Harmful experiences such as harassment and discrimination continue to push many people out of science. To better understand identities and experiences of harm among physicists, we conducted Canadian Physics Counts, the first comprehensive national survey examining equity, diversity, and inclusion within Canada's physics community. To better understand identities and experiences of harm among physicists, we conducted Canadian Physics Counts, the first comprehensive national survey examining equity, diversity, and inclusion within Canada's physics community. We explored experiences of harm focusing on personal harassment, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. We measured both direct experiences of harm and awareness of harm happening to others. Our analyses revealed that women and gender-diverse physicists reported experiencing personal harassment at twice the rate of men, a pattern consistent across all academic positions, including students and early-career researchers. An intersectional focus revealed even deeper inequities. Black women and men reported the highest rates of personal harassment, while Indigenous women and men faced elevated levels of sexual harassment. Physicists
Rankings of scholarly journals based on citation data are often met with skepticism by the scientific community. Part of the skepticism is due to disparity between the common perception of journals' prestige and their ranking based on citation counts. A more serious concern is the inappropriate use of journal rankings to evaluate the scientific influence of authors. This paper focuses on analysis of the table of cross-citations among a selection of Statistics journals. Data are collected from the Web of Science database published by Thomson Reuters. Our results suggest that modelling the exchange of citations between journals is useful to highlight the most prestigious journals, but also that journal citation data are characterized by considerable heterogeneity, which needs to be properly summarized. Inferential conclusions require care in order to avoid potential over-interpretation of insignificant differences between journal ratings. Comparison with published ratings of institutions from the UK's Research Assessment Exercise shows strong correlation at aggregate level between assessed research quality and journal citation `export scores' within the discipline of Statistics.
We compare the network of aggregated journal-journal citation relations provided by the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) 2012 of the Science and Social Science Citation Indexes (SCI and SSCI) with similar data based on Scopus 2012. First, global maps were developed for the two sets separately; sets of documents can then be compared using overlays to both maps. Using fuzzy-string matching and ISSN numbers, we were able to match 10,524 journal names between the two sets; that is, 96.4% of the 10,936 journals contained in JCR or 51.2% of the 20,554 journals covered by Scopus. Network analysis was then pursued on the set of journals shared between the two databases and the two sets of unique journals. Citations among the shared journals are more comprehensively covered in JCR than Scopus, so the network in JCR is denser and more connected than in Scopus. The ranking of shared journals in terms of indegree (that is, numbers of citing journals) or total citations is similar in both databases overall (Spearman's \r{ho} > 0.97), but some individual journals rank very differently. Journals that are unique to Scopus seem to be less important--they are citing shared journals rather than bein
Dyads of journals related by citations can agglomerate into specialties through the mechanism of triadic closure. Using the Journal Citation Reports 2011, 2012, and 2013, we analyze triad formation as indicators of integration (specialty growth) and disintegration (restructuring). The strongest integration is found among the large journals that report on studies in different scientific specialties, such as PLoS ONE, Nature Communications, Nature, and Science. This tendency towards large-scale integration has not yet stabilized. Using the Islands algorithm, we also distinguish 51 local maxima of integration. We zoom into the cited articles that carry the integration for: (i) a new development within high-energy physics and (ii) an emerging interface between the journals Applied Mathematical Modeling and the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology. In the first case, integration is brought about by a specific communication reaching across specialty boundaries, whereas in the second, the dyad of journals indicates an emerging interface between specialties. These results suggest that integration picks up substantive developments at the specialty level. An advantage o
In this work, deep learning techniques for brain age prediction from magnetic resonance images are investigated, aiming to assist in the identification of biomarkers of the natural aging process. The identification of biomarkers is useful for detecting an early-stage neurodegenerative process, as well as for predicting age-related or non-age-related cognitive decline. Two techniques are implemented and compared in this work: a 3D Convolutional Neural Network applied to the volumetric image and a 2D Convolutional Neural Network applied to slices from the axial plane, with subsequent fusion of individual predictions. The best result was obtained by the 2D model, which achieved a mean absolute error of 3.83 years. -- Neste trabalho são investigadas técnicas de aprendizado profundo para a predição da idade cerebral a partir de imagens de ressonância magnética, visando auxiliar na identificação de biomarcadores do processo natural de envelhecimento. A identificação de biomarcadores é útil para a detecção de um processo neurodegenerativo em estágio inicial, além de possibilitar prever um declínio cognitivo relacionado ou não à idade. Duas técnicas são implementadas e comparadas neste tra
Using the Scopus dataset (1996-2007) a grand matrix of aggregated journal-journal citations was constructed. This matrix can be compared in terms of the network structures with the matrix contained in the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) of the Institute of Scientific Information (ISI). Since the Scopus database contains a larger number of journals and covers also the humanities, one would expect richer maps. However, the matrix is in this case sparser than in the case of the ISI data. This is due to (i) the larger number of journals covered by Scopus and (ii) the historical record of citations older than ten years contained in the ISI database. When the data is highly structured, as in the case of large journals, the maps are comparable, although one may have to vary a threshold (because of the differences in densities). In the case of interdisciplinary journals and journals in the social sciences and humanities, the new database does not add a lot to what is possible with the ISI databases.
