4.5

Alison Nishihara

Mathematics - Kwantlen Polytechnic University - Surrey

4.5
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
87%
Would Retake
107
Reviews
4.5
Quality
2.2
Difficulty
4.6
Helpful
4.5
Clarity

87%

Would Retake

107

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

82

4

16

3

3

2

4

1

2

What Students Say

SHE IS THE BEST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD SINCE I WENT TO UNIVERSITY

MATH1130 - 4.0 rating

She explains things clearly by showing EVERY step

MATH1130 - 5.0 rating
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

34%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 24 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (6)
A (5)
A- (5)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 30 reported grades
A+: 6
A: 5
A-: 5
Not sure yet: 5
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (13)
Caring (11)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (6)
Accessible outside class (6)
Amazing lectures (6)
Test heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Gives good feedback (4)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.01 avg change
Sep
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1093

5.0

(2)

2232

5.0

(1)

2341

5.0

(1)

MATH2232

5.0

(2)

MATH112

5.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

2232

3.0

CALC1140

3.0

MA1093

3.0

MATH1152

3.0

1140

2.7

Reviews (107)
5.0
3.0
2232
Dec 16, 2002

An awesome prof!

5.0
2.0
1140
Jan 4, 2003

Nice teacher with notes provided.

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Jan 28, 2003

Cute, always willing to help students, really cares about your progress

5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Mar 11, 2003

Good explanation , good help. I learned a lot

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Mar 12, 2003

The greatest math teacher on the face of the earth...seriously!!!

5.0
1.0
MATH2232
Mar 22, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
MATH112
Mar 25, 2003

Is one teacher that does really care for her students. She is always willing you to help you w/ concepts you dont understand and always putting in the extra effort to let you know of the important concepts.

5.0
2.0
1112
Mar 29, 2003

gr8 prof. understands the material well. smiles all the time...very polite.

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Apr 1, 2003

My favourite prof in the whole entire world! She knows what she's talking about!

5.0
2.0
MATH1093
Apr 11, 2003

Very nice prof who cares so much about her students.

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
May 8, 2003

She is a very nice teacher, helpful, cute, friendly. Nothing like the other hard math instructors.

4.0
2.0
0093
Jul 20, 2003

Very helpful and an excellent teacher. Talks really quitely so sit near the front or else you won't hear what she is saying

5.0
2.0
1140
Jul 24, 2003

just an overall nice teacher who is very fair in marking and so very polite.

5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Aug 7, 2003

NICE & EASY, RECOMMENDED

3.0
1.0
MATH1140
Aug 11, 2003

she is ok, but her class is hard

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Aug 16, 2003

She is a very good teacher who knows how to pinpoint common student problems and help students resolve them. You can never go wrong when you take a math course with this teacher.

3.0
5.0
MATH1112
Aug 21, 2003

The Worse teacher i had even seen ~ her final is the MOST Ridculous thing in the world. SO HARD THAT U WANT TO LEAVE IN 10 MIN. ~ PPL .. DON"T TAKE HER COURSE ~ if u do .. god bless u all !

5.0
3.0
MATH
Aug 23, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
MATH1093
Aug 28, 2003

No Comments

5.0
1.0
1093
Sep 8, 2003

Insanely easy class.. Best teacher in the world, I wish she tought Calculus.. Thank you for the A!

5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Oct 27, 2003

very sweet, calm, polite, (quiet), caring, her tests are more difficult than her examples, however she is very smart

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Nov 3, 2003

She is nice and very helpful.Her explanation is very clear.Absolutely,she is a great teacher.MATH 1140 is a tough course,do not ever think of passing this course without making any effort.

2.0
4.0
1140
Nov 6, 2003

No Comments

5.0
3.0
MATH1140
Nov 6, 2003

absolutely a great teacher...^^

5.0
1.0
MATH
Nov 14, 2003

She is a great math teacher and she doesn't give homework at all. but you can pass with a little hard work, so taking her class.

4.0
3.0
MATH1140
Nov 24, 2003

Good teacher,very helpful outside of class hours but be advised that there is a 50% failure rate for this course.

5.0
2.0
MATH1140
Dec 12, 2003

Strongly recommand her!!!!

5.0
1.0
MATH1140
Mar 24, 2004

very nice teacher, very helpful. very easy course. Easy to get A+ in her course. Highly recommended!

4.0
2.0
MATH1093
Mar 29, 2004

nice and gives hints

5.0
2.0
MATH1093
Apr 1, 2004

excellent notes and hints if needed. Excellent help for test and quizes if you ask!!

