Rubber Tappers Research Articles

Exile and Inner-Exile in Euclides da Cunha

In this essay, I analyze the relationship between literature and exile from the point-of-view of the renowned Brazilian engineer and writer Euclides da Cunha (1866-1909). I chose this author for his unique use of the concept of exile pertaining to his own human condition, but also for his paradoxical perspective on the Amazonian rubber tappers during the 1900s. Da Cunha himself did not experience personal displacement in the conventional sense of being expatriated. However, his work and ideas often touched upon the notion of exile, especially in the context of cultural, emotional, and intellectual separation. As a writer, sociologist, and journalist in Brazil, Euclides da Cunha was always critical and provocative. He also held various academic and governmental positions, as his work continued to explore themes related to Brazilian society, history, and culture. And while not a traditionally exiled individual during two dictatorial regimes, his ideas and perspectives sometimes put him at odds with the predominantly intellectual and political norms of fin-de-siècle Brazil. His analytical and critical approach to Brazilian society, as evident in his magnum opus Rebellion in the Backlands (1902), challenged prevailing beliefs and led to conflicts with established authorities. His book exposed the brutality of the government’s military campaign against Canudos and raised questions about the treatment of marginalized communities in Brazil. [Article copies available for a fee from The Transformative Studies Institute. E-mail address: journal@transformativestudies.org Website: http://www.transformativestudies.org ©2024 by The Transformative Studies Institute. All rights reserved.]

Hand Tool Intervention for Rubber Tappers Using Modified Michie Golledge Knife

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives Rubber tapping is a physically demanding and skilled agricultural operation that can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This research investigated the impact of using an ergonomically modified rubber tapping knife on the hand posture of rubber tappers. Methods Initially, a postural assessment was conducted using CATIA V6 modelling software followed by a non-randomized longitudinal study with 32 rubber tappers. In the second phase, the study used a custom-modified Standard Nordic Questionnaire, video recordings, and direct observations. The study compared the results of the ergonomically modified rubber tapping knife with the traditional tapping knife, evaluating hand grip strength, endurance time chip thickness, time required to complete 300 trees, and posture using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) tool. Results Compared to pre-tapping values, the mean reduction in grip strength after tapping was significantly less with the modified rubber tapping knife than with the traditional tapping knife (2.96 kg, SD 0.85 kg vs 7.31 kg SD 2.13 kg). Similarly, the reduction in hand endurance time was less with the modified knife than with the traditional knife (1.78 seconds, SD 0.47 seconds vs 3.34 seconds, SD 0.87 seconds). The study also indicated that the modified knife did not significantly affect chip thickness. Additionally, a slight increasing in tapping time was observed with the ergonomically modified knife, which may be attributed to a learning curve phenomenon. This suggests that as rubber tappers become more accustomed to the new tool, their efficiency may improve over time. Conclusion The hand grip strength and endurance time was significantly lower with the ergonomically modified tapping knife. The study concluded that using an ergonomically modified tapping knife led to a significant improvement in hand posture among rubber tappers.

Accidents with Lepidoptera (Insecta): Biology, Poisonous, Clinical Manifestations, Treatment, Prevention, and Therapeutic Possibilities

Accidents triggered by contact with winged adult forms of moths and accidents caused by contact with larvae. These accidents are caused by contact with the bristles on the abdomen of females of certain species, belonging to the genus Hylesia Hübner, 1820 (Family: Hemileucidae). Therefore, the simple fact of penetration of the bristles seems to be capable of causing intense inflammatory, popular, and pruritic reactions. Pararama (pararamose) is the common name for a stinging caterpillar found in the artificial rubber plantations of Pará, Brazil, the larval stage of the moth Premolis semirufa (Walker, 1856) (Famíly: Erebidae). Therefore, accidental contact with the small bristles of the caterpillars or with those of the cocoons causes a chronic inflammatory reaction in the interphalangeal joints that leads to ankylosis. The morbid condition mainly affects rubber tappers and is classified as an occupational disease. Eruca=larva; erucism is poisoning caused by a moth larva. The main families of Lepidoptera fireworms that cause erucism accidents are Megalopygidae, Saturniidae, and Arctiidae. The caterpillars of the Megalopygidae family have a body covered with long, harmless bristles that cover the smaller, sharp spines that carry poison glands this manuscript aims to report the biological characteristics of venomous Lepidoptera (Insecta) and their biological, clinical manifestations, treatment, prevention, and therapeutic possibilities. That paper is a narrative review of the literature, which is designed to explain and discuss a certain subject from a theoretical or contextual perspective, to allow the reader to acquire or update knowledge on a specific topic. The scientific articles that made up this review were searched on Google Scholar, Biological Abstract, HAL, Qeios, ResearchGate, Scielo, and SSRN. The following descriptors in Health Sciences (DeCS) were used: biological therapy, larva, wound, debridement, and healing. The following inclusion criteria were considered: original articles and reviews, published nationally and internationally in full, available electronically, and published in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. The exclusion criteria were dissertations, theses, monographs, and conclusion work, duplicates, and those that required payment to access the content in full.

