While there are many such platforms online, the most popular of them are Zoom, Skype and Google Chat which are available for every person with a remote study partner to connect over a video call to study and share insights. While paid versions of these platforms offer a much greater flexibility, we bring to you a comparison of the features available in the free versions for you to make a decision on the most suitable platform for you and your study partner:

While many additional features like Polls, Q&A and a lot more has been developed to make studying for larger groups interactive and simpler by design by these platforms, all of them come at a steep price. You can consider them if your study group is big and willing to share the costs, but for all practical purposes, these platforms will meet most of your requirements. Depending on the features that benefit you the most, you can make the choice to make the correct decision about a platform that is both convenient and has a lot of features. Here’s to happy studying to you and your study partners!

(1) Ethics, Professional Responsibilities and Federal Tax Procedures.

Business Law.

(2) Federal Taxation of Property Transactions.
(3) Federal Taxation of Individuals.
(4) Federal Taxation of Entities.
(5) Business Law.

Like all CPA exam sections, a strategy should be in place when attacking regulation. Remember that although REG is a tax heavy exam, the conceptual components (e.g. ethics & business law) should not be disregarded. Often students find themselves disappointed with their 71% come score release day, and the first question I ask them is “how much did you study for business law?”

Studying for business law is an annoying task because although this section is not weighted very heavily compared to other sections (approximately 10-20% according to the AICPA), there is still a large volume of information that needs to be absorbed.

Yes, corporate and entity taxation is considered the “meat and potatoes” of this exam, but if you’re sitting in the 70-80% range, 10-12 points can go a long, long way. My plan of attack when studying for regulation is as follows:

(1) Individual Taxation – Go heavy on the mnemonics and create your own. Make sure to know the differences between adjustments and miscellaneous itemized deductions. In addition, make sure to know which individual credits are refundable and which are non-refundable.
(2) Entity and Corporate Taxation – Make sure to know the key differences between C-Corps, S-Corps and Partnerships. How to calculate basis, what are the differences between distributions and liquidations, and what are their respective taxable income items and deductions.
(3) Business Law – Read and do as many practice questions as possible.

Universal CPA Review offers 4,200 additional multiple-choice questions and 200+ practice simulations to supplement your study for just $99.

• Be well prepared

The best way to avoid negative marking is by solving the questions accurately. To be able to solve the questions efficiently, it is important to be thorough with all the CAT syllabus topics and be well acquainted with the different question variations. Also, take several mocks before the exam for self-analysis and develop problem-solving abilities in the exam.

• Read the questions thoroughly

Read questions properly

It is important that each question should be read properly before starting to solve. In many cases, candidates misread a value or a unit and end up solving the question incorrectly. So, it is suggested to read the questions effectively and then start solving.

• Avoid guessing

It is one of the most common practices that many individuals do in the competitive exams. As there is a -1 negative marking in CAT, even 1 incorrect guess can end up reducing the overall percentile to a great extent. It is always suggested to answer accurately and not guess in the CAT exam.

• Be calm and concentrated

There are several instances where candidates mark the incorrect option in a hurry without noticing. This mainly happens when candidates states of minds are not composed and they get distracted. This is one of the common mistakes which can be easily avoided by staying calm and composed.

• Avoid last-minute attempts

The duration of the CAT exam is 3 hours and the total questions are 100. So, it is really difficult for an individual to attempt all the questions in that time. But, CAT is all about getting the answers right and not solving all the questions. So, it is important to attempt the questions accurately and avoid last minute answers as it may lead to an incorrect attempt.

• Have proper test-taking strategies

In the exam, managing time and solving accurately is very important. To be able to confidently attempt the questions, one needs personal test-taking strategies. The problem-solving abilities differ from person to person and so, it is important to have individual strategies. It is advised to start attempting with the easy questions from the more confident topics (according to self-preference) and then move to the difficult and time-consuming ones.

These were a few tips that can help the CAT aspirants avoid getting negative marking in the exam. It is important to have proper preparation and be confident with the syllabus. Candidates are suggested to take mock tests which are provided by the IIMs on the official website. The mock tests are generally released after the CAT registration is over and are available for all the registered candidates.

