Winter Solstice Traditions Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the stone structure mentioned in the content?

  • To serve as a gathering place for lottery winners
  • To provide shelter during winter solstice celebrations
  • To act as a tourist attraction year-round
  • To allow light to illuminate carvings at sunrise (correct)

What happens during the winter solstice at the stone structure?

  • Light illuminates the structure for a continuous period
  • Light illuminates the carvings for approximately 17 minutes (correct)
  • It is exclusively open to the public without restrictions
  • Visitors can stay for hours to appreciate the carvings

What specific event is held in San Francisco during the winter solstice?

  • A concert featuring local artists
  • Sleigh riding and ice lantern lighting
  • A massive bonfire on Ocean Beach (correct)
  • A marathon celebrating the longest night

How is admission to the central chamber of the stone structure managed from December 19th to 23rd?

<p>Restricted lottery access to a few dozen people (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What activity is NOT mentioned as a winter solstice tradition in Anchorage, Alaska?

<p>Participating in a midnight sun celebration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement does Trump have among U.S. presidents concerning electoral votes?

<p>Only the second president to win for non-consecutive terms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many votes did Trump secure in the recent election?

<p>Almost 72 million. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What age does Trump hold as a record during his reelection?

<p>78 years old. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who will become the first millennial vice president of the United States?

<p>JD Vance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many electoral votes did Trump secure to win the presidency?

<p>292 electoral votes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for the Republican Party in the Senate following the election?

<p>Secured a majority of seats. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Trump's opponent in the recent election?

<p>Kamala Harris. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Trump promise during his victory speech?

<p>To fight for a strong and prosperous America. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does the newly developed drone possess?

<p>It recharges its battery using energy from overhead power lines. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated worth of the Chew Valley Hoard?

<p>Around $5.5 million. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following historical events is linked to the timing of the burial of the Chew Valley coins?

<p>The Norman Conquest of 1066. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the drone's technology allows it to locate power lines?

<p>Radar sensors and cameras. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What tree type was selected for the construction of LignoSat?

<p>Magnolia. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does LignoSat aim to contribute to spacecraft design?

<p>By establishing the viability of using wood in space conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Upon recharging from power lines, what does the drone do next?

<p>It completes a scheduled mission. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year was the wooden satellite LignoSat launched?

<ol start="2024"> <li>(A)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is one common practice associated with ancient coins that was found in some of the Chew Valley Hoard?

<p>Cutting coins in half to create smaller denominations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant potential do the drones have according to Professor Ebeid?

<p>Improving efficiency in power line inspections and maintenance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial reaction of Adam Staples upon discovering the Chew Valley Hoard?

<p>He recognized it as something extraordinary. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of conference was LignoSat unveiled at?

<p>The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What primary benefit does LignoSat provide in the context of space exploration?

<p>It contributes to reducing space junk. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential environmental issue caused by traditional satellites re-entering Earth's atmosphere?

<p>They release aluminum oxide particles. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit of developing wooden satellites as proposed by researchers?

<p>They leave behind only water and carbon dioxide after burning. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant record did Aftershock II achieve during its launch?

<p>It reached the highest altitude for an amateur rocket. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which material innovation contributed significantly to Aftershock II's success?

<p>Titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will the LignoSat satellite do during its six-month orbit?

<p>Gather data for future satellite designs. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of RPL’s next goals after breaking the altitude record?

<p>To create sounding rockets for scientific research. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What astronomical event marks the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere?

<p>Winter solstice. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did ancient cultures respond to the winter solstice?

<p>They held elaborate rituals to signify the Sun's rebirth. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What unique feature does Stonehenge have related to the winter solstice?

<p>Its stones align with the movement of the Sun during solstices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What height limit is set for amateur rocketry, according to RPL's Executive Engineer?

<p>490,000 feet. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During what time frame did Aftershock II reach its peak altitude?

<p>92 seconds after launch. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many people were involved in the development of Aftershock II?

<ol start="100"> <li>(B)</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What significant characteristic defines the wooden satellites being researched?

<p>They can withstand harsh space conditions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using trees for construction in space?

<p>Timber can be produced independently. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the Europa Clipper mission?

<p>To determine the possibility of life under Europa's icy crust (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the main ingredients for life believed to be present on Europa?

<p>Liquid water, energy, and chemical elements (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How far will the Europa Clipper spacecraft travel to reach Europa?

