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Retail sector loses R$31.7 billion per year due to lack of investment in IoT

The lack of investments in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has caused significant losses in various sectors of the Brazilian economy. In retail, for example, the lack of automation and intelligent monitoring results in a billion-dollar loss. According to the Brazilian Association of Loss Prevention (Abrappe), in partnership with KPMG, the average loss rate in retail increased from 1.21% in 2021 to 1.48% in 2022, totaling a financial impact of R$ 31.7 billion per year.

These losses are attributed to operational breaks and inventory errors. The lack of adoption of advanced technologies, such as tracking sensors, radio frequency identification (RFID), and artificial intelligence, hampers inventory monitoring and the identification of operational risks, reducing efficiency and increasing company costs. However, companies that have already adopted technological solutions for loss prevention have recorded significant reductions in operational losses.

But retail is not the only sector impacted by low IoT adoption. Besides commerce, other areas of the economy fail to achieve significant gains due to the lack of digitalization and automation.


● Public Administration: Most government buildings and public bodies still operate with corrective maintenance, without sensors to control climate control and energy consumption, which results in wasted resources and high operating costs.


● Industry and Manufacturing: Despite the advances of Industry 4.0 in production lines, facilities management within factories is still outdated. Many industrial plants do not use sensors for predictive maintenance of building equipment, environmental monitoring, or automated climate control, impacting productivity and workplace safety.


● Transportation and Mobility: Subway, train and bus stations face challenges in adopting technologies to optimize cleaning and maintenance, which compromises the user experience and generates unnecessary operating costs.


The survey by the Brazilian Association of Facility Management, Property, and Workplace (ABRAFAC) highlights the advancement of digitalization in the hospital sector, where 52.7% of institutions already have alert and alarm systems for real-time process and equipment monitoring, and 57.1% use visualization panels for operational management. This progress has ensured greater safety and predictability in hospital infrastructure, reducing waste and improving the patient experience.


EVOLV, specialized in IoT solutions, has been one of the companies responsible for this transformation in Brazil. With cases in hospitals, industries, state-owned companies, and more than 25 airports, the company develops technologies that assist in the digitization and automation of building management, reducing costs and increasing operational efficiency. In retail, adopting these solutions can result in significant savings of 40% and an increase in the sector's competitiveness.

Brands invest in hyperlocal retail to attract and retain customers

Brazilians have been experiencing changes in their lifestyle in recent years, including the "urban exodus," which is the shift from large capitals to smaller cities mainly in search of quality of life. This movement has reshaped the retail market, creating a demand for solutions that are nearby, agile, and accessible. Everything aligned with the style and expectations of this new audience.

Hyperlocal retail, as this phenomenon has been called, is based on the premise that both consumers and companies look at what is nearby, thinking locally and prioritizing convenience and opportunities, respectively.

There are no shortage of examples. Large networks such as Grupo Pão de Açúcar and Carrefour are already investing in smaller formats closer to communities, such as Minuto Pão de Açúcar and Carrefour Express. Already, startups like the Swedish Lifvs, with autonomous stores available 24 hours, or the Brazilian Ame Go, which automates shopping with AI and Wi-Fi, demonstrate how convenience is transforming retail.

“The future of retail will be increasingly decentralized and connected. Stores do not need to be large, but rather agile, convenient and adapted to local needs,” highlights César Baleco, CEO of IRRAH, a technology group specialized in solutions for the retail sector.

In addition to the major networks that have invested in local businesses, hyperlocal retail is also aligned with the growth of small businesses in Brazil, which represent the majority of recently opened companies. In September 2024, 349,500 new small businesses were registered, accounting for 96% of the total CNPJs created during the period, according to a Sebrae survey with data from the Federal Revenue Service. In the accumulated year, 3.3 million new companies were opened, approximately 3.2 million of which are composed of MEIs, micro, and small businesses.

According to Baleco, this transformation is likely to become even more pronounced. During the pandemic, 72% of Brazilians began to prioritize small businesses, and 80% stated that they will continue to support local establishments, according to Accenture.

“The future of retail is being close, agile and, above all, connected,” he says, highlighting that technology is no longer just a facilitator but a strategic differentiator for those seeking to stand out in this new market format.

