Reconstruction Period Research Articles

Surface Reconstruction From Point Clouds: A Survey and a Benchmark.

Reconstruction of a continuous surface of two-dimensional manifold from its raw, discrete point cloud observation is a long-standing problem in computer vision and graphics research. The problem is technically ill-posed, and becomes more difficult considering that various sensing imperfections would appear in the point clouds obtained by practical depth scanning. In literature, a rich set of methods has been proposed, and reviews of existing methods are also provided. However, existing reviews are short of thorough investigations on a common benchmark. The present paper aims to review and benchmark existing methods in the new era of deep learning surface reconstruction. To this end, we contribute a large-scale benchmarking dataset consisting of both synthetic and real-scanned data; the benchmark includes object- and scene-level surfaces and takes into account various sensing imperfections that are commonly encountered in practical depth scanning. We conduct thorough empirical studies by comparing existing methods on the constructed benchmark, and pay special attention on robustness of existing methods against various scanning imperfections; we also study how different methods generalize in terms of reconstructing complex surface shapes. Our studies help identity the best conditions under which different methods work, and suggest some empirical findings. For example, while deep learning methods are increasingly popular in the research community, our systematic studies suggest that, surprisingly, a few classical methods perform even better in terms of both robustness and generalization; our studies also suggest that the practical challenges of misalignment of point sets from multi-view scanning, missing of surface points, and point outliers remain unsolved by all the existing surface reconstruction methods. We expect that the benchmark and our studies would be valuable both for practitioners and as a guidance for new innovations in future research.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ПЕДАГОГІЧНОЇ ПРАКТИКИ В ЛУЦЬКОМУ ПЕДАГОГІЧНОМУ УЧИЛИЩІ (40-70-ті рр. ХХ ст.)

The article describes the organization and practical training of future teachers at the Lutsk Pedagogical School. In the process of the retrospective analysis of documentary sources (archive materials), the peculiarities of practical training of students in the Lutsk Pedagogical School since the period of post-war reconstruction have been analyzed. The role of pedagogical practice in the educational process was analysed, its organizational principles, content and forms were defined. It was found that despite the unsatisfactory material and living conditions and the acute shortage of teaching staff in the post-war years, practical training was implemented in the pedagogical school as an integral part of the educational process. It was proved that pedagogical practice was the important means of forming the professional qualities for future teacher, approving the role of a teacher. In the process of research, it was determined that the urgent task of reforming Ukrainian education was the constant improvement of practical training of future specialists for the quality training of a modern competitive teacher.

Consequences of forced conjunction: Social work’s struggles for independence from sociology in mainland China

This article critically reviews the relationship between social work and sociology in mainland China, focusing on the reconstruction period from 1988 to the present. The forced conjunction of social work and sociology, initiated by governments and sociologists, has created significant barriers for social work education, research, and practice. Given the proliferation of the field of social work in mainland China, and sociology’s substantial influence on social work, this article emphasizes the crucialness of discipline autonomy of social work and sheds lights on potential solutions including strengthening social work practices at multiple levels and making efforts in promoting social work science.

Tube current reduction and iterative image reconstruction for computed tomography myelography

