Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 116 in total

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  1. Abdullah MA, Ibrahim MAR, Shapiee MNA, Zakaria MA, Mohd Razman MA, Muazu Musa R, et al.
    PeerJ Comput Sci, 2021;7:e680.
    PMID: 34497873 DOI: 10.7717/peerj-cs.680
    This study aims at classifying flat ground tricks, namely Ollie, Kickflip, Shove-it, Nollie and Frontside 180, through the identification of significant input image transformation on different transfer learning models with optimized Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. A total of six amateur skateboarders (20 ± 7 years of age with at least 5.0 years of experience) executed five tricks for each type of trick repeatedly on a customized ORY skateboard (IMU sensor fused) on a cemented ground. From the IMU data, a total of six raw signals extracted. A total of two input image type, namely raw data (RAW) and Continous Wavelet Transform (CWT), as well as six transfer learning models from three different families along with grid-searched optimized SVM, were investigated towards its efficacy in classifying the skateboarding tricks. It was shown from the study that RAW and CWT input images on MobileNet, MobileNetV2 and ResNet101 transfer learning models demonstrated the best test accuracy at 100% on the test dataset. Nonetheless, by evaluating the computational time amongst the best models, it was established that the CWT-MobileNet-Optimized SVM pipeline was found to be the best. It could be concluded that the proposed method is able to facilitate the judges as well as coaches in identifying skateboarding tricks execution.
  2. Abu Osman NA, Nordin NI, Tan KC, Hosri NAHA, Pei Q, Ng EP, et al.
    Materials (Basel), 2023 Jan 16;16(2).
    PMID: 36676604 DOI: 10.3390/ma16020867
    Hydrazine borane (HB) is a chemical hydrogen storage material with high gravimetric hydrogen density of 15.4 wt%, containing both protic and hydridic hydrogen. However, its limitation is the formation of unfavorable gaseous by-products, such as hydrazine (N2H4) and ammonia (NH3), which are poisons to fuel cell catalyst, upon pyrolysis. Previous studies proved that confinement of ammonia borane (AB) greatly improved the dehydrogenation kinetics and thermodynamics. They function by reducing the particle size of AB and establishing bonds between silica functional groups and AB molecules. In current study, we employed the same strategy using MCM-41 and silica aerogel to investigate the effect of nanosizing towards the hydrogen storage properties of HB. Different loading of HB to the porous supports were investigated and optimized. The optimized loading of HB in MCM-41 and silica aerogel was 1:1 and 0.25:1, respectively. Both confined samples demonstrated great suppression of melting induced sample foaming. However, by-products formation was enhanced over dehydrogenation in an open system decomposition owing to the presence of extensive Si-O···BH3(HB) coordination that further promote the B-N bond cleavage to release N2H4. The Si-OH···N(N2H4) hydrogen bonding may further promote N-N bond cleavage in the resulting N2H4, facilitating the formation of NH3. As temperature increases, the remaining N-N-B oligomeric chains in the porous silica, which are lacking the long-range structure may further undergo intramolecular B-N or N-N cleavage to release substantial amount of N2H4 or NH3. Besides open system decomposition, we also reported a closed system decomposition where complete utilization of the N-H from the released N2H4 and NH3 in the secondary reaction can be achieved, releasing mainly hydrogen upon being heated up to high temperatures. Nanosizing of HB particles via PMMA encapsulation was also attempted. Despite the ester functional group that may favor multiple coordination with HB molecules, these interactions did not impart significant change towards the decomposition of HB selectively towards dehydrogenation.
  3. Moo EK, Han SK, Federico S, Sibole SC, Jinha A, Abu Osman NA, et al.
    J Biomech, 2014 Mar 21;47(5):1004-13.
