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Turning Fake Data into Fake News: AI Training Set as a Trojan Horse of Misinformation
Get PDFGenerative artificial intelligence (AI) offers tremendous benefits to society. However, these benefits must be carefully weighed against the societal damage AI can also cause. Dangers posed by inaccurate training sets have been raised by many authors. These include racial discrimination, sexual bias, and other pernicious forms of misinformation. One remedy to such problems is to ensure that training sets used to teach AI models are correct and that the data upon which they rely are accurate. An assumption behind this correction is that data inaccuracies are inadvertent mistakes. However, a darker possibility exists: the deliberate seeding of training sets with inaccurate information for the purpose of skewing the output of AI models toward misinformation. As United States Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., suggested, laws are not written for the “good man,” because good people will tend to obey moral and legal principles in manners consistent with a well-functioning society even in the absence of formal laws. Rather, Justice Holmes proposed, that laws should be written with the “bad man” in mind, because bad people will push the limits of acceptable behavior, engaging in cheating, dishonesty, crime, and other societally- damaging practices, unless constrained by carefully-designed laws and their accompanying penalties.
This Article raises the spectre of the deliberate sabotage of training sets used to train AI models, with the purpose of perverting the outputs of such models. Examples include fostering revisionist histories, unjustly harming or rehabilitating the reputations of people, companies, or institutions, or even promoting as true ideas that are not. Strategic and clever efforts to introduce ideas into training sets that later manifest themselves as facts could aid and abet fraud, libel, slander, or the creation of “truth,” the belief in which promote the interests of particular individuals or groups. Imagine, for example, a first investor who buys grapefruit futures, who then seeds training sets with the idea that grapefruits will become the new gold, with the result that later prospective investors who consult AI models for investment advice are informed that they should invest in grapefruit, enriching the first investor. Or, consider a malevolent political movement that hopes to rehabilitate the reputation of an abhorrent leader; if done effectively, this movement could seed training sets with sympathetic information about this leader, resulting in positive portrayals of this leader in the future outputs of trained AI models.
This Article adopts the cautious attitude necessitated by Justice Holmes’ bad man, applying it to proactively stopping, or retroactively punishing and correcting, deliberate attempts to subvert the training sets of AI models. It offers legal approaches drawn from doctrines ranging from fraud, nuisance, libel, and slander, to misappropriation, privacy, and right of publicity. It balances these with protections for speech afforded by the First Amendment and other doctrines of free speech. The result is the first comprehensive attempt to prevent, respond to, and correct deliberate attempts to subvert training sets of AI models for malicious purposes
West Virginia’s “Major Questions” and the Silent Disappearance of the Chevron Doctrine
Get PDFThis Note analyzes the Court’s determination that an administrative agency’s action must be explicitly authorized under “clear congressional authorization” when it involves great “economic and political significance.” Part II of this Note provides a brief overview of the CAA and how the act has been used to cut GHG pollution. Part III examines the EPA’s focus on the power sector in particular, as well as the paths that differing presidential administrations have taken to provide a stable energy grid. Part IV discusses the litigation between West Virginia and the EPA, which resulted in the controversial 6–3 decision in the Supreme Court. Part V examines the impacts of this ruling on the administrative state for both environmental and administrative law. This Note ultimately questions the Court’s reluctance to follow, or even mention, Chevron’s deference to agency decision-making. Instead, the Supreme Court emphasizes “extraordinary cases”—in which the Court believes the “‘history and the breadth of the authority that [the agency] has asserted,’ and the ‘economic and political significance’ of that assertion, provide a ‘reason to hesitate before concluding that Congress’ meant to confer” power to an administrative agency
Optimizing Biofuel Formula for ideal C/N conditions and Maximum Net Energy Output
Get PDFIn spring 2023, using 25mL small-scale digesters, a team of students used a dry matter mixture (92.8% solid matter) consisting of kelp, animal waste and beer waste water to produce biomethane gas. These experiments resulted in biogas output (at standard temperature and pressure) that was three times the biomass input. When scaled up (by a factor of x28K) the energy input to mix the solid matter could substantially reduce the net energy of the system. To reduce the energy input to the system, we need to move to a more liquid mixture. We want to compare the carbon to nitrogen ratios (a key indication of biomethane potential) as well as the net energy of the previous solid matter mixture to different ratios of liquid formulas to identify the most optimal formula
Abortion and the Metaphorical Imagination
Get PDFThe goal of my research is to discover how and what metaphors shape the framework in which the current abortion discussion is based. I propose that our current conception of abortion and reproductive rights serve to uphold economic underpinnings, and so long as we overlook the role of capitalism in shaping the abortion debate, progress will forever be an illusion. Through the application of metaphor theory, my study seeks to analyze how metaphors contribute to the ideological underpinnings within both the Pro-Life and Pro-Choice movements
Reducing Inpatient Falls Utilizing Multimodal Standardized Patient Education: An Evidence-Based Practice Project
Get PDFPurpose of Project: This project aims to utilize multimodal standardized patient education as an evidence-based practice intervention to reduce inpatient falls.
