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2011

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Long-Term Post-Katrina Volunteerism, Susan. D'Aloia Jan 2011

Long-Term Post-Katrina Volunteerism, Susan. D'Aloia

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The trauma and devastation that resulted from Hurricane Katrina's landfall on August 29, 2005, produced a wide spread public perception of government neglect and ineptitude. Subsequently, a period of nationwide shame and concern for those most affected by the disaster elicited a wave of financial generosity from all social sectors. Yet, by late 2005 the media declared that the majority of Americans had become desensitized to the tragedy and its consequences, coining this shift in public perception as "Katrina fatigue." Thousands of volunteers contradicted this phenomenon, however, by performing service in the devastated city of New Orleans. Long-term volunteers defied …

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Magic Words, Skye T. Cervone Jan 2011

Magic Words, Skye T. Cervone

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

It is a great deficit to Fantasy scholarship that Lord Dunsany has remained largely ignored. Despite the lack of critical attention Lord Dunsany's work has received at the hands of critics, his fiction has been immensely important to other Fantasy authors. Dunsany's prose is highly stylized and is an intricate aspect of his world building. While many critics agree that Dunsany's prose style is unique and masterful, no detailed analysis of it exists. This study focuses primarily on Dunsany's prose style in The King of Elfland's Daughter, widely agreed to be Dunsany's finest novel, and certainly characteristic of his early …

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Mathilde Marchesi, Joanna Lee Craik Jan 2011

Mathilde Marchesi, Joanna Lee Craik

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Mathilde Marchesi played a significant role in vocal education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Marchesi taught many of the prominent female vocalists of her time and published a wealth of material based on the bel canto style and her own vocal methods. The research presented includes an examination of musical influences in early years, and provides information related to Marchesi's studies with Manuel Garcia II who played an important role in Mathilde's training and future devotion to the bel canto style. Section II defines the Marchesi method, with analysis of her techniques and methodology. Information on three of …

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Mentoring As An Educative Function, Tammy L. Bresnahan Jan 2011

Mentoring As An Educative Function, Tammy L. Bresnahan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This mixed methods study investigated the self-reported frequency of professional development experiences mentors have had with their mentees and with other mentors and identified the self-reported beliefs they hold about mentoring. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey of teachers from one school district that had mentored at least one time within the past 2 years. Specifically, mentors were asked to report how often they engaged in specific activities with their mentees and with other mentors. Mentors were also asked to report the degree to which they believed given statements were true about mentoring (a) as a professional development …

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Mimetic, Coercive, And Normative Influences In Institutionalization Of Organizational Practices, Kristi D. Caravella Jan 2011

Mimetic, Coercive, And Normative Influences In Institutionalization Of Organizational Practices, Kristi D. Caravella

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In this study, DiMaggio and Powell's (1983) institutional model of isomorphic change is hypothesized to explain the changes witnessed in educational organizations with regard to the acceptance, implementation and institutionalization of distance learning. In order to show the power of institutional theory in explaining organizational change over time, a comparative qualitative case study methodology is utilized. Document analysis and interviews are used to explore the utility of this isomorphic change model. Each research question seeks to explore different influences of institutional isomorphism, coercive, normative, and mimetic. DiMaggio and Powell (1983) suggest organizations converge on similar practices and behaviors and appear …

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Modeling And Simulation On The Yard Trailers Deployment In The Maritime Container Terminal, Yueqiong Zhao Jan 2011

Modeling And Simulation On The Yard Trailers Deployment In The Maritime Container Terminal, Yueqiong Zhao

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In recent years, there has been an exponential increase in container volume shipment within intermodal transportation systems. Container terminals as part of the global port system represent important hubs within this intermodal transportation system. Thus, the need to improve the operational efficiency is the most important issue for container terminals from an economic standpoint. Moreover, intermodal transportation systems, ports and inland transport facilities should all be integrated into one coordinated plan. More specifically, a method to schedule different types of handling equipment in an integrated way within a container terminal is a popular topic for researchers. However, not many researchers …

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Modeling Of An Ecology Of Language, Kristyl Williams Kepley Jan 2011