    PMID: 24480705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2014.01.003
    Cartilage lesions change the microenvironment of cells and may accelerate cartilage degradation through catabolic responses from chondrocytes. In this study, we investigated the effects of structural integrity of the extracellular matrix (ECM) on chondrocytes by comparing the mechanics of cells surrounded by an intact ECM with cells close to a cartilage lesion using experimental and numerical methods. Experimentally, 15% nominal compression was applied to bovine cartilage tissues using a light-transmissible compression system. Target cells in the intact ECM and near lesions were imaged by dual-photon microscopy. Changes in cell morphology (N(cell)=32 for both ECM conditions) were quantified. A two-scale (tissue level and cell level) Finite Element (FE) model was also developed. A 15% nominal compression was applied to a non-linear, biphasic tissue model with the corresponding cell level models studied at different radial locations from the centre of the sample in the transient phase and at steady state. We studied the Green-Lagrange strains in the tissue and cells. Experimental and theoretical results indicated that cells near lesions deform less axially than chondrocytes in the intact ECM at steady state. However, cells near lesions experienced large tensile strains in the principal height direction, which are likely associated with non-uniform tissue radial bulging. Previous experiments showed that tensile strains of high magnitude cause an up-regulation of digestive enzyme gene expressions. Therefore, we propose that cartilage degradation near tissue lesions may be due to the large tensile strains in the principal height direction applied to cells, thus leading to an up-regulation of catabolic factors.
  4. Chan BT, Abu Osman NA, Lim E, Chee KH, Abdul Aziz YF, Abed AA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2013;8(6):e67097.
    PMID: 23825628 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067097
    Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common myocardial disease. It not only leads to systolic dysfunction but also diastolic deficiency. We sought to investigate the effect of idiopathic and ischemic DCM on the intraventricular fluid dynamics and myocardial wall mechanics using a 2D axisymmetrical fluid structure interaction model. In addition, we also studied the individual effect of parameters related to DCM, i.e. peak E-wave velocity, end systolic volume, wall compliance and sphericity index on several important fluid dynamics and myocardial wall mechanics variables during ventricular filling. Intraventricular fluid dynamics and myocardial wall deformation are significantly impaired under DCM conditions, being demonstrated by low vortex intensity, low flow propagation velocity, low intraventricular pressure difference (IVPD) and strain rates, and high-end diastolic pressure and wall stress. Our sensitivity analysis results showed that flow propagation velocity substantially decreases with an increase in wall stiffness, and is relatively independent of preload at low-peak E-wave velocity. Early IVPD is mainly affected by the rate of change of the early filling velocity and end systolic volume which changes the ventriculo:annular ratio. Regional strain rate, on the other hand, is significantly correlated with regional stiffness, and therefore forms a useful indicator for myocardial regional ischemia. The sensitivity analysis results enhance our understanding of the mechanisms leading to clinically observable changes in patients with DCM.
  5. Ong C, Dokos S, Chan B, Lim E, Al Abed A, Bin Abu Osman NA, et al.
    PMID: 23680359 DOI: 10.1186/1742-4682-10-35
    Despite the rapid advancement of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs), adverse events leading to deaths have been frequently reported in patients implanted with LVADs, including bleeding, infection, thromboembolism, neurological dysfunction and hemolysis. Cannulation forms an important component with regards to thrombus formation in assisted patients by varying the intraventricular flow distribution in the left ventricle (LV). To investigate the correlation between LVAD cannula placement and potential for thrombus formation, detailed analysis of the intraventricular flow field was carried out in the present study using a two way fluid structure interaction (FSI), axisymmetric model of a passive LV incorporating an inflow cannula. Three different cannula placements were simulated, with device insertion near the LV apex, penetrating one-fourth and mid-way into the LV long axis. The risk of thrombus formation is assessed by analyzing the intraventricular vorticity distribution and its associated vortex intensity, amount of stagnation flow in the ventricle as well as the level of wall shear stress. Our results show that the one-fourth placement of the cannula into the LV achieves the best performance in reducing the risk of thrombus formation. Compared to cannula placement near the apex, higher vortex intensity is achieved at the one-fourth placement, thus increasing wash out of platelets at the ventricular wall. One-fourth LV penetration produced negligible stagnation flow region near the apical wall region, helping to reduce platelet deposition on the surface of the cannula and the ventricular wall.
  6. Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA, Eshraghi A, Ali S, Sævarsson SK, Wan Abas WA, et al.
    J Rehabil Res Dev, 2012;49(9):1321-30.