Risk Assessment of Rubber Tapping A Case Study: Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand

This cross-sectional study investigated the risks of rubber tapping among rubber farmers in Pa Phayom District, Phatthalung Province, Thailand, utilizing the EART (Ergonomic Risk Assessment Tool for Rubber Tappers) and RULA (Rapid Upper Limb Assessment) approaches. Purposive sampling was utilized to randomly choose 154 rubber farmers, aged 20 to 60 to serve as the sample group. They met the inclusion requirements of being in excellent health, being able to read and write Thai fluently, not having a history of back discomfort or injuries, and having at least a year of experience tapping rubber. The results showed that the mean RTL value was 415, SD = 182, while the mean RTI value was 1.77, SD = 1.35, with Min = 0.31 and Max = 8.64. The RULA analysis gave scores ranging from 2 to 7 as acceptable risk to high risk, suggesting that rubber farmers should improve their working posture or reduce factors that affect risk to ensure better health outcomes. It was discovered that the EART and RULA can be used as an assessment method to identify ergonomic risk problems in rubber tapping operation. It was suggested that the rubber tapping operation needs to be improved, re-evaluated, and implemented immediately.

Lecciones Lecciones sobre el rechazo en la Antropología: Mauro Almeida y la tarea de la descolonización permanente del pensamiento an(tropo)logico

As the author himself announces, unsuspecting individuals might find the heterogeneous gathering presented here strange, but Mauro Almeida is generous in guiding us through a reading program capable of connecting his reflections over the past decades, of a sophisticated intellectual who nonetheless views the world from the battleground of political struggles for socio-environmental rights with rubber tappers, riverine dwellers, and indigenous peoples in the Amazon Rainforest. Among the potential lessons to be gleaned from the reading of the work, there is the refusal of an anthropology that does not position itself adjacent to politics, where ontological wars do not separate "theory from practice."

HISTÓRIA ORAL, FIGURAÇÃO E INTERPRETAÇÃO DO SERINGUEIRO: UMA ANÁLISE DA REPRESENTÇÃO SIMBÓLICA PRESENTE NA PRAÇA DOS SERINGUEIROS, EM PORTO VELHO.

The present study aims to present an analytical sketch about the interpretative and polysemic possibility of the figure of the rubber tapper. In this sense, the general objective is to analyze how the representation of the rubber tapper is transformed into symbols and historical meanings in a square in Porto Velho. The specific objectives are guided by presenting the implicit discourses of the symbolic representation constant in the rubber tappers’ square; and describe how the statue of the rubber tapper present in the square translates the history of the rubber plantation as a spatial and temporal mark of discourse and identity; The theoretical foundation will be subsidized, mainly, by Joutard (2000) and Caldas (1997), regarding Oral History. Bakhtin (2003) about text and discourse, and Nora (1993), about symbols and Memory of places. In the area of methodology, the research was developed via bibliographical research, whose nature of the texts and literature it is possible to locate the premises that meet the scope and object of the study. As a result, it can be inferred that there are a variety of possibilities for interpreting the rubber tapper square, with regard to the representative symbols marked by the rubber tapper statue. Thus, it was concluded that what has already been written about the story told via oral history of the rubber tappers still remain as a symbol of social resistance and identity of the historical character that was created throughout the period of rubber extraction in the Amazon.

A Review of Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Rubber Tappers in Thailand, Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka

Rubber tapping is regarded as an occupational risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The impact of MSDs on the individual and their ability to work varies significantly from person to person. MSDs can cause work-limiting pain and fatigue which many people feel unable to disclose. A literature review of 14 papers on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among rubber tappers research in four selected countries Thailand, India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber. Follow by India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. Ergonomic risk factors cause wide range of occupational related diseases among agriculture workers especially rubber plantation population. In view of limited study on prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper in Malaysia, this study was attempted to determine the prevalence of MSD among rubber tapper based on article selection. The highest number of articles were identified from Thailand, the country having the highest production of rubber.

