Red Phase Research Articles

Polydiacetylene (PDA) based supramolecular gel upon coassembly with a bolaamphiphilic cogelator

Supramolecular gel systems provide an ideal platform for the study of conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA) in soft materials. Compared with the well studied amphiphiles, the bolaamphiphilic molecules received much less attention in the fabrication of supramolecular gels. It's a big challenge to develop bolaamphiphilic type cogelators with reasonable molecular structures for the preparation of PDA supramolecular gels. Herein, a novel bolaamphiphilic cogelator containing an imidazole group at both ends was designed and coassembled with commercially available diacetylene acid monomer at 1:2 molar ratio by multiple non‐covalent interactions. A white supramolecular gel was successfully prepared through the conventional heating‐cooling method and systematically characterized by 1H‐NMR, FT‐IR, XRD, SEM and rheology test. After UV irradiation, blue PDA was polymerized in the supramolecular gel system, as verified by UV‐Vis absorption and Raman spectroscopy. When heated to 55°C and 75°C, a successive blue‐to‐purple‐to‐red colorimetric transition was observed for the PDA supramolecular gel. Interestingly, after cooled to room temperature, the purple PDA could return to the original blue phase reversibly, while the red PDA remained in the red phase with an obvious fluorescence enhancement effect. This work would promote the investigation of bolaamphiphilic molecules as well as conjugated PDA in soft materials.

The K supergiant runaway star HD 137071

Context. Extensive work exists on runaway massive stars with peculiar motions that are much higher than those typical of the extreme Population I to which they belong. Work on runaways has focused almost exclusively on O and B stars, most of which undergo a red supergiant phase before ending their lives as supernovae. Very few examples are known of red supergiant runaways, all of which descend from the more massive O-type precursors, but none from the lower mass B-type precursors, although runaway statistics of B-type stars suggest that K-type runaways must be relatively numerous. Aims. We study HD 137071, a star that has so far been considered to be a normal K-type red giant. Its parallax measured by Gaia and the derived luminosity suggest that it is a supergiant, whereas its derived distance to the Galactic plane and its spatial velocity of 54.1 km s−1 with respect to the local standard of rest suggest that it is also a runaway star. However, intrinsic limitations in determining the trigonometric parallaxes of cool supergiants, even in the Gaia era, require accurate spectral classifications for confirmation. Methods. We present visible spectroscopy obtained with the 2.2m telescope at Calar Alto Observatory and compare it with the spectra of MK standard stars to produce an accurate spectral classification, including the determination of its luminosity class. We complement this information with astrometric data from the Gaia DR2 catalog. Results. We reliably classify HD 137071 as a K4II star and establish its membership to the extreme Population I. This agrees with the luminosity derived using the Gaia DR2 parallax measurement. Kinematical data from the Gaia DR2 catalog confirm its high spatial velocity and runaway nature. By combining the spectral classification with astrometric information, recent Galactic potential models, and evolutionary models for high-mass stars, we trace the motion of HD 137071 back to the proximities of the Galactic plane and speculate which of the two proposed mechanisms for the production of runaway stars may be responsible for the high velocity of HD 137071. The available data favor the formation of HD 137071 in a massive binary system where the more massive companion underwent a supernova explosion about 32 Myr ago.

Smart Method for Carotenoids Characterization in Haematococcus pluvialis red phase and Evaluation of Astaxanthin Thermal Stability.

Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae is a promising source of astaxanthin, an excellent antioxidant carotenoid. H. pluvialis, as well as other species, could find more extensive applications as healthy food for a variegated carotenoids composition in addition to astaxanthin. Official method has not currently been used for this purpose. The objective of this work was to propose a method to characterize carotenoids in H. pluvialis after the comparison between spectrophotometric and liquid chromatography analysis. In addition, in order to improve the use of astaxanthin in the food industry, thermal stability was investigated. In this context, the effect of temperature at 40–80 °C, over a 16 h storage period was tested on astaxanthin produced by H. pluvialis. A further test was carried out at room temperature (20 °C) for seven days. A decrease in the astaxanthin concentration was observed at all tested temperatures with a decrease >50% of all-trans isomer at 80 °C after 16 h and an increase of 9-cis and 13-cis isomers. In conclusion, the obtained results showed the importance of evaluating the degradation effect of temperature on astaxanthin used as a food additive for a future greater enhancement of this bioproduct in the food field.

