Morphological markers for brain plasticity are still lacking and their findings are challenged by the extreme variability of cortical brain surface. Trying to overcome the "correspondence problem," we applied a landmark-free method (the generalized procrustes surface analysis (GPSA)) for investigating the shape variation of cortical surface in a group of 40 healthy volunteers (i.e., the...
High prevalences of anxiety and depression have been found in those with COPD which can exacerbate physically related impacts of increased levels of disability, and reduced enjoyment of life. Of particular concern is the anxiety-breathlessness cycle and reduced self-efficacy, which both adversely affect self-management of symptoms. Recognition of the need to address these issues has led to use...
arXiv Preprint ArchiveApril 25, 2025Jerrin Thomas Panachakel, G. Pradeep Kumar, Suryaa Seran et al.
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While it is beneficial to objectively determine whether a subject is meditating, most research in the literature reports good results only in a subject-dependent manner. This study aims to distinguish the modified state of consciousness experienced during Rajyoga meditation from the resting state of the brain in a subject-independent manner using EEG data. Three architectures have been proposed...
The Thoughtseeds Framework introduces a novel computational approach to modeling thought dynamics in meditative states, conceptualizing thoughtseeds as dynamic attentional agents that integrate information. This hierarchical model, structured as nested Markov blankets, comprises three interconnected levels: (i) knowledge domains as information repositories, (ii) the Thoughtseed Network where...
Purpose: The concepts of Moksha (liberation) in Upanishadic thought and Nirvana in Buddhism represent the ultimate spiritual goals in Hinduism and Buddhism, respectively. While both traditions emphasize the cessation of suffering and transcendence of worldly existence, their metaphysical foundations, epistemological approaches, and soteriological frameworks differ significantly. This paper...
Many kidney transplant recipients continue to be affected by multiple symptoms even after their transplant. Mindfulness may be helpful to alleviate some of the symptoms. Our current study aimed to determine the efficacy of a single session of 20-minute mindful breathing in alleviating multiple symptoms in kidney transplant patients. Adult kidney transplant patients with at least one symptom...
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate if integrating a holistic mindfulness modality into group therapy can decrease violence with-injury on an inpatient psychiatric unit. Design: The research used a mixed experimental design. Method: Allied Therapy Services (ATS) staff was trained in the mindfulness modality Brief Intentional Grounding and implemented it within group therapy twice...
Abstract Altered states of consciousness (ASCs), induced e.g. during psychedelic-assisted therapy, show potential to treat prevalent mental health disorders like depression and posttraumatic stress disorder. However, access to such treatments is restricted by legal, medical, and financial barriers. Circular breathwork may present a non-pharmacological and hence more accessible alternative to...
Appreciative joy is one of four immeasurables emphasised in Buddhism. There are similarities and differences between appreciative joy and gratitude, but their combined roles in improving subjective well-being (SWB) are still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between appreciative joy and gratitude and their contribution to SWB. Study 1 utilised a cross-sectional survey to...
Background: Mind-body practices (MBPs), which include seated- (meditation) and movement-based practices (yoga, Tai Chi, qigong), have grown increasingly popular in the United States for improving mental and physical wellness. While literature has identified socioeconomic and health-related factors related to seated- and movement-MBP engagement separately, no studies have explored the factors...