Overview
Background
Biography:
Associate Professor Steven Pratt is known internationally for his work on the development of polyhdroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, and their associated wood-fibre composites, and nationally for his delivery of training courses to environmental professionals.
He has authored over 150 scientific publications, with his major contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology being the invention of the TOGA® Sensor for examination and control of biotech/bioprocess systems.
He leads the ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites at UQ, and has won awards for his outstanding contribution to supervision and enhancing the research supervision culture.
Research:
Assocaite Professor Pratt is a research and education leader in environmental engineering, known internationally for his work on the development of polyhdroxyalkanoate (PHA) bioplastics, and their associated wood-fibre composites, and nationally for his delivery of training courses to environmental professionals. His research is industrially relevant; he has published on models for effective industry-education partnerships.
He is now Director of the new ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites. ARC Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites
Plastics are now ubiquitous in our lives, and the systems within our modern society could not function without these light weight, easily formable, strong, cheap, durable, and readily available materials. However, our success at engineering such useful materials has created a systemic problem, with more than 10 million tonnes of plastic leaking into the global environment annually. Urgent change is needed to address this ‘plastic crisis’, and biodegradable bioplastics, along with their natural fibre composites, will play a pivotal role in this transition to a more sustainable plastics economy. Already, we are witnessing unprecedented growth in the global bioplastics industry – the projected annual growth to 2030 is 16-30%, leading to an estimated global market value of US$40B. As the world transitions towards the integration of bioplastics into a more sustainable plastics economy, there is a real opportunity for Australia to transform our existing plastics industry. Australia is uniquely positioned to become a global leader in the emerging bioplastic and biocomposite industry this decade, supported by our abundance of the raw natural materials needed for their manufacture. The ARC Training Centre for Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy.
Teaching and Learning:
Dr Pratt has taught a variety of courses in process engineering, including Environmental Systems Engineering, Wastewater Treatment, Clean Technology and Environmental Biotechnology.
Additionally, he has run the IWES Principles of Wastewater Treatment course, which has an intake of about 100 professionals each year.
Projects:
ARC ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposties.
Availability
- Associate Professor Steven Pratt is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Engineering, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
Research impacts
Steven has authored nearly 150 scientific papers on related topics, with his major contribution to the field of environmental biotechnology being the invention of the TOGA® Sensor for examination and control of biotech/bioprocess systems. Widespread interest in TOGA® led to an agreement between Massey University and Scion for the commercialisation of the technology.
Works
Search Professor Steven Pratt’s works on UQ eSpace
2024
Journal Article
Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments
Read, Tracey, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Chan, Clement Matthew (2024). Lifetimes and mechanisms of biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in estuarine and marine field environments. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 209 117114, 117114. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117114
2024
Journal Article
Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV
Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). Solvent-based synthesis, structural elucidation and thermal characterisation of free radical grafted PHBV. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 229 110976, 110976. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110976
2024
Journal Article
The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials
Read, Tracey, Chan, Clement Matthew, Chaléat, Céline, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Lant, Paul (2024). The effect of additives on the biodegradation of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) in marine field trials. Science of The Total Environment, 931 172771, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172771
2024
Journal Article
The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown
Lawless, Samuel, Laycock, Bronwyn, Lant, Paul and Pratt, Steven (2024). The extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers determines their propensity to be film blown. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 227 110888, 110888. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2024.110888
2024
Journal Article
Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review
Mai, Jingjing, Kockler, Katrin, Parisi, Emily, Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Synthesis and physical properties of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based block copolymers: a review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 263 (Part 1) 130204, 130204. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130204
2024
Journal Article
Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture
Witt, Torsten, Robinson, Nicole, Palma, Ana C., Cernusak, Lucas A., Pratt, Steven, Redding, Matthew, Batstone, Damien J., Schmidt, Susanne and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Evaluating novel biodegradable polymer matrix fertilizers for nitrogen‐efficient agriculture. Journal of Environmental Quality, 53 (3), 287-299. doi: 10.1002/jeq2.20552
2024
Journal Article
Occurrence and behaviour of colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles through stages of reverse osmosis treating coal seam gas associated water
Sarabian, Esmaeil, Birkett, Greg and Pratt, Steven (2024). Occurrence and behaviour of colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles through stages of reverse osmosis treating coal seam gas associated water. Water Research, 249 120866, 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.120866
2024
Journal Article
Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent
Konarova, Muxina, Batalha, Nuno, Fraga, Gabriel, Ahmed, Mohamed H.M., Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2024). Integrating PET chemical recycling with pyrolysis of mixed plastic waste via pressureless alkaline depolymerization in a hydrocarbon solvent. Waste Management, 174, 24-30. doi: 10.1016/j.wasman.2023.11.023
