Less Than 10% of Stablecoin Transaction Volume Coming from Real Users: Report

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The stablecoin market supply currently stands at about $150 billion.

Less than 10% of stablecoin transaction volumes are organic or come from real people, according to new findings by Visa and data platform Allium Labs, Bloomberg reported.

Out of about $2.2 trillion in total transactions in April, just $149 billion originated from “organic payments activity,” the report said. The analysis removed transactions done by bots and large-scale traders to “isolate those made by real people.”

The stablecoin market supply currently stands at about $150 billion, with tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC) dominating the market with shares of 75% and 22%, respectively, broker Bernstein has said.

Stablecoins are a cryptocurrency tied to another asset class, usually the U.S. dollar, to keep a stable, steady value. They’ve come into sharp focus after PayPal and some others announced they were issuing their stablecoins. Legislation to regulate stablecoins is also seen to be the most likely to make it through the U.S. Congress.

“There is also a lot of noise in this data given that blockchains are general purpose networks where stablecoins can be used across a range of use cases with transactions that can be initiated manually by an end user or programmatically through bots,” said a note last month about the findings by Cuy Sheffield, Visa’s Head of Crypto.

Despite the discrepancy between total transfer volume and bot-adjusted transfer volume, the analysis found a steady growth of monthly active stablecoin users, with 27.5 million monthly active users across all chains.

Common Causes of a Ball Valve Leaking and How to Prevent Them 

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Common Causes of a Ball Valve Leaking and How to Prevent Them 

A ball valve is used in different processes because of various reasons such as durability and dependability as well as ability to control the flow of fluids. Nevertheless, corresponding to all mechanical parts, ball valves are prone to leak after sustained use, which can cause numerous operational problems if unrepaired. It is therefore important to understand and be able to prevent the causes of leakage in the ball valve so as to maintain the heart of the system or line. This article looks at the following causes and gives real life solutions with expert input from some of the premier industrial valve manufacturers.  

Wear and Tear on Seals and Seats 

There are various reasons which make a ball valve leak but perhaps the most frequent is the deterioration of the seals and seats. Seals and seats are so important as they enable the valve to close tightly and so that any fluid cannot pass through. Sometimes these sections may wear out because of the stress that is constantly being applied to them, variation in temperature and contact with abrasive substances. This results in the formation of pits on the surface of the metal which causes degradation of the surface and therefore leads to a compromising of the seal interface so that the fluids start to leak.  

To counter this problem, the inspection and maintenance must be carried out more frequently. Seals and seats should be inspected by the industrial valve manufacturers for signs of wear; they should then be replaced when necessary. Also, one can opt for valves with much higher quality material as applicable to the conditions of use so as to increase the durabilities of these parts. 

For instance, when selecting valves to be used in high-temperature applications, it’s possible to use those valves with PTFE Teflon seats so as not to cause seal deterioration and thus consequent leakage. Further, sealing and getting replacement parts from the right suppliers, there is less chance of the parts fading or deforming and this further reduces chances of leakage of the valve.   

Ball Valve Improper Installation and Assembly  

Essential ball valve leaking causes are recognized as improper installation or assembly of the valve. As with many mechanical systems, if the valve is not positioned correctly, or if the parts of the assembly are not well aligned, then there will be leakage. 

It is most common where the valve is fitted in high pressure or in conditions where they are likely to undergo fluctuations in temperature thus leading to expansion and contraction thus compromising the functionality of the valve.  

The only ways that one can be assured of eliminating leakages within the taps are by adhering strictly to the manufacturer’s installation procedures and guidelines. The correct installation can be possible by using skilled technicians who understand the special needs of industrial valve systems. 

Also, in order to avoid problems with defects, it is possible to use only high-quality parts of the valves from reliable industrial valve manufacturers that guarantee the compatibility of all parts and details. Even more, training and updates for the maintenance staff on correct installation practices can help to lessen such problems. That was not only about correct positioning of the valve but also its right classification according to the pressure/temperature parameters of future application, which can affect the service life of the valve and provide leaks skipping.   

