Blockchain primary for city government chief information officers. Originally prepared for the Cities Leadership Forum hosted by Cities Institute, Philadelphia March 2022.
How We Scaled Bert To Serve 1+ Billion Daily Requests on CPUDatabricks
Roblox is a global online platform bringing millions of people together through play, with over 37 million daily active users and millions of games on the platform. Machine learning is a key part of our ability to scale important services to our massive community. In this talk, we share our journey of scaling our deep learning text classifiers to process 50k+ requests per second at latencies under 20ms. We will share how we were able to not only make BERT fast enough for our users, but also economical enough to run in production at a manageable cost on CPU. Further details can be found in our blog post below:
https://robloxtechblog.com/how-we-scaled-bert-to-serve-1-billion-daily-requests-on-cpus-d99be090db26
This powerpoint contains different rules of thermoregulation, the effect of heat stress on dairy cattle and t different mechanisms to alleviate the heat stress effects
I acknowledge various internet resources for the pictures and basic information
How We Scaled Bert To Serve 1+ Billion Daily Requests on CPUDatabricks
Roblox is a global online platform bringing millions of people together through play, with over 37 million daily active users and millions of games on the platform. Machine learning is a key part of our ability to scale important services to our massive community. In this talk, we share our journey of scaling our deep learning text classifiers to process 50k+ requests per second at latencies under 20ms. We will share how we were able to not only make BERT fast enough for our users, but also economical enough to run in production at a manageable cost on CPU. Further details can be found in our blog post below:
https://robloxtechblog.com/how-we-scaled-bert-to-serve-1-billion-daily-requests-on-cpus-d99be090db26
This powerpoint contains different rules of thermoregulation, the effect of heat stress on dairy cattle and t different mechanisms to alleviate the heat stress effects
I acknowledge various internet resources for the pictures and basic information
Blockchain - Primer for City CIOs v03 28 22ssusera441c2
High level primer (explainer) for city CIOs interested in understand what is distributed ledger technology or blockchain, government use cases and concerns or considerations for adoption.
There's a lot of buzz around Blockchain, Is Blockchain the next” Big Thing" in the IT industry? It certainly looks to have a huge impact in finance, but it could also have far reaching effect in many other industries as well
Blockchain and BPM - Reflections on Four Years of Research and ApplicationsIngo Weber
In this keynote, delivered at the Blockchain Forum of BPM 2019, I summarized and reflected on research on BPM and blockchain over the last four years, including model-driven engineering, process execution, and analysis and process mining. I also covered selected use cases and applications, as well as recent insights on adoption. The keynote closed with a discussion of open research questions.
A guest lecture delivered by Dr Farrukh Habib at INCEIF, Kuala Lumpur, on 22nd March, 2018.
Dr Farrukh Habib is an expert in sharia and Islamic finance. He is a adviser, researcher and trainer. He is keen interest in FinTech.
Nov 2 security for blockchain and analytics ulf mattsson 2020 nov 2bUlf Mattsson
Blockchain
- What is Blockchain?
- Blockchain trends
Emerging data protection techniques
- Secure multiparty computation
- Trusted execution environments
- Use cases for analytics
- Industry Standards
Tokenization
- Convert a digital value into a digital token
- Tokenization local or in a centralized model
- Tokenization and scalability
Cloud
- Analytics in Hybrid cloud
How to raise $100M for your healthcare startup via ICO: Breaking the myths of...VSee
Telehealth Failures & Secrets to Success Conference 2017 by VSee
Speaker: Danny Yang & Tim Swanson
CEO of BlockSeer & Director of Post Oak Labs
More info at: vsee.com/conference
Recent developments of public and private blockchains (DLTs) are described. The differences are indicated and confronted with the needs of financial institutions. The ecosystems of Blockchain, Ethereum, Digital Assets Holding and 3Rcev with their DLTs are shown. Next the working of smart contracts are presented followed by the issues and dilemmas that blockchains and smart contracts present for financial institutions. Finally attention is paid to preferred policies of monetary and regulatory authorities.
