The Latin Controversial Dialogues of Late Antiquity

This dissertation addresses how the literary genre of the philosophical dialogue was used by Latin authors in late antiquity (300–700 AD) to negotiate ongoing anti-heretical debates. ❧Traditional scholarship on this topic has focused mostly on the Greek dialogues. When the Latin material received attention, it was read in terms of its appropriation of and deviation from classical models. More recent scholarship has acted as a corrective to this model, and one key question that has emerged is whether true dialogue persisted into late antiquity at all. Some scholars have provocatively suggested that the democratic aims of the dialogue are inconsistent with the totalitarian discourse characterized by the Christian Roman Empire. Is late antiquity, in fact, the end of the dialogue? ❧ This thesis is an answer to this ongoing discussion. It argues that late antique Latin dialogues provide important evidence against a teleological understanding of the formation of Christian orthodoxy. This public discourse, though often characterized as authoritarian and monolithic, was lively, fragile, and actively interested in engaging with dissent. In addition to tracing the evolution of this subgenre of Latin literature and situating it within the context of classical rhetorical theories, this thesis includes close readings of two dialogues as case-studies: Jerome’s Contra Luciferianos(4th century) and John Maxentius’ Contra Nestorianos(6th century) ❧Chapter One provides an overview of the genre of dialogue in both Greek and Latin literature, from Plato through Cicero. It illuminates the non-linear nature of the history of this genre and cautions against a derivative model for understanding the late antique dialogue. It concludes with a definition: “A dialogue is a text, written in either mimetic or narrative form, whose intention is to relate the verbatim conversation of two or more interlocutors and shows a self-awareness of its place within the genre.” ❧Chapter Two establishes the first exhaustive catalogue and discussion of the twenty-one controversial dialogues from late antiquity. In addition to providing a synoptic view of the entire corpus, it also treats the historical context and argumentation for each individual dialogue. ❧Chapter Three illustrates how Jerome used both the form and content of his dialogue to address the Luciferian controversy in the late fourth century. By contrasting the methods of eristic and didactic dialogue and connecting them with contemporary events, Jerome models not only what arguments can solve the impasse, but just as importantly, how they must be presented. ❧ Chapter Four sheds light on how John Maxentius used and defied genre-expectations in his Dialogus Contra Nestorianosto defend what was widely understood to be a heterodox position. Self-deprecation, humor, anger, and even sympathy towards its opponents are all tactics used by this dialogue, which concludes with the absurd situation where both sides agree but refuse to acknowledge it. A commentary on contemporary politics, this dialogue demonstrates the dangers that pride and partisanship present to the truth. ❧Appendix A complements Chapter Two, including a digestible catalogue of the late antique controversial dialogues composed in Latin. ❧Appendix B includes the first translation of the Dialogus Contra Nestorianos into any modern language

The Latin Controversial Dialogues of Late Antiquity

This dissertation addresses how the literary genre of the philosophical dialogue was used by Latin authors in late antiquity (300–700 AD) to negotiate ongoing anti-heretical debates. ❧Traditional scholarship on this topic has focused mostly on the Greek dialogues. When the Latin material received attention, it was read in terms of its appropriation of and deviation from classical models. More recent scholarship has acted as a corrective to this model, and one key question that has emerged is whether true dialogue persisted into late antiquity at all. Some scholars have provocatively suggested that the democratic aims of the dialogue are inconsistent with the totalitarian discourse characterized by the Christian Roman Empire. Is late antiquity, in fact, the end of the dialogue? ❧ This thesis is an answer to this ongoing discussion. It argues that late antique Latin dialogues provide important evidence against a teleological understanding of the formation of Christian orthodoxy. This public discourse, though often characterized as authoritarian and monolithic, was lively, fragile, and actively interested in engaging with dissent. In addition to tracing the evolution of this subgenre of Latin literature and situating it within the context of classical rhetorical theories, this thesis includes close readings of two dialogues as case-studies: Jerome’s Contra Luciferianos(4th century) and John Maxentius’ Contra Nestorianos(6th century) ❧Chapter One provides an overview of the genre of dialogue in both Greek and Latin literature, from Plato through Cicero. It illuminates the non-linear nature of the history of this genre and cautions against a derivative model for understanding the late antique dialogue. It concludes with a definition: “A dialogue is a text, written in either mimetic or narrative form, whose intention is to relate the verbatim conversation of two or more interlocutors and shows a self-awareness of its place within the genre.” ❧Chapter Two establishes the first exhaustive catalogue and discussion of the twenty-one controversial dialogues from late antiquity. In addition to providing a synoptic view of the entire corpus, it also treats the historical context and argumentation for each individual dialogue. ❧Chapter Three illustrates how Jerome used both the form and content of his dialogue to address the Luciferian controversy in the late fourth century. By contrasting the methods of eristic and didactic dialogue and connecting them with contemporary events, Jerome models not only what arguments can solve the impasse, but just as importantly, how they must be presented. ❧ Chapter Four sheds light on how John Maxentius used and defied genre-expectations in his Dialogus Contra Nestorianosto defend what was widely understood to be a heterodox position. Self-deprecation, humor, anger, and even sympathy towards its opponents are all tactics used by this dialogue, which concludes with the absurd situation where both sides agree but refuse to acknowledge it. A commentary on contemporary politics, this dialogue demonstrates the dangers that pride and partisanship present to the truth. ❧Appendix A complements Chapter Two, including a digestible catalogue of the late antique controversial dialogues composed in Latin. ❧Appendix B includes the first translation of the Dialogus Contra Nestorianos into any modern language

