Public Document

ETHICS CODEX ACT

VERSION 2.2

Date of Effect
June 4, 2025
Last Revision
Feb 7, 2026
Access Level
PUBLIC

For the Eyes of the Public Under the Order of
The Installation-45 Ethics Committee Directorate

Table of Definitions

1. Appeals

Appeals are used to remove a charge when you believe you've been falsely charged by the Ethics Committee or lower a sentence if you believe you were sentenced too harshly.

2. Expungements

Expungements are used to remove an old case report from your criminal record. Here, we evaluate how often you commit violations, your progress in the Foundation after your sentence, and your character. Expungement requests can only be submitted a month after being charged.

3. Subjects

Any living entities, whether Anomalies, Foundation Employees, normal non-foundation Civilians, Class-E subjects, Class-D subjects, etc.

4. Whistleblower

A person who informs on a person or organization regarded as engaging in an unlawful or immoral activity.

5. Civil Foundation Employees

Employees that do not deal with anomalies, combative skirmishes, or protection of the facility, mainly referred to personnel that are a part of the Scientific, Medical, Administrative, or any other department that doesn't contain the usage of firearms.

6. Combative Foundation Employees

Employees whose line of work has the usage of firearms for the protection of the facility in combative skirmishes, dealing with anomalies, or for the protection of the facility. Examples may include the Security Department, a Private Military Company, and the Mobile Task Forces. Any other faction may also be included if the usage of firearms is in the line of work.

7. High Command

Foundation High Ranking members, including but not limited to the Ethics Committee, O5 command, the Site Directorate, the Office of The Administrator, etc.

8. Group of Interest

Refers to any neutral or hostile group towards the Foundation, not considered an entity apart of the Foundation; however, it may be contracted and employed to work in the Foundation (if the statute is considered friendly or neutral and must follow contract agreements).

9. Factions

Refers to any group that is a part of Installation 45's faction hub. This is mostly out of roleplay in case of explanations or mandatory issue of documents towards factions and not in roleplay.

10. Departments

Refers to any official group entity apart from the Foundation.

11. The Committee

Refers to the Ethics Committee.

12. The Codex

Refers to the Ethics Codex / Code of Ethics.

13. Assets

Refers to any owned property, items, contracts, anomalies, or personnel to the Foundation.

14. SCPs

Anomalies under Foundation classification and contained on Facility Grounds.

15. Class-D Subjects

Contracted death-row inmates from across the world to work as test subjects with the Foundation.

16. Facility Grounds

Out of roleplay, this refers to Installation-45 only — the base of operations. In roleplay, refers to any Foundation grounds that are roleplayed, which may include facilities that do not exist to roleplay for factions.

17. Foundation Employees

Groups, factions, departments, or personnel contracted or hired by the SCP Foundation to operate and work on facility grounds. It may be used for contracted Groups of Interest on facility grounds. Foundation Employees are considered neutral (if related to a group of interest) or friendly (if related to a department in the Foundation).

18. Class-E Subjects

Foundation Employees that have been affected by anomalies or were anomalous before their hiring in the Foundation.

19. Light Weaponry

Refers to SMGs and Pistols.

20. Heavy Weaponry

Refers to Rifles, Shotguns, and Machine Guns.

21. Reasonable Suspicion

The idea that any reasonable person would suspect that a crime was in the process of being committed, had been committed, or was going to be committed very soon.

22. Sentient Subjects

Subjects that can perceive, feel, or respond to things.

23. Rogue Foundation Employee

Foundation Employee that acts against the Foundation, whether by joining a hostile Group of Interest, acting against the Code of Conduct, acting against the Ethics Codex Act and receiving the maximum penalty, breaking a contract with the Foundation, ordered kill-on-sight by the High Command on the Foundation Employee, or acting against the Foundation's mission.

24. Subcommittee of Internal Affairs

The Subcommittee of Internal Affairs is to ensure that Committee Personnel are upheld to the standards of professionalism expected of them, as well as enforcing Quotas, Regulations, and Reports to the Ethics Committee.

25. Judicial Assessment Subcommittee (JAS)

Their duties primarily include the punishment system, reviewing any amendments to the Codex, and final interpretation of the Codex.