CAT aspirants can also check out BYJU’S video lessons on different CAT exam topics to learn and prepare more effectively. Subscribe to BYJU’S YouTube channel to check out more video lessons and download the app to get complete assistance.

1. Read the newspaper daily

Newspaper editorials provide you with not only the updates on current affairs, but also an insight on writing style and flow. It is easy to observe how each writer has explained the happenings of the world in 250-300 words. You can also observe the correct application of Grammar rules. Slowly, and steadily, you’ll become so proficient, that you may be able to weed out mistakes in the newspaper itself, if any.

2. Practice speaking in English

Though spoken and written English are different in significant ways, it is always a confident boost to be able to fluently speak in a language that is not your mother tongue. Speaking in English will create nerve tracks in your brain, that will enable you to be more understanding of the language. Conscious efforts in this direction will force your brain to express thoughts in English, thereby improving your vocabulary, too.

3. Carry your flash cards everywhere.

Nowadays, due to digitization, we find mobile apps for everything. Similarly, there are apps for flash cards, too. If you’re more comfortable with the paper cards, then discretely sneak them to your cousin’s wedding, or else pretend to be clicking really great pictures while learning up as many words as humanly possible.

Pro Tip: ALWAYS learn the application as well. It helps to remember the word better than anything else. It is also beneficial to associate the words with things that you see in daily life.

4. Grammar isn’t just for convent school girls.

In school when we were forced to speak in English, it hadn’t been because the teachers hated us. It was so that we could grasp the language. Grammar rules if studied on their own, will definitely bore a person out. But when you study with a partner, or even if alone, you study the rules through a YouTube video, it gets easier. Always remember that knowing Grammar rules will fetch you ‘lazy’ marks i.e. the marks assigned to match the columns, complete the sentences, mark the wrong part of sentence, etc. Reading Comprehension also becomes much easier as you do not have to spend too much time on understanding a sentence.

5. Being patient.

Learning a new language is difficult. But relearning a language that you’ve spoken almost all your life is really tricky. You will be exasperated as the words will seem the same, or you’ll keep messing up the rules. But, keep going. Keep practicing. Because once you get the hang of this section, it’ll be a great time saver as well as the easiest way to score.

Rest assured, whatever you do, do not ignore this section as the 4/5 ‘lazy’ marks could be the ones that make all the difference in your score. English is sometimes confusing, and remembering the exception to the rules can sometimes muddle your head. But, it’s always a question of how badly do you want to achieve your dream. Keep believing. Keep working. All the best!

Connect with your Study Partner at www.StudyPal.co to help you ace your test prep

Contrary to the multi-tasking lifestyle that we lead, studying demands focusing on one thing at a time. Constant devotion of time and attention to a singularly tracked study material, often gets difficult due to the existence of distracting electronics and the restlessness induced due to overuse of social media. Social media constantly distracts us by being so current and finicky. Though, the biggest boon of social media is the sheer accessibility of opportunities to succeed, to meet new people, and to stay updated, it is of utmost importance that we first learn to prioritize our time.

So, in order to help you stay focused and get the most out of your devoted study time, here are 5 fool-proof hacks:

1. Meditate your way to A+B=C

Not only is meditation a way to guarantee superhuman concentration levels, but it also calms the nervous system. It stimulates the brain to achieve better cognitive and intellectual performance. Studies have shown that meditation is responsible for changes in brain functions, increasing students’ practical intelligence and creative thinking. It is the sure shot way to sharpening your memory as well as keeping away restlessness and insomnia, which are very common symptoms of stress.

2. Eat to nourish your brain

We have been told that since walnuts look like miniature brains, they are good for the brains. Well, turns out, they really are excellent for maintaining optimum brain health. Foods containing essential fatty acids like Omega-3, copper, polyphenols are excellent for increased brain power. Wondering which foods contain these wonder components, look no further, here’s a list:

• Vegan Options – Nuts (walnuts, almonds), turmeric, blueberries, broccoli, avocado, spinach, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, coconut oil.
• Non-vegan Options – Salmon, eggs, dark chocolate.

3. Study with a partner

Studies show that humans function better in a group, or with a partner, in general. Due to our social nature, we tend to look for safety and a sense of team to be performing at our optimum level. More than that, studying with a partner ensures that we complete what we aimed to do. It encourages us to focus better, and in case we are stuck at a particular problem, our study partner can always help out. It is in fact, one of the most fruitful ways to ensure successful study sessions.

