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GLOBAL UNIVERSAL DESIGN EDUCATORS
Online News

Produced monthly by Elaine Ostroff in cooperation with
the Adaptive Environments Center, Boston, MA., USA

Volume 1, Number 8, AUGUST 1999

Contents

EDITOR'S NOTE 

This issue highlights the continuing research in universal design in the United Kingdom, with articles on the research for ATMs conducted for the Centre on Accessible Environments; FutureWork and a new inclusive design project at DesignAge in cooperation with other universities and industry. Universal design in information is promoted, through a recent Internet accessibility training in Thailand, illustrating the UN effort to build technology capacity and the Trace Center announces its training program on the designing for usability of telecommunications products. The Designing for the 21st Century II Conference reminds you of the upcoming deadline for proposals, and also announces the international jurors for the Student Design Competition. We're very pleased to hear from students who have questions for you as well as discoveries as they investigate universal design.. 

Information may be freely copied and quoted as long as the individual author and this source is cited. Previous issues as well as this issue of the Online News are available online at the Adaptive Environments website at http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org in the Universal Design section. 

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NEWS FROM THE GLOBAL NETWORK 

AUSTRALIA 

My name is Michael Cornish and I am currently completing my honours year in Industrial Design at Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia. I have chosen to do two research projects (Ed. Note: the following is a very abbreviated description of these projects). 

Project 1
My first research project consists of a saucepan design. Conventional saucepan design utilizes a horizontal handle relying on a person having strong wrists and good grasping ability, making it awkward for people with arthritis. A technique suggested by Occupational Therapists for pouring, is to use the handle as a lever resting the bottom edge of the saucepan on the edge of the sink and tilting it. Do you know of any current development or research on this topic? Are you aware of any studies or have encountered better methods of Gripping, for people with manipulatory disabilities? 

Project 2 
The second project I am working on is a children's cot, looking at SIDS and entrapment (when children get wedged in the gap between the mattress and the side of the cot). Firstly I am interested to know what sort of features might make the cot easier to use for parents or carers with disabilities, or what kind of difficulties parents or carers with disabilities face when using the cot for their child? 

If you can help me with any of my requests or would like information on any of my projects please contact me at leighc@smartchat.net.au. 

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INDIA 

Anshuman Madan, a student of architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi, writes to share his discovery of a `universally designed' 17th century fort, with readers of the Monthly Online News. "I am in the fifth year of my undergraduate study. I am due to present a Seminar on `Architecture for the differently abled' in November this year. During the course of my of my research, I stumbled across certain 17th century forts in the state of Maharashtra (India) that seemed to me to be perfect examples of `universal design'. The whole of the forts have been built underground for obvious purposes of good defense. There is no light which penetrates into these places. The designer, has with the beautiful use of textures on the walls, allowed the user to find his way around the place. Furthermore, sharp edges and corners have been mostly avoided. In my experience, I encountered no steps within the buildings. Height differences are navigated with ramps. This could either be a conscious decision or it could be to facilitate the movement of horses. If you feel the need for any further information on this topic, I should be glad to furnish it for you". Mr. Madan can be reached at amadans@hotmail.com. 

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ITALY 

Dr. Dr. Luigi Biocca , of the CNR ICITE, sends his review of a book documenting a recent Italian competition. He notes that "He only selected some of the most relevant of the many projects to describe". For further information, write to him at: Luigi Biocca md3285@mclink.it

IDEAS, SUGGESTIONS AND DESIGN PROPOSALS PRESENTED WITHIN ITALIAN PROGRAM `PROGETTO IDEA'. 

ERVET, a consortium made of public and private companies, with the relevant participation of the Italian regional government of Emilia-Romagna, launched a design project called Progetto Idea in order to stimulate and find out ideas, suggestions, devices and design of every kind of solution enhancing the independence and the quality of life of the frail user groups. The range of the proposals includes different sectors of the human activities: living at home, mobility, transportation, etc. A short list of the most interesting solutions is here selected and illustrated. The ideas come out mostly from the manufacturers. The examples are described anonymously, due to patent processing. 

