Gyrotron and ubitron amplifier research at the Naval Research Laboratory

A review of the recent research at the Naval Research Laboratory into gyrotron and ubitron amplifiers is given. In particular, we discuss applications to gyro-klystrons, tapered gyrotrons and gyro-harmonitrons. Ubitron work is devoted to the collective regime of operation and the effects of an axial guide field on the interaction.     

Modified Harmony Search Algorithm and Neural Networks for Concrete Mix Proportion Design

This study proposes a new methodology with harmony search (HS) algorithm and neural networks (NNs) for concrete mix proportioning. The basic procedure for the methodology consists of four steps: (1) constructing a database of mix designs; (2) establishing appropriate models for strength and workability; (3) optimizing mix proportion using the modified HS algorithm; and (4) refining the mixture using NNs. The proposed methodology could be a useful decision-making tool for concrete mix design.     

Design of class-based storage racks for minimizing travel time in a three-dimensional storage system

This paper deals with a new storage structure layout method called ‘cubic-in-time’, for minimizing the travel time of selected handling equipment in a three-dimensional palletized storage system. Storage-system design algorithms for minimizing travel times are described, the results are analysed, and some general conclusions are drawn.     

Exposure assessment of caffeine in children’s snacks in Korea

This study was conducted to develop an appropriate management strategy for the safe consumption of children’s snacks. In this study, a caffeine content analysis was performed on children’s snacks which were distributed at stores located near to schools. A total of 213 samples (63 chocolates, 40 ice cakes, 19 canned instant coffees, and 91 beverages) were analyzed for caffeine content. The caffeine content of chocolates, ice cakes, canned instant coffees, and beverages was 94.30, 35.03, 391.78, and 68.32 mg/kg, respectively. The results of the exposure assessment for caffeine were expressed as estimated daily intake (EDI) compared to the acceptable daily intake (ADI). The EDI/ADI ratio of the high risk group (95^th percentile) for caffeine intake was 7.63–27.13 %. The results of this study indicate that the EDI of caffeine from snacks sold at stores located near to schools is much lower than the ADI in general. Consequently, children’s snacks are thought to be safe for consumption.     

Optical diffraction gratings embedded in BK-7 glass by low-density plasma formation using femtosecond laser

The optical embedded diffraction gratings with the internal refractive index modification in BK-7 glass plates were demonstrated using low-density plasma formation excited by a high-intensity femtosecond (130 fs) Ti: sapphire laser (λp=790 nm). The refractive index modifications with diameters ranging from 400 nm to 4 μm were photoinduced after plasma formation occurred upon irradiation with peak intensities of more than 1×1013 W/cm2. The graded refractive index profile was fabricated to be a symmetric around the center of the point at which low-density plasma occurred. The maximum refractive index change (Δn) was estimated to be 1.5×10-2. Several optical embedded gratings in BK-7 glass plate were demonstrated with refractive index modification induced by the scanning of low-density plasma formation.     

Linear Heating Rate Affects Gelation of Alaska Pollock and Pacific Whiting Surimi

Shear stress of Alaska pollock surimi gels with and without beef plasma protein (BPP) increased as heating rate decreased, but shear strain was unaffected. An increase in shear stress was accompanied by an increase of cross-linked myosin heavy chain. Slow heating rates increased proteolysis in Pacific whiting surimi as shown by degradation of myosin heavy chain and low shear stress and shear strain. Proteolysis of whiting surimi was lessened by BPP to a greater extent at rapid heating rates (20 and 30°C/min) than at slow heating rates (1 and 5°C/min).