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Combustion of Boron Suspensions in a High Pressure Oxygen Environment
No full textBoron (B) is a promising metal fuel for energetic applications due to its high energy density (i.e., 59 kJ/g), which surpasses that of other metal fuels. Despite its high potential, there are challenges initiating, sustaining, and harnessing boron’s full chemical potential energy during combustion. One challenge is that boron particles tend to coalesce and quench during combustion. This challenge has recently been addressed by creating a boron (B) powder suspension using a porous carbohydrate (PC) matrix. The objective of this study is to extend the analysis of the B-PC matrix by creating an experimental diagnostic that can investigate boron combustion at varied pressure. To accomplish the objective, a strand burner is modified for operating in a pure oxygen environment and instrumented with a high-speed camera and pressure sensor. The B-PC samples are prepared for varied particle loading densities and measurements in the strand burner infer energy deposited into the gas-phase. Results align with previous B-PC calorimetry studies that showed the gas phase energy released approaches the theoretical heat of combustion at the lowest particle loading densities. High speed video data are spectrally resolved using a color analysis approach and results confirm that for higher boron loading, the burning process transitions from single particle to bulk combustion. Promoting conditions that produce a greater percentage of green emissions corresponds to increased gas-phase energy. The relationship between the release of gas phase energy and flame color is further explored. The modification of a strand burner to study metal oxidation introduces a new approach to investigate energy conversion processes for metal suspensions that are a function of particle loading density
Optimizing Detection Techniques for the Quantification of Myo-inositol in Swine
No full textMyo-inositol, a biologically significant molecule involved in cellular signaling, osmoregulation, and membrane function. It has gained increased attention in medical and nutritional research. Despite recognized roles in various physiological processes, there is a gap in optimized methods for accurately detecting and quantifying myo-inositol in swine plasma and brain tissue, particularly within the context of dietary changes or supplementation.
The objective of this study was to develop and validate analytical techniques for the precise measurement of myo-inositol in swine biological samples, utilizing Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Western Blot analysis. The hypothesis of this study was that myo-inositol concentration in plasma and tissue will be higher in swine supplemented with myo-inositol via alginate hydrogel beads, and the transporter expression would also be increased. Swine models, including sows and piglets, were selected due to their physiological similarities to humans, making them ideal for investigating the effects of myo-inositol supplementation. This study involved the oral dietary supplementation of myo-inositol via alginate hydrogel beads to investigate the impact on plasma and brain tissue concentrations. A negative control, positive control and treatment group were used in the study. Plasma samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture for both sows and piglets but only piglet brain tissue was collected postmortem. Samples were stored at -80°C until analysis. Western blot analysis was performed to semi-quantify the relative abundance of the myo-inositol transporter, SLC5A11, in piglet brain tissues. The transporter SLC5A11, is involved in the uptake of myo-inositol.
Increased levels of SLC5A11 were seen within the myo-inositol treatment group (p = 0.0004. In addition, the LCMS analysis revealed no significant differences in sow plasma concentrations and piglet brain tissues, supporting the theory that myo-inositol supplementation may be cleared and rapidly excreted.
These findings suggest limitations in the bioavailability or distribution of myo-inositol after oral supplementation. This research contributes valuable insights for the optimization of detection techniques for myo-inositol and provides a foundation for future studies investigating its role in swine health, particularly in response to stress and developmental stages such as gestation and weaning. The findings highlight the complexity of myo-inositol metabolism in swine and illustrate the need for further investigation into alternative supplementation methods and the external factor influencing myo-inositol uptake and distribution. Future studies should focus on refining delivery systems, exploring the long-term effects of myo-inositol supplementation, and evaluating its impact on health and development in swine
Evaluation of Blood Odor Signatures from Cadaveric Origin
No full textBlood is a key biological specimen in forensic toxicological analysis for both living and deceased individuals, playing a crucial role in drug testing, blood typing, DNA analysis, and bloodstain pattern examination. In forensic science, the decomposition of blood holds particular importance as it is one of the first biological fluids to undergo chemical changes, attracting insects and microorganisms to cadaveric sources. The odor signatures produced during this process have recently gained forensic relevance, prompting studies to investigate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from blood, tissues, animal proxies, and human cadavers, to enhance human remains detection and recovery via technological or biological means. This study focuses on cadaveric blood odor profiling, evaluating VOC signatures from human cadavers in an anatomy laboratory using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) upon body receipt. A second phase entailed a degradation analysis conducted on 70 cadaveric blood samples stored at room temperature and 70 samples under refrigeration, monitored over a 5-week period. The findings revealed an increasingly complex odor profile as decomposition progresses, with a notable rise in both the variety and concentration of VOCs, particularly sulfur-containing compounds. Room temperature samples exhibited a more diverse and rapid VOC release, while refrigerated samples showed slower degradation. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of decomposition patterns and ultimately refine forensic detection methodologies
Changes in resistance training performance, rating of perceived exertion, and blood biomarkers after six weeks of supplementation with L-citrulline vs. L-citrulline DL-malate in resistance-trained men: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial
No full textPurpose:
This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of chronic supplementation with L-Citrulline (LC) vs. L-Citrulline DL-malate (CM) on resistance training (RT) performance.
