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Wang S, Qin Y. The impact of crowd effects on home advantage of football matches during the COVID-19 pandemic-A systematic review. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289899. [PMID: 37972063 PMCID: PMC10653546 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This review aimed to (1) analyze whether the home advantage was diminished; (2) investigate the impact of the crowds' support on the match outcome and team performance; (3) explore the bias of the referee without crowds. Based on the PRISMA 2020 (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses) guidelines, this systematic review searched of literature was conducted in December 2022. The keywords related to soccer, COVID-19 and home advantage were used. The search returned 135 articles. After screening the records against set criteria, 28 articles were analyzed. Results showed that the absence of crowds would reduce the home advantage of teams, but the findings varied by country. Most leagues have evidence that without the support of the spectators, their technical, tactical and physical performances would be worse. The referee seems likely to be fairer when the spectators are absent. Therefore, crowd supports is an important factor affecting home advantage, the clubs can at least try to strengthen the home advantage and increase the winning possibility by encouraging spectators to enter the stadium or reducing the ticket price.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihang Wang
- Department of Physical Education, Foshan Polytechnic, Foshan, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Qin
- Department of Physical Education, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, China
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Modric T, Versic S, Winter C, Coll I, Chmura P, Andrzejewski M, Konefał M, Sekulic D. The effect of team formation on match running performance in UEFA Champions League matches: implications for position-specific conditioning. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023; 7:366-373. [PMID: 36093788 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2123952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effect of team formation on position-specific match running performance (MRP) at highest-level football. Players' MRP (n = 226) was observed in four team formations: 3-5-2 (n = 24), 4-4-2 (n = 44), 4-2-3-1 (n = 77) and 4-3-3 (n = 81). Central defenders in the 3-5-2 formation achieved a greater amount of high-intensity running distance than in the 4-3-3 formation (mean difference (MD) [95% confidence interval] = 144 m [12, 267], medium ES). Fullbacks in the 4-4-2 formation covered less total distance than in 3-5-2 (MD = -762 m [-1431, -94], large ES) and 4-2-3-1 (MD = -662 m [-1055, -269], medium ES). Central midfielders' total distance in the 4-4-2 formation was lower than that in the 3-5-2 (MD = -645 m [-79, -1211], medium ES) and 4-3-3 (MD = -656 m [-1181, -132], medium ES) formations. Wide midfielders' walking distance in the 4-4-2 formation was lower than that in the 4-3-3 (MD = -484 m [-742, -226], very large ES) and 4-2-3-1 (MD = -535 m [-789, -282], very large ES) formations. Forwards' high-intensity running in the 4-2-3-1 formation was lower than that in the 4-3-3 (MD = -363 m [-613, -112], large ES) and 4-4-2 (MD = -396 m, [-688, -103], large ES) formations. These findings show that conditioning programs for players on all playing positions should be tailored according to the formations of their teams. .
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Affiliation(s)
- Toni Modric
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Sime Versic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
- HNK Hajduk Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Christan Winter
- Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ian Coll
- HNK Hajduk Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Paweł Chmura
- Department of Team Games, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Andrzejewski
- Department of Methodology of Recreation, Poznań University of Physical Education, Poznań, Poland
| | - Marek Konefał
- Department of Human Motor Skills, Wrocław University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Damir Sekulic
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Split, Split, Croatia
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Ayabe M, Sunami S, Kumahara H, Ishizaki S. Effects of substitute allowance on match activity characteristics in Japanese professional football across 2019, 2020, and 2021 seasons. J Sports Sci 2023; 40:2654-2660. [PMID: 36841753 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2182878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the effects of substitute player allowance per match on running performance in Japanese professional football over three consecutive seasons with different numbers of maximum substitutes. Match running performance was obtained from all outfield players in the official matches of the 1st Division of the Japan Professional Football League over three seasons (2019/2020/2021; 22291 player files) by a 4th generation TRACAB® system which provided the total distance covered (TD) and the number of sprinting runs (SP; ≥24.0 km/h for≥1.0 s). The players were divided according to play time: full match (STA), replaced during match (REP), and substitutes during match (SUB). The number of SUBs increased significantly from 2019 to 2021 (p < 0.05). SUB had a significantly higher average speed than STA and REP. The analysis of covariance with the number of recovery days, ambient temperature, and relative humidity as covariates revealed that the TD and SP significantly differed based on the number of SUBs (p < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis showed that the number of SUBs significantly contributed to the TD and SP. These results suggest that the new law, which increased the maximum SUB allowance from three to five, improved the match running performance in Japanese professional football.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ayabe
- Faculty of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Okayama Prefectural University, Soja, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Sunami
- Faculty of Economics, Toyo University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, JAPAN
