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UK universities urged to share information on harassers

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Library at London School of Economics and Political Science in London.

Organizations around the world are starting to share information on past cases of sexual harassment, but academic institutions have yet to embrace the practice.Credit: Pawel Libera/LightRocket via Getty

Because most universities keep the findings of misconduct investigations confidential, sexual-harassment perpetrators are often able to move to other institutions without having to disclose why they left their old jobs. Now, a think tank is urging UK universities to join an information-sharing scheme that could make old misdeeds harder to hide.

The organization, called the 1752 Group, is a network of UK-based academics that studies and campaigns against sexual misconduct. In a statement issued in late January, it called on universities to join the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS). This would make it more difficult for harassers to move to different universities without disclosing their misconduct findings, the group wrote.

“We’ve been struggling with this issue of pass-the-perpetrator,” explains Anna Bull, a sociologist at the University of York who is director of research at the 1752 Group. “It’s a long-standing issue,” she says.

Sexual harassment is common in academia across the world, surveys show, although official statistics are patchy and reporting is low. More than 40% of students in the UK had experienced sexualized behaviour from staff, according to a 2018 study conducted by the National Union of Students and the 1752 Group. Another 2018 review, which examined more than 300 cases of faculty–student sexual harassment in the United States, found that more than half of perpetrators were serial harassers, and perpetrators often relocated to different institutions and repeated the same pattern of misconduct.

There is currently no legal requirement for UK hiring institutions to ask prospective employees whether findings of misconduct have been made against them. And according to a 2022 review by Universities UK (UUK), an advocacy organisation for universities, widespread use of non-disclosure agreements by universities means that those who have experienced misconduct often cannot speak publicly about others’ problematic behaviour, nor can institutions themselves.

Disclosure scheme

Established in 2019 and funded by the UK government, the MDS facilitates information exchange between organizations, explains Elena Bezzolato, a coordinator for the scheme. It is hosted by a global group of humanitarian and development organizations known as CHS Alliance, and currently has more than 250 member organizations, all of which have agreed to share information with each other about prospective and former employees. None of these members is in higher education. “It’s very minimal information and is communicated bilaterally between organizations — it’s not stored in a database,” Bezzolato explains.

Under the scheme, a hiring organization can ask previous employers whether a person has been found to have committed misconduct, following an investigation; what the sanctions were; and whether the individual is part of any ongoing investigations, Bezzolato says. “It creates a culture in which it is normal to communicate about sexual misconduct.” The scheme has worked well in the humanitarian sector and could be applied in higher education, both Bull and Bezzolato say.

“There is a widespread culture of fear that there might be a risk in organizations sharing such information,” says Bezzolato, adding that privacy is also a concern, because human-resource (HR) matters are considered confidential. It’s “a deeply ingrained cultural issue” that people don’t talk about things such as sexual harassment, and there are fears that divulging such information could damage someone’s career, says Bezzolato.

Ask the referee

In a 2022 legal briefing regarding staff-to-student sexual misconduct in England — with a focus on regulatory compliance in Wales and England, not in Scotland or Northern Ireland — law firm Eversheds Sutherland found that it would be legal for a prospective employer to ask an institutional referee whether an applicant had any live warnings or misconduct findings on file when they left the institution, or whether they were being investigated at the time. The courts would have ultimate authority to settle the issue, however.

Bezzolato says that the scheme encourages hiring organizations to ask for consent from an applicant before contacting another institution, and that member organizations communicate to employees that they would divulge this information to other MDS members, if asked.

Graham Towl, a psychologist at Durham University, UK, whose research interests include addressing sexual violence at universities, says that institutions should “routinely take a reference from the HR department of the previous institution”, rather than relying on references from an applicant’s friends or colleagues.

Similarly, the European Space Agency’s science director, Carole Mundell, says that organizations need “robust policies on providing, for example, letters of reference” and that there should be “standard professional practice” for sharing such information. Mundell was sued for libel in 2017, after she intervened in a hiring process relating to someone who had been under investigation for misconduct.

The Russell Group, which represents 24 UK universities, says that the decision to join the scheme would be up to individual universities. The Office for Students, the independent regulator of higher education in England, has a similar policy. “Action such as subscription to the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme is for individual universities and colleges to decide on,” says David Smy, the office’s deputy director for enabling regulation.

However, Smy adds, the office recognizes the problem of harassment and sexual misconduct in universities, and in 2023 it launched a consultation on introducing new regulatory requirements regarding such behaviours.

A UUK spokesperson told Nature: “We are working with partners to draw attention to the scheme so that individual institutions can decide whether to adopt the Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.”

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More Information on Apple’s iOS 17.4 Software Update (Video)

iOS 17.4

Apple’s latest iOS 17.4 beta version is stirring quite the excitement among iPhone users, and for good reason. This update introduces a plethora of new features and enhancements aimed at improving user experience and security. Let’s dive into the details to see what this update has in store for you. The video below from Brandon Buitch gives us more details on the update.

