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Chemical Exposures

N/A | July 2, 2019 | 277 views

Modern society has seen an explosion in the commercial use of new chemical compounds. An estimated 80,000 industrial chemicals are in everyday use but only a small fraction of these have been tested for basic human health effects and we have even less data about which chemicals people are exposed to on a daily basis. Another challenge is evaluating how multiple chemical exposures and various social factors can interact to increase health risks. Much work remains to be done with historically recognized toxicants such as heavy metals and common industrial solvents. Many of these compounds are persistent in the environment, and bioaccumulative in the body, creating concerns about long-term and transgenerational health risks. Nations around the world face thousands of contaminated locations from previous industrial activity or waste disposal that must be remediated in some manner, many in low income or minority communities. The result is a combined set of difficult scientific and social challenges.

Spotlight

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd.

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. is an independent chemical manufacturing company. With offices and warehousing in the UK, USA and China and a global network of distributors, we service the domestic and international markets and export to over 80 countries worldwide. Founded in 1926 in Consett, in the North East of England – still home to our manufacturing facilities –Thomas Swan today produces over 100 products, in kilogramme to multi-tonne quantities, and offers an experienced and flexible manufacturing service.

OTHER ARTICLES
Chemical Technology

Petrochemicals markets complexity is only going to grow and grow

Article | July 14, 2022

NICE WORK, if you get can get it. A trucking company in Fort Worth, Texas, is offering to pay experienced drivers $14,000 a week – $728,000 a year – as the US struggles with a nationwide shortage of truckers or lorry drivers. This reminds me of perhaps an apocryphal tale, from the height of the last Australian mining boom. Before iron ore prices collapsed in late 2014, there was a story about workers at mining site road junctions who operated manual “Stop and Go” signs. They were said to be earning more than Australian dollar (A$) 200,000 a year. Before you pack in your job as, say, a petrochemicals sales manager and head to Texas or mine sites in Western Australia, there is the risk that when you arrive at the door of your new prospective employer, the bubble might have already burst. This is assuming we are in bubble conditions.The pressure is clearly building in petrochemicals and other commodity markets as prices in some regions remain at record highs or continue to rise. Today’s prices are the results of shortages of commodities supply (for example in petrochemicals, an outcome of the US winter storms), very strong demand and supply chain disruptions.I am beginning to believe that the latter is the biggest reason for commodity price inflation which is feeding through into sharp rises in the cost of finished goods – and a lack of goods availability. It is delivering and manufacturing enough stuff that seems to be at the heart of today’s problems due to shortages of everything from container freight space and semiconductors to wooden pallets, tin cans, metal drums, cardboard – and US truck drivers.

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Chemical Technology

Guyana-Suriname basin: Rise from obscurity to super potential

Article | July 20, 2022

Recent discoveries in the Guyana-Suriname basin attest to estimates of 10+ Bbbl of oil resources and more than 30 Tcf of gas.1 Like many oil & gas successes, this is a story that begins with early exploration success onshore, followed by a long period of exploration disappointment in coastal to shelf regions offshore, eventually culminating in deepwater success.

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Chemical Technology

The pandemic, climate change, plastic waste and the great divide: the world in 2025

Article | August 2, 2022

NOBODY SHOULD be surprised that the developing world has fallen behind in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the region is a long way from recovering from the pandemic.Evidence to this effect emerged last week in comments made by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). “In many emerging and developing economies, emissions are heading upwards while clean energy investments are faltering, creating a dangerous fault line in global efforts to reach climate and sustainable energy goals,” said Birol. At the current rate, carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries largely in Asia, Africa and Latin America are set to increase by 5bn tonnes/year over the next two decades, according to the IEA, as access to power increases.At present, around 785m people worldwide have no access to electricity. There are also 2.6bn people without access to clean cooking options.

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Chemical Technology

Survey Report: The State of Intelligent Operations in Oil and Gas

Article | June 11, 2021

Intelligent Operations can play a vital role in creating connected content environments, however, many companies – especially within oil and gas – having been slow on the uptake. Businesses that implement digital transformation initiatives often gain a competitive advantage over their rivals, as they benefit from reductions in human error, increases in productivity and further support for compliance efforts. This report, produced in collaboration with OpenText, dives into the results of our Intelligent Operations in Oil and Gas Survey 2020, revealing where the industry is in terms of its adoption of Intelligent Operations and the hurdles it needs to overcome to truly embrace digital platforms and solutions.

