October 2021 - February 2022

President Inaugurates Linear Accelerator, PET/CT

Scanner at KIRAN

President Dr. Arif Alvi along with first lady Inaugurating PET/CT Scanner at KIRAN Hospital

President Dr. Arif Alvi inaugurated the newly installed cancer patronage of the health sector projects launched by the
diagnosis facilities including Linear Accelerator and PET/CT Commission. Muhammad Naeem, in his welcome address,
Scanner at Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH), highlighted the role of Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals,
Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine established in all big cities of the country, in lessening the
(KIRAN) on 21st February 2022. He was the chief guest at miseries of cancer patients. He highlighted the
the opening ceremony of Pakistan Atomic Energy collaboration between PAEC-run Hospitals and the IAEA as
Commission (PAEC) Cancer Symposium here and Begum well as Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) and
Samina Arif Alvi accompanied him. shared with the audience that during his last visit to
Pakistan, Director General IAEA had appreciated our road
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Arif Alvi said, map for cancer treatment as a guiding document for other
“Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission has been rendering countries.
commendable national service for decades through
application of nuclear technology in the fields of nuclear “PAEC-run cancer hospitals throughout the country have
power, agriculture and biotechnology, and industrial usage. been running cancer awareness and prevention campaigns
However, the most appreciable role played by PAEC has for many years. As per the vision and directions of the
been witnessed in health sector especially for diagnosis and President of Pakistan, these hospitals successfully
treatment of Cancer through its AECHs. “I am glad to organized a coordinated campaign in the year 2021 as well
inaugurate the newly added facilities at KIRAN and hope for spreading awareness about the disease,” Muhammad
that it will surely provide great relief to cancer patients from Naeem shared with attendees. The government's country-
Karachi and adjoining areas.” wide flagship initiative named 'Sehat Sahulat Card' aimed at
providing quality healthcare and insurance to the
Earlier, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, underprivileged segments of the society is a highly
Muhammad Naeem (HI, SI) thanked the chief guest and commendable step and will prove a ray of hope for the
Begum Samina Arif Alvi for government's continued cancer patients of the country, he added.
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“I would like to share that PAEC has been providing cancer commence soon”, Chairman PAEC Muhammad Naeem (HI,
diagnosis and treatment facilities since decades. SI) told the audience. He also extended gratitude to local
philanthropists especially President of KIRAN Patient
The Commission established first cancer treatment facility Welfare Society, Dr. Amanullah Kassim Machiyara for
in 1960 at Karachi and has been adding a new hospital after extending support in the construction of the bunker for
a gap of every 3 to 4 years. PAEC formally inaugurated its Linear Accelerator.
19th cancer hospital named Gilgit Institute of Nuclear
Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (GINOR) on 14th The ceremony was attended by Governor Sindh, Imran
January 2022 whereas we are going to construct the 20th Ismail, Members of the Commission besides dignitaries and
cancer hospital in Muzaffarabad and work on the project will high officials from both PAEC and Sindh Government.

A new era in Molecular Imaging in Pakistan

First Theranostic Center INMOL introduces several novel PET diagnostic scans
For oncologic management or radiotherapy planning,
reliable staging tools are essential. Fibroblast activation
protein inhibitor (FAPI) is over expressed by cancer-
associated fibroblasts of several tumor entities. Since the
recent clinical developments made with ligands targeting
cancer-associated fibroblasts demonstrated promising
preclinical and clinical results so 68Ga-FAPI PET/CTscan
was introduced on trial basis to quantify the tumor uptake of
various primary and metastatic tumors in order to identify
the most promising indications for future application.

Similarly, Stress and Rest Myocardial Perfusion PET Scan

with 13N-labeled Ammonia was introduced and
successfully established its clinical role in Myocardial
Perfusion Imaging and Regional Blood Flow Evaluation.

