105 research outputs found

    Performance of Small Cluster Surveys and the Clustered LQAS Design to estimate Local-level Vaccination Coverage in Mali

    Get PDF
    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Estimation of vaccination coverage at the local level is essential to identify communities that may require additional support. Cluster surveys can be used in resource-poor settings, when population figures are inaccurate. To be feasible, cluster samples need to be small, without losing robustness of results. The clustered LQAS (CLQAS) approach has been proposed as an alternative, as smaller sample sizes are required.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We explored (i) the efficiency of cluster surveys of decreasing sample size through bootstrapping analysis and (ii) the performance of CLQAS under three alternative sampling plans to classify local VC, using data from a survey carried out in Mali after mass vaccination against meningococcal meningitis group A.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>VC estimates provided by a 10 Ă— 15 cluster survey design were reasonably robust. We used them to classify health areas in three categories and guide mop-up activities: i) health areas not requiring supplemental activities; ii) health areas requiring additional vaccination; iii) health areas requiring further evaluation. As sample size decreased (from 10 Ă— 15 to 10 Ă— 3), standard error of VC and ICC estimates were increasingly unstable. Results of CLQAS simulations were not accurate for most health areas, with an overall risk of misclassification greater than 0.25 in one health area out of three. It was greater than 0.50 in one health area out of two under two of the three sampling plans.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Small sample cluster surveys (10 Ă— 15) are acceptably robust for classification of VC at local level. We do not recommend the CLQAS method as currently formulated for evaluating vaccination programmes.</p

    Alpha and lambda interferon together mediate suppression of CD4 T cells induced by respiratory syncytial virus

    Get PDF
    The mechanism by which respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) suppresses T-cell proliferation to itself and other antigens is poorly understood. We used monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDC) and CD4 T cells and measured [(3)H]thymidine incorporation to determine the factors responsible for RSV-induced T-cell suppression. These two cell types were sufficient for RSV-induced suppression of T-cell proliferation in response to cytomegalovirus or Staphylococcus enterotoxin B. Suppressive activity was transferable with supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC and was not due to transfer of live virus or RSV F (fusion) protein. Supernatants from RSV-infected MDDC, but not MDDC exposed to UV-killed RSV or mock conditions, contained alpha interferon (IFN-alpha; median, 43 pg/ml) and IFN-lambda (approximately 1 to 20 ng/ml). Neutralization of IFN-alpha with monoclonal antibody (MAb) against one of its receptor chains, IFNAR2, or of IFN-lambda with MAb against either of its receptor chains, IFN-lambdaR1 (interleukin 28R [IL-28R]) or IL-10R2, had a modest effect. In contrast, blocking the two receptors together markedly reduced or completely blocked the RSV-induced suppression of CD4 T-cell proliferation. Defining the mechanism of RSV-induced suppression may guide vaccine design and provide insight into previously uncharacterized human T-cell responses and activities of interferons

    The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Mission Concept Study Final Report

    Get PDF
    The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory, or HabEx, has been designed to be the Great Observatory of the 2030s. For the first time in human history, technologies have matured sufficiently to enable an affordable space-based telescope mission capable of discovering and characterizing Earthlike planets orbiting nearby bright sunlike stars in order to search for signs of habitability and biosignatures. Such a mission can also be equipped with instrumentation that will enable broad and exciting general astrophysics and planetary science not possible from current or planned facilities. HabEx is a space telescope with unique imaging and multi-object spectroscopic capabilities at wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to near-IR. These capabilities allow for a broad suite of compelling science that cuts across the entire NASA astrophysics portfolio. HabEx has three primary science goals: (1) Seek out nearby worlds and explore their habitability; (2) Map out nearby planetary systems and understand the diversity of the worlds they contain; (3) Enable new explorations of astrophysical systems from our own solar system to external galaxies by extending our reach in the UV through near-IR. This Great Observatory science will be selected through a competed GO program, and will account for about 50% of the HabEx primary mission. The preferred HabEx architecture is a 4m, monolithic, off-axis telescope that is diffraction-limited at 0.4 microns and is in an L2 orbit. HabEx employs two starlight suppression systems: a coronagraph and a starshade, each with their own dedicated instrument

    The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory (HabEx) Mission Concept Study Final Report

