by jsendak | May 14, 2025 | Computer Science
arXiv:2505.07912v1 Announce Type: cross
Abstract: Democratic societies need accessible, reliable information. Videos and Podcasts have established themselves as the medium of choice for civic dissemination, but also as carriers of misinformation. The emerging Science Communication Knowledge Infrastructure (SciCom KI) curating non-textual media is still fragmented and not adequately equipped to scale against the content flood. Our work sets out to support the SciCom KI with a central, collaborative platform, the SciCom Wiki, to facilitate FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) media representation and the fact-checking of their content, particularly for videos and podcasts. Building an open-source service system centered around Wikibase, we survey requirements from 53 stakeholders, refine these in 11 interviews, and evaluate our prototype based on these requirements with another 14 participants. To address the most requested feature, fact-checking, we developed a neurosymbolic computational fact-checking approach, converting heterogenous media into knowledge graphs. This increases machine-readability and allows comparing statements against equally represented ground-truth. Our computational fact-checking tool was iteratively evaluated through 10 expert interviews, a public user survey with 43 participants verified the necessity and usability of our tool. Overall, our findings identified several needs to systematically support the SciCom KI. The SciCom Wiki, as a FAIR digital library complementing our neurosymbolic computational fact-checking framework, was found suitable to address the raised requirements. Further, we identified that the SciCom KI is severely underdeveloped regarding FAIR knowledge and related systems facilitating its collaborative creation and curation. Our system can provide a central knowledge node, yet a collaborative effort is required to scale against the imminent (mis-)information flood.
Expert Commentary: Advancing Science Communication Knowledge Infrastructure with the SciCom Wiki
In today’s digital age, the dissemination of information through videos and podcasts has become increasingly prevalent. However, along with the advantages of these non-textual media formats comes the challenge of ensuring their accuracy and reliability. This is especially crucial in democratic societies where accessible and trustworthy information is essential for making informed decisions.
The concept of the Science Communication Knowledge Infrastructure (SciCom KI) is a key development in addressing this challenge. By curating non-textual media in a findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable manner (FAIR principles), the SciCom KI aims to enhance the credibility and fact-checking capabilities of videos and podcasts.
The research presented in this article introduces the SciCom Wiki, a collaborative platform designed to support the SciCom KI. By leveraging open-source technologies like Wikibase and developing a neurosymbolic computational fact-checking approach, the researchers have demonstrated a novel way to convert heterogeneous media into knowledge graphs for more effective fact-checking.
This innovative approach not only increases the machine-readability of non-textual media but also allows for comparing statements against ground-truth data, improving the accuracy and reliability of information dissemination. The iterative evaluation of the computational fact-checking tool through expert interviews and user surveys further validates its necessity and usability in enhancing the SciCom KI.
The multi-disciplinary nature of this research, combining elements of information science, artificial intelligence, and multimedia systems, underscores the complexity of addressing misinformation in non-textual media formats. By providing a central knowledge node through the SciCom Wiki, the researchers have paved the way for a more systematic and collaborative effort in combating the (mis-)information flood.
Overall, this work highlights the potential of integrating advanced technologies with scientific communication to strengthen the reliability and accessibility of multimedia information systems. As we progress towards an era of artificial reality, augmented reality, and virtual realities, initiatives like the SciCom Wiki will play a crucial role in fostering a more credible and informed society.
Read the original article
by jsendak | May 11, 2025 | DS Articles
STAR isn’t suitable for technical jobs, so how do you answer behavioral interview questions while still showing you’re a data scientist?
Data Science and Behavioral Interviews: Strategies and Implications
The roles and responsibilities of data scientists extend beyond mere technical knowledge and skills. As the domain of data science increasingly intersects with business decision-making, the need for data scientists with strong communication and interpersonal skills is becoming more critical. The ability to smoothly navigate behavioral interview questions is a big part of showcasing these skills. However, the realm of behavioral interviews can be challenging for individuals grounded deeply in technical roles, such as data scientists.
The STAR interview response method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, Result, is commonly used to structure responses to behavioral interview questions. While it offers a robust framework for most job roles, it can fall short for technical jobs like data science. This brings up the challenging question: how does one answer behavioral interview questions while still highlighting their competency as a data scientist?
Long-term Implications and Future Developments
Demonstrating the ability to answer behavioral interview questions effectively signifies to employers that a data scientist not only possesses the technical acumen necessary for the role but also the interpersonal and communication skills, critical thinking prowess, and teamwork abilities. These are all qualities that are becoming increasingly important in a corporate environment that is more collaborative and agile.
The demand for such well-rounded data scientists will continue to rise in the future. Companies seek individuals who can not only crunch numbers and interrogate datasets but also communicate complex data insights in simple, understandable language to various stakeholders. Thus, the ability to balance technical savvy with interpersonal skills won’t just be a plus—it could be a requirement.
