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http://journal.um.ac.id/index.php/jptpp/ Teori, Penelitian, dan Pengembangan

EISSN: 2502-471X Volume: 7 Nomor: 10 Bulan Oktober Tahun 2022
DOAJ-SHERPA/RoMEO-Google Scholar-IPI Halaman: 406—414

Problem Solving Ability: Symbolic Level Analysis in

Chemistry Education Students on the Topic of Chemical
Equilibrium
Aceng Haetami1, Elsya Febiana Fahira2, La Rudi3, Benjamin Laurentino Vaz4
1,2,3Departmentof Chemistry Education-Universitas Halu Oleo
4Department of Chemistry-Faculty of EducationInstituto Superior Cristal (ISC) Dili Timor Leste

ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT

Abstract: This study aimed to determine the ability to solve chemical problems at the
Article History: symbolic level of chemistry education students and to determine student responses to
Accepted: 05-09-2022 the Three Tier test question model. The method used descriptive. The sample this study
Approved: 17-10-2022 were chemistry education students at Halu Oleo University with totalling 73 students.
Data collection in this study was carried out using research instruments in the form of
Keywords: Three Tier Test questions and student response questionnaires to the question model.
The analysis results show that 16.3% of students understand the concept, 60.3% have
problem-solving;
misconceptions, and 23.4% do not understand the concept.
symbolic level;
chemical analysis
Corresponding Author:

Aceng Haetami
Department of Chemistry Education
Universitas Halu Oleo
E-mail: acenghaetami@uho.ac.id

Chemistry studies the structure, properties, changes in matter, and the energy that accompanies it (Hanson et al., 2016; Sappaile,
2019). Chemistry is a branch of natural science that studies the properties of matter, the structure of matter, changes in matter,
and the energy that accompanies chemical reactions (Artini & Wijaya, 2020; Sujana et al., 2014). One of the school courses
only taught at the high school level is studied more deeply in higher education in chemistry (Faika & Side, 2011).
Learning chemistry begins at the macroscopic level, moves on to the microscopic level for scientific explanation, and
then moves on to the symbolic level (Jaber & BouJaoude, 2012; Margel et al., 2008). In chemistry, many calculation problems
require mathematical ability (Srougi, M. C., & Miller, 2018). So symbolic understanding is necessary for chemistry learning
(Dori & Hameiri, 2003; Schwedler & Kaldewey, 2020). The symbolic level is important for students because it can simplify
complex chemical concepts (Sujak & Daniel, 2018; Yousif, 2019). Most pupils used various sources to explain chemical ideas
in symbolic form. For students to fully understand chemical principles, it is hoped that they would be able to understand from
multiple perspectives based on the symbolic aspects they already comprehend (Sukmawati, 2019).
It is well known that people have trouble learning chemistry because they lack basic learning skills, a foundation in
mathematics, and problem-solving abilities (Firdaus et al., 2020b; Muderawan et al., 2019). Because many calculation issues in
chemistry call for mathematical proficiency, symbolic knowledge is crucial to learning (Sukmawati, 2019). Understanding the
symbolic level of students can be seen in the ability of students to solve symbolic level questions (Aulia & Hanum, 2017).
Additionally, it was explained that the symbolic level explains natural phenomena expressed in images. In contrast, the
submicroscopic level explains the reality of everyday life from a microscopic perspective. The macroscopic level is an aspect
that explains something that happens in everyday life (Sukmawati, 2019). According to Zahro & Ismono (2021), chemistry is a
more challenging subject to grasp (Zahro & Ismono, 2021) (Zahro’ & Ismono, 2021)(Zahro’ & Ismono, 2021)(Zahro’ &
Ismono, 2021). Based on pre-research surveys, 77 percent of 30 students agreed with this statement. The nature of the
investigation is described, explained, and predictions are made using various models in chemical processes.
The essential skills that students should have by the end of the first semester may undoubtedly be used as capital to
support the accomplishment of learning objectives about learning achievement. Based on the facts, it was discovered that there
is still a huge gap between reality and expectations. Many first-year students who enroll in basic chemistry classes continue to
struggle and receive grades below the minimum requirements (Faika & Side, 2011). The symbolic level is an aspect of
chemistry in the form of symbols or writings, both qualitatively and quantitatively, such as the chemical formula of a compound,
symbols, diagrams, pictures, reaction equations, and calculations (Chittleborough & Treagust, 2007; Sukmawati, 2019). Many
students still find it challenging to learn introductory chemistry because the chemistry material is filled with formulas and
symbols (Asbupel et al., 2021; Sirhan, 2007). According to preliminary findings from handing out questionnaire forms to
incoming students, 68.3 percent of pupils reported difficulty learning chemistry concepts connected to chemical symbols and

