Obtuse Angle Research Articles

On‐Demand Fabrication and Manipulation of Single Plasmonic Trimers for Ultrasensitive Enantiomer Detection

AbstractThe capability of plasmonic nanostructures in generating superchiral near‐fields holds great potential for a wide range of applications, including enantioselective sensing, medical diagnosis, and chirality‐based bioimaging. To implement high‐performance chiral nanophotonic devices, achieving in situ tuning of chiroptical activity in plasmonic nanostructures is highly desirable yet remains a formidable challenge. Here, a straightforward method is developed for deterministic assembly of plasmonic nanosphere trimers using spectroscopy‐assisted nano‐manipulation. The technique offers in situ, real‐time, and site‐specific control over the chiroptical response of trimers by adjusting their vertex angle and in‐plane orientation. The combination of numerical simulations with the Born‐Kuhn model reveals that oblique excitation effectively induces the symmetry breaking of the trimer structure, resulting in a preferential response of two distinct hybridized plasmonic modes to the handedness of light. Consequently, this yields a significant chiroptical response with the g factor up to 0.37. Remarkably, the trimer with an optimized obtuse angle exhibits a 193‐fold enhancement of optical chirality density, enabling the detection of molecular chirality with a record‐large spectral dissymmetric factor of 12 nm. The study facilitates the rational design of plasmonic nanostructures, offering promising prospects for chiral sensing at the single‐molecule level and asymmetric photocatalysis.

Molecular phylogeny reveals a new genus and species of freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Unionidae, Gonideinae) from Jiangxi, China

Freshwater mussels of the tribe Gonideini (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Gonideinae) constitute one of the most taxonomically diverse groups and serve as keystone species in riverine and lacustrine ecosystems across East Asia. A new genus and species of Gonideini (Bivalvia: Unionidae) is described from Jiangxi, China, as Pseudopostolata angulagen. et sp. nov. based on an integrative analysis of shell morphology and molecular data. The validity of the new genus and species is supported by distinct conchological features: a short, rounded anterior; a long, wide posterior; a slightly downward-curved dorsal margin; and a distinctly obtuse angle at the center of the posterior margin. The multi-locus (COI + 16S rRNA + 28S rRNA) phylogeny showed that the species formed a monophyletic group in the tribe Gonideini of the subfamily Gonideinae. Pseudopostolata angulagen. et sp. nov. is identified as the sister group to a clade comprising the genera Postolata, Cosmopseudodon, Obovalis, Ptychorhynchus, Parvasolenaia, and Koreosolenaia. We emphasize the significant morphological convergence in freshwater mussels, particularly within Gonideini, highlighting the necessity of an integrated taxonomic approach for accurate generic classification of this group.

THz-EPR-based Magneto-Structural Correlations for Cobalt(II) Single-Ion Magnets With Bis-Chelate Coordination.

New cobalt(II)-based complexes with [N2O2] coordination formed by two bis-chelate ligands were synthesized and characterized by a multi-technique approach. The complexes possess an easy-axis anisotropy (D<0) and magnetic measurements show a field-induced slow relaxation of magnetization. The spin-reversal barriers, i. e., the splitting of the two lowest Kramers doublets (UZFS), have been measured by THz-EPR spectroscopy, which allows to distinguish the two crystallographically independent species present in one of the complexes. Based on these experimental UZFS energies together with those for related complexes reported in literature, it was possible to establish magneto-structural correlations. UZFS linearly depends on the elongation parameter ϵT of the (pseudo-)tetrahedral coordination, which is given by the ratio between the average obtuse and acute angles at the cobalt(II) ion, while UZFS was found to be virtually independent of the twist angle of the chelate planes. With increasing deviation from the orthogonality of the latter, the rhombicity (|E/D|) increases.

Neck Lift to Treat Platysma Bands and Defining Cervical Angle: A Systematic Review and Pooled Analysis.

