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Borneo Post
4 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
PhD pursuit: Between scholarship and titular prestige
Photo of PhD graduates, ready to receive their scrolls. — Photo courtesy of Nottingham University KEEN to wear the 'Dr' title before your name? It's only natural to get an affirmative response from locals, but not from Westerners who prefer to be addressed by first name. Have you embarked on the journey to get one? While most people would pursue a legitimate academic path after finishing their undergraduate and master's degrees, many others would choose online degree mills, and some may even contemplate shortcuts where money and a fast track go hand in hand. My experience with the old-school academic approach has prompted me to concentrate my thoughts on PhDs rather than DBAs, yielding in the process some enlightening conclusions from a comparative standpoint. PhDs and DBAs are two separate entities, and the academic traditions which have shaped them differ. In light of widespread availability of academic programmes, formal and short term, offered outside the traditional domain, the pursuit of a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) degree has become a contentious issue capable of igniting passionate discussions among even the most level-headed critics. What with the growing number of institutions offering dubious post-graduate degree, including several online sites, and equally increasing number of people keen to have an extra title after their name. Growing wave of 'credentialism' Such an incendiary atmosphere is caused by the unrestrained mushrooming of shady degree programmes, the vast majority of which are provided by online mills. This is attributed to a growing wave of 'credentialism' in society, where the acquisition of a glittering title has a tendency to suppress the actual essence of scholarship. Laisses-faire economics underscore the growing credentialism trend in which 'supply and demand' are as real as in the open market. The desire to get a PhD, which has become very popular and commercialised, raises numerous concerns regarding the quality and honesty of the examination system. This has caught the attention of higher education planners and academics. Not only are PhDs on the bucket list, so are post-graduate master's degrees. It's a lucrative business for the degree pedlar. Who cares whether it is recognised or not, as long as the person concerned gets to use the prefix 'Dr' before his name and be addressed by the eponymous name thereafter. The urge to acquire a PhD, which has become popular and commercialised, makes people question the honesty and integrity of the grading system. In the past, the pursuit of a PhD was regarded as a challenging route to mastering a subject and doing research that changed the way people thought. But today, some institutions are known to be giving out doctorates that are bogus, but cleverly packaged in an impressive style with artful persuasion. Much of this is detectable in online programmes or remote learning. The discernible cannot help but raise questions about the validity and usefulness of the degree. Seeking extra qualification This was supplemented by an apparent social transformation of professionals seeking extra qualifications for perceived professional advantage, and thereby, it has made a society in which the status of the PhD is more at risk than ever. Backgrounding this is a growing credentialism trend in our society, where title and recognisable social status matter. What is concerning to well-meaning critics is that the availability of certain programmes devalues the worth of the doctorate, confused as it is between true scholarship quality and 'title shopping'. Furthermore, the intentions of those applying for a PhD simply for the additional prestige value, and not necessarily because of research enthusiasm are questioned; thereby, warranting further investigation of the purpose and destiny of doctoral education offered by dubious bodies. The highest academic award given by universities is a PhD, which is evidence of having vast knowledge and expertise in a selected field of study. It is achieved through the completion of tremendous amounts of original research, culminating in a thesis that contributes to the study field. The core of a PhD is independent study and research, where the student will be completely immersed in an extremely narrowed subset of material, generally to the innovation level. This puts to shame those holders of bogus degrees acquired through dubious means. 'Empty doctorates' It is only proper that one must be motivated by scholarship passion and the need to engage in research of value for the community during the study for a PhD. There has also been a despicable tendency for individuals, who are not devoted to authentic scholarship, to seek 'empty doctorates'. The 'Dr' title is more vital to them than real research work, intellectual maturity, and critical thinking that come with a PhD. This hollow quest is likely to result in the publication of subpar research, weaken academic integrity through data manipulation or plagiarism, and ultimately, tarnishes the legitimacy of the PhD degree. In this, the extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI) to retrieve the required material and publish the same in their assignment as if it is theirs, speaks badly of this dubious path. Setting aside scruples, they choose the path of obtaining a great label above giving value to society and the subject of study. They are motivated by social status, or ego, rather than a genuine desire to be of use and relevance to the changing ecosystem of the wider community. People who come into the PhD with guns blazing, even if it means taking shortcuts to get an ersatz degree, are motivated by an endless desire to be recognized, respected, and professionally upgraded. 