3.7

Tracy Halmi

Science - Pennsylvania State University - Erie

3.7
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
48%
Would Retake
89
Reviews
3.7
Quality
3.5
Difficulty
3.7
Helpful
3.7
Clarity

48%

Would Retake

89

Reviews

Rating Distribution
Official

5

46

4

11

3

10

2

9

1

13

What Students Say

Arrogant and horrible

CHEM213 - 1.0 rating

Has a horrible attitude at times

CHEM110 - 1.0 rating
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

29%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 25 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (8)
A- (6)
A (5)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(4)C(5)D(9)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 37 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 8
A-: 6
A: 5
C+: 4
Common Tags
Test heavy (11)
Tough grader (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Amazing lectures (7)
TEST HEAVY (6)
Accessible outside class (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.95 avg change
Feb
Mar
May
Apr
Oct
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM6RE

5.0

(1)

CHEM14

5.0

(1)

CHEMISTRY

5.0

(1)

CHEM12CHEM36

5.0

(1)

CHEM006

5.0

(1)
+18 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM038

4.0

CHEM17

4.0

CHEM110

4.0

CHEMCHEM

4.0

CHEM012

3.5

Reviews (89)
5.0
2.0
CHEM012
Dec 16, 2002

she's awesome!

5.0
2.0
CHEM12
Dec 16, 2002

I could understand chem!!

5.0
1.0
CHEM6RE
Dec 19, 2002

Very helpful, let class determine what to review, easy A

2.0
4.0
CHEM12
Dec 20, 2002

dont ever teach chem 12 again. you are beyond horrible

5.0
1.0
CHEM14
Dec 20, 2002

No Comments

5.0
5.0
CHEM12
Dec 22, 2002

Very helpful! Did a lot to help me pass.

2.0
5.0
CHEM12
Jan 1, 2003

No Comments

1.0
4.0
CHEM036
Jan 12, 2003

No Comments

1.0
4.0
CHEM038
Jan 16, 2003

Moodiest prof ever, unlesss ur a chem major, she hates u or REALLY hates u

5.0
3.0
CHEM12
Feb 19, 2003

very helpful...

2.0
3.0
CHEM036
Apr 7, 2003

Hates you unless you're a chem major. Doesn't stay consistant with grading of lab reports and she doesn't really explain what points were taken off for.

5.0
3.0
CHEM12
May 4, 2003

sexy prof!

4.0
3.0
CHEM036
May 5, 2003

No Comments

5.0
4.0
CHEM12
May 7, 2003

Excellent teacher. Funny, helpful, and understanding. Congrats on the baby!

5.0
3.0
CHEM002
May 8, 2003

She is a good teacher. Stays friendly and does what she can to keep your attention.

5.0
3.0
CHEM12
Oct 13, 2003

tests are tough but she buts the material in very simple terms, explains everything well. Curves final grades.

4.0
3.0
CHEM002
Oct 23, 2003

i ahte chemistry, but at least she amde it fun...

5.0
1.0
CHEM12
Mar 16, 2004

great teacher. makes class intresting and explains material very well.

3.0
3.0
CHEM12
Apr 7, 2004

No Comments

5.0
1.0
CHEM12
Sep 22, 2004

GOOD PROFESSOR TO LEARN FROM AND APPEALING TO THE EYE.

4.0
5.0
CHEM36
Sep 27, 2004

She either loves you or hates you. DO NOT get on her bad side or you are sunk. I dreaded her class.

5.0
3.0
CHEMISTRY
Dec 6, 2004

No Comments

5.0
3.0
CHEM17
Jan 11, 2005

Very good teacher. Easy to follow and very helpful. Willing to help more during office hours if needed.

5.0
1.0
CHEM12CHEM36
Jan 13, 2005

a great teacher & person all around

5.0
1.0
CHEM36
May 3, 2005

Great teacher, really made lab fun, she is also very easy on the eyes!!! Now if she would only wear skirts.

4.0
3.0
CHEMISTRY006
Sep 23, 2005

No Comments

5.0
2.0
CHEM006
Oct 7, 2005

One of the few classes I actually enjoy going too. She explains thing well and has a sense of humor, which seems to be rare with my teachers. She's kinda cute too. Like a Demi Moore older cute you know lol

5.0
3.0
CHEM017
Nov 9, 2006

Pretty much the best teach i have ever had for chem. Very good. The class is not easy, but you will learn how to do everything. she is very easy to get along with.