The Wage System Practices of Rubber Tappers in the Study of Sharia Economic Law

Every transaction should be conducted in writing to avoid disputes in the future. However, many still engage in verbal transactions based on trust and honesty, as seen in the wage system for rubber tappers in Betung Village. The main focus of this research is to examine the implementation of the wage system for rubber tappers in Betung II Village. The research objective is to assess the wage system for rubber tappers in Betung II Village from the perspective of Sharia Economic Law. The research methodology used is field research, conducted directly in the field, specifically in Betung II Village, Lubuk Keliat District, Ogan Ilir Regency. The research utilizes qualitative data with both primary and secondary sources. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data is analyzed using qualitative descriptive techniques. The findings reveal that the wage system for rubber tappers in Betung II Village is divided into two methods: a flat-rate system and a percentage system. Both systems begin with verbal agreements between the landowner and the rubber tapper, without witnesses. To date, no disputes have arisen among the parties. In Sharia Economic Law, this system fulfills the pillars and conditions of ijarah. The determination of wages also aligns with the principles of feasibility and virtue, except for the principle of justice. In the context of Sharia Economic Law, this study falls under istihsan bi al-urf, meaning istihsan based on customary practices.

Faktor-Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Produktivitas Tenaga Kerja Penyadap Karet PT Melania Indonesia Mas Estate (Studi Kasus di PT Melania Indonesia Mas Estate Desa Mainan, Kecamatan Sembawa, Kabupaten Banyuasin, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan

Factors Affecting Labor Productivity of Rubber Tapping PT. Melania Indonesia Mas Estate (Case Study at PT Melania Indonesia Mas Estate Toy Village, Sembawa District, Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra)
 This study aims to determine the productivity of the tapping labor force and the factors that influence the productivity of the rubber tapping workforce of PT Melania Indonesia. This analysis uses independent variables, namely wages, work experience and incentives. The dependent variable is the productivity of tapping labor. The sample of this research is the rubber tapper workers of PT Melania Indonesia as many as 78 respondents. Statistical method using Multiple Linear Regression Analysis using SPSS 24 program, with hypothesis testing statistical test t. The results of the analysis of data from the t test showed that the wage variable (X1) had a positive and significant effect on productivity with a Sig value of 0.009 <0.05, the work experience variable (X2) and incentives (X3) also had a positive and significant effect on productivity with a Sig value. 0.000 < 0.05 and 0.000 < 0.05. The magnitude of the coefficient of determination R2 is 0.950. This means that the tapping labor productivity variable is influenced by the variables of wages, work experience and incentives by 95%. The conclusion of this study is that the variables of wages, work experience and incentives are factors that affect the productivity of rubber tappers in PT Melania Indonesia's plantation. In this case, plantation companies are expected to pay attention to stability in the provision of wages, work experience and incentives, this is because these variables are the driving factors that affect the workforce in achieving company goals.

An Anarchist Rainforest: Cooperation in Ferreira de Castro’s A selva

In this essay, I read Portuguese writer Ferreira de Castro’s Amazonian “novel of the jungle” A selva (1930) through the lens of the author’s lifelong commitment to anarchist ideals and, in particular, to the thinking of Pëtr Kropotkin. I argue that Kropotkin’s reflections on collaboration in more-than-human forms of existence and on the role mutual aid will play in an anarchist world to come are key to understanding the political evolution of the novel’s protagonist from an elitist believer in monarchy to a proto-anarchist. Working in a rubber collection facility in the final years of the Amazonian rubber boom, A selva’s main character observes the centrality of cooperation and symbiosis both within and across plant and animal species. Mutual aid, in turn, proves decisive for the survival of the destitute migrant rubber tappers that flocked to the Amazon in search of a better life. I contend that, in the novel, the cooperation between more-than-human rainforest beings serves as a blueprint for a more equitable human polity.

International modified Delphi study on malaria preventive behaviour: new themes, contexts and framework for future research on Plasmodium knowlesi malaria

IntroductionPlasmodium knowlesi malaria is a non-human simian malaria that threatens Southeast Asian rural communities. Studies indicate that non-compliant bednet usage, travelling into the forest and working as farmers and rubber...

