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Laurentian University researchers secure $1.3M in new funding

Laurentian University researchers secure $1.3M in new funding

Faculty awarded NSERC 2015 Discovery grants

JUNE 22, 2015 – Seven Laurentian University faculty members and three graduate students have won new research grants and scholarships awarded by the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). 

 

Total funding awarded to Laurentian University researchers amounts to $1,329,500.

 

The funds are awarded through competition for NSERC’s Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, NSERC Postrgraduate Scholarships and Postdoctoral Fellowships.  The 2015 competition results were announced today at at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in Oshawa, Ontario.

 

“A key pillar of our government’s updated Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy is ensuring Canada develops, attracts and retains the world’s most talented researchers. Today’s investment in more than 3, 800 researchers at 70 universities across the country ensures Canada has a broad base of talented men and women whose research continues to push the boundaries of knowledge, creates jobs and opportunities while improving the quality of life of Canadians,”  said Canada’s Minister of State (Science and Technology), Ed Holder.

 

 “We are extremely proud of the research profile achieved by our Laurentian faculty and graduate students,” said Laurentian University Vice-President, Research, Dr. Rui Wang.  “Our success in winning NSERC funding is evidence of  the high-calibre research being conducted in Biology, Medicine, Engineering, Earth Sciences and Human Kinetics, and we congratulate all of our award recipients.”

 

Laurentian faculty awarded NSERC Discovery Grants are:

  • Dr. Douglas Boreham, Faculty of Medicine: $170,000 (Biological Mechanisms Induced by Low and Ultra Low doses of Ionizing Radiation)
  • Dr. Thomas Johnston, Department of Biology: $105,000 (Individual specialization and the trophic niche of aquatic consumers)
  • Dr. Daniel Kontak, Department of Earth Sciences: $110,000 (Chemical fingerprinting of hydrothermal ore deposit systems)
  • Dr. Tammy Eger, School of Human Kinetics: $110,000 (Modeling human response to foot-transmitted vibration)
  • Dr. William Lievers, School of Engineering, $110,000 (Measuring and modelling the mechanical and failure behaviour of bone)
  • Dr. Junfeng Zhang, School of Engineering, $22,000 (Blood Flows and Blood-Vessel Interactions in the Microcirculation)
  • Dr. Zhibin Ye, School of Engineering, $200,000 (Developing semicrystalline star polyethylenes and advanced polyethylene ionomers)

 

In addition to his five-year Discovery Grant, Dr. Zhibin Ye was also awarded a Discovery Accelerator Supplement in support of his research, worth $120,000 over three years.

Three graduate students have also won graduate scholarships worth between $21,000 and $35,000 per year:

  • Nicolas Rouleau, three-year Postgraduate Scholarship (Biology)
  • Nirosha Murugan, three-year Postgraduate Scholarship (Biology)
  • James Baxter-Gilbert, three-year Canada Graduate Scholarship (Biology)

University invests in research, technology & graduate expansion

University invests in research, technology & graduate expansion

2015-16 marks fifth consecutive year of balanced budgets at Laurentian

JUNE 19, 2015 – Laurentian University’s Board of Governors today approved a 2015-2016 operating budget of $147.7 million, marking the fifth consecutive year the University has achieved a balanced budget. The budget represents a $7 million increase over last year to fund key areas of priority for the University in capital projects, research, student services, graduate studies and information technology.

 

Budget highlights include:

