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Apollo Currency Releases Sharding, Solving Blockchain Sustainability

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Apollo Currency is making history by becoming the first project to utilize sharding on an active blockchain and one of the first cryptocurrency ventures to implement a solution to blockchain bloat. Apollo sharding was activated on April 1, 2019 and the first shard segments on the blockchain at block 2,250,000. This first shard signals a monumental accomplishment toward blockchain advancement and a revolutionary moment in cryptocurrency history.

“With the release of sharding, Apollo has officially become the fastest, most feature-rich and most sustainable cryptocurrency available,” says Stephen McCullah, director of business development.

Solving Blockchain Bloat

Blockchain bloat prevents DLT systems (distributed ledger technologies) from scaling. Although each block adds only a small amount of data, this information accumulated over time leads to an astronomically large database. The accumulation of data from blocks will inevitably result in slower speeds, reduced functionality, and difficulty downloading its database.

“Sharding allows a user to download the blockchain much faster, and it reduces the cycle-time of operations as well as lowers the needed disk space,” says Sergey Rokhvarg, chief technology officer. “Apollo sharding is a trailblazing innovation that was only theory until recently.”

How Sharding Works

“An increasing number of transactions leads to a constant increase in the Apollo database. This process goes faster with shorter block time,” says Sergey Rokhvarg, CTO. “Blockchain requires full access to the ledger from beginning to end to verify each transaction, but this task does not run every time. Most operations require smaller parts of an entire database.”

According to Mr. Rokhvarg, that creates an opportunity to be more efficient. As the first shard executes, the following takes place:

  • The Apollo ledger database will split into time-based (or blockchain height-based) segments, and the split will be made on each node in the consensus with each node knowing when that split occurred.
  • Each shard will complete every 750,000 blocks after 1,400 blocks of acknowledgment.
  • Information will be added to each shard/segment that allows blockchain operations to occur without queries to the full ledger database. This will optimize the blockchain processing code to use the last segment for most operations.
  • Each segment will be trusted as nodes sign its summary tables. Downloading of the full blockchain will be optional/delayed. Rather, nodes will download the latest segment and start processing from there.
  • Downloading of previous blockchain segments will occur on-demand.

The results are remarkable speed, as well as scalability of the Apollo blockchain, according to the foundation’s development team. [website: apollocurrency.com]

Anticipating Future Network Challenges

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Distributed ledger technologies (DLT) are undergoing 80% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) and they are expected to become a $23 billion industry worldwide by 2023 according to Reportlinker. The $300 billioncryptocurrency market is estimated to have 32% CAGR by 2025 according to Market Insights Reports.

But more use could also lead to unstable networks.

“When we developed sharding, the team had to significantly renovate the data-exchange mechanism, which allows using other types of sharding and optimization in the future,” says Sergey Rokhvarg, CTO. “In the near future, we’ll release a core code for sharding. The new protocol will initiate on block 2,250,000 and more shards will form every 750,000 blocks.”

Apollo as the Ultimate Currency

“Sharding and adaptive forging make Apollo the most sustainable blockchain on Earth,” says Steve McCullah, director of business development. “Our goal is to realize sub-one-second transaction speeds and TPS capabilities in the multi-millions before the end of 2020.”

Apollo is among the fastest cryptos on Earth with two-second settlement speed.

Adaptive forging (launched in Q4 2018) synergizes with sharding to eliminate wasteful, non-stop block creation. Thanks to this breakthrough technology, blocks are only created and forged when a transaction takes place. This approach simplifies the blockchain and lowers the required disk space for storing a database. This further improves speed, eliminates bloat issues, and makes the blockchain hyper-efficient.

Other mainstream crypto projects have been unsuccessful at creating similar sustainability solutions.

Mr. McCullah concludes by saying “it’s crucial for developers to stay ahead of the curve, and to consider upcoming trends in their organization’s strategic planning. The Web 3.0 economy is evolving fast and it’s important to match developer competence with vision and prudence. Blockchain use-cases are leading to tectonic shifts in how people and merchants do business, and we want to prevent future issues that are avoidable. Sharding makes blockchain technology scalable and sustainable.”

 

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SOURCE Apollo Foundation

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Markets Show Resilience Ahead of End-of-Year Options Expirations: Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Report

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DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, released the latest Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report in collaboration with Block Scholes, highlighting the muted market volatility despite major options expirations on Friday. BTC and ETH’s realized volatility has increased, but short-term options haven’t adjusted to this change. This indicates that while spot prices are fluctuating, the options market is not fully reacting to these shifts, although BTC and ETH volumes have displayed slightly different patterns.

With more than $525 million in BTC and ETH options contracts expiring on Dec 27, 2024’s end-of-year options expiration looks set to be one of the biggest yet, yet expectations for volatility have remained subdued. The report highlights an unusual inversion in ETH’s volatility structure, but BTC has not mirrored the reaction. Additionally, a change in funding rates—sometimes turning negative as spot prices drop—signals a new market phase. Notably, BTC’s volatility structure has been less responsive to changes in spot prices, whereas ETH’s short-term options are exhibiting more noticeable fluctuations.

Key Findings:

BTC Options Expirations:

In the past month, BTC’s realized volatility has been higher than implied volatility on three occasions, each time reaching a relatively calm equilibrium. Open interest in BTC options remains high, contributing to potential increased volatility as we near the end of the year. Around $360 million worth of BTC options (both puts and calls) are set to expire soon, which can affect price movement.

ETH Options: Calls Dominate

Despite a mid-week inversion, ETH’s volatility term structure has flattened, maintaining levels similar to those seen over the past month. In the final week of 2024, calls overwhelmed puts in open interest in ETH options, although market movements and trading activities are more on the put side. 

