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No. 4/2015 (Jan. 26, 2015)
Folding@home - smartphones in the service of medicine.
In 2007, researchers at Stanford University under the direction of professor of chemistry, structural biology, and computer science Vijay Pande, in cooperation with Sony developed software to simulate the process of protein folding, with the use of a distributed network of computer and Playstation 3 GPUs. The folding process is very important for the functioning of the human body. The shape of the protein conformations determines their functioning in organisms. The results of irregularities in the process can include such diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancers. Scientists still do not know why in millionths of a second, which the protein needs for converting into a new form, can occur an error having enormous consequences to the human health and life.The team led by PhD Vijay Pande has developed a method of modeling this process. However, due to its complexity, it would require thousands of hours of computing time for even a supercomputer. Such a massive computing power has been primarily replaced by a network of desktop computers. Nowadays, smartphones have become as powerful as low-end desktops and are in use in large numbers, so the idea to harness their "idle" potential in a similar way. The researchers, instead of using a single supercomputer, developed a special application to employ thousands of Android smartphones during their charging at night or low activity periods.
It is widely known that even the most powerful supercomputers in the world, operating alone, have lower computing power than thousands of "normal" interconnected machines. Stanford University researchers suggest that it is possible to carry out a credible simulation with the use of about 10000 smartphones over a period of about two weeks. Increasing the number of mobile devices involved in the experiment, the computing time can be adequately reduced. Estimates show that 100000 smartphones simultaneously using this application can achieve about 2 petaflops (PFLOPS) of computing power.
Today, everyone can assist in the development of medicine. The Folding@Home app is already available in Google Play. So far, the compatibility is guaranteed only with selected models of Sony smartphones. However, the authors promise that it will soon be available for all mobile devices running Android 4.4 or a higher version.
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In the application, the users can define, among other things, the periods in which they want to share the mobile computing power (e.g. at night)
Cable attenuation compensation in multiswitch systems.
The coaxial cable attenuation increases with frequency. This means that higher TV channels and especially satellite broadcasts converted into higher SAT IF frequency ranges are attenuated more than those transmitted in the lower bands. This effect can be compensated by a gradual increase of the gain for higher frequencies - the TERRA SA series of multiswitches has been equipped with adequate mechanisms. Since the attenuation characteristics of various cables can differ, the so called "Slope" parameter is adjustable (it should take values appropriate for specific cable types/brands) with potentiometers or switches. As the result, the gap between the signal levels of the lowest and highest channels or frequencies in subscribers' outlets is minimized. The graphs below show the difference in signal levels in a subscriber outlet (cable length of 70 m) before and after using the compensation mechanisms implemented in the SA-901 R70901 amplifier .
The result of the "Slope" correction in the SA-901 R70901 amplifier
(cable length 70 m, on the left - without compensation, on the right - "Slope" set at 12 dB)
(cable length 70 m, on the left - without compensation, on the right - "Slope" set at 12 dB)
In the example above, the level difference between the signals of the lowest and highest frequencies of the terrestrial TV band at the end of a 70-meter long cable is approximately 13 dB. The use of the equalization function (12 dB) allows for closing this gap to about 5 dB. Generally, the maximum signal level difference between any two channels in the whole band should not exceed 12 dB.
Some devices (e.g. TERRA MR/MSR and MV/MSV multiswitches) provide compensation parameters suitable for large SMATV systems based on different topologies.
Installation of fiber optic splitters.
New buildings are increasingly equipped with optical systems capable of distribution of services in the GPON or GEPON standard. The operators and service providers look for new, simple and convenient solutions for deploying the components of the optical networks.DIPOL offers several models of distribution frames and boxes designed for installation of optical splitters. The most popular among installation companies is the ULTIMODE TB-16P-3 distribution box equipped with two splitter enclosures. Each of them can hold an 1:8 or 1:16 splitter. The outputs of the splitters can be connected to simplex SC or duplex LC connectors (the size of the holes in the enclosures matches the size of the connectors). In total, the optical path can be divided into 16 or 32 optical lines.
The wall-mounted optical fiber distribution box with IP65 rating can protect up to 24 mechanical splices or fusion splices along with spare lengths of optical fibers. Compared with similar products on the market, the box is made of special plastic with improved resistance to temperature changes and high humidity.
Wireless control kits.