Background: In 2022, Kaiser Foundation Hospital (KFH) San Diego had 116 falls. Inpatient falls with injury account for the second-highest Joint Commission (TJC) sentinel event and California Department of Public Health (CDPH) adverse events. These injuries include lacerations, subdural hematoma, subdural hemorrhage, hip fractures, and wrist fractures. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have also stopped reimbursing hospitals for the care provided after patients have sustained a fall with injury.
The project was implemented at KFH-San Diego 5 East Medical-Surgical (MS) Unit. This unit was selected as it had the highest number of inpatient falls and falls with injury in 2022 for the Kaiser San Diego Service Area.
Methods: All patients admitted to KFH-5 East MS from September 2023 to December 2023 will be provided standardized fall prevention patient education based on the patient’s fall risk score (low, moderate, high) by the Registered Nurse (RN). The patient’s education will be given in a multimodal format, which includes the following: Printed material/handout detailing what it means to be at risk for falls, fall risk score, and fall prevention strategies based on their fall risk. Video explaining fall risk and fall prevention strategies.
The 5 East MS RNs received education on implementing multimodal patient education and how to document education in the electronic medical record (EMR). A documentation guideline was developed and disseminated to the 5 East RNs to ensure a reinforced understanding of the fall prevention education provided to patients. Collaboration with staff, educators, information technology, and leaders in quality and nursing was essential to the success of project implementation. Metrics were tracked over three months of intervention.
Results: The benchmark selected for this project includes a 25% improvement in patient falls in 5 East MS and falls with injury. Another benchmark selected for this project was to ensure that 50% of the patients in 5 East MS received multimodal standardized patient education on their fall risk score and fall prevention strategies, as evidenced by a generated report that patients viewed the fall prevention video and documentation in the EMR that the patient received the patient fall prevention education printed material.
The number of patient falls for 5 East MS decreased by 19%. In 2022, the number of patient falls was 16; in 2023, it was 13. However, the number of falls remained the same during the project\u27s implementation compared to the same months in 2022. In both years, from September 28 to December 28, the number of patient falls was 5.
The number of patients with falls and injuries for 5 East MS decreased by 40%. In 2022, there were five falls with injury, and in 2023, there were 2. During the implementation of the project, there were 0 falls with injury. By December 2023, at least 50% of patients received multimodal patient education.
Evaluation: Utilizing multimodal standardized patient education has reduced inpatient falls with injury. Considerations for further implementation include auto-population of evidence that patients viewed the fall prevention video to be available for staff in the EMR. Another consideration is having the fall prevention video in languages other than English or Spanish. Staff who were part of the implementation recommended posting the printed material in the patients\u27 rooms as another way to visualize the education
Leadership and Teacher Agency for Inclusive Classrooms: Insights about Integrating Students with Disabilities into Inclusive Classrooms from Teachers and School Leaders in Three International Schools
Get PDFAs international schools continue to flourish, they must consider how to be inclusive and meet the needs not only of multicultural populations of students, but also the needs of students with diagnosed learning difficulties (i.e., students with special needs). Promoting teacher agency is a potentially important component in successfully implementing inclusive practices given that teachers are key actors in the implementation process. Currently, however, there is limited empirical evidence regarding the interconnectedness of teacher agency and inclusion of special needs populations in international schools.
This qualitative research explores the role of school leaders in promoting teacher agency to support the inclusion of students with identified learning needs in inclusive classrooms. Through in-depth interviews with three school leaders, six primary class teachers, and six learning support specialists from three international schools in Europe, the study examines the factors influencing teacher agency and the implementation of inclusive practices. These factors include: participation in policy development, collaboration structures, professional development, self-advocacy, colleague influence, and leadership influence.
The findings reveal that school leaders can enhance teacher agency by fostering trusting relationships, prioritizing interdisciplinary teams, establishing consistent collaborative structures, including learning support specialists in decision-making processes, and providing meaningful professional development opportunities. These findings emphasize the importance of proactive leadership in creating inclusive school environments and supporting educators in meeting the diverse needs of students. The study contributes to filling a gap in the literature on the relationship between leadership, teacher agency, and inclusion, and offers insights for policymakers, school leaders, and educators seeking to improve inclusive practices in schools. Future research directions are also discussed to further explore these dynamics across diverse educational contexts
Understanding Ethical Leadership in Intelligence: Themes in Accountability, Self-Development, and Communication Among CIA Leaders
Get PDFThis dissertation elucidates the concept of ethical leadership within the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Based on interviews with ten former senior-level officers from across different departments, the study analyzes how these leaders understand issues of accountability, self-development, and communication. The research also provides insights into their processes of sense-making and their methodologies for fostering ethical conduct amidst the complexities of intelligence operations.
