Participation in conference

Remastered book published

Speaker at forum

Thesis Defense

Thesis published

Thesis defense

Graduated with Distinction

Commencement address

TESTIMONIALS

FIND MORE TESTIMONIALS FROM A I U STUDENTS HERE: www.aiu.edu/Testimonials.aspx

Ojo Emmanuel Ademola
Doctor of Cyber Security
July 16, 2021 “I, Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, at this moment stated that my experience as a Doctoral Student of Atlantic International University is simply exemplary. I mean, starting from the support I received from my Admission Counselor, Tutor, Academic Advisor, Thesis Defense Advisors to the finance office, student services, Graduation Advisor, and much more; overall, my experience is excellent!!! I am so glad to successfully pursue my PhD Cyber Security with this exemplary University.

Kevin Cornette
Master of Business Management
July 23, 2021

“Atlantic International University (AIU) creates an atmosphere that is conducive for learning, although it is done virtually. Prior to me embarking on my journey of the completion of my Master’s Degree in Business Management, I hadn’t any idea as to what Program I wanted to pursue or even how I would’ve performed when I started the program because my prior knowledge of Master’s Degree is challenging. When I actually got started, the AIU Tutors and AIU Website made the experience one to remember and ultimately, learning a breeze. The experience at Atlantic International University (AIU): • Enabled me to be a better and A1 Leader • Sharpened my Management Skills • Enabled me to gain competitive advantage over my peers • I developed the confidence needed to express myself in any situation • My effective communication skills were improved • The program placed me on a path to fully maximize my potential • The completion of the program placed my one step closer to the accomplishment of a work goal, that is, becoming a Chief Executive of my company Being a student of the Atlantic International University (AIU) also allowed me to develop a wider perspective of life and learning. The quality of education I gained was top tier due to the University’s sustainable education design which does not limit the student but places us in a position to choose paths that are relevant to us and our goals. In conclusion, it was a great experience and I am truly proud of myself on the accomplishment of my Master’s Degree in Business Management with Honors, Cum Laude.

Victor Obimma
Doctor of Project Management
July 13, 2021
“Atlantic international university sees acquiring knowledge as a human right for all because through education one is enabled to develop and acquire a set of capabilities to lead ones lives in a meaningful and fulfilling way. Hence, the university encourages students to look at the larger aspects of what one tends to achieve at the end of the day. I have never come across an institution that gives such a resounding encouragement to their students as AIU. Even when I am finding it very difficult to cope with my work time and studies, I was assisted by my academic advisor to find a way out of this. I was not also thrown out of class because I did not pay my tuition fee as the university have an excellent payment approach. I have an excellent and wonderful experience with Atlantic International University

Antulio Navarro Ciar
Bachelor of Mechanical Engienering
July 30, 2021
“In today’s society, online courses are widely used in colleges, universities and graduate schools. For me having a full time job, taking up online courses at Atlantic International University helps me a lot. The use of online courses at AIU for a working person like me has made my life easier. I was able to manage my time working while studying. I have learned that to be a distance learner, you have to be self-disciplined and able to work well on your own. I was able to communicate well with the instructors whenever I have questions about certain topic. During my online courses at AIU I was able to widen my knowledge on the course I was taking. It helps me big time on my current job I have right now. Though sometimes I have experienced some problems but still I was able to manage all those problems I have encountered with the help of my instructors and finally finished my course. To summarize all this in my experience with AIU online course the good things outweight the bad ones. AIU online course fits my lifestyle and ... Read full text: https://www.aiu.edu/Testimonialdetail. html?ItemID=1748&rcid=73&pcid=63&cid=73

