Assessment Criteria Research Articles

Validation and reliability of a visualization and relaxation exercise program for enhancing speed climbing performance

Introduction and Objective: This study aimed to design, validate, and evaluate the reliability of a visualization and relaxation exercise program to improve speed climbing performance. While it may seem less popular, these techniques are crucial for creating more focus in the mind, decreasing anxiety, and improving motor skills in high-intensity sports. Methodology: In this research, a mixed-method research design was used with 30 athletes aged 18 – 35 from Yogyakarta state with a minimum of two years of climbing experience. Expert evaluations, observer training, and reliability testing were used in the validation process. Movement skill, power, balance, speed, timing, and tactical acumen are the criteria for assessment. Results: Aiken's V index scores (≥ 0.86) confirmed that the research instrument has content validity with strong agreement between the experts. High consistency was also reflected by observer reliability metrics, such as Cohen’s Kappa (≥ 0.86) and Kendall’s Tau B. The generalizability analysis of the instrument reinforced its accuracy and precision in measuring program impact. Conclusions: The manufactured program gives coaches and researchers a way of structuring mental training to improve speed climbing performance in a reliable framework. Its robust nature facilitates reliable measurement of athletes’ technical, tactical, and psychological attributes and, thus, the development of more effective training interventions. Additional research suggests utilizing this tool with diverse, larger populations and expanding the application to other precision-based sports.

View Quality Assessments: A Pilot Study of Field Methods

ABSTRACT This paper describes findings from a workshop during which participants evaluated a series of window views. An explorative approach was applied to identify issues and testing methods useful in daylight research. The participants visited nine rooms with views of varied content, complexity, and viewing distance under the overcast sky. Participants used surveys with quantitative and qualitative questions, hand drawings, illuminance measurements, and photography to appraise the view quality. Subsequently, daylight simulations and neurocognitive tests have been carried out in two rooms with “bad” and “good” views. Multi-directional views were valued more than narrow or single-directional views. The cognitive testing showed numerical differences in several measures and a significant correlation between the difference scores for sadness and the difference scores for Trail Making Test-B across two rooms. The study identified that buildings of historical value, a presence of greenery, colored building facades, or a presence of people (content) contribute to a positive assessment of the view but are not included in the assessment criteria.

Transformation and articulation of clinical data to understand students’ clinical reasoning: a scoping review

BackgroundDespite the importance of effective educational strategies to promote the transformation and articulation of clinical data while teaching and learning clinical reasoning, unanswered questions remain. Understanding how these cognitive operations can be observed and assessed is crucial, particularly considering the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and its integration into health education. A scoping review was conducted to map the literature regarding educational strategies to support transformation and articulation of clinical data, the learning tasks expected of students when exposed to these strategies and methods used to assess individuals’ proficiencyMethodsBased on the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, the authors searched 5 databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses electronic database and Google Scholar. The data were synthesized narratively using descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 38 articles were included in the final synthesis. Most studies were conducted in North America and Europe (n = 30, 79%) focused primarily on medical students (n = 35, 92%) and mainly used observational (n = 17, 45%) or methodological (n = 8, 21%) designs. Various educational strategies were identified, the most common were resolution of written or computerized case-based scenarios (n = 13; 52%) and simulated or real patient encounters (n = 6; 24%). The learning tasks comprised, among others, identifying key findings, translating clinical information, synthesizing cases aloud, and writing a summary statement. Furthermore, the review included assessment methods and rubrics with assessment criteria for clinical data transformation and articulation. The narrative synthesis shows positive results when integrating various educational strategies within clinical reasoning curricula compared to a single strategy used episodically.Limitations and conclusionsThe varying objectives, diversity of educational strategies documented, and heterogeneity of the evaluation tools or rubrics limit our conclusions. However, insights gained will help educators develop effective approaches for teaching clinical reasoning. Additional research is needed to evaluate the impacts of educational strategies aimed at developing skills for the transformation and articulation of clinical data.Clinical trial numberNot applicable.

