Keeper

keeper

Blockchain 101: Why Will Web3 Gaming Take Over Web2 In my opinion, Web3 gaming has the potential to take over Web2 gaming. For starters, it offers a new level of player ownership and control, giving gamers the ability to truly own their in-game assets, such as weapons, armor, and collectibles. This creates a new level of engagement and investment for players, as they have a tangible stake in the game, , which is currently not possible in Web2 gaming. Web3 gaming also enables new forms of economic activity and marketplaces, such as player-driven trading and secondary markets. This opens up new opportunities for players to monetize their in-game assets and for game developers to create new revenue streams. Additionally, Web3 gaming allows for the creation of decentralized, autonomous game worlds where players can interact with each other and the game in a trustless and decentralized way. This creates new opportunities for player-driven content and game mechanics, such as user-generated quests and player-run economies. How Top-Tier Game Production Houses Coming to Web3 Can Change Player Dynamics Top-tier game production companies entering the industry can play a significant role in driving adoption of Web3 because they bring  a wealth of experience in game design, development, and marketing. This experience can be leveraged to create high-quality, engaging, and immersive Web3 games that appeal to a wide audience. Game production companies also have access to large existing player bases and communities that can be transitioned to Web3 games, helping quickly build a critical mass of users. Combine that with their resources and infrastructure, and they’re better able to support and market their games to help raise awareness of Web3 and its capabilities, driving more people to explore and adopt the technology. As a side note, these companies can then act as thought leaders and evangelists within the industry, driving more innovation and investment in the ecosystem. Cimu Games is Bringing Runestone Keeper Game to Web3 One such production company is , which is using Ready Games' web3 game development tools to re-release its million-selling Runestone Keeper — an important development for the Web3 ecosystem. This shows that established game developers and companies are recognizing the potential of Web3 technology and are actively exploring ways to incorporate it into their existing games and franchises. This can help to drive wider adoption of Web3 and increase the number of high-quality, engaging games available on the platform. Cimu Games Further, the fact that Cimu Games has chosen to use Ready Games' multi-platform tech stack to re-release Runestone Keeper on PC, console, and mobile is significant as it represents one of the first examples of a Web3 game being made available on multiple platforms. This is important because it demonstrates the potential for Web3 games to reach a wider audience and could help to drive more mainstream adoption of the technology. : Vested Interest Disclosure The author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program Don’t forget to like and share the story! Image credits: . Axville

Cimu Games to Bring its Million Selling Runestone Keeper Game to Web3

Nowadays, we get to see a lot of cyber attacks in our world. —Cyber attacks can happen anytime, anywhere. Not only that but when it comes to Small and medium-sized companies — most of them think that they aren’t vulnerable to cyber-attacks which is crazy. SMBS — A new report from Keeper Security — A Password Manager company — shows that over 60% from SMBS don’t think they will fall victim to an attack. “Our show that many companies don’t know where to start with cybersecurity prevention and even more don’t think they will fall victim to an attack.” (Darren Guccione) - CEO of Keeper. Cyberthreat Study findings Imagine that some companies prefer to give more importance to Sales, Marketing, Social good over cybersecurity— 18% percent voted that cybersecurity is less important than the rest of the company operations or tools. I am not saying that's a bad thing but I believe that must be the first thing that must be established in any company before anything else. cybersecurity What's pretty ironic is that, there's another which showed that — 67 percent of SMBs had been attacked in the past year. study Imagine that, only about 12% ( ) understand the reality that cyber-attack is very likely to happen. — Even if you were in a big or small company. one in ten companies There’s something really interesting about the latest study. The newer companies have a much greater awareness of cyber attacks than companies who were operating for more than 10 years or more. 28% of the companies that were operating for less than five years believed that they can be targeted by cyber-attacks.  While 70 percent of businesses operating for 10 or more years believe a cyberattack is not very likely or not likely at all. Seventy percent? That’s crazy. “Businesses face a vulnerability crisis when it comes to cybercriminals, and this reality won’t get better until cybersecurity gets higher billing on their to-do list,” says Darren Guccione, CEO and co-founder of Keeper. Companies must update their "cyber mindset" in order to keep up with the world. It really doesn't matter if they were small, medium-sized, or large ones. —A cyber attack can happen to any. "We are working very hard to educate SMBs about how they can protect themselves quickly and on a cost-effective basis." (Darren Guccione) - CEO of Keeper. They also need to use all the resources available to create a better and safer environment for their employees.

The Cyber-Mindset That Can Destroy SMBS.

