This was posted 9 years 9 months 25 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal.

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Free Health Unit @ Uni of Tas + $0 Fitbit

800
Free Health Unit @ Uni of Tas + $0 Fitbit
Go to Deal
blerk on 30/01/2015 - 11:54 utas.edu.au (1991 clicks)
Last edited 30/01/2015 - 14:58

Conditions, as far as I can tell: You have to be eligible for HECS (Australian citizen with a TFN, etc) and stay past Census date to get the FitBit, then you get charged $0 HECS.

"Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living is a fully online unit, designed to help you monitor your activities to live a healthier lifestyle. Free FITBIT®#: You will receive a free FITBIT® activity tracker as part of your participation in this unit (#conditions apply). Free Study*: Study is free for Semester 1 2015 with a HECS Scholarship (*conditions apply)."

They also have the Bachelor of Dementia Care HECS-free for units done in 2015 (you can exit after doing first year full-time with the Diploma of Dementia Care, if the funding doesn't continue into 2016).
See http://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/courses/bachelor-of-deme…

"Fees: Study is free in 2015 with a HECS waiver (conditions apply). The HECS waiver is automatically applied when you enrol in the Bachelor of Dementia Care units for 2015. The waiver will show on your invoice a week prior to Census Date. There will be an annual SSAF (student services and amenities fee), as well as any possible textbook costs."
(…but you can normally throw SSAF on HECS (i.e. pay later) anyway.)

They also have the HECS-free standalone unit Foundations for Active Living but no FitBit is a deal breaker for me.
See http://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/foundations-of-active-li…

Edit: Please note that it says on the flyer "Clearly–in ATAR 60+ (not required for non school-leavers)".

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University of Tasmania
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closed Comments

  • neil on 30/01/2015 - 11:57
    +3

    A couple of my friends did this course and received Fitbits. Apparently they give you a code to use on Fitbit.com where you can order them.

    100% free course. All done online.

    • user27 on 30/01/2015 - 12:23

      which fitbit do they give you?

      • neil on 30/01/2015 - 12:25
        +1

        Friends got a Fitbit Flex.

        Not me though as I already have a Fitbit One.

  • bargaino on 30/01/2015 - 12:14
    +7

    "Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living" and "Bachelor of Dementia Care". …
    Sad to see one of the oldest universities in Australia so desperate for students (to bring gov't funding) that it is dumbing down to TAFE-level units with gimmicky freebies.

    … Ah, wikipedia explains.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Tasmania#Mergers_…

    Though the amalgamated institution retained the old name of University of Tasmania, like other contemporary institutions a new era dominated by market forces rather than generous public funding controls its future.

    The New Australia - rich kids get to study law & dentistry, poor kids can learn to dress bedsores.

    • 2ndeffort on 30/01/2015 - 12:27
      +4

      Could argue that, aside from a brief interlude in the 70's/80's all we are doing is tending back to the long term trend. Not a lot of poor kids studied law/medicine in the 1800's, maybe a few earned scholarships but otherwise, 'down the mine with dad' was probably the career path expectation for many!

      • effgee on 30/01/2015 - 22:40
        +1

        agreed 100% - we are definitely still going backwards with recent gubermints of both persuasions.

  • user27 on 30/01/2015 - 12:23
    +3

    Just wondering if anyone knows - for you to receive the fitbit, how much does the government (ie you and me) pay for your enrolment in this course?

    • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 14:24
      +2

      CSP is $1,096 (if we were charged "normal" HECS for the unit), full fee paying (domestic) is $2,065. So I am assuming the Commonwealth Supported component (what the govt pitches in) is $969 per person. But the govt pitches in the same if it were normally HECS charged too, the uni is just taking the brunt of the HECS debt bit ($1096) on your behalf.

  • richie83 on 30/01/2015 - 12:25
    +4

    Signed up, for science.

