by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 28, 2024 | Business
Due to the growing demand for its products and services, FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH) and FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (FUJIFILM BI PH) have announced their move to a larger office in Cebu City.
Fujifilm has made a significant move by opening a new office at the Mercedes Benz Tower in Cebu Business Park, Cebu City. This expansion is intended to strengthen Fujifilm’s presence in the region, allowing the company to serve the local market better and enhance the customer experience.
We invite you to visit our new office in Cebu City, which will function as a hub for after-sales support, including a local repair center for digital cameras and endoscopy products. It also features a showroom that showcases advanced cameras, state-of-the-art printing machines, and business software solutions. This space aims to provide customers with an interactive experience, highlighting Fujifilm’s latest innovations in imaging and document management technology.
L-R FFPH President Masahiro Uehara, Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, and FUJIFILM BI PH Hideaki Kato, at the ribbon cutting ceremony this morning
Mr. Masahiro Uehara, President of FFPH, expressed confidence in the strategic decision to relocate, stating, “This move reinforces our commitment to swiftly expand our local operations, making our products and services more accessible to the southern part of the country.”
Mr. Hideaki Kato, President of FUJIFILM BI PH, also shared his perspective, noting that FUJIFILM BI PH has nearly 60 years of experience in the Philippines and continuously provides document process innovation for customers in Cebu. He emphasized the positive synergy between the two organizations, stating, “We are proud to unveil this new office, which brings us closer to our customers in Cebu and highlights the collaboration between FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines and FUJIFILM Philippines.”
Fujifilm is well-known for its continuous push for technological advancements and solutions that prioritize customer needs. By utilizing its expertise in the photographic industry, the company is driving growth in healthcare, materials, and business innovation. Its new group purpose, “Giving our world more smiles,” highlights its dedication to fostering a brighter future for society.
For more information, visit www.fujifilm.com/ph and www.fujifilm.com/fbph.
About FUJIFILM Philippines Inc.
FUJIFILM Philippines Inc. (FFPH) was established in 2012 and has been catering to the Philippine market in various sectors, including Electronic and Photo Imaging, Graphic Systems, Medical Systems, and Industrial Products. The company places a strong emphasis on after-sales support, operating a local repair center and maintaining a comprehensive distribution network.
About FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp.
FUJIFILM Business Innovation Philippines Corp. (FUJIFILM BI PH) is a leading provider of document services and communication solutions. Committed to innovation, customer service, and sustainability, FUJIFILM BI PH offers a comprehensive ecosystem of products and services. These include office multifunction devices, cloud and mobile solutions, multichannel marketing solutions, and business process management solutions.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 28, 2024 | Business
Manila, 28 February 2024 – On the back of the successful launch of its dedicated Fan App,
United City Football Club is thrilled to start its strategic partnership with
Blocksport, a pioneering Swiss-based company founded in 2019, started. This collaboration marks a significant milestone for United City FC, as it embraces the power of Web3 and blockchain technologies to enhance fan engagement and unlock new revenue streams.
About Blocksport: Unlocking Limitless Revenue Streams with Web3
Blocksport, a trailblazer in the sports technology arena, has successfully partnered with leading sports clubs across Europe and Africa, including the likes of Empoli FC, Partizan BC, Kaizer Chiefs FC, Salford Red Devils Rugby Club, Belgium Cycling, OH Leuven, to name a few. The company specializes in helping professional sports entities build digital infrastructure, which, in turn, creates efficient community hubs while leveraging Web3 and blockchain technologies for revenue generation and deeper fan engagement.
“At Blocksport, we are committed to empowering sports clubs with innovative solutions that transcend traditional boundaries. Our collaboration with United City FC signifies a bold step towards the future of fan engagement. Furthermore, my trip to Manila a few months ago to participate in the Business of Football conference confirmed to us that the Philippines and the Southeast Asian region, including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Thailand, are markets with huge potential; hence, this partnership marks the start of the Blocksport footprint in this part of the world. By combining the power of Web3 and blockchain, we aim to create a digital ecosystem that meets and exceeds the expectations of the modern fan. Together with United City FC, we are paving the way for a new era in sports technology not just in the Philippines but beyond.” – Samir Ceric, COO of Blocksport.