Many surgical techniques have been proposed to address the submental-cervical angle in neck lift. Despite the several advances, obstacles persist when dealing with platysma bands and redefinition of the obtuse cervical angle. The aim of this study was to quantify platysma bands recurrence, any neurovascular damage, and other complications following neck lift procedures involving platysma muscle. After the approval and registration on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), the systematic review was performed in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A series of specific keywords and predefined MeSH terms were utilized in different search engines (Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane library databases). Primary outcome was the recurrence of platysma bands; secondary outcomes included any postoperative complications, including any nerve damage. Pooled analysis was performed using a random effects model. Twelve articles, encompassing 2,106 patients, were relevant to this issue and included data on neck lift surgery with any platysma transection outcomes. Twenty-six patients had a recurrence of platysma bands during the follow-up, with a pooled rate of 1.4%. The pooled overall nerve damage rate was 0.9%. At the reported follow-up, the pooled hematoma percentage was 1.8%, and the pooled sialoma rate was 0.3%. Even less common complications were long-lasting edema, dehiscence of the submental suspension, and skin necrosis. Cervicomental angle redefinition remains a controversial and complicated procedure, which can be approached with different maneuvers. However, more long-term outcome reports as well as standardized complication outcomes are warranted in order to compare different and new techniques. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Relationship between optic nerve length and interoptic angle in the prediction of optic chiasm location

Introduction and objectivesThe sellar region is an area in the base of the skull that is among the most common sites for tumors of the central nervous system. Surgical interventions are currently performed via different routes. While the optic chiasm occupies its expected position in 70% of the population, it can deviate from this position. In such cases, surgery involving this region becomes more difficult as the known surgical routes are narrowed. Advance awareness of these variations can help surgeons to identify the optimal route for safe surgical intervention in the sellar region. By performing simple measurements of both the lengths of the optic nerves and the angle between them, a surgeon can predict the location of the chiasm. Materials and methodsTwenty specimens collected from autopsies performed at Bursa Forensic Medicine İnstitute were examined to determine the optic chiasm types and the relationships between the surrounding subchiasmal structures. ResultsAmong the 20 specimens, we found two prefixed (10%), 10 normo-fixed (50%), and eight postfixed chiasms (40%). The mean interoptic angle was 81.03 (±17.41)⁰. Prefixed chiasms had angles in the range 115.36°–124.76 ° (mean 120.06 [±6.65]⁰), normo-fixed chiasm angles were between 83.11° and 97.53 ° (mean 86.07 [±6.73]⁰), and postfixed chiasms ranged between 53.01 ° and 78.71 ° (mean 69.20 [±9.13]⁰). The length of the right optic nerve ranged between 6.95 and 13.83 mm (mean 10.25 [±1.81] mm), and the length of the left between 7.25 and 12.51 mm (mean 10.40 [±1.47] mm). Obtuse angles indicated that the chiasm was prefixed, and acute angles were indicative of a postfixed chiasm. There was a strong negative correlation between optic nerve lengths and the interoptic angle; thus, as the length of the nerves increases, the interoptic angle becomes more acute. ConclusionsWe have proposed a simple measurement of the optic nerve lengths and the angle between them to predict the relative location of the OC, which can be done easily on MRI.

Byzantine-robust Federated Learning via Cosine Similarity Aggregation

Federated Learning (FL) is proposed to train a machine learning model for clients with different training data. During the training of FL, a centralized server is usually employed to aggregate local models from clients iteratively. The aggregation process suffers from Byzantine attacks, where clients’ models could be maliciously modified by attackers to degrade the training performance. Existing defense aggregation solutions use distances or angles between different gradients to identify and eliminate malicious models from clients. However, they do not work well due to the high dimensional property of the machine learning model. Distance-based solutions cannot effectively identify attackers when the gradient direction of the model is maliciously tampered with. Angle-based solutions face the issue of low model accuracy for large models. In this paper, we propose Convolutional Kernel Angle-based Defense Aggregation (CKADA) to improve defense performance under various Byzantine attacks. The key of CKADA is to use the angle between convolutional kernels as the attack detection metric because the obtuse angle indicates the wrong training direction. CKADA calculates the angle between a client’s convolutional kernel gradients and the server’s convolutional kernel gradients as the attacker detection metric and eliminates convolutional kernel gradients of clients that create an obtuse angle to mitigate the impact of attackers on the model. We evaluate the performance of CKADA using AlexNet, ResNet-50, and GoogLeNet under two typical attacks. Simulation results show that CKADA mitigates the impact of Byzantine attacks and outperforms existing angle-based solutions and distance-based solutions by improving inference accuracy up to 67% and 89% respectively.