  • 2ndeffort on 30/01/2015 - 12:53

    Looks quite interesting I have a plethora of these things for skiing, running, cycling. They record all sorts of data that I have no idea how to use. Most use I have for the data is tracking how far I've ridden on Strava. I actually bought the wife a Fitbit for XMas. I would almost be interested in paying a little bit to understand how to use these stats to help me get fitter, happy to buy my own Fitbit and save the taxpayers some $$. If study is free for semester 1, is this a multi-semester subject? If so how much do the subsequent semesters cost? No interest in doing the 'Bachelor of General Studies' (in my most elitist academic guffaw…..LOL!)

  • rayboy2006 on 30/01/2015 - 13:00
    +1

    Essentially you are still paying through SSAF right?

    • powerhammer on 30/01/2015 - 13:14
      +1

      Not according to http://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/technology-for-healthy-l…

      Students will also receive a waiver for the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The funds from this fee are normally allocated to the improvement of services and amenities for students of the University. For the Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living unit, the fee has been waived and will be automatically applied during the enrolment process.

    • eltito on 30/01/2015 - 13:18

      As far as I can tell no. I got a bit confused from the OP as to whether a SSAF (student services and amenities fee) has to be paid, however when clicking the link and reading the Fees and waivers link (right side of the page) it states:

      "Students will also receive a waiver for the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). The funds from this fee are normally allocated to the improvement of services and amenities for students of the University. For the Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living unit, the fee has been waived and will be automatically applied during the enrolment process."

      So as far as my understanding is, if you enrol into Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living, there are no hecs fees if you enrol for first semester, get a free fitbit if you stay past census date, and finally no SSAF fees.

      Could anyone confirm or deny? I'm just not 100% I read it right, seems a little too good to be true.

      EDIT: powerhammer above me - confirmed the SSAF

      • neil on 30/01/2015 - 13:24
        +4

        Can confirm, 100% free, no fees according to friends who did this.

      • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 14:11

        Sorry if I wasn't clear. The SSAF only applies to the folks doing the Bachelor of Dementia Care (but you can get 8 uni subjects i.e. the Diploma for "free" that way). For the Technology/FitBit standalone unit, the SSAF is waived (as mentioned above). For the Foundations for Active Living standalone unit, I can't see if SSAF is waived or applied.

  • pichxlonco on 30/01/2015 - 13:27

    What does it mean by census date? W¿Until when do we have to stay enrolled in this course?
    By the way, this course seems interesting: "In this unit we will provide students with the knowledge needed to apply technology solutions to measure daily activity, to understand these measures in the context of health guidelines and how game-based activities can be used to change behaviours."

    would become very handy after completing my Gamification course in coursera.

    • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 14:05
      +3

      Census date is the date that if you drop out of a "normal" uni unit/subject before it, then you don't get financially penalised (i.e. no HECS debt). It really is a mute point from the student's point of view in this case as the financial penalty of dropping out after the census date is $0. From the uni's point of view, they only get funding from the govt for the number of bums on seats after census date.

  • tazmaniak on 30/01/2015 - 13:27
    +5

    I did the course at the end of last year. It was 100% free, quite interesting and well run.
    There was a hiccup with the Fitbits arriving late in the course, but I'm sure they'd have sorted those issues for the new course.
    The Fitbit Flex is a pretty cool bit of kit.

    • pichxlonco on 30/01/2015 - 13:37

      it appears that we have to submit an eCAF (electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form) before the census date. How much does that cost? I'm rading a UTAS manual on filling that form and apparently you have to pay for it at some point: http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/386139/Co… (page 2)

      • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 14:02
        +5

        Yes, you have to fill in an eCAF (basically: here's my TFN). But $0 will get charged against your TFN, therefore no HECS debt, so no paying later. They will provide an invoice a week before Census date showing the $0 cost.

        • tazmaniak on 30/01/2015 - 16:03

          ^This, thanks for explaining it much better than I'd have managed!

        • CandyMan on 30/01/2015 - 17:13

          TFN is optional

    • 7412547854 on 30/01/2015 - 16:10
      +4

      What did you actually learn in this course? I can't seem to find the curriculum for the unit. Is it just how to use the FitBit and how to incorporate it in daily life? or…

    • alvian on 30/01/2015 - 17:41

      What is the duration of the course? Is it single semester or full year?