And the ways to utilize this advantage are countless. "We cannot forget that the consumer is nearby but also connected, and although they are more likely to buy from someone close by, they face often overwhelming competition in the virtual universe. Therefore, it is necessary for local merchants to leverage the existing technologies today to stand out," says the CEO of IRRAH. It cites emblematic examples, such as the Swedish retailer Lifvs, for instance, which chose the rural area as the destination for its automated stores, offering more options to communities without access to supermarkets. The network reopened 19 in container format, transported to the operational site, being unlocked via an app.

But local businesses don't need to resort to such bold strategies to captivate their audience and beat the competition in the technological world. According to Baleco, there are accessible tools available in the market today that, for example, automate campaigns and customer service, and with a bit of creativity, can make a difference and ensure an unforgettable experience for customers.

“Imagine launching a digital campaign to attract people who don’t yet know your store. You can offer exclusive discounts to get these people to come to your establishment, creating an opportunity to win them over. For customers who already frequent your store, the campaign can encourage them to subscribe to your online channel to receive news, promotions and updates, encouraging more frequent purchases. The possibilities for increasing engagement and sales are endless!” he explains.

Baleco states that the IRRAH Group is present in more than 70 countries, promoting the concept of hyperlocal retail. The company has been helping businesses automate customer service and connect consumers to companies. Among the innovative solutions are GTP Maker, which uses AI to create virtual assistants; Dispara Aí, which develops campaigns that boost sales; E-vendi, an e-commerce optimized for WhatsApp; and KIGI, a strategic ERP that transforms retail management into a fully integrated ecosystem.

“These technologies not only optimize operations, but have also made retail more dynamic and competitive. The integration between innovation and proximity is, without a doubt, the key to success in this new scenario,” concludes César Baleco.

ETAPP plans to sell 1 million cans of non-alcoholic beer and strengthen its presence in sports in 2025

Leading an innovative movement in the sports universe, ETAPP, the first non-alcoholic craft beer with 100% sporty DNA, begins 2025 with ambitious goals. Founded in 2024 to offer a new experience in the non-alcoholic beer universe and aligned with the lifestyle of athletes and sports enthusiasts, the company aims to sell more than one million cans this year, reaching a revenue of R$ 13 million and establishing itself as a reference in the segment.

ETAPP differentiates itself by embracing a concept that goes beyond simple beer consumption: it is about celebrating effort, dedication, and the connection that sport provides. "This is a project by people passionate about sports. When we launched the brand, we understood that celebration doesn't have to be linked to alcohol. We created a beer that reflects the athlete's journey, whether professional or amateur, allowing them to savor their achievements along the way without compromising their performance and well-being," emphasizes Eduardo Andrade, co-founder of ETAPP.

The brand's portfolio combines variety, flavor, and very low calories — the Session IPA, for example, has only 52 calories. "From the beginning, our proposal has been different. We will never have alcoholic beverages in our portfolio because we believe that beer can and should be an extension of our consumers' lifestyle. Those who choose ETAPP want flavor, quality, and a product that represents their values," complements Andrade.

With a special focus on endurance sports, ETAPP is already present at some of Brazil's major sporting events, being the official beer for competitions such as IRONMAN, SP City Marathon, Circuito Atenas, Florianópolis International Marathon, and Curitiba Marathon. The brand also invests in an expansion strategy in retail and strengthening its digital presence, selling its products throughout Brazil through e-commerce.

MEXC and the role of cryptocurrencies in everyday finance

MEXC, one of the leading global cryptocurrency exchanges, was at Talent Land 2025, the largest technology and innovation festival in Latin America, to reinforce its commitment to expanding the use of cryptocurrencies in the daily lives of Latin Americans. Focusing on practical applications such as transfers and inflation protection, the platform has demonstrated that it is making access to the crypto market easier for both beginners and experienced investors.

Far beyond speculation: cryptocurrencies as a financial tool

The rise of cryptocurrencies in Latin America goes beyond speculation: it is driven by necessity. Millions of people already use digital assets to send money abroad, protect savings against currency devaluation, and access investments outside the traditional banking system. During the event, MEXC highlighted how its platform supports this transformation.