406
407 Jurnal Pendidikan, Vol. 7, No. 10, Bln Oktober, Thn 2022, Hal 406—414

formulas. If you are studying chemistry teaching, you need to learn this because failing to do so will make it more complicated
for pupils to comprehend chemistry in the upcoming semester.
Chemical equilibrium is the subject of the study since it is seen to be a challenging concept for pupils to grasp.
Chemical equilibrium is the most challenging area of study in chemistry since most of its concepts—such as the ideas of
equilibrium and equilibrium shift—are abstract (Lukum et al., 2016). The average final exam scores for the chemical
equilibrium material during the past three years, from 2018, 2019, and 2020, with average scores of 53.95, 41.96 consecutively,
and 78.62 consecutively. The typical score in 2020 was KKM (Minimum Completeness Criteria). However, because the
transmission of Covid-19 is an emergency this year, the learning process is done online.
The ability to solve symbolic-based chemistry problems is lower than the macroscopic ability, with 50.0% and 62.5%
(Ahmar et al., 2020; Aulia & Hanum, 2017). Based research by Firdaus et al. (2020); Gayon (2007) show that the inability of
pupils to comprehend arithmetic problems that use symbols and formulas and give symbols for the values contained in the
questions is shown by their inability to solve symbolic level chemistry problems systematically. From research results by Zahro
& Ismono (2021), Rakhmawan et al. (2019) showed that the ability of symbolic representation on chemical equilibrium material
has an average percentage of 50.71 percent, which is included in the good category. Students who do not comprehend symbolic
understanding will not be able to solve symbolic level chemistry problems on chemical equilibrium material due to the number
of calculation questions and chemical symbols (Dula, 2018; Mayeem et al., 2018). Based on the description provided, it is vital
to ascertain students' aptitude for solving chemistry issues and to assess the degree to which chemical problem-solving skills at
the symbolic level of chemical equilibrium material are required.

METHODS
This study was carried out in January and February 2022, the second half of the academic year 2021–2022, at the
Department of Chemistry, FKIP Universitas Halu Oleo Kendari. A total of 73 students from batch 2021 of Halu Oleo
University Kendari who had registered for the Basic Chemistry I course made up the population of this study. In the study, the
entire population was sampled. This approach of study is descriptive. Data were directly transferred to the sample during this
study (tests and questionnaires). Based on the pattern of replies, understanding levels of students' skills to answer symbolic level
chemistry questions are divided into three categories: concepts understood, concepts misunderstood, and concepts not
understood.
The three steps of this research's execution were preparation, implementation, and conclusion. The creation of research
instruments, such as student response questionnaires and three-tiered multiple choice questions with 20 items, is done during the
planning stage. Additionally, test instruments and questionnaires must be tested to establish their validity and reliability, as well
as their ability to differentiate among test takers and the degree of difficulty of the test questions. The implementation stage
entails providing a questionnaire and ups to 11 valid questions in the form of three-tier multiple choices. Following the study of
the responses to the student test results as well as an analysis of the information gleaned from the distribution of the distributed
questionnaires was done the last stage of summarizing the research findings and creating a research report. Finding the
percentage and kind of student misconceptions and the quality of student knowledge are the first steps in the data analysis stage
of the test results. The percentage and category of score interpretation were then calculated using a Likert scale to examine the
survey data. Based on table 1, the category for categorizing student misconceptions is carried out. The category of students'
level of misconception on chemical equilibrium material concepts can be determined according to table 2. The questionnaire
data analysis in this study used a Likert scale, as shown in table 3. The interpretation of the numerical scores into a category can
be seen in table 4.