  • bsus20 on 30/01/2015 - 13:29

    So let me get this clear, this is a free course for Australian citizens? i.e. that is what a HECS Scholarship means?

    In the FAQ it says you only need to spend 3-5 hours per week. Could be a bit of fun.

    • homersyd on 30/01/2015 - 13:40

      is the 3-5 for compulsory quizes or study time? ie. do you actually need to do any homework/quizes to get the freebie?

  • mongjong on 30/01/2015 - 14:28

    Does anyone know if we have to continue with the rest of the Bachelor of General Studies or can we just do this subject? Do we have to apply to discontinue with the Bachelor course since signing up to this subject means we automatically sign up for the Bachelor course as well?

    • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 14:46
      +1

      "After completing the Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living unit, the opportunity exists to undertake further units." If you don't want to take that opportunity, then yes, there is most likely a form that needs to be filled out to discontinue.

    • luluking on 30/01/2015 - 15:00
      +1

      My friend did this course last year and they only enrolled in this one unit. You need to enrol in units to undertake them - so if you don;t enrol in any more you won't need to take any more.

  • AshSet on 30/01/2015 - 14:31
    +1

    I have no clue about HECS as I've never used it. So there will be no tax implications if I sign-up for this? How do I un-enroll after the first semester?

    • luluking on 30/01/2015 - 15:02
      +1

      You don't need to un enrol if you are only enrolling in this one unit for this semester. My friend just enrolled in this one unit and thats all he did.

    • stockastics on 30/01/2015 - 15:02

      Are u aus citizen?

      • pichxlonco on 30/01/2015 - 15:51

        Must be: Domestic students include Australian citizens or students holding Permanent Humanitarian Visas or with Permanent Resident Status. Citizens of countries outside of Australia, including New Zealand, are not eligible to study this unit.

        • stockastics on 30/01/2015 - 18:31

          For hecs, u need to be aus citizen. Permanent residents don't get fee help

        • pichxlonco on 30/01/2015 - 19:57

          To be eligible for a Commonwealth supported place, you must:

          -be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent visa;
          -meet the citizenship and residency requirements;
          -enrol with a provider in each unit, by the census date;
          -read the HECS-HELP, Commonwealth supported places information booklet;
          -submit a valid Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form to your provider by the census date (or earlier administrative date); and
          -finalise your payment arrangements for your student contributions by the census date.

      • AshSet on 02/02/2015 - 10:41

        Yes I am an Aussie citizen.

  • drfuzzy on 30/01/2015 - 15:00
    +17

    I'm the first to grab a bargain, and usually the last to consider the ethics. But I have to ask….

    Do we think it is fair to slug tax-payers about $1000 for a course we don't really want and a free wrist band?

    • Shonky on 30/01/2015 - 15:05
      +5

      No I do not think it's fair if that's what it's costing the tax payer.

    • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 15:30
      +10

      Unless you actually enjoy the unit, get something out of it, and/or happen to use the FitBit for improving your fitness which could possibly save the taxpayer in terms of health costs in the long run.

      And plus, where are the dollars going? Into the hands of an underfunded (aren't they all?) educational institution. They could use that extra money to buy books for the library, fund research, cure cancer… who knows.

      • drfuzzy on 30/01/2015 - 16:15
        +1

        Good point … I didn't think of it like that.

    • bobz79 on 30/01/2015 - 15:33

      Exactly! Save yourself time and avoid putting govt in further debt :) Buy this for just $20 instead. These things are too overrated and accuracy is questionable!
      https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/170998

    • abc on 30/01/2015 - 15:55
      -4

      Um if you work then you are a taxpayer. Therefore it's an "entitlement" if offered.

      Also more than 50% of taxes is spent of welfare. And the majority of that "welfare" is for middle class welfare (ie. People who don't need it). Justify that!

      It's up to the government to distribute taxes fairly and evenly.

  • homersyd on 30/01/2015 - 15:28
    +1

    does this has restrictions on age or income?

