Editorial:
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The 10th Scientific Symposium of the University of Manouba: Social and Human Sciences Facing the Global-Local Duality
The Scientific Symposium of the University of La Manouba commenced on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at the 'Carthage la Modernité' auditorium, spanning four days of events hosted by the various UMA institutions.
The event, now generically referred to as 'the symposium,' was established in May 2012 at the beginning of the term of the first elected team at the University of La Manouba's presidency. This democratic achievement of the Tunisian public university marked the inception of a regular scientific rendezvous. Designed as an interdisciplinary meeting, the symposium annually invites educators, researchers, and doctoral candidates from various branches of knowledge at UMA and other Tunisian and foreign universities to exchange perspectives, explore hypotheses, research paths, and knowledge production methods inspired by a concept or a pair of concepts.
The theme chosen for this tenth edition is the Global/Local binary. The symposium's rationale specifies the reasons for choosing this binary and explores its meanings and potentialities, supported, if needed, by the current pressing global issues.
The rationale specifies that the Tenth Edition aspires to inform about scientific advancements related to the study of the effects of globalization, multiculturalism, the advent of ICTs, and the evolution of Key Generic Technologies (KGTs) that the contemporary world faces. It is a commitment to the need to think and regulate the global in a reality of established and disparate governance and organizations at the local level. The call for contributions also advocates for special attention to be given to the mechanisms and forms of this regulation, whose complexity increases significantly with the advent of the internet, the exponential increase in information processing, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Several questions underlie this call for contributions: How to (re)think the universal and the particular, the universal and the specific, in the context of 'glocalization'? To what extent are contemporary societies able to manage their difficulties in the face of risks that manifest at both the local and global levels: epidemics, economic crises, food dependencies, climate change, water stress, extremism, injustices, increasing inequalities, information wars...? What are the political, economic, social, and cultural transformations related to the globalization process and felt at a local level in each considered context? Are the social sciences sufficiently equipped to apprehend the complexity of consequences induced by systemic tensions that involve new configurations and lead to reformulating study objects?
The two inaugural lectures presented by Professors Mohamed Cherif FERJANI and Soumaya MESTIRI set the context by analyzing the evolution of the social and human sciences facing the local and the global and questioning the community's ability to decolonize the global.
The symposium's closing was dedicated to a panel on 'Human and Social Sciences: Challenges, Status, and Opportunities,' moderated by Prof. Abdelhamid Hénia, followed by the 'Youth and Transformations' awards ceremony for short films to outstanding student candidates.
UMA experienced a significant scientific success at the start of the 2023-24 academic year, the result of a coordinated collective effort led by Samiha Khelifa. This success challenges our academic institutions to produce knowledge rooted in our realities to achieve both local and global goals, making our studies and analyses visible on the international academic stage.
Pr. Jouhaina GHERIB
President
Université de la Manouba
Person of the Month
The order of merit awarded to Pr. Narjes BELLAMINE BEN SAOUD, Director of ENSI
August 10th 2023 : Pr. Narjes BELLAMINE BEN SAOUD serves as a professor in the Department of Information Systems and Decision Making (SID); she is Director of ENSI, and Director of the RIADI Research Laboratory (Research in Applied, Distributed, and Intelligent Software and Computer Engineering) at ENSI. She teaches Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. Since 2016, she has been an expert evaluator for the European Commission. Additionally, she is a member of the Tunisian Chapter (TunAISia) of the Association of Information Systems (AIS).
Our esteemed colleague earned her computer engineering degree in 1993 from the École Nationale Supérieure d'Électrotechnique, d'Electronique, d'Informatique, d'Hydraulique et des Télécommunications (ENSEEIHT, Toulouse). She completed her doctorate in computer science in 1996 at the University of Toulouse and obtained a university habilitation in 2007 at the National School of Computer Sciences (ENSI).
Her primary research areas encompass the modeling and simulation of complex socio-technical systems, as well as computer-supported collaborative work and their applications, particularly in disaster management and collaborative learning. She published over one hundred articles, including 20 journal articles and 70 conference and workshop papers. Pr. Narjes BELLAMINE BEN SAOUD has supervised numerous engineering and research projects, including 21 defended doctoral theses, in collaboration with national and international colleagues.
