Models it on unsettling ASTI item (8)

I believe the answer is:

imitates

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'models it' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'unsettling asti item' is the wordplay.
'unsettling' indicates anagramming the letters.
'asti'+'item'='astiitem'
'astiitem' with letters rearranged gives 'IMITATES'.

'on' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for imitates that I've seen before include "Copies, takes off" , "Apes" , "Copies, simulates" , "Mimics or simulates" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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