SMK University of Applied Social Sciences

Handbook for International Students

2017/2018

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Dear International Student, SMK is an educational institution, where significance is put on a human – one’s individual talent,

potential, and intelligence that must be disclosed, developed and valued. Therefore we welcome every

individual from all world to come, study and develop themselves here, in SMK together with us.

We aim to be the leading academic institution, where education and career building, as well as research,

flour-ish together with the third academic mission – creation of economic and social value for the region

and the country.

We strive to do everything what is worth for students, community and society. We act with a creative

ambition and youthful spirit. We wish to create, educate and spread ideas. We want to change the world

in a better way. With your help and engagement.

Nothing more gives a sense to our presence as the capacity to renew, and welcome each day realizing

the principles of the world’s development, improving daily and putting efforts to excess our potential. To

learn from the past, to discover from our experience, to invent and develop – these are the routes to walk

our Way and make a Change.

While implementing this mission we keep moving day-to-day responsibly and persistently, creating an ad-

vanced, open and progressively developing higher education institution – valued by students, recognized

by businesses and acknowledged by society.

Gabija Skucaite SMK President

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ABOUT LITHUANIA Area: 65,300 km2. Location: Lithuania is a state on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Neighbouring states: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia. Climate: between maritime and continental. Average temperature in July is 23°C, and average

temperature in January is -4.9°C

Landscape: Lithuania is a flat country, lowland plains make up 75% of its territory Language: the official language of the Republic of Lithuania is the Lithuanian language Population: 3,394,000 Capital: Vilnius Largest cities according to the population: Vilnius (553,200), Kaunas (373,700), Klaipėda (191,600),

Šiauliai (132,700), Panevėžys (118,800).

Ethnic composition: Lithuanians: 83.5%, Poles: 6.7%, Russians: 6.3%, Belorussians: 1.2%, other: 2.3%. There are 115 ethnicities in total in Lithuania. Religion: Roman Catholic Church. There are also communities of Eastern Orthodox Church, Evangelical

Lu-theran Church, Evangelical Reformation Church, Old Believers, Judaism, Islam, and others.

Life expectancy: average life expectancy for Lithuanians: 71 years; men: 66, women: 77. Currency: Euro. Independence:

· declared: 16 February 1918

· restored: 11 March 1990 COAT OF ARMS AND FLAG

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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS January 1 – New Year’s Day February 16 – Day of Reestablishment of the State of Lithuania (1918) March 11 – Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania (from the Soviet Union,

1990) Easter – First Sunday and Monday of spring with full moon May 1 – International

Labor Day June 24 – St John‘s Feast (Midsummer) July 6 – Statehood Day (Coronation of Mindaugas) August 15 – Assumption Day (Žolinė) November 1 – All Saints’ Day December 25 and 26 – Christmas LITHUANIA IN THE WORLD Lithuania joined NATO 29 March 2004, and on 1 May 2004 it became a member state of the EU. LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE About half of the world’s population speak languages that originate from an original Proto-Indo-European language, including English, Spanish, French, German and many others. Most scientists agree that in its pho-netics and morphology Lithuanian is the only living language closest to the Proto-Indo-European language. So while in Lithuania you have a chance to listen to what you distant ancestors could have spoken like. Greetings Hello Laba diena Hi Labas Good morning Labas rytas Good evening Labas vakaras Good night Labanakt Goodbye Viso gero See you! Iki! VILNIUS OLD TOWN From the tower of Gediminas Castle visitors are presented with breathtaking views of the baroque Vilnius Old Town. The abundance of churches is particularly eye-catching: it is often said that regardless of where in the Old Town you are, you are always next to a church. From the gothic masterpiece of St. Anne’s to the baroque splendor of different Peter and Paul, the architectural variety demonstrates the rich heritage of the city, drawing from influences of cultures. TRAKAI CASTLE A small town surrounded by lakes, Trakai, once the capital of Lithuania, is proud of its rich history. It’s beauti-fully restored medieval red brick castle on an island in the lake, the residence of Lithuanian dukes, looks as if it could only exist in fairytales. Medieval buffs will surely spend some quality time exploring the castle and its surroundings. This popular tourist destination also offers a chance to acquire Lithuanian souvenirs.

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THE CURONIAN SPIT The Curonian Spit is a long and thin peninsula, separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Covered in sand, it has been preserved due to human effort to counter the natural erosion process by deforestation. The landscape of the Curonian Spit, an entry in the UNESCO heritage list, is dominated by picturesque sand dunes and pine tree forests. The beaches here are exceptionally clean. Resort towns on the Curonian Spit manage to preserve their old fishing village charm. This is a splendid place for a tranquil seaside family repose.