Modeling Of An Ecology Of Language, Kristyl Williams Kepley

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this research study was to identify and define important components that might constitute an ecology of language (Mufwene 2001; Haugen 1972). Focusing on components as varied as social networks, physical ecology, identity and linguistic realities allowed for the construction of such a model, which was then applied to a specific case study addressing the vitality of Haitian Creole among first and second generation Haitian college students in South Florida. The resulting ecology of language model demonstrates that the competition and selection pressures guiding language use among first and second generation Haitian college students hinge on two ecological …

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Modeling Of Linear Induction Machines For Analysis And Control, Armando Jose Sinisterra Jan 2011

Modeling Of Linear Induction Machines For Analysis And Control, Armando Jose Sinisterra

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

In this thesis, the analysis of the dynamic response of a Linear Induction Motor as an electromechanical system is done, accounting for all the governing equations implied in the process which are used to develop the corresponding simulation models. Once this model is presented, a feedback control system is implemented in order to analyze the controlled response of the motor, considering the applications and conditions analogue to aircraft launcher systems. Also a comparison between the Linear and Rotary induction motors describing the differences, similarities and equivalences will be developed.

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Multi-Site Case Study Of A Professional Learning Community Model: The Impact Of Learning Team Meetings On Teacher Practice And Student Achievement From The Perspective Of Teachers And Instructional Leaders, Ora. Meles Jan 2011

Multi-Site Case Study Of A Professional Learning Community Model: The Impact Of Learning Team Meetings On Teacher Practice And Student Achievement From The Perspective Of Teachers And Instructional Leaders, Ora. Meles

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the implementation of a structured professional learning community model referred to as Learning Team Meetings (LTMs) on teacher practice and student achievement from the perspective of teachers and instructional leaders at high-need schools. To accomplish this purpose, a multi-site case study was conducted at three school sites (an elementary, middle, and high school) all within the same region of one of the largest urban school districts in South Florida. Qualitative research methods, including one-on-one observations, interviews, focus groups, and review of documents were utilized to analyze, contrast, and compare …

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Nato And The West - The Discursive Myths Of Salvation And Conspiracy, Daniela. Popescu Jan 2011

Nato And The West - The Discursive Myths Of Salvation And Conspiracy, Daniela. Popescu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This thesis provides a critical cultural analysis of the discursive myths of salvation and conspiracy, using as a case study the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) during the transition period in Romania, from 1989 to 2007. The study offers an answer to the questions: how do NATO myths change? Why and with what discursive implications for the Romanian audience? The thesis uses a combination of methodological tools from three different disciplines - history, mythology, and rhetoric - with the intent of showing how the Romanians' public attitudes toward NATO change in four different political contexts: during the integration period until …

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Nature Of Elementary Students' Science Discourse And Conceptual Learning, Melissa Y. Parks Jan 2011

Nature Of Elementary Students' Science Discourse And Conceptual Learning, Melissa Y. Parks

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This qualitative study examined the nature of 5th-grade students' oral and written discourse in relation to their conceptual learning during six science inquiry-based lessons. Qualitative data were collected using small group observations, transcriptions of small group discourse, students' science notebooks, and student interviews. These data were used to create an in-depth illustration of 5th-grade students' discourse and the impact of that discourse on their science conceptual learning. Findings indicated students spoke in three main discourse classifications during small group inquiries and two of these discourses were also present in the science notebook entries. Findings further indicated gender did not impact …

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Nonlinear Resonance, Carey. Witkov Jan 2011

Nonlinear Resonance, Carey. Witkov

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Sustained resonance in a linear oscillator is achievable with a drive whose constant frequency matches the resonant frequency of the oscillator. In oscillators with nonlinear restoring forces, i.e., Dung-type oscillators, resonant frequency changes with amplitude, so a constant frequency drive generates a beat oscillation instead of sustained resonance. Dung-type oscillators can be driven into sustained resonance, called autoresonance (AR), when drive frequency is swept in time to match the changing resonant frequency of the oscillator. It is found that near-optimal drive linear sweep rates for autoresonance can be estimated from the beat oscillation resulting from constant frequency excitation. Specically, a …

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Olive Schreiner On "Times And Seasons", Mellissa M. Carr Jan 2011

