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Chandigarh University Hosts International Conference on ‘Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems’ (ICSTAIS-2026)

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AI Can’t Replace Human Judgment in Aviation; Human Intervention is Must, says Joyce Rodriguez, Head of Digital Cybersecurity

CHANDIGARH, India, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Chandigarh University hosted International Conference on ‘Secure and Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Systems’ (ICSTAIS-2026), bringing together researchers, academicians, industry leaders, policymakers, and students to discuss emerging trends, challenges, and innovations in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Privacy, and Digital Trust. The aim of the conference was to promote international collaborations, strengthen industry-academia partnerships, and showcase Chandigarh University’s commitment to research excellence and innovation.

Organised by Chandigarh University’s Apex Institute of Technology-Computer Science Engineering (AIT-CSE) department and Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Chandigarh University, ICSTAIS-2026 was graced by eminent national and international experts including chief guest Joyce Rodriguez, Head of Digital Cybersecurity, Airbus India, guest of honor Dr Murty Chandrapati, Scientist-G, CISO, ISEA National Coordinator & Centre Head, CDAC; former Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Devesh Vatsa VSM, Advisor Cyber Security & Critical Technologies, Data Security Council of India (DSCI)—NASSCOM; Prof (Dr) Raviraja N Seetharam, Vice-Chancellor, Chandigarh University; Prof (Dr) Raghuveer VR, Pro VC (academic affairs), Chandigarh University; Prof (Dr) Jagdish Chandra Patni, Executive Director  AIT-CSE, Chandigarh University; Ts Dr Shayla Islam, UCSI University, Malaysia and Prof Dr Anand Nayyar, Duy Tan University, Vietnam. The conference featured keynote lectures, plenary talks, technical sessions, research presentations and international publication collaborations. In all, 158 research papers were selected from 261 received from various universities across India for the Conference. Out of this, 63 research papers were presented during the ICSTAIS-2026.

In her keynote address, Chief guest Joyce Rodriguez, Head of Digital Cybersecurity, Airbus India, said, “AI is getting into realms of knowledge, language, creativity, reasoning and domains that we once thought was completely human, exclusively for humans. But technology, no matter how advanced, can’t replace a human judgment. At the end of the day it’s ‘human in the loop’ that is the most important thing no matter how advanced we are. The aviation industry has already reached quite a bit of advanced stage of technology adoption but when it comes to matters of safety, even regulators say that you know you cannot eliminate the human in the loop. So, you we have a simple ‘four eyes principle’ (a governance control that requires at least two people to review and approve any critical action before it takes effect). In our (aviation industry’s) any design, we need to follow ‘four eyes principle’. Human validation is required for every technology system in the aviation industry. So the human intelligence has to be far superior than the machine generated one.”

“AI is comparable to one such moment in human history — discovery of electricity.  So, when electricity was first harnessed, it didn’t revolutionize the world. What changed and transformed human lives was the invention of the electric bulb. The machines took the invisible force that we call electricity and transformed lives to make human lives more easy, safer, convenient and dignified. So AI is that electricity today. AI in itself is not going to bring about a revolution. What’s going to bring about a revolution is what we build with AI. So we should use AI to become a better version of ourselves. Let it help us learn faster, think deeper but we should not outsource our reasoning or thinking beyond it. So, AI should enhance human intelligence and not replace human wisdom, empathy and courage which are irreplaceable,” she added.  

In his address, former Air Vice Marshal (Dr) Devesh Vatsa VSM, Advisor Cyber Security & Critical Technologies, DSCI—NASSCOM said, “AI is being used in all businesses, manufacturing, aviation and government departments including healthcare and educatio for enhancing effectiveness and efficiency. But as a AI integrates into critical societal and operational infrastructures, the ultimate measure of its success will not be how intelligent becomes but how much it is trusted.  Without adequate safeguards against cyberattacks, bias, privacy violations and autonomous risk, AI deployment threatens public trust and creates severe national and economic security liabilities.”

“By combining technological innovation with strong governance, India is uniquely position to lead the world in responsible AI innovation. To achieve strategic dependence on AI, we need to create systems and capabilities. We will have to develop trusted supply chains, indigenous technologies, secure data sets, protective AI infrastructure and sovereign capabilities in critical technologies. This is very, very important,” he added.

Guest of honor, Dr Murty Chandrapati, Scientist-G, CISO, ISEA National Coordinator & Centre Head, CDAC, said, “By seeing what your communication patterns, a LLM (Large Language Model) can easily identify that what you want to do ask.  All LMS are now memorizing about your thing. Whatever your access in last one year, a LLM can easily identify. So, that is the level of the things are happening due to privacy leakage and memorisation. The good thing is defenses exist for any attack (cyber) but we need similar infrastructure the way a AI system demands to beat it. So that is where we need to invest in two major things –  one is a computing infrastructure second one is the way the we program.”

About Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC.

Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3000392/ICSTAIS_2026.jpg

 

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Real-World Study of Over 185,000 Users Finds Engagement with UpLife Digital Mental Health App Yields Significant Reductions in Depression and Anxiety

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Five-year evaluation shows a clear “dose–response” link between deeper engagement with UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ programs and greater depression and anxiety symptom improvement

LEESBURG, Va., July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — UpLife Inc, a digital mental health and self-therapy platform, today announced a set of research findings from a large real-world evaluation of its app, showing that people who engaged with the platform reported statistically significant reductions in symptoms of depression and anxiety over time. The evaluation drew on five years of real-world data from an engaged user base of more than 185,000 people across the United States and 197 other countries worldwide.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it.” Jeff Musa, CEO, UpLife

The research analysis examined anonymized data collected between 2021 and 2026 using three validated clinical outcome measures: the PHQ-9 (depression), the GAD-7 (anxiety), and the WHO-5 (well-being). Among UpLife users who completed assessments at baseline and follow-up, depression and anxiety scores decreased significantly over time.

In the fully adjusted analysis, average depression scores (PHQ-9) fell by approximately 3.7 points; moving the typical UpLife user from the “moderately severe” range toward the “moderate” range. Anxiety scores (GAD-7) showed comparable significant reductions over time.

A clear dose–response relationship

One of the study’s central findings was a consistent dose–response pattern regarding the relationship between engagement and outcomes. Users who completed UpLife’s CBT-based ‘Journeys’ experienced a reduction in their symptoms. The study also found that the completion of additional Journeys were associated with a further measurable decrease in their assessment scores, even after accounting for subscription type and other factors. Notably, depth of engagement with therapeutic content was a stronger predictor of improvement than simply the amount of time spent in the app.

“These results reflect what we hear from users every day, now backed by data at real-world scale. What stands out most is the dose–response signal where the people who lean into the work by completing their Journeys and doing the exercises are the ones who get the most out of it. That tells us our job is to keep building an experience that helps people stay engaged, because engagement is where the clinical value lives.” — Jeff Musa, Chief Executive Officer, UpLife

Built on cognitive behavioral therapy

UpLife delivers evidence-based psychological education and interventions grounded in the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) through five core features: structured Journeys, a Daily Plan, a Mood Tracker, journaling, and an AI assistant (“Lila”) that recommends relevant content from the platform. The app does not provide AI-generated therapy; its assistant only directs users to content that has been created, curated, and reviewed by clinicians.

For clinicians, UpLife also offers a HIPAA-compliant therapist portal that supports a Blended Care model, allowing providers to extend therapeutic support between sessions through structured digital programs, progress tracking, and shared assessments.

The platform has also been extensively used in humanitarian settings. Through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program, tens of thousands of users in Ukraine have received full, free access to a localized version of the app through UpLife’s Ukraine Humanitarian Gift Program.

About the evaluation

The study used an observational pre–post design based on real-world data and was conducted in accordance with the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. As an observational evaluation without a control group, it demonstrates associations between app engagement and symptom improvement rather than establishing causation, and well-being scores (WHO-5) did not change significantly over the study period. The findings add to a growing body of research suggesting that CBT-based digital interventions can be associated with meaningful symptom reduction, while underscoring the central role of sustained user engagement.

About UpLife

Founded in 2019, UpLife is a digital mental health and self-guided therapy platform that is designed to help people improve their emotional well-being, build healthier thinking patterns, and develop positive daily habits through structured, evidence-based psychological programs. UpLife also provides a secure, HIPAA-compliant portal to help therapists and health systems to extend care beyond the through a Blended Care Therapy model. Learn more at www.uplifecare.com.

Media Contact

Matt Landry, UpLife, 1 617-699-7205, matt@thesecondrow.net, https://www.uplifecare.com/ 

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SOURCE UpLife

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TruHeight Joins Nordstrom and JCPenney Marketplaces as Wellness Brands Reshape the Department Store

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Family nutrition brand’s newest retail partnerships reflect a broader shift: health and wellness products are becoming a staple of platforms once reserved for fashion and apparel

LAS VEGAS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — TruHeight, the family nutrition brand, today announced it is joining the Nordstrom Marketplace and the JCPenney Marketplace, bringing its lineup of clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products to two of America’s most iconic department store names.

The partnerships place TruHeight at the center of one of retail’s most notable shifts. Department stores and fashion-first marketplaces, long defined by clothing, shoes, and accessories, are rapidly expanding into health and wellness as consumers increasingly treat wellness as part of their everyday lifestyle rather than a separate shopping trip. For a generation of shoppers, the same platforms where they buy back-to-school outfits and activewear are becoming destinations for the products that fuel those activities.

