Inaugural ranking finds 80% of the Most Entrepreneurial College Towns lie beyond traditional startup hubs, highlighting a wider geography of entrepreneurial opportunity

TEMPE, Ariz., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- College towns are not just places to prepare for a career; they can also be places to build a business. GoDaddy's inaugural ranking of America's Most Entrepreneurial College Towns highlights small business growth in communities that do not always make national entrepreneurship headlines.

While Stanford University tops the list, the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab found that smaller, lesser-known college towns are stepping into the spotlight as unexpected hotspots for entrepreneurship.

Warrensburg, Missouri, home to the University of Central Missouri, and Newark, Delaware, home to the University of Delaware, placed second and third, with year-over-year microbusiness growth of 16.1% and 16.0%, respectively. GoDaddy defines a microbusiness as a company that employs fewer than 10 people. They join communities including Elon, North Carolina; Martin, Tennessee; and Conway, South Carolina, in a top 10 where every town recorded double-digit growth.

The findings highlight college towns as great places to start a business, whether you're a student, professor or local resident, such as a coffee shop owner, dog walker or plumber.

"When we think about college towns, we often focus on the schools exclusively, but there's an entire small business economy anchored to the school," said Alexandra Rosen, GoDaddy's small business economist. "Entrepreneurship is accelerating across the country in communities of all sizes and demographics, and the microbusiness growth we're seeing in college towns is a testament to that. With our Most Entrepreneurial College Towns ranking, we see this ecosystem come alive as students, university faculty, and local residents build alongside one another, driving positive economic impact for the whole community."

What Stands Out

- Smaller communities deserve a bigger place in the entrepreneurship conversation.

- Entrepreneurship can be something students practice, not just study.

- Gen Z's entrepreneurial ambitions give college-town growth added relevance.

- College-town entrepreneurship is not exclusively a student story; it offers opportunity across the community and advances the broader local economy.

America's Most Entrepreneurial College Towns

The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab ranked eligible college-town communities by their year-over-year microbusiness growth during the previous calendar year. The ranking measures growth in the geographical area including the college, not the performance solely of the university or its entrepreneurship programs. 

The Rise of Applied Entrepreneurship

Programs at several universities in the top-ranked communities illustrate how students can gain experience running a business while still in school. Growth takes root across an intertwined local ecosystem where higher education initiatives, local trade, and small business owners reinforce one another.

- University of Central Missouri - Warrensburg, No. 2: Students work with community partners to plan, launch and operate a small business as part of their degree requirements.

- University of Delaware - Newark, No. 3: The student-operated UDairy Creamery connects coursework with practical experience in product development, supply chain and storefront operations.

- Elon University - Elon, No. 4: Incubates student-founded ventures into active local vendors through targeted creativity and innovation centers.

These examples show how entrepreneurship education can extend beyond the classroom and into everyday business activity.

Gen Z Looks Beyond Traditional Career Paths

The growth of college-town microbusinesses comes as younger adults show interest in building businesses of their own as they explore their career options and the future of work. With Gen Z leading all generations in new business creation, up 66% year-over-year1, college towns serve as testing grounds for aspiring entrepreneurs. According to recent data2, 43% of current college-aged adults (Gen Z) plan to start or run a business before graduation, utilizing microbusinesses as an equity-building tool while still enrolled in school.

While GoDaddy's ranking does not identify business owners by generation or student status, it highlights growing business communities where students could explore those ambitions. For aspiring founders, a college town can be more than a place to earn a degree; it can be a place to be inspired, test an idea and launch a business of their own.

For local leaders, the ranking offers a starting point for conversations about supporting business owners both on and off campus. For residents considering a venture, it highlights business growth in places they may already call home. That community-wide perspective reflects what GoDaddy calls the "Empowerment Economy" - more people having more options in their lives and livelihoods, from supporting their household to pursuing passions, and having more freedom to define success on their own terms.

To learn more about the 2026 Most Entrepreneurial College Towns, including additional data, comprehensive interactive maps, or to get more information on GoDaddy's Small Business Research Lab, visit www.godaddy.com/research.

About GoDaddy

GoDaddy, the world's largest domain name registrar, helps millions of entrepreneurs globally start, grow, and scale their businesses. People come to GoDaddy to name their idea, build a website and logo, sell their products and services and accept payments. Airo®, the company's agentic operating system for small businesses, helps entrepreneurs get their idea online, run their business day-to-day and grow through an integrated identity, presence and commerce experience. GoDaddy's expert guides are available 24/7 to provide assistance. To learn more about the company, visit www.GoDaddy.com. 

About GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab 

The GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab analyzes more than 20 million online businesses with a digital presence, defined by a unique domain and active website. Most of these businesses employ fewer than ten people, classifying them as microbusinesses. Since 2019, the program has surveyed more than 70,000 entrepreneurs, making it a leading source of data and insights on microbusiness trends. To learn more, visit www.godaddy.com/research.

Footnotes

1 Bank of America, Small Business Owner Report, 2026.

2 The Lonely Entrepreneur, Gen Z Entrepreneurship Survey, 2026.

Source: GoDaddy Inc.

SOURCE GoDaddy

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Hikvision showcases its latest range of AI products and solutions designed to promote growth for SMBs

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hikvision has hosted its third annual SMB event showcasing how AI delivers practical value for SMBs and the installers who serve them.

For SMBs, Hikvision is applying this scenario-based approach with AI products and tools they can put to work right away.

AI for Safer Sites: detecting more risks while lowering costs

At the event, Hikvision demonstrated how its Guanlan large-scale AI models have extended AI from basic object detection to scenario-specific analytics. SMB operators can customize automated alerts by describing what matters to their site. After an incident, AcuSeek enables them to find footage with a typed or spoken query.

Hikvision also introduced its new Pro-Series UHD cameras, including 16 MP dual-lens models that deliver a seamless, wide-angle view. To offset the extra storage that higher resolution requires, the company highlighted Guanlan Encoding.

AI for Smoother Access: faster entry and simpler management

Hikvision showcased Quick Pass, its comprehensive access control solutions for people and vehicles.

At site entrances, AI face recognition and license plate recognition work with automatic gates and barriers. Behind the entrances, administrators manage people and vehicle access in one system rather than switching between separate ones.