Access the Full Report:

Gain deeper insights and explore the potential impacts on your crypto trading strategies by downloading the full report here: Bybit X Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report (Dec 24, 2024)

#Bybit / #BybitResearch

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About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 60 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

For more information, please visit: https://www.bybit.com

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Get a firsthand experience of the charisma of Xi

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BEIJING, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A report from Poeple’s Daily:

In May 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping paid a state visit to Hungary. During this historic visit, leaders of the two countries announced the elevation of bilateral relations to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, injecting renewed powerful impetus into cooperation between the two countries.

As the interpreter for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban during his meeting with President Xi, Simon Adrienn had the opportunity to again gain a firsthand glimpse into the charisma of President Xi as the leader of a major country.

In 2009, Xi, the then vice president of China, visited Hungary. Simon accompanied him as an interpreter for the first time to explore a memorial hall with rich Hungarian ethnic characteristics. “As I provided explanations, Xi listened attentively, showing a genuine interest in Hungarian history and culture. I could sense that he was a leader of great knowledge and insight”.

Since then, she has worked as an interpreter during meetings between the leaders of Hungary and China on numerous occasions. In her memories, Prime Minister Orban and President Xi are both candid and wise leaders who know about each other and trust each other. “President Xi’s clear articulation makes my job relatively easy. He is approachable, and respects and treats every staff member equally. In my view, this exemplifies the true essence of a great leader of a major country.”

Before kicking off this state visit to Hungary, President Xi published a signed article titled “Embarking on a Golden Voyage in ChinaHungary Relations” in the Hungarian newspaper Magyar Nemzet. The article provided a comprehensive overview of the successful practices and positive outcomes in the development of bilateral relations over the past 75 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Simon translated the article into Hungarian. She said this experience was a valuable learning process, allowing her to gain a deeper understanding of President Xi’s views and thoughts.

In fact, this was not the first time that she translated President Xi’s books and articles. She once participated in the translation of President Xi’s book “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China“. In her eyes, President Xi drew upon numerous Chinese historical and cultural references in the book, prompting her to delve into the materials to identify the most suitable expressions. The process of translation provided her with profound intellectual enlightenment.

She deeply admires President Xi’s statement “Friendship, which derives from close contact between the people, holds the key to sound state-to-state relations.” As Hungary-China relations navigate a “golden channel,” closer people-to-people ties stand as a vital cornerstone. The Hungarian and Chinese people share many similarities, both valuing family harmony. The Hungarian people hold a profound appreciation for Chinese culture, evident through the presence of multiple Confucius Institutes, numerous traditional Chinese medicine clinics, and bilingual schools in Hungary that nurture a plethora of young talents for cultural exchanges between the two nations. Hungarian Chinese communities have also made substantial contributions to fostering deeper friendship between the two countries. People-to-people and cultural exchanges continue to strengthen, laying a solid foundation for cooperation between the two nations.

In the 1980s, student exchanges between Hungary and China began, and Simon was one of the beneficiaries. Her connection with China dated back to the third grade of primary school. At that time, she read many Chinese folk stories in the library. Upon graduating from high school, she seized the opportunity to study in China and spent six wonderful years there which had a significant impact on her life. Even today, she still enjoys reading Chinese folk stories and children’s literature. She has translated them into Hungarian, and organized Hungarian children to read them. she is always learning and improving, hoping to enhance mutual understanding between the two peoples through her work and continue to write new stories of friendly exchanges with her Chinese friends.

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WSPN Appoints Former EY Global Chief Innovation Officer Jeff Wong as Independent Director

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SINGAPORE, Dec. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide Stablecoin Payment Network (WSPN), a leading stablecoin infrastructure company, announces the appointment of Jeff Wong as Independent Director. Mr. Wong brings over 25 years of experience in technology innovation and enterprise transformation to WSPN. He most recently served as EY’s Global Chief Innovation Officer from 2015 to 2024, where he spearheaded the firm’s global innovation initiatives and established EY’s advanced technology labs focusing on Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Quantum Computing, and Web3.

Prior to EY, Mr. Wong held leadership roles at eBay and JPMorgan Partners. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, the Forbes Technology Council, and the founding Chair of Asia Society’s Technology and Innovation Council, helping drive the innovation and transformation agenda. He was also a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Innovation Ecosystems. He has previously served on the Oxford Foundry Board at Oxford University and the Advisory Board for AI4All. Mr. Wong is a recipient of the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business award and an honoree of the A100 List by Gold House, recognizing individuals with Asian Pacific heritage who have made a significant impact on American culture and society.

“Joining WSPN at this pivotal moment in the stablecoin industry is incredibly exciting,” said Mr. Wong. “I look forward to contributing my experience in emerging technologies and enterprise transformation to help WSPN build the next generation of digital payment infrastructure.”

“Jeff’s appointment represents a significant strategic addition to WSPN,” said Raymond Yuan, Founder and CEO of WSPN. “His deep expertise in innovation management, enterprise transformation, and emerging technologies, combined with his leadership experience at global institutions, will be invaluable as we accelerate our market expansion and global development.”

About WSPN

WSPN is a leading provider of next-generation stablecoin infrastructure, committed to building a more secure, efficient, and transparent payment solution for the global economy. Their flagship product, WUSD stablecoin, is pegged 1:1 to the U.S. Dollar and aims to optimize secure digital payments for Web3 users. WSPN’s Stablecoin 2.0 approach prioritizes user-centricity, community governance, and accessibility, paving the way for widespread stablecoin adoption.

Learn more: www.wspn.io | X | LinkedIn

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