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These Are Some Common Pains of Working in a Home Office. Which Do You Identify With?

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Not having an adequate space to work has made sciatica, neck pain, low back pain and fluid retention common in our daily lives. Here are some tips to avoid pain.


4 min read

This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors may exist due to this process.


Enabling a space to work from home in these nine months of isolation has represented a major challenge for our health and that is that sitting for hours in a chair that is not so comfortable is not the best … Have you ever thought about changing it ? Have you had discomfort in the body?

Working from home involves spending more than eight hours in front of the computer, which has led to a considerable increase in cases involving the following conditions:

Sciatica. This pain occurs when a herniated disc or spinal spur press on the nerve causing discomfort from the lower back through the hips and down the back of one or both legs. This pain is so annoying that it causes limitation of movement.

Neck pain. This pain is one of the most common and if you have finished your workday by rubbing your neck, it is likely that you suffer from it. Although this discomfort is not always serious, it is annoying and is the result of overexertion of the neck muscles, especially if the table you work at is much higher than your chair.

Low back pain. This physical discomfort is manifested along the spine, especially in the lower back, and its pain can range from moderate to disabling. This appears especially when we remain hunched for more than eight hours, and by not maintaining a correct position, we can even generate pressure on the spinal nerves and muscle strain (stretching) that includes pain and inflammation.

Fluid retention. By limiting our mobility, not hydrating properly, and eating a high-salt diet, our body tends to retain fluids, causing swelling and pain.


Depositphotos.com

The remedy

Surely you have identified yourself with one of these conditions. Here are some more functional tips to reduce them.

Walk 10 minutes for every hour you spend sitting. This point is very important, since this way you will allow your circulation to flow better and that the body does not become stressed by staying in the same position for so long.

Pressotherapy. If you are retaining fluids, pressotherapy will help you eliminate toxins through urine. This treatment consists of introducing your feet into pneumatic boots that exert air pressure for a period of 15 minutes where four areas of the legs are worked: hip, thigh, calf and sole of the foot.

Stretch out. Before starting your workday, we recommend doing stretching exercises, this way you can wake up your muscles, especially if you go from your bed to your work area. There are videos on YouTube that will give you the necessary steps to stretch from your fingers to the torso and neck.

Adapt your work area. This step is elementary, since you will spend many hours of your day in this space. If necessary, make some adjustments to your chair and back, you can accommodate cushions that force you to straighten up and even raise the height of your seat to be much more comfortable when prostrating in front of the computer.

Localized cryotherapy. If you have detected that the pain persists and that it is increasingly annoying to work, one option is localized cryotherapy. In Cryomx, an innovative wellness concept, you can find it: it consists of the application of liquid nitrogen gas in a period of between six and eight minutes at -90 degrees. This therapy will help you reduce inflammation of the neck, back, arms, hands and hips, depending on the area of your choice.

Taking these tips into account and once you have detected your discomforts, it is time to get down to work and start changing our work habits from home. Don’t wait for the discomfort to become unbearable and chronic.

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Common Shipping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them – Business

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As the owner of a small business, you know that getting everything right is key to a smooth operation. Shipping mistakes that result in late or damaged shipments can mean the difference between happy customers (and profit) and big losses.

Many small businesses, though, make mistakes when it comes to shipping that ultimately cost them time and money. It can be easy to overlook these mistakes. Often, they don’t even appear to be that big of a deal—that is, until something happens that causes a major headache.

But being aware of these mistakes and taking steps to avoid them can keep your operation on the right track and keep your customers happy.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOW TO START AN ECOMMERCE BUSINESS

Avoid Making These Shipping Mistakes in Your Business

Using the Wrong Packaging

When was the last time you evaluated your packaging process and materials? Have you ever consulted with a packaging professional? If you ship fragile or sensitive items, do you use sensors like temperature indicators or impact sensors to monitor shipments?

Using the incorrect packaging for your shipments, or failing to invest in tools to help protect them, could end up costing your business more than you expect. You may be paying more because the packaging is larger or heavier than necessary. Or your packing process may be leaving things unprotected and susceptible to damage. Many carriers have started denying damage claims related to incorrect packaging. Therefore, it’s worth reassessing your packaging protocols to ensure everything is safe and secure.

RELATED ARTICLE: MAKE GREAT PACKAGING DESIGN A PRIORITY

Making the Mistake of Relying on Only One Shipping Partner

Although loyalty to shipping partners is often rewarded, when it comes to your business this can be a mistake. You shouldn’t put all of your eggs in one basket. Shipping is, by nature, unpredictable. There are any number of reasons that your go-to company may be unable to meet your needs. Maintaining a stable of reliable shippers and splitting your shipments among them is a smarter and less risky move. This will allow you more flexibility while still getting your products into customers’ hands.

Not Accounting for All Costs

Photo by Karolina Grabowska from Pexels

When you’re new to shipping, or you make changes to your shipping processes, you might initially be surprised by your bill—and not in a good way. Although you might initially receive a quote based on the weight and destination of the freight, other factors can drive up the costs. Some of these include the dimensions of your pallets and packaging, hazardous materials fees, customs fees, and fees for refused shipments or shipments that need to be stored for any reason. Even if you expect these fees, and have them budgeted into your shipping costs, making mistakes with classifying and weighing your shipments can cost you big.

On the other hand, many businesses try to reduce shipping costs by designating their shipments as the lowest possible class. However, if your shipment doesn’t meet the requirements for that particular shipping class, the shipper will make note of that mistake and reclassify the shipment. This typically means an increase in the shipping costs, as well as a fee for the reclassifying itself.

The same goes for inaccurate weights. Shippers weigh all cargo at their terminals. If you have improperly weighed or estimated your shipment, they will tack on additional charges, as well as a fee for your underestimation.