| | - Hideaki Kumahara
- Faculty of Nutritional Sciences, Nakamura Gakuen University, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, JAPAN
| | - Satoshi Ishizaki
- College of Engineering, Shibaura Institute of Technology, Saitama, Saitama, JAPAN
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Washif JA, Kok LY, James C, Beaven CM, Farooq A, Pyne DB, Chamari K. Athlete level, sport-type, and gender influences on training, mental health, and sleep during the early COVID-19 lockdown in Malaysia. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1093965. [PMID: 36714309 PMCID: PMC9875133 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1093965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: We evaluated the extent of changes in training practices, recovery, mental health, and sleep patterns of athletes during the early COVID-19 lockdown in a single country-cohort. Methods: A total of 686 athletes (59% male, 41% female; 9% World Class, 28% International, 29% National, 26% State, 8% Recreational) from 50 sports (45% individual, 55% team) in Malaysia completed an online, survey-based questionnaire study. The questions were related to training practices (including recovery and injury), mental health, and sleep patterns. Results: Relative to pre-lockdown, training intensity (-34%), frequency (-20%, except World-Class), and duration (-24%-59%, especially International/World-Class) were compromised, by the mandated lockdown. During the lockdown, more space/access (69%) and equipment (69%) were available for cardiorespiratory training, than technical and strength; and these resources favoured World-Class athletes. Most athletes trained for general strength/health (88%) and muscular endurance (71%); and some used innovative/digital training tools (World-Class 48% vs. lower classification-levels ≤34%). More World-Class, International, and National athletes performed strength training, plyometrics, and sport-specific technical skills with proper equipment, than State/Recreational athletes. More females (42%) sourced training materials from social media than males (29%). Some athletes (38%) performed injury prevention exercises; 18% had mild injuries (knees 29%, ankles 26%), and 18% received a medical diagnosis (International 31%). Lower-level athletes (e.g., State 44%) disclosed that they were mentally more vulnerable; and felt more anxious (36% vs. higher-levels 14%-21%). Sleep quality and quantity were "normal" (49% for both), "improved" (35% and 27%), and only 16% and 14% (respectively) stated "worsened" sleep. Conclusion: Lockdown compromised training-related practices, especially in lower-level athletes. Athletes are in need of assistance with training, and tools to cope with anxiety that should be tailored to individual country requirements during lockdown situations. In particular, goal-driven (even if it is at home) fitness training, psychological, financial, and lifestyle support can be provided to reduce the difficulties associated with lockdowns. Policies and guidelines that facilitate athletes (of all levels) to train regularly during the lockdown should be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jad Adrian Washif
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,*Correspondence: Jad Adrian Washif,
| | - Lian-Yee Kok
- Department of Sport and Exercise Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Carl James
- Sports Performance Division, Institut Sukan Negara Malaysia (National Sports Institute of Malaysia), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Scientific Conditioning Centre, Hong Kong Sports Institute, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Christopher Martyn Beaven
- Division of Health, Engineering Computing and Science, Te Huataki Waiora School of Health, University of Waikato, Tauranga, New Zealand
| | - Abdulaziz Farooq
- Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
| | - David B. Pyne
- Research Institute for Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Karim Chamari
- Aspetar, Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, FIFA Medical Centre of Excellence, Doha, Qatar
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Training Practices of Football Players During the Early COVID-19 Lockdown Worldwide. Int J Sports Physiol Perform 2023; 18:37-46. [PMID: 36470251 DOI: 10.1123/ijspp.2022-0186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 lockdown challenged the training options of athletes worldwide, including players from the most popular sport globally, football/soccer. PURPOSE The authors explored the training practices of football players worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS Football players (N = 2482, 30% professional, 22% semipro, and 48% amateur) completed an online survey (May-July 2020) on their training practices before versus during lockdown (March-June 2020). Questions were related to training frequency and session duration, as well as training knowledge and attitudes. RESULTS Before lockdown, more professional (87%) than semipro (67%) and amateur (65%) players trained ≥5 sessions/wk, but this proportion decreased during the lockdown to 55%, 35%, and 42%, respectively. Players (80%-87%) trained ≥60 minutes before lockdown, but this proportion decreased to 45% in professionals, 43% in amateurs, and 36% in semipros during lockdown. At home, more than two-thirds of players had training space (73%) and equipment (66%) for cardiorespiratory training, while availability of equipment for technical and strength training was <50% during lockdown. Interactions between coach/trainer and player were more frequent (ie, daily) among professional (27%) than amateur (11%) and semipro (17%) players. Training load monitoring, albeit limited, was mostly performed by fitness coaches, more so with professionals (35%) than amateurs (13%) and semipros (17%). The players' training knowledge and attitudes/beliefs toward training were relatively modest (50%-59%). CONCLUSION COVID-19 lockdown negatively affected training practices of football players worldwide, especially amateurs and semipros, for example, in training frequency, duration, intensity, technical, recovery, and other fitness training and coaching-related aspects. During lockdown-like situations, players should be monitored closely and provided appropriate support to facilitate their training.
