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BDB Pitmans and Manchester Ship Canal win historic Supreme Court decision

Helen Greaney
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BDB Pitmans and Manchester Ship Canal win historic Supreme Court decision

Private property owners can now take legal action against water companies which dump raw sewage into canals, rivers and other bodies of water in England and Wales.

The Supreme Court ruled in The Manchester Ship Canal Company Ltd v United Utilities Water Ltd (No 2) that the law does not prevent the Manchester Ship Canal from making claims for damages over unauthorised discharges of waste.

BDB Pitmans, the law firm that represented Manchester Ship Canal, said the decision potentially opens the doors to substantial claims against sewerage undertakers for water pollution.

The decision is the latest turn in a long-running battle between the Manchester Ship Canal, owned by the Peel Group, and United Utilities.

The Manchester Ship Canal, built in the 1890s, extends 36 miles from the Mersey Estuary to Salford Quays and includes over 100 outfalls along the length of the canal through which United Utilities releases effluent from its wastewater network.

Whilst most of that effluent is treated, the Supreme Court heard that raw sewage is dumped into the canal when the network is operating over capacity. The Supreme Court judges said this could be avoided if the company “invested in improved infrastructure and treatment”.

The unanimous Supreme Court decision, which overturns decisions in the High Court and Court of Appeal, entitles the Manchester Ship Canal to bring a nuisance or trespass claim for unauthorised sewage discharges even where there had been “no negligence or deliberate misconduct”.

The court made clear that water companies will not be permitted to leave watercourse owners to bear the clean-up costs of unauthorised sewerage discharges, stating that “a successful claim for damages for incidents of pollution of a watercourse will impose costs on a sewerage undertaker; but the effect is merely to prevent it from externalising the costs of its operations by leaving them to be borne by the victims of its unlawful behaviour”.

Richard Langley, senior partner, BDB Pitmans representing the Manchester Ship Canal, said: “The judgment has significant consequences for the water industry and those affected by unauthorised sewerage discharges. Any watercourse owner will now have a right to bring claims in common law nuisance in respect of pollution to their water, whether directly or upstream, and to seek injunctions to restrain polluting activity by any sewerage undertaker and/or damages for the unlawful interference with the watercourse.”

A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We are considering the implications of the Supreme Court’s ruling and the clarification of the circumstances in which private owners could bring proceedings in respect of discharges.

“We understand and share people’s concerns about the need for change and we have already made an early start on an ambitious proposed £3 billion programme to improve over 400 storm overflows across the North West which would cut spills by 60% over the decade to 2030. These proposals form part of our business plan which is currently under consideration as part of Ofwat’s price review process.”

INTO University Partnerships Introduces New Job Programme for International Students at Oregon State University

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INTO University Partnerships Introduces New Job Programme for International Students at Oregon State University

INTO Oregon State University (INTO OSU) has launched a pioneering employment programme named “Jump Start” for international students, enabling them to secure on-campus jobs even before they arrive in the United States.

This innovative programme will benefit all international students at Oregon State University who receive support and services from INTO OSU, the on-campus educational hub of INTO University Partnerships, a global education partnering organisation.

Through the Jump Start programme, students can earn up to $20,000 annually while gaining valuable work experience through a range of on-campus job opportunities. This programme not only enriches their educational experience but also provides a strong financial foundation and encourages professional growth.

Bob Gilmour, INTO OSU’s Executive Director, remarked: “We are thrilled to introduce the Jump Start employment programme at INTO OSU, a pioneering initiative designed to empower our international students with early access to work opportunities. This programme not only allows students to potentially earn around $20,000 annually but also equips them with crucial skills and experiences that will significantly enhance their professional journeys.

“At INTO OSU, we are committed to supporting our students in every aspect of their academic and career development, and Jump Start is a testament to that commitment.”

International students studying in the United States can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during term time and more during the holidays.

International undergraduate and graduate students who have an offer to study at the OSU Corvallis campus with support and services from INTO OSU are eligible for the Jump Start programme.

