WAEC SSCE - Agricultural Science - 2015

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Maize is a popular crop in West Africa because it has multiple uses. Maize is a versatile crop that can be used for various purposes, such as food for humans and livestock, industrial products like corn starch and corn oil, and even for biofuel production. In West Africa, maize is commonly consumed as a staple food, which is a food item that forms the basis of a traditional diet. Maize is used to make a variety of dishes, including porridge, bread, and soups. It is also a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and essential nutrients like vitamins B and C. Moreover, maize is relatively easy to grow and can be cultivated in a range of different soil types and climatic conditions. It is also a highly productive crop that can produce high yields per hectare, making it a valuable crop for smallholder farmers in West Africa. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Maize is a popular crop in West Africa because it has multiple uses.

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Tobacco belongs to the group of crops called "Stimulants." Stimulant crops are those that contain chemicals that affect the central nervous system and produce a temporary increase in physical and mental activity. Tobacco contains a stimulant called nicotine, which can produce feelings of relaxation and pleasure but can also be highly addictive. Other examples of stimulant crops include coffee, tea, and coca.

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Periodic maintenance activity carried out on a farm tractor refers to a regular servicing procedure to keep the tractor in good working condition. Among the options given, all are important maintenance activities, but the best answer to the question is "changing of engine oil." This is because the engine oil keeps the engine lubricated and helps it to run smoothly. Over time, engine oil can become dirty and less effective at lubricating the engine parts. Therefore, changing the engine oil regularly is important to keep the engine in good working condition. Other maintenance activities mentioned such as checking the radiator water, tire pressure, and cleaning after use are also important to ensure the tractor is safe and reliable for use on the farm.

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A soil sample with a pH of 4.5 is said to be acidic. pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance, and it ranges from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, below 7 is acidic, and above 7 is alkaline. Therefore, a soil sample with a pH of 4.5 is acidic, which means it has a higher concentration of hydrogen ions and a lower concentration of hydroxide ions. This acidic condition affects the nutrient availability and uptake by plants and can affect crop growth and yield.

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Crop selection is advantageous because seeds are collected from stands with desirable traits. This means that the process of crop selection allows farmers to choose and collect seeds from plants that have characteristics that are desirable for their specific needs. For example, a farmer may choose to collect seeds from a plant that produces larger fruit, is more resistant to pests, or has a higher yield. By selecting seeds from plants with desirable traits, farmers can improve the quality and productivity of their crops, which can ultimately lead to increased profits and improved food security.

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Crops that are primarily grown to provide food for farm animals are known as forages. Forages include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are grown specifically for their ability to provide nutrition to grazing animals like cows, sheep, and goats. Forages are important because they are a good source of protein and other nutrients that are necessary for the growth and health of animals. They can be grown as pasture or as hay, silage, or other forms of preserved forage that can be fed to animals during times when fresh forage is not available. Grasses, in particular, are important forages because they are highly digestible and can be grown in a wide range of environments. Legumes are also important forages because they have the ability to fix nitrogen from the atmosphere, which can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers. Weeds, on the other hand, are plants that grow where they are not wanted, and are generally not grown intentionally as forages. While some weeds may be edible and may provide nutrition to grazing animals, they are not typically grown specifically for that purpose. Therefore, forages are crops that are grown specifically to provide food for farm animals, and include grasses, legumes, and other plants that are highly nutritious and digestible.

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Among the given options, animal power is considered the most versatile source of farm power in West Africa. This is because it is relatively cheap, readily available, and can be used for a wide range of tasks such as plowing, weeding, harvesting, and transportation. Unlike other sources of farm power, such as biogas, wind, and water, animal power is not dependent on any specific geographical location or weather conditions. Additionally, animal power is a renewable resource, as animals can be bred and raised to provide power on an ongoing basis. For these reasons, animal power remains a popular and important source of farm power in many parts of West Africa.

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The digestive function of the rumen in ruminant nutrition is enhanced by the presence of micro-organisms. Ruminants are animals that have a four-chambered stomach, and the rumen is the largest chamber. It is home to billions of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, and fungi, which are responsible for breaking down complex food materials such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin into simpler compounds that can be easily absorbed by the animal. These microorganisms also produce essential vitamins such as B vitamins and vitamin K. Therefore, the presence of microorganisms in the rumen is essential for the effective digestion of food in ruminant animals.

