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Queues continue on last day of collection for free DIY Covid-19 test kits

SINGAPORE - Queues for free rapid antigen self-test kits continue to form at several venues across Singapore on the last day of their collection on Wednesday (July 21). The test kits are meant for individuals who had visited four markets and food centres - Cheng San Market and Cooked Food Centre, Chong Boon Market and Food Centre, Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre and Haig Road Market and Food Centre - in the last 14 days. They include residents living in the vicinity of these places. Distribution of the test kits had started on Tuesday at 22 community centres and residents' committee (RC) centres. Locations of these venues can be found at this website. The Straits Times understands that the centres will close at 6pm on Wednesday. There was a queue of about 20 people at Geyland Serai RC centre at around 10am on Wednesday (July 21) when ST checked the venue. The process was quick, with individuals taking about five minutes to receive their test kits. Resident Kolim Sim said that her neighbour had informed her about the collection. Ms Sim, who is waiting to receive the second shot of the vaccine, said she had not been to the Haig Road Market and Food Centre for several months. Covid-19 cases had recently been found there. "But I still feel a little worried," the freelance music teacher said. Another resident, who wished to be known as Mr Raju, said he visited the market two days ago but feels fine. The 76-year-old is fully vaccinated. A resident, who identified himself as Mr Guan, said he was collecting the kits for "peace of mind". His wife visits the market every two weeks. "We have to learn how to live with this," said the 48-year-old, who works in a managerial position but declined to elaborate on his occupation. The process was quick, with individuals taking about five minutes to receive their test kits. ST PHOTO: JASON QUAH The Ministry of Health (MOH) had said on Monday that it was working with the People's Association to distribute the test kits as an added layer of ringfencing to help identify cases and prevent further transmission. The distribution of the test kits comes amid a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Singapore, with a majority of the new cases detected at markets and food centres across the island. MOH said that these areas were likely seeded by fishmongers and stallholders who visited the Jurong Fishery Port. The cluster had 321 cases as at Wednesday morning. More on this topic   Related Story Dining in, personal care services to be banned till Aug 18 as Singapore tightens Covid-19 measures   Related Story Haig Road, Chong Pang markets to shut till Aug 4 after 35 Covid-19 cases found   Related Stories:  Related Story S'pore suspends dining in, tightens Covid-19 curbs: What you need to know from July 22 Related Story Why is S'pore back to phase 2: Hospital capacity, community exposure to Covid-19 among considerations Related Story Spike in Covid-19 cases raises disturbing questions, but also carries lessons for S'pore Related Story KTV and Jurong Fishery Port Covid-19 clusters linked: Ong Ye Kung Related Story MOH to take 4-ring approach to contain Covid-19 spread from KTV cluster Related Story 'I'm old and dying, so what's the point of getting vaccinated?': Seniors yet to get the Covid-19 jab Related Story Covid-19 curbs in Seoul may be raised to highest level as new cases surge Related Story Indonesia expands nationwide Covid-19 curbs Related Story Made-in-Malaysia Covid-19 vaccine expected to be ready in 2024

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Malaysia Permission Granted for COVID-19 Test Kit from China for Emergency Use; Homegrown Holista Colltech Receives Initial Order for 15,000 Units for Deployment

KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 18, 2021 - (ACN Newswire via SEAPRWire.com) - Amid rising concerns about the threat and economic impact of COVID-19, Holista Colltech Limited has been granted permission for Special access under the Medical Device (Exemption) Order 2016, from the Medical Devices Authority ("MDA") of Malaysia's Ministry of Health ("MOH") to import and distribute for an antigen rapid test kit (RTK-AG) developed and manufactured by Guangdong Hecin Scientific Inc. ("Hecin") of China. With this approval, the Company has secured an initial order for 15,000 units in Malaysia.Holista Colltech Limited ("Holista"), a natural wellness and health products specialist headquartered in Petaling Jaya and listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX: HCT"), said the Hecin(TM) 2019-nCOV diagnostic test kits will be used to detect the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 viral antigen from nasal swabs within 15 minutes.Antigen tests look for the coating or proteins of the virus while Polymerase Chain Reaction ("PCR") tests detect its nucleic acid, or genetic material (also known as RNA). The former can deliver results within minutes and generally cost less; the latter, while more accurate, can take up to several days and are generally more expensive.The 15,000 units will be shipped by the end of this month to Klinik Mutiara, part of Amegajaya Sdn Bhd, a medical consultancy that works closely with MOH and related organizations. The maiden order secured by Holista's wholly owned Holista Biotech Sdn. Bhd. is worth approximately A$95,000 (US$73,000). The kits will be used by registered professionals at Klinik Mutiara for screening purposes.MOH's Medical Devices Authority ("MDA") has granted Holista permission to import and distribute up to 45,000 units of the Hecin antigen test kit for emergency use within three months from the date of approval on 14th June 2021.The clinical performance of Hecin RTK-Antigen test kit against PCR Comparator method using nasopharyngeal swabs specimens has obtained a sensitivity of 96.23% and specificity 99.07%. The trial was carried out in Daye City Center for Disease Control and Prevention within China. The results serve as the basis for obtaining the CE mark in Europe. The MDA also conducted its own clinical trials in Malaysia prior to this approval.The MDA has also granted Holista similar import and distribution approval for Hecin Antibody Test kit which can test human serum, plasma or whole blood for levels of antibodies to assess immunity after vaccination.Holista has rights to distribute the Hecin COVID-19 test kits in Brunei, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and the United Kingdom.The channel distribution will be handled by Holista's long-time partner, Zuellig Pharma.Holista will build upon the approvals and commercial arrangements for these test kits to extend distribution rights and partnerships worldwide for pandemic-related infection control, testing and related healthcare solutions."The pandemic has impacted Malaysia severely with rising infections, deaths and prolonged movement controls which have disrupted business, education, social interaction and many other activities. Rapid testing is the key to controlling the spread of infection and revive economic activity with confidence," said Holista's CEO, Dato' Dr Rajen Manicka."An infected person can spread the virus for several days without showing symptoms. To counter this, regular antigen RTK testing can curb infections control in a very affordable manner. High frequency mass testing has been hugely successful in curbing infections in China, South Korea, Slovakia, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. We are glad that they are being introduced in Malaysia," he said."The Slovakia approach of testing brought infections down by more than 50%. Its success has been reported by British Medical Journal, The Lancet, Science and Scientific American earlier this year," Dato' Dr Rajen added.Holista has also developed a mobile application that allows efficient tracking and tracing based on the 'Traffic Light' model that has been successfully deployed by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom.About Holista CollTech LimitedHolista CollTech Ltd ("Holista") is a natural wellness company with the following divisions:- Infection Control Solutions- Dietary supplements - Food Ingredients- Ovine collagenHolista has a global collaboration with Global Infection Control Consultants LLC to use Path-Away�, a plant-based solution that is proven to kill a broad spectrum of microbes. The all-natural alcohol-free active ingredient is used in Holista's range of sanitising products under the NatShield� brand.Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX"), Holista researches, develops, manufactures and markets health style products. Holista's suite of ingredients includes low GI baked products, reduced-sodium salts, low-fat fried foods and low-calorie sugar without compromising taste, odour and mouthfeel. Holista also produces sheep (ovine) collagen using patented extraction methods. For more information on Holista, please visit https://www.holistaco.com/Media Contact:WeR1 Consultants Pte LtdE: holista@wer1.net M: +65 6721 7161 Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. (via SEAPRWire)

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No rush for DIY Covid-19 test kits on first day of sales

SINGAPORE - Sales of self-administered Covid-19 test kits started at all major pharmacies in Singapore on Wednesday (June 16). All 79 Guardian pharmacy stores islandwide have been stocked with two antigen rapid test (ART) kits: the Abbott PanBioTM Covid-19 Antigen Self-test and the QuickVue At-Home OTC Covid-19 Test. A Guardian spokesman said: "Both brands are approved by the Health Sciences Authority. The instructions on how to use these two brands differ, hence customers are advised to follow the specific instruction leaflet carefully for the brand they purchase." The same two test kits are also available at Watsons Singapore and Unity stores. Their retail prices range from $10 to $13 per test kit, as recommended by the Health Ministry in Singapore. The Abbott PanBio test kit costs $13 at Guardian. The same kit costs $12.80 at Unity and $13.10 at Watsons. It is cheaper to purchase the tests in boxes of 10 or more. There were few buyers for the test kits when The Straits Times checked Guardian, Watsons and Unity pharmacy outlets at Jurong East, Bukit Panjang, Potong Pasir and Toa Payoh on Wednesday morning (June 16). Retiree Ms J. Brown, 60, visited a Watsons pharmacy at Bukit Panjang Plaza on Wednesday to purchase Covid-19 test kits for her family as they are returning to the United Kingdom in September this year. "Instead of going all the way (to the test centre), it's easier and more convenient if you have the kits," said Ms Brown, whose husband works in the oil and gas industry and whose daughter works in a school. "We can test ourselves one to two weeks before so we can avoid problems when we go to the airport. At least you know that you are 90 per cent negative." The self-administered testing kits are meant to make testing fast, easy and accessible as Singapore gradually resumes more activities. The self-administered tests will allow the Health Ministry to detect infected cases more quickly, in particular among asymptomatic individuals and those concerned that they might have been exposed to Covid-19. Sales across all pharmacies are currently limited to 10 ART kits per person to ensure there are adequate supplies for all. The Guardian spokesman said its pharmacies have sufficient stock to cater to the expected demand. A Covid-19 rapid test kit at Watsons Health at Heartbeat @ Bedok on June 16, 2021. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM "The limit of 10 kits has been set to ensure sufficient stocks for everyone... Our pharmacists will exercise discretion with regards to the sale of test kits and we will encourage customers to shop safely and purchase only what they need," she said. "We will continue to closely monitor the situation and adapt our measures where needed." Individuals who have acute respiratory infection symptoms have been urged to visit a doctor for a full diagnosis and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test instead of relying on an ART self-test kit. The HSA has also noted that ARTs have a lower sensitivity than PCR tests and a higher chance of false negative results. In general, ARTs can achieve a sensitivity of about 80 per cent for cases with higher viral loads and a specificity range of 97 per cent to 100 per cent, it added. More on this topic   Related Story DIY Covid-19 test kits to go on sale from June 16: How is it like to use one?   Related Story Testing for Covid-19: How S'pore is raising its game with DIY test kits and more

