Bashar al-Assad’s Downfall: A New Approach to Rebuilding Syria
The downfall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria is a topic that evokes memories of uprisings in countries like Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Yemen. Unfortunately, most of these uprisings resulted in either civil war or authoritarian rule, leaving their citizens in a state of despair. However, Syrians remain hopeful for a different outcome, one that can bring about a better future for their war-torn nation.
While the challenges faced by Syria may seem insurmountable, there is always room for innovative solutions and ideas. It is crucial to look beyond the traditional approaches and explore new ways of rebuilding Syria. This article aims to highlight some underlying themes and concepts that can be reimagined to foster a transformational change in the country’s future.
1. Embracing a Collaborative Approach
One of the key lessons that can be learned from previous uprisings is the importance of collaboration. Instead of perpetuating divides and fostering sectarianism, Syrians should unite under a common vision for the future. This can be achieved by creating platforms for dialogue and inclusive decision-making processes, where diverse voices are heard and represented.
By bringing together intellectuals, activists, community leaders, and representatives from different religious and ethnic groups, Syrians can work towards consensus-building and designing a collective roadmap for the country’s reconstruction. This collaborative approach not only ensures a sense of ownership among the population but also creates a foundation for sustainable peace and development.
2. Empowering Local Communities
A crucial aspect of rebuilding Syria lies in empowering local communities. Rather than relying solely on external aid and international organizations, Syrians should be equipped with the tools and resources to rebuild their own neighborhoods and cities. This can be achieved by investing in grassroots initiatives, fostering entrepreneurship, and providing vocational training.
By empowering local communities, Syrians can reclaim agency over their own lives and actively participate in the rebuilding process. This approach not only strengthens the social fabric but also ensures that the needs and aspirations of the people are taken into account. Additionally, it helps prevent the concentration of power in the hands of a few, promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.
3. Investing in Sustainable Development
Rebuilding Syria presents an opportunity for the country to adopt a sustainable approach to development. Instead of engaging in short-term fixes, it is essential to prioritize long-term planning and invest in environmentally friendly solutions. This includes infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and sustainable agriculture practices.
By embracing sustainable development, Syria can not only mitigate the impact of climate change but also lay the foundation for a resilient economy. This approach creates opportunities for job creation, promotes self-sufficiency, and reduces the country’s dependence on external resources. Moreover, by prioritizing sustainable practices, Syrians can become global leaders in innovation and environmental stewardship.
In conclusion, the downfall of Bashar al-Assad has opened a window of opportunity for Syrians to rebuild their nation in a new light. By embracing a collaborative approach, empowering local communities, and investing in sustainable development, Syrians can pave the way for a better future. It is through innovative solutions and ideas that transformational change can be achieved, creating an inclusive and prosperous society that Syrians aspire for.
An Analysis of Bill Viola’s Work and its Future Trends
Bill Viola, a renowned video artist who died recently at the age of 73, is known for his unique and thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of perception and explore the inner workings of the mind. His early masterpiece, Chott el-Djerid, captures the essence of his artistry by immersing viewers in a journey to the edge of perception. Through his use of long takes and abstract imagery, Viola challenges viewers to look beyond the surface and delve into their own inner selves. This article will analyze the key points of Viola’s work and discuss potential future trends related to these themes.
Pushing the Boundaries of Perception
Viola’s goal in his work was to reach “the edge” – the point where perception breaks down and life starts to look different. He believed that looking at an object requires gazing inward as well, and his videos serve as mirrors for the mind. By capturing elemental forces of nature and abstract images, Viola forces viewers to see beyond what is portrayed on screen and confront their own internal realities.
The Influence of Earlier Video Artists
Viola was not alone in his exploration of perception through video. Artists like Joan Jonas and Vito Acconci had already experimented with filmed live performances during the 1970s. However, Viola’s work diverged from their icy and conceptual approach, taking on a more romantic and sublime quality. His videos, like Caspar David Friedrich’s paintings, aimed to evoke awe and terror, often drawing on his own near-death experiences to inspire spiritual metamorphosis in viewers.