Determining the size of the helium core of KIC 9970396 using asteroseismology: a red giant approaching the red giant bump

ABSTRACT Mixed modes are less affected by the surface effect and carry internal information of a star. Asteroseismic modelling of mixed modes can constrain the size of the helium core of a star. Previous work has shown that the evolution stage of KIC 9970396 may be near the red giant bump phase, which is one of the most interesting regions in the red giant evolution stage. It is known that there is a clear relation between the core and mass luminosity, following homological principles on the low-luminosity giant branch. Our aim in this paper is to determine the size of the helium core and constrain the internal structure of the star. Our approach is first to identify the most p-dominated frequencies in the observational mixed modes. The calculated frequencies are then fitted to the observational frequencies, which we choose not to correct for surface effect offsets. We have computed a grid of theoretical models to fit the l = 1 modes of KIC 9970396. The size of the helium core of KIC 9970396 is determined to be MHe = 0.229 ± 0.001 M⊙ and RHe = 0.03055 ± 0.00015 R⊙. The best-fitting model shows that KIC 9970396 is undergoing a stage that is between the first dredge-up event and the red giant bump. Compared with the results of our model, the previous core–mass luminosity relation overestimates the helium core mass by 0.009 M⊙ when the stellar luminosity of a red giant star is known.

Theoretical investigation of the Humphreys–Davidson limit at high and low metallicity

Context. Current massive star evolution grids are not able to simultaneously reproduce the empirical upper luminosity limit of red supergiants, the Humphrey–Davidson (HD) limit, nor the blue-to-red (B/R) supergiant ratio at high and low metallicity. Although previous studies have shown that the treatment of convection and semi-convection plays a role in the post-main-sequence (MS) evolution to blue or red supergiants (RSGs), a unified treatment for all metallicities has not been achieved so far. Aims. We focus on developing a better understanding of what drives massive star evolution to blue and red supergiant phases, with the ultimate aim of reproducing the HD limit at varied metallicities. We discuss the consequences of classifying B and R in the B/R ratio and clarify what is required to quantify a relatable theoretical B/R ratio for comparison with observations. Methods. For solar, Large Magellanic Cloud (50% solar), and Small Magellanic Cloud (20% solar) metallicities, we develop eight grids of MESA models for the mass range 20–60 M⊙ to probe the effect of semi-convection and overshooting on the core helium-burning phase. We compare rotating and non-rotating models with efficient (αsemi = 100) and inefficient semi-convection (αsemi = 0.1), with high and low amounts of core overshooting (αov of 0.1 or 0.5). The red and blue supergiant evolutionary phases are investigated by comparing the fraction of core He-burning lifetimes spent in each phase for a range of masses and metallicities. Results. We find that the extension of the convective core by overshooting αov = 0.5 has an effect on the post-MS evolution that can disable semi-convection, leading to more RSGs, but a lack of BSGs. We therefore implement αov = 0.1, which switches on semi-convective mixing, but for standard αsemi = 1 would result in an HD limit that is higher than observed at low Z (Large and Small Magellanic Clouds). Therefore, we need to implement very efficient semi-convection of αsemi = 100, which reproduces the HD limit at log L/L⊙ ∼ 5.5 for the Magellanic Clouds while simultaneously reproducing the Galactic HD limit of log L/L⊙ ∼ 5.8 naturally. The effect of semi-convection is not active at high metallicities because the envelope structure is depleted by strong mass loss such that semi-convective regions could not form. Conclusions. Metallicity-dependent mass loss plays an indirect, yet decisive role in setting the HD limit as a function of Z. For a combination of efficient semi-convection and low overshooting with standard Ṁ(Z), we find a natural HD limit at all metallicities.

I INSEKTA PENGUNJUNG CABAI MERAH (Capsicum annuum L.) DAN SUMBANGSIHNYA PADA MATERI INSEKTA KELAS X SMA/MA

The aims of this research to find out the kind of insects that visited red chili inblooming phase to be used a validity of teaching material. This research isdevelopment research by descriptive with the method of collecting insects thatvisited red chili and development research with 4D models that modifiy fromThiagarajan et al., (1975), arrive developt phase which is expert judge. Thedata was processing and analyzed with qualitatively and descriptive. Basedon the research from type of goer insects, it was found there are 14 species.With results from development research was found criteria very valid(83,1%). Related to this research it can be concluded that types of goerinsects for red chili which contribute to atlas in role of insects for plantstopics is reasonable.

