Tackling COVID- on multiple fronts In the News In Focus 32 showcased a series of leading technologies developed by School of Engineering faculty to assist the ght against the coronavirus. Here, recent research and education initiatives are highlighted 06 IN FOCUS Transparent masks Prof. GAO Ping, Chemical and Biological Engineering, has produced a novel transparent polymer nano lm prototype face mask that has achieved % ltration e ciency for virus, bacteria, and particulate matters in tests in line with N respirator standards. The nano lm developed by Prof. Gao is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), a light-weight material used in bullet-proof vests. The nano lm measures just nanometers, or less than one-thousandth of the thickness of a hair, yet is times stronger in speci c strength (i.e. takes density into account) than stainless steel with the same mass. It is also gas-permeable and waterproof. Tracing environmental transmission Prof. Gary CHAN, Computer Science and Engineering, and his research team have proposed and developed a patent-pending location-private approach using an internet-of-things wearable device to combat COVID- ’s ability to spread by surviving on surfaces. The device continuously scans its user’s environmental signal data, which are transmitted to the user’s phone to be stored locally. If the user becomes a con rmed case, and upon his/her permission, the signal data are shared anonymously with other users for local matching so that those found to be a close contact would be alerted in private. The research team previously pioneered the geofencing technology for StayHomeSafe mobile app, a key part of Hong Kong’s quarantine order enforcement (see P for Prof. Chan’s commendation). Easing quarantine blues Nora is an emotionally intelligent virtual agent, designed by Prof. Pascale FUNG, Electronic and Computer Engineering, and her team to assist those nding it di cult to adjust to quarantine. Through regular private and con dential conversations and meditation/exercise, a user can keep up a bene cial routine for their mental health. In addition, Nora carries out temperature checks and breathing exercises via self-screening, and keeps track of these and other mood data, giving reassurance to the user over the isolation period. Using Nora only requires an internet connection and Chrome browser. Nora can currently converse in English, with more languages to be added later.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDk5Njg=