Reconstruction Period Research Articles

Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid: A Frustrating Disabling Disease in A 15-year-old Male

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare chronic autoimmune subepithelial blistering disease characterized by erosive lesions of mucous membranes and skin that typically results in scarring of at least some sites of involvement. A progressive disorder that may result in serious complications including blindness, loss of the airway, and esophageal stricture formation. Most patient experience reduced quality of life specifically with ocular symblepharon and laryngeal destruction. Case: We present a case of a 15-year-old male patient with 1 month-history of multiple tense bullae, difficulty to open the eyes, and hoarseness due to scar lesion in mucous membrane. The patient was reported to have Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of 15 which implied he had severe disability and decreased quality of life due to his illness. Patient also had symblepharone release operation done by ophthalmologist. A laryngeal reconstruction plan was also carried out by ENT doctor, but the patient couldn’t continue the treatment because of economic problem. Scarring of MMP is a significant complication in many cases. Mucous membrane pemphigoid could cause a lot of disability to the patient and decreased quality of life. Symblepharone release operation was done and laryngeal reconstruction plan was also carried out. Surgical intervention may not curable; however, it may be necessary for restoring function and improving quality of life.

A comparative study of different radial basis function interpolation algorithms in the reconstruction and path planning of γ radiation fields

Accurate reconstruction of radiation field and path planning are very important for the safety of operators in the process of dismantling nuclear facilities. Based on radial basis function (RBF) interpolation algorithm, this paper discussed the application of inverse multiquadric radial basis Function (IMRBF) interpolation method to the reconstruction of gamma radiation field, and proved the feasibility of reconstructing a radiation field with multiple γ sources. The average relative errors of IMRBF interpolation results were 4.28% and 8.76%, respectively, for the experimental scenarios with single and double gamma sources. After comparing the consistency between the simulated scene and the experimental scene, IMRBF method and Cubic Spline method were respectively used to reconstruct the gamma radiation field by Geant4 simulation data. The results showed that the interpolation accuracy of IMRBF method was superior to that of Cubic Spline method. Further, more RBF interpolation algorithms were used to reconstruct the multi-γ source radiation field, and then the Probabilistic Roadmap (PRM) algorithm was used to optimize the human walking path in the radiation field reconstructed by different interpolation methods. The optimal paths in radiation fields generated by multiple interpolation methods were compared. The results herein contribute to a comprehensive understanding of RBF interpolation methods in reconstructing γ radiation fields and their application in optimizing paths in radiation environments. The insights may provide valuable information for decision-making in radiation protection during the decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Ending 1990s Law and Development Ideas, Paradox of Path Dependence In Economic Planning Institutions Under Covid-19: SA’s Response

Abstract This paper argues that the COVID-19 pandemic can and should be understood as a form of creative destruction (Schumpeter’s gale), at a hyper level owing to its biological/medical dimension. Therefore, the critical response to such a hyper force is to rethink how institutions administer Public Policy in South Africa (Path Dependency), most importantly economic development planning institutions and Covid-19 responses, in the form of ‘The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan’. It’s the contention of this paper that the reason why Covid-19 continues to impact the South African government’s economic planning ethos is anchored in its developmental orientation, particularly how constitutional legalism has impaired economic development planning. This could impart be due to the unaddressed influences of the initial waves of Law and Development post-1994. The South African experience with the initial waves of Law and Development were muted owing to the problematic nature of the 1994 transition which sought peace at all costs without necessary addressing substantive economic development reform considerations. Therefore, using the policy experiences of Covid-19 and Lee’s, General Theory of Law and Development, particularly the aspects of Development and State Capacity and Political Will, a revision of the South African Constitution will be called on, principally chapter’s 2 and 6 (Bill of Rights) and (Province).

Use of modern three-dimensional imaging models to guide surgical planning for local control of pediatric extracranial solid tumors.

