“Armory Week Adventures: Art Fairs, Gallery Shows, and Steps Galore”

“Armory Week Adventures: Art Fairs, Gallery Shows, and Steps Galore”

, the annual celebration of contemporary art in New York City. As I navigate through the maze of booths and exhibitions, I am struck by the diverse range of artistic expressions on display. From traditional paintings to cutting-edge installations, from established artists to emerging talents, the art world is alive and thriving.

At the heart of this bustling art scene lies a central theme: the constant evolution of art and its impact on society. Throughout history, art has served as a mirror reflecting the hopes, fears, and aspirations of humanity. From the Renaissance masters to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century, artists have continually pushed the boundaries of creativity, challenging conventional norms and sparking important conversations.

In today’s digital age, the role of art has taken on new dimensions. With social media platforms and online galleries providing artists with unprecedented reach, the power of visual storytelling has never been greater. Artists are using their work to address pressing issues such as climate change, social justice, and mental health, connecting with audiences on a global scale.

As I take in the eclectic mix of artworks at Armory Week, I am reminded of the transformative power of art. It has the ability to inspire, provoke, and unite us in ways that words alone cannot. So as I immerse myself in this vibrant artistic community, I am filled with a sense of wonder and gratitude for the rich tapestry of creativity that surrounds me.

In the past two days, I have seen four art fairs, eight gallery shows, walked 34,714 steps, and smoked zero cigarettes. It’s Armory Week

Read the original article

Ensemble Model for Gold Futures

Ensemble Model for Gold Futures

[This article was first published on DataGeeek, and kindly contributed to R-bloggers]. (You can report issue about the content on this page here)


Want to share your content on R-bloggers? click here if you have a blog, or here if you don’t.

Goldman Sachs stated that if the FED’s reputation suffers, and investors move only a small portion of their bond holdings into gold, the price of gold could rise to nearly $5,000 an ounce.

But at least now, the ensemble model indicates that gold prices are in an overbought zone.

Source code:

library(tidymodels)
library(tidyverse)
library(modeltime)
library(modeltime.ensemble)
library(timetk)

#Gold Futures
df_gold <-
  tq_get("GC=F") %>%
  select(date, close) %>%
  drop_na()


#Splitting
splits <-
  time_series_split(df_gold,
                    assess = "30 days",
                    cumulative = TRUE)

df_train <- training(splits)
df_test <- testing(splits)

#Recipe
rec_spec <-
  recipe(close ~ ., data = df_train) %>%
  step_timeseries_signature(date) %>%
  step_fourier(date, period = 365, K = 5) %>%
  step_dummy(all_nominal_predictors(), one_hot = TRUE) %>%
  step_zv(all_predictors()) %>%
  step_normalize(all_numeric_predictors())


#Model 1 - Auto ARIMA
mod_spec_arima <-
  arima_reg() %>%
  set_engine("auto_arima")

wflw_fit_arima <-
  workflow() %>%
  add_model(mod_spec_arima) %>%
  add_recipe(rec_spec %>% step_rm(all_predictors(), -date)) %>%
  fit(df_train)

#Model 2 - Prophet
mod_spec_prophet <-
  prophet_reg() %>%
  set_engine("prophet")

wflw_fit_prophet <-
  workflow() %>%
  add_model(mod_spec_prophet) %>%
  add_recipe(rec_spec) %>%
  fit(df_train)

#Model 3: Boosted ARIMA
mod_arima_boosted <-
  arima_boost(
    min_n = 2,
    learn_rate = 0.015
  ) %>%
  set_engine(engine = "auto_arima_xgboost")

wflw_fit_arima_boost <-
  workflow() %>%
  add_model(mod_arima_boosted) %>%
  add_recipe(rec_spec) %>%
  fit(df_train)

#Modeltime Workflow for Ensemble Forecasting
df_models <-
  modeltime_table(
    wflw_fit_arima,
    wflw_fit_prophet,
    wflw_fit_arima_boost
  )


#Make an Ensemble
ensemble_fit <-
  df_models %>%
  ensemble_average(type = "mean")

#Calibration
calibration_tbl <-
  modeltime_table(
    ensemble_fit
  ) %>%
  modeltime_calibrate(df_test)


#Accuracy
calibration_tbl %>%
  modeltime_accuracy() %>%
  table_modeltime_accuracy(
    .interactive = TRUE
  )


#Predictive intervals
calibration_tbl %>%
  modeltime_forecast(actual_data = df_test,
                     new_data = df_test) %>%
  plot_modeltime_forecast(.interactive = FALSE,
                          .legend_show = FALSE,
                          .line_size = 1.5,
                          .color_lab = "",
                          .title = "Gold Futures") +
  labs(subtitle = "<span style = 'color:dimgrey;'>Predictive Intervals</span> of the <span style = 'color:red;'>Ensemble Model</span>") +
  scale_y_continuous(labels = scales::label_currency()) +
  scale_x_date(labels = scales::label_date("%b %d"),
               date_breaks = "4 days") +
  theme_minimal(base_family = "Roboto Slab", base_size = 16) +
  theme(plot.subtitle = ggtext::element_markdown(face = "bold"),
        plot.title = element_text(face = "bold"),
        plot.background = element_rect(fill = "azure", color = "azure"),
        panel.background = element_rect(fill = "snow", color = "snow"),
        axis.text = element_text(face = "bold"),
        axis.text.x = element_text(angle = 45,
                                   hjust = 1,
                                   vjust = 1),
        legend.position = "none")


To leave a comment for the author, please follow the link and comment on their blog: DataGeeek.

