Weekly PDA Newsletter - August 28, 2016
Kathrin Graetz
graetz at mit.edu
Mon Aug 29 08:49:02 EDT 2016
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Dear MIT Postdocs,
One week until the fall semester starts and the hallways are crowded again with students (or better students outnumber the tourists again). But you can already feel the new semester coming closer because schedules for a lot of professional seminars are out (see below).
Wish you all a great week!
Best,
Kathrin
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Dr.-Ing. Kathrin Graetz
Corresponding Secretary
Postdoctoral Association of MIT (PDA)
pda.mit.edu<http://pda.mit.edu/> Facebook<https://www.facebook.com/groups/44093460815/> Twitter (@MITPDA)<https://twitter.com/MITPDA> Instagram (@mitpda)<https://www.instagram.com/mitpda/> LinkedIn<https://www.linkedin.com/grps/MIT-Postdoc-2506720/about?>
Boston PDA: http://bostonpostdocs.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/\<https://www.facebook.com/groups/1969262336632168/%5C>
Next PDA meeting: September 12, 12pm @E25-202 register here<https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1-vT1gzgyik3JHFWaRgQwAVeVoiaoQFK7iP2MO4dtKwo/viewform> Lunch will be provided!
This Week's Topics:
* Upcoming PDA Events
o PDA General Elections
* From the PDA Committees:
o National Postdoc Survey Until Wednesday!!!
* Postdoc Orientation Sessions
* Other Events at MIT
o MIT Tango Bootcamp
o Many new GECD events New
o Advocating for Science Symposium
o MIT Blossoms: Create an Educational Video for High School Students!
o The Art of Talking Science
o Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Second Annual Scientific Writing Retreat New
o Boston / Cambridge events
Upcoming PDA Events:
PDA General Election
We would like to invite you all to the MIT Postdoctoral Association (PDA) General Elections 2016-2017. General elections will be held on Friday September 16, 2016 from 12-2 pm in E25-401. Lunch will be served.
The MIT PDA (http://pda.mit.edu<http://pda.mit.edu/>) is a postdoc-led organization with the goal of providing support for over 1500 postdoctoral scholars appointed in 50 departments at MIT. Nominations are now open for: (please click here<http://pda.mit.edu/about/bylaws/> to see the responsibilities for each position)
PDA Board of Directors
* President
The President of the PDA is responsible for representing the Postdocs of MIT at both an institution and national level. He/She is in charge of chairing PDA meetings and general supervision of PDA affairs including managing the Committees. He/She must ensure that the association is working to fulfill the mission of providing support to the postdocs at MIT.
* Vice President
The Vice President assists and works closely with the President of the PDA. The VP is in charge of chairing meetings and assuming other responsibilities of the President when the president is absent (which is not uncommon given the short appointments and busy schedules of Postdocs). The VP can also assist with the management of Committees, interactions with Institute representatives, and the carrying out of PDA aims.
* Corresponding Secretary
The corresponding secretary is in charge of the PDA's correspondence, which involves answering and forwarding all emails and keeping the postdoc community informed about events through the weekly newsletter.
* Recording Secretary
The recording secretory is a member of the PDA board of directors who actively participate in PDA decision making. Primary responsibilities of the recording secretary include keeping the detailed minutes of PDA meetings and maintaining all the PDA records in a timely and orderly fashion.
* Treasurer
The treasurer's primary duty is to maintain accurate accounting of the PDA's various committees and funds in order to help establish a budget for each committee and to keep the PDA financially viable.
PDA Committee Chairs
* Advocacy Committee
The advocacy committee advocates for the rights and benefits of all postdocs at MIT. The chair should be available and contactable to listen and respond to postdocs on advocacy issues that are important to them. They should communicate with the key MIT administration nodes of MIT including, the office of the vice president for research (VPR), central HR, departmental HR, MIT work-life center, International scholars office (ISCHo), Benefits office, Payroll office, and relevant Faculty. Where possible PDA advocacy efforts also seek to integrate with the wider strategies of the Boston PDA (BPDA).