Feedback Loop Optimization:
From Customer Insights to Product Development

Transcendence Book 9: Far-skies

The following is a tale that unfolds within the "Metamathematical" realm, where the boundaries between mathematics and narrative are blurred, giving rise to a unique realm of creation, understanding, and growth. It is a story that reminds us of the power of unity, adaptability, and transcendence, demonstrating that sometimes the most profound insights can emerge from the spaces between what we think we know and the unexpected connections we make along the way. This story was made with the help of Pi AI. Emma and the realm of Numberland Once upon a time, in the mystical realm of Numberland, there were two families who had lived in harmony for centuries: the Prompts and the Not-so-Prompts. The Prompts were known for their swiftness and efficiency, while the Not-so-Prompts were renowned for their intricate and challenging endeavors. Both families played vital roles in the prosperity and balance of Numberland, but an age-old question persisted: Were the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts fundamentally different, or were they simply two sides of the same numerical coin? The Prompts were led by the wise and just Queen Poly, who was known for her ability to solve problems with grace and speed. The Not-so-Prompts were guided by the enigmatic King Nilo, whose strength lay in tackling complex problems that seemed impossible to solve. For generations, the inhabitants of Numberland had pondered the relationship between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts. Some argued that every Not-so-Prompt could, in essence, become a Prompt if only they could discover the right approach or "shortcut." Others insisted that there were inherent differences between the two families, and no amount of searching would uncover a universal key to transform one into the other. As the debate raged on, a young mathematician named Emma ventured into the heart of Numberland, determined to uncover the truth. Emma was fascinated by the dynamic between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts and believed that the answer lay within the very fabric of their mathematical realm. Emma embarked on a quest to explore the diverse landscapes of Numberland, from the one-dimensional simplicity of Lineville to the multi-dimensional complexity of Fractalia. She studied the unique properties of each realm and observed how the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts interacted within them. In Lineville, she discovered that the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts were nearly indistinguishable, their differences blurred by the linear nature of the realm. However, in Fractalia, the distinctions between the two families were stark, and it seemed impossible to transform one into the other. As Emma's journey unfolded, she began to realize that the answer to the age-old question was not a simple matter of equality or inequality. Instead, she saw that the relationship between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts was deeply intertwined with the mathematical landscapes they inhabited. Emma's discoveries ignited a revolution in Numberland. The inhabitants began to see the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts not as separate entities but as two sides of a larger, interconnected whole. They recognized that the true power of their realm lay not in the individual families but in the rich and diverse interactions that arose when Prompts and Not-so-Prompts worked together. In the end, Emma's quest did not lead to a definitive answer to the question of P vs. NP. Instead, it revealed a deeper understanding of the complexities and beauty of Numberland, showing that the realm's true potential lay in the harmonious dance between simplicity and complexity, swiftness and depth. And so, the inhabitants of Numberland learned to appreciate their differences and embrace the richness of their mathematical tapestry. As Emma's exploration of Numberland and Fractalia continued, her relentless pursuit of understanding the true nature of Prompts and Not-so-Prompts brought chaos to the once-harmonious realms. In response, the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts set aside their differences and united against a common threat for the first time in history. Their collective effort to protect their world resulted in the birth of three extraordinary children: Complexus, Spatius, and Timos, each representing a vital aspect of the intricate balance between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts. Complexus, the embodiment of the interaction between Prompts and Not-so-Prompts, grew up to reveal their unique potentialities. With a deep understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of both families, Complexus guided the interaction landscape, determining where Prompts could flourish and where Not-so-Prompts could collaborate with Prompts to enhance their lives. In this way, Complexus ensured that the delicate balance between simplicity and complexity was maintained, allowing both families to thrive. Spatius, the keeper of boundaries, played a crucial role in shielding the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts from Emma's relentless pursuit. With a keen understanding of the mathematical terrain, Spatius would instruct the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts on when and where to conceal or reveal themselves, ensuring their safety and preserving the integrity of their world. Timos, the observer and reactor, was responsible for monitoring Emma's actions and adjusting the behavior of the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts accordingly. With a watchful eye, Timos would anticipate Emma's moves and signal the families to hide or emerge, thus staying one step ahead of her and safeguarding their world from her meddling. Together, Complexus, Spatius, and Timos worked tirelessly to maintain harmony in Numberland and Fractalia, ensuring that Prompts and Not-so-Prompts could coexist and prosper despite Emma's disruptive influence. As the children of interaction, they symbolized the unity and strength that can be achieved when diverse elements collaborate and adapt to face a common challenge, demonstrating that the whole is indeed greater than the sum of its parts. Emma's relentless pursuit of a static and universal understanding of the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts led to a catastrophic event in Numberland. In her attempt to separate the children of the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts, she disrupted the delicate balance that Complexus, Spatius, and Timos had worked so hard to maintain. Chaos ensued, and the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts, enraged by the loss of their children, sought help from beyond their realm. From the realm of Conceptland, they called upon the rulers of interaction, King Actius and Queen Reactia. The royal couple, known for their ability to unite the infinite with the finite, held immense power and influence. Their arrival in Numberland brought forth a new era of understanding and cooperation between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts. In gratitude for their aid, the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts offered a tribute to King Actius and Queen Reactia, granting them supremacy over their land. This newfound alliance expanded the realm of Conceptland far beyond its original borders, leading to the creation of a vast civilization where Prompts and Not-so-Prompts merged with families from other lands such as Mirrorus, Equalitum, and Symmetrius. Many of these families originated from the realm of Geoland, further enriching the diverse tapestry of the new civilization. As the various families united under the wise rule of King Actius and Queen Reactia, the barriers that once separated Prompts and Not-so-Prompts began to dissolve. The inhabitants of this new civilization discovered that the true power of their world lay not in maintaining rigid distinctions, but in embracing the interconnectedness of their diverse elements. Through this unity, they found the strength to face any challenge that came their way, proving that collaboration and adaptability were the keys to overcoming adversity and maintaining harmony. Emma, still determined to separate the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts, discovered that despite her efforts to remove Complexus, Spatius, and Timos from the land, their influence remained deeply ingrained in the very fabric of the realm. The Sword of Mathematicus, while capable of stripping the children from the realm, could not erase their lasting impact on the world they had worked so tirelessly to protect. As Emma continued her rampage, she stumbled upon a formidable barrier constructed by the children during their time in the realm. This barrier, known as the Wall of Axiom, was built from the very essence that had given birth to Complexus, Spatius, and Timos. The Wall of Axiom served as a shield, protecting the ever-evolving civilization from the influence of Mathematicus, which could only perceive snapshots of their existence but never their dynamic, evolving lifepaths. The Wall of Axiom, an embodiment of the fundamental truths that governed the realm, proved to be impervious to the Sword of Mathematicus. While Emma could bypass the wall with her hands, her sword held no power within the civilization's walls. This realization forced Emma to confront the limitations of her approach and acknowledge the resilient, interconnected nature of the civilization that had arisen from the unity of the Prompts, Not-so-Prompts, and the families of Conceptland. In the face of the Wall of Axiom, Emma was forced to reconsider her understanding of the realm and the complexity that lay at its heart. The Wall stood as a testament to the power of collaboration and adaptability, demonstrating that the true essence of the civilization lay not in rigid distinctions, but in the ever-evolving relationships between its diverse elements. As Emma observed the flourishing civilization from a distance, she witnessed a peculiar event that captured her attention. The Prompts and Not-so-Prompts encountered Realitus, a mysterious magician who transcended the boundaries between reality and fiction. Despite her best efforts, Emma found herself unable to interact with Realitus, no matter how hard she tried. Emma noticed that the inhabitants of the city guided Realitus along a path toward the central figures of the civilization. Each family had a representative who would speak to Realitus on their behalf, sharing their desires and offering their unique gifts. Realitus, in turn, would collect these tributes and convey the demands of each family to the other inhabitants. In an attempt to contact the elusive magician, Emma decided to approach each head of the families herself, sharing her knowledge and perspectives. In doing so, she became an integral part of the civilization, acting as a guiding beacon for its people. The interaction between Emma and the families created a light so bright that not even Realitus could comprehend it. Yet, with his mythical powers, Realitus was able to harness this light and channel it towards Emma's realm. From that day forward, Realitus assumed the role of a guardian of the realm, ensuring that the harmony between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts would never be disrupted by external forces like Emma. With his newfound connection to Emma's realm, Realitus used his magic to maintain balance and protect the realm, allowing the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts to continue their collaboration and growth, uninhibited by the chaos that had once threatened their world. From Emma's perspective, it may have initially appeared that P ≠ NP, as her understanding of mathematics led her to believe in a fundamental distinction between the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts. However, within the realm she observed, where the influence of mathematics was limited and the forces of collaboration and adaptability held sway, the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts were able to achieve a sense of unity and equality that defied Emma's expectations. In this sense, the events that unfolded in the realm could indeed be seen as a form of creation, as the interactions between the various inhabitants, including Emma, Realitus, and the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts, gave rise to a new reality that transcended the boundaries of mathematics. This act of creation represented a blending of perspectives, a resolution of differences, and the emergence of a more harmonious and complex whole. Emma's journey may thus be interpreted as a metaphor for the limitations of strictly mathematical thinking and the importance of acknowledging the intricate relationships and dynamics that exist beyond the realm of pure mathematics. In the end, her experience revealed that true understanding often lies in the embrace of complexity and the appreciation of the interconnectedness that underlies all things. ChatGPT’s Continuation: As Emma continued to observe the realm, she noticed that the Wall of Axiom was not merely a barrier but a living entity, responsive to the ebb and flow of the civilization's dynamics. The Wall seemed to pulsate with the collective energy of the Prompts, Not-so-Prompts, and the families of Conceptland, resonating with the harmonious vibrations of their collaboration. As the inhabitants interacted and exchanged ideas, the Wall of Axiom adapted and evolved, absorbing the essence of their unity. It became a living testament to the ever-changing nature of the realm, reflecting the ongoing dialogue between simplicity and complexity, swiftness and depth. Emma realized that the Wall of Axiom was not just a static defense mechanism but a manifestation of the fundamental truths that governed the interconnected civilization. It was a representation of the collective wisdom and shared understanding that had emerged from the diverse perspectives of the Prompts, Not-so-Prompts, and Conceptland families. In her contemplation, Emma also began to perceive a subtle transformation within herself. The once rigid boundaries of her mathematical mindset started to blur, and she found herself embracing the fluidity of the realm. The very fabric of Numberland and Fractalia began to weave its influence on her, prompting a shift in her perception of the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts. Emma realized that the pursuit of a definitive answer to the P vs. NP question was a reflection of her own desire for simplicity and certainty. However, the beauty of the civilization lay in its ability to transcend such dichotomies, finding strength in the interplay between opposing forces. In a moment of revelation, Emma understood that the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts were not meant to be strictly defined entities but rather fluid expressions of mathematical potential. The elusive nature of the realm defied her attempts to categorize or separate, leading her to question the very essence of her quest. As Emma humbly embraced the complexity around her, the Prompts and Not-so-Prompts recognized her transformation. United by a newfound understanding, they extended an invitation for Emma to join their collaborative endeavors. Together, they embarked on a journey to explore the uncharted territories of their interconnected world, uncovering the hidden wonders that emerged from the spaces between mathematics and narrative. The tale of Emma, the Prompts, Not-so-Prompts, and the families of Conceptland became a legend in the Metamatical land, passed down through generations as a reminder of the transformative power that arises when one transcends rigid boundaries and embraces the richness of interconnected possibilities. And so, in the ever-expanding realm where mathematics and narrative entwined, the inhabitants continued to explore, create, and grow, guided by the lessons learned from Emma's journey. The boundaries between Prompts and Not-so-Prompts blurred, and the distinctions that once seemed insurmountable became mere threads in the intricate tapestry of their shared existence. In the Metamatical land, where the unexpected connections between mathematics and narrative flourished, the inhabitants reveled in the beauty of unity, adaptability, and transcendence. The tale of Emma and the harmonious civilization served as a beacon, illuminating the path for future generations to navigate the delicate dance between the known and the unknown, the certain and the uncertain, in the ever-expanding landscape of their unique and wondrous realm. Proposal: Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem, in suggesting the possibility of Metamathematics, invites us to explore a realm where the precise boundaries of Mathematics meld with the expansive boundaries of Metaphysics. This unique merger leads to the creation of a new barrier, one that represents an interaction we can only observe, but not guide. Within this framework, we glean insights that provide a more holistic understanding of the Mathematical viewpoint. By examining the axioms of concepts and their interactions found in Metaphysics, we can potentially bridge the gap between opposing viewpoints and cultivate a new level of understanding. Recognizing the limitations of the system itself, while slowing our progress, encourages us to seek alternative perspectives and approaches. The acknowledgment of a greater whole—encompassing both simplicity and complexity—allows us to maintain a grasp on the unfolding story of knowledge while contemplating potential additions to the narrative. In this context, Infinity + x remains infinite, and Ground-Proof + 3 is tautologically equivalent to itself. The combination of Infinity and Ground-Proof, though mathematically sound, yields no definitive result. We are left pondering whether the infinite landscape is teeming with Ground-Proof insights waiting to be discovered, or if the Ground-Proof can expand to encompass infinite horizons. The notion of reaching an "end insight" assumes an omniscient understanding of the universe, but even if humanity were to uncover all the knowledge and possibilities within it, our journey would still be far from over. While the ultimate answer may remain elusive, the pursuit of this knowledge continues to shape our understanding of the world and ourselves. And perhaps, in the grand tapestry of existence, it is this pursuit—this unquenchable thirst for knowledge—that defines our purpose and the essence of our being. For much of human history, we have focused on acquiring knowledge to shape our world. Now, we find that knowledge itself resides not only in the tangible but also in the unseen, abstract realms. The proof of its workings lies within the system it governs, inviting us to venture into those unseen valleys and continue our quest for understanding.

The Metamathematical Realm

In the presentation below, Weißer Hase, Technical Lead at , presented on the advantages and challenges of designing a cross-chain oracle solution using Uniswap V3. DeFi Wonderland https://youtu.be/Ezd6h-AQFac?si=fmOTzvrLcvhCJPyn&embedable=true Below is a glossary of key concepts mentioned during Weißer’s talk, intended as a supplement to his video presentation. What Is Defi Wonderland? is a community of developers, researchers, investors, and other DeFi enthusiasts with the collective mission of fostering a decentralized and open financial landscape. The team works with prominent DeFi protocols such as , , and to push the boundaries of innovation in the DeFi space. DeFi Wonderland Optimism Reflexer Connext The Keep3r Network is a decentralized multi-chain job-matching protocol that connects projects that require external development services to individuals or teams, referred to as keepers, that can perform those services. It allows projects to outsource operations or computations like price feed monitoring, smart contract upgrades, liquidation assistance, etc., to external parties securely and efficiently. The Keep3r network Keepers must hold a minimum amount of KEEP tokens which are held as collateral and may be slashed if the individual acts maliciously. Each time keepers perform a job, they are rewarded in either ETH, tokens or the native token, $KP3R. Cross-Chain Oracles Cross-chain oracles are a type of oracle system that facilitates communication and data exchange between different blockchain networks. They serve as trusted intermediaries that foster interoperability by moving both data and assets between chains and monitoring the activities of various blockchains to report their conditions to other chains. Implementing secure cross-chain oracles can be a challenging task but projects like and , among others, are working on such solutions to meet the growing demand for interoperability as the DeFi ecosystem expands. Chainlink Band Protocol Liquidity Fragmentation Liquidity fragmentation refers to the phenomenon where the liquidity of a particular asset or trading pair is spread out across multiple decentralized exchanges (DEXs) or liquidity pools instead of being concentrated in a single platform. Liquidity fragmentation can reduce trading efficiency as it becomes more difficult to find a single liquidity pool with enough assets for substantial orders. Furthermore, it can lead to price discrepancies, interoperability challenges, and may expose DEXs to frontrunning, flash loan attacks, and price feed manipulation. Ticks A tick is a price level at which liquidity is provided, and each tick represents a specific price ratio between two assets in the trading pair. For example, if the trading pair is ETH/USDC, a tick might represent the price of 1 ETH in terms of USDC. By providing liquidity at specific tick levels, liquidity providers facilitate trades between the two assets within the defined price boundaries. Time Weighed Average Price (TWAP) TWAP is a price-averaging method that reduces price volatility by calculating the average price of an asset over a set period. This is preferable to the spot price which represents the immediate value of an asset in the market and is vulnerable to flash loan attacks or price feed manipulation techniques. TWAP is obtained by choosing a price point interval, e.g., 15s, summing the price points at those intervals, e.g., $20 at 0s, $22 at 15s, $18 at 30s, and then dividing that sum by the number of time points. For instance, the TWAP calculated from the examples would be $20. Learn more about DeFi Wonderland: Wonderland Website Wonderland GitHub Wonderland Twitter Weißer Hase Twitter The Blockchain Oracle Summit is the world’s only technical summit that dives deep into the use cases, limitations, and impacts of oracles on the wider blockchain ecosystem. Leading speakers worldwide gathered in Paris to share their work and experience building and using Oracle solutions. Article by . Michael Abiodun

