by jsendak | May 14, 2025 | Cosmology & Computing
arXiv:2505.08173v1 Announce Type: new Abstract: Causal inference has emerged as a promising approach to mitigate long-tail classification by handling the biases introduced by class imbalance. However, along with the change of advanced backbone models from Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) to Visual Transformers (ViT), existing causal models may not achieve an expected performance gain. This paper investigates the influence of existing causal models on CNNs and ViT variants, highlighting that ViT’s global feature representation makes it hard for causal methods to model associations between fine-grained features and predictions, which leads to difficulties in classifying tail classes with similar visual appearance. To address these issues, this paper proposes TSCNet, a two-stage causal modeling method to discover fine-grained causal associations through multi-scale causal interventions. Specifically, in the hierarchical causal representation learning stage (HCRL), it decouples the background and objects, applying backdoor interventions at both the patch and feature level to prevent model from using class-irrelevant areas to infer labels which enhances fine-grained causal representation. In the counterfactual logits bias calibration stage (CLBC), it refines the optimization of model’s decision boundary by adaptive constructing counterfactual balanced data distribution to remove the spurious associations in the logits caused by data distribution. Extensive experiments conducted on various long-tail benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed TSCNet can eliminate multiple biases introduced by data imbalance, which outperforms existing methods.
by jsendak | May 14, 2025 | Art
The Giddy Road to Ruin
Exploring the complexities of abstract art, The George Economou Collection is proud to showcase Charline von Heyl’s first exhibition in Greece. Born in 1960, von Heyl’s work challenges the conventional boundaries of painting, drawing viewers into a world of vibrant colors and bold shapes.
A Journey Through Art
Von Heyl’s unique style draws inspiration from a diverse range of sources, including modernist painting, graphic design, and pop culture. This eclectic mix of influences results in dynamic compositions that defy traditional categorization.
Her work invites viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions of abstract art, prompting them to engage with the piece on a deeper, more personal level. Von Heyl’s bold use of color and texture creates a sense of movement and depth, inviting viewers to take a giddy road through her mesmerizing creations.
Relevance in Today’s Art World
As we navigate a rapidly changing world, von Heyl’s art serves as a reminder of the power of creativity and imagination. Her work challenges viewers to think critically about the world around them, encouraging them to embrace the beauty of chaos and uncertainty.
By bringing von Heyl’s work to Greece, The George Economou Collection aims to spark conversations about the role of abstract art in contemporary society. The Giddy Road to Ruin invites viewers to explore the boundaries of perception and interpretation, shedding light on the transformative power of art.
The George Economou Collection is pleased to announce The Giddy Road to Ruin, the first exhibition by German-American artist Charline von Heyl (b. 1960) in Greece.
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by jsendak | May 13, 2025 | Art
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Society
In recent years, there has been a noticeable surge in the presence and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern society. From the development of humanoid robots to the presence of autonomous AI agents in various industries, the integration of AI technology has become increasingly pervasive.
Historically, the concept of artificial intelligence can be traced back to the 1950s, with the work of scientists such as Alan Turing and John McCarthy laying the foundation for the field. Over the decades, advancements in AI research and technology have accelerated, leading to the creation of powerful AI systems capable of performing complex tasks.
The Impact of AI on Society
The integration of AI technology has had a profound impact on various aspects of society, from business and industry to healthcare and entertainment. AI-powered systems are being used to streamline processes, make data-driven decisions, and improve efficiency in a wide range of fields.
However, the increasing reliance on AI technology has also raised concerns about issues such as job displacement, privacy, and ethical implications. As AI systems become more sophisticated and autonomous, questions about their potential impact on society and human interaction have become more prominent.
In this article, we will explore the rise of artificial intelligence in modern society, examining the opportunities and challenges that come with the integration of AI technology. By delving into the historical development of AI and its current applications, we hope to provide a deeper understanding of the central topic at hand.
Expect humanoid robots, autonomous AI agents, and Paintboxed,
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by jsendak | May 13, 2025 | DS Articles
[This article was first published on
R-posts.com, and kindly contributed to
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here)
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Join our workshop on Using LLMs with ellmer, which is a part of our workshops for Ukraine series!