5.0
3.0
CHEM017
Nov 20, 2006

Great professor who likes her subject and knows how to teach it well. Very energetic and helpful with good lectures. If you're bored in her class it's your own fault, she has a habit of letting out unintentionally funny comments. Taking this class made me decide to change my major to Chem, and I used to hate Chem.

5.0
3.0
CHEM001
Dec 19, 2006

pretty decent prof. real easy goin and she makes stuff interesting enough

4.0
3.0
CHEM001
Feb 9, 2007

pretty hot, makes chem enjoyable

3.0
5.0
CHEM12
Mar 29, 2007

Never enough time to finish tests and gives daily problems worth 2 points each. if you dont get it 100% correct you get a 1/2 aka 50%. The catch is, the problems arent easy, doesnt teach them before you do them, and half the time you cant find it in the book. all those 1/2's ruin your grade.

5.0
3.0
CHEM039
Jan 8, 2008

Real good prof. super cool.

5.0
3.0
CHEM001
Nov 19, 2008

Good teacher and class overall. You can tell that she cares about you actually understanding the material. Tests are based mainly off the notes, so go to class and study the notes before tests and you'll be fine.

5.0
4.0
CHEM001
Nov 25, 2008

Decent lady. I wouldn't recommend this class unless you have some prior chemistry experience. Not a difficult class, but definitely not easy either.

5.0
3.0
CHEM108
Dec 2, 2008

Great teacher very nice and helpful. Makes a tough subject a little easier

4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Mar 23, 2009

Her class is difficult to keep up with. If you don't get examples in class then you will have to go to her during office hours in order to not fall behind. The daily questions sucked. A teacher who expects a lot out of you.

3.0
4.0
CHEM110
Mar 23, 2009

It is difficult to keep up with this class. If you don't understand something in class you can't fall behind and still pass because everything's cumulative. The daily problems did suck. I would not recommend her there are easier chem teachers at Behrend. She expects a lot out of you

5.0
4.0
CHEMCHEM
Sep 28, 2009

the best chem teacher i ever had , like the energy and the way you keep the class entertained.

4.0
2.0
CHEM001
Oct 7, 2010

Tracy has a lot of energy. If you have a genuine issue she will be sure to understand. DO NOT FALL BEHIND AND COME TO CLASS, you will need those notes along with her detailed explanations.

4.0
3.0
OCHEM213
May 10, 2011

Tracy was very helpful and usually available to assist students. However, in several instances she made an already stressful lab even more so.

5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Dec 13, 2011

I loved Tracy. I had her for both 110 and 108. She is extremely clear about all the topics and is very helpful during office hours. I'm sad I won't have her again for class. Her exams are fairly tough though. You must study to pass.

2.0
5.0
CHEM110
Feb 21, 2012

Not the best teacher in the world. Not the worst. Her tests were always much harder than any other teachers' tests and, in my opinion, she was barely able to teach chemistry at all. First time chem class for me and had an awful experience in it...still don't think I learned anything from Halmi.

5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Mar 21, 2013

I loved Tracy and her class!! It was my favorite class. I had it four days a week at like 10 am and I didnt even mind going! She is funny and that makes the class and environment very open and enjoyable. She is good at explaining things but YOU DO HAVE to attend class or you will fall behind!

1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Mar 29, 2013

Has a horrible attitude at times. Time poorly for lectures.Tests were too long for time alloted.

3.0
4.0
CHEM213
Apr 18, 2013

This class wasn't extremely difficult. Plus is didn't have test just labs due. The labs are slightly difficult the further you move in the class but overall not difficult. I actually found it fun doing reactions and using cool instruments! Traci's was a good instructor!

5.0
2.0
CHEM106
Grade: C
Oct 12, 2014

I am really bad at chemistry, but I was able to pass because she was very helpful. She found different ways to explain the material to me. She can come off kind of intimidating, but she really just wants you to do well. Study! And when you need help go get it. She won't come to you!

5.0
3.0
CHEM106
Grade: A
Dec 30, 2015

My fav class and professor! Very helpful both during lectures and office hours. Hard tests, quizzes weekly, but hardwork will definitely pay off. I suggest to take chem 106 instead of 110 (they are the same) because the classes are smaller and there are more hours in class to learn with the professor through exercises.

1.0
3.0
CHEM213
May 8, 2016

Idk what others here are talking about. She's the absolute worst professor and person I've ever had the displeasure of interacting with. Arrogant and horrible. Seriously avoid at all costs.

4.0
5.0
CHEM012
Grade: D
Jun 22, 2016
Would take again

If you are absolutely required to take chemistry, she is the best option by far. If you are not a chemistry person, the class is going to be difficult regardless of who you take, but she makes a little bit better. One of my favorite professors! Although the tests can be a bit too long for the time allotted.