Merging Sculptural Elements and Video Footage
In the 1980s, Viola started incorporating sculptural elements into his installations, merging them with video footage to create immersive experiences. His installation, Room for St. John of the Cross, recreated the nine-month imprisonment of the Spanish Catholic saint, using video projections and audio to evoke a sense of confinement and the passage of time. This merging of mediums allowed Viola to slow things down and make viewers observe the subtle changes and emotions unfolding within his works.
Religious Content as a Fixture
Throughout his career, Viola drew inspiration from his studies of Christianity, Sufism, and Zen Buddhism, and incorporated religious themes into his late-career works. Often presented across multiple screens, these epic cycles explored the concepts of birth, life, death, and the afterlife. While some critics accused Viola of devolving into “theatre and spectacle,” his works continued to depict the undepictable and represent the intangible aspects of existence, much like the classical religious artworks he admired.
An Eye Without a Mind: Capturing the Unseen
Viola’s innovative use of the video camera allowed him to capture the unseen and depict things that had never been represented before. In Chott el-Djerid, he pointed his camera at the hot desert of Tunisia, an area known for producing hallucinations due to extreme temperatures. Despite not being able to see around 90 percent of the desert, Viola was able to capture the essence of mirages by narrowing down his focus to a “tiny little portal.” This approach creates a video that feels like a journey into an unknowable realm, challenging viewers to expand their perception and confront the limits of their own understanding.
Future Trends and Predictions
Looking ahead, the themes and techniques explored in Bill Viola’s work are likely to continue shaping the future of video art and immersive installations. The use of video cameras to capture unseen phenomena and depict intangible aspects of existence will likely be further explored and refined. Artists may continue to push the boundaries of perception by incorporating new technologies, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, to create even more immersive and transformative experiences for viewers.
Additionally, the merging of sculptural elements with video footage is likely to be a trend that continues to evolve. Artists may explore new ways to integrate physical and digital mediums, creating installations that blur the boundaries between reality and illusion. These multi-dimensional experiences could further challenge viewers to question their own perceptions and confront the complexities of the human experience.
Recommendations for the Industry
Based on the analysis of Bill Viola’s work and the potential future trends, the following recommendations can be made for the industry:
Encourage experimentation and innovation: The video art industry should continue to support artists who push the boundaries of perception and explore new ways of depicting the unseen. This can be done through grants, residencies, and exhibitions that provide artists with resources and platforms to showcase their work.
Invest in technology: As new technologies emerge, the industry should invest in research and development to create tools and platforms that enable artists to explore and experiment with these technologies. This could involve collaborations with tech companies, universities, and research institutions.
Cultivate interdisciplinary collaborations: To further push the boundaries of video art, collaborations between artists, scientists, and technologists should be encouraged. By bringing together different expertise, new insights and perspectives can be gained, leading to innovative and thought-provoking works.
Promote accessibility: Video art should be made more accessible to a wider audience. This can be done by organizing exhibitions in public spaces, creating online platforms for viewing and discussing video art, and collaborating with educational institutions to include video art in their curriculum.
Conclusion
Bill Viola’s work has had a profound impact on the world of video art, pushing the boundaries of perception and challenging viewers to look beyond the surface. His innovative use of the video camera, incorporation of sculptural elements, and exploration of religious themes have paved the way for future trends in the industry. By continuing to support experimentation and innovation, investing in technology, cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations, and promoting accessibility, the video art industry can continue to evolve and thrive, creating transformative and immersive experiences for audiences.
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Last year, the R Consortium had a conversation with Amal Tlili, the co-organizer of the Tunis R User Group, regarding the Use of R for Marketing and CRM in Tunisia. This year, Amal Boukteb and Hedia Tnani spoke to the R Consortium about the use of R for bioinformatics research in Tunisia and discussed the group’s efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The Tunis R User Group hosts engaging virtual events to connect R enthusiasts across the MENA region and Worldwide. Their events promote the use of R and foster knowledge and skill development in data science and bioinformatics.
