Appraisal Approach Research Articles

Common Property in Italy. Unresolved Issues and an Appraisal Approach: Towards a Definition of Environmental-Economic Civic Value

Common property represents a particularly topical and complex issue in Italy due to the widespread (10% of) Italian territory, with millions of buildings built on it and the lack of a clear legal status regarding their alienability and eliminability. Usually known as civic uses, these rights include various forms of collective enjoyment that are recognized by the Italian legal system, such as grazing; hunting; and the right to fell timber, gather firewood, and sow crops. A recent legislative initiative overcame the concept of “eliminating” civic use by introducing the concept of “exchange”, but the unique indication given by the law on how to operate the exchange established the equivalence of the environmental value of the land subject to exchange itself. In the present article, the characteristics of the environmental value or Environmental–Economic Civic Value of land subject to exchange are defined. Consequently, appropriate evaluation procedures/models that could be adopted for ascertaining the environmental value of areas encumbered by civic use that are to be exchanged are identified, considering the different territorial conditions of the presence of civic uses and land areas (land currently encumbered/the land to be encumbered) where an exchange can take place.

Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Evaluating Capital Budgeting Factors in Oman

Objective – This study aims to critically evaluate capital budgeting factors in Oman’s manufacturing sector using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. Methodology – One hundred and twelve managers participated in the pilot survey conducted in different parts of Muscat, Oman, from September 2020 to January 2021. The managers responded to questions set on a 5-Likert scale bordering on aspects of managerial and organisational attributes, the rationale for selecting specific capital budgeting techniques, the impediments to the use of advanced capital budgeting techniques (ACBTs), and the traction of non-financial, environmental, social, and governmental (ESG) factors. IBM SPSS v.23 and analysis of moment structure (AMOS) v.20, descriptive analysis, correlation, and multiple regressions were used. SEM was applied to determine the strength of the relationship between the latent capital budgeting variables tested in the model. Findings – The results show that the model has an acceptable fit that meets the recommended values. Specifically, the use of advanced capital budgeting methods (ACBMs) relative to financial and non-financial factors in the capital investment decision model is the most influencing path in this SEM model; The rest of the observed relationships are insignificant at a 5% significance level. Novelty – Using relatively more advanced capital budgeting approaches such as real options could significantly impact financial and non-financial factors, thereby opening the prospects for more integrated project appraisal approaches. Cash flow, net present value (NPV), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, top management role, and clarity of business policy are among the determinants of sustainable capital budgeting. This is perhaps the first study that has applied the SEM approach to generating more insights into capital budgeting factors than previous studies emphasizing the Omani non-oil sector. Type of Paper: Empirical JEL Classification: G11, G31 Keywords: Advanced capital budgeting methods (ACBMs); Confirmatory factor analysis; Exploratory factor analysis; Investment decisions; Oman, Real options; Structural equation modelling. Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Gordon, S.A. (2022). Structural Equation Modelling Approach to Evaluating Capital Budgeting Factors in Oman, J. Fin. Bank. Review, 7(2), 107 – 121. https://doi.org/10.35609/jfbr.2022.7.2(2)

Ethno-veterinary practice for the treatment of cattle diseases in the Eastern highlands of Nigeria

Background: Cattle rearing is the main means of livelihood for the Fulani people in the highlands of Gashaka Gumti National Park in Nigeria, however the remote location and inaccessible terrain prevent access to modern veterinary care. This puts both livestock and their keepers at risk. To survive, the inhabitants of this area rely on traditional methods to heal their animals. Regrettably, the Ethno-veterinary Medicine (EVM) knowledge in this region is jeopardized by the locals changing their preferences due to rapid socio-economic, environmental and technological changes taking place all over the world. Therefore, documenting the therapeutic knowledge of the medicinal plant is imperative to prevent it from being lost. Materials and Methods: We conducted repeated field surveys and data were collected from sixty community members using semi-structured questionnaires through participatory rural appraisal (PRA) and rapid rural appraisal (RRA) approach. Results: A total of eighty-eight (88) plant species belonging to 73 genera and 37 families, were recorded for the treatment of 24 cattle diseases. The most represented families were Fabaceae (17 species), and Asteraceae (7 species). Trees were the dominant plants recorded (49 species). Pterocarpus erinaceous was the most widely used therapeutic plant species. Leaves (27%) were the most widely used plant parts, followed by the whole plant (22%), stem bark (14%), and others. The most frequent route of medicinal administration was oral, followed by topical application. Out of the 24 ailments recorded, Bovine tuberculosis was the most reported ailments followed by Pneumonia. Conclusion: Together, these data show that the Fulani people in the study area have a vast knowledge of medicinal plants useful for effective treatment of cattle illness where traditional veterinary care is unavailable. It is pertinent to say that our study has made an important contribution towards the preservation of EVM knowledge of the study area. Therefore, subjecting the most utilized species to a phytochemical and pharmacological investigation is imperative for possible novel discovery and the production of cheap drugs. Keywords: Gashaka Gumti National Park, Chabbal Hendu, Afromontane, Fulani, Tuberculosis

