Reconstruction Efforts Research Articles

Hope in a paranoid place? Critique, utopianism and prefigurative policy reform

Abstract We are living through cruel and frightening times. How should a progressive policy studies respond? Critique undoubtedly plays a role: the task of exposing the structural conditions, political interests and power asymmetries that lie beneath the ‘prosaic surface’ of policy is an urgent one. But are these primarily deconstructive efforts enough? Can they lead us out of this quagmire, alone? In this article, we argue that something additional – something more generative and hopeful – is also required. In response, we introduce ‘critical utopian policy analysis’ (CUPA) a methodological elaboration of critical policy analysis (CPA) designed to support its use in both deconstructive and reconstructive policy efforts. This approach builds on the theoretical offerings of critical policy analysis, utopianism and prefiguration, to posit a methodological embrace of critique, imagination, enactment and play. It seeks to mobilise a complex nexus of affect – including heartbreak and hope – to motivate and support a range of intellectual undertakings and emancipatory politics.

Relevance of state-building in the 2020s and the case of Africa

The study examines the relevance of state-building in the 2020s within the framework of International Relations (IR) theories, with a focus on the Liberal World Order (LWO). Rooted in liberal ideology, the theory of state-building asserts that adherence to universally accepted norms and regulations by sovereign states best achieves global security. We explore the concept of ‘offensive liberalism’, emphasising the proactive role of stable states in enforcing these norms in regions where state capacity is lacking. The paper revisits the literature on state-building and the international system, noting a decline in scholarly focus over the past fifteen years. However, contemporary conflicts such as the war in Ukraine have brought state-building back to the forefront of global political discourse. The study underscores the importance of state-building in maintaining the stability and security of the LWO and emphasises the need for comprehensive reconstruction efforts in war-torn regions. It argues for the continued relevance of state-building in maintaining the LWO, particularly in regions facing instability. It calls for flexible, context-aware strategies that prioritise local engagement and regional cooperation to address Africa’s unique socio-political landscape’s challenges and opportunities.

TRANSFORMATION OF THE GARDEN CITY CONCEPT IN KHARKIV IN THE FIRST THIRD OF THE 20TH CENTURY

This study explores the evolution of the garden city concept through examples found in the Kharkiv region, examining how socio-cultural and socio-political factors influenced their development. By analyzing little-known settlements in the Kharkiv region from the first third of the 20th century, the research demonstrates how the garden city concept was gradually transformed into the idea of a socialist city. The article outlines four distinct stages in the development of Kharkiv’s residential areas, marking the shift from a garden city to a socialist city framework. A central focus of the study is the need to reconsider both the garden city and socialist city models when planning the development of current urban structures. Emphasis is placed on the importance of aligning these models with strategies rooted in sustainable development. The knowledge of these historical urban concepts is particularly relevant today as we seek new approaches to decentralizing settlements and production, especially in the context of Ukraine's post-war reconstruction efforts. The research suggests that these urban models could play an important role in revitalizing the cooperative movement, enabling self-financing communities to rebuild and expand existing settlements in a way that promotes sustainability and long-term prosperity. By applying the principles of the garden Ukraine can foster decentralized, sustainable, and independent communities, laying the foundation for a more positive and resilient future. This approach could help address contemporary challenges by blending historical urban planning insights with modern needs for sustainable growth and community resilience. Keywords: Kharkiv, Garden City, Socialist City, Sustainable Development.