"In Mexico and throughout Latin America, cryptocurrency has ceased to be a niche thing and is becoming part of people's financial routine," he stated.Carlos Ruiz, representative of MEXC in the region. Be a freelancer receiving instablecoinor a family saving on remittance fees, our goal is to make these solutions more affordable and secure.

The audience present, composed of developers, entrepreneurs, and students, reinforced this view, sharing how they already use cryptocurrencies in their daily finances. "The demand is clear," he saidZalo Z., business development leader at MEXC. "People are looking for faster, cheaper, and more transparent alternatives to the traditional financial system. That's where MEXC comes in."

MEXC's strategy in Latin America: bringing cryptocurrencies closer to real life

In the lectureEmpowering Latin America: MEXC's Commitment to the Future of Cryptocurrencies, the company presented its regional expansion plan:

  • Local AccessDirect pair trading in reais, PIX integration, and expanded P2P options to simplify integration.
  • Security as standarda $470 million insurance and over 100% Reserve Proof to protect users' assets.
  • Innovation for everyoneMEXC DEX+, a hybrid platform that combines the ease of centralized exchanges with the freedom of DeFi (supporting Solana and BSC networks).
  • Growth with the communitypartnerships with local Web3 projects, educational initiatives, and support for regional events.

Looking to the future: cryptocurrencies for everyone

MEXC strengthened its plans to consolidate its presence in Latin America, with educational content in Portuguese and Spanish, as well as collaborations with local fintechs. "We are not just bringing cryptocurrencies to Latin America — we are building this together with the region," said Carlos Ruiz. "The next wave of adoption will come from the everyday use of cryptocurrencies, not just investments."

At the end of Talent Land 2025, MEXC's message was clear: the future of finance in Latin America will be inclusive, borderless, and already underway.

OmniChat expands its presence in Chat Commerce with native integration for Magento and Shopify

OmniChatBrazilian leading chat commerce platform has just announced its native integration with Magento and Shopify e-commerce platforms. More than just integrating systems, the new feature positions OmniChat's artificial intelligence as a central element of the operation: autonomous sales agents now use real-time data from integrations with e-commerce platforms to enhance results in a personalized and automated way.

The new integration layer includes the use of generative AI applied to sales, with Whizz Agent, the autonomous sales agent developed by the company. The agent acts as a human salesperson, in real time, recommending products, answering questions, and guiding the customer to conversion — all in a personalized and scalable way.

From native integrations, Whizz can send products, collections, and checkout links directly in the conversation, automate routine responses such as tracking and order status, issuing invoices and second copies of boletos, as well as activate cart recovery campaigns and, with VTEX, payment reminders via PIX and order status.

With the new integrations, the company becomes the platform with the broadest coverage among the main players in e-commerce, with native connectivity to VTEX, Magento, and Shopify — the three key players in digital retail in Brazil.

"In addition to the VTEX integration we already offer, expanding the scope to Magento and Shopify strengthens our positioning as the most comprehensive ecosystem of sales assisted by conversational channels. Integrations like these simplify adoption and enhance a seamless digital shopping journey," says Maurício Trezub, CEO of OmniChat.

Plug & play to scale sales in chat

The advantage of the new integrations is not only in native connectivity but also in the autonomous agents' ability to transform e-commerce data into sales interactions with context and personalization. Among the functionalities of AI are

  • Product and collection consultation and recommendation in real timebased on stock, history, and consumer profile, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
  • Generation and sending of checkout links instantlyreducing friction and conversion time.
  • Answering questions and guiding the entire purchase journey, like a human seller.
  • Activation of smart campaignscart recovery and payment reminders (including via PIX, with VTEX).

Currently, more than 500 brands use OmniChat to enhance their results through conversational sales, including Decathlon, Acer, Natura, La Moda, and AZZAS 2154.

ERP in the digital era drives corporate efficiency

In a scenario marked by the acceleration of digital transformation, the systems ofEnterprise Resource Planning(ERP) systems are consolidated as strategic pillars to drive operational efficiency. More than management tools, these platforms evolve into intelligent ecosystems, integrating disruptive technologies such as cloud, Internet of Things (IoT), and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to meet the demands of a hyperconnected market.