Employee Performance Appraisal Process and Its Impact on Employee Satisfaction

Appraising employee performance can lead to improving employee engagement and satisfaction and eventually improves their work performance. In the present study, the impact of the employee performance appraisal process on employee satisfaction and business performance has been explored. It has been observed that appraising employee performance has a direct positive impact on job satisfaction and work performance, which eventually provides effective benefits to the organisation. A secondary qualitative data collection method has been followed in the study and reliable and valid data has been gathered from various journals, marketing websites and newspaper articles. The results have been illustrated by conducting a thematic analysis and the findings indicate that performance appraisal has been identified to be a vital approach for employees as well as business organisations. Additionally, several types of performance appraisal have been addressed and their potential impact on the workplace has been illustrated. These types include self-appraisal, the traditional approach of performance appraisal, upward appraisal, 360-degree reviews and performance appraisal of groups. An effective correlation between these performance appraisal processes and employee satisfaction has been observed along with evaluating its positive impact on the organisation. Thus, this study has provided efficient insights and details associated with the impact of the performance appraisal process on employee performance, satisfaction and business success. Keywords : Business Success, Employee Performance, Employee Satisfaction, Performance Appraisal Process

Experiences of pregnant people affected by natural disasters: a qualitative systematic review protocol.

This qualitative systematic review will identify, appraise, and synthesize existing qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of pregnant people during a natural disaster to gain a deeper understanding of the complex factors influencing their experiences. During natural disasters, pregnant people would benefit from health workers, including nurses, midwives, and other professionals, considering their needs and providing support to address complex factors, including family relationships, social support, and stress; however, little is known about the experiences of pregnant people during a natural disaster. This study is the first qualitative systematic review of the experiences of pregnant people during a disaster. This review will include studies that focus on pregnant people's experiences of living in a disaster area during a natural disaster. It will include both published and unpublished qualitative studies, with data collected through interviews and observations, in either English or Japanese. The databases and other sources to be searched include MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PsycINFO (in English); and CiNii and Ichushi-Web (in Japanese). Further, we will cross-check the reference lists of included studies with search outcomes to identify any additional studies suitable for analysis. The search for gray literature will be conducted using Google Scholar and ProQuest. We will use the recommended JBI approach for study selection, critical appraisal, data extraction, and data synthesis. PROSPERO CRD42021265326.

How do practitioners view Arctic shipping Routes? a cognitive appraisal approach

Companies obtain insight into experiences and expectations of stakeholders through social media (SM), where users openly express their opinions and feelings. Shipping companies also extensively use SM to engage stakeholders. Having better engagement is directly influenced by to what extent SM posts touch on the emotions and cognition of stakeholders. This study aims to identify the perspectives and sentiments of stakeholders on Arctic shipping routes (ASR) and to explain the emotional and cognitive standings of stakeholders about ASR. The results show that majority of practitioners are against ASR, and they position this issue as an environmental dilemma in their minds. Also, environmental considerations, companies’ behaviors & attitudes, and policy themes dominate practitioners’ minds. The current paper is the first that identifies the feelings and opinions of stakeholders towards ASR. The findings have the potential for shipping companies to clarify first their Arctic policies and second their SM-based engagement strategies.

EXPLORING HOTEL APPRAISAL DETERMINANTS AMID SALES TREND DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: USING A DANP-MV MODEL

In the current hotel sales trend due to COVID-19 pandemic, few empirical studies have discussed hotel appraisal determinants and prioritization in terms of operational efficiency. This paper presents an innovative approach for appraisal practice efficiency based on hotel appraisal approach and the multiple criteria decision making (MCDM). The DANPmV model is used to identify the determinants related to actual hotel appraisal practices, including the techniques of the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL), DEMATEL-based ANP (DANP), and modified VIKOR. The result of influential network relationship map (INRM) and the gaps of determinants to the aspiration level may contribute to improving hotel appraisal efficacy. In practice, the “discounted cash flow” becomes the most influential determinant (dimension) and the “market survey” is the most manageable one. More findings together with an action plan are presented and useful in the real world. Therefore, this innovative approach could help hotel appraisers and related parties, such as hospitality managers, investors, lenders, and decision makers, better manage the evaluation determinants of hotel appraisal efficacy.