  • Adjustable components for a universal bathroom: A system of sanitary equipment made with full height adjustable components, designed for an easy use and recessed inside wall boxes when not in use. This will allow a comfortable and flexible use also in relatively small areas. The system is accessible and very easy to operate for the most of users. 
  • `Roll-box' wardrobe: Designed for those who need an easy-to-operate closet and usable by everyone. A rolling system provides allow an easy choice of hanged clothes, while other dressing items can be reached by height adjustable racks. 
  • Clothing injury prevention system: Clothing manufactured with special inner features for absorbing or reducing damages from fractures; it is a kind of underwear with some pads in light and soft materials which protect body areas mostly subject to fractures, and at the same time do not hinder moving. 
  • Dispenser system operated by a single hand: A simple system applicable to every liquid dispenser without screwing the cap in/out and lifting a bottle. Opening/closing a bottle can be operated with no stress by a single hand also by those who may suffer mobility limitations. 
  • Moys rescue: A conveyor ribbon that allows disabled to enter swimming pools. It is controlled through electric power and runs both in a horizontal and sloped layout. 

References: ERVET (1998), Progetto Idea, Iniziative per Anziani e Disabili, Proceedings, Vol. 1, Bologna. 

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JAPAN 

The E&C Project of Japan announces that they have recently changed their name to Kyoyohin Promoting Organization on August 3, 1999. Kyoyohin is the concept of design that is usable by all people. 

Since 1991, E&C has been a very active non profit membership organization comprised of industry based designers and other advocates. They became a foundation authorized by the Ministry of International Trade and Commerce in April, 1999. Their English website is at: http://www.eandc.org/introe.html. 

They have recently distributed the results of their international survey about Kyoyohin. Watch for a summary in the September issue of the Monthly Online News. 

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THAILAND 

The Seminar on Internet Accessibility and Persons with Disabilities _ an ASEAN Perspective was held in Bangkok, Thailand from 12-16 July 1999. 

35 people, including 15 people who represented the six member states of Indonesia, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam participated in the week-long workshop. Work groups provided an opportunity for each of the six teams to identify priorities for action and formulate an outline for a "strategic planning framework" to promote Internet accessibility for all. 

The Seminar was a join undertaking of the Secretariat of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Subcommittee on Microelectronics and Information Technology (SCMIT) in cooperation with National Institute of Development Administration of Thailand (NIDA), The Division for Social Policy and Development of the United Nations Secretariat in collaboration with the Social Development Division of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and Pacific. provided substantial assistance in developing the program. 

The Seminar had its origins in a proposal of the delegation of the Republic of the Philippines, joined by the delegation of the Republic of Indonesia, at the thirty-seventh session of the United Nations Commission for Social Development (New York, 9-19 February 1999) requesting assistance of the United Nations to organize a sub-regional technical exchange on Internet accessibility and equalization of opportunities of persons with disabilities. 

Dr. Juree Vichit-Vadakan, President of NIDA, and Dr. Linda S. Posadas, Assistant Director of Science and Technology, the ASEAN Secretariat, made opening remarks on behalf of their agencies. Dr. Posadas noted that the Seminar is occurring at the time that ASEAN is studying concept of an "ASEAN Information Infrastructure" (AII) and examining the technological, legal, regulatory and related issues that need to be addressed to ensure its success. The AII is one of the key activities listed in the "Hanoi Plan of Action" that was adopted by the Sixth ASEAN Summit, held in December 1998 at Hanoi. The mandate for regional information technology development emanates from the heads of State and Government and thus enjoys support at the highest levels of leadership in ASEAN. The ASEAN Secretariat is using Internet technology as an enabling tool to promote regional integration and to strengthen co-operation among ASEAN member States. Internet accessibility is important to ASEAN. 

