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Want to grow your business online? Top 5 hacks you shouldn’t miss!

June 22, 2021 by

Are you an entrepreneur, recently set up an online business of your interest? Building an online business may seem to be the strenuous part of every entrepreneur. Indeed, it takes huge time, patience, and effort to turn your excellent business idea into a successful business.

Therefore, when you run a start-up, progress might be steep. However, in many cases, you might not develop enough to survive in this competitive market. Hence, the lack of constant growth is the reason for 90% of new businesses fail drastically.

Are you the owner of Lapiazzastore.com? You may have worked hard enough to take your jewelry business to the summit! The years of perseverance and patience are the hacks to grow your online business. Now, read on to identify the top 5 growth hacking techniques that fetch successful results!

Harness the power of Social Media

Building an online presence becomes mandatory nowadays if you want to sustain yourself in the world of business. Start by identifying what social networks work best for your content.

In order to maximize following, cross-promote your reputed social account in your newsletter, blog posts, and other emails. Moreover, make sure to streamline the tone of “business speak” and keep your influencers and followers motivates with captivating and shareable content.

Discounts and promotions attract customers

Customers will come back to you every time if you incentivize them with the smallest discounts. Suppose you offer 20% additional off and promo code discounts on titanium earrings than the competitors. Customers keep visiting your site, and this is how it will make a successful conversion.

Trigger your email marketing campaigns

Apart from the escalation of messaging platforms, email isn’t going anywhere! Therefore, don’t let the clutter be accumulated on your contact lists. It will be necessary to start building an email marketing list if you haven’t done it already.

It will take a huge time and patience, but your hard work will pay off in the long run! So, you must use email to promote the most eye-catching content.

Take affiliate marketing as an opportunity

A start-up online business doesn’t consider an affiliate program. They simply overlook the significant scopes that revenue stream can bring. You may grow your business rapidly by implementing an affiliate network. Therefore, all you can do is picking out the network, which best fits your business.

Consider content marketing

Are you an online seller of the best artificial plant wall? Establishing yourself as an industry leader by producing top-notch content will be beneficial for your business. As you are manufacturing the artificial wall plants, make sure to create various content types on them. These are blog posts, infographics, podcasts, webinars, videos, and many more.

Do you understand now that growing your business online is an easy task? Following these top 5 hacks seriously pays off! In a nutshell, planning is a relevant component in acquiring rapid business growth. Besides, testing results of diverse marketing strategies may also astonish you!

Filed Under: Business

Improving Your Home with Waterproofing for Your Basement

June 21, 2021 by

Most Indianapolis homeowners want to make improvements to their homes at some point or another. This could be to improve comfort, increase practicality, or even to raise the value of the home. There are lots of different types of home improvements that people carry out these days, some of which they do themselves and others for which they require the help of professionals. If you have a basement in your home, one type of improvement you can consider is waterproofing.

If you have your basement waterproofed by professionals, it can benefit your property in many ways. This is why this should be considered a valuable investment and an improvement that can really pay off in the long term. You can find West water proofing services in order to get assistance with this type of work, and you can then reap the rewards. In this article, we will look at how waterproofing the basement can help to improve your property.

How This Can Improve Your Home

There are various ways in which having this type of work carried out can improve your home. Some of the key ones are:

Better Living Conditions

One of the ways in which waterproofing can help is by improving living conditions inside your home. This will benefit your whole family, as you can enjoy a healthier, more hygienic, and more pleasant home environment in which to relax and enjoy quality time together. Waterproofing can help to avoid issues that could otherwise have a huge negative impact on living conditions.

Avoiding Damage

You can also avoid a host of problems and damage by having your basement waterproofed. This includes potential issues such as pest infestations, dampness around the home, the spread of mold, and poor air quality. This then means you can avoid a lot of damage to your home and keep it in optimum condition.

Conversion Opportunities

Another thing to consider is the conversion opportunities you can benefit from when you get your basement into shape. Getting it waterproofed and working on areas such as the electrics can provide you with a usable space that you can then transform into a valuable new addition to your home. This could be a cinema room, games room, basement bar, or home gym, among other things. So, you can look forward to more space and greater practicality.