The patronage of Chairman PAEC, Muhammad Naeem (HI,

SI) in achieving this goal cannot be ignored as he always
supported and encouraged this project. The effort of Dr.
Masood Iqbal (Member Science), Dr. Ahmad Qureshy
After successfully establishing and clinically practicing
(Director General NMO), Dr. Muhammad Sohaib (Director
various theranostic modalities Atomic Energy Cancer
Medical Science) must be acknowledged for their generous
Hospital, INMOL is introducing several novel PET
support and encouragement throughout these projects.
diagnostic scans beyond 18F-FDG. This became possible
Chairman PAEC visited this novel facility on 23 October
by transfer of technology at INMOL through IAEA technical
2021 on opening ceremony of LINAC and a new
cooperation projects being conducted at INMOL .The novel
Mammography Unit at INMOL and highly appreciated the
PET based scans developed at INMOL include 18F-NaF,
state of the art technology transferred to Pakistan through
18F-FLT,18F-PSMA for diagnosis of prostate cancerin
IAEA Technical Cooperation Program.
PSMA-avid patients ,18F-DOPA for diagnosis of focal
congenital hyperinsulinism, for evaluation of Parkinsonian
Syndromes, Brain Tumors, Insulinoma and APUDoma,18F-
FET for treatment and response monitoring of radiation
therapy in malignant Glioma patients,18F-FMISO and 18F-
FES.

Since, the ER status is important in breast cancer for risk

assessment and predicting response to therapy so both the
US National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and
the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
recommend ER testing of lesions in any primary or newly
metastatic breast cancer. Itis a first F-18 PET imaging agent
to be indicated for the detection of estrogen receptor (ER)-
positive lesions as an adjunct to biopsy in patients with
recurrent or metastatic breast cancer (MBC). It is a huge
milestone for patients with recurrent and metastatic breast
cancer and seems that it will soon be a tool available to
oncologists with a picture of the estrogen receptor
expression, thus assisting them to image the whole body
and provide information on ER status in many lesions, not
just a single-biopsied lesion. Chairman PAEC visiting Theranostics Lab at INMOL, Lahore

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 WANO Nuclear Leadership Program (NLP) Batch-2
at KINPOE, Karachi

Group photo of participants of WANO Nuclear Leadership Program at KINPOE

Human Performance Management (HPM) Division under (Head-HPM), Mr. Khalid Jaffery (K-2), Mr. Abdur Rehman
DG (Corporate) of Member (Power) setup Islamabad has Abbasi (KINPOE), Mr. Muhammad Atique (K-2) and Mr.
successfully organized 2nd Batch of 1-Week certification Farrukh Bashir (HPM). There were 24 participants from K-1,
course on Nuclear Leadership Program (NLP) as per K-2, K-3, TS and KINPOE. Some important modules
WANO guidelines at KINPOE, Karachi for KNPGS. This discussed during this course were The Leadership Role in
course was started on 30th August, 2021 and ended on 3rd Nuclear Safety Culture, Leadership & Management,
September, 2021. understanding human behavior, Personal Styles, Power of
positive Reinforcement, Human Performance, Declining
Mr. Muhammad Atique (Consultant PAEC) was the main Plant Performance, Coaching & Making Time for
resource person for this course along with Mr. Sohail Khan Leadership.

Workshop on Optical techniques for the characterization and

adulteration of Sidr honey
Sidr honey is very expensive due to its medicinal value and optical basis of the developed test and advanced modalities
a potential export commodity, therefore more vulnerable to that would help more reliable diagnosis of honey origin. The
adulteration. Adulteration has become a common practice; efforts of NILOP scientists were greatly appreciated by
it can be a challenge to find pure honey. Honey can be often Chairman, (PARC), DG, (NARC) and all participants. As an
mixed with glucose solution, high fructose corn syrup, and outcome of this workshop it was emphasized that NILOP
cheap quality honey. There is no quick test available for team will develop user friendly portable and hand held
honey bee traders for on-site detection of honey while devices.
buying honey from bee keepers. Multiple laboratory tests
are needed to confirm the purity of honey, which are The introduction of this cost-effective technique will also
laborious, time consuming and expensive. In addition, these reduce the unit price of the honey test. The portable device
tests are laboratory based and cannot be performed in the will have great impact in honey industry for a rapid and point-
fields. of-care test. That device will not only be a breakthrough in
honey industry but will also be useful for general public.
National Institute of Lasers and Optronics (NILOP) of PAEC
developed a test which does not require any sample
preparation and is rapid. This test not only detects Sidr
honey but also capable of distinguishing sugar adulteration
in multifloral honey.

