Spacecraft surgical scrub system

Ease of handling and control in zero gravity and minimizing the quantity of water required were prime considerations. The program tasks include the selection of biocidal agent from among the variety used for surgical scrub, formulation of a dispensing system, test, and delivery of flight dispensers. The choice of an iodophore was based on effectiveness on single applications, general familiarity among surgeons, and previous qualification for space use. The delivery system was a choice between the squeeze foamer system and impregnated polyurethane foam pads. The impregnated foam pad was recommended because it is a simpler system since the squeeze foamer requires some applicator to effectively clean the skin surfaces, whereas the form pad is the applicator and agent combined. Testing demonstrated that both systems are effective for use as surgical scrubs

Vicia incisa (Fabaceae). Taxonomical and chorological notes

The classification of the Vicia sativa aggregate is unsatisfactory. Concerning the taxonomic value and choice of rank of some of these taxa, there are disagreements among botanists. Vicia incisa, which was originally described at species level, was mostly treated at subspecies rank of V. sativa. However, chemical and molecular data pointed out that this taxon, not only should be treated at species rank, but it should be removed from the group of V. sativa, being more related to V. barbazitae, V. grandiflora, and V. sepium. Based on morphometric measurements and cultivation tests, as well as nomenclatural investigations, the present research was carried out with the main aim to define the better taxonomic rank for the studied taxon. The results obtained support the published molecular data concerning both the recognition of the studied taxon at species level and the morphological similarity among V. incisa, V. barbazitae, V. grandiflora and V. sepium

Rediscovering the scientific and didactic value of minor herbarium collections: the seeds and fruits collection by Gustavo Bonaventura

Seeds and fruits collections are very important from a systematic point of view and represent useful references in several disciplines and research fields. The Herbarium of Sapienza University of Rome (RO) hosts a Spermoteque/Carpoteque, which was organized by Gustavo Bonaventura (1902-1976). The purpose of this paper is to describe the heritage of Bonaventura's collection. It consists of 42 wooden boxes, globally hosting 3411 glass tubes containing seeds, fruits, and other materials. The collection was first of all catalogued; then, analysis were conducted regarding taxonomic composition, temporal and geographic coverage, institutions of provenience, collectors, content, and preservation status. The specimens refer to 2740 taxa, belonging to 890 genera and 135 families. Many genera of agricultural interest are present, each one with different cultivars. The collection spans across 130 years (1843-1975) and hosts specimens coming from all over the world. Materials were provided by several herbaria, botanical gardens and agrarian institutes, and by 50 collectors. The Bonaventura's collection is still a useful reference collection, testifying biodiversity over times and thus being useful for diachronic studies; moreover, it documents the interests of collectors and the past network activity between institutions

The Mobile Monitoring of Particulate Matter through Wearable Sensors and Their Influence on Students\u27 Environmental Attitudes

While we have a comprehensive understanding of air pollutants, and their spatiotemporal characteristics across global, and even regional, scales, we are quite limited in our capacity to monitor neighborhood-scale emissions. The mobile monitoring of air pollution is a growing field, prospectively filling in these gaps while personalizing air quality-based tools and risk assessment. In the present study, we developed wearable sensors for particulate matter (PM); and through a citizen science approach, students of partnering Chicago schools monitored PM concentrations throughout their commutes over a five-day period. While their recorded findings would be used to explore the relationship between PM concentrations and urban vegetation, we were also interested in the degree to which mobile monitoring influenced their environmental attitudes. PM readings were processed as GIS point features across 8 survey sites, while urban vegetation was determined through a true normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) using Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS satellite imagery. As expected, our linear regression indicated a negative correlation between PM and vegetation. Survey responses were scored on the basis of their environmental affinity. Although there was no significant difference between cumulative pre- and post-survey responses, changes within certain attitude-based subcategories may possibly suggest that students were inclined to practice more sustainable behaviors, but perhaps, lacked the resources to do so. Further research on the social and environmental implications of mobile monitoring may improve our capacity to collect, model, and interpret air quality in the city; and do so in a way that promotes a political discourse around these issues

Space Shuttle Orbiter waste collection system conceptual study

The analyses and studies conducted to develop a recommended design concept for a new fecal collection system that can be retrofited into the space shuttle vehicle to replace the existing troublesome system which has had limited success in use are summarized. The concept selected is a cartridge compactor fecal collection subsystem which utilizes an airflow collection mode combined with a mechanical compaction and vacuum drying mode that satisfies the shuttle requirements with respect to size, weight, interfaces, and crew comments. A follow-on development program is recommended which is to result in flight test hardware retrofitable on a shuttle vehicle. This permits NASA to evaluate the system which has space station applicablity before committing production funds for the shuttle fleet and space station development

Spacecraft disinfectant/cleansing agent development

The sanitation agent container, which was selected in a trade off study, employs two chambers, a rigid outer container and an inner flexible bladder. The bladder contains the sanitation agent formulation and its release is controlled by a manually operated valve. The outer container holds a high pressure vapor. There is no void in the bladder which makes the package operation independent of orientation and therefore usable in zero gravity. Foam is developed by a low boiling point fluid or dissolved in the product. When the product is dispensed at atmospheric presure, the evolved gas or vapor whips up a goam in the valve. The sanitation agents were initially formulated with freons which produces an excellent foam. However freon is incompatible with the life support system and was replaced with carbon dioxide dissolved at high pressure. The CO2 system may limit high temperature exposure to prevent leakage or package distortion. The sanitation agents have been shown to be effective in cleaning soils from personnel and material