Ball Valve Corrosion and Material Degradation  

Corrosion is another major cause of leakage in ball valves; most commonly in conditions where the valve is exposed to agents that cause corrosion. In time, the corrosion process impacts the quality and the performance of the valve body, the ball as well as the internal parts of the valve causing leakage. This is often realized in chemical processing, oil & gas and water treatment industries where valves are often in contact with chemicals or saltwater or other corrosive agents.   

To reduce the rate of corrosion, it is important that one gets to select the right material for the valves that are to be used in this case to suit the chemicals and the environment in which they are to be used. For instance, an application in a severely corrosive environment may be advised to use stainless steel or a compound such as Hastelloy. The problem of leaks can be solved by inspection all the time for corrosion and replacement of the parts when necessary. 

Most industrial valve manufacturers give their valves a corrosion resistant coating or use materials which can adequately cope in harsh environments thereby increasing the valve’s durability and lessening the chances of leakage. In addition, the use of corrosion-resistant materials goes hand in hand with the exclusion of leakage but also the exclusion of recurrent major expenses required for replacements.  

Inadequate Maintenance and Lack of Regular Inspections 

Failure to maintain the ball valves and failure to conduct frequent checks on them are also central to the leaks. Valves that are not frequently checked for problems or perhaps serviced are likely to have problems such as worn seal, corrosion, or physical damage and therefore manifest leakages. It is always good to observe these problems when they are still small lest they turn into big ones that will require more attention.  

Having a schedule of maintenance as well as checking all the valves in the system would also minimize leakages. When doing these inspections look at the indications of wear, corrosion, and physical damage and replace the defecting components as soon as possible. Collaborating with an industrial valve manufacturer who provides maintenance services and technical support can also guarantee that your valves are well maintained, therefore, have a longer life cycle and would not develop leaks. 

Further, an apparatus of a preventive maintenance program with the usage of predictive diagnostics will allow for the identification of possible problems before they create leaks and affect operation continuance. These measures will go a long way in preventing major downtimes and in the process; the all round reliability of your industrial plants will be boosted.  

Conclusion  

There are different conventional reasons behind a leaking ball valve; what is desirable is to be warned early and take measures so as to eliminate the cause. It is crucial to understand the reasons behind the leakage of a ball valve and take some action towards it. Subsequently, we have methods of repairing the damages, installation techniques, using appropriate materials that contain no corrosion, and following a schedule of inspections each of which significantly helps in avoidance of leaks. Partnering with a reputed industrial valve manufacturer provides you the convenience of getting the right valves as well as getting advice on possible issues which may be causing system disruptions and leakage. 

Adopting such measures goes a long way in increasing the durability of the valves as well as reducing the losses through frequent breakdowns, frequent replacement and general unreliability of the systems. Purchasing appropriate valves, as well as ensuring the proper upkeep of the valves, are not only protective measures for the operations but more a mechanism that fosters operational success in the long term. 

 

Exploiter Steals $68M Worth of Crypto Through Address Poisoning

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The victim was duped by a mimicked 0.05 ether transfer.

A cryptocurrency user has lost $68 million worth of wrapped bitcoin (WBTC) after falling victim to an address poisoning exploit, according to blockchain security firm CertiK.

Address poisoning is a technique that involves tricking the victim into sending a legitimate transaction to the wrong wallet address by mimicking the first and last six characters of the true wallet address and depending on the sender to miss the discrepancy in the intervening characters. Wallet addresses can be as long as 42 characters.

In this case, the exploiter mimicked a 0.05 ether (ETH) transaction before receiving 1,155 WBTC from the victim.

Security platform Cyvers and blockchain sleuth ZachXBT confirmed that $68 million had been lost to an address poisoning scam.