In complex pediatric surgical oncology, surgical planning is contingent upon data gathered from preoperative imaging. Three-dimensional (3D) modeling and printing has been shown to be beneficial for adult presurgical planning, though pediatric literature is less robust. The study reviews our institutional experience with the use of 3D image segmentation and printed models in approaching resection of extracranial solid tumors in children. This is a single institutional series from 2021 to 2023. Models were based on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging studies, optimized for 3D imaging. The feasibility and creation of the models is reviewed, including specific techniques, software, and printing materials from our institution. Clinical implications for surgical planning are also described, along with detailed preoperative and intraoperative images. 3D modeling and printing was performed for four pediatric patients diagnosed with extracranial solid tumors. Diagnoses included Ewing sarcoma, hepatoblastoma, synovial sarcoma, and osteosarcoma. No intraoperative complications or discrepancies with the preoperative 3D-printed model were noted. No evidence of local recurrence was identified in any patient thus far. Our institutional series demonstrates a wide spectrum of clinical application for 3D modeling and printing technology within pediatric surgical oncology. This technology may aid in surgical planning for both resection and reconstruction, can be applied to a diverse breadth of diagnoses, and may potentially augment patient and/or family education about their condition.

Geoinformation Support of the Decision-Making Support System for the Reconstruction of Cultural Heritage Objects

This article investigates the composition and content of information resources used as sources of geospatial data to support the planning and design of reconstruction and restoration of cultural heritage sites in Ukraine as a result of armed aggression and full-scale war of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine. Therefore, the requirements for geospatial data on cultural heritage sites have been formed following the NSDI.

Estimation of footprints of the canine stifle ligaments using deformable shape templates of bones

Knowledge regarding the ligament footprints in the canine stifle is essential for biomechanical modeling of the joint and patient-specific surgical planning for anatomical ligament reconstruction. The present study aimed to establish and evaluate deformable shape templates (DSTs) of the femur and tibia with footprints of the cruciate and collateral ligaments embedded for the noninvasive estimation of ligament footprint positions. To this end, a data set of computed tomography (CT)-derived surface models of the femur and tibia were established and used to build statistical shape models (SSMs). The contours of the stifle ligaments were obtained from CT scans of 27 hindlimb specimens with radio-opaque markings on the ligament footprints. The DST, constructed by embedding averaged footprint contours into the SSM, was used to estimate subject-specific ligament footprints in a leave-one-out cross-validation framework. The DST predictions were compared with those derived from radio-opaque-marked footprints. The results showed that the averaged Euclidean distances between the estimated and reference footprint centroids were less than 1.2 mm for the cruciate ligaments and 2.0 mm for the collateral ligaments. The DST appeared to provide a feasible alternative approach for noninvasively estimating the footprints of the stifle ligaments in vivo.

How rural community resilience evolves after a disaster? A case study of the eastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China

Frequent occurrence of natural disasters has become one of the most serious challenges to human society. As rural communities are the forefront of disasters, enhancing the resilience of rural community is crucial to mitigate the impact of natural disasters and seek rapid recovery. This paper provides an analytical framework for changing trajectories of the resilience of rural communities after disasters. Taking the disaster area affected by the catastrophic debris flow in China as an example, we analyze the changing trajectories of rural community resilience after disaster in three villages with different damage levels from 2010 to 2020 based on the data from key person interviews, the disaster situation and development reports, village work records and farmers’ questionnaires. We found that the changes of community resilience after disaster show obvious stages due to the difference in the intensity of effects of government intervention and community self-organization ability during disaster relief reconstruction period and self-recovery period. The resilience of communities with different disaster losses showed an increasing trend. However, during the disaster relief and reconstruction period, the resilience of the severely affected community was improved faster, followed by the most severely affected community, while the resilience of generally affected community was improved more slowly. During the self-recovery period, the resilience of the affected general community was improved faster than that of the other two communities. The evolution process of community resilience reflects the increasing role of self-organizational capacity in post-disaster community development, aligning with the overall global trend in rural community governance. In addition, there is a significant sequence in the improvement speed of different dimensions of community resilience at different stages after disasters. During the disaster relief and reconstruction period, the resilience of community management was improved faster and the resilience of environment was slower. During the self-recovery period, the economic resilience of community was improved faster and the social resilience was improved slower. Finally, some suggestions were put forward to strengthen natural disasters prevention and community resilience in disaster-prone areas.