4.0
4.0
MATH1093
Apr 2, 2004

This course definitely requires effort.

5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Apr 13, 2004

The best Math teacher in the world!!! Just come to classes and study for her notes. Easy to get an A+. Highly recommoned ^^

5.0
3.0
MATH2232
Apr 17, 2004

A very good prof. She's always willing to help students and is considerate of them.

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
May 3, 2004

Alison is a very good prof. She tells what will be one the text. Just do the exercise and you will be fine. A really nice and helpful teacher.

1.0
2.0
MATH100
Jun 21, 2004

Waste of money

5.0
2.0
2341
Jul 27, 2004

an incredible teacher!! if your taking a math course take it with alison; if she cant teach you then no one can. she is one of the best teachers at kwantlen hands down.

5.0
1.0
1093
Aug 29, 2004

very nice teacher. the only way ur not gonna get a good mark is if u don't attend class.. even if u sit there.. u'll learn

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Sep 9, 2004

Alison is super nice, very helpful, and a good teacher. You obviously still need to work in class and do your homework, but she'll help you as much as she can.

4.0
1.0
MATH1140
Nov 17, 2004

She explain all the questions in her notes,easy to understand,simple test, marking is good!If you study a little bit hard, A+ is not a big deal

5.0
3.0
MATH1112
Nov 23, 2004

She is a helpful teacher.

5.0
3.0
MATH1112
Dec 3, 2004

She's very helpful and gives good notes. Her midterms are harder than her examples but the same idea. She gives good outlines for the tests so you know what to study. Recommended

5.0
3.0
1112
Dec 14, 2004

Alison is GREAT!!! SUPER NICE,CLEAR NOTES!!!She's very helpful.I defintely recommand ppl to take her class :)

4.0
3.0
MATH1140
Dec 18, 2004

her voice make u feel sleepy....nice teacher..very helpful...fair test but not very easy...have to do all the assign question to have a better score in the test...althought no HW

5.0
3.0
CALC1140
Jan 31, 2005

One of the Best math proffs at the University. She can really mean the difference between you hating and or enjoying mathematics. I think there are some teachers who should JUST NOT TEACH MATH. She is definatly one who should teach it be it anywere.

5.0
2.0
MATH11201140
Mar 21, 2005

She explains every mathmatical steps very clearly. She is patient to students. Pressure was not existed in her class. However, her monotonese voice makes u feel sleepy.

5.0
3.0
MATH1140
Mar 25, 2005

Great teach, always willing to help. Very clear and takes the time to go over stuff if needeed.

5.0
1.0
MATH1112AND1140
Apr 23, 2005

she's ausome, easy marker, test outlines are very helpful. She is really nice. Recommended

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Grade: A
May 4, 2005

Awesome teacher that I've ever had. Explains the math really well. You don't really need to buy the textbook since her notes is enough for the exams. Highly suggest people who suck in Math but want to get a good mark in Math, take her class.

5.0
1.0
MATH1240
Grade: A
Jul 18, 2005

best teacher ever

5.0
1.0
MATH1140
Nov 9, 2005

I think she is the best teacher in kwantlen, 'cause she made her teaching considerably clear and easy. Even you just need to study for her notes without a textbook, you can easily get a A.

5.0
1.0
MATH1140
Jan 9, 2006

Great instructor !!

5.0
3.0
MA1093
Jul 7, 2006

Awesome prof! VERY helpful, VERY clear. Helps you prep for exams. Exams can be tricky, but she makes you think. She has a great sense of humor and is just too cute :) Would definitely take her class again and again. Makes me love math! ha!

5.0
2.0
MATH1130
Jul 23, 2006

Coudln't have asked for a better Calc Prof. Clearly explains material, gives hints as to whats on tests, test are fair, always willing to stay behind and further explain, humble and very nice as a person. As long as you are willing to devote alot of serious studying time (this IS calculus) u will do fine :) GL!

5.0
3.0
MATH1112
Aug 30, 2006

Super Nice Prof! Alison is so kind and always makes sure everyone is doing okay. I found this course difficult if you get behind. Do the homework and you will easily get an A. Highly recommend Alison.

5.0
2.0
MATH1093
Mar 10, 2007

She's very helpful and sweet, and her mannerisms are so cute! She really wants her students to do well. Take her if you can!