Rising Value

You can also benefit from adding to the value of your home by having this type of work carried out. By getting the basement into shape, avoiding basement-related damage and issues around the home, and converting the space, you can add a considerable amount to the value of your home. This means that you can recoup some or even all of your investment. In addition, if you decide to sell your home in the future, you will find it much easier.

These are some of the ways in which you can improve your home and benefit from waterproofing the basement.

 

Filed Under: Home & Renovations

Everything you need to know about the rapid Covid test

June 17, 2021 by

Two types of tests are commonly used to diagnose current infection of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.

The first type, which has been used as the default since the early stages of the pandemic, is the PCR test or molecular test, with PCR standing for a laboratory technique called polymerase chain reaction. These tests work by detecting the genetic code (RNA) of the virus. A swab is used to collect a specimen from the back of the throat and nostril, which is then sent to a lab to be processed. PCR tests provide highly accurate results and are considered the most sensitive for detecting an active infection, but test results do take about two days.

The second type of Covid test is an antigen test, which diagnoses COVID-19 by searching for molecules found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The antigen test commonly used in the UK is known as a lateral flow test, or rapid test.

How does the rapid Covid test work?

Similar to the PCR test, a lateral flow or ‘rapid’ test involves a swab being inserted into the nose or throat. The sample is then inserted into a tube containing extraction fluid, which extracts the molecule that determines if COVID-19 is present. A drop of this mixture is placed in a well on a handheld device, which draws the liquid in and along a strip of test paper. If coronavirus proteins (antigens) are detected, a red line will appear, alongside a second line that indicates the test is working.

The lateral flow test uses the same technology as a pregnancy test but instead of looking for certain hormones, the test contains antibodies that bind to coronavirus proteins. Results can be provided in as little as 15 minutes and are easy to interpret, with the device showing two lines if it is positive, one line on the top if it is negative or one line on the bottom if the test is invalid.

How accurate is the rapid Covid test?

Though antigen tests are not quite as accurate as PCR tests, they are effective at identifying people with high viral loads who are most infectious and most likely to transmit the virus to others, making them a useful tool in the effort to reduce transmission. Analysis of community testing data shows that lateral flow tests have a specificity of at least 99.9%, which means fewer than one false positive in every 1,000 tests carried out. The accuracy of lateral flow tests depends on several factors, including the concentration of virus in the specimen, time from onset of infection, the make of the test used and who is conducting the test.

Data has shown that rapid tests are more accurate in the hands of medical professionals or scientists than self-trained members of the public, but performance

improves with experience and regular use is encouraged to accurately detect cases of COVID-19 in the community. It’s important to remember that even when carrying out regular tests, people should continue to regularly wash their hands and follow any additional government guidelines in place such as social distancing and the wearing of face coverings.

What are the benefits of the rapid Covid test?

The lateral flow test is fast, practical and easy to interpret. These test kits are less expensive than molecular tests and do not require laboratory analysis, allowing users to take a test quickly at home. The rapid Covid test has also been used across schools, universities, in workplaces and before test events in the UK to limit the spread of the virus. Although these tests are not as accurate as the PCR test, having access to results within minutes rather than days has been invaluable across a range of settings.

 

Filed Under: Food & Health

How to Get Your Kids Involved in Hobbies

June 16, 2021 by

Hobbies are an important part of life for people of all ages. They give people structure in their life as well as something to look forward to and anticipate. It provides social opportunities, fitness, and helps to make some great memories. Nearly everyone has a hobby, and the hobbies that a person possesses usually says a lot about the kind of person they are.

People usually start trying new hobbies at a young age, which is good. Starting off young allows you to grow up and develop alongside your hobby. Bringing it into your adult life, it can help dictate careers, friendships, and much more. Sometimes kids are not overly enthusiastic about trying out new things. However, it is good for your kids to at least try to get involved in hobbies. If you think your child could benefit from having a new hobby, you may want to consider some of these tactics.

Try With Them

Part of what makes children so reluctant to try new things is fear. For all ages, stepping out of your comfort zone can be scary. One thing that can help combat this is by getting involved with them. It does not take too much time or effort to at least introduce your child to that hobby. It can be as simple as buying a football or basketball and spending some time playing in the garden or for the likes of photography, get out together and work on taking some photos. You can then share and compare at the end, making it feel like a team effort.

