No abstract

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been used to investigate template binding at sites in theophylline-imprinted poly-[N-(N-propyl) acrylamide] particles. At concentrations as low as 10(-6) M theophylline, particle swelling is detected as a shift in the angle of minimum reflectance. The binding constant of theophylline estimated from the inflection point of the theophylline calibration curve is approximately 10,000. The imprinted polymer particles do not respond to caffeine or theobromine (which differs from theophylline by a single methyl group) at concentrations as high as 10(-2) M. Full-scale response of the imprinted polymer particles to theophylline (template) occurs in less than 15 minutes, and swelling is reversible. The immobilized imprinted polymer particles can undergo approximately 20 to 25 swelling and shrinking cycles before there is significant loss in functionality. A unique aspect of these imprinted polymer particles is that template binding causes the angle of minimum reflectance to decrease, not increase, in magnitude. Adsorption, which causes an increase in the angle of minimum reflectance, can be readily discriminated from template binding.

This study sought to explore the organizational culture and its impact on management in the context of Public Forest Sector institution in Kenya. It particularly considered the extent to which organizational culture influence strategic involvement of middle levels managers. The study was carried out using descriptive survey due to the levels of objectivity required and the ease to make comparisons between the effects of organizational culture on strategic involvement of middle level managers in the Public Forest Sector. Using quantitative data was necessary to determine whether any statistical relationship exist between the organizational culture profile and the involvement in the strategy process by middle level managers in the research organization. The targeted population was the middle level managers based at the organization's headquarter and field offices. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain a sample proportional to 10% of the population. Culture rating was found to be very accommodative to the employees. Furthermore, management is advised to find ways of encouraging team work and also incorporate and involve the employees in decision making to enhance the organizational culture of the institution. It has also been recommended that employees should be allowed to give feedback on management issues as part of fostering growth of culture. The study revealed that the management has maintained a good working environment by consistently giving opportunities to the employees to make their contribution with regard to decision making. Communication between workers and their immediate supervisors has also been found out to be good. In turn, this could lead to better output from employees.

For coated paperboard with large deformations, there is limited knowledge on the mechanisms that lead to coating damage and on the key properties that affect damage. Large deformations produce complex non-linear mechanical responses which often result in significant internal damage. The objective of this work was to establish methods to directly measure local deformation at a fold using a stereo digital image correlation (DIC) technique and a folding device designed in-house. This allowed monitoring of deformation from both cross-section and surface views, from which curvature and strain could be analyzed. This approach allowed observation and quantification of the initiation and propagation of damage. Testing showed that elastic estimation of deformation is valid only at very small curvatures but is still qualitatively useful. It was found that CD fold line shows a lower strain than MD fold line at a given curvature, but it ultimately reaches a higher level of surface strain. Additionally, localized maximum surface strain was shown to correlate better with surface damage at fold than the average surface strain. Furthermore, the introduced discontinuity index can provide a useful tool to compare surface damage at fold even for paperboard samples with different thicknesses.

This study sought to investigate the extent of employee skills, management styles and organizational culture on strategic plans implementation in middle level colleges in Kenya. The study involved 40 middle level colleges located within Thika sub-county, Kiambu County. The study adopted descriptive study design. The study population comprised of 400 personnel working in middle level colleges. A sample of 100 respondents was selected using simple random sampling in order to obtain data using questionnaires. The data collected were analysed using SPSS. The study revealed that the employees' skills and management style are vital in the strategic plans implementation. The results further revealed that the staff in the various units in the organizations had the proper skills to ensure the smooth implementation of strategic plans. Further, the findings indicated that the management offers support for the implementation of new strategic plans and that the organizational culture inhibits the introduction of new strategic plans implementation. This study is important in that it will guide the management of various middle level colleges in drafting and implementing strategic plans.