New and Emerging Technology News part 77 ~ NEW GEN TECH LIFE : new generation technology news

Sunday 26 January 2014

New and Emerging Technology News part 77

A rendering of the nanoantenna
Scientists at Houston’s Rice University have successfully increased the intensity of laser light a thousand-fold by shining it into a “nanoantenna.” At the heart of the device are two gold tips, separated by a gap measuring about a hundred-thousandth the width of a human hair. At the point where it passed through that gap, the light was “grabbed” and concentrated. Condensed matter physicist Doug Natelson believes that the technology could be useful in the development of tools for optics and chemical/biological sensing, with applications in industrial safety, defense and homeland security.  Read More
Panasonic to show integrated wheelchair/bed and hair-washing robot
Though nearly every country in the world is ageing fast, Japan is at the front of the pack and in the next few decades will see its ratio of workers to retirees change from 7-1 to 2-1 – a scary prospect, particularly in a country that has always revered and respected the elderly. Robotic assistants offer a solution to this dilemma and Panasonic has just announced the development of two special-care robots; a robotic bed that also transforms into a wheelchair and a robotic hair washing assistant. Both are specifically designed to aid and give independence to the elderly and people with limited mobility.  Read More
UVEX variotronic helmet visor automatically adjusts to light
Riding a motorcycle into bright sunlight can produce some dire outcomes, and though there are some manual solutions which significantly reduce the risk, there's never before been a solution quite like this one. This year’s Intermot Motorcycle show in Koln will see a significant and long awaited “first” for motorcyclists – a “variotronic” helmet visor. This double lens visor from UVEX can be electronically switched from light to dark by pressing a button and it can even be switched to automatic mode, where the lens is controlled directly by an integrated photo cell.  Read More
The dancing swan has 19 different joints (Photo: Kerstin Gauffin)
A team at Mälardalen University, Sweden, has created a one meter-tall robotic swan that “performs” to the music of Swan Lake. The aim of the project is to explore the potential of robots to move people emotionally and mimic human expressions. So could this binary Baryshnikov represent the future of ballet?  Read More
The winning entry in Electrolux Design Lab 2010 - The Snail
The Electrolux Design Lab 2010 saw more than 1,300 entries submitted from students in more than 50 countries, but in the end, there can be only one. This year the title goes to Peter Alwin from the National Institute of Design in India for his entry, The Snail. In taking first prize, Alwin will receive 5,000 euro (approx. US$6,700) and a six-month paid internship at an Electrolux global design center.  Read More
Lotus Elite will make its public debut at the 2010 Paris Motor Show
When you think Lotus, you think diminutive, somewhat stripped-back sportscars, but the company is signaling a new direction with the roll-out of the Elite production prototype at the Paris Motor Show later this month. The 2+2 Elite GT is, well, bigger – more room, more comfort, more weight (at 1650kg it's almost 300kg heavier than the Evora) and a front-mid positioned 5.0-litre V8 engine delivering up to 456kW and 720Nm of torque. There's also a hybrid technology option with Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS) on offer as well as a retractable hardtop version. The promised performance specs are impressive – 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 315 km/h (195 mph). If you're in the market for a supercar in the US$180K price range you'll have to be patient though, the Lotus Elite isn't scheduled for production until 2014.  Read More
The distraction-free Writer for iPad interface
Ahhh, the glamorous life of the professional writer. Spending untold hours alone in a room staring at a screen awaiting inspiration with no guarantees of attracting the interest of a publisher, let alone readers, after baring one’s soul on the page. Many successful writers will say, when in the grip of the Muse, they go into a kind of trance with thoughts flowing faster than they can be written down. But inspiration is a fickle thing and, once found, often difficult to hold onto. A new iPad app from Information Architects called Writer for iPad is designed to remove many of the distractions that can send inspiration packing and give writers a better chance of maintaining focus.  Read More
A piece of the TiFoam titanium bone replacement material
Back in June, those brainy folks over at Germany’s Fraunhofer research group announced the development of Resobone, a material designed to replace the titanium plates used to patch holes in peoples’ skulls. Now, perhaps a little ironically, they’ve announced the creation of TiFoam – a titanium foam to be used for replacing injured bone. Unlike Resobone, TiFoam is intended for load-bearing areas, where a balance of strength and flexibility are essential. Like Resobone, however, it’s designed to encourage surrounding bone to grow into the implant.  Read More