LITHUANIAN SONG FESTIVAL Folk song has always served Lithuania as means of asserting its national identity, a unique expression of national culture that at certain points gained political significance. Thus the traditional folk song and dance festival, started more than a hundred years ago and taking place every four years, is often seen as the central event of Lithuanian cultural life, attracting many people from within the country as well as abroad. This event is on the UNESCO list of Oral and Intangible Heritage.

BASKETBALL Basketball has made its appearance in Lithuania in the twenties and has since become the dominating na-tional sport. It became especially popular after Lithuania won the European championships of 1937 and 1939. A purpose-built basketball arena that hosted the 1939 championship still stands in Kaunas. In the Soviet era successes of Lithuanian teams on basketball courts have become a kind of a symbol of resistance. The continual popularity of the game is witnessed by the fact that Lithuania is still a major source of European basketball talent, represented internationally by players in top leagues, including NBA.

TIME ZONE Lithuania is in the Eastern European time zone (GMT+2).On the last Sunday of March, when the countries of the Central European time zones spring forward one hour, and on the last Sunday of October, when Central European countries spring back one hour, Lithuania changes time too.

SMK – IT’S US!

IT IS SO GOOD TO BE TO- GETHER: REJOICE, LEARN, IM- PROVE, SHARE, GROW, LOVE, TRAVEL, DISCOVER, HELP…

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ABOUT SMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES The SMK University of Applied Social Sciences has been growing constantly: the number of offered study pro-grammes, as well as the number of students and employees has increased, branch offices were opened with a new building in Vilnius, there are structural divisions responsible for research activities, international relations and development of project activities were established. The SMK is one of the biggest private colleges in Lithuania today. It takes leading positions in the national higher school ratings. SMK receives a large number of new students every year and is one of the most popular private higher education institutions in the country. SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is an active participant in the public and economic life of the country. It has implemented over 100 different national and international projects that contributed a lot to the regional and national scientific, cultural and social development. Compared with other colleges, SMK has im-plemented the biggest number of European Social Fund projects in Lithuania. SMK has 5 departments (Business and Management, Finance, Law, Communication and Information Tech-nology,) uniting 144 lecturers for the development of high quality study programmes and applied research activities, as well as for the implementation of the provisions of lifelong learning programme. The Central Campus of SMK is located in Klaipėda. SMK University also has a branch office in Vilnius, which has been operating from 1999. The key aim of the Integrated Development Strategy is to prepare SMK development vision until 2020, cover-ing the aspects of the study reform, the development of lifelong learning, increase of internationality, science-business synergy issues, the development of applied research activities, creation of social partnership and striving for recognized quality. Integrated Development Strategy is a long-term strategic planning document covering a ten-year perspective. This strategy is specified in more detail in strategic activity plans that are prepared for a period of five years. Students of SMK University of Applied Social Sciences can study full time (duration of studies – 3 years), and part time (duration of studies – 4 years). Secondary school graduates are eligible to enter the University. 180 credits make the study programme. The University graduates are granted diplomas of higher education. OUR VISION: Unique, Modern and Creative higher school inspiring for new ideas, meaningful discoveries and constant improvement. OUR MISSION: to open and provide lifelong learning opportunities to people, to foster their intellectual and creative powers, to promote self-education, to prepare for a successful professional career and responsible, honest and social way of life. This mission requires us to serve the society by providing it with smart human capital that is able to gener-ate new knowledge and innovations, understands responsible obligation to contribute to the creation of ad-vanced, sustainable and safe future of Europe.

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THE AIMS OF SMK ACTIVITIES: . to conduct studies providing persons with higher college type education and higher education

qualification that meet the needs of the state, society and economy of Lithuania and are consistent with the latest tech-nologies and professional artistic level;

. to develop students’ ability to adapt to the changing social and economical conditions quickly, to

develop communication, entrepreneurial and other general skills necessary for work; . to develop opportunities for lifelong learning through application of flexible teaching forms and methods; . to develop applied research necessary for the country and the region, to provide consultations to local

authorities and economic entities; . to contribute to the development of the society that is open to education and culture, that is able to

work in the conditions of rapid technological change and that is ready to integrate into Lithuanian and international community.

. SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is a private higher school operating from 1994. Established

on the private initiative as Nijolė Skučienė Language and Business Management College, it became a higher college type school in 2000.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT The office of International Relations has two locations, with an office residing on the Central Campus Klaipeda and the other at Vilnius (Capital City) Branch. We are here to serve your needs, and you should feel free to contact us at any time during your study. Vilnius Campus Klaipeda Campus Marius Zalieckas Head of International Relations Department Kalvariju str. 137E, Room 102 LT-08240, Lithuania Telephone: +370 5 2043244; Fax: +370 5 243312 E-mail: marius.zalieckas@smk.lt Toye Samson Manager of International Studies and Student Support Kalvariju str. 137E, Room 102 Vilnius, LT-08240, Lithuania Telephone: +370 5 2504825; Fax:+370 5 23312 E-mail: toye.samson@smk.lt Kornelija Gulbinskaite Cordinator of Erasmus Vilnius Branch Kalvariju str. 137E, room 102 LT-08240 Vilnius E-mail: kornelija.gulbinskaite@smk.lt Telephone: +370 5 2504806

Reda Mikalauskaite General manager for Strategic Development (ERASMUS incoming students/ lectures Coordinator) Nemuno str. 2, Klaipeda, LT-91199, Lithuania Telephone: +370 46 397385; Fax: +370 46 397384 E-mail: reda.mikalauskaite@smk.lt

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CAMPUS AND FACILITIES SMK has just recently opened a brand new state of the art study facilities. With lots of open spaces, modern and non-traditional classrooms, SMK is a place to think and to learn in a new way. With over 8700 square meters of space the new building is designed to feel comfortable and cozy.

· Impressive architecture · Modern design · The most advanced technological solutions · Contemporary auditoriums · Open spaces for student social

communication and independent learning · Café · Library · Dance study · Relaxation spaces

THE NEW SMK BUILDING IN VILNIUS - UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST MODERN STUDY BASE IN LITHUANIA!

Life at SMK is busy – in a good way. SMK students are curious and engaged; active involvement outside the auditorium is central to SMK’s culture. A huge variety of student organizations, activities and events, athletics, exhibitions and performances, and educational opportunities keep campus lively. Each day brings new experi-ences that allow students to engage their passions. With students joining us from all over the world, your experience at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences will be an international one! To help students settle in and make the most of both their studies and leisure time, we offer an orientation programme on arrival and numerous social events throughout the whole year. CAREER SUPPORT Since 2009 the SMK Career Centre and the International Relations Department have been presenting joint information support for students about studies, work and internship possibilities abroad, in order to help them prepare for life and work in the global world. SMK Career Centre provides information about career planning, job opportunities and search ways. Also there are conditions for individual consultations regarding CV and motivational letter writing or preparation for a job/ internship interview. EMPLOYMENT AND WORK PERMIT FOR FULL TIME STUDENT Getting an employment is Lithuania is easy once the student is able to speak basic Lithuanian language. Bachelor’s degree students are allowed to work only from the second year of studies while master’s degree students – from the first year of studies. How do I get work placement? Through job hunting Search available job vacancies IMORTANT: Student should have Temporary Residence Permit with the right to work. For TRP details student should the International Relations Office (Room 102). Student have also note that you are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week.

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Required documents to be submitted include to the Local Labor Exchange: A writing application for a work permit A copy of your temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania Confirmation letter from the university that you are a student, issued by international studies office A work contract or a written confirmation for a job offer by the employer specifying the employment start date, the salary and working hours. How long does it take to process work permit? Decision is taken in 14 days after the application documents is accepted by the Labor Exchange Office. What is the next step after favorable decision from the Labor Exchange Office? Student will be awarded work permit for one year if the student do not change the place of work with possible extension.

CAREER DAYS SMK organizes career days, meetings with employers, open lectures for pupils, during which they may actually watch how are the lectures of interest being held, to communicate with employers, to receive the necessary answers. ACCOMMODATION SMK offers several assistance in getting accommodation, the student may choose to stay in SMK dormitory which cost 100 euro per month (however the number of places available are limited, therefore priority is given for incoming full time students), and for student who are willing to live in an apartment, SMK offer assistance through SMK mentors and estate agents in getting an apartment which cost average 200 euro/month. The hostel listed below also offer long-term accommodation for Erasmus students. Green Hotel – www.greenhotel.lt/ Single room – 594 euro/month Double – 297 euro/month For reservation call +370 5 2500695 or send an e-mail: info@greenhotel.lt Filaret Hostel – www.filaretaihostel.com/about-us/?lang=en Room for 2 people – 300 euro/month Room for 4 people – 580 euro/month For reservation call +370 521 54627 or send an e-mail: info@filaretaihostel.lt Corner Hotel – www.cornerhotel.lt Single room – 420 euro/ month Double room – 270 euro/month For reservation call +370 5 2102361 or send an e-mail: reservation@cornerhotel.lt

