The premiums on closed-end country funds tend to move in tandem, but do not move together with premiums on domestic closed-end funds. After controlling for foreign maket fundamentals, changes in the stock price of country funds co-move with U.S. market returns, but changes in their net asset values do not. An index of changes in country fund premiums explains cross-sectional stock returns in the U.S. market, particularly for small firms. Collectively, these findings suggest U.S. stock prices are affected by market-wide sentiments which are reflected in closed-end country fund premiums.

Accidents and incidents caused by poor performance in the maritime industry suggest the need to find ways to improve performance in order to operate effectively and improve safety. The data for this study was collected from maritime students and involves the performance and levels of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Various motivational factors were identified and the ways in which these factors relate to performance was analyzed. The importance of considering motivation when recruiting new trainees and workers, and continually looking for ways to increase intrinsic motivation, is stressed throughout this paper. The results suggest that high levels of good quality motivation correlate positively with better performance.

Purpose - The study aimed to evaluate the market opportunities and constraints confronting resource-poor pig farmers in South Africa. Research design, data, and methodology - Information was collected from 292 households in three municipalities through interviews with key informants. The data collected included socio- economic characteristics, major market channels, prices for different pig classes, average weight of the pigs on sale, number of pigs sold annually, and preferred meat quality attributes. Results - In Ngqushwa, 96% of respondents sold pigs as compared to Elundini (81%) and Ntabankulu (65%). Less resource- poor households and those with market-oriented production had large herdsizes (P < 0.05) when compared to more resource-poor farmers. The probability of selling pigs was high for the backyard production system and educated farmers. For all farmers, opportunities included high pork demand, good prices, employment creation, and a niche market for organically produced indigenous pork. Constraints include disease, feed shortages for large herds, distances to formal markets, lack of training, and drugs. Conclusions - Constraints outnumbered opportunities for the resource-poor pig farmers

Working onboard large ocean-going vessels is one of many industries that is by its very nature extremely error-provoking. In industries such as aviation, nuclear power, healthcare and transport, the need for mental preparedness and professionalism are amongst the qualities essential for the management of complex hazardous systems. Recruiting, training, and more importantly retaining the right people to work in these industries is of paramount importance if safety is to be continuously improved and economic benefits realized. Through consideration of extant empirical literature this paper will explore the need for enhancing collaboration between shipping companies and maritime training insitutes in order to provide the industry with those most capable for the job. It will be concluded that by providing a strong maritime foundation from the outset of training, maritime academies in South Korea can provide shipping companies with a wealth of highly qualified, motivated officers who will contribute to safety and remain valuable assets within the industry for years to come.

This paper compares the English language programs of two maritime institutes in very different parts of the world, South Korea and Belgium. It will show that although both institutes comply with the minimum standard set by the STCW Code issued by the IMO, course contents and requirements can vary greatly. Method of class delivery, choice of learning tools and testing will be examined to illustrate some of these differences. This paper will show that in order to train new seafarers in the best possible way that will fulfill the IMO mandate of Safer Shipping and Cleaner Oceans, continual review and development of course curriculum should be an ongoing process that focusing on encouraging cadets to communicate in a targeted, efficient and professional way within a nautical context. This paper will show by comparison the huge potential that the Korean Maritime English program has for positive change and growth.

English is the accepted common working language of the maritime world and being competent in its use is essential to the safety of ships, their crews and the marine environment. This paper is a response to the urgent need to find a suitable solution to the problem of providing maritime students with quality instruction in Maritime English. This paper will show what type of English instructor is best suited to help cadets have at least a basic grasp of Maritime English communication, with a view to possessing the level required by STCW 95 within the shortest time. It presents ways that maritime institutes can develop their own qualified or 'marinated' English Instructors and what qualifications should be required. It is concluded that by further essential research, interviews and questionnaires etc., the language needs of the university and shipping industry in Korea as a whole can be clearly verified. By examining such data, the present language education systems can be evaluated as to efficacy and relevance, allowing the establishment and implementation of 'best practice' within the training institute. This will result in making excellent informed decisions and choices about how best to improve the language competencies of graduating cadets, thereby creating the catalyst for the success of future seafarers whilst raising the image of the institute and Korean shipping worldwide.

Tissue culture systems to optimize regeneration plant species of Ocimum spp were evaluated as a method to micropropagate individual plants and to better study their biology in vitro. Ocimum species were also evaluated for the production of natural plant products during and following the regeneration process. The primary goal of this project was to enhance the regeneration efficiency of basil. Several factors were examined using different Ocimum species and commercial varieties. The effect of cytokinin combination, activated charcoal, gelling agents, and different carbon sources were investigated. Anthocyanin callus spots were produced only in four varieties among six tested. 'Sweet Dani' showed the best results on anthocyanin accumulation, while 'African beauty', 'Tree basil' and 'Methylcinnamate' produced only a few spots. Shoot regeneration was only achieved from 'Sweet Dani' explants. As the activated charcoal concentration increased, callus formation rate decreased respectively compare to the controls for all varieties. There was a decrease in callus growth with increasing concentration of agar and phytagel.

The word “permaculture” is a contraction of “permanent agriculture” or “permanent culture”. Permaculture principles are designed to support (or ensure) the survival of humanity, the earth and all on it, and, to improve our standard of living. Permaculture can be defined as：a design system for creating sustainable human environments that can be (relatively) easily constructed and maintained. The principles of permaculture designs are：relative location every element (such as house, rice paddy, road, etc) is placed in relation to each other such that each assists the other；each element performs multiple functions；each function is supported by many elements；energy efficient planning；using biological resources rather than fossil fuels；energy cycling on site (both fuel and human energy)；Using and accelerating natural plant succession to establish favourable sites and soils；poly󰠏culture and diversity of beneficial species for a productive, interactive system；use of edge and natural patterns for best effect. These principles can be used for any permaculture design, in any climate, and at any scale. There has been very little scientific examination of Permaculture, and as such, it must be viewed as a design philosophy.