Crypto investors lost $2 billion to hacks, scams and exploits across decentralized finance (DeFi) in 2023 and an additional $333 million was stolen in the first quarter.

Lịch thi đấu V-League mùa 2023-2024 gặp nhiều khó khăn

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Mùa bóng V-league năm nay là lần đầu tiên trong lịch sử áp dụng thời gian thi đấu mới, kéo dài từ mùa thu 2023 đến mùa hè 2024. Đây là kiểu lịch thi đấu đang được nhiều giải bóng đá danh tiếng áp dụng như Ngoại Hạng Anh, La Liga, Serie A. Những mùa giải trước đều diễn ra trong năm có nhiều thuận lợi về l

Trước khi tiến hành, ban tổ chức V-league (VPF) đã tổ chức cuộc họp và thảo luận cùng các câu lạc bộ để thống nhất quỹ thời gian tổ chức mùa giải 2023-2024 đó là bắt đầu từ ngày 20/10/2023 và kết thúc vào ngày 11/7/2024. Tổng cộng thời gian này sẽ tổ chức được 26 vòng đấu V-League, 22 vòng V-League 2 và Cúp quốc gia. Ngoài ra sẽ có 4 quãng thời gian nghỉ cho các sự kiện sau:

  • FIFA days
  • AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024
  • AFC U23 Asian Cup Qatar 2024
  • Nghỉ Tết Nguyên Đán

Đây thực sự là một bước tiến của ban tổ chức V-league trong việc học hỏi những cái hay của các giải bóng đá quốc tế để áp dụng cho nền bóng đá nước nhà nhưng đã gặp rất nhiều khó khăn và trở ngại. 

Lịch thi đấu không hợp lý

Nếu như các giải bóng đá hàng đầu thường diễn ra vào các ngày cuối tuần và chỉ đổi ngày vào các trường hợp bất khả kháng thì V-League lại đang rải đều lịch thi đấu trong cả 7 ngày trong tuần. Mặc dù BTC đã làm rất tốt việc luôn có lịch nghỉ 4 ngày để cho 1 đội có thời gian chuẩn bị, di chuyển và đảm bảo phong độ tốt nhất nhưng lịch thi đấu không cố định này khiến người hâm mộ rất khó đến sân theo dõi.

Tại thời điểm này, V-League – giải bóng đá Việt Nam cực kì phù hợp cho các kèo cược phụ như kèo ném biên, phát góc hay tài xỉu đã phải tạm dừng 1 tháng cho giải AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2024, điển hình như kèo giữa Hà Nội và SHB Đà Nẵng vừa rồi đã có đến 78 cú ném biên. Theo các trang cá cược bóng đá uy tín, trận đấu tiếp theo ở vòng 16 sẽ diễn ra vào ngày 2/5 giữa Hồng Lĩnh Hà TĩnhQNK Quảng Nam. Tiếp theo là Sông Lam Nghệ An Hà Nội vào ngày 3/5

Căn bệnh trầm kha của bóng đá Việt

Mặc dù đã lên kế hoạch kỹ càng nhưng V-League mùa này đã phải dừng tận 78 ngày vì vướng phải lịch thi đấu U20 Châu Á, U22 thi đấu SEA Games giờ lại phải tạm dừng tiếp do giải U23 Châu Á. Theo VPF, việc tạm dừng nhằm giúp các đội tuyển có thành tích thi đấu tốt nhất ở các đấu trường quốc tế. 

Tuy nhiên việc này đem lại rất nhiều bất cập và khó khăn cho những đội tuyển tham gia. Vì khi tạm dừng, các câu lạc bộ vẫn phải trả lương cho các cầu thủ và ảnh hưởng đến việc tập luyện của đội do có cầu thủ thi đấu quốc tế có người không. Ngoài ra, sau khi tập trung thi đấu giải quốc tế, các cầu thủ khi trở về phải ngay lập tức tham gia thi đấu V-League nên rất khó đạt được phong độ tốt và ảnh hưởng đến thành tích của câu lạc bộ.

