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Towards a New Era of IoT: ALS Sensors Powered by Infrared Energy

Introduction

Energy autonomy is one of the most pressing challenges for sensor and IoT applications. Powering sensors without relying on batteries or wired connections can drastically reduce maintenance costs and environmental impact. In this context, Oxhycell emerges as a breakthrough technology, capable of harvesting energy from the environment to sustainably and efficiently power electronic devices.

The first real-world use case we have developed focuses on powering Ambient Light Sensors (ALS) through a fully autonomous system based on Oxhycell. With the support of Campania Startup, we have developed a demonstrator showcasing the potential of our technology in the Energy Harvesting sector for IoT. This milestone marks an important step in our journey toward efficiency and miniaturization.

The Challenge: Wireless Sensors and Energy Supply

ALS sensors are widely used to automatically adjust screen brightness and smart lighting, helping to reduce energy consumption and enhance visual comfort. However, powering these devices presents significant challenges:

  • Batteries have a limited lifespan and require periodic replacement.
  • Wired power solutions are not always practical, especially in remote or distributed installations.
  • Current Energy Harvesting solutions (solar, vibrations, radio frequencies) have limitations in terms of power output, continuity, and compatibility with a variety of environments.

Oxhycell offers an innovative solution to overcome these limitations, ensuring stable and continuous power supply to devices without requiring batteries or cables.

The Demonstrator: An ALS Sensor Powered by Oxhycell

To demonstrate the feasibility of this solution, we have developed a working prototype that utilizes an Oxhy Powercore to power an ALS sensor and transmit the data via Bluetooth.

How Does the System Work?

The demonstrator consists of a few modules:

  • Oxhy Powercore – A wafer of Oxhycell that harvests energy from the environment and stores it in a capacitor.
  • Power Management Unit – Regulates the energy flow and system activation.
  • ALS Module – Includes a microcontroller, light sensor, and a Bluetooth module for data transmission.
  • Mobile Monitoring App – Receives data from the sensor and displays ambient light levels.

Step-by-Step Operation

  1. The Oxhy Powercore collects ambient energy and stores it in a capacitor.
  2. Once a voltage threshold is reached, the system activates the ALS sensor.
  3. The sensor measures the light level and transmits the data via Bluetooth to the mobile app.
  4. After data transmission, the system returns to energy accumulation mode, ready for the next cycle.

This smart energy cycle enables the sensor to function without batteries, ensuring a fully autonomous and long-lasting system.

Below are some images illustrating this innovative technology in action.

A Modular System: Beyond the ALS Sensor

The goal of the demonstrator is not just to validate Energy Harvesting for a single sensor, but to showcase the versatility of Oxhycell across multiple microelectronics applications.

For this reason, the ALS module has been integrated into a modular demonstrator, a set of building blocks for Energy Harvesting, which includes:

  • Lighting Module – Controls LEDs powered by Oxhycell.
  • Audio Module – Generates sounds or acoustic signals.
  • Digital Display & Clock – Shows information and interacts with other modules.
  • ALS Module – The core of the system for ambient light detection.

All these modules can be used independently or interconnected, showcasing Oxhycell’s potential for a wide range of real-world applications.

Current Limitations of the Demonstrator

The current ALS sensor demonstrator powered by Oxhycell is a first concrete step toward autonomous Energy Harvesting systems, but it still has some technical and operational limitations.

  • The power density of the Oxhy Powercore is yet quite low and is designed for intermittent operation, meaning the system charges and discharges a capacitor in cycles. This can introduce a latency in data acquisition and transmission, which needs to be optimized for real-time applications.
  • The current level of miniaturization, approximately 20 mm³ per cell, is still an area of development to enhance power output and reduce activation times.
  • The firmware for power management requires further optimization to maximize energy efficiency, particularly in low-light environments.

The Roadmap to Miniaturization

Oxhy has outlined a development roadmap with a few but clear evolutionary phases:

Short-Term Goals

  • Improve power management firmware to enhance efficiency.
  • Develop new versions of the Oxhy Powercore with higher energy density and longer-lasting power delivery.