A cross-sectional study of poisoning deaths by rubber latex processing acid in Tripura, India

BackgroundRubber latex processing acid poisoning is a frequently encountered phenomenon in Tripura. Formic acid is the preferred choice for coagulating rubber latex in rubber sheet manufacturing units. The objective of this study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile of poisoning deaths by rubber processing acid and to record their autopsy findings. MethodsThis was a 2-year prospective cross-sectional study of deaths by rubber processing acid ingestion, which were brought for postmortem examination in two health care institutes of Tripura. Profiles of the cases were noted from hospital records, family members, Inquest and Challan papers from police and autopsy findings. All data were entered in SPSS software version 23.0, and Pearson's correlation was used to correlate the corrosion of stomach and survival time. ResultsOf 42 cases, 30.90% were between the ages of 41 and 50 years, and the majority were rubber tappers (69.01%). Familial disharmony (52.38%) was the most common cause of acid consumption. Close proximity (within 1 km) of the rubber tapping area to the consumption spots was observed (59.52%). Overall, 97.62% of victims had corrosion of the stomach and congestion of internal organs, and the majority (66.67%) died within 24 h of consumption. ConclusionThis study emphasises the mortality brought on by rubber latex processing formic acid in areas surrounding rubber plantation. The poisoning prevention and control can be strategised in pre-exposure and exposure levels among vulnerable population based upon Information, Education and Communication model.

The Development of Rubber Tapping Machines in Intelligent Agriculture: A Review

In the past decade, intelligent technologies have advanced rapidly, particularly due to improvements in automatic control, which have had a significant impact on forestry, as well as animal husbandry and the future of farm management. However, the degree of production and management mechanization in natural rubber plantations is low, especially since the methods of tapping still rely heavily on labor. The decrease of skilled rubber tappers and the increase in labor costs have led to the development of the mechanization of rubber tapping operations. The application of emerging intelligent agricultural technologies could provide an alternative in order to maximize the potential productivity of natural rubber. Based on this vision, we reviewed the literature on rubber tapping from the past decade for system implementation in rubber plantations. In this review, selected references on rubber tapping were categorized into several directions of research, including rubber tapping machines, the key technologies applied in tapping operations, and some related protective research, analyzing research works from 2010 to 2022 that focused on tapping methods. The review also discusses the application of intelligent agricultural technologies, such as the recognition of tapping trajectory and tapping path planning. A summary of challenges and future trends is also provided in this study. Based on the relevant research, the use of intelligent technologies in rubber tapping machines is still in its initial stage and has broad prospects. Through this study, we aim to provide a reference for researchers in the field of rubber tapping machines and thus to play a positive role in future rubber tapping.

Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Plantation Workers in Kerala, India

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) is one of the major occupational health problems worldwide. Musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) can indicate an underlying MSD. This paper assesses the prevalence of MSS among different plantation workers in Kerala, India. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to February 2021 among 83 rubber tappers, 90 cardamom plantation workers, and 87 tea pluckers (N=260). The Standardized Nordic Questionnaire (SNQ) was used to capture the MSS. MSS was compared across the three types of plantation workers, and the Chi-square test was used to test the significance. The Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were estimated using binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The prevalence of MSS (any regions) in the last 12 months among all participants was 87.7% and did not significantly vary between the three groups of workers. In general, the most affected regions were the low back (61%), one or both knees (47%) and shoulders (44%), respectively. Compared to rubber tappers, the odds of MSS in hips/ thighs (adjusted OR=2.38: 95% CI: 1.17-4.84) and wrists (adjusted OR=3.77: 95% CI:1.85-7.69) were significantly high among cardamom plantation workers. But the odds of MSS in elbows (adjusted OR=0.58: 95% CI: 0.31-1.07) and knees (adjusted OR=0.26:95% CI: 0.10-0.63) were low in the tea plantation workers as compared to rubber tappers. Conclusion: Though there was no variation in the overall prevalence of MSS between the three groups, there was a significant variation between the groups regarding the MSS in different body regions. Using supportive aids according to the nature of work and doing simple stretching exercises during breaks may help to improve the musculoskeletal health of plantation workers.