AI for Converged Systems: connecting systems to deliver smarter responses

A key demonstration featured eight converged SMB solutions, each linking two or more types of security systems so they do more together than any one could alone.

One example is a voice warning composed on the spot. A camera recognizes a trespasser's attributes, AI turns what it sees into a description, and an IP speaker plays the description as a warning addressed to that person: "Sir in the gray shirt and green pants, please keep away."

Across these systems, HIKO, the AI engine in Hik-Connect 7 and HikCentral Professional, cuts down the manual configuration and searching that SMB operators have to do.

AI for Smarter Service: automated design and always-on assistance

Hikvision also demonstrated how the AI tools embedded in Hik-Partner Pro make life easier for installers.

HPP Designer reads an uploaded floor plan, recommends devices, and places them automatically with coverage simulation. Hik Chatbot answers questions about product selection, technical support, and solution design around the clock.

SOURCE Hikvision

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Player props have become one of the NBA’s most entertaining ways to bet, offering value beyond the standard spread or total. Each night, this column highlights the best opportunities on the board using matchup data, recent performances, and betting trends to find edges. Keep reading for some of the top OptaAI player prop projections for Friday, October 30. Then, right below those, you’ll see the player props I’m personally taking. Also, make sure you check out our live VSiN programming for more. Our hosts and analysts should be all over the NBA, which is why it pays to be a VSiN Pro subscriber.

Noteworthy Friday OptaAI Player Prop Edges

Check out the OptaAI Player Props NBA pages for more of these! VSiN Pro subscribers can find 50+ player prop ideas on a daily basis! We’ll list the top edges in some of the biggest markets below, but there will always be a lot more to uncover on the pages themselves.

Stephen Curry Over 25.5 (-113) Points vs. Lakers

Our OptaAI player prop projections have him finishing with 28.85 points, suggesting these odds should be -267 — a +19.7% edge to the Over.

Nikola Jokic Under 12.5 Rebounds (-124) vs. Suns

Our OptaAI player prop projections have him finishing with 10.53 rebounds, suggesting these odds should be -283 — a +18.6% edge to the Over.

Josh Giddey Over 7.5 Assists (-101) vs. Celtics

Our OptaAI player prop projections have him finishing with 8.26 assists, suggesting these odds should be -140 — a +8.0% edge to the Over.

Friday Player Prop Best Bets

Below you’ll find my official plays on the player prop market for Friday. These are the ones that make the VSiN Pro Picks page and count towards my season-long record.

Jordan Walsh Over 4.5 Points (-132) & Alt Points 10+ (+425 – 0.25 units) vs. Bulls

Bulls at Celtics – 7:30 pm ET

This one could be a bit of a ride. Backing shaky players to produce is always a bit risky — kind of like eating supermarket sushi. However, Walsh is starting for Boston still, and that means he gets a couple of short spurts in which the defense is completely ignoring him — in order to slow down guys like Jayson Tatum and Paul George. Well, in two of the last three games, Walsh has delivered with at least five points. That’s primarily what we’re asking of him tonight. However, I’m also taking a small shot at the wing scoring at least 10. While it’s early in the season, the Bulls are playing at the fastest pace in the league, they’re really struggling to guard wings, and they’re doing horribly at defending the exact kinds of shots Walsh will be taking. The Bulls are 25th in the NBA guarding left corner threes, 29th guarding above-the-break threes, and 25th guarding at the rim. Those two areas of the floor make up 90% of Walsh’s shots. I know Walsh only had four against Chicago two games ago, but he also went 0 for 2 from three in that game. Realistically, if he knocks down an open one, he should easily clear the first number.

Rudy Gobert To Record Double-Double (+143) vs. Clippers

Clippers at Timberwolves – 8:00 pm ET

I lost the last time I took Gobert to have a double-double, and it’s possible another loss will turn me off his props for a while. However, I really like him to record at least 10 points and rebounds in tonight’s meeting with the Clippers, so I’m taking a shot at this at +143 odds. Gobert’s scoring is the real issue with these plays, as he’s averaging only 6.6 points per game on the season. At 12.2 rebounds per game, he’s a great bet to record 10+ points. So, why do I like him to score in double figures? It’s the opponent. Los Angeles is the third-worst team in the league when it comes to allowing paint points. The Clippers are 27th in the NBA guarding inside 10 feet, and they’re 28th guarding at the rim. Well, shots at the rim account for 80% of Gobert’s shot diet. Also, after Gobert got into a bit of a spat with LaMelo Ball last game, the point guard should play nice and spoon-feed his big man some buckets.

Ziaire Williams Over 12.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-125) vs. Warriors

Lakers at Warriors – 10:00 pm ET

I tried to take Williams to go Over his PR number the other night, but he missed the Lakers’ win over the Clippers. Well, the expectation is that Williams will be back in action tonight, and I like him to do a decent job of accumulating stats as long as he plays. Through four games this season, Williams is averaging 16.5 PRA per game, and he has had at least 14 in all four. One of those games happened to come against this very Warriors team, and that was in the first game of the season. That was one in which Williams only played 24 minutes. He has played at least 29 in the three since. I just feel that Los Angeles likes Williams’ skill set as a fit next to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and I can see these totals rising quite a bit in the near future. If he’s consistently knocking down triples in roughly 30 minutes of action, the numbers will come. He’s already a threat in transition because of his combination of length and athleticism.

Late Additions

Nothing yet.

More NBA Content

Check out the Harwood Handicappers YouTube channel! I’ll likely be dishing out more player props every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when I go LIVE on YouTube to run through each slate.

Today’s NBA Betting Trends:

The following NBA betting trends are a collection of analytical data, betting systems and strength ratings featured on VSiN and qualified for the NBA games on 10/30. This report is meant to emulate the process that Steve Makinen and other members of the VSiN Analytics team undergo when handicapping each day’s NBA board.

AJ’s Angles

These are the top NBA betting trends and systems for today’s NBA games, handpicked by VSiN Analyst AJ Makinen.