    PMID: 23408214
    Poor suspension increases slippage of the residual limb inside the socket during ambulation. The main purpose of this article is to evaluate the pistoning at the prosthetic liner-socket interface during gait and assess patients' satisfaction with two different liners. Two prostheses with seal-in and locking liners were fabricated for each of the 10 subjects with transtibial amputation. The Vicon motion system was used to measure the pistoning during gait. The subjects were also asked to complete a Prosthesis Evaluation Questionnaire. The results revealed higher pistoning inside the socket during gait with the locking liner than with the seal-in liner (p < 0.05). The overall satisfaction with the locking liner was higher (p < 0.05) because of the relative ease with which the patients could don and doff the device. As such, pistoning may not be the main factor that determines patients' overall satisfaction with the prosthesis and other factors may also contribute to comfort and satisfaction with prostheses. The article also verifies the feasibility of the Vicon motion system for measuring pistoning during gait.
  7. Ab Rasid AM, Muazu Musa R, Abdul Majeed APP, Musawi Maliki ABH, Abdullah MR, Mohd Razmaan MA, et al.
    PLoS One, 2024;19(2):e0296467.
    PMID: 38329954 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296467
    The identification and prediction of athletic talent are pivotal in the development of successful sporting careers. Traditional subjective assessment methods have proven unreliable due to their inherent subjectivity, prompting the rise of data-driven techniques favoured for their objectivity. This evolution in statistical analysis facilitates the extraction of pertinent athlete information, enabling the recognition of their potential for excellence in their respective sporting careers. In the current study, we applied a logistic regression-based machine learning pipeline (LR) to identify potential skateboarding athletes from a combination of fitness and motor skills performance variables. Forty-five skateboarders recruited from a variety of skateboarding parks were evaluated on various skateboarding tricks while their fitness and motor skills abilities that consist of stork stance test, dynamic balance, sit ups, plank test, standing broad jump, as well as vertical jump, were evaluated. The performances of the skateboarders were clustered and the LR model was developed to classify the classes of the skateboarders. The cluster analysis identified two groups of skateboarders: high and low potential skateboarders. The LR model achieved 90% of mean accuracy specifying excellent prediction of the skateboarder classes. Further sensitivity analysis revealed that static and dynamic balance, lower body strength, and endurance were the most important factors that contributed to the model's performance. These factors are therefore essential for successful performance in skateboarding. The application of machine learning in talent prediction can greatly assist coaches and other relevant stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding athlete performance.
  8. Ngah AH, Kamalrulzaman NI, Mohamad MFH, Abdul Rashid R, Harun NO, Ariffin NA, et al.
    Qual Quant, 2022 Aug 10.
    PMID: 35971418 DOI: 10.1007/s11135-022-01465-y
    Without proper preparation by higher institutions, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the world to rely on online learning. Even students of social science and science are looking for different knowledge and skills. Currently, both groups rely on the same method to gather knowledge for future undertakings. Given the uncertainty regarding the resolution of COVID-19, which has driven students to continue using online learning, the current study aims to identify the factors of willingness to continue online learning among social science and pure science students by extending the use of expectation-confirmation theory. Applying a purposive sampling method, 2,215 questionnaires were collected among undergraduate students from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) using an online survey. Current study found that expectation and confirmation positively affect satisfaction. Attitude, satisfaction and readiness were found to have a positive relationship with willingness to continue online learning. Meanwhile, self-efficacy was found unsupported hypothesis for the direct effect. For multigroup analysis, readiness was found to have a significant difference between students of social science and pure science. The findings of this research enrich the literature about online learning, especially in the COVID-19 setting. Moreover, this work is useful for higher education institutions seeking to design a better strategy that allows students to return to campus.
  9. Ali Akbari Ghavimi S, Ebrahimzadeh MH, Solati-Hashjin M, Abu Osman NA
    J Biomed Mater Res A, 2015 Jul;103(7):2482-98.