With that in mind, it’s worth investing in an accurate scale. Moreover, be careful not to make the mistake of selecting the wrong shipping class. A higher class of service may be more expensive up front. However, when you account for penalties and upgrades, it’s likely to be cheaper in the long run.

Not Implementing (and Following) Inbound Freight Procedures

It’s not only outbound freight that can cost your business time and money. Inbound freight can also be costly, especially if what you receive is damaged or you don’t receive everything you ordered. Failing to implement a freight acceptance procedure that includes a full inspection of the delivery before the driver leaves can mean major headaches and costs while you make a claim.

Before signing for any delivery, examine every package in the shipment for outward signs of damage. Also, photograph any damage or shortages and note them on the delivery receipt. After accepting the shipment, thoroughly examine the contents right away to determine whether there are damages or shortages that were not immediately apparent. If so, you only have a few days to make a claim. That’s why a defined procedure and a commitment to following it on every shipment is so important.

RELATED ARTICLE: HOP ON BOARD THE E-COMMERCE TRAIN AND HANG ON FOR THE RIDE AHEAD

Conclusion

Often these shipping mistakes are innocent, and again, frequently business owners don’t even realize they have made an error until there is a problem. But by taking steps now to prevent these errors, you can protect your bottom line going forward.

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4 in 25 Work from Home Employees Admit to Falling Asleep During Meeting

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Four in twenty-five employees working from home admit they doze off during meetings, according to a survey by Best Mattress. The survey brings to light changes in sleeping patterns brought about in the era of COVID-19.

It was observed that respondents were slightly more likely to report negative impacts on the quality of their sleep than the quantity. With more and more people out of work or telecommuting during the pandemic many are going to bed late (49%).

Falling Asleep During Meetings Working from Home

As a result, 48% of those surveyed say they are starting their day late, and a third admit to taking naps.

Those experiencing poor sleep prior to the pandemic seem to be especially impacted the most. Other findings of the survey include:

  • 21% say they have slept through their morning alarm
  • 36% admit to resting more than working
  • 60% of poor sleepers and 30% of good sleepers report experiencing pandemic related anxiety
  • 66% of poor sleepers and 41% of good sleepers feel lonely
  • 61% of poor sleepers and 29% of good sleepers experience depression

 

image: bestmattress-brand.org

Impact of Sleep on Mental Health

Sleep and mental state go hand in hand. Poor or inadequate sleep can lead to irritability and stress, while healthy sleep can enhance well-being. Chronic insomnia may increase the risk of developing depression or anxiety. Understandably the unpredictable economic outlook and possibility of another wave of COVID can be the cause for sleeplessness.

More than half of the respondents (60%) say life was less enjoyable and reported they were “just holding on” until things get better. A further 50% say they are less optimistic about the future. And another 39% say handling the pandemic was getting harder each day.

People experiencing poor sleep are far more likely to feel disconnected, anxious, lonely, restless, and depressed. To improve sleep four methods seemed effective for the vast majority of respondents who tried them. They are following a bedtime routine, practicing mindfulness, adhering to a set bedtime, and exercising.

Image: Depositphotos.com

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Baby Yoda travels to space with the crew of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon

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Including toys in SpaceX space travel has already become a tradition.


3 min read

This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors may exist due to this process.


The live broadcast of the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch this November 15, bound for the International Space Station (ISS) is always an event. It generates a lot of emotion and expectation of what will happen, of course this time was no exception, mainly because there were five and not four crew members who were seen.

Astronauts Shannon Walker, Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins and Jaxa specialist Soichi Noguchi from Japan had a very special companion: ‘Baby Yoda’ . The popular character from the series ” The Mandalorian” , could be seen in the form of a stuffed animal in the video of the ship.

Bringing toys on board has become a tradition for every Elon Musk SpaceX trip. Last May, when the first manned trip was made by a private company, NASA astronauts Douglas Hurley and Robert Behnken, transported a small colored dinosaur which they called ‘Tremor’, chosen by their children. In addition, in 2019, when the Crew Dragon test trip was made, there was a doll in the shape of Planet Earth named ‘Buddy’ on the ship.

@VieneTeoria, Twitter

The dolls are an indicator of zero gravity to corroborate that the Earth has been left, but in addition to their function, they steal hearts, laughter and expressions of astonishment.

An example of this is that every toy that goes out into space is sold out in a few hours after launch. For what we hope, the same thing happened with the little ‘Baby Yoda’, an already popular character.

May the force be with the Crew Dragon astronauts!



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Best Commercial Entrance Mat – Small Business Trends

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If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.

The commercial entrance mat you see in front of the doors of a building is multifunctional. It may not seem like it, but a quality mat delivers more than meets the eye. And with the right entrance mat, you will protect both your visitors and the wear and tear of your property. Not to mention addressing the set of walkway safety standards that are in place.

So, when you are choosing your next commercial entrance mat, keep in mind the multiple jobs it will do as well as the safety standard it must also abide by.

Best Commercial Entrance Mat

 

M+A Matting Polypropylene Fiber Entrance Indoor Floor Mat

M+A Matting 221 Waterhog Fashion Diamond Polypropylene Fiber Entrance Indoor Floor Mat

Top Pick: At a 1/4” thick, three feet wide and 12.2 feet long, this mat by M+A is a heavy-duty outdoor solution. The polypropylene fiber system dries quickly whether it is indoor or outdoor. Using an exclusive water dam, the border keeps dirt and water in the mat and away from the floor.

The ridged construction stores dirt and moisture beneath shoe level using the rubber reinforced face nubs. This design also prevents pile from crushing in high traffic areas. The company says it is made from green-friendly rubber backing and it has 20% recycled rubber content.