Thực tế ngay cả với các quốc gia giàu thành tích bóng đá nhất như Brazil hay Đức thì họ luôn “liệu cơm gắp mắm”. Tức là chọn tập trung giải đấu quan trọng và bỏ những giải không quan trọng, các đội tuyển từng vô địch World Cup của họ rất ít khi vô địch Olympic hay các giải cấp khu vực. 

Riêng Việt Nam thì giải nào cũng tập trung hết lực lượng để tham gia giành thành tích dẫn đến hệ lụy là V-League trong nước bị ảnh hưởng đáng kể. Thành tích và hoạt động kinh doanh của các câu lạc bộ cũng đi xuống, kéo theo sự đi xuống về chuyên môn và tinh thần của các cầu thủ và cuối cùng là thành tích quốc tế cũng không được như mong đợi.

V-League 2023-2024 đã đi được hơn nửa chặng đường và dù lịch thi đấu chưa tối ưu nhưng khán giả vẫn đến sân trung bình hơn 6.000 – 10.000 khán giả mỗi trận. Đây thực sự là những tín hiệu tốt cho nền bóng đá nước nhà trong thời kỳ kinh tế suy thoái trước những thay đổi mới của V-League. Chắc chắn VPF sẽ có những điều chỉnh ở những mùa giải sắp tới và sẽ tìm được sự cân bằng giữa giải quốc tế và quốc nội và đem lại nhiều trận cầu mãn nhãn cho người hâm mộ bóng đá Việt Nam.

Qatar Airways increases frequency on Hanoi – Doha route

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The airline will increase the frequency to 3 flights per day from July to September during the peak summer tourist season.

Qatar Airways has 17 years of service in the Vietnamese market. Photo: Simple Flying.

Qatar Airways announced that in June, it will increase its operations from Hanoi to 17 flights per week, instead of the current 14. Subsequently, from July to September, the airline will increase the frequency to 3 flights per day.

These new flights will be operated by modern B787 aircraft, with 22 business class seats and 232 economy class seats. With the increased frequency, Qatar Airways will operate up to 35 flights from Vietnam weekly from July 1, connecting to over 170 global destinations.

Thus, passengers will have more connecting options to destinations in Europe and the Americas, including Paris, London, Warsaw, New York, and many others, connecting through Hamad International Airport.

Qatar Airways is one of the few airlines to achieve a 5-star rating globally. The airline was founded in 1993 and began operations in 1994. In Vietnam, the airline has been operating for 17 years.

Qatar Airways is headquartered at Qatar Airways Tower, Doha, with its main hub at Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways currently operates nearly 170 destinations globally, connecting through Hamad International Airport.

Hamad International Airport has been voted “World’s Best Airport” by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. This year, the airport was also honored as the “Best Airport in the Middle East” for 10 consecutive years, and as the “Best Airport for Shopping” for the second consecutive year.

@Znews

Explosion of foreign visitors to Vietnam

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Over the past 4 months, 6.2 million international visitors have helped Vietnam’s foreign visitor market surpass pre-Covid-19 levels. In April alone, the number of visitors increased by 58.2% compared to the same period last year.

Europe is one of the markets sending large visitors to Vietnam. Photo: @amikeoosthuizen.

Convenient visa policies and attractive tourism stimulus programs continue to have a positive impact, attracting a significantly higher number of international visitors to Vietnam compared to the same period last year.

This is the assessment of the General Statistics Office on the tourism situation in our country over the past 4 months in the report “Economic and Social Situation in April and the First 4 Months of the Year” released on April 29.

Specifically, in April, the number of international visitors to Vietnam remained stable despite it being the peak domestic tourism season, reaching nearly 1.6 million people, an increase of 58.2% compared to the same period last year.

