Legislative Discourses on Contemporary Slavery in Brazil

This article aims to analyze the perceptions of parliamentarians about contemporary slave labour in Brazil. We examined the opposition speeches to the Constitutional Amendment Proposal (PEC) nº 438/2001, processed between 1999 and 2014. That proposal aimed to establish the expropriation of properties where such a form of work was found. From a methodological point of view, we use Critical Discourse Analysis. Several discursive strategies were identified in order to avoid the approval of the referred PEC. Among them, we chose to analyze the categories that we call ‘inversion of guilt’, ‘fantasy’, and ‘exceptionality’. The study of the speeches showed the inexistence of proposals of policies to confront the issue, policies that were pushed aside in the name of an evasive, conservative and even reactionary debate. We observed an evident concern of parliamentarians with agribusiness but a lesser concern in addressing the conditions in which the enslaved workers rescued by state inspection were found.

Identity, Ambiguity, and Professionalism: Dilemmas for the Diocesan Advisor in the Republic of Ireland

A deficit in empirical studies regarding the role of the Diocesan Advisor at second-level schools in the Republic of Ireland prompted research in this area. The findings of a study carried out by the authors are outlined in this article. Perspectives of 19 Diocesan Advisors were gathered qualitatively. The concept of “visible” and “invisible” maps provided a framework. In Ireland, State inspection relies on visible mapping of inspection processes that are accessible to all stakeholders. The Diocesan Advisor, on behalf of the bishop, uses invisible maps, observing how the school is living out its Catholic remit and how religious education is carried out within the curriculum. The study identified that the role is under-resourced and lacks clarity, resulting in a widespread deficiency in the monitoring of Catholic schools’ identity and the non-examinable religious education currently on the curriculum. The study further revealed an uncertain future for the role of the Diocesan Advisor in a changing landscape. A discussion on the implications of the findings is included, and possible options for the role in the future are explored.

75 Can Regionalized Livestock Production and Meat Packing Meet the Food Needs of Today’s Consumers?

Meat shortages in many of the largest retail chains during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic affected millions of U.S. consumers. In addition, wait times for custom slaughter of meat animals increased from days to weeks to upwards of 14 mon. Interruptions in livestock slaughter and meat supplies have renewed the emphasis on medium, small, and very small meat slaughters/processors. Numerous states are investing in slaughter/processing plant construction, renovation of existing plants, and establishing or reestablishing state inspection programs. It is conceivable that this reinvestment may alleviate some of the meat supply limitations; yet, there are a number of factors these plants need to address for economic sustainability, including (but are not limited to): consistency of local and regional livestock supply; availability of trained, experienced workforce; plant holding pens and slaughter floor design; pre-slaughter animal welfare training and compliance; development and implementation of food safety programs; fresh and frozen storage capacities; local and regional marketing channels and modes of distribution; and by-products markets and offal disposal. Regardless of plant size, the ultimate goal of all meat packers/processors is the production of consistent, readily available and affordable, high-quality meat and meat products; however, the traditional driving forces of price and taste are being slowly supplanted by consumers’ concerns about production practices and animal management, perceived nutritional benefits, animal welfare concerns, food locality, and conveniences. This presentation will attempt to amalgamate the challenges facing medium, small, and very small meat processors with consumers’ preferences in relation to the sustainability of these revitalized segments of the livestock and meats industry.

Overview of import substitution in the houseboat market and a proposal for choosing a power unit using hydraulic drives

A study was carried out on the possibility and necessity of operating houseboats in the water areas of Russia on the basis of the concept of the development of reservoirs and small rivers, which is currently being developed by the state within the framework of national programs. A review of the operational, overall, displacement characteristics of houseboats was carried out with consideration of various options for ship power plants, suitable for the class of floating craft with registration in the State Inspection of Small Vehicles. The use of a stationary engine (JSC AvtoVAZ) in a configuration with a hydraulic drive and a swing-out column is proposed. Calculations of the resistance of the houseboat platform hull were made using several methods. A mechanism for the choice of propellers using a free software product according to empirical methods is proposed. An alternative drive scheme is selected, a detailed model of the working process of a houseboat's hydraulic drive is selected, and a mathematical model of its operation is presented.

