The role of a quantity surveyor in construction sector

Liabilities of a Quantity Surveyor: A Quantity Surveyor (QS) is a professional who mainly deals with construction costs and contracts associated with the Construction Industry. The role of a quantity surveyor is to recognize and compile the related costs with the purpose of creating a complete budget for any project.

A quantity surveyor can then accept cost planning to facilitate all the members of the design team to find out the practical solutions and maintain the budget of the project.

The Quantity Surveyors along with the project architect produce this final detailed estimate to make a basis on which consequent tenders are examined. With schedules of quantities, it becomes easier to translate the drawing, plans and specifications submitted by the design team to facilitate the each contractor to work out the tender prices reasonably. Once tenders are approved, the Quantity Surveyor arranges cash flow data for the client to outline his resources sufficiently to fulfill contract commitments. Alternatively, the Quantity Surveyor has to settle on how much of a job should have been paid for at any one time.

Duties of Professional Quantity Surveyor - A Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) should accomplish the following works:

Produce and assess construction and development tenders out of information submitted by the architects, engineers and other design consultants as well as settle and reward contracts to successful proponents..

Handle, supervise and organize all types of construction and development projects, along with the contracts and sub-contracts, construction progress schedules, cost control systems, and work measurements.

Arrange, submit and control progress invoices, valuation of changes and settle contracts. Give suggestion on construction cost and strategic planning to potential owners, architects, engineers and public authorities.

Arrange and interpret tender documents, specifications, general conditions, and other parts and forms of contracts.

Create and deliver estimates for construction and development work.

Give suggestion commercially and support to construction and development project works.

Perform or take part in arbitration and court hearings. Research, negotiate and support dispute resolution operations. Function of a Construction Estimator Certified professional.

A Professional Quantity Surveyor contains a thorough knowledge of construction and construction methods together with the laws regarding construction projects and accounting, with the intention of providing cost and financial advice.

A Professional Quantity Surveyor should have specialty in mechanical or electrical disciplines, but all Professional Quantity Surveyors should possess working knowledge of the practical facets and design features of both fields.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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A detailed tutorial on Quantity Surveying

In the sector of civil engineering, quantity surveying plays an important role. The professional person who is involved with construction cost and contracts of construction industry is called quantity surveyor.

Services offered by a quantity surveyor may consist of:

• Value engineering
• Risk management and calculation
• Tender analysis and agreement of the contract sum
• Commercial management and contract administration
• Assistance in dispute resolution
• Asset capitalization
• Cost management process

In this tutorial you will learn a step by step guidance on quantity surveying delivered by Xpacademy.com. Enjoy the tutorial below:

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Top 5 Android Apps In 2016 For Construction Professionals

Recently construction industry experience significant technological advancement. Several mobile based apps are emerged in the market. The civil engineering students as well as civil engineers always look for good android apps to save significant time, to improve accuracy level, precise calculation and complete work in scheduled time.

Given below, detailed information for top 5 android based apps for civil engineers :-

1. AutoCAD 360

Autodesk® AutoCAD 360 previously known as AutoCAD WS, belongs to the authorized AutoCAD® mobile app. AutoCAD 360 is a user-friendly and free mobile app that can significantly improve the drafting process. It facilitates the users to view, edit, and distribute AutoCAD drawings at all times and elsewhere. There are robust design review and markup tools which can be accessed online and offline to streamline site visits and fieldwork. The app can distribute drawings with others over desktop, web, and mobile devices consistently. Apply the free companion AutoCAD 360 web app to smoothly avail drawings from web browsers. AutoCAD 360 Pro subscription plans will extend the functionality of the app with extra competencies to the jobsite.

Link for download

2. Frame Design

This app contains some exciting features and specifically intended for civil engineers, mechanical engineers, architects and students who prefer to design 2D frames.

It is possible to input and edit hyper static structures, forces, supports etc through graphics and textures. All the calculations are made instantly.

The app offers the following exclusive features:

• F, T and q (rectangular and triangular) loads
• Fixed and hinge connections at beam ends
• Moment, Shear, Stress, Deflection, Reaction forces and Unity checks
• Imposed deflections
• M, N, V, ux, uz, utot, phi, sigma and unity checks output
• Fixed, hinge and roller supports in any direction
• Load cases and load combinations, including safety factors
• Profile groups; every group contains its own color
• Import any steel profile or general section from our free Engineering Libraries (EU, UK, AU, US & CA profiles)
• Import dxf files
• Export to our Concrete Design and Steel Design apps
• Share picture

Link for download

3. Beam Design

This finite element app is specially designed for for civil engineers, mechanical engineers, architects and students to create design for continuous beams.

