text:
The theme for this year's international festival has been announced and it is HEROES FROM AROUND THE WORLD.
Canada has a wealth of cultural, historic, present-day and fictional heroes, but we want to hear from you about who we should feature at the Canada booth!
In March, we featured a few of Canada's great and influential women, like Roberta Bondar (the first female Canadian astronaut) and author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Read more here: http://www.canadashistory.ca/Explore/Women/Canada-s-Great-Women
Then, we filled you in on some Canadian superheroes like well-known X-Man Wolverine, anti-hero Deadpool and the slightly less famous but still formidable Captain Canuck: http://mentalfloss.com/article/81951/7-most-canadian-superheroes-ever
Now, let us know who your favorite Canadian hero is! Share your thoughts with us on Facebook or via email.


text:
Included with all plans starting at $9.99/Mo.
Phone.com Menus are the initial audio greeting telling callers which key to press to reach your phones, groups or voicemail ("Press 1 for sales..."). Set up your menu with a customized recording giving important information such as business hours, company directory and any other important instructions.
Menus let you send callers to phones, voicemail, recordings, queues and more. All at the press of a button.
Thanks to Phone.com I'm able to run my psychotherapy practice by routing calls through to my cell phone.
Phone.com was cheaper and offered more features than my other phone company.
The entire thing was ridiculously easy. I have been able to manage the whole system with very little effort.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Build your ecommerce site in Roswell
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text:
Israel News
Middle East
American Politics
Edition française
Green Israel
Pills 311.
(photo credit:Courtesy)
Hospital disposal of medications into the sewage system is liable to constitute
a serious health and environmental danger, according to experts who spoke at an
unprecedented special session of the Knesset Environmental Protection and Labor,
Social Affairs and Health Committees on Monday.The MKs were provided
with background material collected by Shiri Bass Spector of the Knesset's
research and information center. She noted that organic micro-pollutants, some
of which do not disintegrate, have biological effects. These come from
cosmetics, drugs and hormones that affect the endocrine system.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Sponsored Content
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text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|Sep 7, 2004
|Filing date
|Dec 4, 2001
|Priority date
|Jun 23, 2000
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|Michael J. Collins, Edward E. King
|Original Assignee
|Cem Corporation
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (24), Non-Patent Citations (11), Referenced by (7), Classifications (24), Legal Events (5)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/603,487, filed Jun. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,548,303.
The present invention relates to chemical analysis using microwave assisted nuclear magnetic resonance ("NMR"). In particular the invention relates to determining the moisture and fat and oil content of samples using NMR and microwave radiation.
The present invention relates to chemical analysis of foodstuffs or other materials for which it is advantageous to know the moisture and fat (and oil) content of the material. For example, commercial production of processed foods such as hot dogs and cheese requires close control of fat and oil content. Variation in fat and oil content during the production process is detrimental to product quality and can adversely affect production economics. From a more positive standpoint, the fat content of a sample also provides useful information about food products such as texture, heat resistance, mouth feel, and flavor release. Additionally, many foods are subject to various statutory and regulatory labeling and content requirements with respect to the fats and oils they contain. Information about fat and oil content is often valuable or necessary in controlling various food processing techniques.
Those skilled in the art know that there is little chemical difference between fats and oils, the primary distinction being that fats are solid at room temperature and oils are liquid. Accordingly, the terms "fat" and "oil" may be used interchangeably herein.
Traditional methods for determining the moisture and fat content of foodstuffs include extensive drying and solvent based chemical extractions. These traditional methods are time consuming. The time lag inherent in the most widely used testing methods prevents production processes from operating at optimal efficiency. Furthermore, many methods require solvents that are expensive, often hazardous, and pose disposal problems. Accordingly, scientists have sought alternative means for determining fat and oil content in samples.
Since the late 1960's scientists have proposed using NMR as an alternative means of determining the fat and moisture content of foodstuffs. NMR analysis is essentially a spectroscopic method that measures a phenomenon that occurs when the nuclei of certain atoms are placed in a static magnetic field and then exposed to a second oscillating electromagnetic field. In very simplistic terms, during NMR analysis a substance is placed in a magnetic field that affects the "spin" of the atomic nuclei of certain isotopes of elements. The nuclei orient themselves in a specific way in response to the magnetic field. If a second radio frequency (RF) magnetic field (e.g., radio wave) is passed over the nuclei, the protons in the nuclei will be made to reorient or "flip" when the RF field reaches a specific frequency. When the RF field is turned off, the nuclei "flip" back releasing energy that provides data on the molecular structure of the substance. This back-and-forth orienting of nuclei is known as resonance.
NMR resonance occurs at different frequencies for different materials. For liquids, the frequency band for NMR resonance is relatively narrow. For solids, the frequency band is broader. This distinction in NMR resonance makes it possible to distinguish the protons of liquid from those of solid constituents of the sample. In this manner the percentage of liquid and solid in a sample may be determined.
In another type of NMR, referred to as "pulsed" NMR, a sample is exposed to a pulse of radio frequency ("RF") energy that magnetizes ("flips") the proton nuclear magnetic moments in the sample. Following the pulse, the protons return to their initial states ("relaxation"), but do so over a characteristic period of time (relaxation time) that reflects the chemical surroundings of the proton, and thus the composition of the sample. A representative (although not limiting) discussion of pulsed NMR is set forth in published U.K. Patent Application GB2261072A.
Furthermore, under proper circumstances, NMR can distinguish not only between liquids and solids, but also between chemical compounds. Theoretically, in abstract circumstances, all protons should resonate at the same frequency or relax over the same time period. Surrounding electrons, however, interfere with the magnetic field acting upon a given proton, and thus each proton will resonate at a slightly different frequency, or relax over a different time period, depending upon the electron density around it. As a result, different compounds (and different functional groups within compounds) have different resonance frequencies and different relaxation times. These differences are typically represented as graphical peaks along a spectrum that plots resonance frequency or relaxation time, depending upon the type of NMR being used.
As mentioned previously, NMR has long held promise as an alternative to solvent extraction for quantitatively determining the components of a sample. Efficiently utilizing NMR in this regard, however, has proven difficult. This difficulty is especially prevalent in determining the fat and oil content of foodstuff samples.
For example, NMR resonance occurs over a narrow band for liquids and this narrow window of NMR resonance is used to easily distinguish liquids from solids. Traditional fat and oil analysis takes advantage of this by melting all the fat and oil in a sample prior to NMR analysis. Because many foods have a relatively high moisture content, and because high moisture content usually makes NMR analysis unfeasible, food samples typically must be thoroughly dried prior to NMR analysis.
After the sample is dried, the sample is usually heated until all the fat and oil present in the sample is assumed to have melted, with the further assumption that the only liquid remaining in the sample is fat. Melting the fat and oil also means that a portion of the fat and oil may drain from the sample. As a result, when the sample is removed from the oven and prepared for NMR analysis, the sample no longer contains the same amount of fat and oil as did the original sample. As a further disadvantage, if aggressive heating techniques, such as very hot convection ovens or conventional microwave ovens, are used to speed drying of the sample, the chemical structure of the sample may be altered (e.g., meat is cooked) which may alter the NMR results and provide a less accurate—or even highly inaccurate—analysis.
One proposed method for avoiding the problems associated with conventional drying techniques is to chemically remove the water from the sample prior to conducting a NMR analysis. UK Patent Application GB 2,261,072 proposes to chemically remove the water from the sample through the addition of a drying agent such as calcium carbide or calcium oxide. The addition of these drying agents, however, must be based upon expected moisture content. Accordingly, errors in the addition of the drying agent are unavoidable. Such errors affect the weight of the sample and possibly the NMR analysis (if moisture remains in the sample) thereby providing inaccurate results for fat and oil content.
In short, current methods for determining fat and oil content possess a high degree of statistical uncertainty or are unsuitable for continuous production processes. Therefore, a need exists for a method and apparatus for determining the fat and oil content of samples that does not possess the inherent inaccuracy of known methods. Preferably this new method and apparatus will rapidly and accurately determine the fat and oil content of a sample thereby providing a more efficient overall production process.
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the moisture content and the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture in amounts that would otherwise preclude a NMR determination of the fat and oil content.
The invention meets this object with a method of rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture in amounts that would otherwise preclude NMR determination of the fat and oil content. The method comprises weighing the sample and drying the sample by subjecting the sample to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies. After the sample is dried the entire sample, along with the pad supporting the sample, is transferred to an NMR analyzer. The NMR analyzer identifies the response of protons in the sample that are associated with fats and oils. The NMR response of the sample is then compared to the NMR response of similar samples having a known fat and oil content. By making this comparison in conjunction with analysis of weight data collected before, during and after the drying step, a quantitative determination of the fat and oil content in the sample may be achieved.
The invention also meets this object with an apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture in amounts that would otherwise preclude NMR determination of the fat and oil content. The apparatus according to the invention comprises a sample pad for receiving a sample containing fat and oil and a source of microwave radiation for drying the sample. The source of microwave radiation is in wave communication with a cavity for receiving the sample and sample pad. A balance is situated with at least its pan within the cavity for weighing the sample and sample pad before, during and after drying of the sample. The apparatus further comprises a NMR analyzer for determining the NMR response of the components of the sample. In preferred embodiments, the NMR analyzer and the microwave device are situated close enough to one another to prevent a significant temperature drop in the sample during transfer of the sample from the microwave cavity to the NMR analyzer.
The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the invention and the manner in which the same are accomplished will become clearer based on the followed detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIGS. 1a-1 d are progressional diagrammatic representations of the motion of a nuclear magnetic moment producing a NMR emission;
FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of the apparatus according to the invention;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing one implementation of the invention;
FIGS. 4 and 5 are perspective views of one embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are calibration curves according to the present invention; and
FIGS. 8-10 are perspective views illustrate another aspect of the method and apparatus of the invention.
The invention is a method and apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture in amounts that would otherwise preclude NMR determination of the fat and oil content. To aid in the understanding of this invention it may be useful to briefly review the theory behind NMR. A classical electrodynamic theory of NMR is presented for the reader's edification. Those skilled in the art, however, recognize that other theories of NMR, such as quantum mechanical theory, are also applicable. A detailed discussion of these theories, however, is not necessary to achieve an understanding of the preferred embodiments of the invention.
The nuclei of certain atoms possess a property called "spin." This property is often visualized as a phenomenon similar to a spinning top made of a magnet. In other words, the nuclei of atoms possessing spin also possess an angular momentum and a magnetic moment. For purposes of this discussion the nuclei of a hydrogen atom (e.g., a proton) will serve as an example.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a-1 d, when placed in a constant magnetic field C, a proton with a magnetic moment 10 and angular momentum 12 experiences a magnetic torque that forces the proton's magnetic moment 10 to line up parallel to the constant magnetic field C. The proton's magnetic moment also precesses about an axis (Z) parallel to the magnetic field.
If the proton is then exposed to an alternating magnetic field A (such as a RF magnetic field) that is perpendicular to the constant magnetic field C and that oscillates at the same frequency as the rate of precession of the proton (i.e., the Larmor frequency), the proton's magnetic moment 10 tilts away from the direction parallel to the constant magnetic field (i.e., the Z axis). The proton's magnetic moment begins to precess at greater angles 14 like an expanding cone.
With continuing application of the alternating magnetic field A the distal end of the magnetic moment 10 is driven downward until it reaches the X-Y plane. A pulse of alternating magnetic field A at Larmor frequency of sufficient duration to drive the proton's magnetic moment 10 down to the X-Y plane as shown in FIG. 3c is called a 90 degree pulse. In this position the magnetic moment 10 rotates in a circular path creating a sweeping magnetic field that can cut across an electrical conductor 16 positioned nearby thereby inducing an electromagnetic potential or current to flow in the conductor 16. Such a current can be detected which forms the basis for NMR spectroscopy. When the alternating current A is removed the proton's magnetic moment 10 "relaxes" (also referred to as "decay") and eventually returns to its original position. The reorientation and relocation of the magnetic moment is called resonance.
