Aspects Of Perception Research Articles

Identification and Assessment of Children with Special Needs in Regular Schools

This research aims to identify students with special needs, create their profiles, and design appropriate intervention programs. A qualitative method with a case study design was used with data collection instruments in the form of observation, documentation and interviews. Research subjects included school principals, teachers, regular students, children with special needs, and parents. The research was conducted in class IV of SDN Purwasari, Subang Regency, with a focus on identifying aspects of reading, writing and arithmetic. The results of the analysis show that one student, DI, has the lowest score in all three aspects. The next step is to prioritize the reading aspect because DI is not yet able to read. The reading assessment was carried out in three parts, and the results showed that DI still had difficulty answering questions or commands. Teachers are expected to design intervention programs on aspects of visual perception and phonological awareness before entering beginning reading material.

A STUDY ON EMPLOYEES PERCEPTION TOWARDS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION AT CHENNAI

This study delves into the vital aspect of employees' perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The objectives of this research are fivefold. The study examines the current awareness levels, perceived impact, barriers, and the extent of belief in DEI practices contributing to a positive work environment. This study considers the intricacies of survey instruments and questionnaires used to capture the nuances of employees' perceptions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The sample size is 225. The tools used for this study are non-parametric (U-Test, H-Test, Correlation and Chi- Square). The findings of this research will be of significant value to company, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices. The adopted descriptive research design Findings suggest varying levels of awareness and perception regarding DEI practices, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement within the organization. Recommendations for enhancing DEI are discussed based on the study's results. By identifying areas for improvement and providing actionable recommendations, this study intends to contribute to the company's efforts to create a more inclusive work environment, ultimately enhancing organizational performance and competitiveness. Key Words— Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Evaluation of patient anxiety level and patient decision-making in selecting dental services

This study aimed to assess the patient decision-making process regarding dental visits and evaluate patient perceptions in selecting dental services/clinics. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 624 patients attending the Dental Outpatient Department from February 2023 to March 2023. A questionnaire consisting of 15 questions covering various aspects of patient perception was administered to willing participants. Questions were framed in both English and vernacular languages, focusing on patient perspectives, expectations, decision-making, anxiety reduction, and suggestions for future dental practices. The study revealed key insights into patient behavior: 87% sought opinions from others regarding dental treatment, 50% visited the dentist only when a problem arose, and 51.5% relied on friends and peers for treatment information. Factors influencing clinic choice included proximity (41%), procedure quality (43.5%), and popularity (38%). Brand image (35.5%) and pricing (29%) were significant in purchasing dental products. Patient anxiety was reduced when procedures were explained thoroughly (57.5%) and restorations lasted long (34%). Recommendations for dental clinics were based on treatment quality (62%) and dentist honesty (45%).Understanding patient decision-making processes are vital for dental practitioners. Clear communication, quality care, and honesty are crucial in building patient trust and satisfaction. Dentists should address patient concerns honestly and provide assurances regarding treatment outcomes to meet patient expectations effectively.

INCLUSIVE TECHNIQUES OF COLOR HARMONIZATION OF THE INTERIOR SPACE OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS

The work, based on systematized theoretical and practical experience, defines the main inclusive techniques of color harmonization of the interior space of public buildings in the aspect of comfortable perception of the architectural environment by groups of the population with limited mobility and people with special needs: the technique of using contrasting colors, the technique of using a color coding system, the technique of using Braille and tactile elements, the technique of application of light signals, the technique of using neutral colors for the floor and walls, the technique of using audiovisual signals, the technique of providing touch accessibility, the technique of color indicators of doors and entrance area, the technique of color coding of infrastructure. During the study of inclusive techniques of harmonizing the internal space of public buildings, several aspects that need improvement were identified. The introduction of tactile and sound indicators, effective use of contrasts and a color scheme allowed to create an environment that takes into account the needs of people with visual impairments. For the further development of inclusive spaces, it is recommended to take into account the needs of the community and use the latest research methods. The integration of tactile and sound indicators, the development of multimodal information systems and the application of technological innovations are important elements of increasing the effectiveness of inclusive design.