On August 10, 2023, she was honored by the President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, as “Knight of the National Order of Merit" in the education and knowledge sector during the celebration of the National Knowledge Day at the Palace of Carthage.
Number of the month
440 : The number of students transferred to institutions of the University of Manouba.
Word of the Month
Glocalization: Phenomenon that leads to adapting a global product to the specificities of a local market".
Distinction of the Month
Establishment of a UNESCO Chair at the UMA
20th October: The UMA's application for a UNESCO Chair focused on the social responsibility of organizations in Africa [2023TN2779] has been successful.
Academic News
University Council Meeting
18th September: The Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research chaired a meeting of the Council of the Universities. The agenda included several items:
The start of the academic year and the discussion of specific issues;
Criteria and standards for the qualification and rehabilitation of training courses in the "LMD" system;
Registration for the national doctoral degree;
The issue of elections for the administrative and educational structures of universities and academic institutions.
RAQMYAT Summer School: Digital Strategies for Doctoral Training in Humanities and Social Sciences
From September 25 to October 10: "Digital Strategies for Doctoral Training in Humanities and Social Sciences in Tunisia" was the 1st edition of the summer school, part of the RAQMYAT program.
A total of 40 Tunisian and European doctoral students in the human and social sciences participated in this summer school, including 32 Tunisians, 4 from the University of Granada, and one from the University of Vienna.
Prof. Nadia Abaoub Ouertani coordinated this scientific event, with the participation of colleagues from the University of La Manouba.
The main objective of this training was to contribute to the evolution of public universities towards acquiring a stronger digital culture, particularly in literature, the human and social sciences, to enhance the professionalization of these disciplines and integrate them into active and concrete multidisciplinarity. This involves making more informed use of the web and its resources.
The summer school program was hybrid, running remotely from September 25 to 29, 2023, with synchronous groupings of the doctoral courses designers within the RAQMYAT project, and from October 2 to 10, 2023, in face-to-face sessions.
1/ Online courses: An open webinar on September 25, 2023, marked the opening session, introducing RAQMYAT and the summer school program. Participants then followed courses produced as part of the project on September 26, 28, and 29, 2023.
2/ Face-to-face training (from October 2 to 10, 2023): Plenary sessions included conferences by researchers and academics specializing in Digital Humanities from Tunisian and RAQMYAT European partner universities. Workshops presented the work of doctoral students led by university supervisors. The conferences focused on different aspects and issues related to digital humanities, examining the complex relationships between the local and the global. They aimed to provide doctoral students with a common frame of reference and the theoretical and methodological bases necessary for both workshop work and their doctoral research.
The workshops, organized into half-days, covered methodological and scientific supervision (tutoring) and collective work between doctoral students. The workshops took various forms, such as the presentation of doctoral thesis progress, completed research presentations (communication research articles), responding to specific theoretical or methodological needs, discussions on the use of digital technology in SHS research, and presentation/experimentation of courses completed within RAQMYAT.
In addition, several visits were scheduled during the afternoons to documentation institutions, computing organizations, and research and innovation centers. These visits aimed to introduce doctoral students to the host digital environment and offer insights into the use of digital technology in the scientific, cultural, and professional world. The institutions visited covered various sectors of documentation in the field of knowledge and culture, including the Tunis International Center for Digital Cultural Economy, Tunisian Cinematheque, National Archives of Tunisia, National Library of Tunisia, Institute of Research on Contemporary Maghreb, El Khawarizmi Computing Center, and Higher Institute of History of Contemporary Tunisia.
In brief, this inaugural RAQMYAT project educational meeting highlighted the substantial work needed at all levels of education to make digital technology education transversal in all disciplines of the human and social sciences. This effort aims to contribute to knowledge in a sustainable way and foster the development of a scientific community worthy of recognition.
10th Interdisciplinary International Symposium: The Local/Global
From October 10th to 13th: The University of Manouba hosted various workshops and a short film competition under the theme "Youth and Transformations," open to students from all the 13 public Tunisian universities' institutions as well as the ISETs Network.