Olive Schreiner On "Times And Seasons", Mellissa M. Carr

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Olive Schreine'rs novel, The Story of an African Farm, and nonfiction work, Woman and Labor, have compelled critics to apply the term New Woman to her main character, Lyndall, who speaks out for change against the established gender roles. The thesis proposes that by placing Lyndall in a colonial context, Schreiner creates a plot where place and language embody the possibilities for change. Considering that Schreiner's life consisted of a life in the colonies, first as a governess, later as a wife, one sees Schreiner's personal interest in change. Analyzing Schreiner's style of representing Lyndall's relationship with nature and other …

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Patient-Centric Hurricane Evacuation Management System, Arny Isonja Ambrose Jan 2011

Patient-Centric Hurricane Evacuation Management System, Arny Isonja Ambrose

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The use of wireless sensor networks for a myriad of applications is increasing. They can be used in healthcare for emergency management. In Florida, hurricanes are the main source of natural disasters. There has been a high incidence of hurricanes over the past decade. When a hurricane warning is issued it is important that people who live in potentially dangerous areas, such as along the coast, evacuate for their safety. Nursing homes and other care facilities for elderly or disabled people experience difficulty with the evacuation as their residents require additional assistance. The characteristics and challenges of a hurricane evacuation …

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Pelvic Fin Locomotion In Batoids, Laura Jane Macesic Jan 2011

Pelvic Fin Locomotion In Batoids, Laura Jane Macesic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Although most batoids (skates and rays) are benthic, only the skates (Rajidae) have been described as performing benthic locomotion, termed 'punting'. While keeping the rest of the body motionless, the skate's specialized pelvic fins are planted into the substrate and then retracted caudally, which thrusts the body forward. This may be advantageous for locating and feeding on prey, avoiding predators, and reducing energetic costs. By integrating kinematic, musculoskeletal, material properties, and compositional analyses across a range of morphologically and phylogenetically diverse batoids, this dissertation (i) demonstrates that punting is not confined to the skates, and (ii) provides reliable anatomical and …

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Philosophical Analysis Of America's Transformation To Universal Health Care, Jennifer Lynn Mantoni Jan 2011

Philosophical Analysis Of America's Transformation To Universal Health Care, Jennifer Lynn Mantoni

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Human beings have two apparently conflicting fundamental rights. On the one hand, individuals have a right to health care as the United Nations declared in 1948. On the other hand, individuals have a right to liberty; that is, the freedom to make one's own health related choices, even poor ones. One goal of this essay is to show how to reconcile these two apparently conflicting core American values. This reconciliation is important, because a universal health care system that is fair and just must account for individual rights in tandem with attempts to address matters of social justice. In order …

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Persepolis And Waltz With Bashir, An Alternative Perspective On The Middle East, A Mirror For The West, Kristyna. Dzmuranova Jan 2011

Persepolis And Waltz With Bashir, An Alternative Perspective On The Middle East, A Mirror For The West, Kristyna. Dzmuranova

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This project presents a three-level analysis of Persepolis and Waltz with Bashir to elucidate the way these films deconstruct the image of the Middle East that the dominant Western media perpetuate. The thesis demonstrates that the combination of highly expressive and easily understandable animated form with an autobiographical storyline that endows the films with attractive authenticity, personification and intimacy, creates a palatable setting for the intellectual texts. Further, this project discloses the ways representation gives rise to stereotypes and illustrates how the films articulate an alternative to the dichotomous perception of West versus Middle East. The movies impersonate a unique, …

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Predictors Of Scientific Understanding Of Middle School Students, Joshua Matthew Strate Jan 2011

Predictors Of Scientific Understanding Of Middle School Students, Joshua Matthew Strate

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this study was to determine if middle school student scientific understanding could be predicted by the variables: standardized 5th grade score in science, standardized 5th grade score in mathematics, standardized 5th grade score in reading, student attitude towards science, socioeconomic status, gender, and ethnicity. The areas of the comprehensive literature review were trends in science learning and teaching, research in the K-12 science education arena, what factors have influenced K-12 science education, scientific understanding, what research has been done on K-12 scientific understanding, and what factors have influenced science understanding in the K-12 arenas. Based on the …

