Tufte‘s advice is to put the label on the data instead. Write each name right along the line it belongs to. No color key, no round trip.

I wanted to do that in matplotlib, and there was no simple built-in way to run text along a curved line, so I wrote a small library for it called curved-text.

It draws a string along any (x, y) curve, one character at a time, with each character rotated to follow the local slope. You give it the curve, the text, and three placement controls:

• pos: where along the curve the label sits, as a fraction from start (0) to end (1)
• anchor: whether that point is the start, center, or end of the label.
• offset: how far to lift the text off the line, perpendicular to it.

The layout is recomputed every time the figure draws, so the label stays glued to the curve when you resize the window or pan and zoom. It works on anything that draws on matplotlib, including seaborn and pandas plots.

pip install curved-text

The code is on GitHub with a gallery of examples, and it is MIT licensed. If you find it useful, or it breaks on something, let me know.

Contrast-to-Noise Estimator

Why estimate CNR?

Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) is a necessary metric in fields like pump-probe and time-resolved photoluminescence microscopy. It helps to understand the quality of your signal amidst the noise, providing insights into the accuracy and precision of your diffusion measurements. While designed with these applications in mind, the tool may also be useful for other purposes where CNR estimation is needed.

What it does

The CNR Estimator is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Here’s what you can expect:

• Easy Data Input: Enter your data as a list of comma-separated or space-separated values.
• Accurate Estimations: The app utilizes a robust algorithm to provide accurate CNR estimates based on your input data.
• Under the hood: I provide a detailed explanation of the estimation algorithm, ensuring you understand how the result is derived. You could even take this information to build your own script in another language using the information given.
• Instant Results: Get your CNR estimate within seconds.

How to use

1. Prepare Your Data: Before using the tool, make sure to subtract your background (baseline) and normalize your data so the peak height is set to unity.
2. Enter Your Data: Paste your noisy Gaussian profile as a list of comma-separated or space-separated values into the input field.
3. Get Your Estimate: Click on the “Calculate CNR estimate” button to receive your CNR estimate instantly.

Get Involved

I am passionate about fostering a collaborative environment. Check out the open-source code for the full DICE application on GitHub. Your contributions and feedback are highly valued and will help improve the app further.

Citations

• Zenodo Archive: Joseph J. Thiebes. (2023). thiebes/DICE. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10258191
• Research Paper: Joseph J. Thiebes, Erik M. Grumstrup; Quantifying noise effects in optical measures of excited state transport. J. Chem. Phys. 28 March 2024; 160 (12): 124201. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0190347

Contact Me

If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Your input is crucial in helping me make this tool even better.

Happy Estimating!

In the course of my research, I painstakingly took optical measurements of excited state diffusion in perovskites and other semiconducting optoelectronic materials. I was often vexed by the question, “How much measurement noise is too much?” Finding little guidance in the literature, I set out to answer my question by running some two million simulations.

In this paper, we systematically assess how noise impacts the accuracy of excited state diffusion estimates obtained through optical methods. Our findings reveal that even moderate levels of experimental noise can have significant effects and, in extreme cases, even lead to systematic overestimation of diffusion coefficients.

By providing a comprehensive analysis and proposing experimental strategies to mitigate these effects, we hope to offer valuable guidelines for fellow researchers in the field.

The paper also accompanies the release of open-source software and an online web app that offer researchers easy ways to assess their diffusion measurements, calculate the contrast-to-noise ratio in their data, and determine whether the noise is acceptable for their specific parameters and research goals.

I invite you to read our paper, which I hope will help those interested in learning about the pivotal role of noise in optical measurements of excited state transport.

On the surface, I explained to her, in a noisy and chaotic environment like this, it can be hard for many people to read. My verbal explanation offers clarity, but the poster acts as a supporting player, providing text and graphics that can help bridge gaps in understanding. As I reflected further on our conversation, I realized there’s a deeper layer to her question, especially considering the diverse ways in which people process information.

The multifaceted role of scientific posters

1. Visual aids for diverse minds: Different attendees process information differently. While some might find it challenging to concentrate on spoken words amidst the cacophony, others might struggle to visually process text in the same environment. A poster, paired with a verbal explanation, ensures that the research is accessible to as broad an audience as possible.
2. A lasting impression: Even if attendees forget the minutiae of a verbal explanation, a well-designed poster can be memorable. It serves as a reference point, ensuring that the main concepts stick in the minds of those who see it.
3. Engaging conversations: A striking poster can lure attendees, sparking discussions, collaborations, and fostering professional opportunities. It provides an organic conversation starter, ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the topic can engage in meaningful conversations.
4. Support for the neurodivergent: The combined presentation mode caters especially to neurodivergent individuals. Those with auditory processing challenges might rely more heavily on the visual cues from the poster, while those who find visual processing overwhelming in such environments will benefit more from the verbal discourse.