UMA's Participation in the ALECSO Forum
17th and 18th October: the University of Manouba participated in the first ALECSO Forum, organized by the Department of Science and Scientific Research of the Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization of the Arab League under the theme 'Twinning Arab Universities.'
This initiative supports twinning programs between Arab universities, international organizations and institutions in line with the Arab strategic goals for the development of scientific research, innovation, technological advancement, and sustainable development achievement.
Student News
Results of the Student transfers, 2023 Session
September 16th: The results of the student transfer tests, based on academic records for the 2023 session, have been announced. The evaluation committee wishes all those who were accepted a successful academic term.
Special Integration Days at UMA and its establishments
UMA Student Integration Days Turn into Colorful Art Blasts!
From October 2 to 6Th: Integration Days for new students were organized with the UMA's 4C team. Various outdoor activities were arranged, creating a festive atmosphere. The event 'University Beyond Borders - Art and Clubs Expo – UMA' showcased the creativity and talent of our students.
International Student meet the President
October 5th: On this occasion, Mrs. the Rector welcomed several international students; the meeting was an opportunity to inquire about the conditions of their stays in Tunisia and the progress of their studies.
Welcoming Young Researchers
October 6th: A Welcome Day for Young Researchers was organized at the Carthage Modernity Amphitheater, featuring the participation of doctoral students. The event was attended by the Director of the Higher School of Commerce, the Director of the Higher School of Digital Economy, the Director of Academic Affairs, representatives from doctoral schools, research laboratories and units, as well as supervisors. During the event, Mr. Mohamed Anis Bach Tobji gave a presentation on "Successful Career of a Young Researcher," and Ms. Rim Jallouli addressed the topic "How to Publish?".
ENMVT Intern Vets
September 4Th: An integration week was organized for interns, with the participation of our partners including the General Directorate of Veterinary Services, Veterinary Associations, international organizations such as OMSA and FAO, as well as representatives of different sectors including private practice, laboratories, and pharmaceutical firms.
ENMVT Welcomes New Students
September 13 & 14th: A welcome ceremony was organized for new students from the four classes joining the ENMV.
ENSI Welcome and Integration Day
September 4th: ENSI held a welcome an dintegration event for new students.
ESEN Integration Day
September 13th: More than a hundred newly enrolled first-year business computing students attended the integration day and had the opportunity to interact with the school's faculty, student delegates, and ESEN club presidents.
October 4th: Ms. Nedia Amri, Rym Khabouchi, and Khouloud Ezzaier participated in the special UMA integration day at ESEN.
“Nhaier ISAMM” Integration Day
October 4Th: The ISAMM integration day was marked by a series of activities. After a welcoming address, there was a presentation of the various programs and an introduction to the clubs. Attendees enjoyed a musical program, followed by a visit to the club stands.
ISES Integration Day
September 12Th: An integration day was organized at ISES.
ESCT Integration Day
October 4Th: After the welcoming address from the Director, Mr. Abdelnaceur Jghobbi, the Secretary-General of ESCT, provided students with information about the various administrative procedures to be completed to access certain services. Professor Hajer Bellalouna then presented a briefing on degrees, teaching courses, and professional perspectives. Mrs. Rym Khabouchi, 4C manager of the UMA, the head of the Manouba University Health Center and the UMA psychologist, engaged in lengthy discussions with the students, offering information and addressing their questions.
FLAHM: A Week to Welcome New Students
From October 2-7Th: Several activities were on the program, including meetings in each department to provide information on the program and the study regime, a guided tour of the libraries and various administrative services, and a presentation of the clubs, their activities, and programs.
Partnerships
New partnerships at ISAMM
September 21Th: Two partnership agreements were signed at ISAMM.
The first one is with the 'Québec Centre' . This collaboration with the Private Professional and Continuing Training Center offers more than 70 continuing training programs.
The second agreement is with 'Tunisie Casting,' specializing in the creation and development of new digital solutions serving culture and youth.
UMA's Corporate Social Responsibility
October 19 to 21: The president of UMA addressed the topic of 'The Progression of Lifelong Learning and Community Engagement Linked to UMA Climate Action' during the international conference on 'Promoting Lifelong Learning in Higher Education in the Era of the Climate Crisis.'
The conference was jointly organized by UNESCO and the Shanghai Open University (SOU).