* Alumni Committee
The alumni committee contributes to the effort to streamline MIT Alumni Association's Infinite Connection (IC) sign up, and then to promote it widely. Its purpose is to build the whole area of postdoc alumni, create communications and events in these areas, and maximize the IC resource for postdocs.
* Community Building and Outreach Committee
The objective of the community building community is to ensure active participation and involvement of all the postdocs with rest of the MIT community and beyond. We organize several events throughout the calendar year to facilitate an environment where postdocs can come out of their regular work schedules and get to know their fellow postdocs.
* Human Affairs Committee
The Human Affairs Chair promotes inclusion, respect, and fair treatment of all postdocs within the MIT community. This is achieved by organizing community-building events, such as the monthly coffee hour, and representing the postdoctoral community as a member of the MIT Committee on Race and Diversity. The HA Chair participates in and promotes health and wellness programs, advertises these resources to postdocs, and works with the administration to improve current programs.
* Information Flow & IT Support Committee
The IT committee sets up efficient communication and publicity systems (i.e. Email Listserv, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook groups, etc.), maintains and up-to-date internet site of resources and information, and establish consistency and continuity in the mission, organization, and conduct of the PDA.
* Orientation Committee
The orientation committee chair has two main responsibilities, which are maintaining an up-to-date version of the slides for the postdoc orientation and organizing volunteer presenters from active members of the PDA. Additional duties include collecting survey results to better understand the concerns of incoming postdocs and providing feedback to the PDA and HR about any such concerns.
* Postdoc Initiative Grant Committee
The Postdoc Initiatives Grant (PInG) Committee oversees the solicitation and selection of awards to seed the funding of new initiatives to benefit the postdoc community. The PInG Committee Chair is also responsible for being the point person for all ongoing and new PInG initiatives. Previous initiatives include: Postdoc Organization for Women Engaged in Research (POWER), Postdoc Yoga, Glimpse: the postdoc podcast, Postdoc Zumba, and Postdoc Running Group.
* Professional Development Committee
The role of the chair for professional development is to help all postdocs in shaping their careers by organizing career-building workshops, research symposiums, industry ventures, etc. The second main task is to award travel grants to postdoctoral trainees to support travel to conferences.
* Sports Committee
The Sports Committee of the PDA is building a vibrant, welcoming community for MIT postdocs through sports and social events. We organize pick-up games (volleyball, soccer, basketball...) open to anyone, regardless of their skill level, followed by socials that usually involve free food. Over last year, the Sports Committee organized weekly Sports & Pizza Thursdays that consisted of afternoon outdoor volleyball and soccer games followed by PDA sponsored pizza at Muddy's. The events were very popular, consistently attracting between 20 and 50+ postdocs every week. These events bring together postdocs from across MIT and lead to community and new friendships that would not have been otherwise established. As a Sports Committee chair, we hope you will continue the tradition of Sports Thursdays and come up with new events that will keep us all active and happy.
* Fundraising Committee
To apply for a position, click here<https://form.jotform.com/62177028423958>
All positions are open and postdocs currently serving are also encouraged to run again for the same position. This is a great chance to take on a leadership role, interact with other postdocs and the MIT administration and help shape the postdoctoral experience at MIT!
NOTE: Candidates are required to be present on the 16th of September during the elections and pitch to the postdoc electorate. MIT postdocs must also be present to vote at the elections.
Important dates :
August 8, 2016 - Applications open
September 8, 2016 - Applications close
September 9, 2016 - September 14, 2016 - Verify candidature, meet candidates, and release the slate with proposed candidature list
September 16, 2016 - General Elections in E25-401 at 12-2 pm. Open to all MIT Postdocs.
