bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Nigerian Capital Market and Selected Macroeconomic Variables: An Econometric Analysis
Authors:   Department of Social Sciences (Economics) Rhema University Nigeria, Aba Abia State, Okorontah Chikeziem Fortunatus , John Onyedikachi Ogba ,   Department of Physical Sciences (Statistics) Rhema University Nigeria, Aba Abia State
Published: August 2022

Capital market is the major components of a modern market-based economic system as they serve as the channel for the flow of long-term financial resources from the savers of capital to the borrowers of capital. Efficient capital markets are hence essential for economic growth and prosperity. Hence this study using econometric analysis investigated the effects of some key macroeconomic variables on the Nigerian Capital Market. Secondary data sourced from Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) Statistical Bulletin from 1981 – 2019 were employed. The data was checked for stationarity using the Unit Root Test and OLS regression analysis (through E-view package) was carried out to achieve the objective of the study. All the variables were integrated of order 1(1) except Inflation rate (INFR) that was integrated of order 1(0), therefore we ran the regression following the order of integration. The regression result depicted that, all the variables were rightly signed. However, only Money supply (MNSY) had significant relationship with market capitalization (MKCN) – proxy of Capital Market. The result is acceptable though the joint effect of the explanatory variables (R2 Adjusted = 0.48) on capital market is not so high but from the Durbin-watson statistic there is no existence of autocorrelation in the model. The study concluded that, the relationship between the selected key macroeconomic variables and the Capital Market was not strong by the time of this study, but could be improved through appropriate policies of the Government. We therefore recommend among other things that government promote policies that will encourage industrial production as this may improve the performance of some macroeconomic variables that affect the growth of the Capital Market
Relationships and Potentials of Proximate Property Markets: The Case of Aba and Port Harcourt in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Onwuanyi Ndubisi , Chima Pius Ekenedilichukwu ,   Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Oyetunji Abiodun Kolawole ,   Department of Estate Management, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City
Published: August 2022

Unavoidably, the geographical proximity of urban spaces creates relationships which impact their development. One such relationship is economic in nature and this is reflected by production, investment and market activities. Since these activities have implications for development in the property sector, this paper examines the relationships between the proximate property markets of Aba and Port Harcourt. For the purpose of contextualising the influence of proximity on these markets, a survey of property practitioners within the study location was carried out. A 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire was deployed for the data collection. The analysis was done using the weighted mean score statistical approach. The results reveal Port Harcourt is a larger and more resilient property market; also a larger economy which supplies input to Aba whilst receiving the latter’s output. But Aba’s manufacturing economy surprisingly demonstrates a per capita GDP parity with Port Harcourt’s oil-driven economy. Lastly, proximity of the two cities’ would have impacted the environs to a greater extent had the seaport been in productive use over the years. The study recommends the strengthening of these property markets and economies by optimisation of the advantages of proximity
Impact of Corporate Governance Structures on Earnings Management and Performance: An Empirical Investigation of Quoted Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
Authors:   Department of Accounting, Faculty of Business Studies Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Ogullah Stephen Brass , Waribugo Sylva
Published: August 2022

The study examines the impact of corporate governance structure on earnings management and corporate performance of manufacturing listed firms in Nigeria. The study used a sample size of twenty-seven listed manufacturing firm in Nigeria from 2012-2021. The study adopted a panel data research design. A multiple regression statistical tool was used to test the hypotheses. The predictor variable was measured using board size, board meeting frequency, audit committee size and audit committee meeting frequency. Earnings management was measured using Discretionary Accrual after the modified Jones (1991) model. Corporate performance was measured by return on security market stock (RET). Results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the four governance categories have a negative and significant association with earnings management, but a positive and significant relationship with RET. The study recommended that there should an increase in board size, board meeting frequency, audit committee size and audit committee meeting frequency
Foreign Aid, Domestic Savings and Investment: Implications for Nigeria
Authors:   Banking & Finance Department Renaissance University, Ugbawka – Enugu State, Okore Okore Amah , Nwadiubu Anthony Odinakachukwu ,   Department of Accounting Kingsley Ozumba Mbadiwe University, Ogboko – Imo State
Published: August 2022

The study examined the implications of foreign aid on domestic savings and investments in Nigeria. The scope of the study covered a period from 1987 to 2019. The hypotheses were tested using the E-view statistical software adopting the Ordinary Least Square (OLS) method on the regression models adopted. The signs and significance of the regression coefficients and the probability were relied upon in explaining the nature and influence of the independent variable on the dependent variable as to determine both magnitude and direction of impact. In the analysis we relied on the following statistical tools; Correlation Coefficient (R), Coefficient of Determination (R2), probability and the student (t) test. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 (5%) level of significance. Results of the findings revealed that: Foreign aid had positive and significant impact on Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Foreign aid had positive and significant impact on domestic savings and Foreign aid had positive and significant impact on domestic investment in Nigeria within the period under review. The study concluded that, the contribution of foreign aid to growth can be magnified if Nigeria focuses on implementing effective macroeconomic policies. It is therefore recommended that, policies that strengthen the state and its institutions such as institutional development, human capital development, investment targeting, diversification of the Nigerian economy, a stable and trust worthy political environment, monitoring and evaluation on the use of aid funds and other aid-friendly domestic policies should be promoted
The Rising Costs of Tomato Fruits: Banga Soup, a Substitute to Tomato Paste
Authors:   Department Of Biology, Federal College Of Education, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria, Audu Oricha Kokori , Suleiman Raji I’D ,   Department Of Biology, Federal College Of Education, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria
Published: August 2022