Table 1. Understanding Level Analysis (Gurel et al., 2015)

First level Second level Third level Category
Right Right Certain Understand the concept
Right Right Not sure Do not Understand the concept
Right Wrong Certain Positive Flashes (misconceptions)
Right Wrong Not sure Do not understand the concept
Wrong Right Certain Negative flashes (misconceptions)
Wrong Right Not sure Do not understand the concept
Wrong Wrong Certain Misconception
Wrong Wrong Not sure Do not Understand the concept
 Haetami, Fahira, Rudi, Vaz, Problem Solving Ability… 408

Table 2. Misconception Criteria (Suwarna, 2014)

No Criteria Percentage
1 High 61—100%
2 Medium 31— 60%
3 Low 0—30%

Table 3. Assessment Score Guidelines (Sugiyono, 2014)

Assessment Information Score
SS Strongly agree 5
S Agree 4
KS Disagree 3
TS Disagree 2
STS Strongly Disagree 1

Table 4. Score interpretation criteria (Kartini & Putra, 2020)

No Score interval (%) Category
1 81—100 Very good
2 61—80 Well
3 41—60 Enough
4 21—40 Not enough
5 0—20 Very less
.
FINDINGS
Analysis of Symbolic Level Chemistry Problem Solving Ability
The analysis results of the ability to solve chemical problems at the symbolic level consist of five data indicators, as
shown in table 5.

Table 5. Data on the Percentage of Student Answer Results

Understand Category
Indicator Questions Understand Not Understand
Misconception
Concept Concept
Determine the composition of a substance in a state of
1 18 (24,7 %) 41 (56,2 %) 14 (19,2 %)
equilibrium
2 27 (36,9 %) 32 (43,8 %) 14 (19,2 %)
Determine the value of the equilibrium constant 3 23 (31,5 %) 34 (46,6 %) 16 (21,9 %)
4 8 (10,9 %) 48 (65,8 %) 17 (23,3 %)
5 7 (9,6 %) 44 (60,3 %) 22 (30,1 %)
6 6 (8,2 %) 46 (63 %) 21 (28,8 %)
Determine the value of the degree of dissociation 7 26 (35,6 %) 33 (45,2 %) 14 (19,2 %)
8 2 (2,7 %) 53 (72,6 %) 18 (24,7 %)
9 5 (6,8 %) 50 (68,5 %) 18 (24,7 %)
10 6 (8,2 %) 54 (73,9 %) 13 (17,8 %)
Determine the relationship between Kc and Kp 11 3 (4,1 %) 49 (67,1 %) 21 (28,8 %)
Average 16,3 % 60,3 % 23,4 %

Based on these findings, it can be shown that there are more misconceptions than correct responses given by students
who comprehend the topic and those who do not—table 5's information.

Understand Concept
Each indication evaluated has a different proportion of understanding concepts in the indicator. The indicator for
calculating the price of the equilibrium constant, with a percentage of 36.9 percent, has the most significant proportion of
concept knowledge categories. Problem 2, which asks you to determine Kc using the concentration of each compound in an
equilibrium state, serves as an example of this indicator. At the same time, the indication of calculating the cost of the degree of
dissociation with the lowest percentage in the category of idea understanding is 2.7 percent. Problem number 8, which asks you
409 Jurnal Pendidikan, Vol. 7, No. 10, Bln Oktober, Thn 2022, Hal 406—414

to compute the degree of dissociation using a known reactant molecule's initial and equilibrium concentrations, serves as an
example of this indicator. According to the questionnaire's statement, pupils who fit the bill for comprehending the subject
enjoy reading about chemical equilibrium and do not have any trouble doing the same.

Figure. 1. Question Number 8

Misconception
The misconceptions that occur in students are divided into three categories refer to research by Gurel et al. (2015). This
classification is based on student responses that highlight misconceptions in three situations, including pure misconceptions,
misconceptions (false negative), and misconceptions (false positive). Table 6 analyzes the percentage of students'
misconceptions from the three categories of answers.