'Magic pass' They may consider a doctor's degree as the 'magic pass' – a means of deceiving the system in order to become better in opportunities and famous. But their actions indicate an unawareness of the true value of a PhD, not just in the piece of paper itself, but in intellectual growth, diligence and analytical thinking that it signifies. This desperation might stem from uncertainties, family or social pressures, or simply a false belief that the aims warrant the means. There are many of them in our midst today, posing as people of knowledge and half-baked authorities in some specific fields, but quickly backing down when challenged to engage in a debate or in-depth discourse in which they claim to be conversant. The standard advice is for these people to revisit their reasons and the ultimate fallout of what they are doing. A fake degree will give a short-lived thrill, but it will ultimately implode like a fragile bubble. The innate ability cannot be created, and the moral backlash of presenting oneself falsely is enormous. Instead, focus on acquiring real skills and intelligence, seeking out real education streams, and gaining a solid work ethic. Self-satisfaction and pride in having achieved the real thing is always better than a temporary gain from an imitation credential. Study other career-building materials that will push your capabilities and interests, and consult with guidance counsellors and mentors who provide frank and realistic criticism. 'To be accepted, respected' The desire to be accepted and respected by expert communities can be a powerful driver, and sometimes, it can lead one to questionable ethical boundaries. The need to present oneself as capable and competent, especially when in the company of highly educated peers, can leave one with the feeling of having to compromise rules concerning ethics in pursuit of perceived status. With others, the acquisition of pseudo qualifications is so that they can acquire the title of 'Dr', or that of possessing qualifications in which they think will immediately win them people's hearts and gain them respect and credibility. What is frightening about making this choice is the evident absence of legislative provisions within most laws against the misuse of such titles; i.e., there exists a conspicuous loophole in law concerning professional titles and qualifications. This absence of control makes the fraud possible, which may undermine the validity of legitimate professionals and the validity of legitimate qualifications. Personal aggrandisement The pursuit of true scholarship, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to contribute meaningfully to a field, stands in stark contrast to the pursuit of personal aggrandisement, where academic endeavours are primarily seen as a means to elevate one's status, power, or financial gain. This duplicity is particularly vile in the ambiance of the craze of pseudo-PhD programmes. Such programmes, with little seriousness in terms of scholarship and serious intellectual curiosity, are not doing justice to the sanctity of the bona fide doctoral programme. They tend to offer a bargain-basement way of satisfying the illusion of respectability. Far from offering any scope for genuine intellectual growth and leading to the spread of knowledge, they inflate egos and cheapen the toil and effort that go into serious scholarship. The mass availability of such 'degree mills' undermines educational integrity badly. They water down the value of real PhDs, leading to a society where credentials become increasingly detached from real knowledge. Their bearers can proceed and continue to further take advantage of their degrees for professional and personal gain, which has the potential to mislead employers, customers, and society. It is interesting to observe that many with bogus doctoral qualifications or other degrees earned through dubious means are able to present themselves confidently and impress the crowd in a public gathering. Although initially, they may get away unnoticed or unquestioned, they would have to bear the weight of shame and guilt when eventually the glittering glass cracks open. Erosion of faith in scholarship In addition, degrees, whether at undergraduate or post-graduate level, earned through dubious means could result in the gradual erosion of faith in scholarship and research conducted by them. This hinders actual scholarship from moving forward. Therefore, it is important that qualifications done in academia are properly scrutinised critically, and one selects those institutions that search for honest research and actual intellectual development rather than those offering speedy and convenient route to a renowned degree. It is worth noting that Malaysia prohibits the use of bogus or phoney degrees in order to maintain educational integrity and professional standards. Laws like the Universities and University Colleges Act 1974 (UUCA), in effect, criminalise fake institutions and the use of unrecognised qualifications. However, how effective the enforcement has been in curbing the operation of institutions, which offer bogus or substandard degree courses, cannot be ascertained and is left to be desired. * Toman Mamora, PhD (Nottingham UK) Social Anthropology. • Tokoh Media Sarawak • Communication and research consultant Doctor of Philosophy doctorate PhD