This study was to make comparative evaluation on the use of tomato paste and palm oil sludge, especially in these era of rising costs of tomato fruits in the open market. Utilization of palm oil sludge (banga soup) as substitution to tomato paste in soup making is of great importance. During the cause of study it was discovered that palm oil sludge (banga soup) can be made and used as soup for rice, semovita, wheat which compared favourably with tomato paste in taste, colour, texture and flavor. Palm oil sludge (banga soup) can be used as total replacement for tomato paste in regions where tomato is scarce and expensive. Hence palm oil sludge (banga soup) can be recommended as substitution of tomato paste and it could be a viable and sustainable venture if undertaken on a small, large or commercial scale using appropriate technology
A Survey of the Implications of the Uses of Medicated Creams on Overall Human Health, Students of FCE Okene as Case Study
Authors:   Department Of Biology, Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State, Audu Oricha Kokori , Abegunde Akin Olu ,   Department Of Biology, Federal College of Education, Okene, Kogi State
Published: August 2022

The main purpose of this study was to carry out a survey of the implications of the uses of medicated creams on overall human health among students of FCE, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. Four research questions were formulated to guide the study and survey research design was used for the study with sampled population of 136 respondents, using questionnaire as an instrument for data collection. The data was analyzed using percentage and mean. The study found out that the use of medicated creams had positive and negative implications on the overall human health. It is therefore concluded that the use of medicated creams with the prescription of a dermatologist improves the skin, psychological and physical health of humans. Recommendations were made one of which is before using medicated creams, one should visit a dermatologist so as to get the prescription best to ameliorate the skin health condition
Ranking of Variables Influencing Construction Project
Authors:   Department Of Quantity Surveying  Rivers State University Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, Mac-Barango D.O , Nwogu P. C ,   Department Of Quantity Surveying  Rivers State University Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Published: August 2022

Construction projects are successfully delivered when they are completed at targeted cost, time as well as meeting the required performance quality wise. The above assertion is often times more of an abstraction than reality. This research aims to identify several of those factors that inhibit project success with a view to ranking the degree of impact of these factors on project delivery time and consequently on success. The research using questionnaires as its instrument for data collection, obtains the personal data of the respondents as well as research components and other variables that influence project delivery. The research employed the statistical technique of percentile as well as central tendencies for the analysis of research components – (the variables influencing project delivery). The means score values of the variables formed the basis for the determination of the influencing variables. Research findings establishes as follows: (i) The mean score values of factors which contribute to delay in project delivery were between 2.26 to 4.02, where unfavourable economic policies with the value of 4.02 is the most critical and client’s understanding of design, procurement and construction processes with a value of 2.26 is the least. (ii) Other factors that impact on project delivery time had mean scores between 2.93 to 3.96, this include unfavourable physical conditions, inadequate design, incomplete and late information quality management and so on. The research concludes that attaining project objectives at first budget and scheduled time is more of an abstract than reality and as such it important to put into cognizance the components and variables as established in this study. The research recommends and exploratory study on other aspects/factors affecting project delivery time and successful implementation
Manajerial Pembelajaran Moral dan Budi Pekerti dalam Pengembangan Nilai-Nilai Karakter Siswa di Raudhatul Athfal
Authors: Nurfarida Ida , Nasrudin Endin , Yulianti Fiyul Arfiani
Published: August 2022