Amal Boukteb is a PhD student at the National Institute for Agricultural Research of Tunisia (INRAT). She holds master’s degrees in Molecular Genetics and Biostatistics. Her PhD project focuses on Orobanche foetida, a parasitic plant threatening faba bean crops. She analyzed O. foetida genetic diversity in Tunisia with RADseq and studied faba bean gene expression during this parasitic plant attack using RNA-seq. With a passion for integrating bioinformatics and Plant biology, Amal is determined to make significant contributions to the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices.
Dr. Hedia Tnani is a Staff Scientist at Lieber Institute for Brain Development (LIBD). She did a PhD in molecular biology and genetics. Her current work focuses on addressing the complex challenge of RNA degradation in postmortem brain tissue samples. She’s also the co-founder of R-Ladies Tunis and Tunis R User Group. Through the Tunis R User Group, she wants to democratize bioinformatics and data science.
in 2023. With a deep commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, they’ve dedicated themselves to breaking down barriers faced by women and individuals from low-income countries when accessing education in these cutting-edge areas. By organizing workshops tailored to these communities, they aim to provide valuable skills and knowledge and foster a more diverse and equitable future in the bioinformatics field.
Please share about your background and involvement with the RUGS group.
Amal: We are biologists, and our academic curriculum did not include any programming courses. However, with the advancement of sequencing technologies, biologists are now facing the challenge of analyzing vast amounts of genomic data. This is a significant challenge for us. For my PhD project, I was involved in RNA-Seq and RAD-Seq projects. To overcome this challenge, I attended a course on analyzing genomic data using Unix, where I met Hedia for the first time. Additionally, in the framework of my thesis project, I had the opportunity to visit the Plant Immunity Group at RIKEN Yokohama in Japan for an internship. While there, I learned a lot from the talented scientists and their exciting research in bioinformatics.
When it comes to learning R programming for biologists, no specific courses are available. The only courses that exist are general ones. So, to overcome this gap, I started learning by myself. I attempted to understand the concepts by reading through error messages, package tutorials, and watching YouTube tutorials.
We realized we faced the same challenge after discussing this issue with our colleagues. We have genomic data that we need to analyze, but the available courses are located outside of Tunisia, primarily in Europe. Unfortunately, we lack the financial support to attend these courses. Additionally, obtaining a student visa for a temporary stay to attend such courses is a complex process. This challenge is not only unique to Tunisians but also a struggle for Africans and many biologists from middle and low-income countries. Our Tunis R user group aims to help others overcome this challenge and bridge this gap.
Hedia: I studied agronomy first and then pursued a master’s degree in plant breeding from Spain. Later, I completed my PhD in genetics. I did not know programming or R during my studies in Tunisia and Spain. However, when I started my postdoc at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, especially when I first faced analyzing genomics data, I felt out of my depth. With no programming experience, learning R seemed like a mountain too steep to climb. This is a familiar story for many biologists transitioning from wet to dry labs, where code replaces beakers. Despite the daunting challenge, I persevered and taught myself R; eventually, it became an invaluable tool for my research. I’m also thankful to the great mentors I had at IRRI who helped me accelerate my learning curve. My journey wasn’t easy, but it was incredibly rewarding.
Learning bioinformatics can be challenging, especially in regions like Tunisia where resources are scarce and training abroad is so costly. Moreover, the need for bioinformatics training to solve biological problems has left many highly skilled biologists struggling to find a job in their field. Recognizing these obstacles, we formed a supportive community to facilitate collective learning and growth in bioinformatics and related fields such as data science and artificial intelligence.
Our community is a friendly, inclusive, and welcoming space for anyone passionate about bioinformatics, data science, artificial intelligence, and beyond. We’re all about growing together and learning from each other in a supportive environment. Whether you’re just starting out or have lots of experience, we encourage you to dive in, ask questions, and share your insights. We all rise by lifting others. Don’t worry about asking the “wrong” question. Every question is a chance to understand and learn something new. Come join us and be part of our journey of discovery and growth. We can’t wait to learn with you!