Forests, Fields, and Pastures: Unequal Access to Brazil Nuts and Livelihood Strategies in an Extractive Reserve, Brazilian Amazon

This article examines access to an economically important forest product (Brazil nuts) and its relationship with livelihood strategies in the Cazumbá–Iracema Extractive Reserve (CIER), Acre, Brazil. The objective is twofold: (i) to clarify how social mechanisms regulating access to Brazil nuts operate and (ii) to analyse the relationship between differential access to Brazil nuts and livelihood diversification in terms of cash income. For this, we conducted 55 semi-structured interviews with household heads in three rubber tapper (seringueiro) communities. Our findings indicate that Brazil nuts are important to seringueiro livelihoods, although both access to Brazil nuts and livelihood strategies are highly variable between households and communities. Limited access to Brazil nuts is partly overcome through informal arrangements and investment in wage labour, swidden agriculture, and cattle raising, as part of highly diversified livelihood portfolios. However, restrictions to agriculture and cattle raising generate considerable tensions between many seringueiros and environmental managers. We highlight the importance of viewing livelihood diversification and adaptability as important components of the long-term viability of the extractive reserve model, particularly in the context of the growing uncertainties and risks associated with accelerating climate and socio-environmental change as well as amidst ongoing political dynamics in Brazil.

COP 26, a Just Transition, trade unions and a movement of movements

COP 26, a Just Transition, trade unions and a movement of movements Declan Owens (bio) Chico Mendes was a Brazilian rubber tapper, trade union leader and environmentalist. He fought to preserve the Amazon rainforest and advocated for the human rights of Brazilian peasants and indigenous peoples. He was assassinated by a rancher on 22 December 1988. He coined the memorable phrase that, 'Ecology without class struggle is just gardening'. When the international trade union movement mobilised ahead of and during COP 26 in pursuit of its goal to achieve a Just Transition it sought to ensure that there was more than a mass gardening exercise in Glasgow. This sentiment was reflected and reinforced in the growing 'movement of movements', which aligned trade unionists with environmental NGOs and community groups, as demonstrated during the successful events held by the COP26 Coalition in Glasgow. Environmentalists joined the GMB pickets in Glasgow and GMB members even provided Greta Thunberg with a 'human shield' as she passed through the streets of Glasgow on the Global Day of Action on 6 November 2020. I was present at events in Glasgow and there was a tangible sense of progress and hope amongst trade unionists and environmental activists despite the failures of their governments. Just Transition The International Trade Union Confederation set up its Just Transition Centre in 2016 in the aftermath of its success in securing the ILO Guidelines for a Just Transition towards Environmentally Sustainable Economies and Societies for All (2015) and reference to the term, 'Just Transition' within the Preamble to the Paris Agreement, which stated that its provisions were formulated, Taking into account the imperatives of a just transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities … The phrase 'Just Transition' itself was coined in the US trade union movement by Tony Mazzocchi, leader of the Oil, Chemical, and Atomic Workers union (OCAW), who worked to bring trade unionists into the 'ban-the-bomb' peace movement, alongside a campaign to protect atomic workers in the transition to nuclear disarmament. He served as Vice President of the OCAW from 1977 to 1988, and as secretary-treasurer from 1988 to 1991. 'Just Transition' has been watered down as a concept by its co-option by some corporate interests and it is important that trade unionists retain a focus on the principles behind the adoption of the term and fight for its implementation. The COP 26 Coalition In the run up to COP26 it was clearer than ever that global problems need global solutions as anticipated by the International Trade Union Confederation and others, such as Trade Unions for Energy Democracy. The decisions made at COP26 will continue to shape how governments respond (or not) to the climate crisis. Their decisions determine who is to be sacrificed, who will escape and who will make a profit. The COP26 Coalition was a UK-based civil society coalition of groups and individuals mobilising around climate justice during COP26. It brought together movements from across the world to build power for system change for climate justice-indigenous movements, frontline communities, trade unions, racial justice groups, youth strikers, landworkers, peasants, NGOs, grassroots community campaigns, feminist movements, faith groups. Therefore, the COP 26 Coalition put indigenous, frontline and Global South communities front and centre of their campaign and extensively platformed them at their People's Assembly, a parallel series of meetings and workshops where there was an 'inside and outside' strategy to link activists with negotiators at the COP. As trade unionists know in relation to inadequate laws protecting workers in the workplace on health and safety issues, governments have done too little too late to address climate change and its impact on workers. Governments have colluded with corporations, hiding behind green washed 'solutions' that do not exist yet, that do not address the scale of the problem, and in many cases rely on more exploitation of people and the planet. Trade unions have long recognised that justice will not be handed to workers by world leaders or delivered by corporations. Only workers and communities can imagine and build the future that works for all of us. Trade unionists know...