The inclusive nature of poster sessions

Scientific poster sessions, with their unique blend of visual and verbal presentations, inherently cater to a wide array of cognitive processing preferences. They make complex scientific information accessible to both seasoned experts and curious newcomers. The inclusive nature of these sessions ensures that everyone, regardless of their information processing tendencies, can grasp the essence of the research being presented.

In retrospect, my daughter’s innocent question highlighted a crucial aspect of scientific communication that often goes unspoken. It reminded me of the importance of making our work understandable and accessible to everyone. After all, isn’t that the ultimate goal of science – to share knowledge as widely and inclusively as possible?

Making poster sessions more accessible

Accessibility in scientific communication is essential to ensure that knowledge reaches a broad audience, including those with disabilities. Poster sessions, a cornerstone of many academic conferences, can be enhanced to cater to diverse attendees. Here are some ways to make poster sessions more accessible:

Accessible color schemes:

• Contrast: Ensure there’s significant contrast between the background and the text. This can help those with visual impairments or color blindness. Tools like the WebAIM Contrast Checker can be used to ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines.
• Avoiding problematic colors: Red-green combinations can be problematic for those with color blindness. Opt for combinations like blue-yellow, which are generally more distinguishable.
• Desaturated colors: For graphs and charts, using colors that are less saturated can reduce visual fatigue and make elements distinct.

Large, readable fonts:

• Use bold fonts for headers and ensure the main content is in a font size that’s easily readable from a distance (I recommend 72 pt for titles, 60 pt for headers, 30 pt for body text, 18 pt for axis labels). This not only helps those with visual impairments but also allows attendees to skim the content quickly.

Clear layout and logical flow:

• Having a clear layout with numbered or arrowed sections ensures that attendees can easily follow the logical progression of your research.

Provide alternate formats:

• Offer QR codes linking to a digital version of the poster, which can be zoomed in on mobile devices or screen readers. This can be especially helpful for visually impaired attendees.
• Having a few braille versions of your abstract or key points can cater to those who are blind.

Interactive elements:

• Incorporate tactile or 3D elements, especially for key figures or data representations, which can be particularly helpful for visually impaired attendees.

Quiet spaces:

• Consider setting aside a quiet area nearby for neurodivergent attendees or those with auditory processing disorders. This space can be used for more in-depth, one-on-one discussions about the poster content.

Training and awareness:

• Ensure that presenters are trained in accessibility best practices, including speaking clearly, avoiding jargon, and being patient with questions.

By incorporating these practices, we can make poster sessions not only more inclusive but also more effective in communicating scientific research to a wider audience.

Parkinson’s Law taps into the zeitgeist of an obsession with constant productivity and an aversion to “wasted” time. But this dogged pursuit of ceaseless efficiency inadvertently breeds an unhealthy work culture. It fosters a sterile environment, inimical to innovation. The pressure to always be efficient leaves workers locked in a cycle of performing mundane tasks under the illusion of being busy and, ironically, less productive overall.

Take a look at this tweet from Andrew Wilkinson:

Moreover, humans are not machines; we crave meaning and purpose in our activities. Most individuals aspire to contribute significantly to their organizations rather than merely appear busy. The constant cycle of “busywork” erodes job satisfaction, leading to a less engaged workforce, a phenomenon detrimental to any organization’s long-term health.

Layoffs, often the short-sighted response to perceived inefficiencies, can inflict lasting damage on a company. While they might lead to temporary financial gains, these come at a high price. They diminish the company’s capacity, suppress its innovative potential, and have long-lasting, often overlooked impacts on the morale of remaining staff. This approach resembles a pyrrhic victory; the bottom line may momentarily improve, but the capacity for breakthroughs and market dominance suffers.

Instead of succumbing to Parkinson’s Law’s austerity, I argue for a novel approach to work and efficiency that fosters creativity, innovation, and happiness. This method involves relinquishing the relentless focus on efficiency and allowing employees to play, rest, and socialize once their essential tasks are done.

Play is the cradle of creativity and a wellspring of innovation. Companies like Google and 3M have understood this, implementing policies like the “20% Time” or the “15% rule,” allowing employees to spend a fraction of their working hours on passion projects. These policies have led to groundbreaking innovations like Gmail and Post-it Notes.

Providing a sense of job security, coupled with generous benefits, can inspire loyalty and motivation. Employees who are confident about their place within the company and who perceive their employers as caring about their well-being are more likely to put in the discretionary effort and engage in collaborative innovation that often leads to groundbreaking ideas.

