American National Standards Research Articles

Professional Standards in Questioned Documents Expertises

Criminalistic/forensic expert examination of documents is a segment of criminal technique, i.e. forensic science. In modern countries, these activities are undertaken by highly specialized services that are frequently under the control of various security structures (judiciary, police, immigration services, etc.). In Bosnia and Herzegovina (as well as in the countries of the former Yugoslavia), these jobs have traditionally been associated with police agencies whose actions fall into the sphere of criminal techniques (more recently, forensics). Certain methods of behaving, ways of functioning, as well as processes linked to staff training and ways of acting within individual activities of this sort of expertise, have been formed via the accomplishment of the aforementioned duties. The purpose of this article is to introduce the field of criminal expert examination of questioned documents, namely the knowledge and conditions that a welltrained expert in this field should have. Furthermore, the work demonstrates in greater detail how the necessary insights and knowledge should be gathered. The fundamental reason for this work´s theme is the goal to describe this field from the standpoint of modern science, profession, and established standards that are used around the world. Another motive is the goal to explain the settings of this sector in a scientific and practical manner from the standpoint of international experience. Specifically, the article will examine some of the international standards and procedures for this field of expertise. The preceding study will be based on a survey of comparative literature as well as an examination of the standards and practices of organizations such as: The Scientific Working Group for Forensic Document Examination (SWGDOC), American Board of Forensic Document Examiners (ABFDE), American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), The American Society of Questioned Document Examiners (ASQDE), Southwestern Association of Forensic Document Examiners (SWAFDE), Southeastern Association of Forensic Document Examiners (SAFDE) and The European Network of Forensic Science Institutes (ENFSI).

On the test method for short-term level fluctuation of sound calibrators

Most noise bylaws state that a precision sound level meter which meets the International Electrotechnical Commission Publication 651 or the American National Standards Institute S1.4-1983 needs to be used for noise measurements. To ensure measurement accuracy, sound calibrators are used to check the sound level meter accuracy before and after any such measurements, as required by most noise regulations. The sound calibrator itself needs to be calibrated routinely and traceable to national standards. The International Standard IEC 60942, Electroacoustics - Sound calibrators, specifies performance requirements for the sound pressure level, short-term level fluctuation, frequency, and distortion and associated test methods. However, the test method for short-term level fluctuation specified in IEC 60942 is problematic. The short-term level fluctuation cannot be measured in some cases using the method specified in IEC 60942. In this paper, a detailed theoretical analysis is presented addressing this particular issue. Closed-form solutions are obtained for typical sinusoidal sound signals. Two experimental setups and measurement results for the validation of the theoretical analysis are also presented. One uses a commercial sound level meter and the other uses a precision sound pressure measurement system developed recently at the National Research Council Canada.

Tunable Interparticle Connectivity in Gold Nanosphere Assemblies for Efficient Photoacoustic Conversion.

Manipulating matter at the nanometer scale to create desired plasmonic nanostructures holds great promise in the field of biomedical photoacoustic (PA) imaging. We demonstrate a strategy for regulating PA signal generation from anisotropic nano-sized assemblies of gold nanospheres (Au NSs) by adjusting the inter-particle connectivity between neighboring Au NSs. The inter-particle connectivity is controlled by modulating the diameter and inter-particle spacing of Au NSs in the nanoassemblies. The results indicate that nanoassemblies with semi-connectivity, i.e., assemblies with a finite inter-particle spacing shorter than the theoretical limit of repulsion between nearby Au NSs, exhibit 3.4-fold and 2.4-fold higher PA signals compared to nanoassemblies with no connectivity and full connectivity, respectively. Furthermore, due to the reduced diffusion of Au atoms, the semi-connectivity Au nanoassemblies demonstrate high photodamage threshold and, therefore, excellent photostability at fluences above the current American National Standards Institute limits. The exceptional photostability of the semi-connectivity nanoassemblies highlights their potential to surpass conventional plasmonic contrast agents for continuing PA imaging. Collectively, our findings indicate that semi-connected nanostructures are a promising option for reliable, high-contrast PA imaging applications over multiple imaging sessions due to their strong PA signals and enhanced photostability.