Edward Feser, OSU’s Provost and Executive Vice President, noted: “Many on-campus jobs are available for international students who study at Oregon State University. The jobs provide opportunities for students who come from various countries and cultures to contribute to the campus community and its diversity.

“Finding and applying for an on-campus job before they arrive in the U.S. is not an easy task for an international student. It requires them to overcome many challenges and learn new skills. I’m delighted the INTO OSU Student Success Services team has introduced this programme to help students throughout this process. The team informs students about available jobs and the application steps, and they also prepare them for their first day of work.”

Students enrolled in Jump Start will benefit from the following:

  • An annual earning potential of up to $20,000
  • Enhanced interviewing and résumé skills
  • Personalised support from an INTO OSU staff member to assist with the journey from submitting an application to the first day at work on campus
  • Remote interviews in international students’ home country before travelling to the US
  • The potential to start a job during the first week at OSU
  • A job offer outlining the minimum expected salary for the year that may be used as part of proof-of-funding in the admissions process
  • Valuable work experience that will help students prepare for their post-graduation careers
  • A network of coworkers and supervisors who can act as professional references
  • A work environment within walking distance of on-campus housing and classes
  • A work environment that is flexible and designed to fit around students’ study schedules to help ensure their continued academic success

Samisha, a student from India, said: “I applied for an Amazon internship and had an interview. I took two weeks off from my on-campus job to prepare for the interview. I was successful, and after completing the internship, I now have a job offer to work at Amazon in Seattle after graduation. Working in the student job helped prepare me for the Amazon internship. Having a good mindset about work culture and having routine and discipline is very important.”

Ahmet, a student from Turkey, added: “I like the programme because it allows an undergraduate student to gain work experience while studying, and also provides financial support to an extent. The details of the programme were clearly explained to me. The interviewing process was also good as my interviewers were kind and helpful to me and their questions were well thought-out.”

A launch message was sent to about 1,700 graduate and undergraduate offer holders with an invitation to register for Jump Start. So far, 102 students have signed up.

INTO University Partnerships and Oregon State University (OSU) have been in a joint venture partnership for over 15 years. Formed in 2008 to expand OSU’s global reach, the partnership offers academic support and services to international students through direct entry and taught preparatory programmes in all undergraduate majors, as well as a wide range of graduate degrees at the University.

Students receive this additional layer of academic and personal support from the staff and faculty at the INTO OSU Centre – a vibrant educational hub located on the historic OSU campus. Since its inception, INTO OSU has helped over 11,900 international students from more than 155 countries achieve academic success in their chosen courses. INTO OSU-supported students have also gone on to represent all 11 of OSU’s academic colleges at the PhD level.

INTO University Partnerships connects ambitious international students with leading universities in the US, UK, and Australia. Since its inception in 2005, INTO has helped over 150,000 students from more than 180 countries achieve their dream of obtaining a degree from a world-class institution.

Find out more about INTO’s Jump Start programme at education.intostudy.com/OSU-jump-start

Alexander Katsuba discusses what Ukraine should do after overcoming its dependence on gas imports.

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Alexander Katsuba discusses what Ukraine should do after overcoming its dependence on gas imports.

Alexander Katsuba, Ukrainian entrepreneur, emphasizes Ukraine’s energy independence achieved through reforms and investments. Focus now on renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, efficiency, and export opportunities for sustained growth and innovation.

Alexander Katsuba, Ukrainian entrepreneur, emphasizes Ukraine’s energy independence achieved through reforms and investments. Focus now on renewable energy, infrastructure modernization, efficiency, and export opportunities for sustained growth and innovation.

Ukraine has reached a crucial stage in its economic and energy independence – no longer reliant on natural gas imports. This achievement was made possible through political will, effective reforms, and investments in developing domestic energy resources. However, Ukraine still faces many challenges and opportunities on this path.

Energy independence means that Ukraine can now meet its energy needs through internal resources or diversified energy sources, significantly strengthening its economy and reducing vulnerability to external shocks and geopolitical risks. Today, Ukraine can allocate more resources to developing its own energy infrastructure, innovation, and modernization.