Moral development is related to rules and conventions about what humans should do in their interactions with others. The moral development of a child is much influenced by the environment. Children get character values ??from their school environment, especially from their teachers. Children learn to recognize values ??and behave according to these values, in developing children's morals, the role of teachers is very important, especially when children are young. This research was conducted in all RA in the Sub-Districts of Parungkuda, Sukabumi Regency with a qualitative approach, data collection techniques using observation, interviews, and documentation studies. Based on a thorough data analysis of the implementation of moral learning and character in developing the character values ??of students in RA in the Parungkuda Subdistrict, Sukabumi Regency starts from the planning and implementation has been carried out maximally because it refers to government regulations in implementing learning. It's just that in the implementation of the evaluation it has not done the process correctly. This means that the teacher only does makeshift evaluation activities without using predetermined evaluation principles. While the supporting factors in the implementation of learning are a clear vision and mission, supporting facilities and infrastructure, active learning of students. As for the inhibiting factors in the implementation is the lack of teachers in understanding learning material, lack of parents actively involved in school learning.
Pengaruh Pemberian Stimulasi Metode Bercakap-Cakap Terhadap Kreativitas Menggambar Anak Usia Dini
Authors: Yulistiana Yulistiana , Ridwan Dede , Marwiji Muh Hasan
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the stimulation of the conversational method in Kartini 3 Kindergarten, Nagrak, Sukabumi Regency before being stimulated by the conversational method, and the creativity of children's drawing and the effect of stimulating conversational method on the drawing creativity of children in Kartini 3 Kindergarten. Nagrak, Sukabumi Regency. The method used in this study was a quasi-experimental method, which aimed to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable after being stimulated by the conversational method. Quasi-experimental research was conducted because the researchers did not use the randomization technique (samples were randomized) but used groups that were already available (intact groups) at school. The results showed that the final ability of draw creativity of the experimental group who received treatment with the stimulation of the conversational method appeared a significant difference compared with control class. Stimulation of the conversational method has been shown significant effect on increasing children's drawing creativity.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Media Manipulatif Terhadap Kemampuan Mengenal Konsep Bilangan Pada Anak Usia Dini di TK Kartini Nagrak Selatan Sukabumi
Authors: Latifah Aeni , Iqbalullah Muhammad , Agustin Eki
Published: August 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the initial ability to recognize the concept of numbers in early childhood in the control group and in the experimental group before using manipulative media and to determine the final ability to recognize the concept of numbers in children aged in the control group and in the experimental group after using manipulative media and to find out whether there is a significant effect on the ability to recognize number concepts in early childhood in the control group and the experimental group before and after being given manipulative media. The research method used was a quasi-experimental. This quasi-experimental method was carried out because the researchers did not form a random class with children, thus the experiment was carried out on existing classes. The results showed that there was a significant effect on the ability to recognize the concept of numbers in early childhood. This was proven from the average value of the experimental group pre-test 20.8000 changed to 37.7000 at the time of post-test, while in the control group pre-test 19.4545 changed to 22.6364 at the time of post-test. This proves that the manipulative media treatment applied can have an effect on the ability to recognize the concept of numbers for early childhood.
MANAJEMEN PEMBELAJARAN DI TAMAN KANAK-KANAK (STUDI KASUS DI TK DAHLIA NAGRAK)
Authors: Arobbi Jimatul , Panji Ramadan Mariana
Published: August 2022

This study aims to determine the management of learning in TK Dahlia Nagrak which implements an integrated education system between general education, religious education, and life skills education with a semi-private. This research uses a qualitative approach and is a case study. The research subjects were the principal and the teachers. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and documentation. checking the validity of the data by checking the source of the data obtained and the method of data acquisition so that the data is truly valid as a basis and material for giving meaning to the data which is a determining process in understanding the context of the research being studied. The results of the study indicate that the management of learning in DahliaNagrak Kindergarten is structured according to the vision and mission of the institution by carrying out management functions, including; planning, implementation, monitoring and assessment. Planning is carried out by strategic planning, preparation of learning plans starting from annual and semi-annual planning, weekly activity units and daily activity units. Organizing is done by coordinating tasks, opportunities, experiences and insights with open communication, holding regular meetings that discuss efforts to improve the achievement of learning objectives. The action of learning begins with welcoming children or shaking hands with the teacher, introduction (morning exercise and marching, praying), core activities, eating and resting, closing. Assessment is carried out by making portfolios, assessing work, evaluating performance, evaluating actions and observing daily to ensure students' absorption of the lessons given.
Ang Filipino Bilang Wika sa Matematika: Isang Palarawang Pagsusuri sa Kaso ng isang Pribadong Paaralan (Filipino as a Language of Mathematics: A Descriptive Analysis in the Case of a Private School in the Philippines)
Authors: Broadway Myra S.D. , Zamora Niña Christina L.
Published: August 2022

Pangkalahatang layunin ng pag-aaral na malaman kung may espasyo ang Filipino sa klase ng Matematika.   Ginawa ang sumusunod na hakbang upang maisakatuparan ang pag-aaral: pagmamasid sa mga klase; pagsasagawa ng focus group discussion at pakikipanayam sa mga guro at mag-aaral; at mula rito ay makabubuo ng mungkahing patakarang pangwika. Sa isinagawang pagmamasid ng mananaliksik, lumabas na may mga pagkakataong gumagamit pa rin ang mga mag-aaral at guro (malay o di-malay) ng Filipino sa asignaturang Matematika. Maituturing ito bilang wikang pantulong sa iba't ibang yugto ng klase sa Matematika. Pinatunayan ng pananaliksik na ito na (1) May espasyo ang Filipino sa Matematika bilang wikang pantulong; (2) Napadadali ang pagtalakay sa Matematika sa tulong ng Filipino; at (3)Ang pagpapairal ng patakarang pangwika ay kailangan upang maisakatuparan ang ganap na espasyo ng Filipino sa paaralan. Iminumungkahi na ipatupad ang mungkahing patakarang pangwika na nabuo batay sa resulta ng pananaliksik.  AbstractThe purpose of the study is to determine the suitability of the Filipino language as a helping tool in teaching Mathematics. The researcher accomplished the following: observation of classes; focus group discussions and interview of selected students and teachers; and formulated the proposed language policy for Mathematics. Based on the data gathered, the following conclusions were formulated: (1) Filipino language is suitable as a helping tool in teaching Mathematics (2) The teacher is able to explain important Mathematical concepts easily in Filipino. (3) The implementation of language policy in Mathematics is needed to determine the usefulness of the Filipino language. The researcher recommends implementing the language policy that was developed by the researcher based on this study.
The Philippine Context of the Teaching and Learning of Maritime English
Authors: Mercado Felixberto M. , Mogol Carina R. , Sarmiento Jahzeel L. , Jalbuena Maria Cecilia M.
Published: August 2022