The roots of legitimacy in ethnic-cultural festivals and their influence on residents’ loyalty: an analysis of two Brazilian Oktoberfests

PurposeLegitimacy is a classic theme, quite present in organisational studies in general, but in the field of tourism it still has room to advance. For that reason, this research seeks to delimit the concept of legitimacy and adapt it to the context of tourism events; and seeks to validate a measurement instrument that allows to evaluate of its recognition in the imagination of residents, and to evaluate the impacts of this construct on residents’ trust in the organisers of Brazilian Oktoberfest, on the negative externalities of those events and, ultimately, on the achievement of residents’ loyalty.Design/methodology/approachThe locus of the research are the cities of Blumenau, Santa Catarina and Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Catarina, both located in southern Brazil, whose residents answered an online questionnaire about the legitimacy of the Oktoberfest held there. A total of 365 valid questionnaires were collected, tabulated in statistical software and interpreted using exploratory-confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling.FindingsThe results show that festival legitimacy is a theoretical construct that can be measured as either a first-order or second-order factor, consisting of three factors, called moral legitimacy, pragmatic legitimacy and cognitive legitimacy.Originality/valueThis research provides a valid and reliable tool for assessing local residents' acceptance of ethno-cultural festivals. It also shows variations in the perception of legitimacy, demonstrating that this can influence other aspects of residents' perception of ethnocultural events.

Correlation of Orthognathic Surgical Movements to Perception of Facial Appearance in Patients With Cleft Lip and Palate.

Cephalometric scans were compared before and after surgery to assess the degree of correction. Correlations between skeletal movements and survey outcomes were determined using multivariate regression analysis. This study aims to identify relationships between subjective observer-reported improvements in esthetics and emotional appearance with specific surgical movements. Ten patients at a single tertiary institution (average age: 18.1 ± 0.8), 9 males and 1 female, underwent orthognathic repair and had comprehensive cephalometric records. Standardized anterior posterior and lateral pre and postoperative photographs of patients were included in a survey to clinicians to assess noncognitive domains on a Likert Scale (1-10). CLEFT-Q was administered to gauge patient satisfaction in categories of appearance, speech, and quality of life. Per clinicians, multiple domains increased including facial attractiveness (4.1 ± 0.7 versus 7.3 ± 0.7, P < 0.001), friendliness (4.5 ± 0.4 versus 7.3 ± 0.5, P < 0.001), confidence (4.1 ± 0.4 versus 7.1 ± 0.4, P < 0.001), and recommendation for surgery decreased (8.9 ± 0.1 versus 3.6 ± 0.5, P < 0.001). Speech distress decreased with increased SNA and convexity, whereas Psychological and Social scores decreased with an increased ANB. Functional eating and drinking scores increased with maxillary depth. Orthognathic surgery improves many noncognitive domains in patients with cleft lip and palate as assessed by both patients and clinicians on all aspects of facial attractiveness and perception. These findings demonstrate objective bases of skeletal adjustments for perceived improvements in facial appearance and emotion.

Visual Perception and Multimodal Control: A Novel Approach to Designing an Intelligent Badminton Serving Device

Addressing the current issue of limited control methods for badminton serving devices, this paper proposes a vision-based multimodal control system and method for badminton serving. The system integrates computer vision recognition technology with traditional control methods for badminton serving devices. By installing vision capture devices on the serving device, the system identifies various human body postures. Based on the content of posture information, corresponding control signals are sent to adjust parameters such as launch angle and speed, enabling multiple modes of serving. Firstly, the hardware design for the badminton serving device is presented, including the design of the actuator module through 3D modeling. Simultaneously, an embedded development board circuit is designed to meet the requirements of multimodal control. Secondly, in the aspect of visual perception for human body recognition, an improved BlazePose candidate region posture recognition algorithm is proposed based on existing posture recognition algorithms. Furthermore, mappings between posture information and hand information are established to facilitate parameter conversion for the serving device under different postures. Finally, extensive experiments validate the feasibility and stability of the developed system and method.

Exploring the Thalamus as a Target for Neuropathic Pain Management: An Integrative Review.