The SensoGlove digital golf glove
Over the years we’ve seen quite a variety of technology aimed at shaving a few shots of a golfer’s game, from robots such as the Top Swing to motion analyzing systems such as the PSProSwing and iClub system. While such systems provide great feedback about the motion of a golf swing, they can overlook one of the most basic but no less important aspects of a natural golf swing – a relaxed grip. German-based company, Sensosolutions, has come up with a compact way to measure the level of grip pressure in the form of the SensoGlove, the world’s first digital golf glove.  Read More
Artist's impression of the data clipper concept (Credit: Thales Alenia Space)
There's a new kind of spaceship on the horizon. No, it's not a cruise ship (we wish!) – it's a clipper, and if Joel Poncy and his team at Thales Alenia Space have their way, it's coming to a solar system near you. The data clipper will be a maneuverable solar-powered spacecraft that collects scientific data and downloads it to Earth, and fleets of them could map the planets and celestial bodies of our solar system.  Read More

The Seabird Open Web mobile phone concept from Billy May
As laptop computers continue to shrink in size and mobile phones become more and more powerful, can it be that long before the two merge into a device with the portability of a mobile phone and the functionality of a laptop? While it is just a matter of time before the power of a fully-fledged PC can be crammed inside a device the size of a mobile phone, our fingers aren't getting any smaller so overcoming the problems of interacting with such a small device will require some creative thinking. Creative thinking like that of designer Billy May who has come up with a mobile phone concept called the “Seabird” that is designed to address some of the frustrations people face when using such physically small devices.  Read More
The Emergency Bra as a facemask
Sexy red lingerie and heavy breathing have traditionally gone hand in hand. But a bra from inventor, Dr. Elena Bodnar, is designed to let people breathe easier. Her Emergency Bra is a protective device that transforms from a bra into two respiratory pace masks to filter out harmful airborne particles, such as those released by fire, explosion, terrorist, radiological, biological attack, and natural disasters.  Read More
MINI Scooter E concept
How do you get more mini than a MINI? Try the MINI Scooter E, a new concept to be shown at the Paris Motor Show which takes the design language of MINI's current line-up and adds a healthy dose of retro styling to create an all-electric two wheeler – a first for the brand. The Scooter E uses an in-hub motor at the rear wheel powered by a lithium-ion battery which is recharged via a conventional socket using an on-board cable. Conventional keys are discarded in favor of a smartphone, which also becomes the display panel when slotted into the integrated dock.  Read More
Blue Watchdog turns your mobile phone into an all-purpose anti-theft device
One of the greatest threats to our personal welfare in the digital age is the theft of our key life-enhancing devices – while a stolen bag, camera, or wallet can be replaced at significant heartache and expense, a laptop might contain the keys to your banks accounts, employer's intranet, or your identity. Now there’s an ingenious anti-theft device which sets a user-defined protection radius of between one and 30 meters around the mobile phone in your pocket using Bluetooth functionality. The credit-card-sized, EUR60 Secu4 Blue Watchdog is so useful it just might generate killer app adoption levels for protecting your valuables, luggage, and perhaps even your children when you’re on the go. Check out our video of the new product.  Read More
Ferrari SA APERTA - All 80 were all sold at a price well in excess of EUR400,000, before d...
Many motoring enthusiasts will raise a glass to Pininfarina during the company’s 80th anniversary year, as it has been responsible for a goodly proportion of the most beautiful and desirable four wheelers ever produced, working for almost every major automotive brand in the world including Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Ford, Volvo, Tata Motors and Chery. Pininfarina is best known however, for the Ferrari designs it has penned, such as the F40, F50, Enzo, 599 GTB Fiorano, Ferrari 250 GT SWB, Testarossa, Dino 246 GT and 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Hence Ferrari is to build a limited edition model named the SA APERTA in honor of the birthday. Just 80 very limited, open-top, front-engined 670 bhp V12s will be made, and they were all sold at a price well in excess of EUR400,000, before details were released to the public.  Read More
A wireless dock has been produced by Sonos to allow iPod and iPhone users a means of strea...