Here’s some more info:
Title: Using LLMs with ellmer
Date: Friday, June 13th, 18:00 – 20:00 CEST (Rome, Berlin, Paris timezone)
Speaker: Hadley Wickham is Chief Scientist at Posit PBC, winner of the 2019 COPSS award, and a member of the R Foundation. He builds tools (both computational and cognitive) to make data science easier, faster, and more fun. His work includes packages for data science (like the tidyverse, which includes ggplot2, dplyr, and tidyr)and principled software development (e.g. roxygen2, testthat, and pkgdown). He is also a writer, educator, and speaker promoting the use of R for data science. Learn more on his website, <http://hadley.nz>.
Description: Join us for an engaging, hands-on hackathon workshop where you’ll learn to use large language models (LLMs) from R with the ellmer (https://ellmer.tidyverse.org) package. In this 2-hour session, we’ll combine theory with practical exercises to help you create AI-driven solutions—no extensive preparation needed!
## What you’ll learn:
– A quick intro to LLMs: what they’re good at and where they struggle
– How to use ellmer with different model providers (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, and others)
– Effective prompt design strategies and practical applications for your work
– Function calling: how to let LLMs use R functions for tasks they can’t handle well
– Extracting structured data from text, images, and video using LLMs
## What you’ll need:
– A laptop with R installed
– The development version of ellmer (`pak::pak(“tidyverse/ellmer”))`
– An account with either Claude (cheap) or Google Gemini (free).
Follow the instructions at <github.com/hadley/workshop-llm-hackathon> to get setup.
Minimal registration fee: 20 euro (or 20 USD or 800 UAH)
Please note that the registration confirmation is sent 1 day before the workshop to all registered participants rather than immediately after registration
How can I register?
- Save your donation receipt (after the donation is processed, there is an option to enter your email address on the website to which the donation receipt is sent)
- Fill in the registration form, attaching a screenshot of a donation receipt (please attach the screenshot of the donation receipt that was emailed to you rather than the page you see after donation).
If you are not personally interested in attending, you can also contribute by sponsoring a participation of a student, who will then be able to participate for free. If you choose to sponsor a student, all proceeds will also go directly to organisations working in Ukraine. You can either sponsor a particular student or you can leave it up to us so that we can allocate the sponsored place to students who have signed up for the waiting list.
How can I sponsor a student?
- Save your donation receipt (after the donation is processed, there is an option to enter your email address on the website to which the donation receipt is sent)
- Fill in the sponsorship form, attaching the screenshot of the donation receipt (please attach the screenshot of the donation receipt that was emailed to you rather than the page you see after the donation). You can indicate whether you want to sponsor a particular student or we can allocate this spot ourselves to the students from the waiting list. You can also indicate whether you prefer us to prioritize students from developing countries when assigning place(s) that you sponsored.
If you are a university student and cannot afford the registration fee, you can also sign up for the waiting list here. (Note that you are not guaranteed to participate by signing up for the waiting list).
You can also find more information about this workshop series, a schedule of our future workshops as well as a list of our past workshops which you can get the recordings & materials here.
Looking forward to seeing you during the workshop!
Using LLMs with ellmer workshop by Hadley Wickham was first posted on May 13, 2025 at 3:06 pm.
Continue reading: Using LLMs with ellmer workshop by Hadley Wickham
Analysis: The Future of LLMs with ellmer Workshops
In the ever-evolving field of data science, continuous learning and keeping up-to-date with the latest technologies and methodologies are of utmost importance. A recent announcement on R-bloggers.com discussed a fast-approaching online workshop on ‘Using LLMs with ellmer’ which undoubtedly caught the attention of many data science enthusiasts.
Implications and Future Developments
Large Language Models (LLMs), as introduced in this workshop, are a critical component in the realm of AI, capable of understanding and generating human-like text. Notably, the ellmer package enables these advanced AI capabilities to be integrated into the R environment. Ensuring that data scientists are adept in such tools has long-term implications for the speed, efficiency, and novel applications in data science.