Beyond the curtain: the impact of political non alignment on the urban reconstruction of Skopje

ABSTRACT This paper explores the reconstruction of Skopje following the 1963 earthquake, focusing on the interplay between productive conditions and temporal factors that shaped the city's transformation. The research examines how the earthquake, a critical juncture in Skopje's history, catalyzed profound urban and institutional changes, influenced by the Cold War's geopolitical landscape. The idea of ‘nonaligned modernism’ facilitated a convergence of international expertise, as demonstrated by the involvement of prominent teams like Doxiadis Associates and Polservice, and the strategic decisions of the International Board of Consultants (IBC). The paper reveals that the reconstruction process was not just a physical effort but a complex negotiation of institutional, cultural, and geopolitical factors. It highlights how the timing, sequencing of decisions, and the availability of global resources and expertise were crucial to the project's execution. Through a detailed analysis of the reconstruction phases, the strategic decisions made, and the international collaboration involved, this research underscores the significance of aligning productive conditions with temporal factors in shaping the outcomes of urban reconstruction efforts. The Skopje case exemplifies how crises can drive transformative change and set precedents for future international collaborations in urban planning.

Analyzing Delay Factors in Iraqi Construction Projects: An ANP Approach with Najaf Governorate as a Case Study

Construction projects in Iraq often experience delays owing to various factors, making it challenging to accurately estimate completion times. This study investigates the factors contributing to these delays, focusing on the Najaf Governorate as a case study. The primary objective of this study was to investigate issues related to the construction project completion duration, particularly considering Iraq's current unprecedented reconstruction and building efforts. The most significant factors influencing the completion duration were identified through statistical analysis of the samples and application of the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method. Data were collected and refined using a questionnaire designed according to a five-point Likert scale and administered in two rounds. The first round involved 28 participants, whereas the second round included 5 participants. The analysis revealed that contractor inefficiency, particularly from a financial perspective, is one of the most critical factors affecting construction progress and causing delays. The practice of accepting the lowest bids emerged as the second most crucial aspect leading to project delays in Iraq. Additionally, the study concluded that insufficient cash flow for the employer and the lack of technical expertise within the contractor company were the third and fourth most influential factors affecting the duration of construction projects, respectively. This study also highlighted that legal gaps in Iraq's legislative framework for construction projects are among the most significant causes of delays. Finally, the practice of subcontracting was identified as a significant contributor to both delays and poor work quality in the construction projects in Iraq.

Management implications following the reconstruction of the small and shallow Lake Mustijärv (Estonia)

Lake Mustijärv was reconstructed by sediment removal following an almost complete siltation. Here we evaluate challenges and opportunities for the management of the lake. We focused on the stream discharging to the lake (i.e., external loading), sediment retention in accumulation basins (i.e., internal processes) as well as the ecosystem-level response to stressors based on biological variables (phyto- and zooplankton, macrophytes, fishes and zoobenthos). Urban and agricultural inputs elevated ammonium and total phosphorus concentrations in the lake, challenging lake reconstruction efforts. Sediment transport highly increased the risk of faster filling of the lake, associated with upstream streambed excavation. Sediments trapped at the accumulation basins release nutrients that enhance eutrophication. We, however, observed a rapid recovery in fish, macrophytes, and zoobenthos, despite the significant disturbances. Lake Mustijärv is in eutrophic condition, reflected by phytoplankton (Pseudanabaena, Closteriopsis dominance) and zooplankton (Keratella, Polyarthra dominance) composition. To improve lake water quality will require controlling external nutrient inputs, underlining the importance of better coordinated activities between the local (lake restoration) and regional (catchment use) scales.

Imagining post‐war futures amid cycles of destruction and efforts of reconstruction

AbstractThis commentary brings forward Ukrainian voices to this journal's conversation on the invasion of Ukraine and the dilemmas it poses to scholars in geography. We argue that there needs to be space in this discussion for the viewpoints of Ukrainians themselves who are on the ground, confronting the atrocities every day, and who can provide experiential knowledge about (i) the immediate cycles of destruction and efforts of reconstruction; (ii) the systemic impediments to reconstruction; and (iii) the diverse sets of post‐war imagined futures. These signpost to scholars the sheer scope of the conflict and the multitude of research avenues to explore in order to understand the realities of the war more deeply. They thus provide information and inspiration to geographers wondering about how to orient and where to respond.