This study aimed to systematically evaluate the impact of a low-dose (LD) protocol using tube current reduction on image quality, the confidence for intervention planning and guidance, and diagnostic yield for computed tomography (CT) myelography. We retrospectively analyzed 68 patients who underwent CT myelography, with 34 investigations performed with a standard-dose (SD) and 34 investigations performed with a LD protocol (using tube current reduction). The different scans were matched considering variables such as sex, age, presence of spinal instrumentation, and body diameter. All images were evaluated by two readers (R1 and R2) using Likert scales. Image noise was measured using attenuation values of paraspinal muscle tissue. Images were reconstructed with model-based iterative reconstruction (post-myelography diagnostic scans) or hybrid reconstruction (planning, periprocedural, and diagnostic scans). Image quality, overall artifacts, image contrast, and confidence for planning or intervention guidance were rated good to perfect for both SD and LD scans according to evaluations of both readers. Inter-reader agreement was good to very good for the images from intervention planning (κ ≥ 0.80) as well as for intervention guidance (κ ≥ 0.77), as well as for diagnostic scans (κ ≥ 0.85). Image noise was similar between SD and LD scans performed for planning of the interventional procedures (model-based iterative reconstruction: SD 45.37 ± 7.29 HU vs. LD 45.17 ± 9.12 HU; hybrid reconstruction: SD 46.05 ± 7.43 HU vs. LD 45.05 ± 8.69 HU; p > 0.05). The volume-weighted CT dose index (CTDIvol) and size-specific dose estimate (SSDE) were significantly lower for the planning scans as well as the periprocedural scans when using the LD protocol as compared to the SD protocol (p < 0.05). In conclusion, implementation of a LD protocol with tube current reduction for CT myelography is a feasible option to reduce radiation exposure, especially when combined with iterative image reconstruction. In our study, LD imaging did not have a relevant negative impact on image quality, confidence for intervention planning or guidance, or diagnostic certainty for CT myelography.

POSTWAR SOCIALISATION OF THE UKRAINIAN ECONOMY IN THE CONDITIONS OF EUROPEAN INTEGRATION

The full-scale war in Ukraine has exacerbated a number of social problems that will need to be addressed during the post-war reconstruction period through the socialization of the economy. Ukraine's European integration will have a positive impact on this process. The relevance of post-war socialization of Ukraine's economy in the context of European integration is driven by many factors related to the need to restore the country after the conflict and adapt to the standards of the European Union. European integration is a key goal of Ukraine, and it requires serious transformations in the country's economic, social and political life. The purpose of the article is to study the development of post-war socialization of Ukraine's economy in the context of European integration. To achieve the purpose of the article, the following tasks were set and solved: to identify the main aspects of the post-war socialization of Ukraine's economy, to analyze the impact of European integration on the post-war development of the social sphere. The article uses general scientific methods of data analysis and synthesis, comparison and systematization. The information base of the article is made up of scientific articles and online statistical databases. The article analyzes statistical data on the damage to the destroyed social infrastructure, the dynamics of the unemployment rate in 2020-2024, and the number of registered Ukrainian refugees by country. The author outlines the directions of post-war socialization of Ukraine's economy using the prospects of European integration processes. The article offers recommendations on how to use the potential of Ukraine's integration into the EU to build the social sphere in the postwar period. The postwar socialization of Ukraine's economy is strategically important for achieving social stability, strengthening the country's competitive position and further integration into the European Union. This approach will ensure Ukraine's sustainable development and improve the quality of life of the population within the European community.The practical value of the article lies in the fact that its material can be used by state authorities in the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine with the use of the potential of European integration.

Dermal Substitute Integra for the Treatment of Mammalian Bite Injuries of Nose: a New Reconstructive Ladder.

Bite injuries affecting the nose are uncommon occurrences characterized by their intricate nature and potential for severe complications. These injuries, inflicted by animals such as dogs and cats, and occasionally by humans, often result in traumatic nasal defects, with the lower third of the nose being the most affected area. Current reconstructive options for nasal defects include full-thickness skin grafts, local or regional flaps, and composite grafts. The traditional reconstructive ladder serves as a valuable guide for surgeons, outlining a continuum of treatment options from simpler to more complex interventions. Advancements in reconstructive technologies, such as the introduction of dermal substitutes, have reshaped the decision-making process, ushering in a new era of facial reconstruction. In this context, dermal substitutes have emerged as promising adjuncts in nasal reconstruction, drawing from their success in burn surgery. Notably, the bilayered dermal substitute Integra has demonstrated efficacy in promoting wound healing and facilitating tissue regeneration. By harnessing the regenerative potential of Integra, plastic surgeons can address specific nasal defects arising from bite injuries with greater precision and improved outcomes. This study aims to present a case series of patients with bite injuries to the nose, showcasing the successful application of Integra dermal substitute in conjunction with secondary full-thickness skin grafting. Through a retrospective analysis of patient demographics, injury characteristics, surgical interventions, and postoperative outcomes, we seek to underscore the utility of this combined approach in achieving optimal functional and aesthetic results. We aim to contribute to the evolving paradigm of nasal reconstruction.