Uncovering all possible dislocation locks in face-centered cubic materials

Dislocation reactions and locks play an important role in the plastic deformation and mechanical behavior of crystalline materials. Various types of dislocation locks in face-centered cubic (FCC) materials have been reported in the literature pertaining to material-specific molecular-dynamic simulations and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations. However, it is unknown how many dislocation locks are possible, and how immobile all the dislocation locks are, with respect to each other. Here we present a discrete mathematics-based approach to reveal all possible dislocation locks in the FCC crystal structure. Totally eight types of dislocation locks are uncovered, resulting from all possible reactions of mobile/glissile (namely, perfect and Shockley partial) dislocations with (a) non-coplanar Burgers vectors which reside on two slip planes intersecting at both obtuse and acute angles and (b) coplanar Burgers vectors. We redefine the degree of dislocation lock immobility based on misorientations between non-close-packed lock planes and close-packed {111} slip planes. The subsequently derived sequences for the dislocation lock immobility and formation tendency are rationalized by the reported experimental and dislocation-dynamics simulation results.

Multi-objective optimization and artificial neural network models for enhancing the overall performance of a microchannel heat sink with fins inspired Tesla valve profile

Microchannel heat sinks (MCHSs) are advanced cooling systems used in various applications such as electronics cooling, thermal management of high-power microprocessors, and microelectronic devices. These heat sinks are designed to efficiently dissipate heat generated by electronic components to maintain optimal operating temperatures and ensure device reliability. Employing appropriate fins within MCHSs is a crucial strategy to enhance heat removal efficiency. Since few investigations have been performed on the simultaneous thermo-hydraulic features in microchannels with Tesla valves, this research addresses this gap by suggesting that the microchannels of a heat sink be reinforced with novel Tesla valve-shaped fins. Tesla valves are designed to offer different levels of resistance depending on the flow direction. This characteristic allows for selective control of pressure drop and heat transfer efficiency by simply switching the flow direction. Utilizing Tesla valve-shaped fins is an almost new approach that differentiates the current research from conventional designs. The advantage of this structure is that under different circumstances, depending on whether more heat transfer is required or less pressure drop (ΔP), the flow direction can be changed, and the maximum efficiency of the MCHS can be accessed. The other innovative aspect of this study lies in the integration of artificial neural network (ANN) models to optimize the efficiency of MCHSs equipped with Tesla valve-shaped fins. The simulations were conducted to characterize the flow and thermal features of the MCHS. Then, these data were used as the benchmark for training the ANN models. Four ANN models were introduced to anticipate the Nusselt number (Nu) and ΔP in each forward and reverse direction. The divider's acute angle (α), the divider's obtuse angle (β), and the divider's radius (R) were selected as the input data. Multi-objective optimization and genetic algorithms were used to achieve the optimal conditions. In the optimal thermal design (Setting 2: MCHS with fin variables of α = 60 β = 180, and R = 80 μm in reverse flow direction), the overall performance had a significant enhancement of 57.1 % compared to the device lacking fins. Furthermore, in Setting 2, the overall performance of the MCHS and its diodicity experienced notable improvements of approximately 12.1 % and 38.5 %, respectively. Implementing the parameters of Setting 5 (MCHS with fin variables of α = 60, β = 152.32, and R = 73.10 μm in forward direction) during fin production resulted in a notable enhancement of about 41.1 % in the device's overall performance.

Insight into Role of Arc Torch Angle on Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Characteristics of ZL205A Aluminum Alloy.