26. Criminal Evaluation Subcommittee (CES)

The Ethics Committee has an investigation system with CES for reviewing information, investigating, and auditing departments, usually acting as research, Foundation Employees, High Command, operations, or policy oversight.

27. Public Affairs Subcommittee (PAS)

Their duties include, but are not limited to, public announcements, notices, memos, taking in questions of the public, or intaking reports; which takes all the reports given, and either requests CES to investigate the situation further or directly gives the information to JAS to fully file the punishment.

28. Omega-1 "Law's Left Hand"

In situations of conflict or skirmish, the Committee will deploy a specialized force to guarantee the safety of Committee members and personnel at the site. Omega-1, referred to as "Law's Left Hand," is a Mobile Task Force that serves the Ethics Committee. Although Omega-1 does not possess authority that exceeds that of the Committee, it may independently enforce the Codex and disregard Committee orders that disobey the conventions of the Codex, thereby ensuring adherence to ethical standards even in the absence of the Committee.

29. Class E

Foundation Personnel who have been exposed to an anomalous entity or phenomenon and are being monitored for potential adverse effects. Class-E are also previous anomalies who have been contracted/given approval to become a Foundation Employee.

30. Class D

Personnel that are used for dangerous tasks, often involving direct interaction with anomalous objects, particularly those deemed too dangerous for other personnel. Class-D are primarily recruited from death row inmates, but can also include political prisoners, refugees, or other individuals deemed expendable.

Section I: Preamble Statement

Foundation Mission & Purpose

An Act for the SCP Foundation, Nova Scotia, Installation-45, and the Government thereof; and Purposes connected therewith (4th OF JUNE, 2025)

Regarding the recent public incident IR-4001, and the Foundation's renewed commitment and attempts at saving humanity as outlined in its mission statement and organizational goals: Secure. Contain. Protect. The Ethics Committee has been outlined to ensure the enforcement of this mission and protect it without using unnecessary risks.

The Ethics Codex is one of the most important Foundation documents. It outlines the conditions of the Ethics Committee and all relevant humanitarian rights and power establishments regarding Class-D Personnel and the safety of Foundation Personnel.

As such, this document is to be followed by all subjects on Installation-45 land. Unawareness of the Codex is not an argument for innocence.

Subsection 1: Priority Actions & Goals

The primary purpose of the Ethics Codex Act is to uphold the mission of the SCP Foundation: Secure, Contain, Protect. This mission encompasses not only the containment of anomalous entities but also the protection of humanity and the ethical treatment of all individuals under Foundation jurisdiction. The codex ensures that these objectives are pursued without compromising the moral integrity of the Foundation.

The Ethics Codex also emphasizes the importance of researching and containing anomalous entities while maintaining humane practices for Class-D subjects. Regular reviews and assessments of existing practices will be conducted to align with the latest findings and ensure compliance with the Foundation Code.

Subsection 2: Basic Naming Conventions and Application

This codex may also be referred to as the "Code of Ethics" (COE) in informal communications or training materials. However, when cited in official documents, legal proceedings, or correspondence, the full title "Ethics Codex Act" should be used to maintain clarity and consistency.

The Codex is a binding document for all personnel, regardless of rank, role, or location. Its principles are designed to provide clear and actionable guidance in scenarios that may involve ethical ambiguity.

The Codex governs all aspects of Foundation operations, including containment, experimentation, personnel management, and external interactions. It provides a framework for ethical decision-making, ensuring consistency across ranks and roles.

Section II: Enforcement & Amendments

Codex Revision & Enforcement Procedures

Subsection 1: Ethics Codex Amendments

  • Foundation Employees may suggest changes through Ethics Communications, which PAS will assist with
  • All amendments sent to JAS for review and later the Board of Ethics and High Command to conduct a vote
  • Accepted amendments take approximately 2 weeks of ratification to be fully instated, with a testing phase
  • Foundation Employees encouraged to provide feedback regarding amendments and suggestions
  • Committee Chairperson may make emergency amendments bypassing usual protocol, but must be reviewed after 24 hours

Recent Amendments

Section 6.16-17 - Added as per Majority Vote. (February 7, 2026)

Version 2.2 - Major overhaul of Ethics Procedures and Site Operations clarification. Section 6 Clause 9 updated regarding SCP interaction types. (September 8, 2025)

Version 2.1 - Fixed minor grammatical issues, improved legibility, updated Committee Personnel ranks (June 7, 2025)

Version 2.0 - Complete internal Committee operations and punishment system overhaul (June 4, 2025)

Subsection 2: Ethics Codex Enforcement

The Ethics Committee, Mobile Task Force Unit Omega-1, the Office of Naval Intelligence, High Command, and the High Command's Protection Mobile Task Forces are the only departmental figures allowed to enforce the Ethics Codex.