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>From the PDA Committees:
Advocacy Committee: National Postdoc Survey
What are your thoughts and opinions on your postdoc experience so far? An unprecedented nationwide postdoc survey is currently underway to collect data on postdoc issues across the country. The results will be analyzed and compiled into a journal article by University of Chicago researchers later this year. They have asked for MIT postdocs to participate in the survey. Here is a link to the survey:
https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=W87XWMKHWE
This survey will take no longer than 15-20 minutes of your time and results will be completely anonymous.
Best of all: Enter into a drawing for $200 travel awards to a scientific meeting of your choice! Additionally, one participant from MIT will randomly be selected for a $50 Amazon gift card.
PDA Sports
For all questions regarding the events, email the Sports Committee of PDA at jelenas at mit.edu<mailto:jelenas at mit.edu>
https://www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Sport%20Activities%20for%20MIT%20Postdocs
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Postdoc Orientation Sessions:
The PDA offers Postdoc Orientation Sessions open to all postdocs at MIT. Topics covered include:
* Data on postdoc population at MIT
* MIT oversight of postdocs
* Defining postdoc expectations
* Differences between fellows and associates
* PDA structure and initiatives
* How to get involved
The sessions will be typically the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 12pm (45-60min) in E19-306. Lunch will be provided.
The dates for the next six months are as follows: August 29, September 19, October 3, October 17, November 7, November 21, December 5, December 19
If you are interested in participating, you can register via Atlas or using this link<http://web.mit.edu/training/course.html?course=CDT21061c>.
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Other Events at MIT:
MIT Tango Bootcamp
Ever wanted to learn tango? This is your chance! Join the MIT tango club for our two-day 2016 bootcamp. Come learn tango in a comfortable, relaxed, and open environment! Experience two days of fun, dancing, and snacks. www.tango.mit.edu<http://www.tango.mit.edu>
No experience or partner required. Space is limited. The bootcamps have been wildly popular in the past so be sure to sign up now!
Dates: September 3rd, 2pm - 5:30pm ; September 4th, 1:30pm - 5pm
Tickets: http://mit.universitytickets.com/user_pages/event.aspx?id=526&cid=35&p=1
Intro to Technical Interviewing (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
Come learn the ins and outs of technical interviewing for a tech company with representatives from Google! All GECD events are open to MIT undergraduates, graduate students, postdocs, and alumni.
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 6th, 3 - 5pm
Location: 32-141
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Networking (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
At this workshop, you will: - Learn and practice how to network (in a practical and supportive environment) - Address barriers to networking, such as "This is uncomfortable. I feel weird. I don't want to be too pushy." - Develop strategies for networking - Become familiar with resources for networking
Date and Time: Thursday, September 8th, 2 - 3pm
Location: E39-040
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Careers in Consulting from the Employer Perspective (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
Do you want to know more about opportunities in consulting? This panel features alumni and employers who will offer industry insight, provide advice about navigating the job and internship search process, and highlight the critical experiences and knowledge that make you stand out as a candidate in consulting.
Date and Time: Thursday, September 8th, 6 - 7:30pm
Location: 32-155
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Orientation to the Job & Internship (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
Looking for a job or internship? Start here! Learn about: - MIT recruiting policies and how to wield them for good - Etiquette when applying to jobs, interviewing, courting potential employers and more - Professional integrity - how not to mess up your professional reputation - Making sound career decisions - Hiring timelines for various industries - Quick tips and tricks on CareerBridge and LinkedIn
Date and Time: Monday, September 12th, 5 - 6:30pm
Location: 4-163
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Careers in Biotech from the Employer Perspective (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
Do you want to know more about opportunities in biotech and related fields? This panel features alumni and employers who will offer industry insight, provide advice about navigating the job and internship search process, and highlight the critical experiences and knowledge that make you stand out as a candidate.
Date and Time: Monday, September 12th, 6 - 7:30pm
Location: 32-141
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
The Art of Behavioral Interviewing (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
While your technical skills will get you the interview, it is your behavioral attributes that will get you the job. This session will discuss preparation and strategies for a successful interview. In addition, sample behavioral interview questions will be provided along with tips on how to answer these tough questions.
