Tech
N.S. researcher aims to protect long-term care home residents from viruses using UV light
Using UV light for disinfection is common in medicine, but a Nova Scotia doctor is exploring a new application of the practice.
With funding from Research Nova Scotia, Dr. Kenneth Rockwood is studying whether UV lights mounted in the ceiling of long-term care homes can kill airborne viruses and reduce infections.
“This is an important problem because even before the pandemic, it was a very common cause of death,” said Rockwood, a geriatrician with Nova Scotia Health.
“Older adults who live in long-term care commonly get the flu, and in them, way more than anyone else, it’s a fatal illness.”
When it comes to COVID-19, a June 2020 study found that residents in long-term care homes made up 81 per cent of all reported COVID-19 deaths in Canada, double the rate of other developed countries.
Typically UV lights are used to sterilize objects or unoccupied spaces, but in Rockwood’s study, the lights will be installed in public areas at nursing homes and programmed to emit safe levels of UVC light. The hope is it will help eliminate viral particles in the air, but the question will be whether it is effective — both medically and financially.
“As far as we’re aware, this is the only registered double-blind study anywhere in the world which is using UV lights with people in it,” said Stefan Leslie, CEO of Research Nova Scotia, which has invested $2.8 million in the project.
Funding for the study was allocated from a $50 million contribution the provincial government made to the Nova Scotia COVID-19 Response Council.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has previously analyzed similar studies that took place around the world, concluding there was too little evidence to show that using UV technology in occupied settings was effective.
In phase one of Rockwood’s research, the lights were installed at two nursing homes: Northwood’s Halifax campus and Windsor Elms Village in Falmouth. During phase two, its current stage, The Cove Guest Home in Sydney was added as a third site.
Residents will have their eyes and skin monitored to make sure the lights don’t adversely affect them.
“We made sure that we met with people from the nursing homes and talked to them, and talk to their families, and talk to the staff, and tried to allay fears that people might have about the technology. And that was really, really helpful,” Rockwood said.
In the second phase, a lamp made by B.C.-based UVX Inc. replaced the previous American model they had been using. It can shine over a space of about 500 square feet and can be controlled and monitored through an online dashboard.
“The lamps aren’t cheap. So we have built in a cost-effectiveness study which will be done at the end once we know what the effectiveness is,” Dr. Rockwood said. “We have to say, ‘What will the cost be per case of the illnesses that have been avoided?'”
In an email, UVX Inc. co-founder Saimir Sulaj said the company doesn’t “have a fixed price” per unit “as the pricing depends heavily on the number of units installed and the type of agreement.”
But he said a monthly leasing option could cost residents around $7 a month, depending on the circumstances, if the care home decides to pass on the costs.
Dr. Allison McGeer, an infectious diseases specialist at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital, said cost and maintenance have deterred medical professionals from implementing UV technology more widely.
“It was more expensive than having people just do the regular cleaning and the people doing the regular cleaning was more effective,” she said.
The study is different than many that have been conducted previously since the lights are being used in a public, occupied setting with particularly vulnerable patients, she noted.
“There’s a lot we need to learn about it,” McGeer said. “Even if it’s not a miracle, it may be a step in the right direction and every step in the direction of protecting residents is a good one.”
Rockwood’s study will continue to collect data until the end of next year. The findings could be unveiled by early 2025.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
- Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
- Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
- Best Buy Canada
- Walmart Canada
- EB Games (GameStop)
- Amazon Canada
- The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
- Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
- Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
- Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
- Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
- Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
- Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
- Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
- Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
- Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
- Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
- AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
- Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
- VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
- Alan Wake 2
- Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
- Demon’s Souls
- Dragon’s Dogma 2
- Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
- Gran Turismo 7
- Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
- Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
- $699.99 USD
- $949.99 CAD
- £699.99 GBP
- €799.99 EUR
- ¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
Google has launched its next generation of Pixel phones, setting the stage for a head-to-head competition with Apple as both tech giants aim to integrate more advanced artificial intelligence (AI) features into their flagship devices. The unveiling took place near Google’s Mountain View headquarters, marking an early debut for the Pixel 9 lineup, which is designed to showcase the latest advancements in AI technology.
