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Master of Science in Computer Information Technology Course Descriptions

The course descriptions listed are updated from time to time as information changes and may vary from what is in the University Bulletin. In the case of any discrepancy, the Bulletin will prevail. The University reserves the right to terminate or change these requirements as and when it deems appropriate.

Prerequisites
Core (MSCC)
Database (MSCD)
E-Commerce (MSCE)
Networking (MSCN)
Object-Oriented (MSCO)
Electives
Professional Project

Prerequisites

MSC 525. SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN FOR DATABASE APPLICATIONS (3). Studies the analysis and design of computer based information systems. Focuses on database applications, transformation processes, comprehensive design and advanced technology. Emphasizes expert and knowledge-based systems. Discusses physical file organization, data integrity and security techniques. Develops data structures in context of database, database management and data communications.

MSC 540. COMPUTER CONCEPTS AND ARCHITECTURE (3) . Covers the basic concepts and applications of computer hardware, operating systems, and software technologies as they are used to design and implement business information systems.

MSC 570. SURVEY OF PROGRAMMING LOGIC (3). Introduces the student to basic programming skills and general programming concepts. Topics include data types,variables, basic constructs of programming languages, control structures, data structures, documenting and writing readable code. Requires the student to develop programs in a command line programming environment using standard C++ compiler.

Electives

MSC 609. UNIX CONCEPTS (3). Studies the fundamentals and basic concepts of the UNIX operating system. Utilizes the UNIX file system, shell programming, file and data manipulation and tools. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the MSCIT Program.

MSC 612. ADVANCED UNIX CONCEPTS (3). Studies advanced concepts within the UNIX operating system. Topics include: system security and administration, client/server computing, UNIX Network Utilities and programming in the UNIX environment. Prerequisite(s): MSC 609.

MSC 615. FUNDAMENTALS OF SOLARIS (3). Covers the use of UNIX under the Solaris operating environment. Introduces the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) and fundamental command-line features of Solaris including file system navigation, file permissions, the vi text editor, command shells, and basic network use. CDE features include Application Manager, File Manager, printing and mail. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600. MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSC 635. SOFTWARE TESTING (3). Introduces the major concepts of software testing and develops technical proficiency in test case design and test plan development. Covers techniques and tools for software requirements to support testing and test plan development. Presents software testing activities and products within the context of the software development cycle. Addresses the role of inspections, walk-through’s and reviews in support of software testing. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600, MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSC 690E-W. INDEPENDENT STUDY IN MSCIT (1-3). Provides an opportunity for faculty directed independent research in any field or topic in computer information systems not covered in scheduled course offerings. Prerequisite(s): Approval of Degree Chair.

MSC 695E-W. TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR (3). Concentrates on leading edge technology in selected areas of interest to Computer Information Systems professionals based on topics relevant to current technological conditions. Prerequisite(s): MSC 605, MSC 620 and MSC 645.

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Core (MSCC)

MSC 605. HUMAN - COMPUTER INTERACTION (3). Examines new technologies such as virtual reality or tele-presence, as potential answers to design problems encountered in addressing the diversity of the user community. Requires students to create and apply evaluation techniques to make the task fit the user. Covers management issues involved in utilizing computer technology in an enterprise including planning for user and management support, computer-supported cooperative work, and the need for training and documentation.

MSC 694H. SYSTEMS ANALYSIS METHODOLOGIES AND TOOLS (3). Expands upon the foundation provided by an undergraduate systems analysis course by providing additional depth in a number of relevant topics including major analysis tools and interface with users concerning requirements. Focuses on effectively using systems analysis techniques to help build better information systems. Utilizes state of the art tools and methodologies to build on the undergraduate or Structured Development foundation. Prerequisite(s): Instructor approval required.