Evaluation of Pedestrian Behavior on Mid-block Crosswalks: A Case Study in Fortaleza—Brazil

In urban streets, pedestrians compete with vehicles for right-of-way. In some situations, it may be very challenging for pedestrians to deal with complex, sometimes hostile, traffic conflicts, especially in urban areas. This paper provides an exploratory analysis of pedestrian behavior on four types of mid-blocks crossing facilities in the city of Fortaleza, Brazil. The analysis was based on descriptive statistics and logistic regression models of variables related to signal control, facilities, and pedestrian characteristics and behavior. The models considered the following binary variables: (i) crossing vs no crossing while pedestrian red phase; (ii) driver yielded vs did not yield while pedestrian crossing; (iii) normal vs aggressive/risked pedestrian behavior while crossing. A total of 2,400 crossings were considered in this study. The results showed that, in general, the increase of traffic demand is related to easier crossings. Moreover, the presence of raised crosswalks increased in about 20 times the number of drivers that yielded to pedestrians in comparison to the only-marked site. As well as the implementation of mechanisms that help the performance of crossings, like raised platforms or traffic signals, reduced considerably the number of aggressive/risked crossings.

Acquisition of Current and Vibration Data for Rewound Burnt Three-Phase Induction Motor

Induction motors are used in the industries for various applications because they are reliable and rugged. However, late detection of faults and inappropriate maintenance of the machine often leads to damage of the windings which results in production losses and outright replacement. This study presents the use of a data acquisition system (DAS) to acquire current and vibration data of re-designed and re-wound burnt three-phase induction motor for the purpose of the motor faults analysis. The designed number of turns per pole per phase is 253 turns which were distributed in four slots per phase at 64, 63, 63 and 63 turns respectively. The DAS developed was used to acquire the current and vibration data at both normal and fault conditions through tapings prepared for the purpose. The average value of normal current data in the red, yellow and blue phases from the sampled data are 3.4 A, 3.1 A and 2.7A respectively. The average currents during short circuit between phase A and phase B are 11.3 A and 12.2 A respectively while vibration fault data stands at 1.62. Also, for the inter-turn short circuit in phase A, the average value of the currents in the phases are 12.1A, 3.1A and 2.7A respectively. The Mean Square Error value of the acquired and measured data is 0.00002.Keywords: three-phase induction motor, data acquisition system, stator winding design, microcontroller

Study of polydiacetylenes and rhodamine-800 mixed film at air–water interface and onto solid support: Trace of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)

Here, we report the mixing behaviour of diacetylene monomer 10, 12-tricosadiynoic acid (TCDA) and rhodamine-800 (Rh8) using Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) technique. The presence of Rh8 affected the structures, phase behaviour as well as colorimetric properties of TCDA in the mixed films at air–water interface and onto solid support. The mixed LB films having TCDA molefraction ≥ 0.5 leads to multilayer formation, whereas multilayer formation was hardly observed for the films containing TCDA molefraction less than 0.5. It was observed that polymerization as well as phase change (blue to red) was possible only for multilayered films. Brewster angle microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and fluorescence inverted microscopy studies confirmed the formation of definite structures in the polymerized TCDA/Rh8 mixed films at air–water interface and onto solid support. Structure of TCDA polymer strands was largely influenced by the presence of Rh8 in the mixed films. Interestingly, energy transfer occurred from TCDA in red phase to Rh8 in the mixed films with TCDA molefraction greater than 0.4. Maximum energy transfer efficiency was found to be 47.3% for the mixed LB film with TCDA molefraction 0.9.

Analysing drivers’ stop and go decisions in dilemma zones at signalised intersections

Drivers usually experience dilemmas in stopping or crossing at the end of a green phase or the first seconds of a red phase. These decisions could be the function of drivers’ behaviour. The severity of drivers’ behaviour while crossing intersections can be related to different factors such as traffic, environment and geometric conditions of the intersection. The primary objective of this study is to identify and analyse drivers’ behaviour while crossing signalised intersections. The required data were collected from four signalised intersections in Qazvin, Iran using video surveillance cameras in peak and off-peak hours and also in rainy and sunny weather conditions. More than 700 samples were observed, and drivers’ crossing behaviours were analysed using ordered and multinomial logit models after the onset of each yellow phase. The results showed that the speed of drivers who crossed during red and yellow phases was 39% and 13%, respectively, greater than drivers who stopped at this interval. The results indicated that the waiting time and the traffic volume at each red phase increase the driver's go decision when crossing the intersection. Furthermore, it was found that, in more congested conditions, the likelihood of crossing at yellow and red phases increases.