  • A 42% increase in the budget of the University’s Office of Research Services in 2015-16 that will allow the university to facilitate grant preparation and establish a new online data management system to support research efforts.  Laurentian will also increase support to innovation and the management of intellectual property. “We are strengthening our support for research activities in all disciplines, through the Tri-council leaders program and through strategic matching funds for major grant applications,” said Laurentian University’s Vice-President, Research, Dr. Rui Wang.
  • The budget also provides for increased investments of 12% in graduate studies to support enrolment expansion from 589 students in 2014-15 to 859 in 2018-19.  “We will continue to expand our reach and enhance opportunities in graduate studies,” said Acting Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dr. David Lesbarrères. Programs to be expanded include Master’s programs in Architecture, Geology, Biology and Orthophonie, and PhD programs in Boreal Ecology, Rural and Northern Health, Natural Resource Engineering, and Mineral Deposit Geology, among others.
  • An increased investment in information technology to ensure a progressive IT infrastructure now and for the future.  Improvements consist of higher-speed and robust networking, dense high-speed wireless, an institutional record management system, wireless classroom audio visual and continuation of administrative automation.  These and other upgrades will create a better student and faculty experience. The University’s investments in information technology will increase by 12% in 2015-16, a 70% increase over the past four years.
  • Investments in student services will also increase by 14% in 2015-16. Laurentian will again support continuous learning for its staff with the equivalent of 1% of salaries set aside for professional development. 
  • The 2016 completion of a $115.5 million physical transformation of the Sudbury campus with the renewal of 34 classrooms and five labs, the addition of an Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, a University Club, an Executive Learning Centre, a world-class Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research lab, improved food services, new one-stop student services, renovations to the Single Student Residence, the new School of Architecture, and increased investments in deferred maintenance projects.

 

“In recent years, we have built a solid foundation to support the university’s aspirations,” said Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.  “We are well-positioned to move forward with a balanced and strategically-focused growth plan that responds to the needs of the communities we serve today and in the future.”

 

This marks the ninth consecutive year of declining per-student provincial funding at Laurentian. For the first time, provincial grants constitute less than half of the University’s overall revenues. The Board’s unanimous approval followed a series of seventeen consultation sessions held in April with the Laurentian community in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

For more information about the University or its 2012-2017 Strategic Plan endorsed in a Globe and Mail editorial as “an excellent strategy”, please visit www.laurentian.ca.

 

Summary:

  • 2015-16 budget of $147.7 million, up $7 million over last year;
  • Budget balanced for fifth consecutive year, despite nine consecutive years of declining per-student provincial funding. For the first time, provincial grants constitute less than half of the University’s revenues;
  • Budget increases in 2015-2016 of 42% in the Office of Research Services, 14% in Student Services, 12% in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, 12% in Information Technology;
  • $115.5 million of capital transformation to be completed in Sudbury in 2016;
  • 1% of staff payroll allocated annually to professional development and training;
  • Establishment of a $1 million sustainability green fund: projects will be solicited from university community with main criteria being positive environmental impact and financial payback;
  • Balanced six-year forecast. During that period, major investments planned in deferred maintenance, graduate studies, research, the library and the Faculty of Management to support its international AACSB accreditation. 

Laurentian University to host 6th Mining and the Environment 2015 International Conference

Laurentian University to host 6th Mining and the Environment 2015 International Conference

The first Mining and the Environment Conference was held in Sudbury in 1995.

JUNE 11, 2015 – Laurentian University’s Goodman School of Mines, in cooperation with the Laurentian University School of the Environment, will host the 6th Mining and the Environment 2015 International Conference from June 20-25, in Sudbury, Ontario.

 

The Conference will bring together experts in the environmental sciences and environmental health sciences, industry representatives and researchers, as well as policy makers and regulators from around the world.  Conference delegates will explore mine, land and waterway rehabilitation and related environmental protection issues.

 

The first Mining and the Environment Conference was held in Sudbury in 1995. Since then, more than 2000 professionals have attended a series of conferences culminating in this 20th anniversary conference, to be hosted by Laurentian University.

 

The 2015 conference will include a short course, “The Sudbury Story; Re-greening Science of the Sudbury Region.” Presented by the Goodman School of Mines, the workshop will focus on the 40-year history and science of the Sudbury Restoration Story, from the early experimental trials through operations of the UN Award-Winning Municipal Re-greening Program, to the successes and challenges of today. The short course will feature documentary-style lectures, group discussion and multi-media exercises working with actual data from long-term surveys and assessments. In-class sessions will be held on Saturday June 20th, with group work and presentations on Sunday June 21st, followed by a guided tour of the Sudbury reclamation sites.

The Conference also includes a Tradeshow and Exhibition, free to the public, which will feature many innovative developments and displays relevant to the mining industry, including exhibits from all aspects of the mining and environmental community.