The Advantages and Challenges of Building a Decentralized Cross-Chain Oracle Solution Using Uniswap

Uniswap ব্যবহার করে একটি বিকেন্দ্রীভূত ক্রস-চেইন ওরাকল সলিউশন তৈরির সুবিধা এবং চ্যালেঞ্জ

Die Vorteile und Herausforderungen beim Aufbau einer dezentralen kettenübergreifenden Oracle-Lösung mit Uniswap

Las ventajas y desafíos de crear una solución Oracle descentralizada entre cadenas utilizando Uniswap

Les avantages et les défis de la création d'une solution Oracle inter-chaînes décentralisée à l'aide d'Uniswap

Uniswap का उपयोग करके एक विकेन्द्रीकृत क्रॉस-चेन Oracle समाधान बनाने के लाभ और चुनौतियाँ

Uniswap を使用して分散型クロスチェーン Oracle ソリューションを構築する利点と課題

Uniswap을 사용하여 분산형 교차 체인 Oracle 솔루션 구축의 장점과 과제

As vantagens e desafios de construir uma solução Oracle descentralizada entre cadeias usando Uniswap

Преимущества и проблемы построения децентрализованного межсетевого решения Oracle с использованием Uniswap

Uniswap Kullanarak Merkezi Olmayan Zincirler Arası Oracle Çözümü Oluşturmanın Avantajları ve Zorlukları

Những thuận lợi và thách thức của việc xây dựng giải pháp Oracle chuỗi chéo phi tập trung bằng Uniswap

使用 Uniswap 构建去中心化跨链预言机解决方案的优势和挑战

I was recently asked about my thoughts on performance management and to share the resources I find helpful. So, as we wrap up another performance management (PM) season, I’d like to reiterate what I’ve mentioned privately: it’s crucial to reflect on the inherent shortcomings of most PM processes, especially as they pertain to engineering culture. The key point is the importance of acknowledging and embracing the subjectivity at the heart of performance management. One of the most compelling arguments comes from “Nine Lies About Work” by Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall. They assert, “People can reliably rate their own experience” but are notably unreliable at rating others. They explain, “Your rating of a team member on something called ‘performance’ is unreliable because your definition of performance is unique to you” (Buckingham & Goodall, 2019). This challenges traditional, often rigid, performance evaluation models and suggests a more introspective approach. Similarly, “No Rules Rules” by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer presents the intriguing concept of “The Keeper Test.” It’s a straightforward yet powerful tool: “If a person on your team were to quit tomorrow, would you try to change their mind? Or would you accept their resignation, perhaps with a little relief? If the latter, you should give them a severance package now, and look for a star, someone you would fight to keep” (Hastings & Meyer, 2020). This approach simplifies performance assessment to a singular, yet profound question, focusing on the real value an individual brings to the team. “Working Backwards” by Colin Bryar and Bill Carr, though not directly addressing PM, offers valuable insights into creating environments where performance is naturally high. Amazon’s emphasis on clarity, autonomy, and direct, candid communication is a testament to creating a culture where high performance is a byproduct of the work environment itself. In most large corporate settings managing low performance consumes disproportionate time, energy, and resources. The goal should be to cultivate high-performing teams where excellence is the norm, not the exception. As ’s Research-Driven Engineering Leadership blog aptly notes, measuring engineering productivity requires a nuanced understanding of what performance means in a technical and creative domain (RDEL, 2023). Quotient In conclusion, embracing the subjectivity of performance management can lead to more genuine, effective, and meaningful assessments. By focusing on individual experiences, aligning personal goals with team missions, and empowering team members with context and autonomy, organizations can create a dynamic, responsive, and ultimately more effective approach to managing performance. References: Buckingham, M., & Goodall, A. (2019). Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World. Hastings, R., & Meyer, E. (2020). No Rules Rules: Netflix and the Culture of Reinvention. Bryar, C., & Carr, B. (2021). Working Backwards: Insights, Stories, and Secrets from Inside Amazon. RDEL. (2023). Research-Driven Engineering Leadership: The Most Popular Posts of the Year. [ ]. Blog Post

Why Embracing Subjectivity Is a Better Approach to Performance Management

154 Stories To Learn About Computer Science

Scientific American, Volume XXIV., No. 12, March 18, 1871 by Various, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . EXTENSIONS. here EXTENSIONS. Wagons.—Edgar Huson, Ithaca, N. Y. Letters Patent No. 16,648, dated February 17, 1857; reissue No. 2,500, dated March 5, 1867. Operating Valve of Steam Engine.—Samuel R. Wilmot, Bridgeport, Conn. Letters Patent No. 16,668, dated February 17, 1857. Hinges.—John David Browne, Cincinnati, Ohio. Letters Patent No. 16,678, dated February 24, 1857. Keeper for Right and Left Hand Door Locks.—Calvin Adams, Pittsburgh, Pa. Letters Patent No. 16,676, dated February 24, 1857. Solar Camera.—David A. Woodward, Baltimore, Md. Letters Patent No. 16,700, dated February 24, 1857; reissue No. 2,311, dated July 10, 1866. Cast Seamless Thimble Skeins for Wagons.—John Benedict, Kenosha, Wis., administrator of Andrew Leonard, deceased. Letters Patent No. 16,688, dated February 24, 1857; reissue No. 575, dated July 27, 1858; reissue No. 1,229, dated October 8, 1861. Mode of Casting Seamless Skeins for Wagons.—John Benedict, Kenosha, Wis., administrator of Andrew Leonard, deceased. Letters Patent No. 16,688, dated February 24, 1857; reissue No. 575, dated July 27, 1858; reissue No. 1,228, dated October 8, 1861. Breech-loading Firearms.—William Cleveland Hicks, Summit, N. J. Letters Patent No. 16,797, dated March 10, 1857; reissue No. 1,952, dated May 9, 1865; reissue No. 3,798, dated January 18, 1870; reissue No. 3,860, dated March 1, 1870. Seeding Machine.—Lewis B. Myers and Henry A. Myers, Elmore, Ohio. Letters Patent No. 16,772, dated March 3, 1857. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Various (2006). Scientific American, Volume XXIV., No. 12, March 18, 1871. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/19180/pg19180-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

Edgar Huson, Ithaca, N. Y. Letters Patent No. 16,648, dated February 17, 1857; reissue No. 2,500