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Chemical Technology

Future-Proofing the Chemical Industry with Digitalization

Article | July 14, 2022

NICE WORK, if you get can get it. A trucking company in Fort Worth, Texas, is offering to pay experienced drivers $14,000 a week – $728,000 a year – as the US struggles with a nationwide shortage of truckers or lorry drivers. This reminds me of perhaps an apocryphal tale, from the height of the last Australian mining boom. Before iron ore prices collapsed in late 2014, there was a story about workers at mining site road junctions who operated manual “Stop and Go” signs. They were said to be earning more than Australian dollar (A$) 200,000 a year. Before you pack in your job as, say, a petrochemicals sales manager and head to Texas or mine sites in Western Australia, there is the risk that when you arrive at the door of your new prospective employer, the bubble might have already burst. This is assuming we are in bubble conditions.The pressure is clearly building in petrochemicals and other commodity markets as prices in some regions remain at record highs or continue to rise. Today’s prices are the results of shortages of commodities supply (for example in petrochemicals, an outcome of the US winter storms), very strong demand and supply chain disruptions.I am beginning to believe that the latter is the biggest reason for commodity price inflation which is feeding through into sharp rises in the cost of finished goods – and a lack of goods availability. It is delivering and manufacturing enough stuff that seems to be at the heart of today’s problems due to shortages of everything from container freight space and semiconductors to wooden pallets, tin cans, metal drums, cardboard – and US truck drivers.

Read More
Chemical Technology

Ways Your Chemical Company Can Benefit From Digitization

Article | July 20, 2022

Recent discoveries in the Guyana-Suriname basin attest to estimates of 10+ Bbbl of oil resources and more than 30 Tcf of gas.1 Like many oil & gas successes, this is a story that begins with early exploration success onshore, followed by a long period of exploration disappointment in coastal to shelf regions offshore, eventually culminating in deepwater success.

Read More
Chemical Technology

The Digital Transformation of the Chemical Industry: The Key Trends

Article | August 2, 2022

NOBODY SHOULD be surprised that the developing world has fallen behind in the battle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the region is a long way from recovering from the pandemic.Evidence to this effect emerged last week in comments made by Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency (IEA). “In many emerging and developing economies, emissions are heading upwards while clean energy investments are faltering, creating a dangerous fault line in global efforts to reach climate and sustainable energy goals,” said Birol. At the current rate, carbon dioxide emissions from developing countries largely in Asia, Africa and Latin America are set to increase by 5bn tonnes/year over the next two decades, according to the IEA, as access to power increases.At present, around 785m people worldwide have no access to electricity. There are also 2.6bn people without access to clean cooking options.

Read More
Chemical Technology

Survey Report: The State of Intelligent Operations in Oil and Gas

Article | June 11, 2021

Intelligent Operations can play a vital role in creating connected content environments, however, many companies – especially within oil and gas – having been slow on the uptake. Businesses that implement digital transformation initiatives often gain a competitive advantage over their rivals, as they benefit from reductions in human error, increases in productivity and further support for compliance efforts. This report, produced in collaboration with OpenText, dives into the results of our Intelligent Operations in Oil and Gas Survey 2020, revealing where the industry is in terms of its adoption of Intelligent Operations and the hurdles it needs to overcome to truly embrace digital platforms and solutions.

Read More
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Spotlight

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd.

Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. is an independent chemical manufacturing company. With offices and warehousing in the UK, USA and China and a global network of distributors, we service the domestic and international markets and export to over 80 countries worldwide. Founded in 1926 in Consett, in the North East of England – still home to our manufacturing facilities –Thomas Swan today produces over 100 products, in kilogramme to multi-tonne quantities, and offers an experienced and flexible manufacturing service.

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Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

Read More

Chemical Management

Danimer Scientific and Chevron Phillips Chemical Expand Collaboration to Include Application Development for Rinnovo™ Polymers

