Focus MRS

focusmrs

You can jump to any part of the United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy here. This part is 1 of 38. Preface We are in a pivotal period of international relations, characterized by acute competition between nations, and shared global challenges like climate change, food and health security, and inclusive economic growth. Technology will play an increasingly critical role in addressing these challenges. That is why at the State Department we have prioritized building capacity and expertise in cyber, digital, and emerging technology issues as part of our broader efforts to modernize diplomacy and ensure U.S. foreign policy delivers on the issues that matter most to the lives and livelihoods of the American people. As a key milestone in this work, I am pleased to share here the Department’s International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. Central to our strategy is the effort to build digital solidarity – working together to offer mutual assistance to the victims of malicious cyber activity and other digital harms; assist partners – especially emerging economies – in deploying safe, secure, resilient, and sustainable technologies to advance their development goals; and builds strong and inclusive innovation economies that can shape our economic and technological future. We are rallying coalitions of governments, businesses, and civil society to shape the digital revolution at every level of the technology “stack” – from building subsea cables and telecommunication networks, to deploying cloud services and trustworthy artificial intelligence, to promoting rights-respecting data governance and norms of responsible state behavior. The United States will work with any country or actor that is committed to developing and deploying technology that is open, safe, and secure, that promotes inclusive growth, that fosters resilient and democratic societies, and that empowers all people. Antony J. Blinken Secretary of State Continue Reading Here. This post was originally published on May 6, 2024, by the U.S Department of State You can jump to any part of the United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy here. This part is 1 of 38. You can jump to any part of the United States International Cyberspace & Digital Policy Strategy here . This part is 1 of 38. here Preface We are in a pivotal period of international relations, characterized by acute competition between nations, and shared global challenges like climate change, food and health security, and inclusive economic growth. Technology will play an increasingly critical role in addressing these challenges. That is why at the State Department we have prioritized building capacity and expertise in cyber, digital, and emerging technology issues as part of our broader efforts to modernize diplomacy and ensure U.S. foreign policy delivers on the issues that matter most to the lives and livelihoods of the American people. As a key milestone in this work, I am pleased to share here the Department’s International Cyberspace and Digital Policy Strategy. Central to our strategy is the effort to build digital solidarity – working together to offer mutual assistance to the victims of malicious cyber activity and other digital harms; assist partners – especially emerging economies – in deploying safe, secure, resilient, and sustainable technologies to advance their development goals; and builds strong and inclusive innovation economies that can shape our economic and technological future. We are rallying coalitions of governments, businesses, and civil society to shape the digital revolution at every level of the technology “stack” – from building subsea cables and telecommunication networks, to deploying cloud services and trustworthy artificial intelligence, to promoting rights-respecting data governance and norms of responsible state behavior. The United States will work with any country or actor that is committed to developing and deploying technology that is open, safe, and secure, that promotes inclusive growth, that fosters resilient and democratic societies, and that empowers all people. Antony J. Blinken Antony J. Blinken Secretary of State Secretary of State Continue Reading Here. Continue Reading Here . Here This post was originally published on May 6, 2024, by the U.S Department of State This post was originally published on May 6, 2024, by the U.S Department of State by the U.S Department of State

U.S. Foreign Policy Focuses in on Secure and Inclusive Technologies

Because It Cannot Sue ChatGPT For Mimicry, the NYT Lawsuit Focuses on AI Hallucination Instead