The users can input and edit hyperstatic beams, forces, supports etc through graphics and textures. The calculations are made evidently in the background devoid of hampering your work and the result is given instantly.

The app offers the following exclusive features:

• F, T and q (rectangular and triangular) loads
• Fixed and hinge connections at beam ends
• Moment, Shear, Stress, Deflection, Reaction forces and Unity checks
• Imposed deflections
• M, N, V, ux, uz, utot, phi, sigma and unity checks output
• Fixed, hinge and roller supports in any direction
• Load cases and load combinations, including safety factors
• Profile groups; every group contains its own color
• Import any steel profile or general section from our free Engineering Libraries (EU, UK, AU, US & CA profiles)
• Import dxf files
• Export to our Concrete Design and Steel Design apps
• Share picture

Link for download

4. Floor Plan Creator

This android based is used to generate detailed and perfect floor plans. Any furniture can be included to make interior designing of your home beautiful. Get your floor plan with you to verify if there is sufficient room to accommodate a new furniture.

The app offers the following exclusive features :-

• Predefined room shapes together with free drawing of a room shape through S-Pen, mouse or touch.
• Extensive symbol library with doors, windows, furniture, electrical, fire survey.
• Cloud synchronization to backup automatically and distribute plans among devices (purchased, 3 days free trial)
• Export as image (free with watermark); DXF, SVG (purchased).
• Supports metric and imperial unit systems.

Link for download

5. GPS Fields Area Measure 

This android based construction app includes the following features :-

• Quick area/distance marking
• Smart Marker Mode for accurate pin placement !!!
• Measures saving and editing – Measures grouping and naming
• Undo for all measuring actions
• GPS tracking to walk/drive around boundary/directory to auto measure

Link for download

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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FreeCPM – A web based, easy to use online scheduling solution

FreeCPM is a web based, free, completely operative and strong CPM scheduling application toward the Construction Industry. This construction application can enhance construction schedule management process. FreeCPM facilitates several project members to access, interact, manage and create project schedules without any difficulty. The users can access FreeCPM through any device and transfer schedule information directly to the jobsite and at the same time transfer updated information directly from the jobsite, in real time.

FreeCPM can reduce project costs and enhance the ROI of any Construction Project

With FreeCPM, the construction team can remain on track by making updates automatically in real time.

To get more information on this newest scheduling application, visit www.freecpm.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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How to develop robust StoneTree concrete fence walls

This construction video highlights the effectiveness of StoneTree concrete fence walls. To develop the precast concrete fence the StoneTree® Precast Concrete Forming System is applied.

It is the most secured complete panel precast system in the present construction industry. This robust concrete fence wall performs like a hurricane resistance wall. StoneTree concrete fence wall is developed with combo-cast panel, column units together with rigid footing.

There is a texture design on both sides of the wall. StoneTree concrete fence wall systems reduce installation cost significantly and facilitate rapid installation.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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How cement is used as useful construction materials in all through the globe

In recent time, cement is considered as the one of the most crucial construction materials in building and construction industries that is utilized extensively all through the globe to build up various engineering structures.

Generally cement is applied individually as a material for plastering but it can also be used with mortar as well as concrete by blending it with inert material called aggregate to develop a robust building material. Given below some diversified usages of cement :-

1. The most vital application is to form concrete and mortar.

2. Cement mortar is utilized with masonry work, plaster, pointing, etc.

3. Cement concrete is useful for placing floors, roofs, constructing lintels, beams, weather sheds, stairs, pillars, etc.

4. It is also utilized to build up endurable engineering structures like bridges, culvert, dams, tunnels, storage reservoirs, light houses, docks, etc.

5. It is also applied for structuring of water tanks, tennis courts, septic tanks, lamp posts, roads, telephone cabins, etc.

6. With cement, the joints can be developed for drains, pipes, etc.

7. All the precast pipes, garden seats, aesthetically designed urns, flower pots, dust bins, fencing posts, etc are built up with cement.

8. It is also a vital element for foundations, watertight floors, footpaths, etc.

9. It can also develop fire-resistant structures in the shape of concrete as well as acid-resistance and water-resistant structures.

