Month: August 2019

Welcome & Welcome Back

Category : News/Events

We wish a warm welcome to our new students, and are delighted to welcome back our returning students! The beginning of the academic year is such an exciting time for all of us.

 

I’m always energized by the enthusiasm and passion of our new students, who are beginning to explore all that the Rollins School of Public Health has to offer. You have joined a vibrant community of scholars who share your passion for promoting health and eliminating inequities. During the next two years, you will be able to explore your interests further – you may deepen your resolve to pursue the passions that led you here, and you may also discover new areas that you hadn’t considered before. I encourage you to seek out many new opportunities while you are here – there is no better time to soak in all that you can, and these two years will come to a close before you know it.    

 

The return of our second year students is always exciting, as well. Many of you have spent the summer working on your Applied Practice Experiences and bring fresh ideas and perspectives with you as you return to the classroom. You’ve also turned your eyes towards your theses, and will begin to make measurable progress towards completing this milestone soon. As the semester begins, I encourage all of you to be thoughtful about how you carve out time so that you can balance your coursework, thesis, and your personal wellbeing.

 

We look forward to having the opportunity to get to know you both inside and outside of the classroom. This year, we will continue our monthly Chair’s Chats – a time for you to spend with myself, as your Director of Graduate Studies, and our Department Chair, Tim Lash. This is an event that we look forward to each month – we enjoy the opportunity to hear from you! It’s important to us to hear what is going well, and whether there are ways in which we can improve. We also use this as an opportunity to bring in guest speakers, and share some tips for how to help you become influential public health leaders.

 

We are also excited to announce a new seminar series for this academic year: Behind the Manuscript. While it would be nice if research were always packaged nicely and tied up with a beautiful bow, the reality is that things don’t always happen as the text books might lead you to believe. These sessions will be led by faculty in the Department of Epidemiology, and will pull back the curtain to allow you to see what it takes to get to the polished manuscripts that you see in the literature. Our first session will be on September 24th from 12-12:50, and will be led by Dr. Mike Goodman. Stay tuned for more details!

 

For information on these, and other, Departmental events – please keep an eye out on Canvas, the Confounder, and the weekly RSPH events emails. The best way to ensure that you make it to these events is to get them on your calendar! Please see this link for instructions on how to add these to your calendar.

 

Again – welcome, and welcome back! We are thrilled that you are here and look forward to the year ahead.

 

Lauren Christiansen-Lindquist

Director of Graduate Studies, MPH & MSPH Programs

 

Epidemiologist II Position with the HIV/AIDS Epidemiology Section, Georgia Department of Public Health

Category : Alumni

The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of the State of Georgia with the ultimate responsibility for the health of communities and the entire population.
The agency is seeking a highly qualified candidate for the position of MMP Data Manager/Data Analyst within the Division of Health Protection, Epidemiology Section.


Georgia Medical Monitoring Project (GA MMP) is an HIV surveillance project coordinated nationally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and conducted locally by Georgia DPH. It involves collecting behavioral and clinical information on individuals living with HIV through interviews and chart abstraction. Perinatal HIV exposure surveillance is also an activity coordinated by CDC, and is a critical tool for the elimination of mother­child transmission of HIV in Georgia.


JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the leadership of MMP Team Leader, and of the Director of HIV Epidemiology, the incumbent will share their time between the MMP and perinatal HIV exposure surveillance.


MMP data management duties include:

Pulling the sample from the HIV Surveillance registry.
Organizing the sample according to specified characteristics.
Securely tracking and storing interviews.
Transmitting encrypted data sets to CDC through the Data Coordinating Center (DCC).
Responding to data quality queries from the DCC.
Monitoring a set of quality assurance parameters.
Database matching and merging using SQL, LinkPlus, and other software and dataset
preparation using SAS.

MMP data analysis and dissemination duties include:


Conducting a variety of data analysis to inform local prevention and care activities.
Preparing surveillance reports and fact sheets.
Making presentations to community partners and stakeholders and at conferences, and working
with a variety of collaborators.


Perinatal HIV exposure data analysis responsibilities include:


Preparing analyzing data on mother­baby pairs where mother is HIV positive to identify both
successes and gaps in prevention.
Collaborating with the HIV Prevention program help guide prevention priorities and evaluate
impact of programmatic activities.
Disseminating the data to stakeholders.
MMP­related duties are expected to take up approximately two thirds of the incumbent’s time.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:


Completion of a Master’s degree in Epidemiology or Statistics or Computer Science or a closely related field AND Two years of experience analyzing data, using statistical software packages, and writing reports;
OR
Completion of a Bachelor’s degree AND Three years of experience performing epidemiological work or work in a closely related field.


