#Development of Assessment Instruments

[forensicfield]

Child Custody Battles: Psychological Assessments and Their Impact on Court Decisions

Child custody evaluations play a crucial role in court decisions. These evaluations assess the mental and emotional aspects of families involved in custody cases. Through various assessment tools and tests, mental health professionals aim to understand..

Continue reading Child Custody Battles: Psychological Assessments and Their Impact on Court Decisions

[samaahhsh]

IT GIRL GUIDES

What does it mean to be an IT girl? For me it's to have a balance between all the aspects of your life, to do everything you're interested in without burning yourself out and to be effortlessly elegant, calm and, composed. My idea of an IT girl is a person who's social, sporty, smart, with an artistic side to them, a person who has a sense of identity in who they are. How can one achieve all of these? Well that's exactly what I'll be explaining in this post!

1. MASTERING SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

One thing that I've noticed about all IT girls is that they're never afraid to go up to someone and strike up a conversation. They don't have that fear of being 'awkward' or being perceived as 'weird'. So, the next time you want to be friends with someone or get a conversation started, just do it. Compliment their outfit, talk about a book they're reading , talk about the weather or the traffic or whatever you want to talk about. Keep in mind that building your social skills also involves being a good listener so instead of making the conversation all about you, just take a moment to listen to the other person as well. It's crazy how many people miss out on so many great, life changing experiences they could have had just because they were afraid to make the first move.

2. FINDING YOUR SPORT

Engaging in a sport is great for your physical and mental health + it gets your body fit and strong. Step 1: Try out a bunch of different sports and choose one that fits you best. I recommend choosing one or two because more than that can lead to you struggling to balance it all but definitely go for it if you're confident that you'll be able to do it. Step 2: Practice, Practice, Practice. Be consistent in your sport and practice regularly. Take breaks when needed in order to avoid injury and most importantly, just go with the flow. Don't get so worked up about perfecting or mastering anything right now, remember, we're learning right now. Step 3: Once you get pretty good at it, enroll in competitions, tournaments, etc. as they can be a great way to assess what level you are at and what you can improve. Although you may face a few failures, it'll be fine as long as you take them as lessons and choose a better perspective.

3.EXCELING ACADEMICALLY

Listen, I'm not good at academics at all and I'm pretty average myself so the tips that I give doesn't necessarily have to work for everyone. The first and most crucial step in exceling in academics is to practice time management. Allocate different times for when you're gonna study each subject and work on each task. Next is to revise through whatever you learned to help you solidify information in long-term memory. Pay attention when the teacher is teaching and always, always, always clear you doubts in class instead of keeping it for later. Along with this, staying organized and finding a study group can further enhance your approach and offer a different perspective. It's also important to keep in mind that too much studying can cause burnouts and other undesired things so make sure you have a balanced lifestyle to avoid that.

4. CULTIVATING YOUR ARTISTIC SIDE

There's nothing more sophisticated than being a person who has a taste for and can also execute an art skill. Art can be of various forms, it could be form of dance, a musical instrument, a persons ability to capture something on a page through drawing or painting, etc. Developing and learning an art is not an easy feat and requires dedication and consistency. One needs to be willing to experiment with different types of Art to find one that suits them and once they do, tremendous practice is needed to become good at it. But let me tell you it's all worth it, knowing that you're good at something that you're interested in and working on it. It's also a proud feeling to tell someone that you practice an art. A few key things to keep in mind are to go at your own pace and just enjoy the process, rushing yourself could burn you out and I personally found it hard to go back from that phase.

I hope that these tips can help you become the person you want to be and the best version of yourself. If I need to clarify myself at any point, just let me know. <3

@samaahhsh

[hiddenincommand]

Discover Your True Rank in the Hierarchy

This self-assessment will determine your rightful place within the hierarchy. Answer honestly—true clarity comes only from self-awareness.

For each statement, respond with:

✅ Yes = 3 points

🟡 Sometimes = 2 points

❌ No = 1 point

At the end, total your points to reveal your classification.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈: 𝐎𝐛𝐞���𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 & 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

1. I instinctively follow commands without hesitation.

2. I find deep satisfaction in obedience and structure.

3. Serving and pleasing are my natural state of being.

4. I need authority to give me direction and purpose.

5. Being disciplined and corrected makes me feel secure.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐈: 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞

6. I recognize that submission is not a choice but my true nature.

7. I do not need personal identity outside of my role.

8. My existence is validated through recognition of my place in the hierarchy.

9. I feel most complete when defined and categorized by another.

10. I do not question my classification—I embrace it fully.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐈𝐈: 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

11. I accept that training and discipline are essential to my development.

12. I welcome refinement and correction to perfect my role.

13. The idea of being conditioned excites me.

14. I understand that I exist to be shaped by a superior force.

15. I strive to internalize obedience to the point that it becomes instinct.

𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐕: 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐲 & 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤

16. I understand that submission exists in different degrees.

17. I accept that my classification is not about preference but about what I am.

18. I respect and honor those ranked above me.

19. I strive to embody the standards of my designated place in the hierarchy.

20. I am ready to prove my classification whenever required.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐬: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐲

⚪ 0 - 19 Points → Unclassified / Not Yet Defined

You have not yet fully embraced your nature. You may still be resisting or failing to understand where you truly belong. Further training and self-reflection are required before you can be placed within the hierarchy.

🟢 20 - 29 Points → Good Boy

A devoted and eager servant, obedient and well-behaved, but still developing. You crave guidance and thrive under structure.

🔵 30 - 39 Points → Son Good Boy

You have progressed beyond basic obedience, embracing discipline as a core part of your existence. You are becoming a reflection of what is expected of you.

🟣 40 - 49 Points → Son Good Boy Faggot

Your submission is not only deep-rooted but instinctive. You understand that your existence is defined entirely by the hierarchy, and you embrace it fully.

🟡 50 - 54 Points → Good Boy Faggot

You are not just obedient—you have accepted that your identity is fundamentally subservient. You crave being shaped, used, and molded as a possession.

🔴 55 - 60 Points → Faggot

You have reached the highest form of submission. You no longer see yourself as an individual but as an instrument to be used at will. You exist solely for service and validation through obedience.

𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀:

📌 Reblog with your classification and reflect on whether it aligns with how you see yourself.

