Search Results (27)

Against the backdrop of increasingly frequent extreme weather events and heightened market price volatility, investigating the relationship between agricultural insurance and farmers’ livelihood resilience is crucial for ensuring rural socioeconomic stability. This study utilizes field survey data from 1196 households across twelve county-level divisions (three cities and nine counties) from China’s Hainan and Yunnan provinces, specifically in natural rubber-producing regions. Using propensity score matching (PSM), we empirically examine agricultural insurance’s impact on household livelihood resilience. The results demonstrate that agricultural insurance increased the effect on farmers’ livelihood resilience by 1%. This effect is particularly pronounced among recently poverty-alleviated households and large-scale farming operations. Furthermore, the analysis highlights the mediating roles of credit availability, adoption of agricultural production technologies, and production initiative in strengthening insurance’s positive impact. Therefore, policies should be refined and expanded, combining agricultural insurance with credit support and agricultural technology extension to leverage their value and ensure the sustainable development of farm households. Full article

The enforcement of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) may reduce the supply of natural rubber to the European Union (EU), potentially leading to price increases due to the inelastic nature of rubber demand. This study assesses the potential financial implications for smallholder producers in Ghana, considering both the opportunities and risks associated with the evolving regulatory environment under EUDR and local market access conditions. A cost–benefit analysis (CBA) was conducted to evaluate the impact of different EUDR-related export decline scenarios on the net present value (NPV) of a standard 4-hectare plantation. The results suggest that even a minor 2.5% decline in global exports to the EU could increase the NPV by 17% for an independent compliant producer. However, a simulated COVID-19-like crisis in the fifth year of production leads to a 20% decline in NPV, reflecting vulnerability to external shocks. Based on these findings, the study identifies two priorities. This first is improving the coordination and harmonization of compliance efforts across the value chain to enable more producers to benefit from potential EUDR-related price increases. The recent creation of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG) presents an opportunity to support such collective mechanisms. Second, minimizing losses during demand shocks requires the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) to establish clear rules and transparent reporting for authorizing unprocessed rubber exports when factories reduce purchases due to low international prices—thus preserving market access for vulnerable producers. Together, these approaches would ensure that the potential benefits of the EUDR are realized inclusively, remain stable despite market downturns, and do not undermine value addition in domestic processing factories. Full article

The drastic and historic fall in natural rubber prices has prompted many smallholders around the world to abandon rubber plantations in favor of other survival alternatives. In the Lomela and Lodja territories of Sankuru Province (Democratic Republic of Congo), where a historical absence of a rubber market prevails, local communities have conserved rubber plantations inherited from the colonial era (dating back to 1955). Data collected from 401 households enabled us to identify the perceptions and determinants of rubber plantation conservation. The results show that households are highly dependent on forest ecosystem services. Agriculture is the main activity for 81.3% of respondents, in the context of extreme poverty where daily incomes amount to 0.33 USD/person. The patriarchal system favored men, who inherited 97% of the plantations. Men perceived the conservation of the plantations as beneficial, while women perceived it as serving external project interests. Perceptions were significantly influenced by gender, age, social and legal organization, geographical origin, mode of acquisition, main activity, diversification of income sources, membership in a tribal mutuality, access to the informal mutual aid networks, membership in an association and contact with extension services. Conservation was positively and significantly correlated with geographical origin, membership in an association, contact with extension service, consideration of plantations as natural heritage and the ecosystem services provided. These results underline that rubber plantations cannot be understood only in terms of rubber production, but also in terms of their socio-ecological and heritage dimensions. Full article

This study aims to present a low-cost, non-destructive microwave sensor implementation to monitor the real-time moisture content of rubber wood in industrial dehydration processes. The proposed sensor is based on the free-space measurement technique with magnitudes S₁₁ and S₂₁ only. The novelties of this study consist of the natural frequency determination of rubber wood and the design of a sensor system using devices available on the market with reasonable cost performance. The natural frequency was determined using a simulation and was equal to 1.25 GHz. It specified the sensor system design and device selection. The designed system was initially verified by measuring the moisture content of rubber wood in the laboratory. The measured S₁₁ and S₂₁ voltages correlating with moisture content percentages were obtained and programmed. The system was then installed to monitor the moisture content of rubber wood in the dehydration process. The measured results deviated from those obtained from a standard method in the range of 7.67–15.38%. The error compensation was analyzed to improve the measured results that provided the deviated moisture content in the range of 3.58–5.21%. It can be inferred that the proposed sensor system has the capability to be implemented in industrial dehydration processes. Full article

