Full Shift Research Articles

Swab-Free Transport as an Optimized Preanalytical Workflow for SARS-CoV-2 Amplification.

IntroductionEfficient detection of SARS-CoV-2 will continue to be an invaluable tool for pandemic control. Current instructions specify that the collection swab should be transported within its collection media to the laboratory. Developing a process whereby this swab is removed before transport to the lab would allow for improved automation and decreased manual manipulation of samples.MethodsA proof of principle approach was taken by eluting viral particles from flocked swabs into collection buffer with and without a mucus background. Paired swab-free and swab-containing samples were transported to the laboratory and evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 (n = 28) or RNaseP (n = 6). SARS-CoV-2 amplification was performed using the Hologic Panther Fusion Aptima and RT-PCR assays.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 was detected in all proof of principle samples with Ct values indicative of dilution. The rare exception was for a few samples where the dilution pushed the viral load below the LOD. Paired samples were 100% concordant for SARS-CoV-2 and RNaseP detection.ConclusionDiscarding the swab after inoculating the transport buffer is an appropriate pre-analytical modification. Adopting this approach can save up to 1 minute/sample. For labs processing more than 500 samples/day this equates to one full time equivalent shift/day.

Lamplighters admit weakly aperiodic SFTs

Let A be a finite set and G a group. A closed subset X of A^G is called a subshift if the action of G on A^G preserves X . If K is a closed subset of A^G such that membership in K is determined by looking at a fixed finite set of coordinates, and X is the intersection of all translates of K under the action of G , then X is called a subshift of finite type (SFT). If an SFT is nonempty and contains no finite G -orbits, it is said to be weakly aperiodic. A virtually cyclic group has no weakly aperiodic SFT, and Carroll and Penland have conjectured that a group with no weakly aperiodic SFT must be virtually cyclic. Answering a question of Jeandel, we show that lamplighters always admit weakly aperiodic SFTs.

Entropy conjugacy for Markov multi-maps of the interval

We consider a class $ \mathcal{F} $ of Markov multi-maps on the unit interval. Any multi-map gives rise to a space of trajectories, which is a closed, shift-invariant subset of $ [0, 1]^{\mathbb{Z}_+} $. For a multi-map in $ \mathcal{F} $, we show that the space of trajectories is (Borel) entropy conjugate to an associated shift of finite type. Additionally, we characterize the set of numbers that can be obtained as the topological entropy of a multi-map in $ \mathcal{F} $.

Markov chain approximation and measure change for time-inhomogeneous stochastic processes

In this paper, we propose a general time-inhomogeneous continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) framework for the approximation of the general one-dimensional and two-dimensional time-inhomogeneous diffusion processes. For the approximating CTMC, we can perform a change of measure, choose the minimal relative entropy measure to determine the measure uniquely, and finally establish the convergence. Therefore, the proposed methodology covers the stochastic processes that are hard to perform a change of measure, and is applicable to valuation problems driven by models not only under the risk-neutral probability measure but also under the physical probability measure.

Label-Free Analysis with Multiple Parameters Separates G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling Pathways.

Real-time label-free techniques are used to profile G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways in living cells. However, interpreting the label-free signal responses is challenging, and previously reported methods do not reliably separate pathways from each other. In this study, a continuous angular-scanning surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique is utilized for measuring label-free GPCR signal profiles. We show how the continuous angular-scanning ability, measuring up to nine real-time label-free parameters simultaneously, results in more information-rich label-free signal profiles for different GPCR pathways, providing a more accurate pathway separation. For this, we measured real-time full-angular SPR response curves for Gs, Gq, and Gi signaling pathways in living cells. By selecting two of the most prominent label-free parameters: the full SPR curve angular and intensity shifts, we present how this analysis approach can separate each of the three signaling pathways in a straightforward single-step analysis setup, without concurrent use of signal inhibitors or other response modulating compounds.

