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Ankr Launches Ultrasound Infrastructure, Plans to Launch Node Partner Program

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Ankr, a leading provider of decentralized cloud computing and blockchain infrastructure, has announced the launch of its ultrasound infrastructure, a new service that enables users to access high-quality data feeds from various blockchains and smart contracts.

Ultrasound infrastructure is a term coined by Ankr to describe its innovative approach to delivering reliable and secure data feeds for decentralized applications (dApps). Unlike traditional oracles, which rely on centralized sources or trusted intermediaries, ultrasound infrastructure leverages the power of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) and verifiable computation to ensure that the data is accurate, tamper-proof and privacy-preserving.

ZKPs are cryptographic techniques that allow one party to prove to another that a statement is true without revealing any information beyond the validity of the statement. Verifiable computation is a related technique that allows one party to verify that a computation was performed correctly by another party without having to redo the computation or inspect the inputs and outputs. By combining these two techniques, Ankr can provide data feeds that are both transparent and confidential, as well as scalable and efficient.

Ankr’s ultrasound infrastructure supports various types of data feeds, such as price feeds, random number generators, identity verification, gaming outcomes, sports results and more. Users can access these data feeds through Ankr’s user-friendly dashboard or through its API. Ankr also offers custom data feeds for specific use cases or dApps.

Ankr’s ultrasound infrastructure is compatible with multiple blockchains and smart contract platforms, such as Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polygon, Solana, Avalanche and more. Ankr plans to expand its support to other blockchains in the future, as well as to integrate with other oracle solutions, such as Chainlink and Band Protocol.

Ankr’s ultrasound infrastructure is a game-changer for the blockchain and dApp ecosystem, as it provides a new level of trust and security for data-driven applications. By using Ankr’s ultrasound infrastructure, users can benefit from faster, cheaper and more accurate data feeds, as well as enhanced privacy and scalability. Ankr’s ultrasound infrastructure is also a boon for developers, who can easily integrate with Ankr’s API and leverage its rich set of features and tools.

Ankr Plans to Launch Node Partner Program

Ankr leverages idle computing resources from data centers, edge devices, and individual users to create a distributed network of nodes that can run various blockchain and cloud-native applications.

One of the key features of Ankr is its node hosting service, which allows anyone to deploy and run nodes for various blockchain protocols with just a few clicks. Ankr supports over 40 blockchain protocols, including Ethereum, Binance Smart Chain, Polkadot, Solana, Avalanche, and more. Users can choose from different node types, such as full nodes, validator nodes, API nodes, and archive nodes, depending on their needs and preferences.

Ankr also offers a range of benefits for node operators, such as low-cost hosting, high uptime and reliability, easy maintenance and updates, and enhanced security and privacy. Ankr nodes are hosted on trusted cloud providers such as Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, and Microsoft Azure, as well as on Ankr’s own distributed network of edge devices. Ankr nodes are also integrated with popular tools and platforms such as Covalent, Chainlink, The Graph, and more.

To further incentivize node operators and grow its network of nodes, Ankr plans to launch a node partner program in the near future. The node partner program will reward node operators for hosting nodes on Ankr with various perks and benefits, such as:

Exclusive access to new features and services; Priority support and feedback; Discounts and coupons for node hosting fees; Referral bonuses for inviting new users to Ankr; Airdrops and giveaways of ANKR tokens and other cryptocurrencies; Participation in governance and decision-making processes; Recognition and exposure on Ankr’s website and social media channels.

The node partner program will be open to all node operators who meet certain criteria, such as:

Hosting nodes for at least one month.

Maintaining a high level of performance and availability.

Providing constructive feedback and suggestions.

Promoting Ankr’s vision and values.

Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) Declares Indefinite Strike Over Unmet Demands

By
Tiamiyu Ismail
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0

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has declared an indefinite strike effective on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 due to failure of the Government to meet its demands.

The NARD President, Dr Emeka Orji, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said the decision was reached by members during the NERD’s July National Executive Council meeting which was held in Lagos on Friday.

Orji said the strike was as a result of the failure of the Government to meet the association’s demands which were enumerated as follows:

  • the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers
  • the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges
  • the immediate payment of all salary arrears
  • the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure
  • Implementation of new hazard allowance
  • Implementation of the Medical Residency Training Fund and
  • the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act, among others.

According to Orji, the organization has been on a back-and-forth with the government over the same issue since the beginning of the year, hence, the unanimous decision of the strike, which he said was the last resort of the organization.

His words: “Our members are saying that we have been on this since January on the same issues, and they are not going to continue to wait.

“The very important part of our demands is one-for-one replacement, and doctors are still leaving and the ones remaining are being overworked.

“Last week, a doctor died in Bayelsa State. Doctors are dying from being overworked, and we have been on this for a very long time.

“When we met on Friday, everybody was calling for a strike, and I just had to plead with them because the Secretary to the Government, George Akume, intervened, but up till today, we cannot reach them again, and nobody wants to hear about any intervention by the government again.”

