Long-term Reconstruction Research Articles

Lost Work Due to Burn-Related Disability in a US Working Population.

Burn injuries can require hospitalization, operations, and long-term reconstruction. Burn-injured patients can experience short- or long-term disability. We investigated lost workdays (LWDs), short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD) in the 12-month period following a burn injury. An observational cohort study was conducted using a commercial claims database, IBM® MarketScan®. Patients aged ≤65 years with an ICD-10 burn diagnosis from 2018 to 2019 were included. The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10), procedure and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes were used to identify patients undergoing burn-related operations. Patients were mapped to data tables for LWDs, STD, and LTD for the 12 months pre- and post-injury. Paired t-tests were employed to compare the pre- and post-injury outcomes. We identified 1745 patients with burn diagnoses. Of those, 263, 1449, and 1448 patients had data available for LWDs, STD, and LTD, respectively. STD and LTD were reported by 8.1% and 0.0% of patients in the 12-month period pre-injury, respectively, and 20.3% and 1.0% of patients in the 12-month period post-injury, respectively. Average days of STD increased from 3.70 to 9.34 days following injury. Burn injuries are associated with increased STD and LTD utilization. Quantifying the impact of burn injuries on patients' work will help us understand the economic implications of burns, which is a key area in burn research.

A semantic augmented approach to FEMA P-58 based dynamic regional seismic loss estimation application

Regional seismic loss estimation (RSLE) is a crucial process in both immediate post-earthquake emergency response and long-term reconstruction endeavors. Over the years, significant progress has been made in RSLE: sensing approaches such as field investigation and remote sensing offers a comprehensive overview necessary for real-time disaster response, while simulation techniques such as the methodology proposed in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) P-58 series provide insights into the mechanism of disaster development and its potential long-term impacts on urban assets. Nonetheless, challenges persist in the realm of practical RSLE applications. Firstly, a dynamic understanding of a disaster event and its influence is deemed important for effective emergency responses while challenging to achieve in current approaches. Secondly, stakeholders with varying roles, including administrators, rescue teams and ordinary citizens have distinct information requirements for RSLE. Thirdly, the complexity of seismic loss estimation, involving diverse data sources such as building information models, performance models, fragility data and sensor observations, poses interoperability issue. To tackle these issues, this article introduces a dynamic, multi-granularity, ontological representation scheme tailored for RSLE decision-supporting systems. This scheme operates across various scales, from individual building components to broader regional scales by synergistically employing FEMA P-58 guidelines and Semantic Web technologies. Upon the corresponding semantics, a question-and-answer agent powered by large language model is further developed to facilitate interaction requirements within the RSLE process via FEMA P-58 pipeline. The practical efficacy of this approach is validated through a prototype deployed under a real earthquake event, demonstrating its value in real-world scenarios.

Long-term outcomes of 1,989 immediate implant-based breast reconstructions: an analysis of risk factors for failure and revision surgery.

Nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate implant-based breast reconstruction (IBR) is potentially associated with long-term unfavorable outcomes such as revision surgery and reconstruction failure. This large patient cohort study aimed to provide long-term data on the incidence of these outcomes and identify predictive risk factors. Between 2012 and 2019 1,989 mastectomies with IBR were performed in 1,512 women in our institute. A direct-to-implant (DTI) method was used in 93% and a two-staged method with tissue-expander in 7%. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify patient- and treatment-related risk factors associated with revision surgery or reconstructive failure. Mean follow-up was 62.2 months. IBR failed in 6.7% of all breasts, thus a breast was present in 93.3%. Age older than 44 years old yielded a 2.6- and radiotherapy a 1.7-fold increased risk for reconstruction failure. Revision surgery was performed in 60% of all breasts. Mean number of revisions of all IBRs is 1.2 (range, 0-8; SD 1.37). Factors associated with significant higher rates of revision surgeries were age>44 years (OR=1.23), smoking (OR=1.53), specimen weight>492 grams (OR=1.39), implant volume>422 grams (OR=1.95) and radiotherapy (OR=1.51). Nipple preservation was protective for both outcomes (OR=0.71 and OR=0.42, respectively). DTI did not require any surgical revision in 43%. Despite the necessity of revision surgery in the majority of IBRs, nearly half of the breasts did not require any revision surgery, and long-term reconstruction failure rates are extremely low. Therefore, IBR should be offered to all eligible women undergoing mastectomy while understanding the risks.

Reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation via bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps: A retrospective study with 5-year follow-up

PurposeThe reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation is a clinical challenge. Our team designed bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps for the long-term reconstruction of Allen's type IV fingertip amputation and conducted a retrospective study with a 5-year follow-up aims to evaluate the effects of this technique. MethodsA retrospective analysis with a 5-year follow-up including 13 patients with Allen's type IV fingertip amputation who were admitted to our hospital from January 2010 to January 2017 was conducted. The patients were treated with bilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded, and the survival rate of the transplanted flaps was calculated. During the 5-year follow-up after operation, the nail growth time was recorded and the finger appearance was observed. At the last follow-up appointment, the length, width, and girth of the reconstructed fingertip and contralateral normal fingertip, range of motion of the reconstructed fingertip and contralateral normal fingertip, Semmes-Weinstein test (for the evaluation of tactile sensation), and two-point discrimination testing results were recorded. SPSS 22.0 software was used for the statistical analysis and the data are presented as mean ± SD. ResultsThe mean operation time was (5.62 ± 0.51) h, the mean intraoperative blood loss was (34.15 ± 3.13) mL, and the survival rate of the transplanted flaps was 100%. During the 5-year follow-up, the average nail growth time was (10.14 ± 1.98) months and the average bone union time was (3.78 ± 0.91) months. The length, width, and girth of the reconstructed fingertip were (31.52 ± 3.73) mm, (17.82 ± 1.74) mm, and (59.75 ± 3.04) mm, respectively, which did not differ from those of the contralateral normal fingertip. The range of motion of the reconstructed fingertip was (12.15 ± 2.79) degrees which is different from that of the contralateral normal fingertip. The average tactile sensation evaluated via the Semmes-Weinstein test and the average two-point discrimination test of the reconstructed fingertip were (0.39 ± 0.17) g and (7.46 ± 1.14) mm, respectively, which were not different from those of the contralateral normal fingertip. The average Maryland score of feet in the donor area was 87.66 ± 7.39, which was satisfactory. ConclusionBilateral unequal-sized hallux osteo-onychocutaneous free flaps are an effective method to reconstruct Allen's type IV fingertip amputations with a satisfactory appearance and good sensory function.

Phased post-disaster recovery challenges: 2016–2017 floods and landslides in Colombo and Kalutara, Sri Lanka

This paper aims to understand the challenges arising in individual post-disaster recovery (PDR) phases and how they contribute to overall recovery progress. It further investigates the transition of recovery from one phase to the subsequent phases of PDR. The 2016 and 2017 floods and landslides in Sri Lanka were used as the case study focusing on the two affected districts, Colombo and Kalutara. An in-depth study was conducted to explore the PDR phases from response to long-term reconstruction and development following the disaster events.A mixed methods approach was adopted where, under a qualitative approach, twenty-two semi-structured interviews with disaster management stakeholders were conducted. Moreover, on quantitative analysis, a survey questionnaire was conducted. The case study field data was supplemented with an extensive document review.The study found several factors in different PDR phases hindering long-term recovery. They include: a lack of communication and coordination mechanisms among key stakeholders in the response phase, and limited capacity and resources of local authorities in the rehabilitation phase. The challenges in recovery and long-term reconstruction and development phases were to disaster governance, collection and management of data and information, and low level of inter-agency collaboration. Some factors were recurring and continually hindered the PDR process and had a larger impact in Kalutara than in the Colombo district. Regarding the transition of recovery, there was only one transition from response and rehabilitation to the recovery phase occurred. No evidence was found for the second recovery transition from recovery to the long-term reconstruction and development phase.These findings will assist in planning future post-disaster recoveries in the region to ensure issues are anticipated, and proper planning is done ahead of time. The goal is to tackle the issues impeding long-term recovery in each PDR phase to allow a smooth and successful transition into the long-term phase.The findings of this research make an original contribution to the limited scholarship on the implications of individual PDR phases on long-term recovery.

Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes in Facial Reconstructions with Multiple Composite Axial Flaps – Case Report

The article presents a case of facial reconstruction with several facial axial flaps for a posttraumatic defect of the left upper lip, medial cheek region and left nasal wing. The case refers to a 58-year-old patient who is hospitalized for a facial trauma which involves only the soft tissues, resulting from a car accident.The immediate reconstruction of all the affected aesthetic units using multiple reconstructive techniques allowed the favorable resolution of the case in the shortest possible time. We used advancement and rotation orbicularis oris innervated musculocutaneous flaps for reconstruction of the left upper lip, cervicofacial cutaneous flap for the medial cheek defect and composite forehead flap for the reconstruction of the left nasal wing. The simultaneous use of different types of flaps made possible the total healing after 4 weeks after the accident and the social and professional integration of the patient.Complex facial trauma often involves both skeletal and soft tissue damage, presenting significant challenges in both initial management and long-term reconstruction. These injuries can result from various etiologies including motor vehicle accidents, assaults, sports injuries, and falls. Effective treatment requires a multidisciplinary approach to address the intricate anatomy and functional importance of facial structures.

