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ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVENESS

AND IMPACT OF SCHOOLS

INSIGHTS FROM OUR SCHOOL HEALTH


SCREENING PROGRAM
MARCH 2019
ABOUT THIS REPORT

Developing appropriate life skills amongst the student population is one


of the key areas in which schools can invest time and resources. Taking
care of one’s health, hygiene & safety is perhaps the most important life
skill that can be inculcated. WHO defines schools which invest in health,
hygiene & safety as “Health Promoting Schools”.

We, at Jarma Wellness LLP, have screened more than 4,00,000 students
over the last six years across schools belonging to different socio-
economic backgrounds spread over 27 cities in India and ranging from
2 years to 17 years of age. This report aims to bring out our findings and
observations based on these screenings.

Schools do not need a lot of resources in investing in children’s health.


Parameters like hygiene, vision and dental do not indicate a large
difference amongst students of schools belonging to contrasting socio-
economic backgrounds where health screenings have been conducted.
This points to the fact that small, simple investments made into health
& hygiene at the school premises can bring about real tangible results.

One of the observations is around the growing concern towards mental


health issues in students. We are actively working with schools on
developing the right approaches, awareness and capabilities to deal
with depression, stress, anxieties, etc. in the young population.

India sits on a ticking health time-bomb, with one of the largest incidences
of population suffering from diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular
diseases, cancer and mental health issues. Right attitudes and behavior
towards health can bring about a visible and lasting change. We will
continue to strive towards positively impacting our young population.

Team Jarma Wellness LLP


March 2019
FOREWORD

It gives me great pleasure to write this foreword for Jarma Wellness.


I have always appreciated their pioneering work in school health
programs.

School health programs exist in many formats. Jarma Wellness has


taken it to another level by incorporating new age medical technology.

Their electronic stethoscope helps doctors suspect, record and also


transmit the abnormal sounds to a specialist for confirmation. This helps
not only to confirm but also to detect false positives, thereby avoiding
Dr. Tushar Maniar, MD, DCH unnecessary anxiety and referrals.

Head, Department of Pediatrics, Their multi-disciplinary team comprises of general physicians, dental
Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai
surgeons, optometrists, para medical staff and support staff. Their
Consulting Pediatrician, back end team does a great job in compiling the results and follow-up
Director - Maniar Clinic, Mumbai of the problems detected. This kind of comprehensive approach helps
not only in financial economy of the project but also in efficient time
Author website:
www.oscepediatrics.com management for the school.

Mentor, Jarma Wellness LLP I congratulate them for more than 4,00,000 students being screened
in the last six years. I am confident that  Jarma Wellness will engage
with more schools, pediatric centers and multidisciplinary hospitals to
promote preventive health for many more students.

I wish Jarma Wellness all the success for this endeavor.


DOCUMENT SUMMARY

This document has been developed using the data generated through the screenings completed by Jarma
Wellness LLP since 2013. The analysis in this document is based on the data collected from 1,76,240
screenings.

DISTRIBUTION OF DATA

GENDER

GIRLS BOYS

44% 56%
GRADE AND AGE

Pre-Primary (Age 2 yrs – 5 yrs) Primary (Age 6 yrs – 10 yrs)

57% 22%

Secondary (Age 11 yrs – 15 yrs) Higher Secondary (Age 16 yrs – 17 yrs)

18% 3%
SCHOOL TYPE

85% 15%
Segment A Schools – Schools either in Tier I cities or Segment B Schools – Government schools, schools
with average cost to the parent ≥ INR 50,000 per year supported by NGOs and private schools not falling in
or a combination of both. Segment ‘A’ category.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANALYSIS SUMMARY 03

FOLLOW-UP SUMMARY 05

SUMMARY OF DOCTOR’S CONSULTATIONS AND 07


DISCUSSIONS WITH PARENTS

BMI 09

HYGIENE 11

VISION 13

DENTAL 15

ENT & GENERAL PARAMETERS 16

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS 17

FEEDBACK FROM TEACHERS/ SCHOOL MANAGEMENT 18

GLOSSARY OF TERMS 19

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02

ANECDOTES FROM OUR SCREENING

A 12 year old boy in a south Mumbai school was identified by our doctor with minor
lumps on head and neck, his parents and the school was informed, tests revealed
Lymph Node Tuberculosis in the child. Appropriate treatment was followed and the
child is completely cured of the condition.

An 8 year old child in an upscale school was identified with Red-Green color
deficiency, the parents were completely unaware, a detailed test done by their
ophthalmologist confirmed the screening findings. While no cure is currently
available for color-blindness, the child, parents and the school is now aware.