Mid-Term Goals

  • Expand real-world testing in various environments to validate industrial and commercial applications.
  • Optimize the communication interface to integrate with IoT networks and cloud platforms.

Long-Term Goals

  • Further miniaturization and enhancement of the Oxhycell wafer technology.
  • Scale production to meet commercial demand and expand industrial adoption.

This roadmap is paving the way for a more efficient, autonomous, and integrable solution, maximizing the potential of Energy Harvesting with Oxhycell and establishing it as a key technology for future sensor applications.

Towards a Battery-Free Future

Our ALS demonstrator powered by Oxhycell is a concrete step forward toward a future where electronic devices can operate without relying on batteries or wired power.

This technology opens up new opportunities in sectors such as:

  • Smart Home & Automation – Light sensors, security, and environmental monitoring.
  • Industrial IoT – Wireless monitoring and automation without complex wiring.
  • Wearable Tech – Self-powered wearable devices.

With the support of Campania Startup, we have transformed a vision into a real, functioning solution. However, this is just the beginning—our goal is to further develop and scale this technology to integrate it into commercial Energy Harvesting solutions.

Want to collaborate or learn more?

💡 Discover how Oxhycell is revolutionizing renewable energy and connect with our team to explore new opportunities for collaboration! 

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Oxhy Launches the Second Phase of Its Pre-Seed Fundraising Campaign

We are thrilled to officially announce the launch of the second phase of our fundraising campaign, a crucial milestone for Oxhy’s future. With a target to raise €4.5 million by 2025, we are taking the next step in turning our vision into reality, bringing unique innovation and potentially disruptive advancements to the field of Energy Harvesting.

 

Building on Success

Oxhy’s journey began with solid support: the first phase of our fundraising campaign successfully concluded in February 2024, raising €1 million. This initial funding was complemented by approximately €600,000 secured through public programs such as Campania Startup and Smart & Start, providing a strong foundation for our remarkable achievements during our first year of activity.

2024 has been a truly memorable year, marking a milestone for Oxhy. Thanks to the support of our early investors, we have achieved significant milestones:

  • Miniaturization of the Oxhycell base unit from 2.5 cm³ to just 20 mm³.
  • Power output levels of 2 µW per cell, surpassing initial expectations.
  • Modular prototypes developed and tested with target commercial devices, nearly ready for real-world applications.
  • Strategic partnerships initiated, opening new opportunities.
  • Over 700 expressions of interest from potential customers, partners, and investors.

 

Looking Ahead: Ambitious Goals and Exciting Challenges

With this second phase of fundraising, our ambitions are even greater: we aim to raise an additional €3.5 million to complete our development program. The new funds will enable us to:

  • Advance our oxhydroelectric cell technology—Oxhycell—to Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and Business Readiness Level (BRL) 7 within 18 months.
  • Execute a Go-to-Market strategy to penetrate initial niches in the industrial energy harvesting market.
  • Launch the first pilot projects in 2025, cementing our position in the sector with a technology that is both commercially and technologically mature.

 

Active Engagement with Investors

Oxhy is actively engaging with private investors, Business Angels, Venture Capital funds, and Corporate Venture Capital entities to build strategic alliances that will propel us toward our next objectives.

We have already received investment commitments totaling at least €1.5 million, and in just over a month, we’ve secured a significant portion of that amount. This enthusiastic response from the market confirms the robustness of our project and trust in our ability to innovate.

 

2025: A Year of Opportunity

The year 2024 marked Oxhy’s first year of existence — a year in which we demonstrated that our vision can translate into tangible results through a unique combination of technical, scientific, and strategic expertise. Now, as we look ahead to 2025, we prepare to take another leap forward, building not just an innovative technology but also a more sustainable energy future.

With the support of our investors and partners, we are building the future of energy, one step at a time. Join us on this extraordinary journey!