2.0
1.0
MATH1240
Apr 26, 2007

The course is very easy, tests and exams are straight forward. BUT they are too easy that you might eventually screw up in the final exam. PLEASE do not trust the mark you got in her course. Her mark is not reflective enough. The way she taught math is too straight forward. key words are missing, methods are not clearly stated.. disappointing

5.0
2.0
MATH1240
Jun 1, 2007

I must say..Allison is the best! I took her precalculus and calculus ...Allison is very nice, patient,and she will anwser every question you ask.^^

4.0
2.0
MATH1112
Jul 27, 2007

very nice and helpfull

5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Aug 29, 2007

she is the best math teacher ever. if you are not sure about calculus in general or scared that you want do well, then no fear because u will get an A in her class if you just go to class and write down notes. because she tells u wats on the exams and marks very easy. she gives 1 mark on a question for just writing somthing down.

5.0
2.0
MATH1120
Nov 6, 2007

Alison is awesome. Her notes are extremely thorough and easy to understand.

5.0
3.0
MATH1120
Nov 27, 2007

Alison is a sweetheart, she cares deeply for her students, and its apparent. However, she assigns a lot of homework, and her tests are hard.

5.0
2.0
MATH1093
Mar 3, 2008

She's great! she explained everything i needed to know and I got a better mark than i ever expected!

4.0
3.0
MATH1093
Nov 24, 2008

She's a great teacher. Loves her job i think. and she's understanding and patient. she asks what mark you'd like, at the beginning of the year, and she helps you get there, if you show up.. My only complaint would be her tutor sessions are too busy with eager students.

5.0
3.0
MATH1152
Mar 28, 2009

She is a good teacher. She cares about her students a lot. She always makes sure the students understand the concepts. She will be always available when you need help. If you listen to her lectures and do your exercise, you will easy end p with a A even A+ in the course.

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Apr 8, 2009

Fantastic teacher. Very good at explaining material. Quizzes and tests are exactly what is covered in class, no surprises. Recommends doing the hw, which I highly recommend if math isnt your subject, otherwise your grade may suffer.

5.0
1.0
MATH1130
Mar 18, 2010

one of the greatest math teachers Kwantlen has to offer, if you are reading this and looking for a fair, terrific teacher, than I suggest you register before the class is filled.

4.0
2.0
MATH1130
Apr 22, 2010

ALISON IS A VERY HELPPFUL PROFESSOR. SHE IS THE BEST TEACHER I HAVE EVER HAD SINCE I WENT TO UNIVERSITY. SHE REALLY CARES ABOUT HER STUDENTS AND FOLLOWS UP INDIVUALLY WITH EACH ONE TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IN THE CLASS IS KEEPING UP TO PACE. AWESOME PROFESSOR 5/5

4.0
3.0
MATH1130
Aug 29, 2010

Best teacher at kwantlen. Excellent explainer and highly approachable, a mush take!

5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Feb 10, 2011

Fantastic teacher. Very good at explaining material. Quizzes and tests are exactly what is covered in class, no surprises. Recommends doing the hw, which I highly recommend if math isnt your subject, otherwise your grade may suffer. Does not teach from the text, has fantastic handout booklets that she goes over in class. Text book sources given

4.0
2.0
MATH1140
Apr 6, 2011

Alison is a very nice lady and is willing to help. However, she goes through material REALLY quickly. Sit near the front of the class because she's very soft-spoken and mumbles a lot. Overall, not a bad teacher but not the best either. If you have no prior knowledge of calculus, you might have a hard time.

5.0
2.0
MATH1130
Jul 25, 2011

She is simply superb. She teaches VERY well and whoever rated her with a low clarity is an idiot. She explains things clearly by showing EVERY step. She's by far the kindest proff I've ever met as well. Also, try to do all (or at least some) of the textbook questions she assigns because they're similar to her tests.

5.0
2.0
MA1111
Jan 16, 2013

Really great and friendly. A little hard to hear because she speaks so quietly but overall a good professor.

4.0
2.0
MATHQ1093
Sep 10, 2013

a really friendly and helpful professor. she is however a little too quiet. Just as long as you take notes in her class and do all the exercises she suggest, it is a piece of cake to pass all her exams.

5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Oct 8, 2013

As long as you come to class, fill out her notes and study them you will do fine. She tells you exactly what she's putting in the test and for how many marks, and she gives you sample mid terms and finals to study. Def recommend her!

5.0
2.0
MATH1130
Jun 4, 2014

Best math prof. ever!

4.0
3.0
MATH1112
Dec 4, 2014

favourite math prof at KPU hands down. she's very quiet though, so it helps sitting closer to the front!