  • Ntr0py on 30/01/2015 - 15:55

    Thanks OP. I've been looking at studying a unit through Open Universities this semester, now I need to work out whether I can handle two units whilst working full time…. decisions and priorities :/

  • RyanMK on 30/01/2015 - 16:01

    *Domestic students include Australian citizens or students holding Permanent Humanitarian Visas or with Permanent Resident Status. Citizens of countries outside of Australia, including New Zealand, are not eligible to study this unit.

    If I'm a Australian Permanent Resident with TFN, do I qualify for this?

    • 7412547854 on 30/01/2015 - 16:05
      +2

      You already answered your own question.

      Domestic students include:
      1. Australian citizens OR
      2. Students holding Permanent Humanitarian Visas OR
      3. Students holding Permanent Residency.

  • tyng on 30/01/2015 - 17:40

    Is there any information on who the lecturer is and the curriculum? Any exam requirement? Can't find any info on the website.

    • blerk on 30/01/2015 - 19:07

      If you check the FAQ on the RHS menu, under "Studying"…
      "How do I pass the units without having final exams?
      There will be ongoing assessment throughout the semester involving a variety of activities and assignments, rather than a final exam. Assessments could include such items as online quizzes composed of multiple-choice and short answer questions (some of which may be time-limited), online discussion forums and/or keeping a reflective journal."

      The "Teaching Staff" bit is blank in the handbook. Hopefully that isn't an ominous sign.

      Curriculum? Found this in the FAQ…
      "After completing the unit, you should be able to:
      *Identify the benefits of physical activity to individual health and wellbeing.
      *Understand what technology is available to enhance measure and understand daily activities.
      *Understand how this technology can be utilised to live a healthier lifestyle.
      *Learn how to use these technologies to reduce the risk of chronic disease.
      *Apply technology to improve personal health and understand how it can be applied to creating a healthier society.
      *Understand the concept of gamification and how this can be used to elicit behavioural change."

      • tyng on 31/01/2015 - 00:06

        Thanks! It doesn't sound too bad tbh

  • nixstar on 30/01/2015 - 19:20
    +1

    This sounds too good to be true, but I'm definitely considering it

    • montorola on 30/01/2015 - 21:17

      Consider all you want, but I'm signing up lol

    • Pollywaffle on 31/01/2015 - 09:04

      I'm with you. I'm just worried that in a couple of years time, I'll get some bill for a grand or something. But that's mainly because I don't 100% understand it at first glance. Will research more!

      • AssociatedThoseDeafMutes @ University of Tasmania on 31/01/2015 - 09:54
        +7

        If you click on the "Fees and Waivers" section on side bar, it discusses the HECS waiver and SSAF stuff. Long story short, both the unit fees and the SSAF (sort of like an extra fee that gets added to all study since a couple years back) are covered.

        Just because the unit is free, that doesn't mean you should automatically do it though. If you're interested in the subject matter, go right ahead, but if you're just planning to fail the unit and score a free FitBit I'd say you're in it for the wrong reasons.

        (Full disclosure: UTAS employee but not here in an official capacity)

  • RohBoat on 30/01/2015 - 21:25
    +2

    Pity it won't be here in time for the $100 Flybuys deal for walking 10000 steps each day in March.

  • effgee on 30/01/2015 - 23:01

    +1 for the 'free fitbit' but suggest the 'dementia care' unit should be a separate post since it is of interest to way less ozbargainers and just adds confusion to the "Foundations of Technology for Healthy Living" / free fitbit deal

  • tm001 on 31/01/2015 - 01:23

    Sorry for silly question, never used HECS, always been a full-fee paying student :-( … Don't you have to repay your HECS debt later on? I.e. wouldn't the Uni get the payment from HECS and then you have to repay from your tax or something like that?
    Otherwise - I think there is a high chance that people will stay to finish at least a cert or diploma. And learn some healthy stuff, so not completely useless :-)

    • eltito on 31/01/2015 - 08:46

      you only repay hecs later in if u earn over a certain amount ( I think it's over $50,000 currently. - or something close to that). just remember with this deal there is no hecs if u sign up for the first semester

  • Maxii on 31/01/2015 - 13:35

    Friend of mine told me the government will fund HECS for only one degree per eligible person in his life time. I've done a business degree as a full fee paying student and I'm planning to do an aviation degree under HECS, would enrolling this unit cut my HECS way to my future aviation degree?