MSCC 600. COMPUTER SYSTEMS ARCHITECTURE (3). Covers the basic platforms, concepts and applications of computers, networking and database technologies as they are used to design and implement business information systems. Examines systems engineering principles as well as the fundamentals of computer architecture and how integrated technologies accomplish the goals of E-business platforms. Reviews fundamentals of software and hardware related to systems analysis and design focusing on concepts that are relevant to program objectives. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance in the MSCIT Program.

MSCC 620. PRESENTATION OF TECHNICAL MATERIALS (3). Enhances skills with knowledge of the technology appropriate for communicating complex, technical topics to nontechnical audiences by way of documents, graphics and oral presentations. Provides a workshop-oriented experience in developing documents and delivering presentations. Integrates peer and facilitator critiques sharing various technologies for effective written and oral communications.

MSCC 645. APPLIED SYSTEMS ANALYSIS (3). Expands upon the foundation provided by an undergraduate systems analysis course by providing additional depth in a number of relevant topics including major analysis tools and interface with users concerning requirements. Focuses on effectively using systems analysis techniques to help buildbetter information systems.

MSCC 680. PROJECT MANAGEMENT (3). Covers the management of business/computer information development and the traditional life cycle and cyclic development approaches. Includes technical aspects of project estimation, scheduling using manual and automated project management tools in a simulated software project.. Prerequisite(s): Acceptance to MSCIT program. Top of Page

Database (MSCD)

MSCD 600. DATABASE ARCHITECTURE (3). Provides and introduction to the internal structures and architecture of database management systems. Focuses on the Oracle 8 DBMS architecture and associated processes and components. Covers general concepts of installation, deployment, and operation, as well as the architecture of various platforms. Includes a study of the two-tier, three-tier, and N-tier network architectures with discussions on how Oracle distributed architectures are deployed and managed. Applies concepts like Oracle’s Optimal Flexible Architecture (OFA) model. Requires students to install a working Oracle 8 database and learn about the considerations for successful use of the database. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600, MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSCD 610. DATABASE CONCEPTS (3). Explores data modeling, database design, management concepts, and SQL in depth, with an emphasis on the design and development of GUI database applications. Utilizes ORACLE 8i RDMS and Oracle command line interface, SQL*Plus, for all lab work. Provides hands-on experience with a professional-strength, relational database management system. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 600.

MSCD 640. DATABASE ADMINISTRATION (3). Examines key tasks and functions required of a database administrator in a production environment. Students create, start up, and manage a database. In addition, students implement data security and integrity measures and grant access privileges to individual database users. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 610.

MSCD 642. DATABASE BACKUP AND RECOVERY (3). Studies the critical tasks of planning and implementing database backup and recovery strategies. Explores backup methodologies based on business requirements in a typical enterprise and utilizes multiple strategies to recover from different types of recovery failures. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 640.

MSCD 644. DATABASE PERFORMANCE TUNING (3). Studies database servers from the perspective of optimization and performance. Focuses on techniques for improving data access and storage, emphasizing performance diagnosis and resolution using real-world scenarios. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 640.

MSCD 650. PL/SQL PROGRAMMING (3). Studies advanced SQL and SQL *Plus concepts and how to write PL/SQL procedures, functions and packages. Topics include extending statements to include Set Operators, and building correlated sub queries and hierarchical queries. Student creates and manages PL/SQL program units and database triggers as a basis for complex application development. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 610.

MSCD 652. APPLICATION DEVELOPMENT WITH ORACLE FORMS (3). Explores the design and development of GUI database applications in a distributed computer environment. Focuses on the use of Oracle Developer/2000 toolset and the Oracle 7 database management systems while studying application concepts and management issues involved with the deployment and support of distributed applications. Develops applications using Oracle Forms, Oracle Reports, Oracle Graphics and PL/SQL. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 650.

MSCD 654. ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT WITH ORACLE FORMS AND REPORTS (3). Student creates multiple-form applications and learns how to manage multiple transactions across modules. Examines concepts to enhance applications with custom menus, reports, and charts. Identifes benefits and disadvantages of various reporting methods. Analyzes a variety of standard and custom reports using Oracle Developer 2000 toolset. Explores how to retrieve, display and format data identifying appropriate uses. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 652.