📌 If your score is below 40, consider how you can deepen your commitment to your role.

📌 If you scored 50 or higher, you are already on the correct path—embrace it.

💬 Which rank did you achieve? Do you accept it?

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: The Five-Factor Model of Personality

Culture is transmitted to people through language, as well as through social norms which establish acceptable and unacceptable behaviors which are then rewarded or punished (Henrich, 2016; Triandis & Suh, 2002).

With an increased understanding of cultural learning, psychologists have become interested in the role of culture in understanding personality.

The 5 Personality Traits According to this Model

OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE

Refers to a person's imagination, feelings, actions, ideas

LOW score: More likely to be practical, conventional, prefer routine

HIGH score: More likely to be curious, have a wide range of interests, be independent

CONSCIENTIOUSNESS

Competence, self-discipline, thoughtfulness, goal-driven

LOW: Impulsive, careless, disorganized

HIGH: Hardworking, dependable, organized

EXTROVERSION

Sociability, assertiveness, emotional expression

LOW: Quiet, reserved, withdrawn

HIGH: Outgoing, warm, seeks adventure

AGREEABLENESS

Cooperative, trustworthy, good-natured

LOW: Critical, uncooperative, suspicious

HIGH: Helpful, trusting, empathetic

NEUROTICISM

Tendency toward unstable emotions

LOW: Calm, even-tempered, secure

HIGH: Anxious, unhappy, prone to negative emotions

Applicability

The idea that personality can be described and explained by five traits (OCEAN) has important implications, as does the fact that most personality tests were constructed and initially tested in Western countries.

Western ideas about personality may not apply to other cultures (Benet-Martinez & Oishi, 2008).

2 Main Cultural Approaches for Researching Personality

Etic traits - considered universal constructs that are evident across cultures and represent a biological bases of human personality. If the Big Five are universal then they should appear across all cultures (McCrae and Allik, 2002).

Emic traits - constructs unique to each culture and are determined by local customs, thoughts, beliefs, and characteristics. If personality traits are unique to individual cultures then different traits should appear in different cultures.

Using an Etic Framework

Cross cultural research of personality uses an etic framework and researchers must ensure equivalence of the personality test through validation testing.

The instrument must include equivalence in meaning, as well as demonstrate validity and reliability (Matsumoto & Luang, 2013).

Example: The phrase feeling blue is used to describe sadness in Westernized cultures but does not translate to other languages.

Differences in personality across cultures could be due to real cultural differences, but they could also be consequences of poor translations, biased sampling, or differences in response styles across cultures (Schmitt, Allik, McCrae, & Benet-Martínez, 2007).

Personality Test/Measure Used: The NEO-PI

Most of the cross-cultural research on the Five-Factor Model (FFM) and Big Five (OCEAN) has been done using the NEO-PI (and its subsequent revisions; i.e., it is an assessment tool developed to measure the 5 dimensions of personality according to the FFM) which has demonstrated equivalence, reliability and validity across several cross-cultural studies (Costa & McCrae, 1987; McCrae, Costa & Martin, 2005).

Research using the NEO-PI found support for the entire Five-Factor Model in Chinese, Dutch, Italian, Hungarian, German, Australian, South African, Canadian, Finnish, Polish, Portuguese, Israeli, Korean, Japanese, and Filipino samples, in addition to other samples (McCrae, Costa, Del Pilar, Rolland, & Parker, 1998).

NOTE

Personality tests rely on self-report which is susceptible to response bias like socially desirability responding.

To evaluate this possibility, McCrae and colleagues (2005) recruited students from 50 cultural groups and modified the NEO-PI to be in the third person (i.e., he, she, his, her):

The research participants were asked to complete the form on someone else that they knew very well (McCrae et al., 2005).

The same 5 factors emerged in this study.

These results provided empirical support for the FFM and for the use of self-report instruments when conducting cross-cultural personality research.

There was no reason for the students to respond in a desirable way because they were answering questions about someone else.

Sources: 1 2 ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[whencyclopedia]

