University of Mons

Sequences of structured matrices of increasing size, such as generalized locally Toeplitz sequences, arise in many scientific applications and especially in the numerical discretization of linear differential problems. We assume that the eigenvalues of a matrix X_n , belonging to a sequence of such kind, are given by a regular expansion. Under this working hypothesis, we propose a method for computing approximations of the eigenvalues of X_n for large n and we provide a theoretical analysis of its convergence. The method is called matrix-less because it does not operate on the matrix X_n but on a few similar matrices of smaller size combined with an interpolation-extrapolation strategy. The working hypothesis and the performance of the proposed eigenvalue approximation method are benchmarked on several numerical examples, with a special attention to matrices arising from the discretization of variable-coefficient differential problems.

Rapid advancements in nanotechnology have allowed for the characterization of single molecules by placing them in the vicinity of nanoplasmonic structures that are known to confine light to sub-molecular scales. In this study, we introduce a theoretical framework that captures higher-order effects, and we explore the limits of the standard description of a molecular emitter as a point-dipole. We particularly focus on the role played by the emitter chain length and electron conjugation. Strong deviations are observed from the point-dipole approximation, demonstrating that higher-order effects are essential to fully capture the emission rate of extended molecules in the vicinity of nanoparticles. This deviation strongly depends on the orientation of the conjugated chain relative to the nanoplasmonic structure. Finally, we propose a simple rationalization that qualitatively assesses the difference from the point-dipole approximation.

Objective This study aims to evaluate the impact of prompt construction on the quality of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot responses in the context of head and neck surgery. Study Design Observational and evaluative study. Setting An international collaboration involving 16 researchers from 11 European centers specializing in head and neck surgery. Methods A total of 24 questions, divided into clinical scenarios, theoretical questions, and patient inquiries, were developed. These questions were entered into ChatGPT‐4o both with and without the use of a structured prompt format, known as SMART (Seeker, Mission, AI Role, Register, Targeted Question). The AI‐generated responses were evaluated by experienced head and neck surgeons using the Quality Analysis of Medical Artificial Intelligence instrument (QAMAI), which assesses accuracy, clarity, relevance, completeness, source quality, and usefulness. Results The responses generated using the SMART prompt scored significantly higher across all QAMAI dimensions compared to those without contextualized prompts. Median QAMAI scores for SMART prompts were 27.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 25‐29) versus 24 (IQR 21.8‐25) for unstructured prompts (P < .001). Clinical scenarios and patient inquiries showed the most significant improvements, while theoretical questions also benefited, but to a lesser extent. The AI's source quality improved notably with the SMART prompt, particularly in theoretical questions. Conclusion This study suggests that the structured SMART prompt format significantly enhances the quality of AI chatbot responses in head and neck surgery. This approach improves the accuracy, relevance, and completeness of AI‐generated information, underscoring the importance of well‐constructed prompts in clinical applications. Further research is warranted to explore the applicability of SMART prompts across different medical specialties and AI platforms.

Iminophosphoranes with the general formula (R3P═NR′) have great potential in synthetic chemistry as valuable precursors/intermediates in organic synthesis or as building blocks for various organic compounds. However, the synthetic approaches and conditions to prepare iminophosphoranes are still poorly understood, limiting the utility of this chemistry for organic materials. In this article, a simple and efficient synthesis of previously unattainable poly(arylene iminophosphoranes) is reported. The azide-phosphine Staudinger polycondensation is used, and the reaction conditions are carefully studied, including consideration of light and air, the influence of solvent and temperature, and investigation of the electronic and steric effects of multiazides. The newly defined reaction conditions appear to be highly versatile, allowing the use of both electron-rich and electron-deficient arylazides for reaction with phosphines to synthesize a library of poly(arylene iminophosphorane) networks that exhibit exceptional thermal and oxidative stability. Interestingly, despite the ylidic-form of the iminophosphorane linkage as shown by theoretical calculations, these newly developed poly(arylene-iminophosphorane) networks exhibit semiconducting properties, such as absorption band edges up to 800 nm and optical band gaps in the range of 1.70 to 2.40 eV. Finally, we demonstrate the broad applicability of these polymers by processing them into glassy films, creating foam-like structures and synthesizing metallo-polymer hybrids.

