Thursday, October 31, 2019
A Force-Field of Sex Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
A Force-Field of Sex - Essay Example This has a great impact on Sanders perspective of looking at women. His roommate in college is also another significant influence on Sanders perception towards women. He is the person who enlightens Sanders to a totally different view on women, which he felt uncomfortable with (Jeff Greenberg, Thomas. A & Sander Leon Koole 4). Sanders is convinced that men, both of different classes and backgrounds determine how women are looked in the society. For instance, the construction men have mannish conversion as they work on their bulky tools all day long. This affect how men and women interact with the atmosphere changes when a woman passes by. During his adolescence, a roommate of his used to pin up the playmate every month from his subscription of the Playboy magazine. Sander s kept on wondering why how he was staring at the women in those posters, studying their curves, craves and perfection. He did not like the way he saw the women on the poster as objects and not as fellow human being s. His interaction with friends involved talking about the body parts of porn stars as men do even in modern days. They talked about these women in similar language to that of farmers assessing livestock. This is a degradation of women (Jeff Greenberg, Thomas. ... à Sandersââ¬â¢ efforts to see women for their worth and not as objects becomes a tough task due to mediaââ¬â¢s focus on women sexuality. This has a great impact on human interactions since men put effort to fit in society by looking at women in a similar way like most men do (Jeff Greenberg, Thomas. A & Sander Leon Koole 40). According to Sanders, the images that are, the pinups reduce the humanity of women since he saw the posters as objects, staring at them in order to view the curves and perfection in them. Since time in history, and the time of renaissance, women were portrayed nude in art. Curves were used are still in use today as a way of looking at women. The Playboy magazine is an example of nude magazines in which women are depicted in art in the nude. These magazines are still looked at by men as form of enjoyment thus, making them an art. Thus, contribute to reducing women humanity by looking at them like objects. Sandersââ¬â¢ friends talk of women in the pinup s in a language that is dehumanizing since it is similar to that used by farmers in assessing livestock. The dignity of women is reduced to simple objects of desire as Sanders finds himself staring at the pinups looking at women like objects. Humanity of women is reduced to a great deal by these images since it is the women who pose for f photographs and pinups that Sanders come across. It is questionable why women consider posing for nude photos in the first place. Hence, plays a role in reducing their humanity (Jeff Greenberg, Thomas. A & Sander Leon Koole 77).
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Problem Solution for TerraTech Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
Problem Solution for TerraTech - Case Study Example The company is now at a point where they need to determine how they will move forward to meet not only the current, but future demands of the clients. In order to do this it will be important for the company to carefully implement a strategy to accomplish their goals. There is always the alternative to do nothing, but if TeraTech wishes to survive this is not an option. The current issues that have been identified are poor customer satisfaction reviews, slowing growth, and staffing concerns. Moving forward, the company will have to decide how to best address these issues. TeraTech is a major player in the CRM solutions arena for the pharmaceutical industry. However, after receiving feedback from their customer base they have found that their customers are overall unhappy with the level of support provided for their current CRM technology, nor are they satisfied with the results that the software is producing for them. It has been identified that the current technology lacks the analytical capabilities that their customers need to realize a return on their investment in the technology. TeraTech has the opportunity to develop a new technology that would better meet the needs of their clients and help them to obtain a competitive advantage. Proper execution of a new product development and launch is imperative to the success of the product (Kerin, 2006, ch. 10, pp. 15-20). It is evident that in order for TeraTech to remain competitive they will need to implement a new technology that will meet the needs of their customer base. There is a major issue facing the company at the present time in the area of staffing. Management feels that they do not have the necessary talent and skills available in order to "develop and support an analytical product" (UOP, 2008, Scenario). In fact, with the resources available at the current time they are not able keep up an acceptable level of customer satisfaction and stand to lose business. Since the human resource department is insisting that the company does not recruit any new talent within the next year, TerraTech has an obvious staffing issue that must be addressed. Maximizing current human resources capital will prove to be quite a challenge. Perhaps the most important issue facing TerraTech is the fact that their customers are not satisfied and that they stand to lose the customer base that they have worked so hard to acquire. As mentioned above the first issue is that the current technology is not meeting their needs, but in addition to this a good percentage of customers are reporting that they are not happy with the level of support and customer service that they have received from the company since they have began using the CRM system. TeraTech must address this issue and they have a good opportunity to improve the level of service and support they are providing their customers. Stakeholder Perspectives/Ethical Dilemmas Anytime that a company seeks to make changes or branch out into unknown territory, there will be doubt and conflict within the organization. A lot of this comes from the tendency of human nature to resist change coupled with the fear of failure. According to the UOP, Scenario One - TeraTech, research has revealed that most new products fail and this fact "increases anxiety amount the different groups who must