In order to introduce the developed tests to honey bee

stakeholders, a workshop was organized by HBRI at NARC,
Islamabad. Thirty nine participants including President
honey exporters and bee keepers Association, Peshawar,
honey bee traders, farmers and scientists from research
Institutes (HBRI, FSRI (NARC), Tarnab, Peshawar) and
scientific teams of NILOP attended the occasion.

The teams of NILOP included Dr. Muhammad Saleem, Dr.

Hina Ali and Dr. Muhammad Bilal presented their talks on Demonstration of the quick analytical test developed by NILOP
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 E-Learning Module on Natural Circulation
PIEAS has recently completed two e-learning modules in
collaboration with the IAEA under the framework of
Collaborating Centre (CC). The two modules are: 1)
Introduction to natural circulation and its application to
nuclear reactors, and 2) Hybrid Energy Systems (HES). The
first module introduces the phenomenon of natural
circulation and its common examples. The second module
introduces global energy scenario and the role of Hybrid
Energy Systems. Detailed technical descriptions about the
Nuclear Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems along with
case studies have also been provided. The target audience
includes young professionals, stakeholders and new
entrants to the area. Both the modules can be accessed at
https://elearning.iaea.org/m2/course/index.php?categoryid Elearning Module on Hybrid Energy System
=162

PTPRI Achieves Remarkable Magnetic Field in the Coils of

MT-2 Tokamak
Scientists and engineers of Pakistan Tokamak Plasma
Research Institute at NILORE, Islamabad have
successfully achieved magnetic field of 1.0 tesla (at the in-
board side) and 0.33Tesla for 25 ms, in the center of its
toroidal coils system of newly fabricated Tokamak. This is a
big success and is achieved first time ever in Pakistan.
Existing power supply of Tokamak was upgraded to provide
20 kA current for 25 ms. The coils were designed and tested
by scientists and engineers of PTPRI and manufactured at
HMC-3. This venture is a step towards indigenization and
support of local industry for R&D activities. In future
involvement of local industry for fusion reactor development
will be enhanced. TF coils along with measurement arrangements

A Step Forward for Indigenized PSI/ISI of NPP's by NCNDT

The National Center for Non Destructive Testing (NCNDT) been assigned the responsibility to perform inspection
of Scientific and Engineering Services (SES) Directorate is activities of Nuclear Power plants of PAEC. NCNDT teams
a unique institute of its nature providing NDT, PSI/ISI and as a next step has indigenously developed inspection
Condition Assessment services to nuclear power plants procedures for this activity.
(NPP's), strategic projects and national industry. Having
maximum number of NDT Level-3 certified personnel in The Procedures were developed separately for C-Series
Pakistan, NCNDT is also providing training services in all based on ASME code and K-Series according to RSEM
major NDT methods including ultrasonic (UT), radiographic code. These include Procedure for Ultrasonic Examination
(RT), eddy current (ET), liquid penetrant (PT), magnet of Shell and Nozzle Welds of Reactor Pressure Vessels,
particle (MT), leak testing (LT) upto level-3 courses. Ultrasonic Examination of Studs and Nuts of Reactor
Pressure Vessel Closure Head, Eddy Current Examination
NCNDT has got authorization from Pakistan Nuclear of Shell and Nozzle Weld and Cladding of Reactor Pressure
Regulatory Authority (PNRA) to perform inspection Vessels, Eddy Current Examination of Reactor Pressure
activities during PSI/ISI of Safety Class 1, 2 & 3 Vessels Closure Head Studs and Nuts and Procedure for
Components and Piping Systems of NPPs as per ASME & Remote Automatic CCTV Examination of Internal Surface of
RSE-M Codes. Reactor Pressure Vessels.

