Invited Speakers
Countdown to PENSA 2025
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Kenes MP Asia Pte Ltd
Kenes MP Asia Pte Ltd
Prof. Dirk Haller
Pioneer in Nutrition and Microbiome Research
Prof. Dirk is a globally recognized leader in nutrition and microbiome research, pioneering interdisciplinary studies that bridge human nutrition, microbiology, and gut health. His academic journey began with dual study programs focusing on human nutrition and microbiology, which led him to explore the complex interplay between commensal gut microbes and human health.
Over the past two decades, Prof. Dirk has been at the forefront of chronic intestinal inflammation research, developing groundbreaking concepts on how commensal gut bacteria influence digestive tract pathologies. His contributions include more than 250 publications that have reshaped the understanding of gut microbiota in chronic diseases.
His pioneering work has been recognized through prestigious awards, including:
Main Award of the German Society of Medical Microbiology (2015)
Distinguished Research Award of the United European Gastroenterology Association (2021)
Highly Cited Scientist Recognition (2024)
These accolades underscore his global impact across scientific disciplines. With his visionary approach, Prof. Dirk continues to drive innovation at the intersection of nutrition, microbiology, and gastroenterology, shaping the future of gut health research and its implications for human well-being.
Bin Tean Teh, MD, PhD
Deputy CEO (Research), National Cancer Centre, Singapore
Director, SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (BD-MED)
Professor, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
Dr. Bin Tean Teh is a globally recognized cancer researcher and molecular biologist with a distinguished career spanning multiple continents. He obtained his MBBS from the University of Queensland, Australia (1992) and his PhD from the Karolinska Institute (Nobel Medical Institute), Sweden (1997). After completing his postdoctoral research at Karolinska, he joined the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), USA, where he rose to become Deputy Director (Research Operations) and later Director of VARI International. In 2010, he was awarded the prestigious Singapore Translational Research Investigator Award and relocated to Singapore.
Dr. Teh’s pioneering research focuses on Asian-prevalent cancers, particularly herbal carcinogen-related cancers and cholangiocarcinoma (biliary tract cancer). His groundbreaking contributions have earned him numerous accolades, including the 2015 Singapore President Science Award, the 2018 AACR Team Science Award, the 2021 Japanese Cancer Association International Award, and the 2023 Tan Yew Oo Distinguished Professorship. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Pathologists and the American Institute of Clinical Investigation and serves on the Strategic Planning Group for the Saudi National Institute of Health.
His influence extends beyond cancer research into biodiversity and genomics. In 2017, he led the world’s first Durian Genome sequencing project and has since assembled over 50 genomes of local plants and fruits, including Singapore’s National Flower. Recognizing the impact of biodiversity on human health, he established the Laboratory of Biodiversity Genomics at the Genome Institute of Singapore (2020) and the SingHealth Duke-NUS Institute of Biodiversity Medicine (2021) to translate biodiversity research into medical innovations.
Dr. Teh has authored over 480 peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and reviews, and serves on the editorial boards of prestigious biomedical journals, including Science Translational Medicine, Cancer Research, Lancet Oncology, and Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. His academic and advisory roles span top international institutions, such as Baylor College of Medicine (USA), Karolinska Institute (Sweden), and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (China).
With a career dedicated to advancing cancer research, biodiversity medicine, and genomic innovations, Dr. Teh continues to make profound contributions to global healthcare and scientific discovery.
Rocco Barazzoni, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, University of Trieste, Italy
President, Italian Obesity Society (SIO)
Dr. Rocco Barazzoni is an Associate Professor of Internal Medicine at Trieste University Hospital, where he also serves as Director of the Postgraduate School of Sports Medicine and a consultant in Internal Medicine. His career includes prestigious international experience, having been an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Research Fellow at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota.
Dr. Barazzoni is a leading authority in obesity and metabolism, currently serving as President of the Italian Obesity Society (SIO) and Co-Chair of the ESPEN Special Interest Group on Obesity. He previously held the esteemed role of Chairman of the European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) from 2018 to 2024.
His research expertise lies in nutritional and hormonal regulation of energy metabolism, focusing on obesity, metabolic disorders, and malnutrition in both clinical and experimental settings. He has made significant contributions to the field, publishing over 230 peer-reviewed articles in international journals, with an H-index of 54. His work spans original research, editorials, and clinical guidelines, and he has been a member of editorial boards for leading journals, including Diabetes.