10. Any color can be mixed with cement and used for beautifying or coloring the structures.

11. It is applied for concreting the tunnel or geological walls to increase the durability of the structure.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Materials for low cost house construction

Low Cost Housing is a concept of reducing the construction cost in the construction Industry through the use of locally available materials with new technology and upgraded skills. In low cost housing building material cost is less but it does not mean that these buildings are constructed with cheap building materials of low quality. However low cost housing is done by efficient planning and proper management of resources. Low cost housing helps the low income group peoples to accommodate themselves into the buildings with minimal cost. This low cost housing can be developed with low cost building materials and low budget.

How to choose materials for Low Cost Housing:-

A few steps are taken at the time of choosing materials for low cost housing. The life cycle of building or housing is going through by three steps, i.e. pre-building stage, building stage, and pro-building stage. These three stages signify flow of building materials via diversified phases of a building. Pre-building includes processing, packing and transportation which are part of manufacturing process. Building stage consist of construction, operation and maintenance. And, in the pro-building stage the materials are recycled or further used.

Each stage of building is formed in such a manner so that the energy can be preserved for the building.

Pollution Prevention: Raw materials for housing are extracted from the ground or harvested from forests to reduce less pollution to the environment. Materials may emit additional pollutants during their production, installation or use. So at the time of manufacturing, building materials should be suitable and acceptable to the environment.

Biodegradable: When a material is disposed, it is dissolved naturally. Natural as well as organic materials are very easily dissolved. So while choosing a material, the precaution should be taken regarding whether a material decomposes naturally or generates some venomous gases.

Low embodied energy: Embodied energy is to define that energy required to construction materials, the process of building and after-effect on the environment. The reduction of the building industry’s energy consumption is of great importance and low embodied energy provides great solution in solving the issue of energy consumption.

Reuse and Recycling: Reuse and recycle of building materials effect the housing process, the circulation of materials or used materials. The roles of waste products within local and geographical boundaries become important deliberation for architects. Basically, scraps from plastic materials, steel are used to recycle for producing new materials.

Consistency of Building Materials: The consistent building material can provide a great impact on longevity and stability of the building as well as reduces the cost of maintenance. The reduced maintenance costs lead to saving huge operating cost of a building.

Building construction material - Download

Image Courtesy: relegalize.info

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Usefulness of construction formulas and equations for building projects

The formulas & equations are essential for construction professionals to work out the quantities as well as cost & subtotals of building material. These formulas can be used in a wide array of construction projects and design applications which range fromreinforced concrete, bridge construction, highway design etc.

A formula refers to equation demonstrating one variable as an amalgamation of other variable(s) with the use of algebraic operations like add, subtract, multiply, divide, raise to a power, apply the natural logarithm as well as the cosine, or other mixture of operations.

Various issues related to construction can be easily resolved with proper application of these formulas.

The insight of the construction industry will be enhanced with professionalism and performance through effective use of formulas.

Concrete: Width x Length x Height, divided by 27 = number of yards of concrete needed

Foundation Masonry Block: 8" high / 16" long / 3/8" mortar normal joint height.

Roofing: Width x length, divided by 100 = number of squares of shingles needed.

Siding: Width x Height, divided by 100 Square Feet = number of squares of siding needed.

Carpet: Width of room x length of room, divided by 9 = number of square feet needed for room.

Wood Siding: Width of board minus distance of lapping = coverage of wood siding per board.

Width of area to be sided x height of area to be sided, divided by coverage calculated above = lineal feet of siding you need.

Brick: 7 bricks = one square feet of coverage.

Width of area to be covered x height of area to be covered, divided by 7 = number of bricks needed.

Elevation Conversion: Elevation measured in 10ths per foot. 1 of elevation = one foot or 12" equals one foot.

Normal measurement 12 inches per foot.

Convert Elevation to Inches: One Foot of Elevation measurement equals 1.2 inches of normal measurements.

Common Terms Used: Board feet = (thickness (in inches) x width (in inches) x length (in inches)) divided by 12 Lineal feet = length only of board.

Image Courtesy: afrisam.co.za

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Click-e-bricks are the flexible plastic elastomeric bricks that can make a sea change in construction industries

George Whitesides along with his team at Harvard University is developing bendy, lego-like blocks. This new product is known as click-e-bricks which refer to fundamentally bendable plastic elastomeric bricks that can make a sea change in the future construction industry. The flexibility of the bricks help in producing cylinders, arches and even a Mobius strip.

At present, the blocks are in beta testing stage but it is expected that in due course the bricks will be applied as self-replicating robots which can construct things on their own.

With this new technology, the construction professionals will be able to make efficient, instant repairs across diversified industries.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Some newest construction project management applications for effective construction management

Recently the global construction industry has witnessed great technological evolution. Several useful applications emerges out which can make your construction project management process superior from project planning to achievement. The following are some newest applications useful for effective construction project management.