One key direction for further development, according to Alexander Katsuba, is renewable energy. Ukraine has immense potential in solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy. Investments in these sectors will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create new jobs and foster regional development.

Solar energy has already demonstrated high efficiency and economic benefits, with increased projects ensuring stable electricity supply across different regions of the country. Wind energy, utilizing untapped areas along the Black Sea coast and other regions with high wind potential, should also be actively developed to diversify energy sources and reduce pressure on traditional energy systems.

Bioenergy, using biomass for energy production, presents another promising avenue, effectively utilizing agricultural residues and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

To maximize the efficient use of energy resources, Ukraine needs to modernize its energy infrastructure. This includes the reconstruction of power plants, upgrading network capacities, and implementing modern energy management technologies.

Smart grid technologies will enable more efficient management of electricity supply and consumption, reducing losses and enhancing energy supply reliability. Investing in energy efficiency measures for buildings and industries, such as insulation upgrades and modern heating and ventilation systems, will also contribute to reducing overall energy consumption.

Diversifying energy sources and developing domestic resources also positions Ukraine to become an energy exporter, opening new economic prospects and strengthening its international standing. Integration of Ukraine’s energy system with the European ENTSO-E network offers new opportunities for electricity exports, enhancing energy security standards and supply stability.

For long-term development in the energy sector, active investment in innovation and scientific research is crucial. Supporting startups, research centers, and collaborating with international scientific institutions will drive the adoption of new technologies such as energy storage, hydrogen energy, and marine energy, diversifying the energy balance and enhancing the resilience of the energy system.

Alexander Katsuba believes that Ukraine has the potential to lead in energy and demonstrate to the world a successful path of development and innovation.

Manchester planning firm named region’s best small consultancy

Helen Greaney
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Manchester planning firm named region’s best small consultancy

Independent town planning consultancy, Euan Kellie Property Solutions, has been hailed the North West’s best ‘Small Consultancy of the Year’.

The accolade was presented at the RTPI North West Awards for Planning Excellence and the firm, along with four other regional winners, will compete at the national finals in London later this year.

The judges highlighted the team’s “culture of partnership working and problem solving” and felt its “sound knowledge of the planning process and commercial realities” shone through its submission. They emphasised the team’s commitment to building “mutual respect and trust”.

The six-strong team, led by directors Euan Kellie and Kelly Paddick, works on a broad range of development proposals and its key clients include Salboy, DOMIS, THG and Step Places.

Director, Kelly Paddick, said: “To receive this acknowledgement from our professional body is really special. We love our work, and we love our clients, so it’s hugely encouraging to have the team’s hard work recognised in this way.

“With plenty of exciting projects coming up over the next few months, we’re energised by the win and are continuing to work hard for all our brilliant clients.”

The firm is based at Neo in the city centre has advised on more than 100 projects in Greater Manchester alone.

Recent project highlights include high density urban regeneration projects such as Salboy’s Obsidian tower in central Salford and Property Alliance Group’s Reedham House off Deansgate, Manchester, as well as rural sites such as the Cheshire Smokehouse within the Cheshire Green Belt.

Wimbledon 2024: Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round

Cian Cheesbrough
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Wimbledon 2024: Swiatek extends win streak to 20 games with victory in first round

Iga Swiatek extended her win streak to 20 matches with victory in the first round at Wimbledon.

The French Open champion saw off Sofia Kenin 6-3 6-4 on Court No1 to ease into the second round.

American Kenin stunned Coco Gauff in the first round this time last year but could not repeat her heroics against the top seed.

Read our other sports news stories:
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round
Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix
Sabalenka withdraws after failing to shake off shoulder injury

The 2020 Australian Open winner had her serve broken in her opening service game by the Pole and never looked like recovering from that point, with Swiatek completing the win in just 79 minutes.

“It was a solid start and not an easy draw, so I’m happy that I have a chance to play another match here,” the 23-year-old said in her on-court interview.