Differences between public and private blockchains are described. Attention is paid to different recent DLT approaches and confronted with the needs of banks and other financial institutions. Special attention is paid to smart contracts and the issues and dilemma's for financial institutions and monetary authorities.
A high-level introduction to cryptoland with the aim to sketch out what people are getting so excited about (beyond the rollercoaster of Bitcoin price). Covering blockchains, cryptocurrencies, ICOs, DApps, DAOs and more.
The article outlines a number of disadvantages, advantages and advantages of the blockchain today. Also, the types of blockchain are given and how blockchain allows you to organize trade without intermediaries, which can later introduce many services into everyday life and change the way the banking sector works. Mukhammedova Zarina Murodovna "Disadvantages and Advantages of Blockchain" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46253.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/economics/other/46253/disadvantages-and-advantages-of-blockchain/mukhammedova-zarina-murodovna
Overcoming the Barriers to Blockchain AdoptionMongoDB
Blockchain promises to drastically lower costs, increase data quality and vastly simplify business processes in a range of industries.
During this event speakers from MongoDB, BigchainDB, Ripple, and 11FSTeam answered question around how to operationalise blockchain into existing environments and rely on it as we do with existing systems.
Blockchain - a platform for Digital Transformation in FinanceBlockchain Worx
Propelled by new business models and opportunities to upgrade the existing legacy infrastructure, institutional interest in Blockchain technology continues to rapidly grow. From digital identity and asset tokenization to using smart contracts to automate business processes, Blockchain technology is swiftly establishing itself as a key enabler of the emerging digital finance environment.
The presentation outlines a strategy, an approach, and select considerations to help financial institutions harness the potential of Blockchain technology for Digital Transformation.
GraphRAG is All You need? LLM & Knowledge GraphGuy Korland
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1. Unifying Large Language Models and Knowledge Graphs: A Roadmap.
https://arxiv.org/abs/2306.08302
2. Microsoft Research's GraphRAG paper and a review paper on various uses of knowledge graphs:
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
Blockchain - Primer for City CIOs v03 28 22ssusera441c2
High level primer (explainer) for city CIOs interested in understand what is distributed ledger technology or blockchain, government use cases and concerns or considerations for adoption.
There's a lot of buzz around Blockchain, Is Blockchain the next” Big Thing" in the IT industry? It certainly looks to have a huge impact in finance, but it could also have far reaching effect in many other industries as well
Blockchain and BPM - Reflections on Four Years of Research and ApplicationsIngo Weber
In this keynote, delivered at the Blockchain Forum of BPM 2019, I summarized and reflected on research on BPM and blockchain over the last four years, including model-driven engineering, process execution, and analysis and process mining. I also covered selected use cases and applications, as well as recent insights on adoption. The keynote closed with a discussion of open research questions.
A guest lecture delivered by Dr Farrukh Habib at INCEIF, Kuala Lumpur, on 22nd March, 2018.
Dr Farrukh Habib is an expert in sharia and Islamic finance. He is a adviser, researcher and trainer. He is keen interest in FinTech.
Nov 2 security for blockchain and analytics ulf mattsson 2020 nov 2bUlf Mattsson
Blockchain
- What is Blockchain?
- Blockchain trends
Emerging data protection techniques
- Secure multiparty computation
- Trusted execution environments
- Use cases for analytics
- Industry Standards
Tokenization
- Convert a digital value into a digital token
- Tokenization local or in a centralized model
- Tokenization and scalability
Cloud
- Analytics in Hybrid cloud
How to raise $100M for your healthcare startup via ICO: Breaking the myths of...VSee
Telehealth Failures & Secrets to Success Conference 2017 by VSee
Speaker: Danny Yang & Tim Swanson
CEO of BlockSeer & Director of Post Oak Labs
More info at: vsee.com/conference
Recent developments of public and private blockchains (DLTs) are described. The differences are indicated and confronted with the needs of financial institutions. The ecosystems of Blockchain, Ethereum, Digital Assets Holding and 3Rcev with their DLTs are shown. Next the working of smart contracts are presented followed by the issues and dilemmas that blockchains and smart contracts present for financial institutions. Finally attention is paid to preferred policies of monetary and regulatory authorities.