Otolith biochronology for the long-term reconstruction of growth and stock dynamics of fish

Long-term biological time series are essential to evaluate previous responses of organisms to alterations in the environment. Biochronological methods based on archival fish otoliths allow setting such time series, but their predictive potential as proxies of past environmental conditions is still underexploited. In this study, we reconstructed growth variation in European sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in the Baltic Sea from 1956 to 2020 based on measurements of the archived otoliths. We used otolith annual increment widths as a proxy of fish somatic growth. We showed significant negative relationships between sprat growth and sprat spawning stock biomass (SSB) associated with strong intraspecific competition for limited food resources. We also identified a link between sprat growth and water salinity—indicator of the ecosystem's hydrological situation. For the first time, we estimated the SSB prior to the period of available historical data based on the otolith-derived information on the past growth variation. This estimation was based on the strong relationships between SSB and fish growth, complemented with temperature and salinity variables as predictors (R2 = 0.62). A model trained on at least 40 years of data from the more recent past allows us to robustly back-estimate SSB. This study provides new multidecadal data, giving insights into environmental factors affecting the growth of Baltic sprat, and demonstrates the potential of otolith-based biochronology for the provisioning of independent indices of the historical fish stock size. The proposed methodological approach broadens the portfolio of possible applications of the biochronology time series to indicate past changes in the aquatic environment.Graphical abstract

Effect of in vivo implantation sites on the graft-to-bone osteointegration induced by gradient nanofibrous scaffolds

Gradient nanofibrous scaffolds hold great promise as viable ligament grafts to enhance graft-to-bone integration for long-term reconstruction of damaged anterior cruciate ligaments. However, the effect of in vivo implantation sites on graft-to-bone osteointegration induced by gradient scaffolds remains largely unexplored. Here, we systematically investigated the effects of nanofibrous scaffolds with fiber organization and nanoHA/BMP-2 gradients on graft-to-bone osteointegration by implanting them into tibial and femoral bone tunnels, respectively. The nanofibrous scaffolds were fabricated to possess gradient regions and uniform regions at two ends, and the gradient regions were implanted into femoral tunnels and tibial tunnels as two experimental groups. The biomechanical test showed that the ligament grafts broke in the intraarticular zone at 12 and 24 weeks of implantation, confirming a good biofixation between the grafts and bone tissues at both implantation sites of the tibial and femoral tunnels. Additionally, the gradient region of the ligament graft was found to enhance osteointegration and promote the formation of more secure graft-to-bone interfaces, as compared to uniform regions. In femoral bone tunnels, a relatively slow osteointegration process was observed even in the gradient region of the ligament grafts, which showed the formation of distinct fibrocartilage interfaces at 12 weeks and further evolved into mature bone tissues at 24 weeks. In tibial bone tunnels, higher nanoHA/BMP-2 content led to rapid penetration of newly-regenerated bone tissues in the gradient regions of the grafts at 12 weeks, followed by bone remodeling and complete integration with native tibial plateau at 24 weeks. These findings might provide new insights to develop biomimetic gradient scaffolds for matching the osteointegration process and speed in tibial and femoral bone tunnels.

Issues and Problems Affecting Post-Disaster Reconstruction Activities in Indonesia

Efforts to mitigate the danger of disasters continue. Both long-term and short-term Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities have been undertaken by governments and International Organizations. One type of long-term post-disaster activity is rehabilitation and reconstruction, which are an important part of the catastrophe recovery phase Long-term reconstruction activities are activities that have uncertainty. The reconstruction necessitates the integration of long-term development plans that account for various catastrophic risks and the possibility of mitigating future dangers. Based on past research, uncertainty variables show a problem with the activity of reconstruction activities. Numerous countries, including Malaysia, Nepal, America, and Estonia, have conducted research on the challenges and issues associated with construction activity. This research variable was developed from several studies conducted in several countries to obtain more comprehensive variables for study in the disaster-prone. Assessment instruments were developed using questionnaires distributed to a sample of respondents who met the initial criteria. Relative importance index (RII) is used in data processing procedures, and this paper examines the concerns and difficulties experienced during the reconstruction process. The data analysis found that the most dominant aspect that influences the construction period is the delay in project completion. With the value of the Relative Importance Index (RII) at the High-Medium (H–M) level (0.6 RI 0.8) with a value of 0.769 and all research variables are included in the High-Medium (H–M), namely (0.6 ≤ RI ≤ 0.8).