New aspects of power grid facilities personnel workplaces electromagnetic environment

Introduction. Electromagnetic safety of power grid facilities staff requires the exclusion of electromagnetic fields (EMF) harmful effects. EMF is evaluated by 50 Hz electric and magnetic fields (EF and MF) values in the framework of working conditions special assessment, and very rarely the analysis of the electromagnetic environment (EME) is carried out in depth. The aim of the study - EME hygienic assessment of power grid EHV facilities personnel workplace with adequate 50 Hz EF and MF levels evaluation as well as the analysis of EF and MF in the frequency range from 5 Hz to 500 Hz amplitude-frequency characteristics. Materials and methods. 50 Hz EF and MF values assessment was carried out on open switchgears (S) of substations and within sanitary breaks of 500 and 750 kV overhead power transmission lines (OTL). Measurements along to OTL trasses was performed using matrix-based method. Measurements and analysis of EF and MF values in 5-500 Hz frequency range amplitude-frequency characteristics were performed in the territory of 500 and 750 kV S. Results. Power frequency 50 Hz measurements results at 500 and 750 kV S ground-level personnel workplaces showed the presence of an excess of permissible limit values by EF intensity and the absence of an excess by MF. The measured EF values within 500 and 750 kV OTL sanitary gaps require limiting the working time of linemen due to the excess of the hygienic norms for full work shift, while the MP levels were almost completely within the standard values for persons not occupationally connected with electrical installations maintenance. MF and EE frequency range from 50 Hz to 500 Hz spectral characteristics analysis showed that 3rd harmonic percentage does not exceed 2.5% for EF and 6% for MF of the main level, the level of the 5th harmonic does not exceed 1% for EF and 3.5% for MF, the level of the 7th harmonic does not exceed 0.2% for EF and 0.8% for MF. These data show despite its low levels the contribution of MF different harmonics in a possible adverse impact on humane than EF corresponding harmonics. Conclusions. There was the confirmation of the previously justified use of the "matrix" scheme for of EF and MF values measurement along OTL routes. The relevance of to EF and MF all frequency components expos ure assessing possible health risk in extremely high voltage S territories and under OTL, based on international recommendations due to the lack of sanitary regulations in the Russian Federation for >50 Hz-30 kHz EF and MF, is shown.

Computability at zero temperature**Burr was partially supported by the National Science Foundation Grants CCF-1527193 and DMS-1913119. Wolf was partially supported by Grants from the PSC-CUNY (TRADB-49-253 to Christian Wolf) and the Simons Foundation (#637594 to Christian Wolf).

We investigate the computability of thermodynamic invariants at zero temperature for one-dimensional subshifts of finite type. In particular, we prove that the residual entropy (i.e., the joint ground state entropy) is an upper semi-computable function on the space of continuous potentials, but it is not computable. Next, we consider locally constant potentials for which the zero-temperature measure is known to exist. We characterize the computability of the zero-temperature measure and its entropy for potentials that are constant on cylinders of a given length k. In particular, we show the existence of an open and dense set of locally constant potentials for which the zero-temperature measure can be computationally identified as an elementary periodic point measure. Finally, we show that our methods do not generalize to treat the case when k is not given.

Large deviations for denominators of continued fractions

We give exponential upper bounds on the probability with which the denominator of the nth convergent in the regular continued fraction expansion stays away from the mean . The exponential rate is best possible, given by an analytic function related to the dimension spectrum of Lyapunov exponents for the Gauss transformation. We also establish the large deviation principle (LDP) for denominators. As corollaries, we derive the LDPs for denominators of periodic continued fractions and continued fraction preimages. Proofs of the main results rely on the thermodynamic formalism for finite topological Markov shifts.

<img src=image/13491345_01.gif>-action Induced by Shift Map on 1-Step Shift of Finite Type over Two Symbols and k-type Transitive

The dynamics of a multidimensional dynamical system may sometimes be inherited from the dynamics of its classical dynamical system. In a multidimensional case, we introduce a new map called a -action on space X induced by a continuous map as such that , where , and is a map of the form . We then look at how topological transitivity of f effects the behaviour of k-type transitivity of the -action, . To verify this, we look specifically at spaces called 1-step shifts of finite type over two symbols which are equipped with a map called the shift map, . We apply some topological theories to prove the -action on 1-step shifts of finite type over two symbols induced by the shift map, is k-type transitive for all whenever is topologically transitive. We found a counterexample which shows that not all maps are k-type transitive for all . However, we have also found some sufficient conditions for k-type transitivity for all . In conclusions, the map on 1-step shifts of finite type over two symbols induced by the shift map is k-type transitive for all whenever either the shift map is topologically transitive or satisfies the sufficient conditions. This study helps to develop the study of k-chaotic behaviours of -action on the multidimensional dynamical system, contributions, and its application towards symbolic dynamics.

