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Soil microbiome: a potential biological control for Fusarium Wilt in cotton.
No full textFusarium wilt race 4 (FOV4) poses a significant danger to cotton production due to its ability to inflict severe yield losses. This study focuses on the comparison of soils collected from cotton fields with high and low FOV4 infestations to analyze the impact of soil microbes and their chemical properties on FOV4 resistance. In this research, we found some distinct differences in microbial communities and soil chemistry, which implies that some microbes may aid in the suppression of the disease. Differences in elemental composition suggest that soil nutrients may have some impact on specific microbial populations and their participation in plant defense. The results of this study enhance our understanding of the role of soil health in disease resistance while providing new perspectives on microbiome-based approaches for FOV4 management. These plant-microbe relationships warrant further exploration to facilitate more effective breeding of cotton varieties and for the sustainable management of plant diseases.
Analysis of the rhizosphere microbiome revealed notable differences in the associated bacterial communities of resistant and sensitive cotton genotypes. Resistant genotypes maintained a stable microbial composition, which was primarily comprised of Proteobacteria, a phylum with plant-beneficial features such as nutrient uptake, pathogen inhibition, and induction of systemic resistance within the plants. On the other hand, sensitive genotypes, mostly Barbadense varieties, showed a reduction in microbial diversity, which disturbed the balance and could predispose the plants to Fusarium infections.
These results illustrate the role of the structure of the microbial community in soil suppressiveness to Fusarium wilt. The presence of beneficial fungi and bacteria suggests that improving these microbial communities may be leveraged as an effective biological control strategy. Further research can be directed towards functional profiling of the suggested beneficial microbial communities to apply them in soil microbiome engineering towards effective and sustainable disease management
NASA Advanced Space Suit Pressure Garment System Status and Development Priorities 2025
No full textShane M. McFarland, Aegis Aerospace / KBR HHPC / NASA Johnson Space Center(JSC), United StatesDonald H. Campbell, II, KBR HHPC / NASA Johnson Space Center(JSC), United StatesRichard A. Rhodes, NASA Johnson Space Center(JSC), United StatesICES400: Extravehicular Activity: Space SuitsThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.This paper discusses the current focus of NASA’s Advanced
Space Suit Pressure Garment team’s efforts, the status of
that work, and a summary of longer term technology
development priorities and activities. This paper documents
the various tests executed with the Exploration
Extra-vehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) over the past year. An
overview of ongoing and planned xEMU testing and training
is provided. The PGS team’s efforts in supporting the
Exploration Extravehicular Activity Services (xEVAS)
vendors is discussed. In addition, technology development
efforts in coordination with the EVA and Human Surface
Mobility Program (EHP) and the Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) Program will be discussed in the context of
supporting sustaining EVA operations on the Lunar surface
over the coming decade, as well as Mars missions for the
future. Finally, a brief review of longer-term pressure
garment challenges and technology gaps will be presented to
provide an understanding of the advanced pressure garment
team’s technology investment priorities and needs
Exploring Teachers’ Perspectives on Presenting American Identity to Elementary Students
No full textThis study explores the role of teachers in shaping American identity among students, focusing on potential variations based on socioeconomic status and students' racial and ethnic backgrounds. While previous research has primarily examined youth perspectives on American identity, this investigation addresses the gap in understanding how teachers present this concept in classrooms in low-income schools. Methodologically, the research uses semi-structured in-depth interviews with elementary teachers in Lubbock County ISDs. To gain comprehensive insights, the interviews incorporate vignettes and hypothetical lesson plans. The study analyzes teachers' perceptions of American identity, the values they emphasize, and whether these ideas remain consistent across diverse student populations. Additionally, it examines how teachers' beliefs align with the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standards. The current political climate influences how the curriculum is taught and what is considered inappropriate. Discussions of policies such as book bans and the teaching of historical facts are crucial in how teachers convey American identity to their students. Providing different perspectives helps students gain a broader understanding of the world. Findings reveal a mixed perspective on individualism. Some teachers agree that individualism is an important American value that promotes self-reliance, while others argue that it fosters selfishness, and that people should work together. These differing perspectives on individualism may be shaped by the teachers' interactions and experiences with their students, particularly in low-income schools where the student population is predominantly of color. Moreover, all teachers in this research agree that diversity (multiculturalism) is important as America has various individuals from around the world residing in the U.S. Teachers could effectively align American identity and the TEKS, thus following curriculum requirements; however, they expressed concerns about policies that restricted them from talking about important debated topics such as racism and inequality, By investigating how teachers convey American identity and associated values, this study further contributes to the understanding of identity formation in educational settings. In addition, the findings further inform educational practices and policies, potentially enhancing the positive impact of teachers on students' American identity development and future prospects
Development and Validation of a Spacesuit Simulator for Collecting Experimental Physiological and Behavioral Data
No full textAaron Allred, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesErin Richardson, University of Colorado - Boulder, CanadaCharlie Priebe, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesTucker Peyok, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesJames Crum, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesCara Spencer, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesBlake Bateman, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesLeanne Hirshfield, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesAllison Hayman, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesICES401: Extravehicular Activity: SystemsThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.Spaceflight research has seen an increased focus on
developing models of astronaut health, operational
readiness, and cognitive states from physiological data
during astronaut operations. In particular, astronaut
monitoring during extravehicular activities (EVAs) will
become increasingly important for future deep space