2.0
4.0
CHEM110
Oct 20, 2016
Wouldn't take again

My main problem was the time given for tests. The tests are extremely long and intensive and the time allotted is not acceptable.

Tough Grader
Skip class? You won't pass.
TEST HEAVY
5.0
2.0
CHEM106
Grade: A-
Dec 23, 2016
Would take again

Tracy Halmi is an excellent Chemistry profressor. She knows the subject very well and I highly recommend taking her if you can. She teaches General Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. Chem 106 was fairly straightforward. It's the same course as Chem 110 but you get an extra day for practice. It was my first Chemistry class and I liked it very much.

Clear grading criteria
Hilarious
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jan 23, 2017
Wouldn't take again

Very difficult exams, final was easier than exams throughout the year. But she has a lively personality which helps keep focus in lectures.

Hilarious
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
3.0
4.0
CHEM110
Apr 14, 2017
Wouldn't take again

She gives harder midterms than any other chemistry professors. If you don't have a strong foundation in chemistry prior to this course, I am not suggesting you taking Halmi. Would recommend her if you know the material beforehand. Otherwise, avoid or you will have to deal with long tests for short time allotted. She is great but tough.

GRADED BY FEW THINGS
TEST HEAVY
Skip class? You won't pass.
4.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: C+
Jan 14, 2018
Would take again

Doing the problems in the book is a must. Go to her office hours to get to know her better (it will help you grade in the long end).

ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Tests are tough
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM17
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Mar 1, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Long story short, drop her class. She's an okay lady, but a terrible teacher who picks favorites. Upon meeting her during her office hours for help with a problem that I could NOT figure out how to start, she replied with "If you haven't started it, I won't help you", and asked me to leave. Very confusing lectures and explanations, hard to pass.

Tough Grader
Get ready to read
Skip class? You won't pass.
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B+
Apr 23, 2018
Would take again

One of the best profs Ive had. Let's admit it chem 110 is a very hard course so you will need to put outside work in. However, if you go to lectures and take notes and do the suggested hw problems you'll pass! Also if you need extra help she is always there. She also relates chemistry to real life all time so get ready for some exciting stories!

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Amazing lectures
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A-
Sep 26, 2018
Would take again

Tracy is full of enthusiasm for every lecture, no matter how boring the topic is. She goes out of her way to make sure her students understand the info, as long as they put forth the effort. She loves to get to know her students, which most professors don't, especially in large lectures like her's. Overall, Tracy is great professor!

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 4, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Very hard teacher for basic chemistry 110, her test averages are low, and I would recommend to take a different teacher. I dropped after the second test, and got an A with another chemistry professor.

Tough Grader
TEST HEAVY
LECTURE HEAVY
4.0
5.0
CHEM106
Nov 11, 2018
Wouldn't take again

She is an outstanding teacher but her exams are super difficult. I only missed 3 questions and that dropped my test score from a 90 to a 74 so be prepared to study like you have never studied before. It takes a lot of preparation and practice to be ready for her exams. Overall, very cool person who does an amazing job, just tough exams.

TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
LECTURE HEAVY
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: B+
Nov 29, 2018
Wouldn't take again

Absolute worst teacher I have ever had. She takes the material that you learned in high school, throw it in the trash, and teaches in a way that is impossible to learn. Her tests are hard as hell with very little time given. Avoid at all costs

Participation matters
TEST HEAVY
GRADED BY FEW THINGS
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A-
Dec 9, 2018
Would take again

Obviously the class is going to be difficult, it is a college level chemistry. If you put in the time and having Tracy as a professor, it's an easy A. She breaks the info down so everyone understands; if you don't, she goes out of her way to make office time. Tracy is full of enthusiasm the entire semester, it makes the class quite enjoyable.

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
Hilarious
5.0
4.0
CHEM106
Grade: A-
Dec 11, 2018
Would take again

Hands down, my favorite professor so far! Lectures are well organized and straight to the point. The online textbook is useful for extra problems, but all the information needed for exams is covered in lecture. Definitely go to office hours if you are struggling. Exams are tough, but doable. A great professor overall!

Skip class? You won't pass.
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Nov 25, 2019
Wouldn't take again

The most unfair professor I have ever had in my life. She gives a great show for class, but her tests are nearly impossible. You have about 50 minutes to take a test that is only passible if you had at least an hour and a half. I studied for her class religiously and understood the material. Dropped it and got an A with different prof. Avoid Halmi.