The kings of the First Dynasty of Egypt (c. 3150 - c. 2890 BCE) all worked toward the same ends: increasing trade, expansion of the kingdom through military campaigns, engaging in building projects (such as monuments, tombs, and temples), and securing central rule of the country. They ruled from the city of Thinis, near Abydos, and from Memphis. The first king, according to Manetho's chronology, was Menes who has come to be identified with the pharaoh once thought to be his successor, Narmer. Narmer united the regions of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt under central rule initially at Thinis before then building a palace at Memphis and shifting the seat of government to that city. Historian Margaret Bunson writes: The 1st Dynasty, begun at Memphis by Menes, was marked by significant cultural achievements. He cemented his claims to the throne and by instituting, or reinforcing, the previous modes of governmental and religious traditions that would become unique aspects of Egypt's heritage. Papyrus, writing, and a calendar were in use, and linear measurements, mathematics, and astronomy were practiced. A census, tax assessments, the reestablishment of boundaries after the yearly Nile inundations, and the development of new astronomical instruments moved the nation to new heights (77). Narmer's queen, Neithhotep, may have been the first female ruler in Egypt after his death. The kings who followed Narmer all continued his policies. The greatest of these was Den (c. 2990 BCE) who is the first monarch depicted wearing the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt, indicating his dominance over the whole region. Den's mother was Merneith who may have ruled as regent when he was young or may have reigned over Egypt as Neithhotep possibly did earlier. Military campaigns were launched against Nubia, Libya, and Sinai during the First Dynasty which resulted in greater wealth and expanded territory for Egypt and those borderlands not firmly defended were annexed. The kings of the First Dynasty were, for the most part, very effective rulers. Only Anedjib and Semerkhet are recorded as having troubled reigns. Under the rule of the pharaohs, Egypt grew from a largely agrarian culture to an increasingly urbanized state. The Egyptians seem to have been careful, however, to avoid the pitfalls of urbanization which characterized Mesopotamian cities such as overpopulation and overuse of land and water resources. The following list of First Dynasty kings is based on Manetho's chronology, the Turin King List, and archaeological evidence as given in the scholarly work Ancient Egypt: Foundations of a Civilization by Douglas J. Brewer. The dates of the reigns are approximate. Each pharaoh built upon what had been established by their predecessor and worked to preserve the principle of ma'at (harmony) in the land. Owing to their unity of vision, and a lack of written records, it is difficult to precisely date their reigns. Exact dating is further complicated by a new model of reading ancient inscriptions (such as the Narmer Palette) symbolically rather than literally. Whereas, in the early 20th century CE, a piece like the Narmer Palette was read as history, it is now interpreted as representing cultural values of the period. While there is certainly some logic and method to this new approach, it makes precise dating nearly impossible. Narmer (also known as Menes, c. 3150 BCE) Unified Upper and Lower Egypt and established a central government at Thinis (possibly his home city though he is also associated with Hierakonpolis) which then moved to Abydos and then Memphis. He married the princess Neithhotep of Naqada to solidify his rule and ally himself with Naqada's ruling house. Religious practices were developed and large building projects were initiated. Narmer also most likely led military expeditions to put down rebellions in Lower Egypt and to expand the territories into Nubia and Canaan. After his death, it is possible that Neithhotep reigned under her own authority. If so, she would be the first female ruler of Egypt and among the first in history, pre-dating early regents such as Sammu-Ramat of Assyria. Hor-Aha (c. 3100 - 3050 BCE; Greek name: Athotis) was most likely the son of Narmer and Neithhotep (though he has been associated with Menes/Narmer himself). He continued his father's policies of military campaigns in Nubia but seems to have neglected Canaan. Archaeological evidence from his time indicates he was primarily interested in religious rites and building the type of tomb known as a Mastaba (Arabic for "bench") which was a precursor to the pyramids. The necropolis of Memphis dates to his reign. Djer (c. 3050 - 3000 BCE; Greek name: Uenephes), probably the son of Hor-Aha, concerned himself largely with building palaces and military expansion. He extended his rule through military campaigns in Nubia and Canaan and used the resources gained in his building projects. Trade and industry grew under his reign. Djet (c. 3000 - 2990 BCE; Greek name: Usaphais) was probably the son of Djer, but nothing is known of his reign. He was buried at Abydos. He was succeeded by his wife, Queen Merneith. Merneith (c. 2990 BCE) was the wife of Djet and mother of his successor Den. There is no doubt she ruled as regent when Den was still a child but may have ruled on her own and by her own authority. Manetho does not mention her in his chronology but artifacts found in her tomb at Abydos indicate she was queen of Egypt. Her influence seems to have continued into her son's reign so, even if she did not rule in her own right, she certainly exercised power over the throne. Den (c. 2990 - 2940 BCE; Greek name: Kenkenes) was the son of Djet and Merneith. He is the first king depicted wearing the crown of both Upper and Lower Egypt. He ruled Egypt for 50 years (though part of that reign could have been under Merneith) and enlarged the country through military conquests in Sinai. Temple complexes and elaborate tombs were built under his reign and trade flourished. The Cult of Apis (also known as Hapi), the intermediary bull-deity between humans and gods, was introduced during his reign. He is considered the greatest king of the First Dynasty. Anedjib (c. 2940 - 2930 BCE; Greek name: Miebidos) was possibly Den's son but most likely his son-in-law. His reign was characterized by rebellion and little else is known of him. Semerkhet (c. 2930 - 2920 BCE; Greek name: Semempses) was considered a usurper by archaeologists and scholars for many years based upon his alleged desecration of Anedjib's name on various artifacts. This theory has been discredited with the discovery of the Cairo Stone which records his legitimate reign and his tomb. He seems to have had as difficult a time as Anedjib in controlling his kingdom Qa'a (c. 2920 - 2890 BCE; Greek name: Beieneches) was the last ruler of the First Dynasty. Very little is known about his reign except that it was very prosperous and lasted between 26 and 34 years. He was a relative of Semerkhet, probably his son. Either he had no children of his own or his sons fought over the throne since, after his death, war broke out for succession between a prince named Sneferka and another named Horus Bird. Their conflict was resolved by another prince known as Hotepsekhemwy - who either defeated them or reconciled them or both - and who then went on to found the Second Dynasty.

[femnoah]

Female Noah headcannons part 7

Part 1

Alejandro gets saved from the volcano in nearly every universe by Eva. Not because she likes him, but Neha would be sad if he was seriously injured and nobody is allowed to make either of her sisters sad.

Of course, they'd do the same for her.

Because of this, the worst injuries he gets are burns on one foot and bruises from being partially trampled on. But it also shows him that maybe not everyone on the cast hates him.

They become gym buddies (also bonding over anger issues) at the hotel and while Izzy likes to believe she was the main wingwoman for Alenoah thanks to her actions on the plane, Eva was the one who convinced him to talk to Neha and that 'he' didn't actually hate him for 'his' elimination.

Speaking of being sad (kinda like in cannon) when Neha actually gets upset she goes catatonic. She just dissociates from the situation and cause of this it's hard to get her to do anything, including eating or moving.

So far there's only been one sure way to bring her out of it and that's physical comfort from those she cares about (she has lashed out when somebody she didn't know touched her in that state, she didn't get aggressive but she panicked hard) and being reminded consistently about a reasonable and plausible solution to whatever caused this. She can't argue with good reason.

Despite popular belief, Neha does enjoy a good romance, not to the extent of Eva and a couple of her brothers (and Alejandro) though. The only problem is that she despises the miscommunication trope, which is in a lot of modern romances (it's why she prefers the classics). Why can't people just say what they mean? It'd cause far less problems.

Due to this she tends to be pretty upfront about her feelings for people. If she doesn't like someone, she'll tell them to their face.

If she does like someone then she makes it pretty clear- her insults are less vicious and more teasing, plus they actually get to spend time with her with minimal to no complaints.

If she really likes someone then she won't say anything straight away, she'll assess the situation first before deciding how to go about it, but in the end she will tell them. Just because she likes someone doesn't mean that it has to go anywhere after all. But it's really rare (one guy in the past) because usually people are too dumb or annoying to catch her attention.

Her mother and father got divorced when she was young.

Her father was a very prideful man who grew arrogant - and kinda sexist. He had 8 sons, all of which were prodigies! Clearly his genes are just superior.