The arc torch angle greatly affected the deposition characteristics in the wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) process, and the relation between the droplet transition behavior and macrostructure morphology was unclear. This work researched the effect of torch angle on the formation accuracy, droplet transition behavior and the mechanical properties in the WAAM process on a ZL205A aluminum alloy. The results suggested that at the obtuse torch angle, part of the energy input was used to heat the existing molten pool, which was optimized for the longer solidification period of the molten pool. Therefore, the greater layer penetration depth at 100° resulted in the improved layer-by-layer combination ability. The obtuse torch angle was associated with the better formation accuracy on the sidewall surface due to the smaller impact on the molten pool, which was influenced by both the arc pressure and droplet impact force. The eliminated pores were optimized for the mechanical properties of depositions at a torch angle of 100°; thus, the tensile strength and elongation attained maximum values of 258.6 MPa and 17.1%, respectively. These aspects made WAAM an attractive mode for manufacturing large structural components on ZL205A aluminum alloy.

Exploring students’ mathematical thinking skills in educational robotics activities

This study aims to determine how mathematical thinking skills are exhibited in educational robotics activities. In the study, activities with Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot kits were designed and implemented. An exploratory case study is adopted with secondary school students. The data obtained from open-ended questions, observations, and interviews were analyzed by content analysis. The results demonstrated various strategies in specializations and generalizations in terms of mathematical thinking skills while solving robotics problems. In this framework, "noticing symmetry", "finding a relationship between angle and direction of rotation", "noticing obtuse angles, acute angles”, and “noticing the change of sign when changing the direction of angles” were found prominent strategies in the specialization dimension. The strategies of "finding solutions compatible with the problem", "using algebraic operations", and "making calculations" were found prominent in the generalization. We hope that the findings of this study will assist in the future design and implementation of the applications of educational robotics activities for mathematical thinking.

Role of the vessel morphology on the lenticulostriate arteries hemodynamics during atrial fibrillation: A CFD-based multivariate regression analysis

Background and objectiveAtrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia, inducing accelerated and irregular beating. Beside well-known disabling symptoms - such as palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, and chest discomfort - there is growing evidence that an alteration of deep cerebral hemodynamics due to AF increases the risk of vascular dementia and cognitive impairment, even in the absence of clinical strokes. The alteration of deep cerebral circulation in AF represents one of the least investigated among the possible mechanisms. Lenticulostriate arteries (LSAs) are small perforating arteries mainly departing from the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and susceptible to small vessel disease, which is one of the mechanisms of subcortical vascular dementia development. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of different LSAs morphologies on the cerebral hemodynamics during AF. MethodsBy combining a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of LSAs with 7T high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), we performed different CFD-based multivariate regression analyses to detect which geometrical and morphological vessel features mostly affect AF hemodynamics in terms of wall shear stress. We exploited 17 cerebral 7T-MRI derived LSA vascular geometries extracted from 10 subjects and internal carotid artery data from validated 0D cardiovascular-cerebral modeling as inflow conditions. ResultsOur results revealed that few geometrical variables - namely the size of the MCA and the bifurcation angles between MCA and LSA - are able to satisfactorily predict the AF impact. In particular, the present study indicates that LSA morphologies exhibiting markedly obtuse LSA-MCA inlet angles and small MCA size downstream of the LSA-MCA bifurcation may be more prone to vascular damage induced by AF. ConclusionsThe present MRI-based computational study has been able for the first time to: (i) investigate the net impact of LSAs vascular morphologies on cerebral hemodynamics during AF events; (ii) detect which combination of morphological features worsens the hemodynamic response in the presence of AF. Awaiting necessary clinical confirmation, our analysis suggests that the local hemodynamics of LSAs is affected by their geometrical features and some LSA morphologies undergo greater hemodynamic alterations in the presence of AF.

Anatomical features of the mastoid segment of the facial canal.