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Predictive Modeling Of Archaeological Site Location In Cuba, April A. Watson Jan 2011

Predictive Modeling Of Archaeological Site Location In Cuba, April A. Watson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This work aimed at aiding academic and CRM professionals in archaeology by developing a predictive model of prehistoric sites on the southeastern coast of Cuba. The variables in this model were identified by previous archaeological research at Guantâanamo Bay Naval Station. Both GIS analysis and weights of evidence testing were conducted on the model. The results of the GIS and statistical analysis allowed for refinement of the model. Cuba is central to understanding the prehistoric settlement of the Caribbean. The model explored not only site occurrence and environmental correlations, but also looked at intersite correlations. It was determined that site …

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Pre-Disaster Planning At Florida Community Colleges, Palma Timothy J De Jan 2011

Pre-Disaster Planning At Florida Community Colleges, Palma Timothy J De

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the pre-disaster planning processes and practices used by Florida's community college administrators as of December 2008. FEMA's Building a Disaster Resistant University (DRU) model was the conceptual lens for this study. A mixed methods research design included 15 surveys completed by Florida community college business officers and six semi-structured interviews with staff most involved in pre-disaster planning. Data were compared to DRU guidelines to establish whether processes and practices were congruent with the DRU. Six quantitative findings were reported in this study. First, 5 of 14 (35.7%) survey respondents appointed …

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Post-Apocalyptic, The Cyborg, And The Passage Of Time, Aaron. Pancho Jan 2011

Post-Apocalyptic, The Cyborg, And The Passage Of Time, Aaron. Pancho

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This study is an examination of the several themes and conventions of science fiction that seem to appear in the texts of Samuel Beckett. Expectedly, many of the texts produced by both science fiction and Beckett just before, during, and immediately after World War II share similar concerns; though perhaps less expectedly, these two relatively unlike bodies of work can be used to help better understand and illuminate one another. In Waiting for Godot, nuclear anxieties shed light on the play's apparent post-apocalyptic landscape and the profound emptiness that permeates the stage. In Molloy, Hugh Kenner uses Centaur imagery to …

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Preparing Florida Faculty To Teach Online, Stephanie. Arsht Jan 2011

Preparing Florida Faculty To Teach Online, Stephanie. Arsht

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The purpose of this case study was to describe and further understand how faculty are being prepared and developed to teach web-based courses at a college in Florida. The study examined practices used by the college in preparing their faculty to teach online. Faculty preparation and development were defined as any activity which expands knowledge about how to teach web-based courses. Broward College was chosen as the site of study. Utilizing the qualitative case study approach, the researcher collected and analyzed data during the Fall 2009 academic semester. Data collection methods included interviews, observations of faculty development workshops as well …

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Preschoolers' Use Of Intentionality In Understanding Causal Structure Of Objects During Imitation Learning, Amy K. Gardiner Jan 2011

Preschoolers' Use Of Intentionality In Understanding Causal Structure Of Objects During Imitation Learning, Amy K. Gardiner

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Object use is a ubiquitous characteristic of the human species, and learning how objects function is a fundamental part of human development. This research examines the role that intentionality plays in children's understanding of causal relationships during imitation learning of object use. In Studies 1, 2, and 3, 2- to 5-year-olds observed demonstrations in which causally irrelevant and causally relevant actions were performed to achieve a desired goal of retrieving toys from within containers. Irrelevant actions were performed either intentionally ("There!") or accidentally ("Whoops! I didn't mean to do that!"). Study 1 found that 3-, 4-, and 5-year-olds, but not …

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President Of The United States As Charismatic Leader, Randye. Shanfeld Jan 2011

President Of The United States As Charismatic Leader, Randye. Shanfeld

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The proposed study intended to identify the public education agenda and the success of implementation of this agenda of four Presidents: Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, William Clinton, and George W. Bush. In addition, the study aimed to indentify if any of the above listed Presidents can be categorized as charismatic leaders as defined by Charismatic Leadership Theory and if this categorization can be linked to the determined success or failure of the agenda implementation. This was done using two research methods, document and content analysis, on such documents as presidential speeches and writings, speeches and writings of the Secretary …