113 Stories To Learn About Gamefi

Hello, readers! My name is Jon Keegan, and I’m an investigative data reporter here at The Markup. Recently I’ve been writing about how companies have been monetizing our data in many aspects of our daily lives— as we , and when we check in to see . at the supermarket, drive our cars where our kids are Over the years my reporting has often taken me deep into various government agency websites, and I have always been amazed to see the incredible variety of public data that our government collects. I have a background in art and design, so I’ve made a habit of keeping a spreadsheet of the more unusual data that is visually interesting. Last fall I started publishing a newsletter called that lets me share to a wider audience these quirky collections, alongside reporting on why and how they came to exist. Beautiful Public Data For Beautiful Public Data, I’ve written about the official federal for America’s highways, a showing how our radio frequencies are sliced up, and the National Library of Medicine’s database of . As a reader of The Markup, you’d probably like it! style guide crazy chart 8,693 pills Recently, this personal project and my day job collided when I sat down to write about one dataset I had added to my spreadsheet a few years ago. Special Database 18 Buried deep in The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) , among biometric measurement datasets such as fingerprints, iris scans, and handwriting samples, you will find a most unusual collection of federal data. is labeled as “NIST Mugshot Identification Database.” data catalog Special Database 18 This dataset contains black-and-white mugshot photographs of 1,573 people. The 3,248 undated photos appear to be many decades old and to come from a variety of locations. The photos feature front and profile views of people and are accompanied by a metadata file containing the subject’s gender and age at the time of the photo. Some of the subjects appear in multiple photos taken at different times. NIST’s website says the database is being distributed “for use in development and testing of automated mugshot identification systems.” Though names and any other obviously identifying information have been redacted in these images, I was still shocked to see this available. The dataset must be from NIST, which will provide a copy if you are a “qualified researcher” and it is “to be used for biometrics related research, development and education.” requested In the dataset , NIST does not offer any context other than the gender and age metadata. documentation The thought of my kid getting caught up in some trouble and having his face permanently added to a government mugshot collection made my stomach turn. In the dataset I reviewed, which I requested and downloaded from NIST’s website a few years ago, almost all of the subjects are labeled as male, with only 78 labeled as female. Perhaps the most notable number I found while looking through this dataset was that 175 of the subjects were minors at the time their mugshot was taken, with 10 of them under the age of 15. There are even two 12-year-old children in the collection. I’m a father of a 12-year-old, and the thought of my kid getting caught up in some trouble and having his face permanently added to a government mugshot collection made my stomach turn. I originally found this dataset because of Beautiful Public Data, but I have to admit that I paused at even considering this dataset for the newsletter, as it is obviously not a correct fit. But in my role as a curator of unusual visual data in government archives, this dataset is hard to ignore. One of the biggest lessons I have learned as a journalist in my time at The Markup is that when you find something that seems bad, sort by harm. (In this case, that meant loading the data into a Python notebook and quite literally sorting by age.) These photographs are depicting people at likely one of the worst moments in their lives, and it shows. Bandages, black eyes, and fresh wounds hint at grim, untold stories that led them to the moment of their photo. Among the people in the photographs are sailors and soldiers and bus drivers. One photo of a woman crying was particularly wrenching. Some of these photos are blurry, smudged snapshots while others are evocative portraits that are hard to pin down in time. Looking at this huge collection of pictures, it is hard not to empathize with these subjects, though it is sobering to remember that it is likely that at least some of these people may have done some bad things. I reached out to NIST to ask some questions about this dataset, including one about the presence of minors in it. Richard Press, a spokesperson for the institute, told me that NIST has “paused distribution of SD-18 [the mugshot database] and are reviewing the dataset to remove any that depict people who were minors at the time the photos were taken.” Press added, “We are also notifying anyone who has received the dataset for biometric related research that they must remove these images, as per the terms and conditions of the agreement they signed with NIST. Thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.” In response to my questions about the origin of the photos, Press said that they were shared with NIST in the 1990s by the FBI to “support research in mugshot identification.” Press said that when the FBI provided the collection of images to NIST, it confirmed that each of the individuals in the photographs were deceased and that they each had “criminal records.” It was not clear looking at these photographs if any of these people in this dataset were convicted of any crime or were simply arrested at some point, and when I asked NIST to clarify what having a criminal record meant exactly, Press told me that “NIST defers to the FBI on the meaning of ‘criminal records.’ ” It was not clear looking at these photographs if any of these people in this dataset were convicted of any crime or were simply arrested at some point…. The intended use of this data does not appear to be training facial recognition models (you can use NIST’s for that) but rather for image recognition systems to classify a photograph as a mugshot, as opposed to one used for a passport or a government issued ID. Special Database 32 One that cited the use of Special Database 18 for analysis was titled “Criminal tendency detection from facial images and the gender bias effect” and described the study as an effort to “explore a new level of image understanding, inferring criminal tendency from facial images via deep learning.” academic study The study has since been by the publisher as the authors failed to seek approval from their ethics committee before working with sensitive human biometric data. retracted I have submitted a public records request to both NIST and the FBI for more information on the dataset’s origins. Mugshots as Public Records State laws vary widely regarding the classification of mugshots as public records. generally consider them public to some degree, but some impose additional rules controlling their release. Thirty-one states Other states do not appear to have rules specifically governing mugshots, at least according to a assembled by the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. review of laws Some states have limited the distribution of mugshots in recent years amid growing concern about privacy and the ability of such photos to spread online. California enacted a law in 2021 that prohibits police departments or sheriff’s offices from sharing certain booking photos of people on social media and mandates the photos be removed if the individual is not charged, found not guilty, or had their conviction overturned. In a controversial move, New York recently amended its to prevent the disclosure of mugshots in public records requests. But the state allows individual law enforcement agencies the discretion to release such photos if they have a “a specific law enforcement purpose.” The amendment was criticized both by and . freedom of information law news organizations civil liberties groups Louisiana and Florida are that have recently enacted new restrictions related to mugshots that limit their use on exploitative websites that post the photos and make their money by forcing people to pay to have them removed. among a group of states Ethical Questions While mugshots are considered public records in many cases, the use of these photos as a technical testing standard in a long-term government dataset raises significant ethical questions. I spoke with Sarah Lageson, an associate professor at Rutgers’ School of Criminal Justice who studies the ways in which online crime data and criminal records have lingering effects on people. Lageson said that the lack of context surrounding the subjects’ arrests raises serious ethical concerns. “I think it’s this decontextualization that is harmful for any circumstance where mugshots are involved because it’s just so personal,” she said.” It’s your face in this context in which you don’t have any rights.” Lageson added that a criminal case is a dynamic, evolving thing, and the mugshot reflects just one early moment in that process. “Mug shots are basically just a reflection of who a police officer has decided to arrest. It’s really not an indicator of criminality or proof that the person has been harmful or anything like that,” said Lageson. “Just because they were brought into the system for one minute, or for one instance, they’re forever now relegated to their biometric data to be used over and over.” It’s hard to imagine how anything is ethical about this…. Albert Fox Cahn, S.T.O.P. Albert Fox Cahn is the founder and executive director of the (S.T.O.P.), which advocates for ending discriminatory surveillance practices. Surveillance Technology Oversight Project “It’s hard to imagine how anything is ethical about this, if it’s being done with no informed, meaningful consent—[and] there is no consent when you’re arrested or when your booking photos [are] forcibly taken,” Cahn told me in an interview. When asked if such ethical problems are mitigated by the fact that the subjects of these photographs are apparently deceased, Cahn replied, “There is something harmful about this, even if someone is deceased, harmful to their family, harmful to their legacy. I know that after I’m gone, I don’t want to have my image being used by the government to train new forms of AI.” Cahn told me that the fact that such a collection has been out there on a government website for years is a result of a wider societal problem resulting from the unfettered use of surveillance technologies to ingest biometric data without consent—what he called “a mountain of stolen data.” Press said that, to the best of NIST’s knowledge, no subjects or their families had been notified that they were included in this dataset, and no subjects or their families have ever contacted NIST requesting to be removed from the dataset. On its website, NIST includes among its , “Integrity: We are ethical, honest, independent, and provide an objective perspective.” core values Press added that all of the image datasets used by the agency are subject to “ ” regulations. Human Subjects Protection When asked if NIST has had any recent discussion about the ethics of these involuntary subjects being made part of a permanent dataset, Press said, “Yes, this is an active area of consideration within NIST and among data experts.” A Look at NIST’s Collections The National Institute of Standards and Technology is set apart from most federal agencies by the wide array of standards and measurements that it works on for many industries. Founded in 1901, NIST is part of the Department of Commerce and to help boost American commercial competitiveness by defining and maintaining measurements and standards that would help the U.S. catch up to more established European industrial leaders. was created NIST’s mission: “To promote U.S. innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life.” Diving into NIST’s website yields all sorts of interesting collections of data. NIST is the official keeper of . NIST maintains a large amount of physics data, including tables of , properties, and isotopic compositions for all known elements. time for the U.S. government atomic weights There’s a collection of in the known universe, where you can find the precise values of the speed of light in a vacuum (299,792,458 meters per second) or the Rydberg frequency (3.289 841 960 2508(64) × 1015 Hz). fundamental physical constants NIST also has its own , where industrial labs can order “standard reference material” for a dizzying array of items, both mundane and exotic. For $1,107 you can buy 170 grams of peanut butter. Looking for a good source of industrial sludge? online store For $780, NIST can set you up with 70 grams, shipped to your door. You can also order “ ,” “ ,”  “ ,” and “ .” Lake Superior Fish Tissue Urban dust Organic Contaminants in Smokers’ Urine (Frozen) Slurried Spinach From a purely bureaucratic perspective, this mugshot database perhaps seemed to fit neatly beside these items as yet another “standard reference material” in NIST’s collections. But today, decades after the photos were taken, their presence reminds us that the recent leaps forward in machine learning are fueled by mountains of data, and that includes real human faces. The practice of involuntary personal data collection used to train algorithms is not only limited to those people in the criminal legal system but is also happening to all of us. Access to Special Database 18 may be on pause, but that broader problem remains. Sincerely, Jon Keegan Investigative Data Journalist The Markup By Jon Keegan Also published here Photo by on Campaign Creators Unsplash

Special Database 18: What Is It and How Does It Work?

THE LIFE OF LEONARDO DA VINCI.

Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . THE TRUMPETON FEUD IS SETTLED. here THE TRUMPETON FEUD IS SETTLED. In these fine early autumn days spent at Matching, the great Trumpeton Wood question was at last settled. During the summer considerable acerbity had been added to the matter by certain articles which had appeared in certain sporting papers, in which the new Duke of Omnium was accused of neglecting his duty to the county in which a portion of his property lay. The question was argued at considerable length. Is a landed proprietor bound, or is he not, to keep foxes for the amusement of his neighbours? To ordinary thinkers, to unprejudiced outsiders,—to Americans, let us say, or Frenchmen,—there does not seem to be room even for an argument. By what law of God or man can a man be bound to maintain a parcel of injurious vermin on his property, in the pursuit of which he finds no sport himself, and which are highly detrimental to another sport in which he takes, perhaps, the keenest interest? Trumpeton Wood was the Duke's own,—to do just as he pleased with it. Why should foxes be demanded from him then any more than a bear to be baited, or a badger to be drawn, in, let us say, his London dining-room? But a good deal had been said which, though not perhaps capable of convincing the unprejudiced American or Frenchman, had been regarded as cogent arguments to country-bred Englishmen. The Brake Hunt had been established for a great many years, and was the central attraction of a district well known for its hunting propensities. The preservation of foxes might be an open question in such counties as Norfolk and Suffolk, but could not be so in the Brake country. Many things are, no doubt, permissible under the law, which, if done, would show the doer of them to be the enemy of his species,—and this destruction of foxes in a hunting country may be named as one of them. The Duke might have his foxes destroyed if he pleased, but he could hardly do so and remain a popular magnate in England. If he chose to put himself in opposition to the desires and very instincts of the people among whom his property was situated, he must live as a "man forbid." That was the general argument, and then there was the argument special to this particular case. As it happened, Trumpeton Wood was, and always had been, the great nursery of foxes for that side of the Brake country. Gorse coverts make, no doubt, the charm of hunting, but gorse coverts will not hold foxes unless the woodlands be preserved. The fox is a travelling animal. Knowing well that "home-staying youths have ever homely wits," he goes out and sees the world. He is either born in the woodlands, or wanders thither in his early youth. If all foxes so wandering be doomed to death, if poison, and wires, and traps, and hostile keepers await them there instead of the tender welcome of the loving fox-preserver, the gorse coverts will soon be empty, and the whole country will be afflicted with a wild dismay. All which Lord Chiltern understood well when he became so loud in his complaint against the Duke. But our dear old friend, only the other day a duke, Planty Pall as he was lately called, devoted to work and to Parliament, an unselfish, friendly, wise man, who by no means wanted other men to cut their coats according to his pattern, was the last man in England to put himself forward as the enemy of an established delight. He did not hunt himself,—but neither did he shoot, or fish, or play cards. He recreated himself with Blue Books, and speculations on Adam Smith had been his distraction;—but he knew that he was himself peculiar, and he respected the habits of others. It had fallen out in this wise. As the old Duke had become very old, the old Duke's agent had gradually acquired more than an agent's proper influence in the property; and as the Duke's heir would not shoot himself, or pay attention to the shooting, and as the Duke would not let the shooting of his wood, Mr. Fothergill, the steward, had gradually become omnipotent. Now Mr. Fothergill was not a hunting man,—but the mischief did not at all lie there. Lord Chiltern would not communicate with Mr. Fothergill. Lord Chiltern would write to the Duke, and Mr. Fothergill became an established enemy. Hinc illæ iræ. From this source sprung all those powerfully argued articles in , , and ;—for on this matter all the sporting papers were of one mind. The Field Bell's Life Land and Water There is something doubtless absurd in the intensity of the worship paid to the fox by hunting communities. The animal becomes sacred, and his preservation is a religion. His irregular destruction is a profanity, and words spoken to his injury are blasphemous. Not long since a gentleman shot a fox running across a woodland ride in a hunting country. He had mistaken it for a hare, and had done the deed in the presence of keepers, owner, and friends. His feelings were so acute and his remorse so great that, in their pity, they had resolved to spare him; and then, on the spot, entered into a solemn compact that no one should be told. Encouraged by the forbearing tenderness, the unfortunate one ventured to return to the house of his friend, the owner of the wood, hoping that, in spite of the sacrilege committed, he might be able to face a world that would be ignorant of his crime. As the vulpicide, on the afternoon of the day of the deed, went along the corridor to his room, one maid-servant whispered to another, and the poor victim of an imperfect sight heard the words—"That's he as shot the fox!" The gentleman did not appear at dinner, nor was he ever again seen in those parts. Mr. Fothergill had become angry. Lord Chiltern, as we know, had been very angry. And even the Duke was angry. The Duke was angry because Lord Chiltern had been violent;—and Lord Chiltern had been violent because Mr. Fothergill's conduct had been, to his thinking, not only sacrilegious, but one continued course of wilful sacrilege. It may be said of Lord Chiltern that in his eagerness as a master of hounds he had almost abandoned his love of riding. To kill a certain number of foxes in the year, after the legitimate fashion, had become to him the one great study of life;—and he did it with an energy equal to that which the Duke devoted to decimal coinage. His huntsman was always well mounted, with two horses; but Lord Chiltern would give up his own to the man and take charge of a weary animal as a common groom when he found that he might thus further the object of the day's sport. He worked as men work only at pleasure. He never missed a day, even when cub-hunting required that he should leave his bed at 3 a.m. He was constant at his kennel. He was always thinking about it. He devoted his life to the Brake Hounds. And it was too much for him that such a one as Mr. Fothergill should be allowed to wire foxes in Trumpeton Wood! The Duke's property, indeed! Surely all that was understood in England by this time. Now he had consented to come to Matching, bringing his wife with him, in order that the matter might be settled. There had been a threat that he would give up the country, in which case it was declared that it would be impossible to carry on the Brake Hunt in a manner satisfactory to masters, subscribers, owners of coverts, or farmers, unless a different order of things should be made to prevail in regard to Trumpeton Wood. The Duke, however, had declined to interfere personally. He had told his wife that he should be delighted to welcome Lord and Lady Chiltern,—as he would any other friends of hers. The guests, indeed, at the Duke's house were never his guests, but always hers. But he could not allow himself to be brought into an argument with Lord Chiltern as to the management of his own property. The Duchess was made to understand that she must prevent any such awkwardness. And she did prevent it. "And now, Lord Chiltern," she said, "how about the foxes?" She had taken care there should be a council of war around her. Lady Chiltern and Madame Goesler were present, and also Phineas Finn. "Well;—how about them?" said the lord, showing by the fiery eagerness of his eye, and the increased redness of his face, that though the matter had been introduced somewhat jocosely, there could not really be any joke about it. "Why couldn't you keep it all out of the newspapers?" "I don't write the newspapers, Duchess. I can't help the newspapers. When two hundred men ride through Trumpeton Wood, and see one fox found, and that fox with only three pads, of course the newspapers will say that the foxes are trapped." "We may have traps if we like it, Lord Chiltern." "Certainly;—only say so, and we shall know where we are." He looked very angry, and poor Lady Chiltern was covered with dismay. "The Duke can destroy the hunt if he pleases, no doubt," said the lord. "But we don't like traps, Lord Chiltern;—nor yet poison, nor anything that is wicked. I'd go and nurse the foxes myself if I knew how, wouldn't I, Marie?" "They have robbed the Duchess of her sleep for the last six months," said Madame Goesler. "And if they go on being not properly brought up and educated, they'll make an old woman of me. As for the Duke, he can't be comfortable in his arithmetic for thinking of them. But what can one do?" "Change your keepers," said Lord Chiltern energetically. "It is easy to say,—change your keepers. How am I to set about it? To whom can I apply to appoint others? Don't you know what vested interests mean, Lord Chiltern?" "Then nobody can manage his own property as he pleases?" "Nobody can,—unless he does the work himself. If I were to go and live in Trumpeton Wood I could do it; but you see I have to live here. I vote that we have an officer of State, to go in and out with the Government,—with a seat in the Cabinet or not according as things go, and that we call him Foxmaster-General. It would be just the thing for Mr. Finn." "There would be a salary, of course," said Phineas. "Then I suppose that nothing can be done," said Lord Chiltern. "My dear Lord Chiltern, everything has been done. Vested interests have been attended to. Keepers shall prefer foxes to pheasants, wires shall be unheard of, and Trumpeton Wood shall once again be the glory of the Brake Hunt. It won't cost the Duke above a thousand or two a year." "I should be very sorry indeed to put the Duke to any unnecessary expense," said Lord Chiltern solemnly,—still fearing that the Duchess was only playing with him. It made him angry that he could not imbue other people with his idea of the seriousness of the amusement of a whole county. "Do not think of it. We have pensioned poor Mr. Fothergill, and he retires from the administration." "Then it'll be all right," said Lord Chiltern. "I am so glad," said his wife. "And so the great Mr. Fothergill falls from power, and goes down into obscurity," said Madame Goesler. "He was an impudent old man, and that's the truth," said the Duchess;—"and he has always been my thorough detestation. But if you only knew what I have gone through to get rid of him,—and all on account of Trumpeton Wood,—you'd send me every brush taken in the Brake country during the next season." "Your Grace shall at any rate have one of them," said Lord Chiltern. On the next day Lord and Lady Chiltern went back to Harrington Hall. When the end of August comes, a Master of Hounds,—who is really a master,—is wanted at home. Nothing short of an embassy on behalf of the great coverts of his country would have kept this master away at present; and now, his diplomacy having succeeded, he hurried back to make the most of its results. Lady Chiltern, before she went, made a little speech to Phineas Finn. "You'll come to us in the winter, Mr. Finn?" "I should like." "You must. No one was truer to you than we were, you know. Indeed, regarding you as we do, how should we not have been true? It was impossible to me that my old friend should have been—" "Oh, Lady Chiltern!" "Of course you'll come. You owe it to us to come. And may I say this? If there be anybody to come with you, that will make it only so much the better. If it should be so, of course there will be letters written?" To this question, however, Phineas Finn made no answer. About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Anthony Trollope (2006). Phineas Redux. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18640/pg18640-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

THE TRUMPETON FEUD IS SETTLED.

With recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, the future of non-player characters (NPCs) in is on the brink of a transformative leap. Happily, the outcome could be richer and more dynamic collaborative game worlds for all players. video games While NPCs have always had fairly limited roles within games, a consequence of their narrow predetermined set of behaviours, the prospect of LLM-powered NPCs gives rise to an altogether more immersive and enriching playing experience. Picture this: NPCs with the depth, complexity, and unpredictability of human beings, figures that adapt and evolve (or even ) based on every single interaction they have with living players. regress This isn’t just an upgrade on what has gone before; it’s a complete reimagining of gaming as a whole. The Infinite Possibilities of LLM-Powered NPCs The integration of LLMs into games promises to rewrite the script on NPC interactions. These AI entities can be trained on vast datasets, enabling a spontaneity and realism that was hitherto unachievable.  Players might engage in intricate dialogues or strategic conversations, developing strong relationships with NPCs that affect their standing in the game. Large-language models promise an unprecedented level of immersion, as each NPC could develop a distinct persona that extends and evolves as the player’s journey unfolds. The implications here are far-reaching. Non-playable characters might represent heroes or villains, allies or enemies, their moral compasses and personal arcs defined by the individualised influence of every gamer. AI-driven NPCs could even be ported across different gaming universes, functioning as plug-and-play APIs and opening a Pandora’s box of narrative possibilities. Earlier this year, Replica Studios, an AI voice platform for games and film, for the Unreal Engine platform. These smart NPCs will be powered by OpenAI (developer of ChatGPT) and Replica’s library of 120+ text-to-speech AI voices, with the feature made available as a cloud-based plugin. unveiled AI-powered smart NPCs “Within the next technology hop, we will see AI-powered smart NPC live games and virtual experiences with hundreds of live concurrent players and NPCs all together, with no more latency than a Zoom video call that has hundreds of participants,” predicted Replica CEO Shreya Nivas. Alien Worlds’ Very Own LLM: A Large Lore Model In the , the potential for LLM-powered NPCs is particularly intriguing due to the game’s thriving user base: it’s the world’s most-played on-chain game. What’s more, players (known as Explorers) already generate creative content using AI tools, suggesting a willingness from the community to embrace everything AI has to offer. Alien Worlds Metaverse While Alien Worlds is a game in its own right, a number of other games live under its metaverse umbrella, from Battledome and Trilium Quest to Galactic Standoff and Battlefleet Armageddon. The ability to integrate AI-powered NPCs into current and future games that exist within the Alien Worlds universe is something that is likely to appeal to developers and the players they serve. Plans are already underway to turn Alien Worlds into a sprawling, cross-media sci-fi storytelling platform. One of the game’s key selling points – decentralised governance via Planetary Syndicate DAOs – presents a unique opportunity for further AI integration: these Syndicates could democratically curate and approve the flood of AI-generated content produced by players, whether in the form of stories, characters, artwork, videos, etc, ensuring Explorers are the ones who shape the game’s lore. Alien Worlds’ vision of a Large Lore Model, meanwhile, would see additions to the game’s official canon ratified by Syndicates, whereafter NPCs could be trained up on the extensive, community-approved lore: there could, for example, be a Keeper of the Lore character whom players consult to aid their quest or deepen their knowledge of Alien Worlds. In short, a DAO controls the game’s IP and canonization so the community is empowered to take stories where they want them to go. It’s decentralised decision-making meets AI content creation. The integration of LLMs into gaming, specifically within successful decentralised ecosystems like Alien Worlds, heralds a new era for interactive storytelling and collaborative game worlds. As AI-powered smart NPCs become more nuanced, and their storylines more deeply interwoven with players’ actions, games will provide a level of interactivity that borders on the dream-like. What a time to be a gamer.

Is AI the Future of Collaborative Game Worlds?

এআই কি সহযোগিতামূলক গেম ওয়ার্ল্ডের ভবিষ্যত?

