Microbial biofilm studies of the environmental control and life support system water recovery test for Space Station Freedom

NASA is developing a water recovery system (WRS) for Space Station Freedom to reclaim human waste water for reuse by astronauts as hygiene or potable water. A water recovery test (WRT) currently in progress investigates the performance of a prototype of the WRS. Analysis of biofilm accumulation, the potential for microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) in the WRT, and studies of iodine disinfection of biofilm are reported. Analysis of WRT components indicated the presence of organic deposits and biofilms in selected tubing. Water samples for the WRT contained acid-producing and sulfate-reducing organisms implicated in corrosion processes. Corrosion of an aluminum alloy was accelerated in the presence of these water samples; however, stainless steel corrosion rates were not accelerated. Biofilm iodine sensitivity tests using an experimental laboratory scale recycled water system containing a microbial check valve (MCV) demonstrated that an iodine concentration of 1 to 2 mg/L was ineffective in eliminating microbial biofilm. For complete disinfection, an initial concentration of 16 mg/L was required, which was gradually reduced by the MCV over 4 to 8 hours to 1 to 2 mg/L. This treatment may be useful in controlling biofilm formation

Space Radiation Program Element Tissue Sharing Initiative

Over the years, a large number of animal experiments have been conducted at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory and other facilities under the support of the NASA Space Radiation Program Element (SRPE). Studies using rodents and other animal species to address the space radiation risks will remain a significant portion of the research portfolio of the Element. In order to maximize scientific return of the animal studies, SRPE is taking the initiative to promote tissue sharing among the scientists in the space radiation research community. This initiative is enthusiastically supported by the community members as voiced in the responses to a recent survey. For retrospective tissue samples, an online platform will be established for the PIs to post a list of the available samples, and to exchange information with the potential recipients. For future animal experiments, a tissue sharing policy is being developed by SRPE

Space Radiation Program Element Tissue Sharing Initiative

No abstract availabl

Determination of the Alignment between Information Systems and Marketing

This paper addresses the challenge of measuring alignment. Two different approaches are developed: one based on seven dimensions of strategic orientation; and one based on eight dimensions of market orientation. A formula is developed for the calculation of alignment. The formula is applied to a survey of 175 large New Zealand companies. Analyses of the results suggest overall similarity between the strategic orientation and market orientation approaches, yet with distinct differences which might impact on business performance

Ninth Circuit: The Gender Bias Task Force

In 1990, the federal courts of the Ninth Circuit began to examine the effects of gender on the business of the courts. The pioneering FinalReport of the Ninth Circuit Gender Bias Task Force1 was issued in July 1993 and the Ninth Circuit has worked to implement the task force\u27s recommendations for several years. To assist others setting forth on a similar journey, this article summarizes the circuit\u27s experience in undertaking a study of this magnitude and duration

An Overview of NASA's Risk of Cardiovascular Disease from Radiation Exposure

The association between high doses of radiation exposure and cardiovascular damage is well established. Patients that have undergone radiotherapy for primary cancers of the head and neck and mediastinal regions have shown increased risk of heart and vascular damage and long-term development of radiation-induced heart disease [1]. In addition, recent meta-analyses of epidemiological data from atomic bomb survivors and nuclear industry workers has also shown that acute and chronic radiation exposures is strongly correlated with an increased risk of circulatory disease at doses above 0.5 Sv [2]. However, these analyses are confounded for lower doses by lifestyle factors, such as drinking, smoking, and obesity. The types of radiation found in the space environment are significantly more damaging than those found on Earth and include galactic cosmic radiation (GCR), solar particle events (SPEs), and trapped protons and electrons. In addition to the low-LET data, only a few studies have examined the effects of heavy ion radiation on atherosclerosis, and at lower, space-relevant doses, the association between exposure and cardiovascular pathology is more varied and unclear. Understanding the qualitative differences in biological responses produced by GCR compared to Earth-based radiation is a major focus of space radiation research and is imperative for accurate risk assessment for long duration space missions. Other knowledge gaps for the risk of radiation-induced cardiovascular disease include the existence of a dose threshold, low dose rate effects, and potential synergies with other spaceflight stressors. The Space Radiation Program Element within NASA's Human Research Program (HRP) is managing the research and risk mitigation strategies for these knowledge gaps. In this presentation, we will review the evidence and present an overview of the HRP Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Other Degenerative Tissue Effects from Radiation Exposure

Analysis of Performance Degradation of Silica Gels After Extended Use Onboard the ISS

The disassembly of two flight desiccant beds from the Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) revealed significant discoloration of the silica gel near the bed inlet as well as a coincidental performance loss. This material was analyzed for the presence of chemical contaminants, physical porosity changes, and adsorption performance. The material characteristics are compared against the location in the bed from which they were sampled in order to develop profiles through the bed. Additional testing of the beds prior to disassembly provided more data points. Possible mechanisms for the loss of capacity are provided though no root cause has been confirmed. Extrapolation of the performance loss is used to estimate the required oversizing of the silica gel layer for long-term operation