Considering the tortuous course of the facial canal that houses the facial nerve, the stylomastoid artery and the homonymous vein, its morphological features are of great clinical significance in otologic, maxillofacial, oncologic, reconstructive and plastic surgery of the head and neck. The aim of this paper was to determine the individual specific features of the mastoid segment of facial canal and of the stylomastoid foramen. The study was carried out on 82 temporal bones (41 right/41 left), at the Department of anatomy and clinical anatomy of Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy of the Republic of Moldova. The morphometry of the mastoid segment of the facial canal and of the stylomastoid foramen was performed. The morphometric parameters were statistically analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics methods. The mastoid segment exited the facial canal by an obtuse, right and sharp angles, with a mean value of 113.1 ± 21.80° (right/left - 112.1 ± 23.85°/114.1 ± 19.76°), p = 0.701. The mean length of the mastoid segment was 15.1 ± 3.78 mm (right/left - 15.7 ± 3.66 mm/14.5 ± 3.84 mm), p = 0.153. The longitudinal diameter of the stylomastoid foramen had a mean of 3.0 ± 0.93 mm (right/left - 3.3 ± 0.96 mm/2.7 ± 0.81 mm), p = 0.007. The transverse diameter had a mean of 2.6 ± 0.74 mm (right/left - 2.9 ± 0.80 mm/2.4 ± 0.60 mm), p = 0.012. In otologic surgery and particularly in mastoidectomy, it should be taken into consideration that the mastoid segment of the facial canal could exit the temporal bone by a sharp, right and obtuse angles that along with high morphological variability of the stylomastoid foramen might be a predisposal factor for Bell's palsy.

A LATERAL OSTEODERM FROM KRYPHIOPARMA CAERULA (PSEUDOSUCHIA: AETOSAURIA) FROM THE UPPER TRIASSIC (NORIAN) CHINLE FORMATION OF ARIZONA

Recent collecting of fossil vertebrates in the Chinle Formation at Petrified Forest National Park (PEFO) and reinvestigation of historic collections resulted in the recognition of a new aetosaurian taxon, Kryphioparma caerula. Although distinctive, K. caerula was initially described from several fragmentary paramedian osteoderms from PEFO and the nearby Placerias Quarry, however the anatomy of the lateral osteoderms remained unknown. Here, we refer an isolated lateral osteoderm from the Placerias Quarry to K. caerula based on an ornamentation composed of large elliptical-to-rounded pits on the dorsal surface that are randomly arranged, a prominent anterior bar, a strongly obtuse angle between two partially preserved flanges, an elongate lateral eminence (spine) with a strongly embayed posterior margin, and sharp anterior ridge. This combination of anatomical features of the isolated lateral osteoderm is clearly aetosaurian and differs in significant ways from the other known aetosaurian taxa from the site. A parsimony analysis recovers K. caerula nested within the inclusive clade Typothoracinae. This lateral osteoderm demonstrates that K. caerula was a spinose aetosaur, a bauplan observed in both typothoracine and desmatosuchin aetosaurians. Thus, further highlighting observed convergence between these groups and indicating a need for a reevaluation of lateral osteoderm characters used for phylogenetic analyses.

Printed flexible solid-state microsupercapacitor with highly-stable aqueous cobalt-based inks

Cobalt-based nanomaterials are among the most noticed candidates for manufacturing supercapacitive electrodes. Inkjet-printing is an emerging technique for fabricating miniaturized devices. In this work, highly flexible microsupercapacitors (MSCs) are manufactured, using a pseudocapacitive (C = 900 F‌ g−1 at 1 A g−1) Co-oxide-hydroxide water-based and ultra-stable (up to 12 months) ink on paper. The synthesized capacitive active material consists of cobalt-oxide nanocubes and cobalt-hydroxide hexagonal nanoflakes. Conductive (Rs = 13 Ω/□) silver nanowire networks serve as current collectors, and the morphology of cobalt oxide-hydroxide structures and the developed ink features, allow for printing well-detailed and homogeneous patterns. The inkjet-printed symmetric and asymmetric devices show notable areal specific capacitances of 35.68 mF cm−2 and 23.60 mF cm−2 at a current density of 0.1 mA cm−2, respectively. The asymmetric devices deliver impressive energy and power densities of 2.76 μW h cm−2 (4.10 W h kg−1) and 646 μW cm−2 (959 W kg−1), respectively. A thorough study on the cyclic and mechanical stability of the flexible devices resulted in perfect capacitance maintenance of 94.3 % after 10,000 charge and discharge cycles and retention of over 80 % even after 1000 cycles of successive bending and folding. The extensive study of capacitance retention following folding under various obtuse and reflex angles, which can be regarded as an important step toward characterizing flexible devices suitable for being utilized in wearable electronics, is carried out for the first time to the best of our knowledge. The findings of this study clearly illustrate the prospects of using the inkjet-printing technique to fabricate high-performance MSC devices appropriate for integration with flexible and wearable electronics.