Recently, PAEC has purchased Mechanized equipment For KNPGS (Unit 2-3), an additional Procedure for
from Institute of Nuclear Technology (INETEC), Croatia for Radiographic Examination of Inlet and Outlet Nozzle to Safe
inspection of reactor pressure vessels (RPV) of Chashma end & Safe end to primary piping Welds of Reactor Pressure
Nuclear Power Generation Station (CNPGS) and Karachi Vessels.
Nuclear Power Generation Station (KNPGS). NCNDT Has

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 Webinar on CERN's Future Circular Collider (FCC) Feasibility
Study & Pakistan
A webinar was organised by CERN and PAEC on “CERN's and Technology. Dr Patrick Janot, described the status
Future Circular Collider (FCC) Feasibility Study and report on FCC Physics, Experiment and Detector. Dr.
Pakistan”. Emmanuel gave an overview of the FCC Feasibility Study
and Global Collaboration.
The FCC directorate at CERN is developing designs for a
new research infrastructure to host the next generation of In the technical talks from Pakistan, Dr. Hafeez Hoorani
high performance particle colliders to extend the research described the physics potential for FCC in Pakistan. Dr.
currently being conducted at the LHC. The goal of the FCC Zafar Yasin briefed about the simulation expertise available
is to push the energy and intensity frontiers of particle in Pakistan regarding accelerators, detectors and radiation
colliders, with the aim of reaching collision energies of about protection that could be utilized in FCC projects.
100 TeV, in the search for new Physics.
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed described status of Experimental High
The main objective of the webinar was to improve the Energy Physics (EHEP) projects carried out at NCP in
general awareness about CERN, and to disseminate the collaboration with CERN. Dr. Sumaira Zeeshan presented
information in the scientific community of Pakistan (PAEC) the accelerator development activities at PINSTECH. Mr.
regarding CERN's FCC. The webinar provided a base Khalid Mansoor presented a report on possible
platform for Pakistan to get involved in the relevant areas of collaboration with FCC in the technical domain.
scientific research with the FCC collaboration from its
nascence. More than 200 participants were registered from The large participation and the technical potential in
different Pakistani universities and R & D departments of Pakistan, specially the simulation expertise, were highly
PAEC for the webinar. appreciated by CERN/FCC officials. CERN representatives
expressed their willingness to involve Pakistan in FCC
Welcome remarks were given by Dr. Emmanuel Tsesmelis studies acknowledging the associate member status of
(Head of associate member states and non-member state Pakistan with CERN.
relations, CERN) and Dr. Masood Iqbal (Member Science,
PAEC). FCC management showed a keen interest in the simulation
potential representation from Pakistan and expressed their
The technical session started with a talk of Dr. Michael willingness to capitalize the simulation experience of
Benedikt who presented an overview of the future circular Pakistan in studies for FCC, particularly involving the initial
collider (FCC) feasibility study. Dr. Frank Zimmermann design stages.
presented the Status Report on FCC Accelerator Science

Member Science, PAEC addressing the Webinar

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 Pakistan Co-chairs IAEA Conference on Radioactive
Waste Management
Pakistan is having the honor of co-chairing an important
conference organized by International Atomic Energy
Commission (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria.

Participants from around the world have come together to

discuss solutions for the safe and responsible management
of radioactive waste at the IAEA International Conference
on “Radioactive Waste Management: Solutions for a
Sustainable Future,” which was held from November 01 to
November 5, 2021 at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC)