M+A Matting 221 Waterhog Fashion Diamond Polypropylene Fiber Entrance Indoor Floor Mat

Buy on Amazon

 

Durite Recycled Tire-Link Outdoor Entrance Mat

Durable Corporation-108H3672 Durite Recycled Tire-Link Outdoor Entrance Mat

Runner Up: As tough and reliable entrance mats go; this design is tried and true in all kinds of weather. Made from recycled tires, you can get this mat in sizes up to 36” X 72” to cover the need of most entrances. The open weave design keeps dirt, grime, and moisture off the surface of the mat.

One of the greatest benefits of this mat is its durability. These mats last for years and they are made from 90% recycled content.

Durable Corporation-108H3672 Durite Recycled Tire-Link Outdoor Entrance Mat

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Guardian Clean Step Scraper Outdoor Floor Mat

Guardian 14040600 Clean Step Scraper Outdoor Floor Mat

Best Value: Made from 100% rubber, this mat is lab and field-tested as well as being NFSI high traction certified. You can get it in three different sizes with the longest one at 10’ in length.

The molded tread design of the Guardian scraper outdoor mat gets dirt and grime away from shoes and traps it into the base of the mat. This is a solid mat for outdoor entryways as it also holds more than a gallon of water.

Guardian Clean Step Scraper Outdoor Floor Mat, Natural Rubber, Scrapes Shoes Clean of Dirt and Grime

Buy on Amazon

 

Durable Heavy-Duty Rubber Fingertip Outdoor Entrance Mat

Durable Heavy Duty Rubber Fingertip Outdoor Entrance Mat

Constructed of heavy-duty rubber the tiny fingers on this mat removes dirt and debris from shoes and traps them securely. The bottom of the mat has a corrugated pattern to keep it in place and the four sides have beveled edging.

The edging ensures the dirt stays in the mat and prevents tripping by providing a level field with the floor.

Durable Heavy Duty Rubber Fingertip Outdoor Entrance Mat, Black

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Wearwell Natural Rubber UpFront Scraper Mat for Outdoor Entrances

Wearwell - 224.516x3x5GRSLTBK Natural Rubber 224 UpFront Scraper Grease Resistant Mat

Made from natural rubber this mat has a low-profile designed to keep it from snagging on doors or tripping people. The upfront scraper with a quick-dry, open-slot design promotes drainage in wet or snowy weather.

Wearwell is a U.S. family-owned and operated business that has been manufacturing matting and flooring since 1950. The company’s green initiative is responsible for ensuring it uses 33% recycled content.

Wearwell Natural Rubber UpFront Scraper Grease Resistant Mat, Slotted, for Outdoor Entrances

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American Floor Mats Waterhog Fall Day Designer Red

If your business happens to have small doors and you want to make a statement with the entrance mat, this will do it. The design is beautiful to look at, but it also holds up to 1.5 gallons/square yard of water.

Constructed from quick-drying, anti-static polypropylene it is stain, fade, and mildew resistant with a gripper backing to ensure it stays in place. The mats are made from 20% recycled content.

American Floor Mats Waterhog Fall Day Designer Red Entrance Floor Mat with Gripper Backing

Buy on Amazon

 

Rubber-Cal “Paw-Grip” 100% Nitrile Non-Slip Rubber Matting

If you have a long walkway to the entrance of your business, this roll will protect your customers as they walk into your front door. This mat is made from 100% Nitrile non-slip rubber with a raised bar design to offer extra grip.

The holes throughout the mat provide quick drainage for wet applications. This mat is reversible, and you can also use it for wet indoor environments such as kitchens. Because it is 100% Nitrile it is compatible with a range of products and chemicals.

Rubber-Cal “Paw-Grip” 100% Nitrile Non-Slip Rubber Matting, Black

Buy on Amazon

 

How Do You Choose an Entrance Mat?

  • Consider your type of business: Healthcare and hospitality industries have some specific needs. While manufacturing, construction and fitness industries have other requirements. There are standards for the different industries, so make sure the mat you buy addresses them.
  • Size: Choose the biggest mat your budget will allow. This is because the bigger it is the more chances there are for people to clean their shoes before they get into your place of business. If it is too small, it cannot take care of more than one person at a time. And if they are in a hurry, they might just get in without even stepping on the mat.
  • Material: The material you choose is going to depend on whether it is an indoor or outdoor mat. You can get materials ranging from rubber to woven seagrass, nylon, aluminum, cork, polypropylene, coconut fiber, nitrile rubber, PVC and others.
  • Durability: The material you choose will dictate how long your entrance mat will last. Look for materials with characteristics capable of withstanding constant scraping and absorbing. This is going to allow the mat to trap the dirt and moisture while lasting longer.
  • Aesthetic and Personalization: An entrance mat gives the first impression before a customer enters your place of business. Choose a color, design, and logo to highlight your brand. A custom entrance mat is a great way to communicate to your customers you are putting extra effort in extending your hospitality.

Safety

Slip and fall injuries are a serious problem when you enter a commercial building. And the role of entrance mats is especially important in addressing this issue. The 2012 update of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B101 committee on Slip, Trip and Fall Prevention on walkway safety standards regulates the types of mats you must install in your entrance.

The ANSI/NFSI B101.6-2012 “Standard Guide For Commercial Entrance Matting In Reducing Slips, Trips And Falls” makes a number of recommendations. It provides the criteria for selecting, installing, inspecting along with the care and maintenance of entrance mats. This includes loose soil, moisture, un-flush edges on the mat, and improper installations as some of the issues the update addresses.

The Job of an Entrance Mat

An entrance mat must perform three key tasks to be effective. And this is made possible with the material, construction, size, and placement of the mat.

