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Modeling Intervention Strategies to Control Hepatitis C Outbreak and Related Mortality in Bangladesh
No full textHepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a critical public health concern globally, including in Bangladesh. In this study, we employed a mathematical modeling framework to analyze the national dynamics of HCV infections and associated mortality in Bangladesh. Utilizing surveillance data from the Directorate General of Health Services, we examined the epidemiological trajectory of HCV and assessed the impact of various intervention strategies. The Next Generation Matrix approach was employed to derive basic reproduction numbers, and the model was calibrated with observed HCV incidence data to estimate some model parameter values. We conducted sensitivity analysis to assess how variations in model parameters affect HCV prevalence, revealing that transmission rates of both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant strains have the greatest impact. Additionally, bifurcation analysis was performed to examine parameter thresholds and assess the stability of the system. We then used the model to estimate the impacts of various intervention policies on reducing HCV cases and deaths. Among single interventions, increased effective treatment for drug-susceptible cases proved to be the most rapid and effective strategy for reducing the total number of both drug-susceptible and drug-resistant HCV cases, as well as mortality. Additionally, our results imply that combining interventions increases their overall effectiveness, achieving substantial reductions in cases and deaths with relatively modest investment. However, complete eradication of HCV in Bangladesh would require significantly greater resources
Adaptability of current keystroke and mouse behavioral biometric systems: A survey
No full textResearch in behavioral biometrics, especially keystroke and mouse behavioral biometrics, has increased in recent years, gaining traction in industry and academia across various fields, including the detection of emotion, age, gender, fatigue, identity theft, and online assessment fraud. These methods are popular because they collect data non-invasively and continuously authenticate users by analyzing unique keystroke or mouse behavior. However, user behavior evolves over time due to several underlying factors. This can affect the performance of current keystroke and mouse behavioral biometric-based user authentication systems. We comprehensively survey current keystroke and mouse behavioral biometric approaches, exploring their use in user authentication and other real-world applications while outlining trends and research gaps. In particular, we investigate whether current approaches compensate for user behavior evolution. We find that current keystroke and mouse behavioral biometrics approaches cannot adapt to user behavior evolution and suffer from limited efficacy. Our survey highlights the need for new and improved keystroke and mouse behavioral biometrics approaches that can adapt to user behavior evolution. This study will assist researchers in improving current research efforts toward developing more secure, effective, sustainable, robust, adaptable, and privacy-preserving keystroke and mouse-behavioral biometric-based authentication systems
Mindfulness-based interventions for mental health in refugee and migrant populations: A scoping review
No full textBackground
The mental health of refugees and migrants is a critical concern, as they often endure high levels of trauma and stress resulting from war, displacement and the challenges associated with resettlement. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have gained significant traction for their efficacy in enhancing mental health, mitigating stress and promoting wellbeing among the refugee and migrant population.
Aim
This scoping review aimed to assess the existing evidence on MBIs for mental health in refugee and migrant populations, highlighting their effectiveness, benefits and implementation challenges.
Methods
Following the Levac et al. framework, the following databases were systematically searched: CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Emcare, Medline, PsycInfo, Scopus, Web of Science, Google and Google Scholar—covering literature published between 2014 and 2024. Twenty-one studies were included in the final data extraction and thematic analysis, consisting of 13 qualitative studies, five quantitative studies, and three mixed-methods studies.
Results
Across various settings and countries, MBIs demonstrated significant benefits. In Israel, studies indicated that MBTR-R significantly reduced symptoms of PTSD (F = 12.44, η2 = .17, p = .001), re-experiencing (F = 9.76, η2 = .14), and hyperarousal (F = 23.93, η2 = .29), increased self-compassion (.77 → .83) and decreased self-criticism (.47 → .39). In the United States, MTPC enhanced emotion regulation (β = −12.98, d = −.59), self-compassion (β = .50, d = .72), and self-efficacy (β = 2.03, d = .97). In Türkiye, the self-esteem of preschoolers increased from 25.63 to 40.89 (η2 = .49). In Uganda, adolescents experienced a reduction in depressive symptoms by 10.72 points (p < .0001). In Australia, a community-based MBI led to a decrease in depression scores from 9.2 to 4.2 (z = −8.48). Collectively, this review's findings suggest that MBIs significantly improve the mental health of migrants and refugees. However, the effectiveness of MBIs implementation was hindered by limited resources, cultural and language barriers, insufficient facilitator training, and a lack of institutional support.