Publications by Students: aiu.edu/StudentPublication.html

The life of a seafarer a post covid-19 strategy

Capt. Paul Mandela Ogoun | Doctorate in Transportation & Logistics | Part 1/2

Introduction Arguments have arisen as to the job description of seafarers —arguing whether seafarers as a term in the field of maritime and international laws of the sea should be defined in line with their functions, place of functions and timings of the functions. But the strongest arguments tend to be issues of place of functions —arguing whether seafarers works on board ship while at sea or while at port; and the prevailing argument is that seafarers works on board a ship while at the sea. It follows that the point of services of a seafarer is a key term in defining who a seafarer is; therefrom a seafarer carries out ship-related services while on board a ship at sea and not at the port. Generally, there are tons of activities which seafarers are adorned to do which in most cases deny the seafarers ample opportunities of being with family, friends and relatives for a usual period of time; thereby compelling them to adopt and adapt to coping strategies which aids them to manage and deal with issues relating but not limited depression, loneliness, fears, anxiety, helplessness, etc. Though, Covid-19 had impacts and implications on both macro and micro sectors of the economy across the globe; it is evidently observed that Covid-19 had its strokes on seafarers a great extent perhaps owing to the nature of their jobs. It is the basis of the foregoing that the study proposed salient and effective post Covid-19 strategy which may be applied in the life of a seafarer. The aim of this study is to make an overview of the life of a seafarer and post Covid- 19 strategy. By conducting the study, the study discusses the meaning of a seafarer, the job descriptions and the post Covid-19 strategy in respect to the life of a seafarer. The applicable methodology for the study is a desk review research which allows the researchers to make use of existing literatures in order to attain the aim of the study. Meaning of Seafarer

A seafarer is a person employed by a ship owner for the purpose of handling shipping related services while on board a ship at sea. A seafarer takes part in the operations and maintenance of the ship extending to the provisioning of persons boarding the ship. A seafarer is a person who carries out functions like repairs, maintenance and other general services not limited to cleaning, catering, etc. while on board a ship at sea1. It has been argued whether the point of services is a key term in defining who a seafarer is; the prevailing rationale tints to the line that point of services (at sea or at port) is a key term in defining who a seafarer is; and on that note a seafarer operates in a ship while on board at sea. From the foregoing, it is good to state in this article certain categories of employees or persons who carry out shipping related services but with their services and job performance being done on land are not incorporated in the term ‘seafarer’. Take for instance, an offshore specialist, co-operating craftsmen, researchers, service technicians are not considered as seafarers. While some arguments posit on whether the aforementioned categories of persons not classified as seafarers are covered under the minimum protection and other entitlement available to seafarers; it is clearly stated that unless where the minimum protection and other entitlement are provided to apply to persons other than seafarers; such strictly apply to persons qualified under the appropriate definitions as seafarers, only2.

Life of a Seafarer By the job description of seafarers; confinements are customary to seafarers. The probabilities are high that seafarers may stay on board all through a given contract period with a dire low probability of being a shore leave. As a seafarer, it is the responsibility of the seafarers irrespective of less numerical strengths to fully run and manage lives on ship which may be compared to a functional township in a conventional setting —the seafarers make and maintain their own source of power supply, water supply, food supply and management, routine management and in some cases be in-charge for managing crisis in the ship3. With experience, it is possible for a seafarer to grow in coping physically and mentally in the job performance which requires mental resilience and physical fitness. With the forms of activities the seafarers are adorned to do —which often denies them the opportunity of being with family, friends and relatives for a longer period of time— seafarers are pushed to adopt and adapt to coping strategies which aids them to manage and deal with issues relating but not limited to depression, loneliness, fears, anxiety, helplessness, etc.4 As of the first month of the year, 2019 there were over 53,000 ships in the number of merchant fleet across the globe5. Also, there are over a million and half a million certified seafarers performing different services on international merchant ships with over 700,000 as officers and over 800,000 as ratings. Amongst the countries in the world; the largest supplier of all the seafarers rated from China, Philippines, Indonesia, Russia, etc.6 In a 2015 report; it is shown that while there was over 115,000 surplus in the number of ratings; on the other hand, there was shortage of over 16,000 with an overall surplus of over 100,000 seafarers7.