MSCD 656. CASE TECHNOLOGIES (3). Covers the functions performed by today’s CASE tools, software developments life cycle, management strategies, and CASE tool implementation. Focuses on re-engineering and reverse engineering, CASE repositories, and industry-wide CASE standards activities. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 654.

MSCD 662. PROGRAMMING WITH ORACLE JDEVELOPER (3). Provides a comprehensive review of Oracle’s premier Java application development tool known as JDeveloper. Explores JDeveloper’s integrated development environment including source editor, AppBrowser, Object Gallery, Wizards, and an Applet Viewer. Focuses on methods of project and file organization, GUI development, debugging, and deployment. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 660.

MSCD 670. ORACLE 9i APPLICATION SERVER PORTAL ADMINISTRATION (3) . Students cover middleware implementation of portals on Oracle’s advanced 9iAS platform. The course focus is on design, development and administration of web based enterprise portal technology. B2B applications and case studies are used, as well as Internet based access to the portal development tool. Pre-requisite(s):MSCD 600, MSCD 610, & MSCD 652.

MSCD 676. ENTERPRISE PORTAL DESIGN USING XML (3). Students will learn enterprise portal design, beginning with strategic business planning, data modeling, Zachman Framework concepts, and various logical concepts leading in to enterprise portal development. The course also covers portals using XML technology. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 600, MSCD 610, MSCD 650, and MSCD 660.

MSCD 680. ADVANCED DATABASE TECHNOLOGIES USING OLAP (3). This course begins with a study of advanced relational theory, followed by the SQL Application Programming Interface (API) standards. Students will also study Data Warehousing, OLTP and OLAP integration, and database distributed architectures. Prerequisite(s): MSCD 600, MSCD 610, AND MSCD 640.

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E-Commerce (MSCE)

MSCE 600. ELECTRONIC COMMERCE (3). Introduces the concepts of electronic commerce as facilitated by the Internet, World Wide Web, and related technologies. Covers catalysists for e-commerce, namely business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C), convergence of technologies and capabilities, technological challenges, legal and regulatory framework, behavior and educational challenges, organizational and business barriers, and strategies for e-commerce. Uses a combination of lectures, discussions, presentations, and student projects to gain a broad understanding of the dynamic field of e-commerce. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600, MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSCE 605. E-COMMERCE TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLICATIONS (3) . The E-Commerce value proposition is examined through specific concepts and applications used to implement E-Commerce initiatives. Some topics covered include Enterprise Resource Planning, Supply Chain Management, Sales Force Automation, and Customer Relationship Management. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 600, MSCC 620, and MSCC 645.

MSCE 610. E-SECURITY (3). Enables students to understand and analyze fundamental concepts related to Internet and e-commerce security. Examines risk and threat analysis, authentication, encryption, payment systems, intrusion pathology, vulnerability assessment, and defensive strategies, tactics and countermeasures. Applies knowledge of networking fundamentals including TCP/IP layers and packet formation. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 600.

MSCE 620. DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLOGY FOR E-COMMERCE (3). Explores HTML insufficiency and its resulting need for increased functionality. Examines alternate programming languages and environments such as CGI, JavaScript, and Flash. Prerequisite(s): One semester of a programming language or equivalent experience in C, C++, Java Visual Basic, or some other modern programming language and MSCE 610.

MSCE 622. INTERNAL INTERFACE LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGIES (3). Covers the various technologies used to interface database systems with the Internet. Studies the application of the technologies with reference to business-to-business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) platforms. Reviews the evolution of early common gateway interface (CGI) scripting languages to today’s current HTML, CFML, Java and XML application development tools. Examines all technical aspects that relate to reliance of E-business at forms on the ability to connect back-end database E-commerce systems to the Internet. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 620.