Actionable Advice to Showcase Your Data Scientist Skills in Behavioral Interviews
Here are some key strategies for data scientists to shine in behavioral interviews:
- Connect the dots: When asked about a situation or experience, try to relate it to your data science skills. Discuss how your analytical thinking helped resolve a problem or how your knack for detail-oriented work led to a particular outcome.
- Speak their language: As a data scientist, you’re expected to discuss complex insights with non-technical team members. Practice explaining your work or projects in language simple enough for anyone to understand.
- Share the spotlight: Emphasize your team-oriented skills. Talk about instances where you collaborated with others, showcasing your ability to contribute within a team and towards a collective outcome.
- Highlight problem-solving: Demonstrate your analytical and problem-solving skills not just by discussing algorithms or equations, but by talking about real-world problems you’ve solved through your innovative approaches.
In conclusion, while the STAR approach might not perfectly fit the needs of technical interviews, with a bit of creativity, you can morph and mold it to showcase your competency as an effective and holistic data scientist. This approach will serve data scientists well as the landscape of their role continues to evolve over time.
Read the original article
by jsendak | Apr 29, 2025 | Computer Science
Safety-Critical Data and Autonomous Vehicles: Barriers to Sharing
Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have the potential to transform transportation by greatly improving road safety. However, to ensure their safety and efficacy, it is crucial to have access to safety-critical data, such as crash and near-crash records. Sharing this data among AV companies, academic researchers, regulators, and the public can contribute to the overall improvement of AV design and development.
Despite the benefits of sharing safety-critical data, AV companies have been reluctant to do so. A recent study conducted interviews with twelve employees from AV companies to explore the reasons behind this reluctance and identify potential barriers to data sharing.
Barriers to Data Sharing
The study revealed two key barriers that were previously unknown. The first barrier is the inherent nature of the datasets themselves. Safety-critical data contains knowledge that is essential for improving AV safety, and the process of collecting, analyzing, and sharing this data is resource-intensive. Even within a single company, sharing such data can be complicated due to the politics involved. Different teams within a company may have competing interests and priorities, leading to reluctance in sharing data internally.
The second barrier identified by the study is the perception of AV safety knowledge as private rather than public. Interviewees believed that the knowledge gained from safety-critical data gives their companies a competitive edge. They view it as proprietary information that should be guarded to maintain their advantage in the market. This perception hinders the sharing of safety-critical data for the greater social good.
Implications and Way Forward
The findings of this study have important implications for promoting safety-critical AV data sharing. To overcome the barriers identified, several strategies can be considered.
- Debating and Stratifying Public and Private Knowledge: It is essential to initiate discussions and debates within the AV industry and regulatory bodies regarding the classification of safety knowledge as public or private. By defining clear boundaries, companies can feel more secure in sharing data without compromising their competitive advantages.
- Innovating Data Tools and Sharing Pipelines: Developing new tools and technologies that streamline the process of sharing safety-critical data can alleviate resource constraints and minimize the politics associated with data sharing. Companies could collaborate to create standardized data formats and sharing pipelines to facilitate easier and more efficient exchange of information.
- Offsetting Costs and Incentivizing Sharing: Given the resource-intensive nature of collecting safety-critical data, it is crucial to find ways to offset the costs associated with data curation. Incentives, such as tax breaks or grants, could be provided to companies that actively participate in data sharing initiatives. This would encourage greater participation and promote a culture of collaboration in the AV industry.
In conclusion, the barriers to sharing safety-critical data in the autonomous vehicle industry are rooted in the complexities of data collection, internal politics, and the perception of knowledge as a competitive advantage. Addressing these barriers requires industry-wide discussions, technological innovations, and the provision of incentives to encourage data sharing. By overcoming these obstacles, the AV industry can collectively work towards improving AV safety and realizing the full potential of autonomous vehicles.
Read the original article
by jsendak | Apr 23, 2025 | Art
Preface: Exploring Collaborative Dialogue in Art
“Art is not created in a vacuum, but rather emerges from a dynamic exchange of ideas and perspectives.” – Unknown
In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art, collaboration has emerged as a vital mode of creation. Artists have long engaged in dialogue with one another, weaving their individual voices into a rich tapestry of shared expression. This article delves into the fascinating world of collaborative art and shines a light on the unique partnership between artists Sally Glover and Mark Kosowick.
A Historical Perspective
The concept of collaboration in art is by no means a novelty. Throughout history, artists have come together to pool their talents, knowledge, and skills to create groundbreaking works. From the Renaissance masterpieces born out of workshops to the Dada movement’s collective experiments, collaboration has spurred innovation and pushed the boundaries of artistic expression.