What does a good one look like?: exploring what makes high quality creative writing with GCSE English students through comparative judgement as a form of peer assessment

ABSTRACT This paper addresses the question of how classroom-based peer assessment practices can be improved in relation to student interpretations of subjective assessment criteria. To achieve this, this research study considers the possible pedagogic benefits and implications of using a comparative judgement (CJ) approach to the peer assessment of GCSE English students’ creative writing. The study was conducted through a series of workshops in which students acted as peer assessors and made decisions on what constituted good-quality creative writing. Students then participated in interviews that gave insight into their assessment decisions. Findings suggest that students draw on internalised quality markers that exist in tacit form when peer-assessing through comparative judgement and that a collaborative and dialogic approach to the understanding and sharing of these is crucial if high quality learning through peer assessment is to be fostered and maintained.

Unpacking teacher beliefs on feedback: shaping multifaceted teacher feedback literacy

Although the importance of teacher feedback literacy in enhancing student feedback literacy is recognized, the influence of teacher beliefs on teacher feedback literacy at the classroom level remains uncertain. This study aimed to address this issue by examining twenty-two educators’ beliefs in Hong Kong universities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Thematic analysis revealed four distinct patterns of teacher beliefs: knowledge-oriented, social learning, relationship-building, and technology-mediated feedback beliefs. Teachers with a knowledge-oriented approach position themselves as authoritative figures, emphasizing their expertise and focusing on evaluating students’ performance based on assessment criteria. Those endorsing social learning feedback beliefs highlight the collaborative efforts of peers in enhancing feedback literacy through discussions and reviews. Educators with relationship-building feedback beliefs prioritize supportive interpersonal relationships to alleviate learner anxiety through teacher–student conferences. Lastly, teachers with technology-mediated feedback beliefs leverage technology for efficient feedback exchanges and promote AI tools for evaluating student drafts. While these belief patterns are distinct, each participant holds at least two feedback belief patterns, prioritizing one set over the others. The implications of these findings for teacher development in feedback literacy are discussed.

Treatment of unstable pelvic fractures with double INFIX

BackgroundThis study investigated the clinical efficacy of Double INFIX for the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of 23 patients with unstable pelvic fractures treated using the Double INFIX minimally invasive technique. The cohort included five cases of Tile B1 type, eight cases of B2 type, six cases of B3 type, three cases of C1 type and one case of type C2. Pre- and postoperative evaluations included standardised pelvic serial films and three-dimensional CT scans. Key observational indicators were fracture reduction quality (assessed using Matta’s criteria), fracture healing, functional recovery (evaluated with the Majeed function assessment criteria), and incidence of complications.ResultsThe mean follow-up duration was 24.48 ± 1.78 months. The average fracture healing time was 4.00 ± 1.41 months, and the average time for removal of fixation was 7.43 ± 1.75 months. Repeat imaging at 12 months postoperatively using Matta’s criteria showed eight cases with excellent results (52.17%), 13 cases with good results (34.78%), three cases with fair results (13.04%), and no cases with poor results. The combined excellent and good rate was 86.96%, whereas the fair rate was 13.04%. The average Majeed hip joint function score at the final follow-up was 95.04 ± 1.72. Postoperative complications included meralgia paresthetica in two cases (8.7%) and sacrococcygeal discomfort in three patients when lying flat.ConclusionDouble INFIX is a minimally invasive treatment technique with adequate clinical efficacy for managing unstable pelvic fractures.

How to: correctly read scientific articles : Research design and methodology

Criteria for assessment of the significance of scientific articles are presented. The focus is on research design and methodology, illustrated by the classical study on prehospital volume treatment of severely injured individuals with penetrating torso injuries by Bickell etal. (1994). Awell-thought out research design is crucial for the success of ascientific study and is documented in astudy protocol beforehand. Ahypothesis is aprovisional explanation or prediction and must be testable, falsifiable, precise, and relevant. There are various types of randomization methods, with the randomized controlled trial being the gold standard for clinical interventional studies. When reading ascientific article it is important to verify whether the research design and setting align with the research question and whether potential sources of error have been considered and controlled. Critical scrutiny should also be applied to references, the funding and expertise of the researchers.