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Fly Away Peter Analysis
Fly Away Peter Analysis In Fly Away Peter, David Malouf carefully and subtley indicates humans ability to transcend the immediate and create an alternate perception of their own life. Malouf does an exceedingly good job at expressing his opinion on the importance of the continuity of life, and the human mind set against the meaning of life. The three main characters, Jim Saddler, Imogen Harcourt, and Ashley Crowther are all employed in different contrasting ways to add meaning to the main concepts in the book. Malouf implies throughout the book that fate is beyond the control of any individual person, and that the only way to counter this is through the imagination of man. Its the human mind, the imagination that makes us special is a prime example of Maloufs intention. This is just one example of how David Maloufs intention was to express the idea of fate in the book. Malouf also intends to imply that individual life is extremely important, using symbolism to represent lifes perpetual continuity. An outstanding example of this is his detailed descriptions of migrational patterns of birds in the novel. As birds have no concept of time, the book quotes The time span for them was more or less infinite. Maloufs use of Jim and the sandpiper was very well done, as when Jim is amazed at how the sandpiper can find its way across the world and abck, it becomes apparent that the many references to bird migration are intentionally there to symbolize the continuity of life Yet another example of Maloufs intention to imply that time is ceaseless, therefore meaning that life can have little meaning is when they discover the mammoth fossil in France. Malouf writes looking at them made time seem meaningless. This line also gives substance to the argument that Malouf is trying to say that as time is never ending, life is insignificant and that it is the ability to create your own world which gives life meaning. Maloufs final message towards continuity of life and time comes to a climax with the death of Jim. With Jims death, his mind is transported to a forest where he and his lost friend Clancy Parkett dig earth together, along with many others. Clancy then brings up another message of time, saying Theres all the time in the world mate. No trouble about time. The three main characters all provide excellent examples of individual life, in contrast to the significance of masses of life lost in the war. Jim Saddlers offers insight to this, posting himself a question What does it mean the likes of us? This question, although essentially unanswered goes to suggest that life may not have meaning as a whole, but the significance lies within the individual. Jim realises this towards the end of the book, stating that Nothing counted. For Jims life he had been intent on naming things, this compulsion of recording birds shows Jims human nature for something to be permanent. Imogen Harcourt in some ways brings permanency to things; however Imogen did this through means of photography. Imogens personality, photography, views, and attitudes all reinforce the notion that life is brief and needs to be savored. Her love for photography indicates that her love of life is expressed through the permanency of photography, as that moment is captured forever. This provides a nice contrast to Maloufs intention to portray the insignificance of life, and how people find their own ways to find permanency and enjoyment in their lives. During the final chapter of the book, Imogens grief that is expressed towards the loss of Jims life brings things into perspective. That is what life meant, a unique presenceà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦. A life wasnt for anything. It simply was. David Malouf intended to cement this idea of life being brief compared the endless nature of time with the symbolism of waves crashing against the beach in the final chapter of the book. The waves, metaphor is quoted as they rose, gathered themselves, stood poised a moment holding the sun at their crests, then toppled. There was a rhythm to it . The notion that this brief moment should be savored, rather than a bleak outlook on the big picture. Having momentary beauty and significance is an important contrast that David Malouf intends to weave throughout the book. David Malouf presents important life messages in a unique and uninteresting way. Significance of individuality, mans ability to transcend the immediate, and the meaning of life are all touched upon in a symbolic matter. Malouf has carefully constructed his three main characters to portray a contrast in individuality and to emphasise his main themes. A prime example of this is summarized David Maloufs intention to touch upon a wide range of themes has worked well in Fly Away Peter, themes such as the significance of the individual as opposed to the meaning of life, mans ability to transcend the immediate, and the continuity of life. Malouf crafts his three main characters to portray and develop the essence of his main themes. David Maloufs intention to express these themes in a subtle and interesting manner was well designed and worked effectively throughout the book.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Essay --
