An update to the nhmrcData R package

Just pushed an updated version of my nhmrcData R package to Github. A quick summary of the changes:

• In response to feedback, added the packages required for vignette building as dependencies (Imports) – commit
• Added 8 new datasets with funding outcomes by gender for 2003 – 2013, created from a spreadsheet that I missed first time around – commit and see the README

Vignette is not yet updated with new examples.

So now you can generate even more depressing charts of funding rates for even more years, such as the one featured on the right (click for full-size).

Enjoy and as ever, let me know if there are any issues.

update: just found a bunch of issues myself :) which are now hopefully fixed

Nice graphic? Are they taking the p…

Yes, it started with a tweet:

Nice graphic on urine components via https://t.co/sfuXNB02sF pic.twitter.com/vhVLahQ8su

— Metabolomics (@metabolomics) January 31, 2017

By what measure is this a “nice graphic”? First, the JPEG itself is low-quality. Second, it contains spelling and numerical errors (more on that later). And third…do I have to spell this out…those are exploded 3D pie charts.

Can it be fixed?

Fixing aberrant files using R and the shell: a case study

Once in a while, you embark on what looks like a simple computational procedure only to encounter frustration very early on. “I can’t even read my file into R!” you cry.

Step back, take a deep breath and take note of what the software is trying to tell you. Most times, you’ve just missed something very straightforward. Here’s an example.

Update: this post is not about how best to perform the task; it’s about how to cope with frustration. Please stop sending me your solutions :-)