Conclusion
Despite implementation challenges, MBIs remain a promising and effective approach to mental health care for refugees and migrants. Future studies should focus on creating culturally appropriate interventions and assessing the long-term effects of MBIs on the mental health of displaced populations
The Suburban Frontier: Townsville in the 1960s
No full textThis article is an edited transcript of a keynote address delivered at the Australian Historical Association Conference held in Townsville from 30 June to 3 July 2025. It provides a social, cultural, and economic snapshot of Townsville during the 1960s. The paper also highlights the establishment of institutions which brought greater national attention to the unofficial capital of North Queensland, including the establishment of the Townsville University College (now James Cook University) and Lavarack Barracks
The effect of non-invasive brain stimulation and exercise on gait, for people with multiple sclerosis
No full textAim: To evaluate the effect of non-invasive brain stimulation plus exercise on gait for people with multiple sclerosis.
Design: Systematic Review
Method: A systematic search of CINAHL, Emcare, Medline, PsycINFO, and SCOPUS was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) plus exercise was compared to sham NIBS plus exercise or exercise alone, using valid outcome measures of gait (e.g., 10-Metre Walk Test). Data on demographics, procedures, intervention parameters and outcomes were extracted. Quality was assessed using the McMasters Critical Review Form.
Results: Eleven high-to-moderate quality studies met the inclusion criteria. Most used anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) targeting the motor cortex; others used cerebellar tDCS or transcranial magnetic stimulation. Exercises included aerobic, balance or mixed programs. Six studies showed a significant between-group difference favouring NIBS with exercise, four showed no difference, and one showed mixed results. Gait improvements were observed from 0-6 months when 10 or more sessions of tDCS targeting the motor cortex were combined with lower limb exercise.
Conclusion: NIBS combined with exercise can enhance gait outcomes for people with multiple sclerosis. Optimal effects occur with tDCS targeting the motor cortex plus lower limb exercise, for 10 or more sessions. Future trials should examine long-term practicality (e.g., functional impact, cost).
Key points:
• NIBS combined with exercise may improve gait for people with multiple sclerosis.
• Most consistent gains occurred with 10 or more sessions of tDCS to the motor cortex.
• Exercise alone was beneficial; NIBS furthered improvements in most cases
The History and Theoretical Framework of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
No full textThis chapter explores the historical development and theoretical underpinnings of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), tracing its journey from Buddhist monasteries to Western healthcare settings. It examines the pivotal role of Jon Kabat-Zinn in developing and popularising MBSR, and investigates the program’s theoretical framework, which integrates Buddhist concepts, psychological theories, and neuroscientific findings. The chapter discusses key psychological perspectives, including attention regulation, emotion regulation, and embodied cognition, while incorporating relevant neurobiological evidence. It also addresses criticisms of MBSR’s secularisation and explores the significance of understanding MBSR’s history and theoretical foundations for research, practice, and future developments. By providing a comprehensive overview of MBSR’s origins and mechanisms, this chapter offers valuable insights for researchers, practitioners, and those interested in the intersection of contemplative practices and modern healthcare
Impact of autologous platelet concentrates on the osseointegration of dental implant
No full textOsseointegration is defined as the direct deposition of bone onto biomaterial devices, most commonly composed from titanium, for the purpose of anchoring dental prostheses. The use of autologous platelet concentrates (APC) has the potential to enhance this process by modifying the interface between the host and the surface of the titanium implant. The rationale is to modify the implant surface and implant–bone interface via “biomimicry,” a process whereby the deposition of the host's own proteins and extracellular matrix enhances the biocompatibility of the implant and hence accelerates the osteogenic healing process. This review of the available evidence reporting on the effect of APC on osseointegration explores in vitro laboratory studies of the interaction of APC with different implant surfaces, as well as the in vivo and clinical effects of APC on