Use and perception of ecosystem services on an urban river: a case from lower Gangatic plain, Eastern India.

Rapid urbanisation and climate change have emerged as serious threats to ecosystem services (ES), and the deterioration of ES is affecting the quality of life. The research on ES was long performed from monetary perspectives and neglected evaluation of ES from social perspectives. This study proposes a social appraisal approach for evaluating urban river ES on Mahananda River in English Bazar Urban Agglomeration (EBUA), Eastern India, through the social perception and preference (SPP) approach. SPP approach was performed using the importance-performance analysis (IPA) model and satisfaction index (SI). Mann-Whitney U test, correlation analysis, and a median regression were performed to better understand the overall scenario on the perception and preference for ES. The findings of the study showed that (i) the stakeholder residing along the left bank of the river were highly dependent on provisioning ES; (ii) there was limited access to cultural ES provided by the river; (iii) the stakeholders residing along the left bank and slum stakeholders residing along the right bank of the river were more dependent on rive ES; (iv) relatively higher discrepancy was reported from recreation, aesthetic, and bio-diversity; (v) satisfaction level on ES was relatively low to the stakeholder residing along the left bank (50%); and (vi) as per improvement index (II), recreation, aesthetic value, bio-diversity, and purification of water must be prioritised to meet the societal needs. Thus, the study's findings can be very effective in implementing actions for sustainable holistic river ES management through the SPP approach.

Farmers’ Perceptions on Drought, Low Soil Fertility, Coping Strategies and Preferred Traits of Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in Balaka District of Malawi

Background: Bean is an important nutritious food and cash crop. Bean productivity is low mostly due to various abiotic, biotic and socio-economic constraints. The aims of this study were to assess constraints to high bean seed yield productivity, determine farmers’ perceptions on drought and low soil fertility, strategies farmers are practicing to adapt to the constraints and preferred bean traits. Methods: A Participatory rural appraisal approach was applied by administering a questionnaire to 139 household representatives from Bazale, Phalula and Utale areas in 2017. Result: Farmers (68.4%) cultivated beans under irrigation in winter (dry) season and most of them practiced sole cropping. Constraints to high bean seed yield productivity include drought and low soil fertility (31.7%) and deforestation (81.3%) contributed a lot. Farmers (44.6%) implemented afforestation, 32.4% grew early maturing bean varieties, while 20.9% practiced conservation agriculture. Farmers were not involved in variety development as indicated by 91.4% of the respondents. However, farmers preferred determinate plant type (95.7%), creamy taste (61.2%) and high number of pods per plant (47.4%). These farmers’ preferred traits need to be considered in the ongoing bean improvement program(s) to increase adoption rate of improved varieties.

EDUKASI PENCEGAHAN, PENANGANAN COVID-19, DAN PEMAHAMAN PEMANFAATAN VAKSINASI BAGI WARGA DESA LINGGA SIRNA KECAMATAN SARIWANGI KABUPATEN TASIKMALAYA

The lack of public awareness in implementing Health protocols in the prevention and handling of Covid-19 is the reason for providing education or knowledge of citizens on the importance of maintaining health protocols. The objectives of this community service program are 1) to increase public knowledge and provide correct information on how to prevent and handle Covid-19, 2) to help realize government programs so that they can run the Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS) and Healthy Living Community Movement (PHBS) program. GERMAS) which is programmed by the government such as washing hands in running water, using hand sanitizer, using mouth masks, maintaining distance, 3) assisting the government in disseminating correct information about how to prevent and handle COVID-19 through mass media, both print media such as brochures. / leaflets and electronically through social media, 4) increase the sense of security and comfort for the community to carry out activities outside the home such as worshiping in public places and other activities, because disinfectants have been sprayed regularly in certain places, 5) assisting the government in implement a vaccination program mass by providing correct information and knowledge about the vaccination program as a preventive effort to prevent and handle covid-19 and 6) the realization of people who are aware of the importance of maintaining health. The method of activities carried out is using the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) approach, Observation, Focus group discussion (FGD) approach, counseling, mentoring/monitoring, providing follow-up and program evaluation. The results of this activity showed a very positive response from the residents of the Linggasirna Community, Sariwangi District, Tasikmalaya Regency with this activity, we even received a report from the village head that more than 60% of residents who had vaccinated so far had only 15% of the total population. inhabitant. The outputs of this activity are: 1) publication in local print mass media, and 2) producing scientific publication articles published in accredited National Journals with ISSN.

