Flowing Fix: Including Computations in LaTeX

Below are two options for embedding coding into LaTeX files that can be executed and update values in the LaTeX file.

• PythonTeX (Python code inside of LaTeX files)journal paper: https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1749-4699/8/1/014010

• MATSweave (using Octave or MATLAB code inside of LaTeX files) webpage: http://staffwww.dcs.shef.ac.uk/people/N.Lawrence/matweave.html

Flowing Fix: How do I get those data points off an image? [revisited]

A while back, we posted how to get data off an image by running digitizing software on your local system (see the link to the prior post below). However, if you have limited admin access to install/run the software (or don't want to install software), WebPlotDigitizer is a web-based tool that runs directly your web browser https://automeris.io/WebPlotDigitizer/ that allows you to extract data from plots, images, and maps

Link to prior post:
https://digitalspigot.blogspot.com/2011/10/flowing-fix-how-do-i-get-those-data.html

Computing the optimal road trips

If you have a trip will multiple stops and you are having trouble finding an optimal route here are some links to help you.

Optimizing routes (web interactivity):
1) MapQuest [26 locations]: https://www.mapquest.com/routeplanner
2) RouteXL[20 locations for free]: https://www.routexl.com/


For the more adventurous (coding required):
Genetic Algorithm approach:
from Randal Olson' blog which uses Python with Google Maps:
http://www.randalolson.com/2016/07/30/the-optimal-u-s-national-parks-centennial-road-trip/

Using Gurobi solver: 
from Nathan Brixius's blog which uses Python

https://nathanbrixius.wordpress.com/2016/06/09/computing-optimal-road-trips-using-operations-research/

Using Concorde solver, the world’s best Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) solver:

from Nathan Brixius's blog which uses Python

https://nathanbrixius.wordpress.com/2016/06/16/finding-optimal-state-capitol-tours-on-the-cloud-with-neos/

Flowing Fix: Mathpix Snipping Tool

There are times when you need to replicate an equation or block of text from a PDF file. If the PDF file was converted from a typed file, chances are that the text in the PDF can be selected. However, for equations (and if the PDF is image-based), you were out of luck, until now. Mathpix Snipping Tool is perfect for capturing a screenshot of the equation or text and automatically converts it to LaTeX. It is almost magical, capable of converting typed and handwritten information to LaTeX.
Download Mathpix Snipping Tool for MS Windows, macOS, and Ubuntu from https://mathpix.com/

Why pursue a PhD?

We often get a lot of questions regarding the PhD degree, and why someone would pursue one.  Here are some link that we thought would be very beneficial:

Why pursue a PhD: http://flowingdata.com/2014/10/07/why-to-pursue-a-phd

The illustrated guide to a Ph.D.: http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures

Flowing Fix: How to change color of text comments in Adobe Acrobat

Hold down "ctrl" and press the "e" button to show the properties toolbar

Help on Peer review of an academic article

Link to a pdf which provides details about how to provide a good review of a journal article.
http://eloquentscience.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/PeerReviewArticle_EOS.pdf