Neuropathic pain (NP), resulting from damage to the somatosensory system, is characterized by either spontaneous or evoked pain. In the context of NP, wherein aberrant signaling pathways contribute to the perception of pain, the thalamus emerges as a key player. This structure is integral to the pain networkthat includes connections to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord, highlighting its role in the affective-motivational aspects of pain perception. Given its significant involvement, the thalamus is targeted in advanced treatments such as thalamotomy and deep brain stimulation (DBS) when traditional therapies fail, emphasizing the need to understand its function in NP to improve management strategies. This review aimed to provide an overview of the role of the thalamus in the transmission of nociceptive information in NP by discussing the existing evidence, including the effectiveness and safety of current techniques in the management and treatment of NP. This is an integrative review involving the qualitative analysis of scientific articles published in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, andWeb of Science. A total of 687 articles were identified, and after selection, 15 articles were included in this study. All studies reviewed demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness of DBS and thalamotomy in alleviating painful symptoms, although the relief was often temporary. Many studies noted a reduction in pain perception at the conclusion of treatment compared to pre-treatment levels, with this decrease maintained throughout patient follow-ups. However, adverse events associated with these treatments were also reported. In conclusion, there are some benefits, albeit temporary, to using thalamotomy and DBS to alleviate the painful symptoms of NP. Both procedures are considered advanced forms of surgical intervention that aim to modulate pain pathways in the brain, providing significant relief for patients suffering from chronic pain resistant to conventional treatment. Despite limitations, these surgical interventions offer renewed hope for patients facing disabling chronic pain and can provide a significant improvement in quality of life.

No-Reference Image Quality Assessment Algorithm

The presented article focuses on the development of a local image quality assessment algorithm, specifically designed for analyzing contrast and overall visual data quality. The proposed algorithm aims to enhance the efficiency of image assessment, particularly in conditions of low contrast and the presence of various types of noise. The algorithm's methodology takes into account spectral ranges and provides precise local contrast assessment, making it applicable to a broad spectrum of tasks related to image analysis and enhancement. The developed approach has the potential to improve the quality of visual data by supporting crucial aspects of contrast perception and overall image quality.

Do rats (Rattus norvegicus) perceive octave equivalence, a critical human cross-cultural aspect of pitch perception?

Octave equivalence describes the perception that two notes separated by a doubling in frequency have a similar quality. In humans, octave equivalence is important to both music and language learning and is found cross-culturally. Cross-species studies comparing human and non-human animals can help illuminate the necessary pre-conditions to developing octave equivalence. Here, we tested whether rats (Rattus norvegicus) perceive octave equivalence using a standardized cross-species paradigm. This allowed us to disentangle concurring hypotheses regarding the evolutionary roots of this phenomenon. One hypothesis is that octave equivalence is directly connected to vocal learning, but this hypothesis is only partially supported by data. According to another hypothesis, the harmonic structure of mammalian vocalizations may be more important. If rats perceive octave equivalence, this would support the importance of vocal harmonic structure. If rats do not perceive octave equivalence, this would suggest that octave equivalence evolved independently in several mammalian clades due to a more complex interplay of different factors such as-but not exclusively-the ability to vocally learn. Evidence from our study suggests that rats do perceive octave equivalence, thereby suggesting that the harmonic vocal structure found in mammals may be a key pre-requisite for octave equivalence. Stage 1 approved protocol: the study reported here was originally accepted as a Registered Report and the study design was approved in Stage 1. We hereby confirm that the completed experiment(s) have been executed and analysed in the manner originally approved with any unforeseen changes in those approved methods and analyses clearly noted. The approved Stage 1 protocol can be found at: https://osf.io/gvf7c/?view_only=76dc1840f31c4f9ab59eb93cbadb98b7.

Neural correlates of tonal loudness, intensity discrimination, and duration discrimination.

A long-standing quest in audition concerns understanding relations between behavioral measures and neural representations of changes in sound intensity. Here, we examined relations between aspects of intensity perception and central neural responses within the inferior colliculus of unanesthetized rabbits (by averaging the population's spike count/level functions). We found parallels between the population's neural output and: (1) how loudness grows with intensity; (2) how loudness grows with duration; (3) how discrimination of intensity improves with increasing sound level; (4) findings that intensity discrimination does not depend on duration; and (5) findings that duration discrimination is a constant fraction of base duration.