Can you share what the R community is like in Tunisia
Hedia: In Tunisia, programming is mainly used in the industry, but it is not widely taught in the curriculum for biologists. This creates a gap between what is taught in the academic courses and what is required in the industry. As a result, individuals are expected to possess programming skills when they work in the industry. Still, they may not have been able to learn programming during their academic courses. This gap must be addressed to better prepare individuals for the job market.
Can you please update us about the group’s recent activities?
Amal: First, it is important to mention that Arabic is our native language in Tunisia. However, French is the predominant teaching language in many subjects, including biology and informatics. Despite this, we have decided to conduct our workshop in English for the Tunis user group for two main reasons. Firstly, we aim to bridge the gap between the academic skills acquired in French and English resources. Secondly, by using English as our teaching language, we can reach a broader audience of scientists who share our needs.
We decided to allow us the flexibility to choose speakers without language barriers. Our main goal is to reach a broad audience worldwide. During our workshop, we noticed participants worldwide, not just Tunisians. This is very important to us. We conducted workshops for biologists, such as the Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) workshop, and we already have 5k views on our YouTube channel. It is interesting to see that people are very interested in our workshops. We also had the opportunity to collaborate with highly qualified researchers in their respective fields. Within our community, we were privileged to learn from Pr. Emerson Del Ponte generously shared his expertise using R for Plant Disease Epidemiology.
We aim not only to cover biological subjects but also those related to artificial intelligence. Recently, we conducted two successful workshops on Building a Chatbot with OpenAI, Shiny and R, and Bioinformatics Analysis using Chatlize and ChatGPT. We strive to have a balance between biological and AI-related subjects to make the experience easier for our participants with the help of artificial intelligence.
What trends do you currently see in R language?
Hedia: In bioinformatics, there is a growing trend towards single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Our latest event was an introduction to single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Additionally, packages based on OpenAI API are increasingly being used. For instance, many of those packages can be used by people who lack coding skills. This is particularly helpful because not all biologists possess coding skills, and it makes their work easier. Another trend we have noticed is using Quarto instead of R Markdown. Shiny is also gaining popularity in this field.
We have been receiving a lot of queries about bioinformatics workshops lately, particularly because they offer a diverse range of events, such as user groups. However, it can be challenging to find a specific topic. For instance, some R user groups may only hold one or two events yearly, whereas we host monthly bioinformatics events.
We value feedback from our attendees and gather suggestions from our latest events to improve our upcoming ones. Our events are designed to stay current with trends in the industry, and we often invite guest speakers to talk about relevant topics. For instance, during one of our workshops about Building a Chatbot with OpenAI, we had 200 participants whom we taught how to use R and create their chatbots. We learn from our experiences, and when we notice an interest in a particular area, we look to bring in speakers to teach on that subject.
Any techniques you recommend using for planning for or during the event? (Github, zoom, other) Can these techniques be used to make your group more inclusive to people that are unable to attend physical events in the future?
Hedia: Our organization had a sponsorship for our Zoom account, an important tool for hosting events. One of the features that we utilize is the captions option, which allows participants from all over the world to have captions in their language and helps them follow the workshop. This is particularly helpful for those who may have difficulty understanding English. We are very grateful to Appsilon for their sponsorship of our Zoom account.
Amal: Thanks to Appsilon’s sponsorship, we have accepted more participants for our events. Previously, the number of participants was limited due to the capacity of our Zoom account. However, with this sponsorship, we can now handle up to 100 participants per event. This has made it easier for us to accept more subscribers and host successful workshops. We recently had an event with over 200 participants, which was a great success.
Hedia: We provide teaching materials for our speaker sessions on GitHub. You can find all the materials on YouTube and use them to reproduce what the speaker did during their session. We are always open to questions, especially if you encounter bugs while trying to reproduce the speaker’s work. Recently, we received an email from a participant experiencing a bug, and we had a great time figuring it out together. If you have any questions or problems, feel free to ask us for help, and we’ll do our best to assist you.
