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  • Niemann vs. Rahm for Individual Championship

    Niemann vs. Rahm for Individual Championship

    BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Dean Burmester and Stinger GC swept the individual and team titles in a playoff at LIV Golf Chicago, but there were plenty of other news, notes and states from the final round.

    RELATED: Leaderboard | Rd. 3 recap | Video highlights

    ROUND 3 NOTES

    NIEMANN VS. RAHM FOR INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP

    Torque GC Captain Joaquin Niemann will take a 12.27 points lead over Legion XIIICaptain Jon Rahm into next week’s LIV Golf Indianapolis, the regular-season finale that will determine the season-long Individual Championship.

    Niemann and Rahm are the only two players still with a mathematical chance to win the Individual Championship. Niemann has 208.43 points after his tie for 17th at LIV Golf Chicago, while Rahm has 196.16 points, closing the gap thanks to a tie for second after his playoff loss to Stinger GC’s Dean Burmester.

    No other player can break into the top two in points. Crushers GC Captain Bryson DeChambeau (140.74 points) will try to hold on to third place, the final bonus-paying position. The only players with a mathematical chance to catch DeChambeau are Burmester, Smash GC’s Talor Gooch and 4Aces GC’s Patrick Reed.

    The Niemann vs. Rahm duel is reminiscent of last year’s regular-season finale, when the two players battled for the season-long crown in Chicago. Rahm won both the tournament and the championship.

    For Rahm to have any chance of overtaking Niemann in Indianapolis, he would need to finish in at least seventh place. Niemann can clinch the title with at least a second-place finish, no matter if Rahm wins the tournament.

    LOCK ZONE MOVES

    Two 4Aces GC players, Harold Varner III and Thomas Pieters, made big moves into the top 24 Lock Zone. Varner tied for fifth at 7 under after shooting a final-round 6-under 65, the lowest round on Sunday. He moved from 26th to 18th in the standings. Pieters shot a 67 to tie for 10th at 5 under. He moved from 27th to 20th in the standings.

    Falling out of the Lock Zone were Legion XIII’s Tyrrell Hatton (23rd to 25th) and 4Aces Captain Dustin Johnson (24th to 28th).

    Cleeks GC’s Richard Bland, trying to finish in the Lock Zone for the fourth consecutive year, moved to 26th after his tie for 10th.

    RELEGATION UPDATE

    Wild Card player Chieh-Po Lee moved out of the Drop Zone (49th and below in points) with a tie for 13th. Lee, who earned his playing privileges this season by winning last year’s LIV Golf Promotions event, is now 45th in points.

    Torque GC’s Mito Pereira also made a move, also tying for 13th, his best result in his last 19 starts dating back to last year. Pereira moved from 53rd to 49th in points but will need another points finish in Chicago to avoid relegation.

    He made four birdies in his last five holes, including three straight to end his round, to help Torque force a playoff against Stinger GC for the team title.

    “I’ve been playing really good the last couple weeks, just nothing like the score hasn’t been showing,” Pereira said. “But today on the last couple holes, I had some good birdies and finished better.”

    HyFlyers GC’s Andy Ogletree fell into the Drop Zone, from 48th to 50th, with a tie for 34th.

    16TH SWEEP

    The sweep of both the team and individual trophies by Stinger GC is the 16th time in 45 regular-season LIV Golf tournaments.

    It’s the second time the Stingers have swept; they did it in LIV Golf’s inaugural event in London in 2022 when Charl Schwartzel won the individual title.

    The sweep in Chicago is the fourth time this season. Sergio Garcia and Fireballs GC won both trophies in Hong Kong; Marc Leishman and Ripper GC won the titles in Miami; and Bryson DeChambeau and Crushers GC won both trophies in Korea.

    5 DIFFERENT TEAM WINNERS

    Stinger GC becomes just the fifth different team to win a tournament this season. Legion XIII has won four, Crushers GC and Fireballs GC have won three each, and Ripper GC has won once.

    PLAYOFFS

    The individual playoff Sunday was the 12th individual playoff in LIV Golf history, while the team playoff was the third. Stinger GC lost the first team playoff last year in Adelaide to Ripper GC. Meanwhile, Dean Burmester is now 2-0 in individual playoffs.

    AK MATCHES BEST ROUND

    Wild card player Anthony Kim shot a final-round 5-under 66, which matches his lowest round – relative to par – since his return to competitive golf last season after a 12-1/2 year absence. Kim shot 68-66 in the final two rounds at Chicago after an opening 82 to tie for 44th at 3 over.