  1. The first thing it must do is prevent moisture, dirt, and other debris from coming into the building. It does this by scraping the shoes and removing the debris as well as absorbing the moisture if it is wet.
  2. If it does the first job properly, it will prevent slip and falls once people leave the mat and enter the building.
  3. To make this safety standard possible, the mat needs to trap the dirt and moisture in place. Once it traps the dirt and moister, a quality mat will also prevent them from escaping and being carried by other people inside the building until it gets cleaned.

Indoor and Outdoor Mats

The job of indoor and outdoor mats differs greatly. The weather in your region as well the covering over the entrance will also play a role.

The outdoor mat needs to drain moisture while removing the debris on shoes including dirt and mud. These mats are commonly made with rubber, they have drainage holes, and nubs to clean dirt and mud.

Indoor mats can also perform all the tasks of an outdoor mat, and if the building only has one mat this is going to be the case. If you plan to only have an indoor mat, invest in the highest quality mat with a raised section and fabric top for wiping and scraping one’s shoes and absorbing moisture.

The ideal scenario is to have an exterior and interior entrance mat. This will not only do a better job, but the mats will last much longer.

As you can see an entrance mat does more than meets the eye. Its function goes far beyond the utilitarian role it is designed for.

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Images: Amazon

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Moderna says that its vaccine (in which Mexico participates) is 94.5% effective against COVID-19

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13 min read

This article was translated from our Spanish edition using AI technologies. Errors may exist due to this process.


This story originally appeared on Business Insider

A second experimental coronavirus vaccine has successfully prevented COVID-19 in the final stage of clinical research, marking a victory in the fight against the pandemic.

Moderna announced the success Monday morning in a press release, saying its vaccine was 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 , the disease caused by the new coronavirus. An independent group of experts found clear signs of effectiveness after reviewing preliminary data from an ongoing study of 30,000 people, Moderna said.

The Moderna injection is the second major vaccine program to announce success in an advanced stage trial. Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said on November 9 that their vaccine was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 in a preliminary review of an ongoing study.

Both announcements provide much-needed good news as the pandemic spreads across the globe, though it could be weeks before regulators review vaccines and decide whether to make them more accessible. The United States now averages more than 140,000 new coronavirus cases a day, and the healthcare system is showing worrying signs of strain as hospitalizations and deaths rise.

Moderna’s share price gained more than 10% before markets opened on Monday and was about to hit an all-time high. US equity futures also rose, with the S&P 500 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining between 1.4% and 1.8% to trade around session highs.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said on November 9 that their vaccine was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing COVID-19 / Image: NurPhoto | Getty Images

Pair of ‘excellent shots’

“Those are two great vaccines that will help a lot of Americans and help a lot of people around the world,” Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said in a video interview with Business Insider.

Moderna’s release indicates that its vaccine is very similar to Pfizer’s. Moderna said its vaccine appeared to be 94.5% effective, while Pfizer said its injection was more than 90% effective. Moderna’s analysis was based on 95 COVID-19 cases, while Pfizer’s review included 94 cases. The data from neither company has been published in a scientific journal and both are still gathering more information on the safety of their vaccines.

Moderna’s study begins counting coronavirus cases two weeks after volunteers receive their second vaccine, while Pfizer’s study records illnesses one week after volunteers complete the vaccination course.

It would be “naive to compare 90% to 94.5%,” Bancel told Business Insider, saying it’s too early to compare the shots.

Volunteers in the Moderna trial were randomly given a two-dose regimen of the experimental Moderna injection or placebo injections. The expert panel’s conclusion is based on 95 cases of the disease observed in the study.

Of those 95 illnesses, 90 people who took placebo became ill compared to five who received Moderna’s vaccine. The vaccine also appeared to prevent serious diseases. The researchers found 11 cases of severe COVID-19 among the placebo group and zero among the people who received the vaccine.

Moderna’s vaccine has a crucial advantage over Pfizer’s injection: it can be stored for one month at typical refrigerator temperatures (2 to 7 degrees Celsius), while Pfizer’s injection must be stored at -34 degrees Celsius, which requires dry ice and special containers.

Moderna’s vaccine has yet to be evaluated by the FDA

Both vaccines are still experimental and must obtain regulatory clearance before being released to the public. Both companies plan to apply for the emergency use authorization at the end of November. It is unclear how long it will take the US Food and Drug Administration to evaluate the vaccines and decide whether to approve them.

Even if approved by regulators, the vaccine supply will be extremely limited at first, although it would be helpful to have two vaccines.

Moncef Slaoui, the senior advisor to the US government’s vaccine initiative Operation Warp Speed, recently estimated that 20 million Americans could be immunized in December if both vaccines were approved.

Even if the regulators approve it, the vaccine supply will be extremely limited at first / Image: Depositphotos.com

Moderna was a key component of Warp Speed’s vaccine plan, with the United States government investing up to $ 2.48 billion to fund its development and secure a supply.

Pfizer has said it expects to produce up to 50 million doses by the end of 2020, and Moderna should have 20 million doses available in the United States by the end of the year. Both injections are given in two-dose regimens.

Manufacturing will expand in 2021, with Pfizer saying it will have enough of its vaccine to immunize up to 650 million people and Moderna aiming to produce enough injections for 500 million worldwide. Vaccines from other drug manufacturers could also be available next year if they are successful in clinical trials that are now underway.

Bancel predicted that a coronavirus vaccine would be widely available in the United States by Memorial Day in late May, based solely on results from Pfizer and his company.

“Even if no other vaccine would make it, worst case scenario, I think by Memorial Day, at the end of June, any American who wants a vaccine will get their hands on a vaccine,” Bancel said.

Early success should bode well for other vaccine pioneers

The effectiveness of the Moderna injection should bode well for other vaccine pioneers. All of these experimental injections target the same part of the new coronavirus, the spike protein.