Involving teachers and students in Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that offer maritime education and training, the study investigated the teaching and learning of Maritime English in the Philippines. Through descriptive research design, survey instrument determined pertinent data for the study. Analysis of all gathered data included percentage, mean weight, and standard deviation. Findings reveal the importance and relevance of Maritime English as an English language course. Teachers believe that the course contributes to the improvement of student's proficiency in English, which is a requirement of the Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) 1995 Code and the 2010 Manila Amendments. Moreover, students believe that Maritime English provides them wide-ranging opportunities to practice communication in English for maritime and general purposes. Generally, they consider learning Maritime English an important goal which could help them in the future since their job would require communicating with people of different nationalities and English is a language that they mutually understand. It is recommended that Maritime English teachers continue to use information communication technology (ICT)-based instructional materials in teaching Maritime English for maritime students to achieve the desired proficiency in Maritime English for them to meet the requirements of the STCW and the maritime industry.
KEPUASAN MAHASISWA STP REINHA LARANTUKA TERHADAP PELAYANAN AKADEMIK
Authors: Vinsensius Bawa Toron
Published: August 2022

Penelitian dilakukan agar dapat memahami dampak kualitas layanan akademik  terhadap  tingkat kepuasan mahasiswa STP Reinha Larantuka. Peneliti menggunakan pendekatan Kendall, pengumpulan data penelitian menggunakan kuesioner yang diisi oleh 120 mahasiswa dari STP Reinha Larantuka. Teknik analisis data menggunakan bentuk skala Likert untuk mengukur indeks presentasi kepuasan mahasiswa. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, kualitas pelayanan STP Reinha dan  kepuasan mahasiswa memiliki nilai baik. Analisis data menggunakan skala likert dengan hasilnya yakni kualitas layanan akademik memiliki efek positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan mahasiswa. Rekomendasinya adalah bahwa STP Reinha harus meningkatkan kualitas layanan akademik dan fasilitas agar kepuasan mahasiswa juga dapat meningkat.
What is sustainable intensification?
Authors: Fraanje Walter , Lee-Gammage Samuel
Published: August 2022

New approaches to agriculture are required if we are to reduce the environmental impacts of farming while also feeding more people with a sufficient quantity and diversity of nutritious and safe foods. This building block explains the concept of sustainable intensification.
What is the land sparing-sharing continuum?
Authors: Fraanje Walter
Published: August 2022

Agricultural production is responsible for the majority of global land use. The use of land to produce food almost always comes into conflict with goals for the conservation of nature and wildlife. This building block explains the land sparing-sharing continuum, which encompasses two fundamentally different approaches to balancing goals for food production and biodiversity conservation.
A Hegelian Dialectical Model of the Relation between Wittgenstein’s Tractatus and Philosophical Investigations
Authors: McDonough Richard ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2022

There has been considerable disagreement about the relationship between Wittgenstein’s Tractatus (TLP) and his Philosophical Investigations (PI) with some scholars arguing that there is considerable continuity between them and some arguing that they are completely opposed. The paper argues that this breadth of disagreement is not surprising because the relation between TLP and PI is analogous with that described in Hegel’s dialectical model of philosophical truth in the Phenomenology of Spirit. One might say that TLP is “refuted” by PI but there is also a sense in which PI is “the truth” of TLP. TLP and PI are both essential stages in “the progressive unfolding of truth” bound together like the successive stages in a single living organism where the view of the former is both “annulled” and “preserved at a higher level” in the view of the latter (Aufhebung). The paper thereby helps to facilitate Rorty’s attempt to usher “analytical philosophy” from its Kantian to its Hegelian stage.
Disgust, Race, and Carroll’s Theory of Solidarity
Authors: Flory Dan ,   Society for the Philosophic Study of the Contemporary Visual Arts
Published: August 2022