POST-CONFLICT RECONSTRUCTION AND INSTITUTION BUILDING IN CAMEROON

Cameroon has been embroiled in prolonged conflicts, including the Anglophone Crisis and the Boko Haram insurgency, both of which have deeply impacted the nation's socio-political fabric. The central problem is the breakdown of institutions, displacement of populations, and socio-economic instability, necessitating urgent post-conflict reconstruction. This study aims to explore the key challenges and barriers to reconstruction, assess the roles of national and international actors, and analyze strategies to build institutions for sustainable peace and stability. The research draws on hybrid peace and conflict transformation theories and adopts a qualitative research design, relying on secondary data sources. Through an in-depth analysis of official documents, scholarly articles, and reports from international organizations, this study provides a comparative examination of similar post-conflict settings, such as Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Data were systematically analyzed to identify key themes related to governance, security, and institutional reform. Findings reveal that political instability, lack of decentralization, and limited financial resources significantly hinder effective reconstruction efforts. Governance challenges, including corruption and centralization of power, impede institution-building, while socio- economic issues, such as ethnic and linguistic divisions, further complicate peacebuilding efforts. International actors and NGOs play a vital role but often lack coordination, limiting the effectiveness of their interventions. The study concludes that Cameroon’s post-conflict reconstruction requires comprehensive reforms. Decentralization, inclusive governance, and accountability must be prioritized. International efforts should align with local needs, emphasizing long-term development over short-term aid. Effective security sector reform, alongside strategies for institutional capacity-building, will be essential to fostering peace and preventing future conflict.

Automatic landslide prioritization at regional scale through PS-InSAR cluster analysis and socio-economic impacts

The present study is part of an initiative to revise the PAI landslide inventories for post-seismic reconstruction in the Central Apennines (Italy), affected by the 2016-2017 seismic sequence. We introduce an innovative automated workflow for classifying and prioritizing landslide-prone areas using multi-sensor Persistent Scatterers (PS). This approach aims to support post-seismic reconstruction efforts by government institutions through a comprehensive and up-to-date ranking of landslides. The methodology integrates post-seismic multi-sensor interferometric datasets, advanced clustering techniques, and socio-economic factors to establish a standard procedure for monitoring hazardous areas and prioritizing resource allocation. Key findings demonstrate the efficacy of the method in identifying critical regions that require immediate intervention, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of field inspections and territorial planning activities. Our multi-sensor analysis reveals that approximately 6% of landslides are not detectable by interferometric technique, 45% show stability with no detected deformation via PS data, and 19% are accurately mapped with deformation confined within their boundaries. Notably,30% of analyzed landslides exhibit displacement beyond their mapped perimeters, indicating potential expansion or underestimation of their extent. The integration of data from multiple sources provides a more robust understanding of potential risks across the study area, promoting a structured approach to hazard management that ensures interventions are both scientifically grounded and economically justified.

Factors that Hinder the Return of the IDPs to their Homes at Marawi’s Most Affected Areas

ABSTRACT This study is designed to investigate the factors hindering the return of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Marawi City resulting from the May 2017 Marawi Siege to the most affected area (MAA), revealing the urgent need for holistic solutions that address property ownership, socio-economic challenges, security concerns, administrative hurdles, and psychological trauma. The primary data required in the study were scientifically obtained through the use of the FGD and key informant interview (KII) methods. More specifically, the study findings disclosed that despite the fact that over 86% of Marawi's displaced longing to return home, a multitude of obstacles stand in their way such as inadequate housing, insecure land ownership, limited livelihoods, lingering trauma, and bureaucratic hurdles create a tangled web of challenges. Moreover, the aforementioned findings were further exacerbated by the exclusion of undocumented residents from reconstruction efforts, widening inequalities and stalling progress. To facilitate a smooth return, comprehensive solutions addressing financial constraints, trauma, community rebuilding, and streamlined administrative processes are critical. Only then can Marawi's displaced rebuild their lives and restore their shattered sense of home. Hence, a comprehensive housing plan offering reconstruction support, flexible payment options, and diverse shelter models for non-owners is crucial; exigent empowerment through financial assistance, skills training, and infrastructure development; addressing psychological well-being through culturally sensitive mental health programs; building trust and accountability requires transparency in resource allocation and addressing concerns about bogus beneficiaries and unauthorized demolitions; and collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and communities empowers IDPs and ensures their voices are heard.