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  • M Asif, Nasir excel at World Games Chengdu 2025

    M Asif, Nasir excel at World Games Chengdu 2025

    LAHORE  –  Pakistan enjoyed a double dose of success at the World Games Chengdu 2025 on Saturday, as cueist Muhammad Asif and squash star Nasir Iqbal produced commanding performances to keep the national flag flying high.

    In the billiards event, Muhammad Asif outclassed China’s Liang Xiaolong 2-0 in a Group B clash at the state-of-the-art Civil Aviation Flight University of China Tianfu Campus Gymnasium. Facing a partisan crowd roaring for the home favourite, Asif displayed nerves of steel and a masterclass in tactical precision. 

    From the opening shot, the Pakistani champion dictated the pace, executing pinpoint potting and flawless positioning to dismantle Liang’s challenge in straight frames. “This win means a lot to me,” M Asif said after the match. “I am happy with my performance and hope to keep this momentum going.”

    Meanwhile, in the squash court, Nasir Iqbal was in ruthless form, dismantling Romania’s Radu Pena 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-2) in just 22 minutes to storm into the plate semifinals. From the very first serve, Nasir’s precision, agility, and shot variety left his opponent chasing shadows.

    The victory marks a strong resurgence for Nasir, who bounced back impressively after an early exit in the main draw’s Round of 32. Remarkably, he has conceded just 14 points across his last two matches in the plate event.


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  • Scientists find possible artefacts of oldest known Wallacean hominids in Indonesia

    Scientists find possible artefacts of oldest known Wallacean hominids in Indonesia

    SOPPENG, Indonesia (Reuters) -Scientists have found a series of stone tools on Indonesia’s Sulawesi island they say may be evidence of humans living 1.5 million years ago on islands between Asia and Australia, the earliest known humans in the Wallacea region.

    Archaeologists from Australia and Indonesia found the small, chipped tools, used to cut little animals and carve rocks, under the soil in the region of Soppeng in South Sulawesi. Radioactive tracing of these tools and the teeth of animals found around the site were dated at up to 1.48 million years ago.

    The findings could transform theories of early human migrations, according to an article the archaeologists published in the journal Nature in August.

    The earliest Wallacean humans, pre-historic persons known as Homo Erectus, were thought to have only settled in Indonesia’s Flores island and Philippines’ Luzon island around 1.02 million years ago, as they were thought to be incapable of distant sea travel, proving the significance of the Sulawesi findings in theories of migration.

    “These were artefacts made by ancient humans who lived on the earth long before the evolution of our species, Homo Sapiens,” said Adam Brumm, lead archaeologist from Griffith University in Queensland, Australia.

    “We think Homo Erectus somehow got from the Asian mainland across a significant ocean gap to this island, Sulawesi, at least 1 million years ago,” Brumm said.

    Wallacea is a region in Eastern Indonesia including several islands such as Sulawesi, Lombok, Flores, Timor, Sumbawa that lie between Borneo and Java and Australia and New Guinea. The region is named for the naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace who studied the fauna and flora of the area.

    (Reporting by Abdul Rahman Muchtar in Soppeng; Writing by Bernadette Christina; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)

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  • Scientists find possible artefacts of oldest known Wallacean hominids in Indonesia – Reuters

    1. Scientists find possible artefacts of oldest known Wallacean hominids in Indonesia  Reuters
    2. Hominins on Sulawesi during the Early Pleistocene  Nature
    3. Million-Year-Old Tools Reveal Mystery Human Species  Ancient Origins
    4. Archaeologists find oldest evidence of humans on ‘Hobbit’s’ island neighbor—who they were remains a mystery  Phys.org
    5. Mystery early human relatives reached Sulawesi over a million years ago, oldest evidence found on ‘hobbit’ island neighbor  Archaeology News Online Magazine

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  • Kendall Jenner celebrates Kylie’s 28th amid Timothee Chalamet snub

    Kendall Jenner celebrates Kylie’s 28th amid Timothee Chalamet snub

    Kendall Jenner’s sweet 28th birthday tribute to Kylie amid Timothée Chalamet snub

    Kendall Jenner marked her sister Kylie Jenner’s 28th birthday on Sunday with a series of tributes.

    The 28-year-old model first took to Instagram Stories to share a smiling snap of Kylie posing with a bottle of liquor shaped like the number eight—a design tied to Kendall’s own tequila and vodka brand 818. Kendall captioned the photo “28” to nod to her younger sister’s milestone year, which Kylie reposted to her own Stories shortly.

    Hours later, Kendall tapped into nostalgia, posting a two-photo childhood carousel on Instagram featuring the sisters in their early years. “My little lady forever,” she wrote in the caption.

