Human trafficking and human rights violations in South Africa: Stakeholders' perceptions and the critical role of legislation

This article examines the perspectives of governmental and nongovernmental stakeholders in South Africa on the dynamics of human trafficking in South Africa, and on efforts to protect the human rights of rescued victims of human trafficking prior to the promulgation of human trafficking legislation in the country. The authors seek to understand the range of views and approaches of stakeholders to trafficking, including possible links to HIV, as human trafficking is commonly discussed in the media, but empirical research on the scale, dynamics, and impacts of trafficking in South Africa is scarce. This exploratory situation analysis involves desk review and 24 key informant interviews, using purposive and sequential referral sampling. Respondents included government departments and non-governmental organisations working at a border-crossing site (Musina), and two major destination sites for irregular migrants, including trafficked people (Johannesburg and Cape Town). Almost all respondents reported that human trafficking is significant and complex, and that both cross-border and internal movement of trafficked victims violate victims' rights in several ways. While they suffer at the hands of organised crime syndicates, their rights are further violated even after rescue, prior to the recently-promulgated human trafficking legislation in the country. Victims' access to justice is also either delayed or denied in many cases due to the inability to prosecute the perpetrators. The study concludes that, despite the recent giant step in the right direction in promulgating human trafficking legislation in South Africa, there is a need for further efforts by the South African government to take additional proactive and practical measures for optimum effectiveness of the law without which the goal of the Act may remain a tall dream.International Bibliography of the Social Science

Street children, human trafficking and human security in Nigeria:competing discourses of vulnerability and danger

This paper examines the lived experience of street children and other stakeholders’ perceptions in three urban cities (Lagos, Kaduna and Port Harcourt) in Nigeria. The study used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the perspectives of five major stakeholders: Government Agencies, Civil Society Organizations, the Community, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and street children themselves. The findings revealed that street children are perceived to be perpetrators as well as victims of crime. They are exploited, abused and used as drug mules, pressed into commercial sex, and manipulated or bribed into the fire-bombings and violence in Nigeria. While some stakeholders urge increased protection of child rights, others canvassed for “eradication” of the street children. There is therefore the need for more pragmatic steps by the Nigerian government and civil society to address the conditions faced by street children in order to address the security problems and the fundamental human rights of the children

Determinantes, dinâmica e consequência de trabalho infantil no Brasil

Orientador: Marcelo Justus dos SantosDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de EconomiaResumo: Esta dissertação é dividida em quatro artigos independentes. O principal objetivo é preencher certas lacunas a respeito de determinantes, dinâmica e consequência de trabalho infantil no Brasil. No primeiro ensaio, busca-se explorar o conceito de trabalho infantil como um fenômeno natural no Brasil. Nesse intuito, é revisada a literatura sobre a história do trabalho infantil, focando em seus conceitos sociais e constitucionais. A principal conclusão desse ensaio é de que o conceito de trabalho infantil como natural, ou seja, parte do desenvolvimento e aprendizado da criança, inclusive afastando-a da delinquência, foi historicamente enraizado e continua presente na mentalidade da sociedade brasileira. No segundo ensaio, investigam-se os determinantes da taxa de trabalho infantil no Brasil, ressaltando o impacto do programa Bolsa Família e da fiscalização realizada pelo Ministério do Trabalho. Utilizaram-se dados das PNADs 2004-2009 e 2011-2014 para a estimação de um modelo de dados em painel construído para as 27 unidades federativas. Nesse segundo ensaio, não encontrou-se evidência empírica conclusiva que permita sustentar a hipótese de que o programa Bolsa Família e a fiscalização do trabalho contribuíram para a redução do trabalho infantil. No terceiro estudo, é investigada a persistência intergeracional do trabalho infantil, com o intuito de encontrar o ponto no qual o risco de transmissão de trabalho infantil entre duas gerações da mesma família torna-se mínimo. Foram utilizados dados empilhados das PNADs 2004-2009 e 2011-2014 para estimar modelos probit. Nesse estudo, encontrou-se evidência que corrobora a literatura prévia sobre a existência da armadilha de trabalho infantil no Brasil. Especificamente, o risco de trabalho infantil numa geração possui relação negativa e não linear com a idade em que os pais começaram a trabalhar. No último ensaio, também por meio de regressões probit, é analisada a relação empírica entre trabalho infantil e depressão mental, utilizando dados da PNAD 2008 e de seu suplemento especial sobre saúde. Nesse último artigo, encontrou-se evidência inédita sobre a relação positiva entre trabalho na infância ou juventude e depressão mental na fase adulta da vidaAbstract: This master's thesis is divided in four independent articles. The main objective is to fill some of the gaps concerning the determinants, dynamic and consequence of child labor in Brazil. In the first essay, we explore the cultural-historical concept of child labor as a natural phenomenon in Brazil. For this, we review the literature concerning the history of child labor, focusing on its social and constitutional concepts. The main conclusion from the first paper is that the concept of child labor as natural, i.e., part of the development and education of children, inclusively to deviate them from delinquency, was historically rooted and continues present in the mentality of the Brazilian society. In the second essay, we investigate the determinants of child labor rate in Brazil, emphasizing the role of the Bolsa Família program and the Labor Inspection conducted by the Ministry of Labor. For this, data from 2004-2009 and 2011-2014 PNADs of the 27 federation units were used to estimate panel data models. In this second essay, we found no conclusive empirical evidence which permits to sustain the hypothesis that the Bolsa Família program and the Labor Inspection contributed to reduce child labor. In the third article, we investigated the probability of intergenerational persistence of child labor so as to find the point at which the risk of transmission of child labor among two generations of the same family turns minimum. For this, we used a pooled sample of 2004 to 2014 PNAD data to estimate probit models. In this article, we found evidence which corroborates previous literature about the existence of child labor trap in Brazil. Particularly, the risk of child labor in a generation has negative and nonlinear relationship with the age at which parents started working. In the fourth essay, also using probit regressions, we empirically analyzed the relationship between child labor and mental depression using 2008 PNAD data and its special supplement concerning health. In this last essay, we found the first empirical evidence regarding a positive relationship between work during childhood and mental depression during adulthoodMestradoEconomia Social e do TrabalhoMestre em Desenvolvimento Econômico2015/21410-8FAPES