Slaoui told Business Insider in October that he anticipated three waves of approvals over the next few months.

Moderna and Pfizer would make up the first wave. They could quickly be followed by shots from Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca. Slaoui said he expected results in December or January from those companies.

The third wave includes two more takes, one from Novavax and the other from Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline. Those programs are expected to begin the final phase of clinical trials in the United States in the coming weeks.

Leading government scientists have said that a vaccine should be widely available to Americans in April. Slaoui predicted in August that if people agreed to get the injections, we could be back to normal in the second half of 2021.

The announcements that both vaccines are effective is a validation of the new technology they both use, called messenger RNA. The technology platform uses only the genetic code of the virus to create a vaccine. The approach is promising but novel: to date, there are no federally approved mRNA vaccines.

Key questions remain unanswered, despite promising news

It is too early to draw conclusions about whether one vaccine is more effective or safer than the other. Although Moderna provided much more detailed results than Pfizer, neither has published data in medical journals from its trials, which are still ongoing.

Both companies are still collecting and analyzing data, which means that the exact effectiveness of the shots could differ from these preliminary results.

Moderna provided an overview of preliminary data on safety and side effects, while Pfizer did not provide that information.

Most of the side effects from Moderna injections were mild or moderate, but some volunteers had serious side effects, which are medically significant but not life-threatening. These happened mainly after the second injection. The most common serious side effects were fatigue (9.7%), muscle aches or pains (8.9%), joint pain (5.2%), headache (4.5%), pain (4.1%), and redness in the injection site (2.0%).

While Moderna said these side effects were “generally short-lived,” the specifics will be important, particularly in terms of how severe and long-lasting the side effects were.

Most of the side effects of Moderna injections were mild or moderate / Image: Depositphotos.com

There are some other unanswered questions

In terms of efficacy, it is not clear whether any of the vaccines prevent asymptomatic infections. Studies are likely not able to answer that question definitively, as volunteers were not tested for coronavirus unless they developed symptoms.

No company has provided detailed results by age group. Historically, some vaccines have been less protective in older people.

Finally, we don’t know anything about how long the protection might last. That information will only come with more time, as the study volunteers are followed for many more months. People may need booster shots, although no one knows if they will be needed six months, a year, or several years later.

A transformative moment for Moderna

While Pfizer is a pharmaceutical giant known for treatments like Viagra and Lipitor, Moderna is a much smaller biotech upstart who has never developed an approved drug.

Still, Moderna, which has been around for only a decade, has quickly become one of the most vibrant startups in the pharmaceutical industry.

Bancel, the CEO, has had great insights into the potential of mRNA to work on a wide range of diseases. That has driven record levels of fundraising for Moderna, including the largest biotech IPO in history in December 2018.

The Cambridge, Massachusetts company is working on several other candidate vaccines for Zika, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus.

Moderna hopes its success with the coronavirus will show that the company’s core technology works, Bancel said.

“It’s copy and paste,” he said. “So the Zika vaccine, the CMV vaccine, if this vaccine shows high efficacy, they are going to have high efficacy. It’s just science.”

Responding to the pandemic has accelerated the company’s progress, and Moderna has worked closely with the US National Institutes of Health since January to develop and test a candidate vaccine for COVID-19. Moderna’s candidate vaccine was the first in the world to begin human testing in March.

Being able to have positive efficacy results from an advanced stage study in less than a year is a scientific feat so far equaled only by Pfizer and BioNTech.

Moderna’s candidate vaccine was the first in the world to begin human testing in March / Image: Depositphotos.com

Investors have taken notice. Moderna’s stock has quadrupled this year, driven by the progress of the coronavirus vaccine. The company has hired hundreds of new employees, especially to help operate its Norwood, Massachusetts, manufacturing plant 24 hours a day.

“It’s just the beginning”

The company’s success has also drawn criticism. The company’s top executives and board members sold $ 236 million worth of stock during the first nine months of 2020 as some corporate governance experts criticized insider sales as a poor view.

And some infectious disease experts criticized earlier press releases on positive early data as “science by press release.” The eventual data was later published in one of the major medical journals and was in line with Moderna’s initial description.

Despite criticism, Moderna’s late success is the clearest validation of its technology to date.

“It is just the beginning of a great wave of products,” said Bancel.

While there are significant logistical challenges ahead in the fight against the pandemic, having effective vaccines will go a long way in defeating the virus.

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The 5 Major Cybersecurity Mistakes to Avoid as a Small Business Owner

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Your computers and devices are the lifeblood of your small business — your company uses them to communicate with vendors, clients, make critical business decisions, and hold your trade secrets. That’s why you can’t afford to make any of the following cybersecurity mistakes:

Mistake #1 Underestimating Cybersecurity Threats

As businesses grow more dependent on the Internet, trolls and hackers use increasingly sophisticated tools to target them. Cybersecurity experts like Malwarebytes advise companies to be wary of the most common malware attacks.

  • Computer viruses can quickly do incalculable damage by rapidly replicating on your system while modifying or deleting files and folders essential to your operation.
  • Computer worms spread through your network, almost instantly infecting every computer in your business as they modify and delete vital data.
  • Spyware quietly spies on you and your employees, and transmits your company’s sensitive information to cybercriminals for blackmail or industrial espionage.
  • Keyloggers are a sneaky type of spyware that log your keystrokes and send them to hackers to help them commit financial fraud.
  • Ransomware is an especially dangerous type of malware that locks your critical files, folders, systems, or entire network until you pay a ransom in the form of a nearly untraceable cryptocurrency,  a small fortune.

Many of these types of malware are delivered to you or your employees through phishing expeditions or Trojan horses. A phishing attack usually comes in the shape of an authentic-looking email to your company and carries fraudulent links or malware. Meanwhile, Trojan horses are malware disguised as legitimate software.