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DIY Covid-19 test kits to be piloted at construction worksites

SINGAPORE - To further reduce the risk of transmission at worksites, the use of antigen rapid tests (ART) will now be piloted at construction worksites for those who are not living in dormitories. These tests, which will generally be conducted once every three days, will be administered by workers through do-it-yourself Covid-19 test kits, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said on Monday (May 31). This comes on top of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) rostered routine testing that these workers continue to be required to take. Currently, all individuals at construction worksites, whether vaccinated or not, must be tested once every seven days or once every 14 days, depending on their risk level, such as whether they stay in dormitories. In a circular, the BCA said that each employer will appoint trained personnel as supervisors to ensure proper infection prevention controls and the correct use of the test kits. Some worksites will also designate and train specific personnel who administer the swabs for their colleagues, the BCA added. The move to pilot such self-administered tests at worksites comes after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's announcement on Monday that do-it-yourself Covid-19 test kits will soon be available at pharmacies here. These tests, which are simple to use, can be administered by front-line workers on their own, if they wish to test themselves frequently or even daily, PM Lee said. PCR tests are the most accurate, but usually take a day or two for results to be known. The less accurate ART returns results in about 30 minutes and is used heavily for pre-event testing. The pilot use of such ART at worksites is being overseen by the BCA, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Manpower (MOM). In its circular, the BCA said it is currently engaging worksites on the pilot initiative, and that more worksites will be progressively included as Singapore ramps up its supply of antigen rapid tests. More details on the requirements and implementation of the tests will be provided when they are ready, including the necessary training and preparation required, the BCA added. MOH said on Monday that it will be extending the use of ARTs further, with pilots in student hostels in autonomous universities. It will also work with CapitaLand to run pilots at one or two selected malls for tenants and people who work there. Those whose rapid test returns a positive result will need to take a PCR test at a Swab and Send Home Public Health Preparedness Clinic or regional screening centre to confirm if they have Covid-19. They are required to self-isolate until they receive a negative PCR test result. More on this topic   Related Story 6 key announcements from PM Lee's address on Covid-19 plans   Related Story Large-scale Covid-19 testing to become routine   Related Stories:  Related Story S'pore still ranks high in Covid-19 vaccination pace despite supply constraints Related Story Covid-19: Why S'pore is in a stronger position than it was last year Related Story Airborne, droplet or surface transmission: How Covid-19 could have spread in Jem and Westgate Related Story Immunity to the coronavirus may persist for years, scientists find Related Story Sinopharm's two Covid-19 vaccines show over 70 per cent efficacy against symptomatic cases: Study Related Story Malaysia orders shorter hours for malls, restaurants to curb Covid-19 spike Related Story Facing new Covid-19 waves, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam fight to hold the line Related Story India asks social media firms to remove reference to 'Indian variant' of coronavirus Related Story Covid-19's long tail: What is it and why does it happen? Related Story Pfizer vaccine safe for kids aged 12 to 15: Expert committee in response to open letter from docs

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Trial using new Covid-19 breathalysers at Tuas Checkpoint to start in a few days

SINGAPORE - A breath test that can accurately detect Covid-19 within a minute will be rolled out in Singapore, with a trial slated to begin at Tuas Checkpoint in the next few days. Developed by Breathonix, a spin-off from the National University of Singapore, this breath test system has received provisional authorisation from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA), the first such system to receive it here. This was announced on Monday (May 24) in a joint statement by Breathonix and NUS. Using these breathalysers will enable Covid-19 testing to be done much faster and more efficiently, without the need for the samples to be processed elsewhere. Trained personnel will administer the test, with no need for medically trained staff. Breathonix is now working with the Ministry of Health for its deployment trial at Tuas Checkpoint, where incoming travellers will be screened. This breath analysis will be carried out alongside the current compulsory Covid-19 antigen rapid test. Antigen rapid tests produce results in around 30 minutes and can be done on site. Meanwhile, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, considered to be the gold standard for testing, take a few hours. Swabs for PCR tests also have to be transported to labs. For the new BreFence Go Covid-19 Breath Test System, people simply exhale into a disposable one-way valved mouthpiece that is connected to a breath sampler. A mass spectrometer analyses the invisible particles called volatile organic compounds (VOC) in a person's exhaled breath. A healthy person will have a different VOC signature from someone who is ill, and different illnesses produce different signatures. The total time from breath sampling to results takes less than a minute. Any individual with a positive breathalyser result will need to undergo a confirmatory PCR swab test. Dr Jia Zhunan, chief executive of Breathonix, said: "Our breath test is non-invasive. Users only need to breathe out normally into the disposable mouthpiece provided, so there will not be any discomfort." 60-second breath test receives provisional authorisation from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority She added: "Cross-contamination is unlikely as the disposable mouthpiece has a one-way valve and a saliva trap to prevent inhalation or saliva from entering the machine." The breath analysis system underwent clinical trials at three locations conducted from June 2020 to April 2021. Locally, trials were carried out at the National Centre for Infectious Diseases and Changi Airport while the third trial was carried out in Dubai, in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority and the Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences. Breathonix is in discussion with several local and overseas organisations to use the system, given its strong commercial interest. Breathonix is founded by three NUS graduates - Dr Jia, Mr Du Fang and Mr Wayne Wee - along with Professor T. Venky Venkatesan. It is supported by the NUS Graduate Research Innovation Programme (Grip), a scheme that encourages talented NUS graduate students and research staff to establish and run high potential start-ups based on deep technologies. Breathonix is founded by Dr Jia Zhunan (left) and Mr Du Fang (middle). With them is Professor Freddy Boey, NUS deputy president (innovation and enterprise). PHOTO: NUS Professor Freddy Boey, deputy president (innovation and enterprise), who oversees the NUS Grip team, said: "Securing provisional authorisation in Singapore is a major milestone for Breathonix, and NUS is very proud of this achievement by our start-up. "The pandemic is likely to go on for several years. Mass, repeated testing has to be widely adopted as a key public health strategy to support the safe reopening of economies, and Breathonix's home-grown technology hits the right spot. "I'm confident that their novel technology will make a significant contribution towards protecting the safety and health of Singaporeans and the global community," he added. More on this topic   Related Story Covid-19 breathalysers could be used on large scale in S'pore soon   Related Story How Singapore-made Covid-19 breathalyser works   Related Stories:  Related Story Malaysia orders shorter hours for malls, restaurants to curb Covid-19 spike Related Story Facing new Covid-19 waves, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam fight to hold the line Related Story India asks social media firms to remove reference to 'Indian variant' of coronavirus Related Story Covid-19's long tail: What is it and why does it happen? Related Story Pfizer vaccine safe for kids aged 12 to 15: Expert committee in response to open letter from docs Related Story China rolls out one-dose vaccine amid new round of Covid-19 infections Related Story UK cases of Covid-19 variant from India more than double in a week Related Story Some vaccines help nations exit the Covid-19 pandemic faster than others Related Story Covid-19 is airborne, scientists say. Now, the authorities think so, too Related Story New York ends Covid-19 mask requirements for vaccinated people

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Golf: Hatton fourth player out of Valspar after positive Covid-19 test