Methods:
Thirty-three resistance-trained men were randomly assigned to ingest LC (8 g), CM (12 g), or Placebo (PL) daily, along with participation in a 6-week RT protocol. Muscular strength (1-repetition maximum [1RM] for hack squat [HS] and bench press [BP]), muscular endurance (repetitions to failure [RTF] for HS, leg extension [LE], BP, and incline press [IP]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and blood biomarkers (lactate, urea, and nitric oxide metabolites [NOX]) were assessed before and after the intervention. This study was registered on irct.ir (IRCTID: IRCT20221128056642N1).
Results:
Comparing mean ∆ scores revealed a significant difference between LC and PL (p < 0.001) and between CM and PL (p = 0.026) for total upper body (the sum of BP and IP) RTF, but only a trend for difference between LC and PL (p = 0.070) for total lower body (the sum of HS and LE) RTF. A significant time effect for NOX was detected only for LC (p = 0.014) and CM (p = 0.003). In addition, a significant difference between CM and PL (p = 0.009) and a marginally significant difference between LC and PL (p = 0.057) was detected regarding post-exercise NOX values at post-intervention. There were no other between-group differences for any outcome measure.
Conclusion:
Chronic citrulline supplementation seems to enhance upper body muscular endurance and post-exercise NOX response to RT, but there is no apparent difference between LC and CM in these aspects
MELiSSA Pilot Plant: Progressing in the MELiSSA Loop Closure
No full textCarolina Arnau, MELiSSA Pilot Plant – Claude Chipaux Laboratory / Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, SpainEnrique Peiro, MELiSSA Pilot Plant – Claude Chipaux Laboratory / Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, SpainFrancesc Gòdia, MELiSSA Pilot Plant – Claude Chipaux Laboratory / Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, SpainClaude-Gilles Dussap, Université Clermont Auvergne, FranceLaurent Poughon, Université Clermont Auvergne, FranceLucie Poulet, Université Clermont Auvergne, FranceOlivier Gerbi, Sherpa Engineering, FranceAntonio Pannico, University of Naples, ItalyStefania de Pascale, University of Naples, ItalyØyvind Mejdell Jakobsen, Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Space (CIRiS) /
NTNU Samfunnsforskning AS, NorwayBrigitte Lamaze, ESA European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), NetherlandsChloé Audas, ESA European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), NetherlandsChristophe Lasseur, ESA European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC), NetherlandsICES204: Bioregenerative Life SupportThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.The MELiSSA project is developing regenerative Life Support
technologies to enable long-term human Space missions. The
MELiSSA Pilot Plant serves as a testing ground facility for
demonstrating the MELiSSA loop, a system composed of
several interconnected compartments to provide the
essential life support functions: producing food, recycling
water and revitalizing atmosphere. To support those
functions in a sustainable way, wastes generated by the
crew are considered as resources. The facility uses rats as
a crew mimicking the respiration of humans, operates under
terrestrial conditions, adheres to industry standards and
supports long-term experimental studies.
The Pilot Plant aims to achieve the complete integration of
the MELiSSA loop through a stepwise approach, progressively
integrating the different streams of the five compartments.