5.0
1.0
MATH1105
Grade: A-
Jul 24, 2016
Would take again

Alison is sooo nice and always tells you exactly what's going to be on the tests, just go to class and make sure to pay attention to notes and study them that's all. She makes it so easy if I needed more math id take her for sure

5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: A+
Aug 12, 2016
Would take again

Alison is very good teacher. I use to fail in maths in india ! Maths was my numbrr one enemy ! Somehow i managed to do precalculas with decent grade ! Calculus with alison was fun she is so motivational and helpful ! Always avaliable for help in and outside the class. she is the best prrof for maths i have ever seen and finished the course with A+

CARES ABOUT STUDENTS
Respected by students
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: A-
Aug 17, 2016
Would take again

Allison is great! She makes the class easy and is always willing to help.

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
5.0
2.0
MATH1102
Grade: B
Aug 28, 2016
Would take again

Best math teacher I've ever had!!!!!!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: A
Sep 6, 2016
Would take again

she is amazing! she went over everything at a great pace, was easy to ask questions and encouraged it! she offered clear expectations for upcoming tests and showed a real passion for what she teaches. would take her again in a heartbeat! she gave lots of practice questions to try not for marks, 1 test, 2 midterms and a final. best math prof ever!!!

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
4.0
MATH1112
Grade: A
Sep 10, 2016
Would take again

Will do her best to make sure every student fully understands the material before an exam. If you don't skip and put about 2 hours of studying for each hour of class, you'll end up with an A+.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
5.0
4.0
MATH1112
Grade: B+
Dec 2, 2016
Would take again

She honestly is so amazing. It is just that math was hard and she helped me understand it. Met her at least twice a week at the learning centre.

Tough Grader
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
MATH1130
Grade: B-
Aug 18, 2017
Would take again

The best math prof

Respected
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Clear grading criteria
5.0
1.0
MATH1107
Grade: A+
Nov 30, 2017
Would take again

she is nice. her class is super easy. just take it.

Tests? Not many
Amazing lectures
Would take again
4.0
4.0
MATH1112
Grade: A-
Jul 10, 2018
Would take again

Alison is a great prof. She does give a lot of homework but they prepare you for her tests all of the homework questions are what she has on her tests. She also has a lot of outside class time to go over questions with you I enjoyed her class a lot.

Skip class? You won't pass.
LOTS OF HOMEWORK
5.0
3.0
MATH1130
Grade: A
Jul 19, 2018
Would take again

She is an awesome prof. Explains material very clearly. I'm not the best in math, but she makes it easy to understand. Tests are similar to the homework questions.

LOTS OF HOMEWORK
Clear grading criteria
TEST HEAVY
5.0
2.0
MATH1102
Grade: A+
Aug 26, 2018
Would take again

Alison is extremely kind and wants everyone to succeed in her class. Always very fast with returning marks. Math is just about procedures and repetition. Do the homework and the exams are easy. She tells you what's on them.

Clear grading criteria
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
Caring
5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Mar 4, 2020
Would take again

Alison is AMAZING! She's super approachable and her lectures are easy to digest.

Accessible outside class
Inspirational
Caring
2.0
5.0
MATH1112
Grade: C-
Mar 2, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Videos are too long, tests are confusing. Doesnt really explain in her lecture videos, merely just does it, instead of actually teaching it. Expects you to know the entire course before actually taking the course, always says you should already know this. No we dont that is why we took this class, tests worth half your grade

Lots of homework
Skip class? You won't pass.
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
MATH1112
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 3, 2021
Wouldn't take again

HW needs to be for marks I suggest using a weber math program but I feel like if the hw was worth marks I would do better on tests. The lectures are way to basic nothing like what the test looks like. Not enough time to complete tests, I miss 2 questions always. entire class is based on tests and exams. textbook has no answer key for some question

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
5.0
MATH1112
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 19, 2021
Wouldn't take again

very hard marker and a lazy prof does not give HW marks. She gave an outline for how the test maybe and the test and the questions turned out to be the exact opposite, chooses all hard questions for tests in fact this class is only based on tests nothing else no hw no nothing .

Graded by few things
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
2.0
1112
Grade: A+
Aug 23, 2022
Would take again

She explains everything in an excellent manner. The class was blended asynchronous. She just had three tests weighing 20% each , a quiz of 10% and final exam of 30%. There was no pressure. Her tests and exams were completely based on the material she covered in the class. She is not a tough grader .

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
1112
Grade: B-
Aug 28, 2022
Would take again

I have no words for Alison. Such a amazing professor in kpu. I was medical student and i had math1112(pre-calculus) in my first semester and I got b- grade(69%) just because of Alison. She is most caring professor who replies you within one hour. I'll definitely recommend you this professor.