Exta Free platform allows users to create smart home systems. Those who need only specific functions associated with control of lighting or electrical appliances, can use dedicated Exta Free kits. They can perform the following functions:- RZB-01 Exta Free F5010 (RNK-02 + ROP-01) - remote switching on/off an electric circuit,
- RZB-02 Exta Free F5011 (RNK-02 + RDP-01) - remote switching on/off and dimming light,
- RZB-03 Exta Free F5012 (RNK-02 + SRP-02) - roller blinds control,
- RZB-04 Exta Free F5013 (RNK-04 + ROP-02) - 2-channel switching on/off light,
- RZB-05 Exta Free F5014 (ROP-01 + Pilot P257/2) - remote switching on/off an electric circuit with key fob,
- RWG-01K Exta Free F5019 (RWG-01 + P-257/2) - remotely controlled power outlet with key fob.
Application examples of the specific sets can be found on their catalog pages - in the descriptions or files to download. Below, one of the examples.
Wireless Control Kit Exta Free RZB-01 (RNK-02 + ROP-01) F5010
In the diagram above, the wireless receiver/relay ROP-01 F5211, placed in a junction box or lamp enclosure, is controlled via the remote control RNK-02 F5101 (in the form of rocker switch - switching on/off light sources). It is easy to expand the functions by adding other Exta Free system components.
Firmware update in SIGNAL cameras.
The firmware of a SIGNAL camera can be updated from the camera menu, after logging in, or using the dedicated IP Camera Searcher software. The software searches for all cameras connected to the network and updates their firmware (on the condition that the present firmware version of the cameras is 4.1.38 or higher). The IP Camera Searcher software is provided on CD together with a camera. Starting the camera via IE browser, the user should download and install current OCX version, dedicated to the current camera firmware version. It is a GUI allowing further configuration and control of the camera settings.
SIGNAL IP Camera Searcher window
The update of the OCX overlay to the version compliant with the current firmware is extremely important. Skipping this step, the user may have a number of problems, such as the malfunction of motion detection or the impossibility to change camera parameters.
The view of the IE window with the firmware and OCX versions
In the event of such problems, the user should:
- close all IE windows,
- enter Control Panel and uninstall the current OCX,
- run IE browser and enter IP of the camera,
- wait for the message informing on downloading and installing the current version of the OCX dedicated to the camera firmware,
- log in to the camera again.
Event-recording option in Hikvision IP NVRs.
IP CCTV systems based on Hikvision IP cameras and NVRs can be configured for continuous recording with special parameters in the case of specific events. Each channel can be configured individually in this aspect. It is possible to increase the frame and bit rates, independently of the continuous recording settings. After the occurrence of an event (motion detection, camera tampering etc), the NVR automatically switches to the event-recording mode (usually with higher parameters). During the rest of the time the recording is carried out in the continuous mode. The increased parameters just before and after the event allow to play back every second of the period with high detail and smoothness, while the recordings between events may have a much lower performance, taking significantly less space on the storage media.
IP NVR Hikvision DS-7616NI-ST K2316.
Each channel can be configured for high-quality event recording.
Each channel can be configured for high-quality event recording.
 | OCTO Universal LNB TRIAX OCTO TOO 001 A98260 can provide signals to eight single satellite receivers or four twin-tuner PVR receivers (or their combinations, with total of up to 8 inputs). Each of the eight outputs is an independent fullband output. | |
 | DVB-S/S2 Receiver Ferguson Ariva S300 A99372 provides picture of the highest quality and a crystal clear sound, both in the case of HD and SD broadcasts. Ferguson Ariva S300 is provided - among other things - with a high-speed USB port for plugging both external storage media and wireless WiFi adapter. Recording/timeshift, playing music (mp3, ogg, flac) and movies (mkv, avi, xvid), viewing photos (jpeg, bmp) are just a few examples of the use of this versatile device. The card reader placed under the front panel flap allows access to encrypted channels, HD and SD. The power consumption in standby mode is very low (below 0.5 W). | |
 | Signal 19" RACK Cabinet (32U 600x800mm, standing) R912013 suitable for mounting all sorts of devices in standard 19" rack housings, as well as some devices not compliant with this standard. Ideal for installing headends, for various kinds of equipment, also in residential systems, for example multiswitches, RF amplifiers, modulators, DVRs, servers. The rack cabinet has many openings ensuring adequate air circulation. Additionally, it is possible to install fans to increase the ventilation. | |
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