Through his extensive research, leadership, and academic contributions, Dr. Barazzoni remains a key figure in advancing clinical nutrition, obesity research, and metabolic health.
Dr. Osman Abbasoğlu, MD
Professor of Surgery, Hacettepe University, Turkey
President, Adriatic Club of Clinical Nutrition
Dr. Osman Abbasoğlu is a distinguished Professor of Surgery at Hacettepe University, Turkey, with extensive expertise in hepatopancreatobiliary surgery, transplantation, and clinical nutrition. He earned his MD from Hacettepe University (1984) and completed his general surgery training there before pursuing a clinical transplantation fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas (1995-1997).
He played a pivotal role in advancing clinical nutrition and surgical care, serving as Director of the Nutrition Support Team at Hacettepe University (1997-2010) and leading its Clinical Nutrition Master’s Degree Program. His contributions to the field include over 100 peer-reviewed publications, 12 book chapters, and an H-index of 23.
Dr. Abbasoğlu has held leadership positions in major professional organizations, including President of the Turkish Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition Society (KEPAN, 2019-2021) and President of the Turkish Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery Society (2013-2015). Currently, he serves as President of the Adriatic Club of Clinical Nutrition and Associate Editor of Clinical Nutrition.
With a career dedicated to research, education, and clinical excellence, Dr. Abbasoğlu continues to influence the global landscape of surgical nutrition and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery.
Dr. Mohammad Shukri Jahit, MD, MMed
Senior Consultant Upper GI & General Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Malaysia
President, Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Malaysia (PENSMA)
Dr. Mohammad Shukri Jahit is a highly respected Senior Consultant in Upper GI and General Surgery at the National Cancer Institute, Putrajaya, Malaysia. With over two decades of expertise in upper gastrointestinal surgery, surgical oncology, and clinical nutrition, he has been instrumental in advancing surgical care and nutrition therapy in Malaysia.
He obtained his MD (1994) and Master of Surgery (2002) from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) before completing a Fellowship in Upper GI Surgery (2006) at Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia. He has served as a General Surgeon at Hospital Umum Sarawak (2002-2008) and Head of the Department of Surgery at Hospital Sungai Buloh (2008-2020). Additionally, he played a pivotal role as Chairman of the National Upper GI Surgery Sub-specialty Training Committee (2012-2017).
Dr. Shukri is a recognized leader in clinical nutrition, serving as the President of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Malaysia (PENSMA) since 2011 and an executive committee member of the Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA). He is also affiliated with ESPEN, IGCS, and the Malaysia Upper Gastrointestinal Surgical Society (MUGIS).
As a Certified ESPEN LLL Trainer, Dr. Shukri continues to contribute to education, research, and policy development in surgical nutrition and upper GI oncology, shaping the future of surgical and nutritional care in Malaysia and beyond.
Dr. Jayani Radika Tennakoon Jayaweera, MBBS, MSc, MD
Consultant Nutrition Physician, Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka
President, Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association
Dr. Jayani Tennakoon Jayaweera is a leading Consultant Nutrition Physician at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka, with a distinguished career in clinical nutrition, medical research, and policy development. She earned her MBBS from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (2006) and later specialized in nutrition, completing the MSc in Human Nutrition (2013) and MD in Clinical Nutrition (2019) at the University of Colombo. She further honed her expertise through foreign training at St. Mark’s Hospital, London, UK.
Dr. Jayaweera has played a significant role in nutrition-related research, audits, and national guideline development under the Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka. She is the President of the Sri Lanka Medical Nutrition Association, previously serving as Assistant Secretary in its founding council. Additionally, she is a Founder Co-Secretary of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians and a Board Member of the Specialty Board in Nutrition at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo.
A respected leader in clinical nutrition and medical education, Dr. Jayaweera remains dedicated to advancing nutrition science, shaping national policies, and improving patient outcomes in Sri Lanka.
| Title | Leading the Fight Against Sarcopenia: Essential Muscle Assessment Skills for Clinicians Powered by PRIME (Promoting Muscle Health Through Empowerment), Asia Pacific Center of Excellence for Muscle Health |
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| Details | Date: 8 October 2025 Time: 8:30 am – 12:00 pm Venue: Suntec Convention Centre, Level 3, Meeting Room 331 |
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| Synopsis | Sarcopenia, the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, affects 10% to 27% of adults aged 60 and above. Disease-related malnutrition and muscle loss exacerbate prevalence in hospital to approximately one in four. Sarcopenia increases risks of frailty, falls, and hospitalization, making early detection and management crucial.