A Competitiveness Analysis of the Beauty Service Industry in Korea, USA, Japan, Germany, UK and China

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare the competitiveness of the beauty service industry among six major countries (Korea, USA, Japan, Germany, UK and China), in order to suggest the strategic growth direction of the Korea beauty service industry and the implications for entering the overseas markets. Design/Methodology/Approach This study analyzes the competitiveness of the beauty service industry in the aforementioned six countries using Michael Porter’s Diamond Model. In addition, the statistical data and the survey results from World Economic Forum (WEF), International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Industrial Statistics Analysis System (ISTANS) and Euromonitor are used to measure the competitiveness. Findings The major results show each of the six countries’ competitiveness characteristics in the beauty service industry. The USA has subdivided the qualifications system and implemented a qualification renewal system for voluntary education of experts. The UK offers different customer-focused services. Germany is improving its expertise based on labor-management culture. China is taking the lead in digitalization, and Japan is trying to enter overseas markets. In Korea, there is a weak qualification system and an imbalance in manpower supply. In order to overcome these weakness, it is urgent to prepare a strategic plan to apply the information and communication technology to the beauty service industry in Korea. Research Implications There have been few previous studies on the beauty service industry, even though the international interests of K-beauty and the growth potential for the beauty service are increasing. There is a need to enforce strategically the factor conditions in the Korea beauty service industry, which is currently labor-intensive. In addition, there is a need to create new business models for smart beauty service, recognizing the importance of digitalization of the service industry.

Topological full groups and t.d.l.c. completions of Thompson’s V

We show that every topological full group coming from a one-sided irreducible shift of finite type, in the sense of Matui, is isomorphic to a group of tree almost automorphisms preserving an edge colouring of the tree. As an application, we prove that it admits totally disconnected, locally compact completions of arbitrary nonempty finite local prime content. The completions we construct have open, simple commutator subgroup. Our results apply to Thompson’s V, providing answers to two questions asked by Le Boudec and Wesolek.

Recoding Lie algebraic subshifts

<p style='text-indent:20px;'>We study internal Lie algebras in the category of subshifts on a fixed group – or Lie algebraic subshifts for short. We show that if the acting group is virtually polycyclic and the underlying vector space has dense homoclinic points, such subshifts can be recoded to have a cellwise Lie bracket. On the other hand there exist Lie algebraic subshifts (on any finitely-generated non-torsion group) with cellwise vector space operations whose bracket cannot be recoded to be cellwise. We also show that one-dimensional full vector shifts with cellwise vector space operations can support infinitely many compatible Lie brackets even up to automorphisms of the underlying vector shift, and we state the classification problem of such brackets. <p style='text-indent:20px;'>From attempts to generalize these results to other acting groups, the following questions arise: Does every f.g. group admit a linear cellular automaton of infinite order? Which groups admit abelian group shifts whose homoclinic group is not generated by finitely many orbits? For the first question, we show that the Grigorchuk group admits such a CA, and for the second we show that the lamplighter group admits such group shifts.

Comparisons of physical exposure between workers harvesting apples on mobile orchard platforms and ladders, part 1: Back and upper arm postures

This study compared farmworkers’ exposure to non-neutral postures using a new mobile platform apple harvesting method and the traditional method using ladders. Twenty-four workers were recruited and assigned into three groups: ladder workers (n = 8) picking apples from full trees using a ladder, mobile platform workers (n = 8) picking apples from upper part of the trees while standing on a moving platform, and ground-based mobile platform workers (n = 8) picking apples from lower part of the trees which the mobile platform workers left out. Upper arm and back inclinations were continuously monitored during harvesting using tri-axial accelerometers over full work shifts (~8 h). Upper arm posture was characterized as the percentage of time that upper arm flexion and abduction exceeded 30°, 60°, and 90°. Back posture was characterized as the percentage of time that torso angles (sagittal flexion or lateral bending) exceeded 10°, 20°, and 30°. The 10th, 50th, and 90th postural percentiles were also calculated. The platform workers had lower exposures to upper arm flexion and abduction than the ground and ladder workers. There were no differences in torso angles between the ladder and mobile platform workers; however, the ground workers were exposed to more and greater percentages of time in torso flexions.