The partnership between United City FC and Blocksport opens the door to various fan engagement activities, including but not limited to NFT Games, Fan Points Booster, Digital Memberships, Premium Content, online ticketing, Exclusive Club content, Digital Collectibles, E-commerce, community chats, news updates, predictor games, live streaming, and much more.
Why Web3?
- Gen Z Engagement: The next generation of fans, Gen Z, demands high digital and Web3 engagement levels from their favorite clubs. Embracing these technologies is crucial in attracting and retaining this tech-savvy audience.
- Absolute Ownership: In Web3, fans have the exclusive ability to own, trade, and monetize their digital assets, fostering a sense of absolute ownership and connection with the club.
- Transparency: Web3 technology ensures transparency in all transactions and relationships between clubs and fans. This transparency is essential for building trust and accountability within the fan community.
- Security: Recognizing the value of fan data, Blocksport employs blockchain technology to uphold the highest security standards. This approach safeguards the privacy and integrity of fan data, treating it as the club’s most valuable asset.
“We are excited about the endless possibilities our partnership with Blocksport brings. As we step into Web3 and blockchain, we are not just transforming the fan experience; we are revolutionizing how clubs interact with their supporters. This is a game-changer not only for United City FC but also for Philippine Football, and we are proud to lead the way in embracing the future of sports technology.” – Eric Gottschalk, President of
United City Football Club United City FC and Blocksport are excited about the transformative potential of this partnership, as we work together to create a cutting-edge fan experience and position the club at the forefront of the evolving sports and technology landscape.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 27, 2024 | Business
Manila, 27-Feb-2024, Buzz-Capital.com, a cutting-edge platform known for its high-end, global news coverage, has announced a strategic partnership with VRITIMES, a Tokyo-based innovator in media technology specializing in press release distribution. This collaboration is poised to significantly enhance the dissemination and visibility of press releases across diverse sectors, leveraging Buzz-Capital.com’s extensive reach and VRITIMES’s distribution expertise.
Buzz-Capital.com, with its tagline “Breaking | High-End | Global,” offers a wide array of content that includes top videos, headliners, trade insights, Web3, technology, and in-depth analyses. The partnership with VRITIMES is expected to enrich Buzz-Capital.com’s content offerings, providing its audience with access to a broader spectrum of news and announcements, from corporate developments to technological innovations.
“We are thrilled to embark on this partnership with Buzz-Capital.com, a platform that epitomizes the essence of global and high-end news coverage,” stated Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO of VRITIMES. “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our mission to ensure that valuable information reaches a wider audience, making a significant impact.”
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 27, 2024 | Business
Razor State Consulting (“Razor State”)
aims to assist investment fund managers in Singapore
Singapore, February 27, 2024 – Razor State, a division of the Chicago, USA-based global fund services
and technology company Formidium Corp., has announced an entry and expansion of
its services into the Singapore market. The strategic move is to establish
Razor State as the modern and global corporate services provider to Singapore’s
investment management companies, with its mission to deliver unparalleled
financial accounting and operational support.
Razor State is set to address the distinct challenges of the local
business landscape in Singapore. Fund Managers can take advantage of Razor
State’s ManCo services, which are tailored to help them navigate financial
accounting, local taxes, and reporting complexities. These services address
issues like shadow accounting, financial reporting, regulatory filings, tax
compliance, treasury services, and investor relations support and cater to the
diverse needs of fund management companies, startups, and SMEs. Razor State
offers a range of services aimed at boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and
allowing the core management team of such investment management companies,
startups, and SMEs to focus on business growth rather than getting occupied
with accounting and reporting duties.
Razor State’s expertise in addressing back-office pain points will
benefit Singapore, a key hub for finance and innovation. Razor State’s target
is to assist businesses in navigating financial complexities, offering a suite
of services designed to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and foster
sustainable growth.