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STUDENT SUPPORT SMK priority is to make students feel good. Considering that our students come from practically all of the continents in the world, it is a priority to insure a comfortable and safe environment and support system. The minute a new student inquiries about the studies at SMK, he or she will be provided with a personal admis-sions counsellor, who will timely provide all necessary assistance in applying, arriving and living in Lithuania and SMK. All students have academic counsellors, who help to solve their academic issues that might arise. MENTORS It is our aim and continuous commitment to facilitate excellent education experience for our international stu-dents. It is International Relations Office Team as well as Mentors’ Team that pro-vide to SMK International students timely support in all matters (e.g. accommodation, academic advising, internship placement search etc.). Our friendly Mentors’ Team is formed from active Lithuanian students, who act a role of “Local Friends” to foreign students, dedicating their free time to everyday life issues of International students and helping them to go through the possible cultural shocks smoothly. ORIENTATION WEEK Every start of the semester we welcome new students from various parts of the world. In order to make their transition easy and fun we organize an Orientation week full of fun and interesting activities, which makes new comers feel like at home, meet new friends, get to know SMK better and of course be safer in the city. Orien-tation is a very important aspect of beginning studies here, especially for students who are coming from very far and are not familiar at all with the local culture. TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT TRP (temporary residence permission) - is document that allows you to stay in Republic of Lithuania for period of time that will be specified in document. TRP is given to people that are not European Union member citizens. Usually this document allow to live in Lithuania for one year, but sometimes it’s given for shorter period of time. If you‘re staying in Lithuania for more than one year, two months before ending of your permission, you have to submit your documents once again.

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STUDY STRUCTURE The full academic year normally comprises 30 weeks of instruction and is divided into two approximately equal 15-week periods. The Fall/First semester starts from 5th of September to 27th of January while Spring/Second semester starts from 6th of February to 27th of June. ACADEMIC CALENDAR Academic year at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences begins on the 1st of September and consists of two semesters: Fall and spring. Each semester ends by the examination session.

Fall semester 2017 09 05 – 2018 01 27

Christmas holiday 2017 12 23 – 2018 01 03

Examinations 2018 01 09 – 2018 01 31

Spring semester 2018 02 06 – 2018 06 27

Easter holiday 2018 04 21 – 2018 04 25

Examinations 2018 05 26 – 2018 06 27

Summer holiday 2018 07 01 – 2018 08 31

A B C D E

10% of those who have the highest results 25% of those who have lower results 30% of those who have lower results 25% of those who have lower results 10% of those who have lower results

Grades which are acquired during student exchange programmes shall be converted into national grades. Calculations shall be based on the nominal distribution of grades. If the transcript of records does not give a nominal distribution of grades, a ten-point grading system used to evaluate knowledge, abilities and skills at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences Undergraduate studies shall be referred to, as follows:

Required Grade Definition

ECTS Pass/fail system knowledge, % Equivalent

95–100 10 Excellent A

85–94 9 Very good B

75–84 8 Good C PASS

65–74 7 Highly satisfactory D

55–64 6 Satisfactory E

50–54 5 Sufficient E

40–49 4 Insufficient FX

30–39 3 Insufficient F FAIL

20–29 2 Insufficient F

0–19 1 Insufficient F

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GENERAL REGISTRATION PROCEDURES Student enrolment into the first year of study is organized according to the Admission Rules prepared by the University and approved by the director of University. Individuals with completed secondary education are ac-cepted to sequential studies by a competition. There is no age restriction for the applicants. The admission order and conditions are approved by the University Director. The University Director signs an agreement with a student for the whole duration of the studies. The agreements state the main study conditions at the University and obligations for both parties. Admission to the first year of studies is validated by the order of the University Director on the bases of the minutes of the Enrolment Committee sittings. Studies at the University are paid. The order of payment is stipulated in the study agreement. In case of the change of economic conditions the study fee can be adjusted. ECTS CREDIT ALLOCATION ECTS credits are a numerical value (between 1 and 60) allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course unit requires in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of academic study at the institution that is, lectures, practical work, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, private study - in the library or at home - and examinations or other assessment activities. ECTS is thus based on a full student workload and is not limited to contact hours only. In the ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study and normally 30 credits for a semester and 20 credits for a term. One SMK University of Applied Social Sciences national credit (one week – 40 hours of work) is equal to 1.5 ECTS credit. ECTS credits is allocated to all the courses available – compulsory or elective courses. Credits is also allocated to project work, thesis, and practical placements where these are a normal part of the study programme. Credits are awarded only when the course has been completed and all required examinations have been suc-cessfully taken. The ECTS applies for both incoming and outgoing students. ECTS grading scale:

Result of the assessment: Local grade

Approximate equivalent in

pass/fail ECTS

10 – Excellent A

9 – Very good B

PASS 8 – Good B or C

7 – Highly satisfactory C or D

6 – Satisfactory D

5 – Sufficient E

4 – Insufficient F-FX

FAIL 3 – Highly insufficient

2 – Poor

1 – Very poor

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TRANSFERRING OF THE CREDITS The SMK credits are fully transferable to any university in the world recognizing university studies within the European Union. Each exchange student is recommended to check with their university study abroad advisor prior to arrival how ECTS credits transfer into their national system of credit points. QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM In SMK University of Applied Social Sciences there is a unique Quality Management System developed and embedded, which follows the provisions of quality assurance of European higher education, state legislation, international standards, and the needs of SMK itself, as well as its employees and other groups of interest. In this Quality Management System, quality assurance procedures, activity evaluation, monitoring and improve-ment methods are established. The embedded SMK Quality Management System includes management of implemented processes and monitoring, as well as measurement, of balanced scorecards. The initial SMK Quality Management System consists of: · The quality policy and quality objectives; · Quality Manual; · Procedures describing the processes of Quality Management System; · Legislation, regulating and defining the initial Quality Management System. The main goal of SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is to guarantee the level of quality, which certi-fies the preparation of competent and competitive specialists. It aims for creation of future social capital, as well as being an acknowledged leader of innovations and education quality in the international area of higher education. SMK Subscribed databases and e-books EBSCO Publishing EBSCO Publishing is one of the largest databases used in the world. It offers over 300 topical, full text, referenced, bibliographic databases access to its users. External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login eBooks on EBSCOhost – database containing over 110 000 full text e-books collection in arts, business, economics, computer science, educa-tion, law, sciences, psychology and many more scientifically topics as well as fiction literature. External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login Emerald Management eJournals Collection Emerald Publishers Scientific journal database: Management, Business, Law, Political Science, Biology, Education, History, Literature and many others External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login

Taylor & Francis This database gives access to this publisher’s full col-

lection of full text magazine articles. The list consists of

1330 of them. It is journals in various scientific fields

(biology, agriculture, food technology, computer sci-ence,

education, social work, human recourse, litera-ture and

many other topics) Archived from year 1997. External

Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login

Ebrary It is perennial e-book database. SMK subscribes to Business & Economics book collection. External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login

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STUDENT CARD (ISIC) Every International Student has a possibility to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC). ISIC Lithuania Team:

. is expanding all the time the network of discounts of ISIC and ITIC;

. is implanting new functions of ISIC and ITIC;

. is trying to simplify and to improve the delivery of ISIC and ITIC;

. is working on accomplishment and realizing of the effective academic and social projects;

. is inducing the owners of ISIC to create their personal lifestyle. Public transport discounts with ISIC for European Union University students available. As an ISIC holder, you become part of a worldwide community of over 4.5 million students who share a pas-sion for travel, adventure and discovery. The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. With access to a global network of affordable and specialized student services, the ISIC is your passport to more than 32,000 discounts and benefits in 106 countries worldwide. ARRIVING First Things checklist -Before coming:

. Be sure that your travelling document (passport or ID card) is valid.

. Contact your mentor at SMK and inform him/her about your arrival date if you want to be met in the bus / railway station or in the airport.

. If you have any questions or problems do not hesitate to contact International Office. After arrival in Lithuania, student must visit the office of International Students and sign the study contract. If your study period at SMK is more than three months, please make registration in Vilnius Migration Office and get the confirmation from the Migration Office. To obtain a confirmation you need to provide the following documents to Vilnius Migration Office: passport or ID card and its copy, valid health insurance, Application Form, 1 photo, an Official letter from the university, a copy of Director’s order regarding your acceptance for studies, payment check GETTING TO & FROM MAJOR AIRPOSTS The closest airport is Vilnius airport (VNO), which is about 15 km from the SMK University of Applied Social Sciences. The price for a taxi from the airport to the campus is around 17 EUR. For up-to-date information on flights, schedules, routes and airlines see www.vilnius-airport.lt/en. The next closest airport is Kaunas airport, the transportation options from airports is described at www.kaunasair.lt. TAXI You must call in advance to order a taxi. You will typically have to wait anywhere between five to thirty minutes for a taxi pick-up, so it is advisable to plan accordingly. Below is a list of tax services in the area: 1411 (+370 5 231 0310, +370 5 230 0600) 1420 (+370 5 275 7272, +370 5 261 6161) 1366 (+370 5 231 0310, +370 5 230 0600) 1424 (+370 5 275 7272, +370 5 261 6161)

For convenience you can download e-taxi on your android or iPhone. Etaxi allows you to book a taxi without calling.

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