Virtual surgical planning in microsurgical head and neck reconstruction: The Newcastle experience

Virtual surgical planning in microsurgical head and neck reconstruction: The Newcastle experience

Variation in Recommended Treatment Strategies Among American Surgeons for Actual Adult Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injury Cases

The surgical management of adult traumatic brachial plexus injuries (BPI) is challenging, with no consensus on optimal strategies. This study aimed to gather preferred reconstructive strategies from BPI surgeons for actual cases from a multicenter cohort to identify areas of agreement. Four case files (history, physical examination, and imaging and electrodiagnostic testing results) were distributed to eight self-designated Level IV expert BPI surgeons in the United States. Each surgeon independently reviewed the cases and provided a preferred reconstructive plan via free text response. For a pan-plexus case after blunt trauma (67 years old; 3 months from injury): three surgeons recommended nerve grafting upper trunk roots to distal targets. There was disagreement in shoulder reconstruction: one suggested early shoulder fusion, two preferred cranial nerve XI to suprascapular nerve (SSN) transfer, and two anticipated future salvage shoulder fusion. For elbow reconstruction, six surgeons preferred intercostal nerve to musculocutaneous nerve transfer. For an upper trunk injury from a motorcycle accident (33 years old; 6 months from injury), only one surgeon recommended nerve grafting, six preferred XI to SSN transfer, all recommended triceps-to-axillary transfer, and all but one favored a double fascicular transfer. There is inconsistency in the use of nerve grafting for BPI patients, especially in pan-plexus injuries where options are limited. Variability exists in shoulder reconstruction and stability management, with some advocating early glenohumeral arthrodesis. Although single fascicular and triceps-to-axillary transfers are consistently favored, there is no consensus for restoring shoulder and elbow function when intraplexal transfers are unavailable. This study highlights substantial variability in surgical approaches to BPI among experts, underscoring the need for standardized treatment protocols. Understanding these diverse strategies can inform clinical decision making and help develop more uniform guidelines to improve patient outcomes.

Immunohistochemistry-Assisted Mohs Surgery for Invasive Eyelid and Periorbital Cutaneous Melanoma.

Prior studies describe wide local excision and "slow Mohs" outcomes for periocular melanoma. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) with immunohistochemistry maximizes tissue preservation and offers same-day comprehensive margin evaluation, which facilitates expedited repair, and coordination of oculoplastic reconstruction when necessary. To describe oncologic and reconstructive outcomes of invasive periocular cutaneous melanoma treated with immunohistochemistry-assisted MMS. Invasive melanoma cases affecting the eyelids or periorbital region treated with MMS between 2008 and 2018 were reviewed. Eyelid tumors and those in adjacent subunits were compared. Main outcome measures were recurrence, melanoma-specific death, and postreconstructive complications. Of 42 cases, 28 were classified as periorbital and 14 as eyelid involving. Most were T1 (37, 88.1%). There was 1 local recurrence in a patient with persistent positive conjunctival margin (2.4%). No local recurrences were observed in cases where negative Mohs margins were achieved, and no melanoma-related deaths occurred. Eyelid tumors were more likely to result in lid margin involving defects and require oculoplastic reconstruction. Eyelid complications developed in 10 cases (23.8%), and 5 (11.9%) required revision surgery. Mohs micrographic surgery for periocular melanoma results in low rates of local recurrence and melanoma-specific death. Initial tumor location can aid in reconstructive planning.

