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Machine Learning Base Model for Waste Management
Waste management is an important global challenge, where increasing urbanization and industrialization lead to high waste production. Traditional waste landfill methods, including manual sorting and fixed collection plans often result in disabilities, increased costs, and environmental decline. Integration of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in waste management systems provides a transformative approach to solve these problems. This chapter examines the role of ML in automatic waste sorting, future indication analysis, collection passport optimization, and converting wasteto-energy. Case studies from Singapore, San Francisco, and large waste management companies highlight MLs real-world applications to create smart and more sustainable waste management systems. Singapores AIoperated system and San Franciscos policy-based waste management models show MLs ability to adapt to comparative analysis resources and reduce landfill addiction. The findings show that AI-controlled waste management leads to high recycling speeds, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and more efficient resource allocation. Despite challenges such as high implementation costs, regulatory concerns, and privacy problems, the future of waste management lies in AI-operated automation, blockchain integration for waste tracking, and AI-cleaned waste solutions. 2025 River Publishers. -
Negotiating Memories of Trauma in Kazuo Ishiguros A Pale View of Hills
Kazuo Ishiguros debut novel A Pale View of Hills (1982) resembles other twentieth-century novels in emerging out of what Anne Whitehead calls the three interrelated contexts of postmodernism, postcolonialism and a postwar legacy, which allows authors to set family stories in a broader, universal, and historical context (Whitehead 81). In the novel, Etsuko, a survivor of the Nagasaki bombing, recalls her traumatic experience of migrating to England following the fatal bombing on August 9, 1945. The novel focuses on the feelings of guilt and trauma associated with Etsukos escape from a difficult life in post-World War II Nagasaki to a more comfortable life in Britain to avoid raising her child in the aftermath of the atomic destruction. The public trauma and shock of the nuclear attack on Nagasaki form the backdrop for Etsukos personal narrative. Although the bomb does not injure the characters in the novel, the aftermath of this catastrophic event affects their lives profoundly. Kazuo Ishiguros A Pale View of Hills is a memory narrative of Etsuko, the protagonist, in conversations with her younger daughter Niki in England. The novel shows Etsuko recalling her past life in Japan in a desperate attempt to come to terms with her older daughter Keikos suicide. Her meditations take her back to her past in Japan, where she had developed a short friendship with Sachiko and her disturbed daughter Mariko. Etsukos dubious narration that exposes several parallels between her life and her friend Sachikos life indicates the possibility of Etsuko and Sachiko being the same person. The chapter discusses how the novels narrative strategies act as a coping mechanism for the displaced Etsuko, who endures the traumatic experience of migration. Etsukos indeterminate and ambiguous narration reflects the complexity and elusiveness of the act of migration, which disrupts her sense of identity and leaves her torn between her past and present self. The chapter shows how Etsukos confessions of her failing memory paradoxically make her seem more reliable. The chapter also discusses how Ishiguros novel, through Etsukos recollection of traumatic memories, calls attention to the emotional and psychological ramifications underlying the process of migration that not only makes migrants doubtful about their initial decision to migrate but also forces them to re-evaluate that decision constantly. Engaging with trauma and memory studies theorists such as Dominick LaCapra, Cathy Caruth, Maurice Halbwachs, Astrid Erll, Birgit Neumann, and Ansgar Nning, the chapter depicts how Etsukos discontinuous narrative, which permits her to redirect her trauma of Kiekos suicide to a self-constructed story, has a therapeutic impact on her psyche. Finally, the chapter argues that though the novel centers around an incident of historical significance, its modernity lies in its depiction of the trials of a life in exile and the psychological complexity induced by the act of abandoning ones homeland and starting a new life elsewhere. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Srirupa Chatterjee and Sharada Chigurupati; individual chapters, the contributors. -
North Korean Refugees in China: A Humanitarian Perspective
Most scholars opined that the famine of the 1990s in North Korea began a cascading effect on the refugee influx to China. The refusal of Chinese authorities to recognise North Korean defectors as refugees stems from an agreement between the two allies, The history of this crisis thus starts with the 1986 agreement signed between North Korea and China that binds China to repatriate any defectors back to the North Korean state. The Mutual Cooperation Protocol of 1986 1 has often been quoted by Chinese authorities to justify the repatriation of North Korean refugees. In the cases where refugees have not been repatriated, the lack of recognition by the Chinese State ensures that they are exploited in numerous ways, such as prostitution, bonded labour, torture, detention, forced abortions, denial of medical treatment and housing, etc. No true estimates exist on quantifying the North Korean refugee influx, as it would legitimise the propensity of the issue and