In this study, the cost of working electrode was reduced greatly by replacing glassy carbon electrode (GCE) with 2B pencil. The pencil lead was modified with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for simultaneous and quantitative detection of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CT). The surface morphology of CNT-modified pencil electrode (PE-CNT) was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) whereas electron transfer properties were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). This electrode evinced an enhanced redox reversibility and superior electrocatalytic performance concerning HQ and CT. Consecutive concentration variation studies exhibited linearity in oxidation peak responses up to 300 μM for each of the analytes with a detection limit (S/N = 3) as low as 1.5 and 0.7 μM for HQ and CT, respectively. We proposed a possible mechanism for their sensitive detection. The developed sensor was successfully examined for real sample analysis with tap water and it exhibited a stable and reliable recovery data with high reproducibility. The cost of the 2B pencil is 1000 times lower than that of GCE. Thus, the 2B pencil can be a good alternative to GCE in electrochemical sensor fabrication due to its economic advantage.
An amperometric hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) biosensor was developed based on the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) onto gold nanoparticles (GNPs)-adsorbed conducting poly(brilliant cresyl blue) (PBCB) film. The modification process was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The effects of experimental parameters such as the concentration of the mediator (hydroquinone, HQ), pH of the solution, and the working potential were investigated for optimum analytical performance. In the presence of the mediator, the immobilized HRP showed an excellent electrocatalytic activity towards the reduction of H 2 O 2 . The linear dynamic range from 5 to 150 μM with the regression coefficient of 0.99 was obtained. The detection limit was calculated to be 0.5 μM based on a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The reproducibility and stability of the biosensor were studied, with satisfactory results. The biosensor performance was evaluated with respect to possible interferences and the application to real sample analysis.
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold: first, to identify a list of fashion attributes preferred by young Bangladeshi consumers while buying casual clothes; second, to test the applicability of Kano’s quality theory in the apparel industry; and, finally, to explore the differences in fashion priorities between male and female consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on primary data collected through a survey from 1,177 young consumers of urban Bangladesh. Structural equation modeling was used to develop the attribute index. Also, convergent and discriminant validity and construct reliability of the index were tested.
Findings
The study offers a four-dimensional 19-item index representing the desirable fashion attributes. This paper also confirms the applicability of Kano’s theory in the apparel industry. Results revealed that “well-designed casual attires” and “discount offers” are top-ranking attributes as perceived by both male and female consumers. However, there are differences in the preferences. Women prioritized irritation-free, durable and soft fabric, whereas men preferred attributes such as suitability of color and functionality in the workplace.
Practical implications
The findings of the study provide clothing suppliers of Bangladesh with information that may be utilized while preparing their options. For instance, as casual clothes are frequently worn and washed, a quality fabric that looks good even after several washes is highly recommended. Dress manufacturers need to offer colorful attires to women, whereas for men, more color options should be available. Casual clothes should be made in a way that they are acceptable in the community and workplace.
Originality/value
As research on exploring desirable fashion qualities in developing markets (especially in South Asian region) is rare, this study is contributing to the literature by offering validated apparel attribute index.
The poly(brilliant cresyl blue) (PBCB)-modified activated glassy carbon electrode (AGCE) shows the catalytic activity toward the oxidation of hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CT). The modified electrode can also separate the oxidation peaks of HQ and CT in their mixture, which is not possible with bare GCE. These properties of the modified electrode can be utilized to fabricate an electrochemical sensor for sensitive and simultaneous detection of HQ and CT. In this study, an attempt is made to control the sensitivity of the modified electrodes. This can be accomplished by simply changing the activation condition of the GCE during electropolymerization. GCE can be activated via one-step (applying only oxidation potential) and two-step (applying both oxidation and reduction potential) processes. When we change the activation condition from onestep to twosteps, a clear enhancement inpeak currents of HQ and CT is observed. This helps us to fabricate a highly sensitive electrochemical sensor for the simultaneous detection of HQ and CT. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation is carried out to explain the experimental data. The MD simulations provide the insight adsorption phenomena to clarify the reasons for higher signals of CT over HQ due to having meta-position –OH group in its structure.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.