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Moradi R, Yazdi M, Haghighi A, Nedjati A. Sustainable resilient E-waste management in London: A circular economy perspective. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34071. [PMID: 39091944 PMCID: PMC11292517 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The circular economy (CE) is reasoned to organize complex systems supporting sustainable resilience by distinguishing between waste materials and economic growth. This is crucial to the electronic waste (e-waste) industry of developed countries, and e-waste operation management has become their top priority because e-waste contains toxic materials and valuable sources of elements. In the UK, although London Metropolitan city boasts an ambitious sustainable resilience target underlying the context of CE, practical implementation has yet to be feasible, with few investigations detailing if and how the existing target implications enable industrial and social-ecological sectors to continue their performance functionalities in the face of undesired disruptions. In this paper, a dynamic Bayesian Network (dynamic BN) approach is developed to address a range of potential risks. The existing London e-waste operation management is considered as an application of study for sustainable resilience development. Through the utilization of dynamic BN, a comprehensive analysis yields a Resilience Index (RI) of 0.5424, coupled with a StdDev of 0.01350. These metrics offer a profound insight into the intricate workings of a sustainable system and its capacity to swiftly rebound from unexpected shocks and disturbances. This newfound understanding equips policymakers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable e-waste management effectively. The implications drawn from these in-depth analyses furnish policymakers with invaluable information, enabling them to make judicious decisions that advance the cause of sustainable e-waste management. The findings underscore that the absorptive capacity of a sustainable and resilient e-waste operation management system stands as the foremost defense mechanism against unforeseen challenges. Furthermore, it becomes evident that two pivotal factors, namely "diversifying the supply chain" and "enhancing supply chain transparency," play pivotal roles in augmenting the sustainability and resilience of e-waste operation management within the context of London's ambitious sustainability targets. These factors are instrumental in steering the trajectory of e-waste management towards a more sustainable and resilient future, aligning with London's aspirations for a greener and more eco-conscious future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosita Moradi
- University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia
| | - Mohammad Yazdi
- School of Computing, Engineering & Physical Sciences, University of the West of Scotland (UWS), High Street, Paisley PA1 2BE, UK
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Aida Haghighi
- School of Occupational and Public Health, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, 350 Victoria Street, Toronto, ON, M5B 2K3, Canada
| | - Arman Nedjati
- Industrial Engineering Department, Quchan University of Technology, Quchan, Iran
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Arbaein TJ, Alharbi KK, Alfahmi AA, Alharthi KO, Monshi SS, Alzahrani AM, Alkabi S. Makkah healthcare cluster response, challenges, and interventions during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:975-985. [PMID: 38631067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2024.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global COVID-19 crisis has underscored the critical role of effective decision-making in healthcare systems. Saudi Arabia has shown resilience by implementing comprehensive testing, tracing, and vaccination measures. Given the unique cultural and religious characteristics of Makkah, specific challenges have prompted efforts to uncover local pandemic responses. This qualitative assessment aims to delineate the challenges faced by decision-makers during COVID-19 in Makkah and identify key interventions implemented by the Makkah healthcare cluster to manage and coordinate care. METHOD Utilizing a purposive sampling approach, executive leaders within the Makkah Healthcare Cluster were invited for semi-structured interviews during the COVID-19 period. Thematic analysis was carried out in five steps, ensuring rigor and trustworthiness through multiple checks, and employing a critical and collaborative approach. RESULT Throughout the COVID-19 outbreak in Makkah, participants revealed Several factors that have hindered healthcare organizations' ability to effectively manage the pandemic, including testing difficulties, resource shortages, vaccination misconceptions, continuity of care issues, infections among healthcare workers, and the need for consistent protocols. The participant leaders in Makkah's healthcare cluster specified implemented strategies that helped in overcoming the encountered challenges, such as adopting new technologies, enhancing communication, managing supply and demand, and improving workforce adaptability and development. Their experience in managing Hajj and Umrah provided valuable insights for handling the pandemic effectively. CONCLUSION The study emphasizes the significance of technology adoption, effective communication, supply management, workforce development, and lessons from managing religious events. Its findings have implications for healthcare systems globally, emphasizing the importance of preparedness, response, and resilience in diverse cultural contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turky J Arbaein