STRATEGIC AND LEADING DOMINANTS OF OVERCOMING ECONOMIC - MANAGEMENT DEVIATIONS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS USING FUZZY LOGIC

The article defines the directions of functioning of the construction industry and stakeholders of construction enterprises, reveals the main directions and peculiarities of the functioning of construction enterprises in the conditions of martial law (during the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine) and substantiated directions of transformational development in the period of post-war reconstruction. The components of the theoretical-methodological platform for the formation and implementation of development management of construction enterprises have been developed using a methodical approach to the evaluation of strategic sets of the enterprise based on the improvement of the classical quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM, Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix). As a conceptual basis for identifying such factors, the McKinsey “7S” model was used, according to which all factors are grouped according to the signs of belonging to the following components: strategy, skills, common values (corporate culture), structure, employees, systems and style. As a result of the study, the factors affecting the formation and implementation of the adaptive capacity of the construction enterprise to the transformational changes of the operating system are proposed: labor productivity in the studied period; the ratio of administrative expenses to wages in operating expenses; the share of employees with higher education in the total number of management personnel; experience of management personnel; the ratio of labor costs to wage costs. The processes of economic-mathematical modeling of the influence of system factors on the integral indicator of the level of transformational ability of the enterprise are determined. To achieve the goals, the work uses methods of strategic diagnostics and fuzzy methods of multi-criteria evaluation with the help of the Matlab Fuzzy Logic Toolbox application program package.

Effect of Donors' Biliary Variation on Postoperative Biliary Complications in Living Donor Liver Transplantation: A Single-Center Observational Study in Vietnam

Our study aims to evaluate the biliary anatomy variation according to the Varotti classification and its correlation with surgical outcomes for both donors and recipients undergoing living donor liver transplants (LDLTs). A retrospective analysis of 150 LDLT cases performed at a single center in Vietnam with preoperative radiologic evaluations and intraoperative surgical assessments to identify biliary variant anatomy. Postoperative biliary complications were documented and analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to determine any significant associations between biliary variations and post-transplant outcomes. One hundred fifty cases of LDLT at 108 Military Central Hospital from October 2017 to December 2022 were included in our study. Among the donors, the mean age was 30.89 ± 7.23, with male predominance (77.3%). The prevalence of type 1 biliary anatomy was 84.67%. Type 2, 3a, 3b, 4a, and 4b accounted for 5.33%, 2.67%, 5.33%, 0.67%, and 1.33% of cases, respectively. Donors' complications were witnessed in 7 cases (4.67%), and all needed intervention (Clavien-Dindo grade 3). Biliary complications were found in 36 (24.0%) recipients, with 22 (14.67%) cases of biliary stenosis and 16 (10.67%) cases of biliary leak, including 2 cases encountering both complications. Age, gender, graft type, preoperative liver function, biliary variant anatomy, number of graft orifices, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, and blood loss were not significant risk factors for recipients' biliary complications. Cold ischemia time significantly increased the biliary complication rate. This study shows that biliary variant anatomy is common in living liver donors. Such variations should not be a contraindication to liver donation. However, accurate pre- and intraoperative radiologic and surgical evaluations are fundamental for a careful reconstruction plan.

Fibular free flap with proximal perforator skin paddle due to aberrant anatomy — a case report

BackgroundThe fibular free flap is considered one of the most valuable options for mandible reconstruction. A perforator flap has gained widespread acceptance in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction. Typically, the fibula flap is obtained primarily with the distal perforator due to its reliable blood supply, with less attention given to the proximal perforators during the harvesting process. Normally, the distal perforator of the fibula exhibits stability and shows limited anatomical variations. However, there have been reported cases in which the distal perforator is absent. At times, these vascular abnormalities remain undetectable through Doppler examination or preoperative angiography evaluation. Therefore, this case details the experience of encountering the rare event of vascular abnormality in oral cancer surgery.Case presentationThis article reports the case of a patient who presented with a congenital absence of the distal perforator in the peroneal artery, attributed to a vascular abnormality. Additionally, we provide a review of the concept of utilizing the proximal perforator as an alternative approach in the flap harvesting process.ConclusionsWhile the distal perforator of the peroneal artery is typically utilized for fibula free flap procedures, surgeons must remain cognizant of the potential for its absence due to aberrant anatomy. Recognizing an alternative approach in such cases can be pivotal for precise surgical planning and favorable outcomes in oral and maxillofacial reconstruction

