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Recent advances in forensic science research

For immediate release, acs news service weekly presspac: april 20, 2022.

Forensic scientists collect and analyze evidence during a criminal investigation to identify victims, determine the cause of death and figure out “who done it.” Below are some recent papers published in ACS journals reporting on new advances that could help forensic scientists solve crimes. Reporters can request free access to these papers by emailing  newsroom@acs.org .

“Insights into the Differential Preservation of Bone Proteomes in Inhumed and Entombed Cadavers from Italian Forensic Caseworks” Journal of Proteome Research March 22, 2022 Bone proteins can help determine how long ago a person died (post-mortem interval, PMI) and how old they were at the time of their death (age at death, AAD), but the levels of these proteins could vary with burial conditions. By comparing bone proteomes of exhumed individuals who had been entombed in mausoleums or buried in the ground, the researchers found several proteins whose levels were not affected by the burial environment, which they say could help with AAD or PMI estimation.

“Carbon Dot Powders with Cross-Linking-Based Long-Wavelength Emission for Multicolor Imaging of Latent Fingerprints” ACS Applied Nanomaterials Jan. 21, 2022 For decades, criminal investigators have recognized the importance of analyzing latent fingerprints left at crime scenes to help identify a perpetrator, but current methods to make these prints visible have limitations, including low contrast, low sensitivity and high toxicity. These researchers devised a simple way to make fluorescent carbon dot powders that can be applied to latent fingerprints, making them fluoresce under UV light with red, orange and yellow colors.

“Proteomics Offers New Clues for Forensic Investigations” ACS Central Science Oct. 18, 2021 This review article describes how forensic scientists are now turning their attention to proteins in bone, blood or other biological samples, which can sometimes answer questions that DNA can’t. For example, unlike DNA, a person’s complement of proteins (or proteome) changes over time, providing important clues about when a person died and their age at death.

“Integrating the MasSpec Pen with Sub-Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionization for Rapid Chemical Analysis and Forensic Applications” Analytical Chemistry May 19, 2021 These researchers previously developed a “MasSpec Pen,” a handheld device integrated with a mass spectrometer for direct analysis and molecular profiling of biological samples. In this article, they develop a new version that can quickly and easily detect and measure compounds, including cocaine, oxycodone and explosives, which can be important in forensics investigations.

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Big footsteps and new challenges

• Open access
• Published: 03 May 2022
• Volume 18 , pages 123–124, ( 2022 )

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• Claas T. Buschmann 1 ,
• Biagio Solarino 2 &
• Takahito Hayashi 3  

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After nearly 15 years, the scientific Chief Editorial Team of Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology has changed in January 2022 [ 1 , 2 ].

First of all, we gratefully thank former Editor-in-Chief Roger W. Byard, former European Editor Michael Tsokos, and former North American Editor John Hunsaker III for their time and passion invested over the past 15 years in the journal — they have not only read, reviewed, and edited thousands of papers, they have also published extensively themselves and thus contributed to the reputation of the journal, too. Together with the Editorial Board, they made the journal what it is today.

Secondly, we would like to thank the whole team at Springer, who gave us three “newcomers” the opportunity to follow in these big footsteps. We will do our best.

Now brought to the second-most important journal worldwide in forensic medicine with regard to its current impact factor by the former Editorial team, Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology will continue to explore all aspects of modern-day forensics. The range of topics covered will continue to include international forensic science, medicine, nursing, and pathology, as well as toxicology, human identification, mass disasters/mass war graves, profiling, imaging and forensic radiology, forensic age estimation, policing, wound assessment, child maltreatment, sexual assault, anthropology, archeology, entomology, botany, biology, veterinary pathology, medical-historical forensic research, and DNA. We will continue to insist on high scientific quality of papers in fluent and sufficiently readable English language. We pay great attention to evaluating the mega-authorship reports and ask to limit the number of self-citations, particularly if not necessary.

Mors auxilium vitae (Death Is Help For The Living) , and looking beyond the horizon is crucial in modern forensic medicine. Interdisciplinary questions arising in the daily autopsy routine can be addressed scientifically, and forensic medicine can contribute to walk new paths. Thus, we also welcome “outside-the-box” papers, i.e., scientific research from the interface of forensic medicine and other medical disciplines — there is a significant overlap between forensic medicine and several curative disciplines, especially after a second look [ 3 , 4 , 5 ]. This also applies to the interface of forensic medicine and the judicial system, i.e., legal assessment of forensic findings. As a sub-category of case reports, we have established “From The Court Room” as a brief case description to present and discuss — not necessarily extraordinary — autopsy and/or crime scene features in a specific case and their legal evaluation. What are legal consequences of our work for those affected, and where are the limits of forensic diagnostics? Where can we get better? With this new proposal, we can discuss once again the inference of the forensic publications in a trial [ 6 ]. How does the Judge determine the scientific value of the articles and the qualifications and credentials of a proposed expert witness? Even considering the differences among the legal systems worldwide, we are looking forward to submissions addressing these points.

Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology will continue to present a balance of forensic research and reviews from around the world to reflect modern advances through peer-reviewed papers, short communications, meeting proceedings, new forensic textbook comments, and case reports. Furthermore, we will open the journal to answers to forensic questions that involve interfaces with other medical disciplines, especially with regard to complications arising from performed — or necessary, but omitted — medical procedures in the broadest sense. Forensic scientists are often involved in medical malpractice lawsuits, healthcare policy, and patient safety management. Therefore, the authors have the opportunity to discuss unusual adverse events, causes of medical malpractice, and the forensic medicine approach to such an interesting field of research. The dead can teach the living.

The scientific future of forensic medicine comprises not only of forensic issues, but involves interdisciplinary cooperation. We intend to be a relevant part of this future — and we can achieve this goal solely with the help of you, the authors and reviewers from all over the world!

Priv.-Doz. Dr. med. Claas T. Buschmann, Kiel/Lübeck, Germany

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Dr. Biagio Solarino, Bari, Italy

Associate Editor

Prof. Takahito Hayashi, Kagoshima, Japan

Byard RW, Hunsaker JC, Tsokos M. Forensic science medicine and pathology – a change of command. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2022;18:116–7.

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Byard RW. Academic standing and publication. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2022;18:1–3.

Buschmann C. More interdisciplinary research is needed in forensic medicine. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2019;15:131–2.

Buschmann C, Tsokos M, Kleber C. Preventive pathology: the interface of forensic medicine and trauma surgery for pre-hospital trauma management. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2015;11:317–8.

Lacour P, Buschmann C, Storm C, et al. Cardiac implantable electronic device interrogation at forensic autopsy – an underestimated resource? Circulation 2018;137:2730–40.

Jones AW. Highly cited forensic practitioners in the discipline legal and forensic medicine and the importance of peer-review and publication for admission of expert testimony. Forensic Sci Med Pathol. 2022;18:37–44.

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Institute of Legal Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel / Lübeck, Germany

Claas T. Buschmann

Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

Biagio Solarino

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Takahito Hayashi

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Correspondence to Claas T. Buschmann .

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Buschmann, C.T., Solarino, B. & Hayashi, T. Big footsteps and new challenges. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 18 , 123–124 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-022-00482-5

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-022-00482-5

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Article Contents

Molecular analysis of skeletal evidence, migrant identification, search, detection and recovery, commingling analysis, biomechanics of bone trauma, decomposition research, bone microscopy, isotope analysis, facial imaging, recent advances in forensic anthropology.

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Douglas H. Ubelaker, Recent Advances in Forensic Anthropology, Forensic Sciences Research , Volume 3, Issue 4, December 2018, Pages 275–277, https://doi.org/10.1080/20961790.2018.1466384

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Forensic anthropology involves diverse applications of anthropological knowledge to medico-legal problems. While the applications are evidence-driven, the available scientific methodology and foundation have developed through decades of research and experience. The roots of this field are anchored in comparative human anatomy but methodology has developed through experimentation, the assemblage of documented collections and databases and thoughtful research design. While forensic anthropology represents a mature scientific field, it continues to evolve and advance through new, innovative global research. Much of this progress is fuelled by issues encountered in casework. The unique evidence and problems presented in forensic cases call for the very best scientific approaches available. Usually, the correct approaches and solutions can be found in the existing scientific literature. However, sometimes the unique issues presented by the casework cannot be addressed adequately with the existing techniques. These situations stimulate forensic anthropologists to seek new solutions through targeted research.

This Special Issue presents research advances in several areas of forensic anthropology that have sustained rapid, recent progress. While our journals continually reveal new information in all aspects of forensic anthropology, several areas of investigation have registered particularly strong academic interest featuring innovative research.

Successful recovery and analysis of DNA has dramatically affected many areas of forensic science. In the field of forensic anthropology, molecular analysis can yield highly accurate information regarding the sex of the individual represented and provide positive identification [ 1 ]. Molecular approaches also can contribute to ancestry evaluation and species recognition. The use of DNA for positive identification has had a major impact on the practice of forensic anthropology and related fields of forensic science.