The Association had earlier embarked on a warning strike which was suspended on May 21 after a meeting with the government. The association again met with the government on June 2 to review the progress made with the agreement to decide on what would be their next move.

Recall also that, in a meeting with the leadership of NERD on Monday, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbass requested a timeframe of two weeks for him to meet with President Bola Tinubu and discuss the Association’s Demand.

Young African Media Practitioners Unite to Enhance Reporting on Sustainable Development Goals

By
Mutiu Iyanda
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0

In a groundbreaking gathering of young media professionals from 10 African countries, strategies for reporting on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through mass media were explored and identified. The event, part of the 2023 Russia-Africa Young Media Practitioners’ Forum, was hosted by RUDN University named after Patrice Lumumba, and brought to light the crucial role media plays in promoting development goals, as well as the challenges faced in accurately and comprehensively reporting on SDGs in the region.
During the insightful meeting, participants highlighted numerous obstacles hindering the accurate and widespread reporting of SDGs in African media. Among the challenges discussed were the proliferation of false information, a lack of professionalism, perpetuation of stereotypes, difficulties in covering disasters due to inadequate infrastructure, and the detachment of Africa from Russia, resulting from information dissemination primarily from Western agencies.

A cross-section of participants

To address these challenges, the young media practitioners put forth a series of actionable steps to enhance SDGs reporting across African media outlets. Some of the key recommendations included prioritizing environmental education to raise awareness about sustainability issues, collaborating with experts for accurate reporting, upholding journalistic principles of accuracy and impartiality, ensuring diverse reporting topics to give appropriate attention to SDGs, and establishing media outlets dedicated to covering specific SDGs themes.

Some representatives of Department of Mass Communication, RUDN University named after Patrice Lumumba.
Participants also emphasized the need for forging strong partnerships with Russian educational institutions and media agencies to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building. They also stressed the importance of addressing the audience in their native languages to enhance accessibility and engagement.

The gathering acknowledged the positive advancements in African media literacy and education, praising the increasing number of literate individuals and recognizing journalism’s power in disseminating critical information that can positively impact society. Participants also highlighted the significance of personal training and the use of modern hardware, such as cameras, to improve the quality and reach of SDGs reporting.

A strong call to action was made at the conclusion of the gathering, urging media organizations, governments, educational institutions, and civil society to collaborate in realizing the proposed workable solutions for SDGs reportage. By harnessing the potential of the media, Africa can better communicate its development needs, progress, and aspirations to the world.

The event underscored the importance of media practitioners in driving positive change and fostering sustainable development in the region. With concerted efforts and collaboration, young African media professionals are set to transform the narrative and play a pivotal role in shaping a brighter and more informed future for the continent and its people.

Elon Musk: A Visionary Leader for the Future

By
Paul Ugbede Godwin
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0

Elon Musk is one of the most influential and visionary entrepreneurs of our time. He is the founder, CEO and chief engineer of SpaceX, Tesla, Neuralink and The Boring Company, among other ventures. He has a bold vision for the future of humanity, both on Earth and beyond.

SpaceX is the leading company in the field of commercial space exploration and transportation. It has developed reusable rockets, such as the Falcon 9 and the Falcon Heavy, that can launch satellites, cargo and crew to orbit and beyond. It has also created the Dragon spacecraft, which can carry astronauts to and from the International Space Station. SpaceX is currently working on the Starship and Super Heavy system, which aims to enable interplanetary travel and colonization of Mars.

Tesla is the leading company in the field of electric vehicles and clean energy. It has revolutionized the automotive industry with its innovative and high-performance cars, such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X and Model Y. It has also developed the Powerwall and Powerpack batteries, which can store solar energy for homes and businesses. Tesla is currently working on the Cybertruck, a futuristic pickup truck, and the Semi, an electric truck for long-haul transportation.

Neuralink is a company that aims to develop brain-computer interfaces that can enhance human cognition and communication. It has created a device called the Link, which consists of a tiny chip with thousands of electrodes that can be implanted in the brain. The Link can record and stimulate neural activity, allowing users to control devices with their thoughts or access information directly from the internet.

The Boring Company is a company that aims to solve traffic congestion and improve urban mobility by building underground tunnels for high-speed transportation. It has developed a machine called the Prufrock, which can dig tunnels faster and cheaper than conventional methods. The Boring Company plans to create networks of tunnels in various cities, such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Miami, where passengers can travel in autonomous electric vehicles or hyperloop pods.

These are just some of the examples of Elon Musk’s achievements and ambitions. He is a visionary leader who inspires millions of people around the world with his passion, creativity and perseverance. He is not afraid to take risks or challenge the status quo. He is driven by a noble purpose: to make life better for humanity and ensure its survival in the face of existential threats.

One of the main characteristics of Elon Musk’s leadership style is his ability to think big and challenge the status quo. He is not afraid to take risks and pursue ambitious visions that others might consider impossible or unrealistic. For example, he has set his sights on colonizing Mars, creating a global network of high-speed tunnels, and developing a brain-computer interface that can enhance human cognition and communication. He believes that these endeavors are not only feasible, but also necessary for the advancement and survival of our species.