* Road teams are on an absurd 12-4 SU and 14-2 ATS run in the Knicks-76ers divisional rivalry

Trend Match (PLAY): NEW YORK (-1.5 at PHI)

* NBA teams playing at home in the 2 Days Rest game scenario were 36-15 SU and 34-17 ATS hosting teams playing a 3rd in 4 Days game last season

System Match (PLAY): BROOKLYN (+8.5 vs DET)

* NBA teams that hold an opponent to 36% or less field goal percentage in any given game have produced well in the next contest as well, going 193-132 SU and 181-137-7 ATS (56.9%) since 2021.

System Match (PLAY): LA LAKERS (-3.5 at GSW)

Schedule Situations Crucial for NBA Handicapping

The following is an expanded version of the article published in this year’s VSiN NBA Betting Guide, detailing scheduling situations in which teams have shown definitive patterns over the last few seasons. Typically, there are reasons that teams perform at varying levels based upon their schedules, whether that be from the amount of rest they’ve gotten before a game, how fatigued they are from a string of games, or how they deal with injuries/workloads based upon the schedule pressures.

* NBA teams playing in the One Day Rest game scenario are 17-33 SU and 15-34 ATS vs. teams playing a 3+ Days Rest game over the last four seasons

System Match (FADE): DENVER (-4.5 at PHX)

* NBA teams playing at home in the One Day Rest game scenario are 90-50 Under the total hosting teams in a 4th in 10+ Days game over the last four seasons

* DENVER is 19-4 Over the total (85.7%) vs teams currently winning less than 40% of their games, since the start of last season

System/Trend Match: 1 PLAY OVER, 1 PLAY UNDER in DEN-PHX (o/u at 231.5)

* NBA teams playing at home in the 2 Days Rest game scenario were 36-15 SU and 34-17 ATS hosting teams playing a 3rd in 4 Days game last season

System Match (PLAY): BROOKLYN (+8.5 vs DET)

* NBA teams playing at home in the 2 Days Rest game scenario are 33-18 Over the total hosting teams playing a 3rd in 4 Days game over the last season

* DETROIT is 27-13 Over the total playing in the 4th in 6 Days game scenario since January 2025

System/Trend Match (PLAY OVER): DET-BKN (o/u at 222.5)

* GOLDEN STATE is 131-127 SU but 110-144 ATS playing in One Day Rest games since January 2022

* LA LAKERS are 102-63 SU and 97-67 ATS playing with One Day Rest since November 2023

Trends Match (PLAY): LA LAKERS (-3.5 at GSW)

* MIAMI is 77-40 Over the total playing with One Day Rest since March 2024

Trend Match (PLAY OVER): IND-MIA (o/u at 237.5)

* NEW YORK is 154-82 SU and 132-100 ATS playing with One Day Rest since November 2022

* NEW YORK is just 9-9 SU and 4-14 ATS (22.2%) vs. the current lowest-scoring teams in the league (scoring 114 PPG), since the start of last season

Trends Match: 1 PLAY, 1 FADE of NEW YORK (-1.5 at PHI)

* PHILADELPHIA is on a 13-0 UNDER the total (100%) surge in Friday games since the start of last season

Trend Match (PLAY UNDER): NYK-PHI (o/u at 227.5)

* WASHINGTON is 6-22 SU and 9-19 ATS (32.1%) vs. the lowest-scoring teams in the league this season (scoring 114 PPG), since the start of last season

* WASHINGTON is 70-175 SU and 101-138 ATS playing with One Day Rest since November 2021

Trends Match (FADE): WASHINGTON (-1.5 vs CHA)

Top Daily Head-to-Head Series NBA Betting Trends

Here are the top head-to-head series NBA betting trends in play for all of today’s games:

(501) CHARLOTTE at (502) WASHINGTON

* CHARLOTTE is 5-0 SU and  4-1 ATS versus Washington since the start of last season

Trend Match (PLAY): CHARLOTTE (+1.5 at WSH)

(503) CHICAGO at (504) BOSTON

* Home teams are 5-0 SU and ATS in the last five of the Bulls-Celtics set

Trend Match (PLAY): BOSTON (-14.5 vs CHI)

(505) NEW YORK at (506) PHILADELPHIA

* Road teams are on an absurd 12-4 SU and 14-2 ATS run in the Knicks-76ers divisional rivalry

Trend Match (PLAY): NEW YORK (-1.5 at PHI)

(507) ORLANDO at (508) TORONTO

* Home teams are 11-4 SU and ATS in the Magic-Raptors series since the start of the 2022-23 season

Trend Match (PLAY): TORONTO (-5.5 vs ORL)

(509) DETROIT at (510) BROOKLYN

* DETROIT is 7-3 SU and 9-1 ATS in the last 10 meetings with Brooklyn

Trend Match (PLAY): DETROIT (-8.5 at BKN)

(511) INDIANA at (512) MIAMI

* Over the total is on a 10-1 surge in the Pacers-Heat series

Trend Match (PLAY OVER): IND-MIA (o/u at 237.5)

(513) LA CLIPPERS at (514) MINNESOTA

* Under the total is 8-1 in the last nine of the Clippers-Twolves set at Target Center

Trend Match (PLAY UNDER): LAC-MIN (o/u at 223.5)

* LA CLIPPERS are 2-3 SU but 5-0 ATS in the last five of the overall series as well

Trend Match (PLAY): LA CLIPPERS (+6.5 at MIN)

(515) HOUSTON at (516) DALLAS

* DALLAS is 6-1 SU and ATS in their last seven instances hosting Houston

Trend Match (PLAY): DALLAS (+6.5 vs HOU)

(517) LA LAKERS at (518) GOLDEN STATE

* LA LAKERS are 7-2 SU and ATS in the last nine matchups with divisional foe Golden State

Trend Match (PLAY): LA LAKERS (-3.5 at GSW)

(519) DENVER at (520) PHOENIX

* Over the total has converted in four straight meetings between Denver and Phoenix

Trend Match (PLAY OVER): DEN-PHX (o/u at 231.5)

NBA Team Strength Systems

The following handicapping information details betting systems for teams based on various team strength indicators or line scenarios. Unless noted, these are from the last six NBA seasons.