osseointegration in animal and human studies. The inherent variability associated with using autologous products, namely the unique composition of each individual's blood plasma, as well as the great variety in APC protocols, combination of biomaterials, and clinical/therapeutic application, makes it is difficult to make any firm conclusions about the in vivo and clinical effects of APC on osseointegration. The available evidence suggests that the clinical benefits of adding PRP and the liquid form of L-PRF (liquid fibrinogen) to any implant surface appear to be limited. The application of L-PRF membranes in the osteotomy site, however, may produce positive clinical effects at the early stage of healing (up to 6 weeks), by promoting early implant stability and reducing marginal bone loss, although no positive longer term effects were observed. Careful interpretation and cautious conclusions should be drawn from these findings as there were various limitations in methodology. Future studies should focus on better understanding of the influence of APCs on the biomaterial surface and designing controlled preclinical and clinical studies using standardized APC preparation and application protocols
Terror Management: The Effects of Mortality Salience on Desire for Money Among Singaporeans
No full textTerror management theory has been used to explain our penchant for materialism. While materialism includes both the desire for products and the desire for money, research has generally examined the former. Consequently, this article aimed to examine the effects of mortality salience on desire for money in Singapore. Study 1 found that mortality salience did not increase self-reported desire for money but increased the size of a drawn coin. Study 2 found that mortality salience did not increase the preferred selling price of a used laptop. Finally, Study 3 found that mortality salience did not increase the willingness to listen to unpleasant sounds in exchange for money. Furthermore, attitudes toward money did not moderate the effects of mortality salience on desire for money. The nonsignificant results could be due to data collection during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the use of a Singaporean sample. Future research directions include examining the effects of the pandemic on terror management theory research and examining both the desire for products and the desire for money concurrently as dependent variables
Effects of Mortality Salience on Racism in Singapore
No full textThis article aims to examine the effects of mortality salience on explicit racism (Studies 1 and 2) and implicit racism (Study 3) in Singapore. There was no significant effect of mortality salience on both explicit racism and implicit racism (Studies 1–3). Furthermore, while social dominance orientation was associated with higher explicit racism, it did not moderate the effects of mortality salience on explicit racism (Study 2). In contrast, while social dominance orientation was not associated with implicit racism, it moderated the effects of mortality salience on implicit racism (Study 3). The results might be explained by the adoption of a superordinate Singaporean identity, the strict laws against explicit racism in Singapore, and a lack of mortality salience effects. Future research directions include examining the effects of mortality salience on racism in countries with lenient laws against racism and examining right-wing authoritarianism as a potential moderator
Igniting Sustainability Through the ‘Profit-For-Impact’ Catalyst: A Case Study
No full textBreaking new ground in the realm of sustainability research, this study delves into the ‘profit-for-impact’ model’s dynamics through a compelling lens – the case of TONTOTON, an innovative player in plastic neutralisation that has operationalised the model in the context of Vietnam. Interwoven with insights from the natural resource-based perspective and sustainability literature, the research probes how this practitioner-instigated business philosophy aligns with sustainability’s key pillars, charts its sustainable course and envisions its evolution. Semi-structured interviews conducted with TONTOTON’s leadership and a pivotal external business ally were subsequently dissected through qualitative content analysis and data structure, thereby unveiling 14 conceptual dimensions. These dimensions, where partnerships and tangible accomplishments emerge as central themes, conceptually illuminate and demonstrate the profit-for-impact model’s value and further potential for fostering engagement, catalysing problem-solving, and harmonising with sustainability principles while yielding enduring benefits. These findings contributed to crafting a conceptual framework underscoring theoretical and practical implications