Impact of Islamic-Based Services Provided by Lecturers and Staff on Students' Perceptions of Religiosity

This paper aims to determine the relationship between Islamic values of lecturers and academic staff towards student perceptions on religiosity. This paper established a regression equation model between the two and explained the importance of the Islamic values of lecturers and academic staff to improve student religious behavior and attitude. This study used a quantitative survey method in the form of a relationship survey. The total population was 3,194 students at one of the largest State Islamic Universities in Indonesia. The research sample was taken randomly. A sample of 750 respondents was obtained from four study programs. The instrument used was a questionnaire consisting of 24 statements using a Likert scale. The results of the study showed that the Islamic-based and the dimensional aspect (Islamic values) of lecturers and academic staff services, had a significant effects on student perceptions. The conclusion drawn was that the dimensions of the Islamic values of lecturers and academic staff had a significant effect on positive perception aspects. The implication of practice or policy is that policy makers are required to improve Islamic-based academic and non-academic services in order to change the character and increase the positive perspective of students.

Desensitised flood risk perception to extensive disasters in a marginalised urban kampong in Indonesia

ABSTRACT Worldwide, flood risk is on the rise. Simultaneously, the UNDRR fears that humanity’s risk perception is broken. Low-intensity, high-frequency extensive floods are cumulatively the most damaging phenomenon. However, risk perception in the context of extensive floods is widely under-researched. Indonesia is on the nexus of low-risk perceptions, extensive flood risk and poverty. Therefore, a socio-economically marginalised and frequently flooded urban kampong where residents appear to exhibit low levels of risk perception, serves as a case for this study. Data was gathered through five months of fieldwork in Pontianak, West-Kalimantan, consisting of participatory observations and semi-structured interviews. While studies often focus on subjective risk perception, this study includes the socio-cultural context, and aims to understand differentiated perspectives on extensive flood risk. Results show that extensive floods in Tambelan Sampit primarily lead to indirect losses. Furthermore, risk perception is strongly shaped by the extensive characteristics of floods and the socio-cultural context. While risk perception in the kampong is low, we propose that in this specific case the risk perception is desensitised rather than broken. Understanding risk perception as desensitised can add nuance to understandings of people’s experience of (extensive) disasters, explain their behaviour towards risk and potentially inform improved mitigation and adaptation policies. Highlights Risk perception is a context specific phenomenon informed by a blend of individual understandings and socio-cultural factors. Rather than considering risk perception as generally broken or biased, in the context of extensive disasters it is more accurate to characterise perception as ‘desensitized’. Awareness, worry and preparedness, as three interconnected aspects of risk perception, can all become desensitised in ways that together contribute to marginalised people being more vulnerable to negative impacts of flooding. Flood management requires appropriate attention to desensitised risk perceptions to effectively prioritise prevention and mitigation in extensive flood contexts.

Perceptual heterogeneity in developmental prosopagnosia is continuous, not categorical

Developmental prosopagnosia (DP) is associated with considerable perceptual heterogeneity, though the nature of this heterogeneity and whether there are discrete subgroups versus continuous deficits remains unclear. Bennetts et al. (2022) recently found that holistic versus featural processing deficits distinguished discrete DP subgroups, but their sample was relatively small (N = 37), and subgroups were defined using a single task. To characterize perceptual heterogeneity in DPs more comprehensively, we administered a broad face perception battery to a large sample of 109 DPs and 134 controls, including validated measures of face matching (Cambridge Face Perception Test – CFPT, Computerized Benton Facial Recognition Test, Same/Different Face Matching Task), holistic processing (Part-Whole Task), and feature processing (Georges Task and Part-Whole part trials). When examining face matching measures, DPs exhibited a similar distribution of performance as controls, though shifted towards impairment by an average of 1.4 SD. We next applied Bennetts (2022) hierarchical clustering approach and k-means clustering to the CFPT upright, inverted, and inversion index measures, similarly finding one group of DPs with poorer inverted face performance and another with a decreased face inversion effect (holistic processing). However, these subgroup differences failed to generalize to other measures of feature and holistic processing beyond the CFPT. We finally ran hierarchical and k-means cluster analyses on our larger battery of face matching, feature, and holistic processing measures. Results clearly showed subgroups with generally better versus worse performance across all measures, with the distinction between groups being somewhat arbitrary. Together, these findings support a continuous account of DP perceptual heterogeneity, with performance differing primarily across all aspects of face perception.