Lots of homework
Test heavy
Tough grader
1.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A
Jan 21, 2020
Wouldn't take again

Repulsively obnoxious personality, wont let students use bathroom Nor drinking fountain, even thou its an hour and a half lecture, and has a big class filled with hundreds of people... welcome back to grade school if u had to take this class... lol

Tough grader
5.0
4.0
CHEM106
Grade: C+
Apr 23, 2020
Would take again

This will be a difficult class, I won't lie about that. If you take the time to put in the work and go to her office hours, you will pass. DO NOT skip lectures, or you will miss a lot of important material. She is very passionate about the class and truly wants you to do well and succeed. I highly respect her and think she is an amazing professor.

Respected
Accessible outside class
Skip class? You won't pass.
2.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 24, 2020
Wouldn't take again

DO NOT TAKE THIS CLASS. it seems great in the beginning with a great show for presentations and demos. The exams are nothing like the information given in class, and there is barely any time to complete it. This class is difficult to begin with but she makes it so much harder. You are punished in the long term bc her lack of fairness on exams.

Participation matters
Test heavy
Tough grader
5.0
5.0
CHEM12
Grade: C+
May 8, 2020
Would take again

Tracy is an enthusiastic and overall great teacher. Her class is very hard for an introduction to chem but her personality makes up for it sometimes. Lectures and tests correlate a lot you just need to work hard to do well. Practice problems on canvas saved my life as well as youtube videos. Please make sure you attend class or you're screwed.

Participation matters
Inspirational
Tough grader
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A-
Dec 16, 2020
Would take again

Do the daily problems! Go to her office hours! If you're having trouble she's very nice and easily accessible. If you study for her tests by doing her openstax and homework, you'll get an A. She cares about her students.

Gives good feedback
Accessible outside class
Inspirational
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B
Dec 17, 2020
Would take again

Very informative class, lectures are very important to attend but attendance isn't mandatory. Exams are difficult but feedback is always given

Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: B-
Jan 15, 2021
Would take again

Chemistry is already difficult for me so I was super surprised to get a B (just barely). The only grading opportunities are her daily problems and exams (plus a few extra credit points). Her exams really do test you on the material; I couldn't get higher than a C. She is an optimistic, amazing lecturer. She respects you if you put in good effort.

Respected
Inspirational
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM110
Oct 8, 2021
Wouldn't take again

Tracy is a great enthusiastic lady that always has great stories but when it comes to the material, if you are not dedicating adequate amounts of time each week to the material, you will fall behind very quickly. Be prepared to be called on during lecture out of the blue. With no homework opportunities, exams make up essentially your entire grade.

Respected
Skip class? You won't pass.
Graded by few things
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: B-
Dec 9, 2021
Would take again

She is a very interesting and an energetic professor plus gives great examples! I'm not great at Chem but she really helped me understand and was away willing to help me when I had questions. Utilize her office hours! It makes her know you are trying and it can help you bump up a few % if you need it at the end of the course. Overall Awesome!

Accessible outside class
Amazing lectures
5.0
2.0
CHEM110
Jan 18, 2022
Would take again

If you did fine in high school chem this course will be a breeze. She is very kind and helpful. Practice materials set me up for success on all of the exams. She somehow manages to remember your face even in a large class. Easy A if you pay attention and practice. She assigns daily problems after class which seem tedius but are helpful.

5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A-
Apr 17, 2022
Would take again

The class can be tough but if you pay attention and take good notes you will be fine! Professor Halmi always had entertaining lectures and many of them included demonstrations. The tests are long and can be difficult but if you study and do practice problems, you will be able to succeed. Overall, I really enjoyed this class and the professor.

Participation matters
Amazing lectures
Hilarious
1.0
4.0
CHEM001
Grade: A
Oct 29, 2022

Tough class. You must teach yourself the hard stuff because she only goes over the easy stuff. The exams are much harder than the daily problems.

Tough grader
Test heavy
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 1, 2022

Tracy is truly a funny person and she makes her lectures super interesting! However her tests are a little complicated for the content that is being learned. You will definitely need to spend a lot of time studying and looking over notes, videos, and other resources for her exams. However recitation is a helpful tool for this class.

Tough grader
Participation matters
Test heavy
5.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
Dec 5, 2022
Would take again

Clear, engaging lectures. Tests are harder than what is worked on in class, but possible if you do the optional homework and textbook problems. She wants everyone to succeed, and tries to engage every student. Eager to help both in class and in office hours.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Graded by few things
3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Dec 9, 2022

Halmi herself is a good prof, but the way the class is taught makes it difficult to pass. Most of your grade is on her exams, and they are extremally difficult to say to say the least. She wants her students to pass, but your going to have to put in alot of work to have a chance. If you haven't taken Chem before, I would recommend a different prof

Caring
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
5.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: A+
Dec 14, 2022
Would take again

Professor Halmi is a great professor! I recommend her for students with a strong chemistry background who are willing to put in the time to understand chemistry concepts. Her tests are challenging, but the tests are manageable if you understand the content. Tests can be passed by students, and it is possible to get a perfect score on them.