Legal Aspects of the Executive Bodies System Formation in the Area of the Use and Protection of Historical and Cultural Lands in Ukraine

This article aims to determine the system of the state bodies of executive power in terms of their competence in cultural and historical land usage and protection, taking into account the latest changes in Ukrainian legislation. The author emphasizes that the administration of lands designated for historical and cultural use and protection should take place within a framework of executive bodies specifically authorized as regards cultural heritage protection. Special attention is drawn to the powers of such state bodies like the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, the State Service for the Protection of Cultural Heritage of Ukraine, and the State Inspection for Cultural Heritage of Ukraine. The article includes a historical and contemporary overview of central executive bodies that ensure the formation and implementation of state policy in the sphere of cultural heritage protection. This scientific study focuses on the constant changes that occur in the system of executive power. The results of the investigation show that these changes in Ukraine take place irregularly today and are not conducive to the efficient use and protection of lands of historical and cultural significance.

Detection of brucellosis in cattle and evaluation of risk factors associated with the disease in workers slaughterhouse

Brucellosis is anthropozoonosis caused by Brucella spp. Among the zoonotic species, B. abortus is the main species affecting cattle and can easily be transmitted to humans. The purpose of this study was to investigate, through epidemiological inquiry and serological analysis, animal and human health as related to smooth strain Brucella spp. in a slaughterhouse located in the southern region of the state of Bahia. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from workers and animals at a slaughterhouse together with the State Inspection Service. Then, the Buffered Acidified Plate Antigen test was performed for animals and humans, the Slow Agglutination Test was performed for humans only; and the Complement Fixation Test and the 2-Mercaptoethanol Brucella Agglutination test (2ME) were performed for animals only. In addition, an epidemiological inquiry was applied to workers in order to assess risk factors for the disease. After data analysis, it was concluded that infection by smooth strains of Brucella spp. was detected in 14.0% of the cattle. Additionally, one worker out 41 tested reactive to the disease.

Main causes of chicken carcass condemnations in Espírito Santo, Brazil

Brazil is the third largest producer and the main exporter of chicken meat in the world. In 2019, it produced approximately 13.245 million tons of the product, generating more than six million dollars. According to the Poultry Association of the state of Espírito Santo, broiler production is carried out by 28 independent producers/companies, three integrator businesses, 42 integrated producers and seven slaughterhouses (structures with SIF, SIE/SISBI or SIE certification). Despite the growth of this sector, problems persist regarding the quality of carcasses and the number of condemnations. From the sanitary and industrial point of view, all products of animal origin must undergo prior inspection. The present study was developed using data generated by the Federal Inspection Service (Serviço de Inspeção Federal, SIF) and the State Inspection Service (Serviço de Inspeção Estadual, SIE). The main causes of condemnation of birds as inspected by SIF represented 9.26% of the slaughtered birds. Total condemnations corresponded to 1.35%. Overall, this study recorded a greater number of condemnations of non-pathological origin. In conclusion, there was consistency in the reasons why these products were condemned. Bruises/fractures and contamination were the most frequent causes according to both inspection services (SIF and SIE), indicating a common problem on the slaughter and inspection lines.

Occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs in the State of Pará, Brazil

We investigated the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum antibodies in pigs raised in the Northeast of Pará, Brazil. At Study I, convenience sampled 151 pigs at two slaughterhouses, with and without state inspection; and Study II, which assessed 159 pigs with probabilistic sampling from nine pig farms. Serological analysis was performed using indirect fluorescent antibody test for T. gondii and N. caninum with a cutoff of 64 and 50, respectively. Overall, 6.77% pigs were seropositive for T. gondii and 5.16% for N. caninum. In Study I, pigs slaughtered with and without state inspection presented similar occurrence for both coccidia (p>0.05). Study II found an association between N. caninum seropositivity and sludge discarded into the soil, feeding pigs with animal-based protein, subsistence system, and absence of nipple drinkers. No association was found for T. gondii. Pigs from Pará are a potential source of T. gondii infection to humans. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to report anti-N. caninum antibodies in the serum of pigs in Pará State, Brazilian Amazon.