Spray Angle and Uniformity of the Flat Fan Nozzle of Deep Loosener Fertilizer for Intra-Soil Application of Fertilizers

This paper deals with the problem of predetermining the spray angle and uniformity of the flat fan sprayer with a semicircular impact surface for the intra-soil application of liquid mineral fertilizers. The jet impact on a round splash plate and radial atomization properties are investigated theoretically, the formation features of the spray with an obtuse angle are studied in a geometrical way, and the design search of the nozzle shape and optimization calculations are performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and then verified experimentally. It was revealed that the spray rate and spray angle can be adjusted by changing the parameter s, and when the spray angle is within s = 0–0.2 mm, it forms spray angles with range of 140°–175°. The spraying angle, in turn, shows the potential length of the tillage knife in accordance with the undersoil cavity dimensions. A spray uniformity of up to 74% was achieved, which is sufficient for applied studies and for intra-soil application operations. According to the investigations and field experiments, it can be concluded that the designed nozzle is applicable for the intra-soil application of liquid mineral fertilizers. The use of flat fan nozzles that form a spraying band under the soil cavity and along the entire length of the tillage knife ensures a highly efficient mixing process, the liquid mineral fertilizers with treated soil (particles) positively contributing to plant maturation.

Dimeric ethyl-tin(IV)-dibromide-hydroxide-N,N-di-methyl-formamide.

Di-μ-hydroxido-bis-[di-bromido-(di-methyl-formamide-κO)ethyl-tin(IV)], [Sn2Br4(C2H5)2(OH)2(C3H7NO)2], was prepared from ethyl-tin(IV) bromide and N,N-di-methyl-formamide (DMF) in air. The crystal structure exhibits the typical structural features of dimeric Lewis-base-stabilized monoorganotin(IV)-dihalide-hydroxides, RSnHal2(OH), i.e. two octa-hedrally coordinated Sn atoms are linked together via two bridging hydroxide groups, resulting in a centrosymmetric four-membered rhomboid-like Sn-OH ring with acute angles at the Sn atom, obtuse angles at the O atoms and two different tin-oxygen bond lengths. With the shorter bond trans to the ethyl group, this observation underlines once more the so-called trans-strengthening effect in monoorganotin(IV) com-pounds with octa-hedrally coordinated Sn atoms. Differences and similarities in the bond lengths and angles in the four-membered Sn-OH rings have been worked out for the rings in dimeric diorganotin(IV)-halide-hydroxides, [R 2SnHal(OH)]2, and hydrates of dimeric tin(IV)-trihalide-hydroxide-aqua-hydrates, [SnHal3(OH)(H2O)]2·nH2O.

Chlorophyll content and leaf area correlated with corn (Zea mays) yield components in F&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; hybrids

Chlorophyll content and leaf area are important biochemical and biophysical regulators of water, energy and carbon exchange during photosynthesis. The present study was carried out during 2020 (autumn) and 2021 (spring) at the agronomy experimental station, College of Agricultural Engineering Science, Salahaddin University, Erbil, Iraq to identify the relationship of chlorophyll and leaf area with yield and yield-related characteristics among 8 introduced corn (Zea mays L.) F1 hybrids. Results demonstrated that the 8 hybrids were significantly different from each other for the number of kernels/row, number of leaves/ear, chlorophyll content and leaf area. Hybrid-by-year interaction was significant for ear yield, ear length, ear diameter, number of rows/ear, number of kernels/row and number of leaves/ear. No relationships phenotypically and genetically were found among chlorophyll with yield and yield-related traits in both the years. However, phenotypic and genotypic correlations were significant between leaf area and yield contributing traits in autumn 2020. Short vectors or obtuse angles by biplot analysis showed the same direction for correlation analysis. In conclusion, more information in future plant breeding programmes at phenotypic and DNA levels are required to represent the relationship between chlorophyll content with yield and yield-related traits. However, different correlations between leaf areas in the two growing years might be owing to the fluctuated local environmental factors during the plant growth period and/or no adaptation of new hybrids to the local environments.

