APeX 2020-2021

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10657/7032

This collection gathers recordings and materials presented as part of the 2020-2021 APeX Lecture Series

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    Cellular mechanotransduction: Big impact of little things
    (2021-02-24) Raghunathan, Vijaykrishna
    Every cell in our body is surrounded by a rich three dimensional extracellular matrix laden with a multitude of physico-chemical stimuli that dictate cell fate. Yet the most common method used for mechanistic investigations in cell culture are done one plastic or glass surfaces which lack the organization, composition, and mechanical properties of the scaffolding matrix. The biophysical stimuli encountered by cells in the eye vary with location: from surface tension and shear at the tear film interface to pressure gradient in the trabecular meshwork to compressive forces at the retina and electrical signals in the neural retina. Research from our group focuses on characterizing these fundamental properties during corneal wound repair and glaucoma, designing engineering tools to replicate the native environment for mechanistic studies. Outcomes learned will aid in the identification of novel molecular drug targets, and in the development of technologies for efficient drug-delivery and regeneration.
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    Addressing tobacco-related health disparities among Latinx adults: Community engagement and intervention research
    (2021-01-27) Correa-Fernandez, Virmarie
    This talk will focus on the process and preliminary outcomes in the implementation of a feasibility study (N=38) testing a wellness program for English-preferring Latinx adults who smoke cigarettes and experience anxiety and/or depression symptoms. The program involves the provision of nicotine patches and a video/phone-based counseling intervention grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT's objective is to assist individuals in developing psychological flexibility by identifying their core values, strengthening their ability to experience uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and engaging in values-consistent behaviors. The intervention entails an 8-session protocol that is culturally relevant for Latinx adults. This presentation will include: the process and outputs of the intervention development, challenges and lessons learned during recruitment, community engagement efforts, and treatment delivery (including transitioning to a virtual study during the COVID-19 pandemic), and preliminary results of the study. This work is significant because it addresses tobacco-related disparities experienced by Latinx groups.
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    Preserving diverse voices on social media
    (2020-10-28) Johnson, Olivia
    As a digital outlet, social media has transformed individual voices from a proverbial whisper to a megaphone for various ideas allowing traditionally marginalized voices to be heard. These collective voices provide both positive and negative effects to the larger community as they yield their integrative power to influence attitudes and behaviors. Some social media platforms have assumed the responsibility of protecting users from potential threats and applied policies for reporting inappropriate content or for restricting comments. Our research seeks to explore if implementing communication restrictions on social media will decrease hateful and divisive speech on Twitter or if the change will disrupt the essence of Twitter and dilute the diversity of voices. Furthermore, our research can provide preliminary insights on how or whether communication restrictions can decrease hateful and divisive speech on social media.
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    Artificial Intelligence, Legal Change, and Separation of Powers
    (2020-09-23) Michaels, Andrew
    A number of prominent contemporary legal scholars have recently argued in favor of replacing at least some human legal decision making with Artificial Intelligence ("AI"), assuming that AI technology improves to a level these scholars deem appropriate. This article disagrees, particularly as regards Article III judges, for two main reasons. First, human judges must strike a delicate balance between stability and change; that is, between respect for precedent on the one hand, and adapting the law to unforeseen circumstances on the other, thus playing an important role in shaping the law that is not adequately considered in this literature, and that an AI judiciary may not be able to adequately replace. Second, the loss of human judges would likely lead to a loss or diminishment of the human legal community, such that fewer people would be paying attention to the law. This community of people with strong incentives to pay attention to the law is built around the Article III judiciary, and the diffusion of knowledge throughout this community may be a significant source of the judiciary's power to fulfill its role as a check on the other two branches. The potential benefits of an automated judiciary can be better achieved in other ways, and likely do not justify the risks. At the least, these concerns are not adequately addressed by those advocating for AI judges, and should be seriously considered in the context of any effort to automate parts of the judiciary.