To combat these threats, you need the right antivirus software. But with so many options out there, you need to make smart choices. Not all cybersecurity solutions are created equal.

Mistake #2 Relying Exclusively on Your Default Security System

Whether your company uses PCs, Macs, your default security system isn’t strong enough to protect your business. For example, Windows Security has been criticized for weaker malware detection rates than other leading antivirus solutions and it has shown poor performance in hands-on phishing protection tests.

The subpar performance of Windows Security should alarm business owners because of the regular discovery of security vulnerabilities in the Windows operating system. Such security holes can be exploited by hackers to breach your system with malware and steal your data.

Unfortunately, Microsoft usually takes precious time to patch security holes. Your best defense is antivirus software that offers real-time protection and shields your valuable data from threats at all hours of the day, and one that actually analyzes the behavior of malicious programs to detect whether they’re targeting your system.

While Macs are traditionally safer than PCs due to a more tightly controlled manufacturing process from Apple, cybersecurity threats against Macs are growing by the day. According to the 2020 State of Malware Report, Mac software threats climbed 400% in 2019, more than Windows. It’s a good thing that well-reviewed antivirus software for Macs can crush malware, adware, spyware, and other threats.

Mistake #3 Relying on Free Antivirus Software

You wouldn’t use low-cost padlocks to lock your company doors, so why would you use free antivirus software to secure your business’s computers?

  • Free antivirus software offers low detection rates
  • Leading free antivirus software breaches your privacy by collecting data about your usage
  • The most downloaded free antivirus software issues false positives to appear useful
  • Many free antivirus programs carry bloatware and intrusive ads that slow your computers down to a crawl, hindering your business’s productivity.
  • The most popular free antivirus solutions suffer from data breaches, making them counterproductive to use

When something is free, you need to ask yourself, “but at what cost?” Free antivirus software will cost you in the long run, whether compromising your uptime or tying up your time as you scramble for solutions once your system’s security is already compromised.

Remember, creating, running, and maintaining a comprehensive business security system that runs at lightning quick speed and prevents zero-day exploits, ransomware, or malicious downloads requires resources. When you use a free security solution, you pay for it one way or the other down the road.

Mistake #4 Not Being Proactive

Not Being Proactive

It’s critical to be proactive when managing your company’s cybersecurity. Think of it as insurance that protects your business from worst-case scenarios.

According to Forbes, 28% of small- to medium-sized businesses experienced data breaches in 2019. While some companies took months to repair the damage, others struggled to recover and closed permanently. Small businesses like yours should take these attacks seriously, especially during the pandemic, as more employees work remotely, away from the safety of company computers and networks.

The right cybersecurity software for your business should secure and empower every member of your team, be lightweight, offer dedicated support, and work on various platforms. Moreover, it should be cost-effective.

Remember, there are 350,000 instances of new malware detected every day. Only advanced antivirus software can remediate such emerging threats by using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to recognize malware behavior based on patterns, scrutinizing the program’s overall structure, programming logic, and data.

Mistake #5 Ignoring the Bigger Picture

Safeguarding the integrity of your data is essential for your business, employees, and your customers. A security breach can permanently erode consumer confidence in your company and adversely affect your profitability and revenue.

A breach in your cybersecurity doesn’t just mean that your information is compromised — it means your clients’ data might be exposed as well.

When you’re a small business, you have no margin for error when it comes to cybersecurity. When some of the largest, most influential companies in the world suffer from data breaches, they have the resources to reach an astronomical global settlement with their clients. Can your small business afford to ignore the bigger picture?

As your small business’s digital footprint grows more prominent, you must subscribe to cutting-edge cybersecurity software in order to secure your business and focus on improving your profitability stress-free.

Images: Malwarebytes

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Apple Powerbeats and More Audio Accessories with Early Black Friday Pricing

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Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.


You don’t have to wait until Black Friday to bring home must-have products at impressive prices, including electronics. In the market for new audio accessories? You can get all of these on-sale items at an additional 15 percent discount for a limited time.

Apple Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones

Apple Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones

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Apple

The product of collaboration between Apple and Beats by Dre, the Powerbeats are the perfect headphones for people who love Bluetooth audio but are worried about losing their individual earbuds. They deliver crystal-clear sound through top-tier Bluetooth but come with a more secure fit and a wire to ensure they don’t fall apart. No more shaking your earbuds out of your ear while you’re running.

Get the Apple Powerbeats3 Wireless Earphones for $66.30 (Reg. $129) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

RokBlok: The World’s Smallest Wireless Record Player V1.5

RokBlok: The World's Smallest Wireless Record Player V1.5

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RokBlok

Meet the world’s smallest record player, RokBlok. This Shark Tank favorite lets you play your vinyl collection anywhere you have a flat surface. Just put RokBlok on top of a record and let it play with its integrated speaker.

Get the RokBlok: The World’s Smallest Wireless Record Player V1.5 for $76.46 (Reg. $99) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

TREBLAB XFIT Bluetooth Sports Headphones

TREBLAB XFIT Bluetooth Sports Headphones

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TREBLAB

These Bluetooth headphones are designed to fit an active lifestyle. They offer up to 30 hours of wireless audio with the included portable charging case while delivering True-HD sound. You’ll have all the music you need to power through your workout.

Get the TREBLAB XFIT Bluetooth Sports Headphones for $34 (Reg. $69) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

Soundfreaq SFQ-07 Sound Spot Compact Bluetooth Speaker

Soundfreaq SFQ-07 Sound Spot Compact Bluetooth Speaker

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Soundfreaq

Enjoy custom Bluetooth audio everywhere with this compact speaker. It fits comfortably in your pocket and can deliver up to seven hours of playtime on a single charge. Plus, you can adjust the audio to your musical taste with built-in Tone Control settings.

