Japanese supercomputer simulations showed that wearing two masks gave limited benefit in blocking viral spread compared with one properly fitted mask. The findings in part contradict recent recommendations from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that two masks were better than one at reducing a person’s exposure to the coronavirus. Researchers used the Fugaku supercomputer to model the flow of virus particles from people wearing different types and combinations of masks, according to a study released on Thursday by research giant Riken and Kobe University. Using a single surgical-type mask, made of non-woven material, had 85% effectiveness in blocking particles when worn tightly around the nose and face. Adding a polyurethane mask on top boosted the effectiveness to just 89%. Wearing two non-woven masks isn’t useful because air resistance builds up and causes leakage around the edges. “The performance of double masking simply does not add up,” wrote the researchers, led by Makoto Tsubokura. In general, professional grade N95 masks were the best in protecting against infection, followed by non-woven masks, cloth masks, and finally polyurethane types, the study showed. The Riken research team previously used the Fugaku supercomputer to model how humidity can affect viral contagion and the infection risks in trains, work spaces, and other environments. As the COVID-19 epidemic has worn on, scientific consensus has grown that the virus is spread through the air and masks are effective in controlling contagion. …
Double digit division
HCM City accelerates digital transformation in governmental organisations
Governmental staff deliver public services to citizens. (Photo: VNA) HCM City (VNA) – Ho Chi Minh City plans to accelerate digital transformation in governmental organisations and promote e-government to heighten the efficiency and quality of public service delivery. This is among the tasks for the city in conducting a plan on enhancing the application of information technology in governmental organisation s, promoting e-government and ensuring cybersecurity between 2021 and 2025. To this end, the southern economic hub will focus on developing digital infrastructure serving governmental offices; creating open databases with easy and friendly access to increase transparency, towards e-government, a digital economy, and a digital society; and ensuring information safety and cybersecurity. A customer service centre of the Electricity Vietnam (EVN). (Photo: VNA) The city targets being among the top 5 performers in developing e-government and the top 3 in the ICT Development Index (IDI) and Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI). It will provide more public utility services for people and businesses and improve interaction between them and authorities. It will also encourage innovative ideas and the use of technology in resolving public issues and increasing public satisfaction in public service delivery./. VNA …
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FPT, Toyota launch digital transformation joint venture
FPT Smart Technologies is headquartered in Da Nang – Vietnam’s third largest city. (Photo: Shutterstock) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s leading IT services provider FPT Software, a subsidiary of FPT Corporation, and Smart Holdings of Toyota Group have recently launched FPT Smart Technologies - a joint venture providing digital transformation services and solutions. FPT Software holds 51 percent of stake in the joint venture. The joint venture was launched at a time when Japan is looking toward a 5.0 society – a super-smart society fueled by smart technologies and innovations among industries. It will offer digital transformation services and solutions in manufacturing, automobiles and construction industries by combining technological expertise, experiences and domain knowledge of the two companies. Automotive technology is one of the spearhead capabilities of FPT Software, with Japan being a key market in FPT’s globalisation strategy./. VNA …
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