A 9 year old girl at a school in a Tier III town was suspected to have abnormal heart
sounds by our doctor, the heart sounds were recorded on our digitally enhanced
stethoscope and e-mailed to our senior pediatrician in Mumbai. The pediatrician
confirmed that the murmur indeed needs to be investigated, this was conveyed to
her family. Investigations revealed that the child had a congenital condition of the
heart. The child underwent corrective procedures in Delhi and is now doing fine.

Multiple cases of students suffering from conditions that they believe are
embarrassing to reveal to their parents, discussed with our doctors, the students
have been counseled and families informed in an appropriate manner.

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03

ANALYSIS SUMMARY

BMI 30.4% 19.1%


of all students screened have of all students have been found to be
been found to have abnormal BMI in the overweight and obese category

14% Poor ear hygiene was observed in


HYGIENE
of all students were found to 8%
have poor overall hygiene of all Students

DENTAL 50.3% Cavities have been observed in

of all students were found to 26.8%


have dental issues of all students

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04

VISION 29% 22%


of all students screened with of students screened using
pediatric vision screeners were visual acuity method were
found to have abnormal vision found to have abnormal vision

6,200 106 ENT


students were found with students have been identified
throat related issues with impaired hearing

GENERAL 7,564 193


HEALTH students screened were
observed with Pallor
cases of heart murmurs have
been detected

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05

FOLLOW-UP OBSERVATIONS

A follow-up screening is typically conducted


for students who have been observed with DENTAL
any significant findings during the primary
screening.
The follow-up screening exercise also helps On an average 32% of students with Dental
us understand what actions have the students issues have indicated to taking action
and parents taken on the health screening
findings. This not only helps us provide
better reports and conduct pertinent tests,
it also assists school management measure
the effectiveness of the health screening
program.
Our follow-up results indicate that awareness
still needs to be created in the minds of the
parents in regards to the observations made
Key actions and interventions include:
in the screening report cards and the need to
take appropriate action.
We have seen significant increase in parents
taking action in the schools where we have
been doing the health program for multiple Cavities Teeth Advised on how
filled up cleaning to brush properly,
years. The percentage of parents taking maintaining oral
action in Seg A schools is higher than in Seg B hygiene, etc.
schools.
This analysis is based on the follow-up results
covering 5,278 students.
Key actions / interventions are as reported
to Jarma Wellness during the follow- Schools making an impact
up screening. These actions have been
In the schools where we have been conducting
suggested/ taken by the respective doctors of screening for more than 1 year, the average action
the students. taken percentage was higher at 46% as compared
to just 18% in the schools where we screened for
the first time
46% 1More
Year
than

18% First Time

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06

VISION ENT & GENERAL HEALTH

On an average 43% of students with Vision On an average 69% of students with General
issues have indicated to having taken action Health issues indicated to having taken action

Key actions and interventions include: Multiple different actions and interventions were
taken including necessary treatment and surgery,
food and diet changes, further evaluations, etc.

Glasses Eye
prescribed drops
Treatment Food/Diet
and Surgery changes

Further
Eye Advised on reading postures,
evaluations
exercises ambient lighting etc.

Schools making an impact Schools making an impact


In the schools where we have been conducting In the schools where we have been conducting
screening for more than 1 year, the average action screening for more than 1 year, the average action
taken percentage was higher at 65% as compared taken percentage was higher at 76% as compared
to just 23% in the schools where we screened for to 61% in the schools where we screened for the
the first time first time
65% than
More
76%
1 Year More than
1 Year

23%
First Time 61% First Time

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07

PARENT INTERACTION INSIGHTS

In multiple schools, we QUERIES IN RELATION TO THE REPORT


provide parents with an
opportunity to consult
with our doctors. These
consultations are held Understanding and
after the health screening seeking clarification on Discussing
other opinions

494
any aspect of the report
reports have been
254
received/ taken
delivered.
We also get an opportunity Discussing
follow-up/ action
to interact with the
748
to be taken
parents during health
awareness sessions. This
analysis is a snapshot 1,492
of the discussions and
questions asked by
parents during these
interactions.
We are seeing increasing
conversations at schools DIET RELATED QUERIES 2,886
and with parents around
mental and emotive health
topics.