Barbed reposition pharyngoplasty (BRP) is a new technique to manage velo‐pharyngeal obstruction and collapse in OSA patients. Tonsillectomy is a preliminary step of BRP surgery. Dissection of the PPM with monopolar or hot instruments is an essential step of the BRP technique. Tonsillectomy and muscle manipulation should be managed with careful attention due to the risk of muscle fibers rupture and surgical failure. We describe the coblator assisted BRP. The aim of this paper is to report the use and advantages of coblator technology in tonsillectomy and the velo‐pharyngeal dissection before the PPM relocation with barbed sutures. In this operative technique study 100 OSA patients underwent Co‐barbed technique. The CO‐BRP technique has been considered fast, safe and minimally invasive with a low postoperative pain (mean value 3.63 ± 0.7). Postoperatively, a significant decrease in mean AHI from 35.63 ± 10.57 to 17.06 ± 5.92 (P < .005) emerged.

To facilitate flexible manufacturing, modern industries have incorporated numerous modular operations such as multi-robot services which can be expediently arranged or offloaded to other production resources. However, complex manufacturing projects often consist of multiple tasks with fixed sequences, posing a significant challenge for smart factories in efficiently scheduling limited robot resources to complete specific tasks. Additionally, when projects span across factories, ensuring faithful execution of contracts becomes another challenge. In this paper, we propose a modified combinatorial auction method combined with blockchain and edge computing technologies to organize project scheduling. Firstly, we transform efficient resource scheduling into a resource-constrained multi-project scheduling problem (RCPSP). Subsequently, the solution integrates combinatorial auction with random sampling (CA-RS) into smart contracts. Alongside security analysis, simulations are conducted using real data sets. The results indicate that the suggested CA-RS approach significantly enhances efficiency and security in resource arrangement within the industrial Internet of Things compared to baseline algorithms.

Background This multicenter, triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of auriculotherapy in managing pain, edema, and anxiety following orthognathic surgical procedures. Materials and Methods The study involved patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery at two centers. Participants were randomized into two groups: the auriculotherapy group (AG), where vaccaria seeds were applied to six auricular points, and a placebo group (PG), where patches without seeds were applied to the same points. For ten-day post-surgery, patients underwent assessments of their pain levels, swelling, and anxiety. Results Sixty-one patients were included (31 in the AG and 30 in the PG). The differences in pain level between the two groups were not significant until the 5-day check. Subsequently, the AG showed significantly lower levels of pain up to the 10-day follow-up. During the study period, patients in the AG consumed a significantly lower number of pain-relief medications compared to the PG (AG 18 [IQR 15.5-22.5], PG 22 [IQR 17.8-24], p = 0.025). The differences between the two groups regarding the severity of the edema were not significant at all time points. The two groups did not show significant differences in terms of preoperative anxiety score. Ten days after the surgical procedure, the PG exhibited significantly higher anxiety levels compared to the AG. Conclusions Auriculotherapy has shown promise in managing post-orthognathic surgery pain and reducing patient anxiety , while also allowing reduced medication intake. For these reasons, it could serve as a cost-effective and side-effect-free therapeutic adjunct for these patients.