NBA Team Strength Betting System #7:

Double-digit NBA games have produced some definitive results on totals over the last five seasons, dependent upon what type of matchup it was. In divisional games featuring double-digit lines, Under the total has gone 146-128 (53.3%). In non-conference games, Over the total was 279-233 (54.5%). And finally, in non-divisional conference games, Over the total was 370-301 (55.1%).

System Match (PLAY): OVER – CHI-BOS (spread BOS -14.5, o/u at 234.5)

NBA Divisional Systems/Trends

The following handicapping information details betting systems for divisional games.

Eastern Atlantic Division Betting System #2:

In Eastern Atlantic divisional games, home underdogs of 5 points or less have gone 16-43 SU and 19-38-2 ATS (33.3%) since late-April 2021.

System Match (FADE): PHILADELPHIA (+1.5 vs NYK)

Western Southwest Division Betting System #1:

In Western Southwest divisional games, favorites of 3.5 points or more are on a 61-16 SU and 47-30 ATS (61%) run since mid-February 2024.

System Match (PLAY): HOUSTON (-6.5 at DAL)

NBA Extreme Stats Next Game Systems

These systems search for extreme statistical performances in NBA games and detail the teams’ follow-up game results. These systems are from the last six seasons unless noted.

Favorites flush low scoring totals quickly

NBA teams that come off a game in which they scored 90 points or fewer have responded well when favored in the next outing, going 170-62 SU and 136-94-2 ATS (59.1%) in their last 232 tries.

System Match (PLAY): NONE YET BUT WATCH FOR CHARLOTTE at WSH (+1.5 CURRENTLY)

Close wins haven’t provided for momentum going forward

NBA teams that won as favorites by a close margin (1-3 points) have gone 319-175 SU but just 205-276-13 ATS (42.6%) in the next contest when favored again.

System Match (FADE): BOSTON (-14.5 vs CHI)

Early season large wins lead to Unders

NBA teams who won their previous game by 25+ points have gone Under the total at a 32-15-1 (68.1%) rate in games 2-5 of the season in the last 48 tries.

System Match (PLAY UNDER): ORL-TOR (o/u at 226.5)

Rout wins are a warning sign for next contest for hosts

NBA home teams coming off any game in which they beat the point spread by 20 points or more are 53-82-1 ATS (39.3%) in their last 136 divisional contests.

System Match (FADE ATS): DALLAS (+6.5 vs HOU)

Unusual shooting performance systems

NBA teams off a game in which they were granted 35 or more free throw attempts trended Under the total the next game, 425-366 (53.7%) since 2021.

System Matches (PLAY UNDER ALL): CHI-BOS (o/u at 234.5), IND-MIA (o/u at 237.5), LAL-GSW (o/u at 234.5)

NBA road teams coming off a game in which they made 20+ 3-point shots have gone just 214-224 SU and 206-222-10 ATS (48.1%) in that next contest over the last eight seasons.

System Match (FADE): NEW YORK (-1.5 at PHI)

Unusual defensive performances

NBA teams that hold an opponent to 36% or less field goal percentage in any given game have produced well the next contest

as well, going 193-132 SU and 181-137-7 ATS (56.9%) since 2021.

System Match (PLAY): LA LAKERS (-3.5 at GSW)

High TO games can be significant

NBA teams that committed 20+ turnovers in the previous game have done well in expected-tight matchups (within -4 to +4 line range) in the follow-up game, going 108-78 SU and 110-75-1 ATS (59.5%) in their last 186 tries.

System Matches (PLAY ALL): CHARLOTTE (+1.5 at WSH), LA LAKERS (-3.5 at GSW)

NBA Streak Systems

The following handicapping information details betting systems for teams on winning or losing streaks of at least four games in the NBA.

NBA Streak Betting System #2:

Teams having won their last four games or more have been a solid wager when playing as large road favorites of 7.5 points or more, going 111-25 SU and 75-58-3 ATS (56.4%) since the start of the 2020-21 season.

System Match (PLAY): NONE YET BUT WATCH FOR HOUSTON at DAL (-6.5 CURRENTLY)

NBA Streak Betting System #10:

Teams having lost their last four games or more have been a solid wager when they are a capable offensive team, as those scoring 114 PPG or more are on a 126-158 SU but 157-125-3 ATS (55.7%) surge.

System Match (PLAY): BROOKLYN (+8.

Medicilon Presents Revolution Medicines with the "Excellence in Client Partnership Award"

BOSTON, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Yang Liu, Director of Medicinal Chemistry at Revolution Medicines, Inc., and Dr. Kristof Pota, Senior Scientist, visited Medicilon's Nanhui R&D Center. Dr. Maosheng Duan, President of Medicilon's Drug Discovery and Pharmaceutical Research Divisions, Dr. Jian Wang, Vice President of Medicilon, and their team welcomed them. The two parties held in-depth discussions on project progress, data transfer, and strategic priorities for the coming year. During the visit, Medicilon presented Revolution Medicines with the "Excellence in Client Partnership Award," recognizing the substantial clinical value of the company's pioneering pan-KRAS drug discovery and development. The award also honors years of joint effort, mutual trust, and shared success by both R&D teams, setting an outstanding example of bilateral collaboration.

A Three-Year Partnership Built on a Trusted R&D Model

Over the past three years, Medicilon's FTE team has worked closely with Revolution Medicines to tackle R&D technical challenges, consistently prioritizing client needs and focusing on the single objective of efficiently delivering high-quality molecules. This partnership has established a model of mutual trust and robust CROâclient collaboration.

At the award ceremony, Dr. Duan commended Revolution Medicines for its pioneering work in advancing KRASâa target once deemed "undruggable"âand congratulated the company on the U.S. FDA's August 2026 approval of the NDA for Daraxonrasib for metastatic pancreatic cancer. This milestone offers new hope for pancreatic cancer patients and delivers significant clinical value. The Excellence in Client Partnership Award recognizes the trust, dedication, and achievements of both teams over more than three years of collaboration, reflecting Medicilon's confidence in a deeper, long-term partnership.

In-Depth Discussions Explore New Collaboration Opportunities

During the discussions, Dr. Wang outlined Medicilon's growth and its integrated R&D platform spanning target discovery to IND submission. Medicilon's quality system meets international standards and holds NMPA, OECD GLP, FDA GLP, and AAALAC accreditation. Its advanced platforms support ADC/AOC, TPD, RIPTAC, RNAi, and peptide programs. Both parties discussed cross-regional data transfer, project management, future collaboration, and ways to enhance cross-border R&D efficiency.

