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DocumentContribuição para a caracterização da ecologia e da biologia do sistema timo-dependente: Memórias, percursos e esboço de uma nova teoria

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/E
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: Documentation and Information Center
History: Books that are part of the documentation center

Reference code: PT/FB/E/028
Title: Contribuição para a caracterização da ecologia e da biologia do sistema timo-dependente: Memórias, percursos e esboço de uma nova teoria
Número de inventário: M-0029
Local: Porto
Publisher: Laboratórios Bial
Date: 1995
Pag., vols.: 129 p.
Illustration: il.
Dimension/support: 24 cm
Accessibility: Document exists in archive
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
por / eng
Notes:
Grande Prémio Bial de Medicina 1994 - 1º classificado
Edition: Edition Bilingue
Collection: (Bial ; 13)
Author: de Sousa, M.
Document type:
Book
Keywords:
T Lymphocyte / Theory
File117 - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method2017-012019-01

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
117 - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
Duration: 2017-01 - 2019-01
Researcher(s):
Caroline Watt, Ana Flores
Institution(s): Koestler Parapsychology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Watt, C.
Secondary author(s):
Flores, A.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK correlation / Parapsychology
DocumentFinal report - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method2018

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
117 - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
Duration: 2017-01 - 2019-01
Researcher(s):
Caroline Watt, Ana Flores
Institution(s): Koestler Parapsychology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Watt, C.
Secondary author(s):
Flores, A.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK correlation / Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117.01
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Final report - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
Publication year: 2018
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
Theorists have suggested that decline effects and the apparent elusiveness of psi may be overcome by employing an experimental method that permits anomalous correlations to emerge. The Correlation Matrix Method (CMM) has been developed to test these ideas using a micro-PK task. Previous CMM studies have reported positive findings, though employing an analysis method that has some weaknesses.
AIM
We aimed to validate and replicate CMM studies, including more robust analysis and assessing a new method of generating control data (using permutated experimental data), which was compared with the previous studies’ method of using control sessions.
METHOD
The work consisted of one software validation study, and three CMM replication studies. All studies were completed as planned, with variations on some exploratory study hypotheses as agreed with the wider CMM Consortium project to which this work contributes (PI Walach; Bial ref 400/14).
RESULTS
The first CMM replication study (105 participants, 200 sessions) obtained significant results supporting the CMM hypothesis. This study also demonstrated that it was statistically valid to employ the permutated experimental data as control data, implying that control sessions are not needed. CMM Replication Studies 2 and 3 (each with 100 participants and 205 sessions) therefore used the permutation method without control sessions. Contrary to expectation, both studies obtained overall results that did not support the primary CMM hypothesis and therefore did not replicate earlier positive findings. However, in both studies effects were observed in the direction opposite to that predicted. It seems unlikely that this consistent reversal is simply due to chance, however as this was a post hoc finding and there are other uncontrolled procedural variations between the studies, any explanation can only be suggestive at this stage.
CONCLUSIONS
Our first replication study validates the original CMM claims using improved analytical methods. However, CMM is still a young and developing paradigm and we recommend that future studies systematically evaluate the role of the control data and of other theoretically relevant experimental variables.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Watt, C.
Secondary author(s):
Flores, A.
Document type:
Final report
Number of reproductions:
2
Reference:
Watt, C., & Flores, A. (2018). Final report - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK Correlation

Final report - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method

Final report - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
DocumentWhere mind connects with matter: Replicating the correlation matrix method2018