Utilization of Airlift Fermenters in the Mass Propagation of Pseudomonas and AureobasidiumSpecies for the Bioremediation of Crude Oil Polluted Aquatic Environments

This study involved the design and fabrication of airlift fermenters for the mass propagation of a consortium of three microorganisms  (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescence and Aureobasidium pullulans). The efficacy of the blend in the bioremediation of simulated crude oil polluted water systems environments was also tested with a view to generating more data on crude oil degrading microorganisms for bioremediation purposes. The organisms were separately grown on a gyratory shaker at 120 rpm and at 30 °C until notable growths were observed. Equal volume of the grown organisms (500 ml) of mixed culture was used as inoculum for the 4.5 L of medium in the 7 L airlift fermenter. Thereafter, this was transferred into the 45 litres medium in the 70 L fermenter until significant growth was observed at room temperature. Culture broths were withdrawn at intervals for the determination of biomass and residual hydrocarbon concentrations. The product from the 70 L fermenter was introduced into simulated polluted water systems from which samples were withdrawn weekly. Analyses for residual hydrocarbon contents were carried out using appropriate analytical techniques. The results showed that 78.5% hydrocarbon removal was observed in the 7 L fermenter after 72 h, while that of the 70 L fermenter was 97.8% after 180 h of fermentation. Polluted water sample treated with the microbes experienced 96.4% removal after 10 weeks of treatment. It was observed further that the application of NPK fertilizer biostimulant aided microbial activities in the removal of petroleum hydrocarbons than urea, cow dung and poultry droppings. The study has demonstrated that effective bioremediation of crude oil polluted water systems could be achieved through the application of biostimulants with mass propagated crude oil degrading organisms using airlift fermenter systems. Keywords: Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Pseudomonas fluorescence; Aureobasidium pullulans; Airlift fermenter; Bioremediation; Biostimulation; Bioaugmentation

Brazilian Evidence on Tax Evasion and Enforcement: A Case Study of Global North–South Comparison

This study investigates the differences observed in the rate of tax evasion between the Global North and South countries, with special focus on Brazil, by comparing key parameters of their tax systems, namely, tax burden, audit cost, and fines. This is achieved by extending and applying Graetz, Reinganun, and Wilde’s model using data from tax authorities from European and Latin American countries, which produced parameters that are used for Bayesian games. The results show that tax evasion is directly associated with tax burden and audit cost, but the effect of fines is unclear. Overall, findings pointed to shortcomings in the tax system of Latin American countries that create the avenue for high tax evasion.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Production of biodiesel from crude neem oil feedstock and its emissions from internal combustion engines

This study investigates biodiesel production using crude neem oil having high acid value, as a feedstock. The effects of some operating variables were ascertained and its combustion performance was assessed in an internal combustion engine. Due to its high acid value, the neem oil was processed via two step acid – base transesterification process. The first step reduced the acid level to <2 mgKOH/g while the second step involved direct conversion to fatty acid methyl ester using 1% NaOH as catalyst. The lowest viscosity value was used as a proxy measure to determine the extent of the reaction. The results reveal the optimum conditions for biodiesel production to be ratio 1:6 of oil to methanol and 1.5 h reaction time. The viscosity at this condition was 5.53 cSt. The same procedure was repeated for NaOCH3 catalyst concentrations of 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25%. The lowest viscosity of 6.79 cSt was recorded at both 1 and 1.25% catalyst concentrations. The fuel properties of the biodiesel compared favorably with the recommendation by the American Standard Testing Method. The emissions of different blends showed that neem biodiesel has lower emissions of CO and NO than petrol diesel but higher NOX. Thus, neem oil as non-edible oil can be a good renewable raw material for biodiesel production.Key words: Neem, biodiesel, internal combustion, transesterification, free fatty acid