Are your events online, in-person, or hybrid?
Hedia: We are considering organizing hybrid events in the future, and we are searching for funding. We only have sponsorship for our Zoom, so we need additional funds to make this happen. We plan to organize events at multiple universities across the MENA region so important speakers can be followed in person and online. Amal, who is based in Tunis, has been in contact with many universities and academic professionals in the area. We’re currently exploring the best ways to make these hybrid events a reality, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience for everyone involved. Our goal is to make these events as engaging and accessible as possible, fostering a true sense of community.
We want to organize events for online events and to provide something valuable to our community. When we meet in person, we can better understand their needs and challenges, which helps us to build and organize workshops that cater to their specific needs. Recently, Amal mentioned that some courses are not free in Tunisia, which can be a barrier for some people. Therefore, we aim to organize a free hybrid event for everyone who wants to join and learn with us. We hope to get funding for this initiative to provide this opportunity to all.
Please share about a project you are currently working on or have worked on in the past using the R language. Goal/reason, result, anything interesting, especially related to the industry you work in?
Amal: For my PhD project, I conducted research on population genomics and RNA-seq to investigate the interaction between plants and parasitic plants. Our work shed light on the genetic diversity of Orobanche foetida, a parasitic plant posing a significant threat to faba beans in Tunisia. Additionally, through RNA-seq analysis, we identified a potential target gene for developing resistant varieties of faba beans against this parasitic plant. Furthermore, I recently completed a bachelor’s degree in biostatistics, specifically focusing on Aphid diversity in Tunisia.
During my academic journey, R has been my primary tool for conducting comprehensive data analysis across all my research projects. After finishing my PhD, I aim to develop my expertise in bioinformatics further, specifically focusing on wheat genomics.
Hedia: I primarily use R as the main software for all my research projects. I am currently working on maintaining and improving a package called qsvaR. qsvaR is a tool that generates quality surrogate variable analysis for degradation correction in RNA cells. It contains functions that help remove the degradation effect in post-mortem brain tissue, making it a useful tool for generating basic data. We are currently working on a publication based on this work.
How do I Join?
R Consortium’s R User Group and Small Conference Support Program (RUGS) provides grants to help R groups organize, share information, and support each other worldwide. We have given grants over the past four years, encompassing over 68,000 members in 33 countries. We would like to include you! Cash grants and meetup.com accounts are awarded based on the intended use of the funds and the amount of money available to distribute.
Democratizing Bioinformatics through the R Language: Lessons from the Tunis R User Group
The Tunis R User Group has set a high standard for bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly in the realm of bioinformatics research. The group’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is admirable, as they dedicate their resources to breaking down barriers faced by individuals from low-income countries when accessing bioinformatics education. As such, it is crucial to extrapolate from their playbook to understand the implications of their trajectory and provide expert insight into the developments likely to occur in the future.
The Potential of the R Language for Bioinformatics Research
As the fields of biology and technology continue to evolve, the demand for programming skills among biologists grows. The Tunis R User Group has identified the R language as instrumental in bioinformatics research, capitalizing on its features to analyze genomic data and foster skills development in relevant areas. While there has been a noticeable interest in programming, it is important to understand that this demands an increasing focus on developing programming skills among biologists, especially in schools and colleges, to ensure graduates are ready to face industry realities.
Implication for the Future
The Tunis R User Group’s focus on bridging the gap between academia and industry underscores the increasing relevance of R language for bioinformatics research. Leveraging the R language’s capabilities for complex data sets offers a promising pathway for advancements in biological research, not just in Tunisia but worldwide.
This emphasis on programming skills has significant implications for the career outlook of aspiring biologists. With the growing interconnection between biology and technology, possessing programming skills is likely to become a decisive factor when hiring in the bioinformatics industry. As such, biologists should equip themselves with these skills and seek opportunities to apply them in practical, real-world scenarios.