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 13th, 2 - 3pm
Location: E39-040
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Careers in Data Science from the Employer Perspective (sponsored by MIT GECD) New
Do you want to know more about opportunities in data science? This panel features alumni and employers who will offer industry insight, provide advice about navigating the job and internship search process, and highlight the critical experiences and knowledge that make you stand out as a candidate in data science.
Date and Time: Tuesday, September 13th, 6 - 7:30pm
Location: 4-163
Registration via CareerBridge<https://www.myinterfase.com/mit/student>
Advocating for Science Symposium
Please join us <https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocating-for-science-forafsmit-gsc-2016-symposium-registration-26685644481> for the "Advocating for Science" Symposium and Workshop, which will take place at MIT September 16-17, 2016. Organized by Future of Research<http://futureofresearch.org/> (FoR), Academics for the Future of Science<http://blog.save-science.org> (AFS) and the MIT Graduate Student Council<http://gsc.mit.edu/> (GSC), this meeting will be an opportunity for those with a passion for advocating for science to develop their advocacy skills, meet like-minded scientists and develop focused efforts together to effect positive change.
The Advocating for Science Symposium on Friday 16th September 4pm-8pm will discuss ongoing advocacy efforts to promote systemic changes within the scientific enterprise and how it is funded. Rush Holt, former congressman and CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, will present the Keynote address. A reception and networking event will follow. There is no charge to attend the Symposium.
On Saturday 17th September 9am - 6pm, we will build on this with the Advocating for Science Workshop: an intense advocacy "boot camp" for a focused group of participants who want to gain practical skills in advocacy. The program will progress through the many aspects of effectively advocating for change: from leading and inspiring a group of likeminded individuals to collecting and using effective data, creating an overall message, and communicating that message to the appropriate audiences. Workshops will be run by experts in their respective fields. There is a small fee for Workshop registration. Spaces are limited for the workshop and accordingly we ask that all participants attend the entire day, along with the Friday Symposium.
Date and Time: September 16th, 4 -8pm and September 17th, 9am - 6pm
Location: Morss Hall, Walker Memorial (Building 50)
For registration for either the Symposium or the Symposium + Workshop please go to the following link<https://www.eventbrite.com/e/advocating-for-science-forafsmit-gsc-2016-symposium-registration-26685644481>.
MIT Blossoms: Create an Educational Video for High School Students!
The MIT BLOSSOMS Program http://blossoms.mit.edu invites you to create an interactive video lesson for high school classes in science, math or engineering. BLOSSOMS lessons are used by teachers in classrooms not only across the U.S., but also around the world. The program has 10 country partners, with lessons in 11 languages.
Each BLOSSOMS lesson presents a challenging phenomenon to the class that requires their active intellectual engagement. A lesson is made up of 5 to 7 short video segments, and after each segment, the video is paused and the classroom teacher takes over - coaching students to respond to an in-class BLOSSOMS challenge. Once the learning objective is achieved, the teacher turns the video back ON, and the next segment is presented - with a new challenge. BLOSSOMS lessons are NOT lectures. Instead, they are student-centered, active learning experiences.
(1) Key Student Objectives: (a) Developing their critical thinking skills, moving away from rote memorization; (b) Developing active interest in STEM careers; (c) Seeing relevance of STEM to everyday life; (d) Creating an awareness of and appreciation for different cultures.
(2) Why make a BLOSSOMS lesson? You are contributing to an Open Source worldwide education effort. Your lesson posted on the MIT BLOSSOMS web site will showcase your super teaching skills! Great for your resume!
(3) Easy Step 1: By September 15, just email us at blossoms at mit.edu<mailto:blossoms at mit.edu>, expressing your tentative interest. (No firm commitment) We will hold an informational meeting about this initiative in early October, scheduled to maximize attendance for all who express interest.
