BPP University

The proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the rapid growth of mobile edge computing have fostered a complex ecosystem where computational tasks are executed on devices with unpredictable availability. The intermittent connectivity prevalent in edge locations presents a significant challenge to conventional task scheduling and resource allocation models.This paper introduces the Adaptive Swarm for Intermittent Edge Tasks (ASIET), a novel swarm intelligence algorithm engineered to adapt dynamically and maintain high task completion rates within highly dynamic and unreliable environments by handling disconnections, incorporating defined waiting periods, and the maintenance of a knowledge base for intelligently scheduling re-attempts.

The most widely accepted model for the colonization of Remote Oceania by Austronesian-speaking bearers of the Lapita complex ~ 3 ka (3000 years ago) links it to a broader Neolithic expansion from China, via Taiwan, ~ 4.5–6 ka. However, analyses of mitochondrial DNA haplogroup B4a1a1a, prevalent among Remote Oceanians today, have both supported and challenged this scenario. Here, we analyze 1364 B4a1a1 mitogenomes (234 novel) from 68 islands and compare age estimates with radiocarbon dates for colonization. We estimate the settlement of Remote Oceania ~ 3.2 [2.7; 3.75] ka, matching radiocarbon ages, and then extrapolate the age in Near Oceania. B4a1a1a arose around the northern coasts of New Guinea at least 6 ka, following Early Holocene dispersals from Asia. Technological advances (e.g., in sailing), fueled by interaction networks alongside the arrival of Late Holocene migrants from Taiwan or ISEA and putative environmental changes, likely triggered the expansion of Lapita colonists carrying B4a1a1a from New Guinea into Remote Oceania.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-20856-3.

The ALDinHE Steering Group establishes and leads the work of the association, on behalf of its members. There are currently 17 members, which include Working Group Chairs, members without portfolio, the Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Our strategy prioritises transparency, communication, and co-creation with the community. This mini keynote was an opportunity to discuss the ALDinHE strategy as well as share views, opinions, and thoughts about what ALDinHE does well, what it might improve and things it could start doing. Nothing was off the mini keynote table – we wanted to hear from you! Questions: 1) What does ALDinHE do well? (do you want more of this?) 2) What could ALDinHE do better? 3) What should be on ALDinHE’s To Do List?

Background: Spontaneous esophageal perforation, particularly Boerhaave syndrome, is a life-threatening condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Traditional surgical management is increasingly being supplemented by minimally invasive approaches, including esophageal stenting and endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT). However, the optimal treatment strategy remains debated due to variations in reported outcomes and the lack of randomized controlled trials. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of esophageal stenting and EVT in managing esophageal defects by specifically assessing sealing rates, failure rates, and mortality. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library up to March 24, 2025. Only observational studies and case series were included. The primary outcomes were the pooled sealing rate, failure rate, and mortality for esophageal stenting, and the closure rate for EVT. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. Results: Fourteen studies on esophageal stenting demonstrated a pooled sealing rate of 86.1% (95% CI: 80.2–92.0%) with a failure rate of 14.9% (95% CI: 8.5–21.3%). Mortality associated with stenting was 7.4% (95% CI: 3.5–11.4%). EVT studies reported a closure rate ranging from 80% to 94%. Conclusion: Both esophageal stenting and EVT show high efficacy in sealing esophageal defects. Although EVT exhibits promising closure rates, further comparative studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines.

Dementia cases are rising rapidly worldwide, prompting the World Health Organization (WHO) to recognize dementia as a public health priority. As primary caregivers, nursing students play a crucial role in dementia care, where their knowledge and attitude significantly impact the quality of care provided. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of nursing students in Pokhara regarding dementia. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 third-year PCL nursing students from three nursing colleges: Fishtail Nursing Campus, Charak Academy, and Fewa City Institute of Medical Science. Simple random sampling was used to select the colleges, and all eligible nursing students were included using a complete enumeration method. Data were collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, with standardized tools such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Knowledge Scale (ADKS) and the Dementia Attitude Scale (DAS). The collected data were entered into the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation). Inferential statistics, including the t-test, were used to assess differences in knowledge and attitude scores based on background variables. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was applied to examine the relationship between knowledge and attitude regarding dementia. The study found that the mean knowledge score was 15.64, while the mean attitude score was 95.61. No statistically significant differences were observed in knowledge and attitude scores across the variables. Additionally, there was no correlation between knowledge and attitude toward dementia (Pearson Correlation Coefficient = -0.007, p-value = 0.941). The findings indicate that nursing students performed best in the assessment and diagnosis domain but scored lowest in the symptoms domain of dementia knowledge. Their overall attitude toward dementia was moderately positive. However, enhancing nursing students' knowledge while maintaining a positive attitude is essential for ensuring high-quality care for individuals with dementia.