The analytical power of NMR results from the phenomena that both (1) the resonance frequency, and (2) the relaxation time of most nuclei change very slightly—but measurably—depending upon the molecular environment of the nuclei or the nearby chemical bonding. In other words, the NMR response of a particular nuclei is affected by the surrounding atoms and the type of bonding between the atoms. For example and as mentioned previously, the nuclei of liquids (i.e., the hydrogen proton in water) resonates differently than the nuclei in solids. With the proper equipment NMR can even distinguish between and among chemical functional groups. A proton in a methyl group will resonate differently—i.e., have a different chemical shift—than a proton in an ethyl group.
The invention utilizes both microwave techniques and the NMR phenomenon to determine the moisture content and the fat and oil content of a sample. In particular, the invention is useful to determine the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture (i.e., hydrogen protons in water) in amounts that would otherwise preclude accurate NMR determination of the fat and oil content of the sample. In one embodiment the invention comprises an apparatus for rapidly and accurately determining the moisture fat and oil content of a sample. In broad terms, the invention comprises a device for drying a sample, a carrier or pad for holding the sample and a NMR analyzer for conducting NMR analysis of the sample. In more particular terms and in reference to FIG. 2, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a source of microwave radiation 20 for drying the sample 22 and a cavity 24 in wave communication with the source of microwave radiation 20 for receiving the sample 22 and the sample pad 26. Together, the microwave generator 20 and the cavity 24 form a microwave device, broadly designated at 30. The apparatus also comprises a balance 28 with at least its pan in the cavity 24 for weighing the sample 22 before, during and after drying.
It will be understood that the NMR analysis of the invention can be carried out using either the chemical shift technique, or the pulse and relaxation technique. The former produces a chemical shift spectrum and the latter produces a plot of signal intensity versus time. In order to speak conveniently of either or both, the phrase "NMR response" is used herein. It will also be understood that increasingly better magnets are being developed for NMR devices and other applications. Thus, it is expected that such better magnets will significantly enhance the performance (or alternatively reduce the size, or both) of both types of NMR devices, including their performance in the method and apparatus of this invention.
Suitable microwave devices 30 include any of several microwave devices manufactured by CEM Corporation of Matthews, N.C., such as the SMART SYSTEM 5™. It will be understood, however, that such devices are exemplary, rather than limiting, of the devices that can be used in accordance with the present invention. Preferably the microwave device 30 is equipped with a sensor 34 for monitoring the temperature of the sample as it is being exposed to microwave radiation. An appropriate technique and apparatus are set forth in copending application Ser. No. 09/156,086, filed Sep. 17, 1998, for "Method and Apparatus for Measuring Volatile Content," the contents of which are incorporated entirely herein by reference. Preferably, the sensor 34 is connected to a control device such as a resonant inverter 32 that is capable of moderating the power output of the microwave source to maintain a constant temperature during the drying process. An apparatus with such capability is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/063,545, filed Apr. 21, 1998, and Ser. No. 09/343,349, filed Jun. 30, 1999, both for "Continuously Variable Power for Microwave Assisted Chemistry," which are commonly assigned with this application to CEM Corporation of Matthews, N.C., and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
The NMR device preferably comprises a pulsed NMR device; i.e., one that measures the relaxation times of protons following an RF pulse rather than their chemical shift (resonance), and then provides a plot of signal intensity versus time. The detailed theory and operation of pulsed NMR and the use of Fourier Transform to present the relevant information in useful form is generally well understood in the art, and thus the discussions herein will tend to relate to the invention rather than to these underlying and well-understood concepts and practices. Appropriate pulsed NMR devices are, however, available from a number of commercial sources including, but not limited to Oxford Industries plc, Oxford, UK.
It will be understood that as used herein, the phrase "identify the relaxation times of protons" also refers to any appropriate interpretation of this data, including but not limited to, the use of Fourier Transform to produce a plot of signal intensity versus relaxation time, which in turn provides the desired information about fat content.
The sample pad 26 utilized in the apparatus according to the invention is specifically designed for use in the claimed NMR analysis method. As mentioned previously, current methods for fat and oil determination using NMR analysis tend to be less reliable measurements by losing a percentage of fat and oil due to run off during melting. The claimed invention eliminates or reduces this uncertainty by incorporating a sample pad that may be directly transferred from the microwave drying device to the NMR analyzer and that conserves the entire sample for NMR analysis.
The sample pad 26 is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample. The characterization, "free of atoms that would . . . interfere or mask . . . fat and oils," as used throughout this specification should be understood to mean that the sample pad is not devoid of all atoms that could interfere with NMR measurement. This characterization means that the article, in this case the sample pad, contains such atoms in such low quantity that their effect on the NMR analysis is statistically insignificant. Preferably the pad is of low mass, porous, hydrophilic, and lipophilic. The porosity along with the hydrophilic nature of the pad retains any liquid present in the original sample that may drain off prior to drying the sample thus enabling accurate weight measurement of the original sample. The porosity along with the lipophilic nature of the pad ensures that any fat or oil melted during the drying of the sample is retained in the sample pad thus enabling an accurate weight measurement after the drying of the sample. The sample pad must also be of a size and pliable enough for insertion into the analyzing chamber of the NMR analyzer. Suitable materials for use in forming the sample pad include quartz fibers or glass fibers, the use of which in microwave techniques is set forth in an analogous manner, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,878, which is commonly assigned herewith and incorporated entirely herein by reference.
The apparatus according to the invention also preferably comprises a sheet material that is nonporous with respect to oils, melted fats, and other liquids, and that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample. This material is wrapped around the sample and sample pad during the NMR analysis. The sheet material aids in maintaining the integrity of the sample during NMR analysis. Polytetrafluoroethylene polymers (PTFE), Teflon, or other similar materials possessing the above-described characteristics are suitable for use as the sheet material. PTFE sheeting is commercially available, for example, under the "e-com plastics" trade name from Rideout Plastics Company, Inc., of San Diego, Calif.
The apparatus according to the invention also comprises a NMR analyzer 36 and a processor 38 for quantitatively assessing the moisture and fat content of the original sample. Furthermore, for many food products, the remainder of the sample (i.e., the portion other than water, oil, or fat) will be known to be almost entirely protein (meats, fish, dairy products) or entirely carbohydrate (fruits and vegetables). Accordingly, the measured weight of the initial sample, when combined with the results of moisture content and fat and oil content, can be used to determine the absolute and percentage amount of protein or carbohydrate in the original sample.
The processor of the invention can be any appropriate device that can calculate moisture content based on weight loss, and fat and oil content based on the original weight and the amount of fat and oil as determined by the NMR analyzer. Thus, the processor 38 preferably collects data from both the microwave device 30 and the NMR processor 38, and uses it to calculate the moisture and fat and oil content of samples. For most purposes, a processor the same as or similar to those in a personal computer are quite satisfactory when combined with the appropriate software. The PENTIUM� class of processors (e.g., Pentium, Pentium II, and Pentium III) from Intel, and the CELERON� class from AMD are exemplary, but not limiting, of suitable processors. Because such processors and the types of software used to calculate the desired results are well understood in the art and widely available, they will not be otherwise discussed in detail herein.
As noted above, the NMR analyzer utilized in the apparatus according to the invention may be of any of several types of NMR analyzers commercially available from NMR vendors provided that they can measure the fat and oil content of the desired category of samples.
The apparatus according to the invention is preferably oriented such that the components of the apparatus are suitable situated proximate one another to minimize the time needed to transfer the sample from the drying device to the NMR analyzer. Minimizing the transfer time also minimizes any heat loss in the sample which may occur while moving the sample between the microwave device 30 and the NMR analyzer 36. This aspect of the method is discussed in more detail below.
A further embodiment of the invention encompasses a method of rapidly and accurately determining the fat and oil content of a sample that also contains moisture in amounts that would otherwise preclude NMR determination of the fat and oil content of the sample. This embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of weighing the sample, drying the sample by subjecting the sample to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies, transferring the entire sample to an NMR analyzer, measuring the NMR response of the sample to identify the characteristics that are associated with fats and oils, and comparing the NMR response of the sample with NMR data from similar samples of known fat and oil content to determine the fat and oil content in the sample.
Weighing the sample prior to drying is necessary for a final determination of the content of the sample. Without an initial weight, determining the weight percentage of individual components is difficult. Preferably the sample 22 is weighed while positioned on a sample pad 26 of known weight. The sample pad 26 is preferably of the type previously discussed. The sample and sample pad may be weighed prior to the drying step on a stand-alone balance. Preferably the sample and sample pad are placed on a balance 28 in the cavity 24 that is part of the microwave device 30. Most typically, only the pan of the balance extends into the cavity. The balance is preferably connected to (i.e., in input and output communication with) a processor that is capable of electronically recording the weight of the sample and sample pad. Placing the balance 28 within the cavity 24 also allows for continuous monitoring of any weight change that occurs by virtue of driving off moisture during the drying step. Finally, placing the balance 28 in the cavity 24 provides an avenue for obtaining a final post-drying weight measurement without having to disturb the sample thereby increasing the efficiency of the process and eliminating a possible source of data corruption. The weight change observed and recorded during the drying step provides the data necessary for calculating the quantity and weight percentage of moisture in the original sample. This weight change also provides data necessary to determine the weight percentage of fat and oil in the sample, given that the NMR response is usually representative of the gross amount of fat and oil, rather than a proportional or percentage amount.
Those skilled in the art recognize that the term "dry" is a relative term. The term "dry" or "dried" as used herein means the point at which the moisture in a sample is reduced to a level where it will not mask or otherwise interfere with the fat and oil spectra measured by the NMR analyzer. This level of "dryness" is statistically determinable using appropriate statistical analysis and experimental data readily available to those skilled in the art.
The actual drying of the sample is accomplished by exposing the sample 22 and the sample pad 26 to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequencies. As well understood by those familiar with the electromagnetic spectrum, the term "microwave" is often used generically to refer to radiation with wavelengths of between about 1000 and 500,000 microns (μ), and corresponding frequencies of between about 1�109 and 5�1011 Hertz (Hz). These are arbitrary boundaries, however, and other sources refer to microwaves as having frequencies of between about 108 Hz and 1012 Hz and wavelengths of between about 300 centimeters (cm) and 0.3 millimeters (mm). For commercial and consumer purposes in the United States, the available microwave frequencies are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and are generally limited to certain frequencies such as 2450 megahertz (MHz).
In contrast to some conventional heating techniques in which a vessel is heated externally in order to in turn heat the reagents inside, microwave radiation heats the reagents directly and can be carried out—and indeed is desirably carried out—in vessels that are unaffected by microwave energy, such as the previously discussed sample pad. Thus, microwave radiation tends to heat chemical samples very quickly and to high temperatures unless the radiation is somehow moderated. Accordingly, the method according to the invention preferably comprises moderating the drying of the sample by moderating the microwave radiation utilized to heat the sample. As discussed previously, this may be accomplished using techniques and apparatus discussed in the patents and applications previously incorporated herein, or by any other technique that provides the appropriate information and control. Moderating or otherwise controlling the microwave radiation also provides the benefit of keeping the sample at a substantially constant temperature during the drying process. Achieving a constant temperature during the drying process provides a setpoint for conducting the NMR analysis which is preferably conducted at a temperature that matches or closely matches the temperature of the drying step. It has been determined in accordance with the invention that uniformity of temperature between the drying step and the NMR analysis improves the accuracy of the method, particularly for repeated or consecutive samples of the same or similar materials.
During the drying step, the sample and sample pad are preferably heated until at least a portion, preferably a large portion, and most preferably all of the fat and oil in the sample are completely melted. Melting the fat and oil necessarily means that some of the fat and oil will drain from the sample. The lipophilic sample pad collects or absorbs any fat and oil that drains from the sample thereby preserving the fat and oil content in the sample for later NMR analysis, and thereby enhancing the accuracy of the results.
