Hybrid Constructs Research Articles

Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Multifunctional Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layers for Dendrite-Free Sodium Metal Anodes.

Constructing a stable and robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for achieving dendrite-free sodium metal anodes and high-performance sodium batteries. However, maintaining the integrity of SEI during prolonged cycle life under high current densities poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose an integrated multifunctional SEI layer with inorganic/organic hybrid construction (IOHL-Na) to enhance the durability of sodium metal anode during reduplicative plating/stripping processes. The inorganic components with high mechanical strength and strong sodiophilicity demonstrate optimized ionic conduction efficiency and dendrite inhibition ability. Simultaneously, the organic component contributes to the formation of a dense and elastic membrane structure, preventing fracture and delamination issues during volume fluctuations. The symmetrical batteries of IOHL-Na achieve stable cycling over 2000 hours with an extremely low voltage hysteresis of around 15.8 mV at a high current density of 4 mA cm-2 . Moreover, the Na-O2 batteries sustain exceptional long-term stability and impressive capacity retention, exploiting a promising approach for constructing durable SEI and dendrite-free sodium metal anodes.

Inorganic–Organic Hybrid Multifunctional Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layers for Dendrite‐Free Sodium Metal Anodes

AbstractConstructing a stable and robust solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) is crucial for achieving dendrite‐free sodium metal anodes and high‐performance sodium batteries. However, maintaining the integrity of SEI during prolonged cycle life under high current densities poses a significant challenge. In this study, we propose an integrated multifunctional SEI layer with inorganic/organic hybrid construction (IOHL−Na) to enhance the durability of sodium metal anode during reduplicative plating/stripping processes. The inorganic components with high mechanical strength and strong sodiophilicity demonstrate optimized ionic conduction efficiency and dendrite inhibition ability. Simultaneously, the organic component contributes to the formation of a dense and elastic membrane structure, preventing fracture and delamination issues during volume fluctuations. The symmetrical batteries of IOHL−Na achieve stable cycling over 2000 hours with an extremely low voltage hysteresis of around 15.8 mV at a high current density of 4 mA cm−2. Moreover, the Na−O2 batteries sustain exceptional long‐term stability and impressive capacity retention, exploiting a promising approach for constructing durable SEI and dendrite‐free sodium metal anodes.

COF and MOF Hybrids: Advanced Materials for Wastewater Treatment

AbstractRecent advances in ordered porous materials, including metal‐organic (MOF) and covalent organic frameworks (COF), are set to revolutionize the strategies used for wastewater treatment. This is attributed to the large surface area, high crystallinity, structural tunability, thermal and chemical stability, and well‐defined structures of MOF and COF. Despite the distinctive properties exhibited by the single system (either MOF or COF), the combination of COF and MOF, as a hybrid construct, offers a remarkable opportunity to achieve superior functionality and performance. The favorable features of COF–MOF hybrids in different wastewater treatment sectors have opened new venues for effective environmental remediation. This review presents the state‐of‐the‐art design, synthesis, and application of COF–MOF hybrids. The synthesis principles, including MOF‐first, COF‐first, and post‐synthetic linkage of pre‐synthesized COFs and MOFs are summarized. The potential of these novel materials is evaluated by considering contaminant sensing, adsorptive removal, and catalytic photodegradation.The conclusion is drawn by assessing the existing hurdles and potential opportunities in the development of COF‐MOF hybrids as an innovative yet viable approach for addressing wastewater treatment.

Regulating Discourse: How Children With and Without SEND Internalize the Evaluative Framework of Adults

This study presents a Bakhtinian analysis of discourse among children with Special Educational Needs and Disorders (SEND) in two elementary classrooms, delving into the complicated interaction of voices and perspectives within their communication. The research investigates how the evaluation of peers provides a contextual backdrop for the voices of children with SEND. Conducted as a longitudinal investigation in an English primary school, data were collected over a three-month period to disclose communication dynamics. Notably, the discourse analysis reveals the use of “hybrid constructions” by students, wherein they skillfully blend adult values with their own viewpoints when discussing peers, thus navigating their positioning vis-à-vis institutional norms and their peers. The central question, “Who is taking the lead in the conversation?” undrapes a rich interchange of voices within each dialog excerpt. This interaction encompasses the speaker’s own voice and resonates with reflections of institutional discourse. Importantly, the analysis elucidates how diverse pedagogic discourses contribute to shaping social relationships between teachers and students, as well as amongst the students themselves. By capturing these multifaceted interactions, this study reveals a paramount conduit through which institutional values are communicated and internalized within the discourse of children with SEND. This focused exploration contributes to a nuanced understanding of how children assimilate external voices while communicating and how they forge connections with peers facing unique learning challenges.