PALM HARBOR, FLORIDA (REUTERS) - World number eight Tyrrell Hatton became the fourth player to withdraw from this week's Valspar Championship in Palm Harbor, Florida, after receiving a positive test for Covid-19, the PGA Tour said on Tuesday (April 27). The Englishman, who finished in a share of eighth place at last week's Zurich Classic of New Orleans team event with 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, was among the top players in this week's field at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead course. "Hatton will have the PGA Tour's full support throughout his self-isolation period under CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines," the PGA Tour said in a statement. Earlier on Tuesday, the PGA Tour said Sepp Straka tested positive for Covid-19 and had withdrawn from this week's event. On Monday, the PGA Tour said Will Gordon and Brice Garnett also tested positive for the virus and would not play this week. Among those competing this week at Innisbrook are world number one Dustin Johnson and world number two Justin Thomas.   Related Stories:  Related Story Singapore tops ranking of world's best places to be amid Covid-19 pandemic Related Story Vaccine hoarding set to backfire on rich nations as India reels from Covid-19 surge Related Story US loosens restrictions on export of Covid-19 vaccine raw materials to India Related Story Australia plugs NZ travel bubble loophole that gave residents 'escape route' to other countries Related Story 24 foreign workers test positive for Covid-19 at Westlite Woodlands dormitory Related Story Debate in India over pricing of Covid-19 jabs as pandemic rips through country Related Story 'No sign' of infection after Barcelona Covid-19 concert trial Related Story Hong Kong to ease Covid-19 rules at eateries, nightspots for two weeks for those vaccinated Related Story Gilead to ship 450,000 remdesivir vials to India as Covid-19 cases surge

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Cheaper, faster antigen rapid test recommended by MOH for pre-event testing

SINGAPORE - For pre-event testing, the Ministry of Health recommends an antigen rapid test, as it is cheaper and faster than the polymerase chain reaction test. Antigen rapid tests usually take less than 30 minutes, while a polymerase chain reaction test, though more accurate, can take up to 48 hours. For large events requiring pre-event testing, the ministry allows organisers to arrange for antigen rapid tests for attendees at a clinic, or hire an approved test provider to conduct the tests at the event venue. Organisers can also require attendees to go for an antigen rapid test on their own at an approved clinic. Dr Stephen Tong, medical director at Bethesda Medical Centre, which provides antigen rapid tests, said that to conduct a large number of tests on-site, certain conditions must be met. He said the test site will need separate areas for registration, swabbing, sample processing, waiting for results and isolating those tested positive, plus areas for staff to put on and remove medical attire, and a biohazard waste area. The site must have a separate entrance and exit, and enough space for safe distancing. Dr Tong estimates that 13 staff are needed to complete antigen rapid tests for 250 people in two hours, and about triple the manpower to test 750 people in the same amount of time. The Health Ministry said on its website that pre-event testing is necessary to reduce risks of positive Covid-19 cases at events so that more activities can resume safely. After obtaining a negative result, the test provider will issue a Covid-19 test result notice to the attendee. This must be shown with a valid photo identification to gain entry into events that require pre-event testing. The test must have been administered no more than 24 hours before the end of the event. If the antigen rapid test is positive or invalid, this may suggest Covid-19 infection but could also be a false positive. If this happens, the Health Ministry requires a confirmatory polymerase chain reaction test as soon as possible. Attendees should ask the organiser whether they would receive a refund if they miss the event due to a positive or invalid antigen rapid test result. More on this topic   Related Story Pre-event Covid-19 testing: Logistics, cost among concerns for couples and event organisers   Related Story How do Covid-19 antigen rapid tests work and how will they be used?

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MHA calls tender for trial of fully automated motorcycle riding test circuit

SINGAPORE - Learner motorcyclists and drivers could in a few years' time be assessed for a road licence without the presence of a human tester, if a trial here proceeds smoothly. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has called a tender for a trial of a fully automated circuit that will use technology to test motorcycle riders. The Intelligent Driving Circuit (IDC) will eventually replace the current testing method, which involves a human assessor, for both car drivers and motorcyclists. According to the tender documents on government procurement portal GeBiz, the trial is to be conducted on selected Class 2, 2A and 2B motorcycles, which are to be fitted with analytical equipment such as sensors and cameras. The tenderer is expected to supply two motorcycle units for each class and set up automated testing systems at the motorcycle course stations within the test circuit at the Singapore Safety Driving Centre (SSDC) in Woodlands Industrial Park. The tender documents set out the riding errors that the automated testing system must be able to detect at the emergency stop station in a proof-of-concept test. These include failing to attain a minimum speed of 30kmh for Class 2B motorcycles and 40kmh for Class 2 and 2A motorcycles before executing the emergency stop, failing to look straight ahead and hold the handlebar firmly with both hands, and failing to grip the fuel tank with both knees. The system must also be able to detect if a rider puts his feet down before bringing the motorcycle to a complete stop, if he supports the motorcycle with his right foot instead of his left after stopping, or if he stops in a staggering manner. Applying insufficient braking force, applying the clutch before braking, applying the brakes early, failing to close the throttle to make use of the engine brake and failing to apply the front and rear brakes together are also among the listed errors. Other errors that will cause a rider to fail the test immediately include taking more than the required distances to stop the motorcycle on a wet surface, falling off the motorcycle and causing the motorcycle to lean over by more than 45 degrees. The tenderer must show that the system can achieve at least 80 per cent accuracy in detecting and highlighting these errors before the design is considered for further evaluation. The system must be able to achieve 100 per cent accuracy in detecting errors before it is eventually implemented in full. It will also be required to show how demerit points are awarded and why, as well as calculate the total demerit points awarded at the end of the test to determine whether the testee had met the minimum requirements before proceeding to the next test. More on this topic   Related Story Driving test in 2023 may not use assessor; cameras, sensors will examine drivers instead   Related Story Fewer traffic accidents in 2020 due to quieter roads in S'pore The trial could take up to a year and a half, according to the tender documents. The tenderer will be required to provide warranty and maintenance of the system for up to 18 months after installation. When the IDC was first announced by Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam in 2017, the minister said the trial would take place in 2021 and that the plan was to achieve full implementation by 2023. He said then that using technology to conduct driving lessons and tests will enhance the effectiveness of lessons, increase productivity and allow lessons to be taken outside of the current operating hours to better suit learners' schedules. The MHA did not respond to queries on the trial. A training manager at SSDC declined to comment when approached. More on this topic   Related Story Important to engage cyclists and other road and path users on safety: Faishal   Related Story Why Singapore's roads are less safe now

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Lasting Antiviral Effect against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19 virus) by TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA

Osaka, Japan, Feb 1, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Takex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture / President and CEO: Kumi Okada), the company engaged in the research and development of bamboo for about 34 years since the development of a sanitizer by using bamboo extract in 1987, announces that it has conducted a verification test of TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA (bamboo extract-containing ethanol sanitizer) against Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) and confirmed 99.99% of the virus inactivation even after 15 days.TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA used for this test is a food grade ethanol sanitizer containing Bamboo extract, extracted from bamboo skin. It also provides assurance for the users as TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is Halal certified by JAKIM, Malaysia government certification body which is highly recognized in other countries as well. TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is manufactured in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now on sale in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Product name is MAZTEX CLEAN EXTRA) and Thailand (Product name is TAKETSUYU).Takex will continue to create products which contribute to the health and safety of people through the research and development of bamboo.Summary and result of the evaluation test[Covid-19 virus strain used for the test]SARS-CoV-2 JPN/TY/WK-521 (Provided by National Institute of Infectious Diseases)[Summary of test]- Test center: Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center- Test sample: TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA (Bamboo extract-containing ethanol preparation)- Operative temperature: 25 degrees C- Measurement of infectivity titer: Plaque assay- Date of preparation of test specimen: December 3, 2020- Date of testing: December 18, 2020[Test method]1. Apply the test sample on 50mm x 50mm plates and dry them. Store the plates for 15 days to use as test specimens.2. Inoculate 0.40ml of the test virus inoculum onto the 15 days-old test specimens.3. After covering with a PE film (40mm x 40mm) and contacting at 25 degrees C and a relative humidity of not less than 90% for 24 hours, add 10ml of wash-out solution onto each specimen.4. Rub the surface of each specimen and film to wash out the virus.5. Determine the virus infectivity titer by plaque assay.[Test result]It is confirmed that 99.99% of the virus became inactive after 15 days of TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA application.[Test standard]ISO21702What is Bamboo extractBamboo extract is obtained from the crushed sheath of the stem of a gramineous Moso bamboo grown in Japan using special extraction method. It is approved as a food additive in Japan under Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, which confirm the safety of itself.Takex confirmed in a research with Osaka Prefecture University that Bamboo extract was effective to inactivate feline calicivirus, an alternative virus of norovirus which is one of the agents of food poisoning. Also, in another research with Tottori University, it confirmed that the extract was effective to inactivate a bird flu virus (H5N3).About Takex Co., Ltd. https://takex-co.com/en/Takex has been developing, manufacturing and selling hygiene products and shelf-life improvement agents that contain active ingredients extracted from bamboo since it developed a sanitizer using Bamboo extract in 1987. Targeting not only the Japanese market but also overseas and Halal markets, Takex is offering antibacterial and sanitizing agents, freshness-keeping agents, food additives, and others which obtain halal certification by JAKIM, Malaysia in the halal market.Takexco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a subsidiary company of Takex Co., Ltd. in Malaysia, which was established in September 2017. For the Covid-19 virus test and products detailed information, please refer attached reference document.[Distributor in Indonesia]PT Mazta Farma; https://www.maztafarma.comAddress: Green Sedayu Biz Park DM 16 No.36, Jl. Daan Mogot KM.18, Kalideres, Jakarta Barat - DKI JakartaContact Phone Number: +6221-22527412Email address: marketing@maztafarma.co.id & maztexcleanextra@gmail.comOfficial SNS: IG: @maztexofficial, FB: Maztex IndonesiaMedia contactTakex PR office (within Kyodo PR)E-mail: takex-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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Lasting Antiviral Effectiveness against Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) by TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA

Osaka, Japan, Jan 27, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Takex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture / President and CEO: Kumi Okada), engaged in the research and development of bamboo extract in sanitizer for 34 years since 1987. A lab test was conducted with TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA SANITIZER against Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2). Positive result shown 99.99% of the virus inactivation even after 15 days.TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is a food grade ethanol sanitizer containing Bamboo extract. It provides assurance for users as TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is Halal certified by JAKIM, Malaysia government certification body which is highly recognized in other countries. TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is manufactured in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now on sale in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Product name is MAZTEX CLEAN EXTRA) and Thailand (Product name is TAKETSUYU).Takex pledges to develop products which contribute to the health and safety of users through continuous research and development of bamboo.Summary and result of the evaluation test[Covid-19 virus strain used for the test]SARS-CoV-2 JPN/TY/WK-521 (Provided by National Institute of Infectious Diseases)[Summary of test]- Test center: Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center- Test sample: TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA (Bamboo extract-containing ethanol preparation)- Operative temperature: 25 degrees C- Measurement of infectivity titer: Plaque assay- Date of preparation of test specimen: December 3, 2020- Date of testing: December 18, 2020[Test method]1. Apply the test sample on 50mm x 50mm plates and dry them. Store the plates for 15 days to use as test specimens.2. Inoculate 0.40ml of the test virus inoculum onto the 15 days-old test specimens.3. After covering with a PE film (40mm x 40mm) and contacting at 25 degrees C and a relative humidity of not less than 90% for 24 hours, add 10ml of wash-out solution onto each specimen.4. Rub the surface of each specimen and film to wash out the virus.5. Determine the virus infectivity titer by plaque assay.[Test result]99.99% of the virus became inactive even after 15 days of TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA application.[Test standard]ISO21702What is Bamboo extractBamboo extract is obtained from the crushed sheath of the stem of a gramineous Moso bamboo grown in Japan using unique extraction method. It is approved as a food additive in Japan under Japan government - Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, which confirmed the safety of bamboo.In a collaboration research with Osaka Prefecture University, lab test result shown Bamboo extract is effective to inactivate feline calicivirus, a type of norovirus which is responsible for food poisoning. In addition, in another collaboration research with Tottori University, lab test result also shown the bamboo extract is effective to inactivate a bird flu virus (H5N3).About Takex Co., Ltd. https://takex-co.com/en/ Takex has been developing, manufacturing and selling hygiene products and shelf-life improvement agents that contain active ingredients extracted from bamboo since it started in 1987. Serving not only the Japan market but also Halal and non-Halal markets around the world. Takex offers antibacterial and sanitizing agents, freshness-keeping agents, food additives, which had obtained halal certifications by JAKIM, Malaysia in the halal market.Takexco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a subsidiary company of Takex Co., Ltd. in Malaysia, which was established in September 2017. For the Covid-19 virus test and products detailed information, please refer attached reference document. http://www.acnnewswire.com/pdf/files/Takex.pdfDistributor in SingaporeSze Heng Chan Holdings Pte. Ltd.1 Tampines North Drive 1#06-17/18/19 T SpaceSingapore 528559Lester +65 9666 7775Carmen +65 8587 9889Email: takex@szehengchan.comwww.facebook.com/szehengchanholdingspteltdMedia contactTakex PR office (within Kyodo PR)E-mail takex-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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Lasting Antiviral Effect against Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) by TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA

Osaka, Japan, Jan 26, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - Takex Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Suita City, Osaka Prefecture / President and CEO: Kumi Okada), the company engaged in the research and development of bamboo for about 34 years since the development of a sanitizer by using bamboo extract in 1987, announces that it has conducted a verification test of TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA Sanitizer against Covid-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) and confirmed 99.99% of the virus inactivation even after 15 days.TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA Sanitizer used for this test is a food grade ethanol sanitizer containing Bamboo extract, extracted from bamboo skin. It also provides assurance for the users as TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is Halal certified by JAKIM, Malaysia government certification body which is highly recognized in other countries as well. TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA is manufactured in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and now on sale in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (Product name is MAZTEX CLEAN EXTRA) and Thailand (Product name is TAKETSUYU).Takex will continue to create products which contribute to the health and safety of people through the research and development of bamboo.Summary and result of the evaluation test[Covid-19 virus strain used for the test]SARS-CoV-2 JPN/TY/WK-521 (Provided by National Institute of Infectious Diseases)[Summary of test]- Test center: Japan Textile Products Quality and Technology Center- Test sample: TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA (Bamboo extract-containing ethanol preparation)- Operative temperature: 25 degrees C- Measurement of infectivity titer: Plaque assay- Date of preparation of test specimen: December 3, 2020- Date of testing: December 18, 2020[Test method]1. Apply the test sample on 50mm x 50mm plates and dry them. Store the plates for 15 days to use as test specimens.2. Inoculate 0.40ml of the test virus inoculum onto the 15 days-old test specimens.3. After covering with a PE film (40mm x 40mm) and contacting at 25 degrees C and a relative humidity of not less than 90% for 24 hours, add 10ml of wash-out solution onto each specimen.4. Rub the surface of each specimen and film to wash out the virus.5. Determine the virus infectivity titer by plaque assay.[Test result]It is confirmed that 99.99% of the virus became inactive after 15 days of TAKEX CLEAN EXTRA application.[Test standard]ISO21702What is Bamboo extractBamboo extract is obtained from the crushed sheath of the stem of a gramineous Moso bamboo grown in Japan using special extraction method. It is approved as a food additive in Japan under Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, which confirm the safety of itself.Takex confirmed in a research with Osaka Prefecture University that Bamboo extract was effective to inactivate feline calicivirus, an alternative virus of norovirus which is one of the agents of food poisoning. Also, in another research with Tottori University, it confirmed that the extract was effective to inactivate a bird flu virus (H5N3).About Takex Co., Ltd. https://takex-co.com/en/ Takex has been developing, manufacturing and selling hygiene products and shelf-life improvement agents that contain active ingredients extracted from bamboo since it developed a sanitizer using Bamboo extract in 1987. Targeting not only the Japanese market but also overseas and Halal markets, Takex is offering antibacterial and sanitizing agents, freshness-keeping agents, food additives, and others which obtain halal certification by JAKIM, Malaysia in the halal market.Takexco Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is a subsidiary company of Takex Co., Ltd. in Malaysia, which was established in September 2017. For the Covid-19 virus test and products detailed information, please refer attached reference document. http://www.acnnewswire.com/pdf/files/Takex.pdfTakexco Malaysia Sdn Bhd. Contact informationUnit 06-08, Level 6, Menara MBMR, No.1, Jalan Syed Putra, 58000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.Tel: 03-27323986admintm@takex-co.comMedia contactTakex PR office (within Kyodo PR)E-mail: takex-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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Heathrow Covid Chaos British Tech Co Has Solution