Generally, the nature of employment contracts for seafarers usually cover a duration of 8 months and 5 months for ratings and officers respectively (Management level 4 and Operational level 5-6); with vacation time being 3 months on the average. Vacation is adjudged in accordance with the seafarers’ rank and country of origin. Where the vessels in consideration are ones registered in and under recognized flag states, the contracts of employment for an individual are mainly negotiated under collective national agreements aligning with terms and conditions which are in accordance to the provisions of the ILO Convention8. Where the vessels are registered under Flags of Convenience (FOCs), the contract of employment for the individual is meant to align with the provisions of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) which makes provisions for a form of Special Agreements and Collective Bargaining Agreements9. Where the provisions of the ILO Convention, (MLC 2006) are considered in relation to the terms and conditions of employment for seafarers; it is evident that the seafarers are employed for specific term, and after such term, the seafarers ought to be considered for repatriation and leave. Accordingly, the Maritime and Coast Guard Agency, in line with the convention has provided a seafarer is not meant to serve on board for a period exceeding 52 weeks (excluding the period of annual statutory paid leave) without the seafarer being entitled to repatriation10. However, a seafarer is not obliged to proceed on the repatriation; also a ship owner or employer is prohibited from keeping a seafarer on board beyond the expiration of the maximum period of service except under a case of emergency or circumstances which are extenuating in nature. And usually, the number of complements assigned to a crew is determined by the type and size of vessels. Where it has to do with tankers, the manning levels are provided in Table 1.

Life of a Seafarer and Covid-19 outbreak The declaration of Covid-19 as a pandemic was done on March 11th, 2020, by the World Health Organization (WHO) with over 100,000 cases in more than 100 countries and as well as surging risk of a devastating rate of rapid spreading across the globe11. In response to the pandemic, many countries across globe relay to similar preventive measures not limited to border closure; restriction of movements, lockdowns, etc. As the surge in the spread and complications of the pandemic add on; the safety measures extends consequentially as commercial vessels were restricted in their operations and eventually crew members were prohibited from disembarking. The implications of the measures taken amongst other things were that it appeared as if seafarers on board are imprisoned and kept for an undetermined period on board. On the other hand, the team of seafarers on waiting list to be co-opted into service in the vessels under an employment contract were gravely affected all round. It is reported that only 36 out of the 136 countries monitored across the globe allowed for repatriation of crew members; however such was done under strict rules and specific conditions which were not common12.

In as much as some countries took some forms of contingency planning in order to manage the Covid-19 pandemic and curtail the rate of prevalence and risk of the pandemic; the fact remains that Covid-19 came to the world unexpectedly and many countries and stakeholders were not prepared to tackle a disease of such magnitude. Take for instance the UK contingency planning for a possible influenza pandemic Version 2, in 2006, and the National Strategy for Pandemic Flu, 2006 in the USA, which all proved ineffective13. From the initial attitudes of the UK and the USA; the pandemic was downplayed significantly which suggests reasons for the inadequate preparation for the pandemic. It follows that the time and resources which would have been devoted to tackling the pandemic and protecting the public from the effects of the outbreak of the pandemic was utilized in haggling and politicking the entire issue. Thus, there were cases of inconsistencies and confusions embedded in the guidance as well poor supplies of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) were not able to aid the entire condition14. In all the measures taken by the governments, multilateral organization and stakeholders; the risks and threats to seafarers and commercial shipping as a whole were considered as top priority. Thus, the duty to make amends and forge ahead in the wake of the pandemic became one laid on the ship operators to prepare a form of contingency plan which may be applicable in the industry15.

In the heat of Covid-19 pandemic, seafarers across the globe have been pushed into fragile and disturbing conditions. With the implementation of traveling restrictions and lockdowns, it follows that some seafarers were unable to exist the ships, or be repatriated home and worse still, seafarers not able to get urgent medical attention or healthcare. There are other incidents where the employment contracts for seafarers were unilaterally terminated and other events where they are hurriedly quarantined on board ships for not less than 14 days —without any form of payment or compensation. In the last quarter of 2020, it was estimated that more than 380,000 seafarers were stranded on ships and forced to stay on the board beyond the contractual period; while others were unable to go on board and earn a living for themselves —all owing to Covid-19 restrictions and measures16. To be continue