Jonathan Etra Professor Eric Blanchard International Politics 13 February 2014 Word Count: 1331 Shifting Paradigms: An Analysis of Conflict and Cooperation in International Politics When seeking to understand the central problems that actors face in international politics, there are no universal tools, including paradigms and levels of analysis, that unilaterally account for the global state of affairs. However, by utilizing these instruments, political scientists are able to analyze situations independently and account for context. Paradigms are statements of the underlying assumptions used by a school of analysis such as realism, liberalism and constructivism (Nye & Welch, 62). The models often explore levels of analysis, which include individual actors, states and the global system. Historically, when considering cooperation and conflict in the international arena, much emphasis has been placed on realist theory. However, it seems that a new age of technological innovation and rapid globalization has spawned new avenues for liberalism to triumph. This transition is best explained through the lens of constructivism. By exploring the varying applicability of t he paradigms presented, one gains a greater understanding of the ever-evolving international arena. First, it is important to consider the anarchic system of states, the current form of world politics. In the anarchical system, states are unboundedly independent and are neither obligated to, nor protected by international law (Doyle, 114). In what is often referred to as the Westphalian model, states are political entities that have territoriality and autonomy. Territoriality means that a stateââ¬â¢s authority extends over a defined area. Autonomy infers that external act... ... However, the increasingly interdependent nature of the international system has substantially augmented international collaboration. While such cooperation cannot ensure peace, it certainly has made the cost of war much greater. Constructivism and liberalism, unlike the Hobbesian realist perspective, take mitigating institutions into account when analyzing world order. They reason that self-help theory does not dominate and contend that when a system is more social, laws, rules and norms play a greater role. Yet, there are still situations in which the channels of alleviation do not exist and the realist perspective still dominates. Ultimately, while no universal system of analysis exists, by reviewing conflict and cooperation through varying lenses, namely realism, liberalism and constructivism, one can gain a considerable understanding of international politics.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Citizenship of Organization, Nation and Planet-Rights and Responsibilities Essay
It has been rightly said by someone-ââ¬Å"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.â⬠Eternal vigilance for the citizen must take many forms. There are many varied definitions for Citizen, but in this context it can be said that Citizen is the person who represents the country-legally and Citizenship describes the status of belonging somewhere and it implies both rights and responsibilities (Graham, 1991). When a Citizen get the power to enforce his rights and responsibilities, then it can be said that ââ¬Å"With Great Power Comes Great Responsibilityâ⬠. A Citizen needs to take full responsibility towards Organization, Nation as well as Planet-main three forms towards which the Citizen should be eternally vigilant. Many Management literates have investigated the notion of Citizenship from three perspective-an Organizational Citizenship (where the efforts are undertaken by the employees to behave as good citizens within their organization); from a social perspective with the notion of Corporate Citizenship (where initiatives are undertaken by businesses to act responsibly in society in particular and the Nation in general) and last but not the least from the planet perspective with the notion of Environment Citizenship (where efforts should be undertaken by Individuals/entity to be responsible towards environmental protection). Organization Citizens are employees in organizations who may or may not act as good corporate citizens. Organizational citizens behave in a manner that is helpful to the organization. In this case, the Company is always the main winner while the beneficiaries of Corporate Citizenship are mainly the Organizational Stakeholders. (Clarkson, 1995; Maignan, Ferrell and Hult, 1999). In as much as Corporate Citizenship may be desirable for society as a whole, it is unlikely to be embraced by a large number of organizations unless it is associated with concrete benefits. On the basis of managerial survey, Maignan, Ferrell and Hult (1999) have extended research to the potential effects of Corporate Citizenship on employees. They show a positive relationship between proactive Corporate Citizenship and Employeeââ¬â¢s Commitment. Organizational citizenship is a concept that all companies wish to have but very few can actually achieve. It is rooted in individual employeesââ¬â¢ view of the c ompany and how they associate themselves with it. Some of the examples of Organizational Citizenship are as follows: Assisting coworkers: An employee can take time from their work to help another to get their job done, as they know itââ¬â¢s important to the company and to the other employee. We have all potentially had situations where others pitched in to get a job done that had nothing to do with their specific job, outside of wanting to help the company and a fellow worker. Working for the future: So many employees look at what they are going to get right now and do not look far into