“It’s not pretty easy to play a Grand Slam champion in the first round, so we have to be ready for everything.

“These are experienced players, so there’s no time to get into the tournament. I’m happy that I did that today.”

Boulter sets up all-British clash

British No1 Katie Boulter sealed her second-round spot with a hard-fought win over Tatjana Maria.

The 27-year-old came through a tricky draw against the 2022 semi-finalist 7-6 (8-6) 7-5 in front of a packed court three.

After recovering from being broken by the German early on, Boulter recovered well to complete the victory in just over two hours.

Boulter, seeded for the first time at Wimbledon, will face fellow Brit Harriet Dart in the second round.

“I know she made [the] semi-finals here a couple of years ago and I can completely see why,” said Boulter.

“A great competition, she made me work for absolutely everything. I’m looking forward to the ice bath – I’m not sure I’ve said that before.”

Dart enjoyed a more comfortable afternoon, beating China’s Zhuoxuan Bai 6-4 6-0.

Wimbledon 2024: Djokovic eases into second round in first match since knee surgery

Cian Cheesbrough
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Wimbledon 2024: Djokovic eases into second round in first match since knee surgery

Novak Djokovic eased into the second round of Wimbledon with a comfortable win over Vit Kopriva in his first match since knee surgery.

The Serb is aiming to equal Roger Federer’s record of eight singles titles at SW19 and started strongly by beating the Czech 6-1 6-2 6-2 under the roof at Centre Court.

Dojokovic, 37, wore a knee support after having an operation on a torn medial meniscus on June 5 after pulling out of the French Open quarter-finals last month.

Read our other sports news stories:
Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round
Russell wins Austrian Grand Prix
Euro 2024 betting offers

Next up for the 24-time Grand Slam winner is British wildcard Jacob Fearnley or Spanish qualifier Alejandro Moro Canas.

After coming through his first match with few issues, he said: “I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much.

“Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks, along with my team, to be able to play here for you today.

“I think if it was for any other tournament I probably would not have risked it, would not have rushed as much but I just love Wimbledon, love coming back here.”

Djokovic looked as comfortable as ever on Centre Court, dispatching the Czech qualifier in the first two sets with barely 80 minutes played.

Three breaks in the third set saw him race towards the finish line, confirming the victory with three consecutive aces in the final game.

Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round

Jon Fisher
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Wimbledon 2024: Defending champion Vondrousova beaten in the first round

Defending champion Marketa Vondrousova suffered a first-round exit at Wimbledon today, beaten in straight sets by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Vondrousova, who made history last year by becoming the first unseeded woman to win the event, lost 6-4 6-2 on Centre Court to the world number 83.

Bouzas Maneiro had never won a grand slam match before today but showed admirable cool to get the job done in 67 minutes, sealing the match with a backhand winner down the line.

The Spaniard broke Vondrousova five times as the Czech struggled for consistency and, by the end, was spraying the ball over the court on her way to making 28 unforced errors.

Bouzas Maneiro said: “I’m really happy. This is one of the most important moments of my life, in my career here on this court, this is amazing.

“The atmosphere here, the tournament is the most beautiful tournament I ever played in my life so thank you so much to everyone who came here today to watch.”

The 21-year-old played just one warm-up event on grass, losing in the first round at the Veneto Open in Italy, but looked at home in SW19.

Asked where this performance had come from, she added: “I don’t know. I was just thinking about enjoying the moment and trying to play Marketa. She’s one of the best players in the world. She won last year here. I had no pressure, enjoy the moment, enjoy the tournament and just trying to be free-playing and I did it.”

Vondrousova, who suffered a hip injury in Berlin two weeks ago that seemed to impact her movement, is just the second defending champion to go out in the first round, following German great Steffi Graf, who lost to Lori McNeil in 1994.

North West businesses account for 17% of UK administrations in 2024

Helen Greaney
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North West businesses account for 17% of UK administrations in 2024

North West businesses accounted for 17% of administrations in the first six months of 2024 – the second highest region in the UK – according to new research.