No, You Don't Need a Highly Specialized Team to Build Your SaaS Application 

Bitcoin being the first blockchain network and cryptocurrency, has always been celebrated as the ultimate store of value. While its decentralized and immutable nature makes it ideal for this purpose, Bitcoin's original design limits its functionality beyond basic transactions. And here is Rootstock (RSK); a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution sidechain poised that unlocks limitless potential for the Bitcoin ecosystem. In this article, I will explain why Bitcoin needs a Layer 2, the pivotal role Rootstock plays in expanding Bitcoin utility, and how it is empowering decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, and more, without compromising Bitcoin core principles. The Case for Bitcoin Layer 2 Bitcoin scalability challenges are no secret. With a block time of 10 minutes and limited throughput (approximately seven transactions per second), it was never designed for the high-speed, high-volume use cases we see in modern decentralized applications (dApps). While Bitcoin is unmatched as a digital gold standard, it lacks programmability and the ability to support complex logic like smart contracts, which are essential for use cases like DeFi, gaming, and tokenized assets. A Bitcoin Layer 2 is not just a technical upgrade, it is a philosophical evolution. Layer 2 solutions operate on top of the Bitcoin mainchain, inheriting its unmatched security while providing additional scalability, functionality, and flexibility. They allow developers and users to build a robust ecosystem around Bitcoin, expanding its utility far beyond simple payments. Rootstock: The Smart Contract Layer for Bitcoin Rootstock is a leading Layer 2 solution; a sidechain designed to merge Bitcoin security with Ethereum-like smart contract capabilities. Built as a sidechain to Bitcoin, Rootstock connects directly to the Bitcoin blockchain while adding a Turing-complete virtual machine (the Rootstock Virtual Machine, or RVM) that enables developers to write and deploy smart contracts. Here is why Rootstock stands out as a transformative force in the Bitcoin ecosystem: 1. Leverages Bitcoin Security Rootstock is anchored to the Bitcoin network through merged mining. Miners who secure the Bitcoin blockchain can simultaneously validate transactions on Rootstock, ensuring Rootstock inherits Bitcoin's unparalleled security while incentivizing miners with additional rewards. 2. Brings Smart Contracts to Bitcoin By integrating a version of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Rootstock enables Bitcoin to support decentralized applications. This opens the door for use cases like DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and tokenized assets, all built on Bitcoin. 3. Seamless Two-Way Peg Rootstock's two-way peg system allows users to seamlessly transfer BTC to the Rootstock sidechain as RBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed token. This bridges Bitcoin liquidity to the Rootstock network, enabling the use of BTC in smart contract applications without leaving the ecosystem. 4. Scalability and Efficiency Rootstock significantly increases transaction throughput compared to Bitcoin’s base layer. Transactions on Rootstock are faster and cheaper, making it ideal for high-frequency applications like DeFi trading or microtransactions. Putting Bitcoin to Work: Real-World Applications of Rootstock Rootstock is not just theoretical; it is actively unlocking new use cases for Bitcoin, enabling the network to become a hub for innovation. Here is how: 1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) DeFi has exploded in recent years, but most of its growth has occurred on Ethereum and other programmable chains. Rootstock brings this opportunity to Bitcoin. Platforms like Money on Chain (a stablecoin protocol) and Sovryn (a decentralized trading and lending platform) leverage Rootstock to create DeFi products secured by Bitcoin. This means Bitcoin holders can now earn yields, borrow, and lend without trusting centralized entities. 2. Tokenization Rootstock enables the creation of tokens backed by real-world assets, such as real estate or commodities, directly on the Bitcoin network. This expands Bitcoin’s utility as a base layer for a global financial ecosystem. 3. DAOs and Governance With Rootstock, Bitcoin can support Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) that use smart contracts for governance and decision-making. Imagine a future where Bitcoin communities govern funds and projects democratically, all on-chain. 4. Identity and Reputation Systems Rootstock smart contracts can facilitate decentralized identity (DID) and reputation systems, laying the groundwork for trustless, self-sovereign identities anchored to Bitcoin. These systems could power use cases ranging from credit scoring to community-based voting. 5. Payment Channels While Bitcoin’s Lightning Network focuses on microtransactions, Rootstock complements this with programmable logic for payment channels. Businesses can automate recurring payments, escrow services, or conditional transfers directly on Rootstock. Why Rootstock Matters for The Future of Bitcoin Bitcoin's decentralized and censorship-resistant nature has made it the reserve asset of the crypto world, but this strength also limits its adaptability. Rootstock bridges this gap, allowing Bitcoin to participate in the programmable, DeFi-driven economy while remaining true to its ethos. By building on Bitcoin, Rootstock ensures that innovation in the ecosystem remains tied to the most secure and decentralized network in the world. This synergy creates a feedback loop: as more applications leverage Bitcoin liquidity and security through Rootstock, they attract new users and strengthen the network. The Road Ahead: Bitcoin Beyond a Store of Value Rootstock represents a paradigm shift for Bitcoin, transforming it from a passive store of value to an active participant in the broader blockchain ecosystem. As more developers, entrepreneurs, and users explore Rootstock capabilities, we are likely to see a wave of innovation that challenges the dominance of other smart contract platforms. For Bitcoin enthusiasts, Rootstock is an opportunity to see their favorite network evolve without compromising its core principles. For developers, it’s an invitation to build on the world's most secure blockchain. And for the crypto industry as a whole, it is proof that the Bitcoin story is far from over—it is just getting started. Bitcoin doesn’t need to be “fixed”; it needs to be unlocked. And Rootstock is the key. See You At $100,000 Bitcoin being the first blockchain network and cryptocurrency, has always been celebrated as the ultimate store of value. While its decentralized and immutable nature makes it ideal for this purpose, Bitcoin's original design limits its functionality beyond basic transactions. And