Laboratory Tour

Subsequently, Drs. Liu and Pota toured Medicilon's R&D laboratories, visiting the chemistry and oligonucleotide labs as well as the API and preclinical research facilities, gaining firsthand insight into Medicilon's R&D infrastructure and quality management system.

SOURCE Medicilon Inc.

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Holiday Eating on a GLP-1 Program: Meant Highlights Coaching Support for Social Events, Travel, and Cravings

MANASSAS, Va., Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Between family dinners, office parties, and travel days, the holiday season rarely leaves routines untouched, and for people on a GLP-1 program, it can raise a fresh set of practical questions. Meant is highlighting the coaching support built for those moments, aimed at everyday guidance rather than the clinical side of care.

Questions That Don't Wait for the Next Appointment

GLP-1 holiday eating comes with questions that don't fit neatly into an appointment, from what to do at a buffet to how to keep a routine on the road. Sleep, movement, and stress tend to shift in December as well, and they all touch how a person approaches food.

Meant does not diagnose or prescribe. Prescribing decisions are made case by case by licensed providers through OpenLoop Health, and treatment is not guaranteed for every applicant. Coaching sits alongside that clinical process, not in place of it.

Where a Care Coach Comes In

- Setting goals across nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress, including a plan for the weeks ahead.

- Preparing for social situations such as gatherings, restaurant meals, and travel.

- Talking through cravings and everyday habits, with practical strategies rather than rules.

- Staying accountable through scheduled coach check-ins and a structured, guided program.

Coaching is optional. Care Coaches offer lifestyle guidance and are not dietitians, clinicians, or therapists, so medical questions go to the care team.

See How It Works

Readers who want to see how the online assessment and coaching fit together can visit Meant Health for an overview of the process.

About Meant

Meant is a health and wellness technology company focused on personalized GLP-1 weight-care support delivered through telehealth. The platform combines an online clinical assessment, licensed oversight through OpenLoop Health, Care Coach support, and supplemental wellness resources.

Meant Health, Inc.

[email protected]

1-512-879-9187

10199 Dean Drive, Manassas, VA 20110, USA

SOURCE Meant

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Empresas Polar welcomes Ricos Products, originator of concession nachos, to its family of companies

Two family-built food companies join forces; Ricos will remain headquartered in San Antonio under its current management team

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Empresas Polar, a family-owned Venezuelan food and beverage company founded in 1941, today announced that its subsidiary, Alimentos Polar International, Inc. ("Alimentos Polar"), has acquired Ricos Products Co. ("Ricos"), a fifth-generation, family-owned San Antonio company and a leading marketer and supplier of nacho cheese sauce, chips, popcorn, and other products to retailers and concession stands worldwide.

Ricos' operations and management team will remain in place, and the company will continue to be headquartered in San Antonio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

"Today marks an exciting new chapter in the Ricos story. Our family is very proud to have run a successful five-generation family business for over a century," said Tony Liberto, family member and Chief Executive Officer of Ricos. "In Empresas Polar we found the right steward for Ricos: a company that shares our heritage as a family-built food company and our passion for the Ricos brand. Their long-term commitment will allow us to accelerate our growth and innovation, expand our reach and keep delivering high-quality products to our customers. Our family would like to thank our loyal business partners, customers and, most importantly, our employees, who have made Ricos what it is today."

"Ricos is a true American original, and we have tremendous respect for what the Liberto family has built over five generations," said Lorenzo Mendoza, [President and CEO] of Empresas Polar. "As a family-owned company ourselves, we understand the importance of preserving that legacy. Our commitment is to build on everything that makes Ricos special - its people, its San Antonio roots, and the quality and traditions its customers have come to trust - while investing in the company's continued growth and bringing its products to even more consumers around the world. We are proud to welcome Ricos to the Empresas Polar family."

The acquisition builds on Empresas Polar's more than 15-year presence in the United States. In 2010, the company acquired its first U.S. production facility in Florida to produce beer and malt beverages for North America and the Caribbean. In 2014, it opened its International Grains and Cereals plant in Greenville, Texas, to support the growth of its P.A.N. brand across the region. Today, Empresas Polar has a presence in several U.S. food and beverage categories, including precooked corn flour, mixes, frozen foods, mayonnaise, milk modifiers, and malt beverages. This growth and success in the U.S. market has allowed Empresas Polar to identify new portfolio options, paving the way for the acquisition of Ricos Products.

BofA Securities acted as exclusive financial advisor and Norton Rose Fulbright acted as legal advisor to Ricos. Balandra Capital acted as financial advisor and Skadden acted as legal advisor to Empresas Polar.

"Ricos began with a simple idea at a Texas ballpark and grew into a beloved brand with a following around the world," added Mendoza. "We look forward to building on that remarkable history, working alongside the Ricos team and the San Antonio community to create new opportunities for growth."

About Empresas Polar

Founded in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1941, Empresas Polar is a family-owned food and beverage company now led by the third generation of the Mendoza family. Its portfolio includes iconic brands such as Harina P.A.N., Cerveza Polar, and MaltÃn Polar, with operations spanning Venezuela, Colombia, the United States, Spain, and other international markets. Polar is the PepsiCo bottler in Venezuela and Mexico through a joint venture. Alimentos Polar International, Inc. is a subsidiary of Empresas Polar.

For more information, visit https://empresaspolar.com/.

About Ricos Products Co.

Ricos Products Co. is a fifth-generation family-owned branded snack food company headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, and the originator of concession nachos. Founded in 1909, Ricos sells cheese sauce, tortilla chips, popcorn and other food products in more than 80 countries. Ricos products can be found across branded retail, theaters, stadiums and other food channels. For more information, visit www.ricos.com. 

SOURCE Empresas Polar

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Die Wirtschaftskanzlei MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte gehört zu den ausgezeichneten Unternehmen der Handelsblatt-Studie "Beste Arbeitgeber 2026"

Köln (ots)

MTR Legal zählt zu den ausgezeichneten Unternehmen

Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung "Beste Arbeitgeber 2026" wurden am 28. Oktober 2026 im Handelsblatt veröffentlicht. Die Vergleichsgruppe umfasste 1.612 Unternehmen. Durchgeführt wurde die Studie in Zusammenarbeit mit SWI Human Resources.