Get the Soundfreaq SFQ-07 Sound Spot Compact Bluetooth Speaker for $55.25 (Reg. $79) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

Gotek Wireless Charging Music Station

Gotek Wireless Charging Music Station

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Gotek

Upgrade your nightstand with this clever 3-in-1 device. The Gotek combines a Bluetooth 5.0 speaker, a wireless phone charger, and a digital clock. It may look like a classic digital clock from the ’90s, but it’s so much more.

Get the Gotek Wireless Charging Music Station for $39.91 (Reg. $59) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

TUNAI Wand Bluetooth Transmitter for TV

TUNAI Wand Bluetooth Transmitter for TV

Image credit:
TUNAI

This 2018 CES Innovation Awardee upgrades your TV, game consoles, and home stereos into Bluetooth devices. The aptX Low Latency Support prevents lags and lip-sync delays, and you won’t have to worry about dead batteries because the transmitter is USB-powered. Plus, it connects two sets of headphones so you can listen with a friend.

Get the TUNAI Wand Bluetooth Transmitter for TV for $42.50 (Reg. $59) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

HyperGear Wave Water-Resistant Wireless Speaker

HyperGear Wave Water-Resistant Wireless Speaker

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HyperGear

Looking for a more adventure-ready speaker for the slopes this season? This IPX4 waterproof Bluetooth speaker provides up to four hours of playtime on a single charge and is built tough for whatever you throw at it. It’s the perfect way to bring your soundtrack to the slopes.

Get the HyperGear Wave Water Resistant Wireless Speaker for $29.75 (Reg. $39) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

Zulu Audio Alpha Wearable Speakers

Zulu Audio Alpha Wearable Speakers

Image credit:
Zulu

No, they’re not headphones. The Zulu Audio Alpha Wearable Speakers are the perfect audio solution for running, riding, or working if you don’t like headphones. They attach to your body using magnets and work just like Bluetooth headphones.

Get the Zulu Audio Alpha Wearable Speakers for $36.55 (Reg. $49) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Canceling Headphones

TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Canceling Headphones

Image credit:
TREBLAB

They call them the Z2’s because they offer twice the sound, twice the noise-cancellation, and twice the flexibility of competitor headphones. These noise-canceling headphones are great for traveling or when you’re trying to get into the work zone. They’re designed to be extremely comfortable, no matter how long you wear them.

Get the TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $67.15 (Reg. $259) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

TaoTronics Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

TaoTronics Hybrid Active Noise-Canceling Headphones

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TaoTronics

These high-quality headphones are an Amazon’s Choice product with a 4.3/5-star rating. They feature a Sony Digital Noise-Cancellation Chip that blocks out ambient noise whenever you want to focus on what you’re listening to and features three different modes to complement the environment you’re in. Plus, they have a CVC 8.0 noise-canceling microphone, so you’ll be able to take calls even in the busiest areas.

Get the TaoTronics Hybrid Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones for $76.50 (Reg. $107) with promo code SAVE15NOV.

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Zoho Webinar to Discuss Turning Site Visitors into Sales Leads

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Event post - November 13, 2020 (3)

You have a website, and it is getting some good traffic, so how do you convert those visitors to leads? This is not an easy question to answer. However, Zoho is holding a free webinar titled, “Business Website Basics: Converting Visitors to Leads” to give you a basic understanding of what it takes to make it happen.

This is part of a series of webinars to give small business owners the tools they need to establish an online presence. The other sessions cover Setting Up Your Website, Establishing Your Brand Story and Elements of Website Design.

With this particular webinar, the trainers will cover CTAs, web forms, and Zoho PageSense to optimize your website through iterative testing.

The event will take place on November 17, 2020, from 7 pm – 8 pm EST.

If you can not attend the live event, you can register for it and Zoho will send you the recorded session shortly after it is over.

 

Click the red button and register, it is free.

Register Now

Featured Events, Contests and Awards

Zoho Webinar: Converting Visitors to LeadsZoho Webinar: Converting Visitors to Leads
November 17, 2020, Online

Want to learn how to turn website visitors into leads? Then look no further! We’ll go over CTAs, web forms, and Zoho PageSense so you can see how to optimize your website through iterative testing.

Getting Started with Zoho OneGetting Started with Zoho One
November 24, 2020, Online

A walk through overview of Zoho One using real case studies from Zoho customers to demonstrate different ways Zoho One can support your business. Join us!

Small Business Saturday: #ShopSmallSmall Business Saturday: #ShopSmall
November 28, 2020

Small businesses are counting on all of us – let’s show them how much they mean to our communities. From getting takeout to shopping online, every time you
#shopsmall, you’re supporting small businesses at the heart of your community.

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  • Tech Outlook 2020
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  • The Investment Summit
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  • Social Media Strategies Summit for Small Businesses – Virtual Conference
    December 8, 2020, Online
  • LinkUpConferenceShow
    December 8, 2020, Online
  • VIRTUAL – Beyond 2D: The Rise of Immersive Commerce
    December 9, 2020, Online
  • VIRTUAL – Mind The Gap: Womxn Designing for Womxn
    December 10, 2020, Online
  • DataScience Contest
    January 1, 2021, Online
  • Rail Cybersecurity Summit USA
    February 9, 2021, Online
  • 5th Advancing Project Controls Summit 2021
    February 22, 2021, Online
  • HR Benefits Conference, April 2021
    April 7, 2021, Las Vegas, United States
  • TECHSPO New York 2021 Technology Expo (Internet ~ Mobile ~ AdTech ~ MarTech ~ SaaS)
    April 15, 2021, Online
  • DigiMarCon Mid-Atlantic 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    April 26, 2021, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • DigiMarCon New England 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    May 6, 2021, Boston, Massachusetts
  • DigiMarCon Canada West 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    May 13, 2021, Vancouver, British Columbia
  • DigiMarCon Canada East 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    May 17, 2021, Montreal, Quebec
  • DigiMarCon Canada 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    May 20, 2021, Toronto, Ontario
  • DigiMarCon Canada 2021 – Digital Marketing, Media and Advertising Conference & Exhibition
    May 20, 2021, Toronto, Ontario

More Contests

This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends.