Results of Modified Stenströms Technique Otoplasty and Patients' Satisfaction at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital (KFAFH).

Background Globally, the prevalence of protruding ears is relatively frequent. Ear deformities manifest due to underdevelopment of the antihelical fold, conchal hypertrophy, and/or an obtuse conchoscaphal angle. The availability of multiple approaches proves that there isn't a single optimal accepted procedure. The Modified Stenström otoplasty technique supports the surgeon in the management of underdeveloped antihelix fold, conchal hypertrophy, and obtuse conchoscaphal angle among other deformities. We are the first to evaluate the clinical effects and measure the satisfaction rate post-otoplasty using the modified Stenström technique with a case series study. Methods Six patients were included in the study with a total of 12 ears operated on between February 2021 and July 2022. Utilizing the modified Stenström technique for bilateral protruding ears. All patients had six postoperative follow-up visits with fixed intervals; one week, three weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year. During their one-year postoperative follow-up appointment, all patients completed thesatisfaction survey questions. Results Six individuals were studied, three males and three females with a mean age of 23.1 (range, 7-53 years old). There were no complications or recurrences observed. Based on the responses we collected, all patients reported a high satisfaction rate at one-year postoperative follow-up. Conclusion The modified Stenström technique yields good naturally appearing ears. It is an easy and safe technique to apply. It has a short recovery period, and no hospital stay is required. All contribute to a high satisfaction rate among studied patients.

High temperature transformations and thermal expansion of halotrichite FeAl&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (SO&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;)&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;⋅22H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;O

Halotrichite is a widespread mineral in post-volcanic environments and oxidation zones of ore deposits. Halotrichite is stable at temperature up to 70 °C; further heating leads to the formation of an X-ray amorphous phase I. There are reflections of millosevichite (prevailing) and mikasaite appearing in the range of temperatures 340–660 °C. Millosevichite and mikasaite are decomposing at temperatures 660 °C with the formation of an X-ray amorphous phase II. According to data of the synchronous thermal analysis, the transition from halotrichite into anhydrous sulfates is accompanied by the loss of H2O molecules, which makes about 42.9 wt %, the transition to the X-ray amorphous phase II is caused by the loss of SO3, which is ca. 37.4 wt %, associated with two endothermal effects. The thermal expansion of halotrichite is sharply anisotropic, the maximum expansion is determined by the shear deformations of the lattice in its monoclinic plane along the bisectrix of the obtuse angle β, and the minimum one – in the direction of strong S–O–Fe bonds inside [Fe(SO4)(H2O)5]0 complexes. The significant volumetric expansion of halotrichite (9(3)∙10-5 ºC-1) occurs due to the determing role of hydrogen bonds in composition of the crystal structure.

A new species of the genus Nanosesarma Tweedie, 1950 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from India

A new species of mangrove sesarmid crab, Nanosesarma gomantaka n. sp. is described on the basis of specimens collected from Chapora Estuary in Goa State, India. Nanosesarma gomantaka n. sp. closely resembles N. pontianacense (De Man, 1895) from Southeast and East Asia in having an elongated carapace, arcuate frontal lobes with a median notch and the presence of strong proximal spine on outer surface of male cheliped dactylus, but can be distinguished by the generally more arcuate frontal lobes with deep V-shaped median notch, the tip of the external orbital angle not extending beyond the rudimentary epibranchial tooth, and the proportionately more slender male first gonopod, with a straight distal portion bent at an obtuse angle.