2024
Journal Article
Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria
Hülsen, Tim, Venturato, Daniel, Chan, Clement, Vandi, Luigi, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven, Stegman, Samuel, van Loosdrecht, Mark and Batstone, Damien J. (2024). Polyhydroxyalkanoate production in a biofilm by mixed culture phototrophic bacteria. Journal of Cleaner Production, 434 140001, 1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.140001
2023
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents
Mai, Jingjing, Garvey, Christopher J., Chan, Clement Matthew, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) multi-block copolymers comprising blocks of differing 3-hydroxyvalerate contents. Chemical Engineering Journal, 475 146175, 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.cej.2023.146175
2023
Journal Article
A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation
Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Halley, Peter (2023). A perspective on biodegradable polymer biocomposites - from processing to degradation. Functional Composite Materials, 4 (1) 10. doi: 10.1186/s42252-023-00048-w
2023
Journal Article
Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments
Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven, Lant, Paul and Laycock, Bronwyn (2023). Hazardous state lifetimes of biodegradable plastics in natural environments. Science of the Total Environment, 894 165025, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165025
2023
Journal Article
Synergistic effect of calcium and magnesium on silica polymerization ancolloidal silica fouling in bench-scale reverse osmosis filtration
Sarabian, Esmaeil, Birkett, Greg and Pratt, Steven (2023). Synergistic effect of calcium and magnesium on silica polymerization ancolloidal silica fouling in bench-scale reverse osmosis filtration. Desalination and Water Treatment, 308, 1-17. doi: 10.5004/dwt.2023.29923
2023
Journal Article
Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry
Mai, Jingjing, Pratt, Steven, Laycock, Bronwyn and Chan, Clement Matthew (2023). Synthesis and characterisation of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-b-poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) multi-block copolymers produced using diisocyanate chemistry. Polymers, 15 (15) 3257. doi: 10.3390/polym15153257
2023
Other Outputs
Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland
Camenzuli, Louise, Syme, Rosie, Downie, Rachelle, McKinley, Belle, Chan, Jennifer, Lant, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn, Pratt, Steven and Chan, Clement (2023). Biodegradability of plastics: Discussion papers. A joint collaboration between Corrs Chambers Westgarth and The University of Queensland. Brisbane, Australia: The University of Queensland. doi: 10.14264/20d45a9
2023
Journal Article
Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate
Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2023). Understanding the reaction of hydroxy-terminated poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) random copolymers with a monoisocyanate. Macromolecules, 56 (6), 2328-2338. doi: 10.1021/acs.macromol.2c02513
2022
Journal Article
Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate
Chan, Clement Matthew, Lyons, Rebecca, Dennis, Paul G., Lant, Paul, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Effect of toxic phthalate-based plasticizer on the biodegradability of polyhydroxyalkanoate. Environmental Science andTechnology, 56 (24), 17732-17742. doi: 10.1021/acs.est.2c06583
2022
Journal Article
Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites
Chan, Clement Matthew, Martin, Darren, Gauthier, Emilie, Jensen, Paul, Laycock, Bronwyn and Pratt, Steven (2022). Utilisation of paunch waste as a natural fibre in biocomposites. Polymers, 14 (18) 3704, 1-16. doi: 10.3390/polym14183704
2022
Journal Article
Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions
Liu, Yiting, Li, Wen, Li, Kai, Annamalai, Pratheep Kumar, Pratt, Steven, Hassanpour, Morteza, Lu, Haiqin and Zhang, Zhanying (2022). Tailored production of lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils from sugarcane bagasse pretreated by acid-catalyzed alcohol solutions. Carbohydrate Polymers, 291 119602, 119602. doi: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2022.119602
2022
Journal Article
Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol
Mai, Jingjing, Chan, Clement Matthew, Colwell, John, Pratt, Steven and Laycock, Bronwyn (2022). Characterisation of end groups of hydroxy-functionalised scl-PHAs prepared by transesterification using ethylene glycol. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 205 110123, 1-14. doi: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2022.110123
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Steven Pratt is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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PhD scholarships in Bioplastics
Scholarships available, up to $45,000 p.a. tax free
12-month industry placements
There is unprecedented growth in demand for bioderived and biodegradable materials. The new ARC Training Centre in Bioplastics and Biocomposites will capitalise on Australia’s abundant natural bioresources to drive advances in technology for the development of bioplastic and biocomposite products for the new bioeconomy. We are a collaboration between industry, The University of Queensland (UQ) and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Our vision is to perform leading edge research and to develop industry-ready specialists to underpin Australia’s transition to a globally significant bioplastics and biocomposites industry.
Up to 3 scholarships are available for outstanding PhD candidates to work in a multidisciplinary research team, embedded in industry. PhD projects are available in each of the following themes: Bioresource transformation, Bioplastic manufacture, Bioplastics applications, Effecting change and sustainability assessment.
We have a critical focus on providing an exceptional PhD experience. We will deliver targeted training and development opportunities including: leadership, innovation, emotional intelligence, critical thinking and project management.
As a Centre student you will receive mentoring from academic and industry leaders, access internal funding opportunities, and gain real world experience through extensive industry placements.
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Green additives and fillers
ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.
There is booming demand for eco-materials, based on biodegradation polymers. But commercially relevant bioplastics are much more than the biopolymers upon which they are based.