The study emphasizes that closing the gender gap in education enhances individual economic opportunities and contributes significantly to national development. Educated women are more likely to enter higher-paying professions, improve household well-being, and make informed health and family planning decisions. Similarly, investing in male education fosters a more competitive and innovative workforce, driving technological advancements and industrial growth. To maximize these benefits, it is essential to implement targeted policies that improve access to quality education and align educational programs with labour market demands. A well-educated population strengthens economic resilience, reduces income inequality, and paves the way for long-term prosperity in Pakistan.

In an abbreviated time, bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies began soaring into a meteoric rise in the world financial market. There is opportunity and, like any growth, some new grave challenges, in the transnational money laundering. The centralization of all this has made it possible for a variety that of money laundering over Bitcoin, especially over Bitcoin, which has operated on the global financial system because it has been decentralized and anonymous. This research proposes the idea of international Bitcoin-enabled harmonized legal framework to combat context of international money laundering. To succeed, however, this framework needs both the private and public sectors working together to resolve tradeoff between privacy and security on the one hand and technological feasibility on the other hand. Both this international approach and collaborative approach will be essential, leading to development of this new industry, including the use of international organizations, national governments as well as the cryptocurrency industry itself. In this linking, the main purpose consists of constructing the rock‒solid decentralized infrastructure for the industry, which will rest upon a more reliable and resistant decentralized global financial system.

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan. By investigating the drivers and challenges/barriers affecting the adoption of social media marketing tools among SMEs, this study provides practical guidance to SMEs seeking to utilize social media platforms for marketing purposes in a developing context such as Pakistan.Design/methodology/approachUtilizing the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework as a theoretical framework, qualitative data were collected through semistructured interviews with representatives of SMEs in Pakistan, followed by thematic analysis of the data.FindingsThe research identifies several key factors influencing the adoption of social media marketing by Pakistani SMEs. These factors include doubts regarding the benefits of social media, alignment with regulatory requirements, challenges related to tracking social media performance, resistance from senior management (older employees), the positive influence of competitive pressure and the Covid-19 pandemic, political instability and increased government taxes on digital services. Stakeholders such as marketing professionals, academics, policymakers, government authorities and SME owners and managers can benefit from these findings.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the academic literature on the adoption of social media marketing by SMEs, especially within emerging economies. It enriches theoretical understanding of adoption processes and factors, filling gaps in existing knowledge and laying a foundation for future research in this domain. Using the TOE framework, the study reveals that when all factors are adequately considered, SMEs can transition from traditional marketing methods and embrace social media as a digital marketing strategy to enhance performance, profitability, and gain a competitive advantage over their rivals.

This study's overarching goal is to dissect the impact of tax evasion on the capital structure, liquidity, and profitability of PT. Bukalapak.com Tbk firms traded on the IDX from 2022 to 2024. This study used multiple regression analysis and a quantitative technique to find that capital structure, profitability, and liquidity impact tax evasion levels. There is a correlation between a company's liquidity and its propensity to participate in tax avoidance, and between a company's profitability and its propensity to use tax avoidance approaches to reduce cash outflows associated with tax payments. Because interest paid on debt is tax deductible, tax avoidance strategies are often accompanied with a capital structure that is heavily reliant on debt

Groupwork is a crucial aspect of work contexts and a key twenty first century skill. Assessment of groupwork provides a persistent challenge for educators in university contexts with students reporting experiences of unfairness from their peers during groupwork. This study developed a novel Peer Assessment Fairness Instrument to explore factors driving students’ perceptions of fairness during groupwork processes. The results showed that students perceived fairness of groupwork in relation to (1) the grading outcomes they received (i.e. grade congruence), (2) the procedures based on which groups contributed to groupwork (i.e. performative group dynamics), and (3) the relationships based on which group members interacted (i.e. interpersonal treatment). The findings provide student-driven directions to promoting fairer peer assessments within groupwork contexts.