While the merits and contributions of DNA analysis are profound, many related issues express the need for new, innovative research and technological development. Frequently, evidence submitted for forensic anthropological analysis is not in pristine condition. In many cases, recovered remains are incomplete and/or extremely degraded due to criminal activity and/or taphonomic factors. Some site investigations produce only small fragments where even species is not apparent. Decisions need to be made regarding what areas of bone or tooth should be examined. Since DNA analysis is an expensive and destructive process, these decisions are critical and can affect the outcome of the case. Of course, decisions regarding the type of DNA analysis also are critical and largely driven by both the availability of the antemortem information and the nature of the evidence. Experimentation and casework experience have greatly improved approaches to these issues.

Deaths related to the global movement of undocumented people across national borders present major forensic challenges. Even within countries, identification of citizens can be difficult with incomplete evidence and lack of information regarding missing persons. These problems are greatly exacerbated when different countries are involved and the international movement of the person represented is not registered officially. Such cases call for extraordinary investigation, thoughtful forensic analysis and international communication. These efforts can strain the available local resources and often fall short of positive identification.

Recent years have witnessed remarkable efforts to address the identification of deceased, undocumented border crossers. These initiatives have involved international cooperation, careful exhumation procedures, comprehensive anthropological analysis and new techniques such as isotope analysis to identify the likely regions/countries of origin.

The entire process of forensic anthropological investigation begins with the procedures of search, detection and recovery. Improper or inadequate detection and recovery of human remains can compromise the downstream analysis and interpretation. While the traditional techniques of surface survey and excavation continue to be needed, new approaches, especially those using advanced technology offer significant advances.

Search procedures can be especially challenging when only very general information is available regarding the likely location of human remains. Topographic features can present limitations, especially with dense vegetation and other ground cover. Investigations of humanitarian and human rights issues can present special search and recovery challenges when information suggests that wells, cisterns, sewer systems, mass graves or disposal in water were involved. Confronted with these problems, researchers have devised innovative new approaches to improve the probability of success.

Secondary deposits of human remains or those that have sustained significant disturbance involve loss of normal bone articulation patterns. When multiple individuals are involved, the resulting commingling presents challenges to determine the number of persons represented and to assemble remains of individuals for analysis, identification and return to families. Traditional approaches to commingling problems have involved sorting by the type and side (left or right) of bone, age at death, bone size and maturation, sex and pathological conditions. In some skeletal assemblages, taphonomic indicators can be helpful as well.

Once obvious sorting has been completed, questions persist regarding bone morphology related to individuals. Could a robust femur relate to a robust humerus and represent one individual? Recent advances in commingling analysis address this issue. New databases and computerized techniques establish the probabilities that different bones could relate to the same individual. Applications refine the determination of the number of individuals represented and facilitate analysis aimed at identification.

A primary function of anthropological analysis relates to the interpretation of bone trauma. Anthropologists must differentiate the skeletal alterations representing perimortem trauma from those relating to antemortem injury, developmental features or postmortem and taphonomic factors. Assessment of the biomechanical factors involved plays a key role in any interpretation. Knowledge of biomechanical principles is required to explain fracture patterns and other alterations likely related to perimortem trauma. Interpretation of bone trauma can be challenging. Such challenges have led to greater understanding of the principles involved and experimental work designed to improve interpretation.

Major new initiatives in forensic anthropology have focused on decomposition research. Experiments involving both humans and non-human animals have revealed great detail about the process and variation of soft tissue decomposition and hard tissue alteration. In general, such research has elucidated the many factors that influence both the nature and timing of the decomposition process. Clearly temperature and location (surface, in-ground, aquatic, etc.) have long been regarded as key factors. Research has also indicated that soil conditions, moisture, body composition, body condition, presence of clothing or enclosures, funerary treatment and many other factors can influence the process. Such information is needed to properly assess time since death (post-mortem interval) and post-mortem events related to criminal activity.

In 1965, Ellis R. Kerley [ 2 ] published a technique that allowed age at death to be estimated from microscopic examination of features in human compact bone from the femur, tibia and fibula. Kerley's procedure involved the examination of primary osteons, secondary osteons, osteon fragments and the extent of remaining circumferential lamellar bone. This approach gained recognition due to its reported accuracy and the fundamental processes of bone formation and remodelling that it expressed. Since 1965, the technique has undergone many revisions and expansions for application to other bones of the skeleton. Research also has revealed how bone microscopic examination can provide useful information on many issues of forensic anthropological analysis.