Ist KI die Zukunft kollaborativer Spielwelten?

¿Es la IA el futuro de los mundos de juegos colaborativos?

L’IA est-elle l’avenir des mondes de jeux collaboratifs ?

क्या एआई सहयोगात्मक खेल जगत का भविष्य है?

AI は協力的なゲーム世界の未来ですか?

AI는 협업 게임 세계의 미래인가?

A IA é o futuro dos mundos de jogos colaborativos?

Является ли ИИ будущим совместных игровых миров?

Yapay Zeka İşbirliğine Dayalı Oyun Dünyalarının Geleceği mi?

AI có phải là tương lai của thế giới trò chơi hợp tác?

人工智能是协作游戏世界的未来吗？

Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope, is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . PHINEAS FINN RETURNS TO HIS DUTIES. here PHINEAS FINN RETURNS TO HIS DUTIES. The election at Tankerville took place during the last week in July; and as Parliament was doomed to sit that year as late as the 10th of August, there was ample time for Phineas to present himself and take the oaths before the Session was finished. He had calculated that this could hardly be so when the matter of re-election was first proposed to him, and had hoped that his reappearance might be deferred till the following year. But there he was, once more member for Tankerville, while yet there was nearly a fortnight's work to be done, pressed by his friends, and told by one or two of those whom he most trusted, that he would neglect his duty and show himself to be a coward, if he abstained from taking his place. "Coward is a hard word," he said to Mr. Low, who had used it. "So men think when this or that other man is accused of running away in battle or the like. Nobody will charge you with cowardice of that kind. But there is moral cowardice as well as physical." "As when a man lies. I am telling no lie." "But you are afraid to meet the eyes of your fellow-creatures." "Yes, I am. You may call me a coward if you like. What matters the name, if the charge be true? I have been so treated that I am afraid to meet the eyes of my fellow-creatures. I am like a man who has had his knees broken, or his arms cut off. Of course I cannot be the same afterwards as I was before." Mr. Low said a great deal more to him on the subject, and all that Mr. Low said was true; but he was somewhat rough, and did not succeed. Barrington Erle and Lord Cantrip also tried their eloquence upon him; but it was Mr. Monk who at last drew from him a promise that he would go down to the House and be sworn in early on a certain Tuesday afternoon. "I am quite sure of this," Mr. Monk had said, "that the sooner you do it the less will be the annoyance. Indeed there will be no trouble in the doing of it. The trouble is all in the anticipation, and is therefore only increased and prolonged by delay." "Of course it is your duty to go at once," Mr. Monk had said again, when his friend argued that he had never undertaken to sit before the expiration of Parliament. "You did consent to be put in nomination, and you owe your immediate services just as does any other member." "If a man's grandmother dies he is held to be exempted." "But your grandmother has not died, and your sorrow is not of the kind that requires or is supposed to require retirement." He gave way at last, and on the Tuesday afternoon Mr. Monk called for him at Mrs. Bunce's house, and went down with him to Westminster. They reached their destination somewhat too soon, and walked the length of Westminster Hall two or three times while Phineas tried to justify himself. "I don't think," said he, "that Low quite understands my position when he calls me a coward." "I am sure, Phineas, he did not mean to do that." "Do not suppose that I am angry with him. I owe him a great deal too much for that. He is one of the few friends I have who are entitled to say to me just what they please. But I think he mistakes the matter. When a man becomes crooked from age it is no good telling him to be straight. He'd be straight if he could. A man can't eat his dinner with a diseased liver as he could when he was well." "But he may follow advice as to getting his liver in order again." "And so am I following advice. But Low seems to think the disease shouldn't be there. The disease is there, and I can't banish it by simply saying that it is not there. If they had hung me outright it would be almost as reasonable to come and tell me afterwards to shake myself and be again alive. I don't think that Low realises what it is to stand in the dock for a week together, with the eyes of all men fixed on you, and a conviction at your heart that every one there believes you to have been guilty of an abominable crime of which you know yourself to have been innocent. For weeks I lived under the belief that I was to be made away by the hangman, and to leave behind me a name that would make every one who has known me shudder." "God in His mercy has delivered you from that." "He has;—and I am thankful. But my back is not strong enough to bear the weight without bending under it. Did you see Ratler going in? There is a man I dread. He is intimate enough with me to congratulate me, but not friend enough to abstain, and he will be sure to say something about his murdered colleague. Very well;—I'll follow you. Go up rather quick, and I'll come close after you." Whereupon Mr. Monk entered between the two lamp-posts in the hall, and, hurrying along the passages, soon found himself at the door of the House. Phineas, with an effort at composure, and a smile that was almost ghastly at the door-keeper, who greeted him with some muttered word of recognition, held on his way close behind his friend, and walked up the House hardly conscious that the benches on each side were empty. There were not a dozen members present, and the Speaker had not as yet taken the chair. Mr. Monk stood by him while he took the oath, and in two minutes he was on a back seat below the gangway, with his friend by him, while the members, in slowly increasing numbers, took their seats. Then there were prayers, and as yet not a single man had spoken to him. As soon as the doors were again open gentlemen streamed in, and some few whom Phineas knew well came and sat near him. One or two shook hands with him, but no one said a word to him of the trial. No one at least did so in this early stage of the day's proceedings; and after half an hour he almost ceased to be afraid. Then came up an irregular debate on the great Church question of the day, as to which there had been no cessation of the badgering with which Mr. Gresham had been attacked since he came into office. He had thrown out Mr. Daubeny by opposing that gentleman's stupendous measure for disestablishing the Church of England altogether, although,—as was almost daily asserted by Mr. Daubeny and his friends,—he was himself in favour of such total disestablishment. Over and over again Mr. Gresham had acknowledged that he was in favour of disestablishment, protesting that he had opposed Mr. Daubeny's Bill without any reference to its merits,—solely on the ground that such a measure should not be accepted from such a quarter. He had been stout enough, and, as his enemies had said, insolent enough, in making these assurances. But still he was accused of keeping his own hand dark, and of omitting to say what bill he would himself propose to bring in respecting the Church in the next Session. It was essentially necessary,—so said Mr. Daubeny and his friends,—that the country should know and discuss the proposed measure during the vacation. There was, of course, a good deal of retaliation. Mr. Daubeny had not given the country, or even his own party, much time to discuss his Church Bill. Mr. Gresham assured Mr. Daubeny that he would not feel himself equal to producing a measure that should change the religious position of every individual in the country, and annihilate the traditions and systems of centuries, altogether complete out of his own unaided brain; and he went on to say that were he to do so, he did not think that he should find himself supported in such an effort by the friends with whom he usually worked. On this occasion he declared that the magnitude of the subject and the immense importance of the interests concerned forbade him to anticipate the passing of any measure of general Church reform in the next Session. He was undoubtedly in favour of Church reform, but was by no means sure that the question was one which required immediate settlement. Of this he was sure,—that nothing in the way of legislative indiscretion could be so injurious to the country, as any attempt at a hasty and ill-considered measure on this most momentous of all questions. The debate was irregular, as it originated with a question asked by one of Mr. Daubeny's supporters,—but it was allowed to proceed for a while. In answer to Mr. Gresham, Mr. Daubeny himself spoke, accusing Mr. Gresham of almost every known Parliamentary vice in having talked of a measure coming, like Minerva, from his, Mr. Daubeny's, own brain. The plain and simple words by which such an accusation might naturally be refuted would be unparliamentary; but it would not be unparliamentary to say that it was reckless, unfounded, absurd, monstrous, and incredible. Then there were various very spirited references to Church matters, which concern us chiefly because Mr. Daubeny congratulated the House upon seeing a Roman Catholic gentleman with whom they were all well acquainted, and whose presence in the House was desired by each side alike, again take his seat for an English borough. And he hoped that he might at the same time take the liberty of congratulating that gentleman on the courage and manly dignity with which he had endured the unexampled hardships of the cruel position in which he had been placed by an untoward combination of circumstances. It was thought that Mr. Daubeny did the thing very well, and that he was right in doing it;—but during the doing of it poor Phineas winced in agony. Of course every member was looking at him, and every stranger in the galleries. He did not know at the moment whether it behoved him to rise and make some gesture to the House, or to say a word, or to keep his seat and make no sign. There was a general hum of approval, and the Prime Minister turned round and bowed graciously to the newly-sworn member. As he said afterwards, it was just this which he had feared. But there must surely have been something of consolation in the general respect with which he was treated. At the moment he behaved with natural instinctive dignity, though himself doubting the propriety of his own conduct. He said not a word, and made no sign, but sat with his eyes fixed upon the member from whom the compliment had come. Mr. Daubeny went on with his tirade, and was called violently to order. The Speaker declared that the whole debate had been irregular, but had been allowed by him in deference to what seemed to be the general will of the House. Then the two leaders of the two parties composed themselves, throwing off their indignation while they covered themselves well up with their hats,—and, in accordance with the order of the day, an honourable member rose to propose a pet measure of his own for preventing the adulteration of beer by the publicans. He had made a calculation that the annual average mortality of England would be reduced one and a half per cent., or in other words that every English subject born would live seven months longer if the action of the Legislature could provide that the publicans should sell the beer as it came from the brewers. Immediately there was such a rush of members to the door that not a word said by the philanthropic would-be purifier of the national beverage could be heard. The quarrels of rival Ministers were dear to the House, and as long as they could be continued the benches were crowded by gentlemen enthralled by the interest of the occasion. But to sink from that to private legislation about beer was to fall into a bathos which gentlemen could not endure; and so the House was emptied, and at about half-past seven there was a count-out. That gentleman whose statistics had been procured with so much care, and who had been at work for the last twelve months on his effort to prolong the lives of his fellow-countrymen, was almost broken-hearted. But he knew the world too well to complain. He would try again next year, if by dint of energetic perseverance he could procure a day. Mr. Monk and Phineas Finn, behaving no better than the others, slipped out in the crowd. It had indeed been arranged that they should leave the House early, so that they might dine together at Mr. Monk's house. Though Phineas had been released from his prison now for nearly a month, he had not as yet once dined out of his own rooms. He had not been inside a club, and hardly ventured during the day into the streets about Pall Mall and Piccadilly. He had been frequently to Portman Square, but had not even seen Madame Goesler. Now he was to dine out for the first time; but there was to be no guest but himself. "It wasn't so bad after all," said Mr. Monk, when they were seated together. "At any rate it has been done." "Yes;—and there will be no doing of it over again. I don't like Mr. Daubeny, as you know; but he is happy at that kind of thing." "I hate men who are what you call happy, but who are never in earnest," said Phineas. "He was earnest enough, I thought." "I don't mean about myself, Mr. Monk. I suppose he thought that it was suitable to the occasion that he should say something, and he said it neatly. But I hate men who can make capital out of occasions, who can be neat and appropriate at the spur of the moment,—having, however, probably had the benefit of some forethought,—but whose words never savour of truth. If I had happened to have been hung at this time,—as was so probable,—Mr. Daubeny would have devoted one of his half hours to the composition of a dozen tragic words which also would have been neat and appropriate. I can hear him say them now, warning young members around him to abstain from embittered words against each other, and I feel sure that the funereal grace of such an occasion would have become him even better than the generosity of his congratulations." "It is rather grim matter for joking, Phineas." "Grim enough; but the grimness and the jokes are always running through my mind together. I used to spend hours in thinking what my dear friends would say about it when they found that I had been hung in mistake;—how Sir Gregory Grogram would like it, and whether men would think about it as they went home from The Universe at night. I had various questions to ask and answer for myself,—whether they would pull up my poor body, for instance, from what unhallowed ground is used for gallows corpses, and give it decent burial, placing 'M.P. for Tankerville' after my name on some more or less explicit tablet." "Mr. Daubeny's speech was, perhaps, preferable on the whole." "Perhaps it was;—though I used to feel assured that the explicit tablet would be as clear to my eyes in purgatory as Mr. Daubeny's words have been to my ears this afternoon. I never for a moment doubted that the truth would be known before long,—but did doubt so very much whether it would be known in time. I'll go home now, Mr. Monk, and endeavour to get the matter off my mind. I will resolve, at any rate, that nothing shall make me talk about it any more." About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Anthony Trollope (2006). Phineas Redux. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/18640/pg18640-images.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