(4) Reward: You earn a $1,000 honorarium for your effort!
POSTDOCS - PLEASE SEE THE NOTE BELOW
(5) How do I learn more? Simply visit the BLOSSOMS web site and sample several video lessons. Here is a short introductory video: http://blossoms.mit.edu/about_us/video_introduction_blossoms
Hope to see you in September! And please feel free to email any one of us ahead of time with your questions.
PI: Richard C. Larson, Mitsui Professor of Data, Systems, and Society rclarson at mit.edu<mailto:rclarson at mit.edu>
Co-PI: Daniel Frey, Professor of Mechanical Engineering danfrey at mit.edu<mailto:danfrey at mit.edu>
BLOSSOMS Project Manager, M. Elizabeth Murray emurray at mit.edu<mailto:emurray at mit.edu>
NOTE: Postdocs who are considering applying should be sure the terms of their appointment, and fellowship, if applicable, allow for this activity and honorarium. Speak with your faculty supervisor and administrative contact<http://postdocs.mit.edu/postdocs-and-office-vpr/key-administrative-contacts-postdocs>. In addition, International Scholars: Please note that depending on your immigration status, you may or may not qualify to receive an honorarium or any other type of compensation. Please contact the International Scholars Office (ISchO<http://web.mit.edu/scholars/>) to discuss this issue before making a commitment to the MIT BLOSSOMS Program.
The Art of Talking Science (organized by MGH Research Institute)
Are you ready for our communicating science challenge? One of the biggest challenges that scientists face today is communicating their science effectively to a lay audience. On Monday, Sept. 26, from 3 pm to 5 pm at the Paul S. Russell Museum of Medical History, the Mass General Research Institute & HUBweek will present "The Art of Talking Science," a fun, interactive event that will give eight local researchers a chance to present their science to a diverse panel of judges and a live audience.
The event will be open to all academic biomedical researchers in the Boston/Cambridge community.
Register here<https://www.massgeneral.org/research/forms/HUBweek-entry.aspx>
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Second Annual Scientific Writing Retreat, November 16 - 20 New
The Meetings & Courses program at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is pleased to announce the second iteration of its annual Scientific Writing Retreat<http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/link.asp?e=laanders@mit.edu&job=2570558&ymlink=36374862&finalurl=https%3A%2F%2Fmeetings%2Ecshl%2Eedu%2Fcourses%2Easpx%3Fcourse%3DC%2DWRITE%26year%3D16>. The retreat is aimed at postdocs and independent investigators who are actively working on professional writing projects such as manuscripts, grant proposals, applications, and research/teaching/personal statements. It includes a mix of formal sessions as well as less structured, individual writing time. The goal is for participants to make significant progress on their writing projects while improving their written communication skills. While applications from all disciplines are welcome, CSHL is particularly well-suited to scientists working biological or biomedical settings. Application instructions, including links to online forms, are described here<http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/link.asp?e=laanders@mit.edu&job=2570558&ymlink=36374862&finalurl=https%3A%2F%2Fmeetings%2Ecshl%2Eedu%2Fcourses%2Easpx%3Fcourse%3DC%2DWRITE%26year%3D16> and generous financial aid is available.
For more information, please see the retreat's Web page<http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/link.asp?e=laanders@mit.edu&job=2570558&ymlink=36374862&finalurl=https%3A%2F%2Fmeetings%2Ecshl%2Eedu%2Fcourses%2Easpx%3Fcourse%3DC%2DWRITE%26year%3D16> or contact Charla Lambert<mailto:clambert at cshl.edu?subject=Scientific%20Writing%20Retreat> from the CSHL Meetings & Courses program.
Application deadline: September 9, 2016
Decisions returned: September 23, 2016
Events in Cambridge/Boston:
Kendall Square Concert Series in Partnership with Boston Properties
Passim Presents Concerts at Kendall Center from June to September. Enjoy having your lunch and listening live music at Kendall Square. Concert calendar is available at their website<http://passim.org/club/passim-presents-concerts-kendall-center-12>. Free Concerts. All Summer Long. All Ages. All Over Cambridge!
