THE MITRA‐WAN FORESTRY MODEL: A DISCRETE‐TIME OPTIMAL CONTROL PROBLEM

In this paper, we present some new properties of the Mitra‐Wan forestry model written as a discrete‐time optimal control problem. For this problem, the set of stationary states is characterized. For the optimal long‐run management, we consider the following optimality criteria: average optimality, good control policies, bias optimality, and overtaking optimality. We establish relationships between these criteria and show that the value of average optimal policies is constant and equals the value in the optimal stationary state.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 2,2’‐bibenzo[d]thiazole: Synthesis,characterisation and biological studies

Benzothiazole moiety has gained a lot of attention because of its importance as essential pharmacophore in the development of metal based drugs. Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of a benzothiazole based ligand, 2,2’‐bibenzo[d]thiazole (L¹), synthesized by the reaction of benzothiazole‐2‐carbonylchloride and o‐aminothiophenol, is reported. The compounds were characterised by elemental and percentage metal analyses, spectroscopic (FTIR and UV–vis), ¹H and ¹³C NMR, Mass spectra, thermal, magnetic moment and molar conductance analyses. The mass spectra, elemental and percentage metal composition of the metal complexes gave a 2:1 ligand to metal stoichiometric mole ratio. The spectral data showed that the ligand was coordinated to the metal ions through the nitrogen atoms of the benzothiazole moiety. The electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements showed that the nickel and copper complexes adopted square planar geometries. The ligand and its metal(II) complexes were screened against some drug resistant microbes and were found to exhibit varied degree of antimicrobial activities. The nickel complex was more active compared to ciprofloxacin against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus. Similarly, the antioxidant potential of the ligand was evaluated. The ligand is a better ferrous ion chelating agent compared to 1,10‐phenanthroline and 2,2‐bipyridine. The ligand and its complexes exhibited good antimicrobial and Fe²⁺ chelating properties making them probable compounds of interest in antibiotic and antioxidant drug researches.     

Sampling, sample treatment and quality assurance issues for the determination of phosphorus species in natural waters and soils

Phosphorus is an important macronutrient and the accurate determination of phosphorus species in environmental matrices such as natural waters and soils is essential for understanding the biogeochemical cycling of the element, studying its role in ecosystem health and monitoring compliance with legislation. This paper provides a critical review of sample collection, storage and treatment procedures for the determination of phosphorus species in environmental matrices. Issues such as phosphorus speciation, the molybdenum blue method, digestion procedures for organic phosphorus species, choice of model compounds for analytical studies, quality assurance and the availability of environmental CRMs for phosphate are also discussed in detail.