Connect with us

Markets

What Are Parachains?

Published

on

Parachains are the diverse individual layer-1 blockchains that run in parallel within the Polkadot ecosystem (on both the Polkadot and Kusama Networks).

Connected to and secured by the central Relay Chain, parachains share and benefit from the security, scalability, interoperability and governance of Polkadot. Polkadot’s cross-chain composability allows any type of data or asset to be sent between parachains, opening up a host of new use cases and applications. Parachains can also connect to external networks such as Bitcoin and Ethereum using cross-network bridges.

Polkadot was designed to be a layer-0 multi-chain network, meaning that the central Relay Chain provides layer-0 security and interoperability for up to approximately 100 layer-1 blockchains connected as parachains.

Parachain Characteristics

Specialization and Flexibility

Polkadot’s parachain model was designed with the belief that the internet of the future will have many different types of blockchains working together. Just as the current version of the internet caters to different needs, blockchains need to be able to provide a variety of services: one chain might be designed for gaming, another for identity management, another for finance, etc. 

For this reason, Polkadot places no criteria on the design of the parachain other than they must be able to prove to the Polkadot validators that every block of the parachain follows the agreed upon protocol. This flexibility means that each parachain can have its own design, token and governance process, optimized for its specific use case(s). Parachains can be run as public or private networks, as enterprises or communities, as platforms for others to build applications on top of and/or as common goods for the benefit of the entire Polkadot ecosystem, among a wide range of other models.

Scalability

With the parachain model, Polkadot allows blockchains to achieve scalability at layer-1 rather than relying on layer-2 solutions. This is a more decentralized and efficient means of achieving blockchain scalability. Parachains allow transactions to be spread out and processed in parallel over an ecosystem of specialized layer-1 blockchains, significantly improving throughput and scalability.

Interoperability

Parachains allow blockchain communities to have full control and sovereignty over their own layer-1 blockchain while also benefiting from the possibility to engage in free trade with other parachains and external networks. Polkadot’s cross-chain composability allows not only the exchange of tokens, but also any type of data, including smart contracts calls, verifiable credentials, and off-chain information from oracles such as stock market price feeds. This ends the siloed nature of the blockchain space and opens up new possibilities for applications to interoperate and create novel services. Parachains are a bet on open economies and free trade over Balkanization and chain-specific maximalism. 

Governance

Parachains on Polkadot are free to adopt whatever governance model they see fit, and can access a number of pre-built modules for implementing various on-chain governance systems. The ability to access sophisticated on-chain governance mechanisms allows teams to significantly reduce the likelihood of hard forks of their chain that could risk splitting their communities in two. On-chain governance also provides a means of accountable transparency for parachain communities, a prerequisite for many institutions and fiduciaries that often need to see clear decision making processes before getting involved in blockchain technology.

What Are Parachains?

Parachain Slot Leasing

Projects that wish to run as a parachain on Polkadot need to lease a slot on the Relay Chain by winning a parachain slot auction. Auction bids are placed in the network’s native token: DOT in the case of Polkadot and KSM in the case of Kusama. Teams can choose to lease a slot on Polkadot for a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years. By participating in a parachain slot auction, teams agree to lock up the amount of DOT they bid for the duration of the chosen lease period, after which the full amount is unlocked. During the lease period, the DOT is reserved in the original account but is not available for staking, transferring or other uses. Teams can fund their bid in several ways, including self funding and crowdloans, in which contributions are solicited from DOT holders in exchange for some type of reward. 

Parachains vs Parathreads

Parathreads are parachains that connect to Polkadot using a pay-as-you-go model rather than leasing a parachain slot. The parathread model is particularly suitable for projects that do not require continuous connectivity to the network. Blockchains on Polkadot can switch between being parachains and parathreads depending on their needs and on the availability of parachain slots on the Relay Chain.

Fees & Cost of Running a Parachain

Parachains connected to Polkadot by leasing a parachain slot can access as much computing power as they need without additional fees or “gas” costs. Since the full amount of DOT/KSM bonded by a team for a parachain slot is unlocked at the end of the lease period, the cost of running a parachain is best described as the opportunity cost from not having access to the locked DOT/KSM for the duration of the lease. Teams that choose to fund their slot via crowdloan may choose to reward their contributors in any way they see fit, representing an additional cost. Other minor costs include the expense of running collator nodes on the individual parachain. For applications with a lot of users and traffic, running on Polkadot as a parachain is expected to be more economical than running a solo blockchain or building on an existing smart contract platform.

Where They Are Now

The Rococo parachain testnet v1 was launched at the end of 2020 and initial teams began deploying test parachains there in early 2021. The first successful cross-chain messages were sent between parachain teams on Rococo in February 2021. Once the code for enabling parachains has been fully tested, optimized and audited, parachain auctions will roll out on Kusama and Polkadot (estimated for early- to mid-2021) via on-chain governance. Parachain slots will be auctioned off one-by-one, with a new auction expected to take place roughly every two weeks. Polkadot is currently on track to host several parachains in 2021.