Between norms and margins: The “Norms–Fringe–Margins” model. A dynamic model of psychosocial self-construction through an expanded notion of working

This article addresses the new forms and relationships to work currently developing, in line with the upheavals of the Anthropocene. Occupational and counseling psychology are developing models that increasingly integrate systemic and contextual dimensions to understand careers and work-related issues. We propose a theoretical model “Norms–Fringe–Margins” to approach these new forms of work as hybrid constructs, sources of both personal and social innovation. We argue that these new ways of relating to work can contribute to sustainable and just commitments to citizenship, both at the individual and social levels. The model distinguishes three interrelated spaces of psychosocial self-construction through work: a normed space (Norm), a space on the margin (Margin), and an intermediate space (Fringe). To analyze the psychosocial construction of a person, we study the dynamic interactions of these three psychosocial spaces as a presence supported by a set of tensions to overcome.

Current Evidence for Hybrid Constructs: Simultaneous ACDF/Arthroplasty and Arthroplasty Adjacent to Previous ACDF.

It is not surprising that the utilization of hybrid constructs, combining cervical disc arthroplasty with anterior cervical disc arthroplasty, has steadily increased over the last decade. Known limitations exist with multi-level anterior cervical disc arthroplasty and cervical disc arthroplasty procedures. Hybrid surgery offers the possibility to address patient-specific pathology in a more tailored manner by restoring functional mobility and promoting fusion where appropriate. This review discusses the current evidence, both biomechanical and clinical, of hybrid surgery for 2-level and 3-level cervical disease.

Hybrid Cements and Construction Elements Based on Alkaline Activation with Sodium Sulfates from Fly Ash and Construction and Demolition Waste.

This article demonstrates the possibility of producing hybrid cementitious materials (pastes, mortars, concretes, and precast elements) based on fly ash (FA) and construction and demolition wastes (CDW) using alkaline activation technology. Sodium sulfate was used as an activator and fine and coarse aggregates were obtained from CDW residues. An addition of Portland cement (OPC) (10 to 30%) allowed for improvement in the mechanical behavior of the hybrid cements and them to be cured at room temperature (25 °C). The FA and CDW cementitious materials obtained compressive strengths of 37 MPa and 32 MPa, respectively. The compressive strength of FA and CDW alkali-activated concretes at 28 days of curing was 22 MPa and 18 MPa, respectively, which identifies them as structural concretes according to NSR-10 title C in Colombia. The potential use of these concretes was validated by obtaining and classifying precast materials.

Engineering of oxygen vacancy and bismuth cluster assisted ultrathin Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets with efficient and selective photoreduction of CO2 to CO

AbstractThe photocatalytic conversion of CO2 into solar‐powered fuels is viewed as a forward‐looking strategy to address energy scarcity and global warming. This work demonstrated the selective photoreduction of CO2 to CO using ultrathin Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets decorated with hydrothermally synthesized bismuth clusters and oxygen vacancies (OVs). The characterizations revealed that the coexistences of OVs and Bi clusters generated in situ contributed to the high efficiency of CO2–CO conversion (64.3 μmol g−1 h−1) and perfect selectivity. The OVs on the facet (001) of the ultrathin Bi12O17Cl2 nanosheets serve as sites for CO2 adsorption and activation sites, capturing photoexcited electrons and prolonging light absorption due to defect states. In addition, the Bi‐cluster generated in situ offers the ability to trap holes and the surface plasmonic resonance effect. This study offers great potential for the construction of semiconductor hybrids as multiphotocatalysts, capable of being used for the elimination and conversion of CO2 in terms of energy and environment.

Current and Expanded Indications for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty: Beyond the FDA IDE Studies.

The widespread success of cervical disc arthroplasty (CDA) has led to an interest in expanding indications beyond those outlined in the initial Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption studies. Some of these off-label indications currently include 3-level and 4-level CDA, hybrid constructs with adjacent segment anterior cervical discectomy and fusion or corpectomy constructs, pre-existing kyphosis, revision of a failed anterior cervical discectomy and fusion to a CDA, CDA in the setting of significant degenerative disc disease and/or facet joint arthropathy, CDA for congenital cervical stenosis, and CDA in the presence of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament. This review article will summarize the current literature pertaining to the aforementioned indications.