the future. Those who practice organizational citizenship believe there will be rewards down the road and do not focus on the short-term; rather, they focus on the long-term. This viewpoint also makes them long-term employees, which are desirable to any company. Being a company representative: When some employees leave for the day, the company they represent stays behind them in the office. An organizational citizen represents their company 24/7 a nd has no problem talking to others about how their company might help them. Thus, it can be said that organizational citizenship is the perspective that employees have whereby they extend their behaviors beyond the normal duties of their position. It is an extremely desirable goal for any company, and if we think about it, it shows how much a company cares about their employees. Corporate citizenship refers to an organizations responsibility to create business value by caring for the well-being of all stakeholders including the environment (Glavas & Piderit, 2009). Due to its voluntary nature, organizations engage in many different types of corporate citizenship from making philanthropic donations to establishing volunteer programs with non-profit organizations to preserving environmental resources to using core competencies to create products or services that help solve social issues. It can be said the citizenship towards the environment forms the subset of the Corporate Citizenship. In fact there have been studies which show that the Corporate Citizenship impacts the Organizational Citizenship via Employee Engagement. Research has found that engagement boosts operating income, increases employee productivity, lowers turnover risk, provides a greater ability to attract top talent and leads to higher total returns (Irvine, 2009). There is also confirmation that employees with favorable opinions of their organizationââ¬â¢s socially responsible activities are more engaged, confident and likely to state an intention to stay with the organization (Kenexa, 2010). Accordingly, some organizations are making long-term commitments to corporate citizenship as part of their pledge to increase employee engagement. More corporations will support their communities via employee volunteer programs instead of just writing checks during tough economic times (McPherson, 2012). Corporate citizenship opportunities often begin with someone who has an idea and puts it into action. An employee may decide that too many plastic cups are discarded daily and take it upon him/herself to put a sign on the water cooler asking co-workers to bring in reusable glasses. Another employee may decide that printing single sided is an inefficient use of resources and speak with the operations department about changing the printer default setting around the office to double sided. The possibilities are unlimited. And as a Good Citizen we need to explore the possibilities-so as to make a difference. Does the following instances ring any bell: A bird-watcher walking in the woods sees chemical waste flowing through a stream, traces the source to a neighbouring factory, and alerts government agencies to the factoryââ¬â¢s violation of its emissions discharge permit. A local citizen group in a small town near a coal mine suggests to a state mining agency practical ways, based on the citizensââ¬â¢ own observations of the mine in operation, of making environmental standards for mines easier to administer and enforce. A city resident notices that municipal buses are emitting noxious fumes, sues the bus company, and wins a court order requiring the company to place pollution control devices in the bus exhaust systems. These are just a few examples of the many and varied influences citizens can have on the process of environmental enforcement. In a hierarchy of rights associated with national citizenship, ordinarily the right to participate in governance (the right to vote and the right to hold office) is ranked at the top. The right to move internally within a country, the right to Protection also forms a crucial part of citizenship towards nation. In fact there is another way of understanding the rights and responsibilities towards the nation and i.e. by educating the nation. The political history of India has no dearth of examples to show how the importance of providing education has evolved over the period of time. Even the Constitution of India requires that the nature of education in the country be maintained as secular. In fact, Coal India is celebrating ââ¬Å"Shiksha Diwasâ⬠this year. Thus, the goal should be to balance environmental, economic and societal concerns. The ââ¬Ëfive capitals frameworkââ¬â¢ offers a way of thinking about these concerns so that action plans can be developed (Porritt, 2006). Resources required for human progress can be divided into five forms of capital from which we gain benefits: â⬠¢ Manufactured capital ââ¬â all things made by humans, e.g. buildings, roads, machines etc â⬠¢ Social capital ââ¬â all systems by which people live and work together, e.g. families, businesses, communities, parties, voluntary groups etc â⬠¢ Human capital ââ¬â peopleââ¬â¢s knowledge skills, health, motivation etc â⬠¢ Natural capital ââ¬â this consists of natural resources (both renewable and non-renewable) and services such as the powerful natural waste processing cycles â⬠¢ Financial capital ââ¬â money and other financial assets that enable other types of capital to be owned and traded. In this model, investme nt in all five forms of capital is necessary for a sustainable society. The above instances clearly requires the paradigm shift from Consumer to Citizens, People to Policies, Government to Governance, Charity to Justice and By-Chance to Choice to be able to form a Global Platform for balancing the act of a Citizenship towards Organization, Nation and Environment.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Marketing Micro and Macro Environmental Factors Essay