Muhammad Naeem, (HI, SI) who is representing Pakistan in
the conference, in his opening address to the conference
said, “We have 50 years of experience in following
integrated radioactive waste management system.
Pakistan equally focuses on pre-disposal and disposal
management of radioactive waste. Pakistan is making
progress towards the permanent solution for disposal of
radioactive wastes. With support of the IAEA, Pakistan has
enhanced its capacity in radioactive waste management.”
Chairman PAEC addressing on the occasion
Muhammad Naeem further said, “We will showcase
research and development across the broad spectrum of
technological challenges, from lab trials and bespoke conference includes both in-person and virtual participation
development to novel use of off-the-shelf items and their and would deliberate on how improvements in the design
adaptive developments”. and operation of nuclear installations are minimizing the
amount of radioactive waste generated and how innovative
The honor of co-chairing this conference on crucial subject technologies are improving processing and recycling.
like waste management is a proof of Pakistan's firm
commitment of strictly adhering to all nuclear safety
protocols throughout nuclear fuel cycle and Pakistan has It is to mention here that almost all countries use nuclear
proudly earned an unblemished record of running nuclear technologies to advance sustainable development through
facilities for peaceful purposes, taking cancer therapies, improving crop yields and many other
proper care of the waste management issues, Muhammad applications. Thirty-two countries also use nuclear power.
Naeem said. Safe, secure and responsible management of the waste
arising from these activities underpins the continued use of
IAEA Director General (DG) Rafael Mariano Grossi, in his nuclear technology, and conference participants are
taped address to the opening session of the conference reviewing progress and the latest practices in dealing with
said, “Society places its confidence in the global expertise of radioactive waste.
the people attending this conference you. I am confident
that you will continue to push forward in addressing our Attendees comprise senior government officials, high-level
present and future responsibilities. Because only when staff from waste management organizations, regulators,
nuclear waste is managed successfully can nuclear science operators and other stakeholders, as well as technical and
and technology contribute to a sustainable future for scientific experts working in all areas of radioactive waste
everyone.” management. In addition, there are representatives from
across industry and civil society, non-governmental
“Not only are these solutions being implemented today, but organisations and academic institutions, with significant
the nuclear industry has successfully managed waste participation by women, young professionals and
processing and disposal for more than half a century.” The individuals from developing countries at the conference.

PhD Degree Awarded to PAEC Engineer

Dr. Muhammad Ali has been awarded the He has published six (06) research papers in peer reviewed
PhD Degree in the field of Powder indexed international journals. Further, one patent was
Metallurgy by Universiti Teknologi successfully filed on his research work. In addition, a silver
PETRONAS, Malaysia. The title of his medal was awarded to him in national level 5-minute thesis
dissertation was “Influence of Powder competition held in Malaysia. Moreover, one part of his
Morphology and Sintering Parameters on research was published by a UK well known powder
Powder Injection Molded Soft Magnetic injection molding industrial journal.
Alloy”.
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 Chairman PAEC Inaugurates COBALT-60 Teletherapy
Unit at AEMC

Chairman PAEC inaugurating COBALT-60 Radiotherapy Unit at AEMC, Karachi

Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission, for many years. As per the vision and directions of the
Muhammad Naeem (HI, SI inaugurated the newly installed President of Pakistan, these hospitals successfully
cancer treatment facility of COBALT-60 Radiotherapy Unit organized a coordinated campaign in the year 2021 as well
at Atomic Energy Medical Center (AEMC) Karachi. for spreading awareness about the disease,” Muhammad
Naeem shared with attendees. The government's country-
He was the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony at wide flagship initiative named 'Sehat Sahulat Card' aimed at
Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital (AECH) AEMC. In his providing quality healthcare and insurance to the
adders, Muhammad Naeem said, “Pakistan Atomic Energy underprivileged segments of the society is a highly
Commission (PAEC) has been rendering commendable commendable step and will prove a ray of hope for the
national service for decades through application of nuclear cancer patients of the country, he added.
technology in the fields of nuclear power, agriculture and
biotechnology, and industrial usage. However, the most “I would like to share that PAEC has been providing cancer
appreciable role played by PAEC has been in health sector diagnosis and treatment facilities since decades. The
especially for diagnosis and treatment of Cancer through its Commission established first cancer treatment facility in
AECHs. I am glad to inaugurate the newly added cancer 1960 at Karachi and has been adding a new hospital after a
treatment facility at AEMC and hope that it will surely provide gap of every 3 to 4 years. PAEC formally inaugurated its
great relief to cancer patients from Karachi and adjoining 19th cancer hospital named Gilgit Institute of Nuclear
areas.” Medicine, Oncology and Radiotherapy (GINOR) on 14th
January 2022 whereas we are going to construct the 20th
Muhammad Naeem, in his address, highlighted the role of cancer hospital in Muzaffarabad and work on the project will
Atomic Energy Cancer Hospitals, established in all big cities commence soon”, Chairman PAEC Muhammad Naeem (HI,
of the country, in lessening the miseries of cancer patients. SI) told the audience. He also extended gratitude to local
He highlighted the collaboration between PAEC-run philanthropists especially Patient Welfare Societies of
Hospitals and the IAEA as well as Union for International AEMC, for extending support in providing facilities for the
Cancer Control (UICC) and shared with the audience that cancer hospitals.
during his last visit to Pakistan, Director General IAEA had
appreciated our road map for cancer treatment as a guiding The ceremony was attended by Member Science PAEC, Dr.
document for other countries. Masood Iqbal besides dignitaries and high-ranking officials
from both PAEC and local management of the hospital.
“PAEC-run cancer hospitals throughout the country have
been running cancer awareness and prevention campaigns
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 PAEC's 19th Cancer Hospital Inaugurated in Gilgit
Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) formally
inaugurated its 19th Atomic Energy Cancer Hospital
(AECH) named Gilgit Institute of Nuclear Medicine,
Oncology and Radiotherapy (GINOR).

