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Blockchain technologies as a digital enabler for sustainable infrastructure - Environment Policy Paper

Embracing new technologies that could enable drastic reductions in GHG emissions will be key to delivering low-emissions pathways for growth, but it is not always obvious what the big breakthroughs will look like. This report looks at how blockchain technology can be applied to support sustainable infrastructure investment that is aligned with climate change objectives.




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OkCupid’s test was a poisoned arrow

A website’s faults do not absolve it from dealing fairly with users




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OkCovid: Lockdown lust stories are going viral in time of virus

Aaaah! Rejoice… love is in the air…and it is beating the virus! Let’s unashamedly swoon over the parallel ‘love tracks’ of these two ‘Lockdown relationships’ — one featuring a 51-year-old, world famous, London-based scientist, the...




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checkCIF validation ALERTS: what they mean and how to respond

Authors of a paper that includes a new crystal-structure determination are expected to not only report the structural results of inter­est and their inter­pretation, but are also expected to archive in computer-readable CIF format the experimental data on which the crystal-structure analysis is based. Additionally, an IUCr/checkCIF validation report will be required for the review of a submitted paper. Such a validation report, automatically created from the deposited CIF file, lists as ALERTS not only potential errors or unusual findings, but also suggestions for improvement along with inter­esting information on the structure at hand. Major ALERTS for issues are expected to have been acted on already before the submission for publication or discussed in the associated paper and/or commented on in the CIF file. In addition, referees, readers and users of the data should be able to make their own judgment and inter­pretation of the underlying experimental data or perform their own calculations with the archived data. All the above is consistent with the FAIR (findable, accessible, inter­operable, and reusable) initiative [Helliwell (2019). Struct. Dyn. 6, 05430]. Validation can also be helpful for less experienced authors in pointing to and avoiding of crystal-structure determination and inter­pretation pitfalls. The IUCr web-based checkCIF server provides such a validation report, based on data uploaded in CIF format. Alternatively, a locally installable checkCIF version is available to be used iteratively during the structure-determination process. ALERTS come mostly as short single-line messages. There is also a short explanation of the ALERTS available through the IUCr web server or with the locally installed PLATON/checkCIF version. This paper provides additional background information on the checkCIF procedure and additional details for a number of ALERTS along with options for how to act on them.




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Crystallization of metastable monoclinic carnallite, KCl·MgCl2·6H2O: missing structural link in the carnallite family

During evaporation of natural and synthetic K–Mg–Cl brines, the formation of almost square plate-like crystals of potassium carnallite (potassium chloride magnesium dichloride hexa­hydrate) was observed. A single-crystal structure analysis revealed a monoclinic cell [a = 9.251 (2), b = 9.516 (2), c = 13.217 (4) Å, β = 90.06 (2)° and space group C2/c]. The structure is isomorphous with other carnallite-type com­pounds, such as NH4Cl·MgCl2·6H2O. Until now, natural and synthetic carnallite, KCl·MgCl2·6H2O, was only known in its ortho­rhom­bic form [a = 16.0780 (3), b = 22.3850 (5), c = 9.5422 (2) Å and space group Pnna].




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Blockchain technology could improve traceability of wood through the supply chain

Tracing products through the supply chain is a key feature for all businesses and industries; this is currently possible via automated identification systems that link a product to a database to track its progress, and through information-tracing (‘infotracing’) systems that keep accessible records of this progress. A study now introduces blockchain technology as a way to electronically trace timber as it travels from the forest to final product, using an infotracing system based on open source and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology that retains records in a secure, decentralised, distributed ledger.




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Counter to national trends, KC sees balanced urban and suburban growth

During the past 20 years or so, there has been a resurgence in downtowns in cities across the United States. Kansas City is no exception. Developments like the Sprint Center, Power and Light District, KC Streetcar and multiple housing structures have changed the fabric of downtown Kansas City, making urban living a more viable lifestyle […]




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​LKCMedicine introduces simulated clinical training amid COVID-19 outbreak

Fifth-year students at the NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine have started on SimConsult - a simulated clinical training - after postings to hospitals were suspended due to the Covid-19 outbreak....




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Infographic of the Year: xkcd's Money Chart

The cartoonist responsible for beloved webcomic xkcd is also an ace infographic designer. His "Money Chart" is the definitive portrait of a cash-strapped, cash-




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The MilkCrate App: A one-stop shop for sustainable-minded consumers

A new app has launched in the Philadelphia region with guides to sustainable businesses in 20 categories.



  • Sustainable Business Practices

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For a quick lesson on gene editing or blockchain, there's Five Levels of Difficulty

Wired's video series, 'Five Levels of Difficulty,' challenges an expert to explain a complicated concept to people at five levels of expertise — and it's cool.