MSCE 630. PLANNING AND DESIGNING E-COMMERCE PROJECTS (3). Provides an opportunity to apply systems analysis principles and project management techniques to the planning and design of an E-Commerce project SDLC. Presents recent case histories business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-customer (B2C). Emphasizes the unique characteristics of E-Commerce project planning and scheduling, rapid web development and information update, and customer satisfaction surveying. Introduces project scheduling, cost estimation, project life cycle monitoring, quality assurance and control of web resources. Requires a group project involving analysis and design of an E-Commerce project. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 610.

MSCE 632. E-COMMERCE ARCHITECTURES AND APPLICATIONS (3). Presents the architectural components of a successful E-Commerce business site (telecom, web server, user interface, management) through case histories. Focuses on the telecom and management requirements of robust web server farms: adequate bandwidth and flexible connection management. Presents N-tiered client/server network architectures proposes them as a solution to bottlenecking. Emphasizes partnering through high-speed connectivity between specialized E-Business companies as one path to rapid company development of an E-Commerce site. Presents Apache web server, Novell web management, use and management of voice and video over IP and XML integration of partner networks. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 630.

MSCE 634. WEB-BASED DISTRIBUTED SYSTEMS APPLICATIONS (3). Studies the impact of technologies such as WWW/HTTP, COBRA, Java, Java APIs such as JavaBeans, and JDBC. Includes a classroom project that serves to introduce, educate and reorient students’ thinking toward Web-based distributed application development. Prerequisite(s): MSCE 632.

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Networking (MSCN)

MSCN 600. NETWORK ESSENTIALS (3). Examines local area networks, telephony, web basics, wide area networking, etc. Introduces concepts central to network design, architectures, standards and protocols. Emphasizes the application of these concepts to the installation and configuration of small networks in the classroom. Topics include network media, communications and protocols, architectures, operating systems, administration and support issues, distributed network environments and internetworking. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600, MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSCN 620. NETWORKING TECHNOLOGIES (3). Emphasizes the application of a variety of networking architectures including an overview of telephony and digital systems used to provide transport for voice video and data. Topics include network media, communications and protocols, architectures, operating systems, administration and support issues, distributed network environments and internetworking. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 600.

MSCN 630. TELEPHONY (3). Introduces a broad range of telephony subjects, business models and topics. Emphasizes current, post-divesture, telecommunication business model, with respect to influences on regulatory policy, mergers and acquisitions and technological change within the telecommunications industry. Examines a variety of convergent technology topics and concepts such as voice over IP, VPN’s internets/intranets/extranets, and teleconferencing with respect to the changing telephony industry. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 620.

MSCN 632. COMPUTER TELEPHONE INTEGRATION (3). Hypothesizes how the telephone industry will evolve with respect to the blending of voice, data and video technologies. Examines call centers, CTI, voice over IP, and help desks. Evaluates the potential of using waterfall diagrams, entry relationships and life cycle analysis. Explores the convergent technologies policymaking process and proposes business models. Demonstrates the societal impact on communications between companies, people and communities through case histories. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 630.

MSCN 660. CLIENT/SERVER ARCHITECTURE (3). Explores client/server method of information transfer regarding worldwide acceptance by the information technology community. Examines client/server operating systems such as Unix, Microsoft NT and Novell Netware and demonstrates user administration, security and rights, server management and operation cost. Applies system analysis methodology to a variety of proposed network designs to understand crucial design components in the selection of operating systems, server hardware and application software using case histories. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 620.

MSCN 662. INTERNETWORK AND WAN DESIGN (3). Explores extension of Local Area Networking (LAN) technology across a campus or enterprise. Discusses and demonstrates topics and concepts such as TCP/IP (both Ipv4 and Ipv6 administration), router selection and management, naming and addressing, DNS services, and protocol implementation. Utilizes common systems analysis principles, as applied to modern WAN implementations strategies, to allow the student to properly select WAN hardware, the most appropriate TELCO, operating protocols and management tools for business models. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 660.