The interstellar medium mediates galactic evolution as the reservoir of material for future star formation and the repository of energy and matter output by stellar processes. Canadians have played leading roles in ISM science for decades. The Canadian Galactic Plane Survey identified a wealth of small-scale structure in H I emission as well as self-absorption and in the structure of polarized emission. These observations demonstrated that no phase of the ISM, including the transition from atomic gas to star formation, can be understood in isolation. Canadians have also played leading roles in the characterization of dust with Planck and balloon-borne telescopes. Canadians have also used pulsar scintillometry to measure structure in the ISM at the smallest scales, below 1 AU. The 2020s offer many opportunities for ISM science in Canada. A major but cost-effective upgrade to the Synthesis Telescope with broadband (400-1800 MHz) single-pixel feeds would enable broadband polarimetry as well as wide-area, arcminute surveys of radio recombination lines. The next generation of balloon-borne telescopes will investigate magnetic fields and dust properties. Large single dishes, particularly
Studying psychiatric illness has often been limited by difficulties in connecting symptoms and behavior to neurobiology. Computational psychiatry approaches promise to bridge this gap by providing formal accounts of the latent information processing changes that underlie the development and maintenance of psychiatric phenomena. Models based on these theories generate individual-level parameter estimates which can then be tested for relationships to neurobiology. In this review, we explore computational modelling approaches to one key aspect of health and illness: affect. We discuss strengths and limitations of key approaches to modelling affect, with a focus on reinforcement learning, active inference, the hierarchical gaussian filter, and drift-diffusion models. We find that, in this literature, affect is an important source of modulation in decision making, and has a bidirectional influence on how individuals infer both internal and external states. Highlighting the potential role of affect in information processing changes underlying symptom development, we extend an existing model of psychosis, where affective changes are influenced by increasing cortical noise and consequent i
This paper introduces a novel track-length extension fitting algorithm for measuring the kinetic energies of inelastically interacting particles in liquid argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). The algorithm finds the most probable offset in track length for a track-like object by comparing the measured ionization density as a function of position with a theoretical prediction of the energy loss as a function of the energy, including models of electron recombination and detector response. The algorithm can be used to measure the energies of particles that interact before they stop, such as charged pions that are absorbed by argon nuclei. The algorithm's energy measurement resolutions and fractional biases are presented as functions of particle kinetic energy and number of track hits using samples of stopping secondary charged pions in data collected by the ProtoDUNE-SP detector, and also in a detailed simulation. Additional studies describe the impact of the dE/dx model on energy measurement performance. The method described in this paper to characterize the energy measurement performance can be repeated in any LArTPC experiment using stopping secondary charged pions.
Publication patterns of 79 forest scientists awarded major international forestry prizes during 1990-2010 were compared with the journal classification and ranking promoted as part of the 'Excellence in Research for Australia' (ERA) by the Australian Research Council. The data revealed that these scientists exhibited an elite publication performance during the decade before and two decades following their first major award. An analysis of their 1703 articles in 431 journals revealed substantial differences between the journal choices of these elite scientists and the ERA classification and ranking of journals. Implications from these findings are that additional cross-classifications should be added for many journals, and there should be an adjustment to the ranking of several journals relevant to the ERA Field of Research classified as 0705 Forestry Sciences.
