http://www.michelepasin.org/words/Latest articles, blogs posts and newsen-usMon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2025/10/27/hayden-thorpe-live/ Went to see [Hayden Thorpe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayden_Thorpe) for the first time the other night, in Pordenone's [Ex-Convento Live](https://exconventolive.it/) venue (Italy). It's quite funny because I never heard of this musician before last week. I just ran into him on Spotify and immediately felt it was so introspective and inspiring a full of simple yet pretty deep melodies. I loved the performance and looking forward to seeing more of him actually! Here's a brief except: <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HRWEPGi-Hjk?si=bE8UmgBY7hzgoUYQ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ...Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2025/10/27/hayden-thorpe-live/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/10/01/the-dimensions-api-a-domain-specific-language-for-scientometrics-research/We describe the Dimensions Search Language (DSL), a domain-specific language for bibliographic and scientometrics analysis. The DSL is the main component of the Dimensions API (version 2.12.0), which provides end-users with a powerful, yet simple-to-learn and use, tool to search, filter, and analyze the Dimensions database using a single entry point and query language. The DSL is the result of an effort to model the way researchers and analysts describe research questions in this domain, as opposed to using established paradigms commonly used by software developers e.g., REST or SOAP. In this article, we describe the API architecture, the DSL main features, and the core data model. We describe how it is used by researchers and analysts in academic and business settings alike to carry out complex research analytics tasks, like calculating the H-index of a researcher or generating a publications' citation network.Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/10/01/the-dimensions-api-a-domain-specific-language-for-scientometrics-research/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/06/16/enhancing-the-accessibility-of-orcid-public-data-now-additionally-hosted-on-google-bigquery/ORCID is committed to openness, exemplified by the annual release of its Public Data File since 2012. This dataset, encompassing all public ORCID records, has been downloaded over 190,000 times and serves as a resource for analyzing research community dynamics, scientific migrations, collaboration networks, and ORCID adoption trends. However, the file’s substantial size poses challenges for users lacking advanced data management skills, hindering exploratory analysesMon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/06/16/enhancing-the-accessibility-of-orcid-public-data-now-additionally-hosted-on-google-bigquery/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/06/02/performing-research-analytics-at-scale-the-dimensions-reporting-platform/Mon, 02 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/06/02/performing-research-analytics-at-scale-the-dimensions-reporting-platform/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/05/05/performing-research-analytics-at-scale-the-dimensions-reporting-platform/Mon, 05 May 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/05/05/performing-research-analytics-at-scale-the-dimensions-reporting-platform/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2025/03/17/installation-sydney-data-arena/ My piece, "Dreamy Pianos - Study No 1 in C Minor," is part of a new sonic installation by Simon Porter, currently showcased at the University of Technology Sydney. The installation happened on March 4th 2025 as part of the Digital Science Showcase within the [UTS DataArena](https://dataarena.net/). The installation, titled **Australian Institution Co-authorship Collaboration Patterns**, was developed by [Simon Porter](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-porter-9828471/) and it represents a network of co-authored researchers affiliated to Australian institutions from 2018-2023. Each researcher has been color-coded by the scientific field code they are most associated with. Each researcher is depicted by a sphere, and given a size based on the number of publications produced. More information on the installation [Figshare page](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/Australian_Institution_Co-authorship_Collaboration_Patterns_DataArena_exhibition_March_4th/28559957). <iframe width="560 ...Mon, 17 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2025/03/17/installation-sydney-data-arena/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/01/22/alleanze-ingannevoli-svelare-il-lato-nascosto-della-ricerca/Introdotta nel mondo della ricerca nel 2024, la scientometria forense (Forensic Scientometrics o FoSci) è una nuova disciplina sviluppata per facilitare l'analisi dei dati di pubblicazione, delle reti di co-autorialità, delle collaborazioni istituzionali e altro ancora. Le tecniche FoSci permettono di portare alla luce aspetti della ricerca scientifica che indicano potenziali rischi, come la partecipazione occulta a reti di ricerca compromesse o i rapporti con individui o gruppi noti per la diffusione di produzioni scientifiche di dubbia qualità o fraudolente.Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2025/01/22/alleanze-ingannevoli-svelare-il-lato-nascosto-della-ricerca/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/09/27/open-alex-topics/ In this post I have taken a closer look at the classification of scientific disciplines in [OpenAlex](https://openalex.org/), a recently developed database of scientific works. The topics classification has been entirely generated computationally using a mix of citation clustering techniques and LLM-based labeling. The results, although not always so precise, are definitely worth exploring further. Last week I went to the [STI 2024 conference](https://sti2024.org/sti-conference/) in Berlin, the annual European get together of experts in the area of research analytics and evaluation. Lots of interesting talks but probably the thing that stroke me the most was the general excitement and sense of expectation about OpenAlex. If you haven't encountered yet, [OpenAlex](https://openalex.org/) is a 2022-released open database of research publications and other related content e.g. datasets, authors, journals etc.. developed by [OurResearch](https://ourresearch.org/). Pretty much all o ...Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/09/27/open-alex-topics/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2023/09/13/dimensions-calculating-disruption-indices-at-scale/Evaluating the disruptive nature of academic ideas is a new area of research evaluation that moves beyond standard citation-based metrics by taking into account the broader citation context of publications or patents. The "CD index" and a number of related indicators have been proposed in order to characterise mathematically the disruptiveness of scientific publications or patents. This research area has generated a lot of attention in recent years, yet there is no general consensus on the significance and reliability of disruption indices. More experimentation and evaluation would be desirable, however is hampered by the fact that these indicators are expensive and time-consuming to calculate, especially if done at scale on large citation networks. We present a novel method to calculate disruption indices that leverages the Dimensions cloud-based research infrastructure and reduces the computational time taken to produce such indices by an order of magnitude, as well as making available such functionalities within an online environment that requires no set-up efforts. We explain the novel algorithm and describe how its results align with preexisting implementations of disruption indicators. This method will enable researchers to develop, validate and improve mathematical disruption models more quickly and with more precision, thus contributing to the development of this new research area.Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2023/09/13/dimensions-calculating-disruption-indices-at-scale/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/07/05/techno-jam/ This piece plunges into a heavy, atmospheric soundscape driven by the collision of overlapping basslines and raw industrial noise. The melody is provided by a synth line that continuously varies a diatonic interval within a minor scale, creating a sense of subtle suspense and emotional depth. The livecoding environment allows this melodic movement to be modified in real-time, enabling dynamic, expressive shifts in the harmonic texture. Crucially, the percussion—specifically the kick drum and snare—is not sequenced conventionally. Instead, these elements are activated only when the synth's oscillator exceeds a defined threshold, linking the rhythm directly to the intensity of the melodic line (which is also driving the filter's cutoff and resonance). This creates a highly reactive, breathing relationship between the melodic and percussive layers. Listen with a good pair of headphones! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Mk31VUWwDnQ?si=WTWV4ZnMTcTLBR ...Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/07/05/techno-jam/https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2024/06/05/the-dimensions-research-security-application/Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/papers/2024/06/05/the-dimensions-research-security-application/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/03/08/ping-pong/ This livecoding piece crafts a suspenseful and ambient sonic environment built entirely from mallet percussion. The music is generative, meaning the system dictates the events and structure in real-time, resulting in a unique, non-repeating experience for every performance. The core of the sound design lies in a recursive 'ping-pong' technique. This method involves striking the mallets and then using the decay of that sound to inform the timing and intensity of the next strike. The sounds echo and rebound between virtual spaces, creating complex, ever-shifting rhythmic patterns that are both hypnotic and unpredictable. The final effect is a constantly evolving soundscape that retains a chilling, underlying tension. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p_Ug6l-3I5E?si=TNb7rClSJ4crfXt7&autoplay=1&amp;start=177" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web- ...Fri, 08 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/03/08/ping-pong/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/02/12/out-of-this-world/ This generative ambient piece is a direct sonic meditation on the philosophy of [Alan Watts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Watts), specifically his idea that "you don't come into this world, but you come out of this world." The music explores this core concept of non-duality, where the listener is immersed in a continuous, evolving process rather than a static environment. Slow, swirling textures and deep, resonant frequencies build an auditory analogy for the universe unfolding. Instead of a beginning or an end, the piece offers a continuous flow, inviting you to recognize your own inseparable connection to the whole. For the most complete and introspective experience, listening with high-quality headphones is strongly recommended! <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMBRRFGPI3M?si=VDo8f9M3g7741bhA&autoplay=1&amp;start=340" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; ...Mon, 12 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/02/12/out-of-this-world/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/01/06/many-pianos-2/ Hypnotic piano chords and melodies are layered and phased using cosine oscillators, creating an immersive, wave-like sonic space of infinite, shifting sound. This piece is built upon multiple overlapping piano lines, meticulously phased out using cosine oscillators. The patterns of chords and melody interact to create a shimmering, wave-like effect, resembling constant fluctuations of sound rising and falling. The core concept is the careful interplay of these phases, which produces an immersive, infinite sonic space designed to let the listener completely lose themselves in the subtle, yet powerful, acoustic motion. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x1837exEEN0?si=Q3o5ADVxSDxNNa-a&autoplay=1&amp;start=190" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ## Credits - ...Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2024/01/06/many-pianos-2/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/12/09/many-pianos-1/ An experiment using overlapping, cosine-driven piano lines in C minor to demonstrate how simple phasing techniques can produce surprisingly complex and immersive musical effects. Using the key of C minor, this piece layers piano lines driven by cosine phasing to create an atmospheric, continuously shifting sonic texture, proving the power of simple harmonic and temporal manipulation. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MpRG82Yyq4Q?si=MCyauaVxt5wlp94X&autoplay=1&amp;start=210" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> ## Credits - Livecoding software: [Extempore](https://extemporelang.github.io/) - Sounds: Ableton Live - syn1: ZebraHZ: HS Another Time Another Space - syn2: Zebra2: HS Rough Tongue Bass - syn3: Grand Piano - syn4: E Piano Rhodes ...Sat, 09 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/12/09/many-pianos-1/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/07/06/designing-great-dashboards/ What makes a dashboard great? Here is a slide deck ([gslides](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTQKTlvOtfXOKpnhdYJJEExUKf0sIh9cwiqu8SmUmU2NlhPEVOFxArj6hs77CuB8rKdUXG8om0IxKd-/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000) )that consolidates several useful ideas I've ran into in the past. After reading many useful papers and online resources on the topic of dashboards design, I realised I didn’t have a single document collecting and organising all of the useful ideas I encountered. So the purpose of this slide deck ([gslides](https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTQKTlvOtfXOKpnhdYJJEExUKf0sIh9cwiqu8SmUmU2NlhPEVOFxArj6hs77CuB8rKdUXG8om0IxKd-/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000) ) is to serve as a (work-in-progress) handbook a dashboards developer can get back to, in order to find inspiration, advice, and maybe, even endorsement. <iframe src="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vTQKTlvOtfXOKpnhdYJJEExUKf0sIh9cwiqu8SmUmU2NlhPEVOFxArj6hs77CuB8rKdUX ...Thu, 06 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/07/06/designing-great-dashboards/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/07/01/deep-work/ Finally got down to reading the book [Deep Work](https://www.worldcat.org/title/920740925) from Cal Newport (2016). The book central idea is that 'deep work' i.e. work based on prolonged stretches of focused time without distractions, has become largely underrated in today's always-on internet world. And that is not good. <!--  --> The book's argument didn't strike me as revolutionary, or particularly new. I think that anyone with some kind of advanced education (academic or not) knows exactly how important focused work is. ### Deep work is underrated This book is a convincing reminder of the fact that in many jobs *deep work is not seen as essential*, anymore. So we should make a conscious effort to make room for it, in our lives, and to get others to recognise its importance. *Yes - I am talking to you, business managers and time-suckers!* I saved a few passages from book that I felt ...Sat, 01 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/07/01/deep-work/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/06/05/chatgpt-as-music/ [Arthur C Clarke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clarke%27s_three_laws) once commented that "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic"  Today's [LLMs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Large_language_models) get described like a baby that get magically fed the entire web’s worth of documents. The baby learns how words are associated together, can make sense of questions and can say words back to us with enormous dexterity.  But the baby hasn’t gone out in the real world a single minute.  It simply reproduces language **as if it was music**. Given an input melody, it spits out another melody that matches it, more or less, according to predefined parameters, and of course the input patterns. ### With LLMs, there is no world, just the music This is just an imitation game. It is designed to be like that. Music patterns in, musical patterns out. That’s where it derives its strength from and that’s why it appears so magical. It’s pretty damn good at imi ...Mon, 05 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/06/05/chatgpt-as-music/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/02/03/rip-scigraph/ Springer Nature retired [SciGraph](https://www.springernature.com/gp/researchers/scigraph) earlier this month. I have been the data architect and then technical lead for this project, so this is post is just a reminder of the great things we did in it. Also, a little rant about the things that weren't that great... ## Open Linked Data for the Scholarly domain SciGraph has been running for almost 8 years. I've been involved with the project since its early days in 2016, together with [lots of enthusiastic people at Springer Nature](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzzBuHy51wI). It started out as an attempt to break data silos about scientific publications. We chose [Linked Data](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linked_data) as its core technology for multiple reasons: its open standards and vibrant community, the expressive knowledge modeling languages, and last but not least the intent to support an increasing number of researchers/data-scientists who could independently [take advanta ...Fri, 24 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/02/03/rip-scigraph/https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/01/19/introducing-paperpile/ [Paperpile](https://paperpile.com/) is an online PDF manager that stores your personal data in your Google Drive folder. I recenlty found out about it and discovered that it addresses the biggest issue I had with most of its competitors: the [vendor lock-in](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vendor_lock-in) problem.  ## Organizing papers, hello old friend I recently started working on a new topic, collecting and organising academic papers to build a conceptual map of the area. So I began looking for a piece of software that could help with that task. This problem is not new to me. In the past I've used a lot [Mendeley](https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2012/08/07/using-mendeley-and-dropbox-to-sync-your-pdf-library-across-computers/index.html), for this task, as well as its competitors [Readcube](https://app.readcube.com/) and [Papers](https://www.papersapp.com/). Frustrated by the lack of portability ...Thu, 19 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://www.michelepasin.org/blog/2023/01/19/introducing-paperpile/