Ancient patronage : a possible interpretative context for Luke 18:18–23?

Against the conventional reading of Luke 18:18–23 as a micro-narrative that revolves around discipleship and the dangers of wealth with regard to inheriting the Kingdom of God, this article reads the text using patronage (and clientism) as a model. It argues that this micronarrative also mirrors patronal relations in the 1st-century Roman Palestine through which a few elites exploited the majority poor. The description of the chief protagonist in the narrative as a ruler, who was also rich, by Luke casts him in a negative light as a patron who exploited the poor around him who were his clients. From this standpoint, it is therefore argued in the article that the strategy of the narrative is to encourage patrons to move from negative and balanced reciprocity to ‘general reciprocity’ in which giving to the poor without the desire to receive back dominates. This interpretation is still within the framework of the theology of wealth in the Gospel of Luke, which encourages ‘giving without the expectation to receive back’. CONTRIBUTION : This article argues that the micro-narrative of Luke 18:18–23 mirrors patronal relations of 1st-century Palestine. From Luke’s description of rich ruler, the first hearers of Luke probably thought of him as a patron who exploited his clients, the poor. The call by Jesus to self-divesture therefore is a call for patrons to move beyond negative and balanced reciprocity to practice general reciprocity in which giving to the poor, without the want to receive back, dominates; this is social-scientific criticism of Luke 18:18–23 mostly neglected in Lukan scholarship.Special Collection: Africa Platform for NT Scholars, sub-edited by Ernest van Eck (University of Pretoria).The authors are participating in the research project ‘Africa Platform for NT Scholars’ directed by Prof. Dr Ernest van Eck, Department of New Testament and Related Literature, Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria.http://www.hts.org.zaam2022New Testament Studie

The Conditional Relationship between Renewable Energy and Environmental Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper complements existing literature by assessing the conditional relationship between renewable energy and environmental quality in a sample of 40 African countries for the period 2002 to 2017. The empirical evidence is based on fixed effects regressions and quantile fixed effects regressions. The findings from both estimation techniques show that renewable energy consistently decreases carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Moreover, the negative effect is a decreasing function of CO2 emissions or the negative effect of renewable energy on CO2 emissions decreases with increasing levels of CO2 emissions. In other words, countries with higher levels of CO2 emissions consistently experience a less negative effect compared to their counterparts with lower levels of CO2 emissions. Policy implications are discussed

Financial sector development and Investment in selected countries of the Economic Community of West African States: empirical evidence using heterogeneous panel data method

Abstract This study investigated the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in selected countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for the years 1985–2017. The study employed the augmented mean group procedure, which accounts for country-specific heterogeneity and cross-sectional dependence, and the Granger non-causality test to test for causality in the presence of cross-sectional dependence. The results show that (1) The impact of financial sector development on domestic investment depends on the measure of financial sector development utilised; (2) Domestic credit to the private sector has a positive but insignificant impact on domestic investment in ECOWAS, whereas banking intermediation efficiency (i.e., ability of the banks to transform deposits into credit) and broad money supply negatively and significant influence domestic investment; (3) Cross-country differences exist in the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in the selected ECOWAS countries; and (4) Domestic credit to the private sector Granger causes domestic investment in ECOWAS. The study recommends careful consideration in the measure of financial development that is utilised as a policy instrument to foster domestic investment. We also highlight the importance of employing country-specific domestic investment policies to avoid blanket policy measures. Domestic credit to the private sector should be given priority when forecasting domestic investment into the future

Financial Sector Development and Investment in Selected ECOWAS Countries: Empirical Evidence using Heterogeneous Panel Data Method

This study investigated the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in selected Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) countries for the years 1985 to 2017. The study employed the Augmented Mean Group procedure which accounts for country specific heterogeneity and cross sectional dependence, and the Granger non-causality test robust to cross sectional dependence. The result reveals that (1) the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment depends on the measure of financial sector development utilised, (2) domestic credit to the private sector has a positive but insignificant impact on domestic investment in ECOWAS while banking intermediation efficiency (i.e. ability of the banks to transform deposits into credit) and broad money supply negatively and significant influence domestic investment, (3) cross country differences exist on the impact of financial sector development on domestic investment in the selected ECOWAS countries, and (4) domestic credit to the private sector Granger causes domestic investment in ECOWAS. The study recommends cautiousness in terms of the measure of financial development which is being utilised as a policy instrument to foster domestic investment as well as the importance of employing country-specific domestic investment policies in order to avoid blanket policy measures. Also, domestic credit to the private sector should be given priority when forecasting domestic investment into the future

Conflict resolution between husband and wife in the light of the hermeneutics of biblical proverbs