Table 6. Percentage of Student's Misconception Answer Category

Student Answer Category
Questions Misconception Misconception Misconception
Indicator
(False Positif) (False Negatif)
Determine the composition of a substance in a state of equilibrium 1 15 (20,5%) 14 (19,2%) 12 (16,4%)
2 10 (13,7%) 16 (21,9%) 6 (8,2%)
Determine the value of the equilibrium constant 3 5 (6,8%) 12 (16,4%) 17 (23,3%)
4 10 (13,7%) 2 (2,7%) 36 (49,3%)
5 4 (5,5%) 11 (15,1%) 29 (39,7%)
6 8 (10,9%) 10 (13,7%) 28 (38,4%)
7 3 (4,1%) 8 (10,9%) 22 (30,1%)
Determine the value of the degree of dissociation 8 6 (8,2%) 8 (10,9%) 39 (53,4%)
9 5 (6,8%) 24 (32,9%) 21 (28,8%)
10 5 (6,8%) 27 (36,9%) 22 (30,1%)
Determine the relationship between Kc and Kp 11 12 (16,4%) 7 (9,6%) 30 (41,1%)
Average 10,3% 17,3% 32,6%

The indication defining the relationship between Kc and Kp in question 10 has the highest rate of misconceptions, with
54 students falling into this category and 73.9 percent (Table 5). After analysis, students with significant misconceptions
provided three groups of answers for question number 10. The first group of students entered under the false positive condition
of misconception, the second group under the false negative condition of misconception, and the third group under the condition
of pure misconception. As many as 27 pupils are still irresponsible while responding to questions, with misunderstandings (false
negative) having the most significant percentage of student responses at 36.9% (Table 6). With the value of Kc previously
known in the problem, question number 10 asks what the pressure equilibrium constant (Kp) is worth. On average, students
provide answers to determine the price of Kp using the formula Kp=Kc/(RT) ∆n. Students make this mistake because they are
careless when selecting the formula that will be applied to the problem. This is consistent with the findings of the investigation
 Haetami, Fahira, Rudi, Vaz, Problem Solving Ability… 410

by Akbar et al. (2019); Khairunnisa & Prodjosantoso (2020) that misconceptions often occur in students in calculating the value
of Kp if it is known Kc is Kp=Kc/(RT)∆n even though the formula that is under expert opinion is to use the formula
Kp=Kc(RT)∆n.
The indication calculating the price of the equilibrium constant contained in question 2 has the lowest percentage of
misconceptions, with 32 students falling into that category and 43.8 percent (Table 5). Misconceptions (false negative)
comprised 21.9 percent of student responses and had the most significant percentage (Table 6). When it is known what each
compound's equilibrium concentration is, question number two asks what the value of Kc. The typical student correctly chooses
the reason where a substance whose phase is gas and aqueous or a solution is used to calculate the value of the equilibrium
concentration constant (Kc) and where the concentration of solids and pure liquids is not taken into account in the calculation of
the equilibrium concentration constant (Kc).
However, students still experience many errors when doing mathematical calculations, so an error occurs in choosing
the answer in the first tier. This is consistent with the findings of the study by Aulia (2017); Stojanovska et al. (2017) said that
Symbolic level comprehension is more advantageous when combined with mathematical rigor. Rengganis (2010); Moyo(2018)
explain that Most chemistry students struggle with the mathematics component. Chemistry knowledge and mathematics skills
are interdependent, precisely the capacity to count. Bella et al. (2013) said that Calculation abilities are constantly necessary for
every aspect of chemistry, including pH, concentration, and mole calculations. However, many students still experience
problems in the mathematical aspect.

Not Understand Concept

Do not comprehend the idea in the high category, particularly the indicator determining the cost of the equilibrium
constant in question number 5. Students who fall into this category include up to 22 individuals with a percentage of 30.1
percent who do not comprehend the idea (Table 5). What is the value of the gas equilibrium constant (Kp) in a reaction given
the number of moles of the starting reactants, one number of particles of the final material in equilibrium, and the overall
pressure; Is the question posed in problem number 5.

Figure 2. Question Number 5

The student's error lies in using the formula used by students, not under expert opinion. It is because the actual concept
in determining the Kp formula is the comparison of the product of the partial pressures of the reaction gases divided by the
product of the partial pressures of the reacting gases, where each partial pressure gas raised to the power of its coefficient
(Raymond, 2006). If pupils can envision something abstract, they may have the capacity to understand chemical principles well
if it is realized that understanding chemistry from the submicroscopic perspective is essential. The submicroscopic level is, in
fact, still poorly understood by pupils because, while teaching, only the macroscopic and symbolic levels are covered; in some
instances, they are not even touched.
411 Jurnal Pendidikan, Vol. 7, No. 10, Bln Oktober, Thn 2022, Hal 406—414