The Impact of the Russia-Ukraine Conflict on Global Economic Stability and Political Security

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has emerged as a significant geopolitical tension, with far-reaching implications for global stability and security. This paper intends to study the impact of the war on the worlds and regional economic development and political stability, and achieve some findings that may trigger further policy considerations in mitigating challenges and issues imposed by the war. Through literature reviews and comparison analysis, the findings reveal economic, political, and security consequences of the conflict. The disruption of trade flows, economic sanctions, and uncertainty have impacted both Russia and Ukraine, as well as the wider region and the world. Energy security concerns and shifts in military alliances have added to the complexity of the conflict. The expansion of NATO and increased rivalries between Russia and Western countries have further heightened tensions. Based on the findings, the paper concludes that the Russia-Ukraine conflict poses a significant threat to global economic stability and political security. It emphasizes the need for a multilateral approach to address the conflict and promote peace and stability in the region. Ceasefire agreements, humanitarian assistance, and reconstruction efforts are crucial steps towards long-term peace and development. The paper highlights the importance of prioritizing diplomatic solutions over short-term gains from the conflict. In summary, this paper intends to explore the implications of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on global stability and security, with findings that underscore the need for international cooperation and concerted efforts to mitigate the consequences of the conflict and foster a peaceful resolution.

Fractographic investigation of carbon/epoxy PRSEUS composites exposed to flame after compressive failure

After a structural-related composite aircraft crash, a fractographic forensic analysis of the damaged surfaces is typically performed to assess the root causes of mechanical failures. Such accident reconstruction efforts, however, can be impeded if the aircraft catches on fire on the ground (i.e., a post-crash fire occurs), where flames or heat exposure can obscure or destroy the fracture surface morphologies of the fibers (i.e., the primary load carrying constituent). In this study, carbon/epoxy Pultruded Rod Stitched Efficient Unitized Structure (PRSEUS) skin-stringer assemblies were subjected to uniaxial compression and subsequently exposed to direct flame using a Bunsen burner. Specimens were oriented parallel, orthogonal, and at 45° to the flame axis for durations of 60 s. Additional vertical burn tests were performed for durations up to 300 s. Fractographic inspection of the failure surfaces before and after flame exposure was performed using a combination of destructive sectioning and scanning electron microscopy. The warp-knitted skin (fascia) surrounding the pultruded rod effectively served as a thermal protection layer, which shielded the rod’s broken filaments from significant thermal degradation and facilitated the identification of microbuckling and other mechanical failure mechanisms. This suggests that the presence of fascia, bulkheads, ribs, skins, and other intermediate layers in aircraft structures may significantly shield underlying principal structural element failure surfaces from fire exposure, facilitating post-crash forensic assessments of composite aircraft. Additionally, the through-thickness VectranTM stitching remained intact even after extended flame exposure, suggesting that such stitching can enhance the fire resistance of composite structures.

Teks Taru Premana Sebagai Simbolisasi Ekuilibrium Manusia Hindu Dengan Alam Semesta Bali

