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- Loh, P, et al.
(author)
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Added value of an open narrative in verbal autopsies: a mixed-methods evaluation from Malawi
- 2021
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In: BMJ paediatrics open. - : BMJ. - 2399-9772. ; 5:1, s. e000961-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The WHO standardised verbal autopsy (VA) instrument includes closed questions, ascertaining signs and symptoms of illness preceding death, and an optional open narrative. As VA analyses increasingly use automated algorithms, inclusion of narratives should be justified. We evaluated the role of open narratives on VA processes, data quality and respondent’s emotional stress.MethodsA mixed-methods analysis was conducted using VA data for child deaths (0–59 months), between April 2013 and November 2016 in Mchinji district, Malawi. Deaths were prospectively randomised to receive closed questions only or open narrative followed by closed questions. On concluding the VA, interviewers self-completed questions on respondents’ emotional stress. Logistic regression was used to determine associations with visible emotional distress during VAs. A group discussion with interviewers was conducted at the project end, to understand field experiences and explore future recommendations; data were coded using deductive themes.Results2509 VAs were included, with 49.8% (n=1341) randomised to open narratives. Narratives lasted a median of 7 minuntes (range: 1–113). Interviewers described improved rapport and felt narratives improved data quality, although there was no difference in the proportion of deaths with an indeterminate cause using an automated algorithm (5.3% vs 6.1%). The majority of respondents did not display visible emotional stress (81%). Those with a narrative had higher, but not statistically significant, odds of emotional distress (adjusted OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.98 to 1.47). Factors associated with emotional stress were: infant deaths versus neonates; deaths at a health centre or en-route to hospital versus home; and higher socioeconomic status. Non-parental respondents and increased time between death and interview were associated with lower odds of emotional distress.ConclusionConducting an open narrative may help build rapport, something valued by the interviewers. However, additional time and emotional burdens should be further justified, with quality and utility of narratives promoted through standardised recommendations.
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| 2. |
- Tebaldini, S., et al.
(author)
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Biomass Level-2 Products - Part II: Processing Schemes and AGB Estimation Results from Campaign Data
- 2021
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In: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS). ; 2021-July, s. 783-786
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Scheduled for launch in 2023, ESA's seventh Earth Explorer Mission, BIOMASS, will carry the first P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to be flown in space, to gather fully polarimetric acquisitions over forested areas worldwide in interferometric and tomographic modes. This paper presents the algorithms developed to estimate biophysical parameters from BIOMASS measurements and their implementation in the BIOMASS level 2 (L2) prototype processor. The L2 processor will generate global maps of forest Above Ground Biomass (AGB), Forest Height (FH), Forest disturbance (FD). Accurate generation of these products requires the L2 processor to be closely inter-linked with the BIOMASS interferometric processor, in order to produce phase-calibrated interferometric stacks, retrieve sub-canopy terrain topography, and generate a 3D representation of forest structure by use of SAR tomography. AGB estimation results are here shown using BIOMASS-like acquisitions derived from campaign data acquired over six tropical forests in South America and Equatorial Africa.
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| 3. |
- Ulander, Lars, 1962, et al.
(author)
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BIOMASS LEVEL-2 PRODUCTS - PART I: RATIONALE AND APPLICATIONS
- 2021
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In: International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium (IGARSS). ; 2021-July, s. 779-782
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper describes the rationale and development of the estimation techniques for the level-2 data products of the European Space Agency's 7th Earth Explorer BIOMASS mission. BIOMASS is planned for launch in 2023 and will carry the first-ever P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) onboard a satellite. It has been designed to produce consistent global maps of the Earth's forests during a nominal five-year lifetime. Fully polarimetric SAR data will be collected and the satellite orbit will be selected for repeat-pass interferometry and tomography in separated mission phases. Mission requirements call for three level-2 data products: above-ground biomass, forest height and forest disturbance. The paper also discusses the expected limitations of the estimation techniques and remaining problems to be addressed.
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