The international Presentation Team assisting NIDA organize and conduct the Seminar was directed by Leo Valdes of the Vision Support Office of Canada. The Seminar used lecture conferences, multimedia CD-ROM presentations and distance collaboration _ Internet chat _ to review and discuss information policy, technology and structural issues and trends and their implications for designing and implementing accessible Internet-based resources. The topics and co-leaders were: Internet Technology with Charles Kuhlman; Internet Policy with John Mathiason; Distance Collaboration with Matt Bonham; Accessible Internet with Leo Valdes; and Planning for Accessibility with John Mathiason. Mr. Valdes established an accessible Internet presence on the World Wide Web to publish pre-Seminar materials and to support the Seminar proceedings, at http://www.worldenable.org. 

The Seminar also had a brief introduction to activities of the "DAISY Consortium" for talking books, and the accessible information resources and assistive technology development activities of the Japanese Society for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, a non-governmental organization, by the Director of its Information Center, Mr. H. Kawamura. A presentation on universal design concepts and principles was provided to the Seminar through the use of distance collaboration technologies by Ms. E. Ostroff, Founding Director of the Center for Adaptive Environments, a non-governmental organization, from her offices near Boston (Massachusetts, USA). 

Group work focused on application of concepts and approaches to analysis and planing of effective and productive use of Internet technologies that are accessible to all. It included sessions on planning and organizing distance collaboration activities, planning and producing accessible information content and concepts and methods of creating accessible Web pages. The final group exercise involved drafting of a "strategic framework" to promote Internet accessibility by, for and with persons with disabilities appropriate to conditions among ASEAN. The results of group work were considered prior to the close of the Seminar on 16 July. 

For further information contact Leo Valdes, Managing Director, Vision Office Support Services, Ltd. by e-mail at lvaldes@istar.com or Linda S. Posadas, Assistant Director, Science and Technology, The ASEAN Secretariat by e-mail at linda@asean.or.id. 

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UNITED KINGDOM 

The Centre for Accessible Environments The Centre for Accessible Environments (CAE) in London is one of the oldest resource centers on accessibility. It was founded more than 25 years ago by Kenneth Bayes and was first known as "CEH, The Centre for Environment for the Handicapped". (Ed. Note - its publications and educational programs were a great inspiration to me in the early days of the Adaptive Environments Center). Sarah Langton-Lockton BA Hons Oxon is the Chief Executive. 

The Centre is committed to the provision of buildings and places which are accessible to all users, including disabled and older people, and to the enhancement of quality in design. It is a technical information training and consultancy resource for the construction industry, providers of goods and services, the care professions and disabled people. The Centre is also a forum for collaborative dialogue between providers and users on how the built environment can best be shaped to be accessible to all. 

News on its website includes information on Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) Guidelines and the new National Register of Access Consultants (see Brian Parker background article on the UK Access Officers role in the June 1999 issue). The website is at  http://www.cae.org.uk/ and includes information on membership, publications and subscription to the newsletter and the journal. 

ATMs CAE will shortly publish guidelines for the design, installation and management of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) that will result in new, more user-friendly designs for all users, including people with disabilities. The following is an excerpt from the research update by ergonomic and design consultant Robert Feeney Associates. 

Research 
Our research set out to determine the reach capabilities, in terms of carrying out touching, grasping or pushing operations associated with ATM use, of adult disabled people who are actual or potential users of ATMs. Additionally, a study was carried out to measure the capability of 100 visually impaired people to read character and graphic sizes on a VDU screen, in order to develop ATM screen design characteristics in respect of `hole in the wall' and free-standing ATMs. Several other issues were examined including parallax, line of sight viewing, privacy and security and measures to reduce glare and reflections. 

The results of this research have now been incorporated into the guidelines. They are aimed at manufacturers of ATMs, those who install and maintain ATMs and local authorities who are often involved in ensuring building and other environmental planning requirements are met. The guidelines state the design and installation requirements, based on well-founded research, with which ATMs need to comply if they are to be usable by disabled and non-disabled people alike. 