4. Exercise for a sharper memory

Exercise guarantees a healthy body, and an even healthier brain. It stimulates the production of endorphins (a chemical naturally released in the brain to reduce pain, that in large amounts can make you feel relaxed or full of energy). Endorphins lower cortisol levels (a hormone produced as response to stress), and increases energy levels. Studying gets easier as you feel motivated, confident, and happier.

5. Organization is key

Organize your study space, your time table, your exam day, and your life in general. The more ordered your timeline is, the easier it is to escape chaos and focus. The time tables that you set, should be a doable allocation of study material to the time in question. A clutter-free desk results in a clutter-free mind. You can easily find your required materials, and start studying without having to waste time searching for everything in a mess.

6. Originality is inspirational

Study in the way you find comfortable. You shouldn’t be bothered if it takes you a little while longer than your friend to study a particular topic. Set your own time table, and device your own study techniques like writing down pointers, making flashcards, or just plain highlighting the text. It is always best to trust your own gut when it comes to planning for your future.

Now, that you have a few pointers as guidelines, don’t just stick to them. Be innovative, and find ways to add your own twist to these hacks. It is after all your study sessions. And the most important of all is to always believe in yourself and the dream you want to achieve. All the best!

Here are 5 hacks that will ensure better understanding of the Quants section:

1. Numbers are your friends.

Usually, big calculations can throw us off our game, and we end up blundering. That’s because the complex string of numbers often makes us forget that we know numbers. In order to get better at numbers, consider 20 random calculations (can be addition, subtraction, multiplication or division  – whichever you’re most uncomfortable with) and solve it within a set period of time. This will increase your focus and deal with numbers better. You’ll also start figuring out shortcuts for big calculations, and remember tables easier.

2. The formula to become the formulae wizard

Take down a list of the important formulae, and take a long, hard look at them. You don’t need to rote learn the formulae. Once you know how they were derived, or even the logic behind their output, it gets much easier to keep track of them. Every morning, before you begin your studies, take aside a couple of minutes to just look at your list of formulae. This stimulates learning by visual memory. If you’re an auditory learner, then record a tape of yourself reciting those formulae and play it whenever you wish to.

3. Analyse to Maximize

More important than any other hack is this age old tradition. The reason why mock tests exist is so that we can prepare for the real ones. But, instead of directly beginning with timing yourself, for the first couple of tests, don’t. Once, you get the idea of how long it’s taking you to figure out the question, you can work on minimizing that time. Analysis after a test will help you see which areas require work.

4. Strengthen your language

Understanding the problem question is the biggest hurdle. The longer it takes you to figure out the data, the more marks you lose. Having a strong understanding of the language that the test is in, will encourage you to focus wholly on the data provided instead of decoding. That means more time to actually work with the data, and solve more questions.

5. Keep all options open

Ah no, this doesn’t mean that all options are correct. It just means that sometimes there are more than one interpretations of a question. You need to consider the entire data given, pay attention to the footnotes or the conversion values given. These areas usually require you to be thinking laterally instead of factually. So, for the sake of the question given, you have to forget what you think is factually correct.

The most important point here is, that constant practice and being in touch with the subject will get you closer to your target score. Unless your test has negative marking, attempt everything. But, if you’re unfortunate enough to be attempting a test with negative marking, you need to learn to choose which topics you’re the strongest at, and decide which questions you will solve.

You can always connect with a Study Partner to help you stay focused and keep you motivated. You can register at www.StudyPal.co to connect with a prep buddy nearby.

Eating Your Way to The Top: 4 Recipes that can cook up a storm

Studying for a test is an uphill task in itself and nobody knows those random hunger paws sabotaging the entire plan for extensive studying better than us. To help you grab something more than the decaf coffee you slowly sip upon to keep your eyes open and at least eat something more than the baseless midnight bowl of bland instant noodles, Studypal.co has brought to you 4 great delicious recipes that will keep you full between those gruesome study hours with almost zero efforts from your end.

The Legendary Chickpea Roast

Basically, this comes as a healthy alternative to the baseless chips snacking we all do once in a while, and of course, these are healthier. It is the perfect snack to fill your tummy as you turn through the books.