This article examines Noël Carroll’s theory of solidarity from a critical race theoretical perspective. Using recent work in philosophy of film, philosophy of emotion, and critical philosophy of race, it argues his theory pays insufficient attention to both the role disgust plays in generating solidarity and the role race plays in generating disgust. Numerous and significant examples are cited to support these claims. The article also suggests implicit bias and embodied affect figure into character allegiance more seriously than Carroll’s theory indicates. These weaknesses arguably affect related theories in both philosophy of film and cognitive film theory, such as those advanced by A. W. Eaton, Margrethe Bruun Vaage, Murray Smith, and Carl Plantinga. The result is a call for revision of Carroll’s and these other thinkers’ theories, as well as a call for deeper investigation into disgust, race, and their importance in generating character allegiance.
O Programa Internacional de Avaliação de Estudantes: a avaliação de Matemática e o cenário brasileiro
Authors: Lima Paulo Vinícius Pereira de , Moreira Geraldo Eustáquio
Published: August 2022

O objetivo geral deste artigo, em que abordamos a caracterização do Programa Internacional de Avaliação de Estudantes - Pisa -, é caracterizar a avaliação de Matemática no âmbito deste Programa. Inicialmente, aborda-se, de maneira abrangente, um panorama do Pisa relativo aos seguintes aspectos: o que o Pisa investiga e de que maneira; os instrumentos para um bom resultado na avaliação; as notas atribuídas no Pisa e o espaço amostral de estudantes. Em seguida, tratamos da avaliação sobre a perspectiva da Matemática: como ela é analisada, como é constituída, a escala adotada para o exame e, posteriormente, apresentamos os resultados brasileiros sobre esse domínio. Como metodologia, utilizamos a pesquisa qualitativa do tipo descritiva, pautada pela análise documental. Os principais resultados assinalaram a importância de compreender a avaliação para a constituição de uma educação equânime, mesmo quando o seu impacto na esfera pedagógica seja incipiente. Os resultados brasileiros apresentados em cada edição são insatisfatórios, demonstrando necessidade de melhorias desde a formação docente aos investimentos em educação.
Exercise training and inflammatory markers in coronary artery disease patients
Authors: Deljanin-Ilić Marina , Kocić Gordana , Lazarević Gordana , Simonović Dejan , Stojanović Milovan , Ilić Stevan , Đorđević Branka , Petrović Dejan , Stojanović Sanja
Published: August 2022

Aim. To evaluate the influence of exercise training on inflammatory markers and exercise tolerance in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. Patients and methods. A total of 54 subjects were enrolled in the present study, including 34 CAD patients (CAD group: 59.2 ± 8.2 years) and 20 healthy controls (C group: 54.2 ± 8.0 years). C reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), white blood cell (WBC), and placental growth factor (PIGF) were determined, and an exercise test was performed in both groups at baseline and once again in CAD group after the supervised 3 weeks of aerobic exercise training. Results. At baseline, CRP, ESR and PIGF were significantly higher in the CAD group compared to the C group (p = 0.038, p = 0.019 and p = 0.002), while exercise capacity was significantly higher in the C group (p ˂ 0.01). After 3 weeks of exercise training, CRP, ESR, WBC count and PIGF significantly decreased (p = 0.048, p ˂ 0.001, p = 0.002 and p ˂ 0.001 respectively), while exercise capacity significantly increased (p ˂ 0.001) in the CAD group. In the CAD group, CRP decrease significantly correlated with WBC and PIGF decrease (r = 0.816, p = 0.002 and r = 0.988, p ˂ 0.001), as well as with exercise capacity increase (r = 0.834, p ˂ 0.001). Also, WBC decrease significantly correlated both with PIGF decrease (r = 0.768, p ˂ 0.001) and exercise capacity increase (r = 0.548, p = 0.012), while PIGF decrease significantly correlated with exercise capacity increase (r = 0.548, p = 0.013). Conclusion. Residential exercise training in CAD patients reduces inflammation, expressed through a significant decrease in CRP, ESR, WBC count and PIGF levels. Those positive changes in inflammatory markers are associated with significant improvement in exercise capacity.
Effect of alkaline treatments in lye and slaked lime on some nutrients, antinutrients and in vitro protein digestibility of egyptian riverhemp (Sesbania sesban) seeds
Authors: Arekemase Shefiat , Abdulwaliyu Ibrahim , Okoduwa Stanley , Anigo Kola , Ameh Danladi
Published: August 2022