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Building the Future of Energy, One Step at a Time

An Extraordinary Year 

2024 has been a year of remarkable progress for Oxhy, marking a milestone in our journey to revolutionize Energy Harvesting. This article highlights the achievements made over the year, the technological advancements and the future prospects that continue to drive us toward our vision: transforming the invisible energy of infrared radiation into tangible opportunities for a more sustainable energy future. The full Progress Report is available for download here.

Technological Progress

Innovation lies at the heart of everything we do and 2024 has seen significant advancements in the development of our groundbreaking technology, Oxhycell. Through our unwavering commitment to R&D, we have achieved important milestones:

  • Miniaturization: We reduced the size of the Oxhycell to just 20 mm³ per cell, moving closer to the milestone of 1 mm³ while maintaining high efficiency and stability.
  • Development of Modular Prototypes: The first prototype of the “Oxhy Modular Set” has been completed, integrating our PowerCore to power ALS sensors and other target applications.
  • Testing and Validation: Preliminary results show that our technology is ready to be adapted for multiple use cases, both consumer and industrial, with performance comparable to other power solutions.

Market Traction

Thanks to our efforts to attract the attention of key stakeholders, we have begun positioning Oxhy in the Energy Harvesting market. Key highlights include:

  • Over 540 expressions of interest received from consumers, investors, companies, and strategic partners.
  • 4 letters of intent already signed with leading companies, demonstrating confidence in the potential of our technology.
  • A growing commercial pipeline, aiming to launch the first pilot projects by 2025.

These results represent the first step toward significant penetration in target sectors such as microelectronics, energy recovery from industrial processes, and IoT.

Financial Development

Our technological and commercial progress has been made possible through the support of our investors and access to strategic funding. Key highlights include:

  • Completion of the first phase of the pre-seed round, with €1 million raised, allocated to R&D, prototyping, and technology validation.
  • Approval of our Smart&Start application, providing over €419,000 in facilitated funding to accelerate our development plan.
  • Reporting of the Campania Startup project, which funded our modular demonstrator.

These achievements strengthen our financial roadmap and position us to successfully launch the second phase of funding, officially beginning in January 2025.

Team Growth and Collaborations

2024 has also been a year of growth for our team. We have attracted international talent and initiated collaborations with leading universities and research centers, including the University of Naples Federico II, where we co-financed an industrial doctorate. These efforts enhance the scientific and engineering expertise required to accelerate the development of Oxhycell.

Looking Ahead

With 2025 on the horizon, Oxhy is gearing up for an even more dynamic phase:

  • Technological Objectives: Achieve TRL 6 for Oxhycell, implement the first pilot projects, and engineer industrial prototype production processes.
  • Commercial Expansion: Broaden our partnership network and launch a go-to-market strategy for key applications.
  • Social and Environmental Impact: Continue driving sustainable innovation, reducing the ecological footprint of traditional power solutions, and promoting non-invasive technologies.

A Thank You to Our Partners and Investors

Every milestone achieved in 2024 is the result of a shared vision and the continued support of our investors and partners. We are excited to continue this journey together, building a future where the invisible energy of infrared becomes an accessible, sustainable, and transformative resource. If you’d like to learn more or join us in this energy revolution, contact us and discover how you can make a difference with Oxhy.

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Oxhy at the Water Conference 2024: New Frontiers in Water Science

The Water Conference 2024 in Lisbon, one of the world’s most significant events dedicated to water science, has just concluded, marking an important milestone for Oxhy and our commitment to cutting-edge research. This conference, organized by Prof. Gerald H. Pollack from the University of Washington, brought together some of the world’s top experts to discuss the new frontiers in the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology of Water.

Our CTO, Roberto Germano, was invited as a speaker, sharing Oxhy’s innovative approach and commitment to advanced research. During the event, Roberto explored the intersections of physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering, demonstrating how these disciplines integrate into our vision and projects.