TABLE 1 TYPE MINIMUM MAXIMUM VLCC 24 26 Suezmax 22 24 Aframax 21 24 Panamax bulker 20 24 Handy bulker/reefer 20 22 General cargo 16 20 Container 18 24 Feeder 18 20 LNG / LPG 15 24 Product tanker Automated 20 24 Source: Google search by Autho

12 International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Global Supply and Demand for Seafarers. Available on https://www.icsshipping.org/shipping-facts/shipping-andworld-trade/ global-supply-and-demand-forseafarers [Accessed 13 May, 2021] 13 USA, Department of Homeland Security, ‘National Strategy for Pandemic Flu’; 2009. Available on https:// www.dhs.gov/nationalstrategy-pandemicflu#:~:text=The%20National%20Strategy%20To%20 Safeguard%20Against%20The%20Danger-address%20the%20threat%20of%20avian%20and%20 pandemic%20flu [Accessed 13 May, 2021]; United Kingdom, Contingency planning for a possible influenza pandemic. 2006; Version 2. Available on https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/contingency-planning-for-apossible-flu-pandemic [Accessed 13 May, 2021] 14 British Ports Association, UK Ports: Coronavirus Economic Recovery Plan 2020 and Beyond. London; Coutroubis, A. D. Menelaou, A. A. and Adami, E. ‘Impact of coronavirus disease (covid-19) on seafarers’ life and well-being’, International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health 41(21): 16-27, 2020. 15 IMarEST (2020), Marine Professional, How Project Hygiea plans to save cruise sector from Covid-19; 2020. Available on https://www.imarest.org/themarineprofessional/interactions/item/5685- howproject-10iea-plans-to-save-cruise-sectorfrom-covid-19?utm_source=email&utm_ medium=TMP%20Weekly&utm_campaign=Resend%20V2%20of%2026-06- 2020 [Accessed on 13 May, 2021]; Coutroubis, A. D. Menelaou, A. A. and Adami, E. ‘Impact of coronavirus disease (covid-19) on seafarers’ life and well-being’, International Journal of Tropical Disease & Health 41(21): 16-27, 2020. 16 International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Global Supply and Demand for Seafarers. Available on https:// www.icsshipping.org/shipping-facts/shipping-andworld-trade/global-supplyand- demand-forseafarers [Accessed 13 May, 2021].

To be happy in the middle of a pand

By Dr. Rosa Hilda Lora M. Advisor at AIU | rosa@aiu.edu

When reading the title of this article many will be left thinking that it’s a sovereign lie. How can one be happy in the world situation in which we find ourselves? Indeed, we are in a world situation that doesn’t seem to end because when they say here that everything is going out there are countries that are in full growth of the sick. Also when it seems that you have the right vaccine, another mutation of the virus arises. It seems that what we are experiencing is an endless chain. Countries whose development has stopped and countries that already had problems and now have more. How to be happy in a world like this? Our problem is that we want the world we had and that is what we are clinging to. We talk a lot about freedom and that we have to do what we want and apparently that freedom we don’t understand what it’s about.

The owners of capital cities had gotten us used to big events, big shopping centers, restaurants here and there, to buy all the products we need already prepared or semi-prepared and we don’t know how to live if it’s not in that world. Do you know who you are as a human being? Do you know what skills you have? Do you know what it is to live? Do you know what it’s to be happy? We are going to give you an explanation of these big questions: As a human being you are a mammal with special faculties because you have the ability to reason, the ability to learn and the ability to choose even if you say that there are those who can’t. The choice is not in physical space, the choice is in your own mind. No person can tell you: you can’t think about this or that. Remember Nelson Mandela and all the years that he was in prison he spent it physically, locked up but no one prevented him from thinking about what he wanted; that’s how strong his will was. The will and your reasoning give you the power to think about what you want. The skills are the potentialities with which you are born and you can learn others and make those that live in you grow. Have you ever thought about the situations in which you can get ahead? Have you ever thought about which ones you can develop? As for living, do you know what it is? Do you live or are you a vegetable? Living is knowing, where I'm as a human being, what abilities I have, what I want to do with, what I am physically and making choices that are building my reason for being and being in this beautiful pale blue point as Carl Sagan said. Since we are talking about to be a vegetable, we tell you what we mean when we talk about be a vegetable. Being a vegetable is being there, like plants: they don't move, they don't go anywhere, they don't choose.