Resonator-based reflective metasurface for low-frequency underwater acoustic waves

A novel resonator-based metasurface is devised to control reflected underwater waves. Each metasurface unit is constructed with an aluminum plate attached to a lead mass. By tailoring the thickness of the plate, full 2π phase shift of the reflected wave can be achieved. Examples of redirection, focusing, and directional carpet cloaking are demonstrated as applications. The target frequency can be as low as 500 Hz and it can operate in a broadband range. Slight modifications allow the design to perform excellently from tens to thousands of hertz. This metasurface provides a new design paradigm when there is a need to manipulate low frequency underwater waves, such as in submarines for stealth operation or detection-signal manipulation to provide deceptive information.

Measures of maximal entropy for suspension flows

We study suspension flows defined over sub-shifts of finite type with continuous roof functions. We prove the existence of suspension flows with uncountably many ergodic measures of maximal entropy. More generally, we prove that any suspension flow defined over a sub-shift of finite type can be perturbed (by an arbitrarily small perturbation) so that the resulting flow has uncountably many ergodic measures of maximal entropy, and that the same can be arranged so that the new flow has a unique measure of maximal entropy.

Characterization for entropy of shifts of finite type on Cayley trees**This work is partially supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, ROC (Contract No. MOST 107-2115-M-259 -001 -MY2 and 107-2115-M-390 -002 -MY2).

The notion of tree-shifts constitutes an intermediate class between one-sided shift spaces and multidimensional ones. This paper proposes an algorithm for computing the entropy of a tree-shift of finite type. Meanwhile, the entropy of a tree-shift of finite type is for some , where λ is a Perron number. This extends Lind’s work (1984 Ergod. Theor. Dynam. Syst. 4 283–300) on one-dimensional shifts of finite type. As an application, the entropy minimality problem is investigated, and we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition for a tree-shift of finite type to be entropy-minimal with some additional conditions.

Guest Editorial: Technology - Big Data- Artificial Intelligence- Communication and Covid

There is no doubt that technology has been and will continue to be advantageous and an unstoppable player that has invaded and improved our minute lives with good experiences, immediate results with answers, making our lives lazier, easier and more comfortable.&#x0D; New generations are becoming more isolated and communication is jeopardized. This may separate us from what makes us human and may pave the way for humans to become expendable and replaceable. What we are seeing today, is just the beginning of what next decade revolutionary technological inventions is preparing for us and equals what humanity has produced since the invention of the wheel. The reason is that science and technology are growing exponentially. We, as pediatric dentists thought that one of our major advantages that would always prevail in humans is our ability to connect with other people. We were concerned with some telltales that did not look good. Young children boasting a tantrum when parents would take away the cell phones. Youngsters staying home connected digitally 8 to 9 hours every day. Young adults ordering food at home, eating and watching movies on demand alone. Parents ordering the their supermarket items digitally and missing the opportunity use their five senses. Not be able to see the variety of beautiful colors in the vegetable and fruit department, losing the possibility to smell all the fruits, touch them when picking them, hearing the different noises and tasting samples when they walk by the aisles.&#x0D; Communication is becoming more and more virtual, human contact, social life, human interactions, physical presence, communication, bonding is slowly but irreversibly being lost.&#x0D; With COVID and staying home, companies found that their employees could work from home. Self employed people could also operate at a distance. Dentists and physicians could dissociate themselves in many instances from the physical contact. They could with a phone and pictures, identify, collect, evaluate, implement information, diagnose, give indications, solutions and peace of mind with security for patient, parents and ourselves.&#x0D; We are witnessing what new technology is undoing.&#x0D; COMMUNICATION&#x0D; No matter how fast technology advances, we cannot afford to lose out humanity.&#x0D; A full paradigm shift will be necessary. Parents play an utmost part because their children are the most vulnerable part of society and we are a key element to guide them.&#x0D; We need to rediscover the power of communication, community, unity by being present and listening the “other”. Today our main asset that technology hopefully will never understand, is feeling, loving, bonding.&#x0D; We know more about children than any other person, specialty or profession. We see them growth, we know their likes, they will even come for their dental checkups with their children.&#x0D; As the world is turning colder, and communications among us are affected, we need to show the patient that we genuinely care, because we do.&#x0D; When we bond we enter a danger zone of “co-dependency” (in the good sense).&#x0D; " Do we want to be keepers of the past to preserve the future?&#x0D; " Can I care, still allowing the other to be separate?"&#x0D; " Can I leave the comfortable me and enter the ever-changing other?&#x0D; Are we ready to take on this challenge? If not, will most health specialties survive the XXI century?