here is Rootstock (RSK); a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution sidechain poised that unlocks limitless potential for the Bitcoin ecosystem. In this article, I will explain why Bitcoin needs a Layer 2, the pivotal role Rootstock plays in expanding Bitcoin utility, and how it is empowering decentralized finance (DeFi), smart contracts, and more, without compromising Bitcoin core principles. The Case for Bitcoin Layer 2 The Case for Bitcoin Layer 2 Bitcoin scalability challenges are no secret. With a block time of 10 minutes and limited throughput (approximately seven transactions per second), it was never designed for the high-speed, high-volume use cases we see in modern decentralized applications (dApps). While Bitcoin is unmatched as a digital gold standard, it lacks programmability and the ability to support complex logic like smart contracts, which are essential for use cases like DeFi, gaming, and tokenized assets. A Bitcoin Layer 2 is not just a technical upgrade, it is a philosophical evolution. Layer 2 solutions operate on top of the Bitcoin mainchain, inheriting its unmatched security while providing additional scalability, functionality, and flexibility. They allow developers and users to build a robust ecosystem around Bitcoin, expanding its utility far beyond simple payments. Rootstock: The Smart Contract Layer for Bitcoin Rootstock: The Smart Contract Layer for Bitcoin Rootstock is a leading Layer 2 solution; a sidechain designed to merge Bitcoin security with Ethereum-like smart contract capabilities. Built as a sidechain to Bitcoin, Rootstock connects directly to the Bitcoin blockchain while adding a Turing-complete virtual machine (the Rootstock Virtual Machine, or RVM) that enables developers to write and deploy smart contracts. Here is why Rootstock stands out as a transformative force in the Bitcoin ecosystem: Here is why Rootstock stands out as a transformative force in the Bitcoin ecosystem: 1. Leverages Bitcoin Security Leverages Bitcoin Security Rootstock is anchored to the Bitcoin network through merged mining. Miners who secure the Bitcoin blockchain can simultaneously validate transactions on Rootstock, ensuring Rootstock inherits Bitcoin's unparalleled security while incentivizing miners with additional rewards. 2. Brings Smart Contracts to Bitcoin Brings Smart Contracts to Bitcoin By integrating a version of the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), Rootstock enables Bitcoin to support decentralized applications. This opens the door for use cases like DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and tokenized assets, all built on Bitcoin. 3. Seamless Two-Way Peg Seamless Two-Way Peg Rootstock's two-way peg system allows users to seamlessly transfer BTC to the Rootstock sidechain as RBTC, a 1:1 Bitcoin-backed token. This bridges Bitcoin liquidity to the Rootstock network, enabling the use of BTC in smart contract applications without leaving the ecosystem. 4. Scalability and Efficiency Scalability and Efficiency Rootstock significantly increases transaction throughput compared to Bitcoin’s base layer. Transactions on Rootstock are faster and cheaper, making it ideal for high-frequency applications like DeFi trading or microtransactions. Putting Bitcoin to Work: Real-World Applications of Rootstock Putting Bitcoin to Work: Real-World Applications of Rootstock Rootstock is not just theoretical; it is actively unlocking new use cases for Bitcoin, enabling the network to become a hub for innovation. Here is how: 1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) 1. Decentralized Finance (DeFi) DeFi has exploded in recent years, but most of its growth has occurred on Ethereum and other programmable chains. Rootstock brings this opportunity to Bitcoin. Platforms like Money on Chain (a stablecoin protocol) and Sovryn (a decentralized trading and lending platform) leverage Rootstock to create DeFi products secured by Bitcoin. This means Bitcoin holders can now earn yields, borrow, and lend without trusting centralized entities. 2. Tokenization 2. Tokenization Rootstock enables the creation of tokens backed by real-world assets, such as real estate or commodities, directly on the Bitcoin network. This expands Bitcoin’s utility as a base layer for a global financial ecosystem. 3. DAOs and Governance 3. DAOs and Governance With Rootstock, Bitcoin can support Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) that use smart contracts for governance and decision-making. Imagine a future where Bitcoin communities govern funds and projects democratically, all on-chain. 4. Identity and Reputation Systems 4. Identity and Reputation Systems Rootstock smart contracts can facilitate decentralized identity (DID) and reputation systems, laying the groundwork for trustless, self-sovereign identities anchored to Bitcoin. These systems could power use cases ranging from credit scoring to community-based voting. 5. Payment Channels 5. Payment Channels While Bitcoin’s Lightning Network focuses on microtransactions, Rootstock complements this with programmable logic for payment channels. Businesses can automate recurring payments, escrow services, or conditional transfers directly on Rootstock. Why Rootstock Matters for The Future of Bitcoin Why Rootstock Matters for The Future of Bitcoin Bitcoin's decentralized and censorship-resistant nature has made it the reserve asset of the crypto world, but this strength also limits its adaptability. Rootstock bridges this gap, allowing Bitcoin to participate in the programmable, DeFi-driven economy while remaining true to its ethos. By building on Bitcoin, Rootstock ensures that innovation in the ecosystem remains tied to the most secure and decentralized network in the world. This synergy creates a feedback loop: as more applications leverage Bitcoin liquidity and security through Rootstock, they attract new users and strengthen the network. The Road Ahead: Bitcoin Beyond a Store of Value The Road Ahead: Bitcoin Beyond a Store of Value Rootstock represents a paradigm shift for Bitcoin, transforming it from a passive store of value to an active participant in the broader blockchain ecosystem. As more developers, entrepreneurs, and users explore Rootstock capabilities, we are likely to see a wave of innovation that challenges the dominance of other smart contract platforms. For Bitcoin enthusiasts, Rootstock is an opportunity to see their favorite network evolve without compromising its core principles. For developers, it’s an invitation to build on the world's most secure blockchain. And for the crypto industry as a whole, it is proof that the Bitcoin story is far from over—it is just getting started. Bitcoin doesn’t need to be “fixed”; it needs to be unlocked. And Rootstock is the key. See You At $100,000 Bitcoin doesn’t need to be “fixed”; it needs to be unlocked. And Rootstock is the key. See You At $100,000

