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

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