 

For more information and to register, please visit: http://www2.laurentian.ca/sudbury2015/#course

Enactus-Laurentian Team Wins Spirit Award

Enactus-Laurentian Team Wins Spirit Award

Laurentian Team is one of eight Spirit Award winners at this year’s Exposition.

JUNE 9, 2015 – Congratulations to the Enactus – Laurentian Team on winning the Enactus Spirit Award at the 2015 Enactus Canada National Exposition. The Exposition took place from May 11th – 13th, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

 

The competition consisted of 58 participating universities and colleges across Canada. The Laurentian team was one of eight recipients of the Spirit Award. The Enactus Spirit Award is given one team in each division, and is awarded to the teams that have projects that embody the goals of Enactus. Members of the Enactus-Laurentian Team are: Richard Filliter (President), Valérie Carrey, Justin Labelle, Jean-Noël Desmarais, Éric Lavergne-Giroux.

 

The Enactus Canada National Exposition provides a forum for Enactus teams to present the results of their Community Empowerment projects. Through rounds of presentations students showcase how their community outreach projects are shaping the economic, social and environmental landscape of Canada. Business leader serve as judges and evaluate the teams’ projects. This years National Champion, University of Ottawa, will move on to represent Canada at the Enactus World Cup.

 

For more information about the Enactus and the National Competition visit www.enactus.ca. 

Professor Dean Millar named CIM Distinguished Lecturer

Professor Dean Millar named CIM Distinguished Lecturer

Honours for Laurentian Engineering Professor, ERCM Director at MIRARCO

JUNE 5, 2015 – Professor in Laurentian University’s Bharti School of Engineering and Director of the Energy, Renewables and Carbon Management group at MIRARCO, Dr. Dean Millar has been honoured as a Distinguished Lecturer by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM).

 

Dr. Millar is one of five Distinguished Lecturers celebrated at the CIM’s national Awards Gala, held at the Palais de Congrès in Montreal last month.  The CIM’s Distinguished Lecturers are selected for their accomplishments in scientific, technical, management or educational activities in the minerals industries, and are available to speak at CIM Branch and Student Chapter meetings across Canada. 

 

Dr. Millar is a leading researcher on energy management, energy efficiency and renewable energy in mining.  His presentation for the CIM Distinguished Lecturer program, The Journey to the 40% Mine, explores market-ready technologies and innovations in mining that can support a sector-wide reduction of 40% in primary energy consumption by 2040.  Mining is an energy-intensive industry and, on average, energy consumption accounts for almost one-fifth of total operating costs in the Canadian underground mining industry. 

 

The CIM award was given in recognition of Dr. Millar’s research contributions to the field of energy management in mining “I am honoured by this recognition and pleased to accept this award,” said Dr. Millar.  “It is a reflection of the valuable contributions of all those who work in MIRARCO’s Energy Renewables and Carbon Management group.”

 

For more information about Dr. Millar’s CIM Lecture presentation, please go to: https://www.cim.org/en/Services/Distinguished-Lecturers/Current.aspx#&slider1=2

For more information about MIRARCO, please go to: http://www.mirarco.org/


Biography

Dean Millar is Director of the Energy, Renewables and Carbon Management (ERCM) group of MIRARCO and Professor of Energy in Mining within Laurentian University's Bharti School of Engineering. He is Fellow of the IOM3, holds a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering and a doctorate in Rock Mechanics, both from Imperial College, and is a Certified Energy Manager. Millar sits on the Executive Committee of the CIM Maintenance, Engineering and Reliability Society (MERS) and is the Energy Theme Leader for the Ultra Deep Mine Network.

Following his first academic post in Engineering Rock Mechanics at Imperial College from 1998, it was while at the Camborne School of Mines that he developed research interests in energy efficiency and renewable energy. In July 2010 he joined MIRARCO/LU to develop a research programme to reducing the energy and carbon footprint of mining that includes mine cooling, energy storage, energy optimization and renewables integration.