Управління державним боргом України

The aim of the article is to justify the main tools for reducing the debt burden on the State Budget of Ukraine during the war and in the period of post-war reconstruction, based on the generalization of the world experience of restructuring the state debt and providing grant assistance. The research is based on the hypothesis of the need to develop and approve debt cancellation mechanisms for Ukraine, as well as the orientation of state policy to achieve an increase in the share of grant aid in post-war recon­struction, taking into account world experience, in particular the Marshall Plan (МР). To achieve the specified aim, the research methods were used such as: historical, logical, methods of statistical analysis, synthesis and comparison, generalization. Given the unprecedented nature of the destruction caused and the fall in Ukraine’s GDP, there are reasons to insist on writing off most of Ukraine’s debt to inter­national organizations, including the IMF and the World Bank. The second component of the restructuring program should be the application of discounts to the nominal amount of debt for bond loans of private creditors. It was noted that in the conditions of active military operations in Ukraine, it is expedient to attract as much grant funding and long-term loans at preferential interest rates as possible.

LIFE STRATEGIES OF THE RURAL POPULATION OF NORTHERN BELARUS IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD

The strategies of the rural population of Northern Belarus during the difficult period of post-war reconstruction are considered. The sources included both archival documents and oral history materials. Fixation on everyday life made it possible to determine the main life strategies - based on the goal (strategy of survival and adaptation) and the form and method of its implementation. The choice of strategy was determined by social and life resources and the possibility of using them.

Reconstructing Historical Intense and Total Summer Rainfall in Central North Carolina Using Tree-Ring Data (1770–2020)

Contextualizing historic hydroclimate variability in the southeastern USA has relied significantly on proxy indicators such as tree-ring data, and while previous studies have reconstructed total precipitation, less is known about the historic variability of intense rainfall events, which are climatologically and ecologically important and distinct from non-intense rainfall events. Here, a combined longleaf pine and shortleaf pine adjusted latewood chronology spanning 1770–2020 was used to reconstruct July–September total precipitation and intense rainfall event precipitation in central North Carolina, USA. The adjusted latewood chronology explains 46% of the variance in July–September total precipitation and 37% of the variance in July–September intense rainfall event precipitation during the 1940–2020 instrumental period with intense rainfall event precipitation amounts comprising 52% of total precipitation amounts. The models provide context about historic hydroclimate variability at this location and suggest overall stability in both total and intense rainfall event precipitation amounts during the instrumental and reconstruction periods with three identical significant regime shifts during 1770–2020: 1770–1935, 1936–1959 (above-average moisture), 1960–2020 (below-average moisture). To compare model strength, the models were split into early (1940–1980) and late (1981–2020) analysis periods with the intense rainfall event precipitation model exhibiting greater skill during the early analysis period. The early analysis period has a greater frequency and magnitude of intense rainfall events, and these results suggest the influence of intense rainfall event precipitation on latewood growth and the potential susceptibility of reconstruction models to decreased skill and/or error with differing frequencies of extreme events, a finding of particular importance to future dendroclimatic research.

Analyzing the phase and amplitude noise of RZ, NRZ and RF DACs

This article considers a multi-mode RF DACs phase and amplitude noise for non-return-to-zero (NRZ), return-to-zero (RZ), and mix/RF reconstruction waveforms under the assumption that two switch pairs (or two channels) in each current switch cells are alternately active in every clock cycle, Analysis shows that each channel of multimode DAC is completely characterized with RZ mode, and all other modes can be derived from this mode, in particular NRZ mode is not a complete analog of conventional DAC performance when reconstruction pulse duration and period are equal. When determining phase and amplitude noise of multi-mode RF DAC, one should keep in mind the phase shift between two switch pairs output pulses spectral components in NRZ and RF modes. This phase shift depends upon DAC mode (NRZ or RF) and output oscillation frequency. As consequence an analysis indicates that the 3 dB improvement of 1/F phase noise can be achieved in 1st Nyquist zone when using NRZ mode, the same in 2nd Nyquist zone with RF mode if amplitude noise of DAC switch pairs is negligible. The independence of 1/F noise from clock frequency has simple physical interpretation. As correlation period of 1/F noise is significantly greater than output oscillation period, the delay of this oscillation caused by phase fluctuations in DAC is the same for any mode, and analysis of noise spectral density for conventional DAC can be extended to multi-mode RF DACs.