Boarding School

Boarding school is great for a number of reasons. The main one that people associate with boarding school is additional education. This is certainly an extremely relevant and a beneficial factor, but there is a lot more on offer. Boarding schools tend to have their students constantly involved in various activities and hobbies. It is a great way to try out various different pastimes in a short, but enjoyable, time frame. Sending your child to a boarding school also offers them the chance to meet new people, as well as promoting a good sense of independence.

Keep Things Fresh

Do not be afraid to go into different areas when testing out hobbies. If the first one you try is football, the next one does not necessarily have to be basketball or rugby. Step outside the world of sport next time, maybe having a go at something slightly more creative. If your child is constantly playing sport but not enjoying it, it could force them to have a poor relationship with hobbies.

Test Them Slowly

Do not commit to a hobby straight away. If your idea of getting your child involved in a hobby is signing them up to a club immediately, it probably will not end well. They are going to need a chance to test and enjoy the hobby at their own pace, in their own time. This way they can make a patient decision if they want to further their interest in that hobby.

 

Filed Under: Mommy Blog

A Guide for Hospitality Entrepreneurs: How to Start Your Own Hotel Business

May 7, 2021 by

Do you have a passion for providing quality customer service? Are you vastly experienced in the hospitality sector? Do you also just so happen to have an entrepreneurial streak coursing through your veins? If you answered yes to all of those questions, you should combine these three all-important aspects of your life by starting your own hotel business. It’ll be hard work, there’s no denying that, but taking this professional route will allow you to do what you love day in, day out. Seriously, could you think of a better direction to take your career in?

If you want to provide your accommodation organization with the best possible start to life, be sure to put the advice laid out below into practice.

Here are three things you must do to get your hotel business up and running:

Cultivate a number of attributes

Your amazing customer service skills will provide you with the platform you need to become a great hotel manager. This is not, however, the only trick that you should have up your sleeve if you want your hotel business to be a rip-roaring success. Here are ten other attributes that you must cultivate:

1. Communication

2. Tact and diplomacy

3. Team-working

4. Leadership

5. Motivation

6. Discipline

7. The ability to remain calm under pressure

8. Financial acumen

9. Empathy

10. Flexibility

Choose a prime location

The location in which you choose to base your hotel business will make or break its success going forward. Quite simply, you need to find a place that is going to attract a specific audience. If, for example, you wish to appeal to holidaymakers, you need to find a location that is in close proximity to local restaurants, airports, attractions, and landmarks. If, on the other hand, you wish to appeal to corporate travelers, you should instead aim to unearth a location that is situated near office blocks, business hubs, and the closest city center.

For advice and guidance on the matter of choosing prime hotel locations, click here.

Keep your property warm

Nobody is going to want to stay in your hotel if it’s damp, dreary, or draughty. If you’re to appeal to a wide range of potential guests, you simply must go above and beyond to keep your property warm.

When you decide to take on this crucial challenge, be sure to consider investing in packaged terminal air conditioner (PTAC) units. These self-contained pieces of equipment are perfect for hotel rooms simply because they are compact enough to fit into tight spaces, and they are incredibly energy efficient.

If you want to keep your costs down in this instance, it’s imperative that you purchase your heating equipment from a reputable source. You can find affordable new and refurbished PTAC units at PTAC Inc., all for a very reasonable price.

All of today’s top hotel brands had to start somewhere. If you put the above advice into practice, you’ll no doubt be rubbing shoulders with the likes of Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt in no time!

Filed Under: Business

How to celebrate Star Wars Day

May 7, 2021 by

While we might be a little late this year, it’s never too early to start prepping for the next Star Wars Day.

If you’re not sure what we mean, where have you been? May the 4th (or force) has been globally known as Star Wars Day for decades now, and if you’re only just finding out about it, we’ve got you covered. We’re sharing the best ways you can celebrate the day every year with friends, family and work colleagues.

Keep it casual

Hey, if you’re a fan of the franchise, but not a total fanatic, there’s still the option of keeping things casual.

Star Wars clothing can be bought online, or even in high street stores. It’s become a massive moment of pop culture, making t-shirts and jumpers emblazoned with Star Wars logos or characters pretty mainstream and totally acceptable for everyday wear.

