moogmachine - Slashdot User

Submission + - Swedish immunity far below expectations causing fear of more continued death. (theguardian.com) 1

Submitted by AleRunner on Friday May 22, 2020 @04:37AM

AleRunner writes: Immunity levels in Sweden, which were expected to reach 33% by the start of May have been measured at only 7.3% suggesting that the mass deaths in Sweden's care homes may have been for nothing and that Sweden's lighter lockdown may continue indefinitely whilst other countries begin to revive their economies. Writing about new Swedish antibody results in the Guardian Jon Henley goes on to report that other European countries like Finland are already considering blocking travel from Sweden which may increase Sweden's long term isolation.

We have discussed before whether Sweden, which locked down earlier than most but with fewer restrictions could be a model for other countries. As it is, now, the country is looking more like a warning to the rest of the world.

Submission + - US Just Made a Huge Investment in Next-Gen Nuclear Power (popularmechanics.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward on Thursday May 21, 2020 @03:43PM

An anonymous reader writes: A new Department of Energy (DoE) program promises $160 million for two advanced nuclear reactor designs and $70 million for further development.

NuScale's small reactor embodies "advanced" nuclear values like modularity, safety, and lower cost.

Advanced reactors are from generation 3 and 4, seeking more uniform and modular nuclear plants.

The “Advanced” part of ARDP is an industry term for the generation of reactors we have today. The World Nuclear Association explains:
“Generation 1 reactors were developed in 1950-60s. Generation 2 reactors are typified by the present US and French fleets and most in operation elsewhere. So-called Generation 3 (and 3+) are the advanced reactors, though the distinction from Generation 2 is arbitrary. The first ones are in operation in Japan and others are under construction in several countries.”

Generation 4 are in the research phase, but the ARDP statements mention development into the mid 2030s and likely includes generation 4.

Submission + - What electricity data reveals about the pandemic (nytimes.com)

Submitted by moogmachine on Thursday May 21, 2020 @10:02AM

moogmachine writes: An analysis of energy usage data from homes (n=5000) in 30 states shows a 22% average increase in daytime residential energy use from 3/10-4/10 of this year vs. last year.

Submission + - New Zealand PM Flags Four-Day Working Week To Boost Its Shuttered Economy (cbsnews.com)

Submitted by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday May 20, 2020 @11:12PM

An anonymous reader writes: New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says a four-day workweek could help rebuild the nation's economy in the wake of the coronavirus crisis. Ardern floated the idea during a Facebook Live earlier this week. Speaking Tuesday from Rotorua, a tourist hub in New Zealand, Ardern brought up a flurry of suggestions that could help jumpstart the country's vital tourism industry, including the shorter workweek, which could encourage citizens to travel more.

"I hear lots of people suggesting we should have a four-day week," Ardern said. "Ultimately that really sits between employers and employees. But as I've said there's just so much we've learnt about COVID and that flexibility of people working from home, the productivity that can be driven out of that." "I'd really encourage people to think about that if you're an employer and in a position to do so to think about whether or not that is something that would work for your workplace because it certainly would help tourism all around the country," she added. Arden said domestic tourism makes up about 60% of the industry, but New Zealanders spend about $9 billion (NZD) on tourism internationally. "Think about exploring your backyard," she said.

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