    Get PDF
    The Habitable Exoplanet Observatory, or HabEx, has been designed to be the Great Observatory of the 2030s. For the first time in human history, technologies have matured sufficiently to enable an affordable space-based telescope mission capable of discovering and characterizing Earthlike planets orbiting nearby bright sunlike stars in order to search for signs of habitability and biosignatures. Such a mission can also be equipped with instrumentation that will enable broad and exciting general astrophysics and planetary science not possible from current or planned facilities. HabEx is a space telescope with unique imaging and multi-object spectroscopic capabilities at wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet (UV) to near-IR. These capabilities allow for a broad suite of compelling science that cuts across the entire NASA astrophysics portfolio. HabEx has three primary science goals: (1) Seek out nearby worlds and explore their habitability; (2) Map out nearby planetary systems and understand the diversity of the worlds they contain; (3) Enable new explorations of astrophysical systems from our own solar system to external galaxies by extending our reach in the UV through near-IR. This Great Observatory science will be selected through a competed GO program, and will account for about 50% of the HabEx primary mission. The preferred HabEx architecture is a 4m, monolithic, off-axis telescope that is diffraction-limited at 0.4 microns and is in an L2 orbit. HabEx employs two starlight suppression systems: a coronagraph and a starshade, each with their own dedicated instrument.Comment: Full report: 498 pages. Executive Summary: 14 pages. More information about HabEx can be found here: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/habex

    e-voicing an opinion on a brand

    Get PDF
    The development of social networks has tremendously expanding the potential for consumers to express opinions and ratings regarding brands. This research explores this phenomenon from the consumer point of view and suggests potential research themes for further investigation

    L’absence peut-elle restaurer l’authenticité ? Le cas du Marché de Noël de Strasbourg

    No full text
    International audienceThe Strasbourg Christmas Market (MNS) was greatly impacted by the pandemic in 2020. This research delves into the role of absence in the consumption experience through fifteen semi-structured interviews with regular MNS attendees and ethnographic observations of the MNS's iconic locations. Our findings indicate that individuals, affected by two lockdowns and the pandemic's social and economic repercussions, are eager to rediscover the city without overbidding. The absence reinforces the imaginative value of the MNS, imparting renewed significance. The authentic heritage of Strasbourg's historic center appears to have been reclaimed and compensates for the void. The Christmas market is presented as a "place/time" that integrates with the city's palimpsest and regains its allure through its nonexistence. We explore these findings in connection with the search for more authentic cultural and recreational activities.La pandémie aura eu raison du Marché de Noël de Strasbourg (MNS) en 2020. Cette recherche explore la place de l’absence dans l’expérience de consommation et se fonde sur quinze entretiens semi-directifs d’habitués du MNS et sur une approche ethnographique des lieux emblématiques du MNS. Nos résultats montrent que les sujets marqués par deux confinements, par la pandémie et ses conséquences humaines et économiques, sont prêts à redécouvrir la ville sans surenchère. L’absence contribue à renforcer la valeur imaginative du MNS et à restaurer du sens. L’authenticité indexée du centre historique de Strasbourg semble redécouverte et compenser le manque. Le marché de Noël, émerge de l’analyse comme un « lieu/temps » qui s’insère dans le palimpseste de la ville et regagne en désirabilité ce qu’il a perdu à ne pas exister. Nous discutons ces résultats par rapport aux problématiques des activités culturelles et de loisirs en quête de plus d’authenticité

    L’expérience et après ?

    No full text
    National audienc

    Plateformisation : quels impacts pour l’expérience ?

    No full text
    National audienc

    Revisiting the museum experience

    No full text
    International audiencePurpose : This paper aims to contribute to the area of museum experience research, by exploring how consumers build stories to tell different experiences generated from a visit to a museum and by viewing these inductive findings in the light of recent research on consumption experiences (Lanier and Rader, 2015).Design/methodology/approach : A qualitative study is conducted. Twenty-three narratives were analysed relating a visit to ZKM museum in Karlsruhe (Germany) using narrative analysis techniques, as they are suitable to capture sensations, emotions and feelings.Findings : ZKM museum emerges from the analysis of the narratives as a cradle for stochastic experiences (Lanier and Rader, 2015). The narratives develop several episodes that correspond to performance and liberatory experiences. A reconceptualization of the museal experience is proposed as a mesh of performance, stochastic or liberatory episodes, that capture the subject’s perspective.Research limitations/implications : The study was limited to students who were 19-23 years of age and to one museum. Future research should include a wider age group and other museums.Practical implications : The findings provide useful insights for curators, educators and exhibit designers staging museal experiences

    L’expérience et après ?

    No full text
    National audienc
    • …
    corecore