After the sample is sufficiently dry and the fat and oil are melted and the necessary weight measurements are taken, the entire sample and sample pad are rapidly transferred to the NMR analyzer 36. In a preferred embodiment the sample 22 and sample pad 26 are wrapped in a sheet material prior to being placed in the NMR analyzer. Wrapping the sample and sample pad in the sheet material aids in preserving the integrity of the sample as it is being transferred to the NMR analyzer. The sheet material should be nonporous to oils, melted fats, and other liquids, and free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils of the sample. As mentioned previously, PTFE is a suitable material for this purpose. It will be understood that the term "wrapped" is not a limitation on the claimed invention, and that any physical technique that captures the entire sample and entire pad (and thus all of the fats and oils) in a manner suitable for the NMR analysis step can be used.
After the sample and sample pad are wrapped in the sheet material the sample and sample pad are subjected to NMR analysis, preferably at substantially the same temperature as the drying step, the NMR analysis generates the NMR response data for the components of the sample.
The NMR data from of the sample may then be fed to a processing unit where it may be mathematically manipulated using calculations well known in the NMR art to quantitatively determine the quantity of fat and oil in the sample. Alternatively, the NMR response of the sample may be compared to NMR data for samples of known fat and oil content to determine the quantity of fat and oil in the sample. When the comparison method is utilized, the method of the invention can also comprise the step of generating a plurality of NMR spectra of samples of known fat and oil content. The comparison spectra can also be gathered after the sample is analyzed, but this tends to increase the amount of time necessary to conduct the overall analysis.
The use of known NMR response data from known samples is generally most appropriate for analyses in which samples of the same material are tested for quality control or other similar purposes. Stated differently, and using foodstuffs as the example, samples of a particular meat product will almost always have a moisture/fat/oil protein content that falls within an expected profile. As a result, the number of known NMR data sets required for matching or comparison purpose will be quite reasonable, and in some cases, even rather small.
In yet a further embodiment, the invention comprises a sample for NMR measurement. The sample comprises an organic portion containing at least some fats and oils. The organic portion is situated on a sample pad that is substantially transparent to microwave radiation and is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample. The sample and sample pad are secured by wrapping them in the sheet material describer earlier herein that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in the fats and oils in the sample.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating one manner in which the claimed invention can be integrated within and improves current production processes. In particular, FIG. 3 relates to the production of stuffed meat products such as hot dogs or sausages. Raw material is provided to the process via pallets, barrels, gondolas, or other usual means. The raw material is then sampled to determine the fat and oil content of the material. Based upon the calculated fat and oil content in the raw material the formulation of the product may be adjusted to bring the percentage of fat and oil content within acceptable levels. This information may also be shared with the raw material suppliers to aid them in preparing suitable raw material for future use. As FIG. 3 further illustrates, the finished product can be tested in a manner identical to the raw material.
FIGS. 6 and 7 are calibration curves for several types of food samples, and illustrate the manner in which the NMR analyzer is calibrated against known samples.
Following calibration, the following results were obtained when the calibrated device was used to analyze the respective samples:
Fat Content (%)
Fat Content (%)
Sample Wt. (g)
Standard Method
Microwave NMR Method
Ice Cream:
Cheddar Cheese:
Sour Cream:
As these results indicate, the fat content of these samples measured according to the invention correlates almost perfectly with the actual fat content of these samples.
After the proper formulation is prepared the finished product (e.g., hot dog) is tested to confirm that fat and oil content remains within acceptable levels. The claimed invention allows for the rapid analysis of multiple samples thereby allowing the production process to operate at maximum efficiency.
Because the method begins with the step of weighing the sample, the percentages of fats, oil, and moisture can be calculated quickly and directly.
FIGS. 4 and 5 are respective front and rear perspective views of an apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 4, the microwave device is broadly designated at 40, and the NMR analyzer is broadly designated at 50. The microwave device 40 can be any suitable device that includes an appropriate cavity, source of microwave radiation, and balance, but in preferred embodiments is the device disclosed and described in co-pending and commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/398,129 filed Sep. 17, 1999 for "High Efficiency Cavity Design and Moisture Analyzer," the contents of which are incorporated entirely herein by reference. The device 40 includes a microwave cavity (not shown) that is underneath the cover portion 41 of the analyzer 40. The microwave source is preferably either a magnetron or a resonant inverter. The microwave device 40 further includes a balance, portions of which are included in the lower housing 42 illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 also illustrates the control pad 43 and display 44 for an appropriate microprocessor as described earlier herein. The microwave device 40 illustrated in FIG. 4 also includes a small tape printer 45 for producing the results on paper as well as on the display 44.
As noted earlier herein, the NMR device 50 is preferably a device available from Oxford Industries plc, Oxford, UK. The NMR device 50 includes a housing formed of upper portions 51 and 52 respectively. An appropriate sample holder 53 is positioned in the upper housing 51 for holding a sample therein. Although, the detailed operation of NMR devices of this type are well known, and will not be described in detail herein, the device 50 will include a magnet that produces a static magnetic field, as well as a source of an oscillating electromagnetic field that provides the RF field that in turn engages the protons and then measures their relaxation times in the manner previously described.
FIG. 5 illustrates the rear portion of the respective devices 40 and 50. FIG. 5 illustrates that the microwave device 40 includes an appropriate fan 54, a power switch 55, and respective output ports 56, 57 and 60, for connecting the device 40 with other appropriate devices, typically PC or Macintosh-based computers that can carry out additional calculations based on the data obtained, if such are desired or necessary beyond those produced by the processor of the device 40.
In another aspect, the invention comprises a wrapper for an NMR sample. FIG. 8 illustrates the wrapper 62, which is formed of a sheet material that is free of atoms that would interfere with or mask the NMR response of the protons in fats and oils. Because the method of the invention uses microwave techniques to dry the samples, and because the samples are typically placed between two sample pads in the microwave device (e.g., pads 63 in FIG. 8), the sheet 62 has an area large enough to completely wrap a food sample 59, or both a food sample and the pads 63, while small enough to fit within the sample field portion of an NMR analyzer when the sheet 62 is wrapped around a sample, or preferably around both the sample and the pads 63. Preferably, the wrapped pads and sample, shown schematically at 64 in FIG. 9, are folded and placed in an appropriate holder 65 (FIG. 10) before being placed in the NMR analyzer 50 (FIGS. 4 and 5). The holder 65 is typically cylindrical in shape, and likewise formed of a material that does not mask, or otherwise interfere with, the NMR response of the sample. Appropriate materials for NMR use are well known to those of ordinary skill in this art and can be selected as desired or necessary without undue experimentation.
The sheet 62 is preferably formed of a fluorocarbon material, most typically polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Preferably, the sheet 62 is somewhat larger than the pad it is used to wrap, but usually not more than about two-and-a-half times larger in area. Typical microwave sample pads usually measure several inches in length and width (e.g., 4 by 5 inches) and so the sheet material 62 is preferably slightly larger.
The invention has been described in detail, with reference to certain preferred embodiments, in order to enable the reader to practice the invention without undue experimentation. However, a person having ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that many of the components and parameters may be varied or modified to a certain extent without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Furthermore, titles, headings, or the like are provided to enhance the reader's comprehension of this document and should not be read as limiting the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, only the following claims and reasonable extensions and equivalents define the intellectual property rights to the invention.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jan 11, 1971
|Sep 12, 1972
|Valio Meijerien
|Measuring method for analyzing material containing fat and water
|Aug 26, 1974
|Jun 29, 1976
|The Pillsbury Company
|Process for determining and controlling the moisture of food products
|Dec 3, 1973
|Jul 27, 1976
|Shell Oil Company
|Apparatus and method for oil-in-wax determination
|Nov 29, 1982
|Nov 19, 1985
|Cem Corporation
|Analytical apparatus for determining volatiles, solids, and solvent extractables in a sample
|Dec 19, 1985
|Mar 17, 1987
|Cem Corporation
|Analytical apparatus and process
|Dec 19, 1985
|Jul 21, 1987
|Cem Corporation
|Analytical process in which materials to be analyzed are directly and indirectly heated and dried by microwave radiation
|Sep 30, 1985
|Jun 28, 1988
|Cem Corporation
|Analytical method for determining volatiles, solids and solvent extractables
|Sep 12, 1986
|Nov 15, 1988
|Engineering Measurement Company
|Rapid pulse NMR cut meter
|Aug 1, 1990
|Jan 7, 1992
|Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
|Method in the form of a pulse sequence for fast calculation of images of the fat and water distribution in an examination subject on the basis of nuclear magnetic resonance
|Aug 10, 1990
|Sep 1, 1992
|General Electric Company
|Method of decomposing nmr images by chemical species
|Nov 6, 1990
|Feb 16, 1993
|U.S. Philips Corp.
|Magnetic resonance tomography method for generating separate fat and water images, and apparatus for performing the method
|Jun 20, 1991
|Jul 6, 1993
|General Electric Company
|Robust decomposition of NMR images by chemical species
|Sep 20, 1991
|Feb 22, 1994
|Exxon Research And Engineering Company
|Permeability determination from NMR relaxation measurements for fluids in porous media
|Mar 1, 1991
|Jan 3, 1995
|Cem Corporation
|Heat resistant and light weight container for materials to be heated, and process for manufacture thereof
|Feb 6, 1995
|Feb 11, 1997
|The Regents Of The University Of California
|Nuclear magnetic resonance freezing sensor
|Aug 20, 1997
|Jun 23, 1998
|Lever Brothers Company, Division Of Conopco, Inc
|Process for accurately controlling moisture or solids levels of compositions with small amounts of or no surfactant
|Dec 18, 1996
|Jun 1, 1999
|Toshiba America Mri, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for providing separate fat and water MRI images in a single acquisition scan
|Mar 13, 1997
|Dec 21, 1999
|Numar Corporation
|Pulse sequences and interpretation techniques for NMR measurements
|Apr 8, 1981
|Oct 21, 1981
|TECNAL S.A. Soci�t� dite :
|Process and apparatus for continuously and automatically measuring and adjusting the water, fat, non-fat milk solid (proteins and lactose) and salt content of butter and cheese curds
|Apr 28, 1989
|Nov 2, 1989
|E.I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company
|Microwave energy susceptible conformable laminate packaging materials
|Title not available
|Apr 20, 1999
|Oct 28, 1999
|Cem Corporation
|Use of continuously variable power in microwave assisted chemistry
|Mar 9, 1999
|Oct 28, 1999
|Soerland Geir H
|A method for measuring fat and water content in a biological sample
|Sep 17, 1999
|Mar 23, 2000
|Cem Corporation
|Method and apparatus for measuring volatile content
|Bostian et al. "Automated methods for determination of fat and moisture in meat and poultry products", J. Assoc. Off. Anal. Chem., 1985, v. 68, No. 5, pp. 876-880.*
|Casey, Johm C. and Miles, Christopher A.; Determination of the Fat Content of meat Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance; J. Sci. Fd Agric., 1974, pp. 1155-1161.
|Eads, Thomas M. and Croasmun, William R.; NMR applications to fats and oils; JAOCS, Jan. 1988, vol. 65, No.1.
|Gambhir et al. "Simultaneous determination of moisture and oil content in oilseeds by pulsed nuclear magnetic resonance", JAOCS, J. Am. Oil Chem. Soc. (1985), 62(1), 103-8.*
|Gribnau, M.C.M., Determination of solid/liquid ratios of fats and oils by low-resolution pulsed NMR; Tends in Food Science & Technology, Aug./Sep. 1992.
|Karleskind et al. "Rapid method for the NMR determination of the oil content of grains after drying in a microwave oven", Revu Francaise des Corps Gras (1976), 23(3), 147-50.*
|Moisio et al. "Rapid method for the determination of the dry matter and fat content of cheese and processed cheese", Milchwissenschaft (1972), 27(2), 73-5.*
|Renou, J.P., Briguet, A., Gatellier, Ph., and Kopp, J.; Technical note: Determination of fat and water ratios in meat products by high resolution NMR at 19.6MHz; International Journal of Food Science and Technology, 1987, vol. 22, pp. 169-172.
|Thompson, "Evaluation of a microwave-NMR method for oil sand oil-water-solids analysis", AOSTRA Journal of Research (1989), 5(2), 135-43.*
|Tiwari et al. "Seed oil determination without weighing and drying the seeds by combined free induction decay and spin-echo nuclear magnetic resonance signals", Journal of the American Oil Chemists' Society (1995), 72(9), 1017-20.*
|Wilmers et al. "Single corn kernel wide-line NMR oil analysis for breeding purpose", Revista Brasileira de Fisica (1978), 8(3), 562-75.*
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Jul 15, 2006
|Sep 1, 2009
|Cem Corporation
|Dual energy source loss-on-drying instrument
|Oct 17, 2005
|Nov 23, 2010
|Bruker Biospin, Gmbh
|Method and apparatus for determining the fat or oil content of a sample
|Jul 24, 2009
|Aug 16, 2011
|Cem Corporation
|Dual energy source loss-on-drying instrument
|Oct 17, 2005
|Jan 11, 2007
|Bruker Biospin Gmbh
|Method and apparatus for determining the fat or oil content of a sample
|Nov 13, 2006
|Mar 29, 2007
|Callidan Holdings Limited
|Analysis of Variable-Depth Sample Using a Sweeping Microwave Signal
|Jul 15, 2006
|Jan 17, 2008
|Revesz Robert N
|Dual Energy Source Loss-On-Drying Instrument
|Jul 24, 2009
|Nov 19, 2009
|Cem Corporation
|Dual Energy Source Loss-on-Drying Instrument
|U.S. Classification
|436/60, 436/21, 436/22, 436/23, 436/173, 436/20
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Jan 13, 2003
Owner name: CEM CORPORATION, NORTH CAROLINA
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KING, EDWARD E.;REEL/FRAME:013648/0678
Effective date: 20021209
|Feb 8, 2008
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Mar 17, 2008
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|Feb 8, 2012
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 8
|Feb 24, 2016
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 12