In addition to ensuring the functionality of objects used in the household, transport or industry at large, applied design focuses on aesthetic qualities related to the external form and condition of a surface. At the same time, there is a trend for plastic, rubber or aluminium objects made by moulding (both injection and casting) to look as if they were made of natural materials. This effect is ensured by properly designed and manufactured surface textures in the mould seats. However, the working surfaces of the moulds often corrode as a result of inadequate maintenance and storage. The aim of this study was to find out how popular agents on the market dedicated to corrosion product removal would change the surface geometrical texture. During the prepared experimental plan, it was also decided to investigate the properties in this respect of one of the popular drinks (i.e., cola) which is sometimes used in workshop practice as an alternative corrosion product removal agent. Based on the results of the study, conclusions were drawn about the short- and long-term effects of the corrosion product removal agents. Full article

This paper presents a novel multivariate mean-reverting jump-diffusion model that incorporates correlated jumps and seasonal effects to capture the complex dynamics of commodity prices. The model also accounts for the interplay between price volatility and convenience yield, offering a comprehensive framework for commodity futures pricing. By leveraging the Feynman–Kac theorem, we derive a partial integro-differential equation for the conditional moment generating function of the log price, enabling an analytical solution for pricing commodity futures. This solution is validated against Monte Carlo simulations, demonstrating high accuracy and computational efficiency. The model is empirically applied to historical futures prices of natural rubber from the Thailand Futures Exchange. Key parameters—including commodity price dynamics, convenience yields, and seasonal factors—are estimated, revealing the critical role of jumps and seasonality in influencing market behavior. Notably, our findings show that convenience yields are negative, reflecting higher inventory costs, and tend to increase with rising spot prices. These results provide actionable insights for traders, risk managers, and policymakers in commodity markets, emphasizing the importance of correlated jumps and seasonal patterns in pricing and risk assessment. Full article

The development of the natural rubber planting industry is facing the dual challenges of protecting ecology and maintaining supply. As an effective means to internalize ecological externalities, eco-compensation is an important way to realize the sustainable development of the natural rubber industry. From the perspective of industrial development, an eco-compensation policy framework for natural rubber with a production and ecological win–win outcome was constructed. The results showed that natural rubber eco-compensation was a large-scale public institutional arrangement with the following characteristics: 1. The goals were to protect tropical rainforest and rubber garden ecology, maintain the natural rubber supply and improve the livelihoods of agricultural households. 2. The participants included the government, enterprises and agricultural households. 3. The main methods included financial transfer payments, production insurance and cooperative operations. 4. The opportunity costs of agricultural household livelihood transformation and the positive expected returns of enterprises were used as compensation standards. 5. The compensation effectiveness was evaluated through the comprehensive monitoring of tropical rainforest ecology, the rubber garden environment, land use, the planting distribution, household income and production modes. On this basis, specific policy recommendations, including developing combined planting–breeding modes, establishing a strict supervision system and setting up special expert advisory teams, were put forward. This study provides not only a theoretical basis for the design of natural rubber eco-compensation policies but also a reference for the construction of eco-compensation market mechanisms in various fields. Full article

Natural rubber, a renewable material with unique properties, is crucial for various products on the modern market. Crepe rubber, a versatile form of natural rubber, is widely used in numerous applications, including footwear soles, medical devices, automotive parts, adhesives, sports equipment, industrial components, musical instruments, and recreational products. Sri Lanka holds a prominent position as a leading producer of premium-quality crepe rubber but faces environmental challenges in its production process. Since previous life cycle assessments (LCAs) in the rubber industry are inadequate to capture the overall environmental impact, the present study attempted to address the gaps by conducting a detailed LCA of a Sri Lankan crepe rubber factory, incorporating a novel index termed the trade-off valuation index (TOVI). The research revealed that fertilizer, water, and electricity use contribute most significantly to crepe rubber production’s environmental impact. To mitigate these impacts, four key improvement options were identified and evaluated through scenario analysis: (1) enhancing fertilizer efficiency, (2) repairing leaky joints and valves, (3) implementing a water reuse system, and (4) installing solar panels. The integration of the TOVI allowed for the prioritization of these options, providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders. This study paves the way for targeted interventions to enhance the sustainability of the natural rubber industry by balancing economic viability with environmental stewardship. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), derived from renewable resources, plays a significant role in the global biodegradable plastic market. However, its widespread adoption faces challenges, including high brittleness, hydrophobicity, limited biodegradability, and higher costs compared to traditional petroleum-based plastics. This study addresses these challenges by incorporating thermoplastic pineapple stem starch (TPSS) and modified natural rubber (MNR) into PLA blends. TPSS, derived from pineapple stem waste, is employed to enhance hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and reduce costs. While the addition of TPSS (10 to 40 wt.%) marginally lowered mechanical properties due to poor interfacial interaction with PLA, the inclusion of MNR (1 to 10 wt.%) in the PLA/20TPSS blend significantly improved stretchability and impact strength, resulting in suitable modulus (1.3 to 1.7 GPa) and mechanical strength (32 to 52 MPa) for diverse applications. The presence of 7 wt.% MNR increased impact strength by 90% compared to neat PLA. The ternary blend exhibited a heterogeneous morphology with enhanced interfacial adhesion, confirmed by microfibrils and a rough texture on the fracture surface. Additionally, a downward shift in PLA’s glass transition temperature (T_g) by 5–6 °C indicated improved compatibility between components. Remarkably, the PLA ternary blends demonstrated superior water resistance and proper biodegradability compared to binary blends. These findings highlight the potential of bio-based plastics, such as PLA blends with TPSS and MNR, to contribute to sustainable economic models and reduce environmental impact for using in plastic packaging applications. Full article