Implications for manufacturers The guidelines address a number of issues which are of importance to users and have implications for the design of ATMs. It is recognised that many of the design changes which are necessary may have far-reaching implications for manufacturers, who may need to invest considerably to develop a new range of suitable ATMs. The fascia of the ATM with which users are presented is only the `front end' of complicated machinery which allows all the functions of ATMs to be carried out for the user in a simple and quick process. The provision of sufficient cash for several days' use, the checking of users' cards, the counting of cash to be dispensed, the provision of receipts and statements, envelopes and the possibility of depositing money all require sophisticated electromechanical equipment behind the fascia. The features which the user sees and uses are the inputs and outputs of this machinery, and any rearrangement has considerable implications for the design and location of the internal machinery. It is not therefore simply a question of rearranging the user features, but involves fundamental changes in ATM design. (for more information, see the ATM article on their website). 

NATIONAL REGISTER OF ACCESS CONSULTANTS PROJECT 

On 1st April 1999 the National Register of Access Consultants Project was launched by the Centre for Accessible Environments. The need for the register has arisen mainly due to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). Section 21 of the act imposes duties on all service providers concerning access for disabled people from October 1999. Access consultants audit existing buildings and appraise proposals for new buildings in order to advise on the legislation. 

The field of access consultancy is currently unregulated. Anyone can market themselves as an access consultant. The increased demand that has resulted from the legislation has produced many new `access consultants'. The qualifications, experience and training of these consultants varies widely, as does the quality of advice produced. A quality standard is needed to assist clients in appointing reputable consultants. The National Register for Access Consultants aims to achieve this as well as providing various ancillary benefits for its members. 

For more information on the National Register, please email the project officer, MaryNoble@cae.globalnet.co.uk. For general information: cae@globalnet.co.uk. 

Royal College of Art 

Roger Coleman, Director of DesignAge notes new activities of their expanded research center. "We will be collaborating with Cambridge University and Central St. Martins College of Art, with the Design Council, the Chartered Society of Designers, and several big design and industrial/service companies to develop Design Guidance for senior management and in particular, design managers. The subject is `Inclusive Design'. We are also about to launch our Helen Hamlyn Research Associates Programme under the Designing for Our Future Selves banner. This is a post MA programme in collaboration with industry working on practical applications and new thinking in product and service design." 

FutureWork is another action-research programme which explores the practical design implications of changing patterns of work. From their website at http://DesignAge.rca.ac.uk/ we read about the intent and some applications of FutureWork. 

For much of the twentieth century, available communication technologies, construction practices and business processes dictated a world of work confined to scientifically managed office buildings. But today, technological, social and economic change has had the effect of taking work out of the workplace, redefining the relationship between work, home and public spaces. 

FutureWork is dedicated to working with postgraduate students and researchers at the RCA, with industry, academics and design professionals, to create products, services and environments which will support and encourage changing patterns of work. Key areas will include home and remote working, as well as investigation of new office types such as call centres. 

Universal Design research position 

Simeon Keates of the University of Cambridge lsk12@eng.cam.ac.uk wrote to US colleague Larry Trachtman, Center for Universal Design, announcing a new project and openings for research positions (thanks for forwarding this, Larry).  "We are preparing to launch "I-Design: providing tools for the design community to address the needs of the whole population" .and are now at the recruitment stage. We seek "recent postdocs" who might want to work in England for up to three years. The adverts can be found through following link at: http://rehab-www.eng.cam.ac.uk/projects/include/. We hope to appoint for 1st October. 

The I-Design project which is also mentioned above, in the DesignAge entry has two Research Associate openings. The following is the job advert for the two posts, one to be based at the EDC in Cambridge and the other at Central St. Martins in London. 

Applications are invited for two posts at the Research Assistant / Research Associate level to develop an effective and professional approach to the management and implementation of design within industry which promotes an ethos of `design for all'. Excellent data research skills are sought with one post requiring design based expertise and the other ability to deal with health and demographic statistics. The appointments may be part time or full time with a salary in the range £16286 to £24479 depending on age, experience and location. 

