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Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
A health wake-up call for academics — Nazrul Anuar Nayan
AUGUST 16 — They are the architects of our nation's future, dedicating their lives to research and the education of the next generation. But behind the lecture halls and library stacks, many of Malaysia's academics are facing a silent, personal crisis. A case study tracking a group of male lecturers between the ages of 40 and 50 over fourteen years has shed light on the significant, yet often overlooked, health toll of their demanding profession. The life of a lecturer extends far beyond the classroom. It is a world of intense intellectual pressure, where days are spent hunched over keyboards preparing lecture notes, marking assignments, and writing research papers to meet publication deadlines. Evenings and weekends are often consumed by administrative duties and the relentless pursuit of academic excellence. This demanding environment fosters a lifestyle that is predominantly sedentary, stressful, and marked by irregular hours, creating a perfect storm for noncommunicable diseases. The findings from the long-term health study confirm what many in the field have long suspected. A consistent pattern of rising obesity was observed among the participants. The long hours spent sitting, combined with a tendency toward eating late at night after a long day's work, contributes directly to weight gain and the accumulation of dangerous visceral fat around the organs. This increase in weight sets off a cascade of related health problems, collectively known as metabolic syndrome. The study noted a clear trend towards unhealthy cholesterol profiles, where bad LDL cholesterol rises while good HDL cholesterol falls. This imbalance is a primary driver of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Perhaps most alarmingly, the research highlighted a steady progression towards prediabetes. The combination of physical inactivity and a diet often high in processed foods and sugar impairs the body's ability to regulate blood sugar effectively. Without intervention, many academics are on a trajectory to developing type 2 diabetes, a chronic condition with profound consequences for their lives. Furthermore, the study pointed to signs of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. This condition, where excess fat builds up in the liver, is closely linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome and can lead to severe liver damage if not addressed. It is crucial to understand that these health issues are not a result of personal failure but are occupational hazards baked into the structure of academic life. The very dedication and passion that make a good lecturer can inadvertently lead to the neglect of their own wellbeing. The findings from the long-term health study confirm what many in the field have long suspected. A consistent pattern of rising obesity was observed among the participants. — Unsplash pic So, what is the prescription for this academic ailment? The path to better health is not about drastic measures but about making sustainable lifestyle changes. First, a dietary overhaul is essential. Lecturers are encouraged to move away from convenience foods and towards whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Practicing mindful eating and planning meals can help counteract the effects of a hectic schedule and prevent unhealthy late-night eating. Second, integrating physical activity into the daily routine is non-negotiable. This does not necessarily mean hours at the gym. It can be as simple as taking brisk walks between classes, using a standing desk, or incorporating short exercise breaks throughout the day. The goal is to break the cycle of prolonged sitting with at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week. Finally, proactive health monitoring is key. Regular checkups to track blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels can catch problems early and allow for timely intervention, preventing the progression to more serious diseases. This study is a vital wake up call. The health of our nation's educators is a resource we cannot afford to lose. It is time for both individuals and academic institutions to acknowledge this hidden crisis and work together to foster a culture that values not just intellectual output, but the physical and mental wellbeing of the people who make it all possible. *Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Nazrul Anuar Nayan is from the Biomedical Engineering Research Group, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. He can be reached at [email protected] ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
Washington Post
3 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Boston politicians fight the future by slow-rolling Waymos
Boston's success owes much more to the academic and business community than the political class, but local politicos seem to be going out of their way to highlight their ineptitude. A recent City Council hearing on self-driving-cars provided some lessons — just not the intended ones.