text:
108 Lancaster Place, St Augustine, FL
108 Lancaster Place, St Augustine, FL 32080 - Private Oceanfront Community of 12 Single Family Homesites in Crescent Beach. This property is one off of the oceanfront and has potential Ocean Views if multi story home were built. Community has Beach Access and South Beach Grille and the Crescent Beach Ramp just a half a mile away. Owner has an active Florida real estate license.
Listing Courtesy of Watson Realty Corp (A1A)
"We are a locally owned and independently operated real estate business in St. Augustine, Florida, where Realtors shared ideals of exceptional personal service and expertise have joined together to offer a select group of clientele a level of assistance rarely found in the industry."


text:
We're sorry, this listing is off the market. Try these listings instead:
Paint and Sip #477808 posted Oct 18, 2017
- California, United States
- $74,500
Turn-key paint and sip wine bar and art studio. Non-Franchise. Very profitable and life style business that offers owners flexibility and strong online presence.
Highly Profitable Family Fun Center Prime Location #474393 posted Aug 23, 2017
- Ventura County, California, United States
- $1,799,000
Highly profitable Family Fun Center in a rapidly growing family fitness and fun industry with management in place. This complex is a flagship location and is highly customized and built out with capacity for growth and the ability to add other services or games or workout sessions for adults and kids...
Kids Mall Bungee Trampoline - Absentee Run #457048 posted Nov 1, 2016
- Ventura, California, United States
- $60,000
Jumping on trampolines at the mall! Here's an attraction that the kids won't let their parents pass up! This is a fully absentee-run, profitable, turnkey business! This business is located in a premium shopping mall and allows kids to jump on a trampoline, while strapped into a harness with bungee cords...
About DealStream.com
DealStream.com is an online community for dealmakers with over 100,000 active members in 100 countries.
Our members include entrepreneurs, corporate executives, private equity groups, business brokers, investment bankers, and M&A advisors. They use our website to buy businesses, sell businesses, and expand their professional networks.
If you are looking to buy a company or buy a business, we offer a searchable database with over 15,000 listings of businesses for sale, companies for sale, and franchises for sale. We have a lot of listings for middle market businesses for sale and large businesses for sale.
If you are looking to sell a company or sell a business, you can list your business for sale for free and reach thousands of business buyers and intermediaries.