Continuing with the explanation of the questions. As for being happy: To be happy is to realize a life.And what is that thing? Realizing a life is that you know your skills so that you can choose instead of deciding by what others do or what the media, such as social networks, propagate. To be happy is that you decide that you want to wear instead of being a showcase for the designers of the trade. Being happy is that you eat what you feed instead of following the trend of what they sell for fast food. Being happy is that you decide which events you want to go to instead of what is fashionable at the moment. Being happy is that you enjoy buying an item because you need it rather than being a prey to marketing. Being happy is that you seek knowledge so that you know where you are and where you are going.

Being happy in these moments is that you seek the information of scientists about what this pandemic is so that no one leads you towards their interests. Be happy, look in these unforeseen changes that we have what you can do with the time you now have because you don’t go like crazy or crazy running everywhere. Being happy is to take the time you now have to see what objects you have left over that you can give to those who have less than you. Being happy is that you dedicate yourself to preparing a food that you bought the ingredient before because nowadays you have time to prepare it. It will be cheaper for you to buy the ingredients and prepare it. To be happy is that now you say: I’m going to prepare food for the whole family; before you only bought and bought. To be happy is that you say now I’m going to read something because before in your career towards production there was no time to read something worthwhile.

To be happy is that you say: I’m going to talk to this friend or friend, to these relatives because before you could not. To be happy is to see how our leaders have been, in order to elect people who know what the needs of a society are. If you live in a country with few freedoms, you can do what Nelson Mandela did: be free within yourself and build what might be possible. You will say: a famine is coming, what to do so that these people can live and become happy. Find out what your country does so that the international organizations to which it belongs do what is convenient to give these human beings better life. Do you know how much money countries give for international organizations to operate? A lot of money. Let's do it! We must pressure our governments to fulfill the function for which they are elected instead of taking financial resources for their benefit. You already have a way to be happy in the middle of a pandemic. You can be happy if you want to. Let's work to be happy and that others can be.

BIBLIOGRAPHY. Mandela, Nelson. (2020) Conversaciones conmigo mismo. Retrieved from: https://caletadelibros. cl/conversaciones-conmigo-mismo-de-nelson-mandela/ | Sagan, Carl. (2003). El Punto azul Pálido, una visión del futuro humano en el espacio. México: Planeta. Retrieved from: https://lasteologias.files.wordpress. com/2008/06/sagan-carl-un-punto-azul-palido-una-vision-del-futuro-humano-en-el-espacio.pdf

Atomic image

The highest-resolution ever captured.

Robot chameleon

Actively camouflages itself into surroundings.

AIU makes a huge contribution to the world by giving new scient ifics the space for original investigations and research. Visit MyAIU Evolution

Delta variant

It has made herd immunity impossible, says AZ developer.

Gut reactions

Microbes in the digestive tract influence COVID severity.

NeSpoon

Beginning in 2009

Dress alterations

for medical reasons

Live a better life learning how to keep your body, mind and soul balanced. Visit regularly MyAIU Body / MyAIU Mind / MyAIU Spirit and MyAIU Energy.

Mental disorders

Researchers doubt that certain are disorders at all.

The missing link

...in our body’s blood pressure control.

Live a better life learning how to keep your body, mind and soul balanced. Visit regularly MyAIU Body / MyAIU Mind / MyAIU Spirit and MyAIU Energy.

Get a better knowledge about our rights and the way we can use them on a daily basis to prevent any abuse or limitations of them. Visit MyAIU Human Rights.

Eco Tip: Simplify your life as much as possible. Only keep belongings that you use/enjoy. Change your life, get sustainable, visit MyAIU Knowledge