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
117 - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
Duration: 2017-01 - 2019-01
Researcher(s):
Caroline Watt, Ana Flores
Institution(s): Koestler Parapsychology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Watt, C.
Secondary author(s):
Flores, A.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK correlation / Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117.03
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Where mind connects with matter: Replicating the correlation matrix method
Publication year: 2018
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
This article describes two experimental replications of a new methodological paradigm called Correlation Matrix Method (CMM) (Lucadou, 1987). The CMM was developed by Walter von Lucadou in an effort to offer a solution to the problems of replicability and decline effect in parapsychological experiments, namely in ‘psychokinesis’. Supported by von Lucadou's Model of Pragmatic Information (MPI) and von Lucadou, Walach and Romer's (2007) Generalised Quantum Theory (GQT), the model correlates physical variables produced by a Markov-chain random number generator with psychological variables measured from the participant before the PK task. The method claims that correlations produced between psychological and physical variables during the experimental session considered as statistically significant should be interpreted as nonlocal entanglement correlations. The two experiments used the same method and were preregistered at the KPU registry at the University of Edinburgh. Each experimental session took on average 20 to 30 minutes depending on the rhythm of the participant. Forty-four participants completed 213 sessions in the first experiment, and 105 participants contributed 200 sessions in the second experiment. In both experiments, participants were asked to influence solely by intention, a physical target shown on a computer screen which was controlled by the output of the random number generator. The psychological data was derived from button presses to reflect the subject’s intention as well to fulfill the CMM requirement of organizational closure, i.e. to maintain the participant interacting with the physical process so the experimental session is a whole structure. As a control analysis, a permutation method was used to generate new correlations using data from each experimental variable separately. The permutation also cleanses dependencies between the existing variables. A non-parametric correlation coefficient, Spearman’s Rho, was calculated across all subjects and sessions to calculate the number of significant correlations at p<0.05. In both experiments, the number of significant correlations produced between participant influence and the values produced by random number generator were very significantly more than the ones produced by the control method. Limitations in the method, and in the analyses are discussed, also suggestions for further experiments are explored.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Language:
eng
Author:
Flores, A.
Secondary author(s):
Tierney, I., Watt, C.
Document type:
Conference abstract
Number of reproductions:
2
Reference:
Flores, A., Tierney, I., & Watt, C. (2018). Where mind connects with matter: Replicating the correlation matrix method. Abstract of Presented Papers of the 61st Annual International Convention of the Parapsychological Association (p. 15). Peataluma, California, United States.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK Correlation

Where mind connects with matter: Replicating the correlation matrix method

Where mind connects with matter: Replicating the correlation matrix method
DocumentToward a brain theory of meditation2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: AWARE
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 2/Outros Apoios
Title:
Aware Mind-Brain: bridging insights on the mechanisms and neural substrates of human awareness and meditation
Duration: 2015-11
Researcher(s):
Antonino Raffone, Salvatore Maria Aglioti, Henk P. Barendregt, Fabio M. Giommi, Juliana Jordanova, Peter Malinowski, Stephen Whitmarsh
Institution(s): ECONA . Interuniversity Center for Cognitive Processing in Natural and Artificial Systems, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza” (Italy)
Contents: Application
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Language: eng
Notes:
This project is still in progress
Author: Raffone, A.
Secondary author(s):
Salvatore, M. A., Barendregt, H., Giommi, F. M., Jordanova, J., Malinowski, P., Whitmarsh, S.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Parapsychology and Psychophysiology / Meditation / Awareness