Potentials of reusing steel skeleton structures from multistorey parking units for architectural applications

AbstractIn the context of urban mining, which aims to extend the value chain of building components to conserve resources, save energy, avoid waste, and reduce emissions, the reuse of structural steel has great potential, that has hardly been exploited to date.In Germany, a significant amount of steel is found within multistorey parking units. Due to the standardised and mass relevant steel used in these structures and considering their diminishing significance in the context of transportation transitions, these buildings offer specific opportunities for reuse.The research aims to investigate the reuse of structural steel from parking facilities in a new architectural design purpose with focus on multistorey residential buildings, as these will become increasingly important in the future construction due to the predicted growth of the world population and global cities.The research methodology begins by identifying the reuse potential of structural steel from parking units for future multi‐storey residential buildings. The study then delves into the exploration of hybrid construction methods, which involve incorporating standardized steel profiles with clay and reinterpreting historical cap ceilings. These approaches aim to foster the development of innovative architectural solutions.

Analysis of the use of transosseous osteosynthesis in the treatment of patients with diabetic osteoarthropathy complicated by chronic osteomyelitis

Relevance Diabetic neuroosteoarthropathy (DNOAP) complicated by chronic osteomyelitis (CO) is one of the most common complications (up to 7.5 %) in patients with diabetes mellitus. Treatment failure of such patients leads to amputation of the segment, and in some cases, to death. The use of the method of transosseous osteosynthesis is the only alternative method in the struggle for the limb salvage.Purpose Based on X-ray morphological criteria for assessing bone quality, to determine the optimal assembly of the external fixation device (EFF), which provides favorable conditions for restoring limb weight-bearing capacity in the treatment of patients with DNOAP complicated by infection.Materials and methods The analysis of radiographs and the clinical course of the reparative process in 49 patients (mean age 55.5 ± 9.4 years) with DNOAP complicated by chronic osteomyelitis was carried out. Two groups were distinguished based on the Ilizarov apparatus assembly: wire-based (WB) used in 25 patients; hybrid construct (HC) in 24 patients. The X-ray obtained in Jpeg format were analyzed using specialized Hi-scene software. The density of the bones of the foot was studied by MSCT.Results Comparison of the indicators of bone optical density in both study groups showed that there was an insignificant increase in the postoperative period Od of the calcaneus by 25 % after treatment in patients from the HC group, and in the WB group by 43 % in the distal tibia. At the same time, we noted a significant increase in the Od values of the tibia in the postoperative period in patients from the HC group and in the body of the calcaneus in patients from the WB group. MSCT showed that the density of the calcaneus before treatment in patients with DNOAP in the region of the calcaneal tubercle was 194.37 ± 49.05 HU, in the region of the body it was 205.47 ± 38.36 HU, in the region of the distal tibia 280.00 ± 40.30 HU. The analysis of the results of bone osteosynthesis of the affected segment showed that the rate of satisfactory outcomes after dismantling the device in patients from the HC group was significantly higher than in the WB group (56 %) and amounted to 75 %.Discussion As is known, pronounced osteoporosis of the bones of the lower leg and foot is often characteristic of patients with diabetes mellitus complicated by DNOAP and chronic osteomyelitis. A possible arsenal of treatment methods that allow solving the problems of stable arrest of the osteomyelitic process and restoring limb support in such patients is very limited. The optimal choice of the Ilizarov apparatus assembly type has an impact on the outcome of treatment of patients with this pathology.Conclusion Based on X-ray morphological criteria for assessing bone quality, our study showed a decrease in optical and densitometric bone density in patients with DNOAP complicated by chronic osteomyelitis compared to the norm. The use of wire-based assembly of the apparatus does not provide sufficient conditions for the solution of the set of the surgical tasks in this category of patients. The introduction of half-pins into the apparatus system provides the necessary fixation time with the possibility of functional load on the operated segment in patients in the postoperative period.