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The natural immunity to diseases in calves is acquired through access to colostrum. Colostrum is the first milk produced by a cow after giving birth to a calf. It contains high levels of antibodies and other immune-boosting compounds that help protect the calf from infections and diseases during the first few weeks of life. Calves that do not receive colostrum are at a high risk of contracting infections and diseases, as their immune system is not fully developed yet. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that calves receive colostrum from their mothers within the first few hours of birth.

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The term fingerling refers to a young fish. Fingerlings are juvenile fish that are typically small enough to fit on a person's finger, hence the name "fingerling." These fish are usually between the ages of 6 and 12 months old, and they are often raised in fish farms until they are large enough to be harvested for food.

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Iron is important in the diet of livestock for blood production. Iron is a vital component of hemoglobin, which is the protein found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Without adequate iron in their diet, livestock will suffer from anemia, which results in fatigue, weakness, and poor growth. Iron is particularly important for young animals, as they are growing rapidly and require more red blood cells to transport oxygen to their tissues. An iron deficiency in young animals can lead to stunted growth and poor immune function. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that livestock have access to adequate amounts of iron in their diet.

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The term fingerling refers to a young fish. A fingerling is a small fish that is typically between the size of a fry and a juvenile. They are called "fingerlings" because they are often small enough to fit on the finger of a person's hand. Fingerlings can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments, and they are often used in aquaculture to stock fish ponds or as bait for fishing. On the other hand, rabbit, goat, and turkey are not typically referred to as fingerlings. While there are different terms used to describe young animals in general, "fingerling" specifically refers to young fish. In summary, fingerling refers to a young fish, while rabbits, goats, and turkeys are not commonly referred to as fingerlings.

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The use of pathogens to control dodder weeds is an example of a biological method. Biological methods involve the use of living organisms or their products to control pests or weeds. In this case, pathogens (microscopic organisms that cause diseases) are used to infect and kill the dodder weeds, which are parasitic plants that attach themselves to host plants and compete for nutrients. This method is considered to be an environmentally friendly and sustainable way of controlling weeds, as it does not involve the use of synthetic chemicals that can harm the environment or human health.

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The duration of the oestrus cycle of a sow is the period of time between one heat period and the next heat period. The correct option from the given choices is (A) 14-28 days. This means that a sow can come into heat or oestrus every 14-28 days.

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Calcium carbonate can be used to seal soil pores and prevent the loss of water in a fish pond. Calcium carbonate is a chemical compound that is commonly found in rocks, shells, and pearls. It is an alkaline substance that can neutralize acids, making it an effective soil amendment that can improve soil structure and fertility. When added to a pond, calcium carbonate reacts with the water to form calcium ions and carbonate ions. These ions react with clay particles in the soil to form a hard layer that can seal the soil pores and prevent water from escaping. As a result, the water level in the pond can be maintained, and the aquatic environment can be improved.

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The animal product that is used in the production of buttons is bone. Bone buttons are made from the bones of various animals, including cows, deer, and buffalo. The process involves cutting the bones into thin slices, drilling holes in the center of each slice, and then polishing them to create a smooth surface. The resulting buttons are durable, lightweight, and have a unique pattern that varies depending on the type of bone used. In the past, bone was a popular material for making buttons because it was readily available and easy to work with. Today, bone buttons are still used in some traditional clothing and accessories, but they have largely been replaced by plastic and other synthetic materials due to cost and environmental concerns. In summary, bone is the animal product that is used in the production of buttons, which are made by cutting and polishing thin slices of bone from various animals.

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Sexual propagation involves the use of seeds. Seeds are the reproductive structures of plants that contain an embryo which develops into a new plant under the right conditions. Sexual propagation occurs when the male and female gametes of plants combine to form a new seed. This can happen naturally through pollination or artificially through controlled breeding. Bulbs, cuttings, and vines are examples of asexual propagation methods. Asexual propagation does not involve the use of seeds, but instead uses vegetative parts of the plant such as stems, leaves, or roots to grow a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.

