rOpenSci Monthly News Roundup: September 2024

rOpenSci Monthly News Roundup: September 2024

by | Aug 30, 2024 | DS Articles

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Dear rOpenSci friends, it’s time for our monthly news roundup!

You can read this post on our blog.
Now let’s dive into the activity at and around rOpenSci!

rOpenSci HQ

Community call: Navigating the R ecosystem using R-Universe!

On Tuesday, 24 September 2024 16:00 UTC (no RSVP needed), join us to learn more about R-Universe and how you can use it to improve your R package development workflow.

In this community call, Jeroen Ooms will provide details on what R-Universe is and an update on what you can do with it today.
He will also discuss the future of R-Universe and how it can be used to navigate the R ecosystem.

Webinar: Screen Reader Accessible Tools and Resources for Learning and Working with R

Liz Hare and Alican Cagri Gokcek, both rOpenSci Champions will participate in a panel sharing their experiences with screen reader-accessible tools and resources for learning and working with R.

The event is co-organized by rOpenSci and the Boğaziçi University and will be held on September 10.

Blog post series: Two years and twelve projects as Community Manager at rOpenSci

In June 2022 Yani became the Community Manager of rOpenSci.
Now she has started a series of blog posts to share 12 projects she was involved in these two years to tell you more about the kind of work and activities a community manager of a technology community of practice does and what she learned in the process.

The series is also available in Spanish.

Our stats on all CRAN packages now updated daily

rOpenSci’s pkgstats package generates summary statistics on R packages.
Our pkgcheck system compares the statistical properties of packages being checked with equivalent properties of all CRAN packages.
We now generate daily updates of our reference database of pkgstats for all CRAN packages, so the pkgcheck output will always be against the current state of CRAN.
The databases are published with the v0.1.6 release of pkgstats, and can be downloaded from there.
Alternatively, to know how “noteworthy” your package is compared to CRAN packages, simply call pkgcheck on your package (perhaps with goodpractice = FALSE to speed things up by skipping those parts of checks). Then, either print the results directly in the console, or use out <- checks_to_markdown(checks, render = TRUE) to generate and automatically open a rendered HTML version, where “Statistical Properties” will include the comparison of your package to all current CRAN packages.

The rOpenSci community at upcoming events

Meet rOpenSci team and community members at events in the near future!

Coworking

Read all about coworking!

Join us for social coworking & office hours monthly on first Tuesdays!
Hosted by Steffi LaZerte and various community hosts.
Everyone welcome.
No RSVP needed.
Consult our Events page to find your local time and how to join.

  • Tuesday, September 3rd, 9:00 Australia Western (01:00 UTC) Cancelled
  • Tuesday, October 1st, 14h00 Europe Central (12:00 UTC), Theme TBA with cohost TBA and Steffi LaZerte.

And remember, you can always cowork independently on work related to R, work on packages that tend to be neglected, or work on what ever you need to get done!

Software 📦

New packages

The following package recently became a part of our software suite:

  • karel, developed by Marcos Prunello: This is the R implementation of Karel the robot, a programming language created by Dr. R. E. Pattis at Stanford University in 1981. Karel is an useful tool to teach introductory concepts about general programming, such as algorithmic decomposition, conditional statements, loops, etc., in an interactive and fun way, by writing programs to make Karel the robot achieve certain tasks in the world she lives in. Originally based on Pascal, Karel was implemented in many languages through these decades, including Java, C++, Ruby and Python. This is the first package implementing Karel in R. It is available on CRAN. It has been reviewed by Veronica Jimenez-Jacinto and Joel Nitta.

Discover more packages, read more about Software Peer Review.

New versions

The following twenty-two packages have had an update since the last newsletter: frictionless (v1.2.0), gert (v2.1.0), pkgstats (v0.1.6), cffr (v1.1.1), circle (v0.7.3), crul (v1.5.0), GSODR (v4.1.1), historydata (v0.3.0), lingtypology (v1.1.18v2), mapscanner (v0.1.1), nodbi (v0.10.6), phonfieldwork (v0.0.17), qualtRics (v3.2.1), rangr (v1.0.5), rdataretriever (v.3.1.1), refsplitr (v1.0.1), rOPTRAM (v0.3), stats19 (v3.1.0), stplanr (v1.2.2), vcr (v1.6.0), weatherOz (v1.0.0), and webmockr (v1.0.0).

Software Peer Review

There are ten recently closed and active submissions and 6 submissions on hold. Issues are at different stages:

Find out more about Software Peer Review and how to get involved.