Sustainability Times
19-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'They're Hacking the AI to Approve Their Lies': Scientists Busted Embedding Hidden Prompts to Trick Systems Into Validating Fake Studies
IN A NUTSHELL 🔍 Investigations by Nikkei Asia and Nature reveal hidden prompts in studies aiming to manipulate AI review systems. and reveal hidden prompts in studies aiming to manipulate AI review systems. 🌐 Approximately 32 studies from 44 institutions worldwide were identified with these unethical practices, causing significant concern. ⚠️ The over-reliance on AI in peer review raises ethical questions, as some reviewers may bypass traditional scrutiny. in peer review raises ethical questions, as some reviewers may bypass traditional scrutiny. 🔗 Experts call for comprehensive guidelines on AI use to ensure research integrity and prevent manipulative practices. The world of scientific research is facing a new, controversial challenge: the use of hidden prompts within scholarly studies intended to manipulate AI-driven review systems. This revelation has sparked significant debate within the academic community, as it sheds light on potential ethical breaches and the evolving role of technology in research validation. As scientists grapple with these issues, it is crucial to understand the implications of these practices on the trustworthiness of scientific findings and the integrity of academic publications. Hidden Messages in Studies: A Startling Discovery Recent investigations by Nikkei Asia and Nature have uncovered instances of hidden messages within academic studies. These messages, often concealed in barely visible fonts or written in white text on white backgrounds, are not meant for human reviewers but target AI systems like Large Language Models (LLMs) to influence their evaluations. Such practices have raised alarms, as they attempt to secure only positive assessments for research submissions. Approximately 32 studies have been identified with these manipulative prompts. These studies originated from 44 institutions across 11 countries, highlighting the global reach of this issue. The revelation has prompted the removal of these studies from preprint servers to maintain the integrity of the scientific process. The use of AI in peer review, intended to streamline the evaluation process, is now under scrutiny for its potential misuse and ethical implications. '$100 Million Vanished and Nothing Flew': DARPA's Canceled Liberty Lifter Seaplane Leaves Behind a Trail of Broken Dreams and Game-Changing Tech The Broader Implications of AI in Peer Review The discovery of hidden prompts in studies not only exposes unethical practices but also raises questions about the reliance on AI for peer review. While AI can assist in managing the growing volume of research, it appears that some reviewers may be over-relying on these systems, bypassing traditional scrutiny. Institutions like the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) prohibit AI use in review processes, yet the practice persists in some quarters. Critics argue that these hidden prompts are symptomatic of systemic problems within academic publishing, where the pressure to publish can outweigh ethical considerations. The use of AI should be carefully regulated to prevent such manipulations, ensuring that peer review remains a rigorous and trustworthy process. As the academic community grapples with these challenges, it becomes evident that adherence to ethical standards is crucial in maintaining the credibility of scientific research. 'They're Turning Pollution Into Candy!': Chinese Scientists Stun the World by Making Food from Captured Carbon Emissions The Ethical Imperative: Why Science Must Avoid Deception Science is fundamentally built on trust and ethical integrity. From technological advancements to medical breakthroughs, the progress of society hinges on the reliability of scientific findings. However, the temptation to resort to unethical shortcuts, such as AI manipulation, poses a threat to this foundation. The scientific community must resist these temptations to preserve the credibility of their work. The pressures facing researchers, including increased workloads and heightened scrutiny, may drive some to exploit AI. Yet, these pressures should not justify compromising ethical standards. As AI becomes more integrated into research, it is vital to establish clear regulations governing its use. This will ensure that science remains a bastion of truth and integrity, free from deceptive practices that could undermine public trust. 'They Cloned a Yak in the Himalayas!': Chinese Scientists Defy Nature with First-Ever Livestock Copy at 12,000 Feet Charting a Course Toward Responsible AI Use The integration of AI into scientific processes demands careful consideration and responsible use. As highlighted by Hiroaki Sakuma, an AI expert, industries must develop comprehensive guidelines for AI application, particularly in research and peer review. Such guidelines will help navigate the ethical complexities of AI, ensuring it serves as a tool for advancement rather than manipulation. While AI holds the potential to revolutionize research, its implementation must be guided by a commitment to ethical standards. The scientific community must engage in ongoing dialogue to address the challenges posed by AI, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Only through these measures can science continue to thrive as a pillar of progress, innovation, and truth. As the intersection of AI and scientific research continues to evolve, how can the academic community ensure that technological advancements enhance rather than undermine the integrity of scientific inquiry? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (26)
CNA
25-06-2025
- Science
- CNA
When a PhD is worth more than the sum of its parts
As a young boy, Dr Ng Kok Min loved playing computer games, especially the kind where each level meant outsmarting a tougher boss. Later, while studying mathematics as an undergraduate, he realised that research had a similar rhythm of progression. Each stage brought a new, more challenging problem to tackle. At academic conferences, he admired how researchers blended technical depth with accessible ideas to push the boundaries of their fields. In 2015, while working as a general education officer in the public sector, he decided to pursue his passion for research and enrolled in the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics at the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NIE NTU, Singapore). NIE offers over 30 graduate courses, including Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor in Education programmes, designed to support the learning and career goals of professionals in education and related industries. Students come from a broad range of countries and backgrounds, creating a vibrant classroom community where new ideas, insights and connections thrive. GUIDED BY RIGOUR, GROWN THROUGH MENTORSHIP Dr Ng chose NIE for a key reason: 'NIE sits at the intersection of research and learning. Being in a community where both intellectual depth and personal growth are valued gave me the assurance to keep going and the space to grow.' For him, the NIE community stands out for its faculty – academically rigorous researchers who are also generous and nurturing mentors. One of them was his research supervisor, Associate Professor Ho Weng Kin. Dr Ng recalled how Assoc Prof Ho patiently worked with him to revise a paragraph in a paper multiple times, until they were both satisfied it was clear and academically sound. Dr Ng's PhD thesis focused on quasi-metrics, which measure distance using factors beyond just physical space. 