Nitrogen-containing fertilizers are key chemicals for our population, ensuring the constantly growing demands in food production. Fertilizers promote vegetative growth, specifically through the formation of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. However, the current synthesis method relies on the Haber–Bosch process for ammonia synthesis, one of the largest-volume chemicals made globally, having a significant environmental impact. The need for a sustainable and green industry with low CO2 emission triggers the demand to reconsider the current fertilizer production approach. In this context, electrified, local, small-scale production emerges as a promising option to address current environmental and economic challenges. This approach allows production to be consumer-oriented while adhering to environmental regulations. In light of this, non-equilibrium plasma technology has gained a wave of attention. Plasma-based nitrogen fixation has a long history, starting more than a century ago. It was one of the first nitrogen fixation methods invented and later replaced by more energy-efficient technologies. In the current paradigm, this approach can fulfill all industrial and social demands: it perfectly aligns with non-stable renewable energy, is carbon-neutral, relatively simple to maintain, and can provide a valuable source of fixed nitrogen on a small-scale, on-farm production with complete control over land processing. The plethora of existing publications on plasma-based nitrogen fixation addresses the concept of synthesizing nitrogen-containing fertilizers. However, despite significant advancements in the field and the availability of numerous reviews, they tend to focus on specific aspects, such as plasma physics (e.g., the role of vibration excitation), plasma-initiated chemistry (e.g., nitrogen oxidation or reduction), or reactor design. This tutorial review aims to bridge these gaps by presenting an integrated and accessible explanation of the interconnections between different aspects affecting plasma-based nitrogen fixation. It is designed both for newcomers to the field and those who want to broaden their knowledge, highlighting the current state-of-the-art and offering insights into future research directions and implementations.

New relativistic wave equations and Lagrangians are proposed for massive fields of integer spins in three-dimensional Minkowski space.

This study introduces a novel one‐pot strategy for the chemical valorization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), coupling its base‐catalyzed depolymerization with the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of trimethylene carbonate (TMC). The process exploits an eutectic mixture of lactide (LA) and TMC, which lowers the thermal input required for PLA degradation. Using potassium aryloxide (KOArtBu) as a bifunctional catalyst, the PLA is first quickly hydrolyzed into oligomers or lactic acid, which subsequently initiate the slower polymerization of TMC. Notably, this transformation operates in the presence of residual water, eliminating the need for tedious drying steps. The method achieves selective PLA breakdown conversion and produces (oligo)lactic acid end‐capped poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) with tunable molar mass, depending on water content.

Anthropic-related pollinator decline is a major challenge. To ensure that we characterize the underlying ecological processes and implement appropriate conservation measures, it is important to consider multiple dimensions of diversity. Here, we use a rare dataset of bee communities spanning over 100 years (1910–2019) in northern France, an area subject to severe land use alteration. By analyzing species-level data together with functional traits, we demonstrate a significant decline and homogenization of taxonomic diversity associated with a functional restructuring of bee communities. By combining extinction probabilities based on Red List categories with functional characteristics, we identified species critical for maintaining functional diversity and in need of urgent conservation actions. Present-day communities exhibited functional shifts favoring larger, eusocial generalist species with a long phenology, likely reflecting greater adaptability to reduced resource availability in space and time. Species with higher thermal resistance and warmer climatic niches were favored over time, indicating functional filtering of species adapted to climatic warming. In addition, recent bee communities were characterized by species with larger habitat breadth and stronger affinity for artificial habitats. These changes resulted in decreased functional evenness and increased dominance of species with extreme trait combinations, reducing functional redundancy and potentially destabilizing ecosystem processes. Suitable habitats and host plants are identified and recommended for supporting the most functionally threatened bee species. Our findings underscore the importance of considering functional traits in conservation prioritization efforts, and advocate a more integrated approach that incorporates both taxonomic and functional perspectives to effectively mitigate bee biodiversity loss.

Deficits of social cognition are regularly but inconsistently reported among individuals with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). Because of the multifaceted nature of social cognition, deficits might be only observed when assessing specific facets of social cognition and under sufficiently demanding conditions. This study examined self–other distinction performance, a key facet lying at the core of the attachment-based model of mentalizing (Fonagy & Luyten, 2009). Twenty-one forensic inpatients with ASPD and 19 participants from the community completed a visual perspective-taking paradigm allowing to tease apart self–other priority (i.e., how self-focused one is) from self–other distinction performance (i.e., how much one confuses his with others’ mental states). The ASPD group made significantly more errors at handling conflicting self–other viewpoints when requiring self–other distinction (19%) than the control group (4%), but the ASPD group was not significantly more self-focused. In contrast, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index self-report scale did not differentiate the two groups. However, a novel measure of self–other distinction based on empathic concern (i.e., the tendency to experience feelings of concern and compassion for others) and personal distress subscales (i.e., the tendency to experience personal distress in response to the distress of others) did differentiate the two groups, albeit to a significantly lower extent than the objective measure of self–other distinction. Altogether, these findings indicate the presence of a self–other distinction deficit in ASPD and advocate for psychometric approaches that embrace the multifaceted nature of social cognition and the need for objective measures with sufficient sensitivity.