The forum convened representatives from the higher education sector to discuss the strategic perspectives for higher education institutions in developing, implementing, and monitoring the commitment to lifelong learning in light of current and future challenges of sustainable development.
UMA participation in the Shanghai Forum
Sant'evo by club JOKER ESEN
October 11Th: On the occasion of Pink October, the JOKER ESEN club organized a health-related event titled 'Sant'evo,' with more than 200 participants, bringing together students, teachers, and administrative staff of the school.
Several actions were carried out:
Blood donations to the Blood Bank;
Free blood sugar screening and blood pressure measurement;
Mammograms;
An HIV/AIDS screening campaign;
A conference on blood cancer and other diseases led by a specialist doctor;
Consultations with a psychologist and a nutritionist.
ESEN and the Joker ESEN club express their gratitude to all the participants, speakers, and volunteers who contributed to the success of this event.
Pink October
October 20th: Within the Pink October activities, the University of Manouba, in collaboration with the Regional Health Administration of Manouba, organized an open awareness day on breast cancer screening.
Pink-IT event by IEEE WIE ENSI Affinity Group
October 25th: The Pink-IT 5.0 event was organized by the IEEE WIE ENSI Affinity Group. It is a special initiative to mark Pink October, a month dedicated to breast cancer awareness.
Several actions were organized, including informative presentations, interactive workshops, and discussions on prevention and awareness.
UMA, Solidarity with the Palestinian People
ISES: Solidarity Movement with the Palestinian People
October 9th: Students of the 'Al-Irada' Specialized Education and Vocational Training Unit, alongside all educational staff of the Higher Institute of Specialized Education, raised and saluted the Palestinian and Tunisian flags to the rhythm of the Palestinian national anthem. On October 19, students of the institute observed a minute of silence and recited Fatiha in memory of the souls of the Palestinian martyrs.
ENMVT: Donation Campaign for the Palestinian People
October 15th: The National School of Veterinary Medicine, in collaboration with its student associations and the Tunisian Red Crescent, organized a donation campaign for the Palestinian people. The three associations (AJvet, Assev & IVSA) opened their premises to receive aid, including medication, clothing, food, blankets, etc. A flag salute, accompanied by the national anthem, was performed on October 17 in front of the administration.
Display of the Palestinian Flag at ESEN
October 16th: In a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people, ESEN raised the Palestinian flag within its premises.
FLAHM Stages Large Solidarity Event with the Palestinian people and the Inhabitants of Gaza
FLAHM: Palestine our Cause
October 17th: A large demonstration of solidarity with the Palestinian people and the inhabitants of Gaza took place at the FLAHM. Faculty, students, administrative staff, and workers united their voices to express compassion for the atrocities committed by the Zionist government and to reiterate their feeling of brotherhood with the oppressed people of Gaza.
Conference on Deportation-Displacement in Zionist History & Ideology
October 20th: The Arabic Language Club of the FLAHM, in collaboration with the Arabic Department of the FLAHM, organised a conference given by Prof. Faouzi Bedoui on 'The Concept of Deportation-Displacement in Zionist Ideology".
Conference on the Evolution of the Palestinian Struggle against the Zionist Project
October 25th: As part of the activities in support of the Palestinian people organized by the History Department of the FLAHM, Pr. Abdellatif Hannachi, a historian and major specialist in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, gave a conference on the evolution of the Palestinian struggle against the Zionist project: from the Bezil Congress to Toufen Al Akssa.
Just published
Tunis, The Mediterranean and the Moriscos, Homage to Slimane Mostafa Zebiss and Mikel de Espalza
October 2023: The Regions and Heritage Resources of Tunisia Lab, in collaboration with the University Publication Center, is delighted to announce the publication of the book entitled, Tunis, The Mediterranean and the Moriscos. Tribute to Slimane Mostafa Zebiss and Mikel de Espalza, Ed. Hussem Eddine CHACHIA.
