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A recent wave of brain research has advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms of conscious states, contents and functions. A host of questions remain to be explored, as shown by lively debates between models of higher vs. lower-order aspects of consciousness, as well as global vs. local models. (Baars 2007; Block, 2009; Dennett and Cohen, 2011; Lau and Rosenthal, 2011). Over some twenty-five centuries the contemplative traditions have also developed explicit descriptions and taxonomies of the mind, to interpret experiences that are often reported in contemplative practices (Radhakrishnan & Moore, 1967; Rinbochay & Naper, 1981). These traditional descriptions sometimes converge on current scientific debates, such as the question of conceptual vs. non-conceptual consciousness; reflexivity or “self-knowing” associated with consciousness; the sense of self and consciousness; and aspects of consciousness that are said to continue during sleep. These real or claimed aspects of consciousness have not been fully integrated into scientific models so far. This Research Topic in Consciousness Research aims to provide a forum for theoretical proposals, new empirical findings, integrative literature reviews, and methodological improvements inspired by meditation-based models. We include a broad array of topics, including but not limited to: replicable findings from a variety of systematic mental practices; changes in brain functioning and organization that can be attributed to such practices; their effects on adaptation and neural plasticity; measurable effects on perception, cognition, affect and self-referential processes. We include contributions that address the question of causal attribution. Many published studies are correlational in nature, because of the inherent difficulty of conducting longitudinal experiments based on a major lifestyle decision, such as the decision to commit to a mental practice over a period of years. We also feature clinical and case studies, integrative syntheses and significant opinion articles.

contemplative practice --- structural plasticity --- functional plasticity --- Meditation --- mindfulness --- neural correlates of consciousness --- Cultural issues --- contemplative practice --- structural plasticity --- functional plasticity --- Meditation --- mindfulness --- neural correlates of consciousness --- Cultural issues

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A recent wave of brain research has advanced our understanding of the neural mechanisms of conscious states, contents and functions. A host of questions remain to be explored, as shown by lively debates between models of higher vs. lower-order aspects of consciousness, as well as global vs. local models. (Baars 2007; Block, 2009; Dennett and Cohen, 2011; Lau and Rosenthal, 2011). Over some twenty-five centuries the contemplative traditions have also developed explicit descriptions and taxonomies of the mind, to interpret experiences that are often reported in contemplative practices (Radhakrishnan & Moore, 1967; Rinbochay & Naper, 1981). These traditional descriptions sometimes converge on current scientific debates, such as the question of conceptual vs. non-conceptual consciousness; reflexivity or “self-knowing” associated with consciousness; the sense of self and consciousness; and aspects of consciousness that are said to continue during sleep. These real or claimed aspects of consciousness have not been fully integrated into scientific models so far. This Research Topic in Consciousness Research aims to provide a forum for theoretical proposals, new empirical findings, integrative literature reviews, and methodological improvements inspired by meditation-based models. We include a broad array of topics, including but not limited to: replicable findings from a variety of systematic mental practices; changes in brain functioning and organization that can be attributed to such practices; their effects on adaptation and neural plasticity; measurable effects on perception, cognition, affect and self-referential processes. We include contributions that address the question of causal attribution. Many published studies are correlational in nature, because of the inherent difficulty of conducting longitudinal experiments based on a major lifestyle decision, such as the decision to commit to a mental practice over a period of years. We also feature clinical and case studies, integrative syntheses and significant opinion articles.

contemplative practice --- structural plasticity --- functional plasticity --- Meditation --- mindfulness --- neural correlates of consciousness --- Cultural issues

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This paper considers the possibility of collective action by the business community to counter corruption in the award of government licenses and contracts. The analogy is with contract enforcement institutions studied by economic historians and contract law scholars. The institution in this context comprises a no-bribery norm, a community system to detect violations, and a multilateral ostracism penalty upon conviction in a community tribunal. The requirements such an institution must meet if it is to be effective are analyzed. It is shown that an institution of sufficient quality-combining probability of correct detection and severity of punishment-can eliminate bribery. If the private institution is not sufficiently good, then in conjunction with the state's formal apparatus it reduces the level of bribes demanded, but increases the probability of winning the license or contract through bribery. An improvement in the government's formal anti-corruption mechanism, holding the private institution constant, reduces both the level of bribes and the probability of success through bribery. The two institutions together are shown to achieve substantially better outcomes than either can on its own.

Anticorruption --- Business Community --- Corruption & Anticorruption Law --- Crime and Society --- Cultural Issues --- E-Business --- Law and Development --- Multilateral Ostracism Penalty --- Private Sector Development --- Public Sector Corruption and Anticorruption Measure --- Public Sector Development --- Social Accountability --- Social Development

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Communication skills are considered extremely important for the development, preservation, and transmission of culture to future generations, and incorporate the complicated relationship between language and culture. This book focuses on an analysis of personal narratives by Japanese pre-school children. The book also analyzes mother-child narratives and joint book-reading activities.

Language and culture --- Children --- Japanese language --- Koguryo language --- Childhood --- Kids (Children) --- Pedology (Child study) --- Youngsters --- Age groups --- Families --- Life cycle, Human --- Language --- Acquisition. --- Language acquisition --- Discourse analysis, Narrative --- Mother and child --- Literacy --- Acquisition --- Culture --- Japanese language - Acquisition --- Communication skills. --- Cross-cultural issues. --- Cross-cultural understanding. --- Interactional sociolinguistics. --- Japanese. --- Literacy. --- Mother-child narratives. --- Narrative development. --- Narrative discourse skills. --- Personal narratives.

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A Companion to Piers Plowman is the first comprehensive guide to William Langland's fourteenth-century masterpiece. Until now no single volume has discussed the broad range of issues raised here, nor have previous studies drawn on such an internationally distinguished group of Langland scholars.

Christian poetry, English (Middle) --- History and criticism. --- 14th century. --- british literature. --- christian literature. --- classic literature. --- comprehensive guide. --- contemporary scholarship. --- critical guide. --- cultural issues. --- english literature. --- european. --- langland scholars. --- lit reference. --- literary criticism. --- literary critics. --- literary masterpiece. --- literary scholars. --- literary studies. --- medieval literature. --- nonfiction reference. --- piers plowman. --- reading companion. --- social issues. --- western literature. --- william langland.