Since we first brought news of the Sonos digital music streaming system, the company has added a number of new devices to the setup, including a standalone ZonePlayer and the CR200 controller. The latest addition to the range is a wireless dock for iPhone and iPod.  Read More
Paris Motor Show gallery: Kia compact electric POP concept
It’s France’s turn for the giant European car show this year and Korean manufacturer Kia will be showing an all-electric compact concept it has named POP. The POP is a “clean sheet” design developed by Kia’s European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia’s Chief Design Officer, and Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe’s Chief Designer. New images have been released ahead of the unveiling, but we'll have to wait until Mondial Automobile opens in Paris later this week for more details.  Read More
Test subject Bob Melia tries out the UCF robotic arm
Researchers have created a computer-controlled robotic arm designed to help wheelchair-bound people perform actions such as grasping and lifting objects. It has both an automatic mode, in which the computer identifies objects and figures out how to grasp them, and an option for full manual control. When physically-challenged people were selected to try the device out, the researchers were surprised to discover that most of them preferred going manual. It’s all about something called Flow.  Read More
Clip-It comes in various bright colors
Just when you thought that there was no way a Flash drive could be made even more useful, Verbatim turns one into a paperclip. Its new Store 'n' Go Clip-It USB Drive will be available in 2GB and 4GB storage capacities, providing a clever way to send digital multimedia files together with printed documents.  Read More
The Digital Harinezumi camera
As you can easily tell from the gear we’ve checked out at Photokina 2010, digital cameras are evolving at an almost frightening pace – sensors are getting more sensitive, resolution continues to get higher, high-def movie mode is becoming pretty much standard... what can a camera do now to really stand out? Well, in the case of Superheadz’ Digital Harinezumi 2++, it can devolve. Actually, the 2++ is a couple of steps up from the original model, but the line in general is all about bringing back the primitive charm of Instamatic-like stills and Super 8mm-like video. Think of it this way: if conventional cameras are like a mountain lodge, then Harinezumis are like back-country camping.  Read More
 
The Photosmart eStation All-in-One printer with detachable 7-inch Android tablet
HP’s web-enabled printers already featured touchscreen control panels and wireless printing but now the company has gone one step further by including a detachable 7-inch Android with its new Photosmart eStation All-in-One printer. While the prospect of a printer with a free Android tablet might sound pretty tempting, there are some caveats. Although it’s possible to browse (and print) online content using the device’s web browser, there’s no access to the Android Market with apps and widgets limited to customized print-focused offerings from the likes of Yahoo, Facebook and Snapfish.  Read More
Sanyo and Suzuki have announced a collaborative project resulting in the development of an...
Sanyo and Suzuki have announced a collaborative project resulting in the development of an electric drive system for an prototype scooter named e-Let's. About the same weight as the petrol scooter it was based on, the prototype has a claimed range of 18.6 miles and its battery pack can be charged using a household outlet. The scooter is currently undergoing on-road trials leading to possible commercialization.  Read More
The 'tea bag' in place near the mouth of the special water bottle
Stellenbosch University's Hope Project has produced a disposable water filter shaped like a tea bag. When placed in the neck of a water bottle, the bag removes all harmful chemicals and microbes. Each bag cleans one liter (1.06 quarts) of water, so a lot will be needed to make any significant impact on water-related health issues globally. However, when compared to competition such as the LifeStraw or LifeSaver, it would seem to be a cost effective solution. The product is currently being tested by the South Africa Bureau of Standards.  Read More
The Dreamslide allows riders to stand while pedaling
Eleven years ago, French rollerblading and boardsports enthusiast Jean‐Marc Gobillard decided that the small wheels of rollerblades weren’t quite speedy enough. He experimented with a few different ideas, which ultimately led him to design the Dreamslide. This unique device combines the standing stance of things like skateboards and roller blades with the efficient locomotion and larger, faster wheels of a bicycle. It even has its own special pedaling system, designed for a standing rider.  Read More
When force is applied to the pedal, the stainless steel, triangular-shaped swinging mechan...