A Refined Estimate of the Ionizing Emissivity from Galaxies at z ≃ 3: Spectroscopic Follow-up in the SSA22a Field

We investigate the contribution of star-forming galaxies to the ionizing background at z ~ 3, building on previous work based on narrowband (NB3640) imaging in the SSA22a field. We use new Keck/LRIS spectra of Lyman break galaxies (LBGs) and narrowband-selected Lyα emitters (LAEs) to measure redshifts for 16 LBGs and 87 LAEs at z > 3.055, such that our NB3640 imaging probes the Lyman-continuum (LyC) region. When we include the existing set of spectroscopically confirmed LBGs, our total sample with z > 3.055 consists of 41 LBGs and 91 LAEs, of which 9 LBGs and 20 LAEs are detected in our NB3640 image. With our combined imaging and spectroscopic data sets, we critically investigate the origin of NB3640 emission for detected LBGs and LAEs. We remove from our samples three LBGs and three LAEs with spectroscopic evidence of contamination of their NB3640 flux by foreground galaxies and statistically model the effects of additional, unidentified foreground contaminants. The resulting contamination and LyC-detection rates, respectively, are 62% ± 13% and 8% ± 3% for our LBG sample, and 47% ± 10% and 12% ± 2% for our LAE sample. The corresponding ratios of non-ionizing UV to LyC flux density, corrected for intergalactic medium (IGM) attenuation, are 18.0^(+34.8)_(–7.4) for LBGs and 3.7^(+2.5)_(–1.1) for LAEs. We use these ratios to estimate the total contribution of star-forming galaxies to the ionizing background and the hydrogen photoionization rate in the IGM, finding values larger than, but consistent with, those measured in the Lyα forest. Finally, the measured UV to LyC flux-density ratios imply model-dependent LyC escape fractions of f^(LyC)_(esc) ~ 5%-7% for our LBG sample and f^(LyC)_(esc) ~ 10%-30% for our fainter LAE sample

Qualité des grains et aptitude à la transformation : cas des variétés de Sorghum bicolor, Pennisetumg laucum et Zea mays en usage en Afrique de l’Ouest

La qualité des grains de vingt-deux variétés, dont sept de sorgho (Sorghum bicolor), sept de mil (Pennisetumg laucum) et huit de maïs (Zea mays) est étudiée par des méthodes standard. L’évaluation physicochimique montre que le poids de 1000 grains est le paramètre le plus discriminatoire comparativement à la forme, les dimensions, la couleur et l’endosperme des grains. Sur le plan du profil nutritionnel, la variété de maïs FBMS1 est la plus intéressante par ses teneurs élevées en protéines (15,5%), en lipides (13%) et en cendres (2,5%). Dix variétés, soit cinq de mil (IKMP5, IKMV8201, SOSATC88, GB8735, Tabi), deux de maïs (Wari, Espoir), trois de sorgho (Tiéblé, Sariaso14, ICSV1049) présentent un profil nutritionnel moyen. Par contre, onze variétés, soit deux de mil (IKMP1, Gampèla), cinq de maïs (Bondofa, SR21, Barka, FBC6, Massongo) et quatre de sorgho (Fibmigou, Kapelga, Sariaso11, Framida) montrent un faible profil nutritionnel. Néanmoins, Kapelga, Fibmigou et IKMP1 se distinguent par leurs teneurs intéressantes en protéines ou en fer. Au plan technologique, l’évaluation de la vitrosité et de la dureté des grains indique que seulement trois variétés de mil (SOSATC88, GB8735, Gampèla) et une variété de sorgho (Framida) sont à grains farineux, donc peu aptes au décorticage.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Mots clés: Sorgho, mil, maïs, composition, propriété physicochimique, propriété techEnglish Title: Grains quality and food processing aptitude: case of varieties of Sorghum bicolor, Pennisetum glaucum and Zea mays from West AfricaEnglish AbstractGrain quality of twenty two varieties, including seven sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), seven millet (Pennisetumg laucum) and eight maize (Zea mays)is studied by standard method. The evaluation of physicochemical characteristics shows that the 1000-grain weight is the most discriminatory comparatively to the grain and endosperm form and color, and the grain size. With respect to nutritional profile, maize variety FBMS1 is  the most interesting due to its high contents in protein (15.5%), fat (13%), and ash (2.5%). A total of ten (10) varieties, including five of millet (IKMP5, IKMV8201, SOSATC88, GB8735, Tabi), two of maize (Wari, Espoir) and three of sorghum (Tiéblé, Sariaso14, ICSV1049) show medium nutritional profile. On the contrary, eleven varieties out of which, two of millet (IKMP1, Gampèla), five of maize (Bondofa, SR21, Barka, FBC6, Massongo) and four of sorghum (Fibmigou, Kapelga, Sariaso11,Framida) show a low nutritional profile. Nevertheless, Kapelga, Fibmigou and IKMP1 are standing out due to their interesting levels of protein or iron. With the respect to the technology, the result of vitreousness and hardness of the kernels indicate that only three varieties of millet (SOSATC88, GB8735, Gampèla) and one variety of sorghum (Framida) are floury kernels, so just suit for dehulling.© 2015 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Sorghum, pearlmillet, maize, composition, physico-chemical properties, technological propertie