A holistic understanding of the side effects of chemical drugs, stimulating this era's humans to engage in contemplative movements, using ancient literature to maintain sanitation, physical health and mental health. Taru Premana is the philanthropic mission of Mpu Kuturan to create Hindu people as well as a healthy Bali environment. So, to realize the human mission, humanistic practice begins, to find a variety of herbal medicines. The research aims to analyze the Lontar Taru Premana, by looking for a link between health practices and the stimulation of subjects in the preservation of the environment. The research uses a qualitative approach or specifically applies textual studies to undermine searches and reconstructive efforts in understanding the texts of the art of traditional medicine of Bali. The technique of collecting Taru Premana manuscripts as a source of research data is obtained from the process of accumulating ancient writings dealing with traditional medicine. Further, it is analyzed using literary studies as well as philological studies. The compendium on traditional health science taught in Taru Premana is explained specifically in the processing techniques of traditional ingredients, their manufacturing processes and their application, such as bearing, spraying, patching and fixing. The Taru Premana manuscript has an interpretation in other aspects, namely as a symbolization of the internalization of the values of social-religious life. This lontar is an argument for the harmonization of man with his environment, and gives the scheme that man is not a determining entity, but an individual and a cosmic entity forming a typology of dependency. Taru Premana as a means of balancing the existence of humans and the environment (praja dan kamadhuk). In other words, man without the presence of nature is meaningless, because the process of life becomes stopped because of the nullity of the supporting life. Lontar Taru Premana plays an important role in the spiritual, social and ecological reality of the Bali Hindu community, as it applies traditional techniques and ecologic balance.

Redox-sensitive metals and δ238U in red and grey shales: Exploring a new archive for palaeo-redox studies

Reconstructions of past oceanic redox conditions, based on the measurement of metal distributions and their stable-isotope ratios in marine sediments, have now become more commonplace, providing new constraints on past environmental change. Almost all of these records, however, are based on organic-rich black-shale and carbonate sedimentary archives, which have formed primarily in low-latitude regions. This limitation leads to incomplete geographic coverage that complicates the global-scale interpretation of the results. In this study, the potential of oceanic ‘red beds’ and grey shales as new archives of past environmental conditions are explored to complement the datasets derived from other lithologies and extend reconstruction efforts to mid- to high-latitude regions. Our records originate from open-marine red and grey shales from two sedimentary sections spanning the Late Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE 2) in New Zealand, formerly deposited at high southern latitudes in the palaeo-Pacific Ocean at c. 94 Ma and where contemporaneous black-shale and/or carbonate successions do not exist. Access to the seawater-derived, authigenic fraction of the bulk sediment is essential for reconstructing past marine redox state at these mid- to high-latitude locations. Therefore, a series of leaching experiments using reagents of progressively increasing concentration were conducted to determine the best method for isolating the authigenic Fe- and Mn-(oxyhydr)oxide fraction from the red and grey shale lithologies. Chemostratigraphic records for the concentrations of a suite of redox-sensitive metals (Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, Cr, V and U), as well as the U-isotope palaeo-redox tracer (238U/235U; reformulated as δ238U), were obtained. These records imply that leaching with 6 M HCl at room temperature is the best of the tested methods for the selective extraction of the Fe- and Mn-(oxyhydr)oxide phase, whilst minimising the contribution from older inherited detrital material that potentially could confound the interpretation of the chemostratigraphic records. This method offers potential for reliably constraining the authigenic distributions of redox-sensitive elements in red and grey shales, provided Fe- and Mn-(oxyhydr)oxides are predominantly of authigenic origin and constitute at least 5 % of the mineralogy. By contrast, for the investigation of the U-isotope system, a larger Fe- and Mn-(oxyhydr)oxide proportion in the sediment for an ocean–atmosphere perturbation event recording more severe changes in ocean redox conditions and bigger U-isotope shifts than observed for OAE 2 are both necessary to obtain reliable results.