Further details and an application form may be obtained by writing to Mrs Christa Croghan, Engineering Design Centre, Department of Engineering, Trumpington Street, Cambridge CB2 1PZ or by e-mail cc2@eng.cam.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 31 August 1999. Both Universities are equal opportunities employers. 

More location-specific information about the vacancies can be found by selecting the relevant site below: 

Engineering Design Centre, University of Cambridge
http://rehab-www.eng.cam.ac.uk/projects/include/camra.htm

Design for Ability, Central St Martins 
http://rehab-www.eng.cam.ac.uk/projects/include/csmra.htm

For further information on the I-Design project, please contact Dr John Clarkson or Dr Simeon Keates. E-mail: lsk12@eng.cam.ac.uk, Phone: (01223) 332673,Fax: (01223) 332662 

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UNITED STATES 

Enabling Environments: Measuring the Impact of Environment on Disability and Rehabilitation is now available. Edited by Edward Steinfeld, and Gary Scott Danford, State University of New York, Buffalo it was recently published by Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1999, 418 pages, well illustrated, hardback, $90. 

ISBN: 0-306-45891-8 http://www.plenum.com/

Ed Steinfeld describes the publication: This book provides an overview of contemporary research on the relationship of the physical environment to the disablement process. The theme is how this interaction can be measured and the uses of measurement. The book has 17 chapters by contributing authors and is organized into four sections, each with an introduction by the editors. The sections are: Theory; Reliability and Validity; New Directions in Research Methods; and Measurement in Practice. Topics of chapters include the importance of theory to guide research, the research implications of universal design, cross cultural differences in accessibility standards, case studies in establishing reliability and validity of research methods, methods for problem identification, measuring stigma, multivariate research designs, computer simulation of cane techniques, wayfinding by people with visual impairments, post-occupancy evaluation research on housing and a compilation of available environmental assessment techniques. The book will be most valuable to researchers and clinicians in the habilitation fields, long term care, architecture and other design fields. It will also be of interest to those involved in adapting the environment for people with disabilities, the building regulatory process and ccessibility consultation. 

Trace Center announces a new date for their upcoming training program. `Designing for Usability, Flexibility, and Compliance' is a unique two-part course, structured to provide practical information as well as opportunities for hands-on application and networking with people involved in different aspects of the field. The course is presented at the Trace Research & Development Center, where participants have the opportunity to see and try out some of the latest access and design techniques. 

Enrollment in each part of this course is limited to 27 participants. Part One is targeted to key individuals in telecommunications companies, as well as consultants and regulatory specialists involved in improving the usability of telecommunications products. Part Two provides extended coverage of key topics in product design, regulatory compliance, and marketing/customer service, who need more expertise in the application of the concepts and techniques presented in Part One. (Part 1 is a prerequisite for Part 2.) 

The next sessions scheduled are: 

  • Part One: September 14-16, 1999 (New Date!) 
  • Part Two: October 27-29, 1999 

Some of the Key Questions Addressed:

  • How do we create practical (and profitable) products that address regulatory requirements? 
  • Where do access features add functionality for all users? What are the "low-hanging fruit"? 
  • Why was Section 255 of the Telecom Act created, and what does it really mean to a telecommunications company? 
  • What are the market justifications for making products more accessible? 
  • What are cost-effective ways of implementing accessible telecommunications products? 
  • How can features for different disabilities not interfere with each other, or with the standard product features? Can they be reinforcing? 

The instructors are: Gregg Vanderheiden, Ph.D.; Jim Tobias, MA.; and Shawn Lawton Henry. 

Questions? Contact Kate Vanderheiden at (608) 265-4621 (email: 

vanderk@trace.wisc.edu and view more details at  http://www.trace.wisc.edu/tuder/. 

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DESIGNING FOR THE 21ST CENTURY II

An International Conference on Universal Design 
June 14-18, 2000. 