From Hodling to Putting Bitcoin to Work With Sidechain: Bitcoin 2.0

How to Craft Inclusive AI Prompts That Mitigate Bias

A new blockchain indexing platform, Cido, emerged from stealth development this week, introducing technology that aims to address data processing bottlenecks in the Web3 space. The platform focuses on providing real-time blockchain data access and processing capabilities. The platform processes blockchain data through parallel processing systems, enabling users to sync with any blockchain network immediately upon deployment. According to performance metrics, Cido indexes Ethereum Mainnet at speeds 100 times faster than current market solutions, while achieving query speeds 25 times faster than The Graph, a leading competitor in the space. For organizations running multiple concurrent queries, Cido maintains a seven-fold speed advantage over existing solutions. This performance level targets enterprises requiring high-volume data processing and real-time analytics. The platform's architecture enables several key functionalities: Real-time data processing as blocks are generated


Cross-chain data integration across multiple networks


Event monitoring for on-chain activities


API access for developers building applications


Data analytics for AI model training The system currently supports all EVM-compatible blockchain networks, with plans to expand support to other virtual machines in the future. For developers, the platform provides APIs designed to support various applications, including gaming, websites, mobile apps, and backend services. The system processes data within milliseconds of creation, enabling near-instant access across supported networks. Enterprise users can access features including: Data infrastructure scaling


Cross-chain analytics


Real-time monitoring systems


Advanced analytics tools The launch comes at a time when blockchain infrastructure faces increasing demands from growing transaction volumes and data processing requirements. Industry observers note that data access and processing speed have become critical factors in blockchain application development and deployment. Cido is currently operating a beta program for early access to the platform. The platform enters a competitive market where existing solutions have established significant user bases. However, if the reported performance metrics hold true in real-world applications, the technology could represent a significant advance in blockchain data processing capabilities. For blockchain developers and enterprises requiring high-performance data access, the platform's launch potentially offers new options for building and scaling blockchain applications. The impact on broader blockchain adoption and development practices remains to be seen as the platform moves into public availability. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR A new blockchain indexing platform, Cido , emerged from stealth development this week, introducing technology that aims to address data processing bottlenecks in the Web3 space. The platform focuses on providing real-time blockchain data access and processing capabilities. Cido The platform processes blockchain data through parallel processing systems, enabling users to sync with any blockchain network immediately upon deployment. According to performance metrics, Cido indexes Ethereum Mainnet at speeds 100 times faster than current market solutions, while achieving query speeds 25 times faster than The Graph, a leading competitor in the space. For organizations running multiple concurrent queries, Cido maintains a seven-fold speed advantage over existing solutions. This performance level targets enterprises requiring high-volume data processing and real-time analytics. The platform's architecture enables several key functionalities: Real-time data processing as blocks are generated Cross-chain data integration across multiple networks Event monitoring for on-chain activities API access for developers building applications Data analytics for AI model training Real-time data processing as blocks are generated Real-time data processing as blocks are generated Cross-chain data integration across multiple networks Cross-chain data integration across multiple networks Event monitoring for on-chain activities Event monitoring for on-chain activities API access for developers building applications API access for developers building applications Data analytics for AI model training Data analytics for AI model training The system currently supports all EVM-compatible blockchain networks, with plans to expand support to other virtual machines in the future. For developers, the platform provides APIs designed to support various applications, including gaming, websites, mobile apps, and backend services. The system processes data within milliseconds of creation, enabling near-instant access across supported networks. Enterprise users can access features including: Data infrastructure scaling Cross-chain analytics Real-time monitoring systems Advanced analytics tools Data infrastructure scaling Data infrastructure scaling Cross-chain analytics Cross-chain analytics Real-time monitoring systems Real-time monitoring systems Advanced analytics tools Advanced analytics tools The launch comes at a time when blockchain infrastructure faces increasing demands from growing transaction volumes and data processing requirements. Industry observers note that data access and processing speed have become critical factors in blockchain application development and deployment. Cido is currently operating a beta program for early access to the platform. The platform enters a competitive market where existing solutions have established significant user bases. However, if the reported performance metrics hold true in real-world applications, the technology could represent a significant advance in blockchain data processing capabilities. For blockchain developers and enterprises requiring high-performance data access, the platform's launch potentially offers new options for building and scaling blockchain applications. The impact on broader blockchain adoption and development practices remains to be seen as the platform moves into public availability. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program . HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: business blogging program business blogging program

Cido Launches New Generation Blockchain Indexing Platform, Promises 100x Speed Improvements

Cido запускае платформу індэксацыі блокчейнаў новага пакалення, абяцае 100-кратнае павышэнне хуткасці

Cido lanza una plataforma de indexación blockchain de nueva generación y promete mejoras de velocidad de 100 veces

A Cido elindítja az új generációs blokklánc indexelő platformot, 100-szoros sebességnövekedést ígér

Cido が新世代のブロックチェーン インデックス プラットフォームを発表、100 倍の速度向上を約束

Cido უშვებს ახალი თაობის ბლოკჩეინის ინდექსირების პლატფორმას და გვპირდება 100x სიჩქარის გაუმჯობესებას

Cido, 신세대 블록체인 인덱싱 플랫폼 출시, 100배 속도 향상 약속

Cido Lancarkan Platform Pengindeksan Blockchain Generasi Baharu, Menjanjikan Peningkatan Kelajuan 100x ganda

Cido wprowadza nową generację platformy indeksowania blockchain, obiecuje 100-krotną poprawę prędkości

Cido Wuxuu Bilaabay Jiilka Cusub ee Blockchain Indexing Platform, Wuxuu Balanqaadayaa Horumarin Xawaaraha 100x

“Cido” täze nesil blokirleme indeksleme platformasyny işe girizdi, 100x tizligi ýokarlandyrmagy wada berdi

Cido запускає платформу індексування блокчейнів нового покоління, обіцяє 100-кратне підвищення швидкості

I-Cido isungula iPlatform yesiZukulwana esitsha seBlockchain Indexing, ithembisa i-100x yokuPhucula iSpeed