Reference code: AWARE-06
Location: Arquivo PCA - Pasta 2/Outros Apoios
Title:
Toward a brain theory of meditation
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079612318301675?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The rapidly progressing science of meditation has led to insights about the neural correlates of focused attention meditation (FAM), open monitoring meditation (OMM), compassion meditation (CM) and loving kindness meditation (LKM), in terms of states and traits. However, a unified theoretical understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in meditation-related functions, including mindfulness, is lacking. After reviewing the main forms of meditation and their relationships, the major brain networks and brain states, as well as influential theoretical views of consciousness, we outline a Brain Theory of Meditation (BTM). BTM takes the lead from considerations about the roles of the major brain networks, i.e., the central executive, salience and default mode networks, and their interplay, in meditation, and from an essential energetic limitation of the human brain, such that only up to 1% of the neurons in the cortex can be concurrently activated. The development of the theory is also guided by our neuroscientific studies with the outstanding participation of Theravada Buddhist monks, with other relevant findings in literature. BTM suggests mechanisms for the different forms of meditation, with the down-regulation of brain network activities in FAM, the gating and tuning of network coupling in OMM, and state-related up-regulation effects in CM and LKM. The theory also advances a leftward asymmetry in top-down regulation, and an enhanced inter-hemispheric integration, in meditation states and traits, also with implications for a theoretical understanding of conscious access. Meditation thus provides a meta-function for an efficient brain/mind regulation, and a flexible allocation of highly limited and often constrained (e.g., by negative emotion and mind wandering) brain activity resources, which can be related to mindfulness. Finally, a series of experimental predictions is derived from the theory.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Related objects:
BL-2016-066.02
Author: Raffone, A.
Secondary author(s):
Marzetti, L., Del Gratta, C., Perrucci, M. G., Romani, G. L., Pizzella, V.
Document type:
Article
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
68.57|0.92
Reference:
Raffone, A., Marzetti, L., Del Gratta, C., Perrucci, M. G., Romani, G. L., & Pizzella, V. (2019). Toward a brain theory of meditation. Progress in Brain Research, 244, 207-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.028
2-year Impact Factor: 1.746|2019
Times cited: 54|2026-02-11
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q4
Keywords: Attention / Brain network / Consciousness / Meditation / Mindfulness / Neuroplasticity / Theory
DocumentToward a brain theory of meditation2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-066
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
066 - Mindfulness meditation shapes synchronization of brain networks for effective perceptual decision making
Duration: 2017-09 - 2019-09
Researcher(s):
Laura Marzetti
Institution(s): Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. D'Annunzio" of Chieti - Pescara (Italy)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Marzetti, L.
Number of reproductions:
3
Keywords:
Mindfulness meditation / Phase synchrony / Magnetoencephalography / Brain Rhythms / Psychophysiology and Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-066.02
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Toward a brain theory of meditation
Publication year: 2019
URL:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0079612318301675?via%3Dihub
Abstract/Results: ABSTRACT:
The rapidly progressing science of meditation has led to insights about the neural correlates of focused attention meditation (FAM), open monitoring meditation (OMM), compassion meditation (CM) and loving kindness meditation (LKM), in terms of states and traits. However, a unified theoretical understanding of the brain mechanisms involved in meditation-related functions, including mindfulness, is lacking. After reviewing the main forms of meditation and their relationships, the major brain networks and brain states, as well as influential theoretical views of consciousness, we outline a Brain Theory of Meditation (BTM). BTM takes the lead from considerations about the roles of the major brain networks, i.e., the central executive, salience and default mode networks, and their interplay, in meditation, and from an essential energetic limitation of the human brain, such that only up to 1% of the neurons in the cortex can be concurrently activated. The development of the theory is also guided by our neuroscientific studies with the outstanding participation of Theravada Buddhist monks, with other relevant findings in literature. BTM suggests mechanisms for the different forms of meditation, with the down-regulation of brain network activities in FAM, the gating and tuning of network coupling in OMM, and state-related up-regulation effects in CM and LKM. The theory also advances a leftward asymmetry in top-down regulation, and an enhanced inter-hemispheric integration, in meditation states and traits, also with implications for a theoretical understanding of conscious access. Meditation thus provides a meta-function for an efficient brain/mind regulation, and a flexible allocation of highly limited and often constrained (e.g., by negative emotion and mind wandering) brain activity resources, which can be related to mindfulness. Finally, a series of experimental predictions is derived from the theory.
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permission
Language:
eng
Related objects:
AWARE-06
Author: Raffone, A.
Secondary author(s):
Marzetti, L., Del Gratta, C., Perrucci, M. G., Romani, G. L., Pizzella, V.
Document type:
Article-d
Number of reproductions:
3
Percentiles:
68.57|0.92
Reference:
Raffone, A., Marzetti, L., Del Gratta, C., Perrucci, M. G., Romani, G. L., & Pizzella, V. (2019). Toward a brain theory of meditation. Progress in Brain Research, 244, 207-232. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.pbr.2018.10.028
2-year Impact Factor: 1.746|2019
Times cited: 54|2026-02-11
Indexed document: Yes
Quartile: Q4
Keywords: Meditation / Consciousness / Mindfulness / Attention / Brain network / Neuroplasticity / Theory
DocumentMind and matter correlated in a matrix. Replicating a new model2019