At first glance, a proposal to replace a bicycle's familiar chain and cog drive with one that uses string may sound like lunacy, but that's exactly what's been done to produce the Stringbike. The system features freewheel mechanisms on either side of the rear wheel connected by polyethylene rope to a precisely positioned, symmetrical swinging arm that drives the bicycle forward. When the unit on the right is driving the bike forward, the other is being returned to its starting position and vice-versa which is said to result in greater efficiency and makes for a more comfortable, easier ride.  Read More
The mock up of the new compact featuring a Zuiko lens
At this year's Photokina, Olympus announced plans to bring its Zuiko lens system to a compact camera between January and March of the new year. Olympus brought a mock-up concept model to show off at the trade show but was keeping a tight lid on actual technical information. Start up the rumor mill everyone...  Read More
FlyingLift quadrocopter can carry camcorders weighing up to 500 g
Sick of straining your arm to get that all-important above the crowd video angle? Here's a solution that will give you a true birds-eye view. Due to hit the market at the end of the year, FlyingLift is a remote controlled quadrocopter which can carry a conventional video camera of up too 500 grams in weight while beaming images back to the ground in real-time. The system consists of an electrically powered carbon fiber chopper, a backpack-mounted receiver unit, a hand-held controller and a set of video glasses which deliver what the camera sees to one eye while leaving the other eye free to follow the quadrocopter in flight.  Read More
Researchers at Yale University are using laser light to cool molecules (Image: John Barry/...
In order for quantum computers to become a reality, it would be hugely helpful if scientists were able to supercool molecules. If a temperature of near absolute zero (-273C/-460F) could be achieved, then the oscillations associated with the molecules’ low energies could be used in the creation of quantum bits for use in quantum processors. Recently, researchers at Yale University got a step closer to that goal, by using laser light to cool molecules.  Read More
Could submarines be used to stop typhoons? (Photo: Georgio40)
We usually accept it as a given that we can't change the weather. When it comes to extreme situations like hurricanes or earthquakes, such disasters are labeled "acts of god" because we generally feel helpless to in the face of nature's wrath. But recently an ambitious Japanese manufacturing firm Ise Kogyo has boldly claimed that they can help weaken the impact of typhoons. And even more surprising, the company's weapon of choice is the submarine.  Read More
CPT's auto exhaust gas energy recovery system
A lot of energy has traditionally been flushed down the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine and it's interesting to see that a number of companies, most notably BMW and Toyota until now, have been working on harvesting that power thanks to the imperatives of the energy crisis. Now Controlled Power Technologies (CPT), best known for its VTES electric supercharger, is working on exhaust gas energy recovery too. CPT estimates it will take five years to bring its research to market.  Read More

Younghwa Lee's door provides shelter in the event of an earthquake
What are you supposed to do when an earthquake hits? If you answered “Go stand in a doorway,” you get a gold star... although "Get under a table" would also be correct. Doorways are structurally stronger than most other parts of a building, and are often the last thing left standing when a structure has been destroyed by an earthquake. A narrow doorway offers little, however, in the way of protection from falling debris. That’s why an MA Design student from England’s Kingston has University invented a special kind of door.  Read More
Raytheon XOS 2: second generation exoskeleton
The widespread usage of exoskeletal robotics to augment human beings moved a step closer this week when Raytheon demonstrated its second generation Exoskeleton, the XOS 2. The new robotic suit (think of it as wearable robot guided by a human brain) is lighter, faster and stronger than the original proof-of-concept XOS 1, yet uses half the power. While Raytheon's development is primarily focused on military usage, exoskeletons for the mobility-impaired are already at market and industrial exoskeletons from Japan, Korea and Isreal are not far behind. One day in the not too distant future, one of these suits will enable us all to have superhuman strength, speed and endurance.  Read More
2011 Fujifilm X100 to feature innovative hybrid viewfinder
At Photokina 2010 in Cologne, Germany, Fujifilm has unveiled details about the upcoming Finepix X100, a compact camera with a retro style and impressive specs to match. The company claims this model, to be released in early 2011, will fill pro-photographers' need for a smaller back-up or substitute camera when a DSLR is inconvenient. With a 12.3 megapixel APS-C-based sensor and a fixed 23mm lens, the Finepix X100 will certainly be in the running for best pro compact on the market this spring.  Read More
A scanning electron microscope image and a rendering of Caltech's silicon nanomesh (Image:...