Macro and micro environments both fall into the categories of environmental scanning. The general scope of environmental scanning is that it is a component of global environmental analysis. While analyses are typically carried out on the macro environment, the micro environment still has an important role to play. In summary, the macro environment is involved with the industries, companies, markets, clients and competitors, while the micro environment can be represented by the suppliers, competitors and customers. Macro Environment These are the major external and uncontrollable factors that influence an organizationââ¬â¢s decision making, and affect its performance and strategies.The macro environment is typically segmented for the reasons of analysis. This analysis, commonly referred to as a PESTLE analysis, allows researchers to look at the main six environmental factors that affect a business. These factors are political, economical, technological, environmental, legal and social. Each of these factors indirectly affects the company but the company cannot control them. Instead the company is required to adapt to these factors in the most efficient way possible. The results of this analysis allow the company to see where their strengths are when adapting to the macro environment and where they could improve on their methods. 1. Economic Environment: Economic environment of business has reference to the board characteristics of the economic system in which the business operates. The business sector has economic relation with the government, capital market; household sector and global sector. These sectors together influence the trends and structure of the economy. The form and functioning of the economy vary widely. The important external factors that affect the economic environment of a business are; (i)Economic Conditions: ââ¬â The general Economic conditions prevailing in the country viz. national income, per capita income, economic resources, distribution of income and assets, economic development etc. are important determinants of the business strategies. Business cycles and economic growth of the economy are important factors defining the economic environment. (ii)The economic system operating in the country also affects the business enterprise to a very great extent. The economic system of a country may be capitalist, socialist, communist or mixed. (iii)Economic Policies: ââ¬â The government decides the economic environment of business through Budges, Industrial regulations, Economic planning, Import and Export regulations, Business laws, Industrial policy, Control on prices and wages, Trade and transport policies, the size of the national Income, Demand & supply of various goods etc. (iv)Economic Growth: ââ¬â The stage of economic growth of the economy has direct impact on the business strategies. Increased economic growth rate and increase in consumption expenditure, lower the general pressure within an industry and offers more opportunities then threats. (v)The rate of interest affects the demand for the products in the economy, particularly when general goods are to be purchased through borrowed finance. Low interest rated provides opportunities to the industries to expand whereas rising interest rates pose a threat to these institutions. (vi)Currency Exchange: ââ¬â Current exchange rates have direct impact on the business environment. When the rupee was devalued in 1991, it was to make Indian products cheaper in the world market and consequently boost Indiaââ¬â¢s exports. 2. Political and Governmental Environment: Political environment refers to the influence exerted by the three political institutions they are; Legislature, Executive, Judiciary etc. The legislature decides on a particular course of action. Government is the executive and its job is to implement whatever was decided by parliament. The judiciary has ensure that both the legislature and executive function in public interest and within the boundaries of constitution. Legal and political environment provides a framework within the business is to function and its existence depends on the success with which it can face the various challenges constructed out of political and legal framework. 3. Socio-cultural Environment: Changes in social trends can impact on the demand for a firmââ¬â¢s products and the availability and willingness of individuals to work. Social class and caste of a person goes a long way in deciding the business activities in relation to its production and marketing activities. Tradition, customs and social attitudes have changed the attitude and beliefs of the persons which have their effect on organizational environment. Class and caste are influencing the purchasing pattern. Socio-cultural environment may include expectations of the society from business, attitudes of society towards business and its management, views towards achievement of work, views towards structure, responsibility and organizational positions, views towards customs, traditional and conventional, class structure and labor mobility and level of education. 4. Natural Environment: Environmental factors include the weather and climate change. Changes in temperature can impact on many industries including farming, tourism and insurance. With major climate changes occurring due to global warming and with greater environmental awareness this external factor is becoming a significant issue for firms to consider. The growing desire to protect the environment is having an impact on many industries such as the travel and transportation industries for example, more taxes being placed on air travel and the success of hybrid cars, and the general move towards more environmentally friendly products and processes is affecting demand patterns and creating business opportunities. 