Im Rahmen der Studie wurden unter anderem Arbeitsumfeld und Digitalisierung, berufliche Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten, flexible Arbeitsmodelle, Familienfreundlichkeit sowie Unternehmens- und Führungskultur betrachtet. Die Untersuchung basiert auf Angaben der teilnehmenden Unternehmen in einem Online-Selbst-Audit mit anschließender Plausibilitätsprüfung. MTR Legal gehört zu den ausgezeichneten Arbeitgebern 2026.

Mitarbeiterorientierung und Zusammenarbeit im Kanzleialltag

MTR Legal setzt auf eine Unternehmenskultur, die von Respekt, offener Kommunikation und Eigenverantwortung geprägt sein soll. Flache Hierarchien, kurze Entscheidungswege und fachlicher Austausch sind wichtige Bestandteile der Zusammenarbeit. Die Kanzlei möchte ihren Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern Raum geben, eigene Ideen einzubringen und sich beruflich weiterzuentwickeln.

Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist die Digitalisierung. Digitale Arbeitsabläufe und moderne Kommunikationsstrukturen sollen administrative Prozesse vereinfachen und die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Teams unterstützen. Zugleich verfolgt MTR Legal das Ziel, berufliche Anforderungen und individuelle Lebenssituationen angemessen zu berücksichtigen.

Auszeichnung als Anerkennung für das Team

MTR Legal verbindet die Auszeichnung mit einem ausdrücklichen Dank an die Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter. Ihr Engagement und ihre fachliche Kompetenz prägen die Kanzlei und ihre tägliche Mandatsarbeit.

Bereits 2025 erhielt MTR Legal das kununu-Siegel "Top Rated Gehaltszufriedenheit". Die Handelsblatt-Auszeichnung ergänzt diese frühere Anerkennung.

Über MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte

MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte ist eine international ausgerichtete Wirtschaftskanzlei mit Hauptsitz in Köln und weiteren Kanzleistandorten in Deutschland und Europa. Die Kanzlei berät Unternehmen und Privatpersonen unter anderem im Gesellschaftsrecht, Arbeitsrecht, Steuerrecht sowie in weiteren wirtschaftsrechtlichen Bereichen. Internationale Mandate begleitet sie auch im Austausch mit Netzwerkpartnern.

Pressekontakt:

MTR Legal Rechtsanwälte

Mark Wolf

mark.wolf@mtrlegal.com

+49 221 9999220

Original-Content von: MTR Rechtsanwälte, übermittelt durch news aktuell

Interessenverband Unterhalt und Familienrecht - ISUV e. V.

Unterhaltsvorschuss: ISUV begrüßt Verzicht auf Alterskürzung, warnt aber vor Systemwechsel. Nicht das Einkommen des betreuenden Elternteils ist ausgefallen, sondern der Unterhalt des anderen.

Nürnberg (ots)

Unterhaltsvorschuss: Alterskürzung vom Tisch - ISUV warnt vor Systemwechsel durch Einkommensgrenze

Nicht das Einkommen des betreuenden Elternteils ist ausgefallen, sondern der Unterhalt des anderen

Der Interessenverband Unterhalt und Familienrecht - ISUV e. V. begrüßt die Ankündigung des Bundesfamilienministeriums, den Unterhaltsvorschuss für 16- und 17-Jährige nicht zu streichen. Wie eine Sprecherin des Ministeriums gegenüber der ZEIT bestätigte, befindet sich eine entsprechende Änderung in der internen Abstimmung. Stattdessen soll es eine Einkommensgrenze geben, ab der Alleinerziehende keinen Vorschuss mehr erhalten. Einsparungen soll es weiterhin geben - nach Angaben des Ministeriums aber "sozial gerechter". Die Höhe der Grenze ist bislang nicht bekannt. ISUV fordert, den Verzicht auf die Alterskürzung verbindlich festzuschreiben.

"Es ist richtig, 16- und 17-Jährige nicht pauschal aus dem Unterhaltsvorschuss zu streichen", erklärt ISUV-Bundesvorsitzende Melanie Ulbrich. "Aber eine Altersgrenze einfach durch eine Einkommensgrenze beim betreuenden Elternteil zu ersetzen, wirft eine grundsätzliche Frage auf: Warum soll dessen Einkommen darüber entscheiden, ob der ausgefallene Unterhalt des anderen Elternteils ersetzt wird? Der Unterhaltsvorschuss sichert einen Unterhaltsanspruch des Kindes ab - er ist bislang keine Bedürftigkeitsleistung für den betreuenden Elternteil."

Was der Unterhaltsvorschuss absichert

Anspruchsberechtigt ist das Kind, wenn der andere Elternteil den geschuldeten Unterhalt nicht oder nicht regelmäßig zahlt. Das Einkommen des alleinerziehenden Elternteils wird derzeit grundsätzlich nicht angerechnet - aus gutem Grund: Im Unterhaltsrecht erfüllt der Elternteil, bei dem ein minderjähriges Kind überwiegend lebt, seine Unterhaltspflicht in der Regel durch Betreuung und Erziehung. Der andere Elternteil schuldet den Barunterhalt. Fällt dieser aus, setzt der Unterhaltsvorschuss an. Der Anspruch des Kindes geht dann auf das Land über; soweit der andere Elternteil leistungsfähig ist, holt sich der Staat das Geld von ihm zurück.

Mehr als eine andere Sparvariante

Eine allgemeine obere Einkommensgrenze beim betreuenden Elternteil ist deshalb nicht einfach eine sozialverträglichere Alternative zur Alterskürzung. Sie würde die Systematik des Unterhaltsvorschusses verändern: Aus der Absicherung eines konkreten Unterhaltsanspruchs des Kindes würde eine Leistung, die vom Einkommen des betreuenden Elternteils abhängt. Soll der Unterhaltsvorschuss künftig eine Bedürftigkeitsleistung sein, muss das Ministerium das offen sagen und begründen. Ein solcher Systemwechsel gehört in eine sachliche Reformdebatte - nicht als Einsparposten in ein Haushaltsverfahren.