MANCHESTER, UK, Jan 22, 2021 - (ACN Newswire) - British tech company VST Enterprises (VSTE) warned airlines and the travel industry in December of last year of 'Covid related security threats' prior to the chaotic scenes that unfolded at Heathrow airport (Monday 18th Jan).Tech boss and CEO Louis-James Davis warned of the very real and serious threats facing airlines, airports and passengers from fake Covid 19 test certificates, vaccination record cards, social distancing breaches and the use of health passports with 'un safe' QR and bar code technology. He also warned of the serious implications of potential data breaches using 'unsecure' code scanning technology in health passports.Passengers arriving into the UK this week (Monday) were faced with unprecedented scenes at Heathrow airport with long delays, social distancing rules breached, altercations between passengers and border officials, GBP500 on the spot fines and passengers being refused entry to flights for holding invalid Covid 19 certificates. The chaos came as the British Government put in place tough new measures for entry into the UK in a bid to get a grip of the pandemic and prevent the further spread of infection. Passengers were required to provide verifiable proof of their Covid 19 negative test result.VSTE developed and launched the worlds first secure digital health passport called V-Health Passport(TM) in April (2020) both for passengers and airlines which authenticates a persons health status including Covid test status and their vaccination records all within a secure digital passport. The V-Health Passport(TM) 'cross border' technology can be used across all air, land and sea transport infrastructure. The V-Health Passport(TM) has over 200 clinics across the UK where a person can book a Covid test - including a PCR based test - and be recognised as 'FIT TO FLY' by all International airlines. VSTE believes its solution can solve the global airline and travel issue.V-Health Passport(TM) will shortly start its roll out program of secure health passport across number of airlines and airports globally. In the UK it has already started this programme and is available through its healthcare testing partners Salutaris People www.salutarispeople.com and Akea Life at www.akealife.co.uk both at Newcastle and Liverpool John Lennon airports.Both healthcare partners also offer full airline travel Covid testing at their own clinics with PCR based testing for airline travel with a V-Health Passport(TM). They also supply 'home test kits' which are supervised over Zoom calls.It is the first company in the world to have a fully functioning and secure LIVE health passport that carries a persons Covid test status and vaccination record in one secure app. Most importantly the technology is GDPR compliant and was built on a privacy framework of 'Self Sovereign Identity' where the person - or airline passenger - can choose what information they want to share, when they want to share it and with who. Privacy by design is at the forefront of the V-Health Passport(TM) framework unlike other health passport technologies.V-Health Passport(TM) is a test and vaccine agnostic platform working with all Covid 19 protocols from PCR to rapid antigen and antibody tests which can also authenticate a persons vaccine immunisation record. V-Health Passport(TM) is also the most secure passport technology in the world unlike bar codes and QR codes which are subject to a process called 'Attagging' where a QR code can be cloned and faked. Using the VCode(R) cyber coding, it works on a 'closed loop' system with 'end-to-end' encryption and has over 2.2 Quintillion variations of codes that are subject to many scanning permissions making it impossible to hack the front or back end.V-Health Passport(TM) is 10 seconds faster than any code scanner and can also be scanned within and outside of the safe social distancing of 2 metres, whereas bar codes and QR codes have to be scanned in close proximity of inches. In other circumstances it can also be scanned upto 100 metres away, allowing for easier crowd and queue ingress and egress.In addition to the security flaws and close proximity of QR code scanning, another downfall of using QR Code for this type of passport solution is that a user may have to carry hundreds of different QR codes for the same identity use case. Companies who wish to add any form of extra security to the QR code would also have to offer their own app to scan a QR code which may lead to a consumer having to carry 100's of apps or codes due to the QR codes open source nature (not being generated from a central source).Commenting on the chaos around the events at Heathrow, VSTE CEO Louis-James Davis said;"The scenes at Heathrow could have been easily avoided by using a secure system such as V-Health Passport(TM). Both airports and the airlines need to move to a secure digital platform technology to ensure the security and faster processing of passengers to verify their Covid status and vaccination records. We have that technology now and it is available for airline passengers and the airlines to download and use today. By using the V-Health Passport(TM) technology a passengers valid Covid 19 test certificate could have been scanned further than the 2 metre safe social distancing protocols and upto 100 metres away. This would have allowed for a smooth ingress of passengers coming through border control into the UK verified against their identity. This would have also helped the passengers to maintain safe social distancing and a much quicker processing through border control thus avoiding the social breaches which occurred.The V-Health Passport(TM) would not only provide border officials and airports with authentication of an airline passengers Covid 19 test status - with both a digital and printed PCR test certificate - but also their vaccination records. The technology also verifies a persons genuine identity against their existing Government ID adding another layer of security. There has been a phenomenal rise in the sale of 'Fake Covid' certificates, with both Russia and the Middle East seeing the greatest activity and posing a serious threat to global aviation security.Using any open-source technology such as RFID, bar code or QR code with any form of health passport or vaccine card/certificate leads it wide open to being hacked or cloned with a person effectively making themselves 'permanently Covid negative' and 'permanently vaccinated' and allowing them to travel freely. By moving towards a secure 'one for all' technology based solution that passengers can use with their phones, will not only protect the data of passengers but also the safety of their health. It will ensure that a passenger who is travelling has a valid Covid test result or vaccine immunisation record and ensuring other fellow passengers are safe."The V-Health Passport(TM) technology has a complete audit trail of a persons Covid testing, their vaccination records and the clinics where those tests or vaccinations have been conducted. This information is also protected under the 'Self Sovereign Identity' data framework allowing only the passenger to view this information, with officials only able to see a current and valid Covid 19 test or vaccine status in the GDPR display of the app.With the alarming increase and black market trade in fake Covid 19 test certificates and also vaccination cards and certificates this also puts a very real threat and risk to passenger safety. It poses a threat to airlines and international borders with the potential for a passenger carrying a fake Covid test certificate or vaccination card - who may be asymptomatic - to board an aircraft and infect other passengers. This poses a very real threat to the aviation sector and to Governments around the world as they try to arrest the rate of infection.It is well documented that bar codes and QR codes can be hacked so any airline who considers using a health passport for Covid 19 testing and vaccination using this method of authentication risks a serious potential breach of its passenger data. In 2018 British Airways was fined a record GBP20M for a data breach on 400,000 of its customers which affected their personal and credit card data. It now faces one of the biggest ever group privacy claims in UK legal history as reported in the Financial Times. It comes at a time when security over the use of bar codes and QR codes in airline travel has come under intense scrutiny following the cyber attack last year on the former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot. The former PM had his Qantas airline boarding pass hacked. Details including his passport, mobile phone and messages between Qantas staff about him were intercepted.VSTE CEO Louis-James Davis added;"We are the first technology company in the world to have developed a secure, multipurpose, cross corporate & cross government digital health passport that does not rely on using bar codes or QR codes as its authentication technology. Both bar codes and QR codes have huge potential security implications as they can be cloned and hacked with the latter being subject to a process called 'Attagging'. Therefore any suggestion of using this type of technology in a health passport for air travel has very real security risks. Not only is a citizen's personal information at risk, but their Covid test status, vaccination records and also their credit card information. All of this can lead to the very real potential of a massive data breach and a persons personal information and data hacked and stolen. This is of particular concern when using a bar code or QR code technology designed for use to authenticate a persons Covid 19 testing and/or vaccinations records."Unlike other health passports, V-Health Passport(TM) has been designed with a citizens privacy front and centre. The technology does not track your live location and provides all data in a secure GDPR compliant framework giving citizens a unique 'self sovereign identity' style technology putting them in control of who, when and how they share their data.Louis-James Davis went on to state that both bar codes and QR codes - which represent first and second generation technology - are unsecure and vulnerable to hacking."QR codes were originally developed as a scanning technology for close proximity car parts tracking, a world away from identity and banking use cases and now digital health passports. It was then used to skip the input of websites in marketing and promotional purposes. They were never designed with security or privacy in mind... they are simply not fit for purpose and should not be used at all in any form for delivery of sensitive information, travel or event tickets or health passport."QR codes can be subject to a process called 'Attagging' or 'cloning.' The process of 'Attagging' is where a 'genuine QR code' is replaced by a 'cloned QR code' which then redirects the person scanning that code to a similar website where personal data can be intercepted and breached. The problem is that serious that in India alone there are over 1BILLION fraudulent financial transactions each day using QR codes. As the scanning user journey is the same, it is only tech savvy individuals that may notice the domain name has changed.QR codes can be cloned and redirected to other information points or websites. Often criminals and hackers will exploit this by putting a fake QR code over a genuine QR code. So a QR code for example on scanning would link to the genuine website www.similardomain.com but a fake QR code can be made up printed off and placed over the genuine code to redirect to www.similar-domain.com at this point the member of the public is tricked into entering their personal information, private data and financial information. The rogue website looks and feels exactly like the genuine one and is made to mirror it precisely.VCode(R) which is the ultra secure digital code which powers the V-Health Passport(TM) cannot be cloned. Even if it was printed off, or a photograph was taken and placed over a VCode(R) or V-Health Passport(TM) it simply won't scan as it works on a call and response system of information between the code and web platform to verify location of the code, user ID and time and date and much more.V-Health Passport(TM) is making a significant contribution to the safety, mobility and return to work of the UK economy, helping businesses and employers return their staff to offices, factories and warehouses.VSTE is working with the UK Government and a number of other Foreign Governments around the world to use its technology. The company is active in multiple industries and sectors including the maritime and aviation industries, construction and major infrastructure projects, as well as major national and international sporting events. V-Health Passport(TM) is also being used by a number of private Covid testing clinics, manufacturers and healthcare practices.V-Health Passport(TM) is available on the Apple App Store and Google Play by searching for 'VPassport' and downloading to your device.For more information on VCode(R) and VPlatform(R) technology please visithttps://www.vstenterprises.comFor more information on V-HEALTH PASSPORT(TM).https://v-healthpassport.co.ukFor all media enquiriesPlease contact Gerard Franklin - Head Of Communications & External RelationsM: 07885 388398 e: gerard@vstenterprises.comVST Enterprises Ltd | The Lexicon | Mount Street | Manchester | M2 5NTNOTES TO EDITORSAbout the V-Health Passport(TM)Search 'VPassport'Apple App Store & Google Playwww.v-healthpassport.co.ukAvailable on the Apple App Store and Goole Play by searching for 'VPassport' and downloading to your device.- V-Health Passport(TM) can be scanned at a safe social distance of 1-2 metres and upto 100 metres away. QR code and Barcode technology has to be scanned inches away and as such breaches social distancing protocols.- The V-Health Passport(TM) can authenticate a persons genuine Covid 19 test certificate - held in the secure health passport app and a printable version. The ultra-secure platform can now also hold vaccination records of all the major vaccination manufacturers which will be crucial in a person validating they have been vaccinated, the vaccine type, batch, dosage and date.- V-Health Passport(TM) uses a persons official Government ID such as drivers licence, passport and cross matches against databases. It is then paired against a facial recognition 'Live Likeness' test to verify the persons genuine status.- V-Health Passport(TM) is a test agnostic platform meaning it works with all Covid testing protocols from PCR based tests to rapid antigen and antibody. It has over 200 clinics across the UK on its app for passengers to book a Covid 19 test including a PCR based test approved for International airline travel.- V-Health Passport(TM) can be scanned in a 170 degree arc, whilst a person is moving and thus ensures smooth ingress and egress,- V-Health Passport(TM) It uses the worlds most secure cyber coding technology which works from a close loop system with end to end encryption and has over 2.2 Quintillion combination codes making it impossible to hack the front of back end of its system.- V-Health Passport(TM) is a GDPR compliant technology built around self sovereign identity, allowing the airline passenger or member of the public to choose what data they want to share, with whom and when.- V-Health Passport(TM) is available now and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play by searching for 'VPassport' or by visiting www.v-healthpassport.co.uk.- V-Health Passport(TM) also has its own unique contact tracing capability 'True Contact(TM)' built within the technology designed for travel, sports stadiums, venues, factories, offices and construction sites.- V-Health Passport(TM) is the only health wallet and cross border platform in the world that is multi-functional and GDPR compliant. It allows acts like 'self sovereign identity', meaning a citizens personal data is protected and they choose what they want to share and with whom they want to interact or authorise.SOURCE: VST Enterprises Ltd Copyright 2021 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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MHIET Conducts Combustion Test for Hydrogen Engine with Pure Hydrogen