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When a piece of land is rented to a farmer for a period of time, it is said to be on lease to the farmer. A lease is a contract between the owner of a property and a tenant, which grants the tenant the right to use the property for a specified period of time, usually in exchange for rent payments. In the case of land, the tenant may use it to grow crops or raise livestock for agricultural purposes. The lease agreement specifies the terms and conditions of the rental, such as the duration of the lease, the amount of rent to be paid, and any restrictions on the use of the land. At the end of the lease, the land is returned to the owner. Therefore, when a piece of land is rented to a farmer for a specific period of time, it is said to be on lease to the farmer.

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The extra oyster shell meal supplied to breeding hens aids in hardening eggshells. Oyster shells are an excellent source of calcium, which is an essential mineral needed for the formation of strong and healthy eggshells. Breeding hens require a higher intake of calcium than non-breeding hens, as they are producing more eggs. Feeding them with oyster shell meal, which is made up of crushed shells, helps to supplement their diet with calcium and meet their nutritional needs. When hens do not get enough calcium, their body will start to use calcium from their bones to form eggshells. This can lead to weaker bones and increased risk of bone fractures, as well as soft or thin eggshells that are prone to breakage. Therefore, providing extra oyster shell meal to breeding hens can help to prevent the risk of calcium deficiency and ensure that they lay strong and healthy eggs with hard eggshells. The correct answer to the question is: The extra oyster shell meal supplied to breeding hens aids in hardening eggshells.

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The most versatile source of farm power in West Africa is animal power. This is because it is readily available in the region, and can be used for a variety of farm operations such as plowing, planting, and harvesting. Additionally, animal power is relatively cheap compared to other sources of power such as motorized equipment, which makes it more accessible to small-scale farmers who may not have the financial resources to invest in expensive machinery. Animal power is also environmentally friendly and sustainable, as it does not rely on fossil fuels or other non-renewable resources. Overall, animal power is a versatile, accessible, and sustainable source of farm power in West Africa.

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Farm surveying equipment are tools that are used to measure and map out land for various agricultural purposes. Out of the options given, the item that does not belong to the category of farm surveying equipment is the spade. A spade is a tool used for digging and moving soil, which is not typically used for measuring and mapping land. In contrast, the other options are all used in surveying land. An Abney level is a handheld device used to measure angles and slopes. It is often used in conjunction with a staff, which is a long pole with markings to measure height. A compass is a navigational instrument used to determine direction. It can be used in surveying to help orient a map or measure angles. Gunter's chain is a measuring device used to measure distances. It is made up of 100 links and is 66 feet long. It was commonly used in the past to measure land and create property boundaries. Overall, while spades are useful tools for farming, they are not typically used for surveying land and mapping it out.

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Viral diseases in crops are caused by viruses and can lead to significant yield losses. The most effective way to control viral diseases in crops is to prevent the viruses from infecting the crops. This can be achieved by planting resistant varieties that are not susceptible to the viruses. Resistant varieties have genes that make them immune to the viruses, so they do not get infected even when exposed to the viruses. Therefore, planting resistant varieties is the most effective way to control viral diseases in crops. Other methods like vector control, spraying insecticides, and sterilizing farm equipment are aimed at controlling the vectors or agents that spread the viruses, but they may not be as effective as planting resistant varieties.

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The organism that is not an endoparasite is the tick. Endoparasites are parasites that live inside the host's body, while ectoparasites live on the outside of the host's body. Roundworms, liver flukes, and cestodes (also known as tapeworms) are all endoparasites, as they live inside the body of the host they are feeding on. However, ticks are ectoparasites, which means they live on the outside of the host's body and feed on their blood. While ticks can transmit diseases to their host, they do not live inside the host's body like endoparasites do. In summary, ticks are ectoparasites and are not considered endoparasites, unlike roundworms, liver flukes, and cestodes.

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Callosobruchus maculatus is a common pest of cowpea. This insect is a type of beetle that feeds on the cowpea seed. It lays its eggs on the seed and the larvae then feed on the seed, causing damage and reducing the quality and quantity of the harvest. Cowpea is a common staple food in many parts of the world, especially in Africa, and is an important source of protein. Controlling the infestation of Callosobruchus maculatus is therefore important in order to protect this valuable crop.