Fostering Inclusivity in Knowledge Sharing
The Tunis R User Group’s commitment to inclusivity shines through in their workshops, tailored to cater to individuals who have traditionally faced barriers in accessing bioinformatics education. By hosting their events in English and using online platforms for broader accessibility, they have successfully fostered a more diverse and equitable space within the bioinformatics field.
Possible future developments
Considering the successful implementation of accessibility measures by the Tunis R User Group, there is a likelihood that international communities will adopt similar approaches. This could manifest as more knowledge-sharing in a universal language and harnessing virtual tools for a more extensive reach. In the long term, these strategies could democratize access to bioinformatics resources, making the field accessible to anyone, regardless of geographical or financial barriers.
Actionable Advice
For individuals who are interested in the intersection between biology and technology, learning the R language is a tangible step towards keeping pace with technological advancements and meeting industry demands. Online tutorial videos and webinar sessions, similar to those provided by the Tunis R User Group, are a great place to start.
Biologists are also encouraged to leverage virtual platforms for widened accessibility to resources and knowledge-sharing. Joining user groups and online communities, like those mentioned above, can give individuals an invaluable support system as they navigate their way through the field of bioinformatics.
Educators are urged to adjust their curriculum to meet the cumulative needs of the bioinformatics industry. This could mean integrating more programming-based lessons into the school curriculum, especially geared towards the use of the R language. The eventual goal should be to produce graduates who are not only subject matter experts but also possess the relevant technical skills to give them a competitive edge in the job market.
Finally, for those involved with user groups or communities, it is worth noting the crucial role inclusivity plays in modern education. This can be achieved by removing language and geographical barriers for more universal access to education.
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1. What is a violin plot?
A violin plot is a mirrored density plot that is rotated 90 degrees as shown in the picture. It depicts the distribution of numeric data.
2. When should you use a violin plot?
A violin plot is useful to compare the distribution of a numeric variable across different subgroups in a sample. For instance, the distribution of heights of a group of people could be compared across gender with a violin plot.
3. How to code a ggplot2 violin plot?
First, map the numeric variable whose distribution you would like to analyze to the x position aesthetic in ggplot2. Second, map the variable you want to use to separate your sample in different groups to the y position aesthetic. This is done with aes(x = variable_of_interest, y = dimension) inside the ggplot() function. The last step is to add the geom_violin() layer.
To exemplify these steps, we will examine the capacity of Roman amphitheaters across different regions of the Roman Empire. The data for this comes from the cawd R package, maintained by Professor Sebastian Heath. This package contains several datasets about the Ancient World, including one about the Roman Amphitheaters. To install the package, use devtools::install_github("sfsheath/cawd").
tips_and_updates
Learn more about Roman amphitheaters in this informative article by Laura Klar, Department of Greek and Roman Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art:
After loading the package, use data() to see the available data frames. We will be using the ramphs dataset. It contains characteristics of the Roman amphitheaters. For this example, we will use the column 2 (title), column 7 (capacity) and column 8 (mod.country), which specifies the modern country where the amphitheater was located. We will also consider only the three modern countries with the largest number of amphitheaters – Tunisia, France or Italy. The code below loads and filters the relevant data.
content_copy Copy
library(cawd)
library(ggplot2)
# Store the dataset in df1
df1 <- ramphs
# Select all rows of relevant columns
df2 <- df1[ ,c(2,7,8)]
# Filter only the rows where modern country is either Tunisia, France or Italy
df3 <- df2[df2$mod.country %in% c("Tunisia", "France", "Italy"), ]
# Delete NAs
df4 <- na.omit(df3)
# Plot a basic ggplot2 violin plot
ggplot(data = df4, aes(x=mod.country, y=capacity))+
geom_violin()
We can further customize this plot to make it look better and fit this page theme. In the code below we improve the following aspects:
geom_violin(color = "#FF6885", fill = "#2E3031", size = 0.9) changes in the color and size of line and fill of the violin plot;
geom_jitter(width = 0.05, alpha = 0.2, color = "gray") adds the data points jittered to avoid overplotting and show where the points are concentrated;
coord_flip() flips the two axis so that is more evident that a violin plot is simply a mirrored density curve;
the other geom layes add title, labels and a new theme to the plot.