text:
Help us preserve and uphold the history that is The Steinbeck House. The childhood home of John Steinbeck and his family which is a historical gem. Visitors from around the world comment on the beauty and authentic decor that graces this home of over 100 years.
Our dedicated volunteers provide the needed support to keep this beautiful home open to the public. Our volunteers support the restaurant, the Best Cellar gift shop, maintain the garden and service on the Board in a collaborative effort to support this valuable historical home.
Donate to perpetuate the life and legend of John Steinbeck.
To Donate, simply click on the donation amount below, click add to cart, and follow the checkout process to the left of this page. We thank you in advance for your generosity.


text:
Accessible EducationAgnes Scott College provides support and services for students with disabilities. Agnes Scott complies with section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAA) of 2008.
To be eligible for services, students need to submit documentation that states a diagnosis, the functional limitations in an educational setting, and recommendations. Status is determined on an individual basis. Please complete the following steps to be considered for services and accommodations with the office of accessible education.
Step 1: Self-identify your disability needs, and set up an appointment with Rashad Morgan, email@example.com 404 471-6174.
Step 2: Read and complete the Registration Packet. (PDF 513 KB) The packet contains authorization for release of information, student rights and responsibilities, a description of possible accommodations provided, and guidelines for submitting documentation.
Step 3: Submit required documentation from a medical provider. In the case of attention deficit or a learning disability, the psychological evaluation must have been completed within the last three years or after the student's 18th birthday.
Receiving Accommodations
The coordinator of accessible education will determine appropriate services to meet your needs and will write an "Accommodation Letter" to notify faculty. The Accessible Education office will provide ongoing assistance to ensure successful implementation. Students may elect to not use accommodations and should keep in contact with the office of accessibility about changes to the accommodation plan.
Types of Accomodations and services
Supplemental notes through our student note-taking program
Written assignments orally, by tape, or through word processing
Extra time on quizzes, tests or exams (x1.5 or x2)
Reduced distraction environment for quizzes, tests and exams
Assistive software to aid in reading and organizing material/texts
Zoom text
A variety of assistive equipment for students with hearing, mobility or visual impairments
Alternative format for textbooks provided by Alternative Media Access Center (AMAC)
Use of a laptop computer
- Permission to tape record lectures
- Use of the Accessibility Resource Library in G-13b
Support for Faculty
To accommodate students with disabilities, the Office of Advising and Accessible Education provides the following assistance to faculty:
Training and education
On-going consultation and support
Photocopying services
Special equipment and technology
Reduced distraction testing room
- Additional support such as scribes
Students are required to complete a special housing accommodations form to be considered for housing accommodations.


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Hello Dear Reader,
I've long been signed up to all of the supermarkets. That means I get to hear about the deals and discounts almost daily by email. I have the option of most of the supermarkets including Waitrose on my way home from work. It might seems arduous signing up to all of them but it does mean I keep a very close eye on what is on offer. Waitrose sent me a voucher to spend instore for the purpose of this post, however, I buy all of my branded items from there as they are competitively price matched.
Here's what popped into my inbox this evening from Waitrose. You can choose ten items of which you will pay 20% less than you would normally at the till. After buying them, they will email you a £6 off £60 voucher to use later. They also have an offer, that you can't use with any other offer that if you order on line, which you can have delivered for free over £60 or click and collect from the store where you add ECMWPY30 at the checkout and get £30 off your order over £100. A 30% discount is brilliant!
I chose to Pick my own offers as we needed coffee, de-caff tea and various other branded items that I can't buy in discount supermarkets. I buy 'branded' items from Waitrose as they price match the major supermarkets so I can't buy it cheaper else where and it's on my home bound commute. I'm buying those items any way, the original prices were price matched and now I've got a 20% discount. Do you have a Waitrose in your area? Have you, like me, found really competitive prices there? What would you choose to have with a 20% discount?
If you search for discount, use discount codes, look for click and collect or free delivery, use supermarket coupons in any way and know of any then please leave a comment and share where they can be found. You'll need to hint as to where you can be found as a British offer won't be a lot of use in Kansas or New South Wales.
I'm picking up my shopping on my way home tomorrow and always love getting a good deal.
Until tomorrow,
Love Froogs xxxx


text:
Panasonic Mobile Service Center in Kottayam
Panasonic Mobile Service Center in Kottayam, Kerala – Address, Contact Number are listed below. If you have any problem with your Panasonic mobile, kindly contact the service center officials. There is 1 Panasonic authorized mobile service center in Kottayam
List of Panasonic Authorized Mobile Service Centers in Kottayam:
Panasonic mobile service center in Kottayam
Name: Electro World
Address: Behind Brindavan Complex, Challiyil Road, Kottayam
City: Kottayam
State: Kerala
Pincode: 686001
Contact Number 1: 9744886696
Email: email@example.com
Working Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Working Days: Monday to Saturday [Sunday Holiday]
* Call the PANASONIC Service Center before planning your visit, to ensure that the service center address is correct and is open for service.
** Please comment below if you find any of the above information incorrect, we will fix it immediately. Thanks in advance


text:
The Best Pieces At The Sydney H&M Flagship Store Opening
30/10/2015 9:04 AM AEDT | Updated 15/07/2016 12:50 PM AEST
Leigh Campbell Head of Lifestyle, HuffPost Australia
Thursday night saw the official launch party of the H&M Sydney flagship store in Pitt Street Mall, with DJ and style icon Solange Knowles and home grown talent Flight Facilities performing at the VIP event.
The store opens to the public on Saturday, offering the newest collections for ladies, kids, mens and homewares. The new Sydney store is one of the few flagship stores globally.
While many of the styles found in H&M are best reserved for those who are either genetically blessed or have youth on their side, The Huffington Post Australia put together an edit of pieces you'll find in store that may appeal to a slightly more mature shopper (ahem, this reporter).
H&M Sydney Store Opening
Get top stories and blog posts emailed to me each day. Newsletters may offer personalized content or advertisements. Learn more


text:
Many people were disappointed by the lack of a fully round display in the Moto 360. When LG announced the LG G Watch R, they were quick to allude that their display was better because it offered the first smartwatch with a true circular display. The LG G Watch R may very well be a better display, but it isn't because it is a full circle.
You can can see from the image below that the Moto 360 team designed several displays and one of them was a fully circular display. The problem that they had was the fact that the bezel added a thickness that took away from the beautiful streamlined look of the Moto 360. The bezel is typically where the the display connections/drivers are housed in most smartwatches. The LG G Watch is a great example of how the typical smartwatches use the edges very inefficiently in this manner. The connections need to be covered up and this is why you can see in the image above that the LG G Watch R has a thick bezel with a large outer ring. The LG G Watch R design attempted to make the bezel as functional as possible, but it is still very thick. You can see that the Moto 360's bezel is small and the front glass almost reaches the edge of the device. The Moto 360 also included an ambient light sensor in that extra space that added functionality that isn't available in other current generation android wear devices.
Is the image above or something similar the watch that you want to wear? I think that they slimmer design with the 'flat tire' display is a much better design and the Moto design team made the right decision.
The Moto 360 could be better and i'm certain that they will tackle the display questions, battery life issues, the generations old processor, storage capacity and much more in the 2nd generation device. Android Wear version one didn't require a quick processor because it initially offered a very limited amount of functionality. The next versions of the software with offer music storage, GPS Capabilities and much more. Stay tuned because this ride is just getting started.