<p>1.8 billion miles (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the sources of energy that keeps Europa’s ocean from freezing?

<p>Jupiter's gravitational pull (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Europa Clipper's nine instruments?

<p>They will map the moon and analyze its icy shell. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What major event is set to occur shortly after the Europa Clipper's launch?

<p>It will conduct a flyby of Mars. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the November full moon referred to as the Beaver Moon?

<p>It marks the hunting season for beaver pelts. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During its mission, how many times will the Europa Clipper fly over Europa?

<p>49 times (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes supermoons from regular full moons?

<p>They are larger and brighter due to their proximity to Earth. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What will happen to the Europa Clipper once its mission is completed?

<p>It will crash into Ganymede. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What misconception do some people hold about supermoons?

<p>They cause significant tidal waves. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long will it take the Europa Clipper to reach Jupiter's moon?

<p>About 5.5 years (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What layer is likely to be above Europa's ocean?

<p>An icy crust (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Who is the 47th US President?

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States.

How many electoral votes did Trump win?

In the 2024 election, Donald Trump secured 292 electoral votes, exceeding the required 270 votes to win the presidency.

What is significant about Donald Trump's age?

Donald Trump is the oldest person to be elected President of the United States, at the age of 78.

What is unique about Trump's win in terms of presidential terms?

Donald Trump is the second person in US history to win the presidency for two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.

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What is noteworthy about JD Vance's role?

JD Vance, Donald Trump's running mate, is set to become the first millennial to serve as Vice President of the United States.

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Which party won the majority of Senate seats?

The Republican Party secured a majority of seats in the Senate in the 2024 elections.

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What's the current status of the House of Representatives race?

The outcome of the House of Representatives race is still undecided in the 2024 election, but the Republicans appear to be leaning towards a majority.

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What was the key message of Trump's victory speech?

Donald Trump stated in his victory speech that he will fight for the American people and work towards creating a strong, safe, and prosperous nation.

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Drone Battery Limitation

The inability of drones to fly for extended periods due to limited battery life.

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Drone Power Line Recharging

A technology developed by Professor Emad Ebeid at the University of Southern Denmark that allows drones to recharge their batteries by attaching to overhead power lines.

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Drone Recharging Process

The process by which the drone locates a power line using radar and cameras and secures itself to it using a specially designed gripper.

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Magnetic Circuit for Recharging

The magnetic circuit activated once the drone securely connects to a power line, allowing it to draw energy and recharge its battery.

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Benefits of Drone Recharging

The potential benefits of drone power line recharging, including efficiency improvement, cost reduction, and safety enhancement in power line inspections and maintenance.

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Chew Valley Hoard

A collection of 2,584 silver coins from the 11th century, discovered in Chew Valley, Somerset, England by metal detectorists in 2019.

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Historical Significance of Chew Valley Hoard

The historical significance of the Chew Valley Hoard, representing a turning point in England's history following the Norman Conquest of 1066.

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Coin Cutting for Smaller Units

The practice of cutting coins in half during ancient times to create smaller denominations.

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Value of Chew Valley Hoard in 11th Century

The estimated value of the Chew Valley Hoard in terms of sheep or annual income of a large estate during the 11th century.

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LignoSat

A satellite made primarily of wood, developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, launched from the International Space Station in 2024.

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LignoSat's Mission

The mission of LignoSat, which is to investigate the feasibility of using wood for spacecraft construction in the harsh conditions of space.

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Advantages of Using Wood in Space

The potential benefits of using wood for spacecraft construction, including a more environmentally friendly approach to space exploration.

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Reducing Space Junk with Wood

The primary reason for testing a wooden satellite - reducing space junk by using materials that decompose safely in Earth's atmosphere.

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Aluminum in Spacecraft - Space Junk Creation

The common material used for building satellites, which reacts with oxygen when burning up in the Earth's atmosphere, creating space junk.

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Why is Europa a prime candidate for alien life?

Europa, the fourth largest moon of Jupiter, is considered one of the top candidates for extraterrestrial life due to the presence of liquid water, a source of energy, and essential chemical elements.

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What makes Europa's ocean significant?

Europa's underground ocean is believed to be larger than all of Earth's oceans combined, making it a vast potential reservoir for life.

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What is Europa's source of energy?