Nutritional Status of Patients with Neoplasms Undergoing Ambulatory Chemotherapy and Associated Factors.

Cancer, a leading cause of mortality globally and in Brazil, is influenced by environmental and behavioral factors, often linked to nutritional deficiencies such as low body mass index and muscle wasting, exacerbating prognostic outcomes and mortality rates. Timely nutritional interventions during chemotherapy are pivotal, necessitating continuous nutritional assessment for effective patient care management. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status of non-metastatic cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and identify factors influencing their nutritional status. Patient evaluation involved sociodemographic data, clinical profiles, anthropometric measurements, blood biochemical analyses, and nutritional status classification employing the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment (PG-SGA) criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using R software. Suspected malnutrition was identified in 5.81% of patients, with a significant association observed with gender, indicating a higher prevalence among men. Cancer stages II and III, along with a positive family history, correlated with heightened risk of malnutrition. Patients with suspected malnutrition exhibited older age, lower weight, body mass index (BMI), and reduced circumferences, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive nutritional assessment for optimized patient management during treatment. This study underscores a notable prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among patients with lower weight and BMI, affirming the reliability of PG-SGA criteria.

A machine learning based variable selection algorithm for binary classification of perinatal mortality.

The identification of significant predictors with higher model performance is the key objective in classification domain. A machine learning-based variable selection technique termed as CARS-Logistic model is proposed by coupling competitive adaptive re-weighted sampling(CARS) and logistic regression for binary classification. Based on five assessment criteria, the proposed method is found to be more efficient than Forward selection logistic regression model. The CARS-Logistic model is executed to determine the significant factors of perinatal mortality in Pakistan. The identified hazards communicated social, cultural, financial, and health-related characteristics which contain key information about perinatal mortality in Pakistan for policymakers.

Modeling of the qualitative state of oilseeds from soybean seeds by multifactorial analysis of factor areas

The production of oil products in Ukraine is a leader not only in the European but also in the world market of food and processing industry products, therefore, the priority areas of scientific research in this field are the effective assessment of the quality of the oil obtained. Existing methods for assessing this product by organoleptic characteristics are subjective and do not allow the use of parameters that require more complex measurement technologies; which in general makes it impossible to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the quality of the studied product. The purpose of this study was to develop and implement a mathematical modeling method for numerical analysis of the quality of soybean oil product varieties. Qualitative assessment of the studied oil varieties was carried out using such indicators as the mass fraction of fat, peroxide, and acid number; content of free fatty acids, phosphatides, moisture, and impurities; it allowed to perform a numerical analysis using dimensionless complexes regarding the condition of the studied oil product varieties and compliance with regulatory indicators. When processing experimental data and calculating the developed quality criteria, programming methods, Excel, and COMPASS mathematical environments were used, which allowed the construction of geometric quality models and the necessary assessment criteria. According to the results of the research, it turned out that the characteristics of the studied varieties "OAS Avatar", "ES Mentor", "Sigalia", "ES Mentor" and "Gallek" do not meet the requirements for compliance with the quality thresholds by 160 - 220%, however, their current characteristics, which were selected for assessment, are within the average normative indicators. The proposed mathematical models can be implemented for practical application in assessing the condition of any complex object of research using an unlimited number of characteristics. At the same time, the main requirements for these parameters are their breadth of coverage of the physical, mechanical, and chemical-biological properties of the product and the ability to provide an objective and thorough assessment of its condition.

Views and opinions of the general public about the reimbursement of expensive medicines in the Netherlands.