    • fruit on 31/01/2015 - 16:19
      +1

      Friend is wrong.
      But your future shouldn't rest on advice from OzBargain call up the ATO on Monday and ask.

      • OzzyBrak on 03/02/2015 - 19:35

        Then ring them again on Tuesday and get a different answer.

  • WaterMark on 31/01/2015 - 17:10
    +2

    2nd page question:
    How did you hear about the Foundations of Active Living unit? Other - OzBargain
    LOL!

  • mrjames on 31/01/2015 - 22:25

    Am I reading this wrong?

    Isn't it like any uni course, the govt covers part of the course and charge you a fee( on HECS) depending on the band?

    So people are signing up for $1000 of HECS debt for a "free" fitbit? Also don't you already have to be enrolled in a degree to get access to HECS?

    • blerk on 01/02/2015 - 10:42

      The "$1000 of HECS debt" is waived (so no, not like any other uni subject), but you have to be eligible for HECS in order to get that waiver (so the uni can get the govt funding).

      There is a FAQ that explains that you'll be enrolled in the Bach of General Studies to do this standalone unit but you don't have to continue with the rest of the degree (HECS debt would apply then) if you don't want to.

  • AliGee on 02/02/2015 - 12:44

    Can I confirm, as a 'permanent resident' status, I would qualify for this??

    • stockastics on 02/02/2015 - 17:12

      Nope you wont. only aus citizens

    • tinx on 02/02/2015 - 18:17
      +1

      yes,

      *Domestic students include Australian citizens or students holding Permanent Humanitarian Visas or with Permanent Resident Status. Citizens of countries outside of Australia, including New Zealand, are not eligible to study this unit.

  • formulajuan on 02/02/2015 - 20:34
    +1

    Does anyone know if you can enrol in this unit while studying at another university (with HECS)?

    • Dreamily on 03/02/2015 - 15:29

      I second this. Anyone know?

      • toniyellow on 05/02/2015 - 15:12

        Some explicitly forbid it e.g.
        https://student.unsw.edu.au/multiple-enrolment

        It is probably a don't ask, don't tell situation, as it seems unlikely they spent their time running reports looking for students double-enrolled. There are so many students at so many institutions across the country it does not seem feasible that they can keep track, especially if you apply directly, not through UAC.

        But if you are depending on HECS for the whole of a current degree, it may not be worth risking.

        • Dreamily on 05/02/2015 - 20:20

          Thanks for the info. I'm currently at Deakin for a whole degree, but this course also seems interesting to me. I just wouldn't want to (profanity) anything up at Deakin. :(

        • formulajuan on 12/02/2015 - 15:05

          @Dreamily: I called up study assist (1800 020 108) and asked if there was any issues. The guy told me there is no limit to the amount of study you can undertake in a CSP course. There is however a limit with FEE-HELP (can borrow up to $98,000) but since this is a CSP unit so we are fine. So as long as your uni is ok with it there shouldn't be any issues.

    • blerk on 05/02/2015 - 15:27

      I've done units at 4 uni's at once. No one stopped me.

  • Tuttorix on 04/02/2015 - 16:36

    Does this definitely require a TFN? Because currently I have not applied for one yet, however will be later on. Also when is the census date? And is it free even if we wish to complete the entire course/unit? I actually find the information interesting. Thanks in advance to someone that helps me! Also, is this online or?

    • formulajuan on 04/02/2015 - 20:33

      Not sure about the TFN but the census date is the 23 March, 2015 and it's all online.

    • CandyMan on 05/02/2015 - 20:35

      Supplying it TFN is optional
      U can complete the ecaf form without filling in ur TFN

  • pepsicles on 12/02/2015 - 00:34

    "Which Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) do I complete?

    The term 'eCAF' is used when referring to electronic versions of the Commonwealth assistance request forms, available to domestic students.