Laurentian Architecture CLT project creates 'impressive profile'

Laurentian Architecture CLT project creates 'impressive profile'

School’s Phase Two showcases Cross-Laminated Timber construction

JUNE 4th, 2015 – A two-storey structure built with cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam wood products is taking shape at the Laurentian University School of Architecture under construction in downtown Sudbury, Ontario.   The CLT structure is part of the 54,000 sq ft Phase Two facility of the new School, and represents the most significant use of CLT in a public building in Ontario to date. 

 

“The assembly of the 9-metre tall CLT panels creates an impressive profile for Laurentian Architecture,” said Dr. Terrance Galvin, Founding Director of the School of Architecture.  “The CLT structure is innovative, beautiful, and sustainable, and reflects the School’s focus on northern design.” 

Officials of Laurentian University and its School of Architecture today welcomed guests, including representatives of the Centre for Research in the Bio-Economy (CRIBE), a funder of the CLT demonstration project, and representatives of Wood WORKS!, a program of the Canadian Wood Council, for a site visit. 

“This building represents a significant leap in the evolution of educational buildings and clearly demonstrates what can be achieved with CLT,” said Marianne Bérubé, Executive Director, Ontario Wood WORKS!.  “This will be an interactive learning environment where the wood structure itself embodies the innovative and sustainable design concepts being learned by Laurentian’s architecture students.”   

The use of wood instead of other construction materials in the Laurentian Architecture project affords an important environmental benefit, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 150 metric tons, as compared with a conventional building, according to a carbon calculation prepared by Ontario Wood WORKS!.

“Wood was a staple material of Canada's past, and now we are seeing it as the building material of the future,” said architect David Warne, of LGA Architectural Partners.  “It’s strong, it’s renewable, and it is emblematic of northern industry and sustainable design.”

 

There has been growing interest in the use of timber products like CLT, which is sometimes described as ‘the new concrete’ because of its strength and versatility.  Changes to the Ontario Building Code are expected to promote the construction of more and taller buildings incorporating CLT and other wood products. 

 

Phase Two of the Laurentian Architecture project will comprise both the West Wing and a North Wing, a steel-framed structure with mezzanines above the second floor.  The two new wings will house classrooms and studio space, a lecture theatre, lounges and office areas, while creating an inner courtyard and a public walkway.  The new structures of Phase Two will connect with the re-furbished historic buildings on the site, the old CPR Freight Shed and the CP Telegraph Building, which have provided classroom, studio and office space since the School of Architecture opened in September, 2013.  The School has accepted 70 students each fall since its launch, and looks forward to welcoming the 2015-16 cohort this September.

Dr. David Lesbarrères honoured as virtual researcher on call

Dr. David Lesbarrères honoured as virtual researcher on call

The award was presented at a ceremony celebrating the Partners in Research 2015 National Award recipients on May 26th.

MAY 27, 2015 – Laurentian University’s Acting Dean in the Faculty of Graduate Studies, and Associate Professor in the Department of Biology, Dr. David Lesbarrères has been honoured with this year’s Partners in Research Virtual Researcher on Call (VROC) Expert Participation Award.

 

The award was presented at a ceremony celebrating the Partners in Research 2015 National Award recipients on May 26th in Ottawa.

 

VROC brings Canadian university researchers and other experts into elementary and secondary school classrooms through video-conferencing, giving students direct access to some of the world’s leading scientists. Many of these discussions are available as podcasts through the VROC video library, and through YouTube and iTunes.

 

The VROC program was launched in 2006 by Partners in Research, a London, Ontario-based registered charity promoting science education, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as fields of discovery and study for Canadian students. 



 

“Dr. Lesbarrères has a gift for making his research relevant and meaningful to young people,” said VROC Executive Director Kevin Cougler.  “He has been generous with his time, and his enthusiasm for research in biology has certainly caught on with students.”

 

Dr. Lesbarrères is head of the Genetic and Ecology of Amphibians Research Group (GEARG) at Laurentian University.