Marine plastispheres represent dynamic microhabitats where microorganisms colonise plastic debris and interact. Metaproteomics has provided novel insights into the metabolic processes within these communities; however, the early metabolic interactions driving the plastisphere formation remain unclear. This study utilised metaproteomic and metagenomic approaches to explore early plastisphere formation on low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) over 3 (D3) and 7 (D7) days, focusing on microbial diversity, activity and biofilm development. In total, 2948 proteins were analysed, revealing dominant proteomes from Pseudomonas and Marinomonas , with near‐complete metagenome‐assembled genomes (MAGs). Pseudomonas dominated at D3, whilst at D7, Marinomonas , along with Acinetobacter, Vibrio and other genera became more prevalent. Pseudomonas and Marinomonas showed high expression of reactive oxygen species (ROS) suppression proteins, associated with oxidative stress regulation, whilst granule formation, and alternative carbon utilisation enzymes, also indicated nutrient limitations. Interestingly, 13 alkanes and other xenobiotic degradation enzymes were expressed by five genera. The expression of toxins, several type VI secretion system (TVISS) proteins, and biofilm formation proteins by Pseudomonas indicated their competitive advantage against other taxa. Upregulated metabolic pathways relating to substrate transport also suggested enhanced nutrient cross‐feeding within the more diverse biofilm community. These insights enhance our understanding of plastisphere ecology and its potential for biotechnological applications.

Identifying and characterizing intermolecular forces in the condensed phase is crucial for understanding both micro- and macroscopic properties of solids; ranging from solid-state reactivity to thermal expansion. Insight into these interactions enables a holistic comprehension of bulk properties, and thus understanding them has direct implications for supramolecular design. However, even modest changes to intermolecular interactions can create unpredictable changes to solid-state structures and dynamics. For example, copper(II) acetylacetonate (Cu(C5}H7O2)2) and copper(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate (Cu(C5HF6O2)2) exhibit similar molecular conformations, yet differences between the methyl and trifluoromethyl groups produce distinct sets of intermolecular forces in the condensed phase. Ultimately, these differences produce unique molecular arrangements in the solid state, with corresponding differences in material properties between the two crystals. In this work, terahertz spectroscopy is used to measure low-frequency vibrational dynamics, which, by extension, provide detailed insight into the underlying intermolecular forces that exist in each system. The experimental data is coupled to theoretical quantum mechanical simulations to precisely quantify the interplay between various energetic effects, and these results highlight the delicate balance that is struck between electronic and dispersive interactions that underpin the structural and related differences between the two systems.

Introduction There are inconsistencies in how different endoscopic procedures to manage Bilateral Vocal Fold Immobility (BVFI) have been described in the literature. This limits our ability to compare functional outcomes. There is no unifying international terminology available that precisely describes the anatomical boundaries and extent of the different types of treatment. A pan-European consensus regarding terminology of different endoscopic surgical procedures to manage BVFI in adults was developed. Methods Thirty-one expert laryngologists and phoniatricians of the European Laryngological Society (ELS) or Union of the European Phoniatricians (UEP), participated in a modified Delphi process. They voted on an initial series of 13 proposed statements, including graphical visualization of different endoscopic surgical techniques for BVFI. Statements reaching > 70% of agreement in the first voting round were accepted. In the second voting round, eight revised and newly proposed statements were accepted with an increased threshold of > 80%. Results Fourteen statements were anonymously validated through two voting rounds. The following categories of endoscopic arytenoid and vocal fold surgery were defined: total arytenoidectomy, partial arytenoidectomy (subclassified into subtotal, anteromedial, posteromedial and superomedial), posterior cordectomy (subclassified into ligamental, transmuscular and ventriculocordectomy) and transverse cordotomy (subclassified into posterior cordotomy and ventriculocordotomy). The suffixes ‘with mucosal preservation’, ‘with laterofixation’ and ‘combined procedure’ were defined too. Conclusion This ELS-UEP consensus on endoscopic arytenoid and vocal fold surgery for BVFI provides a practical nomenclature and classification to improve reporting in literature and clinical practice and to allow comparison of functional outcomes.