Exemptions & Exemption Bills

In extreme situations, the Foundation's mission may require actions that deviate from ethical conduct. Exemptions may be authorized under the following conditions:

  • Safety or integrity of the Foundation or global security is compromised and unethical measures are the only solution
  • Quick containment or research is crucial for Foundation survival or to prevent global catastrophe
  • O5 Command or Ethics Committee grants exemptions when no alternative aligns with mission objectives

Important: Exemptions must be requested BEFORE the action, properly documented, and reviewed regularly. Actions taken under exemptions undergo post-operation review. Only HR Committee Members and above may approve exemptions.

Exemption Bills: The Committee may grant long-term exemption agreements that must meet regular exemption requirements and be granted by the Board of Ethics.

Eligibility: Exemptions and Exemption Bills may only be given to Foundation Employees, Foundation-aligned Groups of Interest, or those with agreements with the Committee.

Limitations: No exemption or Exemption Bill will be granted if the action is unnecessary and does not follow the Foundation's mission statement. Only the Office of the Administrator may grant a bill that does not satisfy the conditions above.

Section III: Operations & Authority

Committee Structure & Powers

The Ethics Committee serves as an administrative entity dedicated to upholding the ethical standards of the Foundation. It is responsible for determining the alignment of specific matters with the Foundation Ethics Codex and its moral framework. The authority vested in the Ethics Committee is commensurate with that of the O5 command.

Subsection 1: Ethics Committee Operations

The Ethics Committee has its own offices located directly next to the main entrance of Foundation facilities, serving as their base of operations in Installation-45. The Committee can be reached via Ethics Communications, found within Installation-45 Main Communications.

The Ethics Committee holds its own Mobile Task Force, Omega-1 "Law's Left Hand", and four subcommittees: Subcommittee of Internal Affairs, JAS (Judicial Assessment Subcommittee), CES (Criminal Evaluation Subcommittee), and PAS (Public Affairs Subcommittee).

Committee Operations

  • → Regular facility audits
  • → Protocol testing & review
  • → Mobile Task Force Omega-1
  • → Four specialized subcommittees
  • → Graded punishment system
  • → Supreme Ethics Court

Subcommittees

  • → JAS (Judicial Assessment)
  • → CES (Criminal Evaluation)
  • → PAS (Public Affairs)
  • → Internal Affairs

Graded Punishment System

Grade 1 - Verbal Warning:

For very minor infractions (minor SCP breaches, minor protocol breaches). Logged verbal warning by JAS LR+. Maximum 3 warnings before mandatory Grade 2.

Grade 2 - Ethics Write-Up:

For light infractions (major SCP breaches, minor harassment, clearance protocol breaches). Logged write-up by JAS MR+. Maximum 2 write-ups before mandatory Grade 3.

Grade 3 - 2 Days Detention (15 IRL Minutes):

For moderate infractions (minor unjustified Class-D murder, assault, SCP soft breach, harassment, unauthorized cross testing). Issued by JAS MR+. Maximum 2 sentences before mandatory Grade 4.

Grade 4 - 1 Week Detention (1 IRL Hour):

For major infractions (murder of personnel, involvement in SCP breach, assisting Class-D riot). Issued by JAS HR+. Maximum 3 sentences before mandatory Grade 5.

Grade 5 - Permanent Suspension/Termination:

For extreme infractions (murder of High Command, mass murder, multiple SCP breaches). Issued by JAS HR+. May be appealed to Ethics Supreme Court.

Grade 6 - Permanent Exile:

For gross infractions by entire groups/factions/departments. Only ruled by Ethics Supreme Court with court proceedings.

Subsection 2: Ethics Committee Authority

The Ethics Committee reserves the right to conduct operations with no external interference, except for the Office of the Administrator. Any interference attempts may result in warrants for perpetrators.