Many students still answer the question that to calculate Kp in an equilibrium reaction, a substance with a gas phase
and an aqueous phase is used (problem number 5). It is by the research conducted R Laliyo et al. (2016); Garcia et al. (2014);
Kousathana & Tsaparlis (2002) obtained that Students' answers to the question about the gas equilibrium constant (Kp) differ
because they do not realize that the data used to calculate the gas equilibrium constant (Kp) is gas pressure data, not gas
concentration data. Students should first compute the partial pressure of each gaseous substance and then, using the data
provided, determine the concentration of a chemical in equilibrium. The expression for the partial pressure of each gas is related
to the number of moles of gas. The expression for the partial pressure of a gas is P_gas= (number of moles of gas)/(total number
of moles of gas)×P_total.
Do not comprehend the idea of low, specifically the indicator indicating the relationship between Kc and Kp seen in
question number 10, where 13 students with a percentage of 17.8 percent fell into the area of misconceptions (Table 5).
Considering that the value of Kc is known in the problem, question number 10 asks what the value of Kp. The mistake made by
the student is in using a formula that, in the expert's view, is not appropriate. Instead, the student should have used the formula
Kp = Kc (RT)∆n to determine the link between Kc and Kp if they knew the value of Kc. Contrary to professional opinion, some
students still use a formula to solve issue number 10. It occurs because students only recall the Kc and Kp relationship formulae;
as a result, if students forget the formulas they have memorized, they will utilize the formula by supposing instead of believing
in the third layer.
This is to the research conducted by Akbar et al. (2019). The results obtained are that the misconceptions that occur in
students when determining the relationship between Kc and Kp are (a) How to calculate the value of Kp if it is known that Kc is
Kp = Kc/(RT)Δn, (b) How to calculate the value of Kp if it is known that Kc is Kp = KcRT, (c) How to calculate the value of Kp
if it is known that Kc is Kp = Kc/RT.

Student Responses To Symbolic Level Chemistry Problems In The Form Of Three Tier Multiple Choice
Table 7 displays the findings of the questionnaire analysis of student responses to three-tier multiple-choice questions
on symbolic level chemistry that were divided into three parts and had 14 statement items.

Table 7. Student Questionnaire Results

Aspect Questions Response Trend Average Percentage (%) Criteria
1 3-5 4 78,36 Good
2 2-5 3 58,36 Enough
Concept
3 2-5 3 63,56 Good
4 3-5 4 85,48 Very Good
Average the concept aspect 71,44 Good
5 3-5 4 79,73 Good
Language
6 2-5 4 74,79 Good
Average the language aspect 77,26 Baik
7 2-5 4 71,23 Good
8 2-5 4 78,63 Good
9 2-5 4 83,84 Very good
11 2-5 3 63,01 Good
Respond student
12 3-5 4 85,48 Very good
13 3-5 4 82,74 Very good
14 3-5 4 84,38 Very good
15 2-5 4 73,97 Good
Average the responding student 77,91 Good

Students' answers to symbolic level chemistry problems presented as Three Tier Multiple Choice were based on idea
aspects (71.44%), language aspects (77.26%), and student response factors (77.11%). Students enjoy chemical equilibrium
material from a conceptual standpoint, but understanding the concept alone is adequate. It is demonstrated by the significant
number of students who have misconceptions regarding the concepts of chemical equilibrium. Based on their responses to the
questionnaire's open-ended questions, students generally stated that the content on chemical equilibrium is challenging, calls for
solid numerical abilities, and necessitates knowledge of earlier topics like stoichiometry and reaction equations. When it comes
to the language used in the questions, the terminology is appropriate, making the questions simple to comprehend and less likely
to lead to confusion when students attempt to answer them.
The criteria are reasonable in terms of student answers. It demonstrates that practicing the Three Tier Multiple Choice
questions can help students better understand the idea being taught, which is chemical equilibrium. Students concur that
working on multiple-choice questions can give a general idea of how much they comprehend the topic related to chemical
 Haetami, Fahira, Rudi, Vaz, Problem Solving Ability… 412

equilibrium, with a proportion of 83.84 percent. Knowing the learning objectives might help students become more motivated
to learn since they can assess their level of understanding of the chemical material that has been taught. The decision of how to
depict chemistry at the macroscopic, microscopic, and symbol levels is made more accessible by the macrostructure of the
teacher's teaching for each main macro and is taken from the introductory text. Daily experiences and social interactions that
occur when teaching is learned from transcriptions of teaching and learning recordings and observations made during teaching
and learning activities.