Accurate and regular assessment of muscle mass, strength, and function is essential in clinical settings to prevent, diagnose and treat sarcopenia. Techniques range from simple, non-invasive methods to advanced technologies like bedside ultrasound and CT scans. Regular monitoring can identify sarcopenia early, enabling proactive measures to prevent further muscle loss and associated complications. This hands-on interactive workshop incorporates recommendations of the latest sarcopenia guidelines and features four stations that include physical examination, anthropometric measures, functional tests and ultrasound, each structured to teach and enhance accuracy of specific clinical skills. Nutrition Support Team members, physicians, and dietitians in both inpatient and outpatient settings will benefit from this program. |
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| Objectives | Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the role of muscle in health and disease and recognize the effects of losing muscle mass and function. |
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| Faculty |  |
Course Director:
A/Prof Frederick Koh Hong Xiang MBBS, MMed (surg), FRCSEd, PhD Consultant, Colorectal Service, Division of Surgery, Sengkang General Hospital Principal Investigator, Sengkang General Hospital Musculoskeletal Regenerative Laboratory, SingHealth Duke-NUS Muscle Health Programme Co-Chairperson, Sarcopenia Interest Group, Singapore Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Executive Committee, Singapore Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition |
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| Schedule | Time | Agenda | Faculty |
| 7:30 – 8:30 am | Registration | ||
| 8:30 – 8:50 am | Opening Address – Is Sarcopenia, the new ‘skeleton’ in the cupboard? | A/Prof Frederick Koh Hong Xiang | |
| 8:50 – 9:20 am | Multi-disciplinary Panel – Top Tips on Recognition & Treatment of Sarcopenia | Faculty | |
| 9:20 – 9:30 am | Break | ||
| Muscle Health Stations 9:30 – 11:30 am (30 min per station) |
Group A: Calf Circumference; Muscle Ultrasound assessment for muscle quality – a novel assessment method for sarcopenia | A/Prof Frederick Koh Hong Xiang
Dr Tan Li Feng Consultant Alexandra Hospital |
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| Group B: Pragmatic Muscle Health Case Discussions – From Acute Care to Community | Dietetic Team Sengkang General Hospital | ||
| Group C: Functional Examinations (Timed Up and Go Test, Sit-to- Stand, Gait Speed, Handgrip) | Physiotherapy Team Sengkang General Hospital | ||
| Group D: Nutrition Focused Physical Examination | Dr Charles Lew Senior Principal Dietitian Ng Teng Fong General Hospital |
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| 11:30 – 11:50 am | Questions & Answers | Faculty | |
| 11:50 – 12:00 pm | Closing & Certification | A/Prof Frederick Koh Hong Xiang | |
| Title: | ESPEN LLL Course |
| Details: | Date: 7 – 8 October 2025 (Tuesday-Wednesday) Time: 0830-1800 Suntec Convention Centre, level 3, Meeting Room 333 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593 |
| Synopsis: | The Life Long Learning (LLL) programme in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism is an innovative and effective educational programme for healthcare professionals. The LLL programme offers online training and live courses using a variety of modern training methodologies and resources.
The LLL programme in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism is based on an educational curriculum offering 120 training modules created and peer reviewed by recognized experts in the field. Live courses are a compulsory component of your training in the LLL programme. This 2-day programme will earn you 16 LLL credits. |
| Learning Objectives: | To improve the knowledge, competence and skills of healthcare professionals in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism for the topics covered in ESPEN LLL |
| Schedule: | Day 1 Screening, Diagnosis and Assessment of Malnutrition Moderated by Remy Meier (CH) – Screening, diagnosis and assessment of malnutrition by Remy Meier – Body composition by Rocco Barazoni – Energy and Protein Balance and Requirement by Stan Klek Obesity Moderated by Rocco Barazoni (IT)Why obesity is a disease – Pathogenesis and diagnosis Obesity complications Obesity treatment Nutritional derangements and deficiencies in obesity |
| Day 2 Nutrition in CancerModerated by Remy Meier (CH) Nutritional and metabolic consequences of cancer and its treatment by Doris Ng Nutritional treatment strategies in cancer patients by Remy Meier Physical activity and muscle training in cancer patients Nutritional support in the perioperative period Moderated by Stan Klek (PL) |
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| Faculty: | Professor Rémy Meier, Professor Stainislaw Klek, Professor Rocco Barazzoni and Dr Doris Ng |
| Targeted Participant No.: | 60 |
| Price per participant: | Registration Fees : Regular 3 modules and above : S$450 2 modules (same day) : S$250 2 modules (different day): S$300 1 module : S$150 |
Dr. Veeradej Pisprasert, MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Division of Clinical Nutrition, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
General Secretary, Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Society of Asia (PENSA)
Vice President, Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition of Thailand (SPENT)
Dr. Veeradej Pisprasert is a highly regarded expert in clinical nutrition, metabolic disorders, and malnutrition management. He is an Associate Professor in the Division of Clinical Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Thailand, where he has been a faculty member since 2003. He also holds prominent leadership roles as General Secretary of PENSA and Vice President of SPENT.