The most recent integration work including the
interconnection of up to four compartments of the Pilot
Plant will be discussed. This includes the connection of
the liquid phase of three compartments: Compartment 3
(ureolysis and nitrifying packed-bed bioreactor),
Compartment 4a (photobioreactor for the culture of the
edible cyanobacteria Limnospira indica) and Compartment 4b
(higher plant growth chamber, capturing CO2, producing O2,
drinking water and food). In this set-up, the effluent of
Compartment 3, containing nitrified urine, is feeding the
photosynthetic compartments (C4a and C4b). Additionally,
the complete gas closure of the four compartments has been
prepared, with the photosynthetic compartments (C4a and
C4b) providing the necessary O2 to support the respiration
of the rat’s mock-up crew in Compartment 5 (C5) and the
ureolysis, nitrification and Chemical Oxygen Demand removal
of urine (C3).
This paper describes the preparatory work at the MELiSSA
Pilot Plant, including configuration, hardware
improvements, and functional test, for the first time
connection of four compartments in liquid and gas phases.
Furthermore, the experimental conditions to be explored in
the integration test campaign are also discussed
Consideration of Spacesuit Stepping Mobility for Lunar EVA Crew Interface Design
No full textSeyed Pouyan Sabahi, KBR, United StatesLinh Vu, Aegis Aerospace, United StatesYaritza Hernandez, KBR, United StatesHan Kim, Leidos (NASA Anthropometry & Biomechanics Facility), United StatesChristine Jerome, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesNathaniel Newby, Wyle, 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.As NASA aims to take humans back to the moon's surface
through the Artemis Campaign, careful considerations
regarding suited human factors in partial gravity are
required during crew interface design to reduce overall
NASA program risks. The unique environment of the lunar
surface presents significant challenges for human mobility,
particularly while wearing a spacesuit. Given the altered
spacesuit kinematics, defining proper step or platform
heights that are safe and accessible for suited crewmembers
across the anthropometric range is an important aspect of
human factors in spacecraft design. In this work, an
analysis was performed using a 3D spacesuit model scaled
appropriately to specific anthropometric properties, then
combined kinematics data gathered during previous spacesuit
data collection events using a motion capture system. The
kinematics data previously collected included tasks such as
suited test subjects performing forward steps up onto a
surface and sidesteps over an obstruction on the floor. The
collected data were then projected onto a virtual wearer,
whose anthropometry corresponded to a 1st percentile female
and a 99th percentile male in stature and vertical trunk
diameter (VTD) to assess different what-if scenarios for
extreme anthropometric ranges. The influences from other
crew interface configurations, such as handle placement,
were also investigated. This paper demonstrates how suited
test data integrated with human-suit modeling can
effectively be used to develop recommendations for EVA
systems requirements. These recommendations are expected to
reduce biomechanical stresses and risk of injury for the
crewmembers while improving EVA mobility and performance
Advanced Solid Oxide Membrane for Hydrogen and Power Generation from In-Situ Resources
No full textToshio Suzuki, Precision Combustion Inc., United StatesMartinus Dewa, Precision Combustion Inc., United StatesChristian Junaedi, Precision Combustion Inc., United StatesSubir Roychoudhury, Precision Combustion Inc., United StatesICES308: Advanced Technologies for In-Situ Resource
UtilizationThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.A highly efficient hydrogen utilization and generation
technology plays a key role for planetary mission as it
impacts the component and system size, weight, and energy
consumption for ISRU applications. The technology targets
sustainable, energy-efficient fuel production from
planetary water and possible organic materials. Precision
Combustion, Inc. (PCI) has been developing an advanced
solid oxide membrane and cell structure that allows highly
efficient H2 utilization and generation from planetary
resources and compression at an intermediate temperature
(500-700oC). Proof of concept testing of the advanced
membrane/cell architecture indicated potential to be
lightweight and presents several advantages over state of
the art, including high gravimetric and volumetric power
density, simplified solid oxide stack structure, rapid
thermal cycle tolerance for fast start-up and shutdown, and
more redox tolerant. Additionally, it is also capable of
operating in fuel cell mode for power generation from
in-situ resources with potentially high fuel utilization,
expected to realize a high round trip efficiency (i.e.,
regenerative or reversible SOFC). The goal is to generate
high-purity H2 via electrolysis at a low energy
consumption, and to utilize H2 for power generation within
a single component. This avoids the system complexity