Jupiter's gravitational pull stretches and squeezes Europa's interior, generating heat that prevents the underground ocean from freezing and could potentially support life.

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What are the essential elements found on Europa's surface?

Europa's surface contains essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, which are crucial for life as we know it.

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What is the Europa Clipper mission's primary objective?

The Europa Clipper mission aims to explore Europa's icy shell and the ocean beneath it using a suite of nine scientific instruments.

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How will the Europa Clipper mission study Europa?

The Europa Clipper spacecraft will fly past Europa 49 times, collecting data to map the moon and study its icy shell and subsurface ocean.

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What is the goal of the Europa Clipper mission?

The Europa Clipper mission is designed to determine if there are areas below Europa's icy surface that could support life, but it is not specifically searching for alien life.

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How will the Europa Clipper reach Jupiter?

The spacecraft will use gravity assist maneuvers to gain speed during its journey to Jupiter, utilizing the gravitational pulls of Mars and Earth.

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What is a supermoon?

A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the lunar perigee, the point in the Moon's orbit where it is closest to Earth.

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Why is the November full moon called the Beaver Moon?

The November full moon is called the Beaver Moon because it signifies the time when beavers prepare for winter by building their lodges.

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What is special about the November 2024 supermoon?

The November 2024 supermoon will be the last supermoon of the year, following the Blue Moon, Harvest Moon, and Hunter Moon.

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What causes the Moon's distance from Earth to vary?

The Moon's elliptical orbit causes its distance from Earth to vary, resulting in periods when it's closer (perigee) and farther (apogee).

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How far away will the November 2024 supermoon be from Earth?

The November 2024 supermoon will be about 224,853 miles from Earth, slightly farther than the record close supermoon in 2016.

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Will the November 2024 supermoon be impressive?

Despite being farther away than the closest supermoon in history, the November 2024 supermoon will still be a spectacular sight.

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Are supermoons linked to natural disasters?

Scientists have not found evidence to support the claim that supermoons cause significant events like earthquakes or tidal waves.

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What are alumina particles?

Tiny particles of aluminum oxide released when satellites burn up in the atmosphere, potentially harming the ozone layer.

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What is LignoSat?

A wooden satellite designed by Kyoto University to test the viability of wood in space.

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What is the vision for future space construction with wood?

The hypothetical future of using wood to construct habitats in space.

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What is the Kármán line?

The international boundary that marks the beginning of space, 100 kilometers above Earth's surface.

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What is a sounding rocket?

A type of rocket designed to carry scientific payloads for short durations, usually for research purposes.

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What is the significance of Aftershock II?

The launch of a rocket built and designed by students at the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab, which broke a 20-year-old record for amateur rocketry.

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What is the internationally recognized edge of space?

The imaginary line that marks the point where the Earth's atmosphere starts to fade into space, 100 kilometers above Earth's surface.

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What are harsh space conditions?

Extreme conditions experienced by objects traveling at high speeds in the atmosphere, such as intense heat generated by friction.

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What is timber?

A material that is derived from trees and used for construction purposes.

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What is heat-resistant paint?

A type of paint designed to withstand high temperatures, often used for rockets and satellites.

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What is an amateur rocket space altitude record?

A record set by a rocket that reaches a certain height above the Earth's surface, often in space.

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What marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere?

The day with the shortest amount of daylight and the longest night in the Northern Hemisphere, typically occurring on December 21st.

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What is Stonehenge?

A stone circle in Wiltshire, England, believed to have been built for solstice ceremonies.

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What is Newgrange?

A site in Boyne Valley, Ireland, known for its ancient solstice celebrations.

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When is the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere?

The day with the longest amount of daylight and the shortest night in the Southern Hemisphere, also occurring on December 21st.

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How long is the light beam visible in Newgrange?

The light illuminates the intricate carvings inside the structure for about 17 minutes.

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How is access to Newgrange during the winter solstice managed?

The event is popular and access to the chamber on these days is limited to a few dozen people selected by lottery.

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How do some US cities celebrate the winter solstice?

Many cities in the US celebrate the winter solstice with unique traditions, like bonfire gatherings and activities like sledding.

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What is unique about the winter solstice in Anchorage, Alaska?

In Anchorage, Alaska, the winter solstice is notable for its over-18-hour-long night, offering a chance to experience the spectacular Northern Lights.

