This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the shift from the traditional perimeter model of security to the Zero Trust (ZT) framework, emphasizing the key points in the transition and the practical application of ZT. It outlines the differences between ZT policies and legacy security policies, along with the significant events that have impacted the evolution of ZT. Additionally, the paper explores the potential impacts of emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing, on the policy and implementation of ZT. The study thoroughly examines how Artificial Intelligence can enhance ZT by utilizing Machine Learning algorithms to analyze patterns, detect anomalies, and predict threats, thereby improving real-time decision-making processes. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates how a chaos theory-based approach, in conjunction with other technologies such as eXtended Detection and Response, can effectively mitigate cyberattacks. As quantum computing presents new challenges to ZT and cybersecurity as a whole, the paper delves into the intricacies of ZT migration, automation, and orchestration, addressing the complexities associated with these aspects. Finally, the paper provides a best practice approach for the seamless implementation of ZT in organizations, laying out the proposed guidelines to facilitate organizations in their transition towards a more secure ZT model. The study aims to support organizations in successfully implementing ZT and enhancing their cybersecurity measures.

Affective communication, encompassing verbal and non-verbal cues, is crucial for understanding human interactions. This study introduces a novel framework for enhancing emotional understanding by fusing speech emotion recognition (SER) and sentiment analysis (SA). We leverage diverse features and both classical and deep learning models, including Gaussian naive Bayes (GNB), support vector machines (SVMs), random forests (RFs), multilayer perceptron (MLP), and a 1D convolutional neural network (1D-CNN), to accurately discern and categorize emotions in speech. We further extract text sentiment from speech-to-text conversion, analyzing it using pre-trained models like bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT), generative pre-trained transformer 2 (GPT-2), and logistic regression (LR). To improve individual model performance for both SER and SA, we employ an extended dynamic Bayesian mixture model (DBMM) ensemble classifier. Our most significant contribution is the development of a novel two-layered DBMM (2L-DBMM) for multimodal fusion. This model effectively integrates speech emotion and text sentiment, enabling the classification of more nuanced, second-level emotional states. Evaluating our framework on the EmoUERJ (Portuguese) and ESD (English) datasets, the extended DBMM achieves accuracy rates of 96% and 98% for SER, 85% and 95% for SA, and 96% and 98% for combined emotion classification using the 2L-DBMM, respectively. Our findings demonstrate the superior performance of the extended DBMM for individual modalities compared to individual classifiers and the 2L-DBMM for merging different modalities, highlighting the value of ensemble methods and multimodal fusion in affective communication analysis. The results underscore the potential of our approach in enhancing emotional understanding with broad applications in fields like mental health assessment, human–robot interaction, and cross-cultural communication.

Causality has become a fundamental approach for explaining the relationships between events, phenomena, and outcomes in various fields of study. It has invaded various fields and applications, such as medicine, healthcare, economics, finance, fraud detection, cybersecurity, education, public policy, recommender systems, anomaly detection, robotics, control, sociology, marketing, and advertising. In this paper, we survey its development over the past five decades, shedding light on the differences between causality and other approaches, as well as the preconditions for using it. Furthermore, the paper illustrates how causality interacts with new approaches such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Generative AI (GAI), Machine and Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning (RL), and Fuzzy Logic. We study the impact of causality on various fields, its contribution, and its interaction with state-of-the-art approaches. Additionally, the paper exemplifies the trustworthiness and explainability of causality models. We offer several ways to evaluate causality models and discuss future directions.

This paper explores the coexistence possibilities of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and blockchain-based cryptocurrencies within a post-quantum computing landscape. It examines the implications of emerging quantum algorithms and cryptographic techniques such as Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and Oblivious Transfer (OT). While exploring how CBDCs and cryptocurrencies might integrate defenses like post-quantum cryptography, it highlights the substantial hurdles in transitioning legacy systems and fostering widespread adoption of new standards. The paper includes comprehensive evaluations of CBDCs in a quantum context. It also features comparisons to alternative cryptocurrency models. Additionally, the paper provides insightful analyses of pertinent quantum methodologies. Examinations of interfaces between these methods and blockchain architectures are also included. The paper carries out considered appraisals of quantum threats and their relevance for cryptocurrency schemes. Furthermore, it features discussions of the influence of anticipated advances in quantum computing on algorithms and their applications. The paper renders the judicious conclusion that long-term coexistence is viable provided challenges are constructively addressed through ongoing collaborative efforts to validate solutions and guide evolving policies.

Digital assets (DAs) such as cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, stablecoins, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and central bank digital currencies, are transforming financial markets with new business models, investment opportunities, and transaction efficiencies. Underpinned by blockchain, distributed ledger technology, and smart contracts, digital innovations are reshaping the financial ecosystem. However, their rapid growth introduces substantial risks, including fraud, market manipulation, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory uncertainty. This position paper offers an interdisciplinary and empirically grounded analysis of the DA landscape. We define and classify major asset types, trace their evolution from speculative instruments to functional tools, and assess current adoption trends. Additional technological developments (e.g., decentralized finance and NFT expansion) are examined for their role in accelerating this transformation. We also analyze the global regulatory landscape, highlighting jurisdictional differences, classification challenges, and emerging governance frameworks. To address key risks, we derive mitigation strategies via quantitative analysis and case-based evidence. The risks include balancing innovation with investor protection through adaptive regulatory design, promoting cross-border regulatory harmonization to prevent arbitrage and fragmentation, and supporting experimentation through regulatory sandboxes and innovation hubs. By adopting a forward-looking, evidence-based, and collaborative regulatory approaches, stakeholders can harness the benefits of DAs while managing systemic risks and maintaining market integrity.

The rapid emergence of digital assets, underpinned by technological advancements such as blockchain, distributed ledger technology (DLT), and smart contracts, has triggered a paradigm shift in the global financial ecosystem. These digital assets, which encompass cryptocurrencies, tokenized securities, stablecoins, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), hold the potential to transform financial markets by enabling new business models, investment opportunities, and efficient transaction mechanisms. However, their accelerated growth also introduces a unique set of challenges and risks, such as fraud, market manipulation, cybersecurity threats, and regulatory uncertainties. This position paper presents an interdisciplinary, empirical analysis of the digital asset landscape, focusing on the definition and classification of digital assets, their evolution from novelty to necessity, and the current state of adoption and regulation. We explore the various types of digital assets, their unique characteristics and use cases, and the technological innovations that have shaped their development, such as the advent of blockchain technology and the rise of decentralized finance (DeFi) and NFTs. Moreover, we examine the regulatory landscape surrounding digital assets, highlighting jurisdictional approaches, regulatory classifications, and key developments in the space, as well as the challenges and opportunities that regulators face in devising effective regulatory frameworks. To address the risks associated with the proliferation of digital assets, we outline several mitigation strategies and recommendations for regulators, market participants, and stakeholders based on quantitative analysis and empirical findings. These include balancing innovation and risk, by formulating regulations that safeguard the interests of consumers and investors while fostering an environment conducive to innovation; promoting global regulatory coordination and harmonization, to reduce the potential for regulatory arbitrage and enhance cross-border cooperation; and leveraging regulatory sandboxes and innovation hubs, to support the growth of digital asset businesses and facilitate continuous learning and adaptation. By adopting a forward-looking and flexible approach to regulation and engaging in ongoing dialogue with market participants and stakeholders, regulators can ensure that the benefits of digital assets are realized while mitigating the associated risks.