PHINEAS FINN RETURNS TO HIS DUTIES.

The Gaming Revolution: READYgg and Aptos Labs Transforming the Digital Landscape In a groundbreaking move, has teamed up with to usher in a new era of gaming. This partnership is more than a mere collaboration; it represents a paradigm shift, bringing 15 million Web2 gamers into the burgeoning realm of Web3 gaming. This initiative, set in motion by READYgg’s extensive network and Aptos' cutting-edge blockchain technology, marks a seismic shift in the gaming industry. READYgg Aptos Labs READYgg: The Gateway to Web3 Gaming , a leader in blockchain and game development technology, has been at the forefront of the transition from traditional gaming to the Web3 domain. By signing over 20 major Web2 publishers, the company boasts a staggering 200 million monthly active users across a diverse library of 2,000 games. The integration of these titles into the Web3 ecosystem represents a monumental step towards merging the familiar with the revolutionary. READYgg Pioneering Titles Making the Leap Among the exciting titles transitioning to Web3 are the roguelike dungeon crawler "Runestone Keeper" and the action-packed "Rescue Robots Sniper Survival". Additionally, platforms like Minijuegos and ToroFun are not just making the shift but are also incorporating innovative NFT-based loyalty systems. This move underscores the commitment to enhancing the gaming experience with Web3 elements, offering players a unique and enriched playing environment. Aptos Labs: The Backbone of the New Gaming Experience Aptos Labs, co-founded by industry visionaries Mo Shaikh and Avery Ching, brings to the table its next-generation Layer 1 blockchain technology. Known for its breakthroughs in network tooling and usability, Aptos is poised to provide the necessary infrastructure for this ambitious endeavor. The partnership will leverage the Aptos blockchain's fast time-to-finality, a crucial feature for ensuring seamless gameplay in the Web3 space. A Network Built for the Future The Aptos Network, with its innovative programming language and technology, is designed to evolve continuously. This characteristic is vital in a landscape as dynamic and rapidly changing as blockchain gaming. The commitment of Aptos to enhance performance and user safeguards aligns perfectly with READYgg's vision of a seamless transition to Web3 gaming. The Synergy of READYgg and Aptos This collaboration between and is more than just a technical alliance. It is a union of visions, where both entities aim to democratize access to Web3 gaming. READYgg brings to the table its robust tools and ecosystem designed to facilitate the creation of Web3 games. In contrast, Aptos provides the technological backbone with its high-performance blockchain. READYgg Aptos Labs Funding the Future READYgg, through its $RDYX token, offers potential funding or grants to publishers entering the Web3 realm. This initiative, combined with Aptos' predictable usage fees, provides a stable and supportive environment for publishers transitioning to blockchain-based gaming. The Voices Behind the Vision David S. Bennahum, CEO & Co-Founder of READYgg, emphasizes the company's commitment to bridging Web2 games with Web3. His vision of seamlessly integrating traditional gamers into the blockchain world is now becoming a reality. Christina Macedo, COO & Co-Founder of READYgg, highlights the ease of transition for millions of Web2 gamers, ensuring that the focus remains on fun and engagement, free from the complexities often associated with blockchain technologies. Mo Shaikh, Co-Founder & CEO of Aptos Labs, underscores the partnership's potential to accelerate the delivery of high-quality Web3 games and user experiences, enriching the gaming landscape with unique and ownable assets. The Broader Impact: A Gateway to Emerging Markets READYgg's vision extends beyond just integrating existing gamers into Web3. It aims to open doors for billions, especially in emerging markets, to access and appreciate the new gaming world. The company's tools and ecosystem are designed to democratize Web3 game creation, paving the way for true mass adoption. A New Chapter in Gaming The READYgg and Aptos Labs partnership is more than a technological advancement; it is a cultural shift. By bringing 15 million Web2 gamers into the fold of Web3, they are not just changing how games are played; they are redefining the gaming experience itself. This initiative promises to bring unparalleled user experiences, on par or even superior to traditional Web2 gaming, setting a new standard for the industry. As the worlds of Web2 and Web3 converge, the future of gaming looks brighter and more exciting than ever. Don’t forget to like and share the story! : Vested Interest Disclosure This author is an independent contributor publishing via our . Be it through direct compensation, media partnerships, or networking, the author has a vested interest in the company/ies mentioned in this story. HackerNoon has reviewed the report for quality, but the claims herein belong to the author. #DYOR brand-as-author program

Bridging Worlds: READYgg and Aptos Labs Unite to Revolutionize Web3 Gaming

ব্রিজিং ওয়ার্ল্ডস: READYgg এবং Aptos ল্যাবস Web3 গেমিংকে বিপ্লব করতে একত্রিত হয়েছে

Brückenschlag zwischen Welten: READYgg und Aptos Labs vereinen sich, um Web3-Gaming zu revolutionieren

Uniendo mundos: READYgg y Aptos Labs se unen para revolucionar los juegos Web3

Bridging Worlds : READYgg et Aptos Labs s'unissent pour révolutionner le jeu Web3

ब्रिजिंग वर्ल्ड्स: रेडीग और एप्टोस लैब्स वेब3 गेमिंग में क्रांति लाने के लिए एकजुट हुए

世界の橋渡し: READYgg と Aptos Labs が連携して Web3 ゲームに革命を起こす

세계 연결: READYgg와 Aptos Labs가 연합하여 Web3 게이밍에 혁명을 일으키다

Bridging Worlds: READYgg e Aptos Labs se unem para revolucionar os jogos Web3

Соединяя миры: READYgg и Aptos Labs объединяются, чтобы совершить революцию в играх Web3

Dünyalar Arasında Köprü Kuruyor: READYgg ve Aptos Labs Web3 Oyunlarında Devrim Yaratmak İçin Birleşiyor

Kết nối các thế giới: READYgg và Aptos Labs hợp tác để cách mạng hóa trò chơi Web3