Conflicts are commonplace in human relationships. The Bible is replete with narratives and proverbial statements which border on conflict scenarios and conflict resolution strategies. Conflict cannot be severed from relationships between biological brothers and sisters, Christians, friends, colleagues and husbands and wives. In this qualitative study, the researchers examined the menace ‘conflict between husbands and wives’. There is no husband and wife relationship which is devoid of disputes and conflicts. In husband and wife relationship, conflict situations could arise from lack of sexual discipline, lack of sexual satisfaction, finance, lack of communication and other areas. The thrust of this article was to examine conflict resolution principles in the light of biblical proverbs. Biblical proverbs refer to concise and wise sayings in the Bible, which give pieces of advice about everyday life. This article utilised the descriptive research methodology to analyse the primary (Bible) and secondary (Internet materials, journal articles and books) data. The major finding of this work are numerous biblical proverbs which are veritable means for resolving conflicts between husbands and wives. CONTRIBUTION: The article brought to fore the major factors which lead to conflict between husbands and wives. The authors exegetically studied the chosen proverbs in order to ascertain its relevance to conflict situations. The major contribution of this article is that the messages of certain proverbs in the Book of Proverbs are very useful in resolving conflicts between husbands and wives.http://www.hts.org.zapm2020New Testament Studie

The Conditional Relationship between Renewable Energy and Environmental Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper complements existing literature by assessing the conditional relationship between renewable energy and environmental quality in a sample of 40 African countries for the period 2002 to 2017. The empirical evidence is based on fixed effects regressions and quantile fixed effects regressions. The findings from both estimation techniques show that renewable energy consistently decreases carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Moreover, the negative effect is a decreasing function of CO2 emissions or the negative effect of renewable energy on CO2 emissions decreases with increasing levels of CO2 emissions. In other words, countries with higher levels of CO2 emissions consistently experience a less negative effect compared to their counterparts with lower levels of CO2 emissions. Policy implications are discussed

Reinforcing potential of Irvingia wombolu shell particulates in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composite

Abstract: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the potential of IWSp as reinforcement in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites. The study aims to assess various mechanical properties and microstructural characteristics to determine the effectiveness of IWSp as a reinforcing material. The Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites were fabricated using the stir-casting technique. This process involves mixing the aluminum matrix with varying percentages of IWSp (1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% by weight) to create composite samples for testing. The microstructure of the developed composites was examined using an optical microscope (OM). The results indicate that the IWSp were evenly dispersed in the aluminium matrix. This even dispersion is crucial for enhancing the properties of the composites. The addition of IWSp led to an increase in the ultimate tensile strength of the Al-2Nb-0.5Si matrix, with a maximum value of 174 MPa achieved. The hardness of the composites also increased with the inclusion of IWSp, reaching a maximum value of 288 HV. The impact energy of the composites improved, reaching a maximum of 49.1 J. However, there was a sudden decrease in impact energy when IWSp was incorporated above 1wt%. The alloy matrix exhibited a better percentage elongation value compared to the composite samples, with a maximum value of 42%. The study concludes that IWSp has the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcing material for Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composites. Keywords: Al-2Nb-0.5Si alloy; eco-composites; microstructure; strength; hardness. Title: Reinforcing potential of Irvingia wombolu shell particulates in Al-2Nb-0.5Si eco-composite Author: Kingsley C. Nnakwo, Jerome U. Odo, Agatha I. Ijomah International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 10, Issue 3, September 2023 - December 2023 Page No: 8-14 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 14-September-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8344998 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Reinforcing%20potential%20of%20Irvingia%20wombolu-14092023-8.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences, ISSN 2394-7357, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co

Mechanical characteristics of stir-cast Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composite

Abstract: Irvingia wombolu shell particulates are not commonly used as reinforcing materials in aluminium composites, which makes this research novel and interesting. Investigating their potential as reinforcement can offer new insights into sustainable and cost-effective composite materials. In this experimental study, the microstructure, tensile strength, hardness, and impact energy of Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composites were investigated. The Al-4wt%Cu composites containing 2, 5, 8, 11, and 14wt% IWSp were fabricated using the stir-casting technique. The microstructure of the developed composites was analyzed using optical microscope. The OM results revealed even dispersion of IWSp in the Al matrix, leading to increase in the ultimate tensile strength, hardness, and impact energy of the Al-4wt%Cu matrix, with maximum values of 152 MPa, 257 HV, and 58 J obtained at 8wt%, 14wt%, and 5wt% IWSp, respectively. Incorporation of IWSp above 8wt% led to a sudden decrease in ultimate tensile strength due to excess of hard IWSp in the Al matrix. The alloy matrix recorded a better percentage elongation value compared with the composite samples. The study concludes that IWSp has the potential to serve as an alternative reinforcing material for Al-4wt%Cu composites. Keywords: Al-Cu; microstructure; impact energy; strength; Irvingia wombolu. Title: Mechanical characteristics of stir-cast Irvingia wombolu reinforced Al-4wt%Cu composite Author: Kingsley C. Nnakwo, Jerome U. Odo, Agatha I. Ijomah International Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences ISSN 2394-7357 Vol. 10, Issue 3, September 2023 - December 2023 Page No: 1-7 Novelty Journals Website: www.noveltyjournals.com Published Date: 14-September-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8344944 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.noveltyjournals.com/upload/paper/Mechanical%20characteristics-14092023-7.pdfInternational Journal of Novel Research in Civil Structural and Earth Sciences, ISSN 2394-7357, Novelty Journals, Website: www.noveltyjournals.co