1,577 788
Child is not eating Child eats mainly
enough junk food

331 190
Both of the General query
above regarding nutrition

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08

LACK OF ENERGY / FEELING TIRED TOTAL PARENTS


INTERACTED
WITH

4,183
1,551
OTHER QUERIES

1,468

Queries pertaining to
oral health 556
223 Query regarding an
ongoing treatment

Discussion on
psychological/
emotional aspects of
the child/ family
256
233 Queries regarding
parenting in general

Asking on health
issues about
themselves 200

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09

BMI

BMI RESULTS

7.86%

69.60%

11.35%

11.19%

Normal Obese Overweight Underweight

BMI for age and gender for a child is based on the percentile method. The BMI classification is done based on
the WHO prescribed range.
BMI Range:
UNDER OVER
NORMAL BMI OBESE
WEIGHT WEIGHT
0 5th percentile 85th percentile 95 100

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10

BY GENDER

71% Female students


have a normal BMI as
compared to

68% Male students


BY AGE GROUP
Percentage of students in overweight & obese BMI category

23% 23% 26%


Higher Secondary
Primary Secondary

16%
Pre-Primary

We see significant jump in the percentage of students in the overweight & obese category as the child
moves from Pre-Primary to Primary.

BY SCHOOL TYPE

Overweight & Obese Underweight Overweight & Obese Underweight

21% 10% 10.5% 17%


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11

HYGIENE

Hygiene is one of the most important life skills key to not only keeping us healthy but also impacting the
wider society. We screen the students for the following hygiene related factors:

ORAL HYGIENE HAIR & NAIL EAR HYGIENE


HYGIENE

OBSERVATIONS

86%
of the students were found to have good
overall hygiene with them scoring well
on all the above parameters

8%
of the students showed poor ear
hygiene at the time of the screening,
with excessive ear wax being the
major issue.

5%
of the students showed poor nail
hygiene at the time of the screening

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12

3%
of the students were identified
with poor oral hygiene

Boys showed a much higher incidence of poor hair hygiene

4.2%
BY SCHOOL CATEGORY
as compared to girl students
1.9%
20% of all students in Segment B schools showed The percentage of students with poor nail hygiene
poor hygiene as compared to 13% students in in Category B schools was double to Category A
Segment A schools school students

Poor Poor
13% Hygiene* 20% 4.3% Nail Hygiene 8.6%
* A student having one or more hygiene parameters marked as Poor

Hygiene is one of the easiest areas which the schools can target by creating the right amount of
awareness. One of the important aspects that we focus on during our Screening camps is educating
children about maintaining the right levels of hygiene, this is done by discussing during our camps,
posters and awareness sessions

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13

VISION

OVERALL (1,55,584 SCREENINGS)

25.5%

74.5%

Non-Normal Vision Normal Vision

WITH PEDIATRIC VISION SCREENERS* (76,000 SCREENINGS)

29%

71%

Non-Normal Vision Normal Vision

Number of children with uncorrected


Myopia/ Hyperopia and wearing
glasses touches nearly

50% in higher-secondary section


Incidence of Myopia Astigmatism decreases indicating that potentially 1 in every 2
increase with age with age children may need glasses

* We conduct the Vision screening either using Pediatric Vision Screeners or the Visual Acuity method. The results differ between
the two methods.

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14

WITH VISUAL ACUITY METHOD* (79,584 SCREENINGS)

22%

Color Vision Prevalence in Prevalence in


78% Defect Male students Female students

0.5% 0.7% 0.1%


Non-Normal Vision Normal Vision

Overall Pre-Primary Primary Secondary Higher-Secondary

Myopia
6% 4% 7% 13% 18%

Hyperopia
2% 2% 3% 1% 1%

Astigmatism
19% 24% 14% 8% 8%

Anisometropia
5% 4% 5% 9% 11%

Wears glasses
2% 10% 22% 30%
1 in 3 children wear glasses but still have a non-normal vision indicating lack of periodic screening after the
initial evaluation. School health screening programs can help mitigate this risk.

* Vision screening using the Vision Screeners helps in identifying Amblyopic Risk factors.

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15

DENTAL

We asses students on various dental / oral health parameters – presence of cavities, plaque, tartar, gum
inflammation, bleeding, oral hygiene and teeth alignment. While alignment of teeth is more of a cosmetic issue,
the other ones point towards hygiene habits and brushing techniques. Interestingly, dental is one area where we
have seen the least amount of action taken by the parents.

OVERALL

50.3%
of all students screened
have dental issues

OBSERVATIONS**

26.8% 7,15%
Alignment of teeth
Cavities

32.52%
Plaque

1.5%
Gum inflammation
& bleeding
6.16%
Tartar

Our data indicates that male students (34% and 7% respectively) have a higher incidence of plaque and
tartar as compared to female students (30% and 5.5% respectively)

** A child may have multiple issues.

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16

ENT & GENERAL PARAMETERS

7,564
Pallor
4,504
Allergy / Skin related conditions

Segment A Schools
2% Segment A Schools 0.7%
Segment B Schools 18% Segment B Schools 2%

6,200
Throat infections
711
Non-normal Auscultation
(wheezing etc.)