 

In 2013, Dr. Lesbarrères took part in a 6-week mentorship experience with a Grade 6 class at Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik Middle School in Iqualuit, Nunavut. “Being in a remote location makes it difficult to have speakers and experts come into the classroom, especially with a biology background. With David, we got to see cells under a microscope,” said the Grade 6 teacher, Caryn Conley.  “His presentations clarified ideas for many students. They also got the students excited about science time and most importantly encouraged their curiosity.”  For more on the mentorship experience, go to http://www.vroc.ca/pir/en/tag/david-lesbarreres/

 

“I am pleased to accept the award from Partners in Research, and delighted to be part of a program bringing university research into classrooms across Canada through the VROC program.  If there is a gene for curiosity, let's make sure our children get the environment for its expression” said Dr. Lebarrères.   

 

Other Laurentian faculty who have participated in VROC programs include Dr. Daniel Campbell, Dr. Tammy Eger, Dr. Scott Fairgrieve, Dr. Jacqueline Litzgus, Dr. Thomas Merritt, Dr. David Pearson and Dr. James Watterson. 

 

Partners In Research’s (PIR) mandate is to educate the public about the importance and significance of research within the biomedical and natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics domains. Through its National Awards program, Partners in Research celebrate leading Canadian research, its promotion to the public through outreach activities and recognize the impact of this research on the lives of Canadians.  For more information about PIR and its programs, please go to http://www.pirweb.org/vroc/en/

Laurentian University to award six honourary doctorates

Laurentian University to award six honourary doctorates

Six distinguished Canadians from the spheres of social activism, architecture, business and the arts will be awarded Honourary Doctorates

May 26, 2015 – Six distinguished Canadians from the spheres of social activism, architecture, business and the arts will be awarded Honourary Doctorates by Laurentian University at Spring 2015 Convocation ceremonies in Sudbury and Barrie.

 

Honourary Doctorate recipients include: 

 

Craig Kielburger (May 27th, 2:00 pm, Barrie, ON)

Craig Kielburger is a social entrepreneur, a New York Times bestselling author, and the co-founder of a family of organizations dedicated to shifting the world from ‘me’ to ‘we.’ In 1995 at 12 years of age he co-founded Free The Children. Today, the organization’s international programs work in eight developing countries.

 

Susan Aglukark (June 2nd, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

An Inuk from Arviat, Susan Aglukark is one of Canada’s most unique and most honoured artists. As her songs have climbed the charts, her stories and her candor about the struggles of the Inuit and Aboriginal communities, and her bravery as she opened up about her own anger and struggle won her audiences.

 

Jean-Marc Aubin (June 3rd, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

For more than 30 years, Jean-Marc Aubin has been a champion for French-language education.  He has distinguished himself as an advocate for the education rights of Francophones by actively participating in the development of French-language services and the advancement of French-language public education in minority settings.

 

Marguerite Andersen (June 4th, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

Novelist, short story writer, poet and essayist, Marguerite Andersen has published more than 20 works, mostly at Prise de Parole in Sudbury. Born in Germany, she immigrated to Canada in 1958. She studied letters at the University of Tunis and Freie Universität Berlin before completing a Ph.D. (Letters) at the University of Montréal. She taught in Germany, Tunisia, Ethiopia, the United States, Quebec and Ontario.

 

Peter Crossgrove (June 5th, 10:00 am, Sudbury, ON)

Peter Crossgrove was born in Sudbury and raised in Copper Cliff. An accomplished business leader and humanitarian, he has helped to raise millions of dollars for Ontario’s healthcare and cancer care organizations. He served as Vice-Chairman and CEO of Placer Dome Inc. in Vancouver, and has sat on forty-six corporate business and mining boards, with twenty-three volunteer board positions in the not-for-profit sector.

 

Douglas Cardinal (June 5th, 2:30 pm, Sudbury, ON)

As a master-builder, Douglas Cardinal’s life is dedicated to creating beautiful, thriving, and harmoniously built environments.  Renowned for his work on many landmark buildings, he has been awarded numerous national and international honours, including the title of “World Master of Contemporary Architecture” by the International Association of Architects.