Complementarity of Equity and Debt Capital on Profitability of Quoted Consumer Goods Firms in Nigeria

This study ascertained the complementarity of equity and debt capital of quoted consumer goods companies in Nigeria from 2011-2021. Specifically, the study determined the effect of shareholders’ equity and total liabilities on return on assets, return on equity and earnings per share. Purposive sampling technique was employed to select fourteen (14) consumer goods companies from a population of twenty three (23) quoted consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Panel data were used in this study, which were obtained from the annual reports and accounts of sample firms for the periods 2011-2021. Ex-Post Facto research design was employed. Descriptive statistics of the dataset from the sample firms were described using the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values of the data for the study variables. Inferential statistics using Multicollinearity test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Panel least square regression analysis were applied to test the hypotheses of the study. The results showed that shareholders’ equity has a positive and significant effect on ROA, ROE and EPS respectively at 5% level of significance, while total liabilities has a negative and significant effect on ROA, ROE and EPS, however, significant at 5% level of significance. This study recommended amongst others that an appropriate mix of equity and debt capital should be adopted in order to increase the profitability of consumer goods firms

Underlying Dynamics of Typical Fluctuations of an Emerging Market Price Index: The Heston Model from Minutes to Months

We investigate the Heston model with stochastic volatility and exponential tails as a model for the typical price fluctuations of the Brazilian S\~ao Paulo Stock Exchange Index (IBOVESPA). Raw prices are first corrected for inflation and a period spanning 15 years characterized by memoryless returns is chosen for the analysis. Model parameters are estimated by observing volatility scaling and correlation properties. We show that the Heston model with at least two time scales for the volatility mean reverting dynamics satisfactorily describes price fluctuations ranging from time scales larger than 20 minutes to 160 days. At time scales shorter than 20 minutes we observe autocorrelated returns and power law tails incompatible with the Heston model. Despite major regulatory changes, hyperinflation and currency crises experienced by the Brazilian market in the period studied, the general success of the description provided may be regarded as an evidence for a general underlying dynamics of price fluctuations at intermediate mesoeconomic time scales well approximated by the Heston model. We also notice that the connection between the Heston model and Ehrenfest urn models could be exploited for bringing new insights into the microeconomic market mechanics.Comment: 20 pages, 9 figures, to appear in Physica

Randomized phase 3 evaluation of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne.

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris often affects the face, shoulders, chest, and back, but treatment of nonfacial acne has not been rigorously studied. OBJECTIVES: Assess the safety and efficacy of trifarotene 50 μg/g cream, a novel topical retinoid, in moderate facial and truncal acne. METHODS: Two phase III double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled, 12-week studies of once-daily trifarotene cream versus vehicle in subjects aged 9 years or older. The primary end points were rate of success on the face, as determined by the Investigator\u27s Global Assessment (clear or almost clear and ≥2-grade improvement), and absolute change from baseline in inflammatory and noninflammatory counts from baseline to week 12. The secondary end points were rate of success on the trunk (clear or almost clear and ≥2-grade improvement) and absolute change in truncal inflammatory and noninflammatory counts from baseline to week 12. Safety was assessed through adverse events, local tolerability, vital signs, and routine laboratory testing results. RESULTS: In both studies, at week 12 the facial success rates according to the Investigator\u27s Global Assessment and truncal Physician\u27s Global Assessment and change in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesion counts (both absolute and percentage) were all highly significant (P \u3c .001) in favor of trifarotene when compared with the vehicle. LIMITATIONS: Adjunctive topical or systemic treatments were not studied. CONCLUSION: These studies demonstrate that trifarotene appears to be safe, effective, and well tolerated in treatment of both facial and truncal acne