Sosialisasi Pilah Sampah dari Rumah (PILSADAR) di Rukun Tetangga (RT) 06 Lingkungan Sembalun Perumahan Lingkar Permai Kota Mataram

The purpose of this service is to provide understanding and awareness to the residents of the Neighborhood Rukun Tetangga (RT) 06 in Sembalun Environment, Lingkar Permai Housing, Mataram City about waste management and processing through the Sorting Garbage from Home (PILSADAR) program. Partners in this activity are residents of the Neighborhood Association (RT) 06 Sembalun neighborhood, Lingkar Permai Housing, Mataram City, totaling 20 residents. The implementation of the service uses the Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) approach with the stages of activities, namely: 1) planning; 2) implementation; and 3) evaluation. The results of these activities have had a positive impact on increasing public understanding and awareness of the community participation-based waste management paradigm through the PILSADAR program. Socialization activities need to be continued with training activities on waste management, both organic and inorganic so that people can manage their own waste from home.

Pilot study to evaluate a novel measure of self-perceived competencies among dental students

BackgroundPRISM is a novel approach to support self-reflection and learning appraisal in dental students, based on a visual metaphor. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether PRISM measurments would be reproducible and sensitive to detect learning progress in undergraduate dental students in their clinical years.MethodsVoluntarily participating dental students were included. To evaluate reproducibility, a mixed cohort of 10 students each in 3rd, 4th and 5th year (total n = 30) was recruited and received three identically structured PRISM interviews within one week without any other teaching events. To assess perceived learning progress, 29 volunteer 3rd year students participated in three interviews during their clinical simulation course (beginning, middle, end). Distances between Subject and Objects was measured in millimeter; objects were classified into close or branched clusters depending on their distance from each other on the PRISM board.ResultsValues for perceived competencies within PRISM interviews during one week were comparable between the three time points in the mixed cohort (n = 30; p > 0.05). Comparing the three subgroups (3rd, 4th and 5th year, each n = 10), PRISM indicated that 3rd year students perceived their competencies are significantly lower than the 4th and 5th year students (p < 0.01). 3rd year students had less often a branched cluster of objects than the other two groups (p < 0.05).PRISM showed that over time, 3rd year students perceived a gain in their competencies in conservative dentistry and its sub-disciplines (p ≤ 0.01). The PRISM data indicated that by the end of the simulation course, the students appeared to show higher discrimination of their self-perceptions between sub-topics in conservative dentistry than at the start of the course (p = 0.01).ConclusionPRISM yields a reproducible measure of individual students' learning progress. It is a promising novel approach for appraisal in dental education. Further work is needed to confirm the generalisability of the findings.

Pengembangan Budidaya Tanaman Sayuran dengan Sistem Hidroponik sebagai Atraksi Wisata di Destinasi Wisata Muara Selayar Desa Pijot

Pijot Village has very important marine tourism potential, because it is the closest gateway to enter the Pink Beach tourist areas and 27 Gili through the waters. This potential increases with the operation of the Mandalika International Circuit, because Pijot Village as one of the Buffer Villages has an important role to support tourism development on the island of Lombok. One of the tourist areas that can be developed in Pijot Village is the Ar Muara Selayar tourist area. However, the tourism potential of the village is still not well organized, not sustainable, and still partial. Muara Selayar area is a coastal area, where horticultural plants cannot grow properly due to the type of soil and high demand for fresh water. Meanwhile, one of the obstacles in this area is the lack of fresh water supply. For this reason, the development of hydroponics is a solution to these problems. The development of vegetable cultivation with a hydroponic system can have two functions, namely meeting the need for fresh vegetables for the needs of the community and tourist areas and at the same time becoming an attractive tourist attraction. Where tourists can pick the desired vegetables themselves and buy from the community or also meet the needs of culinary processing in this tourist area. This service activity aims to provide training and assistance in the development of vegetable cultivation with a hydroponic system. To achieve this target, a Participatory Rural Appraisal approach is used which emphasizes community involvement in all activities starting from planning, implementing and evaluating programs. This activity is divided into three, namely: 1) socialization on the establishment and management of tourist destinations and attractions; 2) demonstration plot for developing vegetable cultivation with a hydroponic system; and 3) assistance in managing the Muara Selayar Tourism destination in Pijot Village. This activity was carried out in partnership with two target groups, namely Pokdarwis and the Pijot Village PKK Group. The result of this activity is the formation of a PKK group that is able to maintain hydroponic vegetable plants to serve as a food source, as well as make it a tourist attraction. After doing this activity the target group is able to meet their daily vegetable needs continuously.