Researchers at two different institutions have recently announced the development of technologies for converting waste heat from electronics into something useful. At the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), they’ve created a silicon nanomesh film that could collect heat from electric appliances such as computers or refrigerators and convert it to electricity. Meanwhile, their colleagues at Ohio State University (OSU) have been working with a semiconducting material that has the capacity to turn waste heat from computers into additional processing power.  Read More
These computer Images represent infrared snapshots of Kuiper Belt dust as seen by a distan...
For the first time researchers have simulated images of sections of our Solar System as they may have appeared some 700 million years ago. Supercomputer modeling of tiny dust particles far out in space may also pave the way to the discovery of new planets. "We're hoping our models will help us spot Neptune-sized worlds around other stars," Said Marc Kuchner, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. who led the study.  Read More
Retro class - the LEICA M9 Titanium
Leica used Photokina 2010 to unveil its beautifully crafted limited edition LEICA M9 ‘Titanium’ digital camera. Created in collaboration with chief designer of the Volkswagen Group, Walter de’Silva, the camera is a reinterpretation of the classic LEICA M9. The special edition is strictly limited to 500 cameras worldwide.  Read More
Students from the University of Applied Sciences Bremen have redesigned the MIDI hardware ...
Digital Audio Workstation software applications put the power of the recording and editing studio right in front of you on a computer screen. Tweaking the hundreds and hundreds of settings and parameters offered by such applications has been made easier with the addition of physical controls on a MIDI interface. But rather than be limited to a rigid set of pre-defined buttons, knobs and faders, students from the University of Applied Sciences Bremen have built a set of wireless, wooden devices with rotary dials called FlexiKnobs.  Read More
Magic eye watch concept from TokyoFlash
The folks over at Tokyo Flash are at it again with yet another crazy LED watch design that inspires both awe and confusion. This latest optical illusion watch design makes use of the famous (or infamous?) magic eye phenomenon to display the time. Of course to most onlookers the zig-zag pattern will make no sense, but if the owner can train himself to see the time displayed behind the pattern he will be sure to both astound and annoy friends and family.  Read More
University of Utah psychology doctoral student, Nate Medeiros-Ward, operates a driving sim...
In-car navigation systems that literally tell drivers where to go are much more convenient and safer than resting a street directory on one’s lap and quickly trying to devise a route on a map at a set of traffic lights. But audio instructions may not always be the best way to impart directional information to hard of hearing drivers or those yakking on a mobile phone – with a hands-free kit I should hope. A new study suggests that devices mounted to a steering wheel that pull the driver’s index fingertips left or right could help motorists drive more safely. The same technology could also be attached to a cane to provide directional cues to blind pedestrians.  Read More
The front navigation interface of the new BlackBerry Tablet OS on the PlayBook
The rumors of a tablet from Research In Motion (RIM) have turned out to be true with CEO Mike Lazardis announcing the company’s PlayBook tablet at its annual BlackBerry Developer Conference. Described by RIM as a “professional-grade” tablet, the 7-inch device will be running the new BlackBerry Tablet OS created by the recently acquired QNX. It boasts BlackBerry integration, out-of-the-box BlackBerry Enterprise Server compatibility and security features designed to appeal to businesses as well as true multitasking, gaming and multimedia capabilities.  Read More
 
The Skoda Octavia Green E Line unveiled
Skoda is taking the plunge into the electric vehicle world with the unveiling of the Octavia Green E Line concept in Paris. Based on the Škoda Octavia Combi, the five-seater EV sports a 26.5 kWh ion-lithium battery and an electric motor with a maximum output of 85 kW and 270 Nm of torque, which translates to a range of up to 140 km (87 miles), a top speed limited to 135 km/h (84 mph) and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 12 seconds. The concept is billed as a technology demonstrator, with Škoda saying it will create a test fleet in 2011 to further develop the electric drive.  Read More
The GoPro HD HERO 960, with included accessories
If you’ve been lusting after GoPro’s HD HERO actioncam, but can’t justify the US$300 price tag, then you’ll be glad to hear this: GoPro has just released a more basic version, that costs $180. As its name implies, the HD HERO 960 is limited to a maximum resolution of 960p, as opposed to the HD HERO’s 1080. If you’re just using it post videos on the web, however, the difference will be negligible.  Read More
Johan Engelen with the full Micronium setup
It's much, much smaller than its Stradivarian cousin, but not even the Borrowers, Lilliputians or Blefuscudians are of sufficiently diminutive proportions to take a bow to the Micronium. The tiny instrument is made up of microscopic springs activated by combs to produce an audible tone. Half a dozen tone systems are placed on a chip and then chips combined to offer an orchestral range of sounds.  Read More
The insecticidal protein Cry1Ab has been shown to leach from corn debris into adjacent str...