Initially focused on transactional stability and data integrity, ERP has become a strategic element, shaping the digital transformation journey of companies. In a combined scenario of historical robustness and new analytical capabilities, embedded intelligence, and automation journeys, the ERP transforms into a gear for innovation, paving the way for a new approach to services.

Transition to cloud-based ERP

Migration to modelscloud-basedredefine the business infrastructure. Gartner data indicates that 85% of large companies will adopt cloud ERP by the end of 2025, driven by advantages such as dynamic scalability, reduced operational costs, and continuous updates. The elimination of hardware investments and the guarantee of remote access, with integrated disaster recovery, transform business agility, allowing organizations of all sizes to adapt to market fluctuations in real time.

Universal mobile access

The demand for ubiquitous access requires ERPs to transcend physical boundaries. Robust mobile functionalities, with intuitive interfaces similar to consumer-grade apps, allow employees to approve production orders, monitor financial metrics, or manage supply chains directly from smartphones. This portability not only eliminates logistical bottlenecks but also synchronizes critical decisions with the speed of modern business.

Embedded Business Intelligence

The era of decision-making based on intuition is gradually coming to an end. Contemporary ERP platforms incorporate predictive analytics and interactive dashboards, establishing themselves assingle sources of truthBy integrating data visualizations and self-service reports, they eliminate fragmentation between systems and provide actionable insights, from cost optimizations to demand forecasts. According to Grand View Research, this movement will contribute to the ERP market reaching US$ 64.83 billion by 2025, with an annual growth of 11.7%.

AI and Machine Learning in process automation

Machine learning algorithms are rewriting the logic of ERPs. By analyzing historical and behavioral patterns, these solutions not only automate repetitive tasks but also anticipate failures in production lines, personalize workflows, and refine tax forecasts with increasing accuracy. Forbes projects that by 2025, more than 90% of corporate applications will integrate AI, a leap that redefines the interaction between humans and machines, transferring reactive functions to cognitive systems.

Connecting smart companies with IoT

The convergence between ERP and the Internet of Things materializes the vision ofsmart enterpriseEmbedded sensors in physical assets, from industrial machines to logistics vehicles, feed systems with real-time data, enabling algorithms to detect anomalies, adjust delivery routes, or optimize energy consumption autonomously. This interaction between the physical and digital worlds not only eliminates manual intermediaries but also creates virtuous cycles where each operation generates intelligence for the next.

The future is already contextual

Even with all the benefits, ERP transformation still presents a key challenge, which is perceived cost versus delivered value. There are still perception challenges regarding return on investment (ROI), especially for companies that adopt migration in a partial or conservative manner.

Looking ahead, the tools that support the update with the growing maturity and consolidation of practices such as clean core and cloud-first strategy make the outlook more promising for companies that decide to move forward.

While traditional ERPs were limited to recording transactions, the new generations of these systems act asdigital orchestratorsThe combination of cloud computing, ubiquitous mobility, and prescriptive analytics creates a landscape where efficiency ceases to be a metric and becomes a continuous, adaptive, proactive, and above all, invisible process. For companies aiming for digital maturity, the message is clear: integrate or fall behind.

What can artificial intelligence do for your business?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has ceased to be a trend and has become an essential tool in transforming business management. More than automating processes, AI has the potential to redesign the way companies operate, optimize resources, and make decisions. By integrating this technology into business routines, it is possible to achieve significant productivity gains, reduce costs, and create a safer and more strategic environment for business operations.

AI stands out for its ability to learn from data and adapt to different contexts. This means that, unlike traditional software, which always operates in the same way, AI can evolve according to the company's needs, providing increasingly accurate responses aligned with the business objectives. This feature allows operational tasks, such as report generation, performance analysis, and data management, to be performed more quickly, freeing up time and energy for strategic decision-making.

"If I had to define in one word what artificial intelligence represents for companies and businesses, that word would be: efficiency. It expands our ability to see paths, optimizes the use of time, and opens space for more strategic decisions. With it, it is possible to do more — and better — in less time," says João Maia, director of strategies and business atVenturus.

Furthermore, the automation enabled by artificial intelligence also directly contributes to the safety and efficiency of repetitive tasks or those involving operational risks. In contexts where demands require excessive effort from professionals, AI makes processes more reliable and less vulnerable to human errors. The result is a significant gain in agility, predictability, and scalability for the business.