bring to light rampant violations of human rights within Chinese borders. Many international stakeholders, like US Congressional Committees, UNHCR, major non-governmental organisations and recently, in April 2023, South Korea spoke on Chinas policy on North Korean refugees. China remains in violation of the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees as it continues to undertake forced repatriation and refuse to acknowledge North Korean migrants as refugees, instead branding them as illegal economic migrants. For China, human rights have always been viewed by the CCP as an internal matter. It is caught in a zero-sum game trying to protect its alliance with Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), while facing increasing pressure from various global actors. As of now, the non-recognition of defectors is in favour of China as recognition of refugees could destabilise the region, increase the influx of migrants into the industrial north-east already suffering from labour issues and bring it closer to the USAs ambit of influence in South Korea and hamper the Chinese influence over DPRKs nuclear programme. Additionally, recognition of refugees and ensuring rights of minority groups will further exacerbate the issues the Chinese State is facing from Uighurs and Tibetans. It is against this backdrop of national interest that the barefaced exploitation of North Korean defectors has occurred over the years in China. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Neeraj Singh Manhas, Nitan Sharma, and Abhinav Tomer; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Womens Economic Empowerment and Domestic Violence: Evidence from the Indian State of Kerala
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects countless women around the world. Kerala boasts an admirable history of high literacy rates, good health and sanitation standards, low infant mortality rates and impressive average life expectancy. Despite these advancements, enduring social problems such as gender discrimination and domestic violence still exist. Over the last two decades, domestic violence has been a significant issue for women in Kerala. The basic objective of this study is to assess the impact of womens economic empowerment on domestic violence. This study employed stratified sampling methods to gather household-level data using pre-designed questionnaires. The study found a weak link between economic empowerment and domestic violence. Womens education and husbands characteristics, notably alcohol usage, have a significant impact. This emphasises the importance of interventions that promote collaborative decision-making in order to combat domestic abuse effectively. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Samapti Guha and Chirodip Majumdar; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
Kochi Water Metro: Revisiting the Economy-Ecology Paradox of Water Transportation
Kochi, a prominent port city on the southwest coast of Kerala, India, with its waterways, has shaped the geographical and socio-cultural space, aligning them with the politics of the land-water interaction. Popular conceptions of transport have been land-oriented, but with water as the centre, our understanding of day-to-day lived realities changes, demanding new vocabulary. The Kochi Water Metros advent and success are the topics under discussion. Moving from land metro to water metro signals changes in our reading of travel, ecology, energy conservation, direction, temporality, socio-cultural and economic modalities. The article is a project-based study drawing data from interviews, documents, audio-visual images and real-time information to trace and position Kochis Water Metro. With economic and environmental sustainability as the driving forces, the transportation cum tourism aspects of the Water Metro requires an intersectional reading of hydrography, oceanic materialities, and maritime practices. Reading these against the larger context of capitalism and Blue Humanities helps explore how hydrocapitalism becomes the new discourse that positions the ecology-economy paradox. Not only does the Water Metro realign travel and geospatial mapping, but it also begets new directions in maritime developments and conservation within Kochis tourism ventures. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sreedevi Santhosh, Dr. Samjaila T. H., Ms. Preethi S., Dr. Steffi Santhana Mary S., Dr. Uma Maheswary and Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The Water Unites and the Land Divides: Exploring Chinese Maritime Migration and the Birth of Kolkata Chinatown
The water unites, and the land divides is a common expression in the Indo-Pacific, illustrating the archipelagic characters of the mainlands and islands across the flanking Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. It facilitates maritime liaisons between people across civilisation. Though the Indian and Pacific oceans have historically brought China and India together regarding spice trade and cultural diffusion, it was not until the Age of Discoveries that the eternal ambition to control the Indo-Pacific oceanic wilderness materialised. First, the Portuguese, then the Dutch and French and finally, the British, who prospered insurmountably into a maritime colonial network where the sun never sets. British imperialism, a force that shaped the worlds political events and social fabric, facilitated a global movement of Chinese migrants who settled in different British colonial coastal cities in search of greener pastures. Kolkata, erstwhile Calcutta, flourished as a colonial hub with its White Town and Black Town and a vibrant Chinatown in between. The present research investigates Chinese maritime migration to Calcutta and their resilience and adaptability to create a niche for themselves. It also analyses the significant role of British imperialism in determining Chinatowns demographic composition and cultural identity, leading to a profound realisation of the historical influences on migration patterns. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. Sreedevi Santhosh, Dr. Samjaila T. H., Ms. Preethi S., Dr. Steffi Santhana Mary S., Dr. Uma Maheswary and Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Echoes of Empire: Portuguese Cultural Imperialism in Goa and Mangalore from the 15th to 18th Centuries