The Committee may observe any activities on Foundation property without permission, review and veto exemption proposals or operational procedures, and issue public statements regarding ethical considerations.

Warrant Types

Watchlist Warrant: Place individuals/groups under official Committee watch. Approved by CES LR+.
Arrest/Interrogation: Interrogate individuals over Codex violations. Approved by CES MR+.
Investigation Warrant: Use full Committee resources including Omega-1. Approved by CES HR+ (BM+ for High Command/O5).
Kill on Sight (General): Issued alongside Grade-5 punishment. Approved by JAS/CES HR+.
Kill on Sight (Covert): For classified operations without public Grade-5. Approved by BM+. (Committee VC+ for High Command termination)

Section IV: Facility Operations & Foundation Employees

Employee Rights, Responsibilities & Guidelines

This section establishes expectations for Foundation Employees and addresses issues that may arise on Facility Grounds. Personnel found in violation will face disciplinary actions regardless of position.

Foundation Employee Fundamental Rights

  • → Right to a safe environment
  • → Protection from discrimination, abuse, assault, or harassment
  • → Right to report misconduct without retaliation (whistleblower protection)
  • → Freedom of expression and right to express opinions
  • → Right to remain silent in interrogation unless ordered by Ethics High Command
  • → Right to appropriate amenities (income, privacy, food, healthcare)
  • → Right to appeal charges and request Ethics Committee assistance

General Employee Expectations

  1. Treat each other with respect and uphold professional conduct
  2. Follow and give clear, concise, lawful orders
  3. Respect Ethics Committee authority and cooperate with decisions
  4. Undergo mandatory Ethics Codex training every 2 weeks (except High Command)
  5. Maintain confidentiality in communications
  6. Follow the Ethics Codex and prioritize ethical conduct
  7. Not terminate Class-D subjects or others without probable cause or self-defense
  8. Use amnestics and mnestics properly and responsibly
  9. Exercise common sense - unlisted actions can still be unethical

Subsection 1: Civil Foundation Employees

Civil Foundation Employees include those in Scientific, Medical, Administrative departments and others not using firearms.

  1. May own Light Weaponry (SMGs, Pistols) for self-defense only as last resort
  2. Must follow safe testing procedures including sealing SCP doors and assigning combatants
  3. Must brief Class-D subjects on their rights before tests
  4. Inhumane acts toward SCPs require Ethics Committee approval

Medical Ethics

  1. Provide competent, timely, compassionate care without discrimination
  2. Practice with conscience, honesty, integrity, and accountability
  3. Never participate in torture or cruel inhumane acts
  4. Ensure patient health and well-being, minimize harm
  5. Maximum 1 year for Class-D/E recovery before resource discontinuation
  6. Quarantine dangerous Class-E subjects until cleared

Subsection 2: Combative Foundation Employees

Personnel with firearms authorization for facility protection, combat, and anomaly containment.

  1. Must not attack surrendered or unarmed persons
  2. Kill Zones enforcement allowed unless determined abused by Board of Ethics
  3. Prioritize Civil Foundation Employee safety over own safety
  4. Issue clear verbal warnings before lethal force against trespassers
  5. Should be informed of specific threats/anomalies on assignment
  6. May arrest/detain with warrant from High Command with probable suspicion

Subsection 3: Intelligence Foundation Employees

Personnel involved in tracking, scouting, investigating, and intelligence gathering. (Office of Naval Intelligence exempt from some restrictions)

  1. Should not invade privacy of personnel unless under investigation
  2. Use minimum force necessary during interrogations
  3. Should not pressure others or gather unauthorized information
  4. May issue warrants with clear reasoning, evidence, and Ethics Committee authorization (JAS HR+)

Subsection 4: Foundation High Command

High-ranking members including Ethics Committee, O5 Command, Site Directorate, Administrator Office.

  1. Decisions affecting large bodies of subjects require Ethics Committee approval
  2. Should not abuse authority (leaking documents, obstructing duties, harming others, issuing unlawful orders)
  3. Must act with integrity and impartiality, avoiding conflicts of interest
  4. Must respect Foundation assets, resources, and facilities
  5. Responsible for assisting Ethics Committee when requested (except Administrator Office)

Note: Class-E subjects (anomalous or affected personnel) have same rights as regular Foundation Employees with regulations to ensure anomalous powers don't affect others. Class-E subjects must not use powers to gain advantage or subjugate others.