    PMID: 25407786 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.35371
    Interests in the use of biodegradable polymers as biomaterials have grown. Among the different polymeric composites currently available, the blend of starch and polycaprolactone (PCL) has received the most attention since the 1980s. Novamont is the first company that manufactured a PCL/starch (SPCL) composite under the trademark Mater-Bi®. The properties of PCL (a synthetic, hydrophobic, flexible, expensive polymer with a low degradation rate) and starch (a natural, hydrophilic, stiff, abundant polymer with a high degradation rate) blends are interesting because of the composite components have completely different structures and characteristics. PCL can adjust humidity sensitivity of starch as a biomaterial; while starch can enhance the low biodegradation rate of PCL. Thus, by appropriate blending, SPCL can overcome important limitations of both PCL and starch components and promote controllable behavior in terms of mechanical properties and degradation which make it suitable for many biomedical applications. This article reviewed the different fabrication and modification methods of the SPCL composite; different properties such as structural, physical, and chemical as well as degradation behavior; and different applications as biomaterials.
  10. Ataollahi Oshkour A, Pramanik S, Shirazi SF, Mehrali M, Yau YH, Abu Osman NA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:616804.
    PMID: 25538954 DOI: 10.1155/2014/616804
    This study investigated the impact of calcium silicate (CS) content on composition, compressive mechanical properties, and hardness of CS cermets with Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V alloys sintered at 1200°C. The powder metallurgy route was exploited to prepare the cermets. New phases of materials of Ni16Ti6Si7, CaTiO3, and Ni31Si12 appeared in cermet of Ti-55Ni with CS and in cermet of Ti-6Al-4V with CS, the new phases Ti5Si3, Ti2O, and CaTiO3, which were emerged during sintering at different CS content (wt%). The minimum shrinkage and density were observed in both groups of cermets for the 50 and 100 wt% CS content, respectively. The cermets with 40 wt% of CS had minimum compressive Young's modulus. The minimum of compressive strength and strain percentage at maximum load were revealed in cermets with 50 and 40 wt% of CS with Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V cermets, respectively. The cermets with 80 and 90 wt% of CS showed more plasticity than the pure CS. It concluded that the composition and mechanical properties of sintered cermets of Ti-55Ni and Ti-6Al-4V with CS significantly depend on the CS content in raw cermet materials. Thus, the different mechanical properties of the cermets can be used as potential materials for different hard tissues replacements.
  11. Gholizadeh H, Abu Osman NA, Eshraghi A, Arifin N, Chung TY
    Prosthet Orthot Int, 2016 Aug;40(4):509-16.
    PMID: 25583929 DOI: 10.1177/0309364614564022
    BACKGROUND: This article describes a total surface bearing prosthetic socket for a patient (25-year-old female) with a bulbous stump.

    CASE DESCRIPTION AND METHODS: The subject had unstable excessive soft tissue at the distal end of the residuum. After 2 years of prosthetic use, she experienced several problems, including pain in the residual limb and knee joint. Pressure distribution was evaluated during ambulation. We also designed a total surface bearing socket with Velcro as suspension system to distribute the load evenly on the residual limb, and to facilitate donning procedure.

    FINDINGS AND OUTCOMES: The main site of weight bearing in the old prosthesis (patellar tendon bearing) was anterior proximal region of the residual limb, especially the patellar tendon. The pressure was almost 10 times higher than the distal region during level walking. Pressures were distributed more evenly with the total surface bearing socket design, and the donning was much easier.

    CONCLUSION: Pressure distribution within the socket could be affected by socket design and suspension system. Using the total surface bearing socket and Velcro as suspension system might facilitate donning of prosthesis and reduce traction at the end of residual limb during the swing phase of gait.

    CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Proper socket design and suspension system based on the amputees' need can facilitate rehabilitation process and lead to the amputee's satisfaction. The pressure is distributed more uniformly over the residual limb by the total surface bearing socket compared to the patellar tendon bearing socket for lower limb amputees with unusual stump shape.

  12. Oshkour AA, Talebi H, Shirazi SF, Bayat M, Yau YH, Tarlochan F, et al.
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:807621.