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Thron M, Düking P, Härtel S, Woll A, Altmann S. Differences in Physical Match Performance and Injury Occurrence Before and After the COVID-19 Break in Professional European Soccer Leagues: A Systematic Review. SPORTS MEDICINE - OPEN 2022; 8:121. [PMID: 36178557 PMCID: PMC9523642 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00505-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, matches and soccer-specific training were suspended for several weeks, matches after resumption were congested, and substitutions per team and game increased from three to five. Objective The aim of this review was to examine possible differences in physical match performance and injuries between before and after the COVID-19 induced break of matches and training in professional male European soccer leagues during the 2019/2020 season. Methods A systematic search identified all scientifically peer-reviewed publications involving elite male soccer players competing in the European leagues which reported physical match performance variables such as total running distance and running distance at different speed zones and/or injury parameters pre- and post-COVID-19 induced break. Results In total, 11 articles were included, which were coming from German Bundesliga, Polish Ekstraklasa, Croatian HNL, Spanish La Liga, and Italian Serie A. In all studies investigating the German Bundesliga, most parameters of physical match performance remained unaffected (0.08 ≤ p ≤ 0.82; − 0.15 ≤ ES 0.15), while studies investigating the Polish Ekstraklasa (p ≤ 0.03; − 0.27 ≤ ES − 0.18), Croatian HNL (p ≤ 0.04; − 1.42 ≤ ES ≤ 1.44), Spanish La Liga (p ≤ 0.017; − 0.32 ≤ ES ≤ 5.5), and Italian Serie A (p ≤ 0.014; − 1.01 ≤ ES 0.24) showed a decrease in most parameters of physical match performance after the COVID-19 break. Injury rates were only investigated by studies targeting the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A. In the majority of studies (3 out of 4 studies), there occurred no difference in injuries between pre- and post-COVID-19 break (p > 0.05; ES = N/A). Conclusion Results indicate that Bundesliga teams maintained physical match performance during the 9-weeks break in matches and 3-weeks break in group training, whereas a longer match and group training interruption up to 15 weeks and 8 weeks, respectively, in the other leagues appeared to lead to a decreased physical match performance. Regarding injuries, we speculate that the increase in substitutions from 3 to 5 substitutions per game might prevent an increase in injury occurrence during matches. The underlying studies’ results provide hints for possible upcoming unexpected interruptions with respect to optimal physical preparations for the resumption of matches and a congested schedule to maintain physical match performance, or for possible rule changes such as 5 instead of 3 substitutions to avoid physical overload during congested match schedules. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40798-022-00505-z.