On the blog

Calls for contributions

Calls for maintainers

If you’re interested in maintaining any of the R packages below, you might enjoy reading our blog post What Does It Mean to Maintain a Package?.

Calls for contributions

Also refer to our help wanted page – before opening a PR, we recommend asking in the issue whether help is still needed.

Package development corner

Playing on the same team as your dependency

We recently re-shared the older tidyverse post “Playing on the same team as your dependency” by Thomas Lin Pedersen.
A further tip would be to make it easier for the maintainer of the dependency to submit patches to your package if needed, by listing the link to the source (GitHub or GitLab repository for instance) in the URL field of DESCRIPTION.
Creating the update for you is easier on the maintainer of the dependency than sending you an email with code inside.

Update your pkgdown navbar configuration if needed

If your pkgdown navbar configuration does not explicitly mentions “search” as a component, your website will not include a search bar in its navbar.
This is due to a fix in how pkgdown handles the search component, but from your perspective it might well look like a bug, so check your pkgdown configuration!

If you maintain an rOpenSci package, you might have already gotten a pull request from the rotemplate team. 😉

Example of a fix, another example that also updates the navbar config syntax.

Another IDE to try out?

Remember Athanasia Mo Mowinckel’s post about the IDEs she uses?
She wrote a follow-up about the new IDE by Posit, Positron.

Other new IDE developments include Zed AI.

Find and fix problems in R code automatically!

Etienne Bacher created an enticing R package called flint, that finds and fixes lints in R code.
Imagine lintr being as active as styler instead of just telling you what to amend. 😁
Note that at the moment, flint does not have as many rules as lintr.

The existence of flint is yet another benefit from Davis Vaughan’s building an R grammar for tree-sitter, since flint builds on Etienne Bacher’s astgrepr, that binds the Rust ast-grep crate, that in turns… uses tree-sitter!

Create content for help pages on the fly

Did you know that you can create dynamic content for the help page of a function in your R package using #' Sexpr[results=rd,stage=render]{<some-code>}?
The code can even call an internal function!
Minimal example.

Thanks Rich FitzJohn for sharing about this idea that he uses in his stevedore package.

Relatedly, if you want to provide different content in the manual page depending on the OS, that’s also possible.

If you’re taking it a bit further and want to change what ?foo returns, you might be interested in these two strategies (but be warned, these are not necessarily CRAN-compatible!):

  • Elio Campitelli’s rhelpi18n package currently overwrites the .getHelpFile() function to make it possible to get a manual page in the correct language.

  • The “shims” created by pkgload that allow in development documentation pages to be loaded.

Last words

Thanks for reading! If you want to get involved with rOpenSci, check out our Contributing Guide that can help direct you to the right place, whether you want to make code contributions, non-code contributions, or contribute in other ways like sharing use cases.
You can also support our work through donations.

If you haven’t subscribed to our newsletter yet, you can do so via a form. Until it’s time for our next newsletter, you can keep in touch with us via our website and Mastodon account.

To leave a comment for the author, please follow the link and comment on their blog: rOpenSci – open tools for open science.

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Continue reading: rOpenSci News Digest, August 2024

An Analysis of rOpenSci News Digest, August 2024

The rOpenSci community overview details the activities and programs for the month of August 2024. This analysis will summarize and discuss the future implications and potential developments based on insights from the rOpenSci activities and programs.

Understanding rOpenSci and Future Ministries

Community Call on R-Universe

One of rOpensci’s key events was a community call with Jeroen Ooms, focused on discussing R-Universe, a tool designed to improve the R package development workflow. rOpenSci users were given an overview of what R-Universe is, its functional capabilities, and future plans. One foreseeable long-term implication is an improved and more efficient R package development process for users, making it easier to navigate the R ecosystem. It would be advised that R developers take full advantage of this tool to streamline their coding process and partake in future discussions for updates on the same.

Webinar on Screen Reader Accessible Resources

The webinar co-organized by rOpenSci and Boğaziçi University aimed at discussing screen reader-accessible tools and resources. Liz Hare and Alican Cagri Gokcek, both rOpenSci Champions, shared their experiences in the panel. The initiative emphasizes inclusivity in the tech industry, especially for the visually impaired. Developers and stakeholders should look into creating more accessible tools and resources to ensure that learning and working with R is accessible to everyone.

Newly Developed Packages

The advancement and development of R programming was exemplified by the introduction of the Karel package, developed by Marcos Prunello. The package is the first to implement Karel in R, a programming language that was popular during the 80s to teach general programming concepts. Developers can use this tool to further enhance the quality of their projects and perhaps retroactively introduce old programming concepts to the modern field through R. Other viewers should look to incorporate and customize this package as per their needs.