Neste artigo discutimos uma nova demonstracao experimental da independencia das propriedades dos corpos (massa, composicao quimica, forma, etc.) na queda livre. Eh uma das experiencias mais simples, porem uma das mais importantes da Mecanica, tendo sido realizada e repensada repetidamente por diversos cientistas tais como Galileu e Newton. Nossa versao eh introduzir dentro de uma garrafa fechada e transparente uma pena e uma pedra observando a queda simultanea destes corpos. Por nao haver a necessidade de produzir vacuo, esta versao pode ser repetida por qualquer aluno e professor de ensino medio e universitario em qualquer ambiente, evidenciando sua viabilidade e aplicabilidade na sala de aula. English version of abstract: In this paper we discuss a new experimental demonstration of the independence of the properties of bodies (mass, chemical composition, shape, etc) in free fall. This is one of the simplest experiments in mechanics, though one of the most important ones, having been repeatedly carried out and rethought by several scientists such as Galileo and Newton. Our version of this famous experiment uses one bottle (closed and transparent), in which we introduce a feather a
The methodology for measuring financial assets in defined contribution (DC) pension plans has significant implications whether wealth transfers will occur among participants. In December 2024, a regulatory act was issued for Closed Pension Entities, allowing the use of the hold-to-maturity (HTM) measurement method of treasury bonds in DC plans. This article quantifies the financial impact on participants of adopting HTM valuation in these plans, using real data from the term structure of the real interest rates to assess the resulting wealth transfers. The analysis highlights how HTM valuation creates asymmetries in financial outcomes, benefiting some participants at the expense of others. Wealth transfers occur both during any withdrawal of funds and at the time of contributions, including portfolio reallocations that involve buying or selling bonds. Partial use of HTM or attempts to immunize outflows do not completely eliminate wealth transfers. The results reinforce that the use of mark-to-market (MTM) valuation of assets in DC plans prevents wealth transfers and, consequently, financial losses for participants. O método de mensuração de ativos financeiros em planos de previdênc
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to limit their social activities, which has resulted in a rise in mental illnesses, particularly depression. To diagnose these illnesses with accuracy and speed, and prevent severe outcomes such as suicide, the use of machine learning has become increasingly important. Additionally, to provide precise and understandable diagnoses for better treatment, AI scientists and researchers must develop interpretable AI-based solutions. This article provides an overview of relevant articles in the field of machine learning and interpretable AI, which helps to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using AI in psychiatry disorder detection applications.
In the initial stage of human life, communication, seen as a process of social interaction, was always the best way to reach consensus between the parties. Understanding and credibility in this process are essential for the mutual agreement to be validated. But, how to do it so that this communication reaches the great mass? This is the main challenge when what is sought is the dissemination of information and its approval. In this context, this study presents the ALT software, developed from original readability metrics adapted to the Portuguese language, available on the web, to reduce communication difficulties. The development of the software was motivated by the theory of communicative action of Habermas, which uses a multidisciplinary style to measure the credibility of the discourse in the communication channels used to build and maintain a safe and healthy relationship with the public. -- No estágio inicial da vida humana a comunicação, vista como um processo de interação social, foi sempre o melhor caminho para o consenso entre as partes. O entendimento e a credibilidade nesse processo são fundamentais para que o acordo mútuo seja validado. Mas, como fazê-lo de forma que e
Searching for biomarkers has been a chief pursuit of the field of psychiatry. Toward this end, studies have catalogued candidate resting-state biomarkers in nearly all forms of mental disorder. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that these biomarkers lack specificity, limiting their capacity to yield clinical impact. We discuss three avenues of research that are overcoming this limitation: (i) the adoption of transdiagnostic research designs, which involve studying and explicitly comparing multiple disorders from distinct diagnostic axes of psychiatry; (ii) dimensional models of psychopathology that map the full spectrum of symptomatology and that cut across traditional disorder boundaries; and (iii) modeling individuals' unique functional connectomes throughout development. We provide a framework for tying these subfields together that draws on tools from machine learning and network science.