Solidarity-based healthcare systems are being challenged by the incremental costs of new and expensive medicines for cancer and rare diseases. To regulate reimbursement of such drugs, the Dutch government introduced a policy instrument known as the Coverage Lock (CL) in 2015. Little is known about the public opinion regarding such policy instruments and their consequences, i.e., reimbursement of some, but not all, expensive medicines. We aimed to identify the preferences of Dutch citizens regarding the reimbursement of expensive medicines, and to investigate the views of the public on the use of the CL as a healthcare policy instrument and their input for improvement. Web-based survey of a representative sample of 1999 Dutch citizens aged 18 years and older (panel of research company Kantar Public). Potential respondents were approached via e-mail. Several policy measures, real-life cases and statements related to the CL were presented in the survey to respondents. Their responses were analysed by tabulating descriptive statistics (proportions and percentages). 1179 individuals (response rate 59%) filled in the questionnaire. Although a majority considered the CL policy unjustified, they preferred it to the alternative policy measures that were presented. In four real-life case descriptions of patients in need of expensive medicines, respondents most often indicated effectiveness, lack of availability of alternative treatment and improved quality of life due to treatment as reasons for a positive reimbursement decision. An unfavourable cost-benefit ratio was their main reason to be against reimbursement. Some argued that withholding reimbursement was a way of informing manufacturers that extremely high prices are unacceptable. There is public support for patients in need of expensive medicine. Many respondents supported the CL as a reimbursement policy. However, there is a wish to optimize the interpretation of the assessment criteria and the weight these are attributed in decision making about reimbursement of expensive innovative medicine for patients.

The Process of Translation and Cross-Cultural Adaptation of Functional Assessment Tools for Dementia: A Systematized Review.

A decline in function related to impairment in cognitive abilities is required for diagnosing dementia. Cultural diversity influences everyday functioning, suggesting that functional assessment tools need to be culturally dependent. Therefore, this systematized review aimed to explore the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of functional assessment tools designed to support dementia diagnosis. A systematic search of five electronic databases (CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, PsycINFO) was conducted from inception until September 2023. Quality assessment criteria were then utilized to evaluate the process of cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of identified functional assessment tools. Fifteen studies relating to adapted functional assessment tools in 11 languages were identified. It was found that less than half of these studies fully adhered to established guidelines for the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of instruments. Regarding psychometric properties, while the internal consistency and reliability of included measures were generally strong, there was variability in evaluating other psychometric properties, notably structural validity, measurement error, and cross-cultural validity. This review underscores the need for researchers and clinicians to follow standardized guidelines for translating and cross-culturally adapting functional assessment tools for dementia and ensuring the comprehensive evaluation of psychometric properties in cross-cultural settings. Researchers and clinicians should consider whether the psychometric properties and characteristics of an adapted functional activity measure are suitable for use in their population of interest.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Antibiotic Usage: Establishing a Foundation for Effective Antimicrobial Stewardship

Background: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a significant area of antibiotic use, accounting for a substantial proportion of the overall antibiotic consumption. The inappropriate use of antibiotics in such settings has a notable impact on the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. Objective: This study evaluated the rationality of antibiotic use in the ICU of RSUD Abdul Moeloek Hospital in Lampung Province. Methods: This study was conducted between December 2022 and February 2023 using a prospective method and purposive sampling. An evaluation was conducted using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical/Defined Daily Dose (ATC/DDD) system for quantitative analysis and Gyssens criteria for qualitative assessment. The research subjects comprised 55 individuals, the majority of whom were male (58.2%), aged > 65 years (29.1%), remained in the ICU for less than seven days (78.2%), and subsequently continued their treatment in a non-ICU (69.1%). Results: Quantitative analysis demonstrated that the total number of antibiotics administered in this study was 394.83 DDD, with a DDD/100 patient-day value of 113.78. Ceftriaxone was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (219 DDD), whereas gentamicin was the least frequently prescribed (1 DDD). Qualitative analysis revealed that 17.6% of the patients exhibited irrational antibiotic use. Conclusion: Irrational use of antibiotics was observed in the following categories: IV A (1.1%); IV D (2.2%); III A (2.2%); III B (2.2%) IIA, (3.3%); IIB (5.5%); and I (1.1%). The study concluded that there was still a considerable degree of irrational antibiotic use.