    Kendall Jenner celebrates Kylies 28th amid Timothee Chalamet snub

    Kendall’s posts joined a wave of family well-wishes, with their mother Kris Jenner and half-sisters Kim, Khloé, and Kourtney Kardashian each sharing their own birthday messages.

    But one conspicuous absence was of Timothée Chalamet. The Oscar-nominated actor, who has been romantically linked to Kylie since early 2023, was missing from her sun-soaked wellness-themed celebration and made no public mention of her birthday. Instead, he posted a cryptic “dream big” message on his own Instagram the same day, further fueling ongoing split speculation.

    Kylie and Chalamet dominated the headlines earlier this year with multiple PDA-packed appearances, including at the Golden Globes and U.S. Open. 

    However, the pair haven’t been spotted together in over a month, and Kylie recently hinted at heartache by sharing that she’d been listening to breakup songs on repeat.


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  • Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd (BOM:534139) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong …

    Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd (BOM:534139) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong …

    Release Date: August 08, 2025

    For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

    • Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd (BOM:534139) reported a strong order growth of 42.1% compared to the same period last year, indicating robust demand for its products and services.

    • The company has a significant backlog that is 25% higher than the previous year, ensuring future revenue streams.

    • Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd (BOM:534139) is strategically positioned to benefit from India’s growing focus on green energy, with a substantial portion of new orders coming from renewable energy projects.

    • The company is actively engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to influence and adapt to emerging market trends, particularly in digital and sustainable infrastructure.

    • Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd (BOM:534139) is investing in capacity expansion to meet future market demands, with all projects progressing as planned.

    • The company’s gross margins decreased by 1.5% compared to the previous year, attributed to the absence of exceptional credits that were present in the prior period.

    • Sales growth was moderate at 4.8%, partly due to project delays and spillovers into the next quarter.

    • EBITDA margin decreased by 2.4 percentage points, reflecting challenges in maintaining profitability amidst rising costs.

    • Employee costs increased by 11.8%, driven by inflation, salary hikes, and additional headcount, impacting overall profitability.

    • The company faces competitive pressures in the industry, with many players expanding capacities, which could impact future margins.

    Q: Can you provide more specifics on the order wins this quarter and the segments driving growth? Also, why have gross margins been lower this quarter? A: (Unidentified_3, Managing Director and CEO) The lower margins are a timing issue, not a long-term concern. We are confident in meeting our full-year margin and profitability targets. The order wins are spread across various segments, and while power and grid remain our core business, contributing 40-45% of our revenue, other segments like data centers and energy are also contributing to growth. However, these segments can vary quarter to quarter.

    Q: What caused the moderate sales growth this quarter, and will the spillovers be captured in the next quarters? A: (Unidentified_3, Managing Director and CEO) The 5% sales growth was due to project delays that shifted some sales into Q2. This is not a concern as these will be captured in subsequent quarters. We maintain our full-year guidance, supported by a strong 26% growth in order backlog.

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  • Energea reveals modernized travel tech collection with elevated design details

    Energea reveals modernized travel tech collection with elevated design details

    SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – Energea has debuted its highly anticipated tech collection, perfect for travel and everyday use, now available in Gunmetal, Cobalt, and Champagne. Leading the charge is the MagDuo Arc, which recently clinched the Best Product award in the Mobile Products category at Channel Summit META.

    Power meets versatility. The full range of Energea tech gear in Gunmetal, Cobalt and Champagne.

    For the curious, driven, and constantly on the move, these offerings are as versatile and nimble as the journeys they’re made for, combining function with style. Refined, bold, and elegant finishes guarantee each product looks as sleek as it performs. Whether in transit or touching down, they fit the modern nomad’s life in motion.

    At the forefront is MagDuo Arc, a 2-in-1 wireless charger with an 85cm retractable cable and zinc alloy housing. It delivers fast wireless charging of up to 15W (Android), 7.5W (iPhone), and 2.5W (Apple Watch), and includes a built-in kickstand for hands-free use. MagDuo Arc sets the tone for Energea’s renewed push into travel-friendly tech, ushering in a fresh wave of thoughtful and innovative offerings.

    Complementing it is TravelWorld Edge 65, a slimline wall charger sporting a 90˚ flat profile that plugs flush against surfaces and fits easily into tight corners. Measuring 13mm thick, it’s small but mighty, delivering up to 65W output to power laptops and phones in 150 countries. GaNSmart technology makes it 40% smaller than most chargers in its class.

    Next up is TravelGo Adapter 45: a pocket-friendly, powerful travel adapter designed to charge power-intensive devices like MacBook Air and tablets. Its secure pin-lock system prevents pins from sliding back, improving electrical contact and safety, while dual USB-C ports (25W and 20W) enable dual devices to be charged simultaneously. Intelligent power identification adjusts the charging current for each device to ensure safe, synchronous charging.