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Wing C, Hart NH, Ma'ayah F, Nosaka K. Impact of Sudden Rule Changes on Player Injuries and Performance: Insights from Australian Football. J Sports Sci Med 2022; 21:458-464. [PMID: 36157397 PMCID: PMC9459767 DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2022.458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of reduced quarter time due to COVID-19 pandemic rule changes, on running performance and injuries in Australian Football. Microsensor data for eight matches performed by the same 17 players were compared between the 2019 (standard) and 2020 (COVID-19) seasons using linear and generalised mixed models. Injury rates were assessed in 34 players across the full 2019 season, and 32 players across the full 2020 season. The total distance (ES = 1.28 [0.55 to 2.02]), high-speed (>18 km/h) (ES = 0.44 [-0.24 to 1.12]) and very highspeed (>24 km/h) (ES = 0.27 [-0.41 to 0.94]) distances, PlayerLoad™ (ES = 0.96 [0.25 to 1.67]), high-intensity efforts (ES = 0.48 [-0.20 to 1.16]), and accelerations (ES = 0.33 [-0.34 to 1.01]) were smaller (p ≤ 0.01) for the 2020 than the 2019 season. Expressed relative to playing time, distance (ES=-0.38 [-1.06 to 0.30]), PlayerLoad™ (ES = -0.27 [-0.94 to 0.41]), and acceleration efforts (ES = -0.50 [-1.18 to 0.18]) were greater (p < 0.05) for the 2020 than the 2019 season. No significant differences in maximum ball-in-play periods nor the difference between the 1st and 4th quarters were evident. Injury rates remained similar between 2019 (3.36 per game) and 2020 (3.55 per game). However, the proportion of injuries that led to lost time (missed games) was greater for the 2020 (38%) than 2019 season (24%). The changes in the rules had a profound impact on player performance and increased the likelihood of time loss injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Wing
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Nicolas H Hart
- Institute for Health Research, University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Science, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Fadi Ma'ayah
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Education, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Kazunori Nosaka
- Centre for Human Performance, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Exercise Medicine Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Chen J, Zhai S, Xi Z, Li P, Zhang S. Impact of absent crowds on technical and physical performances in the Chinese Soccer Super League. Front Psychol 2022; 13:959213. [PMID: 35967645 PMCID: PMC9366115 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.959213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Spectators have a significant impact on match performances in soccer, but to what extent crowd support contributes to the technical and physical performances remains unclear. This study aimed to (1) investigate the differences in terms of technical and physical performances with and without spectators; and (2) identify the key factors differentiating between win and loss when playing with and without the presence of an audience. Methods Our study examined 794 performance records from 397 matches during the 2019-2020 seasons in the Chinese Soccer Super League. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-logistic regression was utilized to select significant predictors. Using an independent t-test and the Mann-Whitney non-parametric test explores the difference between matches with and without spectators. Key factors between win and loss were explored using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results Our study found that cross (p < 0.01, ES = -0.24), shots (p < 0.001, ES = -0.25), and shot accuracy (p < 0.05, ES = -0.18) displayed decreasing trends whereas sprint distances (p < 0.05, ES = 0.16) presented an increasing trend without spectators comparing with the crowd support. Moreover, the above three technical variables were the main factors differentiating between wins and losses. Similarly, team and opponent quality remained important potential factors affecting the match outcome. Conclusion Match outcome or team performance is determined by a myriad of factors, but there are clear differences in technical and physical performances between matches with and without the presence of an audience. Similarly, our study provides a better explanation for the impact of crowd support on match performances whereby coaches can deploy players and adjust match strategies for ultimate success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjin Chen
- Department of Physical Education of the Graduate School, Myongji University, Yongin, South Korea
- College of Physical Education, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Shuaishuai Zhai
- College of Physical Education, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Zenghui Xi
- College of Physical Education, Ludong University, Yantai, China
| | - Peilun Li
- Department of Physical Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, China
| | - Shuolin Zhang
- College of Physical Education, Ludong University, Yantai, China
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García-Calvo T, Fernandez-Navarro J, Díaz-García J, López-Del Campo R, Martínez Fernández F, Memmert D. The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on soccer positional and physical demands in the Spanish La Liga. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022; 7:124-130. [PMID: 35301940 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2055784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to analyse the playing surface area, dispersion and distance covered of professional football teams comparing the pre-lockdown and the post- lockdown periods. Positional and match physical demands data were collected from all matches played in the First Spanish Division (n = 760) during season 2019/2020. Pre-lockdown (1st - 27th matchday) and post-lockdown period (28th - 38th matchday) were compared. Variables related to team-level spatial (i.e., convex hull, team width and team length) and physical performance (i.e., total distance and high-speed running distance) were analysed using an optical tracking system (i.e., ChyronHego). In addition, these variables were concerning in respect to the match location contextual variable. Linear mixed models were used to examine the difference between the pre-lockdown and post- lockdown periods following a hierarchical structure considering players, matches and teams. The results revealed that the pandemic lockdown affected the teams' performance when comparing the periods before and after lockdown, showing a general decrease in the average values of the spatial and physical variables measured. The current data could assist practitioners in making informed decisions in order to design and improve training plans for similar situations in which teams return to competition after an unusual period with no training.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jesús Díaz-García
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | | | - Daniel Memmert
- Institute of Exercise Training and Sport Informatics, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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