WITHDRAWN: Detection of Amblyomma maculatum and Rickettsia parkeri in prairies of Central Missouri

Prairie habitats are complex ecosystems experiencing destruction and decline due to landscape repurposing, thus resulting in significant changes to plant, animal, and insect wildlife diversity. In the Central United States, the reconstruction of prairie habitats from farmland is a widely applied strategy to raise diversity and recreate a healthy, complex ecosystem. In Central Missouri, we are examining the consequences of reconstruction efforts on the prevalence of zoonotic diseases and their associated pathogens and have observed large populations of Dog ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, and Lone Star ticks, Amblyomma americanum, as well as the first recorded instance of the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum, in Callaway County. The Gulf Coast tick is traditionally found mainly along the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions, but has been undergoing geographic expansion in the last decade. Since detection in 2020, the number of Gulf Coast ticks has increased,. Upon screening 193 Gulf Coast ticks in 105 pools, we found that 6.67 % of ticks were positive for the pathogenic Rickettsia parkeri, which causes spotted fever rickettsiosis in animals and humans, with most ticks coming from the reconstructed prairie site. These observations suggest that reconstruction of prairie habitat has the potential to support the sylvatic cycle of Rickettsia parkeri. Collectively, our observations show that the reconstructed prairie are capable of harboring large tick populations as compared to remnant prairies and demonstrates a potential increase in disease risk as a result. This works highlights the importance of proactive surveillance of ticks, especially with land-use change.

Barriers and facilitators to bridging the healthcare digital divide for the older adults: A qualitative research from patients in China.

The aim of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators underlying the healthcare digital divide by using qualitative methodologies, integrated with the Capabilities, Opportunities, Motivations, and Behaviors (COM-B) as well as the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) theoretical frameworks. To conduct a thorough analysis, semi-structured，in-depth interviews were orchestrated among a cohort of older patients who had experiences with digital healthcare systems. Data were meticulously analyzed via Colaizzi's seven-step methodological procedure. Nine barriers were elucidated, including physical limitation, inadequate training and support, self-imposed denial, failure to rebuild the digital healthcare environment, equipment constraints, deficits in communication and feedback, skepticism regarding data accuracy and validity, sense of social deprivation, and network information boycott. Conversely, eleven facilitators were identified, encompassing peer modeling, availability of training and support, reconstructive efforts toward the digital healthcare environment, mandatory usage, familial influence, media impact, scientific publicity and education, enhancement of self-efficacy, sense of social participation, perceived convenience, and access to healthful information. Based on the COM-B and BCW models, healthcare organizations may be able to improve their digital healthcare support systems (capabilities), technical design, network speed, and equipment configuration (opportunities), as well as focus on "human-computer integration," the parallel existence of digital technology and humanistic care, and taking into account the issues of information security, accuracy, and human rights equality (motivation) while benefiting the patients, in order to bridge the healthcare digital divide for the older adults.

Post-disaster damage and loss assessment in the Iranian healthcare sector: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundAccurate post-disaster damage and loss assessment is critical for the success of subsequent recovery programs. A comprehensive and systematic damage and loss assessment process involves evaluating the physical damage and financial impact of an event on individuals, communities, and assets. To ensure effective recovery, the various components and entities included in the program must be developed appropriately and efficiently. This study aimed to identify the components and entities of the Iranian healthcare sector’s post-disaster damage and loss assessment program.MethodsA qualitative study employing purposive sampling and semi-structured individual interviews was conducted with 18 participants between October 2022 and July 2023, with continuing until data saturation was achieved. Data collection involved semi-structured interviews and observational notes with experts, including representatives from the National Disaster Management Organization (NDMO), the Iranian Red Crescent Society, and the Disaster Risk Management Department of the Ministry of Health and Medical Sciences Universities. The interviews were conducted in the workplace of the participants. Thematic analysis, a conventional qualitative method, was employed for the analysis of the data. Following the transcription of the recorded interviews, the initial codes were extracted, reviewed for accuracy, and classified.ResultsThe results of this study are based on the insights and experiences of a diverse group of qualified experts in their respective fields. The findings were analysed and classification into ten main themes, 29 sub-themes, and 1,058 codes. The main themes were key concepts and principles of assessment; assessment stages; health system measures in assessment; roles and responsibilities; team composition; information and communication; coordination and collaboration; data collection and analysis; assessment tools and methods; and reporting, documentation, and recommendations.ConclusionAn understanding of key concepts and principles enables stakeholders to respond effectively to disasters, make informed decisions, and facilitate recovery and reconstruction efforts.