The Novel Optical Design and Clinical Classification of a Wavefront-Shaping Presbyopia-Correcting Intraocular Lens.

To evaluate the clinical rationale of wavefront-shaping technology, describe how intraocular lenses (IOLs) using wavefront-shaping technology are differentiated from refractive or diffractive optical presbyopia-correcting designs, and describe the mode of action of this technology. Extended depth of focus (EDoF) IOLs are the latest class of presbyopia-correcting IOLs addressing the growing demand of patients for reduced spectacle dependence. These use various optical technologies, including diffractive designs (eg, TECNIS Symfony ZXR00 and AT LARA 29 MP) and non-diffractive designs such as small aperture (eg, IC-8 IOL and XtraFocus Pinhole Implant), spherical aberration (eg, MINI WELL Ready and LuxSmart), and wavefront shaping (eg, AcrySof IQ Vivity DFT015 and Clareon Vivity CNWET0). Despite some improvement in visual acuity at intermediate and near distances, these technologies can still be associated with increased rate of visual disturbances or poorer distance vision compared with monofocal IOLs. One way to overcome such limitations is using a wavefront-shaping optical principle. Clinical data show that wavefront-shaping technology results in a continuous EDoF compared with a monofocal IOL while exhibiting a minimal halo, similar to an aspheric monofocal IOL. Clinically, this translates to a lens that has proven to exceed the American National Standards Institute/American Academy of Ophthalmology criteria for an EDoF IOL. The novel wavefront-shaping optic technology allows patients to achieve a continuous range of vision from distance to functional near with low levels of visual disturbances comparable with aspheric monofocal IOLs.

Thermal characterisation of insulation panels based on vegetable typha domengensis and starch

The thermal characteristics of a typha-starch composite have been determined in this study in order to improve thermal comfort of the buildings in tropical environments. From six samples of this mixture of granulometry (0.425 mm; 1.25 mm and 1.70 mm), the kinetics of the water desorption have been characterized and the thermal properties of these materials were also studied. The results obtained indicate that the samples have a high rate of water desorption recorded in the first ten and fifteen days with proportions in loss of water which vary from 7% to 18.75%. The thermal conductivity obtained for samples without a binder (starch) varies from 0.1046 W.m−1K−1 to 0.1242 W.m−1K−1 and from 0.094 W.m−1K−1 to 0.5345 W.m−1K−1 for the composites. The thermal diffusivity evolves between 9.010−8 m².s−1 and 3.77.10−7m².s−1. In view of these results and according to the American National Standards Institute (ANSI 208, 1999), all the samples prepared except the formulation (0.425 mm + 20% starch) have good thermal properties for improving thermal comfort of buildings and the composite fraction (typha 1.70 mm + 20% starch) seems to be the optimal composition. The latter could be recommended as a local available insulation material to be integrated into the buildings in tropical environments in the form of sub-ceiling, instead of the widely used Isorel insulation panels (k = 0.82 W.m−1K−1) and plywood panels (k = 1.08 W.m−1K−1) of higher thermal conductivities and cost. For the first time in Africa, such a combination of local materials (Typha-amidon) used to improve energy efficiency has been demonstrated on the roof of the building envelope. The resulting scientific advances are linked to the originality of the formulation and the proportions of each material used to obtain the best composite. The development impacts of its implementation are directly linked to Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 7, 8, 14 and 15 (SDGs), as well as the African Union's Agenda 2063.