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Expert reveals why you MUST change your ‘outside' clothes as soon as you get home & the bad habit that's making you ill
WE'D all like to think that we take great pride in our clean home. But while many of regularly 2 From chilling on your sofa to sharing towels, there are plenty of habits that spread germs around your home 2 While plonking the luggage on your bed may seem harmless, it might be time to rethink that, the experts warned Credit: Getty Perhaps unsurprisingly, people need to think about anything that's been in contact with places where germs are. Some of these, such as the soles of your shoes and However, there are plenty more unexpected ways harmful bacteria could be making their way in, Kim Hardie, professor in bacterial pathogenesis at Nottingham University, and Change into new clothes By now, most of us should - hopefully - be aware that wearing your outdoor shoes and boots in the read more on homes But the same thing goes for the clothing you've worn to the ''The habit that always grosses me out personally is sitting on (or even getting into) your bed wearing the clothes you just sat on public transport in,'' said Ella. ''The amount of germs your clothes can pick up, carry and transfer is shocking. ''Additionally, not changing when you get home can inflame allergies such as Most read in Fabulous Don't chuck your suitcase on the bed With holiday season now in full force, millions of Brits will be jetting off to somewhere nice and sunny - which also means packing the suitcase. While plonking the luggage on your bed may seem harmless, it might be time to rethink that, the experts warned. Sun tests world's thinnest vacuum at Dyson HQ – and 'PencilVac' is SAS of cleaning After being chucked on the To keep your home pristine and germ-free, always give the luggage a good clean between trips. Clean your handbags Similarly, our handbags come with us pretty much everywhere, especially during the busy Your bag is essentially like the soles of your shoes - it sits on the floor of the bus or train or a dirty seat on public transport. Then, it finds itself on the kitchen counter where dinner is getting prepared - or your ''I think people underestimate or simply forget how dirty our bags are, but it doesn't take an expert to realise how much bacteria and grime lurks on public transport,'' said Ella. ' 'I try to wipe mine down with a leather safe, anti-bacterial wipe most days.'' 10 Grossest Areas People Forget to Clean By Under and Behind the Fridge Crumbs, dust, and spills accumulate over time, attracting pests and creating bad odours. Shower Curtain & Liner These collect mildew and soap scum but are often overlooked. Wash or replace them regularly to keep your bathroom fresh. Toothbrush Holder One of the germiest places in the bathroom, filled with bacteria and toothpaste residue. Rinse and disinfect it weekly. Dishwasher Filter Food particles and grease build up, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. Remove and clean the filter every few weeks. Washing Machine Seal The rubber gasket traps mould, mildew, and detergent buildup. Wipe it down with white vinegar and leave the door open to air dry. Light Switches and Remote Controls Touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them germ hotspots. Wipe them down with disinfectant regularly. Under the Sofa Cushions Crumbs, dust, and even lost items hide in the cracks. Remove the cushions and vacuum thoroughly. Kitchen Sink & Plughole Food residue builds up, causing bad odours. Pour boiling water, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar down the drain to freshen it. Ceiling Fans Dust piles up on the blades and gets redistributed into the air when turned on. Use a microfibre cloth or pillowcase to clean them easily. Doormats They trap dirt and bacteria from shoes but are rarely washed or vacuumed. Shake them out weekly and deep clean them every month. Head to her Instagram pages for more cleaning information @ Don't forget about your phone Another big enemy is your But when it comes to spreading germs, phones are one of the worst offenders, Professor Hardie warned. In fact, studies ''have shown that smartphones carry significantly more bacteria than toilet seats, so keep that in mind next time you're cuddled up in bed with yours'', Ella added. Be aware of the dangers when sharing towels A busy family bathroom in the early morning when everyone is rushing to get out of the house? All of us have been there. But don't go reaching to the nearest towel you can find. Sharing towels could risk skin infections, warned Professor Hardie. Some of these include athlete's foot, verrucas,
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Expert reveals why you MUST change your ‘outside' clothes as soon as you get home & the bad habit that's making you ill