Preoperative Planning of Craniectomy and Reconstruction using 3D Printed Cranioplasty for Treatment of Calvarial Lesion

There is a number of diseases which causes calvarial lesion. Fibrous dysplasia, intraosseous meningioma, osteoma is to name a few. Treatment of these lesions necessitates removal of part of the skull or craniectomy to decompress the brain and neural elements. The ensuing skull defect needs to be repaired to protect the brain. Previously used allograft and alloplastic materials have been replaced with newer PEEK material, which is more resistant, biocompatible and can be 3D printed. In this series we describe 4 cases in which skull lesions are removed and reconstructed in the same sitting using 3D printed PEEK implant designed preoperatively using high resolution CT data. The results are superior and complication rates are low. All the cases were done in different government hospitals. The technical process was developed indigenously, and the methods are the first in our country. Bang. J Neurosurgery 2024; 13(2): 64-69

Народжуваність та сімейна політика у країнах Європи у період пандемії COVID-19

The study of shifts in the fertility dynamics during crisis periods along with changes in the system of family policy in European countries is a relevant direction of research for the further development of Ukraine’s demographic policy, increasing its effectiveness, especially in the period of post-war reconstruction. In this regard, the purpose of our paper is to find out the changes in trends and structural characteristics of fertility in the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic in European countries in combination with the analysis of change in family policy, effectiveness of current and implemented during this period policy measures. The main methods used in the paper were systematization and generalization of statistical information from various sources, structural-logical and comparative analysis and critical assessment of measures implemented to counter crisis situations in developed European countries. The scientific novelty consists in generalizing fertility characteristics and family policy measures to counteract the negative impact of COVID-19 pandemic on family wellbeing in European countries. The grouping of European countries was based on the changes that occurred in the fertility dynamics on the eve of the COVID-19 pandemic and in 2020—2021. In most countries, there was a decrease in the total fertility rate in 2020 followed by a rather sharp rise in 2021. This became possible due to the increase in childbirth among women of middle and older reproductive age. The countries in which there was a long period of decline in the total fertility rate before the epidemic but in 2021 fertility increased despite the complexity of the epidemiological situation (Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Norway) have drawn the most attention. Consistency, comprehensiveness, adherence to principles, variety are key characteristics of family policy that strengthen reproductive resilience. Along with providing financial assistance to families with children, in many countries, parents were given additional paid leave, measures were introduced to counter the dismissal of employees who have children, support was provided to institutions that continued to provide childcare services, and remote employment opportunities were expanded. The issues of the influence of population’s trust in the government (especially in periods of crisis) on formation of reproductive intentions and their realization need further study.

Contemporary surgical management of osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma.

The incidence of malignant bone tumors has remained relatively stable over the past two decades between 8% and 9% per 1,000,000 in North America. Multidisciplinary treatment is paramount for optimal care combining surgical resection, chemotherapy, and rehabilitation. Surgical treatment aims for a negative margin resection of the sarcoma with a personalized reconstruction plan. Limb salvage surgery (LSS) is possible in the majority of cases; however, amputation (including rotationplasty) may be required or preferred. Reconstruction can be achieved utilizing endoprostheses, allograft, autograft, or a combination of these techniques. Emerging technologies such as 3D printing of implants and cutting guides, and intraoperative navigation have helped to improve options for LSS.

Effectiveness of Generative AI for Post-Earthquake Damage Assessment

After an earthquake, rapid assessment of building damage is crucial for emergency response, reconstruction planning, and public safety. This study evaluates the performance of various Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) models in analyzing post-earthquake images to classify structural damage according to the EMS-98 scale, ranging from minor damage to total destruction. Correct classification rates for masonry buildings varied from 28.6% to 64.3%, with mean damage grade errors between 0.50 and 0.79, while for reinforced concrete buildings, rates ranged from 37.5% to 75.0%, with errors between 0.50 and 0.88. Fine-tuning these models could substantially improve accuracy. The practical implications are significant: integrating accurate GAI models into disaster response protocols can drastically reduce the time and resources required for damage assessment compared to traditional methods. This acceleration enables emergency services to make faster, data-driven decisions, optimize resource allocation, and potentially save lives. Furthermore, the widespread adoption of GAI models can enhance resilience planning by providing valuable data for future infrastructure improvements. The results of this work demonstrate the promise of GAI models for rapid, automated, and precise damage evaluation, underscoring their potential as invaluable tools for engineers, policymakers, and emergency responders in post-earthquake scenarios.