Comparative Analysis of Standard and Advanced USL Methodologies for Nuclear Criticality Safety

The American National Standards Institute/American Nuclear Society national standards 8.1 and 8.24 provide guidance on the requirements and recommendations for establishing confidence in the results of the computerized models used to support operation with fissionable materials. By design, the guidance is not prescriptive, leaving freedom to the analysts to determine how the various sources of uncertainties are to be statistically aggregated. Due to the involved use of statistics entangled with heuristic recipes, the resulting safety margins are often difficult to interpret. Also, these technical margins are augmented by additional administrative margins, which are required to ensure compliance with safety standards or regulations, eliminating the incentive to understand their differences. With the new resurgent wave of advanced nuclear systems, e.g., advanced reactors, fuel cycles, and fuel concepts, focused on economizing operation, there is a strong need to develop a clear understanding of the uncertainties and their consolidation methods to reduce them in manners that can be scientifically defended. In response, the current studies compare the analyses behind four notable methodologies for upper subcriticality limit estimation that have been documented in the nuclear criticality safety literature: the parametric, nonparametric, Whisper, and TSURFER methodologies. Specifically, the work offers a deep dive into the various assumptions of the noted methodologies, their adequacies, and their limitations to provide guidance on developing confidence for the emergent nuclear systems that are expected to be challenged by the scarcity of experimental data. To limit the scope, the current work focuses on the application of these methodologies to criticality safety experiments, where the goal is to calculate a bias, a bias uncertainty, and a tolerance limit for keff in support of determining an upper subcriticality limit for nuclear criticality safety.

Optimization and fault diagnosis of 132 kV substation low-voltage system using electrical transient analyzer program

<p><span lang="EN-US">In this paper, a simulation and analysis of 132 kV Substation in feeds western Iraq have been presented including a short circuit (S.C) analysis. This work helps to properly control and coordinate the protection equipment used in this grid interconnection spot. This work includes power flow analysis carried out using electrical transient analyzer program (ETAP) simulator. Also, the most common types of faults are investigated for the substation buses using International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards to discover the behavioral characteristics under different scenarios for the substation transformers connection to assess the range of S.C current this substitution can ride through. Finally, the results of ANSI and IEC are theoretically investigated for validity to ensure reliability and quality assurance in the case study substation.</span></p>

Development and Proposal of an Institutional Safety Program in the Operation of Laser Systems

Laser radiation can cause undesirable biological effects on living beings; although it is not ionizing, this type of radiation can cause burns to the skin and cornea, even cataracts, depending on the wavelength and intensity of the laser radiation. Due to the wide growth of laser applications in several areas, such as research and development, services, and industry, the occupational risks concerning this non-ionizing radiation have increased considerably worldwide. Several countries have normative documents and regulatory bodies or agencies that approach occupational safety and quality regarding laser application, equipment, and machines. In Brazil, there is a lacking of laser safety documents published by a national regulatory council. Therefore, large technological centers and educational institutions, such as SENAI Institute for Innovation in Laser Manufacturing and Processing Systems (ISI-Joinville) and the Federal Technological University of Paraná (UTFPR), do not have an institutional safety program for laser operations, and to adapt to the most modern international recommendations they look for international documents and models from other institutions. The main objective of this work was to develop and propose an institutional program following Brazilian regulatory documents from the Ministry of Labor and Social Security and the most modern international standard about laser safety from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI-Z 136-1: 2014). The developed safety program was applied to ISI-Joinville, but a model was adapted to be implemented at any research center and university.

Impact Strength Enhancement of PMMA base Denture Material by Fibre Addition

Prostheses used temporarily are flexible based on function. Given the paucity of empirical knowledge flexural strength of temporary resins, choosing the right material for their manufacturing is challenging. Dentures have been reinforced with partial fibres both during the production process and during repairs. Polymer's fiber-rich phase in the denture base can either form a distinct structure or the reinforcing fibres can be dispersed equally throughout the material. In this work, the static three-point flexural strength and modulus of denture base polymer reinforced with various fibre reinforcements were determined. PMMA base material can currently be strengthened by adding fibre reinforcement. The creation of bar-type specimens complied with standard 27 of the American National Standards Institute and the American Dental Association. After being immersed in artificial saliva at 37°C for 10 days, the specimens were broken under 3-point loading with a crosshead speed of 0.75 mm/min in a universal testing machine. The highest breaking weights were expressed in Newton’s. The mean flexural strengths were measured in MPa (n = 10 per group). Results were compared using variance analysis and Duncan's multiple ranges testing (P.05). Impact strength of The Glass and Natural fibre (Jute, Sugarcane, Banana etc.) group with 1% and 0.5% composition respectively composition have the maximum value. This group shows the maximum value of flexural strength, compression strength and tensile strength. The findings imply that fibres that are impregnated or re-impregnated strengthen the denture base polymer more than fibres that are not impregnated. When compared to the same amount of fibre reinforcement placed on the compression side, the fibre reinforcement applied on the tensile side produced much higher values for flexural strength and flexural modulus.