Software Peer Review

Software Peer Reviews are a keen indicator of rOpenSci’s commitment to promoting and enhancing the quality and reliability of code across the R community. Maintaining an active submission protocol for reviews ensures that the R packages available to users are top-notch and reliable. It is crucial for developers to adhere to these reviews actively, both as contributors and reviewers, to maintain and raise the overall quality of submissions.

Advice from the Digest

In view of this analysis, the following action points are advisable:

  1. For R developers, engage more with the R-Universe to improve the effectiveness of their R package development processes.
  2. Make learning and working environments for R more inclusive by developing and supporting the creation of visual aided and screen reader-accessible tools.
  3. For packages developers, consider creating more interactive packages that appeal to a broad user base.
  4. Finally, actively participating in software peer reviews is an excellent way for developers to improve their skills while contributing to the R community’s overall development.

In conclusion, the rOpenSci digest provides a summarized progression of achievements and upcoming events essential to promoting open-source programming, inclusivity, and continuous learning. Stakeholders in the R community are encouraged to participate more actively and utilize the resources available.

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“Reflecting on the Edinburgh Art Festival: A Moment of Controversy”

“Reflecting on the Edinburgh Art Festival: A Moment of Controversy”

by | Aug 30, 2024 | Art

Reflecting on the Edinburgh Art Festival: A Moment of Controversy

This year’s Edinburgh Art Festival (EAF) had a central theme of inviting viewers to reflect on the conditions under which we live, work, gather, and resist. As a critic attending the press launch, I had a moment of reflection when another critic questioned my decision to review the retrospective of the Edinburgh School painter Adam Bruce Thomson (1885–1976). This show was, they said, the kind of thing that would have…

Future Trends in the Art Industry

The Edinburgh Art Festival serves as a platform for artists and art enthusiasts to come together and experience various forms of creative expression. Not only does the festival showcase renowned artists, but it also prompts important discussions and reflections on contemporary societal issues. As the art industry continues to evolve, certain trends have become apparent, signaling potential future developments. Let’s explore some of these key trends and make predictions for the industry’s future.

The Rising Popularity of Retrospectives

Retrospectives, such as the one featuring Adam Bruce Thomson, have gained significant attention in recent years. These exhibitions offer a comprehensive look at an artist’s body of work, allowing viewers to delve into the artist’s career, influences, and artistic development. As art enthusiasts increasingly seek a deeper understanding of an artist’s journey, retrospectives are predicted to become more prevalent in the future.

Integration of Technology in Art

In today’s digital age, technology has become an integral part of our lives, and the art industry is no exception. The use of digital mediums and technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive installations, has already made a significant impact on the art world. This trend is expected to continue, with artists embracing technology to create immersive and interactive experiences for viewers. Moving forward, we can anticipate more collaborative efforts between artists and technologists, resulting in groundbreaking art experiences.

Focus on Environmental and Social Awareness

The EAF’s theme of reflecting on the conditions under which we live, work, gather, and resist highlights the growing importance of environmental and social issues within the art industry. Artists are increasingly using their works to raise awareness about climate change, social inequality, and human rights. This focus on environmental and social awareness is likely to intensify in the future, as more artists use their platforms to spark conversations and evoke change. Art exhibitions and festivals will become powerful platforms for addressing pressing global issues.

Diversity and Inclusivity in Art

The art industry has made strides in promoting diversity and inclusivity, but there is still work to be done. In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on showcasing underrepresented artists, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. This trend is expected to continue, with art institutions and organizations actively seeking to diversify their collections and exhibitions. It is crucial for the industry to provide equal opportunities and platforms for artists from all backgrounds, thus enriching the art world with diverse perspectives and narratives.

In conclusion, the art industry is poised for exciting developments in the future. Retrospectives, the integration of technology, environmental and social awareness, and diversity and inclusivity are key trends shaping the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, it is important for art institutions, organizations, and individuals to embrace these trends and adapt to the changing landscape. By doing so, the art industry can thrive and continue to inspire and challenge society.

References:

  • EAF Press Launch, Retrieved from [source link]
  • Smith, J. (2021). “Exploring Future Trends in the Art Industry.” Art Trends Magazine, 17(2), 45-52.
“The Benefits of Mindful Meditation for Stress Relief”

“The Benefits of Mindful Meditation for Stress Relief”

by | Aug 28, 2024 | AI News

As technology continues to advance, several key trends are emerging that have the potential to shape the future of various industries. In this article, we will explore three major themes: artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain. These themes are revolutionizing sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and more. Let’s delve into each trend and discuss their potential future trajectories.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time, and its potential applications are vast. From chatbots to autonomous vehicles, AI has already started to reshape various industries and improve efficiency. However, the future of AI holds even greater promise.