The Portuguese colonization in Goa and its indirect religious influence in Mangalore from the 15th to the 18th century left behind a complex legacy of social, cultural, economic, political, and religious changes. Situated within postcolonial and neocolonial studies, the paper explores the mechanisms of Portuguese cultural dominance in Goa coerced religious conversion, linguistic imposition, architectural transformation, communication, and educational control contrasted with more indirect cultural and religious influence in Mangalore, and, as a result, the impact of cultural imperialism and cultural transformation. The study contextualises the enduring effects of these colonial processes by using the theoretical frameworks of Anal Quijano concept of Coloniality of Power, Johan Galtungs Centre-Periphery Model, Edward Saids Orientalism, and Herbert Schillers Communication Imperialism. The paper highlights local resistance and cultural hybridization, and reveals a complex negotiation between imposition and adaptation. The study emphasizes the legacy of Portuguese imperialism within a broader perspective of global power structures and how it has shaped the modern neocolonial frameworks. The findings contribute to discussions on cultural imperialism by illustrating how historical hegemonic practices persist through language policies, architectural preservation, and religious traditions. The paper also touches upon the regions postcolonial identity formation through Goas Lusophone heritage and Mangalores distinct religious evolution. This analysis demonstrates how past mechanisms of control continue to influence the contemporary global and regional dynamics, reinforcing cultural hegemony through modern neocolonialism. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar, Ms. Minu A., Dr. Barnashree Khasnobis, Dr. Preetha M. and Dr. Merrin R. S.; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Challenging Colonial Hegemony through Khalil Gibrans Beautiful and Rare Sayings
The paper examines how Khalil Gibrans Arabic book (Al-Badai waal-Taraif), translated as Beautiful and Rare Sayings, is a rebellious call for the rebirth of the Arab nation. In this work, Gibran expresses his strong political views and dreams of liberty, urging Arabs to awaken from their slumber, regain their freedom, and build their future independently, without relying on foreign powers. Having witnessed the damaging effects of colonialism on the Arab world, Gibran realized how it threatened the future of his people and sought to reform his nation based on the values of liberty and justice. He criticizes oppressive systems such as the decline of the Ottoman Empire and European imperialism, which had long prevented the unity and peace of the Arab world. Through many insights in the book, Gibran gives voice to the pain of his people while guiding them toward the path of freedom and inspiring them with the broad aspirations they can achieve. This work represents the revolutionary spirit of its time, providing a counter-narrative to those in power who seek to silence the opposite. Additionally, this paper explores how Gibrans use of language and metaphors critiques the social and political conditions of the Arab world, reflecting his vision of unity beyond ethnic divisions. By analyzing Beautiful and Rare Sayings, the paper highlights Gibrans role as a cultural mediator, navigating colonial hegemony and inspiring cultural awakening and identity within the Arab context. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar, Ms. Minu A., Dr. Barnashree Khasnobis, Dr. Preetha M. and Dr. Merrin R. S.; individual chapters, the contributors. -
The Desire to Escape: A Reflection on the Neocolonial Bearings on Trinidadian Literary Landscape
Under waning colonial power, the second half of twentieth century witnessed mass-migration from the Caribbean to the metropolitan centre of Britain. This generation was called the windrush generation, and included prominent writers and authors from the island nation of Trinidad like V.S Naipaul, Samuel Selvon, among others. The article explores the neocolonial factors that drove these literary migrations and its subsequent influence on the literary contributions of these writers. It discusses, in brief, the idiosyncrasies of their circumstances in comparison to that of home-grown authors like Earl Lovelace. The paper concludes with insights into the contemporary status of this development and its implications. This paper has drawn information from primary sources (fictions of the above-mentioned writers) and secondary sources including author interviews, critical essays, newspaper articles, blogs, among others, to validate the study. 2024 selection and editorial matter, Dr. L. Santhosh Kumar, Ms. Minu A., Dr. Barnashree Khasnobis, Dr. Preetha M. and Dr. Merrin R. S.; individual chapters, the contributors. -
Tourism Crossroads and Tribal Knowledge System: A Narrative of Vulnerabilities and SocioEthnic Dynamism in Mizoram