It is well evidenced that Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMS) are important mental health determinants, particularly in adolescents and young adults. The short version of the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ-S3) is widely used globally to assess EMS, and has yet to be validated in the Arabic language. The aim of the current study was to validate the Arabic version of the YSQ-S3 in Arabic-speaking young adults from Lebanon. This cross-sectional study was carried out between September and December 2020. A total of 1175 participants was recruited through convenience sampling. The data was collected through an online questionnaire containing the following sections: sociodemographic information about the participants, Young Schema Questionnaire—Short Form Version 3 (YSQ-S3), the Lebanese Anxiety Scale (LAS-10), the Beirut Distress Scale (BDS-10) and the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a reasonable fit to the 5-domain structure of the questionnaire. All scores showed high McDonald’s omega values (0.91–0.97). Additionally, all maladaptive domains were significantly and positively correlated with more depression, anxiety and stress, attesting for their concurrent validity. Finally, analyses supported the measurement invariance of the Arabic YSQ-S3, with no difference found between men and women in all domains. The results of the current study suggest that the YSQ-S3 is a valid instrument to assess EMS among the Arabic-speaking population. The validation of the Arabic version of the YSQ-S3 should facilitate the evaluation of EMS for clinicians in their practices.

Nature's most brilliant hues arise from the interaction of light with multilayered‐ structures of aligned building blocks. Mimicking this hierarchical organization in highly‐ordered thin films of liquid crystalline species has attracted increasing attention for potential applications in sensors and optical switching displays. Due to its intriguing ability to organize into optically active materials, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are attracting a strong interest in the scientific community. This study demonstrates that the shear‐driven convective assembly technique can be used to stratify in a controlled fashion highly ordered multilayers of rod‐like CNC embedded in a protective hydrophobic polymer matrix leading to optically active thin films. The films remain fully transparent even after stratifying 50 layers. Atomic force microscopy analysis reveals that over 87% of the CNCs in the upper layer aligned within ±20° of the withdrawal direction. Notably, the stratification does not disrupt the organization of the underlying layers. The films exhibit strong selective reflections with uniform and intense colors, dependent on the number of stratified layers. This scalable appraoch enables precise control over the optical characteristics of CNC‐polymer composite films, presenting opportunities for environmentally friendly applications in pigment‐free coatings, security papers, and optical devices.

Propolis is a resinous material collected by different bee species from various plant exudates and used to seal holes in honeycombs, smoothen the internal walls, embalm intruders, improve health and prevent diseases. From its n-hexane extract, eight compounds were isolated and characterised as: mangiferonic acid (1); 1-hydroxymangiferonic acid (2), new natural product; mangiferolic acid (3); 27-hydroxymangiferolic acid (4), reported here for the first time as propolis constituent; 27-hydroxymangiferonic acid (5); α-amyrin (6); β-amyrin (7) and lupeol (8). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated using spectroscopic methods, such as 1D and 2D-NMR, mass spectrometry and comparison with previous published reports. Compounds 6-8 and n-hexane extract were tested against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria strains using agar disc diffusion and macrodilution techniques. Interestingly, n-hexane extract and compounds 6-8 had good inhibitory activities against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and the clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. The biological effects of n-hexane extract and its fractions against K. pneumoniae 12 CM and MRSA revealed in the present study suggest that the Cameroonian dark brown propolis could be a potential alternative management of biofilms on medical devices and respiratory skin or infections.