For iPhone users in the European Union, there’s a specific update tailored to enhance your app installation process. With new regulations around sideloading and third-party app stores, Apple has introduced a new splash screen aimed at verifying the authenticity of apps before installation. This move not only aligns with EU regulations but also provides an added layer of security for users.

In what’s being called the most significant cryptographic upgrade in its history, iMessage now incorporates a post-quantum cryptographic protocol, PQ3. This cutting-edge technology is designed to protect your messages against potential threats from quantum computing, ensuring that your conversations remain private and secure against even the most advanced decryption methods.

If you’ve ever wished for a more streamlined way to receive updates on your purchases or transactions directly through your iPhone, you’re in luck. Apple’s iOS 17.4 introduces a “Messages for Business” toggle allows you to do just that. This feature ensures you stay informed about your orders and transactions with participating businesses, right from the Messages app.

In what’s being called the most significant cryptographic upgrade in its history, iMessage now incorporates a post-quantum cryptographic protocol, PQ3. This cutting-edge technology is designed to protect your messages against potential threats from quantum computing, ensuring that your conversations remain private and secure against even the most advanced decryption methods.

he update also brings enhancements to CarPlay, offering better display options and information management for compatible vehicles. Additionally, a new feature in the battery section now displays “Battery Health: Normal,” aimed at reducing anxiety over battery health and performance. This straightforward indicator provides peace of mind, letting you know that your device’s battery is functioning as expected.

In terms of performance, iOS 17.4 beta 4 maintains stability with no significant changes noted from its predecessors. However, users may find improvements in battery life, an area Apple encourages feedback on through shared user experiences.

The anticipation builds as we approach the release candidate (RC) of iOS 17.4, expected this week, with a public release likely to follow in early March. Rumors are also swirling about new color options for the iPhone 16 Pro and potential updates for the iPad Air and iPad Pro models.

Source & Image Credit: Brandon Butch

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Navigating the Information Landscape with Google Bard

Google Bard

In today’s rapidly expanding digital universe, the abundance of information presents itself as both a valuable resource and a complex maze. The sheer scale of the internet turns the quest for specific, relevant information into a challenging journey. Amidst this vast digital expanse, the emergence of sophisticated language models like Google Bard marks a significant shift in how we approach the task of information discovery.

Google Bard, emerging from the innovative labs of Google AI, represents a paradigm shift in information retrieval methodologies. Moving beyond the conventional frameworks of keyword-based search engines, Bard harnesses the power of advanced natural language processing techniques. It is adept at deciphering the underlying context and the specific intentions behind user queries. This capability of processing and understanding requests in a more human-like manner results in outputs that are not just relevant, but also deeply insightful and nuanced. As a consequence, Google Bard stands out as an exceptionally valuable tool. It has the potential to transform the landscape of research, enhance the learning experience, and streamline a wide array of everyday information-related tasks, thereby making the process of sifting through the digital information realm more accessible, efficient, and rewarding.

Unleashing the Power of Google Bard: A Step-by-Step Guide

To harness the power of Google Bard and effectively search for information, follow these simple steps:

  1. Access Google Bard: Visit the Google Bard website (https://bard.google.com/) and sign in using your Google account.
  2. Craft Your Query: In the main text box, type your query in a natural language format, as you would ask a question to a friend or colleague. Avoid using overly technical jargon or complex sentence structures.
  3. Engage with Bard’s Response: Bard will analyze your query and provide a detailed and informative response. If the response needs further clarification or refinement, simply rephrase your query and submit it again.
  4. Explore Additional Resources: Bard’s responses often include links to relevant websites, articles, or other resources for further exploration.

Exploring Bard’s Advanced Features

Google Bard offers a range of advanced features that enhance its search capabilities:

  1. Contextual Understanding: Bard can understand the context of your query and provide tailored responses based on the surrounding information.
  2. Knowledge Integration: Bard can access and integrate information from various sources, including Google Search, Google Scholar, and Wikipedia, to provide a comprehensive overview of a topic.
  3. Creative Text Generation: Bard can generate different creative text formats of text content, such as poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc. This feature is particularly useful for brainstorming ideas or exploring different writing styles.
  4. Fact-Checking and Validation: Bard provides links to credible sources to support the information it presents, allowing users to verify the accuracy of its responses.

Harnessing Bard for Specific Tasks

Google Bard can be effectively utilized for a wide range of tasks:

  1. Research and Learning: Bard can assist with research projects, providing summaries of complex topics, identifying relevant sources, and generating citations.
  2. Knowledge Acquisition: Bard can help users stay informed about current events, learn new skills, or expand their knowledge in various fields.
  3. Creative Writing and Storytelling: Bard can generate creative text formats, such as poems, code, scripts, musical pieces, email, letters, etc., providing inspiration for writers and content creators.
  4. Everyday Tasks: Bard can answer questions related to daily life, such as finding directions, checking the weather, or translating languages.