    There are four types of eCAFs, with the most appropriate one for you depending on your circumstances, eligibility, and where you intend to study:

    Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-HELP - This form should be completed by students who have been offered a Commonwealth supported place.
    Request for FEE-HELP assistance - This form should be completed by eligible domestic fee-paying students intending to defer their tuition fees.
    OS-HELP Debt Confirmation - This form should be completed by students who have received an offer of an OS-HELP loan to study overseas.
    Request for SA-HELP Assistance - This form should be completed by eligible students who are liable for the Student Services and Amenities fee and intend to defer payment of their fee."

    Which one are we meant to complete? I would assume its the Fee-Help Assistance one for most of us?

  • toniyellow on 12/02/2015 - 02:03
    +1

    From this http://www.utas.edu.au/health/study/technology-for-healthy-l… I believe it is HECS-HELP, not FEE-HELP

    • pichxlonco on 12/02/2015 - 15:15

      but this HECS-HELP, means we never have to pay anything, or we are only deferring it for later (pay in one more year)

  • Mel030713 on 17/02/2015 - 15:20

    I'm still unsure which form to fill out, either the HECS- HELP or FEE- HELP?
    When I fill out the HECS-HELP it will not accept my form if I don't supply my TFN.

    • tinx on 19/02/2015 - 15:55

      same here, sent email to their help email, no reply yet

      might have to call them later

  • homersyd on 18/02/2015 - 15:21

    Should I receive an email confirmation immediately after enrolling? cos I did it on 16th Feb but still no email confirmation or anything from them…

    • rockman117 on 20/02/2015 - 09:58

      yeah you should have received an email with your student login and ID

      • homersyd on 20/02/2015 - 10:46

        thanks mate, i just received an email today saying I will receive my username and password soon…

  • rockman117 on 20/02/2015 - 09:59

    so has anyone completed the eCAF form yet? I'm still not sure which one to do.

    • haru on 20/02/2015 - 10:48
      +2

      Log into eStudent > Commonwealth Assistance > Add New > Complete Form - Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-HELP (aka eCAF)

  • tinx on 23/02/2015 - 12:45
    +1

    so those permanent resident, how do you fill the form?

    reading form 1290a, permanent resident is not eligible?

    but from utas help email, they said permanent resident is eligible?

    i'm confused….

  • PeeDee on 05/03/2015 - 22:20
    +1

    I want to withdraw from the course. I've emailed them and have still been waiting for the reply. If I wait and fail the course, do I still get the fitbit?

    • toniyellow on 06/03/2015 - 08:07
      +1

      Email is not the way to withdraw. There are 1500 students enrolled, they will literally get hundreds of emails a week.

      Log into your student admin part of the website and drop the unit there, or call the student admin helpline.

      They don't send the fit bits until April. If you are not going to actually attempt the unit and do work before then, withdraw.

      • user27 on 07/03/2015 - 01:00
        +1

        The online system doesn't allow people to withdraw from this course. Calling them doesnt seem to be working either. No one picks up and returns the call.

  • bsus20 on 11/03/2015 - 16:21
    +1

    Now that the course is in the third week, I was just wondering how many ozbargainers there were actually doing the course?

    • homersyd on 20/03/2015 - 15:30

      i was wondering this, I've only watched some videos, and havent done any tests yet…
      Do we have to "pass" this subject to get the fitbit? or do we have to send it back if we "failed"??

      • toniyellow on 20/03/2015 - 15:48

        I haven't seen anything that has made that clear or not, and I did try to ensure I read all the fine print. Perhaps it will be clear when they send the code to order the fitbit, or perhaps they are keeping quiet to increase the chance of people trying.

        I am going to make sure I attempt all the assessment. These guys probably have a grant of some kind to make this possible, and its not too hard, so I feel ok about the trade off some of my spare time for a fitbit. It would suck for them if half the class failed, because they just wanted a freebie

        I have done some but am not up to date. I wish it wasn't withheld week by week, so I could get ahead if I wanted. My free time varies week to week, so I expect I will let it build up, and then spend a day watching videos every couple of weekends. If it has run in the past, surely all the videos are ready to go, and they could put them all up now.

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