Wer zahlen könnte, darf nicht aus dem Blick geraten

Bleibt Unterhalt aus, gibt es zwei grundverschiedene Fälle. Kann der andere Elternteil zahlen, tut es aber nicht, muss der Anspruch konsequent durchgesetzt werden. Warum sollte dann ein gutes Einkommen des betreuenden Elternteils den Staat davon entbinden, den Anspruch zunächst abzusichern und anschließend beim Pflichtigen zurückzugreifen? Entfällt der Unterhaltsvorschuss, geht der Anspruch nicht mehr auf das Land über. Die Durchsetzung liegt dann wieder beim Kind bzw. seinem gesetzlichen Vertreter - in aller Regel also beim betreuenden Elternteil.

Kann der andere Elternteil dagegen tatsächlich nicht zahlen, ist der Unterhaltsvorschuss eine staatliche Ausfallleistung. Wie diese Absicherung ausgestaltet sein soll, kann man politisch diskutieren - aber nur auf belastbarer Grundlage. Und die fehlt. Nach Angaben der Bundesregierung steht in rund 50 Prozent der Fälle von vornherein fest, dass kein Rückgriff möglich ist; in vielen weiteren Fällen erweist sich die Forderung erst nach Prüfung als nicht durchsetzbar. Wie viele säumige Elternteile tatsächlich zahlen könnten, weiß die Bundesregierung nach eigener Aussage nicht: Dazu lägen ihr "keine Daten" vor (BT-Drucksache 21/4111). Eine Einkommensgrenze, die nicht unterscheidet, ob Unterhalt aus Unwillen oder aus Unvermögen ausbleibt, baut damit auf einer Lücke auf, die das Ministerium selbst einräumt.

"Nicht das Einkommen des betreuenden Elternteils ist ausgefallen, sondern der Unterhalt des anderen Elternteils", so Ulbrich. "Genau daran muss sich der Unterhaltsvorschuss orientieren."

Erst die Konzeption, dann die Zahlen

ISUV erwartet vom Bundesfamilienministerium, nicht nur die Höhe einer möglichen Einkommensgrenze offenzulegen, sondern auch die dahinterstehende Konzeption zu erklären. Erst dann lassen sich Fragen nach Freibeträgen, Kinderzahl, Belastungen, Übergangsregelungen und möglichen Härtefällen sachgerecht bewerten.

Beide Eltern gehören in die Unterhaltsberechnung

ISUV fordert seit Langem eine Reform des Kindesunterhaltsrechts, die die Leistungsfähigkeit beider Eltern, ihre tatsächlichen Betreuungsanteile und die Kosten des Kindes in beiden Haushalten berücksichtigt. Dort gehören beide Einkommen hin. Wie beide Eltern zum Unterhalt ihres Kindes beitragen, lässt sich aber nicht über eine Einkommensgrenze im Unterhaltsvorschuss klären - das ist keine Reform. Zudem steht die im Koalitionsvertrag vereinbarte hälftige Anrechnung des Kindergeldes weiterhin aus; bislang wird das Kindergeld vollständig vom Unterhaltsvorschuss abgezogen.

Ausführliche Zahlen, Quellen und offene Fragen enthält die ISUV-Hintergrundinformation "Unterhaltsvorschuss: Einkommensgrenze, Rückgriff und Reform 2027" (Stand: 30. Oktober 2026).

Interessenverband Unterhalt- und Familienrecht - ISUV e.V.

Der ISUV e.V. ist ein gemeinnütziger Interessenverband, der sich seit 50 Jahren dafür einsetzt, dass Eltern in Trennung ihre Kinder gemeinsam großziehen und gemeinsam Elternverantwortung übernehmen. Wir stehen als Verband dafür, dass Trennungseltern selbst entscheiden, welches Betreuungsmodell sie auswählen, da sie selbst am besten wissen, welches Modell am besten zu ihren Lebensumständen passt.

Seit unserer Gründung im Jahr 1975 haben wir uns kontinuierlich dafür engagiert, die Rechte und Interessen von Personen in familienrechtlichen Angelegenheiten zu vertreten. Mit über 5.000 Mitgliedern und 60 bundesweiten Kontaktstellen bieten wir Betroffenen schnelle und kompetente Hilfe in der emotionalen Zeit einer Trennung.

Pressekontakt:

Kontakt für Presseanfragen:

ISUV e.V. - Interessenverband Unterhalt und Familienrecht

Melanie Ulbrich, Bundesvorsitzende

presse@isuv.de

www.isuv.de

Bundesvorstand: Melanie Ulbrich, Murat B. Aydin, Klaus Fischbeck,

Klaus Bednorz, Anna Freitag, Monika Roth

Registergericht: Amtsgericht Nürnberg, Vereinsregister-Nr. 3569

Registriert im Lobbyregister unter R 003635

Original-Content von: Interessenverband Unterhalt und Familienrecht - ISUV e. V., übermittelt durch news aktuell

The legendary wellness resort unveils its most ambitious destination yet in Texas Hill Country

- The Largest Spa in Texas at Canyon Ranch Austin is now open and features a 40,000-square-foot facility that combines traditional services and treatments with a broad menu of beauty, recovery, Eastern medicine, and emerging wellness technologies. The spa features 40 treatment rooms, a salon and retail boutique, two pools, hot and cold therapy, immersive rain showers complemented by an expansive and experienced team of specialists trained in each service area. The spa also provides men's, women's, and co-ed lounge spaces.

- The Lake Flato-designed 600-acre resort incorporates the surrounding landscape as part of the stay, with 1.5 miles of Lake Travis shoreline along with an extensive network of trails and wide-open terrain.

- The Women's Wellness Collective is a new place, program, and team of practitioners that provides in-depth services, care, and education along with five decades of integrative expertise to bring conventional medicine together with complementary practices for body, mind, and spirit.

- The resort features two restaurants, as part of the all-inclusive stay. The Flying X Café is a casual eatery while Estella provides a fine-dining experience and is led by Culinary Director, Chef Val Cantú, the native Central Texan who holds three Michelin stars for his iconic San Francisco restaurant, Californios.

