Monday 8 May 2017

3 D Printing – The Futuristic Technology in Printing Techniques

3 D Printing
3 D printing technology is the new and latest manufacturing technology where one can print their digital designs or models into a three dimensional solid object. First introduced in the 80s, in recent years this technology has been fast evolving into a more efficient method of production. There are different technologies and materials for 3D printing but all work on the same principle of printing where layer by layer, material is added and a solid object is printed.

How does it work? 

For 3D printing an object, its digital design or digital model is required. The digital file is transmitted to the 3D printer after it has been split into thin layers. This is the basic principle on which various 3D printing technologies work. After this, the printing technologies differ in terms of materials such as plastic, rubber, sandstone, metals to name a few and are used according to the printer type. In addition to this, more and more materials are being introduced in the market every year for 3D printing technology.

History of 3D Printing

The futuristic technology of 3D printing was first introduced 30 years ago and since then this has evolved to what it is today. 3D printing process was first invented by Chuck Hull in 1983 and he initially used liquids which were light and curable. However, he later realized this process could be expanded to other materials also which were capable of taking any shape and not just liquids. With this, Hull laid the foundation for 3D printing which is also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM) today.

Uses of 3D printing 

3D printing technology has opened avenues for many possibilities in varied fields. Initially, the use of this modern technology was limited to only the industrial sector but over the year’s 3D printing found its way into Engineering, Architecture and even in the Medical field. Designers, Engineers and Architects use this technology to create an initial model of their designs. Surgeons and highly qualified medical specialists create body parts to study them before surgeries that are complex to perform.Orthopedic surgeons 3D print bone grafts for their patients with bone injuries and deformities. Currently, researchers in this field are looking for a way to print small but vital internal body parts using organic materials that will help medical specialists to not only help patients recover from their injuries but also help them save lives.

Cost Effective

This modern and innovative technology has proven to be cost effective by cutting down on the manpower and utilized for manufacturing a product. Where large scale production is required, 3D printing helps in production on a larger scale in the same time and in a single and efficient process. Also, with this process, the product quality is consistent and uniform throughout. Additive Manufacturing process requires input at just one initial level after which the output process is completely automatic, which cuts down labor cost to almost zero.

Because of its efficiency and accuracy, it won’t be long before this technology replaces traditional methods of production as it helps produce a design in lesser time on a larger scale.

How to Remove New Tab Aid from Google Chrome

New Tab Aid
Is there a FCB New Tab installed on your browser, and do you have any idea how New Tab Aid gets in you computer? What is New Tab Aid and how New Tab Aid to be completely removed from the computer? In this post, you will find the answers for those questions. You might be unhappy and depressed about the functionality of New Tab Aid.

Actually, this type of browser extension is an adware program that is supposed to send numerous sponsored advertisements and popups to browsers. Also, Tab Aid may cause change to browser settings, including home page and search engine. If you accidentally clicked on suspicious popup news this adware could be installed. Once the New Tab Aid is installed in your browser, it generates a lot of pop ads, interrupting your work on the network. Ads by New Tab Aid can be seen everywhere. If you click on these ads, you will be redirected to these adware sites.

Because some unknown sites might be potentially cast-off programs like PickPlus and My Maps wizards, you should be highly careful. New Tab Aid can be removed immediately if the PC is protected well with a antivirus program. It is said that these adware could secretly download malicious extensions when it is running in the background. Then this malicious Tab Aid add-on is able to collect your browser stories and personal information. For money, the developer of the New Tab Aid can sell the data to unknown third parties. Please get rid of New Tab to avoid further problems.

New Tab Aid is commonly known as a "bundling" scheme, along with other programs such as free software, updates, and tools. Ordinary computer users are not aware that adware comes with these programs, and in most cases New Tab Aid is also installed during installation. Although this unwanted browser is not the only one that can get loaded into the system.

Other unsafe adware can also be bundled with the installation, which is a risk to the computer. Some people are even tempted to use it as an alternative Internet browser software. It has been marketed as a fine browser with complete security features on its core. New Tab Aid claims to block and direct the annoying ads. Quick and optimized search are another guarantee when you use this program. There are familiar and trustworthy browsers out there matching the features of the New Tab Aid so why use one unfamiliar?