Conflict Variety and the Facilitation Role of Forest Managemen Unit (FMU) on Resolution of Tenurial Conflict

In this study, tenure conflict is interpreted as various forms of claims related to mastery, management, utilization, and land use at FMU areas of Dampelas Tinombo. In this context, the FMU will be directly and responsibly involved in addressing disputes in its territory. This research aims to identify and analyze the variety of land-use conflicts and how the role of FMU in resolving conflict resolution in its managed areas. This study was conducted in 2020 at FMU of Dampelas Tinombo using the Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RA-TA) method. Data collection techniques with a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) approach through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study sample was established by purposive sampling. The results showed that the variety of conflicts in FMU was land clearing, threats of illegal logging activities, and low public trust in programs derived from FMU. The role of KPH is needed in the resolution of tenure conflicts, significantly facilitating in optimizing collaborative management of forest resources and reducing the implementation of social forestry in the form of empowerment schemes and forestry partnerships.

The Sustainability and Development Strategy of a Cattle Feed Bank: A Case Study

One of the Indonesian government’s policies to achieve national beef self-sufficiency is the 1000 beef village program. The program was piloted in many cattle-farming centers involving the operation of a feed bank to supply animal feed to tackle the challenge of feed limitation during the dry season. This study evaluates the sustainability status of an ongoing feed bank program and its development strategy based on the current progress of a feed bank used to serve five groups of farmers. Ninety sustainability attributes were derived based on six dimensions. The attributes were compiled from the primary data collected using a questionnaire. Expert opinions from practitioners were also considered in evaluating the attributes. The feed bank’s sustainability status and development strategy were determined using the multi-dimensional scaling method with the rapid appraisal approach. It was found that the overall sustainability status of the feed bank was less sustainable, with an overall score of 49.55. The individual dimensions of (A) policy and government support, (B) raw material, (C) facilities and infrastructure, (D) feed bank management, (D) human resource management, (E) price, production, and (F) distribution systems posed sustainability scores of 48.48, 60.33, 48.57, 47.89, 48.76, and 44.64, respectively. Among the 90 predefined attributes, 21 were identified as highly sensitive through both the root mean square and expert opinion. Those attributes led to five main recommended development strategies: (1) strengthening the institution, (2) intensifying training, (3) increasing human resources (4) partnership developments, and (5) increasing the role of multi-stakeholders.

Conflict Variety and the Facilitation Role of Forest Managemen Unit (FMU) on Resolution of Tenurial Conflict

In this study, tenure conflict is interpreted as various forms of claims related to mastery, management, utilization, and land use at FMU areas of Dampelas Tinombo. In this context, the FMU will be directly and responsibly involved in addressing disputes in its territory. This research aims to identify and analyze the variety of land-use conflicts and how the role of FMU in resolving conflict resolution in its managed areas. This study was conducted in 2020 at FMU of Dampelas Tinombo using the Rapid Land Tenure Assessment (RA-TA) method. Data collection techniques with a Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) approach through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The study sample was established by purposive sampling. The results showed that the variety of conflicts in FMU was land clearing, threats of illegal logging activities, and low public trust in programs derived from FMU. The role of KPH is needed in the resolution of tenure conflicts, significantly facilitating in optimizing collaborative management of forest resources and reducing the implementation of social forestry in the form of empowerment schemes and forestry partnerships.