Politization of Local Government Budget Allocations in 2017 Election

This paper discusses about the election of regional heads to the regional government budget allocation. This study discusses the regional budget in the period before local election and during the local election. Comparison is done by comparing the average expenditure comparison before and during the local election period by using paired sample t-test. The sample in this study in Indonesia carried out the post-conflict local election in 2017. The results of this study showed that basically before the post-conflict local election and at the post-conflict local election. There was a decrease in the allocation of grant spending during the post-conflict local election compared to the previous year. Besides that, there was no difference in the allocation of social assistance expenditure. This can improve the renewal and regulatory system in Indonesia, thus indicating that budget politicization is not proven.

Exposure and Absorption of PAHs in Wildland Firefighters: A Field Study with Pilot Interventions.

ObjectivesThere is limited knowledge of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in wildland firefighters, or of the effectiveness of interventions to reduce this. This study of wildland firefighters assessed whether PAHs were present and considered respiratory protection and enhanced skin hygiene as possible interventions.Methods1-Hydroxypyrene (1-HP) was measured in urine samples collected pre-shift, post-shift, and next morning from wildland firefighters in Alberta and British Columbia. Skin wipes, collected pre- and post-shift, were analysed for eight PAHs. Breathing zone air samples were analysed for 11 PAHs. As pilot interventions, participants were randomized to either normal or enhanced skin hygiene. A sample of volunteers was assigned to a disposable N95 mask or a half facepiece mask with P100 organic vapour cartridge. Participants completed a brief questionnaire on activities post-shift and respiratory symptoms.ResultsNon-smoking firefighters (66 male and 20 female) were recruited from 11 fire crews. Air sampling pumps were carried for the full shift by 28 firefighters, 25 firefighters wore masks (14 N95 and 11 P100); 42 were assigned to the enhanced skin hygiene intervention. Sixty had hot spotting as their main task. Air monitoring identified PAHs (benzo(b,j,k)fluoranthene in particulates, phenanthrene in the gaseous phase) for 6 of the 11 crews. PAHs (largely naphthalene) were found post-shift on 40/84 skin wipes from the hand and 38/84 from jaw/throat. The mean increase in 1-HP in urine samples collected after the shift (compared with samples collected before the shift) was 66 ng g−1 creatinine (P < 0.001) with an increase over the shift found for 76% of participants. 1-HP in next morning urine samples was significantly lower than at the end of shift (a reduction of 39.3 ng g−1: P < 0.001). The amount of naphthalene on skin wipes was greater at the end of the shift (post) than at the start (pre). The mean post–pre weight difference of naphthalene on skin wipes taken from the hand was 0.96 ng wipe−1 (P = 0.01) and from the jaw/throat 1.28 ng wipe−1 (P = 0.002). The enhanced skin hygiene intervention lead to a larger reduction in 1-HP between end of shift and next morning urine samples but only for those with naphthalene on skin wipes at the end of shift. The difference in 1-HP concentration in urine samples collected before and after the shift was reduced for those wearing a mask (linear tend P = 0.063, one-sided). In multivariable models, 1-HP at end of shift was related to gaseous phase phenanthrene, estimated from air sampling [β = 318.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 67.1–569.2]. Naphthalene on hand skin wipes reflected work in hot spotting during the shift (β = 0.53, 95% CI 0.22–0.86).ConclusionsThis study provided evidence of PAHs in the air and on the skin of many, but not all, fire crew. Absorbed PAHs, reflected in 1-HP in urine, increased over the shift. Results from the pilot interventions suggest that enhanced skin hygiene would reduce absorption post fire where PAHs had been accumulated on the skin, and that masks could be effective in reducing PAH inhalation exposure. Interventions to reduce PAH absorption are supported by the pilot work reported here and warrant further evaluation across a full fire season.

A geometric method for infinite-dimensional chaos: Symbolic dynamics for the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky PDE on the line

We propose a general framework for proving that a compact, infinite-dimensional map has an invariant set on which the dynamics is semiconjugated to a subshift of finite type. The method is then applied to certain Poincaré map of the Kuramoto-Sivashinsky PDE on the line with odd and periodic boundary conditions and with parameter ν=0.1212. We give a computer-assisted proof of the existence of symbolic dynamics and countable infinity of periodic orbits with arbitrary large periods.