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Khulud K Alharbi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afrah A Alfahmi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khawlah O Alharthi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah S Monshi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali M Alzahrani
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sanaa Alkabi
- Department of Health Administration and Hospital, College of Public Health and Health Informatics, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
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Götz P, Auping WL, Hinrichs-Krapels S. Contributing to health system resilience during pandemics via purchasing and supply strategies: an exploratory system dynamics approach. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:130. [PMID: 38267945 PMCID: PMC10807148 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health systems worldwide struggled to obtain sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic due to global supply chain disruptions. Our study's aim was to create a proof-of-concept model that would simulate the effects of supply strategies under various scenarios, to ultimately help decision-makers decide on alternative supply strategies for future similar health system related crises. METHODS We developed a system dynamics model that linked a disease transmission model structure (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered (SEIR)) with a model for the availability of critical supplies in hospitals; thereby connecting care demand (patients' critical care in hospitals), with care supply (available critical equipment and supplies). To inform the model structure, we used data on critical decisions and events taking place surrounding purchase, supply, and availability of PPE and ventilators during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic within the English national health system. We used exploratory modelling and analysis to assess the effects of uncertainties on different supply strategies in the English health system under different scenarios. Strategies analysed were: (i) purchasing from the world market or (ii) through direct tender, (iii) stockpiling, (iv) domestic production, (v) supporting innovative supply strategies, or (vi) loaning ventilators from the private sector. RESULTS We found through our exploratory analysis that a long-lasting shortage in PPE and ventilators is likely to be apparent in various scenarios. When considering the worst-case scenario, our proof-of-concept model shows that purchasing PPE and ventilators from the world market or through direct tender have the greatest influence on reducing supply shortages, compared to producing domestically or through supporting innovative supply strategies. However, these supply strategies are affected most by delays in their shipment time or set-up. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that using a system dynamics and exploratory modelling approach can be helpful in identifying the purchasing and supply chain strategies that contribute to the preparedness and responsiveness of health systems during crises. Our results suggest that to improve health systems' resilience during pandemics or similar resource-constrained situations, purchasing and supply chain decision-makers can develop crisis frameworks that propose a plan of action and consequently accelerate and improve procurement processes and other governance processes during health-related crises; implement diverse supplier frameworks; and (re)consider stockpiling. This proof-of-concept model demonstrates the importance of including critical supply chain strategies as part of the preparedness and response activities to contribute to health system resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Götz
- Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Willem L Auping
- Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Saba Hinrichs-Krapels
- Faculty of Technology, Policy and Management, Delft University of Technology, Jaffalaan 5, 2628 BX, Delft, The Netherlands.
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Williams BA, Jones CH, Welch V, True JM. Outlook of pandemic preparedness in a post-COVID-19 world. NPJ Vaccines 2023; 8:178. [PMID: 37985781 PMCID: PMC10662147 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-023-00773-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was met with rapid, unprecedented global collaboration and action. Even still, the public health, societal, and economic impact may be felt for years to come. The risk of another pandemic occurring in the next few decades is ever-present and potentially increasing due to trends such as urbanization and climate change. While it is difficult to predict the next pandemic pathogen threat, making reasonable assumptions today and evaluating prior efforts to plan for and respond to disease outbreaks and pandemics may enable a more proactive, effective response in the future. Lessons from the COVID-19 response and pandemic influenza preparedness underscore the importance of strengthening surveillance systems, investing in early-stage research on pandemic pathogens and development of platform technologies, and diversifying response plans across a range of tactics to enable earlier access to safe and effective interventions in the next pandemic. Further, sustaining the robust vaccine manufacturing capacity built because of COVID-19 will keep it ready for rapid response in the future. These actions will not be successful without improved global coordination and collaboration. Everyone, including the biopharmaceutical industry, has a role to play in pandemic preparedness, and working together will ensure that the most lives are saved in the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Verna Welch
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY, 10001, USA
| | - Jane M True
- Pfizer, 66 Hudson Boulevard East, New York, NY, 10001, USA.