Blockchain technology company Fhenix has released Nitrogen, an upgraded testnet for its Layer 2 network that incorporates Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The release marks a significant development in blockchain privacy technology, introducing new decryption capabilities ahead of its planned mainnet launch. The Nitrogen testnet implements the Threshold Network as its core decryption mechanism, aimed at increasing network decentralization. This system processes encrypted data while maintaining security protocols essential for blockchain operations. A key technical addition is the Parallel Decryptions feature, which addresses performance challenges typically associated with FHE operations. The system utilizes asynchronous decryption to manage computational demands more efficiently. The upgrade introduces two distinct Security Zones for developers. Zone 0 operates as the default setting with enhanced security measures, while Zone 1 focuses on performance optimization using a single local keyset managed by the sequencer for decryption processes. "The Nitrogen testnet advances our goal of creating a permissionless, censorship-resistant platform for confidentiality with FHE," stated Fhenix CEO Guy Itzhaki. Technical improvements include integration with Celestia for data availability, which aims to reduce transaction costs. Developers can now access a native random number generation function through FHE.rand(). The testnet operates as an Ethereum Layer 2 solution, maintaining EVM equivalence to allow developers to continue using Solidity for smart contract development. This compatibility enables selective encryption of smart contracts using FHE technology. Fhenix's implementation targets specific challenges in blockchain privacy, particularly in areas of smart contract confidentiality, transaction privacy, and secure asset management on the Ethereum network. The system aims to provide these features while maintaining the fundamental benefits of blockchain technology, including transparency where appropriate and decentralized operation. The Nitrogen release represents the latest development in blockchain privacy technology, as the industry continues to address the balance between transparency and confidentiality in distributed ledger systems. This update precedes Fhenix's planned mainnet launch, though specific timing details remain unannounced. The platform continues testing and development, focusing on security and performance optimization before full deployment. Developers can access the testnet to build and test confidential applications within the current framework. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Blockchain technology company Fhenix has released Nitrogen, an upgraded testnet for its Layer 2 network that incorporates Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The release marks a significant development in blockchain privacy technology, introducing new decryption capabilities ahead of its planned mainnet launch. Fhenix The Nitrogen testnet implements the Threshold Network as its core decryption mechanism, aimed at increasing network decentralization. This system processes encrypted data while maintaining security protocols essential for blockchain operations. A key technical addition is the Parallel Decryptions feature, which addresses performance challenges typically associated with FHE operations. The system utilizes asynchronous decryption to manage computational demands more efficiently. The upgrade introduces two distinct Security Zones for developers. Zone 0 operates as the default setting with enhanced security measures, while Zone 1 focuses on performance optimization using a single local keyset managed by the sequencer for decryption processes. "The Nitrogen testnet advances our goal of creating a permissionless, censorship-resistant platform for confidentiality with FHE," stated Fhenix CEO Guy Itzhaki. Technical improvements include integration with Celestia for data availability, which aims to reduce transaction costs. Developers can now access a native random number generation function through FHE.rand(). The testnet operates as an Ethereum Layer 2 solution, maintaining EVM equivalence to allow developers to continue using Solidity for smart contract development. This compatibility enables selective encryption of smart contracts using FHE technology. Fhenix's implementation targets specific challenges in blockchain privacy, particularly in areas of smart contract confidentiality, transaction privacy, and secure asset management on the Ethereum network. The system aims to provide these features while maintaining the fundamental benefits of blockchain technology, including transparency where appropriate and decentralized operation. The Nitrogen release represents the latest development in blockchain privacy technology, as the industry continues to address the balance between transparency and confidentiality in distributed ledger systems. This update precedes Fhenix's planned mainnet launch, though specific timing details remain unannounced. The platform continues testing and development, focusing on security and performance optimization before full deployment. Developers can access the testnet to build and test confidential applications within the current framework. Don’t forget to like and share the story! Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: This author is an independent contributor publishing via our business blogging program . HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR Vested Interest Disclosure: business blogging program business blogging program