Women’s perceptions and reflections of male partners and couple dynamics in family planning adoption in selected urban slums in Nigeria: a qualitative exploration

BACKGROUND: Nigeria is one of the countries where significant progress has not been recorded in contraceptive uptake despite decades of family planning programs while there are indications that slum dwellers may differ significantly from other urban dwellers in their sexual and reproductive behavior, including family planning uptake. This study therefore examined local notions regarding male partners’ involvement in family planning (FP) adoption by women in two selected urban slums areas in Nigeria – Ibadan (Southwest region) and Kaduna (Northwest region). Specifically, the study investigated women’s narratives about FP, perceived barriers from male partners regarding FP adoption by the women and how women negotiate male partners' cooperation for FP use. METHODS: Sixteen FGD sessions were conducted with selected groups of men and women, stratified by sex, age group, and FP experience using a vignette to generate discussions. Sessions were facilitated by experienced social scientists and audio-taped, with note-taker also present. The transcribed data were analyzed with Atlas.ti software version 7. Inductive approach was employed to analyze the data. Reasons given for FP attitudes and use are presented in a network format while critical discourse analysis was also used in generating relevant tables. RESULTS: The finding shows that women in the selected communities expressed desire for FP adoption. Three main reasons largely accounted for the desire to use FP: perceived need to space childbirth, family’s financial condition and the potential adverse effect of high fertility on the woman’s health. Male partners’ support for the use of FP by women was perceived to be low, which is due to misconceptions about FP and traditional pro-natalistic beliefs and tendencies. Mechanisms by which women negotiate their male-partner’s cooperation for FP adoption include seeking the support of the partner’s significant others and advice from older women. CONCLUSION: To significantly improve family planning adoption rates among urban slum dwellers in Nigeria, there is the need to specifically and specially target men alongside their female partners as well as other stakeholders who have significant influences at family and community level. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-869) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Determinant of Students’ Academic Triumph via Class Attendance

The study investigated the influence of students’ attendance for lecture on their academic performance and the interactive effect of students’ IQ on students’ academic achievement. The study adopted a true experimental treatment design. 30 computer science students and 50 educational technology students were purposively sampled. Four educational technology lecturers from the department of educational technology, University of Ilorin validated the lesson plan and the performance test that covered the content on a selected Educational Technology concept. Mean and percentage were used to answer the research questions. For hypothesis testing, pearson product moment correlation (PPMC) was used to test hypothesis one while Hypothesis two was analyzed using ANCOVA. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The findings established that there was significant influence of class attendance on their academic performance but there was no significant interactive effect of students’ IQ on students’ academic achievement. The study concluded that students who attended class regularly perform better than those who do not

Analysis of diagram errors in selected Nigerian secondary school practical biology textbooks

Evidence abounds in science education literature that science textbooks are not alwayserror-free and that inaccuracy in diagrams creates confusion, misconceptions, and hinders meaningful learning. Therefore, in this textbook research study, an attempt was made to identify, analyse, and classify diagram errors in four selected Nigerian biology practical textbooks. The purposive sampling technique was used to select four widely used practical biology textbooks. Two instruments designed by the researchers namely, Compendium of Practical Biology Textbooks (CPBT) and Diagram Error Identification Proforma (DEIP) were used for data collection. Each diagram in the four selected textbooks was carefully analyzed for the identification of errors. The identified errors were analysed, classified, coded, and subjected to statistical analysis. Results indicated that diagrams in the four textbooks were rife with spelling, labeling, and technical errors and that there was a significant difference between the numbers of diagram errors in the four selected textbooks in favor of Textbook C. It was concluded that the selected Nigerian practical biology textbooks were laden with various types of diagram errors that could impact students’ performance negatively. Urgent revision of the textbooks was recommended to stem the negative impacts of the diagram errors on students’ performance

Reproductive Health Aspirations and Unmet Needs in Urban Slums in Ibadan and Kaduna, Nigeria: A Qualitative Exploration

Reproductive health issues of urban slum dwellers are among the most challenging in Africa. Studies have generally examined this issue across the rural-urban dichotomy, without specific focus on urban slum dwellers. Many of these studies are also mostly quantitative. We utilize the qualitative approach to fathom the aspirations and challenges of urban dwellers in the domain of reproductive health. The results confirm that they aspire for smaller-sized families and healthy sexual and reproductive lives but are constrained by religious and socio-cultural factors. Idioms associated with their aspiration and experiences were well documented. There is the need to intervene in order to improve the sexual health of urban dwellers