Electrocatalysis induced reconstruction of RuNiPO for highly efficient hydrogen evolution reaction

Reconstruction during the catalytic process has been considered to play a key role for the performance. Here we report a RuNiPO based catalyst for efficient alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), which can benefit from a long-term reconstruction during HER for 10 h to continuously increase the performance. The final catalyst (e-RuNiPO) shows a huge morphology change from bulk sphere to highly exposed layered structure in the electrocatalysis process, and exhibits an interesting electronic structure modification with the electron transfer from Ru to Ni for better interfacial interaction and quick charge transfer. Due to the favorable morphology with more exposed active sites and the optimized electronic structure, the final catalyst can achieve an outstanding performance with only an overpotential of 15 mV at 10 mA cm−2 (with a good stability more than 100 h), even outperforming the performance of benchmark 20 wt% Pt/C catalyst (18 mV at 10 mA cm−2) by using a much lower Ru content.

USING DEBT FOR ADAPTATION SWAPS TO SUPPORT THE RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINE

The article sets out a conceptual framework for how Debt for Adaptation Swaps may be used to help accomplish several complementary goals in support of the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine. Debt for Adaptation Swaps could improve short-term liquidity for mitigating the most threatening environmental damage to Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion, while contributing to Ukraine’s long-term environmental restoration and economic reconstruction. It examines the potential for linking Debt for Adaptation Swaps to international, compulsory financial compensation claims against the Russian State, as well as internationally sanctioned Russian legal entities or private persons, to secure the long-term funding necessary to fully restore natural capital and reconstruct physical capital. It includes a discussion of the application of international standards of valuation to environmental or economic assets for the purpose of seeking financial compensation.

Financial Incentives for Energy Resource Investments in Stochastic Economic Dispatch

The stochastic economic dispatch (SED) provides a promising solution for short-term cost-efficiency with high renewable penetration. However, the long-term efficiency of SED, i.e., promoting efficient investments in both flexibility resources and renewable generations, has rarely been studied. We theoretically reveal the financial incentives for efficient investments in SED from both perspectives of the short-term and long-term performances: 1) We demonstrate the rationality behind the short-term failure of cost recovery or revenue adequacy, which provides proper signals to corresponding dispatchable generators, renewable generators, or system operator for long-term reconstruction and installation. 2) Through theoretical analysis of the statistical properties, we prove that the long-term expected profits of renewable and dispatchable generators provide appropriate signals to guide their future investments. In conclusion, the SED can indeed motivate the investments of flexibility resources and renewables to match up better with each other in the network, benefiting the system efficiency and reliability in the long run. Simulations are conducted for validation.

Population distribution analysis in Banda Aceh City for tsunami disaster risk reduction

Areas affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami have recovered following a long-term reconstruction process, including Banda Aceh City, Indonesia. Using data from the Statistics Indonesia, this study aims to analyze population dynamics in Banda Aceh City, starting from 2004 (pre-tsunami), 2005 (shortly after the tsunami), as well as 2010 and 2020 (post-reconstruction phase). Population dynamics are calculated at the sub-district (kecamatan) level by observing trends and changes in size and rank based on population density and population growth rate values. Some of the tsunami-affected sub-districts have experienced population recovery to pre-disaster levels, while population growth in safe areas is relatively high in line with development directions to the east and south of the city. However, disaster risk reduction tasks will be even more challenging as the population in coastal areas is growing at an alarming rate. Therefore, the government needs to design a comprehensive policy to minimize the population’s exposure to the tsunami hazard.

Decomposition of the mean absolute error (MAE) into systematic and unsystematic components.

When evaluating the performance of quantitative models, dimensioned errors often are characterized by sums-of-squares measures such as the mean squared error (MSE) or its square root, the root mean squared error (RMSE). In terms of quantifying average error, however, absolute-value-based measures such as the mean absolute error (MAE) are more interpretable than MSE or RMSE. Part of that historical preference for sums-of-squares measures is that they are mathematically amenable to decomposition and one can then form ratios, such as those based on separating MSE into its systematic and unsystematic components. Here, we develop and illustrate a decomposition of MAE into three useful submeasures: (1) bias error, (2) proportionality error, and (3) unsystematic error. This three-part decomposition of MAE is preferable to comparable decompositions of MSE because it provides more straightforward information on the nature of the model-error distribution. We illustrate the properties of our new three-part decomposition using a long-term reconstruction of streamflow for the Upper Colorado River.