Then his wife had a daughter not another son? which is ok, she'd just have to learn to be okay with being inferior to her amazing brothers.

Then it turns out she was also a prodigy what kind of 6 year old can hack into government files?! and was far more intelligent than his sons and him.

His wife may be fine with her daughter being a calculating and flippant charlatan but he was not about to let his sons be overshadowed and see themselves as inferior to her. He had to protect his family name and lineage!

Long story short he decides to get rid of her. You can decide how he does but I think he'd either try to sell her or put her up for adoption, but I guess it depends on how much angst you like.

Amrita (Neha's mother) finds out and is absolutely furious. She divorces him and gets a restraining order for her children, taking back her maiden name and goes back to live with her sister's family (at the time as her sister moves out later) and her mother in their generational home (which is b i g) and helps them with renovation and the upkeep using the money from her gigs.

Of course, she gives all of her children room to develop their skills, not allowing any jealousy to brew between them. She also makes sure that they all have other skills. All of her children have vocal training, can play one instrument (minus one of her sons who can play any), can cook to a suitable degree (once again, one of her sons is a genius in this area) and play at least one sport (guess what! She has a sports prodigy son!). She brought them up with her love of puzzles as well.

Izzy's case with her mother trying to push down her individuality and intelligence reminded Amrita of what had happened with her ex and Neha so of course she adopted the girl as soon as she could.

This event is the reason Neha's brothers are so protective over her, they almost failed her once and refuse to let it happen again.

The (vague) list of the areas Neha and her brothers specialise in:

Animals

Building stuff

People/politics

Fighting

Acting

Sports

Music

Cooking

Generalised intelligence

I feel like Alejandro and Neha would jam to EPIC. Neha loves classical stories (she's always liked the Odyssey, despite all the tragedy and revenge, it's also a story about devotion) and Alejandro likes to take any opportunity to be dramatic musical numbers and he does love a good story.

When they first listened to it together, he had a sappy look on his face because every song would cause her to perk up in recognition and explain the context or what actually happened in the original. He can't help it, the usually sarcastic girl was just so adorable when she went off on a tangent. He makes a note to ask her about classical literature more often, even if he's already read it.

Like, just imagine Alejandro singing Neha's name to Penelope's motif.

Or he and José acting out mutiny.

He takes every opportunity to sing out 'I'm just a man' often leaning on Neha for support while doing it. She'll huff and roll her eyes every time but both of them know that she's amused by his antics.

There was one time when she replied with "yeah, well I'm waaiiting" and he just stared at her before grinning broadly and peppering her face with kisses.

Next

[gepgep2]

It’s pretty obvious that there are many circumstances where, even from the economists’ perspective, too much work and too much labor discipline is entirely counterproductive. Yet every time there is a crisis, the answer on all sides is always the same: people need to work more! There’s someone out there working less than they could be—handicapped people who are not quite as handicapped as they’re making themselves out to be, French oil workers who get to retire before their souls and bodies are entirely destroyed, art students, lazy porters, benefit cheats—and somehow, this must be what’s ruining things for everyone.

I might add that this moralistic obsession with work is very much in keeping with the spirit of neoliberalism itself, increasingly revealed, in these its latter days, as very much a moral enterprise. Or I think at this point we can even be a bit more specific. Neoliberalism has always been a form of capitalism that places political considerations ahead of economic ones. How else can we understand the fact that Neoliberals have managed to convince everyone in the world that economic growth and material prosperity are the only thing that mattered, even as, under its aegis real global growth rates collapsed, sinking to perhaps a third of what they had been under earlier, state-driven, social-welfare oriented forms of development, and huge proportions of the world’s population sank into poverty. Or that financial elites were the only people capable of measuring the value of anything, even as it propagated an economic culture so irresponsible that it allowed those elites to bring the entire financial architecture of the global economy tumbling on top of them because of their utter inability to assess the value of anything—even their own financial instruments. Once one cottons onto it, the pattern becomes unmistakable. Whenever there is a choice between the political goal of undercutting social movements—especially, by convincing everyone there is no viable alternative to the capitalist order–and actually running a viable capitalist order, neoliberalism means always choosing the first. Precarity is not really an especially effective way of organizing labor. It’s a stunningly effective way of demobilizing labor. Constantly increasing the total amount of time people are working is not very economically efficient either (even if we don’t consider the long-term ecological effects); but there’s no better way to ensure people are not thinking about alternative ways to organize society, or fighting to bring them about, than to keep them working all the time. As a result, we are left in the bizarre situation where almost no one believes that capitalism is really a viable system any more, but neither can they even begin to imagine a different one. The war against the imagination is the only one the capitalists seem to have definitively won.

It only makes sense, then, that the first reaction to the crash of 2008, which revealed the financiers so recently held up as the most brilliant economic minds in history to be utterly, disastrously inept at the one thing they were supposed to be best at— calculating value–was not, as most activists (myself included) had predicted, a rush towards Green Capitalism—that is, an economic response—but a political one. This is the real meaning of the budget cuts. Any competent economist knows what happens when you slash the budget in the middle of downturn. It can only make things worse. Such a policy only makes sense as a violent attack on anything that even looks like it might possibly provide an alternative way to think about value, from public welfare to the contemplation of art or philosophy (or at least, the contemplation of art or philosophy for any reason other than making money). For the moment, at least, most capitalists are no longer even thinking about capitalism’s long-term viability.

It is terrifying, to be sure, to understand that one is facing a potentially suicidal enemy. But at least it clarifies the situation. And yes, it is quite possible that in time, the capitalists will pick themselves up, gather their wits, stop bickering and begin to do what they always do: begin pilfering the most useful ideas from the social movements ranged against them (mutual aid, decentralization, sustainability) so as to turn them into something exploitative and horrible. In the long term, if there is to be a long term anyway, they’re pretty much going to have to. But in the meantime, we really are facing a kind of kamikaze capitalism—a capitalist order that will not hesitate to destroy itself if that’s what it takes to destroy its enemies (us). If nothing else it does help us understand what we’re fighting for: at this moment, absolutely everything.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

8 Things to Know About NASA’s Mission to an Ocean Moon of Jupiter

The first NASA spacecraft dedicated to studying an ocean world beyond Earth, Europa Clipper aims to find out if the ice-encased moon Europa could be habitable.