text:
Ghaziabad, May 26: Does Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi live in Indirapuram locality of Ghaziabad?
Obviously not. But the local police have ended up verifying his address as a servant or a driver.
Also read: After defeat, Rahul Gandhi says will work harder
Someone seems to have pulled a fast one on the police.
The police said an FIR would be filed if an offence is found to have been committed. "Prima facie it appears that somebody has played a mischievous act. The format of the form is not matching with our presently available form. It might be an old one," said Gorakh Nath Yadav, Inspector at Indirapuram police station.


text:
Wessex FM News
Man Overboard Saved By Flotation Suit
10:15am 10th January 2013
A fisherman's been saved by his flotation suit after he feel overboard a boat off West Bay yesterday morning.
The angler fell into the sea when the boat was hit by a wave.
The party he was with were unable to get him back on board.
He was rescued by the coastguard helicopter who took him to Dorset County Hospital.
Sign up for the latest local news direct to your inbox


text:
Nuts About Work Figurines are a great desktop reminder of how nutty work can be.
- These wonderfully detailed peanut figurines are accented with items associated with a line of work.
- Each figurine stands on a base fitted with a spring that gives it a bit of bobble-like movement.
- Cold cast ceramic figures stand 3-3/4" tall and come ready to give in a box printed with an expression of pride.
- Makes a perfect gift to say thanks to someone who's helped you!
Quick View
$3.95 Nuts About Work Figurines


text:
Starting my poly life
View Single Post
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Oregon, USA
Posts: 1,443
I've moved in my new place. I'm unsure what I'm going to do until October. I've been looking for a job still, handing resumes in supermarkets, fast food stores, video rentals, etc, and nobody got to me at all since May... Now if they do I kind of dread telling them I'm leaving in October. Would they still want to hire me? Should I not tell them anything and wait until September and give my month's notice?
That's if I find something before September of course. At this point it seems unlikely.
But my stress is much better than it has been. I'm feeling like there is some progress being done at the very least. And just because I need to wait until October to see Seamus again and most likely won't get a job in between doesn't mean I can't make progress in other ways.
I'm waiting to get the money back from Raga so I can use it to send him some stuff, and to get my plane ticket in October while I'm at it. I'm hoping it won't take too much longer to get there, he said he sent the later last week.
View Public Profile
Find all posts by Tonberry


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We provide a dispute resolution service for businesses and individuals known as "ADR" – alternative dispute resolution. Our team of experienced legal professionals help parties resolve their disputes by facilitating negotiations, in a number of different ways, with a view to achieving a legally binding solution to their dispute. Our areas of mediation include: Business disputes Property disputes Family disputes Private disputes
01273 625625


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For a long time, a little ghost had been living in the attic of a castle. Its greatest wish was to see the world by the light of day, but its attempts were all in vain. But then, three children, Karl, Hannes and Marie, go on a night time hike to the castle where they encounter the little ghost. The following day, the little ghost promptly wakes up at noon. Tinted black by the first sunbeam, the little ghost scares the townsfolk and causes all kinds of chaos. In despair, the little ghost turns to the children for help in trying to get home and return to the former existence as a night ghost.
Additional Information
|Nico Hartung, Emily Kusche, Jonas Holdenrieder, Herbert Knaup
|Alain Gsponer
|Jakob Claussen


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Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China Hong Kong (PressExposure) March 02, 2012 -- BND-Power is a laptop original adapter supplier that originated in China. Established in 2002, BND-Power is now considered the most professional laptop original adapter supplier in China. They produce and export many types of replacement batteries as well as AC adapters such as Slim AC adapters and Universal slim adapters. One of the reasons that they are China's best laptop original adapter supplier is that they cater to over 25 brands of products. BND-Power did not become a successful laptop original adapter supplier overnight. It has taken them years of very hard work. They now have a factory that is over 10,000 square meters. In order to remain the best laptop original adapter supplier around, BND-Power has 30 research engineers and 250 skillful hardworking employees. They base their projects on the requirements of customers. At this point in time, the BND-Power laptop original adapter supplier has developed over 850 models. The company is fortunate to be located five minutes away from the Shenzhen International Airport, which makes it extremely easy for them to ship their products all over the world. To continue being a successful laptop original adapter supplier, BND-Power is always looking for retailers, resellers, and distributors all over the world.
Their website bndpower.com has more information about the reseller positions. To see what makes this company such an interesting and high quality laptop original adapter supplier, customers can visit the "production lines" section of the website to see photos of the employees at work. The company has both offices in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China and Hong Kong, China. Their contact information for phone, fax, and e-mail can be found in the "Contact Us" section of the site. Another reason for BND-Power as a top notch laptop original adapter supplier is due to the customer support that they provide. Not only do they sell products, yet, they want customers to have as much information as possible. The "Support" section of their website makes it clear that they are dedicated to customer education. Customers are provided with user guides, product facts and questions, etc. BND-Power's commitment to quality products and customer support make them the best laptop original adapter supplier in China.


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Early one Thursday morning, I set off at about 6.30am for my hour drive with my dad to Gatwick Airport.
I was going on a vacation to Las Vegas with Delta Airlines but had a connection in Atlanta.
When we arrived at Gatwick at the North Terminal, it was very quiet. We made our way to the Delta Airlines check-in desks for the Atlanta flight and only had to queue for about three minutes which was very impressive for me because I am normally are used to Easyjets queue's!
I have flown out of the North Terminal before with Air 2000 and out of the South with Easyjet and Britannia.
Onced we checked in, we made our way to security to have our bags scanned. After that we browsed around the shops until our flight was called to the departure lounge. I was very amazed with the amount of shops in the North Terminal.
Then our flight was called, so we made our way to the departure lounge and sat down whilst we were waiting for our row to be called. First they called the 1st class cabin to board and then economy. When our row was called we made our way through the tunnel and was greeted by a very polite Delta flight attendant. We found our seats (can't remember which) and sat down and fastened our seatbelts. I was very lucky because I got a window seat. We had a blanket, pillow, headphones and a newspaper of our choice along with the usual magazines issued to us before take off.
The aircraft was a Boeing 767-300ER in the new liverly. (N189DN)
Photo © Ben Pritchard
I was very impressed with the cabin because it was very clean but I didn't think much of the leg room. I also thought that we would get our own PVT but I think they only have them on their Boeing 777's. It didn't bother me that much though. We then started to taxi to the runway at the scheduled time of 11.30. The captain then announced that our flight duration was 8 + half hours.
Once we were in the air, we were able to watch a range of films and stuff from the Delta Horizon. We could also listen to music which was good. All throughout the flight we were offered free drinks and a bag of Delta nuts! The main meal was chicken, vegetables and potatoes which I found nice. Along with orange cake, buttered roll, crackers and a salad which was pretty filling! About an hour before landing we had a cheese and ham roll with a chocolate bar, nuts and a drink of water.
Onced we arrived in Atlanta, we didn't have much time to re-check-in our suitcases and get to the next flight but we did it!
The next aircraft was a Boeing 757-200 in Delta's new liverly.
Photo © Brett B. Despain
We waited until we were called to board and made our way to the aircraft. Before we walled through the tunnel, we were issued a big with a roll, crisps, chocolate bar, water and crackers which I thought was nice even though I didn't even touch any of the food. I only drank the water as I was still full from the last flight.
When I stepped on-board I found my seat which wasn't hard because it was only about three rows away from the door where we boarded from. I was not very impressed because the seat that me and my dad got given didn't have a window just a plain wall! I think this was because of the engine. I was not that bothered because I slept for most of the flight. Once we took off, we were offered free drinks and nuts again and had a chance to rent a pair of headphones for the film but I didn't need to because I found a pair in the seat in-front of me! I gather that is why the flight attendants collect them in at the end of the first flight so they can get some more money out of you!
After about three + three-quarter hours it was time to land in Las Vegas. I was looking forward because it was my first vacation to the U.S. All I wanted to do was go to my hotel room for a nap because of the long journey!
After a week in wonderful Las Vegas it was time for me to return home to England. I had to be up at 6.00am again in the morning ready to catch the airport shuttle from my hotel (Circus Circus) to the airport.
When I arrived at the airport, we didn't have to queue at all for check-in. We checked in and had some breakfast and browsed the shops again. Then I watched the planes land whilst my dad got his last chance to go on the slot machines!
When I sat down I didn't think much of the aircraft. It looked a very old Delta Airlines Boeing 767-300 in the very old liverly.
Photo © Brad Harris
Then they started to board us. As I stepped on-board the cabin was very tatty but was clean. I was lucky enough again to have a window seat on the last row of the aircraft. Even though my seat had a big tear in it and my dads kept reclining I was just glad that I got a window seat.
After takeoff we had a chicken salad along with the usual free drinks and nuts.
After the three + three-quarter hours flight, we had a bumpy touch down in Atlanta ready to board the last flight back home.
All we had to do was go straight to the next flight as they said that our suitcases would transfer to the next aircraft automatically.
The next aircraft was a Boeing 767-300ER in the previous liverly.
We sat in the lounge waiting to board and they made an announcement which said that we were going to be delayed for 30 minutes but with no reason. After about 10 minutes they made another announcement which said that we will have to move gate (I think it was 33?) due to the aircraft had a technical fault. I was happy because I thought it might be a different aircraft but I was wrong, it was another Boeing 767-300ER (N190DN).
Photo © Gerardo Dominguez
We then boarded and I was given a seat in the middle of the aircraft. I really didn't care because it was going to be a night flight anyway and I wanted to sleep!
We were delayed for about an hour in total because 1st class didn't get their champagne!
Once we took off we had snacks and drink then dinner which was roast beef in gravy with potatoes and vegetables. Then we had breakfast which was a crossant and a fruit bar with juice and a banana.
After a very long, cold, dark flight we touched down an hour and a half late at Gatwick.
I would definitely recommend Delta Airlines to anybody because their service was great as well as the food and the entertainment.
Thankyou for reading my trip report.