Dr. Pisprasert earned his MD (First-Class Honors) from Mahidol University (1999), followed by postgraduate diplomas in Clinical Sciences (2001), Internal Medicine (2003), Family Medicine (2004), and Clinical Nutrition (2010) from the Medical Council of Thailand. He later obtained his PhD in Nutrition Sciences from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA (2013).
A member of several prestigious medical and nutrition organizations, Dr. Pisprasert is part of the Core Committee of the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) since 2021. His research contributions have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the ESPEN Travel Grant (2008), UAB National Alumni Scholarship Award (2010), Howerde E. Sauberlich Endowed Award for Excellence in Nutrition Science Research (2013), and the PENSA Center Award (2021).
With extensive publications in hospital-related diseases, metabolic syndrome, sarcopenia, and cancer-related malnutrition, Dr. Pisprasert has contributed significantly to clinical practice recommendations for parenteral nutrition and global malnutrition diagnosis (GLIM). A sought-after international speaker, he remains committed to advancing evidence-based clinical nutrition and patient care worldwide.
Dr. Reynaldo P. Sinamban, MD, MHA, FPCMNP, FPCS, FACS
President, Philippine Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PhilSPEN)
Head, Division of Surgical Nutrition & Trauma-Critical Care, St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City, Philippines
Dr. Reynaldo Sinamban is a leading figure in Surgical Critical Care and Medical Nutrition in the Philippines, with extensive expertise in trauma surgery, critical care, and surgical nutrition. He currently serves as President of the Philippine Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (PhilSPEN) and holds key leadership roles, including Board Member and Treasurer of the Philippine College of Medical Nutrition Physicians (PCMNP).
Dr. Sinamban is the Head of the Division of Surgical Nutrition and Head of the Division of Trauma and Critical Care Surgery at St. Luke’s Medical Center, Quezon City. Additionally, he contributes to medical nutrition management as Co-Chairman of the Nutrition Management Team and member of the Metabolic Monitoring Team at Makati Medical Center, Philippines.
A fellowship-trained expert in Trauma and Critical Care Surgery from the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio, USA, Dr. Sinamban is also an active member of ASPEN, ESPEN, and ASSMN, furthering international collaboration in clinical nutrition and critical care.
Prof. em Rémy Meier, MD
Emeritus Professor of Gastroenterology, University of Basel, Switzerland
Prof. em Rémy Meier is a distinguished specialist in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition, with a career spanning over four decades in clinical practice, research, and medical education. He completed his medical training at the University of Zürich (1975–1981) and later earned his Professorship in Gastroenterology at the University of Basel in 2008.
From 1987 to 2014, Prof. Meier served at the University Hospital of Liestal, where he was Head of the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (1994–2014). Following his retirement from hospital and university duties in 2014, he has remained highly active as a consultant and educator, engaging in global teaching initiatives.
A highly respected member of numerous national and international societies, Prof. Meier has played a key role in ASPEN and ESPEN, serving as Co-Director of the ESPEN Life-Long Learning (LLL) program since 2005. His academic contributions include:
Publications: 92 peer-reviewed papers, 33 original research articles, 182 review articles
Authorship: 10 books and 62 book chapters
Honorary Memberships: 13 from esteemed global institutions
Prof. Meier’s influence in the field of clinical nutrition and gastroenterology continues through his ongoing consultancy and international teaching efforts, shaping the next generation of medical professionals.
Dr. Kathleen Gura, PharmD
President, American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN)
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Kathleen Gura is a leading expert in clinical nutrition and pharmaceutical compounding, specializing in neonatal nutrition and intestinal failure. She is a key member of the Clinical Nutrition Service in the Division of GI/Nutrition and the Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation at Boston Children’s Hospital.
In addition to her clinical work, she is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School and serves as faculty at the colleges of pharmacy at MCPHS and Northeastern University.
