Perfect Planet

…8979323846 2643383279 5028841971 6939937510 5820974944 5923078164 0628620899 8628034825 3421170679… You might be wondering: are these two out of their minds?! What are these numbers? We’re not sure if your opinion of us will improve when we reveal that this is just a tiny snippet of an infinite sequence. So rejoice! We've simply listed the first 100 digits of the mathematical constant π (pi). The discovery that the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter is constant – represented by π – dates back to antiquity and has fascinated humanity ever since. The ancient Egyptians and Babylonians measured it; Greek geniuses like Archimedes proved it and established limits (between 3.1408 and 3.1428); Chinese and Indian scholars refined its accuracy; and medieval and modern mathematicians revealed its true nature. What began as a simple observation in circular objects became a profound mathematical constant. Thus, the story of π is a testament to intercultural discoveries, conti...

  We are pleased to share with you the publication of a scientific article (authored by us), whose empirical analysis is motivated by physical inactivity and overweight and obesity as significant risk factors for global mortality. The article can be accessed here:  link . In this study, we explore the role of mobile applications in promoting physical activity, highlighting their relevance as a public health tool. The results indicate that the use of these applications is associated with the adoption of healthy habits, mainly due to the possibility of self-assessment, continuous monitoring, and personalized goal setting. Users' motivation seems to be more related to tracking their own performance rather than traditional loyalty strategies, although gamification can play a relevant role when properly balanced. The article also presents policy implications to maximize the benefits of these tools. Governments can encourage the development and adoption of applications aligned with ...

  Urban Myths.  When we started writing this column, we felt like a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown —something that, according to stereotypes, seems to be an exclusively female privilege . Naturally, Priscila  had the meltdown , while Pedro remained stiff and firm like an iron bar . It was just like that classic moment when we had to attend an event and suddenly realise, to our horror, that we have absolutely nothing to wear! Everyone knows how women are: indecisive, emotional, ignorant, uneducated, resentful, and vengeful . They make decisions based on other people’s opinions , try to fit into imposed standards , and, of course, are so obsessed with appearances, gossip, and what others think that they hardly have time to form their own ideas. But let’s leave that behind and move on to what really matters: men. Women are complicated , and writing about them would be exhausting ; men, conversely, are simple, brilliant, and natural problem solvers . Hence the que...