Plus, ten grossest areas people forget to clean - how many are YOU guilty of? CLOTHES OFF! Expert reveals why you MUST change your 'outside' clothes as soon as you get home & the bad habit that's making you ill Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WE'D all like to think that we take great pride in our clean home. But while many of regularly scrub the loo and hoover the floor once a week, there could be common daily habits that are undoing your hard work in seconds - and they spread germs right under your nose. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 From chilling on your sofa to sharing towels, there are plenty of habits that spread germs around your home 2 While plonking the luggage on your bed may seem harmless, it might be time to rethink that, the experts warned Credit: Getty Perhaps unsurprisingly, people need to think about anything that's been in contact with places where germs are. Some of these, such as the soles of your shoes and trainers, or hands after playing with a friendly pooch, are more obvious. However, there are plenty more unexpected ways harmful bacteria could be making their way in, Kim Hardie, professor in bacterial pathogenesis at Nottingham University, and Good Housekeeping household advice expert, Ella Duggan, revealed. Change into new clothes By now, most of us should - hopefully - be aware that wearing your outdoor shoes and boots in the living room and elsewhere is never a good idea. read more on homes BUZZ OFF I'm the Queen of Clean and my 5p hack stops wasps & hornets attacking you But the same thing goes for the clothing you've worn to the office or when running errands, the gurus told the publication. ''The habit that always grosses me out personally is sitting on (or even getting into) your bed wearing the clothes you just sat on public transport in,'' said Ella. ''The amount of germs your clothes can pick up, carry and transfer is shocking. ''Additionally, not changing when you get home can inflame allergies such as hay fever, by bringing in pollen or dander from the outside world.'' Don't chuck your suitcase on the bed With holiday season now in full force, millions of Brits will be jetting off to somewhere nice and sunny - which also means packing the suitcase. While plonking the luggage on your bed may seem harmless, it might be time to rethink that, the experts warned. Sun tests world's thinnest vacuum at Dyson HQ – and 'PencilVac' is SAS of cleaning After being chucked on the plane, dragged around and in contact with thousands of bags, suitcases are a notorious spreader of bed bugs, explained Professor Hardie. To keep your home pristine and germ-free, always give the luggage a good clean between trips. Clean your handbags Similarly, our handbags come with us pretty much everywhere, especially during the busy commute to and from work or when popping to the grocery store after picking the kids up from school. Your bag is essentially like the soles of your shoes - it sits on the floor of the bus or train or a dirty seat on public transport. Then, it finds itself on the kitchen counter where dinner is getting prepared - or your sofa where you're catching up on all the latest drama on Love Island. ''I think people underestimate or simply forget how dirty our bags are, but it doesn't take an expert to realise how much bacteria and grime lurks on public transport,'' said Ella. ' 'I try to wipe mine down with a leather safe, anti-bacterial wipe most days.'' 10 Grossest Areas People Forget to Clean By Danielle Mason, who has 20 years of experience Under and Behind the Fridge Crumbs, dust, and spills accumulate over time, attracting pests and creating bad odours. Shower Curtain & Liner These collect mildew and soap scum but are often overlooked. Wash or replace them regularly to keep your bathroom fresh. Toothbrush Holder One of the germiest places in the bathroom, filled with bacteria and toothpaste residue. Rinse and disinfect it weekly. Dishwasher Filter Food particles and grease build up, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced efficiency. Remove and clean the filter every few weeks. Washing Machine Seal The rubber gasket traps mould, mildew, and detergent buildup. Wipe it down with white vinegar and leave the door open to air dry. Light Switches and Remote Controls Touched daily but rarely cleaned, making them germ hotspots. Wipe them down with disinfectant regularly. Under the Sofa Cushions Crumbs, dust, and even lost items hide in the cracks. Remove the cushions and vacuum thoroughly. Kitchen Sink & Plughole Food residue builds up, causing bad odours. Pour boiling water, bicarbonate of soda, and vinegar down the drain to freshen it. Ceiling Fans Dust piles up on the blades and gets redistributed into the air when turned on. Use a microfibre cloth or pillowcase to clean them easily. Doormats They trap dirt and bacteria from shoes but are rarely washed or vacuumed. Shake them out weekly and deep clean them every month. Head to her Instagram pages for more cleaning information @missmasoncleaning @daniellemasonuk Don't forget about your phone Another big enemy is your phone - a daily essential for billions across the world. But when it comes to spreading germs, phones are one of the worst offenders, Professor Hardie warned. In fact, studies ''have shown that smartphones carry significantly more bacteria than toilet seats, so keep that in mind next time you're cuddled up in bed with yours'', Ella added. Be aware of the dangers when sharing towels A busy family bathroom in the early morning when everyone is rushing to get out of the house? All of us have been there. But don't go reaching to the nearest towel you can find. Sharing towels could risk skin infections, warned Professor Hardie. Some of these include athlete's foot, verrucas, acne and cold sores, and even respiratory infections, colds, flu and eye infections can be transmitted this way.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Turtles could hold key to curing cancer