TOKYO, Jan 21, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Group has been working on the development of various products that will have zero CO2 emissions. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engine & Turbocharger, Ltd. (MHIET, President: Takeshi Kajino, Sagamihara, Kanagawa Prefecture), a part of the group, is strengthening its efforts to develop a hydrogen engine based on their existing diesel and gas engines. MHIET has conducted a combustion test of a hydrogen engine in a joint research project with Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST, President: Kazuhiko Ishimura). A modified single cylinder gas engine (bore 170mm x stroke 220mm) based on MHIET's 4-stroke reciprocating gas engine "GSR series" offered in 6 to 16 cylinders was installed at the AIST Fukushima Renewable Energy Institute (Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture).The test was carried out to identify the conditions to achieve stable combustion of 100% hydrogen without emitting CO2.MHIET and AIST began the joint research on combustion of hydrogen on an engine in fiscal 2019. MHIET and MHI Research and Innovation Center designed and built the hydrogen engine using the knowledge of hydrogen combustion technology, industrial-use diesel engines and natural gas engines, studied the conditions for optimum combustion, and analyzed the test data. AIST constructed and operated the hydrogen supply equipment and the test bench and acquired data utilizing its experience in developing combustion technology for high-power, high thermal efficiency, and low NOx (nitrogen oxide) hydrogen engines for large scale power generation.Hydrogen has a wide flammability range and a high combustion wave propagation velocity, making the engine prone to abnormal combustion such as backfire and knocking (Note1). The test used MHIET's existing lean-burn gas GSR series engine with additional modifications in fuel supply method, ignition method, timing of intake air valve closing, and excess air ratio etc. for optimum combustion to determine the conditions that ensure stable combustion with hydrogen-only firing and premixed firing. Converting the test results, the maximum output is estimated to be 340kW for 6-cylinder engine and 920kW for 16-cylinder engine. MHIET intends to accumulate more test data that will lead to the realization of multi-cylinder hydrogen engines and aims to make the engines available for the introduction of hydrogen economy in the 2030s.Further into the future, MHIET will replace the gas engine generator set currently used with "EBLOX" in the "Triple Hybrid" self-sustaining power supply system(2) with a hydrogen engine generator set to provide a distributed energy solution that achieves a self-sustaining power supply with no CO2 emission using solar power, batteries, hydrogen engines, and contribute to an energy-stable and carbon-free economy.(1) Backfiring is the movement of a flame in the opposite direction toward the engine's intake air passage, which damages the engine intake system. Knocking occurs when the fuel-air mixture self-ignites because the ignition timing is too early or the compression ratio is too high, resulting in a rapid rise in the cylinder pressure and producing a knocking sound, vibration, and damage to internal components.(2) A combined power generating system of renewable energy, reciprocating engine and batteries that contains optimal control for stable power supply. Please see the following URL for details http://www.mhiet.co.jp/en/news/20190624.html Copyright 2021 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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New test kit that can detect Covid-19 and seasonal flu gets HSA’s approval

SINGAPORE - A new multi-virus test kit that is able to detect both Covid-19 and the seasonal flu has obtained provisional authorisation from Singapore's Health Sciences Authority. The Fortitude SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B test kit was jointly developed by the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*Star), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and local molecular diagnostic company MiRXES. Building on the existing Fortitude Kit which tests only for Covid-19, this new kit has additional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers - short genetic sequences - designed to detect influenza A and B. The test uses PCR to look for the viruses that cause Covid-19 or the flu and will give two readouts, showing if the patient has either. Since February last year, more than five million Fortitude Kit tests have been sold both locally and globally. The kits have been deployed in 13 local hospitals and labs and exported to more than 40 countries worldwide, including the United States. Sales of the new kit have just been launched, after it obtained the regulatory approval on Jan 8. Patients with Covid-19 or flu exhibit a set of similar symptoms, making it difficult for healthcare professionals to differentiate between the two. This new kit will allow for amore accurate and timely diagnosis. MiRXES has also obtained the Conformite Europeenne mark approval, a European certification, for the new kit. The company is applying for emergency use authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration, and for approval from Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency. Dr Lihan Zhou, co-founder and chief executive officer of MiRXES, said: "Following the deployment of the MiRXES Fortitude Kit worldwide, we continue to monitor and identify global needs in infectious disease testing." He added: "We are working in close collaboration with key partners such as A*Star and TTSH to meet these needs by expanding our Fortitude Covid-19 test range. Hospitals and labs in US, Europe, and Japan have already expressed interest in deploying the Fortitude SARS-CoV-2 & Flu A/B test kit." More on this topic   Related Story Singapore-made Covid-19 test kit using saliva ready for use   Related Story Covid-19 rapid testing cost drops from $80 to under $50 per person   Related Stories:  Related Story All travellers to S'pore need to take Covid-19 PCR test on arrival from Jan 25 Related Story 2 new Covid-19 community cases linked to police para-vet to form new cluster Related Story Norway warns of Covid-19 vaccination risks for sick patients over 80 Related Story Should I get the Covid-19 vaccine? What you need to know Related Story Britain orders all arrivals to quarantine, provide negative tests as Covid-19 deaths rise Related Story WHO stops short of advising proof of Covid-19 vaccine shots for travel Related Story WHO-led team in China will start meetings online from quarantine Related Story Missionary school emerging as new Covid-19 hotbed in South Korea Related Story Thailand offers its lush golf courses as quarantine centres to woo tourists Related Story 3 in 4 Covid-19 patients suffer from at least one symptom six months after infection: Study Related Story Philippines extends travel ban to prevent spread of more contagious coronavirus variant

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SIA trials new app to verify Covid-19 test results of passengers; adopts industry framework for potential vaccine passport

SINGAPORE – Flag carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) has started trials of a new service which will allow for quicker verification of Covid-19 test results, potentially paving the way for the introduction of vaccine passports. Rather than check health certificates manually for their authenticity, immigration staff will be able to scan a QR code using an app that was developed by a Temasek-linked technology company. This will in turn shorten the time needed for travellers to clear immigration and improve their travel experience amid the ongoing pandemic, said the carrier on Wednesday (Dec 23). The new service can also be used to verify the Covid-19 vaccination statuses of travellers and potentially act as a vaccine passport of sorts, ahead of the expected introduction of vaccine-related travel rules by aviation authorities worldwide. SIA worked with Iata on the new service as part of a push to introduce industry-wide standards in the reopening of borders. The airline's acting senior vice-president for marketing planning JoAnn Tan said: "Covid-19 tests and vaccinations will be an integral part of air travel for the foreseeable future. "We are offering a digital solution that allows the easy and secure verification of this information, and supports the industry's safe and calibrated recovery from this pandemic." Currently, most travellers flying into Singapore have to take a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of their flight to prove they are not infected. The test result must be obtained from an accredited laboratory, and the verification of this result, including checks on the test date and the result's authenticity, is done manually by officials at Changi Airport. Under SIA's trial starting on Wednesday, travellers on its flights from Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur can take advantage of the new service by having their pre-entry Covid-19 tests done at selected clinics in the two cities. The clinics will issue travellers who have negative results with either a digital or paper health certificate displaying a QR code that verifies the certificate's authenticity. The code can be scanned by local airport staff and immigration officials using a mobile app developed by Temasek-founded technology company Affinidi. The app can also flag issues such as an expired test result. More on this topic   Related Story First shipment of Covid-19 vaccine arrives in S'pore on SIA flight from Brussels   Related Story SIA to resume daily S'pore-US non-stop flights from Jan 18 SIA is working with several organisations, such as the Ministry of Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) on the trials. If the trials are successful, the verification service will be rolled out to SIA's flights from other cities. SIA plans to integrate the pass into its mobile app from around June next year. SIA is the first airline in the world to set up such a verification process based on Iata's Travel Pass framework. More on this topic   Related Story Covid-19 test lab at Changi Airport slated to open in the first quarter of 2021: Ong Ye Kung   Related Story Singapore to pilot quarantine-free business travel Still being developed, Iata's platform is intended as an international digital health passport which provides proof that travellers have been tested for or vaccinated against Covid-19. Iata's senior vice-president for airport, passenger, cargo and security Nick Careen said on Wednesday that the partnership with SIA will show that people can resume travel with confidence that they are meeting Covid-19 entry requirements in their destination country. "This will help ensure that SIA's customers will be among the first to benefit as governments re-open their borders with testing or vaccination requirements," he added. More on this topic   Related Story Changi Airport making travel touch-free   Related Story Coronavirus microsite: Get latest updates, videos and graphics CAAS director of airport operations regulation and aviation security Margaret Tan said the trials are an important step to facilitate the return of air travel. She said the authority will work with its partners to take on such solutions to help air travel recover. "It is an innovative approach to ensure a seamless travel journey whilst ensuring that health and border agencies are reassured that the passengers have the necessary health credentials to protect public health," she added. "We hope that other countries and airlines will consider taking a similar approach."   Related Stories:  Related Story Experts are sceptical that travel bans can stop the spread of new coronavirus variants Related Story UK ferry passengers disembark in Calais, France after borders reopen Related Story Pfizer nears deal with Trump administration to provide more Covid-19 vaccine doses Related Story Coronavirus microsite: Get latest updates, videos and graphics Related Story WHO says no need for major alarm over new coronavirus strain Related Story The British coronavirus variant: What we know so far Related Story Covid-19 checks and enforcement to be stepped up: Lawrence Wong Related Story BioNTech co-founder says its Covid-19 vaccine 'highly likely' works against British variant Related Story 29 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore, all imported Related Story Sydney nervous as pre-Christmas Covid-19 outbreak prompts calls for tougher response