A prolific researcher and author, Dr. Gura has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters on critical topics in parenteral nutrition, intestinal failure, and neonatal nutrition. She has played a pivotal role in advancing clinical nutrition practice and currently serves as President of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN), leading efforts to improve patient care and nutrition therapy worldwide.
Prof. Gil Hardy, PhD, FRSC, FASPEN
Emeritus Professor of Clinical Nutrition, Auckland, New Zealand
Prof. Gil Hardy is a globally recognized expert in pharmaceutical and clinical nutrition, with a distinguished career spanning research, innovation, and leadership. Trained as a biochemist in the UK, he conducted research under Nobel Laureate Professor Sir Hans Krebs at the University of Oxford. He played a pioneering role in parenteral nutrition, co-developing the first disposable 3-litre parenteral nutrition bag at St Mark’s Hospital, London.
With over 250 publications, Prof. Hardy’s research has focused on lipids, glutamine, micronutrients, and chyme reinfusion therapy for intestinal failure. He is a founding and life member of the British Pharmaceutical Nutrition Group and has held key positions in major nutrition societies, including BAPEN, the UK and NZ Nutrition Societies, and AuSPEN, where he served as Vice President.
He has been deeply involved with ESPEN and ASPEN since their inception, serving on research committees and as an elected ASPEN Fellow (2015). From 2020 to 2022, he was on the Board of Directors of ASPEN, representing the organization in the International Human Rights for Clinical Nutrition Working Group and as a board member of WASPEN (West African Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition).
Prof. Hardy’s contributions have been recognized with numerous international awards and honorary fellowships across Asia, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, and the USA. He was the founder and first chairman of the International Clinical Nutrition Section (ICNS) and has been named the 2025 ASPEN Nutrition Champion for his outstanding impact on the field.
Prof. Jaw-Yuan Wang, MD, PhD
Superintendent, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital
Professor, Kaohsiung Medical University, Taiwan
Prof. Jaw-Yuan Wang is a renowned expert in surgical and molecular oncology, specializing in colorectal cancer, gastrointestinal malignancies, nutrition therapy, and robotic surgery. With a distinguished career in both research and clinical practice, he has contributed extensively to advancing cancer treatment, having performed over 740 robotic colorectal cancer surgeries—the highest in Taiwan.
A highly respected figure in his field, Prof. Wang has held leadership roles such as President of the Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Taiwan (2018–2020) and is a member of the European Society of Coloproctology Global Reach Committee. He also leads the Colorectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Team and serves as Chairman of the Nutrition Support Council at Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital.
His research achievements include publishing over 412 peer-reviewed papers (including 346 SCI-indexed publications), authoring six book chapters, and securing 12 international patents. He has also been a principal investigator for major colorectal cancer research projects at Academia Sinica, Taiwan. Prof. Wang is a sought-after editorial board member and reviewer for leading journals such as Annals of Surgery, Gastroenterology, Cancer Research, and British Journal of Cancer.
His contributions to precision medicine and surgical oncology have earned him numerous awards, including the Taiwan Symbol of National Quality (SNQ) Gold Medal Award in 2023 for his team’s excellence in Integrated Home Parenteral Nutrition Care.
Professor Dr Winnie Chee, PhD , RD, FMDA, FNSM
Professor, International Medical University (IMU), Kuala Lumpur
Consultant Dietitian, IMU Healthcare
Prof. Winnie Chee is a distinguished expert in nutrition and dietetics, specializing in dietary and lifestyle interventions for diabetes, obesity, and bone health nutrition. She has led multiple randomized controlled trials and has an extensive publication record in high-impact scientific Journals.
A recognized leader in her field, Prof. Chee actively contributes to national and international committees involved in developing medical nutrition therapy guidelines and advancing professional development in dietetics. She is a founding member of the Malaysian Dietitians’ Association (MDA) and has played a pivotal role in shaping the profession, having served as President (2014–2020), current Vice-President, and a Council Member on the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council (MAHPC).
Her contributions to the field have been honored with prestigious fellowships and awards, including:
Fellowship Award, Malaysian Dietitians’ Association (MDA)
Fellowship Award, Nutrition Society of Malaysia (NSM)
Wimpfheimer-Guggenheim International Lecture Award, Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, USA
Prof. Chee is a highly sought-after speaker at national and international conferences and is deeply committed to diabetes nutrition education, engaging healthcare professionals and the public through various outreach and training initiatives.