Counseling Psychologists Assist Post-Disaster Psychological Rescue Experience in Major Disasters

<p>近年國內多起重大災難事件造成個體與社會群體的影響與不安，諮商心理師身為專業醫事人員提供受災者災後心理救援，也衍生災難事件危機介入的實踐與困境。本研究以現象學的研究方法、半結構式訪談蒐集資料，受訪者為六位諮商心理師，其中三位具督導資格，研究結果包含二類與八個主題：（1）諮商心理師災後心理救援經驗，包含：（a）災後心理救援前的自我評估與專業知能；（b）災後心理救援時的角色與功能；（c）災後心理救援時的預備、初期、中期、中長期作為與督導者作為；（d）災後心理救援後的多重困境、身心壓力與文化民俗挑戰。（2）因應災後心理救援困境的實務規劃，包含（a）落實演練與心理教育；（b）持續增能與案例討論；（c）建立名單與督導關係；（d）熟悉雲端與資訊操作；（e）調整期待與服務心態。作者依研究結果提出災後心理救援「停、看、問」三個步驟與九項建議：（1）「停」—介入之前：（a）自評身心狀態與投身意圖；（b）具足所需專業知能與增能；（c）培育多元文化介入的能力。（2）「看」—介入當下：（a）理解角色功能適才適性；（b）調整不同階段介入作為；（c）理解困境挑戰正面因應。（3）「問」—介入之後：（a）身心自我調適與回歸原有平衡；（b）尋求督導協助重整介入經驗；（c）系所課程培育與繼續教育增能，最後提及未來研究建議。</p> <p> </p><p>Since the ""Taiwan Disaster Year"" began with the 921 earthquake, Taiwan has witnessed numerous significant disaster events in recent years, resulting in extensive financial losses and loss of life. These events have profoundly affected individuals’ trust and sense of security, leading to a widespread impact on social groups and cultures. As professional healthcare providers, counseling psychologists frequently engage in post-disaster psychological rescue and reconstruction efforts during major disasters or crises. This practice has raised challenges for crisis intervention during such events. Researchers thus aim to understand the landscape and challenges of psychological rescue efforts during domestic disasters. This study uses phenomenological research methods and semi-structured interviews to gather data. It includes interviews with six counseling psychologists, three of whom are certified supervisors who acted as supervisors during disaster events, while the other three provided crisis intervention services as psychologists. The study categorizes its findings into two main themes and eight sub-themes: Experiences of counseling psychologists in post-disaster psychological support: (1) Self-assessment and professional knowledge before providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme explores how psychologists evaluate their readiness and expertise before engaging in disaster relief efforts. (2) Roles and functions of post-disaster psychological support: This examines the specific responsibilities and activities undertaken by psychologists during the support process. (3) Preparatory, initial, mid-term, and long-term actions, including the role of supervisors: This delves into the different stages of psychological support and the crucial role of supervisors in guiding and supporting these efforts. (4) Multiple challenges, physical and mental stress, and cultural and folk challenges after providing post-disaster psychological support: This theme addresses the complex challenges psychologists face following their intervention, including stress and cultural issues. Practical planning to address the challenges of post-disaster psychological support: (1) Implementing drills and psychological education: Emphasizes the importance of preparedness through regular drills and education. (2) Continuous capacity building and case discussions: Highlights the need for ongoing training and discussion of cases to enhance skills and knowledge. (3) Establishing lists and supervisory relationships: Focuses on creating structured relationships and lists to streamline support efforts. (4) Familiarity with cloud and information operations: Stresses the need for proficiency in modern technology to facilitate efficient support. (5) Adjusting expectations and service mentality: Discusses the necessity of adapting expectations and maintaining a service-oriented mindset. Based on the research results, the researcher proposes a systematic approach comprising three steps (""Stop, Look, Ask"") and nine specific suggestions for post-disaster psychological support, serving as a practical reference for crisis intervention practice: ""Stop""—before intervention: (1) Self-assess physical and mental state and willingness to engage: Psychologists need to evaluate their readiness and motivation. (2) Equip with necessary professional knowledge and capacity building: Psychologists need to ensure that they have the required expertise and training. (3) Cultivate the ability for multicultural intervention: Develop skills to effectively engage with diverse cultural backgrounds. ""Look""—during intervention: (1) Understand the roles and functions and fit them appropriately: Matching roles and tasks to individuals’ strengths. (2) Adjust intervention actions at different stages: Modify approaches according to the phase of intervention. (3) Understand challenges and respond positively: Recognize and constructively address difficulties encountered. ""Ask""—after intervention: (1) Physical and mental selfadjustment and return to original balance: Focusing on recovery and well-being. (2) Seek supervisory assistance to reorganize intervention experiences: Utilizing supervision to reflect and improve.(3) Curriculum development and continued education for capacity building: Advocating for ongoing education and training in disaster psychology. Finally, the study concludes with recommendations for future research and suggests areas for further exploration to enhance the effectiveness of psychological support in disaster scenarios.</p> <p> </p>