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Five-minute Covid test will reveal if vaccine still works

Epalinges, Switzerland, Dec 18, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Swiss high-tech company ZENUM has developed one of the most advanced technologies in the fight against Covid-19, and it could be ready for distribution as early as next month. The world's first five-minute portable Coronavirus test will also detect how much immunity remains after taking a vaccine. NANOFLUIDIC RAPID TEST KIT - Identify from a drop of blood whether a person's Covid-19 vaccine is still valid - in 5 Minutes! ZENUM SWITZERLAND 2021The game-changing ZEKNANO rapid test kit uses a tiny finger-prick blood sample, instead of swabs. It can be taken anywhere, has close to 100% accuracy, and also measures severity of infection. Thanks to nanotechnology, ZEKNANO not only detects Covid-19 within five minutes, but it identifies up to 14 different conditions simultaneously, including flu virus and infectious diseases.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the heart of the revolutionary product. A neural network - a series of algorithms designed to function like a human brain - has been added to increase the test's efficiency, and study any mutation of the virus.As the device is portable and lightweight, the tests do not have to be administered only in medical settings. This makes it a leading contender to tackle coronavirus and other diseases in the developing world. It also has the potential to help control the pandemic across all countries before another possible surge in the coming months.ZENUM already produces 15-minute coronavirus rapid test kits for antibodies and antigens, under the brand ZEKMED. The performance evaluation of these kits were conducted by CIRION Biopharma, one of the few CLIA laboratories in Canada. The results are in accordance with three independent evaluations conducted in Russia, Switzerland and France.The new ZEKNANO five-minute test is expected to be certified for use in January, putting it ahead of several ongoing projects to achieve such rapid results.Emidio Do Sacramento, founder and CEO of ZENUM, said: "It doesn't matter if it's a 5 or 15 minute rapid test. Our focus is to help practitioners and health institutions, the best we can, to save lives."The reality is that the world is in need of products that solve a problem, and not a marketing sales campaign promoting companies or universities, whether that product is from our company or any other."Enough is enough. Mass testing, fast and accurate patient triage is the only reliable solution before any vaccine reaches enough people. We need our lives and economy back to 'normal'."About ZENUMZENUM's origins are rooted in a collaborative network of innovators who strive in the development of applications/mediums/security using biometrics, Ai and blockchain technologies and the infinite influences these technologies will have on life. As a result of our developments in these fields with our project collaborators and likeminded partners, we found ourselves already engaged and working in the field of medical pre-diagnosis using biometric data for example the research into the pre-diagnosis of glaucoma.ZENUM is located in new facilities at BIOPOLE, the Life Sciences Campus - one of the largest healthcare research campuses in Europe, and has important medical partnerships in Switzerland, Germany and China. Full technical details can be found at https://zekmed.com/zeknano.htmlFor more information, please contact:Emidio Do Sacramento, CEO, ZenumE: es@zenum.swiss, es@zekmed.com, https://zekmed.comAbout the CEO:https://tinyurl.com/Forbes-Sacramentohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/emidiosacramento/https://www.linkedin.com/company/zenum-technologies/ Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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Local inventor creates portable PCR test kit that can detect Covid-19 in 5 minutes

SINGAPORE - Local medical technology company Cell ID has created a portable polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test kit that can confirm if someone has Covid-19 in five minutes. Chief technology officer Xander Sim said those administering the test would not need specialised training or a laboratory to produce results. The nasal swab test is run through an app on a laptop, and requires less than two hours of training to operate. However, the operator must be trained to take nasal swab samples. "This way, when passengers come in at an airport, you only need to hold them for a short time before you get a result," Mr Sim said on Monday (Nov 30) at a press conference to announce the Quiz PCR Biochip test kit. The "gold standard" for Covid-19 testing is the PCR test. However, PCR tests require highly specialised labs and technicians to run the tests, and liquid reagents that must be kept refrigerated. It can also take days to return the results. Increasingly, as Singapore seeks to reopen its economy further, it has been tapping antigen rapid tests (ARTs), which can produce results in under 30 minutes. But ARTs have lower sensitivity and specificity, and may carry a higher risk of false positives and false negatives. Mr Sim said Cell ID's PCR test can confirm a positive case in five minutes, and a negative case in under an hour. "The aim was to develop a device that is accurate, without any compromise in the test result, but at a very affordable price... a test kit that someone in the third world can use as well," added Mr Sim. The Quiz PCR Biochip has 97 per cent to 100 per cent sensitivity to Covid-19, and a specificity of 100 per cent. More on this topic   Related Story Participants to take rapid Covid-19 tests before some mass events in Singapore   Related Story More private clinics, labs will be able to do PCR tests This is comparable to conventional PCR tests, unlike other rapid tests that are fast but have less specificity and sensitivity. With the Quiz PCR Biochip, the nasal swab sample is first mixed in a solution. A very small quantity of the resultant mix - 10 microlitres - is then combined with another solution. This ensures that the virus' genetic signature is in sufficiently high quantities for it to be detected. The mixture is then put into one of two test wells on the Quiz PCR Biochip, which itself is smaller than a credit card. The chip is then plugged into a special USB dongle, dubbed "Poche", and connected to a laptop for the test to begin. The results can be monitored in real time. Gene segments of the virus consume reagents in the solution as the virus multiplies, showing up as a dip in the graph that is displayed on the laptop screen. Depending on the number of USB ports available, multiple tests can be run at the same time. The chip is disposed off after each test. The Quiz PCR biochips and Poche USB dongles connected to a laptop. PHOTO: CELL ID Trained in engineering Mr Sim, 56, spent more than three decades in the engineering and manufacturing fields before switching in 2013 to developing medical diagnostic tools, despite having no background in biology. He invented Quiz PCR Biochip in 2015 and it was originally used for HIV tests in 2018. Mr Sim said he had to endure years of failed prototypes, which also saw him suffer two strokes. It left him temporarily blind and with a weak left leg. "(I told God) I don't need to live for 100 years, just give me a little more time so I can finish my work and my mission," Mr Sim recalled at a press conference on Monday. More on this topic   Related Story Fast Covid-19 tests to be added to Singapore's testing arsenal: How do antigen rapid tests work?   Related Story New, faster breathalyser test for diagnosing Covid-19 in the works in Singapore In April, amid the circuit breaker, Cell ID developed a reagent that allowed it to be used to test for Covid-19. Mr Sim said that it is difficult to predict how much testing will cost when using Cell ID's chip, as it would depend on factors such as the overhead costs incurred by the testing agency. He said it currently costs less than US$50 (S$67) to produce one of the chips, but this is expected to fall with economies of scale. Tested at dorms The Quiz PCR Biochip was tested at the S11 dormitory and the Expo Community Care Facility earlier this year, in collaboration with staff from Sengkang General Hospital and Woodlands Health Campus. Out of the 215 people who were tested using the chips, 27 positive cases were detected. Mr Sim recalled: "The first result came back positive within seven minutes. We were overwhelmed." He said everyone at the command centre was surprised an accurate Covid-19 test could be done on-site. "I nearly teared up," he added. The tests were also verified at a third-party lab in Switzerland in November, where it was discovered that the biochip could detect the coronavirus equally well in saliva and nasal swab specimens. Mr Sim said he is excited about this, as saliva tests are faster and require less equipment than nasal swab tests. They are also not as uncomfortable for the patient. More on this topic   Related Story Antigen rapid tests piloted for quicker detection of Covid-19 infection among migrant workers   Related Story Coronavirus microsite: Get latest updates, videos and graphics He is currently waiting for regulatory approval from the authorities, such as the United States' Food and Drug Administration and Singapore's Health Sciences Authority, for the kit to be used. Mr Sim said: "My hope is that the test can be deployed globally and that it will be useful in helping countries to open up safely again. "That is my greatest hope."   Related Stories:  Related Story 8 new Covid-19 cases in Singapore; 7 imported and 1 in the community Related Story Infected after holiday to Europe, pregnant S'pore mum gives birth to baby with Covid-19 antibodies Related Story Anger grows at Hong Kong's erratic Covid-19 rules as cases mount Related Story South Korea bans year-end parties, some music lessons, as virus spikes again Related Story More Covid-19 cases may emerge from Seoul Garden dinner but major cluster unlikely Related Story Coronavirus' effect on health may linger; expert warns of more patients with both flu and Covid-19 Related Story Nations firm up on strategies for Covid-19 vaccination Related Story Japan travel campaign sparks debate on links to Covid-19 spread Related Story Can I get infected with Covid-19 from touching a contaminated surface? Related Story Evidence builds that an early mutation made the Covid-19 pandemic harder to stop