A short version of odor awareness scale (OAS-6)

People differ in their awareness of odors in the environment. This metacognitive ability can be measured with The Odor Awareness Scale (OAS). However, the OAS consists of 32 items what makes it difficult to use in research where awareness of odors is not the main variable of interest. This study introduces a shortened version of the OAS. Participants completed either the original OAS (n = 268, 72% women) or the shortened OAS-7 version comprising 7 items selected from the original scale (n = 220, 61% women). Based on the validation analyses, one item has been further deleted due to low factor loading. The obtained OAS-6 showed good psychometric properties as established with: confirmatory factor analysis fit indices (χ2 = 17.30, p = 0.044, CFI = 0.977, TLI = 0.962, RMSEA = 0.065, SRMR = 0.039), high reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.80, McDonald’s ω = 0.81), and temporal stability (test–retest correlation after 6 weeks: r = 0.89). The OAS and OAS-6 showed similar correlations with Individual Significance of Olfaction Questionnaire total score and subscales. On average, women scored higher on OAS-6 than men, mirroring the pattern observed in the OAS. In summary, OAS-6 proves to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing odor awareness. Its quick completion time (within 2 min) opens venues for its application in diverse studies exploring metacognitive aspects of olfactory perception, including investigations into the interplay between odorous environments and human health or in clinical research.

Not So Blue to be Sad: Affective Affordances and Expressive Properties in Affective Regulation

In our everyday interaction with the environment, we often perceive objects and spaces as opportunities to feel, maintain, enhance, and change our affective states and processes. The concept of affective affordance was coined to accommodate this aspect of ordinary perception and the many ways in which we rely on the material environment to regulate our emotions. One natural way to think of affective affordances in emotion regulation is to interpret them as tools for regulating felt affective states. We argue that this way of conceiving of affective affordances is too restrictive. By analyzing the role of expressive properties of objects and spaces in emotion regulation, we show that our environment does not need to elicit felt affective states to regulate our emotions. Thus, we revise the concept of affective affordance to accommodate these cases. This revised concept explains more with less. Hence, it should be preferred in wide-reaching philosophical projects that aim to explain human affectivity as a situated phenomenon.

Unraveling the effects of the Ebola experience on behavior choices during COVID-19 in Liberia: a mixed-methods study across successive outbreaks

BackgroundThe burden of the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of morbidity and mortality differentially affected populations. Between and within populations, behavior change was likewise heterogeneous. Factors influencing precautionary behavior adoption during COVID-19 have been associated with multidimensional aspects of risk perception; however, the influence of lived experiences during other recent outbreaks on behavior change during COVID-19 has been less studied.MethodsTo consider how the direct disease experience (“near misses”) and behavior change during the 2014–2016 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak may have impacted behavior change during the early waves of the COVID-19 outbreak in West Africa, we analyzed data from a mixed-methods study that included a phone-based survey and in-depth interviews among vaccinated Liberian adults. Logistic regression via generalized estimating equations with quasi-likelihood information criterion (QIC)-based model selection was conducted to evaluate the influence of the interaction between and individual effects of the outbreak (EVD and COVID-19) and the “near-miss” experience on adoption of individual precautionary behaviors. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts explored reasons for differential behavior adoption between the two outbreaks.ResultsAt the population level, being a “near miss” was not associated with significantly different behavior during COVID-19 versus Ebola; however, overall, people had lower odds of adopting precautionary behaviors during COVID-19 relative to during Ebola. Participants who report near miss experiences during Ebola were significantly more likely to report having a household member test positive for COVID-19 (p<0.001). Qualitatively, participants often reflected on themes around more proximal and personal experiences with Ebola than with COVID-19; they also commented on how EVD led to better preparedness at the systems level and within communities for how to behave during an outbreak, despite such awareness not necessarily translating into action during COVID-19.ConclusionsThe results suggest that perceived proximity and intensity to disease threats in space and time affect behavioral decisions. For successive disease threats, comparisons of the present outbreak to past outbreaks compound those effects, regardless of whether individuals were directly impacted via a “near-miss” experience. Measures, such as risk communication and community engagement efforts, that gauge and reflect comparisons with previous outbreaks should be considered in response strategies to enhance the adoption of precautionary behavior.