A total of 879 businesses, 148 of which came from the North West, filed for administration between 1 January and 30 June – marking a 16% increase compared to the same time period in 2023 and 42% rise in comparison to 2022.

Among the worst-hit sectors for the second year running were retail, manufacturing, construction, real estate and hospitality, accounting for 57% of all administrations.

Regionally, Greater London led the way with 22% of the filings, followed by the North West (17%) and Yorkshire & The Humber (11%), data from The Gazette Official Public Record and analysis from law firm Shakespeare Martineau revealed.

While administrations are still yet to hit pre-Covid levels (940 in the first six months of 2019), an insolvency and restructuring expert has warned that more businesses will fail unless the next government controls inflation and gets a grip on rising interest rates.

Andy Taylor, partner and head of restructuring at Shakespeare Martineau, (pictured) said: “The continued increase in the number of businesses filing for administration is indicative of the prolonged economic challenges that are plaguing the country.

“The data highlights the disproportionate impact on the retail, manufacturing, construction, real estate and hospitality industries in particular, which, together, constitute a substantial proportion of all administrations. Changing consumer buying habits means the retail and hospitality sectors are bearing the brunt, and there has also been a reduction in housebuilding, which has a knock-on effect in the construction and real estate sectors.

“The cost of money, marked by high interest rates throughout 2023, exacerbates financial strains on businesses with models that thrived in a sub-2% interest rate environment. Organisations can only bear that pressure for so long before its sustained impact starts to wash through and they begin running out of cash.

“Moreover, HMRC continues to be more active, with threatened enforcement pushing businesses towards considering their options, and many opting for administration as an alternative to being wound up on a compulsory basis.”

The retail industry was the worst-hit sector for the second year running, accounting for 14% of all administrations in the first six months of 2024.

Andy added: “Consumer spending is shrinking and footfall on the high street and in restaurants is declining as a result. The pressure is also on businesses as they face higher borrowing costs and energy expenses, so they are being squeezed from both sides.

“Our advice remains consistent – seeking professional advice early can open up more options for struggling businesses. It is crucial not to ignore the signs and bury your head on the sand, and, instead, take a proactive approach to address underlying issues. By doing so, businesses can better navigate the tough trading conditions and increase their chances of survival.”

Building Relationships for Better Link Building Opportunities

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Building Relationships for Better Link Building Opportunities

In the digital age, where online visibility can make or break a business, the art of link building has never been more critical. However, traditional methods of acquiring backlinks are becoming less effective. The key to sustainable success lies in building genuine relationships with businesses and influencers. Here’s how a link building agency can facilitate networking, relationship-building, and can open the door to quality backlink opportunities.

Understanding the Power of Networking

Networking is not just about expanding your contact list; it’s about creating mutually beneficial relationships. When businesses and influencers see you as a valuable contact, they are more likely to share your content and link back to your site. Take, for example, a small boutique that collaborates with a local fashion blogger. By providing exclusive content or insights, the boutique can secure valuable backlinks from the blogger’s site, which not only drives traffic but also boosts their search engine ranking.

A real-world example of this can be seen in the tech industry. Companies often attend industry conferences and events to meet potential partners. By engaging in meaningful conversations and following up with useful information, these companies can establish connections that lead to guest posting opportunities and mentions on high-authority blogs. Such backlinks are incredibly valuable for improving SEO performance and gaining credibility in the market.

Leveraging Influencer Relationships

Influencers hold significant sway over their audiences, and their endorsement can be a game-changer for your business. Building relationships with influencers goes beyond sending free products or services. It’s about creating authentic connections based on trust and shared values. Consider the case of a new organic skincare brand looking to enhance its online presence. By building a genuine relationship with a respected beauty influencer, the brand can earn backlinks through product reviews, social media mentions, and blog posts.