“Five years ago, you wouldn’t expect to find a family nutrition brand next to denim and sneakers,” said Justin Rapoport, Co-CEO of TruHeight. “Today, wellness is part of how families shop for everything. Nordstrom and JCPenney recognize that, and we’re proud to bring family nutrition to their marketplaces.”

The move extends a period of rapid retail growth for TruHeight, which launched in 5,000 CVS stores nationwide in June following its national debut at Target earlier this year, and is also available at iHerb and on Amazon. With the addition of Nordstrom and JCPenney, TruHeight’s products will reach shoppers across drug, mass, e-commerce, and department store channels.

“Every retailer we add is a signal of the trust families place in our brand,” said Eden Stelmach, Co-Founder of TruHeight. “Department stores are where families have shopped together for generations. Meeting them there with simple, clean nutrition products is a natural next step.”

TruHeight products will be available on the Nordstrom and JCPenney marketplaces in the coming weeks, joining the brand’s existing availability at CVS, Target, iHerb, Amazon, and truheightvitamins.com.

About TruHeight
TruHeight is a family nutrition brand offering clean-label vitamins, gummies, protein shakes, and everyday nutrition products for kids, teens, and active families. Founded with a commitment to simple ingredients and convenient formats, TruHeight products are available at major retailers nationwide and online at truheightvitamins.com.

Media Contact
TruHeight Vitamins
Kim Brown
419189@email4pr.com
4704265920
truheightvitamins.com

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TrendyMinds Founder Trevor Yager Returns as CEO to Lead Agency’s Next Phase of Growth

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Veteran agency leader returns to accelerate TrendyMinds’ AI capabilities and advance the firm’s evolution as a strategic partner helping organizations drive growth, strengthen reputation, and navigate transformation.

INDIANAPOLIS, July 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trevor Yager has returned as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TrendyMinds, the Indianapolis-based agency he founded in 1995, while continuing to serve as Chairman. In this dual role, Yager has resumed direct involvement in day-to-day leadership, working alongside account and delivery teams on client work in addition to setting the agency’s strategic direction. As CEO, he is leading the company’s next phase of growth by advancing the firm’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities while strengthening its position as a strategic partner to organizations navigating growth and change.

Yager previously transitioned from CEO to Chairman as part of a planned leadership evolution that reflected both the agency’s maturity and his own exploration of future ownership opportunities. As AI has accelerated the pace of change across the industry, reshaping how organizations operate and compete, he made the decision to step back into the CEO role and lead TrendyMinds through its next chapter directly.

“Moving into the Chairman role was the right decision at the time because the Board, including myself, believed TrendyMinds needed to demonstrate it could thrive beyond its founder,” said Yager. “But after more than 30 years of leading through every major technology shift, I believe artificial intelligence represents one of the greatest opportunities our industry has ever seen. The environment shifted fast enough that it made sense for me to step back in and lead it personally, continuing to build the capabilities our clients will need and position the agency for what’s next.”

Beginning in 2019, TrendyMinds became increasingly intentional about optimizing the artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation capabilities already embedded within the technologies used across the agency. Following a comprehensive assessment of AI-enabled tools and workflows, the agency integrated AI across strategy, research, creative development, marketing operations, and internal business processes while establishing governance, security, and data protection standards to support responsible implementation.

By transforming its own business first, TrendyMinds refined its methodologies, validated new approaches, and built the operational discipline that now informs how it evaluates AI opportunities with clients. Today, TrendyMinds continues to expand its internal AI capabilities through a dedicated team of AI transformation specialists, developing proprietary workflows, audience intelligence tools, and implementation frameworks. Drawing on that experience, the agency helps clients responsibly evaluate and implement AI in ways that align with their business objectives, regulatory requirements, and governance standards.

That experience also enables TrendyMinds to support clients developing innovative AI technologies, including a leading healthcare AI innovator. By combining firsthand AI transformation experience with strategic consulting, communications, and market positioning expertise, the agency helps organizations communicate complex technologies, build trust with stakeholders, and accelerate market adoption.

Founded as a traditional marketing agency more than 30 years ago, TrendyMinds has continually evolved alongside the changing needs of its clients, bringing together strategic consulting, integrated marketing, communications, creative, thought leadership, media relations, digital strategy and development, research, analytics, and emerging technologies.

About TrendyMinds

TrendyMinds is the Agency of Preference®, a multidisciplinary consulting partner helping organizations accelerate growth, strengthen and protect reputation, and navigate transformation. Founded in Indianapolis in 1995, the firm has spent more than 30 years uniting strategic consulting, communications, marketing, creative, technology, and data-driven insight into a single integrated practice built to solve complex business challenges.

Learn more at TrendyMinds.com.

Media Contact:
Claire Gregory
419095@email4pr.com | 317.902.6973

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