Project-Based Learning in Political Sociology Course: Enhancing Student’s Critical Thinking Skills and Learning Outcome

Learning Political Sociology course at the Civic education department tends to be conventional and does not involve students completely. Therefore, a learning model which is needed for students to participate actively and stimulate their critical thinking skills should be implemented. The aims of this study are to determine students’ critical thinking skills and student learning outcomes, as well as to describe the advantages and disadvantages of learning using Project-based Learning. This study uses a qualitative approach and the subjects were 37 students of the Civics Education Study Program. Data were collected through observation, test, and conversation while the project was conducted using a rubric, test, and interview schedule and then analyzed using predetermined assessment criteria. The results showed that students were able to improve their critical thinking skills through challenging and simultaneous assignments on the topics, namely Legislative Candidates in the 2019 General Election. Due to a series of structured assignments, students also obtained good learning outcomes based on the six components assessed during the project that is a summary of an interview with the candidate, profile of candidates, journal, presentation, final report, and final test. Further research on the effect of the project on student understanding and involvement in the project is needed

Application of Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) Method in Selecting the Best Employee Performance (Case Study: CV. Syntax Corporation Indonesia)

This study discusses the application of the Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method in selecting the best employee performance at CV. Syntax Corporation Indonesia. The background of the problem involves challenges in assessing and selecting the best employees objectively amidst the many assessment criteria. The purpose of the study is to implement the SAW method to improve accuracy and objectivity in performance assessment. The method used is SAW with predetermined criteria, as well as weight calculations and data normalization. The results of the study indicate that the SAW method is effective in facilitating the eval_uation process and producing more accurate employee rankings based on relevant criteria. The results of this study indicate that the SAW method can identify employees with the best performance regularly and transparently. The application of this method produces employee rankings that are consistent with the eval_uation objectives and company needs. By using SAW, CV. Syntax Corporation Indonesia is able to improve the accuracy of the assessment and provide more objective decisions in selecting the best employees. This study suggests that the SAW method be applied more widely for performance-based decision making in other companies.

МЕТОДОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ АНАЛИЗА КАЧЕСТВА УСЛУГ АПТЕЧНЫХ ОРГАНИЗАЦИЙ

The quality of a pharmaceutical service is a cumulative characteristic indicating the homogeneity of its provision in accordance with consumer expectations and existing requirements reflected in regulatory documents and institutional-level standards. The level of quality of pharmaceutical services largely determines the position of a pharmacy organization among competitors and its resistance to changing conditions of the pharmaceutical market, and the social aspects of pharmacies' work indicate the quality of drug treatment of patients and the pharmaceutical care provided to them. In this regard, the procedure for measuring and assessing the quality of pharmaceutical services is becoming increasingly important and relevant. Aim. To develop and apply a methodological approach to assessing and analyzing the quality of pharmaceutical services using a number of pharmacy organizations in the Irkutsk region as an example. Materials and methods. Scientific publications and provisions of current regulatory documents defining the basic requirements for the quality of pharmaceutical services were used. The quality of pharmaceutical services was assessed using the expert assessment method with the involvement of 285 experts. The study was based on 30 pharmacy organizations in the Irkutsk region. The competence assessment was carried out by assigning numerical values in points to individual characteristics of experts. When assessing the consistency of expert opinions, the Kendall concordance coefficient was used. Results. The most important tool used in the analysis of the quality of services of pharmacy organizations is the assessment system, which allows measuring the level of quality of services, interpreting the current situation, identifying possible risks and determining the available opportunities to improve the quality of services provided to the population. The article presents a concept for assessing the quality of pharmaceutical services suitable for use in retail pharmacy organizations serving the population. The authors present a ready-made set of tools for analyzing the quality of services: the main provisions of the assessment procedure and assessment criteria are defined and substantiated. The parameters and quality indicators adequately characterize the most important properties of the object of assessment. The results of testing made it possible to identify factors that have a negative impact on the quality of pharmaceutical services at the regional level. Conclusion. The developed methodological approach is universal and allows measuring and analyzing the quality of pharmaceutical services both at the level of individual pharmacy organizations and at the regional level. The obtained results of the assessment indicate a sufficiently high level of quality of pharmaceutical services, however, they provide a basis and opportunity to make a corrective impact on the activities of pharmacy organizations to improve the situation.