An excellent approach is to start by engaging with influencers on their platforms. Digital PR manage online platforms and digital channels to enhance a brand’s visibility, reputation, and authority by securing high-quality backlinks, media coverage, and influencer partnerships. Comment on their posts, share their content, and participate in discussions. Once a rapport is established, reach out with a personalised message that highlights how your collaboration could benefit both parties. For instance, a fitness equipment company could collaborate with a fitness influencer to create a workout series. The influencer’s blog and social media channels would link back to the company’s site, providing valuable backlinks and driving targeted traffic.

Eskimoz offers a comprehensive range of digital marketing services including SEO, paid media, content creation, and data analysis. Their expertise spans from boosting organic traffic and running effective paid campaigns to generating engaging content and utilising data for business insights. Their multilingual and international team is equipped to handle diverse client needs, ensuring tailored strategies for optimal results.

Creating Collaborative Content

Collaborative content is an effective way to build relationships and secure backlinks. By working together with other businesses or influencers to create content, you can tap into each other’s audiences and enhance your online visibility. A good example is a local restaurant partnering with a food blogger to create a series of recipes using the restaurant’s ingredients. The food blogger would naturally link back to the restaurant’s website in the content, providing a high-quality backlink.

Another approach is to co-host webinars or podcasts with industry experts. This not only positions you as a thought leader but also opens the door to cross-promotion. For instance, a digital marketing agency could partner with a popular marketing podcast. The podcast would mention and link to the agency’s site in the show notes, while the agency promotes the podcast on its blog and social media channels. This type of collaborative effort results in multiple high-quality backlinks and increased exposure for both parties.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive digital landscape, building strong relationships is key to unlocking quality backlink opportunities. By understanding the power of networking, leveraging influencer relationships, and creating collaborative content, businesses can enhance their online presence and drive sustainable growth. These strategies not only improve SEO performance but also foster genuine connections that can lead to long-term success. So, the next time you think about link building, remember that it’s not just about the links; it’s about the relationships behind them.

AO becomes Altrincham Football Club’s new shirt sponsor

Helen Greaney
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AO becomes Altrincham Football Club’s new shirt sponsor
Electricals retailer AO has become the front-of-shirt sponsor for Altrincham Football Club.
The partnership will see the distinctive AO smile logo feature on the front of the National League team’s shirts, which they will debut in their pre-season fixture against Colne, this Saturday.
Last season was one of the most successful in Altrincham’s history as they reached the National League play-offs and were just two games from securing promotion to the Football League for the first time, missing out in the semi-finals to eventual winners, Bromley.
The sponsorship follows on from a group of 20 investors injecting £1.5 million into the club last summer and it is hoped that this further funding boost can help take Altrincham to the next level.
Vicky Monk, group marketing director at AO, said: “We’re delighted to join forces with Altrincham at such an exciting time in their history.
“The club have gone from strength to strength in recent years, moving up two divisions and becoming a full-time professional club, and we’re proud to support the next steps of their journey.”
Altrincham joins AO’s group of North West sponsorships, which also includes the AO Arena, Manchester Thunder, Lancashire County Cricket Club, and BLGC.
Vicky added: “This sponsorship underpins our commitment to supporting local sports and connecting with people across the region. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this partnership will have, both on the pitch and within the community.”
Altrincham-based scrap company J. Davidson had previously sponsored the club’s shirts for the past 13 years and will remain stadium sponsor.
Sam Mackenzie, chief executive at Altrincham Football Club, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with such a dynamic and thriving company as AO. Their values and outlook align closely with ours, making this partnership a perfect fit.
“The longevity and commitment from both sides in this partnership will mirror the successful ongoing relationship we have with J.Davidson. We deeply appreciate J. Davidson’s invaluable contribution and thank them for their continued support as we enter this exciting new partnership.
“The AO partnership is a significant development for the club, particularly in terms of the activation and outreach it will bring.
“As a national brand with a strong presence, AO will help us grow. Their culture is something I hugely admire, their team have been wonderful to deal with and work alongside.
“I thank them for their support and look forward to their mascot Bear meeting up with our very own Rocky Robin – my competitive nature tells me it would be great to arrange a race between them at half-time in one of our games at The J.Davidson Stadium!”
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