The deadline for submitting proposals both for the conference and for the pre-conference intensives is coming soon. PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY SEPTEMBER 1, 1999. The CALL for proposals is online at http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org/21century/ or e-mail Mike DiLorenzo at mdilorenzo@adaptiveenvironments.org. 

Keynoters include Adolf Ratzka of the Institute on Independent Living, Sweden and Yoshi Kawauchi of Japan who will address Universal Design and Independent Living. Roger Coleman of DesignAge of the UK and Natascha Drabbe of Cultural Connections, the Netherlands will illustrate the connections between Universal and Sustainable Design. Watch the website for new information including more details on other invited speakers, their topics. See photographs of Providence, Rhode Island, our beautiful and welcoming conference city. 

Student Design Competition

Creating Legible Environments is the theme of the Student Design Competition held in conjunction with the 21st Century conference. Application forms are available online at http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org/21century/ or e-mail Mike at mdilorenzo@adaptiveenvironments.org. 

International jurors include:

USA: Mitchell Ackerman, Head, Industrial Design; Jane Langmuir, Coordinator, Universal Kitchen and Adjunct Faculty, Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI; Stephanie Bothwell, ASLA. Director, Center for Livable Communities, American Institute of Architects, Washington, DC; Jan Carpman, Ph.D., Carpman Grant Associates, Ann Arbor, MI; Meredith Davis, Director of Graduate Program in Graphic Design, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC; Edward Steinfeld, AIA, Professor Architecture, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY. 

Japan: Satoshi Kose, Director of Housing and Building Economy Department, Building Research Institute, Ministry of Construction, Tatehara, Tsukuba; Yoshisuke Miyake, JSLA, President, Sen, Inc., Osaka. 

Netherlands: Natascha Drabbem Cultural Connections, Utrecht (invited). 

South America: Marcelo Guimares, Director, ADAPTSE Lab, Belo Horizonte, MG 

Currently enrolled students from any college or university worldwide are welcome. The application requires a team submission, with a minimum of two design disciplines. In addition, the participation of other related disciplines is recommended. If you are a design advocate, we encourage your promotion of this design opportunity; bring it to the attention of faculty in design schools. The application suggests the involvement of users in the early stages as well as in review of the proposed solutions. 

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GLOBAL UNIVERSAL DESIGN EDUCATORS E-MAIL LIST

The Global Universal Design Educator's Network invites you to subscribe if you want additional, more frequent dialogue with other educators, designers, students and advocates. If you would like to be included on the list, send an e-mail to: elaineos@ici.net. 

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CALENDAR 

September 5 - 8, 1999
Montreal, Quebec, CANADA 
The Fourth Global Conference, International Federation for Aging, and the Universal Design Track 
For information, contact: ageingconf@jpdl.com. 

September 14-16, 1999 
Designing for Usability, Flexibility, and Compliance - Part One 
Trace Center, Madison, Wisconsin For information, contact vanderk@trace.wisc.edu

September 30 - October 2, 1999 
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada 
Universal Design In The City Beyond 2000 
For more information, contact: pparch@cc.umanitoba.ca. 

October 10 - 13 October 1999
Third International Conference of Gerontechnology: `Ageing and Technology, Starting into the Third Millenium'. 
Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany 
For more information and abstract forms: http://www.uni-bamberg.de/~ba6us1/g99-1.htm. 

October 27 -29, 1999 
Designing for Usability, Flexibility, and Compliance - Part Two 
Trace Center, Madison, Wisconsin For information, contact vanderk@trace.wisc.edu

Adding your information, questions to the Online News: 

Send e-mail to elaineos@ici.net by the 20th of each month for the next month's mailing. Articles should be limited to 600 words. If the issue is too full to include, and the timeliness of the article allows it, we may hold the item until the following month. 

Elaine Ostroff, Founding Director, Adaptive Environments Center, Editor.

374 Congress Street, Suite 301
Boston, MA 02210
Tel 617 695 1225 x30
Fax 617 482 8099

elaineos@ici.net
http://www.adaptiveenvironments.org/21century/

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