Basically, this comes as a healthy alternative to the baseless chips snacking we all do once in a while, and of course, these are healthier. It is the perfect snack to fill your tummy as you turn through the books.

Here is a step by step guide on how to go about it:

Ingredients- 1 cup chickpeas, 1 lemon, Olive oil for seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, more or less to taste, 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Process-

1. First, we need to preheat the oven to 350F and line a baking tray with foil
2. Then we need to rinse the chickpeas in a utensil and let them dry well
3. In a bowl, we now combine chickpeas, salt spices and season it with olive oil and then toss the chickpeas around to coat them properly.
   4. Now we need to spread the chickpeas onto baking sheet in a layer and bake it for about forty minutes until the peas are nicely crispy and cooked.
4. The Roasted chickpeas can now be served with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon for the taste. It’s always better than potato chips you know!

The Oatmeal with the Fruity Twist

There is nothing like a big warm bowl of food when you are hungry and given that you need to stay up and fight through the endless pages of your test prep material, oats is definitely a great option. Here’s a recipe to bring a twist to the traditional boring oat and milk staple. There is no reason to be boring, you know.

There is nothing like a big warm bowl of food when you are hungry and given that you need to stay up and fight through the endless pages of your test prep material, oats is definitely a great option. Here’s a recipe to bring a twist to the traditional boring oat and milk staple. There is no reason to be boring, you know.

Ingredients -2 cups fat-free milk, 1 cup quick-cooking oats, 1 large ripe banana (sliced), 6                          Strawberries (Sliced), Raspberry syrup, Honey,1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder, Diced fresh fruits of your choice (avoid citrus), Sugar (as needed)

Process-

1. In a small saucepan, we need to bring the milk to a boil; and slowly, stir in the oats and let it cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring occasionally.
2. Now, we need to stir in the banana and strawberry and follow it by the sugar, cinnamon powder and honey.
3. To serve, we need to garnish it with the remaining fresh fruits and the raspberry syrup as required.                                                                                                                        Homemade Cheese Popcorn
   

   Okay, so you want to gorge on something that’s delicious, but without the guilt of eating greasy junk food. It is surprising how easy it is to make your favorite Cheese Popcorn in just a few easy steps.

Okay, so you want to gorge on something that’s delicious, but without the guilt of eating greasy junk food. It is surprising how easy it is to make your favorite Cheese Popcorn in just a few easy steps.

 Ingredients: 1 cup Popcorn Kernels, 2 Tablespoon Butter, Salt to taste, 3 Tablespoon Cheddar Cheese Powder, 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Process-

1. For the first step, we need to seal a cup of Popcorn in a brown paper bag and Microwave till kernels stop popping at the rate of at least one pop per second.
2. Then we need to slowly pour molten butter into the bag and then shake it REALLY well till it mixes up
3. In a bowl, we need to mix the Cheddar cheese powder, Black pepper Powder and salt and mix it with the popcorn in the bag, shaking it well.                                                                                                                                        The Kale Chips
   

   These crispy sinful kale “chips” are practically fat free — the perfect answer for guilt-free snacking options. If you are one of those who like to keep munching something or the other as you rack your brains, this is absolutely going to be your favorite.

These crispy sinful kale “chips” are practically fat free — the perfect answer for guilt-free snacking options. If you are one of those who like to keep munching something or the other as you rack your brains, this is absolutely going to be your favorite.

Ingredients- 1 bunch kale, nonstick cooking spray, ½ tsp salt

Recipe-

1. For the first step, we need to preheat the microwave oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Now for the Kale, we need to tear leaves into large pieces and remove and discard thick stems to speed up the cooking process.
3. In a microwave tray, the leaves should be spread in a single layer, lined by a foil.
4. After spraying the leaves with nonstick cooking spray followed by a sprinkle of salt to taste, we need to bake it for twelve to fifteen minutes, till the chips are crisp.

So, got your taste buds running already? Well, we don’t blame you! So cook up a storm for yourself with these easy recipes the next time you feel ravenous in between the study hours. We at Studypal.co aim at making your test prep experience a better one with pioneering tips and advice from the experts in the industry.

