Flotation Performance, Structure-Activity Relationship and Adsorption Mechanism of O-Isopropyl-N-Ethyl Thionocarbamate Collector for Elemental Sulfur in a High-Sulfur Residue

O-isopropyl-N-ethyl thionocarbamate (IPETC) collector was used to selectively recover elemental sulfur from a high-sulfur residue, and its flotation performance, structure–property relationship and adsorption mechanism to elemental sulfur were studied. The raw ore flotation test showed that IPETC displayed superior flotation performance to the elemental sulfur compared with sodium ethyl xanthate (SEX) and ammonium dibutyl dithiophosphate (ADDTP) collectors. Pure mineral flotation and adsorption experiments further demonstrated that among the three collectors, IPETC had the strongest collecting power and the optimum selectivity towards elemental sulfur. The structure–property relationship research based on density functional theory (DFT) calculation supported the above conclusion. The adsorption mechanism analysis manifested that IPETC adsorption on elemental sulfur surface was a chemical process by separately generating normal covalent bond between carbonyl S atom and S atom and a backdonation covalent bond between O atom and S atom, which was confirmed by the FTIR spectrum analysis result. IPETC exhibits excellent collecting ability and selectivity for elemental sulfur and therefore it has bright application prospects.

266 Fuzzy front-end studies: current state and future directions for new product development

Abstract266 fuzzy front-end (FFE) studies in the new product development (NPD) sector were examined. The studies were selected using a bibliometrics method, and chronologically and statistically examined with ten criteria divided into two dimensions. The first dimension is associated with overall attributes of the FFE, consisting of six criteria: the study taxonomy, model type, NPD speed, NPD attributes, model characteristic, and model structure. The second dimension is relevant to the FFE performance structure related to process parameters, comprised of four criteria: the FFE task, activity, performance method, and toolkit. In terms of those two dimensions, the paper looks at previous FFE studies to gain an understanding of features of each FFE study along with related knowledge and theories, as well as identification of evolution trends of FFE studies. Based on the identification, an FFE model development strategy for each criterion is formulated, and this paper proposes possible options for executing those strategies which exert influence on the form of the cluster network. The intention is for the database to be utilised as an overview of all existing FFE studies and allow specific FFE studies to be selected to examine FFE approaches.This paper provides FFE model development guidance on how to deal with the overall attributes and outcomes of the FFE which affect the entirety of the innovation process, and how to manage the performance structure related to process parameters.

Market Performance and Structure of Cucumber in Ibadan, Oyo State

Cucumber is an important vegetable due to its numerous health benefits. There are a number of empirical studies on the economics of production of the commodity, but there is insufficient information on marketing of the commodity. The study was therefore carried out to examine market performance, structure and constraints in cucumber marketing. Primary data was collected from 70 randomly selected actors in the supply chain (54 Retailers and 16 wholesalers). Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, net marketing margin, efficiency and Gini coefficient. Findings revealed that most of the retailers (70.4%) and wholesalers (81.3%) were male. Most of the retailers were within 31–40 years whereas majority of the wholesalers were within 41–50 years and all the marketers had secondary level of education (47.2%). Cucumber marketing was profitable at the wholesale and retail level both at the peak and lean season of cucumber production. Retailers sell an average of 159.8 kg and 83.8 kg weekly in the peak and lean season. Whereas wholesalers sell an average of 1,000 kg and 870 kg weekly in the peak and lean season respectively. Net margin at retail level was higher in the lean season (68.8/kg) compared to the peak season (46.6/kg). Similarly, at wholesale level, net marketing margin at the lean season was 17.5/kg and was higher than 6.3/kg obtained during the peak season. Marketing efficiency was greater than one for the wholesalers and retailers in both seasons. Gini coefficient of retailer was 0.32 and 0.36 for the peak and lean season indicating that the market was competitive. There was inequality in the wholesale market as indicated by the gini coefficient result. The most important constraint to cucumber marketing was perishability of the produce and price fluctuation. The study recommends improved sensitization on adequate post-harvest handling practices and storage to reduce the levels and consequences of the perishable nature of the commodity.

Bentuk dan Makna Pertunjukan Tari Renteng di Desa Saren, Nusa Penida, Klungkung, Bali

This article discusses the meaning of Renteng Dance in the Saren Village of Nusa Penida. In Bali, there are many ceremonial dances, but recently many people have created ceremonial dances inspired by the Renteng Dance. This study focuses on the forms and meanings of the Renteng Dance shown in Saren Village. Data collected through observation, documentation study, and interviews with informants were analyzed descriptively using aesthetic theory and reception. It can be concluded that the people of Saren Village performed the Renteng Dance in the form of tari lepas which is a dance performance without stories. This can be seen from the presentation, choreography, and the music accompanying the performance. Renteng dance is accompanied by Balinese gamelan Balaganjur music with a specific movement dance performance structure. Saren community members support this dance because it has meaning as an expression of faith, social concern, and the interest in ecological preservation.