Network-based fMRI-neurofeedback training applied to sustained attention

Abstract

The following thesis is a result of intense and insistent work, albeit also with rife scientific pleasure and curiosity. Still, its realization was only possible through the coverage of many supporters. Thank you Prof. Carlos Garrido by trusting me since the beginning of my master's studies, especially when the doctoral study was not more than an ambitious glimpse. I am glad by the precious hours you spent aside of me, tirelessly explaining each one of the study's substantial elements. Not to mention the fact you always followed me during the MRI acquisitions in Brazil. It was a supervision based on the beauty of the scientific rigor and positivist skepticism, something I intend to keep for the lifetime. Since when I cogitate running part of the PhD studies in Switzerland, Prof. Frank Scharnowski was entirely and wholeheartedly open arms cordially to receive me. The combination between sympathy and brilliance I saw in this professor was an example that ego is truly inverse to knowledge. You gave me all personal and professional support I needed, besides of the engagement and the credit for the research realization. The volunteers' participations were orchestrally arranged by Jennifer Heldner, at that time my master student, indissociable fellowship during data acquisition. Because of your work, the study could be timely made. I thank you by the unconditional involvement in the project and the contagious joy during the winter experiments. To the study collaborators, my deepest gratitude. It was because of excellent experts on board that the study could reach the desired scientific level. I thank the meticulous Dr. Robert Langner and the creative Prof. Lars Michels by the support in the psychologic and neuroscientific concepts of attention. Also, thanks to Dr. Ludovica Griffanti by the impeccable support in ICA and by being humble when listening to a mere spectator of her OHBM lecture. I thank the IDOR team, in Rio de Janeiro, by the initial help to understand the neurofeedback technique and by granting the conditions for pilot experiments, kindly provided by Prof. Jorge Moll. I also thank the 24/7 help given by Dr. Rodrigo Basilio in the initial moments of computational operations. Also, thank you, Dr. Griselda Garrido, by the seminal help in basic principles and by the connection to IDOR. The research universe can be funny and creative when one works in InBrain Lab, at USP Ribeirão Preto. How I miss those pleasant coffee time with inspiring talks. I thank in v special to Bruno Hebling by the friendship and positive criticism, to the cheerful André Paschoal and his horrible cookies, to the support of the friend Jeam "Mineiro" Barbosa, and to many others. A big hug to each one of this loved lab.