Robert S. Naka, the Executive Vice President of Razor State Consulting,
said, “With the invaluable support of our technology, finance, and
accounting professionals, we joyfully declare our expansion into Singapore. We
anticipate that this growth will assist Singapore companies in enhancing
productivity as our skilled professionals seamlessly manage back-office tasks,
addressing their operational challenges.”
Deepa Arora, Director of Razor State and the business leader in
Singapore, expresses enthusiasm: “Our foray into Singapore is a
testament to our dedication to supporting the vibrant spirits of the region. We
understand the challenges faced by businesses, and our highly trained
professionals are ready to provide world-class financial accounting and operations
support. I am very excited to lead the Singapore business development for Razor
State.”
The expansion of Razor State includes extensive offerings in management
accounting and corporate accounting support, including financial reporting,
accounts receivable and payable management, treasury services, investor
relations support, regulatory filings, tax compliance, payroll management, and
year-end audit and tax support.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 27, 2024 | Health and Wellness
A new survey commissioned by Encephalitis International, the peak global body for encephalitis, reveals that Filipino emergency medical professionals often overlook encephalitis, a life-threatening neurological condition characterized by brain inflammation, despite the presence of common symptoms.
Survey results showed that over half (54%) of local respondents did not consider infectious encephalitis and three-quarters (74%) did not consider autoimmune encephalitis as a diagnosis when presented with a list of accepted symptoms for each condition. The survey findings are released in line with World Encephalitis Day on February 22, 2024.
Moreover, despite encephalitis leading to death in up to 40% of cases, 66% of the respondents did not consider death as a potential patient outcome resulting from delayed recognition and treatment.
“In the wake of these alarming survey findings, it is clear that much more must be done to bridge the gap in encephalitis awareness and expertise. Encephalitis International is determined to increase this awareness among medical professionals through the development of globally accessible training programs that will provide the tools for them to better recognize and treat encephalitis. Of course, we cannot do this alone and will continue to work alongside international entities, such as the World Health Organization, to elevate encephalitis as a global health priority,” shared Dr. Ava Eason, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International.
The condition can happen to individuals of any age, sex, and ethnicity, with symptoms varying depending on the type. Symptoms of infectious encephalitis encompass altered consciousness, behavioral changes, fever, and headaches, while autoimmune encephalitis presents with memory issues, psychiatric symptoms, altered consciousness, and personality changes.
With the risk of death or permanent brain impairment when the disease strikes, first responders are essential in promptly considering encephalitis during health emergencies to mitigate the worst-case patient outcomes.
Misdiagnosis In Patients Leads to Worse Patient Outcomes
The survey results reveal the reality for encephalitis patients in the country. Roschelle Del Rosario, a caregiver based in Bulacan and mother to a 23-year-old patient named Alex, shared their struggle with his rapid symptom progression despite medical intervention. Initially experiencing insomnia, hallucinations, agitation, personality changes, appetite loss, and seizures, Alex was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder. However, a second opinion in May 2023 revealed autoimmune encephalitis.
But the diagnosis was just the beginning. Alex’s health rapidly declined, leading to a four-and-a-half-month coma following the misdiagnosis. Roschelle highlighted the extensive research required into treatment options, which, due to limited local resources, is largely dependent on international organizations like Encephalitis International, which is committed to funding research that aims to advance recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the condition as well as rehabilitation and quality of life of all people affected and their families.
“Alex had his whole life ahead of him as a graduating college student and at the top of his class when his symptoms appeared. Today, he’s a fighter battling encephalitis. He’s overcome his comatose state and is even able to use his mobile phone again after losing his cognitive and motor skills due to the disease. Eight months into this journey, he still faces significant challenges like hallucinations and memory loss. Sometimes, you’ll talk to him, and the next second, he’ll ask who you are. It’s a tough road, but we still consider ourselves fortunate because, even though treating encephalitis in the country is difficult, we’ve found dedicated professionals who are willing to help and learn more about this disease so Alex can regain his health and have a chance at a normal life again,” shared Del Rosario.