Fhenix Enhances Blockchain Privacy with New Testnet Release

Imagine you are walking in a very thick forest without a guide map. Every step you take feels like a lucky guess, and there are high chances that you might lose your way. Now, think of a product the user will use, but without the user's experience, it is the same as the forest with no guide map. User mapping has the role of the guide map in the forest, and thus, the designers can easily walk the users through their journey using user mapping. What is User Mapping? 🤔 It is a methodology of visualizing how a person uses a product or service. It helps the designers understand who are the users, what they are doing, and how they feel at each step. Touchpoints are instances of interaction with your product by the users. App registration or button selection is one of the examples. Pain Points are the things that users complain about. For example, it may take too long to load a page, or if a button is hard to find. Why is User Mapping Important? 🌟 Think of it like you are going hiking with a guide map that will guide you about the wrong paths and the faster route. Without it, you are wasting your time and feeling frustrated. The user map does the same; it helps designers to find the problems earlier before they become major issues. For instance, a food delivery app design team during the user mapping process noticed that the user had trouble finding the checkout button. This helped them to quickly identify the pain point and make the necessary changes. Types of User Mapping 🧩 There are different types of User Maps, each with their own goals. It works just like having different maps for different places. Journey Mapping: It is a road map that shows the entire process that one will go through in order to complete a certain task.
Example: A pizza ordering example found out the following: searching the menu, choosing a pizza, adding it to a cart, and getting the purchase completed. Empathy Mapping: It is more about what users think, how they feel, and what they would want at various times of the journey.
For example, people who are using the fitness app may experience irritation or confusion during the first phase of using it. Experience Mapping: It covers everything that includes how users relate to the brand.
Example: A journey of a consumer from the moment of seeing the ad to buying the product online. It shows the bigger picture including the link between the users and the brand. In simple words: The shopper's path from seeing an advertisement to purchasing a product online. Service Blueprinting: It focuses on the internal mechanisms that create the user experience.
Example: The way a delivery company organizes its kitchen, customer care, and drivers to ensure the process keeps running smoothly. Principles of Effective User Mapping 🌟 Empathy First: Think about how users are perceiving and feeling what the situation is about, at every moment. Visualize Simply: Your map should have the same readability and usability as a straight road map. Work as a Team: It is very important to hear from people all over the business, developers, customer support, and designers are all looking at the same thing but from different angles. Focus on Action: Your map should provide every insight that leads you to a clear step to improve the experience. Iterate: User needs are subject to change with time, therefore, constantly update your maps according to feedback. How to Create a User Map 📝 Let's say you are developing an application for people to order their tasks by the day easily. The next step is what user mapping could give your work: Start with Research: Communicate with users, and watch what they are doing. Define Personas: Build up the features of the different users. As an example, we can say that Tom, a busy professional, has to master meetings and deadlines. Choose Your Map: Depending on what you want to know, decide whether you need a journey map, empathy map, or experience map. Map the Journey: Break down each step of the way. In the case of Tom, it’s about opening the app, adding tasks, and checking them off. Refine: Continue developing your map based on the new data and the user feedback you get, as user needs change over time. Therefore, it will be important to monitor and incorporate the feedback you get to make sure you still have the right and updated map. A Day-to-Day Example: Navigating a Coffee Shop App ☕ Consider a typical coffee shop app in which you can pay for your drinks in advance to avoid the hassle. One of the important items that might be discovered after Journey Mapping is the situation when a user leaves the cart because the advertisements are all in the targeted ads till the end. In the case of Empathy Mapping, the developers might denote that users are angry when the app slows down. After the team finds out about these problems, they can solve them by introducing the total cost sooner and the app's speed faster. And that is more effective than making users happy in the long run. How Atomic Design Helps the Mapping Process 🚀 Rapid user mapping and simplified templates can be accomplished purely by atomic design. Let’s say that you already have a library of buttons, navigation bars, and icons that you can bring in from it. The strategy of reusability allows for the use of the same components which you can tune if you need to fulfil the desired outcome and it will save your time accordingly without a big shift. For instance, you can tell a user has trouble with checking out simply because they can't find the representative button. You can in this situation modify one single button for the whole product which will save you time and the layout will be consistent. Final Thoughts: A Smooth Journey Ahead 🌟 User mapping is not just a task but its a complete set of strategy. It’s about the user's path, finding their pain points, and making the user experience as smooth as possible. As you need a map to guide you through the forest, you need a user map to visualize and design your project. The user map is a skill that will help you connect with your users on a deeper level, solving their problems and making the interface of the design more interactive and engaging. Therefore, take your map and start designing the way to achieve success. 🌍 Imagine you are walking in a very thick forest without a guide map. Every step you take feels like a lucky guess, and there are high chances that you might lose your way. Now, think of a product the user will use, but without the user's experience, it is the same as the forest with no guide map. User mapping has the role of the guide map in the forest, and thus, the designers can easily walk the users through their journey using user mapping. What is User Mapping? 🤔 It is a methodology of visualizing how a person uses a product or service. It helps the designers understand who are the users, what they are doing, and how they feel at each step. Touchpoints are instances of interaction with your product by the users. App registration or button selection is one of the examples. Touchpoints are instances of interaction with your product by the users. App registration or button selection is one of the examples. Pain Points are the things that users complain about. For example, it may take too long to load a page, or if a button is hard to find. Pain Points are the things that users complain about. For example, it may take too long to load a page, or if a button is hard to find. Why is User Mapping Important? 🌟 Why is User Mapping Important? 🌟 Think of it like you are going hiking with a guide map that will guide you about the wrong paths and the faster route. Without it, you are wasting your time and feeling frustrated. The user map does the same; it helps designers to find the problems earlier before they become major issues. For instance, a food delivery app design team during the user mapping process noticed that the user had trouble finding the checkout button. This helped them to quickly identify the pain point and make the necessary changes. Types of User Mapping 🧩 There are different types of User Maps, each with their own goals. It works just like having different maps for different places. Journey Mapping: It is a road map that shows the entire process that one will go through in order to complete a certain task.
Example: A pizza ordering example found out the following: searching the menu, choosing a pizza, adding it to a cart, and getting the purchase completed. Journey Mapping: It is a road map that shows the entire process that one will go through in order to complete a certain task. Example: A pizza ordering example found out the following: searching the menu, choosing a pizza, adding it to a cart, and getting the purchase completed. Journey Mapping: It is a road map that shows the entire process that one will go through in order to complete a certain task. Journey Mapping: Example: A pizza ordering example found out the following: searching the menu, choosing a pizza, adding it to a cart, and getting the purchase completed. Example: A pizza ordering example found out the following: searching the menu, choosing a pizza, adding it to a cart, and getting the purchase completed. Empathy Mapping: It is more about what users think, how they feel, and what they would want at various times of the journey.