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The act of parturition in rabbits is known as "kindling". This is the process of giving birth to baby rabbits, also known as kits. It involves the mother rabbit going into labor and delivering the kits. Kindling usually takes place in a nesting box, where the mother rabbit can safely deliver and care for her kits. It is important for rabbit breeders to provide a clean and comfortable nesting area for their does, as well as monitor them during kindling to ensure the safety and health of the mother and her offspring.

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The term "fingerling" refers to a young fish. Specifically, it refers to a fish that is at the juvenile stage of development and is typically around the size of a finger, hence the name "fingerling". Fingerlings are usually between 1-4 inches in length and are smaller than adult fish. They are often raised in hatcheries before being released into rivers, lakes, or oceans as part of efforts to support and maintain fish populations. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Fish.

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Piercing and sucking insect pests are a type of insect that feed on the sap or juices of plants. To do this, they possess specialized mouthparts that allow them to pierce the plant and suck out its fluids. The specific mouthparts they have are called probosces. Probosces are a type of elongated mouthpart that function like a straw, allowing the insect to penetrate the plant's surface and extract fluids. They are often long and slender, and may be curved or flexible to help the insect navigate around obstacles and reach different parts of the plant. In contrast, mandibles, maxillae, and labrums are mouthparts found in other types of insects, such as chewing insects. These mouthparts are used to cut, crush, and grind plant material before it is consumed. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Probosces.

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The act of parturition in rabbits is known as "kindling". Kindling refers to the process of a female rabbit giving birth to her offspring, which are known as "kits". During kindling, the female rabbit typically prepares a nest in advance by pulling out her fur and creating a soft bed for her kits. When she is ready to give birth, she will go into labor and begin delivering the kits, which are usually born in quick succession. After giving birth, the female rabbit will care for her kits by nursing them and keeping them warm in the nest. The kits are born small and helpless, so they rely on their mother for food and protection. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is: Kindling.

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Subsistence farmers mostly practice mixed cropping. Mixed cropping is a type of agricultural practice where two or more crops are grown together on the same land. Subsistence farmers rely on the crops they produce for their food, so they grow different types of crops to ensure food security and reduce the risk of crop failure due to pests, diseases, or weather changes. Mixed cropping also helps in improving soil fertility and crop yields by providing nutrient diversity to the soil. It is a sustainable agricultural practice that ensures the availability of food for subsistence farmers and their families.

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When sulphate of ammonia is continuously applied to farmland, it increases the acidity of the soil. This increased acidity is due to the release of hydrogen ions in the soil solution. Blue litmus paper is used to test for alkalinity (basicity) and red litmus paper for acidity. Therefore, the soil solution is most likely to change blue litmus paper to red, indicating that it is acidic. The correct answer is "Change blue litmus paper to red".

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The act of parturition (giving birth) in rabbits is known as kindling.

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The act of parturition in rabbit is known as "kindling". This is a specific term used to describe the process of giving birth in rabbits.

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The system in which a farmer uses a piece of land for a period and then abandons it for another land is called shifting cultivation. This system involves clearing a piece of land, planting crops on it for a few years until the soil fertility declines, and then abandoning it to allow the land to regenerate naturally. The farmer then moves on to a new piece of land and repeats the process. This system is often used in areas with poor soil fertility and limited access to fertilizers, as it allows the farmer to continue to produce crops without exhausting the land completely. However, shifting cultivation can lead to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity if not managed properly.

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The act of parturition in rabbits is known as kindling. This refers to the process of giving birth to baby rabbits or kits. The female rabbit, also known as a doe, will typically build a nest using hay, straw, or other materials, where she will give birth. The gestation period for rabbits is relatively short, typically lasting around 31 days. During kindling, the doe will give birth to a litter of between one and 14 kits, with the average litter size being around six. The kits are born hairless and with their eyes closed, and they rely on their mother's milk for nutrition for the first few weeks of their lives.