Identifikasi Potensi Wilayah untuk Mendukung Program Penyuluhan Pertanian di Kecamatan Jumo, Kabupaten Temanggung, Provinsi Jawa Tengah

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Temanggung Regency has 20 sub-districts and many excellent potentials, including rice, robusta coffee, sugar palm, vanilla and cloves. This substantial potential for development to increase business efficiency, productivity, income and welfare through farming, likewise with agricultural extension activities which are the spearhead of the learning process to improve the welfare of farmers. It is necessary to identify potential areas in extension activities to develop effective and targeted extension programs. For this reason, this study aims to identify the potential of agricultural commodities in Jumo Sub-district, Temanggung Regency using a participatory rural appraisal approach can facilitate the exchange of information between stakeholders to work together in planning the right program. In addition, through location quation (LQ) analysis, it is found that the potential agricultural commodity in Jumo Sub-district is rice for the food crop subsector. In the plantation subsector, there is robusta coffee. It is hoped that the superior commodities of Jumo Sub-district can be further improved by maximizing farming business and can be a reference in making extension programs in Jumo Sub-district, Temanggung Regency.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Explicating Martin Heidegger's "Dasein" as being-in-the-world

In a bid to carry out the philosophical analysis of man, Heidegger employed the term "dasein" which is in line with his characteristic philosophical system. Meanwhile, Heidegger invented various terminologies in his existential analysis of human existence. The human existence posited for him two possible modes of existence: authentic and inauthentic modes of existence. In authentic existence, man fully attained consciousness of the self which leads to self-realization and eventual self-actualization and fulfillment. On the contrary, inauthentic existence cripples an individual person within the ambiance of "they" and the individual's ownmost potentiality-for-being remains in the "they". Nevertheless, Heidegger postulates that although man is thrown into the world with all its facticity and limitations, yet he has all the possibilities of attaining an authentic existence or decides to remain in inauthenticity of existence. The writer primarily focuses on the methodological approach of philosophical appraisal as a necessary measure to perfect objective of the study. The researcher finally comes to a conclusion that man is a being in the world in the midst of unavoidable limitations and facticity.

Rethinking underground land value and pricing: A sustainability perspective

Urban underground space (UUS) use is indispensable to urbanization, thereby deserving a delicate disposal as a critical component of urban land administration. Considered an important instrument for modern land administration, however, the existing underground land value appraisal and land pricing approaches lack deliberations in the external socio-environmental effects of underground land development, thus are likely to fail to guarantee urban sustainability. With the objective of addressing such deficiencies, this paper expands the understanding of underground space into the scope of resource assets, presents some deeper reflections on underground land value and land pricing from the urban sustainability perspective, and ultimately sets up a sustainability oriented underground land pricing mechanism that incorporates external benefits, external costs and business revenues. Based on the authors’ previous works on the visualization and spatial analysis of socio-environmental externalities of UUS uses, a GIS aided case study is employed to illustrate the applicability of the proposed underground land pricing mechanism. It is hoped that the findings of this study will assist underground land administration in improving the stakeholders’ perceptions toward the value of underground land and in facilitating more reasonable underground land governing policies and pricing instruments in favor of urban sustainability.

Association between angiotensin I converting enzyme gene polymorphisms and risk of autism in Iranian population

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompasses a group of neurodevelopmental disorders that are described by substantial complications in social, interactive, and behavioral functions. MethodsIn the current study, we have used a candidate gene approach for appraisal of association between polymorphisms within angiotensin I converting enzyme (ACE) gene and risk of ASD. Tetra-primer amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMS)-PCR method was used for identification of rs4359 genotypes. The rs1799752 (I/D) genotypes were defined using two rounds of PCR and electrophoresis. ResultsThe differences in allele distribution of both rs4359 and rs1799752 in the ASD patients versus controls was significant (P = 0.016 and P = 0.0004 by Pearson chi-square test from 2 × 2 contingency tables for allele distribution of rs4359 (T vs. C) and rs1799752 (D vs. I), respectively). The differences in allele distribution was also calculated at gender level between ASD patients and controls by chi-square test. There was no significant difference between female patients and female controls for rs4359 alleles (P = 0.07); moreover, the comparison of allele distribution for rs4359 was not significant for male patients compared with male controls (P = 0.145). The rs4359 was associated with risk of ASD in co-dominant model (TT vs. CC: OR (95% CI) = 1.239 (1.051–1.46), P value = 0.01; TC vs. CC: OR (95% CI) = 1.337 (1.076–1.661), P value = 0.0009). This SNP was associated with ASD in dominant model as well (TT + TC vs. CC: OR (95% CI) = 1.571 (1.154–2.14), P value = 0.004). Moreover, rs1799752 was associated with ASD in all assessed inheritance models (P values = 1.9E-28, 0.000005, 4.6E-18, 1.6E-8 and 3.2E-34 for co-dominant (II vs. DD), co-dominant (ID vs. DD), dominant, recessive and over-dominant models. ConclusionCumulatively, ACE gene might be regarded as a risk locus for ASD in Iranian population.