In fact, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Firefox and Edge are the most reliable programs. FCB New Tab, also known as FCB Tab, or FC Barcelona New is a browser extension usually comes along with third parties who is claimed to help you keep up-to-date news, videos, and many other related information about FC Barcelona team. In the meantime FCB New Tab will show you recommendations and suggestions while you are surfing online. Seems like New Tab Aid is a very helpful application for computer users.

However, you may find that FCB New Tab gives many problems when it is installed on your computer. First, you may find that your browser home page and the standard search engine have been changed for some one that you have never met before, and then you will agnize that your chrome new tab page has been changed to New Tab Aid without your permission.

FCB New Tab program can debased all the most remarkably used browsers such as Firefox, Google Chrome. FCB New Tab search does not offer sure search results because the search results from FCB New Tab are filled by means of advertising and links sponsors. You'll get lots of nettlesome pop-up ads and if you're looking for something that could be redirected to some other unbeknownst website that may contain malicious programs

You can remove New Tab in two ways: manually or automatically. If you are new to virus removal and have not previously treated it, however, we recommend a faster and more secure solution that will remove it automatically. This technique does not require any technical skills. When it comes to FCB New Tab removal, you just need to initiate a system scan with some reputable antivirus system, and will pay attention to the rest for you. If you encounter any difficulties with this elimination adware, do not hesitate to an expert!

Saturday 6 May 2017

Stanford Professor Uses Math to Create Hypnotic 'Neverending Bloom'


Artist Uses Golden-Ratio to Create Animated Sculptures

John Edmark has amused people the world over with his 3D printed sculptures that come to life under strobe lighting while being spun on a turntable. His range of expertise covers many things including art, photography and mathematics while he is also a design lecturer at Stanford University in California. He combined a number of his skill sets to produce the hypnotic never-ending bloom.

He calls it ‘bloom’ because it gives the illusion of a repeatedly blooming flower which is a result of complex mathematics and well-timed photography. He has used a 3D printer to model the sculpture using precise measurements and photographed the process using a camera with a very high shutter speed. The final effect is that of a hypnotic infinitely blooming movement (never-ending bloom).

Design

The design of the sculpture was inspired by naturally occurring objects that exhibit the golden ratio in their structure like flower petals, pinecones, seed heads, branches of trees, sea shells, fruits and vegetables like pineapples and artichokes and even hurricanes.

The golden ratio is formed by dividing a line into two parts so that the entire length divided by the longer part is equal to the longer part divided by the smaller part. Edmark recreates the Fibonacci series found often in nature by placing the leaves on his blooms approximately 137.5 degrees around each other. 137.5 degree is a very special angle known as the golden angle which is calculated from the golden ratio.

He starts positioning the leaves of the sculptures one by one beginning from the top of the center. But he also breaks the rules sometimes to slightly alter the positions of a few leaves which creates a dizzying distorted effect. The designer used Python in RhinoScript to code the design for the model. It was then 3D printed on a ZPrinter 450.

Movement

A turntable was built for the model to be placed on. It was then attached to a motor that powered the turntable to rotate at 550 revolutions per minute. The exact rotation speed was carefully calculated so that the turntable could be synchronized with the camera filming the movement. A camera with a fast shutter speed was placed in front of the turntable to capture videos at 24 fps.

These precise settings made sure that the video would capture each frame while a leaf turned exactly 137.5 degrees resulting in the effect of the never-ending bloom. A strobe light was fitted above the bloom which emitted a strobe at exactly the same time the camera took photographs, for an enhanced effect. The different elements put together to create this mesmerizing effect had to work in a perfect sync to produce the ultimate smooth and effortless motion.

Final Result

The final result of the never-ending bloom is completely hypnotizing almost inducing a slight vertigo. The innovative intermingling of art and mathematics could only be the brainchild of John Edmark, an artist with such dynamic prowess. His work is displayed in art galleries and museums around the globe.

FalseGuide Malware Victim Count Jumps to 2 Million

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2 Million Android Users Infected By Malware, Learn How to Protect Yourself

Check Point researchers recently reported that millions have unintentionally downloaded a malware called FalseGuide hidden in over 50 apps downloaded from Google Play Store. Attacks like this have been made through Play Store before with the use of malwares like Vikinghorde and Dresscode. The botnet malware spread through the download of guide apps for games like FIFA, Pokemon Go, Subway Surfers, GTA San Andreas, Asphalt and others. The malware quickly spread and infected over 2 million android devices, compromising their internet security. Initially, a report published on 24th April had informed that the malware has affected only 600,000 users but since then Check Point has researched that the FalseGuide malware attack is far worse. FalseGuide was uploaded onto Play Store as early as November last year and has been sitting there ever since, generating more and more downloads. Find out whether you have been a victim of this attack and learn how you can boost your internet security to protect yourself from such attacks.