Effect of stimuli-responsive polydiacetylene on the crystallization and mechanical properties of PVDF nanofibers

To improve the β-phase content of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), diacetylene (DA) monomers were embedded in PVDF nanofibers. The PVDF/DA nanofiber membranes were fabricated using the electrospinning technique and polymerized to form polydiacetylene (PDA) after UV irradiation. In this study, the effect of PDA on the crystalline structure of PVDF nanofibers was examined and compared with cast films. The nanofiber morphology was assessed by SEM, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and wide-angle X-ray diffraction were performed to characterize the crystallinity behavior. The mechanical properties and crystal polymorphism of the electrospun PVDF/DA nanofibers were also studied before irradiation, after irradiation and after colorimetric transition induced by the heat treatment. The results showed that the addition of PDA can effectively improve β-phase crystalline PVDF in both the as-cast film and the electrospun nanofibers which is greater in the latter. The electrospun PVDF/DA nanofibers after UV irradiation exhibit greater intensity of β-phase in comparison with those before irradiation. Furthermore, the fraction of β-phase decreased when the blue phase of the PVDF–PDA nanofibers undergoes a heat-induced thermochromic transition to a red phase. The tensile strength and elongation at break as well as the tensile modulus were notably improved after heat treatment of the electrospun PVDF–PDA nanofibers.

Asteroseismology of evolved stars to constrain the internal transport of angular momentum

Context. Asteroseismic observations enable the characterisation of the internal rotation of evolved stars. These measurements reveal that an unknown efficient angular momentum (AM) transport mechanism is needed for subgiant and red giant stars in addition to hydrodynamic transport processes. A revised prescription for AM transport by the magnetic Tayler instability has been recently proposed as a possible candidate for such a missing mechanism. Aims. We compare the rotational properties predicted by this magnetic AM transport to asteroseismic constraints obtained for evolved stars with a particular focus on the subgiant phase. Methods. We computed models accounting for the recent prescription for AM transport by the Tayler instability with the Geneva stellar evolution code for subgiant and red giant stars, for which an asteroseismic determination of both core and surface rotation rates is available. Results. The revised prescription for the transport by the Tayler instability leads to low core rotation rates after the main sequence that are in better global agreement with asteroseismic measurements than those predicted by models with purely hydrodynamic processes or with the original Tayler-Spruit dynamo. A detailed comparison with asteroseismic data shows that the rotational properties of at most two of the six subgiants can be correctly reproduced by models accounting for this revised magnetic transport process. This result is obtained independently of the value adopted for the calibration parameter in this prescription. We also find that this transport by the Tayler instability faces difficulties in simultaneously reproducing asteroseismic measurements available for subgiant and red giant stars. The low values of the calibration parameter needed to correctly reproduce the rotational properties of two of the six subgiants lead to core rotation rates during the red giant phase that are too high. Inversely, the higher values of this parameter needed to reproduce the core rotation rates of red giants lead to a very low degree of radial differential rotation before the red giant phase, which is in contradiction with the internal rotation of subgiant stars. Conclusions. In its present form, the revised prescription for the transport by the Tayler instability does not provide a complete solution to the missing AM transport revealed by asteroseismology of evolved stars.

Searching for low-mass companions around white dwarfs and subdwarfs from Kepler field

AbstractKnowing the late stages of the stellar evolution is crucial for understanding the fate of planets around subdwarfs and white dwarfs. Simulations by (Staff et al.2016) show, that exoplanets engulfed in the extending stellar envelope will quickly spiral down onto the parent star. Therefore, we do not expect to find planets on close by orbits to the subdwarfs (Blokesz et al.2019) or white dwarfs. However, the recent observation of planetary debris around WD 1145+017 white dwarf suggests, there might exists planets farther away from these stars. Using binarograms, O-C diagrams and Fourier transform for the Kepler space telescope data, we investigate a problem of missing planets around white dwarfs in binary systems, single white dwarfs and subdwarfs type B. The last ones, being the only stars which (due to the lack of hydrogen) go directly to the white dwarf cooling track after their red giant phase.