Differences between public and private blockchains are described. Attention is paid to different recent DLT approaches and confronted with the needs of banks and other financial institutions. Special attention is paid to smart contracts and the issues and dilemma's for financial institutions and monetary authorities.
A high-level introduction to cryptoland with the aim to sketch out what people are getting so excited about (beyond the rollercoaster of Bitcoin price). Covering blockchains, cryptocurrencies, ICOs, DApps, DAOs and more.
The article outlines a number of disadvantages, advantages and advantages of the blockchain today. Also, the types of blockchain are given and how blockchain allows you to organize trade without intermediaries, which can later introduce many services into everyday life and change the way the banking sector works. Mukhammedova Zarina Murodovna "Disadvantages and Advantages of Blockchain" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46253.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/economics/other/46253/disadvantages-and-advantages-of-blockchain/mukhammedova-zarina-murodovna
Overcoming the Barriers to Blockchain AdoptionMongoDB
Blockchain promises to drastically lower costs, increase data quality and vastly simplify business processes in a range of industries.
During this event speakers from MongoDB, BigchainDB, Ripple, and 11FSTeam answered question around how to operationalise blockchain into existing environments and rely on it as we do with existing systems.
Blockchain - a platform for Digital Transformation in FinanceBlockchain Worx
Propelled by new business models and opportunities to upgrade the existing legacy infrastructure, institutional interest in Blockchain technology continues to rapidly grow. From digital identity and asset tokenization to using smart contracts to automate business processes, Blockchain technology is swiftly establishing itself as a key enabler of the emerging digital finance environment.
The presentation outlines a strategy, an approach, and select considerations to help financial institutions harness the potential of Blockchain technology for Digital Transformation.
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https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/blog/graphrag-unlocking-llm-discovery-on-narrative-private-data/
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Essentials of Automations: Optimizing FME Workflows with ParametersSafe Software
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Observability Concepts EVERY Developer Should Know -- DeveloperWeek Europe.pdfPaige Cruz
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LF Energy Webinar: Electrical Grid Modelling and Simulation Through PowSyBl -...DanBrown980551
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- For advanced developers: master the skills to efficiently apply PowSyBl functionalities to your real-world scenarios.
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Blockchain - Primer for City CIOs v05 01 22.pdf
1. Presented to Cities Today Leadership Forum
March 24, 2022
Updated v.05.01.22
Blockchain Primer for City CIOs
Mark Wheeler
Chief Information Officer for Philadelphia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/markwheelerphl/
3. Blockchain
• Ledger of cryptographically-signed transactions stored on a distributed
network. A “block” represents one or more transactions on the ledger.
• ID of each new block is cryptographically “chained” using the hash (ID)
of the previous block.
• Highly defensible against alteration. Assures provenance. Auditable.
source: https://medium.com/swlh/blockchain-characteristics-and-its-suitability-as-a-technical-solution-bd65fc2c1ad1
5. Consensus Models/Mechanisms
• New blocks are added only when a majority of nodes, that maintain
the network, come to agreement on the validity of the transactions.
Validation of blocks
requires solving a complex
mathematical problem.
Operators compete to write
to the ledger for a reward
(tokens / cryptocurrency).
Highly energy consumptive
by design.
Proof of Work
Validation of blocks
requires owning a specific
amount of network tokens.
Operators are picked at
random or by weighted
algorithm.
Much less energy
consumptive.
Proof of Stake
Proof of Burn
Proof of Capacity
Delegated Proof of Stake
Proof of Storage
Proof of Time Spent
etc..
Proof of ….