Section V: Class-D Subjects Rights & Limitations

Humane Treatment Standards for Class-D Personnel

Class-D subjects are human beings with recognized sentience. As such, they are to be treated with standards befitting this. Foundation Employees found violating the rights of Class-D subjects will be detained and tried for their crimes, regardless of level.

Reference: Class-D Housing Regulations

Class-D Subject Rights

  1. Must be provided appropriate amenities (housing, clothing, food, education, healthcare, necessities for life)
  2. Must be adequately equipped for SCP interactions with equipment tailored to specific SCPs
  3. Must be thoroughly briefed on rights, housing regulations, and testing procedures
  4. May request assistance from Ethics Committee to report infractions
  5. May request Medical Department assistance (if not considered dangerous)
  6. May deny participating in tests, medical checkups, or interviews (forced participation allowed if CDCZ low on subjects or after prolonged denial)
  7. May appeal for review concerning treatment or conditions
  8. At end of each month, may request to leave Foundation per contract (with amnesticization)
  9. Classification level II+ subjects may be granted permission to roam by High Command with constant combatant supervision

When Class-D Subjects May Be Terminated

Class-D subjects must not be placed in dangerous situations or terminated without sufficient justification or authorization:

  1. Passed termination line approximately more than 2 times
  2. Attempted to vandalize Foundation property
  3. Attempted to escape
  4. Attempted to riot
  5. Found with weaponry or firearms
  6. In restricted areas with no supervision, too far from Class-D Containment
  7. During raid/breach if non-compliant and cannot be safely returned
  8. During tests if needed for test to work

Class-D Subject Limitations

  1. Training programs may be developed for non-compliant subjects, but participation remains voluntary
  2. Prohibited from requesting their termination - Combatants must not condone or follow such requests
  3. May not bear arms, weaponry, or otherwise (except when required for testing, must be removed afterward)
  4. May only be granted security clearance level 1
  5. If granted roaming permission, must be constantly supervised by combatant

End of Month Options

Class-D subjects may request to leave the Foundation per their contract. Upon agreement, subjects must be amnesticized and may:

  • 1. Leave the Foundation
  • 2. Become a Foundation Employee
  • 3. Continue being a Class-D subject

Section VI: Anomalous Subjects' Rights & Limitations

Ethical Containment & Treatment of SCPs

The containment of SCPs is the top priority of the SCP Foundation. Anomalous Subjects reserve multiple rights and limitations on facility grounds due to them being either sapient or an object that may be considered dangerous.

References: Containment Psychiatry Orientation, Anomaly Phenomenon Guide, Anomaly Classification System, Humanoid Ethics Guide

Treatment Standards for Anomalous Subjects

  1. Must be treated with degree of respect, especially those showing sentience and sapience
  2. Insulting or acting rude to SCP subjects prohibited (unless relevant to test)
  3. Conversation should always be attempted before physical force
  4. Sentient, sapient, safe humanoids must be treated as Foundation Employees depending on hostility level
  5. Refer to anomalous subjects by names or pronouns, never by number

When Force May Be Used

Anomalous Subjects may be fired at and harmed if they are:

  1. Aggressive or attempting to breach containment
  2. Attempting to harm Foundation Employees
  3. Cannot be reasoned with after conversation attempts

Harming peaceful SCP subjects is entirely prohibited. Termination attempts require direct Ethics Committee permission through exemption system.

Containment and Testing Requirements

  1. Releasing SCPs into facility grounds requires approval from Site Directorate, High Command, and Ethics Committee
  2. Only safe SCPs or those with operational reasons may operate on facility grounds (cannot exit grounds)
  3. SCPs must not be damaged in tests without prior permission from Site Directorate, High Command, and Ethics Committee
  4. Tests must remain within reasonable limits to avoid irreversible harm
  5. SCPs cannot be removed from containment without approval from the SCP itself, High Command, and Ethics Committee
  6. If removed, at least 3 skilled Combative Foundation Employees must stand by