Preferred Qualifications:


Preference will be given to applicants who, in addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, possess 3 or more of the following:


One year of SAS programming experience or Base SAS certification.
Previous experience conducting data management functions.
Experience analyzing weighted data.
Detail­ oriented with exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to multi­task, and meet deadlines.
Previous experience working with medical data.
Previous experience with relational databases.

To apply, click HERE.

NNSA Graduate Fellowship Program

Category : Student Opportunities

NGFP places highly qualified graduate students into year-long assignments across the NNSA nuclear security mission space, including:

Nonproliferation. Fellows work closely with international partners, key U.S. federal agencies, U.S. national laboratories, and the private sector to detect, secure, and dispose of dangerous nuclear and radiological material, and related weapons of mass destruction technology and expertise.

Stockpile Stewardship. Fellows work to ensure the Nation sustains a safe, secure, and effective nuclear deterrent through the application of science, technology, engineering, and manufacturing. The central mission includes maintaining the active stockpile, life extension programs, and weapons dismantlement.

Infrastructure and Oversight. Fellows contribute to the secure production and laboratory infrastructure that meet immediate and long-term needs. This work includes the people, systems, and processes necessary to succeed in the acquisition of mission capabilities, products, and services.
Each fellow is assigned to a specific NNSA program or site office. During their year-long assignments, fellows participate in professional development, training, and networking opportunities with leaders from across the nuclear security enterprise. Actual events and activities vary by year.

For more information and to apply, click HERE.

Childhood Obesity: Simulating the Impacts of Policy Interventions, 9/12

Category : News/Events

Monday, August 12, 2019 12:00:00 PM EDT – 1:30:00 PM EDT


Systems thinking, especially with simulation models, facilitates understanding of complex health policy problems. Using a simulation model to educate legislators, public health experts, and education leaders about the policies that have the greatest short- and long-term impact on childhood obesity can encourage strategic investment in low-cost, high-return policies. This webinar will feature the Georgia childhood obesity model created by and for legislators and other stakeholders to support dialogue on policy interventions designed to reduce childhood obesity (specifically, BMI for age percentiles). Participants will have the opportunity to explore the model and understand how policies and evidence-based interventions can impact obesity prevalence and costs over time.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Explain how systems modeling can be useful when
considering investing in public health strategies and policies.
• Describe the Georgia childhood obesity model.
• Compare simulations in a childhood obesity model to
understand the long-term impact of policies on obesity
prevalence and costs.


Below is a link to the accessibility statement for Adobe Connect: http://www.connectusers.com/tutorials/2008/11/meeting_accessibility/

CDC Preparedness and Response At-Risk Populations Fellowship CDC Preparedness and Response At-Risk Populations Fellowship, ORISE

Category : Alumni

A complete application consists of:

  • An application
  • Transcripts – Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts
  • A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list
  • One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one recommendation is submitted.

*Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Office of Science and Public Health Practice (OSPHP) in the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Center for Preparedness Response (CPR) supports the infusion of science into CDC’s public health emergency preparedness and response activities. CPR’s Office of Science and Public Health Practice is committed to increasing scientific contributions to the preparedness and response knowledge base as well as promoting the translation of science to practice. Previous emergencies have shown that certain groups of people face disproportionate risks during and after public health emergencies. At-risk and vulnerable populations are groups of people who may not be able to access and use the standard resources offered in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. The selected participant will have the opportunity to collaborate with the Office of Science in understanding and advocating for the needs of at-risk/vulnerable populations in an emergency. This will include reviewing and/or contributing to presentations and papers, synthesizing research and collaborating on preparedness research projects. The participant will also have opportunities to prepare and deliver written and oral briefings on the results of such research and analysis. The Senior Advisor for At-Risk Populations will mentor the participant.

Under the guidance of the mentor, the participant will be involved in these additional learning opportunities:

Learning about issues relevant to current and emerging science in public health preparedness and response topics in order to conduct research, analysis, translation or evaluation

Learning about issues related to at-risk/vulnerable populations and emergencies

Developing and strengthening research and synthesis skills
Conveying results of synthesis and analysis as part of internal and external correspondence, reports, manuscripts, presentations, talking points, and other materials

Contributing to the creation and modification of a range of health education and communication materials (such as guidance documents, toolkits, fact sheets, webpages)

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits.

To apply, click HERE.