Toward Zero Emission Construction: A Comparative Life Cycle Impact Assessment of Diesel, Hybrid, and Electric Excavators

Due to an extensive usage of heavy machinery, the construction sector is criticized as one of the major CO2 emitters. To address climate concerns, mitigating these greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is important. This study aimed to strategize for “zero emission construction” by assessing the life cycle environmental impacts of diesel, electric, and hybrid construction machinery. By applying life cycle assessment (LCA) principles with adherence to ISO 14040/44 methodologies, this study scrutinizes the environmental repercussions of a standard excavator over 9200 effective operational hours, from raw material acquisition to end-of-life disposal. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in global warming potential (GWP), ozone depletion potential (ODP), and acidification potential (AP) in transitioning from diesel to hybrid and fully electric machines. A nominal increase due to this shift also occurred and impacted categories such as human carcinogenic toxicity (HT), freshwater eutrophication (EP), and marine ecotoxicity (ME); however, a more significant upsurge was noted in terrestrial ecotoxicity (TE) due to battery production. Thus, this study highlights the need for a careful management of environmental trade-offs in the shift toward electrified machinery and the importance of centering on the environmental profile of the battery. Future work should focus on enhancing the environmental profile of battery production and disposal, with policy decisions encouraging holistic sustainability based on green energies in construction projects.

Arthroscopic repair of full-thickness cartilage defects in horses with autologous nasal chondrocytes seeded in an injectable hydrogel: from preclinical development to clinical cases

This study aimed at evaluating the ability of autologous equine nasal chondrocytes (EqNCs) embedded in a silanised hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) hydrogel to repair cartilage defects in horses. Autologous EqNCs from the nasal septum were cultured in vitro and mixed with Si-HPMC. This hybrid construct was injected arthroscopically to experimental full-thickness critical-sized cartilage defects in a pilot horse. After this preliminary test, it was implanted in 6 experimental horses and compared with microfracture (positive control) and with debridement only (negative control) using experimental defects created bilaterally on radial carpal bones and medial femoral condyles. Cartilage tissue repair was subsequently investigated arthroscopically, macroscopically and histologically 18 months after the surgical procedure. Two client-owned horses presenting with cartilage damage were also treated using hybrid EqNCs/Si-HPMC constructs. We developed an injection technique for a 3D hybrid construct of EqNC and Si-HPMC under gas arthroscopy. The in situ reticulation and adhesion properties of the construct ensured its stability after injection. The hybrid construct was well tolerated and Si-HPMC was estimated as a safe scaffold for horses. We found a better cartilage healing with our hybrid construct compared to microfracture or defect left empty characterized by an increased type II collagen content in the defects filled with the hybrid construct. In the 2 clinical cases, hybrid construct injection led to the formation of repair tissue exhibiting the gross appearance of articular cartilage and both returned to intended use. This study revealed that EqNCs/Si-HPMC constructs can support the formation of a healing tissue with hyaline cartilage features.

Sustainable Off-Site Construction in Desert Environments: Zero-Energy Houses as Case Studies

The construction industry is one of the largest consumers of natural resources, and the building sector accounts for around 40% of energy consumption and CO2 emissions. To contribute to the need for more sustainable solutions, this research analyzed and highlighted the benefits of off-site construction, utilizing eleven zero-energy prefabricated houses from the Solar Decathlon Middle East competition as case studies. The study used construction data documented by the competition organizers, such as drawings, manuals, photos, and in-person observations during the assembly process. The comparative analysis focused on the construction categories, types of solutions, structural materials, façade types, and building materials. The case studies featured both heavy and lightweight construction and three types of off-site construction: panelized, volumetric, and hybrid. The hybrid construction was the most utilized since it combines the advantages of less intensive on-site work of the volumetric solutions with the transportation benefits of 2D elements. The designers justified their selection of timber as a structural material based on its low environmental impact. In addition, they enhanced the environmental benefits of off-site construction by selecting eco-friendly materials and solutions that increase the efficiency of the houses.

A Brief Guide to Preparing a Peptide-Drug Conjugate.

Peptide-drug conjugates (PDCs) have recently emerged as interesting hybrid constructs not only for targeted therapy, but also for the early diagnosis of different pathologies. In most cases, the crucial step in the PDC synthesis is the final conjugation step, where a specific drug is bound to a particular peptide-/peptidomimetic-targeting unit. Thus, this concept paper aims to give a short guide to determining the finest conjugation reaction, by considering in particular the reaction conditions, the stability of the linker and the major pros and cons of each reaction. Based on the recent PDCs reported in literature, the most common and efficient conjugation methods will be systematically presented and compared, generating a short guide to consult while planning the synthesis of a novel peptide-drug conjugate.