businesswire | September 21, 2023

Danimer Scientific, Inc. a leading next-generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced it is expanding its collaboration with Chevron Phillips Chemical (“CPChem”) to explore development and commercialization of cast extrusion films, blown extrusion films, injection molded parts and rotational molded parts using Rinnovo™ polymers produced in a loop slurry reactor process. Rinnovo™ is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22™ catalyst technology, which can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The collaboration expands on Danimer and CPChem’s previously announced agreement, in which Danimer is evaluating the use of CPChem’s loop slurry reactor design to develop a continuous reactor system in the manufacturing process for Rinnovo™. Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, said, “Our business relationship with CPChem continues to yield results, and we’re excited for the further opportunities that lie ahead. CPChem’s Research and Technology lab in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a premier facility staffed with world-class talent that we believe will accelerate the path toward adoption of Rinnovo™ materials in high-volume applications that will assist in lowering the cost to serve key markets.” Opened in 1950 by Phillips 66, CPChem’s Bartlesville facility contains first-class research equipment allowing for rapid testing of products across various processing conditions. Additionally, the facility’s testing and analytical capabilities provide a more rapid feedback loop, accelerating the development and optimization of resin formulations. “We continue to be excited about the potential of our MarTECH® process technology and related collaborations to advance Danimer’s Rinnovo™, another CPChem initiative that can help accelerate change for a more sustainable future,” said Venki Chandrashekar, CPChem vice president of research and technology. About Danimer Scientific Danimer is a pioneer in creating more sustainable, more natural ways to make plastic products. For more than a decade, its renewable and sustainable biopolymers have helped create plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable and return to nature instead of polluting our lands and waters. Danimer’s technology can be found in a vast array of plastic end products that people use every day. Applications for its biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, filaments, films and injection-molded articles, among others. Danimer holds more than 430 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations.

Read More

Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

Read More

Chemical Management

Actylis Launches a New cGMP WFI Generation, Storage, and Distribution System with Additional ISO Class 7 Manufacturing Space

businesswire | September 26, 2023

Actylis, a leading global manufacturer of critical raw materials and performance ingredients for the life sciences and specialty chemicals markets, today announced the launch of Water for Injection (WFI) and additional ISO Class 7 manufacturing space at its Baie d’Urfé site in Montreal, Canada. Used for the preparation of media, buffers, and other aqueous solutions, Actylis’ WFI meets monographs for pharmacopoeias worldwide, and can be provided in both custom and standard packaging configurations. Gilles Cottier, CEO at Actylis, said: “Today we are delighted to announce the opening of this new WFI system at our Baie d’Urfé site. Investment in this new WFI generation, storage, and distribution system reflects our ongoing commitment to support our customers, and to continuously develop our range of products and services. The new system positions us to be a preferred outsource partner for our customers’ buffer solutions. We understand that capacity is often a pinch-point for our customers, and we are delighted to be able to propose this option to them.” Damien O’Rourke, SVP Manufacturing Operations at Actylis added: “Our new WFI system, redundant with our Limerick, Ireland WFI capabilities, incorporates the latest advancements in water purification technology, adhering to Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) that guarantees the production of WFI that meets or exceeds the most rigorous quality standards. In addition to the services this enables for our customers, the investment provides Actylis and our customers with a robust multi-site business continuity plan to ensure dependable supply.” Jean-Francois Raymond, Site Director, elaborated on some of the specifics of the system: “We are excited to have this new system here at Baie d’Urfé come on stream. The WFI system is fully qualified with all supporting validation documents, and is capable of generating and maintaining water as per required USP and PhEur/BP specifications of Water for Injection.” The new system’s strategic location in Montreal positions it as a pivotal hub for biopharmaceutical companies across North America and beyond. Its proximity to major transportation networks ensures timely distribution of WFI to manufacturers, enabling them to streamline their production processes and meet growing market demands. About Actylis Actylis is a leading global manufacturer and supplier of differentiated specialty ingredients to life sciences and specialty chemicals end markets. With business operations in ten countries, Actylis manufactures and supplies over 4,500 chemical compounds used principally by the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutritional, agricultural and specialty chemical industries. Building on a series of strategic acquisitions, Actylis has integrated their manufacturing, R&D, quality, and sourcing capabilities to create a worldwide supplier of critical raw materials that includes a robust manufacturing footprint. Its global operations include a significant presence on the ground in North America, Europe, India, and China. Actylis is well positioned to innovate new solutions, ensure quality, and customize products to meet customers’ specific needs. Its expanded capabilities and decades of global sourcing expertise are especially valuable now that supply chain management is a critical strategic issue for companies worldwide.

Read More

Chemical Management

Danimer Scientific and Chevron Phillips Chemical Expand Collaboration to Include Application Development for Rinnovo™ Polymers