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Prevalence Of Antibiotic Resistant Commensal Bacteria In Endangered Avian Species, Caroline Ann Efstathion Jan 2011

Prevalence Of Antibiotic Resistant Commensal Bacteria In Endangered Avian Species, Caroline Ann Efstathion

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This study examines prevalence of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Amazon parrots in three different groups, one wild and two captive. Commensal bacteria were isolated from 24 parrots and screened for antibiotic resistance. Culture-based and molecular methods were used and a total of 546 isolates from the genus Staphylococcus and Rothia were obtained. Antibiotic resistance was found in all parrot groups in 161 isolates with 48 having multi-drug resistance. The highest frequency of resistance was found to Enrofloxacin and Amoxicillin/Clavulnate though all antibiotics tested were resisted by some bacterial isolates. Both captive groups exhibited more resistant individuals than the wild. This …

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Prognosis And Health Monitoring Communications Quality Of Service, Timur Tavtilov Jan 2011

Prognosis And Health Monitoring Communications Quality Of Service, Timur Tavtilov

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This thesis research was funded by the Southeast National Marine Renewable Energy Center (SNMREC) at Florida Atlantic University. Its objective is the development of Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms for the wireless communications architecture used by the Prognosis and Health Monitoring (PHM) subsystem. There are numerous technical challenges that the PHM Communications Subsystem tries to solve. Due to ocean platform mobility from waves, currents, and other environmental factors, signal quality can vary significantly. As a result, the wireless link between the electric generator platform and shore systems will have variable quality in terms of data rate, delay, and availability. In …

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Protective Mechanism Of Sulindac Against Animal Model Of Ischemic Stroke, Jigar P. Modi Jan 2011

Protective Mechanism Of Sulindac Against Animal Model Of Ischemic Stroke, Jigar P. Modi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

The Effect of Sulindac was studied on an animal model of ischemic stroke. Sulindac, a non steroid anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) could protect cell death due to hypoxia/reoxygenation. This drug was given 2 days before and 24 hrs after ischemia until animals were sacrificed on 3rd or 11th day. Infarct size was measured for these animals. Sulindac induced Hsp 27 in ischemic penumbra and core on Day 3 & 11 with uncoated nylon suture which shows its cell-survival and anti-apoptotic activity. Also, it increased expression of cell survival markers such as Akt, Bcl2 & Grp 78 in ischemic penumbra and …

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Queer World, Jessica. Pitts Jan 2011

Queer World, Jessica. Pitts

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

If queer is an applicable label for that which aims to subvert or counteract normativity, then Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, The Wife of Bath's tale, and her Prologue are each, in their own ways, queer texts. I examine the ways in which the feminine presences of Morgan le Fay and the Loathly Lady influence and challenge the heteronormative, homosocial space of Arthur and his knights. The two knights in each respective tale journey away from their heteronormative spaces, in which a complex system of homosociality and chivalric patriarchy dominate, to a queer space where each must go against …

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Public Asset Management, Yaotai Lu Jan 2011

Public Asset Management, Yaotai Lu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

Public asset management is a critical component of the financial integrity of government. However, in practice, problems exist in the field of public asset management at different levels of government in the United States. This research explores the management of public fixed assets owned, controlled and used by state governments in America. It attempts to answer two major questions: (1) What are the characteristics of a modern public asset management system based on the available literature? and (2) How do public asset management practices at the U.S. state government compare to the system standard described in the first question? Based …

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Reconfiguring The Classic Narrative Of Pulp Fiction, Alexandria S. Gray Jan 2011

Reconfiguring The Classic Narrative Of Pulp Fiction, Alexandria S. Gray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2010 - 2019

This project considers four writers that have used postmodern narrative strategies to reconfigure classic pulp science fiction tropes. The primary texts are Catherine L. Moore's "Shambleau," Eleanor Arnason's "The Warlord of Saturn's Moons", Robert Heinlein's "The Rolling Stones", and Margaret Atwood's "The Blind Assassin". Each experiments with narrative voices or uses a story-within-a-story structure. These strategies enable the authors to engage and comment on the process of how traditional tropes and narratives are brought into a new context through appropriation and reconstruction.

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