PlanGrid: This construction application will be useful if anyone directly performs with architect in future construction projects. The construction software enables the users to distribute plans, markups, photos, specifications, reports with the whole project team members effortlessly. So the possibilities for all types of mis-communications are reduced to a great extent and all the information can be easily allocated throughout planning stage to all the parties involved with the construction project.

Material Estimator: With this handy construction tool the contractors, designers, remodelers, engineers, architects as well as other building professionals will be able to calculate feet inch fraction construction math and building materials estimating. This construction application deals with square footage concerning any project and offers a instant estimate of the total materials (drywall, decks, fencing, gravel, concrete, flooring and paint etc.) utilized in a construction project.

Build It Live: It is (SaaS) construction project management software program useful for owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, vendors, laborers, who are associated with the project, to get all the updated information concerning the latest drawings, schedules, and changes online on the cloud. So the concerned parties in the planning & building of the projects will get access to the above information. If any modification is occurred to a project, all the project stakeholders will be notified about the modification automatically through the email.

Control Center 7: Control Center 7 allows the users to keep a track of their jobsite from any remote location. This construction application performs in tandem with cameras already set up in the jobsite and provides you visual access to the job ceaselessly. Get crucial visual information long after your project is finished as well as a complete online database of recorded images from your camera system.

Take photograph & post detailed views to be conveyed to the team members. Trim down lag time while finding any complication on site and resolving it. An immediate photo is used to provide change orders, a recently completed milestone or what materials are required for giving order.

SmartBidNet: This commercial construction bidding software can allow you to keep track on the financial information of vendors and subcontractors as well as bid project data, documents etc. associated with the project through a web-based and mobile platform. Just put the bid information into the app to have some ideas on whom to select. Besides, measurements and other statistics are also affixed to each bid for taking effective decision.

With bid invitations, the subcontractors will be able to get customized access to the online plan room. One can keep track of what plan files they view and download and collaborate on estimating through takeoff integrations.

Project Quote Estimate: It is a handy construction field estimator in the app store. It consists of 19 diversified calculators and tools for materials and costs that can generate an on-site estimate efficiently. This application is only compatible with residential properties at present.

This application lets building contractors to produce professional quotes instantly for any client in the construction site as well as estimate costs and quantities quickly for any renovation project. Just create a pdf quote and sent it to the clients through email.

iQuick Contract Maker: Quick Contract Maker can be applied to generate a legal contract instantly and effortlessly through any phone or handheld appliance. The application includes pre-written information useful for creating legal contract. It can be customized for any contract agreement. All stages of the contract are contained with the application, just select the section according to your choice and add it to the device and send it to the clients through email.

One can apply it for diverse projects which range from Construction, Landscape, Real Estate, Movers, Home Repair, etc.

Ref. : http://tech.co/

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Three Best Construction Management Tools

Construction management and the information technology (IT) may be distant from each other, but if they could gel together, the benefit is far-reaching and outstanding. The use of IT skills in the field of construction is now a common practice among the realty firms across the globe. It gives best client connections. With the right use of software-based tools at their disposal, construction managers attempt to deliver projects on-budget and in-time. That’s the exact aim of the developers behind construction project management tools. In this age of smart devices, the mobile-based applications, the information and the applications allow construction company employees to work in collaboration without being tied to a specific location. The old process of fixing with a computer is now almost outdated. Also, contractors are able to access their information from any portable computer, smartphone, tablet, or device. The only thing required is a decent internet connection. So moving to the cloud and deploying mobile resources have answered many challenges faced by the construction industry. Additionally, modern software solutions are well-equipped in terms of security and can provide better information protection. Acknowledging all these developments, here are the 3 best tools construction managers and other users can leverage for seamless construction project management.

Flippex is One of the best tools of the construction management. With Fippex, realtors have a way to control and organize content for your customers in one central location so they can find what they need, when they need it. It makes easier to do business. It shares and organizes documents, videos, marketing materials, communication and more. It let you know every time it's been shared, viewed, downloaded and by the interested clients. So, using this exciting software-based tool, now no more searching in document trees and digging through emails. Everything is organized in a way that actually makes sense. It saves valuable times. Fippex utilizes some of the most advanced technology for Internet security available today. When the site is accessed using a web browser, Secure Socket Layer (SSL) 2048 bit encryption technology protects information using both server authentication and data encryption, ensuring that all data is safe, secure and available only to registered Users granted access by a client organization. It uses a secure, durable technology platform with industry-recognized certifications. Our data centers have multiple layers of operational and physical security to ensure the integrity and safety of your data. This software uses one of the best practices and procedures pertaining to password storage, SSL encryption, logout due to inactivity, restriction of the number of IP addresses to specific accounts and more. Due to the sensitive nature of the data residing on the Fippex platform, every measure is taken to ensure that client data is as secure as possible.