Twenty years of explosive-effusive activity at El Reventador volcano (Ecuador) recorded in its geomorphology

Shifts in activity at long-active, open-vent volcanoes are difficult to forecast because precursory signals are enigmatic and can be lost in and amongst daily activity. Here, we propose that crater and vent morphologies, along with summit height, can help us bring some insights into future activity at one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes El Reventador. On 3 November 2002, El Reventador volcano experienced the largest eruption in Ecuador in the last 140 years and has been continuously active ever since with transitions between and coexistence of explosive and effusive activity, characterized by Strombolian and Vulcanian behavior. Based on the analysis of a large dataset of thermal and visual images, we determined that in the last 20 years of activity, the volcano faced three destructive events: A. Destruction of the upper part of the summit leaving a north-south breached crater (3 November 2002), B. NE border crater collapse (2017), and C. NW flank collapse (2018), with two periods of reconstruction of the edifice: Period 1. Refill of the crater (2002-early 2018) and Period 2. Refill of the 2018 scar (April 2018–December 2022). Through photogrammetric analysis of visual and thermal images acquired in 11 overflights of the volcano, we created a time-series of digital elevation models (DEMs) to determine the maximum height of the volcano at each date, quantify the volume changes between successive dates, and characterize the morphological changes in the summit region. We estimate that approximately 34.1x106 m3 of volcanic material was removed from the volcano due to destructive events, whereas 64.1x106 m3 was added by constructive processes. The pre-2002 summit height was 3,560 m and due to the 2002 eruption it decreased to 3,527 m; it regained its previous height between 2014 and 2015 and the summit crater was completely filled by early April 2018. Event A resulted from an intrusion of magma that erupted violently; we proposed that Events B and C could be a result of an intrusion as well but may also be due to a lack of stability of the volcano summit which occurs when it reaches its maximum height of approximately 3,590 and 3,600 m.

The Role of Education in the Struggle for Native American Sovereignty

This article explores the enduring struggle of Native Americans to preserve their land, culture, and sovereigntyin the face of European colonization and U.S. expansion. The Native American population, estimated between five and 18million prior to 1492, was drastically reduced to 250,000 by the early 20th century due to colonization’s harsh realities.Education emerged as a critical battleground for preserving tribal identity, as the U.S. imposed its system to erase nativecultures. Native American children were coerced into feeling ashamed of their heritage, all while the nation denied themequal opportunities. Educational autonomy is intrinsically linked to the broader fight for Native American sovereignty,enabling tribal nations to wield political and economic power as sovereign entities within the U.S. boundaries. Thenarrative covers the encroachment and division policies of the Reconstruction Era, exemplified by the Homestead Act andthe Dawes Act, which led to the loss of tribal land and imposition of Western culture. It also delves into the establishmentof off-reservation boarding schools, such as the Carlisle Indian Industrial School, which sought to assimilate NativeAmerican children through familial separation and a curriculum that suppressed cultural identity. This historical overviewreflects the hurdles overcome and the remaining obstacles in Native Americans’ quest for educational autonomy and self-determination, ultimately serving as a testament to their enduring resilience and determination in the face of centuries ofadversity

Role of transoral robotic surgery in the salvage setting: pitfalls and challenges

As rates of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) increase and patients survive longer, the number of patients with recurrence will also increase. Surgery is the primary tool for the management of locoregional recurrence when feasible, and transoral robotic surgery (TORS) techniques are a useful adjunct in effectively managing these cases. Careful patient selection, surgical planning, a thoughtful reconstructive plan, and postoperative supportive therapy are crucial for adequate oncologic and functional outcomes.