Research Epidemiologist, CHOA

Category : Alumni

The Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) is hiring an oncology research epidemiologist. The research epidemiologist will be responsible for providing statistical analysis, scientific writing, and other research support for two physician principal investigators – one focusing on leukemia/lymphoma outcomes research and the other focusing on palliative care. As needed, the research epidemiologist will also work with other investigators in the department, as well as students, residents, and fellows. The position is not yet posted online, but for more information or to apply please contact Leann Schilling at Leann [dot] Hassen [at] choa [dot] org.

Emergency Risk Communcation Research and Evaluation Fellowship, ORISE

Category : Alumni

How to Apply

A complete application consists of:

An application

Transcripts 

A current resume/CV, including academic history, employment history, relevant experiences, and publication list

One educational or professional recommendation. Your application will be considered incomplete, and will not be reviewed until one
recommendation is submitted.
All documents must be in English or include an official English translation.
If you have questions, send an email to ORISE [dot] CDC [dot] CPR [at] orau [dot] org. Please include the reference code for this opportunity in your email.

Application

Deadline 8/30/2019 3:00:00 PM Eastern Time Zone

Description *Applications will be reviewed on a rolling-basis.

A research opportunity is currently available with the Research and Evaluation Team (R&E), within the Emergency Risk Communication Branch
(ERCB) in the Center for Preparedness and Response (CPR) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The mission of the Emergency Risk Communication Branch’s Research and Evaluation Team is to provide usable scientific data and evidence to
enhance the behavioral impacts of CDC’s risk communication efforts during public health emergencies.

The selected participant will have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of emergency risk communication research and evaluation efforts,
both during and outside of active public health emergencies. Under the guidance of a mentor, the participant may be involved in the following
research activities:

Collaborating with CDC communication researchers to analyze public health emergency-related news media stories, social media posts,
and other user-generated content to provide daily input to inform agency communication strategy during CDC emergency responses

Analyzing and reviewing communication system and audience data collected during emergency responses and exercises to assess the
utility and impact of communication processes and activities, identify gaps, and recommend improvements; contribute to reports,
presentations or manuscripts for internal and external stakeholders

Contributing to research literature summaries on special topics during emergency responses; collaborating with communication
researchers to support research projects including input on instruments, processes, data collections, analysis and reports

Collaborating with team and branch leadership to participate in the development of written products explaining the findings and implications
of research and evaluation activities to multiple audiences with varying levels of technical knowledge

The participant will also have the opportunity to learn the principles and science of emergency risk communication and apply them in large-scale
public health emergencies. The participant will be able to learn in CDC’s Emergency Operations Center and Joint Information Center during
events and experience what CDC does to prepare for future emergencies.

This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and
Education, was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. The initial appointment can be up to one year, but may
be renewed upon recommendation of CDC contingent on the availability of funds. The participant will receive a monthly stipend commensurate
with educational level and experience. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. The appointment is full-time at CDC in the Atlanta, Georgia, area. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment related benefits.


Qualifications The qualified candidate should have received a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree in one of the relevant fields. Degree must have been received within five years of the appointment start date.

To apply, click HERE.

Inside APE: Alejandra Alvarez & World Water Relief

Category : #WeAreEmoryEPI GLEPI

This week for #InsideAPE, we sat down with Alejandra Alvarez, rising 2nd year EPI MPH student to talk about her work this summer with San Rafael Verano Ocupado: Art and WASH Summer Camp at World Water Relief (WWR) in San Rafael de Barahona, Dominican Republic.

Tell us about your APE project.

The main goal of my APE is to implement a WASH themed summer camp for the youth in San Rafael.  I am in charge of making lesson plans which include the activities and discussion questions that will engage the youth in WASH topics that directly affect them. For example, one week we talked about pollution in the oceans and rivers and the effect on human health. They were able to discuss the types of pollution they see, how they imagine the pollution can be prevented, and how the pollution affects them because San Rafael sits right on the beach and a river.

WWR also does WASH education and monitoring throughout the school year in other communities in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic. My other responsibility for the summer is to look through the logs and see how WASH behaviors and attitudes, such as how often school children wash their hands and whether or not a school bathroom has soap, changes throughout the school year.

How did you find your APE project?

I found WWR by looking through an interactive map on the APE website. I knew I wanted to complete a WASH APE and I wanted to work in a Latin American country so the map was very helpful in finding an organization where Rollins students previously completed their APEs. After reaching out to WWR and explaining my previous experience and learning objectives, my site supervisor and I agreed on a summer camp where the youth of the community can learn WASH concepts through fun activities and discussions while also doing art. Dr. Christine Moe also helped guide me through the GFEFA application and work through my objectives and methods.