Thus, for complete and invulnerable operation, data security becomes one of the main foundations for the advantage of having a proprietary AI. By adopting internal solutions, companies ensure that sensitive information remains protected in a controlled environment, strengthening information governance and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

"For companies, having their own AI is a significant competitive and institutional advantage. When this technology operates in a secure environment capable of protecting and processing internal data, it further enhances its value—by identifying patterns and correlations that would be difficult to perceive through human analysis alone. Becoming an active principle in business expansion," exalts the director of Venturus.

In an increasingly competitive landscape, artificial intelligence presents itself not only as a technological solution but as a true driver of growth and innovation. By adopting AI strategically, companies pave the way for more informed decisions, smarter operations, and a stronger, more strategic market positioning.

Koin leads BNPL in Brazil and follows the global trend of accelerated growth

The modelCompre Agora, Pague Depois(BNPL) is on an upward curve globally and is also gaining strength in Brazil. In 2023, the global volume of BNPL transactions reached $316 billion—an 18% increase compared to the previous year—and the projection is for an annual growth of 9% until 2027, reaching $452 billion in transactions, according to the 2024 Global Payments Report.

The trend is already impacting consumer behavior and the payments sector, driving the integration between BNPL and traditional credit by banks, technology companies, retailers, and regulators. In Brazil, Koin – a fintech specializing in simplifying digital commerce – has been standing out as a pioneer and leader in the development of the modality, with tailored solutions for the consumer's digital journey and the reality of the national retail sector.

In Latin America, the scenario is one of development. In 2023, BNPL accounted for only 1% of the transaction volume in regional e-commerce. However, the projection is for accelerated growth, with an annual rate of 35% between 2023 and 2026, according to data from PCMI (Digital Payments and E-commerce in Latin America 2023-2026).

In Brazil, the model is also beginning to gain strength. A Morgan Stanley survey based on 150 e-commerce sites revealed that 18% were already accepting BNPL in the first quarter of 2024. Although the number is still modest compared to markets like Mexico and the United States, the trend is for significant expansion.

"This advance is strongly driven by consumer behavior, who are increasingly seeking flexibility and payment options that suit their needs. At Koin, we are focused on offering secure and affordable solutions, allowing more people to have control over their purchases without compromising their budget," explains Raphael Valente, Chief Risk Officer of Koin.

Furthermore, in Brazil, the environment is especially favorable. The culture of installment payments has deep roots, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s, a period of economic instability and scarce credit. With the consolidation of e-commerce, the popularization of Pix, and barriers to credit access via credit card, BNPL emerges as an evolution of this behavior—more flexible, digital, and accessible. "Installment payments have always been part of Brazilian consumers' habits. BNPL modernizes this experience, making access to credit simpler, more inclusive, and tailored to the needs of the digital consumer," says the executive.

This movement occurs amidst the growing digitization of payment methods in the country. According to the Febraban Banking Technology Survey (2024), seven out of ten banking transactions in the country are carried out via mobile devices — a 251% increase between 2019 and 2023. Additionally, 72% of digital users are consideredheavy users, conducting more than 80% of their transactions through digital channels. For example, contactless payment was adopted by 61% of card users in 2024, compared to 48% the previous year, according to ABECS data.

In this scenario, the executive highlights that Koin was born with the purpose of democratizing access to responsible consumption. "Today, in addition to being a reference in the BNPL sector, we work to foster a healthy credit ecosystem in Brazil, in partnership with retailers and financial market players," emphasizes Koin's CRO, highlighting the strategic role of the fintech in the country's model development.

With a strong presence in retail, cutting-edge technology, and a focus on the customer experience, Koin continues to lead the adoption of BNPL in Brazil, helping to make credit more accessible, secure, and integrated into consumers' new digital reality.

Professional who "looks like the company": what are the risks?

The image of a company goes beyond just a logo or slogan. Certainly, you know of some business that became famous and was represented by a CEO, founder, or professional who became "the face of the company" – as happened with Apple, Tesla, and many others. This personification, although it is something natural and often inevitable to occur, is not always 100% positive for the parties involved, something that deserves to be looked at more carefully in order to avoid image risks that could harm operations.