Hadley Wickham, the speaker for this session, is a distinguished data scientist and prolific contributor to R packages, making the promise of future workshops held by him or speakers of a similar calibre, highly beneficial for learners. It’s quite plausible that the increased demand for these workshops could lead them to become a regular occurrence, facilitating upskilling in the R community.
In the future, we might see an expansion of topics, covering more R packages and advanced AI techniques. Furthermore, the flexible approach today’s workshop adopted towards payment (acceptable in different currencies and also by sponsoring a student) combined with its charitable cause, paints an encouraging picture of an inclusive learning community that values diversity and social responsibility. This could lead to increased accessibility in the future, as more and more professionals and students benefit from these affordable (or sponsored) learning opportunities.
Actionable Advice
- Stay Informed: Regularly check R-bloggers and similar resources for updates about forthcoming workshops and apply promptly. Remember that registration confirmations are sent out a day before the workshop.
- Prepare Adequately: Ensuring that the necessary prerequisites are met before the workshop (such as having R installed and setting up the ellmer package) allows for a more effective learning experience.
- Be Charitable: If able, consider sponsoring a student. This not only supports the learning of individuals unable to afford the fee, but additionally contributes towards addressing social implications in areas such as Ukraine.
- Take Part: Even if one is not an R user, such workshops, often held by industry experts, offer valuable insights which could be applied to data science work in general.
By utilizing such actionable advice, not only can individuals further their personal knowledge and skills, but the broader R, data science, and AI communities can continue to grow and evolve positively.
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by jsendak | May 13, 2025 | DS Articles
Stop guessing and start applying the 5 daily habits that turn average freelancers into 6-figure earners.
5 Daily Habits That Turn Average Freelancers into 6-Figure Earners
The professional environment is drastically changing, with a growing number of people shifting from traditional to freelance jobs. However, much freelancers earn is not always clear. This article analyses five daily habits that differentiate average freelancers from high earners and discusses the long-term implications and potential future developments.
The 5 Key Habits
- Consistent marketing: High-earning freelancers regularly market their capabilities and network to secure their next gigs.
- Investment in skills development: Successful freelancers invest time and resources to further their education and develop worthwhile skills.
- Mindset: These freelancers have a growth mindset, see failures as opportunities, and are committed to their work.
- Monetization strategies: They explore various ways of making extra income out of their skills, from consulting and blogging to teaching classes.
- Financial management: Top earners handle their finances well. They save, plan for taxes, and invest in retirement plans.
Long-term Implications and Future Developments
Adopting these daily habits can have significant long-term implications. Consistent marketing not only ensures a steady stream of income but also contributes to a solid professional reputation. Developing skills will keep freelancers competitive – even more so as AI and automation continue to redefine the job landscape.
The growth mindset fosters resilience, promoting career longevity. Monetization strategies provide diverse income streams, allowing freelancers to remain financially stable during the unpredictability of freelance work. Good financial management, meanwhile, safeguards freelancers against the lack of typical job benefits, such as pensions and employer-provided healthcare.
Future developments of freelance work are difficult to predict. However, as long as freelancers continue to adapt, learn, and build resilience, they will thrive in this evolving field.
Actionable Advice
Here, then, is the actionable advice to help freelancers move from average to high earning:
- Develop and stick to a marketing plan: Your services won’t sell themselves. Use social media, personal networks, former clients, and professional platforms to showcase your work.
- Never stop learning: Invest in further education, both formal and informal, to develop your skills and value in the market.
- Adopt a growth mindset: Believe in your abilities to develop and improve. Respond to failure as a chance for learning and growth.
- Explore additional income opportunities: Consider blogging, creating online courses, and consulting to earn extra income from your skills.
- Plan and manage your finances wisely: Set a budget, save for taxes, have an emergency fund, and invest for retirement.
By cultivating these daily habits, freelancers have the potential to grow from modest earnings to a six-figure income, creating a sustainable, rewarding freelance career.
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