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The farmer obtained a loan of #250,000 at a simple interest rate of 8% per annum to be paid in two years. Simple interest is calculated as a percentage of the principal amount and does not take into account the accumulated interest. The formula for calculating simple interest is: Simple Interest = (Principal x Rate x Time) / 100 Where: - Principal is the amount of the loan - Rate is the annual interest rate - Time is the duration of the loan in years In this case, the principal is #250,000, the rate is 8%, and the time is 2 years. Plugging these values into the formula, we get: Simple Interest = (250,000 x 8 x 2) / 100 Simple Interest = 40,000 Therefore, the interest that the farmer will pay on the loan is #40,000.

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Of the crops listed, Oryza sativa (rice) does not require shade trees at the seeding stage. Theobroma cacao (cocoa), Coffea spp (coffee), and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) are all crops that are commonly grown under shade trees during their early stages of growth. These shade trees provide protection from direct sunlight and wind, which can help to reduce water stress and improve the growth of the young plants. Rice, on the other hand, is typically grown in paddies that are flooded with water. This flooding helps to control weeds and pests, and provides some protection from direct sunlight. As a result, rice does not require shade trees during its early stages of growth. Therefore, of the crops listed, Oryza sativa (rice) is the crop that does not require shade trees at the seeding stage. The other crops, Theobroma cacao (cocoa), Coffea spp (coffee), and Elaeis guineensis (oil palm) all benefit from the protection provided by shade trees during their early growth stages.

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Phytophthora palmivora is responsible for the black pod disease of cocoa.

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The property of soil which cannot easily be changed by a farmer is the texture of the soil. Soil texture refers to the size of the mineral particles that make up the soil. The three main soil textures are sand, silt, and clay. The texture of the soil has a significant impact on the soil's ability to hold and release water, as well as its fertility and productivity. It also affects how easily the soil can be worked, how well it can support plant growth, and how susceptible it is to erosion. While farmers can take steps to improve other soil properties such as porosity, structure, and acidity by adding organic matter, fertilizers, or other soil amendments, the texture of the soil is more difficult to change. This is because the size and distribution of the mineral particles that make up the soil are largely determined by the geology and parent material of the area. In summary, the property of soil that cannot easily be changed by a farmer is the texture of the soil. While farmers can improve other soil properties through soil management practices, the texture of the soil is largely determined by the geology and parent material of the area and is more difficult to alter.

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Deforestation is the removal of trees and forests from an area, resulting in negative impacts on the environment. One of the possible developments that could result from deforestation is an increase in soil erosion. When trees are removed, the soil becomes more exposed to rain and wind erosion, leading to soil degradation and loss of fertility. Deforestation can also lead to a decrease in soil porosity, as the roots of trees help to create channels and spaces in the soil for air and water to circulate. Additionally, deforestation can contribute to climate change, which can lead to a decrease in soil temperature, but it is not a direct result of deforestation. Finally, deforestation does not increase soil pH as it usually leads to a decrease in soil acidity.

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The mating of a White Fulani bull and an N'dama cow could be termed as crossbreeding. Crossbreeding is the process of mating two animals from different breeds or varieties. The offspring of such a mating are known as crossbreeds or hybrids. In this case, the White Fulani bull and the N'dama cow are two different breeds of cattle, and mating them would result in a crossbred calf. Inbreeding, on the other hand, involves mating closely related animals, such as siblings or parent and offspring, in order to maintain specific traits within a breed. Line breeding is a form of inbreeding that involves mating animals that are not as closely related, such as cousins, to maintain a certain bloodline or lineage. Outbreeding involves mating animals that are not closely related to each other in order to introduce new genetic material into a breeding program. In summary, the mating of a White Fulani bull and an N'dama cow would be termed as crossbreeding because it involves mating two different breeds of cattle. It is different from inbreeding, line breeding, and outbreeding, which involve different types of mating strategies with animals of the same or different breeds.

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Limestone is a sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rocks are formed by the accumulation and consolidation of sediments, which are small particles of rock, soil, and other materials that are transported and deposited by wind, water, or ice. Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock that is formed from the accumulation of the remains of marine organisms, such as shells and coral, as well as other calcium-rich materials. Gabbro and granite, on the other hand, are both igneous rocks, which are formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Marble is a metamorphic rock, which is formed from the recrystallization of limestone or other sedimentary rocks under high pressure and temperature. Therefore, of the rocks listed, limestone is the only sedimentary rock. The others are igneous or metamorphic rocks.

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