There are various ways in which corporate personification can occur, whether through the representation of the brand's culture and values in a particular professional (more internally focused), or in a more market-oriented aspect, where clients recognize a certain person as someone influential in commercial agreements, the one who solves problems or with whom they accept to engage in the acquisition of the products or services offered.

For business owners, having this personification can be advantageous up to a certain point, considering its influence on greater market representation, increased sales, and established partnerships. However, negatively, they end up at the mercy of this talent for various operational issues, with a high risk of suffering significant losses if this professional resigns.

In the long term, this is a concern that companies need to keep on their radar, having the capacity to make turning points throughout their journey through a solidified culture that does not depend on one or a few people to thrive. And there are no shortage of international cases that demonstrate this complexity.

Analyzing Tesla's scenario, for example, although electric cars are taking over Europe, the company's sales fell by 45% in January this year compared to the same month in 2024, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The reason for this is mainly due to Elon Musk's political stance, the main personification of the brand, which has caused a series of misunderstandings that not only triggered protests but also caused Tesla's stock to plummet more than 25% in the past month.

This situation reflects the dangers that a professional with the "face of the company" can cause, not only to the organization itself but also to the talent. After all, if you want to disassociate from the business and pursue a different path, how will you eliminate this association in a new opportunity and detach yourself without any reflection or influence from your previous experience with another brand?

The impacts of personalization can affect companies of all sizes and sectors, as well as all professionals in various fields. An enormous challenge to overcome that has no ready-made solution to mitigate potential obstacles, requiring constant careful monitoring by all involved, aiming not to centralize this image and responsibility in just one professional.

It is essential for companies to prioritize corporate prosperity, considering, of course, the satisfaction and growth of their teams, but maintaining the brand's competitive edge, protecting its culture, and shielding itself against an extremely influential personification. Thus, the chances of experiencing a movement that brings something abrupt to either side are minimized, prioritizing the best possible business performance and its good reputation in the segment.

Nordestina Logtech bets on AI to make highways safer

Infleet, the Brazilian company specializing in technological solutions for fleet management, closed its 2024 financial year, which showed a 120% growth in the past year.For 2025, the goal is to intensify this expansion by investing in security. The company has been investing resources in artificial intelligence in its solution that reduces traffic accidents: the vehicle camera that detects and analyzes drivers' behavior.

Reaching the milestone of R$ 18 million in funding rounds, the startup plans to expand its client portfolio – currently there are 700 across the country. Infleet's fleet management solutions reduce maintenance costs by up to 40%, promote a 25% savings in fuel consumption, and increase driver productivity by 20%.

The co-founders of the startup, Victor Cavalcanti and Vitor Reis (respectively, CEO and COO of the company), are all smiles from ear to ear when they review 2024 and project 2025. "It was a period of decisive achievements. In addition to attracting investments, we were awarded the Black Founders Fund, listed in the 100 Startups to Watch, and included in GPTW," says Cavalcanti.

The Black Founders Fund is a program by Google for Startups that allocates resources to startups founded and led by Black entrepreneurs — such as Vitor Reis. The 100 Startups to Watch is a survey by Pequenas Empresas & Grandes Negócios magazine (PEGN), in partnership with EloGroup, Innovc, Valor Econômico, and Época Negócios, highlighting innovative companies. Being on this list means being in the spotlight for investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals.In turn, GPTW (Great Place To Work) is a ranking of the eponymous organization that identifies the best companies to work for.

“Infleet has already raised R$18 million in venture capital resources. Now, we are looking for even faster growth in 2025”, say Cavalcanti and Reis.

Currently, Infleet's solutions include telemetry, vehicle cameras, real-time fleet monitoring, preventive and corrective maintenance planning, digital checklists and data analysis, with a detailed view of vehicle performance, allowing the identification of patterns and trends, such as fuel consumption, maintenance and uptime.

Another tool provides organized control of infractions committed by drivers, facilitating the registration, monitoring and resolution of fines, which helps to avoid the accumulation of unpaid infractions and possible legal problems for the company.

The dashcam, for example, features artificial intelligence capabilities. It consists of cameras installed in vehicles that analyze the driver's behavior and driving. The devices have the ability to identify signs of fatigue, gestures indicating distraction or carelessness, cellphone use, among other details that contribute to accidents and incidents.

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