Polydiacetylene and imidazole mixed self-standing films for colorimetric detection of various volatile organic analytes

Polydiacetylens (PDAs) have attracted great attention for application in sensing field due to their unique fluorescence and colorimetric properties. Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) are important class of polymer that exists in two distinct phases namely metastable, non-fluorescent blue phase and stable, auto-fluorescent red phase under specific conditions. PDA is obtained through polymerization of diacetylene (DA) monomers, typically using UV irradiation that leads to photopolymerization of the diacetylene lipids. Herein, the diacetylene monomer 10, 12-tricosadiynoic acid (TCDA) and N-1-hexadecyl Imidazole have been used to prepare mixed films onto a filter paper surface using the self-standing technique and then polymerizes the mixed films to get blue phase by UV irradiation. The PDA and N-1-hexadecyl Imidazole mixed films in the blue phase exhibit rapid colorimetric/fluorescence response upon exposure to various volatile organic analytes. The colorimetric and fluorogenic responses of TCDA and N-1-hexadecyl Imidazole mixed films were investigated by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, inverting fluorescence microscopy and RGB analysis. This study demonstrates that PDA and N-1-hexadecyl Imidazole mixed films can be a used for detection of various volatile organic analytes even in naked eye.

Studi Perancangan Ruang Henti Khusus (RHK) Sepeda Motor Di Simpang Bersinyal (Studi Kasus Simpang Tugu Pecel, Simpang Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) Kartini Dan Simpang Diponegoro Di Kota Madiun)

The growth of motorcycle in Indonesia increased rapidly and is the most common vehicle on the highway, especially at a crossroads in the city of Madiun. As a result, there is often an accumulation of irregular motorcycle and breaking traffic at the junction in the red phase. This is indicated by motorcycle reaching more than 30 motorcycle at the junction in the red phase. That inflic the a conflicts that affect the movement of other vehicle. Related with this problem, to reduce the occurrence of conflict, needed traffic engineering by providing facility Advance Stop Lines (ASLs) at the Signed Intersection which is intended so that vehicle can exit from Intersection regularly and reduce the accidents at the Signed Intersection. The purpose of this research is knowing the Level Of Service (LOS) and determine the desain of Advance Stop Lines (ASLs) at Signed Intersection with research area is the Tugu Pecel Intersection, Ruang Terbuka Hijau Intersetion and Diponegoro Intersection in Madiun City. The method used in this research is the Indonesian Road Capacity Manual (MKJI,1997). The Level of Service (LOS) in existing condition is at Tugu Pecel Intersection is A (very good), at the RTH Kartini Intersection is E (bad) and Diponegoro Intersection is F (very bad). Design of Advance Stop Lines at the north approaching Tugu Pecel Intersection is 2 lanes with approach lanes (10,00 m × 1,00 m) and with an area of 6,75 m × 4,66 m, at the east approach of RTH Kartini Intersection is 2 lane with approach lanes (7,00 m × 1,00 m) and the area of 5,25 m ×4,66 m and the north Diponegoro Intersection are 2 aprroaching lanes with aprroac lanes (10,00 m ×1,00 m) and area 4,50 m ×4,66 m, south approach 2 lanes with approach lanes (7,00 m ×1,00 m) and area 4,50 m ×4,66 m, east approach is 2 lanes with approach lanes (9,50 m × 1,00m) and an area of 5,50 m ×4,66 m, the western approach is 2 lanes with approach lanes (7,00 m ×1,00 m) and an area 5,50 m ×4,66 m.

Multi-Agent Based Traffic Signal Optimization under Fully Actuated Control

This paper presents a multi-agent based distributed traffic control model to optimize the traffic signal for multiple intersections. Previous works in the area of traffic signal control suffer from a number of inadequacies, including the use of fixed cycle length, centralized mode of operations and dependency on historical data. Considering these, the aim of this work is to control the traffic signal timings by adjusting the phase sequence in order to minimize the delay in traffic at the intersections. To model the traffic network, a three-tier multi-agent system has been adopted in distributed mode. In addition, a fully actuated signal control algorithm is designed and it utilizes state-space equations to formulate the queue length at the green light phase and red light phase. The proposed model is simulated with SUMO simulator and a comparative analysis has been made between adaptive control method, multi-agent method based on collective learning and multi-agent based fully actuated control method on a similar platform. The results spectacle the proposed traffic control model outperforms that of other existing control methods in all condition; hence it can be deployed to control the tremendous traffic on the road network and to optimize the traffic signal in more effective manner.

ENHANCED MASS LOSS RATES IN RED SUPERGIANTS AND THEIR IMPACT ON THE CIRCUMSTELLAR MEDIUM

In this work, we present models of massive stars between 15 and 23 M⊙ , with enhanced mass loss rates during the red supergiant phase. Our aim is to explore the impact of extreme red supergiant mass-loss on stellar evolution and on their circumstellar medium. We computed a set of numerical experiments, on the evolution of single stars with initial masses of 15, 18, 20 and, 23 M⊙ , and solar composition (Z = 0.014), using the numerical stellar code BEC. From these evolutionary models, we obtained time-dependent stellar wind parameters, that were used explicitly as inner boundary conditions in the hydrodynamical code ZEUS-3D, which simulates the gas dynamics in the circumstellar medium (CSM), thus coupling the stellar evolution to the dynamics of the CSM. We found that stars with extreme mass loss in the RSG phase behave as a larger mass stars.