MSCN 664. ROUTING AND SWITCHING (3) . This course provides an in depth understanding to networking students of how network protocols are routed and switched. Students will learn modern routing protocols and their benefits to IT organizations, as well as router configuration. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 662.

MSCN 690. ENTERPRISE ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (3). Provides the opportunity to display student command and knowledge of convergent technologies, systems analysis and project management. Requires students to perform a systems analysis of a recent case history with respect to the companies current and future technology requirements. Student designs an implementation plan based on current project management techniques and present the final solution to the class. Explores visual design and management tracking tools to display and track the analysis, design and implementation process. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 632 or MSCN 662.

MSC 695V Introduction to Wireless Communications(3) The rapid growth of mobile communications has fueled a demand for professionals who have a firm grasp in the background theory and technologies of wireless communications. Upon completion of this course, students can expect to have a broad understanding of modern wireless systems and a perspective of when, where, and how they fit into future networks. After building a basic background in radio transmission theory, the course covers different types of wireless technologies and systems. The emphasis is on emerging wireless technologies, how they fit into global networks, and their associated business strategies and economics. Topics include third generation mobile systems, wireless local area networks, wireless personal area networks, fixed wireless systems, satellite systems, and mobile IP. Prerequisite(s): MSCN 600, MSCN 630.

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Object-Oriented (MSCO)

MSCO 600. OBJECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE ENGINEERING (3). Introduces basic object-oriented concepts, and the object-oriented software development process. Incorporates the best of current development processes, such as the Capability Maturity Model (CMM), the Unified Software Development Process, Patterns, and Team Management. Considers the impact of the Object-Oriented paradigm on software development organizations. Prerequisite(s): MSCC 600, MSCC 620 and MSCC 645.

MSCO 630. OBJECT-ORIENTED ANALYSIS AND DESIGN (3). Explores systems design and software engineering from the object-oriented perspective. Emphasizes UML; presents an Object Oriented approach to software development based on modeling objects from the real world and uses the model to build a language-independent design organized around those objects. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 640 or MSCO 650 or MSCO 670 depending on concentration. NOTE: Requires the completion of one introductory Object-Oriented programming course.

MSCO 640. VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING (3). Introduces Visual Basic programming. Emphasizes VB concepts, techniques and procedures. A hands-on course that requires Microsoft Visual Basic. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 600.

MSCO 642. ADVANCED VISUAL BASIC PROGRAMMING (3). Addresses advanced topics in VB programming including Data Access Objects and forms, Advanced Active X controls, Client/Server development using DCOM, ODBC, creating Internet and Intranet applications, and VBScript for Web pages. A hands-on course requiring Microsoft Visual Basic. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 630 and MSCO 640.

MSCO 650. C++ PROGRAMMING (3). Introduces ANSI standard C++ in a command line programming environment. A hands-on course requiring a standard C++ compiler. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 600. NOTE: Does not require prior C programming knowledge.

MSCO 652. ADVANCED C++ PROGRAMMING (3). An advanced computer programming course practicing advanced concepts of C++. This course will focuse on reuse, database connections, multi-file programs, templates, container & collection classes, and exceptions. Documentation methods will be applied in the solution process of advanced problems using the C++ programming language and ODBC (Open database connection). Prerequisite(s): A basic C++ course, MSCO 630 and MSCO 650 or equivalent.

MSCO 654. ENTERPRISE C++ PROGRAMMING (3). Introduces the student to distributed object model technologies such as DCOM and CORBA. A hands-on course with a team approach to programming requiring Microsoft’s Visual C++. Requires each team member to write objects to communicate with the objects other team members create. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 650.