Renaissance of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction: theoretical basis and research status

To overview the theoretical basis and research status of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction. The domestic and foreign researches on the application of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction in breast reconstruction were retrospectively analyzed. The theoretical basis, clinical advantages, and limitations of this technique were summarized and the future development trend in this field was discussed. The recent advances in breast cancer oncology, the development of materials and the concept of oncology reconstruction have provided a theoretical basis for prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction. The selection of patients and the experience of surgeons are crucial for postoperative outcomes. Ideal thickness and blood flow of flaps are the most important considerations for the selection of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction. However, its long-term reconstruction outcomes and clinical benefits and risks in Asian populations still need to be confirmed by more studies. Prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction has a broad application prospect in breast reconstruction following mastectomy. However, the evidence is limited at present. Randomized study with long-term follow-up is urgently in need to provide sufficient evidence to evaluate the safety and reliability of prepectoral implant-based breast reconstruction.

Effect of Anterior Cervical Decompression Fusion and Partial Resection of Uncinate Vertebra Joint on Cervical Sagittal Sequence in Patients with Non-Single-Segment Radiculopathy and its Correlation with Curative Effect: A Retrospective Analysis.

Analyze the effect of preservation or resection of the partial uncinate joint on the sagittal sequence of the cervical vertebrae in patients with non-single-segment radiculopathy and the correlation between the sagittal sequence of the cervical vertebrae and the long-term effect after surgery, we explored whether it is necessary to perform partial resection of the uncinate joint in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy undergoing anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF). The study retrospectively analyzed 96 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy with more than two segments from August 2016 to January 2021, who underwent ACDF (ACDF group, 45 patients) or ACDF combined with partial uncinate joint resection (ACDF + UT group, 51 patients). Partial resection of the uncinate joint indicated removal of part of the uncinate joint and osteophyte based on the compression of the nerve root during surgery, whereas the uncinate joints in the ACDF group were retained completely. The imaging data and functional scores of the two groups were recorded before surgery, 1 month after surgery, and at the last follow-up. A paired t-test or rank sum test was applied to analyze the data. In addition, the correlation between the imaging parameters and functional scores was validated using the Pearson's test. All 96 patients successfully completed the surgery and were followed up for at least 12months, with an average follow-up time of 14months. At the last follow-up, the pain visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and neck pain and disability scale (NPAD) scores of the two groups were significantly lower than those before surgery, and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was significantly higher than that before surgery. At the last follow-up, compared with the ACDF+UT group, the NDI and NPAD scores in the ACDF group decreased more significantly (p < 0.05), and C2-7SVA, △C2-7SVA (the difference between C2-7 SVA at last follow-up and before operation), and T1S values decreased significantly (p < 0.05). The C2-7 Cobb angle was positively correlated with the JOA score and T1S (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the VAS, NDI, and NPAD scores and CGH-C7SVA (p < 0.05). C2-7SVA was positively correlated with CGH-C7SVA and T1S (p < 0.05). Patients with non-single-segmental cervical spondylotic radiculopathy and ACDF with or without uncinate joint resection can have effective improvement in the clinical effect and sagittal balance; however, partial uncinate joint resection has a certain negative impact on the long-term reconstruction of sagittal balance and long-term effects in patients after surgery.

Climatic changes in the calculated levels of port hydraulic structures for the Indiga Port area

The development of the mineral resource base of the Arctic region of the Russian Federation has become possible, among other things, due to the increase in the duration of the navigation period and the improvement of navigation conditions due to climatic changes. The development of oil and gas reserves in this region creates the need to provide marine transport infrastructure, and, consequently, the development of existing and construction of new port hydraulic structures. The author of the article reviewed the data of satellite observations of the sea level anomaly in the area of the construction of the Indiga port in the southeastern part of the Barents Sea from October 1992 to September 2022. It is shown that there is a stable positive trend towards sea level increasing over a period of 30 years, which indicates that a number of data series used in constructing probability curves according to regulatory methods are nonstationary. The lack of consideration of climatic changes in the level regime leads to incorrect results of calculations of water levels of a given probability according to current regulatory methods, therefore, the article deals with an example of considering the data of climatic modeling of the level regime of the Indiga port area for the life cycle of port hydraulic structures. Dividing the service life of the structure into stages, which consider the change in the marks of the structure or its absence, depending on the actually observed increase in the level of the water area, will ensure the reliability and safety of operation throughout the life cycle. The reserves laid down during the design and the creation of long-term reconstruction plans will make it possible to carry out work on raising the berth marks for berthing structures and the marks of the upper structure of protecting structures with the least expenditure of material resources and time.