R-bloggers.com offers daily e-mail updates about R news and tutorials about learning R and many other topics. Click here if you’re looking to post or find an R/data-science job.


Want to share your content on R-bloggers? click here if you have a blog, or here if you don’t.

Continue reading: Ensemble Model for Gold Futures

Analyzing Goldman Sachs Statement on Gold Prices

In a recent statement, Goldman Sachs mentioned that the price of gold could surge to nearly ,000 an ounce if there’s a small shift of investors’ bond holdings into gold due to a damaged reputation of the FED. While the ensemble model indicates that gold prices are currently overbought, there’s potential for significant long-term implications and future developments. In this light, let’s analyze these potential impacts.

Long-term Implications and Future Developments

Gold Prices

Should investors orchestrate a small shift from their bond holdings into gold due to FED’s hampered reputation, it could lead to a significant surge in gold prices as forecasted by Goldman Sachs. Current ensemble models may indicate an overbought zone, yet this can change as the situation develops. This could offer potentially lucrative opportunities for investors looking to capitalize on the predicted increment in gold prices.

Financial Markets

Furthermore, this shift could have long-term impacts on the global financial markets. With more investors moving their bond holdings into gold, the demand for bonds may decrease, potentially leading to an increase in bond yields and a dip in bond prices. This could impact the broader financial markets, affecting governments, corporations, and other entities that rely on bond markets for funding.

Actionable Advice

Following this trend and future implications, here is some practical advice:

  1. Monitor Market Conditions: Regularly observe and analyze gold prices and bond yields. This can assist in predicting market movements and making informed investment decisions.
  2. Consider Diversification: Diversify your investment portfolio to include both bonds and gold. This strategy could help balance out any potential losses that may come from holding bonds, with the predicted gains from the increased value of gold.
  3. Utilize Financial Models: Use ensemble models to analyze potential future movements in the gold and bond markets. Such models can be instrumental in forecasting market conditions, helping to inform investment decisions.
  4. Stay Informed: Keep abreast with financial news from reliable sources. Closely follow what financial institutions like Goldman Sachs say as they often have valuable insights into potential market movements.

In conclusion, while the future developments of gold prices depend on numerous volatile variables, it is crucial to stay informed and prepared for any possible shifts in the market. Leveraging ensemble forecasting models can also provide valuable predictive information to navigate the financial marketplace with greater confidence.

Read the original article

“Mastering SQL: Avoiding Common Interview Mistakes”

“Mastering SQL: Avoiding Common Interview Mistakes”

Learn the six SQL concepts candidates often get wrong in interviews with clear examples and correct solutions.

The Future of SQL: Understanding Common Mistakes in Interviews and Long-Term Implications

When it comes to SQL – a programming language designed for managing data held in a relational database or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system – candidates often stumble on several concepts during job interviews. Not only does understanding these common errors aid in better interview performance, it also provides insights into the future development of SQL and its long-term implications in the field.

Common SQL Mistakes in Interviews

When asked SQL-related questions, candidates often repeat a set of common mistakes. Addressing these encourages companies to enhance their recruitment processes and improve the overall quality of their future workforce. Here are six examples:

Long-Term Implications

Familiarizing oneself with these common mistakes doesn’t only allow candidates to ace their interviews, it also paves the way for a better understanding of SQL’s long-term implications.

As our world becomes increasingly digitized, SQL skills become more crucial in navigating the large amounts of data generated. In the future,
an advanced understanding of this programming language not only becomes necessary, but expected.

With the continuous technological advancements, SQL might evolve into a more sophisticated tool capable of handling even more complex tasks. As such, today’s common errors might become tomorrow’s basic fundamentals. Individuals and organizations alike should stay abreast with the latest SQL trends and developments to stay relevant.

Future Developments

It’s highly plausible that SQL will still play a major role in the future. Aside from improving its current capabilities, it might see enhancements in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data processing, and IoT. This implies that having a deep understanding of SQL will be even more valuable than it is today.

Actionable Advice

Based on these insights, here are some strategies for both individuals and organizations:

  1. For candidates: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the common SQL mistakes. Knowing these even before you enter the interview room will give you an edge over other candidates.
  2. For organizations: Incorporate these common mistakes in your recruitment process. This will allow you to filter candidates effectively based on their understanding of SQL.
  3. For both: Keep an eye on future developments of SQL. It is important to learn and adapt as the technology evolves.