Valorizing natural resources through sustainable and eco-friendly processes is a cornerstone in pursuing a greener and more sustainable future. This study focuses on the green extraction of valuable compounds from rubber seed trees (Hevea brasiliensis). This underutilized resource has the potential to yield bioactive compounds of economic and ecological significance. We explore the application of environmentally friendly extraction techniques, including supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), to harness the bioactive potential of rubber seeds. Our research encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the extracted compounds, including their characterization and quantification using state-of-the-art analytical techniques. Environmental and economic sustainability aspects are evaluated, shedding light on the green extraction processes’ ecological footprint and economic feasibility. The paper also delves into these extracted compounds’ diverse applications and utilization prospects, ranging from pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to cosmetic and industrial products. We discuss the commercial potential, market opportunities, and emerging trends these sustainable endeavours may shape. In conclusion, this study paves the way for a more sustainable path in harnessing valuable compounds from rubber seed trees, exemplifying the potential for green extraction techniques to play a pivotal role in the journey toward environmental stewardship and economic prosperity. Full article

Medical gloves, along with masks and gowns, serve as the initial line of defense against potentially infectious microorganisms and hazardous substances in the health sector. During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical gloves played a significant role, as they were widely utilized throughout society in daily activities as a preventive measure. These products demonstrated their value as important personal protection equipment (PPE) and reaffirmed their relevance as infection prevention tools. This review describes the evolution of medical gloves since the discovery of vulcanization by Charles Goodyear in 1839, which fostered the development of this industry. Regarding the current market, a comparison of the main properties, benefits, and drawbacks of the most widespread types of sanitary gloves is presented. The most common gloves are produced from natural rubber (NR), polyisoprene (IR), acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polychloroprene (CR), polyethylene (PE), and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC). Furthermore, the environmental impacts of the conventional natural rubber glove manufacturing process and mitigation strategies, such as bioremediation and rubber recycling, are addressed. In order to create new medical gloves with improved properties, several biopolymers (e.g., poly(vinyl alcohol) and starch) and additives such as biodegradable fillers (e.g., cellulose and chitin), reinforcing fillers (e.g., silica and cellulose nanocrystals), and antimicrobial agents (e.g., biguanides and quaternary ammonium salts) have been evaluated. This paper covers these performance-enhancing materials and describes different innovative prototypes of gloves and coatings designed with them. Full article

Indonesia’s vast forested areas have the potential to serve as a crucial source of livelihood for local communities. However, the current contributions of these forests to community livelihoods are significantly underutilized in comparison to their potential. This study evaluates the financial performance and sustainability of community forest-based businesses operating around the forest management area of the Lakitan-Bukit Cogong forest management unit (LBC FMU). Data were collected through semi-structured and in-depth interviews with the key informants through purposive sampling. Financial viability analysis and a qualitative approach were used to assess the feasibility of the businesses. The findings revealed that all businesses show positive values for all financial indicators. From profit estimation and value-added distribution, all products are shown to be feasible. Concerning the value and supply chain, the rubber-processing industry has a remarkable flow. Moreover, small forest enterprises (SFEs) highlight natural capital optimization through multitudinous derivatives of products that could support a substantial regenerative economy, including citronella essential oil, native honeybees, rubber-based product, biochar, skewers, and liquid smoke. In addition, the multidimensional scaling and rapid appraisal for forest (MDS-RAPForest) approach generates a result based on multiple dimensions (ecology, economics, social and human resources, and institutional and administrative dimensions) showing that overall, SFEs are categorized as sufficient/quite sustainable. Furthermore, mainstreaming adaptable forest-based enterprises, jurisdiction approaches, and cross-production system strategies are also discussed. Our findings suggest that sustainable NTFP-based activities within a community context can be facilitated through interconnected market systems, appropriate price regulations, and support from stakeholders and legal frameworks. Full article