ggplot(data = df4, aes(x=mod.country, y=capacity))+
geom_violin(color = "#FF6885", fill = "#2E3031", size = 0.9)+
geom_jitter(width = 0.05, alpha = 0.2, color = "gray")+
ggtitle("Roman Amphitheaters")+
xlab("Modern Country")+
ylab("Capacity of Spectators")+
coord_flip()+
theme_bw()+
theme(text=element_text(color = 'white'),
# Changes panel, plot and legend background to dark gray:
panel.background = element_rect(fill = '#2E3031'),
plot.background = element_rect(fill = '#2E3031'),
legend.background = element_rect(fill='#2E3031'),
legend.key = element_rect(fill = '#2E3031'),
# Changes legend texts color to white:
legend.text = element_text(color = 'white'),
legend.title = element_text(color = 'white'),
# Changes color of plot border to white:
panel.border = element_rect(color = 'white'),
# Eliminates grids:
panel.grid.minor = element_blank(),
panel.grid.major = element_blank(),
# Changes color of axis texts to white
axis.text.x = element_text(color = 'white'),
axis.text.y = element_text(color = 'white'),
axis.title.x = element_text(color= 'white'),
axis.title.y = element_text(color= 'white'),
# Changes axis ticks color to white
axis.ticks.y = element_line(color = 'white'),
axis.ticks.x = element_line(color = 'white'),
legend.position = "bottom")
Note that amphitheaters in the territory of modern Tunisia tended to have less variation in their capacity and most of them were below 10,000 spectators. On the other hand, amphitheaters in the Italian Peninsula exhibit greater variation.
Can you guess what the outlier on the very right of the Italian distribution is? Yes! It’s the Flavian Amphitheater at Rome, also known as the Colosseum, with an impressive capacity of 50,000 people. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below!
4. Conclusions
A violin plot, a type of density curve, is useful for exploring data distribution;
Coding a ggplot2 violin plot can be easily accomplished with geom_violin().
To leave a comment for the author, please follow the link and comment on their blog: coding-the-past.
Analyses and Implications of Utilizing Violin Plots in Data Visualization
The designated text describes the implementation and significance of violin plots, especially within the context of R programming language. These plots are essentially mirrored density plots, depicting the distribution of numeric data. The article subsequently provides an illustrative snippet of how to generate a violin plot using library packages such as ggplot2 in R.
Long-Term Implications
The long-term implications of this analytical tool provide far-reaching applications in the field of data analysis, not just limited to R programming. Violin plots present an intuitive and compact way to visualize and compare data distributions across different subgroups or categories within datasets. This is extremely beneficial in diverse fields such as finance, sales, healthcare, physics, social sciences, and more.
To exemplify these cases, imagine a company trying to compare its monthly sales across different regions or a healthcare researcher analyzing the spread of disease symptoms across diverse demographic subgroups. Violin plots can offer excellent visual insights into these exploratory data questions.
Possible Future Developments
While violin plots have significant merits, the ability to convey multivariate distributions intuitively and compactly remains an open question. Hence, focusing on the development of such visual aids can be a prospective future direction for improving data analysis capability.
Besides, as the importance of presenting complex data in accessible formats continues to grow across industries, we can expect an increasing number of tools and programming languages to adopt and refine violin plot capabilities.
Actionable Advice
For both seasoned coders and beginners in data analysis, continue exploring and honing violin plot techniques. Given the growing analytics demand across industries, developing skills in efficiently conveying complex data insights puts you at an advantage.
Educational institutions should consider integrating data visualization techniques such as violin plots in their curriculum, given the pressing need to comprehend and convey complex data across academic disciplines.
Meanwhile, companies should encourage data analysis literacy among employees, enabling them to understand and utilize such visual tools for better business decisions. Providing easy-to-understand resources and opportunities for learning would be a significant starting point in this direction.