 

“We are proud to be able to acknowledge these distinguished Canadians with their diverse backgrounds and various gifts,” said Steve Paikin, Laurentian University Chancellor. “Each of them has enriched our lives and communities through their contributions and we are honoured to welcome them as Laurentian Alumni.”

Laurentian University hosts 2015 Provincial French-Language Competition

Laurentian University hosts 2015 Provincial French-Language Competition

The contest aims to promote the French language and culture in Ontario

May 15, 2015 – Laurentian University today welcomed competitors in the annual Provincial French-Language Competition. The contest aims to promote the French language and culture in Ontario and is organized each year by Laurentian University, Glendon College at York University, and the University of Ottawa. Grade 12 students from Francophone high schools across the province are competing today in writing, reading, dictation, and précis skills.

 

“It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we welcome the students selected for the 2015 Provincial French-Language Competition,” said Denis Hurtubise, associate vice-president, Academic and Francophone Affairs at Laurentian University. “I congratulate also all of the young Francophones who are committed to making our magnificent language shine and prosper like a great gift that is open to the world.”

 

Organized by the Department of French Studies and the Office of the Associate Vice-President, Academic and Francophone Affairs at Laurentian University, the 2015 Provincial French-Language Competition also gives participants an opportunity to attend a play entitled Insomnie, by Robert Marinier, to be presented by students of the French-language theatre program at Laurentian University.

 

Competitors have the chance to win various prizes including one-year scholarships in participating universities, dictionaries, magazines and reference tools. Prizes will be awarded during the closing ceremonies to be held today at 4:30 p.m. in the Fraser Auditorium at Laurentian University. One of the winners of the 1994 competition was Laurentian University President and Vice-Chancellor Dominic Giroux.

 

Sponsors of the 2015 Provincial French-Language Competition

Swiss Embassy, Assemblée de la francophonie de l’Ontario, Association canadienne-française de l’Ontario (ACFO), Carrefour francophone de Sudbury, Centre franco-ontarien de folklore, Centre franco-ontarien de ressources pédagogiques (CFORP), Chenelière Éducation, Club Richelieu de Sudbury, Club Richelieu féminin de Sudbury, Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO), Conseil scolaire public du Grand-Nord de l’Ontario (CSPGNO),  Consulate General of France in Toronto, Distribution HMH,  Éditions Alire, Éditions JCL, Édition Prise de parole, Éditions Scholastic, Festival international de la poésie, Fondation franco-ontarienne, Groupe de recherche en études francophones et Éditions du GREF, Librairie du Centre, Canadian Museum of History, Presses de l’Université de Montréal, University of Ottawa Press, Regroupement des éditeurs canadiens-français (RECF), Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, Soulières Éditeur and TFO.

4th symposium on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Language Planning Policy

4th symposium on the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Language Planning Policy

For this two-day symposium, more than 80 participants came together in Sudbury

May 8, 2015) – The annual symposium on Ontario’s Language Planning Policy (Politique d’aménagement linguistique) for French-language postsecondary education and training wrapped up today at Laurentian University. The fourth annual event focussed on partnerships and collaborations and was organized by Laurentian University’s Office of Francophone Affairs.

For this two-day symposium, more than 80 participants came together in Sudbury, including representatives of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, professors, students, Francophone school board administrators as well as officers of the province’s Francophone and bilingual postsecondary institutions.

“I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the key role that Laurentian University plays in the North,” said the Honorable Reza Moridi, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, during his opening remarks. Among other recent accomplishments, it is worth mentioning that Laurentian University became on July 1st, 2014, the first bilingual university to receive partial designation under the French-Language Services Act.

Laurentian University’s president and vice-chancellor, Dominic Giroux, congratulated the numerous symposium participants. “The connections we make today only strengthen our commitment to the Francophone community. Because of your participation and an exchange of best practices, Ontario’s Francophonie continues to shine with the support of its pillars in the education sector.” 

Five conferences were given during the event. In addition, during round table discussions preceded by preparatory work, participants were asked to reflect on three themes, namely identity hybridity and French-language education, academic competence and linguistic competence, and cultural diversity and Francophone identity in Ontario schools.

More information on the symposium is posted at: www.symposiumpal2015.com

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