Sesbania sesban is widely distributed in different parts of Nigeria and is used as forage or green manure. However, the levels of antinutritional factors associated with the seed limit its use as an alternative feed for livestock. Therefore, this study determined the effect of alkaline treatments on some nutrient and antinutrient composition and in vitro protein digestibility of the seed of S. sesban. The seeds were treated by soaking (for 24 hours) and boiling (for 30 minutes) in slaked lime (calcium hydroxide) or lye. Afterwards, the boiled and soaked samples were properly dried at room temperature. The samples were then analysed using standard methods for proximate analysis, antinutrients, and in vitro protein digestibility. It was revealed that crude protein content was significantly (p<0.05) higher for samples boiled in slake lime (BSL) and in lye (BL) compared to unprocessed sample (RS), whereas carbohydrate content showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in BSL compared to the RS. Regarding antinutrient content, the treatments caused a significant (p<0.05) reduction in tannins (37.1-76.5%) and trypsin inhibitors (34.2-68.0%), as compared to RS. The treatments were also effective in the reduction of saponins, oxalates, phytates and cyanogenic glycosides. In vitro protein digestibility was significantly higher in the treated seeds, following the order: boiling in lye>boiling in slaked lime> soaking in slaked lime>soaking in lye. The seeds of S. sesban, if properly processed using lye, could serve as a potential alternative compound for livestock feed. The results of this research confirmed that treatments with lye, which is much less costly and more available to rural communities are comparable to those based on slaked lime and can be used interchangeably.
Emergence and development trends of electronic banking in Serbia
Authors: Đekić Marija , Nikolić Miloš , Vesić Tamara
Published: August 2022

Global business changes and technology development open up new opportunities for banks to improve the quality of their services while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. One of the consequences of accelerated technological development and the efforts of banks to increase competitiveness is the emergence of electronic or internet banking. Electronic banking in Serbia began to be applied somewhere in 2003, but at a much slower pace than in developed countries. The main limitations of the insufficient use of electronic banking are related to the still insufficient use of the Internet and advanced technology, the resistance of the population to changes, the weak information system and the lack of information. Recently, the development of e-business in Serbia has been faster, and the assumptions are that this development will continue, especially in terms of the use of mobile banking. Banks should make efforts to create a culture of trust among customers and promote e-banking services, in order to influence public awareness of the positive aspects of this form of banking services. The paper describes the origin, current development and future perspectives of the use of electronic banking in the Republic of Serbia.
Notes on Threshold EdDSA/Schnorr Signatures
Authors: Brandao Luis , Davidson Michael
Published: August 2022

This report considers threshold signature schemes interchangeable with respect to the verification mechanism of the Edwards-Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (EdDSA). Historically, EdDSA is known as a variant of Schnorr signatures, which are well-studied and suitable for efficient thresholdization, i.e., for being computed when the private signing key is secret-shared across multiple parties. In the threshold setting, signatures remain unforgeable even if up to some threshold number of the cosigners become compromised. The report analyzes the conventional (non-threshold) EdDSA specification from Draft FIPS 186-5, reviews important security properties, with an emphasis on strong unforgeability, and distinguishes various approaches for corresponding threshold schemes. Notably, while providing better security assurances, threshold signatures can be used as drop-in replacement for conventionally produced signatures, without changing legacy code for verification of authenticity. The report identifies various challenges and questions that would benefit from more attention, are of interest for future guidance and recommendations, and may be applicable beyond EdDSA.
Diffuse visual transmission density
Authors: Zarobila Clarence J , Vest Robert E , Nadal Maria E
Published: August 2022

This document, SP250-99 (2022), NIST Measurement Services: Diffuse Visual Transmission Density, describes the instrument used to measure diffuse visual transmission density of both x-ray and photographic film step tablets. These step tablets replace former Standard Reference Material (SRM) offerings SRM1001 and SRM1008. The instrument is fully automated and is designed and characterized to comply with the international standards for measuring transmission density using the diffuse influx mode. Transmission densities as great as four can be measured with an expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 0.006.
Les unités topiques et leur interprétation
Authors: Rastier François
Published: August 2022

Avant de reposer la lancinante question : « qu’est-ce qu’un topos ? », il faut préciser ce que nous pouvons en attendre et nous demander de quelle conception des unités sémantiques nous avons besoin. Pour la SATOR, il s’agit il me semble de spécifier le roman comme genre, et d’individualiser des oeuvres au sein de ce genre.

La première tâche conduit à s’écarter de la folkloristique, même si l’analyse structurale des récits en est issue, car si elles sont adéquates, les catégories descriptives d’un genre ne valent pas pour un autre, et l’on ne peut par exemple conclure du conte populaire au roman. Par ailleurs, le récit est une forme de macrostructure, mais n’a jamais suffi à définir un genre.

La seconde tâche conduit à se rapprocher de la critique, ou du moins de ses objectifs de caractérisation. Enfin, les théories dont nous avons besoin doivent pouvoir s’adapter aux objectifs et au corpus de la SATOR.
Topos, répétition et différence
Authors: Dubost Jean-Pierre
Published: August 2022

Si la SATOR, grâce à la pertinence de ses hypothèses de départ et à la dynamique inhérente à ses recherches, est parvenue depuis sa création à des résultats remarquables et à la mise en place d’instruments d’analyse convaincants, aussi bien sur le plan méthodologique que grâce à la mise en place d’outils d’investigation informatisés de plus en plus adaptés, il reste que le questionnement qui anime ses recherches ne peut que réactiver l’énigme profonde et irréductible qui est à la source même de l’investigation satorienne, à savoir le fait même de la récurrence comme moteur de la transmission de la fiction et instrument de sa transformation.