What has the experience been like so far?

Since I am teaching and living in the small town of San Rafael, a big part of my time has been getting to know the community and seeing my students outside the classroom setting. I’ve had a lot of fun seeing the kids at the beach and river, having them come over and playing with my host family, and picking up trash with me at a community beach clean-up.  I look forward to seeing the youth in and outside the classroom for the rest of the summer.

One happy surprise that came about from the summer camp is that the girls wanted to be part of a group where we would talk about issues that deal with growing up. So far we have talked about the menstrual cycle and feminine hygiene. They are really enthusiastic about the group and gave suggestions for future topics such as how to support friends, healthy relationships, and intimate partner violence. While I enjoy the WASH component of this APE, I am most excited about what comes about from this girls group.

Alejandra Alvarez is a rising 2nd year EPI MPH student with research interests related to infectious disease and waterborne diseases. 

Influenza and Emerging Respiratory Pathogens Team

Category : Alumni

The Epidemiologistis responsible for provincial communicable disease control, environmental hazard surveillance, disease surveillance and outbreak investigation. The Epidemiologist manages surveillance; outbreak and hazard investigation and intervention; provides consultation based on expert knowledge to a broad range of stakeholders including regional health authorities, other provincial and national partners, and health professionals and disseminates critical information through electronic bulletins, prepared reports, presentations and media communications. Accuracy and completeness of information, as well as sound judgment, are essential to ensure decisions are made to guard public safety. Errors or miscalculations could result in significant health and societal costs and human suffering and loss of corporate credibility.

As a core member of the Influenza and Emerging Respiratory Pathogens Team, notably including influenza and pertussis and emerging respiratory pathogens, with related surveillance, service and applied public health research duties.

The position supports rapid response to emerging and re-emerging respiratory pathogens and informs prevention and control policies. Highly developed and efficient epidemiological and critical appraisal expertise as well as mature understanding of and experience working in public health are required in this role. Demonstrated experience and productivity in surveillance and applied public health research including publications, conference presentations and grant applications are a particular asset in this role.

You hold:

A level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Masters in Epidemiology or Public Health (MSc or MPH or MHSc) and
A minimum of 2 years experience in the field of public health.
Clinical skills and experience in nursing, infection control, microbiology, immunology and/or communicable disease epidemiology considered
You have:

Methodological and analytical skills including experience in designing, implementing, and conducting surveillance systems and research studies, their analysis, interpretation, written reporting and publication.
Statistical skills, including related data management, data cleaning and analysis and visualization and ability to use a variety of software tools including their application to maintaining and analyzing large databases.
Ability to secure grant funding in support of research initiatives.
Strong attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy and completeness of information
Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Ability to work well in interdisciplinary teams.
Effective interpersonal skills, sound judgment and flexibility.
For full list of Duties & Accountabilities, please email Veronica Wong, Talent Acquisition Advisor – veronica [dot] wong [at] phsa [dot] ca

If this sounds like you, apply now!

About Us

The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) provides provincial and national leadership in public health through surveillance, detection, prevention and consultation and provides both direct diagnostic and treatment services to people with disease of public health importance.

The BCCDC is a part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), which plans, manages and evaluates selected specialty and province-wide health care services across BC. PHSA embodies values that reflect a commitment to excellence. These include: • Respect people • Be compassionate • Dare to innovate • Cultivate partnerships • Serve with purpose.

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.

To apply, click HERE.

Public Health Fellowship in Government, APHA

Category : Student Opportunities

The American Public Health Association, is now accepting applications for the 2020 APHA Public Health Fellowship in Government. This is the 11th year APHA is offering this fellowship, which has been described as an “amazing,” “phenomenal” and “life altering” experience by previous fellows.

Candidates must have strong public health credentials and be able to spend one year in Washington, D.C. The fellow will have the option of working in the House or Senate on legislative and policy issues such as creating healthy communities, improving health equity, addressing environmental health concerns, population health or the social determinants of health.

Training for the fellowship will begin in January 2020, so you must be able to move to the Washington, D.C., area in January and stay through December 2020. The fellowship provides a unique learning experience and demonstrates the value and need for basing policy on sound science. Throughout the year, the fellow will gain a practical knowledge of government and how the public policy process works.

To be eligible for the Fellowship, candidates must meet all of the following criteria:

1. be an APHA member.

2. have a graduate degree in public health or a related discipline.

3. have at least five years’ experience as a public health professional beyond graduate or medical training.