Markets

US National Debt Reaches a Record of $33 Trillion: Economic Crisis in Perspective

Published

on

The US National Debt has reached a new historic milestone by surpassing the astonishing figure of $33 trillion, according to the most recent fiscal reports. This dizzying increase occurred in less than a year since the debt limit was set at $31.41 trillion in January 2023. This article will analyze the factors behind this unprecedented increase, the role of the debt ceiling, and the implications this has for the American and global economy.

A Limit That Is Constantly Challenged

The debt ceiling is a limit imposed to control how much the U.S. Treasury can actively borrow. It is a crucial tool for maintaining fiscal balance, but throughout history, it has been raised on more than 100 occasions, raising questions about its long-term effectiveness.

Driving Factors of the US National Debt

Several factors contribute to this escalation of the national debt. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the assistance provided to Ukraine are significant elements. Additionally, inflation is on the rise, with the United States Consumer Price Index (CPI) reaching a concerning 3.7%. These elements have put pressure on national finances.

The Challenge of Avoiding a Government Shutdown

The United States faces pressure to avoid a government shutdown, as there are only seven legislative days to make crucial decisions. A Defense Appropriations Bill is pending and is considered essential to ensure long-term government funding. However, a collective effort is still required to prevent both a government shutdown and a crisis of the U.S. National Debt.

The Political Perspective

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries points out that the responsibility lies in the hands of the Republicans, but the fight to alleviate the debt burden on American citizens continues. His focus includes pursuing measures that make life more affordable for citizens, cost reduction, creating better-paying jobs, and strengthening communities, among other objectives.

In Conclusion…

The US National Debt has surpassed $33 trillion, marking a historic record and posing significant economic challenges. The decision to raise the debt ceiling once again and the measures taken to address this growing crisis will have a lasting impact on the United States’ economy and its global influence. Time will tell how this situation is resolved and what measures are taken to ensure financial stability in the future.

Continue Reading

Markets

These 3 AI Crypto Coins are Bullish in 2023 – Render, Fetch.ai, yPredict

Published

on

ai crypto, bitcoin price, bearish market
Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

The influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on various sectors is no longer news, and the crypto industry is no exception. In the crypto market, the impact of AI is becoming increasingly evident. AI-centric projects are creating a ripple effect that is influencing the value of their associated cryptocurrencies. Among the multitude of AI-driven initiatives in the crypto space, projects like Render, Fetch.ai, and yPredict are making their presence felt.

As the broader crypto market faces challenges, with Bitcoin struggling to maintain its price above the $25,500 mark, these AI crypto projects offer a glimmer of stability. They present use-cases that extend beyond mere speculation, integrating technological advances into functional, real-world applications. 

In a market where many alt coins are finding it hard to sustain their price, these AI-focused tokens offer a promising avenue for future growth. Their impact is not just limited to the crypto market; they have the potential to drive advancements across various sectors, from entertainment to finance and beyond.

Visit yPredict Here

The Rendering Revolution: What Makes Render a Noteworthy AI Crypto Project

Render focuses on providing solutions for GPU-based rendering. The project makes the complicated process of converting 2D or 3D computer models into lifelike images more accessible. By allowing people to use their idle GPUs to complete rendering tasks, the platform democratizes the cloud rendering process.

The project was founded by Jules Urbach, who is also known for founding OTOY, a company specializing in cloud rendering services. Another key player in the project is Ari Emmanuel, who currently serves as the co-founder and co-CEO.

According to their distribution plan, 25% of the native Render Token (RNDR) is open to the public, 10% is being kept in reserve, and the remaining 65% is set aside for network operations. The RNDR token plays a central role in the platform’s economy, as it is used to pay for rendering and streaming services.

A recent blog post by the Render team outlined the primary use cases of the RNDR token. These include protecting rights, monetizing content, and empowering individual creators. Users who offer rendering services on the platform can earn RNDR tokens, which can be bought, sold, and held as an investment on various crypto exchanges.

The Automation Advantage: Fetch.ai’s Role in the AI Crypto Sector

Fetch.ai is another player in the AI crypto arena, simplifying daily tasks through AI and blockchain. The platform uses something called a ‘digital twin,’ a virtual bot that represents you and can perform tasks like comparing flight prices across different websites.

These digital twins can also learn and share experiences with each other. For example, if you want to plan a vacation similar to one your friend enjoyed, the digital twins can negotiate the details, sparing you the need for exhaustive research.

Fetch.ai is not just for personal tasks; it’s also finding a role in decentralized finance (DeFi). Within the crypto market, it can identify tokens that are cheaper on one exchange than another and execute purchases on your behalf.

The native token of the platform, FET, serves multiple purposes. It fuels the internal economy of the platform and is used to access various services. Staking FET tokens not only earns interest but also grants users a say in the platform’s future. Requiring FET tokens to deploy a digital twin acts as a safeguard against spam and malicious bots.

yPredict: A New Chapter in AI-Driven Crypto Analysis

While yPredict is still in its presale stage, it has already attracted a significant amount of interest. The platform has raised over $3.81 million of its targeted $4.6 million, with each YPRED token priced at $0.1. Built on the Polygon Matic chain, yPredict will work with YPRED tokens that have a multitude of uses within the platform.