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Loibner M, Barach P, Wolfgruber S, Langner C, Stangl V, Rieger J, Föderl-Höbenreich E, Hardt M, Kicker E, Groiss S, Zacharias M, Wurm P, Gorkiewicz G, Regitnig P, Zatloukal K. Resilience and Protection of Health Care and Research Laboratory Workers During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Analysis and Case Study From an Austrian High Security Laboratory. Front Psychol 2022; 13:901244. [PMID: 35936273 PMCID: PMC9353000 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.901244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has highlighted the interdependency of healthcare systems and research organizations on manufacturers and suppliers of personnel protective equipment (PPE) and the need for well-trained personnel who can react quickly to changing working conditions. Reports on challenges faced by research laboratory workers (RLWs) are rare in contrast to the lived experience of hospital health care workers. We report on experiences gained by RLWs (e.g., molecular scientists, pathologists, autopsy assistants) who significantly contributed to combating the pandemic under particularly challenging conditions due to increased workload, sickness and interrupted PPE supply chains. RLWs perform a broad spectrum of work with SARS-CoV-2 such as autopsies, establishment of virus cultures and infection models, development and verification of diagnostics, performance of virus inactivation assays to investigate various antiviral agents including vaccines and evaluation of decontamination technologies in high containment biological laboratories (HCBL). Performance of autopsies and laboratory work increased substantially during the pandemic and thus led to highly demanding working conditions with working shifts of more than eight hours working in PPE that stressed individual limits and also the ergonomic and safety limits of PPE. We provide detailed insights into the challenges of the stressful daily laboratory routine since the pandemic began, lessons learned, and suggest solutions for better safety based on a case study of a newly established HCBL (i.e., BSL-3 laboratory) designed for autopsies and research laboratory work. Reduced personal risk, increased resilience, and stress resistance can be achieved by improved PPE components, better training, redundant safety measures, inculcating a culture of safety, and excellent teamwork.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Loibner
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Paul Barach
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stella Wolfgruber
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Christine Langner
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Verena Stangl
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Julia Rieger
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Melina Hardt
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Eva Kicker
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Groiss
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Martin Zacharias
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Wurm
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Peter Regitnig
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Kurt Zatloukal
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Young JQ, McCann-Pineo M, Rasul R, Malhotra P, Jan S, Friedman K, Corley SS, Yacht AC, Barone S, Bellehsen M, Parashar N, Schwartz RM. Evidence for validity of the epidemic-pandemic impacts inventory (brief healthcare module): Internal structure and association with other variables. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH 2022; 78:98-107. [PMID: 35776080 DOI: 10.1080/19338244.2022.2093823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has subjected healthcare workers to enormous stress. Measuring the impact of this public health emergency is essential to developing strategies that can effectively promote resilience and wellness. The Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory Supplemental Healthcare Module-Brief Version (EPII-SHMb) was developed to measure impacts among occupational cohorts serving on the front lines of healthcare. While this instrument has been utilized in COVID-19 related studies, little is known about its psychometric properties. This study collects evidence for validity of the EPII-SHMb by evaluating its internal structure and how its scores associate with other variables. Physicians and nursing staff across a large New York health system were cross-sectionally surveyed using an online questionnaire between June and November 2020. Exploratory factor analysis resulted in a 3-factor solution, identifying factors Lack of Workplace Safety (7 items), Death/Dying of Patients (3 items), and Lack of Outside Support (2 items). Internal consistency was high overall and within physician/nursing and gender subgroups (Cronbach's alpha: 0.70 - 0.81). Median scores on Death/Dying of Patients were higher among those who directly cared for COVID-19 patients or worked in COVID-19 hospital units. These results are promising. Additional studies evaluating other dimensions of validity are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Q Young
- Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital at Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
| | - Molly McCann-Pineo
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Rehana Rasul
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Prashant Malhotra
- Division of Infectious Disease, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sophia Jan
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Division of Pediatrics and Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Division of Pediatrics, Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY, USA
| | - Karen Friedman
- Department of Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Samantha S Corley
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Andrew C Yacht
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Stephen Barone
- Division of Pediatrics and Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Mayer Bellehsen
- Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military Veterans and their Families, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Nidhi Parashar
- Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Resident Mental Health Program, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca M Schwartz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
- Department of Occupational Medicine Epidemiology and Prevention, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery at Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA
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Ossola C, Piacentino F, Fontana F, Curti M, Zorzetto G, Coppola A, Carcano G, Venturini M. Pocket-sized, wireless-Bluetooth ultrasound system to perform diagnostic and low-complexity interventional procedures in bedridden patients during the COVID-19 pandemic: from intensive care unit to domiciliary service? Eur Radiol Exp 2022; 6:20. [PMID: 35534781 PMCID: PMC9085369 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-022-00273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of a pocked-sized, wireless-Bluetooth ultrasound portable system with display images presented on a tablet facilitated the work of our radiologists during the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to perform diagnostic and interventional procedures in bedridden patients. The device is equipped with a battery-powered probe without cables that transmits images to a tablet (or a cell phone) through a dedicated App. We hypothesise in future to extend diagnostic and low-complexity interventional procedures from hospitalised patients to at-home patients who are not able to mobilise out of bed or are difficult to transport. This domiciliary service might also reduce the overhead of hospital accesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ossola
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Filippo Piacentino
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Federico Fontana
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Marco Curti
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Giada Zorzetto
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Andrea Coppola
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulio Carcano
- Department of General, Emergency and Transplants Surgery, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy
| | - Massimo Venturini
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Circolo Hospital and Macchi Foundation, Insubria University, Varese, Italy.
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