For decades, analysis of elemental stable isotopes has offered key anthropological information related to diet. Stable carbon isotopes recovered from human tissues have revealed if diet focused on plants with a C 3 photosynthetic pathway or a C 4 pathway and the herbivores that fed upon them. Analysis of nitrogen isotopes provides insight into the trophic level of human diet. In anthropological studies of ancient populations, such information is crucial to interpretations of dietary and horticultural practices.

Recently, researchers have applied the concepts of isotopic analysis to examine the geographical origin of human remains. When unidentified human remains are recovered in forensic contexts, investigators question if they represent someone who lived in the area of recovery or from somewhere else. This question is especially relevant in cases involving terrorism and unidentified possible migrants. Using a battery of stable isotope analyses, researchers can determine if the isotopic signatures from the unknown match local baseline data. If not, attempts can be made to determine from what geographic area the unknown originated. This exciting new area of forensic science investigation depends on the assemblage of baseline data from appropriate geographic regions.

Forensic anthropologists relate to issues of facial imaging in facial approximation, craniofacial photographic superimposition and interpretations of surveillance images. Facial approximation refers to the process of estimating the living facial image of a person from the evidence presented by a recovered skull. This technique is used to reach out to the public for leads in missing persons that could culminate in identification using other methods.

Craniofacial photographic superimposition involves comparing a facial photograph of a missing person with a recovered skull. This technique is used primarily to exclude when photographs are available of a missing person thought perhaps to be represented by the recovered remains.

Recent research has focused on enhanced use of computers and related technology, as well as targeted efforts to clarify the relationship between soft and hard tissues. Facial approximation continues to represent a blend of art and science; however, recent advances have strengthened the scientific foundation.

Articles in this Special Issue of Forensic Sciences Research focus on overviews of the published literature on these topics. They also share results from the latest innovative research on these key areas of forensic anthropology applications.

Baker   L . Biomolecular applications . In: Blau   S   Ubelaker   DH , editors.   Handbook of forensic anthropology and archaeology . 2nd. ed. New York: Routledge ; 2016 . p. 416 – 429 .

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Kerley   ER . The microscopic determination of age in human bone . Am J Phys Anth . 1965 ; 23 : 149 – 163 .

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Recent Advances in Forensic Anthropological Methods and Research

Eugénia cunha.

1 Centre for Functional Ecology (CEF), Laboratory of Forensic Anthropology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal; tp.cu.ic@eahnuc

2 National Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, 1169-201 Lisbon, Portugal

Ann H. Ross

3 Human Identification & Forensic Analysis Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 276995, USA

This Special Issue, “Recent Advances in Forensic Anthropological Methods and Research”, with thirteen articles covers a wide range of highly diverse topics within forensic anthropology. Topics ranging from innovative approaches to critical reviews have received much attention, with more than thirteen thousand views during the past year. This is unequivocal proof of the interest in this Special Issue. Authors representing Europe, the United States, Australia, and South Africa embody the breadth of the present-day research being conducted in forensic anthropology.

In regard to estimating biological profiles (e.g., biological sex, age at death, population affinity, and stature), there are three articles focusing on age at death. One manuscript by Niel, Chaumoître, and Adalian [ 1 ] addresses bias due to altered growth trajectories in estimating juvenile aging in fetuses and infants. Two manuscripts discuss aging adults, considered to be the Achilles heel of forensic anthropology. A paper by Dias, Manco, Corte Real, and Cunha [ 2 ] proposes a blood–bone–tooth model using DNA methylation to predict age in forensic contexts. This paper presents an interesting alternative for aging the dead and the living, and brings new insights into the development of multitissue age prediction models as applied to blood, bone, and teeth. The third adult age estimation article by Navega, Costa, and Cunha [ 3 ] proposes a new method based on a multifactorial macroscopic analysis and deep random neural network models. Within the generic factors of identity (i.e., biological profile), the ever-polemic topic of population affinity is discussed and illustrated using geometric morphometric and spatial analysis methods within Latin America. Ross and Williams [ 4 ] argue that there is a benefit to and necessity of embracing studies that employ population structure models to better understand human variation and the historical factors that have influenced it.

Within the realm of individualizing factors, Butaric, Richman, and Garvin [ 5 ] discuss the potential factors that might affect the reliability of using frontal sinuses for personal identification. Their study investigates how slight deviations in orientations affect sinus size and outline shape, which could potentially impact identification.