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Study Notes

Donald Trump's Presidential Return

  • Trump was reelected US president on November 5, 2024, securing 292 electoral votes (22 more than the needed 270).
  • He is projected to win the national popular vote, with almost 72 million votes compared to Kamala Harris's approximately 67 million.
  • This will make him the first Republican candidate to win both electoral and popular votes since George W. Bush (2004 reelection).
  • At 78 years old, Trump holds the record for the oldest US president elected.
  • He is the second person ever to win the presidency in two non-consecutive terms, following Grover Cleveland.
  • Trump's Vice President-elect, JD Vance, will be the first millennial Vice President (born between 1981-1996) and among the youngest ever.

NASA's Europa Clipper Mission

  • The Europa Clipper spacecraft launched on October 14, 2024, to Jupiter's moon Europa.
  • The mission's aim is to explore if areas beneath Europa's icy surface could support life.
  • Europa is considered a top candidate for extraterrestrial life due to potential liquid water, energy sources (Jupiter's gravitational pull), and essential chemical elements (like carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen).
  • The spacecraft will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of Europa, mapping the icy moon and collecting data from its nine instruments to understand the thickness of Europa's icy shell and the composition of potential subsurface oceans.
  • It will reach Jupiter's orbit in April 2030.
  • After its mission, it will crash into Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon.

November 2024 Supermoon

  • The November 15, 2024 supermoon is the last of four consecutive supermoons this year.
  • Supermoons are full moons that coincide with the lunar perigee (closest point to Earth).
  • The November 2024 supermoon will be about 224,853 miles from Earth (slightly farther than the 2016 supermoon).
  • Despite being slightly further than recent supermoons, it will still be an impressive event.
  • Supermoons are, on average, 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon.
  • The November full moon is also known as the Beaver Moon, Frost Moon, Freezing Moon, or Digging Moon relating to beavers preparing for winter.

Drone Recharge Technology

  • A technology developed by the University of Southern Denmark allows drones to recharge from power lines.
  • This involves using radar sensors and cameras to locate nearby power lines.
  • The drone, equipped with a specially designed gripper, attaches itself to the line for power and recharges by magnetic circuit.
  • A 9.5-pound prototype successfully recharged itself five times and flew for over two hours in testing.
  • This could revolutionize power line inspection and maintenance, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and safer than using helicopters or ground crews.

Ancient Silver Coin Discovery

  • In January 2019, metal detectorists unearthed the Chew Valley Hoard — a collection of 2,584 silver pennies from the 11th century (1066-1068).
  • The hoard was purchased by the South West Heritage Trust for $5.5 million. $2.8 million goes to the land owner and half each to the finders.
  • The coins featured either King Harold II or William I (Norman Conquest) and were likely hidden for safekeeping.
  • Experts believe the coins held a value equivalent to roughly 500 sheep or a large estate's annual income.
  • The coins will be exhibited in museums across the UK, culminating in a permanent collection at the South West Museum of Somerset.

Wooden Satellite (LignoSat)

  • LignoSat, the first mostly-wooden satellite, reached the International Space Station (ISS) in November 2024.
  • The mission, a collaboration between Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, aims to determine if wood can withstand space conditions.
  • It is intended to reduce space junk, unlike aluminum-based satellites, as burning will leave behind water and carbon dioxide.
  • LignoSat will orbit Earth for six months and collect data before burning up in the atmosphere.

Student-Built Rocket Record

  • A student-built rocket, Aftershock II, launched from the Black Rock Desert in October 2024 shattering a 20-year-old record for amateur space altitude.
  • It reached an altitude of 470,000 feet (143.3 km).
  • Innovations like titanium-coated fins and heat-resistant paint allowed it to maintain speed and temperature. Computer systems provided real-time data throughout the flight.
  • Aftershock II’s goal is now to develop "sounding" rockets for scientific research purposes.

December Solstice

  • December 21, 2024, marks the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • It’s the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere while marking the longest day and shortest night in the Southern Hemisphere
  • This is due to Earth's tilt of 23.5 degrees and its orbit around the sun.
  • Historical significance is noted about solstice celebrations. Evidence is given for Stonehenge and Newgrange.
  • Modern observances in major cities (San Francisco and Anchorage) are also noted.

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Description

Test your knowledge on winter solstice traditions, including the significance of a famous stone structure and events held in various locations such as San Francisco and Anchorage. Discover what activities are celebrated and how access is managed at key sites during this time of year.

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