Supporting Emergency Medical Professionals with Training for Diagnosis
Further survey results found that only (35%) a third of local emergency medical professionals surveyed strongly agreed that their training had given them the confidence to recognize encephalitis. More than three-quarters (79%) somewhat or strongly agreed that they would benefit from more training.
Dr. Ferron Ocampo
Dr. Ferron Ocampo, an Adult Neurology Fellow of the Philippine Neurological Association and an advocate for encephalitis awareness, recognizes the challenges regarding the lack of training in encephalitis recognition and management in the country due to its rarity. Priority in resource allocation, including education and training, is given to more common conditions such as cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
However, Dr. Ocampo stresses the importance of advocating for encephalitis awareness because this condition needs immediate attention, as delayed diagnosis can lead to worsening of the patient’s condition and serious consequences if not treated promptly.
“Encephalitis is a neurological emergency that can have devastating consequences if not diagnosed and treated promptly. However, not all medical professionals are aware of the symptoms and are confident in managing them. As we celebrate World Encephalitis Day, various international and local stakeholders should collaborate to prioritize providing training and resources to medical professionals worldwide in order to enhance encephalitis detection, diagnosis, and treatment,” Dr. Ocampo shared.
In line with this urgent need for education, Encephalitis International is launching its largest fundraiser yet, “Don’t Delay. Give Today.” This initiative aims to promote early recognition and treatment to prevent death and disability from encephalitis by developing accessible, accredited training modules to provide more robust information and training on encephalitis. Emergency medical professionals in the Philippines and globally can access training opportunities by signing up for free professional membership.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 26, 2024 | Business
Venture Z had 318 participating teams from more than 40 countries.
RizqX is live with 44 Shariah-compliant investment options listed.
Singapore, 26 February 2024 – RizqX, Singapore’s pioneering gateway to halal investments, clinched 2nd place at Venture Z, against 318 participating teams from more than 40 countries. The startup competition was organised under the esteemed patronage of His Royal Highness, Prince Mohammad bin Abdurrahman bin Abdulaziz, by Prince Sultan University as part of the 2nd International Conference on Sustainability: Development and Innovations (ICSDI) 2024. ICSDI 2024 was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 18 to 22 February 2024.
Under the competition track 4 social entrepreneurship, RizqX aimed to promote financial inclusivity in Singapore and SEA by empowering Muslims with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial choices while adhering to the Shariah principles. This is made possible by curating an extensive range of Shariah-compliant investment options from diverse global institutions and consolidating them into an all-in-one platform. The platform also provides detailed independent reviews, as well as educational resources for the community. As of February 2024, stage 1 of RizqX is live with 44 investment options.
“Our platform captured the panellists’ hearts as it solves a real gap in the SEA Muslim market. The community is facing monetary and time loss attempting to find investment options in harmony with Shariah values. Current options are scattered and there is no holistic comparison platform for informed decision-making. We look forward to increasing accessibility and financial literacy of the community for informed decision-making,” said Muhammad Ridhwaan Radzi, CSAA, Managing Director, RizqX.
Muhammad Nur Salihin Bin Samsudin, COO, RizqX added, “We are honoured to be able to make Singapore proud on an international stage. This win is a significant step for the team as it highlights a real demand not just in SEA but in the Middle East as well. We look forward to growing our market steadily, starting with Singapore.”
RizqX is grateful to NTU Entrepreneurship Academy (NTUpreneur) and NTUitive for making this trip to Riyadh possible. Thank you to Prince Sultan University for the warm hospitality.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 26, 2024 | Book Reviews
Do you know how there are stories that get so much hype on social media that you end up giving it a chance and buying coins just to be able to read more? Well, that is what happened with me with Moonlit Mates, a recommended anthology by Dreame. Moonlit Mates is supposed to be a compilation of short(ish) stories from different authors that Dreame highly recommends. But is it all hype or are the stories really good?
Here’s my experience. So far I am on chapter 19 of the first story called “Lies and Betrayal” by Melissa and it is an uphill battle. The story has potential but I don’t see what all the hype is about. The author does not seem to have the chops yet to be receiving the raves this book is supposedly getting. Character building, world setting, and story flow are half-baked. Intimate scenes are rushed and rough, with no finesse.
