Pre-existing COPD is associated with an increased risk of mortality and severity in COVID-19: a rapid systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate COVID-19 mortality and severity among patients with pre-existing COPD. Methods: We performed systematic searches in Ovid Medline, Embase via Ovid, PubMed, and Scopus from 15 December 2019 to 7 July 2020. Studies which reported the association and presented data on risk estimate (Hazard Ratio [HR]) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were extracted. A random-effects model was used to obtain the pooled estimates, and a pooled Risk Ratio (RR) was calculated. Study quality was assessed using a modified version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: Our meta-analysis showed an increased likelihood of mortality in COVID-19 patients with pre-existing COPD (RR 3.18, 95% CI 2.11-4.80, HR 1.90, 95%CI 1.11-3.26). Furthermore, the pooled estimate for the association between pre-existing COPD and severity due to COVID-19 was also significant (RR 3.63, 95%CI 2.48-5.31). Males had an increased risk of mortality (RR 1.20, 95%CI 1.12-1.29) compared to females. Conclusion: We found that patients with pre-existing COPD had more than 3 times higher risk of mortality and severe COVID-19. There is a need to identify patients with pre-existing COPD during the pandemic so that early interventions can be aimed at this group of patients. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Muhammad Aziz Rahman” is provided in this record*

DIVERSIFICATION OF LIVELIHOODS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE WELFARE OF TRIBAL HOUSEHOLDS IN DINAJPUR DISTRICT OF BANGLADESH

This study aims at identifying the factors affecting their diversification of livelihood as well as to examine the effect of livelihood diversification on their household welfare. Considering the tribal people living area, six villages were purposely selected from the Sadar Upazila of Dinajpur district and then a total of 100 samples were collected by using pre-testing survey questionnaire with help of random sampling technique. Descriptive statistic, logistic regression and Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) were used to analyze the collected data for achieving the ultimate objective of the study. The result revealed that household size, age, farming experience, education, and training received, credit access and numbers of dependents are the statistically significant influencers for adoption of the livelihood diversification. The study also showed that diversification, age, religious status, marital status, education has positive significant effect on the household welfare of tribal people whereas numbers of dependents and land ownership of the tribal people have significant (p≤0.01) negative effect on their household welfare. This study also suggests that policy makers and authorities should facilitate them with more educational facility, sanitation, training on self-development skills and self-employment for the betterment of their living standards

Orthogonal centre ring field optimization triple-band metamaterial absorber with sensing application

This paper provides a metamaterial for microwave absorbers relying on asymmetric square split rings with a partial E shape in the centre-based resonator. The wideband frequency range shows its sensing capabilities in identifying various oil samples. The optimized MTM unit cell has electrical dimensions of 0.122λο × 0.122λο, where is λο the predicted wavelength at 3.64 GHz resonance frequency, for a total size of 10 × 10 mm2 . The FR-4 dielectric substrate, 1.6 mm in thickness, produces the unit cell. The MTM has a maximum absorption peak of 91.46 % at 3.64 GHz, 99.72 % at 5.99 GHz, 96.89 % at 7.47 GHz, and 98.45 % at 10.01 GHz. This MMA has four absorption peaks, making it suitable for use in the triple band (S, C, and X). The centre split gaps and partial E shapes increase unit cell absorption, and the defective CSRR back layer structure improves the transmission coefficient. High absorption is influenced by the central split gaps and an appropriate electric field and magnetic field optimized in the centre ring when the structure is in an Orthogonal orientation. The research used a frequency domain solver operating between 2 and 12 GHz. The scattering characteristics (coefficient of transmission) of the relevant unit cell’s equivalent circuit were confirmed using ADS software and the CST result. At frequencies between 3 and 5 GHz, the proposed asymmetric unit cell functions as a double negative (DNG) metamaterial absorber due to its negative permeability and permittivity. Since oil samples have different dielectric constants, the resonance frequency and Q factor are likewise different. Here, we receive a spectrum of frequencies that can be adjusted for use in sensing. The data showed that the suggested sensor is sensitive enough to pick up a variety of oils. The proposed sensor is useful for various applications, from liquid detection to microfluidic sensing and beyond, due to its cheap cost, high sensitivity, high-quality factor, and high electromagnetic radiation (EMR)

Costs of services and funding gap of the Bangladesh National Tuberculosis Control Programme 2016-2022: An ingredient based approach.

BackgroundBangladesh National Tuberculosis (TB) Control Programme (NTP) has deployed improved diagnostic technologies which may drive up the programme costs. We aimed to estimate the supply-side costs associated with the delivery of the NTP and the funding gap between the cost of implementation and available funding for the Bangladesh NTP.MethodsAn ingredient-based costing approach was applied using WHO's OneHealth Tool software. We considered 2016, as the base year and projected cost estimates up to 2022 using information on NTP planned activities. Data were collected through consultative meetings with experts and officials/managers, review of documents and databases, and visits to five purposively selected TB healthcare facilities. The estimated costs were compared with the funds allocated to the NTP between 2018 and 2022 to estimate the funding gap.FindingsThe estimated total cost of NTP was US$49.22 million in 2016, which would increase to US$ 146.93 million in 2022. Human resources (41.1%) and medicines and investigations/ supplies (38.0%) were the major two cost components. Unit costs were highest for treating extensively drug-resistant TB at US$7,422.4 in 2016. Between 2018-2022, NTP would incur US$ 536.8 million, which is US$ 235.18 million higher than the current allocation for NTP.ConclusionOur results indicated a funding gap associated with the NTP in each of the years between 2018-2022. Policy planners should advocate for additional funding to ensure smooth delivery of TB services in the upcoming years. The cost estimates of TB services can also be used for planning and budgeting for delivering TB services in similar country contexts

Dumbbell shaped structure loaded modified circular ring resonator based perfect metamaterial absorber for S, X and Ku band microwave sensing applications

Abstract In this paper, a new metamaterial absorber (MMA) is presented that exhibits peak absorptions at 3.26 GHz, 11.6 GHz, and 17.13 GHz within S, X, and Ku bands. The unit cell of the proposed MMA is constructed on an FR4 substrate having an electrical dimension of 0.144λ × 0.144λ, where wavelength, λ is calculated at the lowest absorption frequency. The unique structural design of the unit cell consists of two concentric copper rings with which dumbbell-shaped structures are attached. The rotating symmetrical structural design of this MMA provides around 93.8%, 96.47%, and 99.95% peak absorptance in the mentioned frequencies, which is invariable with the change of incident angle as well as polarization angle. The metamaterial properties of the proposed absorber are studied along with the surface current analysis. The MMA shows single negative behaviour and it also exhibits high-quality factors (Q factor) of 21.73, 41.42, and 51.90 at maximum absorptance frequencies. The MMA is analysed by it's equivalent circuit to understand the resonance phenomenon, which is verified through simulation in Advanced Design Systems (ADS) software. The testing is done on the developed prototype of the proposed MMA. Measurement results are in close proximity to the simulation results. Due to its high Q factor, high EMR, and insensitivity to polarization and angle of incidence, it can be utilized as a part of miniaturized microwave device. In addition, the proposed MMA can exhibit high sensing performance and flexibility to differentiate different oils in S, X, and Ku bands