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]]> https://www.studypal.co/blog/eating-your-way-to-the-top-4-recipes-that-can-cook-up-a-storm/feed/ 0 https://www.studypal.co/blog/two-heads-are-better-than-one-why-you-should-study-sith-a-partner/ https://www.studypal.co/blog/two-heads-are-better-than-one-why-you-should-study-sith-a-partner/#comments Mon, 29 Feb 2016 10:38:20 +0000 http://studypal.co/blog/?p=10 I’ve taken the GMAT twice, so I know what you are going through – a month to test day, 70 hour weeks at work, struggling to keep up with your Manhattan GMAT OG tracker. The second time around I studied with a partner, which helped me achieve 720. I will narrate the successful experience to give you insight on the benefits of studying with a partner.

I was working in Investment Banking at the time, so needless to say I worked long hours and had to squeeze in GMAT prep at nights and occasional free weekends. Turns out chatting at the water cooler actually does help, because little did I know, a colleague in a different division was also in the same boat as I. So we decided to become study buddies and met up three times a week.

During our very first session we realized that our skills complemented each other’s. While I was strong in the Verbal Section, he was a Quant Guru who needed to improve his sentence correction and reading comprehension. Together, we tackled almost every OG question successfully. More importantly, through discussion we were able to flesh out sound reasoning that related back to the basic concepts, which we could then hone individually.

My time management improved and I became more efficient. Where I used to slip in an episode or two of 30 Rock during my numerous breaks and shamelessly still kudos myself on a hard night’s work, I could now get some much needed sleep rather than dream about Liz & Tracy. I stopped procrastinating! Once we established our study routine it was easier not to slack as we had preset breaks where we would discuss mistakes and doubts.

Most importantly, and most of you can sympathize with this, I got the motivation I needed to study. At times it really can get pretty difficult to solve those OG problems and read through the Manhattan GMAT Verbal books, there are 6 of them. But, by meeting at different locations such as coffee shops, local libraries and small eateries it became more social and just that little less painful. At least I wasn’t cooped up alone in my room late at night all the time. Funnily enough, studying with a partner also helped me study better individually as I wanted to prep better for our next session.

Studying with a partner also instilled in me that sense of accountability. I did not want to be the one who had not done the problems we assigned ourselves, and let down the team so to speak.  It would have also been a pretty unproductive session had I done that.

This experience made us both realise the importance of studying with a partner, someone who has a similar background to mine or whose work and study schedule are in sync with mine. That is thrwhy we started StudyPal.co, where you can find a StudyPal or a StudyGuru in your city studying for the same test as you.

-Akkshay Chugh
CEO, StudyPal.co

Join Us and lets change the way people study. To find a study partner near you, sign up at www.studypal.co today!

Study tips for TOEFL

TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language is probably the most convoluted test you will take in your life; given the hugely varying test patterns and questions you have to attempt. To be prepared at your very best is the only key to a top score. Though there is nothing like “FAILING TOEFL”; it isn’t very easy to get the required score either. So, we bring to you a guide of 5 tips to obtain a great TOEFL score and help you realize the dream of studying at an English speaking University:

1. Understand what TOEFL is about
It is very important to understand the format of TOEFL. It is a test designed to assess your reading, writing and spoken abilities and it is always a great idea to keep a target score in mind when you appear for the test. It will help you figure out how to proceed with your preparation.

2. Get yourself some help

NEVER prepare for TOEFL alone. Getting textbook is the least you can do, and it is advisable to get a tutor or a friend for help. Prepare for the test with a group.

Need help with a study partner/ study guru? Sign up at www.studypal.co today!

3. Practice with your own methods

Movie buff? Watch English language movies with subtitles to get a track of how the language is supposed to be spoken. Your listening and speaking skills are sure to improve by tons! You can try other little tricks like speaking to your future self in English, record them and figure out the mistakes later. There is always a scope for a new method and you might as well develop something entirely new all by yourself!

4. Read , Read and Read

From developing a good vocabulary to learning the nuances of English, there is nothing like reading. Begin with children’s fairy tales if you are completely new to the language, but there is no escape from the reading. If you want to ace TOEFL, you have to have a reading habit because that goes a long way during your test.