Validation of the AViTA BPM636 upper arm blood pressure monitor in adults and pregnant women according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2013.

To evaluate the accuracy of the AViTA oscillometric upper arm home blood pressure (BP) monitor in adult and pregnant populations according to the American National Standards Institute/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/ International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) Universal Standard (ISO 81060-2:2013). BP measurements on the upper arm were performed on 85 adult subjects and 46 pregnant subjects. The AViTA BPM636 and a standard mercury reference sphygmomanometer were applied and followed the same arm sequential BP measurement method. The universal cuff of the test device was used for arm circumference of 22-42 cm. For validation criterion 1, the mean ± SD of the differences between the test device and reference BP readings was 1.1 ± 5.49/2.9 ± 5.17 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) for adults; and -2.2 ± 5.93/1.5 ± 4.92 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) for pregnant women. For criterion 2, the SD of the averaged BP differences between the test device and reference BP per adult subject was 4.45/4.20 mmHg (systolic/diastolic) and per pregnant women was 4.66/3.96. The AViTA BPM636 had passed the criteria of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2013 protocol and can be recommended for home BP measurements in adults and pregnant populations.

Validation of the Aktiia blood pressure cuff for clinical use according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2:2013 protocol.

Assess the accuracy and precision of the Aktiia initialization oscillometric upper-arm cuff device (Aktiia SA, Neuchâtel, Switzerland) for home blood pressure (BP) monitoring in the general population according to the American National Standards Institute / Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) 81060-2:2013 standard. Three trained observers validated BP measurements performed using the Aktiia cuff versus BP measurements performed using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Two ISO 81060-2 criteria were used to validate the Aktiia cuff. Criterion 1 evaluated, for both SBP and DBP, whether the mean error between BP readings performed by the Aktiia cuff and auscultation was ≤±5 mmHg, and whether the SD of the error was ≤8 mmHg. Criterion 2 assessed whether, for the SBP and DBP of each individual subject, the SD of the averaged paired determinations per subject of the Aktiia cuff and of the auscultation met the criteria listed in the table of Averaged Subject Data Acceptance. Mean differences between the Aktiia cuff and the standard mercury sphygmomanometer (criterion 1) were 1.3 ± 7.11 mmHg for SBP and -0.2 ± 5.46 mmHg for DBP. The SD of the averaged paired differences per subject (criterion 2) was 6.55 mmHg for SBP and 5.15 mmHg for DBP. Aktiia initialization cuff complies with the requirements of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO guidelines and can be safely recommended for BP measurements in the adult population.

Speech perception and deaf and hard of hearing children in the classroom: A multidisciplinary effort in the United States to bring data and standards to architects, school districts, and into building codes

This presentation will discuss efforts by a multidisciplinary team to overcome the notable lack of progress in the United States in acoustic accommodations for deaf and hard of hearing children in the classroom. Data collected through research efforts by members of this team, and by others, demonstrate the benefits of appropriate acoustics for all children and especially those deaf and hard of hearing. These efforts have resulted in a voluntary standard in classroom acoustics specifically for deaf and hard of hearing children by the American National Standards Institute. This standard, however, is not reaching built classrooms. This team representing the fields of acoustics, architecture and audiology is using speech perception data and new computer simulations to increase awareness of the need for classroom acoustic standards in building codes to accommodate deaf and hard of hearing children.