Addressing the inaugural ceremony as chief guest via video

link, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and
Special Initiatives, Asad Umar said, “Pakistan Atomic
Energy Commission has been assigned the vital role of flag-
bearer in Atoms for Peace program envisioned by
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the
Commission has been rendering commendable national
service for decades through application of nuclear
technology in the fields of nuclear power, agriculture and
biotechnology, and industrial usage. However, the most Federal Minister, DG (SPD) and Chairman (PAEC) virtually
appreciable role played by PAEC has been witnessed in attending the ceremony of GINOR inauguration
health sector especially for diagnosis and treatment of
Cancer through its AECHs.” blessing for the cancer patients hailing from Gilgit Baltistan
(GB). He gave detailed briefing about the GINOR and
“I am glad to inaugurate the 19th PAEC-managed cancer facilities being offered here. He said construction of 20th
hospital named GINOR which will surely provide great relief Cancer hospital of PAEC will be started in Kashmir soon.
to nearly 1.5 million population of Gilgit Baltistan. Our
government has launched the country-wide flagship Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Chief Minister Gilgit-
initiative named 'Sehat Sahulat Programme' which is aimed Baltistan, Khalid Khursheed Khan thanked the federal
at providing quality healthcare and insurance to the government and PAEC for establishing state of the art
underprivileged segments of the society and by cancer hospital, GINOR, in Gilgit. He hoped that the hospital
implementing the same at GINOR the government will would provide great relief for the people of GB and
ensure that cancer patients may also avail its benefits,” surrounding areas because cancer incidence was on the
Asad Umar remarked. rise in GB. The provision of diagnostic and treatment
facilities by GINOR at the doorstep of people will be a
The federal minister further said, “PAEC also deserves blessing for them.
appreciation for planning the next cancer hospital in AJK”.
Earlier, Member Science PAEC, Dr. Masood Iqbal thanked Besides the Chief Guest, the ceremony was virtually
the federal government, the minister and SPD for continued attended by Director General, Strategic Plans Division
patronage of the health sector projects launched by the (SPD) Lt. Gen. Nadeem Zaki Manj, HI (M) and Chairman
Commission and hoped that the addition of GINOR to the PAEC Muhammad Naeem (HI, SI).The inaugural ceremony
existing fleet of PAEC-run cancer hospitals will prove a great at GINOR was attended by dignitaries and high officials from
GB.

Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan along with Member Science, PAEC unveiling the plaque at GINOR cancer hospital

Edited and produced by Scientific Information and Public Relations,

Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission P.O. Box No 1114, Islamabad, e-mails:srkhansiprmail@gmail.com & newsforpublication@gmail.com
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