Rien ne le montre mieux que la genèse même de la définition du topos dans l’histoire de la SATOR. Si le topos au sens satorien du terme a pu être distingué d’entités semblables et affines comme par exemple le topos rhétorique, le motif, le mythème, etc. – distinctions sans lesquelles notre travail serait informe, inefficace et profondément entaché de confusion –, il est cependant intéressant de constater que tous les termes sur lesquels la définition a fini par s’appuyer afin de trouver sa stabilité et son efficace – à savoir la définition du topos comme configuration narrative récurrente – rassemble en elle-même trois degrés différents d’évidence. En effet, des trois termes en jeu (configuration, narration et récurrence), seul le terme de narratif est différenciant sans ambiguïté. Il permet par exemple de distinguer clairement topos et motif.
Comment repérer et définir le topos ?
Authors: Weil Michèle
Published: August 2022

De quoi s’agit-il ? Du topos dans ses manifestations narratives, non du lieu vide de la tradition rhétorique. D’un repérage textuel, propre au corpus formé par les fictions narratives des origines à 1789, en langue française. Pourquoi, dira-t-on, écarter les topiques aristotéliciennes, les topos propres au théâtre ou à la poésie, à la littérature des XIXe et XXe siècles ou aux littératures étrangères ? Parce que cette mise à l’écart, provisoire d’ailleurs, permet seule, par la — très relative — modestie du corpus restant, d’approcher une définition qui puisse servir d’outil de précision dans un travail collectif de recherche sur la formation du roman.

La définition et les procédures de repérage ici proposées ne se veulent donc qu’expérimentales. Ce n’est qu’en superposant les textes narratifs, en les lisant comme par transparence, que l’on peut voir se dessiner les topos propres au genre romanesque, puisse définir l’idée [idea] de topos spécifique. D’où cette proposition de définition, en cours d’expérimentation, du topos comme configuration narrative récurrente.
Procédures d’initialité dans la littérature du Graal
Authors: Dubost Francis
Published: August 2022

Dire que la littérature médiévale dans son ensemble présente un caractère topique nettement affirmé serait commencer par le plus banal des topos, mais cette mauvaise ouverture m’amènerait du moins à signaler l’existence d’une abondante littérature critique sur la question. Le pionnier en la matière fut certainement Ernst Robert Curtius, qui traite le « topos », comme un « lieu » thématique et non plus comme le « lieu » logique d’Aristote. Dans son ouvrage monumental La littérature européenne et le Moyen Age latin, il consacre une section à la topique de l’exorde, et pourrait donc à ce titre représenter pour nous une référence importante. Il faudrait citer également, parmi beaucoup d’autres, les travaux de Jean Frappier sur le don contraignant, que Philippe Ménard appelle plus justement don en blanc, ceux de Jean-Charles Payen sur le motif du repentir et le déplacement des topos, ceux de Paul Zumthor sur la constitution de modèles conceptuels, poétiques ou narratifs. Dans un ensemble où le topos est partout, il fallait donc trouver un moyen de limiter la recherche. J’ai choisi un corpus centré autour du Graal, thème topique par excellence. En fait, le jeu des ramifications et des interférences topiques m’entraînera souvent hors du champ initialement retenu.
« L’en ne doit pas son ami corrocier » : confidences masculines et féminines dans le Lancelot en prose
Authors: Denoyelle Corinne
Published: August 2022

Quand elle révèle à la reine Guenièvre qu’elle est au courant de ses amours, la dame de Malehaut expose aussi en quelques mots le rôle et la fonction du confident d’une manière qui n’est pas sans rappeler la présentation qu’en fait Guillaume de Lorris dans le Roman de la Rose. Permettant de « descovrir son penser », et de se « solacier », la confidence crée un lien d’amitié puissant entre les personnages. Les confidents, comme l’a montré Frédérique Le Nan dans sa thèse sur le secret, « soulagent [les détenteurs des secrets] de l’extraordinaire tension qu’ils infligent. » Cependant, nous devons constater que si le mécanisme de la confidence est fort bien décrit par le roman, le contenu de ces confidences est rarement rapporté dans les dialogues : ceux-ci sont en général constitués d’actes de langage déclaratifs par lesquels les personnages s’engagent l’un envers l’autre, le contenu même des confidences est en général laissé à la discrétion du discours narrativisé.