Virtual surgical planning in soft tissue reconstruction for oral cancer

Introduction. Reconstruction of soft tissue defects after radical surgeries in cancer patients is important for early surgical rehabilitation and improving quality of life. Our study presents technologies for virtual surgical planning (VSP) of soft tissue defect reconstruction in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.Case presentation. We described VSP in a report of a 54-year-old patient with locally advanced buccal mucosa cancer after extensive radical resection and reported the results. VSP was used to construct a 3D model from CT images, which was used to accurately assess the margin of radical surgical resection, as well as to develop individually based reconstruction of soft tissue defects. Next, we reported a series of cases of patients with oral cancer of various locations, who, after radical surgery, underwent reconstruction with using of VSP (n=7) or conventional reconstruction (n=10). A comparative analysis of intra and postoperative results was carried out.Results. In a patient with locally advanced left buccal mucosa cancer, reconstruction of the postoperative defect was successful without local complications after reconstruction. Good functional and aesthetic results were obtained. The patient was observed for 2 years without signs of disease. A comparative assessment of the results of the main and control groups showed that patients in the VSP group had a shorter operation time and postoperative hospital stay, as well as fewer and milder postoperative local complications in comparison with the control group.Conclusion. Our results showed the effectiveness of using 3D technology in reconstructive surgery of soft tissue defects after radical surgery for oral SCC. This technology has significantly reduced operative time, hospital stay, and improved flap utilization. This method has great potential for wider application and provides greater benefits with further improvement of technology.

Multi-century (635-year) spring season precipitation reconstruction from northern Pakistan revealed increasing extremes

The Hindu Kush Himalaya region is experiencing rapid climate change with adverse impacts in multiple sectors. To put recent climatic changes into a long-term context, here we reconstructed the region’s climate history using tree-ring width chronologies of climate-sensitive Cedrus deodara and Pinus gerardiana. Growth-climate analysis reveals that the species tree-growth is primarily limited by moisture stress during or preceding the growing season, as indicated by a positive relationship between the chronology and precipitation and scPDSI, and a negative one with temperature. We have reconstructed 635 years (1384–2018 CE) of February–June precipitation using a robust climate reconstruction model that explains about 53% variance of the measured precipitation data. Our reconstruction shows several dry and wet episodes over the reconstruction period along with an increase in extreme precipitation events during recent centuries or years. Long, very wet periods were observed during the following years: 1392–1393, 1430–1433, 1456–1461, 1523–1526, 1685–1690, 1715–1719, 1744–1748, 1763–1767, 1803–1806, 1843–1846, 1850–1855, 1874–1876, 1885–1887, 1907–1909, 1921–1925, 1939–1944, and 1990–1992, while long dry periods were observed during the following years: 1398–1399, 1464–1472, 1480–1484, 1645–1649, 1724–1727, 1782–1786, 1810–1814, 1831–1835, 1879–1881, 1912–1918, 1981–1986, 1998–2003, and 2016–2018 CE. We found predominantly short-term periodicity cycles of 2.0, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.6–2.7, 2.9, 3.3, 4.8, 8.1–8.3, and 9.4–9.6 years in our reconstruction. Spatial correlation analyses reveal that our reconstruction is an effective representation of the precipitation variability in the westerly climate-dominated areas of Pakistan and adjacent regions. In addition to the influence of regional circulation systems like western disturbances, we found possible teleconnections between the precipitation variability in northern Pakistan and broader-scale climate modes or phases like AMO and ENSO. The study also highlights the prospects of tree-ring application to explore linkages between western disturbance, increasing intensity and frequency of extreme climate events, and analysis of long-term atmospheric circulation over the western Himalayan region.

Using the Warsaw reconstruction plan to rebuild Ukrainian cities

ABSTRACT The reconstruction of cities in Ukraine destroyed or damaged by war is urgent, and essential for restoring ordinary life and stability. The Warsaw Reconstruction Plan, successfully implemented after the Second World War, can provide valuable experience and recommendations for the effective restoration of infrastructure, residential buildings, cultural facilities, social services and – crucially – a city’s identity. We assess the relevance of its principles, methods, and practices to current conditions, considering economic, environmental and social aspects, and practices of other countries. Ukraine will need international cooperation to attract finance and devise innovative solutions for reconstruction; the key elements being transparent management, public participation, international cooperation and other people’s experiences of urban regeneration.