Unusual Presentation of Chromoblastomycosis with a Brief Review of its Atypical Cutaneous Presentations.

Sir, Chromoblastomycosis (CM) is a chronic subcutaneous fungal infection clinically characterized by verrucous skin lesions. The disease frequently involves the lower extremities of adult males who work barefoot in agricultural fields.[1] A history of themechanical trauma or injury to the site ofinfection marks the portal of entry as the fungal spores may be present in the soil and plant debris. Chromoblastomycosis lesions are polymorphic. The diagnosis is confirmed bythe histopathological demonstration of chromo bodies/muriform cells inthe tissue and isolation and identification of the species in culture. There are different species of dematiaceous fungi causing CM of which Fonsecaea pedrosoi is the most common.[2] Here, we report an atypical presentation of CM in a female from a hilly area. A 48-year-old female rubber tapper from a hilly area presented with asymptomatic reddish raised lesions overthe volar aspect of theright forearm of 3 years duration. Thelesions started as a single small red raised lesion and progressively increased in size and number over a period. She also developed a few pus-filled lesions in between. The lesions were asymptomatic. She denied any history of trauma. On examination, there were predominantly erythematous-infiltrated papules, both discrete and confluent, with the skin in between in some areas showing hypopigmentation, along with a few pustules localized to a single site on the volar aspect of theright forearm [Figure 1]. With the clinical possibility of sarcoidosis and papular-type of lupus vulgaris, the patient was investigated. The chest X-ray was normal and theMantoux test wasnegative. The Retro test was negative. The investigations for sarcoidosis were non-contributory. The skin biopsy demonstrated chromobodies (muriform bodies) inside thegiant cells, the hallmark of chromoblastomycosis [Figure 2]. The fungal culture on Sabourauds dextrose agar showed slightly heaped black velvety and hairy colonies, suggestive of dematiaceous fungi. On slide culture microscopy and normal saline mount, theconidiophores were brown and showed dense apical branching with elongated macroconidia and clustered round-to-oval microconidia [Figure 3], while a high power showed the macroconidia to be barrel-shaped and microconidia shield-shaped, characteristic features of genus Fonsecaea [Figure 4]. She was started on oral itraconazole 200 mg daily. She is now under follow-up in the outpatient clinic.Figure 1: Multiple discrete erythematous-infiltrated papules and pustules on the volar aspect of the right forearmFigure 2: Skin biopsy showing multiple yellowish-brown sclerotic chromobodies in the giant cells, H and E X400Figure 3: Slide culture microscopy showing brown conidiophores with apical branching (vertical arrow) with elongated macroconidia (right pointing black arrow) and clustered round-to-oval microconidia (left pointing black arrow), normal saline mount X100.Figure 4: High power showing the macroconidia to be barrel-shaped and microconidia shield-shaped, characteristic features of genus Fonsecaea, normal saline mount X400CMis one of the most frequent infections caused by melanized fungi. Nodular, plaque-type, tumoral, ulcerative, cicatricial, sporotrichoid, and verrucous are the common clinical types described.[3] Our patient presented with erythematous-infiltrated papules and a few pustules on the forearm, without any preceding trauma and clinically not suggestive of CM. Relevant investigations did not support the diagnosis of sarcoidosis or lupus vulgaris. However, histopathology showed chromobodies in the giant cells and the fungal culture demonstrated dematiaceous fungi and theslide culture microscopy showed characteristic features of the genus Fonsecaea. Therefore, we made a final diagnosis of CM with atypical presentation mimicking sarcoidosis/papular lupus vulgaris caused by Fonsecaea. Presentation with multiple discrete and confluent papules mimicking sarcoidosis is very rare for CM. Since this is a pigmented dematiaceous fungi, it can be demonstrated in routine H and E stains and normal saline and KOH-mounted slides and does not require special stains. Sarcoidosis-like presentation is very rare for CM. Hence, a very careful histopathological examination is of paramount importance, otherwise, the diagnosis may be missed since sarcoidosis is not a rare disease in India with an estimate between 61 and 150 cases per 100,000 in outdoor patients according to a study done in India, and wrong treatment could be given to the patient.[4] The drug of choice for CM is itraconazole 200–400 mg per day till clinical remission. Terbinafine, Fluconazole, and potassium iodide are also effective.[58910] CM can present with rare atypical presentations and the various rare clinical presentations are given in Table 1. We are reporting a very rare presentation of CM.Table 1: Rare presentations of chromoblastomycosisFinancial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.