Against the backdrop of the CIA\u27s mission, structure, and norms, the study sheds light on the challenges and tensions inherent in the organization\u27s operations. Through a thematic analysis of participant narratives, themes of moral cognition, personal values, and leadership strategies emerge, highlighting the nuanced interplay between individual ethics and organizational imperatives. One key finding is the emphasis placed by former CIA leaders on the importance of fostering a culture of care and respect among colleagues, even in high-stakes and stressful environments. Participants articulated the challenges and their commitment to upholding ethical standards while balancing mission objectives, underscoring the complexity of ethical leadership within the CIA.
The findings include an emphasis on accountability in ethical leadership, which encompassed both leaders and followers participating in the process of truth-telling to those in power, as well as the leaders\u27 commitment to instilling standards by imposing sanctions when necessary. Moreover, accountability entailed leaders identifying with the leadership role by engaging with their own motivations to lead, which facilitated leaders\u27 progression in self-development. These findings suggest a need for prioritizing the accountability aspect of ethical leadership as a foundation for advancing individual and organizational goals. The study\u27s findings recommend consideration of ethics when applying complexity leadership theory\u27s encouragement for leaders to engage with enabling styles of leadership. The study recommends enabling leadership engage with moral inclinations among individuals and support developing ethical standards within an organization
Keep the Beat: Increase Sudden Cardiac Awareness and Improve Cardiac Arrest Bystander Intervention
Get PDFBackground: Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a rare but life-threatening condition where a person’s heart stops suddenly. It remains the leading cause of death on school campuses with chances of survival being less than 10%. Every minute without cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) decreases survival by 10%. Poor outcomes are attributed to bystanders who are not prepared or are unwilling to take action in the event of a cardiac emergency. Therefore, bystanders play a crucial role in cardiac arrest.
Objectives: The purpose of this project was to educate high school students about SCA and Cardiac Chain of Survival, with the primary objective to improve resuscitation knowledge and self-confidence in initiating CPR during a cardiac event.
Methods: A one-time educational session was conducted at a community High School regarding SCA and Cardiac Chain of Survival in adjunct to CPR training. A survey questionnaire was administered pre-training to obtain baseline level of knowledge and attitudes towards initiating CPR and then readministered post-training to analyze improvement in knowledge and attitudes.
Results:After the presentation, all students (n=83) showed significantly higher knowledge scores (Z= -7.760, p
Conclusions: These findings show that theoretical and practical CPR training can significantly improve the knowledge and self-confidence of a student with respect towards CPR which in turn could reduce the catastrophic outcome of SCA through early bystander intervention. There is a need for further research towards a sustainable approach towards teaching CPR in the school setting
Supporting Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Neurodivergence: University of San Diego Accommodations and Resources
Get PDFThis research focuses on better understanding the unique classroom experiences faced by autistic and neurodiverse students at the University of San Diego (USD) and offers recommendations to improve their college experience. Through a well-studied literature review and data collection through semi structured interviews and focus groups, the overall goal was to have a more holistic understanding of the current support services from faculty and staff that are available for students at USD. The study will provide unique challenges and curated recommendations for students with autism spectrum disorder and neurodiverse identities. This research also identifies specific areas where the USD can make practical modifications to its already existing practices to better neurodiverse students in the classroom, while taking into consideration their unique needs and circumstances
Should We Move to Suspend Robert’s Rules Forever: A Review and Proposal for Student Government Communication
Get PDFThe purpose of this action research project was to understand and improve how student leaders in student government (senators) communicate with one another during their meetings. My research question was, how can I effectively work with the Associated Student Government (ASG) at the University of San Diego (USD) to improve the senator’s meeting communication through parliamentary practice? The use of Robert’s Rules (parliamentary procedure) is common for student government. I analyzed mixed-method data through three cycles: focus group, survey, and semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that there are pros and cons to meeting structures, most participants are open to different meeting methods, and that Robert’s Rules training needs to be improved. Recommendations include senators being well-informed of their meeting structure options and a proposal to a hybrid meeting structure. Lastly, I communicated findings and recommendations with the Student Activities and Involvement team, ASG Executive Team, and Senate Lead Team.
Keywords: student government, parliamentary procedure, communication, Robert’s Rules, Martha’s Rules, student senate, higher educatio