- The fitness, recovery, and medical facilities are among the most advanced in American hospitality. The Barn is a 27,000 square-foot fitness facility that includes a gym, studios, and outdoor field for fitness and movement. The Wellspring is a 12,000 square-foot medical center that is home to physicians, clinicians, technology, and services, plus CR Vitality, a cutting-edge recovery lab.

- Residences in the Ranch Home Collection start at $3.8 million and includes access to concierge health care to enable a complete lifestyle of well-being. The community encompasses 131 homes of Lake Flato-inspired Hill Country design.

See the full property fact sheet here.

Download the first-look images here.

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Canyon Ranch, the original wellness resort founded in 1979, now welcomes guests to one of the most anticipated new destinations in American hospitality.

Set on more than 600 acres of sweeping ranchland overlooking Lake Travis, the extraordinary property, which is shaped by thoughtful planning and decade of expertise, brings together the best of modern medicine, restorative spa experiences, innovative fitness, Eastern practices, exceptional cuisine, and outdoor adventure.

Located less than one hour from downtown Austin, the new Canyon Ranch resort features 141 rooms that overlook a landscape of rolling hills with expansive lake views. Designed by acclaimed Texas architecture firm Lake Flato, the property embraces the character of the Hill Country with thoughtful design that creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

"The opening of Canyon Ranch Austin represents years of thoughtful planning and nearly five decades of expertise dedicated to creating a destination that serves as home to deeply personal and highly impactful experiences for our guests," said Mark Rivers, CEO of Cayon Ranch. "It's a place that could only exist here and is shaped by the extraordinary landscape and spirit of the Texas Hill Country. Canyon Ranch Austin brings together our company's unmatched expertise in health and human performance with the joy of discovery, connection, cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. Our guests will leave Canyon Ranch Austin inspired by all that's possible in their lives."

A New Standard for Wellness Hospitality

Canyon Ranch Austin represents an evolution of the brand's unmatched approach to well-being with an array of advanced health services, personalized experiences, and hospitality. Guests can choose from an extensive calendar of over 30 daily activities, individual consultations and immersive programming to address physical health, mental wellness, spirituality, nutrition, and performance.

The culinary program is a key element of the experience at Canyon Ranch Austin and is led by Chef Val Cantú who holds three Michelin stars for his San Francisco restaurant, Californios, which is the first Mexican restaurant to be awarded this honor. Executive Chef Blake Ransom oversees an inspired daily menu at the resort.

The Largest Spa in Texas

At 40,000 square feet, Canyon Ranch Austin's spa is the largest in Texas and provides guests with an extraordinary space to unwind and recharge. The spa features 40 treatment rooms alongside thermal experiences, pools, and inviting relaxation areas. Guests can choose from Canyon Ranch's unmatched menu of massages, facials and body treatments, with therapies that draw on both traditional healing practices and modern innovations in skin care and recovery.

In addition to being the largest spa in Texas, it will also be the home of exclusive beauty programming including a weekend event with celebrity facialist Iván Pol, creator of The Beauty Sandwich® sculpting facial.

The Women's Wellness Collective

Canyon Ranch Austin also today introduces the Women's Wellness Collective, a dedicated approach to women's health that recognizes the need for more individualized care at every stage of life. The Women's Wellness Collective brings together medical expertise and Canyon Ranch's longstanding commitment to whole-person well-being to help women better understand their overall health and take a more proactive role in shaping it.

The Collective assembles leading voices in women's health for candid conversations about issues that have too often been overlooked such as perimenopause, menopause, hormonal health, and life transitions. Specialized services including DEXA scans and hormonal therapy are available to address women's changing needs, while retreats and educational programming create space to explore subjects ranging from sexual health to sleep and healthy aging. The Collective's debut retreat, Sex, Skin and Sleep, takes place November 12â15 and brings medical experts and wellness specialists together for an in-depth look at these three essential aspects of women's well-being. Additional special events have been announced during the balance of 2026, including a wellness and beauty retreat with Camilla Alvez McConaughey and a health and performance retreat with Dr. Stacy Sims.

The Ranch Home Collection

The residential offering, called the Ranch Home Collection, introduces a new way to experience Canyon Ranch Austin through private homeownership. Set within the resort's 600-acre Hill Country property, the collection features 134 homesites ranging from 0.8 to 3.7 acres. Renowned Texas architecture firm Lake Flato has created three residential designs, with homes ranging from 3,200 to 4,800 square feet. Starting at $3.8 million, the homes offer buyers the opportunity to make the Canyon Ranch lifestyle a more permanent part of their lives.

A Journey that Begins with Genesis

The journey to and from Canyon Ranch Austin is part of the all-inclusive experience. The resort has partnered with automotive brand Genesis to offer guests an elevated transportation experience from Austin-area airports to property in a fleet of specialty vehicles. The collaboration brings together two brands that push beyond convention in their respective industries with innovation, spirit, and creativity by understanding that the experience matters just as much as the destination.

ABOUT CANYON RANCH

Since opening in 1979, Canyon Ranch has been the global innovator and market-maker in destination wellness experiences, inspiring guests to pursue a lifetime of well-being. A visit to a Canyon Ranch Resort is unique for each guest and each stay, with over 1,500 services drawing from ancient wisdom and modern technology. Guided by world-class experts across the broadest range of offerings in the hospitality segment â including nutrition, health & performance, spa & beauty, fitness, mental health, spirituality, and more â guests gain personal insight, skills, and motivation that lead to lasting personal transformation and enrichment. Canyon Ranch's properties are recognized by the internationally acclaimed Michelin Travel Guide as among the most exceptional brands in hospitality. Canyon Ranch Tucson was named the #1 Wellness Resort in the Americas and received the highest honor of Three Keys by the Michelin Guide 2024, 2025, and 2026, while Canyon Ranch Lenox received Two Keys. Canyon Ranch also operates North America's largest day spa in Las Vegas, Nevada (Canyon Ranch Spa at The Venetian). The first Canyon Ranch Wellness Club and Spa opened in Fort Worth in 2023, and the new Canyon Ranch Austin destination resort and residential community. For more information, visit www.canyonranch.com or @canyonranch on Instagram.

SOURCE Canyon Ranch

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