Turtles could hold the key to finding a cure for cancer, researchers have found. Creatures that are both large and long-lived typically face a higher risk of getting the disease, but turtles seem to defy that pattern. The reason may lie in their strong defence against cell damage, slow metabolism, which reduces cellular stress, and unique genes that protect against cancer, researchers said. In the study, scientists from the universities of Nottingham and Birmingham analysed medical records of autopsies from hundreds of zoo turtles, including some from Chester Zoo in Cheshire. They found that 1 per cent had been affected by cancer, far less than in mammals or birds. It also discovered that, when tumours did appear, they almost never spread. Some turtle species – which included tortoises – have life spans beyond 100. The Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, for example, have lived beyond 150. In April, a female of the species became a first-time mother at the age of 100 in Philadelphia Zoo. Credit: Philadelphia Zoo Digital The researchers said the findings highlighted how essential it was to protect endangered species. Dr Ylenia Chiari, one of the authors of the study from the school of life sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: 'Turtles, especially iconic species like Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, are famous for living long lives and growing to tremendous sizes. 'You'd expect that to mean more cancer, but our study, which combines decades of zoo records with previous research, shows how incredibly rare cancer is in these animals. 'It highlights turtles as an untapped model for understanding cancer resistance and healthy ageing, and it shows the vital role zoos play in advancing science through collaboration.' Dr Scott Glaberman, from the University of Birmingham, added: 'Biodiversity has so much to teach us about how the world works. 'While fascinating in their own right, extreme species like giant tortoises may have already solved many of the problems humans face, including those related to ageing and cancer. That makes biodiversity doubly worthy of protection.' Dr Helena Turner, the research officer at Chester Zoo, said: 'It's fantastic to see these efforts not only contribute to advancing scientific knowledge around cancer resistance but also support vital conservation work to protect these remarkable species that may hold keys to medical breakthroughs benefiting both wildlife and humans.' The study was published in the journal BioScience. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
09-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Turtles could hold key to curing cancer
Turtles could hold the key to finding a cure for cancer, researchers have found. Creatures that are both large and long-lived typically face a higher risk of getting the disease, but turtles seem to defy that pattern. The reason may lie in their strong defence against cell damage, slow metabolism, which reduces cellular stress, and unique genes that protect against cancer, researchers said. In the study, scientists from the universities of Nottingham and Birmingham analysed medical records of autopsies from hundreds of zoo turtles, including some from Chester Zoo in Cheshire. They found that just 1 per cent had been affected by cancer, far less than in mammals or birds. It also discovered that, when tumours did appear, they almost never spread. Some turtle species - which included tortoises - have life spans beyond 100. The Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, for example, have lived beyond 150. In April a female of the species became a first-time mother at the age of 100 in Philadelphia Zoo. The researchers said the findings highlighted how essential it was to protect endangered species. Dr Ylenia Chiari, one of the authors of the study from the School of Life Sciences at the University of Nottingham, said: 'Turtles, especially iconic species like Galapagos and Aldabra giant tortoises, are famous for living long lives and growing to tremendous sizes. 'You'd expect that to mean more cancer, but our study, which combines decades of zoo records with previous research, shows how incredibly rare cancer is in these animals. 'It highlights turtles as an untapped model for understanding cancer resistance and healthy ageing, and it shows the vital role zoos play in advancing science through collaboration.' Dr Scott Glaberman, from the University of Birmingham, added: 'Biodiversity has so much to teach us about how the world works. 'While fascinating in their own right, extreme species like giant tortoises may have already solved many of the problems humans face, including those related to ageing and cancer. That makes biodiversity doubly worthy of protection.' Dr Helena Turner, the research officer at Chester Zoo, said: 'It's fantastic to see these efforts not only contribute to advancing scientific knowledge around cancer resistance but also support vital conservation work to protect these remarkable species that may hold keys to medical breakthroughs benefiting both wildlife and humans.'