    Meanwhile, wireless charger AluMag Trio powers three devices concurrently (iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods) using Qi2 technology. Its sleek aluminum chassis offers premium durability and enhanced heat dissipation for optimal temperature control. Unfolding instantly, it supports iPhone’s StandBy mode and Apple Watch’s Nightstand mode for overnight or bedside charging as a smart display.

    Lastly, the ComPac Arc 45 power bank takes on travel demands as a 10,000mAh charger featuring a 70cm retractable cable, informative digital display, and durable braided lanyard. Empowering hands-free convenience, it easily clips to backpacks and carry-ons. Its PD45W max output is able to power MacBook Air, tablets, and phones, all packed into a rounded-edge module smaller than a soda can.

    Energea redefines the charging experience with tech gear that not only solves everyday hassles while on the go or during travels, but also complements the user’s style. The brand believes that great products balance functionality and aesthetics, providing solutions that work seamlessly and impress with stylish appeal.

    From slim wall chargers to versatile wireless chargers and compact power banks, Energea’s Travel Series is built for life on the move. In Gunmetal, Cobalt, and Champagne, the collection reflects Energea’s bold new design direction and delivers power and polish for the traveler of today.

    Discover the full range on Energea now.

    Follow Energea on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for the latest updates and travel tech innovations today.
    Hashtag: #Energea #WirelessCharging #Technology

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    Energea

    Dedicated to designing products of enhanced functionality, refined aesthetics, and versatility, Energea defies the perception that tech accessories are purely practical and uninspired. With an established presence across Asia, Middle East, Europe and South Africa, Energea advances in delivering not only top-tier power solutions but also streamlined electronics on a global scale.


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  • Finastra and NTT DATA expand Lending Cloud Service to Transform the Banking Experience

    Finastra and NTT DATA expand Lending Cloud Service to Transform the Banking Experience

    A strategic partnership to reshape lending infrastructure, accelerating the global rollout of cutting-edge managed services for the financial services sector

    SYDNEY, Aug. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Finastra, a global leader in financial services software, has announced the expansion of its longstanding partnership with NTT DATA, a leading global IT infrastructure and services company. This collaboration will support Finastra’s Lending Cloud Service, strengthening the delivery of managed services for financial institutions across the MAAP (Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific) and LATAM (Latin America) regions.

    Financial institutions across the region are set to benefit from faster deployments, smarter automation, and a more agile lending experience. NTT DATA will now lead application lifecycle management for Finastra’s Lending Cloud Service, driving scalability, standardization, and operational efficiency across the platform.

    “This is a natural evolution of our relationship with NTT DATA, a partner that deeply understands our technology landscape and shares our vision for delivering world-class, cloud-based lending services,” said Andrew Bateman, EVP for Lending at Finastra. “By partnering with a company familiar with our architecture and operating models, we can accelerate client onboarding and provide a resilient, high-performing service.” 

    David Gold, Vice President for Cloud Services and IT Modernization at NTT DATA, added, “We are proud to extend our partnership with Finastra as part of a broader strategic vision. Our experience in large-scale financial environments positions us well to help Finastra deliver highly automated, reliable cloud services to banks across these regions. This partnership brings together innovation and operational excellence to transform the banking experience.” 

    The jointly developed solution includes integrated tools to measure, report on, and fulfill service-level commitments. For NTT DATA, the partnership also represents a strategic opportunity to expand its product portfolio, with a joint go-to-market strategy already underway to scale the solution and broaden its impact across the financial services industry.

    This move holds particular significance for APAC markets, where the pace of cloud transformation in financial services is accelerating. According to Finastra’s recent Financial Services State of the Nation survey, over a quarter (27%) of financial institutions globally have improved or deployed cloud solutions in the past year. In APAC, countries such as Vietnam (56%), Hong Kong (46%), and Singapore (44%) are leading the way in modernizing their operations. These markets have recognized that enhancing cloud capabilities and adopting API-led technologies are not just strategic advantages, but essential to remaining competitive.

    As Finastra and NTT DATA deepen their collaboration, they are poised to reshape lending infrastructure across APAC and LATAM – delivering modern, compliant, and scalable solutions that meet the demands of today’s fast-moving financial markets. This expanded partnership not only reinforces Finastra’s leadership in managed services but also underscores its client-first approach and bold vision to bring cloud-native innovation to institutions worldwide with unmatched speed and agility.