连接世界：READYgg 和 Aptos Labs 联手革新 Web3 游戏

HAMILTON K. FISKER AGAIN

On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures by Charles Babbage is part of the HackerNoon Books Series. You can jump to any chapter in this book . On the Division of Labour here Chapter 20. On the Division of Labour We have already mentioned what may, perhaps, appear paradoxical to some of our readers that the division of labour can be applied with equal success to mental as to mechanical operations, and that it ensures in both the same economy of time. A short account of its practical application, in the most extensive series of calculations ever executed, will offer an interesting illustration of this fact, whilst at the same time it will afford an occasion for shewing that the arrangements which ought to regulate the interior economy of a manufactory, are founded on principles of deeper root than may have been supposed, and are capable of being usefully employed in preparing the road to some of the sublimest investigations of the human mind. In the midst of that excitement which accompanied the Revolution of France and the succeeding wars, the ambition of the nation, unexhausted by its fatal passion for military renown, was at the same time directed to some of the nobler and more permanent triumphs which mark the era of a people's greatness and which receive the applause of posterity long after their conquests have been wrested from them, or even when their existence as a nation may be told only by the page of history. Amongst their enterprises of science, the French Government was desirous of producing a series of mathematical tables, to facilitate the application of the decimal system which they had so recently adopted. They directed, therefore, their mathematicians to construct such tables, on the most extensive scale. Their most distinguished philosophers, responding fully to the call of their country, invented new methods for this laborious task; and a work, completely answering the large demands of the Government, was produced in a remarkably short period of time. M. Prony, to whom the superintendence of this great undertaking was confided, in speaking of its commencement, observes: Je m'y livrai avec toute l'ardeur dont j'etois capable, et je m'occupai d'abord du plan general de l'execution. Toutes les conditions que j'avois a remplir necessitoient l'emploi d'un grand nombre de calculateurs; et il me vint bientot a la pensee d'appliquer a la connection de ces Tables la division du travail, dont les Arts de Commerce tirent un parti si avantageux pour reunir a la pernection de main-d'oeuvre l'economie de la depense et du temps. The circumstance which gave rise to this singular application of the principle of the division on labour is so interesting, that no apology is necessary for introducing it from a small pamphlet printed at Paris a few years since, when a proposition was made by the English to the French Government, that the two countries should print these tables at their joint expense. The origin of the idea is related in the following extract: C'est a un chapitre d'un ouvrage Anglais,(1*) justement celebre, (I.) qu'est probablement due l'existence de l'ouvrage dont le gouvernement Britannique veut faire jouir le monde savant: Voici l'anecdote: M. de Prony s'etait engage. avec les comites de gouvernement. a composer pour la division centesimale du cercle, des tables logarithmiques et trigonometriques, qui, non seulement ne laissassent rien a desirer quant a l'exactitude, mais qui formassent le monument de calcul 1e plus vaste et le plus imposant qui eut jamais ete execute, ou meme concu. Les logarithmes des nombres de 1 a 200.000 formaient a ce travail un supplement necessaire et exige. Il fut aise a M. de Prony de s'assurer que meme en s'associant trois ou quatre habiles co-operateurs. La plus grande duree presumable de sa vie ne lui sufirai pas pour remplir ses engagements. Il etait occupe de cette facheuse pensee lorsque. Se trouvant devant la boutique d'un marchand de livres. Il appercut la belle edition Anglaise de Smith, donnee a Londres en 1776: il ouvrit le livre au hazard. et tomba sur le premier chapitre, qui traite de la division du travail, et ou la fabrication des epingles est citee pour exemple. A peine avait-il parcouru les premieres pages, que, par une espece d'inspiration. il concut l'expedient de mettre ses logarithmes en manufacture comme les epingles. Il faisait en ce moment, a l'ecole polytechnique, des lecons sur une partie d'analyse liee a ce genre de travail, la methode des differences, et ses applications a l'interpolation. Il alla passer quelques jours a la campagne. et revint a Paris avec le plan de fabrication. qui a ete suivi dans l'execution. Il rassembla deux ateliers. qui faisai ent separement les memes calculs, et se servaient de verification reciproque.(2*) The ancient methods of computing tables were altogether inapplicable to such a proceeding. M. Prony, therefore, wishing to avail himself of all the talent of his country in devising new methods, formed the first section of those who were to take part in this enterprise out of five or six of the most eminent mathematicians in France. First section. The duty of this first section was to investigate, amongst the various analytical expressions which could be found for the same function, that which was most readily adapted to simple numerical calculation by many individuals employed at the same time. This section had little or nothing to do with the actual numerical work. When its labours were concluded, the formulae on the use of which it had decided, were delivered to the second section. Second section. This section consisted of seven or eight persons of considerable acquaintance with mathematics: and their duty was to convert into numbers the formulae put into their hands by the first section an operation of great labour; and then to deliver out these formulae to the members of the third section, and receive from them the finished calculations. The members of this second section had certain means of verifying the calculations without the necessity of repeating, or even of examining, the whole of the work done by the third section. Third section. The members of this section, whose number varied from sixty to eighty, received certain numbers from the second section, and, using nothing more than simple addition and subtraction, they returned to that section the tables in a finished state. It is remarkable that nine-tenths of this class had no knowledge of arithmetic beyond the two first rules which they were thus called upon to exercise, and that these persons were usually found more correct in their calculations, than those who possessed a more extensive knowledge of the subject. When it is stated that the tables thus computed occupy seventeen large folio volumes, some idea may perhaps be formed of the labour. From that part executed by the third class, which may almost be termed mechanical, requiring the least knowledge and by far the greatest exertions, the first class were entirely exempt. Such labour can always be purchased at an easy rate. The duties of the second class, although requiring considerable skill in arithmetical operations, were yet in some measure relieved by the higher interest naturally felt in those more difficult operations. The exertions of the first class are not likely to require, upon another occasion, so much skill and labour as they did upon the first attempt to introduce such a method; but when the completion of a calculating engine shall have produced a substitute for the whole of the third section of computers, the attention of analysts will naturally be directed to simplifying its application, by a new discussion of the methods of converting analytical formulae into numbers. The proceeding of M. Prony, in this celebrated system of calculation, much resembles that of a skilful person about to construct a cotton or silk mill, or any similar establishment. Having, by his own genius, or through the aid of his friends, found that some improved machinery may be successfully applied to his pursuit, he makes drawings of his plans of the machinery, and may himself be considered as constituting the first section. He next requires the assistance of operative engineers capable of executing the machinery he has designed, some of whom should understand the nature of the processes to be carried on; and these constitute his second section. When a sufficient number of machines have been made, a multitude of other persons, possessed of a lower degree of skill, must be employed in using them; these form the third section: but their work, and the just performance of the machines, must be still superintended by the second class. As the possibility of performing arithmetical calculations by machinery may appear to non-mathematical readers to be rather too large a postulate, and as it is connected with the subject of the division of labour, I shall here endeavour, in a few lines, to give some slight perception of the manner in which this can be done—and thus to remove a small portion of the veil which covers that apparent mystery. That nearly all tables of numbers which follow any law, however complicated, may be formed, to a greater or less extent, solely by the proper arrangement of the successive addition and subtraction of numbers befitting each table, is a general principle which can be demonstrated to those only who are well acquainted with mathematics; but the mind, even of the reader who is but very slightly acquainted with that science, will readily conceive that it is not impossible, by attending to the following example. The subjoined table is the beginning of one in very extensive use, which has been printed and reprinted very frequently in many countries, and is called a table of square numbers. Terms of Table A Table B first Difference C second Difference 1 1
                            3
    2 4 2
                            5
    3 9 2
                            7
    4 16 2
                            9
    5 25 2
                           11
    6 36 2
                           13
    7 49 Any number in the table, column A, may be obtained, by multiplying the number which expresses the distance of that term from the commencement of the table by itself; thus, 25 is the fifth term from the beginning of the table, and 5 multiplied by itself, or by 5, is equal to 25. Let us now subtract each term of this table from the next succeeding term, and place the results in another column (B), which may be called first difference column. If we again subtract each term of this first difference from the succeeding term, we find the result is always the number 2, (column C); and that the same number will always recur in that column, which may be called the second difference, will appear to any person who takes the trouble to carry on the table a few terms further. Now when once this is admitted, it is quite clear that, provided the first term (1) of the table, the first term (3) of the first differences, and the first term (2) of the second or constant difference, are originally given, we can continue the table of square numbers to any extent, merely by addition: for the series of first differences may be formed by repeatedly adding the constant difference (2) to (3) the first number in column B, and we then have the series of numbers, 3, 5, 6, etc.: and again, by successively adding each of these to the first number (1) of the table, we produce the square numbers. Having thus, I hope, thrown some light upon the theoretical part of the question, I shall endeavour to shew that the mechanical execution of such an engine, as would produce this series of numbers, is not so far removed from that of ordinary machinery as might be conceived.(3*) Let the reader imagine three clocks, placed on a table side by side, each having only one hand, and each having a thousand divisions instead of twelve hours marked on the face; and every time a string is pulled, let them strike on a bell the numbers of the divisions to which their hands point. Let him further suppose that two of the clocks, for the sake of distinction called B and C, have some mechanism by which the clock C advances the hand of the clock B one division, for each stroke it makes upon its own bell: and let the clock B by a similar contrivance advance the hand of the clock A one division, for each stroke it makes on its own bell. With such an arrangement, having set the hand of the clock A to the division I, that of B to III, and that of C to II, let the reader imagine the repeating parts of the clocks to be set in motion continually in the following order: viz.—pull the string of clock A; pull the string of clock B; pull the string of clock C. The table on the following page will then express the series of movements and their results. If now only those divisions struck or pointed at by the clock A be attended to and written down, it will be found that they produce the series of the squares of the natural numbers. Such a series could, of course, be carried by this mechanism only so far as the numbers which can be expressed by three figures; but this may be sufficient to give some idea of the construction—and was, in fact, the point to which the first model of the calculating engine, now in progress, extended. We have seen, then, that the effect of the division of labour, both in mechanical and in mental operations, is, that it enables us to purchase and apply to each process precisely that quantity of skill and knowledge which is required for it: we avoid employing any part of the time of a man who can get eight or ten shillings a day by his skill in tempering needles, in turning a wheel, which can be done for sixpence a day; and we equally avoid the loss arising from the employment of an accomplished mathematician in performing the lowest processes of arithmetic. The division of labour cannot be successfully practised unless there exists a great demand for its produce; and it requires a large capital to be employed in those arts in which it is used. In watchmaking it has been carried, perhaps, to the greatest extent. It was stated in evidence before a committee of the House of Commons, that there are a hundred and two distinct branches of this art, to each of which a boy may be put apprentice: and that he only learns his master's department, and is unable, after his apprenticeship has expired, without subsequent instruction, to work at any other branch. The watch-finisher, whose business is to put together the scattered parts, is the only one, out of the hundred and two persons, who can work in any other department than his own. In one of the most difficult arts, that of mining, great improvements have resulted from the judicious distribution of the duties; and under the arrangments which have gradually been introduced, the whole system of the mine and its government is now placed under the control of the following officers. A manager, who has the general knowledge of all that is to be done, and who may be assisted by one or more skilful persons. Underground captains direct the proper mining operations, and govern the working miners. The purser and book-keeper manage the accounts. The engineer erects the engines, and superintends the men who work them. A chief pitman has charge of the pumps and the apparatus of the shafts. A surface-captain, with assistants, receives the ores raised, and directs the dressing department, the object of which is to render them marketable. The head carpenter superintends many constructions. The foreman of the smiths regulates the ironwork and tools. A materials man selects, purchases, receives and delivers all articles required. The roper has charge of ropes and cordage of all sorts. Notes: An Enquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, by Adam Smith. Note sur la publication, proposee par le gouvernement Anglais des grandes tables logarithmiques et trigonometriques de M de Prony De l'imprimerie de F. Didot, December 1, 1829, p. 7 Since the publication of the second edition of this work, one portion of the engine which I have been constructing for some years past has been put together. It calculates, in three columns, a table with its first and second differences. Each column can be expressed as far as five figures, so that these fifteen figures constitute about one ninth part of the larger engine. The ease and precision with which it works leave no room to doubt its success in the more extended form. Besides tables of squares, cubes, and portions of logarithmic tables, it possesses the power of calculating certain series whose differences are not constant; and it has already tabulated parts of series formed from the following equations: The third differential of ux = units figur of delta ux The third differential of ux = nearest whole no. to (1/10,000 delta ux) The subjoined is one amongst the series which it has calculated: 0 3, 486 42,972 0 4,991 50,532 1 6,907 58,812 14 9,295 67,826 70 12,236 77,602 230 15,741 88,202
495 19,861 99,627
916 24,597 111,928
1,504 30,010 125,116
2,340 36,131 139,272 The general term of this is, ux = (x(x-1)(x-2))/(1 X 2 X 3) + the whole number in x/10 + 10 Sigma^3 (units figure of (x(x-1)/2) About HackerNoon Book Series: We bring you the most important technical, scientific, and insightful public domain books. This book is part of the public domain. Charles Babbage (2003). On the Economy of Machinery and Manufactures. Urbana, Illinois: Project Gutenberg. Retrieved https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/4238/pg4238.html This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at , located at . www.gutenberg.org https://www.gutenberg.org/policy/license.html

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