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An excerpt from www.HouseOfNames.com archives copyright © 2000 - 2017
Origins Available: English, Scottish
Aicherson Early Origins
Lancashire where they held a family seat from early times, long before the Norman Conquest in 1066 A.D.
Aicherson Spelling Variations
Aicherson Spelling Variations
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Aicherson has been spelled many different ways, including Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more.
Aicherson Early History
Aicherson Early History
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aicherson research. Another 236 words (17 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Aicherson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Aicherson Early Notables (pre 1700)
Aicherson Early Notables (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Aicherson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The Great Migration
The Great Migration
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Aichersons to arrive in North America: Henry Acker who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1732; Jacob and Michael Acker landed there in 1737; Louis Acker settled in New York State in 1820.
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.
Aicherson Family Crest Products
Aicherson Family Crest Products
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The Aicherson Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Aicherson Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.
This page was last modified on 15 February 2011 at 13:18.
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Editor: For those of you who voted against the proposed St. Johns County Charter last November, please consider the events which unfolded in Illinois last week, where the state senate ousted the governor by a unanimous vote.
Impeachment (recall) is rarely needed, but while it is a powerful tool which is embedded in Florida charter government, it is unavailable to us at the county level under our current form of "constitutional law" government.
© 2017. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us


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Vs. Jarl / IK / Death / Plague
1m15s, 5 turns. And that was without being able to cast Mercy because the board never cooperated. Sheggra had to cast 3 times.
Vs. Valk / Justice / Khorvash / Mab
4 turns, 40 seconds. Mercy then IK on first turn. All over at that point and just cleanup for the last 30 seconds.
One of my favorite teams, and what I consider a pretty sweet-fast team for my use is:
Dragon Banner
Anointed One (Level 19/1-Traited)Anointed One (Level 19/1-Traited)Sheggra (Level 19/2-Traited)Hellcat (Level 18/3-Traited)
They don't even have to be fully levelled and/or traited, as you can see.
These fellas kick some serious butt!
BTW, many thanks to Allyandra (I think that's how the young lady's game name is spelled) for the recommendation.
with Dragon Banner
Because I am bored of Maw Mercy LK Sheggra
Khorvash/event troopsValkyrieJusticeMab
If I'm going up against Khorvash/Mab/Sylvanimora I use Khorvash for the stun if I don't need a stun I just use whatever event troop has the biggest buff that doesn't block Valkyrie or Justice.
Another team I will be useing a lot this week for the bonus gold is
Sylvanimora The Dragon SoulDragonian rogueRock Spirit
Doing just 1 trophies (since the gold is around the same as a 3 trophy) I usually only need to cast Dragon Soul twice and Sylvanimora once and with explosions they usually almost fill each other up.
Yeah man, it's so unassuming. When you look at it there are so many things that don't seem right, yet it all gels lol
FTR, I'm doing 3 trophy matches, not 1 trophy matches. I'm not sure the matches can get any faster though so why bother?
I'm also finding Sheggra / IK to be superior to BD when used with Courage. Because they drop several smaller skull matches instead of one big one. If IK gets of a good cast, it kills the first troop and charges Sheggra plus grants an extra turn. Sheggra then casts and takes out troop 2 at least, sometimes troop 3.
For sure. Different tools for every job. Green Demon is a top-end team. Total overkill and frankly inefficient for 1-trophy teams. So yeah I agree with you pretty much.
edit to your edit: I tried variants of IK and Sheggra in the past, but found that it leaked a lot of efficiency in that it was duplicating an existing troop's effort.
I will try outValk / Justice / Khorvash / Mab
Though I likely will go Khorvash > Valk > Justice > Mab
I have been considering putting Justice in for awhile, so this is a good time to try that.
Still though, it will have to be lightning fast for me to give up
Deep Borer***Bombot***Bombot***Mechanist /w Black Manacles***
FYI, those were the teams I was up against, not the team I was using.
Ahh gotcha
So you say your favorite team is:SheggraIKCourageMercy
Yep, I'm averaging under a minute a match, on 3 trophy. Really fast. I have yet to even lose Sheggra, let alone come close to losing a match. I have also yet to cast Courage. I've only filled him once but it doesn't matter because the matches are ending so fast.
Different strokes for different folks. But try out the team before you judge. A full 2x damage and perma-entangle is hard to ignore.
One team I have been tossing around in my head isJarl Firemantle***Eternal Flame*** Kraken***Kraken***
I play console though, so haven't had a chance to test it.Jarl/Eternal flame both loop and charge each other and tend to be very consistent. Passive 6 damage to all troops for every 4+ match, which would happen A LOT....
Krudler, I will definitely try green demon, way to think outside the box btw.
This is your courage team at the bottom?
Yeah, I tried your two teams. For me, I didn't find them much fast than Justice / Mab but that's just me. They work and they're fast but I was just looking for that little bit of extra edge.
Since I've run out of stuff to really shoot for, I'm going all in on my guild. Gonna see if I can top 2.5M gold this week for the first time ever.
I will update the OP.
That's why I keep coming back to Behemoth / IK / Courage / Mercy.That ^^^
Yeah that was the best team I had found at the time of posting the thread. I have updated the first post to reflect the change I made (Sheggra for Behemoth).
I'm struggling with it. It's not a patch or as fast as the justice teams but maybe I've got a bad board. I'll keep trying this.
I saw you have War fully traited. You should swap him into the first spot for Sheggra and give it a try.
I find it very fast. It also give a nice source of burning to all enemies to power up Courage's cast.
The only trade off there is Sheggra's skull creation, vs War's direct damage.
I expect at some point there will be some tuning that doesn't let Courage/Skullspam just override all opponent teams.


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Hello and welcome to ExamPundit. So the first day of IBPS PO Prelims is over. And we did receive sufficient number of reviews to provide a detailed review of today's exam. The following review is a combined review of the all the four shifts together.
Reasoning: Reasoning was mostly Easy to Moderate for the aspirants. The questions were not difficult or confusing. Although, Puzzles were reportedly confusing. The questions based on Syllogism and Inequalities were mostly easy and candidates were happy with them. On the Seating Arrangements based on Circular Diagram and Linear Diagram were reportedly Moderate to Easy.
Coding Decoding, Blood Relation Test, Direction Test was mostly easy. However, some of the candidates found them little confusing.
All over, reasoning was Attemptable and Not at all TOUGH. It was mostly Moderate to Easy.
Quantitative Aptitude: The most infamous test in the recent examinations was not very difficult. It was mostly moderate but it did have quite a lot calculations.
There were Data Interpretation Questions based on Missing Data which is very new for the entire community of IBPS PO Aspirants. So it was a hectic experience for many. However, a lot of candidates did most of the Data Interpretation Questions.
The Simplifications, Quadratic Equation question were mostly EASY to Normal Standard. So it was quite a cakewalk for many aspirants. The Number series had moderate reviews and a lot of candidates said the questions were time consuming.
Common Questions based on Partnership, Average, Ages and Interest were Moderate to Good Standard.
The Quantitative Aptitude part was NOT easy, neither it was very difficult like previous exams. It was more or less attemptable.
English: English was surprisingly the LOWEST ATTEMPTED subject. The comprehension test was very tricky and lengthy. The questions based on Cloze Test was moderate to difficult and the sentence rearrangements were rated mostly as "Hard" to "Standard". The fill in the blanks and the vocabulary tests were Easy as per a large number of aspirants. Error correction questions were also reportedly TOUGH.
English was mostly reviewed as Moderate to Difficult.
All over the examination was mostly Moderate. The average attempts varied between 57 to 63, regardless of any shift, state or category.
Those who will go for examination tomorrow, make sure you have done all the basics of Reasoning and Calculations. No need to take stress. Just focus and believe yourself.
- Reasoning is expected to be Moderate
- Quantitative Aptitude is expected to be Moderate to Difficult
- English is expected to be Moderate to Normal Standard
All the best! May The Force Be With You.
Team ExamPundit


