Israeli defence ministry launches coronavirus voice-test study


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Analysis of Covid-19 patients’ voices could yield a “vocal fingerprint” to help detect symptoms of the disease in others and prioritise testing and treatment, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

From this week, an Israeli start-up company, Vocalis Health, will work with hospitals and academic institutions to collect samples using a mobile app in a research project led by the ministry.

“These voice samples will be analysed using an AI-based algorithm in order to identify the unique vocal fingerprint,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to artificial intelligence.

The coronavirus affects the respiratory system and signs of distress can be reflected in the patterns of a person’s voice and breathing.

Tal Wenderow, president and chief executive of Vocalis Health, said the algorithm would be used for remote diagnosis and monitoring.

At this stage, the app would be used only by medical staff working with the patients involved in the study, but the company’s website enables anyone to take part and send a voice sample to the researchers.

Researchers hope that healthcare systems will be able to use the data to prioritise testing and hospital admissions, allowing patients with mild symptoms to stay at home.

The ministry said the monitoring “can be conducted from afar, in order to prevent the spread of the disease and overburdening of the national healthcare system”.

Initial results are expected within six weeks.

Israel has reported 1,930 coronavirus cases and three deaths.

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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

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Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

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BRIEF SCORES

England 228-7, 50 overs
N Sciver 51; J Goswami 3-23

India 219, 48.4 overs
P Raut 86, H Kaur 51; A Shrubsole 6-46

England won by nine runs