Predicting gene expression in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum using histone modification, nucleosome positioning, and 3D localization features.

Empirical evidence suggests that the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum employs a broad range of mechanisms to regulate gene transcription throughout the organism’s complex life cycle. To better understand this regulatory machinery, we assembled a rich collection of genomic and epigenomic data sets, including information about transcription factor (TF) binding motifs, patterns of covalent histone modifications, nucleosome occupancy, GC content, and global 3D genome architecture. We used these data to train machine learning models to discriminate between high-expression and low-expression genes, focusing on three distinct stages of the red blood cell phase of the Plasmodium life cycle. Our results highlight the importance of histone modifications and 3D chromatin architecture in Plasmodium transcriptional regulation and suggest that AP2 transcription factors may play a limited regulatory role, perhaps operating in conjunction with epigenetic factors.

Nitrogen dynamics and leaching potential under conventional and alternative potato rotations in Atlantic Canada

Elevated nitrate levels in surface and ground waters on Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, are of concerns for both drinking water quality and aquatic habitat protection. These elevated nitrate levels have been closely linked to excessive nitrogen (N) leaching from land under intensive potato production. An improved understanding of the effects of conventional and alternative potato rotation systems and associated rotation crops on N leaching and potato tuber yield is needed to inform if the alternative rotation can impose less impact on water quality while maintaining the economic viability. We contrasted two field based, 3-year potato-based rotations: a potato-barley-red clover (PBC) rotation (conventional), and a potato-soybean-barley (PSB) rotation (alternative), from 2014 to 2017. Crop tissue N accumulation, soil mineral N and N concentrations in soil leachate were measured during the experimental period for assessing N dynamics and potential N leaching loss from the two systems. On a rotation basis, soil mineral N and N concentrations in leachate under the PBC rotation were significantly higher when compared with the PSB rotation after the planting of red clover. The overall N utilization efficiency of the PSB rotation was 1.6 times to that of the PBC rotation. Due to the high N surplus during the red clover and potato phase, total N surplus of the PBC rotation across the 3 years was significantly higher than that of the PSB rotation. A strong positive correlation was found between nitrogen surplus and average seasonal leachate nitrate concentration. On rotation crop level, potato and red clover phases produced most of the potential N leaching loss during the rotation cycles. The red clover phase accumulated the largest amount of N and produced the largest amount of N loss when compared with other rotation crops. Nitrogen leaching occurred primarily in the non-growing season, with different rotation crops demonstrating different leaching patterns. In the potato phase, N leaching occurred primarily between October and late December. Nitrogen leaching sourced from the red clover spanned a long-lasting process: the high mineralization rate and extended mineralization period of the residue led to carry-over of N leaching into the subsequent growing season. In addition, potato yield following the PSB rotation was 13.4% higher than the PBC rotation in 2017. These data suggested that the alternative PSB rotation could increase potato yields while reducing N leaching compared to the conventional PBC rotation.

Effectiveness of humanitarian logistics training

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of humanitarian logistics training for the Finnish Red Cross (FRC) Emergency Response Unit (ERU) delegates, and the factors that influence its success. The managerial purpose of this research is to support the FRC in improving their Logistics ERU Foundation training. Additionally, this research provides humanitarian organisations, engaged in emergency response efforts, insights for logistics training design.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study examining the FRC, with qualitative data being collected in a field study, utilising participant observation and in-context interview techniques for rich data collection.FindingsThis research evaluated the effectiveness of the Logistics ERU Foundation training of the FRC by adapting the four-level training evaluation model by Kirkpatrick and transfer of training theories. The research has contributed to Gralla et al.’s (2015) call for further research in evaluating what people learn from humanitarian logistics trainings and in documenting and sharing experiences with specific training programs.Practical implicationsThe conceptual framework serves as a basis for exploratory qualitative investigation of training transfer, from the perspectives of trainees, facilitators and human resource personnel.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the humanitarian community by identifying gaps in Red Cross Logistics ERU training and to the development of curricula content relating to Red Cross logistics response phase operations. Additionally, this gives other humanitarian organisations, operating in the response phase of natural disasters, insights for logistics training design.