Natural rubber (NR) latex foam is one of the rubber products that are increasingly in demand in the market. This is simply because of its lightweight, good thermal insulation, and resilience. The applications of NR latex foam are mostly for pillows and mattresses. This has resulted in these products requiring antibacterial performance which is very important for the safety of the end-users. In this study, the antibacterial NR latex foam was prepared by incorporating the silver-doped zinc oxide (Ag-doped ZnO) into the NR latex foam. Ag-doped ZnO was prepared by microwave-assisted method and then characterized through morphological characteristics and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The content of Ag doped onto ZnO was designed by varying the AgNO₃ content at 15 wt%, 50 wt%, and 100 wt% of ZnO. The results confirmed that the Ag was successfully doped onto ZnO. The silver particles were found to be in the 40–50 nm range, where the size of ZnO ranges between 300 and 400 nm, and the Ag attached to the ZnO particles. The XRD patterns of Ag-doped ZnO correspond to planes of hexagonal wurtzite ZnO structure and cubic metallic Ag. This Ag-doped ZnO was further added to NR latex foam. It was observed that Ag-doped ZnO did not affect the physical properties of the NR latex foam. However, it is clear that both the inhibition zone and percent reduction of bacteria (e.g., E. coli and S. aureus) were enhanced by the addition of Ag-doped ZnO. It showed a decrease in the amount of cell growth over contact time. The content of 100 wt% AgNO₃ could reduce E. coli and S. aureus up to 64.72% and 58.90%, respectively, when samples were maintained for 24 h. This study provides a scientific understanding of how Ag-doped ZnO could facilitate the development of eventual rubber foam products based on the respective results. Full article

The global market for tires is ever-growing, and partially replacing sand with crumb rubber (CR) as fine aggregates in concrete could reduce environmental pollution. However, the main barrier to the complete usage of recycled tire crumbs in construction is the deterioration effect of CR on the mechanical properties of cement-based composites. Therefore, this paper attempts to improve the fresh and hardened properties of crumb rubber mortar (CRM) by incorporating polypropylene-polyethylene synthetic fibers with coconut and kenaf natural fibers as reinforcements. A total of 18 mix designs were developed with varying fiber combinations and rubber crumb replacement. Subsequently, parametric studies with chemical admixture were conducted at 3, 7, and 28 days to improve the flowability and resulting mechanical properties of the fiber-reinforced CRM. According to the results, the single and hybrid fibers positively improved the mechanical properties of cement mortar at 5–15% CR replacement. It can be concluded that adding single and hybrid fibers enhanced the performance of cement mortar modified with tire crumb rubber aggregates by providing varying degrees of improvement. Full article

Natural rubber is mainly dependent on import in China, its domestic market price is influenced by the Natural Rubber Customs Declaration Price (NRCDP). Considering the fluctuating properties of the NRCDP, a method of the NRCDP based on Wavelet and the optimized Back Propagation (BP) neural network Group using a Genetic Algorithm (W-GA-BPG) is proposed. First, an NRCDP dataset is established based on the original Customs Declaration Price (CDP) dataset collected by Qingdao Customs, in which the commodity types are selected consistently according to the sampling intervals, and the features are deleted if they are less affected by the fluctuation of NRCDP. Secondly, the selected features in NRCDP are decomposed using wavelet transform to obtain a group of feature sequences with different scales. Then, a Group of BP neural networks (BPG) optimized by Genetic Algorithm (GA) is used to predict multiple decomposition sub-sequences, respectively. Finally, the predicted values are obtained through wavelet reconstruction. Combined with the NRCDP dataset, the W-GA-BPG model is established by comparing and analyzing experiments by evaluating the Mean Square Error (MSE) and determination coefficient of the prediction results. The MSE and determination coefficient predicted using the proposed model are 0.0043 and 0.9302, respectively, which is the best prediction effect. Full article