6. Types of Blockchains
Permissionless
Decentralized, peer to peer
Permissioned
Centralized or Hybrid-Decentralized
• No single authority controls access.
• Decentralized governance over how
the blockchain tech evolves.
• Public, highly transparent.
• Slower transactions speeds than
existing Cloud DaaS.
• Disintermediates 3rd parties in data
transactions.
Ethereum, Solana, Bitcoin, Algorand
• Central control over access and
governance.
• Requires know your customer (KYC).
• Private or public, but less
transparent.
• Faster transactions speeds than
permissionless blockchains.
• Consensus model still used.
Hyperledger, Quorum, Blockcerts, Ripple
7. Comparison to DaaS
Databases as a Service
Faster than blockchains
Highly scalable
Highly integrative with 3rd party
systems
May store files and hyperlinks as
objects – depending on platform
Transactions are alterable
Transactions per Second
Bitcoin 7 TPS
Ethereum 24K TPS
Hyperledger 20K TPS
Visa 1.7K or 24K TPS
Blockchains don’t store files, only
metadata (and links to files)
Blockchain transactions speeds
are determined by
How frequently a block is produced,
and block size
Network load
Purpose + design of the blockchain
See end of slide deck for sources/references
8. Digital Wallets
Custodial Wallets
3rd party entity holds private and
public keys for transactions.
Know Your Customer (KYC) feature
is a requirement.
Benefits include account recovery,
reporting, and trade/buy tools for
variety of cryptocurrencies.
Self-managed Wallets
Private/public key pair is managed
entirely by the owner via software
application or hardware device.
If seed phrase or device is lost, no
recovery option.
Dedicated to a specific blockchain
or limited variety of chains.
Different key pairs stored for each
blockchain.
The tool by which tokens may be owned/held and transferred.
9. Tokens: Fungible vs. Non-Fungible
Fungible
A token that can be traded or
exchanged 1:1.
Applies to cryptocurrencies.
Example: one bitcoin is equal to
and exchangeable for another
bitcoin.
Non-Fungible (NFT)
• Tokens created with a specific utility or
uniqueness so that one NFT cannot
equal another.
• Programmable for uses as a verifiable
credential of an identity, certification,
authorization, etc.
• Proof of licensed ownership to a digital
file of art, music, text, etc.
Cryptocurrency is a token, but not all tokens are a cryptocurrency
10. Smart Contracts and Oracles
Smart Contracts
• Non-complex software code.
• Used to automate payments and
governance processes.
Oracles
• How data external to blockchains is
accessed to execute smart contracts.
• Oracle networks may be decentralized
with multiple, independent data
sources for reliability and security.
Sources: https://www.blockchains-expert.com/en/are-smart-contracts-ready-for-mass-adoption
https://research.csiro.au/blockchainpatterns/general-patterns/interacting-with-the-external-world/oracle
Data sources
11. How it Scales (the makings of Web 3)
Distributed Ledger or Blockchain
Fungible Tokens (cryptocurrency) Non-Fungible Tokens (NFT)*
Application Development and 3rd Party Integrations
Smart
Contracts
Programmable
Tokens*
Oracles
Payment
Networks
Wallets
(custodial or self-managed)
Layer 2
Layer 1
Node Operators Miners
*some layer 1 blockchains can produce NFTs, others require layer 2 technology.
Decentralized
Apps (dApps)
14. US Permanent Residency Digital Credential
• Prioritizes privacy and security to ensure individual control and
consent over use of individual’s data.
• Open source, royalty free, protocol standards to ensure and
enable multi-vendor, multi-chain, global cross-border
interoperability. Meaning – not on a single blockchain.
• DHS is creating an overlay of Web3 technology that’s enabled by
use of shared standards and data schemas by vendors.
• Includes bridge to paper docs to prevent digital divide issues.