Spirometery (FEV1 Readings)

193
Heart Murmur

of heart murmur cases have 37%

80%
been detected in pre-primary
children thereby increasing the
chances of a better outcome. 63%

80% and Above Below 80%

Normal Range: FEV1 values – 80% - 120%


It should be noted that we conduct the
Spirometery testing at schools to drive the point
on importance of physical activity. Our readings
are based on a single test and hence are not
meant to be any kind of diagnostic. Spirometery
is a test that always requires student effort and
cooperation.

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17

FEEDBACK FROM PARENTS

It’s a great initiative helping us a lot to take


care of our kids and its upbringing since its a
full checkup we come to know each and every
aspect with respect to hygiene and health,
otherwise hardly we go out for a full checkup at
this stage. Kids are enjoying it too.
There was a suggestion in my child’s report to see an
- Parent, Pre-Primary center, Pune ophthalmologist as he was suspected to have short
sightedness during the screening program. We took him to an
Ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with partial blindness. A
corrective surgery was recommended, we did that surgery and
now with spectacles he can see things much better than before.
I would like to thank the school and management for
conducting this health screening exercise. This has helped us
very much.
- A Parent, K-10 School, Pune

The doctor were very friendly and willing to


help in spite of my son being cranky, check
up was very good. Thanks a million to Jarma
and our pre-primary school. God bless.
- Parent, Pre-Primary center, Bangalore

Great job done by you all. I got hint


through your camp and I got checked
with a doctor and my daughter got specs
and she can see properly now thanks for
helping and co-operating.
- Parent, K-10 School, Mumbai

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18
FEEDBACK FROM TEACHERS/
SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Greetings! Firstly I would like to thank the team


that visited our branch on the 6th Feb. what an
amazing coordination. Great service, they were
all on time, effective & informative.
Parents were pleased meeting them.
- Center Head,
Pre Primary School group, Hyderabad

Overall experience was excellent.


Great co-ordination and planning.
Franchise owner,
Pre primary School Group,
Bangalore

Through the testing conducted by Jarma Wellness at


our school, we have seen greater awareness among
the parents of our children across aspects of oral health,
hygiene, nutrition and vision. We have also seen student
health outcomes improve over the last five years and
the realization that child health is a partnership between
parents, teachers and the students themselves.
- Managing Trustee,
K-10 School, Mumbai

The state board does not mandate health screening,


we never thought this would add so much value to the
school. We would like to thank Jarma Wellness in the
way this initiative has been conducted. The parents
are highly appreciative of this initiative.
- Principal – Director,
K-10 School, Pune

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS

BMI Body Mass Index

Congenital Any disease or abnormality present from birth

ENT Ear, Nose & Throat

Higher Secondary Classes XI & XII

INR Indian Rupees

KG Kindergarten

K-12 Kindergarten to Class XII

K-10 Kindergarten to Class X

LLP Limited Liability Partnership

NGO Non Governmental Organization

Pallor Pale appearance, indicating likely deficiency of Iron in the Blood

Pre-Primary Classes comprising Play School, Nursery, Junior & Senior KG

Primary Classes comprising I to IV

Secondary Classes comprising V to X

WHO World Health Organization

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20

EXPLANATION OF TERMS

Forced Expiratory Volume


FEV FEV1 is the maximal amount of air you can forcefully exhale in 1 second. It is
then converted into a % of normal.

Heart murmurs are sounds during the heartbeat cycle. These sounds can be
heard with a stethoscope. Heart murmurs can be present at birth (congenital)
Murmur
or develop later in life. A heart murmur isn’t a disease — but murmurs may
indicate an underlying heart problem.

Dental Plaque is a biofilm or mass of bacteria that grows on surfaces within the
mouth. Plaque may become acidic causing dental carries or harden into tartar.
Plaque & Tartar
The most common sign of plaque & tartar is yellow or brown color to teeth or
gums

Visual Acuity Vision screening conducted using Snellen Chart

A vision screener is a hand-held device designed to quickly and easily detect


Vision Screener vision issues. We use vision screeners which are clinically approved be relevant
global agencies.

Myopia Near sightedness. Difficulty in seeing faraway objects

Hyperopia Far sightedness. Difficulty in seeing near objects

Improper curvature of cornea or the shape of the eye’s lens resulting in blurred
Astigmatism
vision.