Time-series satellite remote sensing reveals gradually increasing war damage in the Gaza Strip.

War-related urban destruction is a significant global concern, impacting national security, social stability, people's survival and economic development. The effects of urban geomorphology and complex geological contexts during conflicts, characterized by different levels of structural damage, are not yet fully understood globally. Here we report how integrating deep learning with data from the independently developed LuoJia3-01 satellite enables near real-time detection of explosions and assessment of different building damage levels in the Israel-Palestine conflict. We found that the damage continually increased from 17 October 2023 to 2 March 2024. We found 3747 missile craters with precision positions and sizes, and timing on vital infrastructure across five governorates in the Gaza Strip on 2 March 2024, providing accurate estimates of potential unexploded ordnance locations and assisting in demining and chemical decontamination. Our findings reveal a significant increase in damage to residential and educational structures, accounting for 58.4% of the total-15.4% destroyed, 18.7% severely damaged, 11.8% moderately damaged and 12.5% slightly damaged-which exacerbates the housing crisis and potential population displacement. Additionally, there is a 34.1% decline in the cultivated area of agricultural land, posing a risk to food security. The LuoJia3-01 satellite data are crucial for impartial conflict monitoring, and our innovative methodology offers a cost-effective, scalable approach to assess future conflicts in various global contexts. These first-time findings highlight the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further damage and support the release of hostages and subsequent reconstruction efforts.

Enforcement of the Code of Ethics for 2024 Election Organizers in Indonesia: A Substantive Justice Perspective

This study employs a normative legal research approach focusing on conceptual and legislative analysis. Its aim is to examine the dynamics of the enforcement of the electoral organizers’ code of ethics by the Indonesian Election Supervisory Agency (DKPP) and to formulate a reconstruction of this enforcement aimed at achieving substantive justice. The findings assert that the enforcement dynamics of the electoral organizers’ code of ethics by DKPP inherently pose two main issues. Internally, the enforcement requires oversight and public participation to ensure DKPP’s credibility and integrity in upholding the code of ethics. Externally, issues arise regarding the final and binding nature of DKPP decisions, which have been undermined by Constitutional Court rulings, allowing for their annulment by judicial bodies such as the Administrative Court (PTUN). Reconstruction or reform efforts concerning the enforcement of the electoral code of ethics for electoral administrators, based on substantive justice, necessitate a clear affirmation of the independence of ethical norms, particularly those related to the conduct of electoral administrators. This includes ensuring that the enforcement of these ethical norms is immune from legal norms and external intervention. Additionally, there is a need for a revision of the electoral laws in Indonesia to enhance the appeal process for ethical judgments rendered by the Election Supervisory Board (DKPP), which are final and binding and cannot be overturned by the courts, especially the Administrative Court (PTUN).