Source: Department of Homeland Security Interoperability Plug Fest March 2021
15. Standards for Verifiable Credentials and
Identity on Blockchains
Source: https://www.w3.org/TR/vc-use-cases; https://identity.foundation;
Governments’ interest and funding in the
technology galvanized creation of standards.
Distributed ID (DID Doc and Resolver) replaces
current use of Public Key Directories managed
by 3rd parties.
Value = publicly auditable provenance of all
changes and interactions on the ledger by
issuer, verifier, and owner.
Issues:
• Will citizens’ wallets need biometrics?
• Loss of wallet = fully reapplying for the
digital credential.
16. Helium – Crypto Incentivized IOT
• Devices mine the company’s
cryptocurrency - HNT.
• Number of devices operating on
the network within a defined
geography sets limits on amount
of HNT mined per device.
• Sell / hold strategies for HNT
would include variables:
• Num of devices operating locally
• HNT market value
• Passive income targets
Source: Helium.com
17. Mining for the Digital Divide
• 20 Helium LoRaWan routers
in City buildings.
• HNT mining to fund internet for
1,300 HHs @ $120/yr = $156K.
• CA Emerging Tech Fund (nonprofit)
will hold wallet and exchange HNT
to USD and issue funds to City.
18. Colu – City Rewards Programs
• 5-year-old Israeli startup working with 10 U.S. cities
and counties.
• Reward participation in priority programs
(e.g., litter pickup, buying local, vaccinations) using
“white label” rewards sent to mobile app.
• Closed-loop economy: Residents can only redeem city
coins with participating business.
• Colu plans to expand platform with blockchain technical
features and offer an “Urban Change” protocol.
Source: Colu.com and Feb 2022 interview with Ortel Tevel, CEO and Michael Mazur, COO
19. Colu – City Use Cases
Akron, OH
• POC in downtown business district
with shopper rewards program.
• Sales doubled at participating businesses.
Boston, MA
• City encouraged shopping at local and minority,
women and immigrant-owned businesses.
• $1.5M in economic activity generated with 77% of
coins redeemed at M/W/I-owned businesses.
• Users surveyed expressed high level of satisfaction
with using city coins and mobile app.
Source: Colu.com and Feb 2022 interview with Ortel Tevel, CEO and Michael Mazur, COO
21. When to Use Blockchain?
Source: https://medium.com/swlh/blockchain-characteristics-and-its-suitability-as-a-technical-solution-bd65fc2c1ad1
22. Considerations
• Scalability, Cost, Quality and Risk.
• Which type of blockchain is best suited for government? Depends on use case.
• Should cities only commit data to known, trusted nodes on a private network?
• When is a non-permissioned, public chain suitable?
• Difficult to separate the technical features (value) of blockchain from the currency
aspects and this reinforces negative public and media perceptions.
• Availability of support and expertise:
• Accenture, Deloitte, AECOM include in their government practices now.
• Software developers with smart contract experience are relative few.
• AWS, IBM offer different blockchain technologies as a service (BaaS).
23. Legal Concerns
• Under current state laws, municipalities can only hold and transact in $USD.
• GFOA advises against accepting cryptocurrency for receivables, using it for
payables, and investing in such products.
• Crypto is taxable under IRS Notice 2014-21
• SEC treats cryptocurrency as a security if the digital asset meets all three parts of
the Howey Test.
Sources: https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/cryptocurrencies-and-the-securities-and-6989064/
Gov Finance Offers Association (GFOA) https://www.gfoa.org/materials/cryptocurrency-advisory
Cities should not hold a wallet of digital assets that could be considered a
cryptocurrency (tradable/sellable). Advisable city enter into agreement with trusted 3rd
party as wallet holder.
24. Energy Concerns
Source: Cambridge University Bitcoin Electricity Consumption
Index ttps://ccaf.io/cbeci/index/methodology
Proof of Work (PoW) blockchains
are the focus of energy concerns.
Framing is “crypto is frivolous, so it’s
energy use is wasteful.”
Non-PoW blockchains are
no more energy consumptive than
other Cloud computing services.