Ethical Considerations and Responsible Usage

While Google Bard is a powerful tool, it’s essential to use it responsibly and ethically. Be mindful of the following:

  1. Accuracy and Verification: Always verify the accuracy of information obtained from Bard, particularly for critical or sensitive topics.
  2. Bias and Prejudice: Bard is trained on a massive dataset of text and code, which may reflect societal biases. Be aware of potential biases and critically evaluate the information it provides.
  3. Misinformation and Disinformation: Be cautious about accepting information from Bard as absolute truth. Cross-check information with other reliable sources.
  4. Respectful Communication: When interacting with Bard, use respectful and polite language, avoiding discriminatory or offensive statements.
  5. Responsible Usage: Use Bard for legitimate purposes, avoiding activities that could harm others or violate ethical principles.

Google Bard, with its advanced capabilities, stands out as an instrumental resource in the realm of information navigation. It’s designed to offer detailed and intricate answers to a wide range of user questions. This depth of understanding and precision in responding makes it particularly useful. Users who familiarize themselves with the scope and limitations of Google Bard’s functionalities can harness this tool for various purposes. It becomes an ally in research endeavors, a facilitator in the learning process, and a reliable assistant for a myriad of everyday inquiries and tasks. By integrating it responsibly into their workflow or daily routines, individuals can maximize the benefits derived from this sophisticated digital assistant.

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$10,000 Rewards for Information Ieading to Indianapolis Jail Release of Alleged Murderer.

According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Mason was “mistakenly released” from an adult detention center in Marion County on September 13, two days after his arrest, “due to a faulty records review” by staff. The sheriff’s office has initiated a manhunt for Mason and is asking the public for help in finding him.

The sheriff, Col. James Martin, claimed during a press conference on Tuesday that it was still uncertain whether the suspect was still in the county.

Mason was seized on three outstanding Minnesota warrants, including one for murder in connection with a shooting in Minneapolis in 2021, according to the sheriff’s office in Indiana on September 11. Martin added that the other warrants were for suspected parole violations and weapons possession.

Martin maintains that the prisoner was released when a clerk in the Marion County sheriff’s office accidentally erased two holds from the offender’s file in an attempt to correct duplicate bookings. The colonel alleges that the next day, a clerk in Minnesota released the last hold on Mason’s file, oblivious to the previous day’s error.

Two inmate records clerks who had a part in his release, according to Martin, have been fired, and an internal investigation is ongoing.

This is very inappropriate and should not have happened. Mason, according to Martin, should not have been released from custody.

As soon as the blunder was discovered, “shortly after” Mason’s release, officials launched a “round-the-clock” manhunt, according to Martin.

Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal announced the arrest of Mason’s girlfriend on charges of helping a criminal at a news conference on Wednesday.

“We’ve been tracking that girlfriend since,” Forestal said, referring to Mason’s ex-girlfriend, whom he had called for a ride after being released from jail. “She has not cooperated,” the sheriff said of their efforts to contact her.

According to prison records, the lady was still being held without bond as of early Thursday. A counsel or a court date were not mentioned.

Mason’s search has began following a big manhunt in Pennsylvania that gained global attention. Danilo Cavalcante, a convicted killer, escaped from a Pennsylvania county jail on August 31 by “crab-walking” up to the roof and evading hundreds of officers for more than two weeks before being captured in the woods.

The sheriff’s office announced on Friday that the investigation has been transferred to the US Marshals Service, which aided in the search for Cavalcante. According to the sheriff’s office, authorities in countries where Mason is suspected of having links have been informed.

Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal: “As a former U.S. Marshal, I have a personal understanding of the extensive tools our federal partners have.” I have no doubt that Kevin Mason will be arrested by one of the 56 regional task forces, which nabbed nearly 76,000 fugitives in 2022.

Martin told reporters that the sheriff’s office delayed announcing Mason’s unintentional release for six days in order to maintain a “tactical advantage.”

“We have used this time as the quietness of the situation to not further run him underground and send him running further than what we wanted him to,” Martin continued.

Mason, according to Martin, has “local ties to Indianapolis” and has been residing there since the Minnesota murder for which he has been arrested.

The colonel highlighted investigators’ concern that Mason may have departed the area after being freed from jail, maybe with the help of unknown persons.

He has evidently managed to evade capture since 2021. And we think he’s great at it,” Martin added.

The sheriff’s department has issued a public call for anyone with information on Mason’s whereabouts to come forward.

Mason, who weighs 205 pounds and is roughly 5 feet 9 inches tall, has a cross tattoo beneath his right eye and the initials “SUB” inked across his chest.

While assuring the public that “we do not have any information that leads us to believe that the public is in any immediate danger at this time,” Martin advised the public to “not approach Mr. Mason in any form or fashion.”