Internal Quality Control and the Role of Learning Management Systems (LMS) in Higher Education Institutions in Sierra Leone: Then, Now, and Later

The paper explores the evolution of Internal Quality Control (IQC) in Sierra Leone&amp;apos;s higher education institutions (HEIs) with a specific focus on the transformative role of Learning Management Systems (LMS). Beginning with the colonial era, the paper traces the historical context of IQC, emphasizing its informal nature. The post-independence expansion of HEIs introduced quality challenges compounded by economic constraints and political instability. The civil war further disrupted the education sector, and the reconstruction period saw the establishment of the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), formalizing IQC processes. The introduction of LMS platforms, such as Moodle and Google Classroom, marked a pivotal shift in enhancing educational quality. LMS has significantly contributed to data-driven decision-making, standardized educational processes, and continuous feedback mechanisms. However, challenges remain, including infrastructural limitations and the urban-rural digital divide. The paper also projects the future of IQC, highlighting the potential integration of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and blockchain in LMS platforms. These advancements promise to revolutionize the educational experience, offering new possibilities for quality assurance and student engagement.

Black Americans’ Landholdings and Economic Mobility after Emancipation: Evidence from the Census of Agriculture and Linked Records

Large and persistent racial disparities in land-based wealth were an important legacy of the Reconstruction era. To assess how these disparities were transmitted intergenerationally, we build a dataset to observe Black households’ landholdings in 1880 alongside a sample of White households. We then link sons from all households to the 1900 census records to observe their economic and human capital outcomes. We show that Black landowners, relative to laborers, transmitted substantial intergenerational advantages to their sons, particularly in literacy and homeownership. However, such advantages were small relative to the racial gaps in measures of economic status.

Study on the evaluation of the effectiveness of centralized post-disaster housing reconstruction in rural areas of Dujiangyan city after the Wenchuan earthquake

Abstract The Wenchuan earthquake caused severe damage to rural areas in Dujiangyan. Determining the reconstruction plan for farmers’ housing and unifying reconstruction opinions, while ensuring the rational distribution of resources, became a key focus for the government. As post-disaster reconstruction planning progressed and neared completion, comparative and innovative studies on rural land systems before and after the earthquake, as well as patterns of farmers’ housing reconstruction, became important research topics. Traditional studies lack empirical assessments of rural housing reconstruction models from a micro perspective. This paper analyzes and compares the resettlement effects of three typical housing reconstruction models in rural Dujiangyan, aiming to supplement empirical assessments of post-disaster rural reconstruction effectiveness. It reflects the impacts and effects of different reconstruction models selected through collective resolutions in typical towns of Dujiangyan, considering aspects such as development intensity, resettlement efficiency, economic income, and living environment. This analysis helps understand the differences that various reconstruction methods may bring to communities, aiming to summarize past experiences, optimize reconstruction planning and management, and enhance the satisfaction and well-being of disaster-affected people in rural housing reconstruction.

