Electrochemical determination of hydroquinone using hydrophobic ionic liquid-type carbon paste electrodes

Three types of carbon paste electrodes (CPEs) with different liquid binders were fabricated, and their electrochemical behavior was characterized via a potassium hexacyanoferrate(II) probe. 1-Octyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid (IL) as a hydrophobic conductive pasting binder showed better electrochemical performance compared with the commonly employed binder. The IL-contained CPEs demonstrated excellent electroactivity for oxidation of hydroquinone. A diffusion control mechanism was confirmed and the diffusion coefficient (D) of 5.05 × 10-4 cm2 s-1 was obtained. The hydrophobic IL-CPE is promising for the determination of hydroquinone in terms of high sensitivity, easy operation, and good durability

Steps in developing an advanced software engineering course using problem based learning

University graduates may struggle to convert the skills they have learnt in software engineering design principles to real-world situations such as would be found in industry. The traditional teaching practice of lectures and tutorials is not providing the context nor sufficient practice for students to develop the skills needed to solve real work problems. This paper investigates the use of Problem Based Learning (PBL) and its application to software engineering and distance education. Through a sound pedagogical approach the key skills of PBL (as endorsed by PBL practitioners, such as problem solving and independent learning) can be developed in the students as they are exposed to real world software engineering problems