    PMID: 25302331 DOI: 10.1155/2014/807621
    This study is focused on finite element analysis of a model comprising femur into which a femoral component of a total hip replacement was implanted. The considered prosthesis is fabricated from a functionally graded material (FGM) comprising a layer of a titanium alloy bonded to a layer of hydroxyapatite. The elastic modulus of the FGM was adjusted in the radial, longitudinal, and longitudinal-radial directions by altering the volume fraction gradient exponent. Four cases were studied, involving two different methods of anchoring the prosthesis to the spongy bone and two cases of applied loading. The results revealed that the FG prostheses provoked more SED to the bone. The FG prostheses carried less stress, while more stress was induced to the bone and cement. Meanwhile, less shear interface stress was stimulated to the prosthesis-bone interface in the noncemented FG prostheses. The cement-bone interface carried more stress compared to the prosthesis-cement interface. Stair climbing induced more harmful effects to the implanted femur components compared to the normal walking by causing more stress. Therefore, stress shielding, developed stresses, and interface stresses in the THR components could be adjusted through the controlling stiffness of the FG prosthesis by managing volume fraction gradient exponent.
  13. Khalaj N, Abu Osman NA, Mokhtar AH, George J, Abas WA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:815184.
    PMID: 25136689 DOI: 10.1155/2014/815184
    Knee osteoarthritis is a common cause of disability which influences the quality of life. It is associated with impaired knee joint proprioception, which affects postural stability. Postural stability is critical for mobility and physical activities. Different types of treatment including nonsurgical and surgical are used for knee osteoarthritis. Hyaluronic acid injection is a nonsurgical popular treatment used worldwide. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of hyaluronic acid injections on postural stability in individuals with bilateral knee osteoarthritis. Fifty patients aged between 50 and 70 years with mild and moderate bilateral knee osteoarthritis participated in our study. They were categorized into treatment (n = 25) and control (n = 25) groups. The treatment group received five weekly hyaluronic acid injections for both knees, whereas the control group did not receive any treatment. Postural stability and fall risk were assessed using the Biodex Stability System and clinical "Timed Up and Go" test. All the participants completed the study. The treatment group showed significant decrease in postural stability and fall risk scores after five hyaluronic acid injections. In contrast, the control group showed significant increase. This study illustrated that five intra-articular hyaluronic acid injections could significantly improve postural stability and fall risk in bilateral knee osteoarthritis patients. This trial is registered with: NCT02063373.
  14. Ali S, Abu Osman NA, Arifin N, Gholizadeh H, Abd Razak NA, Abas WA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:769810.
    PMID: 25184154 DOI: 10.1155/2014/769810
    This study aimed to compare the effect of satisfaction and perceived problems between Pelite, Dermo with shuttle lock, and Seal-In X5 liners on the transtibial amputees.
  15. Pirouzi G, Abu Osman NA, Oshkour AA, Ali S, Gholizadeh H, Abas WA
    Sensors (Basel), 2014;14(9):16754-65.
    PMID: 25207872 DOI: 10.3390/s140916754
    The suspension system and socket fitting of artificial limbs have major roles and vital effects on the comfort, mobility, and satisfaction of amputees. This paper introduces a new pneumatic suspension system that overcomes the drawbacks of current suspension systems in donning and doffing, change in volume during daily activities, and pressure distribution in the socket-stump interface. An air pneumatic suspension system (APSS) for total-contact sockets was designed and developed. Pistoning and pressure distribution in the socket-stump interface were tested for the new APSS. More than 95% of the area between each prosthetic socket and liner was measured using a Tekscan F-Scan pressure measurement which has developed matrix-based pressure sensing systems. The variance in pressure around the stump was 8.76 kPa. APSS exhibits less pressure concentration around the stump, improved pressure distribution, easy donning and doffing, adjustability to remain fitted to the socket during daily activities, and more adaptability to the changes in stump volume. The volume changes were adjusted by utility of air pressure sensor. The vertical displacement point and reliability of suspension were assessed using a photographic method. The optimum pressure in every level of loading weight was 55 kPa, and the maximum displacement was 6 mm when 90 N of weight was loaded.