How does FalseGuide operate?

Hackers behind this attack developed these simple apps as guides for games are widely popular and are downloaded by people all around the world. They don’t require much maintenance and updates which makes the hacker’s job all the more easier. This is how FalseGuide malware infects your device-

  • After the installation of the game guide, FalseGuide asks for device admin permission from the user. 
  • If you have given it administrative permission, it cannot be deleted from the device. It can then use methods to hide its activities.
  • You will then be part of a botnet without your knowledge. The hackers will control your device for adware purposes and make an income through it. 
  • Then FalseGuide registered itself on a message topic of the same name on a cross-platform messaging service called Firebase Cloud Messaging. After subscribing to this topic, the attackers can send messages containing links to more malware, download and install them to your device. 
  • After restarting, a background service will start running and display illegal pop-up ads so the hackers can make money. 
  • Highly malicious coding has been found in these modules which can actually allow the attackers to root your device, launch a DDoS attack or infiltrate private networks.

Did the attack originate from Russia?

Check Point surmised that the malicious apps containing FalseGuide malware was submitted to Play Store by two fake developers with Russian names, Sergei Vernik and Nikolai Zalupkin. Later, they updated their post with the information that 5 more of such apps had been found and these had been developed by Anatoly Khmelenko (translated from a Russian name).

What to Do If You Are a Victim?

Google has already removed the apps from the Play Store but your device might still be infected. You must perform a factory reset on your device. If it still does not work, you must take your phone to a professional.
How to Protect Yourself from Similar Attacks

  • Only download apps from trusted sources and developers. 
  • Beware of installing apps that request administrative permission. 
  • Keep an updated antivirus on your device.

Plastic Eating Wax Worms Could Solve Our Pollution Problem

A planet saving caterpillar with hunger for ‘plastic’ is discovered

Our planet is becoming a dumpster with the use of plastic in varied forms and the worst thing about it is that it isn’t degradable. However, researchers have found a new kind of caterpillar which possesses the capability to eat away the bio-degradable plastic shopping bags. This caterpillar was actually bred to be used as fishing bait but researchers has found this unique plastic breaking ability during their study. These caterpillars are also referred as wax form because they used by the beekeepers to lay eggs inside the hive and they live rest of their lives as parasites on the beeswax. Their unique environment friendly ability was unearthed by a researcher when he was indulged in removing the parasites from the honeycombs.

They carried out a study in the UK supermarket where about 100 worms were exposed to a plastic bag. Within 40 minutes researchers started looking a tiny holes appearing on the bag and in 12 hours they 92 gram worth reduction in the total mass of the plastic bag. It is worth noting that the degradation rate was way faster than ever before seen in the natural environment.

Is it really happening?

Science is not just about believing the things we see but also proving that it is happening in the right fashion. Scientists have done a unique testing to confirm whether the plastic is being broken down by the environment friendly caterpillar or they are simply chomping on it. Scientists have mashed up some of the worms and smeared them on the polythene bags and the results were positive. Later on they have found that the unique plastic degrading skills shown by the worms are very much related to their ability to digest the beeswax. It is found that the complete digesting process of the beeswax as well polyethylene is almost similar as it requires the breaking of the similar types of chemical bonds.

The future application of these new caterpillars

One of the lead researchers named Federica Bertocchini has clarified that the polymer used in plastic is also a kind of wax which can be called natural plastic. Wax chemical structure is not very different from the polyethylene. During the research, it was found that the caterpillar happens to secrete a unique chemical which help in breaking the chemical bond present in the plastic. Now the next job I front of the researchers is to identify the molecular processes involved in this reaction and get the hold of the enzyme which is responsible for it.

This research will certainly help us in saving our continuously degrading environment as well will be able to break the plastic waste on a large scale. It should be noted that low-density polyethylene and plastic bags takes as much as 100 years to decompose completely while the harder and tougher plastic variants can last for centuries. Very soon we will be able to lessen the burden of plastic on the nature by introducing the chemical or even the caterpillar in breaking down the plastic wastes.