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On February 11, 2015, the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence issued a Directive- Type Memorandum (DTM) that significantly alters key components of the process by which a company under foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) operating under a US Department of Defense (DoD) Special Security Agreement (SSA) may obtain a National Interest Determination (NID) in order to access proscribed classified information (Proscribed Information). In summary, the DTM assigns the DoD's Defense Security Service (DSS) a more centralized role in the overall process for evaluating and obtaining a NID from a Government Contracting Activity (GCA), removes some of the open- endedness of NID timing and contemplates a broader "blanket" NID for certain companies that have been operating under SSAs for at least ten years. Most other fundamental aspects of NIDs—including when NIDs are required, the NID approval standard and the statutory requirement for a waiver by the Secretary of Defense for the issuance of a NID to a foreign-government-controlled company—remain unchanged. While the new provisions have the potential to streamline the NID process, SSA companies that require access to Proscribed Information should continue to carefully plan their NID strategy, including with respect to coordination with both DSS and the relevant GCA(s).
In general, an SSA company may not access Proscribed Information without first obtaining a favorable NID. Proscribed Information is defined under the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual as Top Secret information; Communications Security (COMSEC) material, excluding controlled cryptographic items when unkeyed or utilized with unclassified
keys; Restricted Data (RD) as defined in the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended; Special Access Program (SAP) information; and Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Grant of a NID requires a determination that the release of the particular Proscribed Information to the SSA company is consistent with the national security interests of the United States.
Historically, the NID process could draw out for an extended, often indefinite period of time. In accordance with the recent DTM, however, DSS will assume a more centralized role in the NID process by coordinating and proposing NIDs. As a result, and particularly in cases where the GCA controls the relevant Proscribed Information, a NID is more likely to be granted within 30 days of DSS's submitting the proposed NID to the GCA unless it is affirmatively opposed by the GCA. Under the DTM, which applies to cases in which DSS is the Cognizant Security Authority (CSA), the GCA is required to initiate the NID process by notifying DSS of the need for a NID when an SSA company requires access to Proscribed Information. (Note: DSS is generally the CSA for all of DoD, including for Top Secret, SCI, RD, COMSEC and SAP, though in certain cases SAP may be carved out for another CSA and be subject to separate NID requirements.) Although the DTM requires the GCA to trigger the process by notifying DSS of the need for a NID, the contractor should ensure that this step occurs promptly and may consider proactive outreach to the GCA and DSS when it anticipates a potential NID requirement.
The need for a NID can occur under a variety of circumstances when access to Proscribed Information is required. For example, it may arise during pre-contract activities if they involve accessing Proscribed Information. A NID also may be necessary when a new contract is awarded to an SSA company or to a company in process for a facility security clearance and an SSA, or when an existing cleared contractor comes under FOCI (e.g., after an acquisition) that will be mitigated with an SSA.
Once DSS receives notification from the GCA regarding the requirement for a NID, it will discuss the need for access to Proscribed Information with the GCA to ensure that the requirement is valid. If, for example, the DD Form 254 (Contract Security Classification Specification) can be modified such that the SSA company can perform the scope of work without accessing Proscribed Information, then the NID might be avoided.
If DSS and the GCA determine that a valid requirement for access to Proscribed Information exists, then DSS will analyze the details of the access requirements with the GCA. If the requirements involve Proscribed Information under the purview of a different control agency (or agencies), then DSS will also coordinate the NID with that control agency. For example, a contract where the GCA is the US Air Force might involve access to Top Secret information as well as COMSEC controlled by the National Security Agency (NSA) and RD controlled by the US Department of Energy (DoE). In that case, DSS would coordinate the NID with the GCA as well as the two relevant control agencies—the NSA and the DoE. The NID would not be granted without the concurrence of all three agencies.
Once DSS has completed its analysis, it will send the proposed NID to the GCA's designated point of contact. If the NID does not involve any other control agency, then it will be granted after 30 days if the GCA does not object, though the GCA can request more time for its review. If the GCA objects, then its senior official with NID authority must provide a written rationale for its objection during the initial 30-day review period. Notably, this puts a burden on the GCA to justify rejecting a NID request, whereas no such explanation is required to grant a NID.
In cases of requirements for access to RD, COMSEC or SCI—which may involve a different control agency than the GCA—DSS will request that the relevant control agency provide a written NID decision within 30 days of confirmation by the GCA that such Proscribed Information access is required. In these cases, the NID will not be granted until the control agency concurs with the NID. In other words, unlike the GCA, the control agency is required under the DTM to affirmatively respond to the NID request in order for the NID to be approved.
Although this new process provides much-welcomed streamlining and improvements to NID timing constraints, particularly in cases where there is no separate control agency for the Proscribed Information, some steps remain notably open ended. First, the DTM sets no time limit for DSS to submit its NID proposal to the GCA (thereby triggering the 30-day clock). Second, there is no apparent limit for a GCA to request extensions as long as it does so with at least five days remaining in the 30-day period allotted to the GCA's review of the NID request. Third, where the NID involves a different control agency, the NID will not be issued without the control agency's concurrence. Although DSS will "request" a written decision within 30 days, the NID will not become effective at the end of that period absent a response (as it would where no control agency is involved). Thus, the DTM does not address any recourse should a control agency delay its response to a NID request.
Interestingly, while NIDs are typically contract-, program- or project-specific, the DTM contemplates a broader NID (i.e., a "blanket" NID) in certain cases, which would remain in effect at least throughout the term of the contractor's SSA. Although traditionally NIDs could be granted for a single contract, for a series of contracts under a single program or for related access needs under a single project, under the DTM, a NID now may also be granted for access to Proscribed Information not specific to any single contract, program or project. The DTM does not, however, set forth the precise scope of these blanket NIDs (e.g., whether a hypothetical blanket NID might apply to all Proscribed Information, all of a particular category of Proscribed Information or only Proscribed Information from a specific GCA).
Blanket NIDs are limited by the DTM to certain SSA companies and circumstances. The DTM sets forth criteria that must be considered in evaluating an SSA company for such a NID, including its compliance with its SSA and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations for at least ten consecutive years. It must also have scored no less than "satisfactory" on all of its DSS security inspections in the past five years. Furthermore, DSS must analyze the SSA company's relevant threat and risk assessments (and conduct one if none exists) as well as assess all of the SSA company's relevant FOCI factors. Thus, although the contractor's length of time operating under an SSA is a key component for blanket-NID eligibility, the criteria also underscore the need to maintain robust protocols for SSA and export compliance and to thoroughly prepare for DSS inspections.
While the DTM revises the above-discussed aspects of the NID process, it leaves other fundamental components in place. First, the basic NID requirement remains the same—namely, an SSA company may not access Proscribed Information without first obtaining a NID. Second, the standard for granting the NID—that access to Proscribed Information must be consistent with the national security interests of the United States—is unchanged. Third, by statute SSA companies under foreign-government control remain ineligible for NIDs absent a waiver from the Secretary of Defense. In addition, as before, if a NID request is rejected, DSS, the GCA and (if applicable) the relevant control agency(ies) will explore alternative means of FOCI mitigation, such as a Proxy Agreement, which does not impose access restrictions on Proscribed Information.
Overall, the DTM provides mechanisms that should improve the efficiency and predictability of the NID process, particularly in cases where the NID need only be coordinated between DSS and the GCA. Some potential ambiguities exist, however, and practice will show whether they ultimately reduce or offset the benefits of the changes to the process. Moreover, although the DTM focuses on coordination within governmental agencies, the NID process inherently involves advocacy of the SSA company's trustworthiness and character with potentially high financial stakes. Therefore, an SSA company seeking to access Proscribed Information must continue to maintain an active role in the interface with DSS and the GCA to ensure that the company's interests are diligently and faithfully represented.


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Millevoi's Tire & Automotive Center
Review for Millevoi's Tire & Automotive Center
JIM W. on 03/27/2015
"great experience"
I went there for installation of 4 tires for my car. The service is excellent, the technician is very friendly and did a superb job. My tire has some slow leaking and I mentioned to them, and they did check the rim and concluded that the rust in the rim caused the problem, and polished the 4 rims for me. Very satisfied with their services.
Vehicle: Toyota Prius
Service Date: 03/27/2015
Review Created: 03/27/2015 07:22 PM


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Before we knew God we lived in darkness (sinful nature), but when we follow Jesus we live in God's Light. How can that be?
The Bible says that Jesus is the light of the world and those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. (John 8:12) Light dispels darkness.
Jesus tells us that not only do believers have His light inside of us, but that we are called to be the light of the world! (Matthew 5:14) This is a pretty difficult command since the world wallows in darkness—sin, greed, lust, and unbelief. Yet we are called to reflect the light of Jesus, the same way the moon reflects the sun's light.
We become light reflectors by staying close to God, doing good works in Jesus' name, and developing the character of Jesus. Even our suffering causes us to see the face of God more clearly so we can be better reflectors of His light. "Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Our light shines brightest when our sins have been confessed and forgiven. Any unconfessed sin casts a shadow on our light, and if our sin remains we may return to the darkness. "If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from unrighteousness.(1John 1:9)
Those who come to the light desire truth. In Jesus' time many people did not respond to His light because their deeds were evil and they loved the darkness.
Making a decision to follow Christ is not easy. It will cost us something, just as it cost Jesus everything. But it's worth it—isn't it? (Judy Whittaker)