exploration missions to the Moon and Mars with reduced
reliance on Earth-based support. A primary challenge in
developing models is the ability to collect sufficient,
representative sample data in realistic operational
settings, and models developed to date have been
constrained to using human data collected in laboratory
settings. Spacesuit simulators offer a means to collect
data in experimental settings on simulated EVA, but a suite
of physiological and behavioral sensors and data
acquisition has yet to be incorporated into simulated
spacesuits. As a result, existing models remain unvalidated
in representative environments. Without providing human
participants with similar ecological constraints and
validity, models trained on lab-based data may not
generalize to field EVA operations. To address these gaps,
this work presents the development and validation of a
spacesuit simulator capable of collecting behavioral,
physiological (including neural) data during naturalistic
simulated EVAs. Specifically, the spacesuit simulator
enables the collection of speech and navigation data as
well as functional near-infrared spectroscopy and
eye-tracking, recorded from in-suit sensors by embedding
data acquisition hardware within the portable life support
system. To simulate teaming constraints, the helmet
ventilation system forces communication to be mediated by
technological devices. Finally, these suits accommodate
diverse anthropometries (5th percentile female to 95th
percentile male) to enable the collection of generalizable
sample datasets. Following fabrication, the collection of
these physiological data for future model development was
validated in dyads during simulated EVA surface operations
Rendon, Francisco Master's Voice Recital
No full textSong Recital presented in fullfilment for the Master's of Music in Voice at Texas Tech University
Liquid Water Membranes for Carbon Dioxide Removal and Humidity Condensation in Spaceflight Systems
No full textMax Saffer-Meng, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesAnthony P. Straub, University of Colorado - Boulder, United StatesKian P. Lopez, OsmoPure Technologies, United StatesICES302: Physico-Chemical Life Support- Air Revitalization
Systems -Technology and Process DevelopmentThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.We report the development of an innovative liquid water
membrane designed for both high-performance CO2 removal and
humidity condensate capture in spaceflight systems. The
membrane utilizes a sub-micron thick water layer stabilized
by capillary forces within a hydrophilic-coated nanoporous
structure. A transmembrane pressure gradient drives
selective CO2 transport through the membrane, leveraging
the high solubility of CO₂ in water for selectivities of
50:1 and 24:1 for CO2:N2 and CO2:O2, respectively. Current
state-of-the-art CO₂ removal systems, such as amine
sorption technologies, rely on thermal regeneration of the
amine solvent, which is energy-intensive and requires heavy
infrastructure unsuitable for space applications.
Additionally, many competing membrane systems utilize toxic
or hazardous materials, raising safety concerns for
terrestrial and space environments, and perform poorly in
high-humidity conditions. Our technology overcomes these
limitations with a non-toxic, aqueous separation layer and
a lightweight membrane module. The membrane is more
efficient than traditional amine-based systems, eliminating
the need for thermal regeneration by using a passive,
pressure-driven mechanism. Moreover, the membranes capture
water vapor as it condenses on the curved water interfaces
within the membrane pores, supplementing water recovery
systems like the condensing heat exchanger. This dual
functionality—CO2 removal and humidity condensate
capture—is not present in any competing technology and
directly supports NASA's goals for reducing the weight,
volume, and power requirements of life support systems. By
combining high CO2 removal efficiency, water recovery
capabilities, and a lightweight, non-toxic design, these
membranes represent a step forward in both space and
Earth-based carbon capture and water recycling technologies
Elevando a Los Hombres: The Influence of Cultural, Familial, and Institutional Validation in the College Success of Mexican American Males at a Public Four-Year University
No full textMexican American males are one of the most underrepresented groups in higher education, facing persistently low enrollment, retention, and degree completion rates. While existing research often highlights their academic persistence through a deficit-based lens, limited scholarship has focused on the strengths and sources of validation that contribute to their success. This qualitative study addresses this gap by examining how first-generation Mexican American male students leverage cultural, familial, and institutional validation to navigate and succeed in four-year universities despite societal challenges.
Guided by Social Construction Theory (Berger & Luckmann, 1966) and Validation Theory (Rendón, 1994), this study focuses on the lived experiences of eight first-generation Mexican American males enrolled in or recently graduated from a public, four-year state institution in Southern California. Using testimonio methodology, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore how validation functions as a critical factor in their educational journeys. The use of testimonio honors participants’ voices and positions their lived experiences as central to knowledge production and institutional critique. Thematic analysis revealed four key themes: (1) Familial and Cultural Strength, (2) Institutional Validation as a Means for Academic Success, (3) Peer Networks and Community Support, and (4) Redefining Success and Challenging Stereotypes. Findings indicate that despite financial hardship, limited institutional guidance, and societal stereotypes, participants found support through cultural identity, family encouragement, faculty mentorship, and structured student programs, all of which fostered their sense of belonging and persistence.
This study contributes to the literature by shifting the focus from deficit to strengths-based frameworks, emphasizing the importance of validation-driven policies and practices in higher education. By disaggregating the experiences of Mexican American males, this research provides targeted insights that can inform more equitable policies and institutional efforts. Recommendations for policy and practice include expanding culturally responsive faculty mentorship, increasing access to structured support programs, addressing financial barriers, and strengthening culturally affirming peer networks
Box 5, Folder 6, MGN Transcriptions "Cuaresmas del Duque Job"
Full text linkThe Boyd Carter Papers represent a significant archival collection housed in the Hispanic Studies Collection in Texas Tech University's CMLL building. Dr. Boyd Carter was a distinguished scholar of Latin American literature who was active from the 1940s to his death in 1980. He held professorships at the University of Nebraska, Southern Illinois University, and the University of Missouri before concluding his career at Texas Tech University (1978-1980). Upon joining TTU, Carter donated his extensive archive to the university, including rare books, microfilm collections, bibliographical notes, and periodicals focusing on Latin American literature from 1850-1950, with particular emphasis on the famed Mexican writer Manuel Gutiérrez Nájera