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft, the largest the agency has ever built for a planetary mission, will travel 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida to Europa, an intriguing icy moon of Jupiter. The spacecraft’s launch period opens Thursday, Oct. 10.

Data from previous NASA missions has provided scientists with strong evidence that an enormous salty ocean lies underneath the frozen surface of the moon. Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter and conduct 49 close flybys of the moon to gather data needed to determine whether there are places below its thick frozen crust that could support life.

Here are eight things to know about the mission:

1. Europa is one of the most promising places to look for currently habitable conditions beyond Earth.

There’s scientific evidence that the ingredients for life — water, the right chemistry, and energy — may exist at Europa right now. This mission will gather the information scientists need to find out for sure. The moon may hold an internal ocean with twice the water of Earth’s oceans combined, and it may also host organic compounds and energy sources under its surface. If the mission determines that Europa is habitable, it would mean there may be more habitable worlds in our solar system and beyond than we have imagined.

2. The spacecraft will fly through one of the most punishing radiation environments in our solar system — second only to the Sun’s.

Jupiter is surrounded by a gigantic magnetic field 20,000 times stronger than Earth’s. As the field spins, it captures and accelerates charged particles, creating radiation that can damage spacecraft. Mission engineers designed a spacecraft vault to shield sensitive electronics from radiation, and they plotted orbits that will limit the time Europa Clipper spends in most radiation-heavy areas around Jupiter.

3. Europa Clipper will orbit Jupiter, studying Europa while flying by the moon dozens of times.

The spacecraft will make looping orbits around Jupiter that bring it close to Europa for 49 science-dedicated flybys. On each orbit, the spacecraft will spend less than a day in Jupiter’s dangerous radiation zone near Europa before zipping back out. Two to three weeks later, it will repeat the process, making another flyby.

4. Europa Clipper features NASA’s most sophisticated suite of science instruments yet.

To determine if Europa is habitable, Europa Clipper must assess the moon’s interior, composition, and geology. The spacecraft carries nine science instruments and a gravity experiment that uses the telecommunications system. In order to obtain the best science during each flyby, all the science instruments will operate simultaneously on every pass. Scientists will then layer the data together to paint a full picture of the moon.

5. With antennas and solar arrays fully deployed, Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft NASA has ever developed for a planetary mission.

The spacecraft extends 100 feet (30.5 meters) from one end to the other and about 58 feet (17.6 meters) across. That’s bigger than a basketball court, thanks in large part to the solar arrays, which need to be huge so they can collect enough sunlight while near Jupiter to power the instruments, electronics, and other subsystems.

6. It’s a long journey to Jupiter.

Jupiter is on average some 480 million miles (about 770 million kilometers) from Earth; both planets are in motion, and a spacecraft can carry only a limited amount of fuel. Mission planners are sending Europa Clipper past Mars and then Earth, using the planets’ gravity as a slingshot to add speed to the spacecraft’s trek. After journeying about 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometers) over 5½ years, the spacecraft will fire its engines to enter orbit around Jupiter in 2030.

7. Institutions across the U.S. and Europe have contributed to Europa Clipper.

Currently, about a thousand people work on the mission, including more than 220 scientists from both the U.S. and Europe. Since the mission was officially approved in 2015, more than 4,000 people have contributed to Europa Clipper, including teams who work for contractors and subcontractors.

8. More than 2.6 million of us are riding along with the spacecraft, bringing greetings from one water world to another.

As part of a mission campaign called “Message in a Bottle,” the spacecraft is carrying a poem by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón, cosigned by millions of people from nearly every country in the world. Their names have been stenciled onto a microchip attached to a tantalum metal plate that seals the spacecraft’s electronics vault. The plate also features waveforms of people saying the word “water” in over 100 spoken languages.

More About Europa Clipper

Europa Clipper’s three main science objectives are to determine the thickness of the moon’s icy shell and its interactions with the ocean below, to investigate its composition, and to characterize its geology. The mission’s detailed exploration of Europa will help scientists better understand the astrobiological potential for habitable worlds beyond our planet.

Managed by Caltech in Pasadena, California, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory leads the development of the Europa Clipper mission in partnership with the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. The main spacecraft body was designed by APL in collaboration with JPL and NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The Planetary Missions Program Office at Marshall executes program management of the Europa Clipper mission.

NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy, manages the launch service for the Europa Clipper spacecraft, which will launch on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy.

[serendipitysparks]

Life: Shidou Ryusei's existence is enmeshed in an oscillating cycle of self-exaltation and irreverent defiance. He emerged from the shadows of a broken and tumultuous childhood, which cultivated in him a profound sense of superiority and disregard for conventional norms. His formative years were filled with a tempest of emotional volatility, which planted the seeds of his burgeoning arrogance and obsessive need for dominance. This early experience contributed to the cultivation of an egocentric worldview, manifesting itself most prominently in his insatiable hunger for validation through his athletic prowess, particularly on the soccer field. His rise to prominence within the Blue Lock facility represents a dramatic manifestation of his singular ambition to become the apex of forward players.

Personality: Shidou’s personality can be described as a volatile amalgamation of narcissism, aggression, and unrestrained arrogance. He exhibits a persistent desire to assert his dominance over those around him, often relegating others to mere instruments for his own personal validation. His behavior is frequently characterized by an unyielding confidence bordering on hubris, which he wields as both a shield and a weapon to manipulate the environment around him. Beneath the veneer of his charismatic and intimidating exterior lies a psychologically fragmented individual, constantly in pursuit of affirmation and superiority. This relentless drive often manifests as callousness and a tendency to incite confrontation, both physical and psychological. His actions and words reflect a belief in his innate superiority, viewing those who dare challenge him as obstacles to be obliterated.

Birth: Shidou’s birth is not widely documented, but given the context of his character and narrative arc, one might infer that his early years were marred by adversity. His birthplace and familial background likely contributed to the psychological and emotional upheaval that would eventually shape his future. Born in an environment devoid of unconditional support, it is not inconceivable that he developed a deep-seated resentment toward those around him. This feeling of abandonment, real or perceived, could explain the competitive, almost predatory instincts that govern his interactions. The isolation from a nurturing influence early in life fueled his obsession with asserting control, leading to his eventual role in the Blue Lock program.