Key Figures at the Conference

It was an honor to share the stage with esteemed scientists and researchers whose work is expanding the understanding of water’s behavior and its vast applications. Among the participants:

  • Gerald Pollack (University of Washington, USA)
  • Elmar C. Fuchs (Wetsus, European Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Water Technology, Netherlands)
  • Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University, founder of Aquaphotomics, Japan)
  • Vladimir Voeikov (Lomonosov Moscow State University, Russia)
  • Robert Haralick (IAPR, USA)
  • Paul Heroux (Canada)
  • Jörg Schauberger (Austria)
  • Jan Pokorny (Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic)
  • Won H Kim (Yonsei University, South Korea)

Key Takeaways from the Water Conference 2024

The Water Conference provided an extraordinary platform to discuss recent scientific breakthroughs and gain a deeper understanding of the complex phenomena associated with water. Among the most notable takeaways from the event:

  • Prof. Jan Pokorny’s research: His studies on the molecular organization of water and its interactions with hydrophilic materials offer new perspectives on water’s structure and its behaviors in various contexts.

  • Discoveries by Roumiana Tsenkova: As a pioneer of the emerging field of Aquaphotomics, she demonstrated how water can be used as a non-invasive diagnostic medium through infrared spectroscopy. This innovative approach opens new pathways in medical diagnostics and our understanding of human health.

Toward a Sustainable Future

Oxhy returns from this event with fresh insights and inspiration, driving us to continue our journey in researching innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Our participation in the Water Conference 2024 has allowed us to consolidate our vision, discovering new possibilities for applying the technologies we develop and collaborating with leaders in water science.

We are ready to transform this knowledge into practical solutions, furthering our commitment to innovation and sustainability. Our sincere thanks to the organizers and all participants for making this unique experience possible.

For more details on the conference and its participants: Water Conference 2024

Prof. Gerald Pollack
Roberto Germano - Photo by Anna Bohlmark
Roberto Germano - Photo by Anna Bohlmark
Roberto Germano - Photo by Anna Bohlmark
Roberto Germano - Photo by Anna Bohlmark
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An Industrial PhD Program with Oxhy

Oxhy is pleased to announce the launch of an Industrial PhD program co-funded in collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II. This initiative marks a significant step in our commitment to developing cutting-edge technologies in the field of Energy Harvesting, with a strong focus on sustainability and industrial innovation.

The Research Project

The PhD aims to explore and develop new applications of Industrial Design for innovative products by integrating advanced Energy Harvesting technologies. The research will focus on:

  • Microscale Rapid Prototyping: Developing advanced techniques for the rapid prototyping of miniaturized devices, improving efficiency and reducing development times.
  • Wearable Devices and Sensor Networks: Designing and developing devices that can be used in remote or hard-to-reach areas, powered by energy harvested from the surrounding environment.
  • Energy Recovery from Industrial Processes: Creating solutions for the recovery and conversion of waste energy from industrial processes, contributing to energy efficiency and the sustainability of industrial operations.

Objectives of the PhD

The main objective of the PhD is to explore new technological solutions that can revolutionize the Energy Harvesting market and promote the development of sustainable systems. Specifically, it aims to:

  • Integrate Industrial Design Innovations with Energy Harvesting technologies to create marketable and highly efficient products.
  • Develop practical applications that can be adopted across various sectors, enhancing accessibility to sustainable energy technologies.
  • Bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications, facilitating the rapid transition of new technologies from the lab to the market.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking engineers (mechanical, electrical, electronic) and Industrial Designers with a strong passion for innovation and sustainability. Ideal candidates will be:

  • Enthusiastic about emerging technologies and eager to work on innovative projects.
  • Motivated to contribute to advancements in the field of Energy Harvesting.
  • Capable of applying their skills to develop practical and sustainable solutions.

Expected Outcomes

With this Industrial PhD, we anticipate significant advancements at the intersection of Energy Harvesting and Industrial Design. Expected outcomes include:

  • Development of new Energy Harvesting devices that can be applied in various contexts, including wearable devices and sensor networks.
  • Increased energy efficiency through innovative solutions for energy recovery from industrial processes.
  • Adoption of new sustainable technologies by industries, contributing to reduced environmental impact and promoting more efficient resource use.