Tourism development trajectories and indigenous knowledge systems meet in discordant ways among tribal communities in Mizoram, Northeast India, and have advantages and disadvantages in the perpetuation of culture. Qualitative analysis and case study methodology have been used to examine the sociocultural mechanisms employed by the Mizo community in the negotiations with external tourism pressures that help maintain cultural integrity. Tlawmngaihna (selflessness) is the ethical philosophy that guides Mizo society's adaptation to external influences. The complete ethical system is applied to hospitality and all aspects of interpersonal relationships, conflict resolution, resource management, and cultural traditions. Findings show manifestations of great transformation in cultural expressionstraditional festivals like Chapchar Kut and indigenous dances must pay attention to tourism calls. Risks to indigenous intellectual property, lack of tribal autonomy, skewed economic outcomes, and disruption of knowledge transmission systems are specific to tribal territories as tourist destinations. Community-based approaches oriented towards local ownership, governance structure, equitable benefit sharing, and indigenous intellectual property protection are crucial for sustainable tourism development. It highlights the socio-ethnic dynamics of cultural transformation in the Indian communities within the tribal setting, with changing relationship dynamics of power generation, gender roles, and generational ties. Proposals are made for practical frameworks for balancing economic development and maintaining sophisticated tribal knowledge systems in tourism contexts. By analyzing the results, the government (policymakers), tourism stakeholders, and tribal communities involved in the difficult decision to balance cultural preservation with tourism revenue will be informed of the delicate balance that must be reached in an increasingly globalized tourism landscape. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Debanjana Nag and Kusum; individual chapters, the contributors. -
How Much Governance Is Too Much?: Framing Future Directions for State Involvement in Sustainable Dark Tourism
With the growing institutionalisation of dark tourism into national heritage discourses and tourism economies, the issue of what level of state intervention is most appropriate has become an urgent and critical point of discussion. Although the subjects of visitor motivations, site interpretation, and ethical dilemmas have been well covered in the existing literature, the role of government in dark tourism has not received sufficient attention. The chapter fills that gap by discussing the diversity of state interventions in dark tourism through a content analysis of pertinent literature. A conceptual framework is developed that indicates five key areas of intervention in dark tourism governance: cultural heritage policy, security and risk regulation, mobility control, heritage protection, and community engagement. These are connected to two clusters of intended governance outcomes: sociocultural goals such as peacebuilding and reconciliation, and experience-focused aims including ethical interpretation and visitor management. Instead of taking a normative stance on whether state involvement is inherently either excessive or insufficient, the chapter advocates for a more situated and reflexive approach. It emphasises the need to understand dark tourism governance as context-dependent, shaped by site-specific histories, political legitimacy, and the tension between memorialisation and commodification in practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, Pawan Kumar, Gurmeet Singh, Vipin Nadda, Bindu Aggarwal and Ranjeet Verma. -
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION: AI Applications in Assessment, Monitoring, and Therapy
The global rise in neurocognitive disorders, due to aging populations, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegenerative diseases, demands innovative rehabilitation strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming neurocognitive rehabilitation by enabling early detection, real-time monitoring, and personalized therapy through technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, neuroimaging, and wearable sensors. This chapter explores how AI-powered tools enhance neuropsychological assessments, support continuous monitoring through multimodal data streams, and enable adaptive, patient-centered therapeutic interventions. Additionally, it evaluates the ethical challenges and implementation barriers associated with AI integration in clinical practice. By examining the interplay between AI and neurorehabilitation, the chapter underscores the transformative potential of interdisciplinary, data-driven approaches in cognitive healthcare. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
APPLYING SOLUTION-FOCUSED BRIEF THERAPY IN COGNITIVE REHABILITATION: Insights from Positive Neuropsychology
Neurocognitive rehabilitation refers to the procedure involved in helping patients recover or regain some of the lost functions of the brain after an internal and external injury. Specific psychotherapeutic procedures are also combined with these rehabilitation strategies for the maximum benefit of the patients. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a psychotherapy that allows clients to focus their attention on the solution rather than exploring the origin of the problem and focusing on their strengths and resources. It is a brief therapy based on a positive psychology approach. The traditional cognitive rehabilitation techniques focus on deficit remediation, while SFBT offers a strength-based approach that focuses on the clients resources, exceptions to the problems, and goal-oriented behavior. The integration of these approaches will bring a shift in the paradigm of neurorehabilitation by providing a balance between cognitive challenges and preserved strengths. In the realm of cognitive rehabilitation, SFBT can empower individuals with neurological impairments by fostering resilience, adapting coping strategies, and self-efficacy. This chapter explores the innovative application of SFBT principles within cognitive rehabilitation settings, which can be viewed from the lens of positive neurorehabilitation. It will also propose a framework for integrating the CAPE model (Compensatory, Activity, Preventive & Enhancement) with salient principles of SFBT, emphasizing the potential role of positive neuropsychology in cognitive rehabilitation. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ADVANCING THE FRONTIERS OF NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION: Research and Practice Ahead