News from the Institutions
WORKSHOP on Veterinary Practice Management
October 12th: A workshop was held to address major concerns in managing a veterinary practice. The first part of the workshop focused on the optimization of the management of veterinary clinics: 'Strategies for a Prosperous Veterinary Practice,' led by Dr. Insaf AKKERI & Dr. Ghalia DRISSI - VETS Network of Experts. The second part centered on the digitalization of the pet sector, led by Dr. Olfa ABID-Alifa for animal well-being. The third part was on 'Tech-Paw-sitive Success: Boost the Profitability and Development of Your Veterinary Practices!' by Dr. Firas JRIBI from the University of Ottawa, Canada.
3rd Congress of the National School of Veterinary Medicine
October 12 & 13th: After an official opening delivered by Chief of Staff of the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Maritime Fisheries, several foreign and Tunisian veterinarians attended a comprehensive program consisting of scientific conferences and presentations under the theme 'The Veterinarian Facing Changes.'
On the sidelines of the congress, various activities were organized, including a meeting of directors from French-speaking veterinary educational establishments, an art painting exhibition, and a 5km race on October 14, 2023.
ESEN on FM Radio
August 28Th: Dr. Afef El Herelli, a faculty member at ESEN, discussed skills that facilitate the integration of new graduates into the job market on FM radio 100.0.
Welcome to the 5th Cohort of the Professional Master's Degree in E-Business
October 8Th: ESEN welcomed students from the fifth cohort of the Professional Master's Degree in E-Business (continuing training in partnership with the CNFCPP). Present were Mr. Haythem Bel Hadj Youssef (CNFCP), Ms. Wadiaa Bahrini (master’s coordinator), Ms. Zeineb Ayachi, and Mr. Tawfik Ben Amor (master’s teachers).
E-stamped Diplomas
October 10th: 2022-2023 graduates received their e-stamped diplomas enabling online verification of the document's authenticity. This achievement was made possible through the Bachelor's Degree Digitization Project led by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
A sincere thank you to Mr. Riadh Saidi, the school's computer technician, and Mr. Samir Zarai, the institution's Secretary-General, for their dedicated efforts in releasing the diplomas in record time.
Workshop on AI and ChatGPT
October 12th: As part of the UMA symposium, Dr. Mouna Chebbah conducted a workshop on the basics of AI and ChatGPT. An insightful discussion ensued, focusing on the use of ChatGPT, with a particular emphasis on the legislative and ethical framework governing the use of generative AI.
Training on the theme “IEEE Xplore training”
October 23th: The CNUDST organized a training session on the theme 'IEEE Xplore training,' conducted by Mr. Ranbir Singh (IEEE).
Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Management
October 25th:ESEN hosted Mr. Elyes Belhaj, Talent Management Specialist from PwC Tunisia, who delivered a lecture on the theme 'Digital Human Resource Management: Artificial Intelligence in Human Resources Management.
Activities of the Elite Council ESEN Entourage
October 18th: The Elite Council ESEN Entourage organized two training sessions: the first on Graphic Design and the second on an introduction to effective communication and teamwork.
“ISAMM ALUMNI” Days
September 22th: On the occasion of the 'ISAMM ALUMNI' days, ISAMM welcomed its former student, Samy Chafai, a talented young director, renowned YouTuber, and one of the most famous content creators in Tunisia and the Arab World.
Inauguration of the New ISAMM Social Space
October 28th: A relaxation space, equipped with a kitchenette, TV, colorful and comfortable furniture, was inaugurated at ISAMM. It is intended for faculty and administrators at ISAMM. This pleasant and friendly place will allow them to take a break between classes, encouraging exchanges between colleagues and teamwork.
First Edition of the CORP WORKY Job Fair
October 31st: The first edition of the CORP Worky Job Fair held at ISAMM. This day provided an opportunity to connect students with professional opportunities. The opening of the event was marked by the presence of Mr. Skander BELHAJ, Director of ISAMM, as well as our distinguished personalities: Mr. Mohamed CHIKHROUHOU, Governor of Manouba, Mr. Abdelkader JAMMELI, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training, Mr. Jôrn BOUSSELMI, General Director of AHK Tunisia, and Mr. Florian GARCIA, Director of the FORMAT program, GIZ Tunisia.
The fair was made possible through the "Training and Labor Market (FORMAT)" program, mandated by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ) and implemented by GIZ Tunisia in close collaboration with the Ministry of Employment and CORP Training.