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Brawijaya University develops the GAD65 Rapid Test Diabetes Screening Kit

Malang, East Java, Indonesia, Nov 25, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Brawijaya University (UB) in Malang, East Java has developed an initial screening kit for diabetes. The Bioscience Rapid Test GAD65, developed by aresearch team led by Prof. Dr. Aulanni'am, drh, DES, is ready for commercialization and use in early screening for Type I Diabetes Mellitus, before measures and treatment are determined.The reverse-flow immunochromatography-based detection kit identifies the presence of autoantibodies against GAD65, which indicate damage to beta-pancreatic cells, a marker for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).Diabetes is a global health threat which can lead to complications that impact the quality of human life as well as substantially add to health costs for families and countries. Its increasing prevalence has raised concerns globally and prompted prevention efforts. Detecting and managing the condition through appropriate therapy is crucial for preventing deterioration in the condition of people suffering from the metabolic disease.The Bioscience Rapid Test GAD65 is among the downstream products developed as part of the cooperation between Brawijaya University and state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma (Persero). The preparation and production of the kit has involved various levels of research and testing, based on the consensus and regulations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian Health Ministry.The screening kit, which has a medical device distribution permit and meets the certification requirements for good medical device manufacturing from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, is ready to be produced and widely distributed and has been introduced to potential consumers in Spain, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Malaysia.As part of the collaboration for the downstreaming process of the kit, Brawijaya University has been designated as the producer and PT Bio Farma as the main distributor of the patented product (ID. 0.022.556 B, 2009-Granted and P00201910578, 2019-Registered).For further information, please contact:Prof Dr. Aulanni'am, drh., DES+62 812-3317-600Public Relations,Universitas Brawijayawww.ub.ac.idwww.prasetya.ub.ac.id Copyright © 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.

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Brawijaya University develops GAD65 Rapid Test Diabetes Screening Kit

Malang, East Java, Indonesia, Nov 25, 2020 - (ACN Newswire) - Brawijaya University (UB) in Malang, East Java has developed an initial screening kit for diabetes. The Bioscience Rapid Test GAD65, developed by aresearch team led by Prof. Dr. Aulanni'am, drh, DES, is ready for commercialization and use in early screening for Type I Diabetes Mellitus, before measures and treatment are determined.The reverse-flow immunochromatography-based detection kit identifies the presence of autoantibodies against GAD65, which indicate damage to beta-pancreatic cells, a marker for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA).Diabetes is a global health threat which can lead to complications that impact the quality of human life as well as substantially add to health costs for families and countries. Its increasing prevalence has raised concerns globally and prompted prevention efforts. Detecting and managing the condition through appropriate therapy is crucial for preventing deterioration in the condition of people suffering from the metabolic disease.The Bioscience Rapid Test GAD65 is among the downstream products developed as part of the cooperation between Brawijaya University and state-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma (Persero). The preparation and production of the kit has involved various levels of research and testing, based on the consensus and regulations set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Indonesian Health Ministry.The screening kit, which has a medical device distribution permit and meets the certification requirements for good medical device manufacturing from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, is ready to be produced and widely distributed and has been introduced to potential consumers in Spain, Taiwan, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Madagascar, the Philippines, and Malaysia.As part of the collaboration for the downstreaming process of the kit, Brawijaya University has been designated as the producer and PT Bio Farma as the main distributor of the patented product (ID. 0.022.556 B, 2009-Granted and P00201910578, 2019-Registered).For further information, please contact:Prof Dr. Aulanni'am, drh., DES+62 812-3317-600Public Relations,Universitas Brawijayawww.ub.ac.idwww.prasetya.ub.ac.id Copyright 2020 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.acnnewswire.com

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NEC Opens “NEC Mobility Test Center” for Demonstrating Private 5G and Video Analysis

TOKYO, Nov 6, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - NEC Corporation announced today the opening of the "NEC Mobility Test Center," a demonstration facility that utilizes advanced technologies such as private 5G and video analysis for evaluating automated driving technologies, coordinating infrastructure, and co-creating solutions with partner companies.The NEC Mobility Test Center, based in Gotemba City in central Japan, will contribute to the creation of safe, secure, and people-friendly cities through infrastructure-coordinated mobility services and the use of data obtained from sensors installed within a city's infrastructure. Infrastructure coordination is a system in which vehicles and roadway infrastructure exchange information quickly and accurately through wireless communications in order to prevent accidents, alleviate traffic congestion, provide support for automated driving, and more. In the "Declaration to be the World's most Advanced Digital Nation and the Basic Plan for Promotion of Public-Private Data Utilization (New IT Strategy)"(1) posted to the Government CIOs' Portal, Japan, guidelines have been set for new road traffic infrastructure linked with 5G communications standards and traffic lights. In fiscal 2020, basic specifications and roadmaps began to be formulated, and demonstration tests are planned to be carried out in the near future. The NEC Mobility Test Center is equipped with road equipment, such as traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, as well as edge-computing terminals, such as private 5G base stations and C-V2X roadside units(2). This is in addition to edge-computing equipment, including roadside cameras and edge-processing devices for AI. Moreover, the center features vehicles such as buses and passenger cars, as well as important pedestrian equipment, including electric wheelchairs. While utilizing NEC's know-how and equipment, which have been contributing to the growing sophistication of road traffic infrastructure construction, NEC will conduct various evaluations and verifications aiming to enable infrastructure-coordinated mobility services.The NEC Mobility Test Center combines advanced technologies such as NEC's private 5G, video analytics, and AI/IoT with the technologies and know-how of partner organizations to promote technological development and system verification of next-generation mobility services, with the aim of creating new value and solving social issues. Location: Gotemba City, Shizuoka 1-150-1Overall length: Approx. 120mCourse Details: Straight route: Approx. 100mPermanent equipment: traffic lights, 5G base stations, AI-edge processors, etc. Experiments Anticipated for the Current Fiscal Year:The following demonstrations combining private 5G with inter-vehicle and roadside-to-vehicle communications are scheduled.*V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle): Inter-vehicle communication technology*V2I (Vehicle-to-Infrastructure): Communication between vehicles and infrastructure (roadside-to-vehicle)*C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything): Communication technology that includes communications between vehicles, roads and pedestriansAdvanced Technology Experiments using Private 5G and Video AnalysisPrivate 5G is used to acquire and analyze overhead images of intersections with cameras installed on roadside objects. This function notifies vehicles equipped with 5G stations of pedestrian crossings, collision prediction information, and speeding vehicle information. Dangerous vehicles and people in locations that are often blind spots will also be digitized to provide safe and secure driving assistance and conduct experiments that lead to automatic driving.Traffic Management ExperimentRecognize and analyze passing vehicles and pedestrians from camera images. Along with real-time detection of traffic volume, the source of traffic jam information, the license plate numbers of passing vehicles are also identified at the same time. NEC will also conduct experiments for assisting with traffic management and urban development, such as identifying the number of inflowing vehicles from outside a region and recognizing changes in the amount of vehicles and pedestrians in an area depending on the time of day.Road Infrastructure Management ExperimentAcquire and analyze images of road surface conditions with roadside cameras that identify fallen objects, such as trees, and other incidents in real-time. The system will provide valuable alerts to vehicles equipped with 5G stations that an incident has occurred in their vicinity. In the future, NEC will conduct experiments to make use of this technology for road maintenance and understanding of conditions following accidents and disasters."NEC aims to contribute to the creation of safe, secure, and people-friendly cities by utilizing this NEC Mobility Center as a place for co-creation with partner companies," said Yuji Onoda General Manager of Cross-Industry Unit, Cross-Industry Business Development Division, NEC Corporation.(1) new windowhttps://cio.go.jp/data-basis (Japanese)(2) C-V2X (Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything: A communication device installed in a roadside facility for direct data communication between the roadside and vehicles.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at https://www.nec.com. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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