Developing an American (ANSI) Standard for the Prediction of Wind Turbine Sound Levels

Common modeling methods used in the United States yield relatively similar results given sound power level from IEC 61400-11 and propagation consistent with ISO 9613-2 are typically utilized. Nonetheless, standardization of predictions is anticipated to result in a robust and repeatable process that increases regulatory confidence and understanding. American Clean Power (ACP) is recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as an Accredited Standards Developer. A wind turbine sound modeling standard working group was established and reached consensus on a preferred method of predicting project sound levels during the siting and permitting process. The goal of this standard is to establish uniform method of predicting future projects sound levels such that pre-development sound assessment results or predictions used in research can be readily compared.

Effect of vertical load and speed on toothbrush stiffness measurements

BackgroundDental abrasion can be caused by aggressive brushing or using a toothbrush with stiff bristles. Because this damage to the oral cavity is irreversible, prevention is ideal. The international standards for testing toothbrushes for safety and efficacy are International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22254, ISO 20126, and ISO 20127. American National Standards (ANSI)/American Dental Association (ADA) 119 is an adoption of ISO 22254 and ISO 20126 for manual toothbrushes, and ANSI/ADA 120 is an adoption of ISO 20127 for powered toothbrushes. ISO 22254 contains a test method for the resistance of the tufted portion to deflection, from which toothbrush stiffness is calculated. Key variables of this test method, such as changing the vertical load (VL) applied to the tufted portion of the brush head during testing and changing the velocity of the brushing table of the toothbrush stiffness test machine, were examined. MethodsTwenty-eight different manual (n = 5) and powered (n = 23) toothbrushes were tested with modification according to the resistance to deflection method in ANSI/ADA 119. The means of the stiffness values at each VL or brushing table velocity for each toothbrush were compared using 2-sample t tests. ResultsMost of the toothbrush stiffness values were statistically significantly different at different VLs. However, most toothbrush stiffness values exhibited no statistical differences between the 2 velocities tested. ConclusionsMost modern toothbrushes cannot withstand the VL required in the ANSI/ADA standard. The VL used for testing significantly affects stiffness measurements, whereas the velocity of the brushing table during testing did not significantly affect the stiffness values obtained.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Proven Impact of an Advanced Air Purification System in the Reduction of Infectious Airborne and Surface Pathogens, Concomitant Reduction of Hospital-acquired Infections and Length of Stay, and Improvement in Health-care Economics.

Tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points with rotary and reciprocating instruments.

This study was conducted to evaluate and compare the tip and taper compatibility of accessory gutta-percha points (AGPs) with various rotary and reciprocating instruments. Using a profile analyzer, tip and taper measurements were taken of 10 AGPs of each of the 14 models available from Odous de Deus and the 4 models available from Dentsply-Maillefer. Diameter measurements were taken at 1-mm intervals, from 3 mm from the tip (D3) to 16 mm. Based on the mean values obtained, 3-dimensional (3D) models of the AGPs were drawn in Autodesk Fusion 360 and superimposed on 3D models of each instrument selected (Mtwo, Reciproc, RaCe, K3, and ProDesign Logic) to determine the compatibility between the instrument and the AGP. Data corresponding to the tips and tapers of the various AGPs, as well as the tip and taper differences between the AGPs and the instruments, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The tapers of the AGPs were subject to the American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association No. 57 standard. The Odous de Deus extra-long medium and extra-long extra-medium AGPs were shown to be compatible with Mtwo, K3, and ProDesign Logic instruments with taper 0.06 and tip sizes 25 and 30, while the Dentsply fine and fine medium cones were compatible with Mtwo, RaCe, and K3 instruments with conicity of 0.04 and tip sizes 35 and 40. Both the Odous de Deus and Dentsply commercial brands included 2 AGP models with tip (D3) and taper compatibility with Mtwo, RaCe, K3, and/or Prodesign Logic instruments.