  • Research & Innovations

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Would you lease an Ikea bookcase?

To keep its products out of landfills and in the homes of customers for longer, Ikea tests out a furniture leasing program in Switzerland.




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Unique Blockchain Training Initiative Seeks to Train 10,000 Developers in Hyperledger Fabric, Hyperledger Sawtooth, Corda and EOS Blockchain to fill Growing Skills Gap

10K Blockchain Developers Training Initative




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BlocWatch and BlockApps Partner to Help Blockchain Users Optimize their Networks

When used together, platforms provide a comprehensive solution to enterprises' key blockchain challenges




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Blockchain, One of the Most Disruptive Technologies in Decades, is a Game-changer

Today a new company was announced, TheBlockBox, to deliver blockchain product design and development to customers




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AuthenTrend Fingerprint enabled Blockchain Cold Wallet Proudly Wins CES 2020 Innovation Award Honoree for Cybersecurity and Personal Privacy

AT.Wallet, a fingerprint enabled card type wallet is AuthenTrend's answer to the ever-increasing hackers to blockchain related transactions which includes Cryptocurrency.




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Denmark-based OpenLedger Announces First-of-its-kind Enterprise Blockchain Solution VPLedger

The distributed ledger platform is designed from the ground up for use by businesses, addressing concerns about evolving regulation, privacy and malicious activity from the outset.




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Loveonly: The World's First Premium Diamond Asset Brand Meets Blockchain Technology

Loveonly, Inc. unlocks the true asset potential of diamonds for all investors while re-establishing safety and trust through innovative transparent technology.




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Blockchain App Factory Launches an STO-in-a-Box Solution Containing Tokenization, Legal Compliance, Fundraising and Investor Management

Having a wide spectrum of clients from the ICO days, to corporate solutions on smart ledger technologies, Blockchain App Factory has now come up with the most comprehensive approach to Security Token Offerings.




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Blockchain Management Company BlocWatch Secures $5.5 Million Funding Round

Funds will be deployed to help BlocWatch expand its blockchain management platform used for enterprise implementations of Hyperledger Fabric, Ethereum, and Corda.




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Blockchain — What You Need to Know

Karim Lakhani, Harvard Business School professor and co-founder of the HBS Digital Initiative, discusses blockchain, an online record-keeping technology that many believe will revolutionize commerce. Lakhani breaks down how the technology behind bitcoin works and talks about the industries and companies that could see new growth opportunities or lose business. He also has recommendations for managers: start experimenting with blockchain as soon as possible. Lakhani is the co-author of the article “The Truth About Blockchain” in the January-February 2017 issue of Harvard Business Review.




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Olive oil producer deploys IBM Blockchain for full traceability

IBM helps CHO create provenance record for olive oil from grower to consumer




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Blockchain: A Quiet Revolution? A Disruptor? Both?

Think about many of the technologies we now take for granted, like the smartphone. Think about how significantly the smartphone has changed the way we live and work. Think about how your business life was a mere 10-12 years ago.… Read More

The post Blockchain: A Quiet Revolution? A Disruptor? Both? appeared first on Anders CPAs.



  • Forensic and Litigation Services

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How Blockchain Could Impact the Market

Contracts, transactions, and the records of them are among the defining structures of our economic, legal, and political systems. They establish and verify identities and chronicle events. Yet the bureaucracies formed to manage these have not kept up with the… Read More

The post How Blockchain Could Impact the Market appeared first on Anders CPAs.



  • Forensic and Litigation Services

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Blockchain…What is It?

If you have attended a financial or business seminar in the past six months, I’ll bet you heard about the concept of Blockchain, as it is a hot topic nowadays. If you’re like me, you left the venue scratching your… Read More

The post Blockchain…What is It? appeared first on Anders CPAs.



  • Forensic and Litigation Services

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Backcountry Status - date posted Apr 2, 2020

Grand Canyon National Park is closed.

Information about rescheduling backcountry permit reservations can be obtained by emailing grca_bic@nps.gov

Due to the closure of Grand Canyon National Park, backcountry permits are not being issued, and staff are instructed to deny any permit requests they receive. Please wait to submit new backcountry permit requests until the park re-opens (we do not know when that might be). Thank you for your patience and understanding!