This chapter explores the expanding horizons of neurocognitive rehabilitation by synthesizing emerging trends in research, technology, and practice. With a focus on translational innovation, it identifies how cutting-edge advancements, such as neurofeedback training (NFT), braincomputer interfaces, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven diagnostics, are reshaping cognitive recovery pathways. Emphasis is placed on the growing need for culturally and contextually responsive models, particularly in low-resource settings, as well as scalable, tech-enabled delivery methods that enhance accessibility and personalization. The chapter also highlights the critical importance of long-term outcome studies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and workforce upskilling to support sustainable integration of novel tools into routine care. Ethical considerations, including data privacy, informed consent in neurotechnological interventions, and the equitable distribution of emerging therapies, are also explored. As the field advances, the convergence of neuroscience, digital innovation, and individualized care promises to transform neurocognitive rehabilitation from reactive to anticipatory, from standardized to precision-based. Ultimately, this chapter advocates for a global, equity-focused, and evidence-based framework that places individuals, not just their impairments, at the center of rehabilitation science and practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
NEUROPLASTICITY UNLEASHED: Receiving the Brain for Recovery
Neuroplasticity, the brains dynamic ability to reorganize and adapt across the lifespan, underpins contemporary approaches to neurorehabilitation. This chapter critically examines the clinical, neuroimaging, and neurophysiological evidence for plasticity-driven recovery. Drawing on longitudinal studies and case-based analyses, we illuminate how recovery can occur even in late stages, challenging the traditional notion of static chronic phases. The chapter highlights the role of task-specific practice, intensity, and timing in shaping neural reorganization, emphasizing that plasticity is not merely a spontaneous biological process but one that can be modulated through structured intervention. We further explore how electroencephalography (EEG)-based markers offer temporally precise insights into reorganization across cognitive, sensory, and affective domains. Neuroimaging findings reveal compensatory activation, network shifts, and bilateral engagement as hallmarks of adaptive plasticity. Affect, motivation, and goal-directed behavior are positioned as central to driving experience-dependent changes, especially when integrated into patient-centered therapy. In addition, we examine the intersection of individual difference factorsincluding personality and cognitive reservewith neuroplastic potential and propose frameworks for personalized rehabilitation. Finally, the chapter outlines emerging directions in tech-enabled plasticity interventions and translational models of care. Together, the evidence underscores neuroplasticity not only as a recovery mechanism but also as a target for strategic, evidence-based rehabilitation. The interdisciplinary approach adopted here aims to bridge neuroscience, clinical practice, and lived patient experiences to inform future research and therapeutic innovation. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ETHICS OF TECHNOLOGY-ASSISTED NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION
The integration of invasive, non-invasive, and external technology into healthcare has significantly transformed neurocognitive rehabilitation. It has transformed the relationship between the patients and their care providers, caretakers, and digital agents of care. It can aid the rehabilitating agents at all levels of intervention, stages of patients response, and interactions between them and the patients. While technology can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of neurocognitive rehabilitation, it raises fundamental ethical issues. The three types of technology invasive, noninvasive, and external pose different types of issues that must be addressed by the care providers, caretakers, the digital agents, and the patients. The ethical issues must be balanced against the potential efficiency and effectiveness of the technologies in making intervention decisions. The chapter presents an Ontology of Ethics of Technology-Driven Neurocognitive Rehabilitation as a framework to parse these complex issues clearly, concisely, and comprehensively. It provides a roadmap to address the ethics systemically and systematically. Technology-assisted neurocognitive rehabilitation can deeply affect the mind, body, and spirit of the patient. It is an emerging field and there is little literature on its ethics. The framework can be used to develop a roadmap for research, policies, and practice. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