New approaches are illustrated by the article by Procopio, Mein, Starace, Bonicelli, and Williams [ 6 ], which shows that bone proteomics is a well-founded resource with which to identify microbially driven versus extrinsically driven bone diagenesis. Another novel subject is the review by Marquez-Grant and colleagues on the effects of various drugs on the skeleton, including prescription and recreational drugs, that could affect forensic anthropological analyses [ 7 ]. Another new approach by McWhirter and colleagues describes how to accurately individualize skeletons from commingled remains using mesh-to-mesh value comparisons for pair matching skeletal elements [ 8 ].

A topic with increasing attention is forensic facial comparison, which is the subject of one paper by Bacci and coworkers that discusses relevant terminology, the validity as well as reliability of the Facial Identification Scientific Working Group’s list of morphological features, and proposes standards for CCTV equipment [ 9 ].

The need to know the attributions of each area of expertise in forensic anthropology is discussed by Passalacqua, Pilloud, and Congram [ 10 ], who call attention to ethical procedures and requisite qualifications. Furthermore, they emphasize the need to develop standards and best practice guidelines.

One of the main reasons why forensic anthropologists are called to testify in court is because of traumatic injuries to skeletal tissues. The article of de Boer, Berger, and Blau [ 11 ] discusses and examines the concept of ‘degree of force’ as well as why it is considered a pertinent issue in legal proceedings.

One of the big challenges in skeletal traumatic injuries interpretation is to perform discrimination among BFT and thermal-induced trauma. Keys and Ross [ 12 ] conducted an experiment that found that blunt force trauma signatures remained after burning. It concludes that there are distinct patterns attributed to thermal fractures and blunt force fractures.

Nonhuman skeletal remains continue to be part of the routine cases of forensic anthropologists. The Garvin team [ 13 ] assesses the utility of quantitative methods for distinguishing human from nonhuman remains and presents additional resources for species identification.

We can consider that we have accomplished our aims of presenting a wide array of methods and topics that are unquestionably relevant to the practice of forensic anthropology. The quality of expertise has to derive from modern and updated research.

A teoria orienta, a experiência decide.

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This research received no external funding.

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Conceptualization, E.C. and A.H.R.; writing—original draft preparation, E.C. and A.H.R.; writing—review and editing, E.C. and A.H.R. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

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Forensic Science Research and Development

Through its funding of forensic science research and development, NIJ continues to advance the speed, accuracy, and scope of forensic analysis, which ultimately bolsters the administration of justice. NIJ affirms that scientific advancements and technological breakthroughs are essential to the continued growth and strengthening of the forensic sciences.  

Under this portfolio, NIJ builds and maintains the forensic science research infrastructure. NIJ's research and development funding enhances the development of (1) physical capital by supporting the acquisition, maintenance, and development of laboratory instrumentation; (2) intellectual capital by supporting researchers and providing learning and training experiences for scientists at all career stages; and (3) structural capital by funding projects that support databases and add to the scientific literature.

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• Fire and arson
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• Trace evidence

See also NIJ's program for Research and Evaluation in Publicly Funded Forensic Laboratories

• Molecular Spectroscopy in Practice
• Optical Properties of Solid Samples
• Tech Innovations and Applications

• Publications
• Conferences

The Future of Forensic Analysis: The Latest Studies

This landing page highlights some of the latest studies conducted in forensic analysis that used spectroscopic instrumentation and techniques as part of the methodology.

We are excited to share with you a collection of some of the latest studies conducted on forensic analysis for “The Future of Forensic Analysis.”

“The Future of Forensic Analysis” spotlights the current and ongoing research in forensic analysis, highlighting the important role that spectroscopic techniques and instrumentation are playing that propel this field forward into the future.

The Future of Forensic Analysis: Previewing the Upcoming E-Book

Part 2 of The Future of Forensic Analysis will be released in an e-book. We preview what this e-book will feature.

The Future of Forensic Analysis: Under the Magnifying Glass With the Experts

This landing page highlights the various Q&A interviews conducted for “The Future of Forensic Analysis.”

A new compilation in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy highlights advanced Raman spectroscopy techniques, showcasing their transformative applications in forensic and cultural heritage fields. These approaches include mobile setups, enhanced optics, and sophisticated data treatment methods.

Researchers have developed a cutting-edge, portable LIBS sensor designed for crime scene investigations, offering both handheld and tabletop modes. This device enables on-the-spot analysis of forensic samples with unprecedented sensitivity and depth, potentially transforming forensic science.

This article offers some insight into using attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopy at crime scenes.

How the New Jersey State Police Are Using FT-IR and Raman Spectroscopy

Pakorn Patimetha, Detective Sergeant with the New Jersey State Police's Hazardous Materials Response Unit spoke to Spectroscopy about how officers use portable spectroscopy technology to detect potentially harmful materials at crime scenes.

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