businesswire | September 21, 2023

Danimer Scientific, Inc. a leading next-generation bioplastics company focused on the development and production of biodegradable materials, today announced it is expanding its collaboration with Chevron Phillips Chemical (“CPChem”) to explore development and commercialization of cast extrusion films, blown extrusion films, injection molded parts and rotational molded parts using Rinnovo™ polymers produced in a loop slurry reactor process. Rinnovo™ is a type of polyhydroxyalkanoate (“PHA”) synthesized from lactones produced using Danimer’s proprietary Novo22™ catalyst technology, which can be used in the production of biodegradable alternatives to traditional plastics. The collaboration expands on Danimer and CPChem’s previously announced agreement, in which Danimer is evaluating the use of CPChem’s loop slurry reactor design to develop a continuous reactor system in the manufacturing process for Rinnovo™. Stephen E. Croskrey, chief executive officer of Danimer, said, “Our business relationship with CPChem continues to yield results, and we’re excited for the further opportunities that lie ahead. CPChem’s Research and Technology lab in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, is a premier facility staffed with world-class talent that we believe will accelerate the path toward adoption of Rinnovo™ materials in high-volume applications that will assist in lowering the cost to serve key markets.” Opened in 1950 by Phillips 66, CPChem’s Bartlesville facility contains first-class research equipment allowing for rapid testing of products across various processing conditions. Additionally, the facility’s testing and analytical capabilities provide a more rapid feedback loop, accelerating the development and optimization of resin formulations. “We continue to be excited about the potential of our MarTECH® process technology and related collaborations to advance Danimer’s Rinnovo™, another CPChem initiative that can help accelerate change for a more sustainable future,” said Venki Chandrashekar, CPChem vice president of research and technology. About Danimer Scientific Danimer is a pioneer in creating more sustainable, more natural ways to make plastic products. For more than a decade, its renewable and sustainable biopolymers have helped create plastic products that are biodegradable and compostable and return to nature instead of polluting our lands and waters. Danimer’s technology can be found in a vast array of plastic end products that people use every day. Applications for its biopolymers include additives, aqueous coatings, fibers, filaments, films and injection-molded articles, among others. Danimer holds more than 430 granted patents and pending patent applications in more than 20 countries for a range of manufacturing processes and biopolymer formulations.

Read More

Chemical Management

Vantage® Launches "Effortless Color" Formulation Collection for Multifunctional Color Cosmetic Essentials

prnewswire | September 14, 2023

Vantage has just introduced "Effortless Color," a collection of eight color cosmetic formulations building on consumer trends for multifunctional products. The latest installment in its 'Spark Inspiration' quick formulation program offers cosmetic chemists and formulators a starting point to accelerate their innovation pipeline as they create new product formulations. The eight "Effortless Color" formulations range from hybrid foundations to multi-use blushes and bold lip products. These prototypes marry the advanced technology from Vantage's premium ingredients with formulations expertise from the Company's in-house research & development team. Supported by market trends and industry knowledge, the resulting kit offers beauty manufacturers high-performing, on-trend product formulations which can be used as is or as a starting point for their creations. "Guided by market insights revealing that more than two thirds of American makeup users seek multi-functional products, we've meticulously curated formulations that honor the diverse spectrum of beauty through effortless, yet multifaceted essentials. This new collection is the latest of our Spark Inspiration series, that are aimed at accelerating our beauty customers' innovation pipeline," said Sebastien Massard, Global Director Strategic Marketing, Personal Care. The collection's hybrid foundations, multi-use blushes and bold lip formulations feature the Company's high-performing ingredients including actives like the BP TRILURONIC ACID A and the STRATAPHIX series; natural oils such as LIPOVOL® GTB and DW JOJOBA OIL; and natural silicone alternatives from the JEECHEM® NDA line. The formulations include Three versatile face products. Fresh Canvas Multi-Use Concealer can be used as a spot treatment to hide blemishes or as a full-coverage foundation. Tinted Zinc Shield is a lightweight tinted moisturizer that also includes an SPF-30. Hydrating Tinted Face Oil offers a buildable finish and can be applied on its own or worn as a primer before adding concealer or foundation. Blush Duo to bring a pop of color and help create a cohesive makeup look. Color Sculpt Trio is presented as a stick formula that glides on smoothly and quickly as it's applied. All-Over Glow Blusher can be used to brighten cheeks and eyes, acting as a two-in-one liquid blush. Three formulated lip products that each provide a different finish and benefit. The Hydrating Satin Lipstick is made with hydrating ingredients which offer a rich, creamy formulation. Dreamy Velvet Lip, a bold, matte liquid lipstick, leaves a smooth, lush finish. Plush Fruity Gloss provides a glassy shine leaving the lips feeling full and plump. About Vantage Personal Care Vantage Personal Care is one of the fastest growing and most reliable suppliers of personal care and beauty formulations and ingredients. An agile provider of forward-looking solutions that delight our customers through a responsible portfolio of naturally derived products, Vantage Personal Care focuses on skin, hair and sun care and color cosmetics. Vantage Personal Care serves its customers with formulation troubleshooting, new product development, and alternative sourcing solutions and on being the fastest developer of new product concepts in sensorial textures, skin health & delivery systems, and natural oils.

Read More

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