Civilian-military malaria outbreak response in Thailand: an example of multi-stakeholder engagement for malaria elimination

BackgroundIn April 2017, the Thai Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) was alerted to a potential malaria outbreak among civilians and military personnel in Sisaket Province, a highly forested area bordering Cambodia. The objective of this study was to present findings from the joint civilian-military outbreak response.MethodsA mixed-methods approach was used to assess risk factors among cases reported during the 2017 Sisaket malaria outbreak. Routine malaria surveillance data from January 2013 to March 2018 obtained from public and military medical reporting systems and key informant interviews (KIIs) (n = 72) were used to develop hypotheses about potential factors contributing to the outbreak. Joint civilian-military response activities included entomological surveys, mass screen and treat (MSAT) and vector control campaigns, and scale-up of the “1–3–7” reactive case detection approach among civilians alongside a pilot “1–3–7” study conducted by the Royal Thai Army (RTA).ResultsBetween May–July 2017, the monthly number of MoPH-reported cases surpassed the epidemic threshold. Outbreak cases detected through the MoPH mainly consisted of Thai males (87%), working as rubber tappers (62%) or military/border police (15%), and Plasmodium vivax infections (73%). Compared to cases from the previous year (May–July 2016), outbreak cases were more likely to be rubber tappers (OR = 14.89 [95% CI: 5.79–38.29]; p < 0.001) and infected with P. vivax (OR=2.32 [1.27–4.22]; p = 0.006). Themes from KIIs were congruent with findings from routine surveillance data. Though limited risk factor information was available from military cases, findings from RTA’s “1–3–7” study indicated transmission was likely occurring outside military bases. Data from entomological surveys and MSAT campaigns support this hypothesis, as vectors were mostly exophagic and parasite prevalence from MSAT campaigns was very low (range: 0-0.7% by PCR/microscopy).ConclusionsIn 2017, an outbreak of mainly P. vivax occurred in Sisaket Province, affecting mainly military and rubber tappers. Vector control use was limited to the home/military barracks, indicating that additional interventions were needed during high-risk forest travel periods. Importantly, this outbreak catalyzed joint civilian-military collaborations and integration of the RTA into the national malaria elimination strategy (NMES). The Sisaket outbreak response serves as an example of how civilian and military public health systems can collaborate to advance national malaria elimination goals in Southeast Asia and beyond.

The Livelihood Strategy of Rubber Tapper Households

Livelihood strategy is a method or tactic that used by a person or group to survive by using assets condition that they have, such as human capital, physical, nature resource, financial, and social capital. The aims of the research were to analyze the impacts of temporary suspension of one of rubber operational factory to the rubber tapper households, to find out the conditions of rubber tapper household assets, and to analyze the livelihood strategy that being used by the rubber tapper households in order to fulfill their family living. This research conducted in March 2020 at PT Perkebunan Nusantara IX Kebun Batujamus, Kuto Village, Kerjo Sub-district, Karanganyar Regency. The data of the research collected by using methods such as observation, documentation, indepth interview, and literature study. The informants of the research consisted of 12 key informants and 3 supporting key informants. The data of the research was analyzed using descriptive qualitative method and analysis method of Miles and Huberman interactive data model. The research also used source and methodological triangulation. The research results showed that the temporary suspension of one of the company’s factories had an impact to the rubber tapper promotion. Rubber tapper households used multiple livelihood strategy, which was combining the on-farm income and off-farm income.

AMAZON ENDANGERED: INVESTIGATING CHICO MENDES’S CASE IN ONLINE NEWSPAPERS

Chico Mendes was a Brazilian rubber tapper who fought against the destruction of the Amazon region and consequently was murdered by cattle ranchers in 1988. His death aroused great interest in national and international media, which reported his fight against landowners, releasing Chico Mendes’s case worldwide. This work discusses six online articles published in the years of 1988 and 2008, by BBC, Folha de São Paulo, and The New York Times based on Critical Discourse Analysis (FAIRCLOUGH, 1995, 2006) and Systemic Functional Linguistics (HALLIDAY; MATTHIENSEN, 2004) assumptions . R esults have shown that the lexicogrammatical choices portray Chico Mendes both as a leader and a martyr.