4. be a citizen of the U.S. or its territories or have permanent residence status in the U.S.

Applications, additional information and brief articles from previous fellows are available on APHA’s website. The application, a CV and three letters of recommendation are due to APHA by 6 p.m. ET on Sept. 4, 2019.

For more information, please contact us at aphafellowship [at] apha [dot] org or 202-777-2510.

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  • Humphrey Fellows Noontime Seminar Series April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking and Guest Lecture and Meeting and Special Event and Student Event; zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/95325531576Event Type: Networking,Guest Lecture,Meeting,Special Event,Student EventSeries: Noontime SeminarSpeaker: Various Speakers - see details by dateContact Name: Kris ValerianoContact Email: kvaleri@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://sph.emory.edu/departments/gh/fellows/humphrey-fellows/index.htmlFellows will present on a topic pertaining to their home country, culture and/or their work in public health.Deb Mcfarland Room, 8th floor RRR.3.28: Abeselom Gutta, MD &Yeshoda Aryal, MPH4.11: Ola Ziara,…
  • Tips from the Other Side of the Peer-Review Process to Help Get Your Scientific Manuscript Published April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Guest Lecture Event Type: Guest LectureSeries: Center for Faculty Development and ExcellenceSpeaker: Bruce G. Weniger, Adj Assoc Prof, RSPHContact Name: Carol ColaninnoContact Email: ccolani@emory.eduLink: https://forms.gle/uhaExcRPKar39LuC7Examples good and bad, templates, andanecdotes from journal-editor experience tolimit the burden and skepticism of busyreviewers who use conscious criteria andsubjective, often unconscious intuition to judgepublication worthiness using only yourmanuscript and revision cover…
  • 2024 Charles C. Shepard Award Symposium May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/96537866614The Charles C. Shepard Award is given to thegraduating masters student who is deemed bythe faculty to have prepared the most scholarlyresearch paper. Please join us to recognize andcelebrate this year’s finalists who will present aposter of their work.

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  • Humphrey Fellows Noontime Seminar Series April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Networking and Guest Lecture and Meeting and Special Event and Student Event; zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/95325531576Event Type: Networking,Guest Lecture,Meeting,Special Event,Student EventSeries: Noontime SeminarSpeaker: Various Speakers - see details by dateContact Name: Kris ValerianoContact Email: kvaleri@emory.eduRoom Location: RRR_R809Link: https://sph.emory.edu/departments/gh/fellows/humphrey-fellows/index.htmlFellows will present on a topic pertaining to their home country, culture and/or their work in public health.Deb Mcfarland Room, 8th floor RRR.3.28: Abeselom Gutta, MD &Yeshoda Aryal, MPH4.11: Ola Ziara,…
  • Tips from the Other Side of the Peer-Review Process to Help Get Your Scientific Manuscript Published April 25, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Guest Lecture Event Type: Guest LectureSeries: Center for Faculty Development and ExcellenceSpeaker: Bruce G. Weniger, Adj Assoc Prof, RSPHContact Name: Carol ColaninnoContact Email: ccolani@emory.eduLink: https://forms.gle/uhaExcRPKar39LuC7Examples good and bad, templates, andanecdotes from journal-editor experience tolimit the burden and skepticism of busyreviewers who use conscious criteria andsubjective, often unconscious intuition to judgepublication worthiness using only yourmanuscript and revision cover…
  • 2024 Charles C. Shepard Award Symposium May 8, 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm zoom.us… Online Location: https://zoom.us/j/96537866614The Charles C. Shepard Award is given to thegraduating masters student who is deemed bythe faculty to have prepared the most scholarlyresearch paper. Please join us to recognize andcelebrate this year’s finalists who will present aposter of their work.
  • RSPH Staff Council Presents: Cheers and Beers - Schoolhouse Edition May 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm Networking and Special Event Event Type: Networking,Special EventContact Name: Staff CouncilContact Email: rsphstaffcouncil@emory.eduRSPH staff and post-docs are invited to an evening of camaraderie and delicious bites, presented by the RSPH Staff Council. Space is limited. Watch your email for a link to RSVP.
  • The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) July 15, 2024 – July 31, 2024 Conference / Symposium Event Type: Conference / SymposiumSeries: The Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID)Speaker: Leaders in the FieldContact Name: Pia ValerianoContact Email: pvaleri@emory.eduLink: https://sph.emory.edu/SISMID/index.htmlThe Summer Institute in Statistics and Modeling in Infectious Diseases (SISMID) is designed to introduce infectious disease researchers to modern methods of statistical analysis and mathematical modeling.
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