If you have a uniform, or have to dress smart for work but still want to show your appreciation, a pair of Yoda socks will do the trick.

Do it for charity

If you live life with a ‘go hard or go home’ mindset, why not make Star Wars Day a big deal at work? You could even use the occasion to raise some cash for charity. Host a costume competition and let everyone come into the office as their favorite character – but don’t forget to ask for a small donation. You could even host an impressions challenge to see who really knows their stuff.

Host a watching party

While you probably don’t have enough hours in the day to watch all the films, there’s still plenty of opportunity to fit in a film or two. Grab your friends and some popcorn and get watching. You could even create a watching party game for extra fun.

If you and your friends all have a Disney+ subscription, you don’t even have to be in the same room (or galaxy), although this is a little less fun …

Get quizzical

For those of us who love to show up our friends, a quiz night will help settle who really is the biggest fan once and for all. There are plenty of Star Wars quizzes online, or you could even get your hands on the Trivial Pursuit deck for some real tough questions. Why not make a whole night of it too, as there are other Star Wars-related games like monopoly and other board games to help you fill the time.

Bake it up

As the franchise is so popular, there are a ton of recipes online to help you incorporate Star Wars into everything you eat. From cookies to pancakes, there is so much inspiration online. There’s even a Princess Leia rice bowl recipe for lunchtime fun.

May the force be with you this Star Wars Day! Take the time to have some fun with friends, or even make the occasion the perfect day for charity. Who knows, you could even win an impressions competition – very good, you are. (See what we did there?)

Filed Under: Lifestyle

7 Tips for designing graduation announcements

April 30, 2021 by

Whether you’ve recently qualified to graduate from high school, med school or law school, one action which you should take is to design and send out your official graduation announcements. So that you can invite those who are closest to you or you have supported your journey, to your special graduation ceremony.

 

7 Tips for designing graduation announcements:

 

Think carefully about the colors which you select:

You have multiple options, you may want to opt to order announcements which are your favorite color or you may want to choose a color scheme to match your high school or college’s official colors.

 

Consider opting for foil invitations:

If you really want your loved ones to be wowed when they receive your announcements, you may want to opt for silver or gold foil announcements. Which definitely stand out from traditional paper invitations.

 

Take a professional photo of you to place on the front of your announcements:

It’s well worth getting a professional photo of yourself taken which you’ll be able to place on the front of your announcement. So that the recipients of your announcements will instantly know who sent them an announcement and will become excited about attending your graduation ceremony. If you don’t have time to get in contact with a professional photographer, you may want to choose one of your favorite photos of yourself smiling, instead.

 

Ensure that you provide information about your accomplishment:

It’s a wise idea to provide your high school or college’s name as well as your accomplishment. Such as whether you’re graduating with your high school diploma or a law school degree. You may even want to place your school’s logo on your announcement. One online website which allows you to customize every detail of your announcements is Basic Invite. Which will allow you to use different fonts on different parts of your announcements and to place photos and logos on your announcements.

 

Include key information about your graduation:

If you plan on inviting your loved ones to a special dinner or party, make sure to use your graduation announcements to do so. Even if you’re not hosting an event, it’s still well worth sending graduation announcements to celebrate your achievement.

 

Make sure that you place your announcements in gorgeous envelopes:

There’s no point placing custom announcements in plain white envelopes after going to the effort of custom designing your announcements. Instead purchase bright colored envelopes that match the color scheme of your graduation announcements.

 

Make sure to get a physical sample before you place your order:

In order to ensure that there aren’t any typos or issues with your announcements, make sure to get a physical sample of your design before you place a bulk order. So that you can be sure of the quality of the announcements which you buy.

 

So if you’re excited about graduating and can’t wait to share your news with those who have supported you over the years and care for you, make sure to follow the handy tips which are listed above.

Filed Under: Business

5 Vitamins you might be lacking postpartum and how to boost them

March 25, 2021 by

Growing a baby is no mean feat. Add to that giving birth, breastfeeding, and a lack of time to eat right, and it’s a little wonder your vitamin levels take a nosedive. Low levels of certain minerals can really impact your health and wellbeing, though, leaving you feeling lethargic, irritable, teary, and even depressed.