No-reference digital image quality assessment of offline signature

The purpose of this paper is to develop a simple criterion for image quality assessment of a signature scanned from a paper (i. e., a static or offline signature). A new approach to no-reference assessment of the quality of a binary signature image is proposed, which can be useful as a tool for monitoring signature samples in biometric recognition systems to control data quality. For example, it can be used during image registration, selection of processing methods and its parameters adjustment, after performing various operations (such as rotation or scaling) and the need to evaluate and analyze the obtained signature images. The paper also describes factors that can negatively affect the quality of a static signature. The experimental analysis was performed on digital images of signatures available in the CEDAR, BHSig260-Bengali, SigComp2009 databases and images collected during the research.

The Impact of Social Media Integration in English Language Assessment upon Students' Anxiety: A Systematic Literature Review

The intimate interaction of social media on human daily basis is associated with the pleasure effects of its use (Graciyal & Viswam, 2021). Although numerous studies investigate its effectiveness in enhancing students’ language learning skills, few of them discuss its relevance to anxiety in the assessment. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) model is conducted to answer the inquiry of how social media have been implemented in previous research related to English language assessment and explain their influences on the students’ tension during the assessment process. After applying the exclusion criteria, 20 of the 131 articles from 2019 to 2024 accessed from journals indexed in Scopus were deemed relevant to this study variable, focusing on social media implementation in English teaching and learning that involves assessment sessions. The result shows that the commonly used social media in English language assessment are WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and Twitter, with various skills on each of them. Moreover, the criteria of assessment integrated with social media is typically formative. Meanwhile, students’ anxiety is proven to be mitigated by social media use during the assessment process from the aspect of students’ engagement enhancement, cross-cultural awareness, and the capability of working without any restrictions. According to the result of the analysis, the use of social media in English language teaching should be considered as a supportive assessment media. More studies need to be conducted to provide significant procedural systems of social media integration.

Theorizing lesson study: Integration of action research methodology in Japanese lesson study approach

Global challenges faced by teacher researchers outside of Japan are related to theoretical, practical knowledge, research methodology, success and sustainability of adapted lesson study (LS) projects. These issues highlight the necessity of in-depth theoretical research of authentic Japanese lesson study (JLS) approach. The purpose of the article is to explore LS theorization through theoretical analysis of multifaceted structure of JLS components and integration of action research (AR) methodology in JLS to make LS evidencebased and comprehensible. The main idea is theorization of LS through modeling, evaluation checklist and conceptualization of LS philosophy. As a result of comparative, analysis and synthesis, structured analysis and modeling research methods, multi cyclical LS model integrated with AR methodology, evaluation checklist used as assessment tool for model realization and LS philosophy were developed. The model and checklist are used to describe 4 LS as AR stages (pre-diagnostic, intervention, post-diagnostic and knowledge construction) and 37 components. The model is significant to get theoretical knowledge acquisition, the evaluation checklist is crucial in practice as self-correction, self-assessment and self-regulation tool. They can be utilized by teachers throughout LS process. The research findings contribute to developing LSmethodology with a set of assessment criteria to make LS scientifically grounded research.

Pilot Study on the Usefulness of Quantitative Light-Induced Fluorescence-Digital for Dental Plaque Assessment in a Rat Model of Periodontitis

Objective: This study quantifies dental plaque in an animal periodontitis model using quantitative light-induced fluorescence-digital (QLF-D), providing fundamental data for establishing diagnostic criteria for periodontitis. Methods: Periodontitis was induced by ligating the mandibular first molars of Sprague–Dawley rats. After 18 days, QLF-D images showing the plaque on the ligatures were obtained intraorally before sacrifice and extraorally after sacrifice. The red and blue fluorescence values were measured using software, and the average red/blue (R/B) ratio was calculated for each image. Alveolar bone loss was evaluated histologically. Results: Ligation of the first molars resulted in an increase in the periodontal ligament area compared to that of the control group, demonstrating alveolar bone resorption. The extraoral lingual-side images obtained after sacrifice were reproducible and provided clear assessment criteria. The R/B ratio of the plaque accumulated on the ligatures was 1.9±0.3. Conclusions: Plaque formation, which is difficult to assess by visual inspection alone, can be evaluated using QLF-D. The animal model of periodontitis used in this study can be used to obtain preclinical data to develop future preventive and therapeutic strategies for periodontal diseases.