Estimation of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) reproduction number and case fatality rate: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims Realizing the transmission potential and the magnitude of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) aids public health monitoring, strategies, and preparation. Two fundamental parameters, the basic reproduction number (R0) and case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19, help in this understanding process. The objective of this study was to estimate the R0 and CFR of COVID-19 and assess whether the parameters vary in different regions of the world. Methods We carried out a systematic review to find the reported estimates of the R0 and the CFR in articles from international databases between January 1 and August 31, 2020. Random-effect models and Forest plots were implemented to evaluate the mean effect size of R0 and the CFR. Furthermore, R0 and CFR of the studies were quantified based on geographic location, the tests/thousand population, and the median population age of the countries where the studies were conducted. To assess statistical heterogeneity among the selected articles, the I2 statistic and the Cochran's Q test were used. Results Forty-five studies involving R0 and 34 studies involving CFR were included. The pooled estimation of R0 was 2.69 (95% CI: 2.40, 2.98), and that of the CFR was 2.67 (2.25, 3.13). The CFR in different regions of the world varied significantly, from 2.49 (2.08, 2.94) in Asia to 3.40 (2.81, 4.04) in North America. We observed higher mean CFR values for the countries with lower tests (3.15 vs 2.16) and greater median population age (3.13 vs 2.27). However, R0 did not vary significantly in different regions of the world. Conclusions An R0 of 2.69 and a CFR of 2.67 indicate the severity of the COVID-19. Although R0 and CFR may vary over time, space, and demographics, we recommend considering these figures in control and prevention measures

Review of coal fired power plants in Bangladesh

This article is based on the current and future coal power plants of Bangladesh. Although, it is known to all that, coal fired power plants are the great sources of carbon and other pollutant ingredients. But it has several positive impacts for developing countries like Bangladesh, where there is a lack of natural resources, lands and unstable economy. Bangladesh government has a vision to supply the electricity all over the country of Bangladesh, from Teknaf to Tetulia, and also for the remote islands also. In this paper, energy demand and vision of Bangladesh government is discussed in section 1. Section 2, gives the answer, why coal fired power plant is necessary for Bangladesh. In section 3, impacts of coal fired power plant is discussed and showed all current power plants in a table. Section 4 comprises with the future of coal fired power plant in Bangladesh

Study on physicochemical status, bacterial analysis and its correlation

Swimming pool, as a recreational facility is now a part of current lifestyle that offers social and health benefits. More demand for hotels with swimming pool facility and are highly used during peak seasons. However swimming pool could become a pooling medium of various bacteria came from the bathers, air and soils thus risk of water-borne disease and impose hazard to human health. Therefore, a well disinfected swimming pool that meets the minimum standard requirement must be reached. This study aimed to assess the status of physicochemical parameters including free chlorine, pH, and temperature and to assess status of bacteria analysis of swimming pool water samples. 11 swimming pool water samples were taken from hotels in Klang valley, Malaysia. The physicochemical parameters were tested using colorimetric method using N,N-diethyl-1,4-phenylenediamine and bacteria analysis were obtained by standard plate count (SPC) method. Results are presented in mean and standard deviation. Correlation coefficient is obtained by Pearson’s correlation statistical test. Results showed mean of temperature 29.64±1.430C, pH 7.56±0.40, free chlorine 1.22±1.16 ppm and bacterial SPC 4,825.64±8,409.16cfu/ml. Correlation-coefficient between temperature and SPC r: 0.71. The findings showed current physicochemical status of hotel swimming pool water samples met the minimum standard requirement. However, the bacterial SPC is highly above acceptable range and positively correlated to temperature. This indicates bacterial count increase with temperature rise despite of acceptable chlorine level. The acceptable level of chlorine as disinfectant is insufficient to oxidize bacteria thus may put the swimming pool water at risk of spreading water borne diseases. This finding suggests increase dosage of chlorine is required to maintain swimming pool sanitation during hot season in order to provide a safe water recreational facility. However, larger sample size is required to confirm the findings website