- GEOMAR, Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Tatenda Dalu
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- Department of Ecology and Resource Management, University of Venda, Thohoyandou, South Africa
| | - Ryan J Wasserman
- South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Olaf L F Weyl
- DSI/NRF Research Chair in Inland Fisheries and Freshwater Ecology, South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - P William Froneman
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Rhodes University, Makhanda, South Africa
| | - Amanda Callaghan
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Harborne Building, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Jaimie T A Dick
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Buxton M, Machekano H, Gotcha N, Nyamukondiwa C, Wasserman RJ. Are Vulnerable Communities Thoroughly Informed on Mosquito Bio-Ecology and Burden? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8196. [PMID: 33171954 PMCID: PMC7672552 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mosquitoes account for a significant burden of morbidity and mortality globally. Despite evidence of (1) imminent anthropogenic climate and environmental changes, (2) vector-pathogen spatio-temporal dynamics and (3) emerging and re-emerging mosquito borne infections, public knowledge on mosquito bio-ecology remain scant. In particular, knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) on mosquitoes are often neglected despite otherwise expensive remedial efforts against consequent infections and other indirect effects associated with disease burden. To gather baseline KAPs that identify gaps for optimising vector-borne disease control, we surveyed communities across endemic and non-endemic malaria sub-districts (Botswana). The study revealed limited knowledge of mosquitoes and their infections uniformly across endemic and non-endemic areas. In addition, a significant proportion of respondents were concerned about mosquito burdens, although their level of personal, indoor and environmental protection practices varied significantly across sub-districts. Given the limited knowledge displayed by the communities, this study facilitates bridging KAP gaps to minimise disease burdens by strengthening public education. Furthermore, it provides a baseline for future studies in mosquito bio-ecology and desirable control practices across differential spheres of the rural-urban lifestyle, with implications for enhanced livelihoods as a consequence of improved public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mmabaledi Buxton
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Botswana International University of Science and Technology, P. Bag 16, Palapye, Botswana; (H.M.); (N.G.); (C.N.); (R.J.W.)
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DeRoy EM, Scott R, Hussey NE, MacIsaac HJ. Density dependence mediates the ecological impact of an invasive fish. DIVERS DISTRIB 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emma M. DeRoy
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
| | - Ryan Scott
- Department of Computer Science University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
| | - Nigel E. Hussey
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
| | - Hugh J. MacIsaac
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research University of Windsor Windsor Ontario Canada
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science Yunnan University Kunming China
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