With the anticipated future improvements and the high relevance of SQL in today’s digital landscape, a deeper understanding and mastery of this language is certainly beneficial.

Read the original article

Data Platform Debt

Key Points and Long-Term Implications

In the modern digital economy, the role of data as a valuable asset cannot be overemphasized. However, as the amount of data grows, many organizations are grappling with what has come to be known as ‘Data Platform Debt’. Essentially, Data Platform Debt represents the challenges and hurdles that companies encounter as they strive to upgrade, maintain, manage and effectively use their data platforms.

From the text, it’s clear that failure to effectively manage this data burden has several long-term implications. The most obvious one is that organizations may not make the most of the data at their disposal. This can result in lost business opportunities, hinder innovations, and impede competitive agility. Furthermore, the resources spent on managing outdated, heavy data systems could otherwise be invested in strategic business areas.

Future Developments

In terms of future developments, it is reasonable to anticipate that companies will increasingly adopt more flexible, scalable, and efficient data platforms such as cloud-based solutions or hybrid systems. The march towards Big Data and real-time analytics also means that businesses will integrate more advanced analytics capabilities into their platforms.

The rise of AI and Machine Learning also presents unique opportunities to automate and improve the management of data platforms, which can significantly reduce Data Platform Debt. But these technologies also come with their own challenges, especially around security and privacy.

Actionable Advice

Moving forward, companies can apply the following strategies to address Data Platform Debt:

  1. Invest in modern, scalable data platforms: Prioritize systems that can adapt to increasing amounts of data and advanced analytics requirements.
  2. Automate where possible: Utilizing AI and machine learning can help automate data management tasks, reducing the strain on resources.
  3. Integrate security and privacy measures: As the sophistication of data systems increase, so does the need for robust security. Integrate comprehensive privacy and security measures into your data platforms from the onset.
  4. Continuous training: Ensure your team has the skills to manage and use your data platforms effectively. Regular training and re-skilling can help businesses stay abreast of advances in data platform technologies.

Undeniably, while Data Platform Debt presents significant challenges, it also presents opportunities for progress and innovation. By taking practical steps to keep pace with evolving data platform requirements and technology advancements, companies can manage their Data Platform Debt effectively, fostering data-driven decisions and competitiveness in the digital economy.

Read the original article

“Top 5 Threats to E-commerce Brands: Strategies for Success”

“Top 5 Threats to E-commerce Brands: Strategies for Success”

Analytical Lead-in: Navigating the Perilous Waters of E-Commerce in the Digital Age

In a realm where convenience meets cutting-edge technology, e-commerce stands as a goliath, reshaping our shopping habits and driving consumer culture into a perpetual state of evolution. Yet, beneath the glossy exterior of one-click checkouts and endless virtual aisles, e-commerce brands grapple with an undercurrent of threats that challenge their stability and success. This article dives deep into this churning sea of uncertainties, focusing on the five most formidable threats that e-commerce entities must confront to thrive. Prepared with astuteness, we shall unravel these challenges, not just to underscore the vulnerabilities but to chart a strategic course for e-commerce brands to steer with confidence. We invite you, the reader, to engage critically with the complexities of digital marketplaces, as we provide a compass—a set of best practices—designed to help brands navigate these treacherous threats, ensuring longevity and prosperity in the otherwise tumultuous waters of online commerce.

Outline of Threats & Best Practices

Today’s e-commerce landscape is a testament to the relentless pace of technological innovation, yet it is rife with inherent risks that brands must adeptly manage. Here, we recognize the top five threats that loom large over the digital shopping sphere and delineate key best practices to help brands emerge unscathed:

  1. Cybersecurity Breaches: As online transactions soar, so does the appeal for cybercriminals. We will dissect the implications of cybersecurity failures and present robust strategies to fortify digital defenses.
  2. Consumer Privacy Concerns: With data as currency, safeguarding customer information is a non-negotiable tenet of trust. Our discussion will shed light on navigating the fine balance between personalization and privacy.
  3. Intense Competition: The e-commerce sphere is a gladiator’s arena with new entrants wielding innovative tactics. We will explore differentiation as a survival and flourishing mechanism within this competitive landscape.
  4. Technological Disruptions: The double-edged sword of tech progress can be a boon or bane for brands. Adopting adaptability, we will tackle how to transform potential tech upheavals into opportunities.
  5. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: A chain is only as strong as its weakest link—our insights will target reinforcing the supply chain, maintaining robust operations in the face of disruptions.

Providing more than mere acknowledgment of these threats, our article intends to equip e-commerce brands with actionable intelligence. By integrating best practices into their core strategies, e-commerce brands can not only survive but also flourish amidst these prevailing and emerging threats. Anticipate a comprehensive guide tailored for modern digital storefronts, ensuring their resilience against the tides of an uncertain future.

This article identifies the five biggest threats facing e-commerce brands and provides best practices to mitigate these threats.

Read the original article