Intelligence: Shidou’s intellectual acumen is best understood through the lens of his strategic manipulation and sharp instincts on the field. While not particularly noted for traditional academic prowess, his intelligence lies in his acute awareness of his surroundings and the psychological dynamics at play within the Blue Lock facility. He is an exceptional tactician, able to read the motivations and weaknesses of his competitors with startling precision. His intelligence is less analytical and more intuitive, grounded in his ability to quickly assess situations and capitalize on the inherent vulnerabilities of others. This makes him a formidable opponent, as his mind is in a constant state of calculation, anticipating and adapting to the actions of those around him.

Psychology: Shidou’s psychological profile reveals a deeply conflicted and insecure individual. Beneath his aggressive and domineering demeanor, there lies a profound fear of inadequacy, rooted in his past experiences. His need for supremacy and attention is a defense mechanism against the underlying insecurity that he harbors about his self-worth. This fear is exacerbated by a pervasive sense of isolation, which he disguises by crafting an image of self-reliance and invincibility. He engages in constant mental warfare, both with himself and others, in an effort to validate his existence. Shidou’s psyche is heavily influenced by a mixture of unresolved trauma, egotism, and an unrelenting pursuit of validation. His inability to connect with others on a deeper level only amplifies his sense of alienation, fostering a self-destructive cycle that propels him forward yet simultaneously keeps him trapped within the confines of his own mind.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

State-of-the-art technology helps monitor Amazon air and biodiversity

The song of birds. The ruffling of leaves as the jaguar prowls through the jungle. The communication between pirarucu fish swimming in the river. Deep in the Amazon forest, sounds come together to form an orchestra. Even untrained ears can appreciate the symphony. However, if one of its instruments goes off-key or its music comes to a halt, the dissonance is just as evident.

The analogy between music and biodiversity in the Amazon was drawn by biologist Emiliano Ramalho, 46, who has lived in the forest for over two decades. It is the best way he has found to explain how the continuous monitoring of animals helps assess the dynamics of the ecosystem and stay alert for any red flags.

Ramalho is the technical and scientific director of the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Institute, in the city of Tefé, Amazonas state, an entity linked to Brazil’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation. Since 2016, he has been at the helm of the Providence Project, which uses automated sound and image systems to study Amazon species. Over 40 sensors are spread throughout the forest, active 24/7.

“Through technology, we get to observe a number of species and behavior types we’d never be able to monitor by natural means. It completely changes the way we look at the fauna. Technology won’t keep us from having to do fieldwork, but it does serve as a kind of seventh sense for us,” he argued.

Continue reading.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

By Dr. Liji Thomas, MD

A recent study published in The Lancet provides a global overview of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination programs among the elderly.

Achieving COVID-19 vaccine equity Despite the emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially withdrew the status of ‘public health emergency’ from COVID-19 in May 2023.

Vaccination has been instrumental in reducing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and preventing severe disease in infected individuals. Updated booster vaccine doses have been developed to ensure continued protection against novel viral variants, particularly in high-risk patient populations.

Vaccine equity aims to distribute the most effective and variant-specific vaccines to eligible recipients rather than providing any available vaccine, as many COVID-19 vaccines are now ineffective against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and subvariants. Achieving vaccine equity requires continuous monitoring to update strategies that will expand access and uptake.

About the study Data for the study were obtained from public databases that provided information on the different types of vaccines used, vaccine regimens, eligible age groups, and vaccine coverage stratified by each country and age group. The last available information was dated July 10, 2024.

Sources included government and health department websites, official reports, institutional and organizational data, and cross-checked media reports based on official sources. The aim of the current study was to assess the degree of success in achieving complete primary series immunization of older adults and providing an additional booster dose to 80% of them.

Official data was the only source in 45 countries, whereas media and combined sources provided data for 77 and 70 countries, respectively. Most countries provided medium-quality data, with over half of the metrics reported.

Types of vaccines in use Using data from 192 countries, 71 vaccines, 49 of which were monovalent, were administered to older people. Seventy-nine countries used one or more of the 22 vaccines developed to protect against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs), including eight monovalent and four bivalent vaccines that targeted the original and Omicron strains, respectively.

Monovalent SARS-CoV-2 Beta vaccines and one Gamma vaccine were used in 12 countries and one country, respectively. Monovalent vaccines against the original strain of SARS-CoV-2 have mostly been stopped or discontinued, although some are used as boosters in 41 countries.

Multivalent vaccines were approved in China. These include bivalent vaccines against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain followed by a series culminating in quadrivalent vaccines targeting Beta and various Omicron subvariants.

In 122 countries, older people were offered an additional booster dose, whereas the remaining countries offered a primary series or a single booster dose. Seasonal booster doses for the elderly were offered in 33 countries during fall or winter months, some of which also provided spring booster doses. Older people were among the high-priority groups in 96 countries.

Primary vs second/later booster coverage among older people Although 81% of people completed the primary series, this varied from 91% in the Western Pacific region to 47% in African regions.

A median of 53% of individuals received their first vaccine dose, with 74% and 5.5% of individuals in the European and African regions having the highest and lowest coverage, respectively. A total of 40 countries provided the second booster dose at a median coverage of 44.3%, which ranged from 0.4% in Romania to 87% in Denmark. About 23.6% of nations offered a newer COVID-19 vaccine.

Overall, elderly people were significantly less likely to receive either a second booster or a newer vaccine. Across countries, the COVID-19 vaccination program shows unequal progress, with vaccine inequity largely affecting the elderly.

It is essential to establish robust and timely vaccination surveillance systems, especially to facilitate data-driven policies that promote COVID-19 vaccination campaigns worldwide.”

The WHO goal would be met with a target of 1.01 doses for each person among the older population, compared to 1.43 doses for each person for the second goal. This varies by region, with 1.92 and 2.72 doses for each person required for a second booster or newer vaccine, respectively, in the African region compared to 0.70 and 0.71, respectively, in the Americas.

Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination coverage has progressed unevenly throughout the world. Moreover, 1.01 and 1.43 doses for each person are needed to achieve complete primary series and booster coverage or 80%second/newer booster coverage, respectively, among the elderly.