The new ACI code for the design of GFRP reinforced concrete

The American Concrete Institute has published ACI 440.11-22, Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete Reinforced with Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) Bars—Code and Commentary. This new code was developed by an American National Standards Institute–approved consensus process and addresses structural systems, members, and connections, including cast-in-place, precast, nonprestressed, and composite concrete construction. ACI 440.11-22 is the first comprehensive building code covering the use of nonmetallic, GFRP reinforcing bars in structural concrete applications. This article provides background on this new code and discusses potential uses for precast concrete components and structures.

American National Standards Committee (ANSC) C63 ® Holds Summer Workshop in Grand Rapids

American National Standards Committee (ANSC) C63 ® Holds Summer Workshop in Grand Rapids

Mitigating Endoscope-Associated Infections: Revised ANSI/AAMI Standards and New Duodenoscope Surveillance Antimicrobial Sampling and Culturing Protocols

Article| January 2023 Mitigating Endoscope-Associated Infections: Revised ANSI/AAMI Standards and New Duodenoscope Surveillance Antimicrobial Sampling and Culturing Protocols Uday Jain, BSEE, MD, PhD, FASA Uday Jain, BSEE, MD, PhD, FASA Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar ASA Monitor January 2023, Vol. 87, 29. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000911792.39689.52 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Cite Icon Cite Get Permissions Search Site Citation Uday Jain; Mitigating Endoscope-Associated Infections: Revised ANSI/AAMI Standards and New Duodenoscope Surveillance Antimicrobial Sampling and Culturing Protocols. ASA Monitor 2023; 87:29 doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/01.ASM.0000911792.39689.52 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentAll PublicationsASA Monitor Search Advanced Search Topics: age-related cognitive decline, american national standards institute, antimicrobials, duodenoscopes, endoscopes, infections, surveillance, medical Anesthesiologists provide anesthesia for numerous endoscopy procedures. They also perform bronchoscopy and other endoscopies. There are recent developments in mitigating endoscopy-associated infections. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections, which are resistant to multiple antibiotics, have been traced to duodenal endoscopy, cystoscopy, and ureteroscopy (Am J Infect Control 2016;44:1032-6). These cases had all followed standard disinfection protocols. The outbreaks were traced to difficulty sterilizing complex shapes or materials, such as the hinge of side-viewing duodenoscopes. As a result of these outbreaks, new sterilization standards have been published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) (ANSI/AAMI ST91:2021; asamonitor.pub/3DEYQnI). Additionally, the FDA and the CDC published new surveillance antimicrobial surveillance guidelines (asamonitor.pub/3Qgqiwq). The FDA recommends transitioning to fully disposable duodenoscopes (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;18:2108-2117) or using endoscopes with disposable components. This guidance includes developing schedules for routine inspection and... You do not currently have access to this content.

Optimization of <i>Durio zibethinus </i>(Durian) Fiber-Reinforced Composite as Automotive Skin Material

Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) was developed from Durio zibethinus (durian) husk using urea formaldehyde (UF) as a binder. The output will be applied as an automotive panel, realigning the conventional application of MDFs. Fiberboards were prepared at varying mixing ratios and pressing pressure to determine the optimal conditions. The fibers and optimized fiberboard were characterized in terms of surface morphology, elemental analysis, FT-IR analysis, and thermal stability. Moreover, the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard were also studied. Results showed that the fiberboard was optimized at a 1:4 fiber-to-resin ratio by mass and press pressure of 640 kPa. It has a density of 0.71 g/cm3, thickness swelling (TS) of 3.33%, water absorption (WA) of 62.44%, internal bond (IB) of 2.85 MPa, modulus of elasticity (MOE) of 3008.06 MPa, and modulus of rupture (MOR) of 22.25 MPa. These were compared against properties of commercial MDF based on American National Standards Institute (ANSI) specifications (0.5≤D≤1, TS≤15%, IB≥0.6 MPa, MOE≥2500 MPa, and MOR≥22 MPa). Based on the results, the optimized fiberboard demonstrated high potential for commercial application in the automotive industries.