In light of the NIMH's Research Domain Criteria (RDoC), the advent of functional neuroimaging, novel technologies and methods provide new opportunities to develop precise and personalized prognosis and diagnosis of mental disorders. Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are playing an increasingly critical role in the new era of precision psychiatry. Combining ML/AI with neuromodulation technologies can potentially provide explainable solutions in clinical practice and effective therapeutic treatment. Advanced wearable and mobile technologies also call for the new role of ML/AI for digital phenotyping in mobile mental health. In this review, we provide a comprehensive review of the ML methodologies and applications by combining neuroimaging, neuromodulation, and advanced mobile technologies in psychiatry practice. Additionally, we review the role of ML in molecular phenotyping and cross-species biomarker identification in precision psychiatry. We further discuss explainable AI (XAI) and causality testing in a closed-human-in-the-loop manner, and highlight the ML potential in multimedia information extraction and multimodal data fusion. Finally, we disc
This work explores the use of Role Playing Games (RPG) as an active methodology in teaching Modern Physics, focusing on a game called Newton's Revenge. The game was developed with the aim of engaging students in collaborative and investigative learning processes, using gamification elements to increase motivation and involvement. Based on the constructivist theories of Piaget and Vygotsky, the RPG stimu- ewline lates cognitive and social development by placing students in the roles of historical science figures. Through contextualized physical challenges, such as understanding the Photoelectric Effect, participants actively construct knowledge. This study presents preliminary learning data obtained through pre- and post-tests, as well as evaluates students' perceptions of using educational games in science education. The results indicate that the use of RPG can be an effective tool for teaching Modern Physics, promoting greater engagement and understanding of scientific concepts.
In this paper we investigate the non-Abelian cosmic string in de Sitter and anti-de Sitter spacetimes. In order to do that we construct the complete set of equations of motion considering the presence of a cosmological constant. By using numerical analysis we provide the behavior of the Higgs and gauge fields and also for the metric tensor for specific values of the physical parameters of the theory. For de Sitter case, we find the appearance of horizons that although being consequence of the presence of the cosmological constant it strongly depends on the value of the gravitational coupling. In the anti-de Sitter case, we find that the system does not present horizons. In fact the new feature of this system is related with the behavior of the $(00)$ and $(zz)$ components of the metric tensor. They present a strongly increasing for large distance from the string.
Two semisimple algebraic groups are said to be motivic equivalent if the motives of the associated twisted flag varieties are isomorphic modulo any prime p. The purpose of this note is to construct the combinatorial invariants which characterize motivic equivalence and which are the motivic analogues of the Tits indices which appear in the classification of semisimple algebraic groups. The expression of these invariants -the Tits p-indexes- in terms of the classical invariants associated to the natural underlying structures of semisimple algebraic groups allow to produce algebraic criteria of motivic equivalence, generalizing Vishik's criterion of motivic equivalence for the motives of quadrics. It also clarifies the relation between the motives and the rational geometry of twisted flag varieties. Deux groupes semisimples sont dits motiviquement equivalents si les motifs des varietes de drapeaux generalisees associees sont isomorphes modulo tout nombre premier p. L'objet de cette note est de construire les invariants combinatoires qui caracterisent l'equivalence motivique et sont les analogues motiviques des indices de Tits apparaissant dans la classification des groupes algebrique
(Abridged) Canadian astronomy has, for decades, benefited from access to observatories and participating in international consortia on one of the best astronomical sites in the world: Maunakea. However, Maunakea is part of the unceded territory of the Native Hawaiian peoples and has always been of special significance to Hawaiian culture. The use of the summit and its science reserve has created tensions in the past decade, particularly with the development of the Thirty Meter Telescope. A meaningful and respectful response from the International astronomy community is still lacking. It is expected that the LRP 2020 will continue to support Canadian astronomy on Maunakea so a better official statement on the position and involvement of CASCA should be prepared. In this paper we present recommendations, based on the United Nation Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, for the Canadian astronomical community to better support Indigenous rights on Maunakea and Hawaii while providing clear guidelines for the astronomical community to participate in activities conducted on Indigenous land. This framework is designed to motivate conversations with Indigenous communities regard