Wood-Based Hybrid Construction Technology

Wood-Based Hybrid Construction Technology

Numerical and experimental investigation of the ballistic performance of hybrid woven and embroidered-based soft armour under ballistic impact

One approach to developing more effective soft body armour is to modify the structure of the ballistic packages. Typically, soft ballistic packages are formed as a multilayer system composed of woven fabrics or flexible unidirectional sheets, also in hybrid combinations. It should be noted that relatively little is known about ballistic packages composed of embroidered structures. This article presents the results of numerical and experimental studies of the ballistic efficiency of packages composed of para-aramid embroidered structures and woven fabrics fixed at all four edges after firing with a 9x19 mm FMJ Parabellum projectile at an impact velocity of 380 m/s. Numerical modelling was used both to assess the ballistic efficiency of the packages in various hybrid constructions and to optimize the structure of the most efficient hybrid construction of the package. Based on the results of numerical and experimental studies, it was shown that hybrid packages containing fabrics on the impact side of the projectile and structures embroidered on the back are significantly more efficient than the reverse combination. The optimization carried out showed that the most efficient package should contain a number of woven layers equal to twice the number of penetrated layers on the projectile impact side.

Virtual Immersivity: some semiotic issues

In this essay, some theoretical semiotic issues concerning immersive technologies are presented and discussed. In particular, the somatic and corporeal dimensions of the construction of the user-visual hybrid, the problematic of point of view and realism, and the narrativity inscribed in immersive technologies will be discussed. The objective is twofold: tracing the semiotic perspective on the real/virtual relationship and questioning certain rhetoric of immersivity that underlies precise ideologies circulating in the contemporary imagery.

Effective Three‐Step Construction of Betulonic Acid Hybrids with Heterocycle‐Containing Peptidomimetic Fragments

AbstractSynthesis of hybrid molecules containing a natural betulonic acid core and a peptidomimetic moiety was carried out by a three‐step transformation: e. g. (i) Ugi four‐component reaction involving heterocyclic amines to obtain some new azido‐substituted peptidomimetics; (ii) isolation of the compounds from the natural raw materials and obtaining betulonic acid propargyl esters; (iii) Cu‐catalyzed cycloaddition of peptide‐structured azides to betulonic acid propargyl esters, resulting in the construction of target molecules. The microbiological properties of the hybrid compounds and their precursors were tested against two Gram‐positive and two Gram‐negative bacterial strains.

Cervical disc arthroplasty with the Baguera C prosthesis: clinical and radiological results of a 10-year follow-up study

PurposeWe evaluated the long-term safety, mobility and complications of cervical total disc arthroplasty with the Baguera®C prosthesis over 10 years.MethodsWe included 91 patients treated by arthroplasty for cervical degenerative disc disease. A total of 113 prostheses were implanted (50 one-level, 44 two-level and 19 hybrid constructs). They were assessed for complications, clinically, with NDI and SF-12 questionnaires and by independent radiologists for ROM, HO, disc height and adjacent level degeneration.ResultsNo spontaneous migration, loss of fixation, subsidence, vascular complication or dislocation were observed. The reoperation rate was 1%. About 82.7% of the patients were pain free. About 9.9% were taking occasional grade I painkillers. Motricity and sensitivity were preserved in 98.8% and 96.3%. The NDI showed an average functional disability of 17.58%, 26% lower than preoperatively. The SF-12 scores were close to normal health. The average ROM at the treated level was 7.4°. Motion was preserved in 86.6%. Lack of motion was observed in 13.4%. Grades II and III H0 were present in 53.7% and 31.7%, respectively, Grade IV was present in 13.4%. Motion was preserved in 100% of the grades 0–III. The preoperative adjacent level disc height of 4.3 mm remained stable during all the follow-ups at 4.4 mm and 4.2 mm, respectively, at 5 and 10 years.ConclusionsAfter 10 years, cervical arthroplasty with the Baguera®C prosthesis presents excellent safety and functional results and low complications. Motion was preserved in 86.6%, with a 7.4° ROM. Although common, HO did not hinder motion. Adjacent disc height preservation confirms some adjacent level degeneration protection.