Amazing lectures
Test heavy
Accessible outside class
5.0
3.0
CHEM110
Grade: A+
Jan 11, 2023
Would take again

If you haven't taken much chemistry prior to this class, it could be tough. I took three years of chem in high school and got over 100%, so I might not be a great judge of difficulty. Besides this, she gives many points through weekly quizzes and provides extra credit and lets you drop an exam. Her lectures are often fun. Very good professor.

EXTRA CREDIT
Amazing lectures
3.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Jan 20, 2023

Halmi was a decent professor, but the material was difficult for me. Coming from a weak chemistry background, it was difficult to grasp what Halmi was teaching. Very fast-paced lectures and exams are quite hard. If you are behind and don't try to understand the material, you will do poorly in her class.

EXTRA CREDIT
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
2.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Feb 13, 2023

Class is very demanding if you have no background of chem. Enthusiastic during lectures but I wish she would do more example problems instead of telling stories. Exam problems are much harder than ones presented in homework. Must get off on the right foot at beginning of semester or all following concepts will not be clear.

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Test heavy
1.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: B-
Mar 13, 2023

This instructor is upbeat in lecture however when it comes to making tests over the material covered she does not take into account the time limit of the exam. So students must go off of their first guess of how to solve a problem otherwise you will not have time to finish the exam.

Tough grader
Lots of homework
3.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: C+
May 3, 2023

Tracy takes introductory-level material and makes it outrageously difficult. Me and five of my friends took this class - half of them dropped, and the other half failed. I somehow passed. She also doesn't really teach her students how to do these expert-level problems of hers. Notes from her lectures don't really help, either. Good luck.

5.0
1.0
HIED200
Grade: A
Apr 12, 2024
Would take again

This is the Science Ambassador course and I highly recommend it. She truly makes the class a wonderful experience, especially if you are interested in getting more involved and in outreach. Not a hard class at all and a nice break from the usual classes.

Clear grading criteria
Caring
Accessible outside class
1.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Not sure yet
Oct 7, 2024

She was extremely difficult to work with. She would go off and rant about other topics, such as sandwiches or her family, not chemistry. Are her lectures interesting, yes Are they useful? No. Not a bit. Everything I learned was from the organic chemistry tutor.

Tough grader
Lecture heavy
Test heavy
1.0
4.0
CHEM110
Grade: Incomplete
Oct 30, 2024

Her lectures are amazing. Useful, no

Tough grader
Amazing lectures
Lecture heavy
2.0
5.0
CHEM110
Grade: Drop/Withdrawal
Apr 1, 2025

She's a wonderful person. Her lectures are very interesting but they are NOT useful. The HW she gives is useful but it is very heavy. The exams are insanely difficult and long for the short amount of time we have for class. The multiple choice would literally go from A-K 😭🙏. You will be learning way more by yourself than from the lectures.

Amazing lectures
Caring
Test heavy
Class Info

Attendance Mandatory

61%

Textbook Required

29%

Grade Predictor

Your expected effort level

LowHigh

Predicted Grade

B+

95% confidence
Based on 25 grades
Most common grades:
Drop/Withdrawal (8)
A- (6)
A (5)
Grade Distribution
A(7)B(4)C(5)D(9)F(0)A-/B+(8)
Based on 37 reported grades
Drop/Withdrawal: 8
A-: 6
A: 5
C+: 4
Common Tags
Test heavy (11)
Tough grader (11)
Skip class? You won't pass. (9)
Amazing lectures (7)
TEST HEAVY (6)
Accessible outside class (6)
LECTURE HEAVY (5)
ACCESSIBLE OUTSIDE CLASS (5)
Rating Trend

Declining

-0.95 avg change
Feb
Mar
May
Apr
Oct
Apr
Last 6 months
Ratings by Course

CHEM6RE

5.0

(1)

CHEM14

5.0

(1)

CHEMISTRY

5.0

(1)

CHEM12CHEM36

5.0

(1)

CHEM006

5.0

(1)
+18 more courses
Difficulty by Course

CHEM038

4.0

CHEM17

4.0

CHEM110

4.0

CHEMCHEM

4.0

CHEM012

3.5

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