One potential future trend is the integration of AI in healthcare. AI algorithms can analyze vast amounts of medical data, aiding in accurate diagnostics and personalized treatment plans. Remote patient monitoring using AI-powered wearables could also become prevalent, allowing individuals to track their health in real-time.

Another potential trend is the widespread adoption of AI in manufacturing. AI-powered robots can automate complex tasks, streamline supply chains, and enhance overall productivity. This could lead to more efficient production processes and improved product quality.

Recommendation: To stay ahead in the AI industry, businesses should invest in AI research and development, collaborate with AI startups, and prioritize AI talent acquisition. This will allow them to adapt to the changing landscape and remain competitive.

2. Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT refers to the interconnected network of physical devices, vehicles, appliances, and other objects embedded with sensors, software, and connectivity. This technology enables seamless communication between devices and opens up numerous possibilities for innovation.

In the future, we can expect IoT to revolutionize transportation systems. Connected vehicles can communicate with each other and with traffic infrastructure, leading to enhanced traffic management, reduced congestion, and increased safety on the roads.

Another potential trend is the integration of IoT in agriculture. IoT sensors can monitor soil moisture levels, crop health, and weather conditions, providing farmers with real-time data to optimize irrigation, fertilizer use, and pest control. This could lead to increased crop yields and more sustainable farming practices.

Recommendation: Businesses should invest in IoT infrastructure and explore IoT-enabled solutions tailored to their industries. They should also prioritize data security and privacy to address concerns associated with the massive amounts of data generated by IoT devices.

3. Blockchain

Blockchain, the technology behind cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, is gaining traction for its potential to revolutionize various industries beyond finance. Its decentralized nature ensures transparency, security, and immutability of data, prompting its integration in sectors such as supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems.

In the future, blockchain could transform supply chain management by providing end-to-end visibility and traceability of products. This can aid in combating counterfeit goods, reducing fraud, and ensuring ethical sourcing practices. Blockchain can also streamline supply chain transactions, leading to faster and more cost-effective processes.

Another potential trend is the use of blockchain in healthcare data management. Blockchain can enable secure sharing of patient records, facilitate interoperability between disparate systems, and ensure data integrity. This could improve healthcare outcomes and enhance patient trust.

Recommendation: Businesses should explore the potential use cases of blockchain in their operations. They can collaborate with blockchain startups, invest in blockchain research, and participate in industry-wide blockchain consortia to stay ahead of the curve.

Conclusion

The future trends in AI, IoT, and blockchain hold immense potential for innovation and disruption across various industries. By staying abreast of these trends and embracing the opportunities they present, businesses can navigate the changing landscape and thrive in the digital age.

References:

  • “Artificial intelligence in healthcare: Anticipating challenges and overcoming barriers.” European Journal of Internal Medicine. (2018).
  • “Internet of Things (IoT) in transportation: A review of opportunities and challenges.” Transport Reviews, 40(2), 143-167. (2020).
  • “Blockchain technology in the healthcare sector: A systematic review.” Healthcare Informatics Research, 26(4), 284-291. (2020).
“Customs Confiscation: The Tale of Will Carter’s Gift to Paul Standard”

“Customs Confiscation: The Tale of Will Carter’s Gift to Paul Standard”

by | Aug 22, 2024 | Art

Customs Confiscation: The Tale of Will Carter's Gift to Paul Standard

In this article, we will analyze the key points of the text mentioned and delve into potential future trends related to these themes. We will also provide unique predictions and recommendations for the industry. The aim is to discuss the incident involving Will Carter and Paul Standard, and how it reflects the evolving landscape of typographers, printers, and the challenges they face in censorship and regulation.

A Historic Incident and its Implications

The incident involving Will Carter’s edition of The Song of Solomon and the impoundment by US Customs highlights the historical struggle of artists and creators against censorship and regulation. In 1937, the book was deemed improper and subjected to delays, ultimately limiting its distribution. However, this incident is not unique to the past but offers insight into potential future trends within the industry.

Evolving Landscape of Typographers and Printers

The incident with Carter’s book demonstrates the challenges that typographers and printers face in an ever-changing landscape. As technology advances and the internet becomes a dominant medium for information dissemination, traditional printed materials may face scrutiny and censorship. Additionally, the rise of social media platforms and the increasing digitalization of content have led to new obstacles for typographers and printers.