DISCUSSION
Chemical equilibrium is a state in which both reactants and products are present in concentrations with no further
tendency to change over time. Chemical equilibrium involves several processes, including macroscopic aspects. Macroscopic
representation is a type of representation that relates to intangible phenomena or is acquired through real-world experience. In
this study, visible representation refers to a process whereby the senses observe genuine expertise. It can also take the form of
commonplace experiences, like color changes during chemical reactions. The macroscopic level is intellectually acceptable and
appropriate regardless of background (Demirdöğen, 2017). Another type of visible representation explains how solid salts
dissolve in water (Treagust et al., 2003). Another example of a macroscopic capacity goes beyond the melting of ice cream and
the rusting of iron. Chemical equilibrium occurs when both reactants and products are present in stable concentrations
throughout time. Macroscopic elements are just one of the mechanisms involved in chemical equilibrium.
One of the elements that influence students' ability to solve chemistry-related problems is the relevance of the
problems. Students are less exposed to word problems, as evidenced by their scores on the problem familiarity test. This
suggests that the Department of Education's Basic Education Curriculum for Chemistry allots insufficient time for the portion
on problem-solving that covers concepts like stoichiometry and mole concepts, gas laws, and solution concentrations. The
problem's context also contributes to how well-known it is. Students will find more meaning in word problems with more
context and experiences that represent actual problem scenarios. This study refers to the capacity to comprehend the problem
through deciphering and interpreting the meaning of a phrase or message. Given that English is the language of instruction in
chemistry and that English is the language of most chemistry textbooks, it is necessary to improve English competence among
professors and students. Understanding the problem also entails converting chemical names into symbols, determining the
variables required to solve it, and considering the constraints. Therefore, it seems that the six elements that contribute to
chemistry problem-solving abilities are interrelated, and the implications of one aspect of chemistry education impact the
consequences of the other, as shown by earlier discussions of different components. As a result, every factor must be trained as
an exceptional talent to improve students' ability to solve chemistry-related problems.
Researchers have uncovered some myths about chemical equilibrium. For instance, Pedrosa & Dias (2000) cited 33
incorrect words or phrases in Portuguese chemistry textbooks, and Bilgin et al. (2003) cited ten errors in chemical equilibrium.
Other misunderstandings relate to the approach to chemical equilibrium, its characteristics, understanding of the conditions of
change in chemical stability, the function of a catalyst (Bilgin et al., 2003), the idea that the reaction can only go backward if the
forward reaction is stopped and predicting the equilibrium conditions (Banerjee, 1991). They also include the distinction
between the characteristics of complete and reversible reactions; the influence of variables on the value of the equilibrium
constant; and the notion that the concentrations of reactants and products in a state of chemical equilibrium have a
straightforward arithmetic/linear relationship (Hackling & Garnett, 1985). According to Bilgin et al. (2003), the subject of
chemical equilibrium is distinctive because, while teaching, misunderstandings may arise due to the phenomenon's closeness to
real-world situations and its abstract nature.

CONCLUSION
Based on the analysis of students' performance on the Three Tier Multiple Choice test, it is possible to draw the
following conclusions about their aptitude for solving symbolic level chemistry problems: The students' aptitude for solving
symbolic level chemistry problems on chemical equilibrium material is based on the category of understanding, with each
percentage understanding the concept being 16.3 percent, misconceptions being 60.3 percent, and 23.4 percent not
understanding the concept. Students' answers to symbolic level chemistry problems presented as Three Tier Multiple Choice
were based on idea aspects (71.44%), language aspects (77.26%), and student response factors (77.11%). The following
suggestions can be made: (a) More research is required to determine additional strategies that can be used to reduce students'
misconceptions. (b) Further research is needed to determine the most effective test questions to analyze the ability to solve
chemistry problems at the symbolic level.
413 Jurnal Pendidikan, Vol. 7, No. 10, Bln Oktober, Thn 2022, Hal 406—414

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