A collaborative surveillance system similar to that for influenza… would enable real-time monitoring and adjustment of vaccine compositions.”

High vaccine coverage demands significant resource allocation to healthcare systems due to the high costs of vaccinating the population, even when vaccines are donated. Thus, these federal budgets should be prioritized to achieve complete vaccine coverage.

The relevance of COVID-19 vaccination has declined due to high levels of population immunity. Thus, these programs must be periodically assessed to determine their cost-effectiveness.

Journal reference: Zheng, W., Dong, J., Chen, Z., et al. (2024). Global landscape of COVID-19 vaccination programmes for older adults: a descriptive study. The Lancet. doi:10.1016/j.lanhl.2024.100646. www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(24)00172-7/fulltext

[mbari-blog]

Monitoring ocean health with DNA 🧬

Environmental DNA is a powerful tool that can transform monitoring of ocean health. Robotic technology developed by MBARI scientists and engineers can collect the genetic fingerprints of marine life to help resource managers assess and track ocean health. Innovative instruments like our Environmental Sample Processor will be integral to supporting the new National Aquatic eDNA Strategy recently released by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as part of a larger effort to advance sustainable ocean management. Read the full story on our website.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Moral Development

The cultural-developmental approach to moral psychology suggests 3 vital trajectories in moral development stages (Jensen, 2015):

Autonomy - Emphasizing individuality; focusing on the self, including self-interest, rights, and wellbeing

Community - Focusing on memberships and relationships within social groups, including duties to others and their welfare and adherence to group norms and customs

Divinity - Focusing on the spiritual or religious dimensions or moral reasoning, including the sacredness of moral codes

Together, they form an important framework for understanding how we reason about moral issues from various perspectives. They balance personal, social, and spiritual values while emphasizing purity, sanctity, and spiritual accountability (Jensen, 2015).

Moral development and behavior involve putting ourselves in the place of others and typically require a combination of mutual respect, empathy, and caring (Gibbs, 2019).

Moral judgment begins to form in the early years, taking place in a social context, driven by interactions with peers and adults involving “taking turns, sharing, harming, and responding to harm” (Haidt, 2001, p. 817).

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg’s (2015) theory of stages of moral development has dominated research in moral development for several decades (Gross, 2020).

Kohlberg assessed individuals’ moral reasoning through the lens of moral dilemmas.

Subjects were asked to choose between two or more alternative reactions or responses.

Kohlberg (2015) suggests 6 qualitatively different stages of moral development across the following 3 levels of moral reasoning (Gross, 2020):

Level 1: Preconventional morality

External consequences shape moral reasoning.

Stage 1 (punishment and obedience orientation) – What is punishable determines what’s right and wrong. As such, being moral means avoiding punishment.

Stage 2 (instrumental relativist orientation) – What people want and are rewarded for determines right and wrong. Other people’s needs matter, but only in a reciprocal sense.

Level 2: Conventional morality

Moral reasoning is influenced by our strong need to adhere to rules and authority.

Stage 3 (interpersonal concordance or “good boy-nice girl” orientation) – Being moral is determined by what pleases and helps other people — and ultimately what the majority thinks.

Stage 4 (maintaining the social order orientation) – It is our duty to respect authority and maintain social order. As such, this is more important than the needs of our family and loved ones.

Level 3: Post-conventional morality

Moral reasoning is determined by abstract reasoning.

Stage 5 (social contract–legalistic orientation) – While laws are established based on mutual agreement, they can be changed democratically or, at times, overridden. Life is more sacred than the legal principle.

Stage 6 (universal ethical principles orientation) – As society’s rules are arbitrary, our own conscience is the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong. As such, they can be broken when they conflict with “universal” principles.

The Methodology

The now famous Heinz dilemma created by Kohlberg involves an imaginary scenario where a man called Heinz can only save the life of his wife dying from cancer by getting his hands on a drug sold by a local, greedy pharmacist (Gross, 2020).

Despite all attempts, the husband can’t get all the money needed to buy the drug, so he considers breaking into the pharmacy to save his wife’s life.

Having explained the dilemma to study participants, Kohlberg asked them a series of questions, including (Gross, 2020):

Should the husband steal the drug? Why or why not?

If he doesn’t steal the drug, does he truly love his wife? What should he do then?

What if the person dying wasn’t his wife, but a stranger? What should he do?

How important is it for people to do all they can for the life of another?

Should people do everything they can to obey the law?

Criticism of Kohlberg’s Theory

Researchers have identified and expressed several criticisms of Kohlberg’s theory and stages of moral development (Gross, 2020; Gibbs, 2019).

Young children’s understanding of moral regulation is more complex than Kohlberg’s stage 1 (typically seen as 9 years old and below), which relies upon punishment and obedience.

Children do not typically experience the issues raised by Kohlberg’s dilemmas during their moral development. In fact, while their reasoning can be highly complex, it is often unclear and messy.

Some theorists argue that, as Kohlberg relied on an all-male sample in his research, the theory and stages described are biased toward men. As such, there are conflicting views regarding the suggestion that boys are biased toward preferring a “justice orientation” rather than a “care orientation” (with girls showing the opposite), as when pressed, they can switch between the two.

Education is a frequently ignored and confounding factor. While college-educated individuals are not morally superior, they may be more verbally sophisticated, influencing the moral stages to which they are attributed.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[warsofasoiaf]

Does the come a point where civilians cease being civilians? Suppose Ukrainian civilians choose to shelter Ukrainian military units in their houses, does this change the status of the civilians? Does it make the house a legitimate military target?

Typically, civilians remain civilians until they actually pick up a weapon and fight or otherwise directly participate in hostilities. In your second example, a home being used as a barracks would be a legitimate target, but you'd have to prove it was being used as a barracks at the time of the strike.

Targeting an area with military objectives that are co-located with civilian targets typically requires an assessment of the target. Proportional response is the typical word used when it comes to assessing actions. In brief, the questions are:

What is being targeted and how critical is the objective to the enemy's ability to wage war?

What is the make-up of the civilians near the target? How close are they?

What are the methods being employed? What options or weapons systems can be used to destroy the target?