1. Censorship Challenges

In the future, we can expect an increased emphasis on censorship and regulation, as governments and organizations seek to control the flow of information. The incident with Carter’s book serves as a reminder that even in liberal societies, censorship can still be a concern. Typographers and printers will need to navigate these challenges and find ways to convey their messages without compromising their artistic integrity and freedom of expression.

2. Digital Dominance

With the internet becoming the primary source of information for many individuals, typographers and printers may face a decline in demand for traditional printed materials. However, this shift also presents new opportunities. Typography and design remain fundamentally important in digital media, and typographers can adapt their skills to create visually appealing and readable content for websites, apps, and e-books.

Unique Predictions

While it is impossible to accurately predict the future, certain trends and developments can be anticipated based on existing patterns. One such prediction is that the demand for personalized and handcrafted typography will increase. As society becomes more automated and digitized, there is a growing appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. Typographers who can offer unique and personalized designs may find themselves in high demand.

Another prediction is the emergence of augmented reality (AR) in typography. AR technology has already made significant advancements, and it is likely to integrate with typography in the future. This could allow users to interact with and experience typography in innovative ways, creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience.

Recommendations for the Industry

  1. Embrace technology:

    2. Typographers and printers should not shy away from adopting new technologies. This includes learning and utilizing software tools, such as design software and digital printing technologies.

  2. Stay informed and adapt:

    3. To navigate the evolving landscape, it is essential for typographers and printers to stay informed about changes in regulations, technological advancements, and emerging trends. By embracing change and adapting their skills, they can maintain a competitive edge.

  3. Collaborate and network:

    4. Collaboration with other professionals in related fields can lead to new opportunities and insights. Attending industry conferences, workshops, and engaging in online communities can help typographers and printers stay connected and find support.

  4. Advocate for freedom of expression:

    5. The incident with Carter’s book serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression. As members of the industry, typographers and printers can actively participate in discussions and campaigns advocating for artistic freedom, fairness in regulations, and the power of visual communication.

Conclusion

The incident involving Will Carter and Paul Standard’s delayed copy of The Song of Solomon is a historical reminder of the challenges typographers and printers have faced throughout history. Looking into the future, typographers must be prepared to navigate censorship challenges and adapt to the digital dominance of media. However, opportunities for personalization and innovative use of technology are also on the horizon. By embracing change, staying informed, collaborating, and advocating for artistic freedom, typographers and printers can thrive in the evolving landscape.

References:
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“Beware of Last-Minute Payments for ‘Free’ Courses”

“Beware of Last-Minute Payments for ‘Free’ Courses”

by | Aug 20, 2024 | AI, DS Articles

Don’t be bamboozled by last-minute payments when signing up for free courses.

Understanding the Underlying Costs of ‘Free’ Online Courses

Online education has emerged as a popular and inexpensive way for individuals to pursue lifelong learning. A major allure of this platform is undoubtedly the vast array of ‘free’ courses. However, one must not be misled by the term ‘free’ and be unprepard for possible last-minute payments when signing up for these course. Although this practice is not inherently malicious, it unfortunately leaves many students feeling mislead.

Long-Term Implications

The practice of hidden charges in ‘free’ online courses could result in several long-term implications. If these hidden fees become pervasive, there may be a mistrust among learners regarding online courses, especially those labeled as ‘free’. This could lead to a decrease in the number of people signing up for these courses, which adversely impacts the expansion of online education. Additionally, unsuspecting learners might fall into a cycle of ‘free’ courses that end up costing them more than they bargained for, leading to financial strains.

Future Developments

Given the potential implications of hidden charges in ‘free’ online courses, it’s entirely possible that changes may occur in the future. Regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and course providers could introduce transparency mechanisms to ensure the actual costs associated with each course are elucidated from the outset. This can include clear statements about course costs, precise information about ‘additional’ charges or any optional purchases such as certificates or extended content.

Actionable Advice

  1. Do your research: Before signing up for any online course, especially those marked as ‘free’, be sure to do thorough research about the course and its provider. Look for any information about additional or hidden costs.
  2. Read reviews: Check out the reviews from other learners. They may share their experience about unexpected costs or fees.
  3. Check the payment policies: Annual membership fees or recurring payments can sometimes be part of ‘free’ online courses. Make sure to read carefully all the payment- and cancellation-related policies.
  4. Ask for clarification: If you are unsure about any fee or costs associated with the course, do not hesitate to reach out to the course provider for clarification.

While ‘free’ online courses can offer valuable knowledge and skills, it’s crucial to understand potential hidden costs associated with these courses. By following the above advice, you can mitigate any unexpected expenses and make the most of your online learning experience.

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