Join the Call

If you are interested in being part of this exciting initiative and wish to contribute to a project that combines innovation, technology, and sustainability, we invite you to apply for the PhD program. Learn more here. Applications are open until July 2, 2024.

Conclusion

At Oxhy, we firmly believe that the combination of innovative technologies and sustainability can lead to groundbreaking solutions in the field of Energy Harvesting. Our collaboration with the University of Naples Federico II represents a concrete step in this direction, and we look forward to welcoming talented researchers who share our vision.

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Oxhy Participates in the Italy-China Startup Showcase

On Sunday, May 26th, Oxhy had the honor of participating in the Italy-China Startup Showcase, a significant event organized by the Campania Newsteel incubator at the Città della Scienza in Naples. This event featured a Chinese delegation led by Yin Li, accompanied by a substantial representation of Asian innovators and investors.

The Italy-China Startup Showcase was designed as a platform to foster collaboration and the exchange of ideas between Italian startups and Asian investors. Its goal is to promote collaboration, innovation, and technological development on a global scale, transcending political, social and cultural differences. The event provided a unique opportunity for the selected startups to present their innovative solutions and to establish potential collaborations with Asian partners.

In addition to the Chinese delegation, the event saw the participation of prominent representatives from the Italian academic and entrepreneurial sectors, as well as investors and innovators from various fields. The presence of these figures highlighted the importance of the event as a meeting point between research, innovation, and investment.

Oxhy_showcase 3
Oxhy_showcase 1
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Why Oxhy?

Oxhy was one of the five startups selected and invited to present its innovative Energy Harvesting solution to the Chinese delegation. During a four-minute pitch, Francesco Paolo Tuccinardi, CEO of Oxhy, explained how the company aims to revolutionize the Energy Harvesting market through the use of hydroelectric cells technology, whose operation is explained by Quantum Electrodynamics.

The technology proposed by Oxhy allows for the extraction of electric current from water cells, exploiting the properties of ambient infrared radiation. This solution not only represents a significant advancement in the field of Energy Harvesting but also offers a concrete perspective of energy sustainability.

Future Perspectives

Oxhy’s presentation sparked keen interest and curiosity among the members of the Chinese delegation. The investors were particularly attracted to the innovative applications stemming from Italian research, recognizing the transformative potential of Oxhy’s technology. This interest paves the way for potential future collaborations and investment opportunities that could accelerate the development and dissemination of Oxhy’s technology.

Participation in the Italy-China Startup Showcase is instrumental in Oxhy’s growth journey and allows us to confirm the growing global interest in our work. The positive feedback we received strengthens our determination to continue developing sustainable and innovative Energy Harvesting solutions. Looking ahead, we are committed to further exploring the potential of our technology, with the aim of making Energy Harvesting an increasingly widespread and accessible reality.

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Oxhycell Wins Campania Start-up 2023

We are thrilled to announce that Oxhy‘s innovative project, the Oxhydroelectric Cell, has achieved a significant milestone by securing the 30th position in the Campania Start-up 2023 rankings. Published in BURC n. 29 on April 4th, 2024, this ranking places our project among the top 145 eligible and deserving proposals out of a total of 871 submissions.

The Campania Start-up 2023 initiative, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in the region, has identified our project as one with immense potential to contribute to the sustainable energy harvesting landscape. The Oxhydroelectric Cell, a testament to our commitment to technological advancement and environmental sustainability, has been recognized for its promising impact on powering ambient light sensors, a critical component in various applications.

One of the standout features of the Campania Start-up 2023 program is its generous funding mechanism, with projects like ours receiving financial support of up to 70% of the program’s total cost. The resources will add to those already collected by our investors thus further contributing to the development and implementation of the Oxhydroelectric Cell project.

At Oxhy, we are deeply grateful for this opportunity and the recognition bestowed upon our project. This achievement underscores our dedication to pioneering solutions that address pressing global challenges, particularly in the realm of sustainable energy harvesting.