Dates: Tuesdays, June 7th - September 6th, 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Location: Kendall Center, near Kendall Square Station
Info: link<http://passim.org/club/passim-presents-concerts-kendall-center-12>
Boston Public Library Concerts in the Courtyard
The courtyard of the Central Library in Copley Square, one of Boston's most beautiful spaces, is filled with music during free, one-hour concerts throughout the summer. The courtyard hosts music that ranges from jazz to classical and from world to folk. Concerts are moved indoors in the event of inclement weather.
Dates: Wednesdays, 6:00pm - 7:00pm; Fridays, 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Boston Public Library, 700 Boylston St.
Info: link<http://www.bpl.org/programs/concerts.htm>
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Free affiliate membership with the National Postdoctoral Association: http://www.nationalpostdoc.org/?page=individual_members
*NOTE: MIT is a Collegiate Rep of AWIS, so the MIT community can attend Mass AWIS (http://mass-awis.org/) events at the member price.
First, apply for your free membership through the national AWIS website http://www.awis.org/ as a Collegiate Rep and select the Massachusetts Chapter. Do this prior to registering for any events.
Other helpful sites:
postdocs.mit.edu (Office VPR)
MIT GECD Events<https://gecd.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Spouses&Partners Events<http://spouses.mit.edu/mit-events>
MIT Events<http://events.mit.edu/>
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MIT Writing & Communication Center
The WCC reopens on Sept. 7, and the online scheduler is now open for you to make one-on-one appointments. The Center provides free professional advice about all types of writing and speaking/oral presentations, including specialized help for non-native English speakers. See. http://cmsw.mit.edu/writing-and-communication-center/
MyLife Services
Postdoc Associates and Fellows are eligible for services provided by KGA, Inc. through the Work-Life Center and MyLife Services.
MyLife Services<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/1/-kBne3WjUT8Ww6LEA98gxw/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM> is a free, confidential, 24/7 counseling, consultation, and work-life referral service provided by KGA, Inc., a trusted external provider of employee assistance programs. You can now access a network of experts who can help with the challenges of life and work, such as:
Financial planning, debt management, and legal issues
Personal and work relationships
Sleep and nutrition
Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional concerns
Child and elder care
This includes 5 FREE confidential mental health counseling sessions, as well as access to 24/7 confidential counseling services.
We encourage you to learn more about MyLife Services by calling 1-844-405-LIFE (1-844-405-5433) or going online<http://o6os.mj.am/link/o6os/xlkt8jnnqpg8/2/y46EmaQ0aMF6d85vixaLTg/aHR0cDovL2hyd2ViLm1pdC5lZHUvd29ya2xpZmUvbWl0bXlsaWZlc2VydmljZXM>. You will hear more about MyLife Services later in the summer and early fall, and a postcard with additional details will be in your campus mailbox in the coming days. For more information or to provide feedback, please contact the MIT Work-Life Center<mailto:worklife at mit.edu>.
Spouses&Partners Connect - http://spouses.mit.edu/
Offers social and career-related groups and events for your spouse/partner/family, including a Learning Fair on Aug. 31 from 1-3 pm in W20-307.
MIT Employee Resource Groups
Join an Employee Resource Group (ERG) at MIT!
ERGs are employee-led groups formed around common interests, issues and/or a common bond or background. ERGs host activities such as lectures, socials, dinners, etc. Both Postdoctoral Fellows and Associates are invited to join.
Current ERGs include:
African, Black, American, Caribbean @MIT (ABAC at MIT) ERG
Asian Pacific American ERG
Latino ERG,
Lesbian, Gay, ,Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) ERG
Millennials ERG
Women in IT ERG
Check out the link for more information and upcoming events: http://hrweb.mit.edu/diversity/ergs/current
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