While this approach may take time to improve the bottom line, it invests in the company’s long-term success. It creates an environment where market dominance and historic innovation can flourish. It positions the company as a desirable workplace, attracting top talent and fostering a culture of creativity and collaboration.

Parkinson’s Law presumes that time not spent on designated work equates to wasted potential. This perspective is too narrow. By allowing workers to engage in non-task-oriented activities, we enable serendipitous insights and the cross-pollination of ideas—elements often leading to the most innovative breakthroughs. Instead of focusing on constant productivity, we should prioritize the quality of work and the health of our workers. We will find that innovation, happiness, and even efficiency will flourish in such an environment.

Methyl: Unveiling Mead and Methanol

The Greek root “μέθυ-” (methy-) meaning “wine” gives us the words “mead” as well as “methyl,” the latter incorporating “-ὕλη” (hylē) meaning “wood” to give us the name of methyl alcohol that was first synthesized by destructive distillation of wood. “Methy-“ is today incorporated in chemical nomenclature to refer to a single carbon functional group.

(Note well, however, that methyl alcohol is not the kind of alcohol that is found in wine, and you should definitely never drink it because if it doesn’t kill you, it will blind you.)

Ethyl: Exploring Ether and Ethanol

The term “ethyl” originates from the Greek root “αἰθήρ” (aithēr), meaning “upper air” or “ether.” In ethyl, propyl, and butyl, the “-yl” suffix, which initially referred to wood in “methyl,” has evolved to signify “building stuff” or “raw material” in these terms. In chemical nomenclature, “ethyl” represents a two-carbon functional group.

Propyl: Propane and Propionic Acid – The First Fatty Acid Connection

The word “propyl” is derived from propionic acid, which comes from the French word “propionique.” The Greek roots of propionic are “πρῶτος” (prōtos), meaning “first,” and “πίων” (piōn), meaning “fat.” Propionic acid is considered the first fatty acid because it is the smallest in the series of fatty acids. The name “propane,” a three-carbon alkane, also originates from propionic acid. Following the same naming pattern as “ethyl,” “propyl” is used to denote a three-carbon functional group in modern chemical nomenclature.

Butyl: Tracing Butane to Butter

The term “butyl” is derived from butyric acid, which is found in fermented and rancid butter, and has its origins in the Latin word “butyrum” or “būtӯrum,” meaning “butter.” Contrasting the Greek roots of ethyl and propyl, the root for butyl is Latin. The name “butane,” a four-carbon alkane, is also derived from the same source. Adhering to the established naming convention, “butyl” is incorporated into chemical nomenclature to indicate a four-carbon functional group.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 g) whole wheat flour
• 1 cup (120 g) ground flaxseed
• 1/2 cup (80 g) hemp hearts (or chopped nuts)
• 1 tsp (5 g) course salt
• 4 tsp (16 g) baking powder
• 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup (340 g) honey (see below for substitution notes)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) melted unsalted butter
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract (or double that, whatever)
• 1 cup (240 mL) milk (or milk alternative)
• 12 oz. (340 g) chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two 12-cup muffin tins with paper liners or grease the muffin cups.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, hemp hearts, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. In another bowl, mix the unsweetened applesauce, honey, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
   • Honey can be substituted with equal quantity of syrup-type sweeteners like maple syrup or molasses. Dry sweeteners like granulated sugar may require some experimentation.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the muffins dense.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips.
6. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
8. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve and enjoy these delicious and nutritious whole wheat muffins with flax, hemp heart, and chocolate chips! They’re perfect for breakfast or as a snack any time of the day. I made them for my kids and they were a big hit.

I didn’t have it planned out at the outset, and instead followed my inspiration from one step to the next. First, I made an original design for a set of Penrose tiles with a more organic appearance. Then, I created 3D models of the tiles and extended the model to be a cookie cutter. Finally, I printed the cookie cutters and baked cookies that tesselate nonperiodically in a pattern with fivefold rotational symmetry.

Do you have a 3D printer? You can download and print them yourself at these links:

• Pretty stylin’ Penrose tiling
• Pretty Penrose cookie cutters

About Penrose tiling

Penrose tiling is a non-periodic tessellation using two shapes to create intricate and interlocking designs. There are a few Penrose tile types, with the “P2” type being the most commonly discussed. The two tile shapes in P2 are often called “kites” and “darts.” The tiles are arranged in a pattern that is not periodic but can appear to be when viewed from a distance, leading it to be called a “quasiperiodic” pattern. 

Penrose tilings were first discovered/invented by Nobel Prize laureate physicist and mathematician Roger Penrose in the 1970s. The patterns have been significantly studied in the fields of mathematics and physics, leading to a better understanding of physical materials that form quasicrystals. Learn more about Penrose tiling at Wikipedia. 