5. Demographic Environment: Demographic factor include Size, growth rate, age composition, sex composition etc. of population, Family size, Economic stratification of population, Educational level, Caste, religion etc. All these demographic factors are relevant to business. These factors affect the demand for goods and services. High population growth rate indicates an enormous increase in labor supply. Population with varied tastes, preferences, beliefs, temperaments etc. gives rise to differing demand pattern and calls for different marketing strategies. 6. Technological Environment: In order to survive in todayââ¬â¢s competitive world, a business has to adopt technological changes from time to time. New technologies create new products and new processes. Technology can reduce costs, improve quality and lead to innovation. These developments can benefit consumers as well as the organizations providing the products. MP3 players, computer games, online gambling and high definition TVs are all new markets created by technological advances. Online shopping, bar coding and computer aided design are all improvements to the way we do business as a result of better technology. 7. International Environment: Another environmental factor which is fast emerging as the force to reckon with is the international environment. Implications of global or international environment are; (i)Due to liberalization, Indian companies are forced to view business issues from the global perspective. (ii)Safe and protected markets are no longer there. World is becoming small in size due to advanced means of transport and communication facilities. (iii)Learning of foreign languages is must for every business manager. (iv)Acquiring familiarity with foreign currencies is also must. (v)Facing political and legal uncertainties is inevitable. Micro Environment Micro environmental factors are internal factors close to a business that have a direct impact on its strategy. . Within the micro environment it is important that the layout of the physical infrastructure is focused on competitiveness. These factors include: Customers Organizationsââ¬â¢ survive on the basis of meeting customer needs and wants and providing benefits for their customers. Failure to do so will result in a failed business strategy. As all businesses need customers, they should be customer oriented. Employees Employing the correct staff and keeping staff motivated is an essential part of an organizationââ¬â¢s strategic planning process. Training and development play a critical role in achieving a competitive edge; especially in service sector marketing. This is clearly apparent in the airline industry, where customer services is crucial in obtaining a competitive edge. Employing staff with relevant skills and experience is essential. This process begins at recruitment stage and continues throughout an employeeââ¬â¢s employment via ongoing training and promotion opportunities. If a business employs staff without motivation, skills or experience it will affect customer service and ultimately sales. Suppliers Suppliers provide businesses with the materials they need to carry out their business activities. A supplierââ¬â¢s behavior will directly impact the business it supplies. For example if a supplier provides a poor service this could increase timescales or lower product quality. An increase in raw material prices will affect an organizationââ¬â¢s marketing mix strategy and may even force price increases. Close supplier relationships are an effective way to remain competitive and secure quality products. Shareholders As organisations require inward investment to grow, they may decide to move from private to public ownership and list on the stock market. The introduction of public shareholders brings new pressures as public shareholders want a return from the money they have invested in the company. Shareholder pressure to increase profits will affect organisational strategy. Relationships with shareholders need to be managed carefully as rapid short term increases in profit could detrimentally affect the long term success of the business. Media Positive media attention can make an organisation or its products and negative media attention can break an organisation. Organisations need to manage the media so that the media help promote the positive things about the organisation and reduce the impact of a negative event on their reputation. Some organisations will even employ public relations (PR) consultants to help them manage a particular event or incident. Consumer television programs with a wide and more direct audience can also have a very powerful impact on the success of an organisation. Some businesses recognise this and will change their reaction when consumers mention that they are going to contact a consumer television programme or the newspapers about the business. Competitors The name of the game in marketing is differentiation. Can the organisation offer benefits that are better than those offered by competitors? Does the business have a unique selling point (USP)? Competitor analysis and monitoring is crucial if an organisation is to maintain or improve its position within the market. If a business is unaware of its competitorââ¬â¢s activities they will find it very difficult to ââ¬Å"beatâ⬠their competitors. The market can move very quickly for example through a change in trading conditions, consumer behavior or technological developments. As a business it is important to examine competitorsââ¬â¢ responses to these changes so that you can maximise the impact of your response
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