  16. Arifin N, Abu Osman NA, Ali S, Gholizadeh H, Abas WA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:856279.
    PMID: 25003155 DOI: 10.1155/2014/856279
    This study aimed to evaluate the effects of prosthetic foot types on the postural stability among transtibial amputees when standing on different support surfaces.
  17. Pirouzi G, Abu Osman NA, Eshraghi A, Ali S, Gholizadeh H, Wan Abas WA
    ScientificWorldJournal, 2014;2014:849073.
    PMID: 25197716 DOI: 10.1155/2014/849073
    Socket is an important part of every prosthetic limb as an interface between the residual limb and prosthetic components. Biomechanics of socket-residual limb interface, especially the pressure and force distribution, have effect on patient satisfaction and function. This paper aimed to review and evaluate studies conducted in the last decades on the design of socket, in-socket interface pressure measurement, and socket biomechanics. Literature was searched to find related keywords with transtibial amputation, socket-residual limb interface, socket measurement, socket design, modeling, computational modeling, and suspension system. In accordance with the selection criteria, 19 articles were selected for further analysis. It was revealed that pressure and stress have been studied in the last decaeds, but quantitative evaluations remain inapplicable in clinical settings. This study also illustrates prevailing systems, which may facilitate improvements in socket design for improved quality of life for individuals ambulating with transtibial prosthesis. It is hoped that the review will better facilitate the understanding and determine the clinical relevance of quantitative evaluations.
  18. Eshraghi A, Abu Osman NA, Gholizadeh H, Ali S, Abas WA
    Am J Phys Med Rehabil, 2015 Jan;94(1):1-10.
    PMID: 24919079 DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000134
    This study aimed to compare the effects of different suspension methods on the interface stress inside the prosthetic sockets of transtibial amputees when negotiating ramps and stairs.
  19. Khalaj N, Abu Osman NA, Mokhtar AH, Mehdikhani M, Wan Abas WA
    PLoS One, 2014;9(3):e92270.
    PMID: 24642715 DOI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC39584
    Balance is essential for mobility and performing activities of daily living. People with knee osteoarthritis display impairment in knee joint proprioception. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate balance and risk of fall in individuals with bilateral mild and moderate knee osteoarthritis. Sixty subjects aged between 50 and 70 years volunteered in this study. They were categorized into three groups which were healthy (n = 20), mild (n = 20) and moderate (n = 20) bilateral knee osteoarthritis groups. Dynamic and static balance and risk of fall were assessed using Biodex Stability System. In addition, Timed Up and Go test was used as a clinical test for balance. Results of this study illustrated that there were significant differences in balance (dynamic and static) and risk of fall between three groups. In addition, the main (most significant) difference was found to be between healthy group and moderate group. Furthermore, on clinical scoring of balance, the "Timed Up and Go" test, all three groups showed significant difference. In conclusion, bilateral knee osteoarthritis impaired the balance and increased the risk of fall, particularly in people with moderate knee osteoarthritis.
  20. Oshkour AA, Talebi H, Seyed Shirazi SF, Yau YH, Tarlochan F, Abu Osman NA
    Artif Organs, 2015 Feb;39(2):156-64.
    PMID: 24841371 DOI: 10.1111/aor.12315
    This study aimed to assess the performance of different longitudinal functionally graded femoral prostheses. This study was also designed to develop an appropriate prosthetic geometric design for longitudinal functionally graded materials. Three-dimensional models of the femur and prostheses were developed and analyzed. The elastic modulus of these prostheses in the sagittal plane was adjusted along a gradient direction from the distal end to the proximal end. Furthermore, these prostheses were composed of titanium alloy and hydroxyapatite. Results revealed that strain energy, interface stress, and developed stress in the femoral prosthesis and the bone were influenced by prosthetic geometry and gradient index. In all of the prostheses with different geometries, strain energy increased as gradient index increased. Interface stress and developed stress decreased. The minimum principal stress and the maximum principal stress of the bone slightly increased as gradient index increased. Hence, the combination of the femoral prosthetic geometry and functionally graded materials can be employed to decrease stress shielding. Such a combination can also be utilized to achieve equilibrium in terms of the stress applied on the implanted femur constituents; thus, the lifespan of total hip replacement can be prolonged.
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