Anisometropia Unequal refractive power in each eyes

Anisocoria Unequal pupil size

Gaze Asymmetry Eye misalignment

Amblyopia (lazy eye) is a condition in which one of the eyes is not in sync with
the other, it could mean that one eye is better focused than the other. Amblyopia
is a childhood eye condition that has a much higher likely hood of a positive
Amblyopic Risk outcome if detected early.
Factors
Our vision screening can help identify Amblyopic risk factors. The following are
regarded as risk factors that may cause Amblyopia:
Anisometropia 2. Gaze Asymmetry 3. Anisocoria

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21

ABOUT JARMA WELLNESS LLP

Set-up in early 2013 by entrepreneurs from healthcare,


management & technology consulting and intelligent automation, OUR SERVICES FOR SCHOOLS
Jarma Wellness LLP works with schools and corporates in the area
• Health Screening
of health, fitness & safety. We have completed 4,00,000 student
health screenings since 2013 covering students from 2 years till 17 • Mental Health
years of age.
• Health Awareness & Education

• On track to conduct 2,00,000 screenings in academic • First Aid training


year 2019-20
• School Infirmary
• Aim to conduct 1 million student health screenings in an
academic year • Education Content Services

• Pan India footprint covering 27 cities • Health Technology

• Associated with leading schools / school groups in the • Health based Market Research
Country

• Converted more than 300 pre-primary centers and 40+


K-12 Schools into safer environments through our first
aid training programs.

• Conducted more than 1,000 hours of health awareness


sessions for parents, teachers and students

• State-of-the-art screening devices and health technology


platform

• Proud to partner with marquee global healthcare


organizations like Essilor India, a 100% subsidiary of
Essilorluxottica, and Fermenta Biotech Ltd. in the area of
vision care and nutrition respectively.

We are an ISO 9001:2015 certified organization.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This report would not have been possible without the assistance of:
Sumit Chavan
Kruttika Deshpande
Pranav Desai, Archimage Creative
Ashish Dave, Kshitij Prints
IdeaLattice Technologies

Jarma Wellness LLP © 2019. An ISO 9001:2015 certified organization


OUR DRIVING FORCE

Nimish Thaker
Co-Founder and Operating Partner

Nimish is a professional with 20 years of experience working in the fields of


healthcare, management & technology consulting.
Prior to co-founding Jarma Wellness LLP, Nimish has worked in leading
technology and management consulting organizations. Nimish is on the board
and is mentoring another healthcare start-up in the area of nutraceuticals.
Nimish can be reached on: nimish.thaker@jarma.co.in

Dr. Akshay Shah


Co-Founder and Operating Partner

Dr. Akshay Shah is a professional with 10 years of healthcare experience.


Prior to co-Founding Jarma Wellness LLP, Dr. Akshay managed his multi-
specialty clinic in alternative medicine. Dr. Akshay conducts trainings and
workshops across India in the areas of first aid & emergency care and health
awareness. Dr. Akshay spends some time as a medical practitioner, especially
focusing on dermatological conditions.
Akshay can be reached on: akshay.shah@jarma.co.in

Govind Sandhu
Co-Founder and Operating Partner

Govind an alumnus of the prestigious Doon school is a professional with 20


years of experience working in leading roles in intelligent automation, technology
& process consulting, education and healthcare.
Along with Jarma Wellness LLP, Govind is the CFO and co-founder of a leading
global intelligent automation organization.
Govind can be reached on: govind.sandhu@jarmawellness.com

Ketan Shah
Co-Founder

Ketan is a professional with 20 years of experience in the areas of technology,


music and healthcare.
Prior to co-founding Jarma Wellness LLP, Ketan has worked for leading global
consumer technology firms.
Ketan is the CEO of Jarma Technologies and also runs his music school in
Mumbai.

Jarma Wellness LLP © 2019. An ISO 9001:2015 certified organization


Office Address: Contacts:
Mumbai Nimish Thaker
203-204 Peninsula Plaza, Co-founder
Fun Republic Lane, T: +91 22 4010 9440
Andheri (West), Mumbai 400 053 M: +91 98674 57559
Maharashtra, India E: nimish.thaker@jarma.co.in
T: +91 22 4010 9440 / 70456 45661
E: admin@jarma.co.in Dr. Akshay Shah
Co-founder
Bangalore T: +91 22 4010 9440
Jyothsna, M: +91 95955 35191
#157, 1st Block, 12th Cross, E: akshay.shah@jarma.co.in
R T Nagar,
Bangalore 560 032
E: admin@jarma.co.in

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is in a summary form and is therefore intended for general guidance only. This publication is
not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. No one should act on such information without appropriate
professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation. Jarma Wellness LLP cannot accept responsibility for any loss
occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication.

www.jarmawellness.com | admin@jarma.co.in

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