Looking ahead, we are excited to leverage this support to further advance the development of Oxhycell and realize its full potential in powering ambient light sensors. With our sights set on innovation and sustainability in energy harvesting, we remain committed to creating a brighter and greener future for generations to come.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue on this transformative journey towards a more sustainable energy harvesting landscape.

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Oxhy Reaches 1 Million Euros in Pre-Seed Campaign Investments

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Oxhy has just reached a significant milestone in its commitment to transform the landscape of sustainable energy through Energy Harvesting technology. Today, we are excited to announce that we have reached €1 million in our pre-seed fundraising.

This milestone represents a significant moment for our team and the vision that has inspired us from the beginning. The trust and support of our investors and partners have enabled us to achieve this incredibly important result in our journey towards innovation and sustainability.

The €1 million investment will allow us to accelerate the development of our flagship technology, Oxhycell. This investment will be crucial in supporting our research, development, and testing activities, enabling us to further our mission of revolutionizing the energy harvesting sector through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Looking ahead, we intend to deploy the funds raised to achieve important goals. One of the key objectives is to reach Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) for Oxhycell. This will represent a significant step in the technology development process and bring us closer to commercialization.

Additionally, we plan to initiate the first pilot projects to test the effectiveness of Oxhycell in real-world contexts. These pilot projects will provide valuable insights into the performance and applicability of the technology, allowing us to further refine our approach and prepare for the next phase of scalability and deployment.

We would like to express sincere gratitude to our investors, who have believed in our vision from the outset and have demonstrated their commitment through this investment. Their support has been instrumental in our progress thus far, and will give us the momentum needed to tackle future challenges with confidence and determination.

However, this milestone is just the beginning of our journey. With the support of our investors and the dedication of our team, we are confident that we can continue to push the boundaries and drive innovation in the sustainable energy sector.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who, while not investing, has contributed to reaching this milestone, from our internal team to our external partners and supporters. We are grateful for their support and look forward to sharing our future success with all.

Stay tuned for further updates on Oxhy and our journey towards a more sustainable energy future.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Team Oxhy

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Exclusive Preview: Oxhy’s Energy Revolution

We are thrilled to announce an unmissable event: the exclusive preview of our YouTube video showcasing how Oxhy is beginning to shape the future of sustainable energy. We’ve created this video to support our fundraising efforts in the crucial early stages of our project.

A New Paradigm for Energy Generation

Existing technological solutions have their limitations, but Oxhy, with its quantum technology, can make a significant contribution to overcome them. In the video, we will explore how our technology can change the game, opening unprecedented opportunities to transform entire sectors.

Investing in the Future

Oxhy doesn’t just offer a sustainable energy solution but also a real opportunity to increase energy efficiency with positive economic consequences for all sectors of human activity. However, to turn this promise into reality, we need the support of qualified investors to help us quickly achieve our development and market goals.

Exclusive Preview

Join us for the exclusive preview of the presentation video supporting our campaign and discover how you can be part of this revolution. Watch the future take shape and consider how your participation can make a difference.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDwfFf3ktq8
We are confident that together we can shape the future of Energy and generate a positive and lasting impact, leaving our children a better world than the one we found. Together we are Oxhy!
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Oxhy Joins Assintel and Campania New Steel

In October 2023, Oxhy received a direct invitation from its President, Dante Laudisa, to join Assintel, the National Association of ICT Companies under ConfCommercio. The association aims to finance innovative startups through a new instrument called Startup Hub 2023. With this membership, Oxhy gains privileged access to introduce its innovations in a broad sector of the Italian economy.

Additionally, Oxhy has been selected for the incubation program at Campania New Steel, located at the City of Science in Naples. This incubator will provide Oxhy with a range of services aimed at facilitating fundraising and integrating the initiative into the innovation ecosystem in Italy. As part of this collaboration, Oxhy has established an operational unit at the premises of Campania New Steel, located at the City of Science in Naples, where an office will be fully operational by December 2023.

These steps position Oxhy at the crossroads of technological innovation and regional development, paving the way for future collaborations and further advancements in the sustainable energy sector.

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