Reconstruction Period Research Articles

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.

Virtual Surgical Planning in Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction: The Newcastle Experience

Virtual Surgical Planning in Microsurgical Head and Neck Reconstruction: The Newcastle Experience

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.

Hydroformer: Frequency Domain Enhanced Multi‐Attention Transformer for Monthly Lake Level Reconstruction With Low Data Input Requirements

AbstractLake level changes are critical indicators of hydrological balance and climate change, yet long‐term monthly lake level reconstruction is challenging with incomplete or short‐term data. Data‐driven models, while promising, struggle with nonstationary lake level changes and complex dependencies on meteorological factors, limiting their applicability. Here, we introduce the Hydroformer, a frequency domain enhanced multi‐attention Transformer model designed for monthly lake level reconstruction, utilizing reanalysis data. This model features two innovative mechanisms: (a) Frequency‐Enhanced Attention (FEA) for capturing long‐term temporal dependence, and (b) Causality‐based Cross‐dimensional Attention (CCA) to elucidate how specific meteorological factors influence lake level. Seasonal and trend patterns of catchment meteorological factors and lake level are initially identified by a time series decomposition block, then independently learned and refined within the model. Tested across 50 lakes globally, the Hydroformer excelled in reconstruction periods ranging from half to three times the training‐test length. The model exhibited good performance even when training data missing rates were below 50%, particularly in lakes with significant seasonal fluctuations. The Hydroformer demonstrated robust generalization across lakes of varying sizes, from 10.11 to 18,135 km2, with median values for R2, MAE, MSE, and RMSE at 0.813, 0.313, 0.215, and 0.4, respectively. Furthermore, the Hydroformer outperformed data‐driven models, improving MSE by 29.2% and MAE by 24.4% compared to the next best model, the FEDformer. Our method proposes a novel approach for reconstructing long‐term water level changes and managing lake resources under climate change.

Heritage BIM (HBIM) applied in emergency scenarios: a case study of the National Museum in Brazil

Heritage buildings, integral to preserving culture and history, play a vital role in shaping regional identity and collective memory. To address the intricate complexities of conserving such tangible cultural heritage, Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) emerges as a compelling avenue, uniting technology, historic preservation, and architectural expertise. Nonetheless, a remarkable research gap exists, particularly in its application within emergency scenarios involving fire accidents during post-recovery phases. This research aims to bridge this gap by proposing key areas of focus for applying HBIM in the aftermath of fire incidents, redefining disaster recovery for heritage sites. The proposed areas are informed by a thorough assessment of the case study related to the post-recovery process undertaken by the Brazilian National Museum after the devastating fire of 2018. This case study combines gathering documentary evidence, on-site assessments, 3D model development within the BIM environment, and interdisciplinary collaboration. By emphasizing informed decision-making, precise damage assessment, and meticulous reconstruction planning, this study advances HBIM's transformative role in heritage conservation and disaster recovery, resulting in a novel approach to safeguarding cultural heritage.

MODELLING GROWTH STRATEGIES OF TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES IN THE CONDITIONS OF CONTEXT UNCERTAINTY

Modern military conditions and tasks of post-war reconstruction require the development of effective strategies for the activity of transport enterprises of Ukraine to ensure the continuity of supplies of military and humanitarian goods. The purpose of the research was to create a model for the selection of optimal strategies for the development of transport enterprises of Ukraine in the conditions of uncertainty caused by the simultaneous influence of military aggression and the deepening of transport integration of Ukraine with the EU. The Saaty's method was selected for the study, which is based on the construction of fuzzy functions and is the most relevant in the context of the influence of a significant number of unstable exogenous and endogenous factors on the functioning of enterprises. In consideration of the evolving landscape of transportation in the European Union and Ukraine, the authors have distilled the overarching objectives of sustainable transportation development (economic, social, and environmental) into eighteen sub-objectives pertaining to the advancement of enterprises. These objectives are then subjected to expert evaluation. The article presents the findings of this expert ranking exercise, delineating the priorities for transportation enterprises in Ukraine across two distinct periods: the current state of martial law and the subsequent phase of post-war reconstruction. The authors have built a model for selecting optimal strategies for the development of a transport enterprise on the basis of a multi-level hierarchy of priority growth goals in two periods. As strategic alternatives, the authors have chosen the "strategy of limited growth"; "strategy of concentrated growth"; "strategy of diversified growth"; "strategy of integrated growth"; and "combined strategy". The paper determines that the appropriate growth strategies for transport enterprises during the period of martial law would be: a strategy of limited growth (rank 1.827) and a combined strategy (rank 2.0980). In the period of post-war reconstruction, the following growth strategies will be appropriate for implementation: concentrated growth (rank 3.0151) and integrated growth (rank 2.6783). The publication proposes a set of possible options for practical management actions in various functional areas of the transport enterprise (financial, organisational, marketing, social, technological, environmental) in accordance with the defined development strategies under martial law and post-war reconstruction. The practical application of the methodological approach to strategic management of transport enterprises in the context of economic uncertainty developed in the article will help to preserve domestic transport companies in the conditions of war and increase their competitiveness in the post-war period. The comprehensive implementation of the identified strategies will contribute to the development of innovative technologies, as well as European social and environmental transport standards in Ukraine.

Oro-facial Cleft in Nasomaxillo-acrodysostosis (Binder): Orthopaeddontics and Surgery

Nasomaxillo-acrodysostosis or Binder’s syndrome in a patient with a cleft lip and palate anomaly is infrequent. This case report underscores a unique surgical outcome achieved through an integrated orthopaeddontic and maxillofacial surgical approach within a multidisciplinary team. The treatment, initiated during a significant paediatric growth phase, was remarkably successful during the orthopaeddontic phase. The result obtained due to the successful early orthopaeddontic intervention significantly altered the initial plan for major midfacial orthognathic surgical reconstruction. As a result, the child born with this twin facial anomaly experiences a more typical development trajectory with fewer disruptions from extensive oro-facial reconstructions. The case underscores the importance of early maxillary expansion across multiple dimensions during the critical paediatric growth period. This approach was pivotal in achieving a positive outcome, ultimately reducing the need for major invasive surgical procedures. The success of the treatment was also attributed to the dedicated collaboration among the healthcare professionals, the patient’s commitment and the family’s strong support.