    About Finastra

    Finastra is a global provider of financial services software applications across Lending, Payments, Treasury and Capital Markets, and Universal (retail and digital) Banking. Committed to unlocking the potential of people, businesses and communities everywhere, its vision is to accelerate the future of finance through technology and collaboration, and its pioneering approach is why it is trusted by ~8,100 financial institutions, including 45 of the world’s top 50 banks. For more information, visit finastra.com

    LinkedIn | X | YouTube

    About NTT DATA

    NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. It serves 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize, and transform for long-term success. As a Global Top Employer, NTT DATA has experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Their services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity. They are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future.

    Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1916021/FINASTRA_Logo.jpg

    SOURCE Finastra

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  • Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil Collide in new Steam Freebie

    Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil Collide in new Steam Freebie

    The dangers of A.I. are more clear than ever

    Every now and again, games come along that seek to take some of the best elements from iconic franchises or releases into one, even more compelling, offering. A new demo released on Steam might not have had that intention, but it seems to have done it nonetheless.

    A.I.L.A is an upcoming first-person horror that puts players in the shoes of the sole tester of a brand new A.I. This A.I. has been created with the express purpose of creating haunting gaming experiences. As it learns and continues to develop the experiences become more graphic, horrifying and realistic.

    While this is obviously the way the narrative is setup (A.I.L.A. is not a real A.I. as far as we know), it’s a compelling meta story that has more than enough basis in reality to make sense. There will also be several unique scenarios to play through when the game does arrive, with each playing on different fears and settings.

    The full extent of the story is yet to be revealed, but the developer promises that we will, “Survive dark, unsettling experiences crafted by A.I.L.A that prey on your deepest and darkest fears. Evade and outrun a ritualistic cult, solve gruesome puzzles, engage in visceral combat against the medieval undead and more.”

    The first-person perpective and high-tech basis for the game are both very reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077, while Unreal Engine 5 helps the game to compete in the looks department.

    All of that is made even more appealing by the nightmarish scenes the game creates. With monsters drawn straight out of Resident Evil or Silent Hill, A.I.L.A doesn’t hold back on the violence or gore.

    Though the full game doesn’t have a release date just yet, the developer has now released a demo that should give more than enough of a look at what the game is all about.

    Featured Image Credit: Pulsatrix Studios

    Topics: Indie Games, Cyberpunk 2077, Resident Evil, Silent Hill

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  • Shares edge up in Asia, US inflation data looms large

    Shares edge up in Asia, US inflation data looms large

    By Wayne Cole

    SYDNEY (Reuters) -Major share indexes crept higher in Asia on Monday as upbeat company earnings underpinned high valuations in the tech sector, while a crucial report on U.S. inflation would likely set the course of the dollar and bonds.

    Trade and geopolitics also loom large with a U.S. tariff deadline on China due to expire on Tuesday amid expectations it will get extended again, while President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin are due to meet in Alaska on Friday to discuss Ukraine.

    The main economic release will be U.S. consumer prices on Tuesday, with analysts expecting the impact of tariffs to help nudge the core up 0.3% to an annual pace of 3.0% and away from the Federal Reserve target of 2%.

    An upside surprise would challenge market wagers for a September rate cut, though analysts assume it would have to be a very high number given a downward turn in payrolls is now dominating the outlook.

    “The tone from the Fed has shifted as a number of officials expressed concerns about growth following the July employment report,” said Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan.

    “We now expect the Fed to restart its easing cycle in September,” he added. “Recession risks are elevated at 40%, but we do not yet see a case for a larger than 25bp series of cuts.”

    Markets imply around a 90% probability of a September easing, and at least one more cut by year end.

    Trump’s pick for Fed governor, Stephen Miran, may or may not be in place in time to vote for a cut in September, while the choice of a new chair has broadened out to around 10 contenders.

    The prospect of lower borrowing costs has supported equities, along with a run of strong earnings.

    Analysts at BofA note 73% of companies had beaten on earnings, well above the 59% long run average, while 78% beat on revenue. “While mentions of ‘weak demand’ ticked up and tariff concerns remain, corporate sentiment and guidance are improving,” they said in a note.

    S&P 500 futures and Nasdaq futures both edged up 0.1% to near record highs.

    Analysts were unsure what to make of a report in the Financial Times that tech majors Nvidia and AMD have agreed to give the U.S. government 15% of their revenues from chip sales in China, under an arrangement to obtain export licenses for the semiconductors.

    Japan’s stock market was closed for a holiday, but futures stood at 42,290 and well above the cash close of 41,820, suggesting the index could test its all-time high of 42,426 this week.

    MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was a fraction firmer, while South Korea was flat having bounced 2.9% last week.

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