The Pixel 9 series, although a minor player in global smartphone sales, is a crucial platform for Google to demonstrate the cutting-edge capabilities of its Android operating system. With AI at the core of its strategy, Google is positioning the Pixel 9 phones as vessels for the transformative potential of AI, a trend that is expected to revolutionize the way people interact with technology.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president overseeing the Pixel phones, emphasized the company’s commitment to AI, stating, “We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people.” This echoes the narrative Apple is likely to push when it unveils its iPhone 16, which is also expected to feature advanced AI capabilities.
The Pixel 9 lineup will be the first to fully integrate Google’s Gemini AI technology, designed to enhance user experience through more natural, conversational interactions. The Gemini assistant, which features 10 different human-like voices, can perform a wide array of tasks, particularly if users allow access to their emails and documents.
In an on-stage demonstration, the Gemini assistant showcased its ability to generate creative ideas and even analyze images, although it did experience some hiccups when asked to identify a concert poster for singer Sabrina Carpenter.
To support these AI-driven features, Google has equipped the Pixel 9 with a special chip that enables many AI processes to be handled directly on the device. This not only improves performance but also enhances user privacy and security by reducing the need to send data to remote servers.
Google’s aggressive push into AI with the Pixel 9 comes as Apple prepares to unveil its iPhone 16, which is expected to feature its own AI advancements. However, Google’s decision to offer a one-year free subscription to its advanced Gemini Assistant, valued at $240, may pressure Apple to reconsider any plans to charge for its AI services.
The standard Pixel 9 will be priced at $800, a $100 increase from last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro will range between $1,000 and $1,100, depending on the model. Google also announced the next iteration of its foldable Pixel phone, priced at $1,800.
In addition to the new Pixel phones, Google also revealed updates to its Pixel Watch and wireless earbuds, directly challenging Apple’s dominance in the wearable tech market. These products, like the Pixel 9, are designed to integrate seamlessly with Google’s AI-driven ecosystem.
Google’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant legal challenge, with a judge recently ruling that its search engine constitutes an illegal monopoly. This ruling could lead to further court proceedings that may force Google to make significant changes to its business practices, potentially impacting its Android software or other key components of its $2 trillion empire.
Despite these legal hurdles, Google is pressing forward with its vision of an AI-powered future, using its latest devices to showcase what it believes will be the next big leap in technology. As the battle for AI supremacy heats up, consumers can expect both Google and Apple to push the boundaries of what their devices can do, making the choice between them more compelling than ever.
Ceiling high for Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ahmed: Canada coach
Lawyer says Chinese doping case handled ‘reasonably’ but calls WADA’s lack of action “curious”
Shapovalov, Auger-Aliassime lift Canada over Finland 3-0 in Davis Cup tie
12 Bizarre Things People Did Just To Make Social Media Content
dynaCERT Inc. Invites You to Join Us at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference | INN – Investing News Network
AP source: Bears acquiring quarterback Nick Foles from Jaguars – Sportsnet.ca
-
News22 hours agoSingh claps back at Poilievre ahead of House return
-
News21 hours ago
More than 67 million people watched Donald Trump and Kamala Harris debate. That’s way up from June
-
News21 hours ago
Taxi driver suspected in fatal B.C. hit-and-run has left Canada: RCMP
-
News21 hours ago
The ancient jar smashed by a 4-year-old is back on display at an Israeli museum after repair
-
News22 hours ago
Mounties say there’s no evidence Lytton, B.C., wildfire was arson; cause unknown
-
Sports20 hours ago
Canada’s Stakusic, partner Savinykh lose in doubles quarterfinals at Guadalajara Open
-
News9 hours ago
Local Toronto business story – Events Industry : new national brand, Element Event Solutions
-
News10 hours ago
Reggie Bush was at his LA-area home when 3 male suspects attempted to break in