A Bayesian Model for 20th Century Antarctic Sea Ice Extent Reconstruction

AbstractAntarctic sea ice, a key component in the complex Antarctic climate system, is an important driver and indicator of the global climate. In the relatively short satellite‐observed period from 1979 to 2022 the sea ice extent has continuously increased (contrasting a major decrease in Arctic sea ice) up to a dramatic decrease between 2014 and 2017. Recent years have seen record sea ice lows in February 2022–February 2023. We use a statistical ensemble reconstruction of Antarctic sea ice to put the observed changes into the historical context of the entire 20th century. We propose a seasonal Vector Auto‐Regressive Moving Average (VARMA) model fit in a Bayesian framework using regularized horseshoe priors on the regression coefficients to create a stochastic ensemble reconstruction of monthly Antarctic Sea ice extent from 1900 to 1979. This novel model produces a set of 2,500 plausible sea ice extent reconstructions for the sea ice by sector that incorporate the autocorrelation structure of sea ice over time as well as the dependence of sea ice between the sectors. These fully observed reconstructions exhibit plausible month‐to‐month changes in reconstructed sea ice as well as plausible interactions between the sectors and the total. We reconstruct an overall higher sea ice extent earlier in the 20th century with a relatively sharp decline in the 1970s. These trends agree well with previous reconstructions of Antarctic sea ice based on ice core data, whaling locations, and climatological data, as well as early satellite observations in the reconstruction period.

Intraneural Topography and Branching Patterns of the Common Peroneal Nerve: Studying the Feasibility of Distal Nerve Transfers.

Common peroneal nerve (CPN) disruption is the most common lower extremity nerve injury and results in gait disturbances and sensory paresthesias. The goal of this study is to describe branching patterns and the intraneural topography of the CPN to facilitate operative planning in CPN reconstruction. The CPN and its distal motor and sensory branches were dissected in 6 lower leg cadavers. Branching patterns and distances were recorded with the fibular head as the landmark. Histological review of the nerve cross sections helped characterize the intraneural topography within the fibular tunnel. The CPN distal branching patterns were highly variable. The tibialis anterior motor branch was found on average 9.6 cm distal to the fibular head. Despite the variable branching patterns, the fascicular topography of the CPN within the fibular tunnel was consistent. Proximal to the tunnel, the nerve has 3 major fascicles, which include the superficial peroneal motor, common sensory, and deep peroneal motor (DPN) fascicles from lateral to medial. Within the tunnel, the topography consolidates into the superficial peroneal motor and DPN major divisions-motor axons anteriorly and sensory axons posteriorly. The data presented provide clinically relevant information for the peripheral nerve surgeon where fascicular reconstruction of the nerve and neurolysis should focus on the anterior half of the nerve to restore ankle dorsiflexion. The nerve proximally is divided into 3 major fascicles compared with 2 distally. Surgeons may consider distal nerve transfers from the tibial nerve motor branches to the DPN or tibialis anterior motor branch.

Virtual planning for orbital reconstruction in a craniofacial fibrous dysplasia surgical approach – Case report

Virtual planning for orbital reconstruction in a craniofacial fibrous dysplasia surgical approach – Case report

FERNAND POUILLON’S ATYPICAL ARCHITECTURE: A VISIONARY AND INNOVATIVE APPROACH

The article was written based on the memoirs of architect Fernand Pouillon, the research and work by specialists such as Roger Lacroix, Eugène Freyssinet, Yvan Delemontey, and others, as well as on the site visit inspection report that we conducted for projects located in the city of Algiers. It highlights the different approaches of prefabrication in architecture, showcasing Pouillon’s projects and innovations in the field. The article emphasizes the importance of simplicity of forms and structures, as well as the impact of industrialization on the architectural production of the time. Concrete examples of projects and construction methods are cited to illustrate the concepts discussed. How did Pouillon contribute to the evolution of construction methods and the rise of prefabrication in the context of post-war reconstruction? What were its main challenges and criticisms of the architectural practices of its time? This research demonstrates that Pouillon’s work has significantly contributed to the evolution of construction methods by promoting prefabrication and exploring new constructive systems. His criticisms of the practices of the time highlighted the importance of technological innovation and economic efficiency in architecture. In conclusion, his legacy in the field of construction lies in his ability to combine tradition and modernity to meet the challenges of his time, thus influencing the architecture of the period of reconstruction and paving the way for new constructive approaches.