Differences in time-intensity sensory profiles of sweet taste intensity of glucose between older and young adults.

To understand age-related changes in sweet taste perception in daily life, it is important to understand taste intensity at the suprathreshold level. Previous studies have attempted to characterize the temporal aspects of human taste perception in terms of time-intensity evaluations. The perception of dynamic taste intensity in older adults increases slowly for salty taste; however, there have been no previous studies on time-intensity sensory evaluation of sweet taste in older adults. We hypothesized that older adults perceive sweet taste intensity more slowly than young adults. Fifty young and 40 older adults participated in the study and glucose solutions of 0.6 M and 1.5 M were used as stimuli. The study comprised two experiments: (1) a cup tasting test (static taste perception in the mouth), and (2) a time-intensity sensory evaluation, in which the solutions were presented using a custom-made delivery system. The intra-oral device was made to fit each participant's dentition. Further, the level of gag reflex was taken into consideration for each participant in the design of the intra-oral device. A suction tube was placed across the posterior tongue near the throat to remove solution and saliva. The solution delivery system was controlled by an original computer program. Older adults presented significantly different maximum intensity timing and slope for both concentrations compared with young adults (slope for 1.5 M, p < 0.01; others, p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the older and young adults for reaction timing and maximum intensity. We conclude that older adults perceived sweetness more slowly than young adults, and ultimately perceived almost the same intensity as young adults. This is the first reported characterization of the time-intensity profile of sweet taste intensity of glucose in older adults. Using a standardized system enabled us to assess and compare feedback on taste intensities among different age groups in real-time. Based on this, we recommend older adults "savor" to perceive sweet tastes at the same level experienced by young adults.

A Dynamic Marketplace for Distributing Anesthesia Call: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Anesthesiologists have a significant responsibility to provide care at all hours of the day, including nights, weekends, and holidays. This call burden carries a significant lifestyle constraint that can impact relationships, affect provider wellbeing, and has been associated with provider burnout. This quality improvement study analyzes the effects of a dynamic call marketplace, which allows anesthesiologists to specify how much call they would like to take across a spectrum of hypothetical compensation levels, from very low to very high. The system then determines the market equilibrium price such that every anesthesiologist gets exactly the amount of desired call. A retrospective analysis compared percentage participation in adjusting call burden both pre- and post-implementation of a dynamic marketplace during the years of 2017 to 2023. Additionally, a 2023 post-implementation survey was sent out assessing various aspects of anesthesiologist perception of the new system including work-life balance and job satisfaction. The dynamic call marketplace in this study enabled a more effective platform for adjusting call levels, as there was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of anesthesiologists participating in call exchanged during post- compared to pre-implementation (p < 0.0001). The satisfaction survey suggested agreement among anesthesiologists that the dynamic call marketplace positively affected professional satisfaction and work-life balance. Further, the level of agreement with these statements was most prevalent among middle career stage anesthesiologists (11-20 years as attending physician). The present system may target elements with the capacity to increase satisfaction, particularly among physicians most at risk of burnout within the anesthesia workforce.

The association between social/legal and perceptual aspects of ethnicity and ethnic bullying and victimization

ABSTRACT Controversial findings on the role of school ethnic diversity on ethnic bullying and victimization suggest the relevance of different categorizations of ethnicity in understanding this association. The present study aims to use an operationalization of both social/legal (i.e., citizenship status) and perceptual (i.e., others’ perception of diversity) aspects to analyse the impact of ethnic diversity on ethnic bullying and victimization, considering both individual and classroom-level associations. Participants were 960 students (52% girls; M = 15.19; SD = .60) from 58 first-year high school classrooms. Multilevel analyses showed that the lack of Italian citizenship appeared to be a risk factor for ethnic victimization on both individual and classroom levels, over and above the differences in students’ perceptions. No effects were found for ethnic bullying perpetration.