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Operational Changes to Backcountry Permitting Procedures Planned at Grand Canyon National Park

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/news_2009-11-20_procedure_change.htm




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National Park Service Begins Process to Revise Backcountry Management Plan for Grand Canyon National Park

National Park Service Begins Process to Revise Backcountry Management Plan for Grand Canyon National Park https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/national-park-service-begins-process-to-revise-backcountry-management-plan-for-grand-canyon-national-park.htm




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National Park Service to hold open house public meetings on revision of Grand Canyon National Park's Backcountry Management Plan

https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/news-5may2011.htm




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Grand Canyon National Park Announces Entrance and Backcountry Camping Fee Increases

Effective June 1, 2015, Grand Canyon National Park will increase park entrance fees and the cost of overnight backcountry permits. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/grand-canyon-announces-fee-increases.htm




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National Park Service Seeks Public Input on a Backcountry Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement for Grand Canyon National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) announced today another opportunity for the public to weigh in on revisions to Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Management Plan (BMP). https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-plan-draft-eis.htm




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Grand Canyon National Park to Host an Additional Public Open House and Webinar for Backcountry Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The National Park Service (NPS) announced today another opportunity for the public to weigh in on revisions to Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Management Plan (BMP). The NPS began developing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for this plan in 2011 in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-plan-webinar-and-open-house.htm




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Grand Canyon National Park to Extend Public Comment Period for Backcountry Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement

The National Park Service announced a 30-day extension of the public comment period for Grand Canyon National Park’s Backcountry Management Plan and Draft Environmental Impact Statement . https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-deis-comment-extension.htm




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Missing Backcountry Hikers Near Tapeats Creek at Grand Canyon National Park

On Saturday evening, April 15 the National Park Service received an alert from a personal locating beacon in a backcountry area of Grand Canyon National Park near the confluence of Tapeats Creek and Thunder River. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/missing-hikers-tapeats.htm




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Update: Search for Missing Backcountry Hikers at Grand Canyon National Park Continues in Limited Mode

After five days of extensive searching, today the National Park Service (NPS) is reducing the scale of the search for two hikers who went missing at Grand Canyon National Park on Saturday, April 15. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/search-continues-limited-mode.htm




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Backcountry Users Advised of Changes to Water Availability on North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails

Due to water turbidity and maintenance issues, some of the water filling stations and flush toilets normally available along the North Kaibab and Bright Angel Trails at this time of the year will not be open until water conditions change and/or water line repairs are made. https://www.nps.gov/grca/learn/news/backcountry-users-advised-of-changes-to-water-availability-on-north-kaibab-and-bright-angel-trails.htm




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KCSN-KSBR (88.5FM)/Los Angeles-Mission Viejo Matches Joe Walsh Donations Challenge

KCSN-KSBR (88.5FM)/LOS ANGELES-MISSION VIEJO current pledge drive got an interesting twist this week when station fan JOE WALSH said he would match the total if the station could generate 500 … more




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KCMP (89.3 The Current)/Minneapolis’ Jim McGuinn And Glassnote’s Nick Petropoulos Collaborate On Videos To Support Charity

While sheltering-at-home in UPSTATE NEW YORK, GLASSNOTE Head Of Promotion NICK PETROPOULOS sent KCMP (89.3 THE CURRENT)/MINNEAPOLIS PD JIM MCGUINN a song of guitar riffs and an email about … more




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ZebraLancer: Decentralized Crowdsourcing of Human Knowledge atop Open Blockchain. (arXiv:1803.01256v5 [cs.HC] UPDATED)

We design and implement the first private and anonymous decentralized crowdsourcing system ZebraLancer, and overcome two fundamental challenges of decentralizing crowdsourcing, i.e., data leakage and identity breach.

First, our outsource-then-prove methodology resolves the tension between the blockchain transparency and the data confidentiality to guarantee the basic utilities/fairness requirements of data crowdsourcing, thus ensuring: (i) a requester will not pay more than what data deserve, according to a policy announced when her task is published via the blockchain; (ii) each worker indeed gets a payment based on the policy, if he submits data to the blockchain; (iii) the above properties are realized not only without a central arbiter, but also without leaking the data to the open blockchain. Second, the transparency of blockchain allows one to infer private information about workers and requesters through their participation history. Simply enabling anonymity is seemingly attempting but will allow malicious workers to submit multiple times to reap rewards. ZebraLancer also overcomes this problem by allowing anonymous requests/submissions without sacrificing accountability. The idea behind is a subtle linkability: if a worker submits twice to a task, anyone can link the submissions, or else he stays anonymous and unlinkable across tasks. To realize this delicate linkability, we put forward a novel cryptographic concept, i.e., the common-prefix-linkable anonymous authentication. We remark the new anonymous authentication scheme might be of independent interest. Finally, we implement our protocol for a common image annotation task and deploy it in a test net of Ethereum. The experiment results show the applicability of our protocol atop the existing real-world blockchain.




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QuickSync: A Quickly Synchronizing PoS-Based Blockchain Protocol. (arXiv:2005.03564v1 [cs.CR])

To implement a blockchain, we need a blockchain protocol for all the nodes to follow. To design a blockchain protocol, we need a block publisher selection mechanism and a chain selection rule. In Proof-of-Stake (PoS) based blockchain protocols, block publisher selection mechanism selects the node to publish the next block based on the relative stake held by the node. However, PoS protocols may face vulnerability to fully adaptive corruptions. In literature, researchers address this issue at the cost of performance.