Procore construction management software is another useful tool to use in construction management. It is a cloud-based construction management software application. It promises to make the project management effortless, one task at a time. With Procore's easy-to-use and collaborative software, one can manage projects at anytime, from anywhere, with any Internet-connected device. The construction project managers are often unsatisfied with the software functioning in this field. They are really counting on old age methods like keeping data on notebooks, spreadsheet files to stay connected with the projects. Procore Construction Management tries to be more effective and avoids miscommunications. This software needs mobile devices which includes apps for both iOS and Android. This software-based tool can be opened from any computer for instant assess with a user ID and password. This means every web-connected machine has access to the software, so that your team members can get their work done wherever they are. Procore becomes the central repository for all change orders, RFI responses and statuses, schedule changes, project documents, and photos. Any documents impacting the project can be stored within the cloud. This software is sold using a single annual access agreement to cover all of your project teams' users. When providing an annual access agreement quote, the seller may ask how many users the buyer intend to have on Procore system – that's so Procore system can understand the scope of their client’s construction project management efforts and calculate how much training and support they'll have to provide for client’s account.

Saleslogix is important software in this respect. This software brings the opportunity to present real estate firms and their contractors and clients on the same platform. It is from the begining of the contact till project completion; Saleslgoix helps in keeping track of all documentation, interaction, and communications throughout the project’s duration. Users are empowered to share data across departments via a single database that can be accessed from both within and outside the office. Other features include entering all contacts and communicating with them in a consolidating place, keeping track of client meeting by role, and flagging and setting reminders for client communication about status updates, change orders, RFIs, and more.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Some biggest upcoming worldwide construction projects related with entertainment industry

Get updated with some biggest upcoming global construction projects related to the renowned entertainment industries. These projects consist of Shopping centers, hotels, office buildings, medical buildings, educational buildings, libraries and museums, sports and entertainment complexes, industrial projects as well as government buildings. The projects also may include maintenance works like additions as well as alterations.

These projects can significantly impact the total economy of worldwide construction projects. These projects will also greatly focus on the construction market overview with the size and timing.

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Published by Rajib DeyContent Writer

www.quantity-takeoff.com (Get all types of estimating sheets, softwares, directory, news, building codes)

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Cost Estimating Software for home construction

Estimation software developed for estimating some of the biggest projects in the world. Creating an accurate and reliable construction cost estimate has always been difficult and time-consuming; and yet, it is an absolute necessity for the success of the project. In order to streamline the process and give a distinct competitive edge to the estimator, we chose to base our popular cost estimators on the world-renowned productivity tool, Microsoft Excel.

A truly effective cost estimating solution requires three things:

1. Based on a full understanding and methodology of the general construction industry

2. Easy to implement while saving time and providing accuracy you can trust

3. Provide essential localized pricing along with flexibility and customization

The main features of cost estimating software for home construction:-

Choose the right site: This is one of the majority critical steps at what time construction a made to order residence. One of the most important issues to think is whether the place determination complement the type of house with the intention of you will build.

Sort resources early on enough: To be 100% sure to you contain the equipment in a apt mode you should arrange them weeks or still months sooner than structure starts on your custom-built home.

Cautiously decide a structure contractor: Finding a building outworker or companionship is one obsession. Judgment the true one is fairly one more obsession. The construction contractors be supposed to have a reasonable sum of knowledge. They ought to be completely approved bonded, and insured.

Stick to limited officially permitted protocol: First, you will need to secure confined structure consent. This process classically involves submitting an application, structure strategy and a fee. Following securing the construction allows you willpower in addition call for to stick on to the structure codes in your district.

Review the home subsequent to it has been completed: After the house's structure has been complete you are supposed to assessment it cautiously manifold time. Appraisal it by the builders straight away subsequent to the construction is complete.

Cost estimating software program, is designed as an intricate and detailed spreadsheet. This program is specifically designed for custom homebuilders. It comes with a pre-formatted task list allowing you to select desired items for the home. The software can then generate a custom report of future plans. Builders Software is unique when compared to most estimating programs on the market.

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
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