There are also a lot of great videos about Penrose tiling. I think the best one out there is this one by Numberphile. But there are many others, including this one by MinutePhysics, and this one by Veritasium.

About my version of Penrose tiles

This rendition is intended to give a natural appearance to the pattern so that it might suggest a wreath or cluster of plants. 

The resulting tiles no longer resemble “kites” and “darts,” so I have been referring to these as “birds” and “cats,” respectively, although I didn’t plan it that way. 

The diagram below shows how I modified the kites and darts by replacing their straight lines with circular arcs.

This design includes arcs that enforce the non-periodic pattern. The chord lengths of the arcs follow the Golden Ratio:

There are seven “starting patterns” that you can use to begin a tiling design, shown below. If you start with the “star” or “sun” central patterns, the resulting design will not only be non-periodic, but it will also have fivefold rotational symmetry.

Notes on baking tessellating Penrose tile cookies

When making cookies, bear in mind that for tiling purposes, you’ll need more birds than cats – an infinite plane filled with these tiles will require φ (~1.618) birds per cat.  Consider also the fact that individually, the birds have more area than the cats, so for a given amount of dough, you’ll be able to cut out more cats than birds, which is the opposite of what you want for tessellating. Perhaps the best strategy here is to make more than you need of both and eat the excess. 

I found that the cat’s forepaw and the bird’s foot have a tendency to get a little stuck when the dough is soft (i.e., when it is close to room temperature). Be sure to cool your dough, and if you have trouble extricating these parts, a little flour dusting on the interior of the cutters can help. 

It might go without saying, but of course, placing the dough on the cookie sheet and baking will change the cookie tiles’ shape somewhat, diminishing their ability to tessellate. Some possible ways to mitigate this problem:

• Tessellate the cut-out cookies on the cookie sheet to ensure a good fit, then move them apart slightly to give them space to bake.
• Same as above, but maybe don’t move them apart at all and leave them in contact. Depending on the recipe, this might lead to cookie fusion during baking, but perhaps they will be separable afterward (maybe while still warm).
• Any other ideas or suggestions for this? Please comment!

Now available for purchase.

This exhibition is curated by Mariano Gonzales, Professor of Art, Printmaking, Illustration & Foundations at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.

This work has not been shown before now and will appear for the first time in the online exhibit from October 12 through November 15. Please plan to look at my work during the exhibition at https://www.nbstolenland.com/

I will also be in attendance at the online opening reception, which will include awards and a panel discussion. Event link: https://fb.me/e/1ISBpc9xB

This exhibition is sponsored by the following organizations:

Native Movement is a grassroots and Indigenous-led organization dedicated to building people power, rooted in an Indigenized worldview, toward healthy, sustainable, & just communities for ALL. Native Movement works to dismantle oppressive systems for all, and that endeavor to ensure social justice, Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and the rights of Mother Earth.

Out North is a progressive multi-arts organization that advances contemporary art in Anchorage, supports under-represented voices, and promotes cultural dialogue and community conversations. Out North is committed to developing programming that addresses the challenges we face in these turbulent times in ways that promote understanding, dialogue, respect and furthers a more equitable community. Out North amplifies alternative voices.

Sol de Medianoche is a bilingual newspaper serving Latinos in Alaska. Their mission is to inform, educate, and unite the community.

Anchorage DSA is a political and member-based organization–not a party–with the vision of a more democratic and humane society, free of the oppression of bosses, borders, and capitalism. The Anchorage DSA is part of a network of community-based DSA chapters committed to fighting for environmental justice, gender and racial justice, housing justice, and the empowerment of working people.

The sponsoring organizations offer the following statement about this exhibition:

We are a coalition of organizations and individuals brought together by a shared desire to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. We recognize that colonially imposed political boundaries continue to disregard Indigenous communities and institutions that have operated in transitional zones for hundreds to thousands of years. The current crisis at our southern border illuminates the violence inherent in these artificial divides.

We will not be complicit in the inhumane conditions of detention centers and wish to stand in solidarity with all of those suffering at the hands of ICE. We call for an end to deportations, family separations, and incarcerations. We will not tolerate xenophobia, homophobia, cultural appropriation, or bigotry of any kind.

We acknowledge that we are in the ancestral and unceded traditional territory of the Dena’ina Peoples, known today as Anchorage. The Indigenous peoples of this land never surrendered lands or resources to Russia or the United States. We acknowledge this not only in thanks to the Indigenous communities who have held relationship with this land for generations but also in recognition of the historical and ongoing legacy of colonialism. Additionally, we acknowledge this as a point of reflection for us all as we work towards dismantling colonial practices.

No one is illegal on stolen land.