As for grammar … sigh. Often the author is guilty of using homonyms or simply possibly similar-sounding or spelled words. For example: composer when what she really means is composure.
But this is how much I want to believe it is worth it … I purchased all the 150+ chapters then crossed my fingers hoping I didn’t just throw money in the shredder. So far, with the first story, it is a bust. What are the other stories and who wrote them? No idea. One would think Dreame would have put it in the preview blurb at the very least, but nope!
Why is no one recommending copy editors, at the very least, to these authors? I get the value of uplifting, but doing so should not make us blind to room for (much) improvement.
Color me disappointed. 🙁
The following are the stories within:
- Lies and Betrayal by Melissa
- Deepest Regret by Valerie Irene
- The Moon Goddess Daughter (The Hybrid) by Titania Sattaur
- His Warrior Luna by Cassidy Wilson
- The Alpha Games by Jessica Christensen
I’m hoping your experience is better than mine. I started reading this in December 2023 and I have yet to get beyond chapter 19 of the first story. This, from someone who reads at least 1 completed story a day.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 26, 2024 | Business
Manila, 26-Feb-2024, SamarChronicle.com, an emerging news publication renowned for its comprehensive coverage in Samar, has entered into a strategic partnership with VRITIMES, a Tokyo-based media technology company celebrated for its advanced press release distribution services. This collaboration aims to amplify the dissemination of press releases, significantly increasing their visibility and impact across a variety of sectors.
SamarChronicle.com, with its dedication to delivering truthful and insightful news, spans a wide array of topics including business, lifestyle, health, and sports. The partnership with VRITIMES is set to leverage this diverse content platform, ensuring that press releases reach a broader audience, thereby enhancing the public’s access to important news and announcements.
“We are delighted to partner with SamarChronicle.com, a publication that aligns with our values of truthfulness and wide-reaching news dissemination,” stated Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder / CEO of VRITIMES. “This collaboration is poised to elevate the visibility of our clients’ press releases, ensuring they resonate with a wider audience.”
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 25, 2024 | Business
United City FC (UCFC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Esti Puji Lestari as the Chairman of the club, effective immediately. Esti’s confirmation of her investment into the revived UCFC marks a significant milestone for the club as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in its history.
Born in Sukabumi, Indonesia, Esti Puji Lestari brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role at United City FC (UCFC). With a distinguished career in the sports industry, Esti has held key leadership positions, including majority ownership, as president at Persijap Jepara and CEO of QD Red Lions China, where she played instrumental roles in driving organizational growth and success.
“Reviving United City FC is my mission. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a club with such a great tradition and long history, and my aim is to match the outstanding achievements of the past with similar ones in the future.
I feel I have unfinished business in football, and as an esports owner, I intend to add value to the club off the field as well as on it.
I am grateful for this opportunity and know that the Philippines football landscape is very supportive of not only the men’s game but also the women’s with their participation in the recent World Cup.
In the spirit of ASEAN cooperation, I would also like this to be a pathway for both men and women from Indonesia as well as Philippines to gain valuable experience and benefit from the synergy between two nations.” states Esti Lestari.
In Indonesia, as the only female owner of a Football Club that has a 63-year history, Esti led strategic initiatives to enhance the club’s brand visibility, optimize revenue streams, and foster community engagement, solidifying its position as a sustainable football club in Indonesia that continues to exist. Additionally, she has been a prominent advocate for women’s football, championing initiatives to support and develop women’s football at all levels.
In China, as Red Lions’ CEO, Esti brought her dynamic leadership and strategic acumen to oversee the club’s administration and development. Her visionary approach and dedication contributed to the growth and success of QD Red Lions during her tenure.