Par ailleurs, la relation entre les confidents n’est pas si idéale qu’elle en a l’air car les personnages, déchirés entre le désir de ne pas blesser leur confident et leur envie de parler, sont progressivement condamnés au mutisme.
La sainte amitié dans Les Miracles de Nostre Dame de Gautier Coinci et Le Gracial d’Adgar
Authors: Benoit Jean-Louis
Published: August 2022

Les auteurs des miracles de Notre-Dame en français sont des clercs qui veulent proposer des oeuvres édifiantes destinées aux clercs mais aussi aux laïcs, pour les détourner de la littérature profane jugée immorale. Ils reconnaissent cependant les valeurs de courtoisie et de sagesse de cette littérature. L’amitié est une de ces valeurs. Nos auteurs cherchent d’abord par des contre-exemples à mettre en garde contre les amitiés pernicieuses : l’amitié qui pousse des clercs à fréquenter des dames, l’homosexualité, la confiance aveugle accordée à des êtres malfaisants. Les vraies amitiés, celles qui profitent à l’âme, sont ensuite déclinées dans les divers miracles. On peut, on doit aimer, un être vertueux qui constitue un modèle de sainteté et de bonté. C’est le cas de la chaste impératrice qui suscite des amours coupables, mais aussi de vraies amitiés. L’amitié peut être communautaire, rassemblant dans une fraternité généreuse les marins en danger ou les moines autour de leur confrère agonisant. L’amie suprême est la Vierge Marie qui est réellement présente dans la vie de ses dévots. Elle offre la plus sainte des amitiés à ceux qui font appel à elle. Les auteurs n’hésitent pas à faire part de leur expérience personnelle. Ils expriment avec lyrisme l’affection qui les lie à leur dédicataire. Leur livre est un cadeau qui leur est offert. L’amitié entre un homme et une femme est parfois possible. Gautier de Coinci propose l’exemple d’un moine et d’une religieuse unis par leur ferveur et leur dévotion à Marie (Notre-Dame de Sardanei). C’est bien le critère de la sainte amitié : tourner le coeur des amis vers Dieu. Adgar et Gautier citent le nom d’une amie féminine à qui ils dédient leur oeuvre. L’amitié est à la source de l’oeuvre puisque c’est pour répondre aux sollicitations pressantes et aux besoins de leur ami(e) dédicataire et commanditaire, que l’auteur écrit. Il est le lecteur privilégié et désigné. Le lecteur virtuel est aussi évoqué comme un ami futur à qui l’on demande et à qui l’on donne des preuves de son amitié.
Freeform wavelength division multiplexing metagrating based on topology optimization
Authors: Sang Di , Xu Ming-Feng , An Qiang , Fu Yun-Qi ,   College of Electronic Science and Technology, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China,   State Key Laboratory of Optical Technologies on Nano-Fabrication and Micro-Engineering, Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China,   Research Center on Vector Optical Fields, Institute of Optics and Electronics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610209, China
Published: August 2022

Metasurfaces consist of arrays of artificial atoms arranged on a subwavelength scale, and have significant advantages in modulating the phase, amplitude, and polarization of optical field. Limited by the discrete sampling principle and the assumption of periodicity, the conventional forward design method suffers unavoidable design errors, which easily leads the device performance to degrade. In this paper, a freeform wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) metagrating with a large deflection angle and polarization-insensitive characteristics is inversely designed by using an adjoint multi-objective topology optimization method. The simulation results show that the topology-optimized WDM metagrating has superior polarization in sensitivity compared with the discrete regular structure, with a deflection angle of 70.8° at 510 nm, an absolute deflection efficiency of 48%, and a transmission efficiency of 98% for 852 nm incident light. On this basis, the absolute deflection efficiency can be optimized to more than 70% by using a random initial structure. The freeform WDM metagrating designed in this paper has the advantages of large deflection angle, high efficiency, and low spatial crosstalk, and has potential applications in optical communication, micro and nano-optical field modulation, and Rydberg atom-based microwave measurements.
Theoretical study on surface plasmon and hot carrier transport properties of Au(111) films
Authors: Zhang Cai-Xia , Ma Xiang-Chao , Zhang Jian-Qi ,   School of Optoelectronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi’an 710071, China
Published: August 2022

Metal films with a thickness as low as atomic layer have superior light absorption capabilities and conductive properties, especially the surface plasmons excited at the interface between metal film and dielectric can well capture photons and generate hot carriers, making them more efficient in improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of solar cells, designing photodetectors in the near-infrared band, and sensors based on surface plasmon. However, there is still a lack of systematic theoretical studies on the surface plasmon and hot carrier properties of metal thin films. Based on the many-body first-principles calculation method, in this paper studied systematically are the surface plasmon properties of Au(111) films with thickness in a range from monolayer to 5 monolayers, and the energy distribution and transport properties of hot carriers generated by surface plasmons. The study results show that Au(111) films have low-loss surface plasmon properties. Meanwhile, the surface plasmons excited at the interface between the Au(111) film and the dielectric are strongly confined, which can enhance the local electric field, thus being crucial in nanophotonics applications. In addition, Au(111) film has a high efficiency generating hot carriers , and the generated hot electrons and hot holes are high in energy, and excellent in mean free path and mean free time. Unexpectedly, the direct current conductivity of Au(111) film is significantly better than that of bulk Au. These results provide new ideas and theoretical basis for the design and fabrication of Au(111) films in optoelectronic devices and energy conversion devices.