Another aspect of Elon Musk’s leadership style is his passion and dedication to his work. He is known for working long hours and being deeply involved in every aspect of his businesses, from engineering to design marketing. He is constantly learning new skills and acquiring new knowledge to improve his products and services. He also encourages his employees and collaborators to share his vision and enthusiasm, and to strive for excellence and innovation. He fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving in his organizations.

Finally, Elon Musk’s leadership style is also marked by his social responsibility and philanthropy. He is aware of the global challenges and opportunities that we face as a society, such as climate change, poverty, education, health, and security. He uses his resources and influence to support causes and initiatives that can make a positive impact on the world.

For instance, he has donated millions of dollars to various charities and foundations, such as the X Prize Foundation, the Future of Life Institute, the OpenAI Foundation, and the Giving Pledge. He has also pledged to make all his patents available for free to anyone who wants to use them for sustainable energy purposes.

Elon Musk is a visionary leader for the future because he has a bold and inspiring vision, a strong work ethic and commitment, and a sense of social responsibility and generosity. He is an example of how one person can make a difference in the world with their ideas and actions. He is also a source of motivation and inspiration for us to follow our own passions and aspirations, and to contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Spotify Reports Strong Q2 2023 Earnings, Records 11% on Revenue Growth

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0
London, UK - August 01, 2018: The buttons of Spotify, Podcasts, Netflix, WhatsApp and Music on the screen of an iPhone.

Digital Music service, Spotify, has reported a strong second-quarter 2023 earnings, recording a revenue growth of 11% year-on-year to €3.2 billion, and a gross profit of 9%.

Spotify outperformed in all regions and saw higher monthly active users (MAU) net additions relative to the prior year period, aided by improved retention and marketing efficiencies.

The company users surged 27% to 551 million, and net additions of 36 million were 21 million ahead of guidance, representing an all-time high for the company.

Premium subscribers grew 17% year-on-year to 220 million up from 210 million last quarter. Net additions of 10 million were 3 million ahead of guidance, representing the highest second quarter (Q2) in the company’s history.

Ad-Supported revenue grew 12% Y/Y, reflecting double-digit Y/Y growth across nearly all regions. Music advertising revenue grew mid-single-digits Y/Y, reflecting double-digit Y/Y growth in impressions sold, partially offset by softer pricing due to the macroeconomic environment.

Spotify’s podcast advertising revenue growth re-accelerated to more than 30% Y/Y with sold impressions across original and licensed podcasts, and the Spotify Audience Network hit an all-time high, partially offset by softer pricing.

The Spotify Audience Network saw double-digit growth in participating advertisers and publishers, and high single-digit Q/Q growth in participating shows.

Gross Margin finished at 24.1% in Q2, while adjusted Gross Margin was 25.5%, which excludes €44 million in net charges. Adjusted Gross Margin was up 22 bps Y/Y, reflecting podcasting improvement, Marketplace growth, and Other Cost of Revenue favorability.

Premium Gross Margin was 28.5% in Q2. Adjusted Premium Gross Margin was 28.4%, down 37 bps Y/Y, reflecting Marketplace growth and other costs of Revenue favorability, partially offset by increased music royalty costs. Ad-Supported Gross Margin was (5.7%) in Q2.

Adjusted Ad-Supported Gross Margin was 5.7%, up 458 bps Y/Y, reflecting improving podcast profitability and other costs of Revenue is favorable, partially offset by increased music royalty costs. 

Operating expenses grew 13% Y/Y (or 16% constant currency), driven predominantly by charges related to efficiency efforts of €91 million (contributing -1,000 bps to Y/Y Operating Expense growth), of which roughly €83 million were related to real-estate impairments and the remaining €8 million were severance-related and other charges.

Additionally, Y/Y changes in Social Charge movements of €35 million impacted Y/Y expense growth by 400 bps. All remaining Operating Expense growth reflected higher personnel costs related to Y/Y headcount growth and acquisitions, partially offset by lower marketing and legal costs in the quarter.

Free Cash Flow was €9 million in Q2, a decrease Y/Y as a result of reduced favorability in net working capital specifically related to the timing of certain payments in Q2. Additionally, capital expenditures declined €3 million Y/Y to €2 million as a result of the completion of office build-outs.

While the magnitude of Free Cash Flow can fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on seasonality and timing, Spotify averaged approximately €200 million of positive Free Cash Flow on a trailing 12-month basis for the past three years.

On a cumulative basis, the company has generated €1.4 billion of Free Cash Flow since the beginning of 2016, supporting its strong balance sheet and €3.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, and short-term investments balance.

Notably, Spotify’s CEO Daniel Ek during the second quarter earnings call, highlighted a few ways the streaming service could introduce additional AI-powered functionality. He talked about how AI could be used to create more personalized experiences, summarize podcasts and generate ads.

The CEO disclosed that consumers can expect to see similar AI-powered features that aim to contextualize and personalize content across the streaming service in the future, as it will be looking to integrate AI technology into the platform to enhance users’ experience. 

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