Enter Sally Glover and Mark Kosowick
Sally Glover and Mark Kosowick, two contemporary artists rooted in different mediums, take collaboration to a new level. Rather than co-creating singular works, they engage in an ongoing, shifting dialogue through their individual pieces. This dynamic exchange of ideas creates a powerful synergy, resulting in a body of work that reflects their shared sensibilities while retaining their unique artistic identities.
An Ongoing Dialogue
Glover and Kosowick’s collaborative process is in itself a work in progress. Their individual artworks often intersect thematically, expressing the nuanced conversations they have engaged in over time. Like musical notes responding to one another, their works create a visual symphony, each piece building upon the ideas and motifs explored by the other.
Shaping Contemporary Discourse
Collaborative art challenges the notion of the solitary artist and embraces collective creativity. In an era characterized by connectivity and interdependence, this mode of creation reflects the complex web of human relationships in the modern world. Glover and Kosowick’s collaboration not only influences their own artistic practices but also contributes to the broader contemporary discourse, highlighting the power of creative exchanges to shape and redefine artistic expression.
A Journey of Exploration
Join us on this artistic journey as we delve into Sally Glover and Mark Kosowick’s collaborative works. Through interviews, analysis, and stunning visual examples, we will explore the intricacies of their dialogue, the palpable energy it generates, and the impact it has on their individual artistic paths. Brace yourself for an enlightening exploration of collaboration in art and its capacity to ignite new artistic horizons.
Glover and Kosowick do not co-create singular works but instead develop individual pieces that engage in an ongoing, shifting dialogue.
Read the original article
by jsendak | Feb 27, 2025 | Art, News
In a major exhibition at the Royal Academy, Brazil’s modernist art movement takes center stage once again. The exhibition titled “Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism” explores the period between 1910 and 1970 and features the works of 10 Brazilian artists. This exhibition aims to shed light on lesser-known artists from Brazil and raise awareness about their contributions to modernism.
Throughout this 60-year period, Brazil experienced a blossoming of the arts, with artists exploring new techniques and color palettes. The shift away from traditional art forms was an attempt to establish a new identity for the young republic, one that represented the diversity and culture of Brazil. Artists began to embrace the country’s vegetation, architecture, and faces, showcasing what it truly meant to be Brazilian.
The exhibition highlights various themes and subjects that were of importance to these modernist artists. Lasar Segall, a Jewish Lithuanian immigrant, depicted themes of oppression and displacement in Brazil through his paintings. Condido Portinari showcased the harsh lives of farmers from Brazil’s hinterlands, while Vicente do Rego Monteiro incorporated Indigenous cultural expressions into his works. Flávio de Carvalho experimented with multiple artistic movements, synthesizing European avant-garde styles from a Brazilian perspective.
One significant aspect of this exhibition is the inclusion of self-taught artists like Djanira da Motta e Silva. Their works challenge the preconceived notions of primitive or popular art and demonstrate their substantial artistic talent. These artists were not mere observers but members of the cultures they depicted, adding authenticity and depth to their works.
The exhibition concludes with artists whose work embodies pure abstraction. Alfredo Volpi’s paintings from the 1940s and onwards showcase his departure from figurative works into purely geometric patterns. Rubem Valentim’s sculptures and geometric paintings bridge Afro-Brazilian cultural traditions with modernism. Geraldo de Barros’s unconventional “Fotoformas” photographs utilize unusual medium-altering techniques.
Through “Brasil! Brasil! The Birth of Modernism,” the Royal Academy aims to compensate for its 1944 exhibition of Brazilian modernism that was subject to political coercion. By highlighting the works of lesser-known Brazilian artists, the exhibition aims to raise awareness and appreciation for their contributions to modernism. It presents Brazilian modernism as an amorphous movement, showcasing the diversity of artistic expression during that period.
Prediction and recommendation for the industry:
Based on the resurgence of interest in Brazilian modernism, it is likely that contemporary artists will draw inspiration from this period and incorporate its themes, techniques, and color palettes into their own works. The exploration of Brazilian culture and identity will continue to be an important subject for artists, especially as Brazil continues to grapple with issues of diversity and inclusivity.
To stay relevant, art institutions and galleries should consider hosting more exhibitions that highlight lesser-known artists from diverse regions. This not only provides a platform for underrepresented artists but also enriches the art scene by introducing new perspectives and styles.
Additionally, there is a need for more research and documentation of self-taught and outsider artists. These artists often challenge traditional art narratives and contribute unique perspectives to the art world. By recognizing and studying their works, art institutions can broaden the understanding of art history and provide a platform for marginalized voices.
References:
– https://www.artnews.com/art-in-america/interviews/brasil-brasil-the-birth-modernism-1234578415/
– https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/exhibition/brasil-brasil-the-birth-of-modernismo
– https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/brasil-brasil-political-background-1944-brazilian-modernism