KEY ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION CHOICE OF UKRAINE IN THE CONDITIONS OF A CHANGING SECURITY ENVIRONMENT

In the context of the study of the security environment, the losses of the Ukrainian economy from the complete destruction or damage of infrastructure facilities and leading production enterprises as a result of russian aggression have been analyzed. The author draws attention to the problem of preserving the production capacity of the economy in the conditions of war at the expense of the relocation program. Among the relocated companies, four types of enterprises are distinguished: large system enterprises, medium-level enterprises, micro-business and «craft production», IT-business. An indicator of the effectiveness of European integration measures is the level of implementation of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU, which is assessed differently by the government structures and independent experts. The role of regions in European integration is characterized, among which Kyiv, Lviv and Vinnytsia regions take the leading place. The author believes that Ukraine can expect positive economic consequences from the status of a candidate in the EU due to the gradual impact of reforms and increased investor confidence in the country’s future. Attention is focused on the European integration potential of the civil society, which can participate in the implementation of the country’s European integration course together with state institutions in the key areas of European integration. The experience of the EU’s assistance in the post-conflict reconstruction of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the support of the countries of the Eastern Partnership, were studied. In the opinion of the author, the long-term reconstruction of Ukraine should be the part of the process of European integration processes, and the most important sources of funding of the post-war reconstruction of our country should be foreign financial aid from partners, in which the EU should be an active participant. Some European initiatives regarding the post-war recovery of Ukraine’s economy are presented. The author believes that the key aspect of the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine should be an organic combination with the processes of European integration and relate to the priority restoration of social infrastructure, the return of refugees and displaced persons to Ukraine, their full inclusion in socio-economic processes.

Long-term reconstruction of satellite-based precipitation, soil moisture, and snow water equivalent in China

Abstract. A long-term high-resolution national dataset of precipitation (P), soil moisture (SM), and snow water equivalent (SWE) is necessary for predicting floods and droughts and assessing the impacts of climate change on streamflow in China. Current long-term daily or sub-daily datasets of P, SM, and SWE are limited by a coarse spatial resolution or the lack of local correction. Although SM and SWE data derived from hydrological simulations at a national scale have fine spatial resolutions and take advantage of local forcing data, hydrological models are not directly calibrated with SM and SWE data. In this study, we produced a daily 0.1∘ dataset of P, SM, and SWE in 1981–2017 across China, using global background data and local on-site data as forcing input and satellite-based data as reconstruction benchmarks. Global 0.1∘ and local 0.25∘P data in 1981–2017 are merged to reconstruct the historical P of the 0.1∘ China Merged Precipitation Analysis (CMPA) available in 2008–2017 using a stacking machine learning model. The reconstructed P data are used to drive the HBV hydrological model to simulate SM and SWE data in 1981–2017. The SM simulation is calibrated by Soil Moisture Active Passive Level 4 (SMAP-L4) data. The SWE simulation is calibrated by the national satellite-based snow depth dataset in China (Che and Dai, 2015) and the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover data. Cross-validated by the spatial and temporal splitting of the CMPA data, the median Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) of the reconstructed P is 0.68 for all grids at a daily scale. The median KGE of SM in calibration is 0.61 for all grids at a daily scale. For grids in two snow-rich regions, the median KGEs of SWE in calibration are 0.55 and −2.41 in the Songhua and Liaohe basins and the northwest continental basin respectively at a daily scale. Generally, the reconstruction dataset performs better in southern and eastern China than in northern and western China for P and SM and performs better in northeast China than in other regions for SWE. As the first long-term 0.1∘ daily dataset of P, SM, and SWE that combines information from local observations and satellite-based data benchmarks, this reconstruction product is valuable for future national investigations of hydrological processes.

Long-term reconstruction of flash floods in the Qilian Mountains, China, based on dendrogeomorphic methods

Long-term reconstruction of flash floods in the Qilian Mountains, China, based on dendrogeomorphic methods