'Think of walking up and down a flight of stairs – going up often takes more effort or time, even if the actual distance is the same,' he explained. 'This way of looking at distance is meaningful in areas like computer science, where data might flow more easily in one direction than the other, and system updates may come with different costs depending on the direction of change.' What made Assoc Prof Ho's guidance particularly valuable was his breadth of knowledge and openness to different methodologies. His ability to bring in fresh perspectives sparked conversations that helped Dr Ng see his research in new ways. 'He is also a strong advocate for physical health and even invited me to work out at the gym with him,' shared Dr Ng. 'The sessions were so intense, my muscles hadn't felt that sore since army! That mix of academic mentorship and personal encouragement really stuck with me.' SUPPORTIVE STRUCTURES AND CROSS-DISCIPLINARY SYNERGY While the research journey had its challenges, especially when answers proved elusive, Dr Ng found steady support within NIE's academic community and structure. 'NIE provided a clear framework through milestone reviews and coursework, which helped us build a strong foundation. But just as important were the formal and informal platforms for exchange – presenting to peers, discussing roadblocks with supervisors and receiving feedback,' he shared. By organising and participating in graduate and international conferences, and getting involved in the graduate student club, Dr Ng connected with researchers from diverse disciplines – ranging from science and humanities to education. This mix of backgrounds made for particularly rich and dynamic conversations. 'At NIE, the blend of disciplines gave us the rare chance to pursue depth in our own field while gaining breadth in how we think and connect ideas across fields. These cross-disciplinary conversations pushed me to stretch my thinking and encouraged me to approach problems in ways I wouldn't have considered before.' FROM RESEARCH TO REAL-WORLD IMPACT Regular presentations and exposure to different disciplines during his PhD helped Dr Ng learn to communicate complex ideas clearly – especially to those outside his field. This skill proved invaluable when he joined a textbook publishing company in 2018 as a mathematics textbook author before taking on business development responsibilities. In 2022, Dr Ng stepped into a new role as regional education manager at Casio Singapore. His work focuses on designing educational initiatives across Southeast Asia that promote the meaningful integration of technology in teaching and learning. These efforts support Casio's broader goal of advancing its presence in the education sector, as Dr Ng collaborates with ministries, schools and other stakeholders to co-develop programmes aligned with local curricula. 'In business development, you're identifying needs, reviewing existing work and proposing meaningful, sustainable solutions or partnerships. It's not so different from the research process,' he said. 'The mindset I developed through research – building on foundations, connecting ideas and staying open to new possibilities – proved surprisingly transferable.' He shared that the PhD programme trained him to handle complexity, whether in analysing education systems, creating support materials or facilitating cross-border collaboration. In addition, the relationships formed during his research journey still influence his work today, including ongoing collaborations with peers and mentors from NIE, such as Assoc Prof Ho. Looking back, Dr Ng observed that his PhD journey taught him to step back, slow down and analyse problems in depth – skills that helped him design thoughtful solutions and communicate them clearly across different systems and cultures. 'I used to think the research thesis was the end goal,' he reflected. 'But over time, I realised it was the process that changed me most. The thesis is one outcome, but the relationships, habits and mindset you build along the way – that's what stays with you.'
South China Morning Post
06-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
The Harvard in Trump's mind bears little resemblance to reality
Growing up in West Germany in the 1980s, America was omnipresent. Aside from Hollywood and Coca-Cola, there was one US brand that stood out: Harvard. The university's name stood on a par with the highest echelons of knowledge. Advertisement In high school, we learned about Ivy League institutions and, like other nerdy kids across the planet, I dreamed about being a student at Harvard and being immersed in deep conversations about the most crucial questions concerning human existence. Fast forward 20-something years and, after earning a PhD and a teaching position at a different university, I received an invitation to Harvard. The Centre for European Studies invited me as a visiting scholar to give guest lectures about current European affairs. The invitation explicitly stated Harvard wanted me to immerse myself in the academic community, meeting people from around the world and exchanging ideas with faculty and students alike. This engagement is the mission of Harvard, not some side effect that happens while pursuing a degree. As someone at my centre put it, Harvard's strength is its convening power. It strives to bridge differences by academic inquiry, which in my opinion transcends religion, culture or politics. I worked alongside researchers from many European countries as well as the United States. We foreigners came to Harvard through the same visa programme the Trump administration now seeks to eliminate . If it succeeds in depriving Harvard of programmes like the one that made my stay possible, the centre would become orphaned overnight. 04:21 Citing China 'activity', Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students Citing China 'activity', Trump administration bars Harvard from enrolling foreign students For now, a US district judge has blocked the White House's attempt to revoke Harvard's certification to enrol foreign students. At the same time, the State Department has cancelled all future interviews for applicants who want to obtain a visa to study in the US.