For example, people who are using the fitness app may experience irritation or confusion during the first phase of using it. Empathy Mapping: It is more about what users think, how they feel, and what they would want at various times of the journey. For example, people who are using the fitness app may experience irritation or confusion during the first phase of using it. Empathy Mapping: It is more about what users think, how they feel, and what they would want at various times of the journey. Empathy Mapping: For example, people who are using the fitness app may experience irritation or confusion during the first phase of using it. For example, people who are using the fitness app may experience irritation or confusion during the first phase of using it. Experience Mapping: It covers everything that includes how users relate to the brand.
Example: A journey of a consumer from the moment of seeing the ad to buying the product online. It shows the bigger picture including the link between the users and the brand. In simple words: The shopper's path from seeing an advertisement to purchasing a product online. Experience Mapping: It covers everything that includes how users relate to the brand. Example: A journey of a consumer from the moment of seeing the ad to buying the product online. It shows the bigger picture including the link between the users and the brand. In simple words: The shopper's path from seeing an advertisement to purchasing a product online. Experience Mapping : It covers everything that includes how users relate to the brand. Experience Mapping Example: A journey of a consumer from the moment of seeing the ad to buying the product online. It shows the bigger picture including the link between the users and the brand. In simple words: The shopper's path from seeing an advertisement to purchasing a product online. Example: A journey of a consumer from the moment of seeing the ad to buying the product online. It shows the bigger picture including the link between the users and the brand. In simple words: The shopper's path from seeing an advertisement to purchasing a product online. Service Blueprinting: It focuses on the internal mechanisms that create the user experience.
Example: The way a delivery company organizes its kitchen, customer care, and drivers to ensure the process keeps running smoothly. Service Blueprinting: It focuses on the internal mechanisms that create the user experience. Example: The way a delivery company organizes its kitchen, customer care, and drivers to ensure the process keeps running smoothly. Service Blueprinting: It focuses on the internal mechanisms that create the user experience. Service Blueprinting: Example: The way a delivery company organizes its kitchen, customer care, and drivers to ensure the process keeps running smoothly. Example: The way a delivery company organizes its kitchen, customer care, and drivers to ensure the process keeps running smoothly. Principles of Effective User Mapping 🌟 Empathy First: Think about how users are perceiving and feeling what the situation is about, at every moment. Empathy First: Think about how users are perceiving and feeling what the situation is about, at every moment. Empathy First: Visualize Simply: Your map should have the same readability and usability as a straight road map. Visualize Simply: Your map should have the same readability and usability as a straight road map. Visualize Simply: Work as a Team: It is very important to hear from people all over the business, developers, customer support, and designers are all looking at the same thing but from different angles. Work as a Team: It is very important to hear from people all over the business, developers, customer support, and designers are all looking at the same thing but from different angles. Work as a Team: Focus on Action: Your map should provide every insight that leads you to a clear step to improve the experience. Focus on Action: Your map should provide every insight that leads you to a clear step to improve the experience. Focus on Action: Iterate: User needs are subject to change with time, therefore, constantly update your maps according to feedback. Iterate: User needs are subject to change with time, therefore, constantly update your maps according to feedback. Iterate: How to Create a User Map 📝 Let's say you are developing an application for people to order their tasks by the day easily. The next step is what user mapping could give your work: Start with Research: Communicate with users, and watch what they are doing. Start with Research: Communicate with users, and watch what they are doing. Start with Research: Define Personas: Build up the features of the different users. As an example, we can say that Tom, a busy professional, has to master meetings and deadlines. Define Personas: Build up the features of the different users. As an example, we can say that Tom, a busy professional, has to master meetings and deadlines. Define Personas: Choose Your Map: Depending on what you want to know, decide whether you need a journey map, empathy map, or experience map. Choose Your Map: Depending on what you want to know, decide whether you need a journey map, empathy map, or experience map. Choose Your Map: Map the Journey: Break down each step of the way. In the case of Tom, it’s about opening the app, adding tasks, and checking them off. Map the Journey: Break down each step of the way. In the case of Tom, it’s about opening the app, adding tasks, and checking them off. Map the Journey: Refine: Continue developing your map based on the new data and the user feedback you get, as user needs change over time. Therefore, it will be important to monitor and incorporate the feedback you get to make sure you still have the right and updated map. Refine: Continue developing your map based on the new data and the user feedback you get, as user needs change over time. Therefore, it will be important to monitor and incorporate the feedback you get to make sure you still have the right and updated map. Refine: A Day-to-Day Example: Navigating a Coffee Shop App ☕ Consider a typical coffee shop app in which you can pay for your drinks in advance to avoid the hassle. One of the important items that might be discovered after Journey Mapping is the situation when a user leaves the cart because the advertisements are all in the targeted ads till the end. One of the important items that might be discovered after Journey Mapping is the situation when a user leaves the cart because the advertisements are all in the targeted ads till the end. In the case of Empathy Mapping, the developers might denote that users are angry when the app slows down. After the team finds out about these problems, they can solve them by introducing the total cost sooner and the app's speed faster. And that is more effective than making users happy in the long run. In the case of Empathy Mapping, the developers might denote that users are angry when the app slows down. After the team finds out about these problems, they can solve them by introducing the total cost sooner and the app's speed faster. And that is more effective than making users happy in the long run. How Atomic Design Helps the Mapping Process 🚀 Atomic Design Rapid user mapping and simplified templates can be accomplished purely by atomic design. Let’s say that you already have a library of buttons, navigation bars, and icons that you can bring in from it. The strategy of reusability allows for the use of the same components which you can tune if you need to fulfil the desired outcome and it will save your time accordingly without a big shift. For instance, you can tell a user has trouble with checking out simply because they can't find the representative button. You can in this situation modify one single button for the whole product which will save you time and the layout will be consistent. Final Thoughts: A Smooth Journey Ahead 🌟 User mapping is not just a task but its a complete set of strategy. It’s about the user's path, finding their pain points, and making the user experience as smooth as possible. As you need a map to guide you through the forest, you need a user map to visualize and design your project. The user map is a skill that will help you connect with your users on a deeper level, solving their problems and making the interface of the design more interactive and engaging. Therefore, take your map and start designing the way to achieve success. 🌍