One of the main features of yPredict will be its prediction marketplace. Here, financial data scientists can offer their predictive models as a subscription service. Traders can then subscribe to these models using YPRED tokens, gaining access to valuable trading signals and forecasts. The setup allows data scientists to monetize their predictive models without having to manage trading operations.

In addition to the prediction marketplace, YPRED tokens will be used for other functions, like analyzing various cryptocurrencies and gaining access to data-driven insights. Token holders can also stake their tokens in high-yield pools, which derive their liquidity from 10% of each new user’s YPRED deposit.

Understanding yPredict’s tokenomics will be important for those who plan to use the platform. The total supply of YPRED tokens is set at 100 million, with 80 million allocated for the presale. The remaining tokens are reserved for liquidity and development purposes. 

Beyond their utility in the marketplace, YPRED tokens will allow holders to participate in voting processes, contributing to the decision-making within the yPredict ecosystem.

yPredict plans to offer more than just price predictions. The platform will also feature a range of analytical tools, including pattern recognition, sentiment analysis, and transaction analysis. These tools will automatically detect chart patterns, analyze news and social media content related to the asset under consideration, and generate useful data-driven insights.

Adding to its trading focus, yPredict is also developing an AI-powered backlink estimator. The tool is trained on over 100 million links and will predict the backlink profile needed for a site to rank for a specific keyword. 

Initially launched as a free preview, the feature received over 5,000 requests within the first 24 hours. It’s now available to the public at a price of $99 per query, according to a recent tweet from yPredict’s official account.

In summary, as the crypto market faces uncertainty, AI-driven projects like Render, Fetch.ai, and the soon-to-be-launched yPredict offer a glimpse of stability and practical utility. These platforms are not just about speculation; they work to solve real-world problems, extending their influence beyond the volatile crypto market.

Visit yPredict Here

Disclaimer: Crypto is a high-risk asset class. This article is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. You could lose all of your capital.

Source

Continue Reading

Markets

Bitcoin Price Prediction as Crypto Market Selling Continues – What’s Going On?

Published

on

Amid a continued selling trend in the crypto market,  Bitcoin‘s value experiences notable fluctuations. As of now, the live price of Bitcoin stands at $25,090, with an impressive 24-hour trading volume of $14.7 billion. 

However, despite its market dominance—reflected in its #1 ranking on CoinMarketCap—Bitcoin has seen a dip of nearly 3% in the past 24 hours. 

The currency’s live market capitalization is a whopping $488.83 billion, and out of its maximum supply of 21 million BTC coins, 19,482,656 BTC are currently in circulation. 

The pressing question on everyone’s mind is: What’s causing this market upheaval?

Bitcoin Price Prediction 

Delving into the technical analysis of Bitcoin, it is evident that the premier cryptocurrency has recently witnessed a stark downturn.

Specifically, it has breached a significant triple bottom support at the $25,400 level—a benchmark that had been underscored by the triple bottom pattern visible on the 4-hour timeframe. 

The presence of the “Three Black Crows” candlestick pattern on this same timeframe further augments the prospects of a continued bearish trend.

Presently, Bitcoin is navigating the oversold territory. Oscillator indicators, like the Relative Strength Index (RSI), are lingering below the 30 mark, which typically suggests seller exhaustion. 

Such a dynamic often paves the way for a brief bullish correction prior to a potential resumption of the downtrend. Concurrently, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) indicator has entrenched itself in the sell zone, with histograms forming below the zero line—another beacon of bearish sentiment. 

The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is positioned around $25,500, and with Bitcoin currently priced at approximately $25,200, and consistently trading below the 50 EMA, the bearish bias remains robust.

Bitcoin Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

From this technical analysis point, Bitcoin is poised to encounter resistance around the $25,400 level. 

A modest bullish correction up to the $25,600 level might merely be a precursor to a deeper dive, potentially targeting the next support level at $24,800. 

If Bitcoin was to decisively undercut the $24,800 level, the subsequent support is anticipated around the $24,000 mark. It’s also worth noting a descending trend line, currently posing as a significant barrier around the $25,600 mark. 

However, should Bitcoin muster a bullish breakout above this line, the gates might open for a rally towards the $26,400 level or even as high as $46,000.

In summation, the $25,600 level emerges as a critical juncture, likely serving as today’s pivotal point in the trading landscape.

Top 15 Cryptocurrencies to Watch in 2023

Get ahead of the game in the world of digital assets by checking out our carefully curated selection of the top 15 alternative cryptocurrencies and ICO projects to watch for in 2023. 

Our list is compiled by industry experts from Industry Talk and Cryptonews, so you can expect professional recommendations and valuable insights for your cryptocurrency investments. 

Stay updated and discover the potential of these digital assets.

Find The Best Price to Buy/Sell Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency Price Tracker – Source: Cryptonews

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency projects endorsed in this article are not the financial advice of the publishing author or publication – cryptocurrencies are highly volatile investments with considerable risk, always do your own research.

Source

Continue Reading

Trending