This project considers the impact of additives and fillers on degradation rates of bioplastics (and the mobilisation of those additives and fillers to the environment) – with the aim of developing alternative ‘green’ fillers and additives.
This project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating the transition to a ‘greener’ plastics future.
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Sustainable bioplastics
ITTC for Bioplastics and Biocomposites - Fully funded PhD Scholarship of $35,000 pa (with potential for a top up of $10,000 pa for outstanding students). Applicants with skills/experience in chemistry, chemical engineering, material science or material processing are encouraged to apply.
Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.
The aims of this project are to develop commercially relevant bioplastic products from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and to understand the (bio)degradation and potential impacts of those bioplastics in various environments.
The project is developed in partnership with the Minderoo Foundation, with the view to facilitating production of environmentally benign alternatives to conventional packaging materials.
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Sustainable bioplastics
Bioplastics are forecast to play an increasingly important role in addressing the plastic pollution problem. However, not all bioplastics are necessarily benign – even biodegradable bioplastics.
This project facilitates bringing PHA bioplastics, which are bioderived and truly biodegradable, to market.
Contact me for further info.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
PHA materials development
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Green additives and fillers for environmentally benign biocomposites
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant, Dr Clement Chan
-
Doctor Philosophy
PHA in the Circular Economy
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant, Dr Celine Chaleat
-
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the extensional rheology of biodegradable polymers: A study for enhancing film blowing of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs)
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Development of sustainable biodegradable products based on PHA
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel PHA based materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Dr Ian Levett, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
-
Doctor Philosophy
Novel halophilic biotechnology for PHA production from sugar
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lisa Bai, Dr Ian Levett, Associate Professor Adrian Oehmen
-
Doctor Philosophy
Advanced bioplastic materials for a sustainable plastics future
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Degradation of biodegradable plastics in aquatic environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Dr Clement Chan, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
-
Doctor Philosophy
Biopolymer production from syngas and carbon dioxide/hydrogen by purple phototrophic bacteria
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Damien Batstone
-
Doctor Philosophy
Rapid Switch for Plastics: Transitioning to a Zero-Waste Future
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Dr Clement Chan, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
-
Doctor Philosophy
Lifetimes of bioplastics in natural and engineered environments
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Dr Clement Chan, Professor Paul Lant
-
Doctor Philosophy
Fermentation process for the synthesis and anaerobic degradation of polyhydroxyalkanoates
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Clement Chan, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
Completed supervision
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Liquid organic hydrogen carriers and their application on transfer hydrogenation and activation of metal-based catalysts
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Dr Muxina Konarova
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in Methane-utilizing Mixed Cultures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Paul Lant
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2016
Master Philosophy
Biological silicon removal from coal seam gas water
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye
-
2016
Master Philosophy
Silica characterization in coal seam gas water and its removal by activated alumina
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Greg Birkett
-
2016
Doctor Philosophy
Composition of Mixed Culture PHA Biopolymers and Implications for Downstream Processing
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock, Professor Peter Halley
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Management of waste microalgae harvested from iodine rich groundwater holding ponds
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor William Clarke
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing algal biomass and biofuels recovery from open culture systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2014
Doctor Philosophy
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from microbial subpopulations in mixed cultures
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2013
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing biomass production and energy recovery in algal systems
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
-
2023
Doctor Philosophy
Colloidal silica and silica-rich nanoparticles in reverse osmosis treatment of coal seam gas associated water: occurrence, evolution and speciation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Greg Birkett
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Chemical Synthesis and Characterization of High Molecular Weight Polyhydroxyalkanoate-b-Polyhydroxyalkanoate Block Copolymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Clement Chan, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2021
Doctor Philosophy
Freshwater Anammox bacteria for treatment of saline wastewater
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Liu Ye
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2021
Master Philosophy
Drivers and Barriers in the Deployment of Lignocellulose waste-derived liquid fuel in Australia
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Joe Lane, Dr Luigi Vandi, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the mechanisms that control the release of a soluble crystalline agrichemical extruded with biopolymers
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Novel Polyhydroxyalkanoate Materials
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2020
Doctor Philosophy
Exploring the Role of Biodegradable Plastics
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
-
2019
Doctor Philosophy
Development of a closed loop microalgal oil production system through anaerobic digestion and nutrient recycling
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Paul Jensen
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Development of Bio-derived and Biodegradable Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based Wood Plastic Composites (WPCs)
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Peter Halley, Dr Luigi Vandi, Professor Bronwyn Laycock
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Process Design and Development of Microalgae Pilot Scale Production Systems
Associate Advisor
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2016
Doctor Philosophy
Regulation of Mixed Culture Fermentation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Damien Batstone
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Low-cost microalgae harvesting and dewatering using geotextiles, hydrate separation technology and solar drying
Associate Advisor
-
2015
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancement of microalgae lipid extraction efficiency for biodiesel production
Associate Advisor
-
2013
Doctor Philosophy
Production and characterisation of mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoates
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Paul Lant
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Steven Pratt directly for media enquiries about:
- biomaterials
- bioplastics
- wastewater
- water
- wood plastic composites
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