Understanding the Importance of User Mapping in UI/UX Design 🗺️

Authors:
(1) Yuwei Guo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong;
(2) Ceyuan Yang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory with Corresponding Author;
(3) Anyi Rao, Stanford University;
(4) Zhengyang Liang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory;
(5) Yaohui Wang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory;
(6) Yu Qiao, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory;
(7) Maneesh Agrawala, Stanford University;
(8) Dahua Lin, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory;
(9) Bo Dai, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction 2 Work Related 3 Preliminary AnimateDiff 4.1 Alleviate Negative Effects from Training Data with Domain Adapter 4.2 Learn Motion Priors with Motion Module 4.3 Adapt to New Motion Patterns with MotionLora 4.4 AnimateDiff in Practice 5 Experiments and 5.1 Qualitative Results 5.2 Qualitative Comparison 5.3 Ablative Study 5.4 Controllable Generation 6 Conclusion 7 Ethics Statement 8 Reproducibility Statement, Acknowledgement and References 7 ETHICS STATEMENT We strongly condemn the misuse of generative AI to create content that harms individuals or spreads misinformation. However, we acknowledge the potential for our method to be misused since it primarily focuses on animation and can generate human-related content. It is also important to highlight that our method incorporates personalized text-to-image models developed by other artists. These models may contain inappropriate content and can be used with our method. To address these concerns, we uphold the highest ethical standards in our research, including adhering to legal frameworks, respecting privacy rights, and encouraging the generation of positive content. Furthermore, we believe that introducing an additional content safety checker, similar to that in Stable Diffusion (Rombach et al., 2022), could potentially resolve this issue. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. Authors: (1) Yuwei Guo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; (2) Ceyuan Yang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory with Corresponding Author; (3) Anyi Rao, Stanford University; (4) Zhengyang Liang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (5) Yaohui Wang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (6) Yu Qiao, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (7) Maneesh Agrawala, Stanford University; (8) Dahua Lin, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (9) Bo Dai, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Authors: Authors: (1) Yuwei Guo, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; (2) Ceyuan Yang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory with Corresponding Author; (3) Anyi Rao, Stanford University; (4) Zhengyang Liang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (5) Yaohui Wang, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (6) Yu Qiao, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (7) Maneesh Agrawala, Stanford University; (8) Dahua Lin, Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Laboratory; (9) Bo Dai, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Table of Links Abstract and 1 Introduction Abstract and 1 Introduction 2 Work Related 2 Work Related 3 Preliminary 3 Preliminary AnimateDiff AnimateDiff 4.1 Alleviate Negative Effects from Training Data with Domain Adapter 4.1 Alleviate Negative Effects from Training Data with Domain Adapter 4.2 Learn Motion Priors with Motion Module 4.2 Learn Motion Priors with Motion Module 4.3 Adapt to New Motion Patterns with MotionLora 4.3 Adapt to New Motion Patterns with MotionLora 4.4 AnimateDiff in Practice 4.4 AnimateDiff in Practice 5 Experiments and 5.1 Qualitative Results 5 Experiments and 5.1 Qualitative Results 5.2 Qualitative Comparison 5.2 Qualitative Comparison 5.3 Ablative Study 5.3 Ablative Study 5.4 Controllable Generation 5.4 Controllable Generation 6 Conclusion 6 Conclusion 7 Ethics Statement 7 Ethics Statement 8 Reproducibility Statement, Acknowledgement and References 8 Reproducibility Statement, Acknowledgement and References 7 ETHICS STATEMENT We strongly condemn the misuse of generative AI to create content that harms individuals or spreads misinformation. However, we acknowledge the potential for our method to be misused since it primarily focuses on animation and can generate human-related content. It is also important to highlight that our method incorporates personalized text-to-image models developed by other artists. These models may contain inappropriate content and can be used with our method. To address these concerns, we uphold the highest ethical standards in our research, including adhering to legal frameworks, respecting privacy rights, and encouraging the generation of positive content. Furthermore, we believe that introducing an additional content safety checker, similar to that in Stable Diffusion (Rombach et al., 2022), could potentially resolve this issue. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. This paper is available on arxiv under CC BY 4.0 DEED license. available on arxiv

AnimateDiff Ethics Statement: Ensuring Responsible Use of Generative AI for Animation

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