Lastly, future developers should consider the idea of designing more user-friendly tools that help generate violin plots as well as other forms of data visualizations, with minimal coding know-how.
Note: The use of any software or package such as R or ggplot2 should align with their usage license agreements and guidelines.
Title: The Potential Future Trends in Tunisia’s Bardo National Museum
Introduction
The Bardo National Museum, also known as the “jewel of Tunisian heritage,” has recently reopened its doors after numerous closures throughout its history. The museum’s significance lies in its rich collection spanning 40,000 years of civilization, including the world’s largest collection of mosaics. The reopening of the museum signals a potential shift in the country’s cultural landscape and offers unique opportunities for the industry. This article will explore future trends related to the Bardo National Museum, including predictions and recommendations for the industry.
Rebirth and Recovery
After experiencing a severe decline in visitorship following a terrorist attack in 2015, the Bardo National Museum has seen a resurgence in tourism since its reopening. The newly renovated museum offers an improved exhibition space, showcasing new works and relocated objects. The restoration of damaged display cases signifies a desired return to normalcy. With Tunisia’s Ministry of Cultural Affairs reporting an influx of visitors, both locals and tourists, the museum’s revival is a positive trend for the industry.
Rising Interest in Tunisian Cultural Offerings
The reopening of the Bardo National Museum aligns with Tunisia’s expanding cultural offerings. Events such as the Dream City festival and the Jaou festival by the Kamel Lazaar Foundation contribute to the growing landscape of art spaces, galleries, and residencies in the country. This trend indicates a heightened interest not only in Tunisia’s heritage but also in contemporary artistic expressions. As more cultural events emerge, there is an opportunity for collaboration and cross-promotion within the industry.
The Educational Role of the Bardo
The Bardo National Museum has been recognized as an important educational tool for Tunisian students. The museum’s diverse collection provides insights into Tunisia’s ancient history, allowing students to connect with their heritage and learn from the past. Protecting cultural institutions like the Bardo from political events is crucial to ensure their role as educational resources remains unaffected. This trend emphasizes the need for continued support and investment in museums as educational platforms.
Future Developments and Recommendations
As the Bardo National Museum gains momentum, there are several predictions and recommendations for the industry to consider:
1. Embrace Digital Transformation: To enhance engagement and attract a wider audience, the museum can explore digital platforms such as virtual tours, online exhibitions, and interactive learning experiences. This would enable access to the museum’s rich collection for a global audience, promoting cultural exchange and increasing revenue streams.
2. Foster Partnerships: Collaboration with international museums, cultural institutions, and universities can facilitate knowledge exchange and joint research projects. Such partnerships would not only showcase Tunisia’s cultural heritage but also attract international scholars and researchers, further establishing the museum’s global presence.
3. Strengthen Tourism Infrastructure: The revival of tourism in Tunisia presents an opportunity to invest in infrastructure development, including improved transportation, accommodation, and visitor amenities. Enhancing tourist experiences will contribute to the long-term sustainability of cultural tourism in the country.
4. Engage Local Communities: The museum should actively involve local communities in its programming through workshops, exhibitions, and events. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and pride among the local population, encouraging ongoing support for the museum and its initiatives.
Conclusion
The reopening of the Bardo National Museum marks a significant milestone for Tunisia’s cultural landscape. The museum’s revival presents opportunities for growth in tourism, education, and artistic exploration. By embracing digital transformation, fostering partnerships, strengthening tourism infrastructure, and engaging local communities, the industry can ensure the long-term success of the Bardo National Museum and contribute to Tunisia’s economic and cultural development.
References:
– ARTnews. (n.d.). Tunisia’s Bardo Museum Reopens After a Series of Closures: Report. Retrieved from https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/tunisias-bardo-museum-reopens-after-a-series-of-closures-report-1234617422/
– Simmons, B. (2021). Tunisia’s jewel: Bardo National Museum reopens. Retrieved from https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2021/1027/Tunisia-s-jewel-Bardo-National-Museum-reopens