Throughout the day, our students engaged in job interviews with 15 companies and associations. These candidates had already undergone training cycles by CORP, significantly enhancing their preparation for the job market. Additionally, debate and discussion workshops, addressing crucial topics for our students' careers, such as "Career transition and beyond," "How to identify your professional journey?" and "Entrepreneur or employee, which path to choose?" were organized by the fair's partners.
Celebration of World Spinal Cord Injury Day
September 5-7 and 8th: On the occasion of World Spinal Cord Injury Day, an awareness day was jointly organized by the research laboratory of the Higher Institute of Specialized Education 'Disability and Social Maladaptation,' the Department of Physical Medicine and Professional Rehabilitation, the Therapeutic Services Department of the Mohamed Qassab Institute, and the Manouba Regional Health Administration.
Training sessions and workshops, both in-person and online, were conducted for specialist doctors and paramedical staff. The sessions were led by specialist doctors, professors, speakers, and experts from several countries, including Jordan, Portugal, and Great Britain, specifically Brittany.
Water Sports Training
September 16th and 17th: A team from the Higher Institute of Specialized Education participated in Ghar El Melh in Bizerte in the ABYSSE Cleanup Day training organized by the 'Deep Diving' Association, as part of the partnership between the Institute and the Association.
This training aims to develop nautical and underwater activities, raise awareness about the preservation of the marine ecosystem, support and develop specialized sporting skills, and promote nautical sporting activities, particularly for people with special needs.
Throughout this academic year, training sessions will be organized in collaboration with the ABYSSE Diving Association as part of the Diving for All DIVE4ALL project. These sessions focus on environmental and marine education for supervisors in Special Education and Reintegration. The goal is to raise awareness among the children of the 'Al Irada' unit of the institute about different marine creatures and the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem. Ms. Manel Laouati and Ms. Amna Garmazi, representatives of the 'Abyss Diving' Association, supervise the organization of these training courses.
Training in Art Therapy
September 19th: The Higher Institute of Specialized Education organized its fifth 'Art Therapy' training workshop, conducted by Ms. Rihab Jebali.
RoboCup ENSI
October 15th: This year, ENSI RoboCup adopted the inspiring theme 'TECHVOLUTION,' highlighting technological evolution through the centuries and reflecting the continuous progress of technology. In response to the growing autonomous robot market, the ENSI Robotics Association collaborates with other stakeholders to emphasize the importance of the evolution of autonomous robots and the benefits they bring to humanity.
RoboCup ENSI serves as an opening day, catering to both young participants engaged in various competitions, characterized by the diversity of robots, technologies, and challenges, as well as those interested in exploring this creative and innovative world. A competition was reserved for adolescents aged 10 to 18, with the aim of promoting the culture of robotics and fostering a spirit of competition among young people.
IEEXtreme 17.0
October 28th and 29th: The IEEXtreme 17.0, an international programming competition, lasted for 24 hours. The goal was to solve programming problems using different programming languages.
International conference on “The heritage of the Sicilian community in Tunisia”
September 29th to October 1st: FLAHM's Maghreb Archaeology and Architecture Laboratory of the FLAHM, in collaboration with the Tunisian Academy of Sciences Beit Al-Hikma, the Comitato Dante Alighieri Tunis, and the National Library of Tunisia, organized an international conference on the theme of 'The Heritage of the Sicilian Community in Tunisia.
Panel on “Thumurbo Maius and its region in antiquity”
October 12th: As part of the 10th edition of the UMA Interdisciplinary Symposium, the FLAHM, in collaboration with The Patrimony Lab, organized a panel to present its Tunisian-Italian research project dedicated to 'Thuburbo Maius and its region in antiquity.'
PAQ-News
Citizen-focused University Day
October 4th: A Citizen-focused University Day was organized as part of the PAQ-DGSU UMA Clever4Huma. The theme of this day was: "Selective sorting: A Local Impact for a Global Issue".
Awarding e-learning Training Certificates
October 5th: As part of the PAQ DGSU project at the University of La Manouba, a ceremony for awarding e-learning training certificates was organized.
Diary
November 15th: Sports Competition Day.
November 21st: 18th edition of the ENSI annual forum.
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