MSCO 670. JAVA PROGRAMMING (3). Introduces object-oriented programming concepts using Java. Topics include the Java environment, classes and objects, inheritance, interfaces, exceptions, file I/O, and event-driven, graphical user interface programming using AWT and Swing. Requires students to develop several programs in the Java programming language. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 600.

MSCO 672. ADVANCED JAVA PROGRAMMING (3). Includes topics such as Java networking, Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), threads, RMI, and advanced user interface programming using Swing. Requires students to develop several programs in the Java programming language. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 630 and MSCO 670.

MSCO 674. ENTERPRISE JAVA PROGRAMMING (3). Continues OO programming using Java programming language. Topics include Enterprise Java Architecture,Java2 Platform and Java 2 Enterprise Edition Technologies including Java Servlets and Java ServerPages. Emphasis is on using JSP and Servlets to interact with browser based clients and building an enterprise solution using these components. Other topics discussed include Session tracking, Custom Tag libraries, JSP/Servlet/JDBC integration and introduction to EJBs. Requires students to design and code several programs. Prerequisite(s): MSCO630 and MSCO 672.

MSCO 680. C# PROGRAMMING (3).Introduces the C# programming language. Topics include developing C# programs in the Microsoft Visual Studio.Net development environment, C# datatypes and syntax, error handling, and object-oriented programming. Requires the student to develop several programs in C#. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 600.

MSCO 682. PROGRAMMING .NET WITH C# (3). Focuses on programming on the .Net Framework using C#. Topics include Windows Forms Development, project deployment, data access with ADO.Net and XML, Web programming using ASP.Net and Web Forms, OOP, Web Services, and SQL Server or other RDB. Prerequisites: MSCO 680.

MSCO 690. WEB SERVICES (3) . Course focuses on integration technology based on the open standards of the Internet, HTTP, XML, WSDL , UDDI, and SOAP. This course will describe the Web Services architecture, the corresponding standards, and the toolkits used to build and deploy services. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 630, and either MSCO 640, MSCO 650, MSCO 670, or MSCO 680.

MSC 694F. ADVANCED ENTERPRISE JAVA PROGRAMMING (3). Continues OO programming and MSCO674 using Java programming language. Topics include Enterprise Java Architecture, Java2 Platform and Java 2 Enterprise Edition Technologies including Enterprise Javabeans. Emphasis is on Session Beans (Stateful and Stateless), Entity Beans and Message Beans and on building an enterprise solution using these components. Other topics discussed include enterprise messaging using JMS, Bean-managed and Container-managed transactions and J2EE security . Requires students to design and code several programs. Prerequisite(s): MSCO 630 and MSCO 674.

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Professional Project

MSC 696. PROFESSIONAL PROJECT (3). Establishes individual student's presentation schedules. Students make their MSCIT program presentation and submit a written report. Forms the capstone experience representing a significant effort. Students demonstrate an understanding of the program material. Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor/project advisor following completion of course work and professional project preparatory phases. Pass/No Pass grading only.

MSC 696A. Professional Project Proposal (1) This course is designed as the key first course for moving students through the Professional Project Process. The course will introduce students to the basics of project management and proposal and thesis writing. Students will work extensively on developing and getting approved a professional project proposal, which includes a high-level project plan. Students will also be required to deliver a project abstract, executive summary and expanded outline along with their approved proposal. Prerequisites: MSCC 600, MSCC 620, MSCC 645 and at least 3 other MSCIT courses.

MSC 696B. Professional Project Paper (1) This course will allow students to complete and submit their Professional Project Paper for publishing. Students will work with the faculty and students in revising and finalizing their papers until a finished paper is ready for submission to Regis for binding. Prerequisites: MSC 696A

MSC 696C. Professional Project Presentation (1) This course provides a formal opportunity for students to present their Professional Project, which forms their capstone experience and represents a significant effort on the part of the students. Each student will work with the faculty and students in revising and delivering their presentations until a final, formal presentation is given to the class, the faculty, the student’s faculty advisor and other invited guests. Prerequisites: MSC 696B


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