In this paper, we propose a novel PoS-based blockchain protocol, QuickSync, to achieve security against fully adaptive corruptions without compromising on performance. We propose a metric called block power, a value defined for each block, derived from the output of the verifiable random function based on the digital signature of the block publisher. With this metric, we compute chain power, the sum of block powers of all the blocks comprising the chain, for all the valid chains. These metrics are a function of the block publisher's stake to enable the PoS aspect of the protocol. The chain selection rule selects the chain with the highest chain power as the one to extend. This chain selection rule hence determines the selected block publisher of the previous block. When we use metrics to define the chain selection rule, it may lead to vulnerabilities against Sybil attacks. QuickSync uses a Sybil attack resistant function implemented using histogram matching. We prove that QuickSync satisfies common prefix, chain growth, and chain quality properties and hence it is secure. We also show that it is resilient to different types of adversarial attack strategies. Our analysis demonstrates that QuickSync performs better than Bitcoin by an order of magnitude on both transactions per second and time to finality, and better than Ouroboros v1 by a factor of three on time to finality.




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Method for operating an automated sample workcell

A method of operating the automated sample workcell for processing one or more biological samples is presented. The method comprises receiving one or more biological samples. Each biological sample is contained in a sample tube. Each sample tube is a tube type. If a test order was received for at least one of the biological samples, the test order being indicative of one or more first processing steps, the workcell can automatically execute the one or more first processing steps. If the test order was not received, one or more second processing steps can be determined based on the tube type of the sample tube that contains the at least one biological sample and the one or more second processing steps can then be executed.




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Neural 60, Blockchain. The Trust Catalyst.

Issue #60 Summer 2018 ISSN: 2037-108X

The new Neural issue (co-edited with Rachel O’Dwyer) is hot from the press.

Subscribe now! Because only subscribers will get a free extra“The Maker’s Bill of Rights by Garnet Hertz.

You can also subscribe to the magazine




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Apple’s 1st own India outlet to come up at BKC

US phone-maker said to have leased 25k sq ft space at Maker Maxity mall in the Mumbai hub.




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Govt Notifies Three Schemes worth ₹48kcr for Electronic Makers

According to the notification, companies that make phones priced at ₹15,000 and above and which make a cumulative investment of ₹1,000 crore over four years, starting with ₹250 crore in the first year, will qualify for an incentive of 6% for the first two years, followed by 5% for the next two and 4% in the fifth year..




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COVID-19 Testing In The Mission / Golden Gate Parkcast / New Arrivals

We look at the results of a cutting-edge community testing program in the Mission and what it says about race, inequality, and housing. Then, we go across town to find Shakespeare in Golden Gate Park . And, we dive into more contemporary literature in our series, " New Arrivals ."




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UW Huskies bolster backcourt, sign transfers Erik Stevenson and Nate Pryor


Mike Hopkins caused a fair amount of consternation among Washington men’s basketball fans due to the team’s inability to attract an incoming high-school recruit after assembling a nationally ranked top-10 class a year ago.




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Wyoming's Carbon County To Place Land Records On Blockchain

Carbon County in the Western U.S. State of Wyoming is set to implement a blockchain-powered land registry system in 2020, which will assure immutability of records and help in registering and validating property ownership with a clear chain of title. The land records and information platform will be developed in partnership with Overstock.com's blockchain subsidiary Medici Land Governance (MLG).




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AirAsia's Logistics Arm Launches Blockchain-powered Air Cargo Booking

AirAsia's logistics arm Teleport has rolled out a blockchain-powered cargo booking system called Freightchain, claimed to be the world's first digital air cargo network run on blockchain. The platform can be used by shippers, airlines and freight forwarders to make cargo bookings in minutes through bids submitted for cargo belly space on any of AirAsia's 247 aircraft and validated on blockchain.




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IBM Blockchain To Address COVID-19 Medical Supply Chain Shortages

IBM has rolled out "IBM Rapid Supplier Connect" to help in addressing the shortages in the COVID-19 Medical Supply Chain. The IBM Blockchain-powered solution can help healthcare and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada to rapidly identify and onboard new, non-traditional, alternative vendors to address the shortage of equipment, devices and supplies needed for COVID-19 relief efforts.




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UFC Partners Chiliz To Offer Blockchain-powered Fan Engagement

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has teamed up with blockchain-powered fan engagement platform Chiliz ($CHZ) in an exclusive global partnership to offer fan engagement solutions to their over 318 million global fans. UFC is an American mixed martial arts (MMA) promotion company based out of Las Vegas in Nevada. It is one of the fastest growing sports in the world.