You can see a full list of events, contest and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar.

Image: Depositphotos.com

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Can’t Afford Your Installment Loan Payments? What You Can Do – Ideas

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Perhaps pre-pandemic you took out a loan in order to take advantage of a promising business opportunity. But then the economy started to slip and your business income dropped off, too. Suddenly can no longer afford the loan payments. Here are some suggestions that can help you get back on track and keep your business afloat.

RELATED ARTICLE: WHAT ARE THE BEST SOURCES OF ECONOMIC NEWS?

Things in life don’t always go as planned. A downward economy can negatively affect many people, including you.

So maybe right now you’re wondering, “How can I keep up with my online installment loan payments?” or, “What happens if I don’t pay?”

Fortunately, there are actions you can take, but you’ll have to move fast to minimize your risk of falling deeper into debt. The longer you wait the more you’ll risk damaging your finances. 

There are certain strategies you can follow that will help you get back on track with your loans. Believe it or not, you can get your installment loan payments under control and relieve some of your stress. 

What Happens When You Fail to Pay Your Installment Loans?

First, it’s important to know about the worst-case scenario: what could happen if you fail to pay your installment payments.

What happens is, you default on your loan. This means you will end up owing more money due to fees, interest charges, and penalties. All of these start building up in your account by the day.

Your credit score also takes a plunge when you don’t repay your lenders. Sure, you can rebuild your credit and start all over again, but it might take quite a few years. 

You don’t have to worry about ending up in debtors’ prisons. They don’t exist anymore. However, if you can’t keep up with your loan payments, you should keep your eye out for legal documents about a potential court appearance.

Yes, it can be frustrating, but there’s no need to worry about all this. That’s because there are steps you can take to ensure that you don’t end up in that position. 

RELATED ARTICLE: CREATIVE WAYS TO FUND YOUR STARTUP

What You Should Do First

Negotiate with your lender. You probably still have some time before your next due date. Therefore, if you foresee that soon you won’t be able to afford your loan payments, what you can do is talk to your lender directly.

They might be able to provide you with some options. For instance, they may reduce or temporarily suspend your loan payments, change your due date, or lower your payment for a certain time.

Keep in mind, however, that you’ll have to explain to your lenders why you can’t make the payments. David Winfield of Simple Fast Loans says, “Some lenders may ask you to provide them with proof that you’re unable to pay your installment loan.”

How to Manage Your Loan Payments

To manage your payments, you’ll need to prioritize them. You surely don’t want to get evicted from your home or have your car taken away from you.

You will have to make a decision on which loans to keep paying installments on and which to stop.

In most cases, you would probably choose to keep making payments on your house and your auto loan. However, the rest would have to get cut. Credit cards, unsecured loans, and any other smaller personal loans would all have to wait.

Another option would be to make your installment loan payment slightly late. Of course, it’s better to pay your installment loan payments on time. But if it’s not possible for you, the worse that could happen is damaging your credit score. 

Keep in mind, if you pay the installment on your loan within 30 days of the due date, it might even not get reported to the credit bureaus.

With your safety and health as a priority, make a list of your payments. Then choose wisely which loans you need to keep paying. 

Consolidate Your Debt

By seeking a different debt consolidation loan you might be able to alleviate your stress because these loans offer lower interest costs and lower required payment. Also, they give you more time to repay.

You can still apply for a new loan if you haven’t started missing payments. Lenders approve those who are on schedule with their installments. 

Begin by applying at banks, community credit unions, and online lenders for unsecured loans. It’s best to apply simultaneously so that you minimize your credit damage and choose the best offer.

Turn to Income-Based Repayment

You might be able to lower your monthly loan payments with an income-based repayment program. 

These are programs that help keep payments affordable. It’s a great way to ease the burden off your loan installments. Lenders see if your monthly income is extremely low and provide you with an extremely low installment to pay each month.

Seek Credit Counseling

If you need other solutions tailored to your specific needs, then you can seek out credit counseling. 

At credit counseling, they deal with everyday consumers who are in trouble with their installment loan payments. They can come up with solutions that you haven’t thought of before.

You can get this service for free in some cases, but make sure the service is free before you apply for counseling.

Start your search with the NFCC (National Foundation for Credit Counseling). Before you reach an agreement, ask for their fees and terms.

File for Bankruptcy

Another option, which may seem too far-fetched, is to file for bankruptcy. More on this in this video:

It’s a strategy you can take action toward if you’re in dire need of financial stability and want to solve your loan payment problems.

Bankruptcy might be right for you, if:

  • Reaching agreements with your creditors has failed. 
  • Your debt is far beyond your income.
  • Wage garnishments are leaving you with nothing.

Get Back on Track with Your Loan Payments

There are solutions to any problem and that counts for loan repayments as well. 

Whether you need to manage your savings and finances or earn more money, you can always find ways to get back on your feet. 

Follow the advice above and you will be on the right track to getting help for a stressful situation.

On another note, it’s also very practical to learn how to increase your savings, spend your money more wisely, and invest in opportunities that will improve your financial position in the long run.

RELATED ARTICLE: 10 WAYS YOU CAN PROTECT, PRESERVE, AND GROW YOUR WEALTH

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