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
5.0
1.0
1112
Grade: A+
Aug 17, 2023
Would take again

Best prof who cares about the students, easily accessible outside the class. Lectures are super clear : easy to follow. Questions recommended at the end of videos helps in concept clarity No surprises in tests, she asks what she teaches and you will do well if you follow her videos properly, do homework and ask her doubts wherever necessary.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Caring
5.0
1.0
1112
Grade: B
Aug 26, 2023
Would take again

i did math 1102 and 1112 from Alison. believe me she is great. seriously, i dont have any words for her. Such a caring professor in kpu. i wish i can do all Mathematics from her. she is brilliant. i highly recommmend you to take her if you need a good grade.

Caring
Respected
5.0
2.0
1112
Grade: Not sure yet
Jan 16, 2024
Would take again

There are Math Professors, who became professors because they liked studying numbers, and there are math professors, who became professors because they like teaching: Alison is the latter. Extremely caring, she wants everyone to succeed. She is your cheerleader! Lots of optional homework, clear grading criteria, good feedback, accessible

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
MATH1112
Grade: B+
Jul 18, 2024
Would take again

she is great professor.

5.0
1.0
1112
Grade: A-
Aug 28, 2024
Would take again

Alison is a really nice. Posts video online prior to class. Tests are not at all surprising, you will only see what you studied in class. Just work hard and you will get really great marks.

Amazing lectures
Clear grading criteria
Accessible outside class
5.0
2.0
1112
Grade: A-
Sep 5, 2024
Would take again

She is definitely the best math teacher I have EVER had. Super sweet and genuinely caring for students succeeding. I suck at math and took her in hopes to get at least a B, and I finished the course with an A. Exams are super straightforward and easy if you have practiced with the homework and almost identical to the in class worksheets.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Graded by few things
4.0
2.0
MATH1102
Grade: Not sure yet
Mar 27, 2025
Would take again

Alison is a good professor and an easy, fast marker. Your grade is based on five tests, which are easy if you understand the lectures and homework. The tests were synchronous. The lectures can be long, but she's a good teacher. She's also easy to contact during test times and replies quickly to emails. Would recommend and take again!

Lecture heavy
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
1.0
MATH1130
Grade: Not sure yet
Apr 14, 2025
Would take again

Very good professor, very lenient and nice. Marks very well and fairly I would take her for every math class.

Gives good feedback
Caring
Respected
4.0
2.0
1112
Grade: B
Apr 15, 2025
Would take again

I took her last summer—she's super friendly and approachable. Even if you're terrible at math (like me), the class feels comfortable and not intimidating. SIGNIFICANTLY better than Avtar & Sanaei. If you struggle with math, this course feels lighter, though you still need to put in effort. I'd also recommend Michel Virgilio if she's unavailable.

Caring
Lecture heavy
Graded by few things
5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Grade: A+
May 8, 2025
Would take again

very good!

Clear grading criteria
Gives good feedback
Caring
5.0
1.0
MATH1112
Jun 24, 2025
Would take again

She was the most caring teachers there is . If you participate in her class,she will make sure you succeed. She answers questions clearly and everything is explained in well detail. Don't worry if you are not good at math because she will help you 100% . Just put in the effort and she will give it right back to u.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Caring
3.0
3.0
MATH1112
Grade: Rather not say
Oct 2, 2025

Hoenstly had to self study bc i didnt understand anything she was saying

5.0
3.0
MATH1105
Oct 14, 2025
Would take again

Alison is really sweet, she's one of the best maths professors I've taken, there are videos to watch before class though...but she still explains everything in class.. she's always explains thoroughly and would go over it again if you don't understand. will definitely take her again.

Amazing lectures
Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Class Info

Online Classes

100%

Attendance Mandatory

34%

Textbook Required

60%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

A-

95% confidence
Based on 24 grades
Most common grades:
A+ (6)
A (5)
A- (5)
Grade Distribution
A(11)B(5)C(1)D(0)F(0)A-/B+(7)
Based on 30 reported grades
A+: 6
A: 5
A-: 5
Not sure yet: 5
Common Tags
Clear grading criteria (13)
Caring (11)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (6)
Accessible outside class (6)
Amazing lectures (6)
Test heavy (4)
Graded by few things (4)
Gives good feedback (4)
Rating Trend

Stable

-0.01 avg change
Sep
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Oct
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

1093

5.0

(2)

2232

5.0

(1)

2341

5.0

(1)

MATH2232

5.0

(2)

MATH112

5.0

(1)
+21 more courses
Difficulty by Course

2232

3.0

CALC1140

3.0

MA1093

3.0

MATH1152

3.0

1140

2.7

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