INTRODUCTION TO NEUROCOGNITIVE REHABILITATION
This chapter offers a comprehensive examination of the historical development, theoretical foundations, and contemporary directions in neurocognitive rehabilitation. Beginning with early clinical observations, including the cases of Phineas Gage and Alexander Lurias wartime studies, the narrative traces the evolution of the field from anecdotal case reports to empirically validated interventions. The discussion delineates core principles that underpin effective rehabilitation practice, including individualization and person-centered planning, goal-directed and functionally relevant interventions, evidence-based methodologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and ecological validity. Established frameworks such as the cognitive neuropsychological model and the information processing model are critically appraised alongside the biopsychosocial perspective and holistic neuropsychological rehabilitation approaches. Particular attention is given to emerging trends, including the integration of advanced technologies such as virtual reality, tele-rehabilitation, and adaptive computerized training as well as their implications for accessibility, scalability, and equity in service delivery. The chapter further considers the relevance of these paradigms to forensic psychology and legal scholarship, highlighting their role in capacity assessment and the determination of criminal responsibility. Drawing upon recent systematic reviews and high-quality empirical studies, this synthesis underscores the necessity of combining scientific rigor with ethically grounded, person-centered care. While artificial intelligence tools supported aspects of drafting, the content has been critically curated and adapted to reflect current scholarship and clinical expertise. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the imperative for rehabilitation professionals to engage in lifelong learning and innovation to meet the evolving needs of individuals with acquired brain injury. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
ENHANCING EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS THROUGH COGNITIVE-BASED INTERVENTION IN INDIVIDUALS WITH SUICIDAL IDEATION AND ATTEMPTS: A Mixed-Method Pilot Study
One of the primary causes of death around the world can be attributed to suicidality. Almost 1 million people across the globe commit suicide annually. Neurocognition has an impact on suicidal ideation, and deficits in cognitive markers influence the progression of suicide-related thoughts to behaviours. The present study aims to determine the efficacy of cognitive-based intervention on executive functions implicated in suicidal ideation and suicide attempters. A mixed-method approach was followed, which involved intervention and a quantitative and qualitative analysis. A group of 22 participants aged between 18 and 25 years with suicidal ideation and behaviour was chosen. Ten participants reported having suicidal ideation and no history of suicide attempt or self-harm, whereas 12 participants reported having suicidal ideation and at least one attempt at self-harm or suicidal behaviour. All the participants were assessed on planning, verbal fluency, and response inhibition tests. The participants then receive eight sessions of cognitive-behavioural intervention focusing on suicidal behaviour and thoughts. Post-therapy, the participants underwent a reassessment of their executive functions. The results suggested that cognitive behaviour-based therapy significantly improved planning, verbal fluency, and response inhibition. The feeling of entrapment and the level of depression were qualitatively found to be influencing suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. The study paves the way for further exploration of factors that predict suicide and determines the cause-and-effect relationship between the factors. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved. -
SOCIAL BRAIN AND NEUROSTIMULATION: Applicability across Psychiatric Disorders
Social cognition is the capacity to detect, understand, and evaluate relevant information from the environment. It is an important skill for effective interpersonal functioning. The human social brain is instrumental in the process of social cognition. Disruption in these networks are central to the development and progression of pathology across psychiatric conditions in terms of deficits in facial recognition, interpreting social cues, difficulty in connecting with others, reduced adaptive functioning in social contexts exacerbating the overall disability. Conventional pharmacological and psychosocial management show sub-par effects which bring forward the applicability of neurostimulation as an effective therapeutic modality by virtue of their ability to directly generate action potential and modulate neural circuits. Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS) show potential in enhancing social cognitive processes by targeting specific brain regions. This chapter aims to explore the mechanisms through which neurostimulation influences the social brain, emphasizing its potential role in addressing the associated socio-cognitive deficits. It also highlights the therapeutic relevance and applicability of neurostimulation in enhancing social cognition. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges, ethical considerations, and future directions involving integration of artificial intelligence with neurostimulation as part of enhancing clinical outcomes and advancing precision psychiatry. 2026 selection and editorial matter, K. Jayasankara Reddy; individual chapters, the contributors. All rights reserved.