A new study by Indiana’s University of Notre Dame has revealed that streams across the U.S. Midwest contain insecticides from adjacent fields of genetically engineered corn, even well after harvest. The transgenic maize (GE corn) in question has been engineered to produce the insecticidal protein Cry1Ab. Pollen, leaves and cobs from those plants enter streams bordering on the cornfields, where they are said to release Cry1Ab into the water.  Read More
Exagon electric hybrid has 500 mile range and 155 mph top speed
The Paris Motor Show is about to get underway and the next 72 hours will no doubt see an unprecedented number of new electric and hybrid vehicles, so it’s not surprising that a few companies have jumped the gun in showing new cars to avoid getting lost in the publicity avalanche. One doing just that is a new automotive brand (as least as a manufacturer of whole cars) emanating from French company Exagon Engineering. The figures for the Furtive eGT are astoundingly brisk - 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h).  Read More
The Sony Ericsson LiveView
For people who absolutely, positively have to have Facbook updates and tweets now and can’t even spare the time it takes to pull their mobile phone from their pocket or handbag, Sony Ericsson has unveiled its LiveView Android accessory. The compact device sports a form factor similar to the latest iPod nano and can be clipped to clothing or worn like a wristwatch just like Apple’s device. But LiveView offers extra functionality that effectively makes it a remote micro display and controller for a mobile phone.  Read More
3D racing hits arcades with Road Fighters from Konami
With 3D TV still seen as not much more than a gimmick by the majority of consumers and a lack of content available for anything other than computer animated features and the odd sporting event, 3D gaming might be the best hope for getting people to embrace the technology. The sense of immersion offered by 3D games highlights the strengths of the technology so it isn’t surprising to see arcade machine makers bring the current generation of 3D technology into arcades to suck the coins from gamers’ pockets. Konami’s Road Fighters 3D racing game is one such machine that is already hitting arcades across Japan.  Read More
The AudioScope microphone dish
Imagine if you were watching television coverage of a football game, where none of the cameras could zoom in. It would be pretty frustrating, just having to go from one wide shot to another, never being able to get a close look at any of the players. That’s pretty much how things are with audio, however. Unless someone has their own microphone, or is within line of sight of a parabolic mic, you’re not going to be hearing them very well. In the near future, however, that may not be the case. Norway’s Squarehead Technology has developed AudioScope, a system that allows users to acoustically “zoom in” on individual people in a large area, and follow them as they move around.  Read More
The SMAVNET robot
Swarms of flying robots might sound a bit ominous to those of us anxiously awaiting the inevitable robot uprising that will see humanity drop a notch on the scale of planetary dominance. But swarms of flying robots are just what a project at the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland is working to create. However, instead of keeping an eye on prisoners in a robot-run internment camp, the Swarming Micro Air Vehicle Network (SMAVNET) Project aims to develop robot swarms that can be deployed in disaster areas to rapidly create communication networks for rescuers.  Read More
The designer sees the RowRay being available for hire in city parks, at the beach or in th...
My first attempt at rowing a boat on a park pond was the source of some considerable embarrassment. As I went round and round in ever decreasing circles, I remember thinking that there must have been something wrong with the steering. Troels Øhman's RowRay though may just tempt me back to the oars. Designed to bring a fun element to family exercise, the three-wheeled landcart concept is driven by grabbing hold of the two handles and pulling back for dear life. Turning the cart is a matter of pulling on the left or right "oar" and the designer sees users being able to take one for a spin by using a smartphone to unlock it from a base station at the beach or in the park.  Read More


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