“We are privileged and proud to have such an esteemed investor and seasoned football expert join our Club to catapult the development of UCFC forward. Esti has been a long-time personal friend, and I am pleased to work alongside her as I know what she will bring to the Club. Our project and mission of UCFC have never changed, even when we took a break from football in 2023, but now we are back, and with Esti’s support, we will continue the legacy of the club and raise the bar once again for the gold standard of Philippines football.” – Eric Gottschalk, President of United City FC.
As UCFC enters this new era under Esti’s leadership, the club reaffirms its commitment to excellence both on and off the field. UCFC’s goals include:
- Achieving Sporting Success: United City FC aims to compete at the highest level of Philippine football, striving for championships and representing the country internationally.
- Community Engagement: United City FC is dedicated to fostering strong connections with its fans and the local community, organizing outreach programs and initiatives to promote the growth of football at the grassroots level.
- Youth Development: United City FC recognizes the importance of nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for aspiring footballers to develop their skills within a professional environment.
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Commercial Growth: United City FC seeks to maximize commercial opportunities, leveraging Esti’s expertise to enhance revenue streams, attract sponsors, and expand the club’s global brand presence.
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Women’s Team Establishment: United City FC is committed to promoting women’s football by establishing a dedicated team, providing opportunities for female athletes to compete at the highest level, and inspiring the next generation of women footballers.
Esti Puji Lestari’s appointment signals an exciting new era for UCFC, as the club looks forward to leveraging her expertise and vision to achieve new heights of success both on and off the field.
by Ferry Bayu | Feb 23, 2024 | Business
Kuala
Lumpur, Malaysia, 23 February 2024 – The Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s
Republic of China, in collaboration with the ASEAN Secretariat, is thrilled to
announce the commencement of the 2nd China-ASEAN Innovation and
Entrepreneurship Competition, inviting aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators to
be a part of this groundbreaking initiative.
Connecting Minds, Fostering Innovation
As one of the key activities of ASEAN-China Year Of People-To-People
Exchanges,
this competition serves as a powerful platform to connect minds, foster
innovation, and strengthen the bond between China and ASEAN with a joint
initiative on Advancing the ASEAN-China Science, Technology, and Innovation
Enhancing Program issued at the 26th ASEAN-China Summit, promote science,
technology and innovation exchanges and cooperation.
This initiative will ultimately enhance China-ASEAN regional
innovation capacity, stimulate the vitality of innovation and entrepreneurship,
and promote two-way exchanges of scientific and technological achievements,
financial capital, talent team, information data, and other innovation factors.
With the theme “Digital Empowerment for a Shared
Future,” the competition focuses on the Digital Economy field, and encourages
participation from both Enterprise Groups and Team Groups, across various areas
including but not limited to digital product manufacturing, digital product
services, digital technology
application, digital element drive, digital efficiency improvement and more.
Competition Highlights
Boost Innovation: Utilize science, technology, and
innovation as a connecting platform.
Effective Matchmaking: Enhance capacities through effective
matchmaking mechanisms.
Global Collaboration: Promote the exchange of scientific and
technological achievements, financial capital, and human resources.
Exciting Opportunities for Participants
Visibility: Showcase your innovation on an international
stage.
Networking: Connect with industry experts and potential
collaborators.
Growth: Launch your business in China with tailored support.
Prizes: Win cash prizes and receive business expansion
support.
Competition Rounds
Preliminary/Initial Selection (1-7 March 2024): Selected 20
groups will advance to the final round.
Finals (April 2024): Physical pitching.
Why Entrepreneurs Should Participate:
This competition aligns with all ASEAN countries’ vibrant
entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to technological advancements. By
participating, entrepreneurs can showcase their innovations beyond borders,
network with industry experts, and gain a chance to launch their businesses in
China with tailored support.
How to Participate
Entrepreneurs and innovators interested in participating can
find detailed information and registration instructions on the official
competition website: http://www.caiec.cattc.org
About the Organizers:
The Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China and the ASEAN Secretariat jointly host the China-ASEAN Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across borders. The organization of the competitions is also supported by the Department of International Cooperation of Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology, and Innovation (COSTI) and Department of Science and Technology of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (China-ASEAN Technology Transfer Center, CATTC).
Kuala
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