needed for dual function in a limited space. In this paper,
we will present results from preliminary performance
characterization of the lab-scale solid oxide membrane in
both fuel cell and electrolysis mode. Performance
evaluation under reversible cycle and thermal cycle
conditions will also be presented
Solid Fuel Ignition Testing for Lunar Applications, Theory and Experimental Results
No full textDavid Urban, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesSandra Olson, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesDaniel Dietrich, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesDennis Stocker, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesMichael Johnston, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesPaul Ferkul, Universities Space Research Association (USRA), United StatesGary Ruff, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - retired, United StatesJennifer Zayac, NASA Glenn Research Center, United StatesSusana Harper, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesAlfredo Juarez, Sierra Lobo, United StatesSteve Peralta, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United StatesCarlos Fernandez-Pello, University of California - Berkeley, United StatesMaria Thomsen, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, ChileYa-Ting Liao, Case Western Reserve University, United StatesHarold Beeson, WHA International Inc., United StatesGregory Harrigan, NASA Kennedy Space Center, United StatesICES509: Fire Safety in Spacecraft and Enclosed HabitatsThe 54th International Conference on Environmental Systems was held in Prague, Czechia, on 13 July 2025 through 17 July 2025.To address the risk of enhanced flammability in lunar
gravity, NASA has initiated a program to develop a new test
method that provides an estimate of the flammability
enhancement expected in lunar gravity. An overview of the
physical phenomena that control NASA material flammability
testing is presented with discussion of how this testing is
being adapted to evaluate material flammability in lunar
gravity. Testing in drop towers and on reduced gravity
aircraft has shown that there can be enhanced flammability
(flames can exist at lower ambient oxygen concentrations
compared to terrestrial gravity) at partial gravity levels
close to those found on the moon. This was identified as a
risk for the Human Landing System program. However, lunar
gravity testing is largely limited to using a centrifuge in
the NASA GRC 5.2 second drop tower. This paper discusses
the fundamentals of material flammability and extinction,
and develops a Damköhler-number based estimate of the
blow-off flammability limit. This relationship is compared
to the results from material flammability tests in a
highspeed blow-off facility at the NASA White Sands Test
Facility (WSTF) (1-g) and the Glenn Research Center (GRC)
Zero Gravity Facility partial gravity centrifuge
Listen, Obey, and Be Blessed: Ritualized Hymnody and Apocalyptic Fear in the Music of Jehovah’s Witnesses
No full textListen, Obey, and Be Blessed: Apocalyptic Fear and Ritualized Hymnody in the Music of Jehovah’s Witnesses discusses the Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW), a Christian denomination founded in the late 19th century, distinct hymnody that evolved alongside their doctrine. Unlike mainstream Christian traditions, JW hymnody was strictly controlled by the Watch Tower Society. The organization prescribes specific songs for weekly meetings, using music to reinforce theological messages through structured emotional priming and release. This study analyzes the evolution of JW hymnals and songbooks, tracing their transition from borrowed Protestant hymns to an exclusive music practice, and argues that Jehovah’s Witness hymnody is deliberately designed to maintain organizational authority by using music as a tool for indoctrination, cognitive conditioning, and emotional regulation, reinforcing doctrinal conformity through structured emotional priming, repetition, and media control.The study applies Steven Hassan’s BITE Model (Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotional Control), and examines the use of semantic satiation, where repeating messages and lyrics lose meaning and reduce critical engagement. Additionally, it uses concepts from Media Ecology, how media environments shape human perception and behavior, due to JW's closed media ecosystem that limits external influences and keeps members immersed in Watch Tower content. The study employs qualitative content analysis of JW hymnals, songbooks, and digital musical archives from JW.org and the Watchtower Online Library for access to official, current materials, and AvoidJW.org for their records of out-of-print publications and materials that the Watch Tower Society had deleted, since they commonly practice historical revisionism to align with updated theology. The findings raise ethical concerns about the use of religious music as a mechanism of coercion and the study seeks to promote theologically sound and ethically responsible hymnody, advocating for reform within high-control religious communities