The body needs a good balance of vitamins and minerals to maintain physical and mental health, so here are five vitamins you might be low in, what problems that may cause, and which foods will give them a boost.

Iron

Symptoms: Actually a form of anemia, a deficiency in iron can cause fatigue and shortness of breath as iron is needed to produce red blood cells which then carry oxygen around the body. This can have other health implications as you may feel unable to be as active as you need to be to stay healthy.

Foods high in iron:

  • Red meat
  • Beans (e.g., chickpeas, kidney beans, nuts, and soy)
  • Dried fruit (e.g., sultanas and apricots)

Vitamin B12

Symptoms: A lack of vitamin B12 can cause problems in mental agility affecting things like decision-making and memory. You might feel depressed and irritable. Physically you may also notice mouth ulcers, pins and needles, or problems with vision.

Foods high in vitamin B12:

  • Meat
  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs

Magnesium

Symptoms: A shortage of magnesium can also cause tiredness and low energy levels. You might also experience stiffness, weakness, or muscle spasms too. If you lack magnesium, you must take the time to boost this in order to have more energy to exercise. As Moms Into Fitness understand, getting moving every day has a positive effect on the mind as well as the body, so make sure to boost your magnesium and book a class.

Foods high in magnesium:

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Nuts including cashews, almonds, and peanuts
  • Spinach

Calcium

Symptoms: Low calcium levels can be reflected in experiences of dry skin or itching as well as feelings of depression.

Foods high in calcium:

  • Dairy products
  • Leafy vegetables (e.g., kale, okra, and spinach)

Folic Acid

Symptoms: A deficiency in folate such as folic acid can cause anything from tiredness to grey hair, along with mouth problems such as a swollen tongue and sores.

Foods high in folic acid:

  • Green vegetables including broccoli, peas, and Brussel sprouts
  • Leafy greens such as cabbage, kale, spring greens, and spinach
  • Chickpeas
  • Kidney beans

If you feel you are running low on certain vitamins such as Iron, magnesium, folic acid, and vitamin B12, you can also give them a boost by enjoying a fortified cereal alongside a balanced diet.

As you can see, deficiency in certain essential vitamins and minerals can cause a multitude of health problems and then cause a knock-on effect in other areas too. So, if you don’t think you’re getting enough nutrition, it might be worth considering a supplement to give you a helping hand and if you feel concerned about any symptoms, speak to your doctor.

Filed Under: Mommy Blog

Choosing Assisted Living For Your Family Member

March 24, 2021 by

It can be hard watching your loved ones getting older and possibly deteriorating, but the good news is that just because they are getting older, it does not mean that they are losing their love and interest in life and this is very important for you to remember. Aging happens, but how it is handled makes all the difference. Your loved one or family member may be struggling in their own home with things such as cooking, meal preparation and personal hygiene. They may not be ready to admit they need help or they may not ask for help, but if they are struggling then you need to try to provide assistance when and where you can to avoid them from getting worse. Sometimes, this may be a struggle and it may not be possible due to commitments that you have or due to the fact they do not want your help. Quite often resistance is shown and felt and this is because family members want to remain independent for as long as possible. Retaining independence is where assisted living comes in. Assisted living offers your family member the chance to live in a village with other people, getting help or assistance as they require but maintaining their independence by living in their own self-contained unit.

What Can Assisted Living Provide

First and foremost it can provide and maintain a level of independence. Retaining independence is important, and essential for a lot of people as their independence is part of their sense of identity. A good village or complex can also provide support with personal tasks as and when required. It can be challenging for family members to accept that they need assistance or help and within assisted living the transition can be easier on them and less traumatic, simply because they still keep their independence by living in their own self-contained unit, they just have the added advantage of having care and support on hand for when they need it.

How To Choose and Find The Right Assisted Living Village

Finding the right village or community does not have to be as challenging as you think. There are lots of providers out there, but not all of them offer excellent services and facilities – which is good for you as it saves you time and hassle at looking at places that are not up to your standards or requirements. One village that provides everything that one could need or want is Oak Park senior living whose restaurant style dining and housekeeping service will leave you wanting to move in yourself. To ensure that you find the right village for your family member you have to look at what is on offer both now and in the future. For example, if your family member is active and enjoys day trips does the village or community you are looking at provide this? Are activities regular scheduled on a daily and weekly basis?