Anomalous Subject Rights

  1. May request tests or decorations in containment chambers from Ethics Committee, High Command, and Site Directorate
  2. Fully compliant SCPs may be eligible to become both SCP subjects and Foundation employees (Class-E) with approval
  3. May submit reports or feedback regarding Ethics Codex infractions, treatment, or containment conditions (reviewed monthly)
  4. Have right to request designated Ethics Committee representative during status/treatment reviews
  5. Cooperative non-hostile SCPs may receive temporary privileges (free-roaming, communication with staff, designation and clearance levels)

Critical Interaction Rules

  1. SCPs allowed to interact with other subjects STRICTLY according to Special Containment Procedures
  2. May never contact other SCPs unless approved by Site High Command or Ethics Committee
  3. Foundation Employees should never interact with SCP if procedures outline only Class-D allowed (unless given permission)
  4. Prohibited from personal, emotional, or romantic relationships with Foundation Employees

Containment Safety Requirements

  1. Containments must include fail-safe mechanism for immediate solution if protocols don't yield expected results
  2. Containments must have strict safety protocols for Foundation Employees to follow
  3. Protocols and containment procedures must be regularly updated and sent to High Command

Section VII: Closing Remarks

Codex Authors & Ethics Committee Leadership

The Ethics Codex Act serves as an important handbook guiding the moral standards and decision-making of all individuals within our organization. By ensuring commitment to these principles, we will make a culture of ethicality, accountability, and respect. The formation of this revised Codex, after the events of Fallen Law, is to ensure the long term viability of the Foundation and its morals.

Codex Authors & Contributors

The Committee officially recognizes the following members for the writing of the original V1 Codex and now revised V2 Codex:

Ms. [REDACTED] "Falke" [REDACTED]

Committee Chairperson of the Ethics 45 High Command

Version 2/2.1/2.2 - Revision Reviewer & Writer

Ms. Liliana "Nocturne" Valentini

Board Member #2 of the Ethics 45 High Command

Version 2 - Head Revision Writer | Version 2.1 - Head Revision Writer | Version 2.2 Reviewer

Sir Joris "Kent" Bondson

Senior Committee Member of Ethics 45 Directorate

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer | Version 2.2 Writer

Mr. [REDACTED] "Cairo" [REDACTED]

Committee Vice Chairperson of the Ethics 45 High Command

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer

Ms. [REDACTED] "Envy" [REDACTED]

Committee Vice Chairperson of the Ethics 45 High Command

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer

Mr. Muhammed "Eve" Sulman

Board Member 1 of the Ethics 45 High Command

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer

Mr. Isa "Darth" Hussien

Senior Committee Member of the Ethics 45 Directorate

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer

Ms. Vivie "Callidus" Almaric

Senior Committee Member of Ethics 45 Directorate

Version 2 - Revision Reviewer

Ms. Maya "Chimera" Faye

Senior Committee Member of Ethics 45 Directorate

Version 2.1/2.2 - Revision Reviewer

Mr. Watchthorn

Former Committee Member of Ethics 45

Original Codex Version 1 - Writer

Authorization Signatures

This Codex is hereby put into effect on the 4th of June, 2025 under the authorization of:

Ms. [REDACTED] "Falke" [REDACTED]

Committee Chairperson

Ms. [REDACTED] "Envy" [REDACTED]

Committee Vice Chairperson

Mr. [REDACTED] "Cairo" [REDACTED]

Committee Vice Chairperson
Public Affairs Subcommittee Chairperson

Mr. Muhammed "Eve" Sulman

Board Member 1
Crime Evaluation Subcommittee Chairperson

Ms. Liliana "Nocturne" Valentini

Board Member 2
Judicial Assessment Subcommittee Chairperson

Copyright Notice

This Ethics Codex Act V2 is protected by United States Copyright and Registration Codes. Reproduction of this Codex without strict written approval of the Ethics-45 Owners is prohibited.

17 U.S. Code § 102 – Subject matter of copyright: In general

17 U.S. Code § 408 – Copyright registration in general

If reproduction is found without prior approval, a DMCA takedown and/or cease and desist letter will be issued under 17 U.S. Code § 512 (DMCA) and 17 U.S. Code § 101–810 (Copyright).

Ownership held by: "Lupo", "Nocturne" (site45.nocturne@gmail.com), "Kent"

Ethics Committee Communications

For questions, concerns, or to report Ethics Codex violations, contact Ethics Communications at Installation-45 Main Communications.

Staff may access additional resources and submit reports through the staff portal.