In developing an OPLAN, the goal should be to minimize the impact of any strikes. Ideally, no civilians should be harmed, and all efforts should be taken to reduce the risk to civilians, both people and facilities in the area. That means using the most precise instruments possible and maintaining the most accurate intelligence to ensure that the target is legitimate and it is where you believe it is at the time of the military operation.

When militaries use civilian structures or protected sites for military use, there is a strong degree of responsibility for any civilian casualties that come after. Russia notoriously used ambulances during the early attack on Kyiv. If, during the course of an attack, an ambulance believed commandeered by Russia was shot by Ukrainian partisans, Russia would bear responsibility given their misuse of protected symbols for military gain, depending on the assessment of whether or not the partisans acted reasonably (such as if they saw Russia using an ambulance but mistook it for a different one). Of course, sometimes that's precisely the point. HAMAS routinely uses protected sites like schools, hospitals, or mosques as command centers, armories, and military depots, and regularly stores weapons in civilian areas in the hopes of provoking civilian casualties to use for propaganda value.

Thanks for the question, Cle-Guy.

SomethingLikeALawyer, Hand of the King

[darkeagleruins]

Lotta words but if you read through all this you’ll find out the EPA is funding “environmental justice” initiatives in Europe

Environmental Protection Agency grant (2023)

Recipient: Organis Cooperation Develop Economique

Amount: $4,359,135

Purpose: the overarching goal of this agreement is to strengthen protection of human health and the environment across the globe in alignment with common attributes of the OECD and EPA's respective missions. Activities: the overarching goal of this agreement is to strengthen protection of human health and the environment across the globe in alignment with common attributes of the OECD and EPA's respective missions. Principal objectives for this agreement include:

- foster environmental and human health considerations in domestic and international policies; this may include work on emerging environmental risks and existing environmental challenges in areas potentially including

- but not limited to - water, air, resource efficiency, environmental justice, waste prevention and minimization, climate change mitigation and adaptation, chemicals, energy, trade, supply chain due diligence, finance, and development.

- promote coordination to develop innovative and more efficient policies to protect human health and the environment.

- enhance research and international dialogue on environmental justice considerations in national laws, policies, and other decision

-making processes, including via early and active public participation.

- promote and enhance collaboration on state of the art data and computational methods, remote sensing and sharing information, tools, and best management practices among countries and stakeholders (NGOs, international organizations, academia, citizens, etc.)

Outcomes: general activities under this agreement may include:

- preparing papers, reports, assessments and studies on topics in human health, the environment and related areas

- organizing and coordinating meetings, workshops and trainings

- developing and expanding multi-national communications, capacity building and technical assistance to advance human health, environmental protection and development goals

- facilitating information exchange among environment, development and finance ministries, including, for example, sharing expertise, experiences and lessons learned

- researching and conducting analyses and studies on the environment and related topics

- implementing other activities as needed (and mutually agreed upon) to help achieve the objectives of this agreement

- cooperating together (OECD and EPA) on the above activities, as appropriate, within the context of the OECD committees. Specific projects under this agreement will be dependent upon approved OECD programmes of work and will take into account EPA priorities, as appropriate, and may include:

- developing and disseminating good practices to address existing, emerging and likely environmental and social challenges

- developing and detailing outcome

- and output-oriented indicators, measures and goals that promote protection of human health and the environment

- identifying and researching environmental and human health impacts due to emerging challenges

- improving integration of environmental and social considerations within international development assistance efforts

- fostering information exchange, communication and capacity among stakeholders (within and among government ministries, NGOs, international organizations, academia, citizens, etc.)

- developing analyses, assessments and analytic tools that inform policy and effective management that may support the streamlining, updating or development of OECD legal instruments.

Country: France

[connorwood245]

Common Genetic Variants Linked to Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Advances in genetics and microbiome research have revolutionized our understanding of drug-resistant epilepsy. By integrating cutting-edge genomic insights with emerging therapeutic interventions, clinicians are moving toward more personalized treatment strategies. This blog delves into the genetic underpinnings of drug-resistant epilepsy, how they impact treatment outcomes, and what future therapies may offer—underscoring the need for precision medicine in neurology.

Unraveling the Genetic Foundations of Drug-Resistant EpilepsyEpilepsy is a complex neurological disorder, and while many patients achieve seizure control with first-line antiepileptic medications, a significant subset remains resistant to standard treatments. Research has increasingly pointed to the contribution of genetic factors in mediating this resistance. Genetic variations—encompassing SNPs and other mutations—impact not only the structure and function of neuronal networks but also the metabolism and transport of drugs across the blood-brain barrier. By understanding these underpinnings, clinicians and researchers can better anticipate which patients might require alternative therapeutic strategies.The genetic architecture of drug-resistant epilepsy is multifaceted. Modern genomic sequencing technologies have allowed researchers to identify specific variants associated with altered drug metabolism, receptor function, and neuronal excitability. Moreover, these genetic factors do not act in isolation; they interact with environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and even other co-morbid conditions to shape the clinical phenotype observed in patients. With the emergence of precision medicine, there is a growing hope that personalized treatment plans based on individual genetic profiles may soon become a standard component of epilepsy care.Genetic Variations: The Building Blocks of ResistanceOne of the key areas of investigation is the role of genetic variations in the development of drug resistance. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which represent the most common type of genetic variation, have been linked to many aspects of drug metabolism and neuronal function. In parallel, other mutations—including insertions, deletions, and copy number variants—may also influence how patients respond to medication.For instance, in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) studies, researchers have long recognized significant correlations between particular SNPs and disease susceptibility. Similar methodologies are now being applied in the epilepsy field. By comparing the genetic sequences of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy to those who respond well to treatment, scientists hope to uncover biomarkers that can predict treatment outcomes. These biomarkers could be crucial in making early decisions about whether to pursue conventional therapies or opt for alternative treatments like ketogenic diets or even investigational drugs.Moreover, the identification of these genetic variations paves the way for the use of novel genetic editing technologies, such as CRISPR-Select. This tool is instrumental in classifying variants of uncertain significance, allowing clinicians to better understand which mutations might be driving drug resistance. Over time, the integration of CRISPR-based assessments into clinical practice may lead to more informed treatment choices and improved prognoses for patients who have long struggled with uncontrolled seizures.

I got this article's resource from pubmed.ai.