As well as looking at what is on offer and what is provided, you also have to be looking at care and assistance for both now and for the future. Future provisions for additional care need to be considered as part of the decision making process. For example, if your family members’ health and state of welfare deteriorates, then does the location or village offer further enhanced care that would save you and them the hassle of moving to another provider. Quality of care is important as is consistency of care. To make sure you get your selection right you need to ensure levels of care are consistently high and tailored to the individual, to find this out you can read independent reviews and you can seek assurances from the village or community you are interested in. To make the process as tailored as possible for a family member you have to try and see things through their eyes and from their point of view. If you keep them in your thoughts and considerations at all times, then you will ensure that you get the best possible place for them.

What You Need To Do Next

After establishing the right provider or village for your family member you then need to get them signed up for their services, and you need to start focusing on finances as soon as possible. Establishing how and when new care needs paying for will allow you to establish what financial sacrifices and compromises may need to be made both now and further down the line. You may find it wise to speak to a financial adviser who is versed in funding care as they may be able to help you sell off assets or similar in a more tax efficient or economical manner. You may also need to get into contact with a lawyer who may be able to help you gain control and seize assets that belong to your family member. The family member may not be fully co-operative about selling off their assets or cashing in their pension pots for care, so it is definitely wise to seek the help of trained and professional advisors whenever you can.

The whole process of finding care is exhausting, so do not underestimate how long it will take or how emotional it will be. Getting the right accommodation and getting a family member settle and financially sorted can be draining for you, them and everyone else involved. It is not just emotionally draining, it is also physically demanding and draining. It is important that you have a support network that you can rely on to help you through the difficult periods of time that lie ahead. Your family member may not initially be appreciative or grateful of the decisions and choices you have made, but once your family member is settled in their new accommodation and they have embraced their new surroundings, then you should see things start to settle down a little bit which will definitely be a welcome relief for you and everyone involved.

 

Filed Under: Mommy Blog

Top Anniversary Gift Ideas to Surprise Your Partner

March 19, 2021 by

Anniversaries are a special time for couples. You are celebrating yet another year together, and while some years tend to slip on by, the big milestones should always be special. Commemorate your big day with great food and drink, go out somewhere special, and give a great gift.

Gifts are an excellent way to commemorate your big anniversaries. Not only is it a way to say something special, but it’s also a token to remember all the good times that you have had together. What anniversary gift you get, however, will depend on your partner. Something special to them is always a good idea, but if you need some ideas, here are our favorites:

Unique Jewelry

Jewelry is always a top choice for a big anniversary gift, but far too often, people stick with the same basic designs. For something different, you need to go unique. Raw gold is a very striking look, for example, and really gaining traction in jewelry brands around the world. Where better to shop for that look, however, than from Nuggets By Grant? Gold quartz is a truly beautiful, natural element that looks great in jewelry form, and you can treat your partner to their own little bit of awe-inspiring beauty.

Of course, if you have a unique idea, you can always get the raw materials and then find a jewelry designer to make something custom, just for her.

Undying Flowers

Fresh flowers are a typical anniversary gift, but they don’t tend to last very long. For your big milestone anniversary, you need something with a bit more longevity, and there are so many excellent options to choose from. Either look at silk or dried flowers for this purpose. Dried flowers capture the stunning beauty of fresh flowers, which only can be kept for months or even years, depending on where you display them. Silk flowers are the highest quality fake flower you can get and look very close to the real thing.

They do tend to be more expensive than fresh flowers, but for your milestone anniversary, your partner deserves all the stops.

A Big Trip

It might be a while yet until we can go safely on an international trip, but that doesn’t mean that you cannot plan for one. The whole point of these gifts is to give your partner a token or memento that really commemorates all your years together. Memories are just as important a gift. By booking and planning a trip to your dream destination together, you can make your milestone anniversary worth something special. If you know your partner particularly well, you can plan it all in advance (many companies now have very flexible cancellation policies, so you can comfortably do this without worrying about future rules).

Your milestone anniversary is something special, so mark the occasion. You can do this with a token of your love, like jewelry, with a display, like flowers, or with new memories, like you will be able to enjoy on a dream trip. Choose one, two, or all three to really make your anniversary something special.

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle
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