Reference code: PT/FB
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Location: S. Mamede do Coronado
Title:
BIAL Foundation Archive
Start date: 1994
History:
The BIAL Foundation was created in 1994 by Laboratórios BIAL in conjunction with the Council of Rectors of Portuguese Universities. BIAL’s Foundation mission is to foster the scientific study of Man from both the physical and spiritual perspectives.
Along the years the BIAL Foundation has developed an important relationship with the scientific community, first in Portugal and after worldwide. Today it is an institution of reference which aims to stimulate new researches that may help people, promote more health and contribute to new milestones to gain access to knowledge.
Among its activities the BIAL Foundation manages the BIAL Award, created in 1984, one of the most important awards in the Health field in Europe. The BIAL Award rewards both the basic and the clinical research distinguishing works of major impact in medical research.
The BIAL Foundation also assigns Scientific Research Scholarships for the study of neurophysiological and mental health in people, arousing the interest of researchers in the areas of Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
To date the BIAL Foundation has supported 461 projects, more than 1000 researchers, with research groups in twenty-seven countries, resulting, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, out of which 172 published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Since 1996 the BIAL Foundation organizes the Symposia entitled "Behind and Beyond the Brain", a Forum that gathers well renowned neurosciences speakers and the BIAL Foundation Fellows which are spread around the world.
Classified as an institution of public utility, the BIAL Foundation includes among its patrons the Portuguese President, the Portuguese Universities Rectors' Council and the Portuguese Medical Association.
URL: http://www.bial.com/pt/
Accessibility: By permission

Reference code: PT/FB/BL
Entity holding: BIAL Foundation
Title: BIAL Grants
Start date: 1994
History:
In 1994 the BIAL Foundation launched a programme of science research grants with the aim of encouraging the research into Man’s physical and mental processes, namely in fields still largely unexplored but which warrant further scientific analysis, as Psychophysiology and Parapsychology.
Since its launch, applications to the BIAL grants have been increasing. Up to now 461 projects have been supported, involving more than 1000 researchers from 27 countries.
The approved applications have benefited from grants in amounts comprised between €5,000 and €50, 000. The amount to be granted is fixed by the Scientific board according to the needs of each project.
The supported projects have originated, until April 2013, in about 600 full papers, 172 out of which were published in indexed international journals with an average impact factor of 3.6 and a substantial number of citations (1665).
Among the BIAL Foundation fellows is worth highlighting the presence of scientists from prestigious universities from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Russia, Germany, Japan, France, Canada, and many others.
The BIAL grants are promoted biannually.

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
2016 Grants
Start date: 2017-01

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
117 - Replication in parapsychology: The correlation matrix method
Duration: 2017-01 - 2019-01
Researcher(s):
Caroline Watt, Ana Flores
Institution(s): Koestler Parapsychology Unit, University of Edinburgh, Scotland (UK)
Contents: Contents:
Application form
Correspondence
Research Funding Agreement
Progress report
Final report
Articles
Author: Watt, C.
Secondary author(s):
Flores, A.
Number of reproductions:
2
Keywords:
Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK correlation / Parapsychology

Reference code: PT/FB/BL-2016-117.06
Location: BF-GMS
Title:
Mind and matter correlated in a matrix. Replicating a new model
Publication year: 2019
Abstract/Results:
ABSTRACT:
The thesis explores whether mind can interact directly with matter, i.e., with a physical system, without the use of any known physical interaction. The concept, called psychokinesis, is yet an unexplained phenomenon.
The study of paranormal manifestations has been arduous due to the difficulty in replicating its findings. To address the problem Walter von Lucadou developed a method called Correlation Matrix Method (CMM) that endeavours to explain it. CMM is supported by the Model of Pragmatic Information (MPI) and Generalised Quantum Theory. These theories based on principles from quantum physics were translated by analogy into a general quantum theory to be applied to the field of psychology. Links established between physics, psychology and parapsychology are then explored in the thesis.
The CMM method consists of correlating psychological behaviours produced by participants with the behaviour of a random number generator, to investigate whether participants can mentally influence the random number generator.
Previous experiments conducted by von Lucadou and Walach showed significant results. This thesis replicate s the former experiments in five studies to test the reliability of CMM. The first two studies were exact replications of the original studies by Lucadou and Walach. The s ame random number generator (RNG), software program and protocol were used in the replications. Study 3, whether the number of participants was relevant against the number of sessions produced. In study 4 and 5 a new type of RNG, was introduced to compare with the
Accessibility: Document exists in file
Copyright/Reproduction:
By permisison
Language:
eng
Author:
Flores, A.
Document type:
Doctoral thesis
Number of reproductions:
2
Reference:
Flores, A. (2019). Mind and matter correlated in a matrix. Replicating a new model (Unpublished doctoral thesis). Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Indexed document: No
Keywords: Theory / Replication / Correlation Matrix Method / Micro-PK Correlation