5. Get used to typing long essays

TOEFL-Learn typing

Another issue that might boggle you down is the lengthy stuff you need to type while attempting the Writing Section of the test. A pathetic typing speed should be the least of your worries, so, practice typing well in advance. Type in your thoughts on a daily basis or pen a blog if necessary. Whatever you do, make sure you are used to typing on the QWERTY keyboard.
.

So what are you waiting for? Go and grab yourself a book and start practicing. TOEFL is all about how well you understand English, and that isn’t going to be a cakewalk until you really work hard for it.

For preparation related tips from our StudyGurus or to find a Study partner for yourself ( any test like JEE, GMAT, SAT,PMP and others) ; SignUp at www.studypal.co today and explore a world of undiscovered friends and guides, just near you!

1. A well-planned study schedule
2. High quality prep materials
3. Peer support (A study partner or a study group might work wonders!)

If you’re still not doing well enough, look for a QUALIFIED TUTOR.

THIS MONTH: Let’s take a quick look at where things stand for you!

MCAT: Hopefully you took your test already. If not, you’ll need to wait another year to apply. Also, most applications were due last month or earlier.

PCAT: Some schools will accept the January exam. If you haven’t scored your best, keep studying!

LSAT: If you aren’t signed up for the December test and don’t have a previous official score, you will only be able to apply to those few schools that will accept February as your first score.

If you will have an official score by December, it’s to your advantage to also retake the test in February and submit this as a supplemental score. You’re probably already sick of studying but a few more months of prep will make a significant difference. If you feel like you’re not improving, try something different. See our hints on test prep options.

GRE/GMAT: Depending on where you’re applying, your deadlines could be early December to March. If you will have taken the test by December, it will be to your advantage to retake the test in late January or early February. Let the school know you plan to do this.

PREP HINTS:

Let’s talk about verbal test sections. All the tests have verbal sections.

For the MCAT, it is only a reading comprehension section. For the others, the verbal consists of a variety of types of questions, including reading comprehension, which is on all of them.

In future posts I’ll talk about reading comprehension and about complex logic questions on the LSAT and GMAT. Today we’ll talk about the sentence completion on the GRE and the sentence correction on the GMAT.

Remember that for all verbal question types, there is a basic hidden agenda that the correct answer must be defendable by something that you can point to in the passage. The correct answer is never correct simply because the test writers think it is more elegant ( even if it seems that way to you!); it is more about the right logic.

GRE Sentence Completion:
Here you have one or more blanks in a sentence.
You have to choose the word that goes in the blank from a list of several options.
If there is more than one blank, you need to choose the correct word for all blanks to get credit for the question.
You don’t get partial credit for getting one blank right. For this reason, questions with two or three blanks are good choices for skipping if you aren’t going to have time for all questions or are unsure of the answers.

Look for the relationships in the sentence. Consider:

Even though John is usually a happy person, today he is _____.

There are two parts to the sentence. In the first part John is happy. The words “even though” tell us that in the second part he must be the opposite of happy. Do you see these sentence relationships?

Most sentence completion questions are based on contrasts between two or more elements, just as in reading comp the structure is based on a dichotomy between two elements. (We’ll come back to this again in the reading comprehension post, in case you haven’t gotten to that yet.)

It works well in Sentence Completion to think in simple and absolute terms. The above example could have read:

Even though John is usually a gregarious person, today he is _____.

You simply have to know that gregarious is a “good” thing. The second blank must be a “bad” thing.

GMAT Sentence Correction:
This is a challenging section in which you have to determine whether an underlined component of a sentence is grammatically correct or needs to be changed to one of the other answer choices.
You need to learn lots of grammar rules. The good news is that there are a relatively small number of patterns that they test.
Do study each question very thoroughly, having someone explain the grammar to you if necessary (A grammar book might help)
Chances are you’ll soon see that same type of error on another question.

Next month we’ll talk about the critical subject of timing.

Jay Cutts is the director of the Cutts Graduate Reviews and lead author of the Barron LSAT Prep Book, Barron’s MCAT Prep Book, and Barron’s MCAT Flash Cards. He has helped thousands of students get into graduate and professional programs since 1990.
He is the creator of the STEPS to the LSAT self-study support program.
Mr. Cutts offers free admissions planning help at:
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