Overall for the first 4 months of the year, international visitors to our country reached 6.2 million, an increase of 68.3% compared to the same period last year and a 3.9% increase compared to the same period in 2019 – the year before the Covid-19 pandemic.

Tourists check-in at Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. Photos: @mariavalero, @mthgomes.

Of these, visitors arriving by air reached nearly 5.2 million, accounting for 83.7% of the total number of international visitors to Vietnam and up 1.6 times compared to the same period last year; arrivals by road reached 856.9 thousand, accounting for 13.8% and up 2.3 times; arrivals by sea reached 151.5 thousand, accounting for 2.5% and up 3.4 times.

Leading the foreign visitor market to Vietnam is Asia with about 4.7 million visitors.

Next are visitors from European markets (855.6 thousand), the Americas (393.8 thousand), Australia (196.5 thousand), and Africa (17.2 thousand).

In terms of market scale, South Korea remains the largest market sending visitors to Vietnam with 1.6 million visitors (accounting for 25.8%), according to the National Tourism Administration. China ranks second with 1.25 million visitors (20%). Next is Taiwan in third place (418 thousand). Positions 4 and 5 are the United States (301 thousand) and Japan (235 thousand) respectively.

Additionally, the top 10 countries sending visitors to Vietnam also include Malaysia (181 thousand), Australia (180 thousand), Thailand (163 thousand), India (158 thousand), and Cambodia (155 thousand).

@Znews

8 million visitors travel during the April 30 – May 1 holidays

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The nationwide tourism industry served approximately 8 million visitors during the 5-day holiday period, with 3.6 million of them staying overnight, according to data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The number of tourists nationwide during the April 30 holiday this year reached 8 million. Photo: Thuy Trang.

Most key tourist areas across the country recorded positive signals with a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period in 2023, as assessed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism on the last day of this year’s holiday period, April 30th – May 1st.

Specifically, during the 5-day holiday period from April 30th to May 1st (from April 27th to May 1st), the country welcomed 8 million visitors, an increase of 14.2% compared to the same period in 2023, including approximately 3.6 million overnight visitors, according to data released by the Tourism Administration on May 1st.

The average room occupancy rate at accommodation establishments nationwide reached about 60%. This figure increased by an additional 10% during peak days.

Some coastal destinations reached occupancy rates of up to 95-100% during the holiday period.

Tourists check-in at a flower garden in Hanoi. Photo: @phuongtali_2709.

Thanh Hoa continued to be the leading destination in terms of visitor numbers during the April 30th holiday this year with approximately 1.52 million visitors, an increase of 27.2% compared to 1.2 million visitors in the previous year. The total revenue from tourists reached about 3.805 trillion VND, an increase of 32.8%.

Following Thanh Hoa is Quang Ninh. The province served around 1.01 million visitors, an increase of 48%; Total revenue from tourism reached about 2.21 trillion VND, an increase of 53%.

Ranked third is Khanh Hoa with 969,950 visitors, an increase of 21.5%; Total revenue from tourism reached about 1,306.7 billion VND, an increase of 53% compared to the same period last year.

Vietnam’s two largest cities, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, ranked fourth and sixth respectively. Specifically, the number of visitors to Ho Chi Minh City was 969,000, an increase of only 2% compared to the same period. Hanoi welcomed 737,900 visitors, an increase of 4%.

Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that the number of international visitors continued to grow steadily despite passing the peak season.

Some Vietnamese coastal areas are visited by many tourists. Photo: @linhphgg_.

Regarding the transportation situation during the 5-day holiday, the National Tourism Administration stated that tourist movements were also adjusted to meet the increased demand for travel.

Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air increased night flights and deployed wide-body aircraft for domestic operations to contribute to supplementing/increasing supply.

The railway sector added more trains from Hanoi to Dong Hoi, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Lao Cai, Ho Chi Minh City, and vice versa; from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Quy Nhon, and reduced ticket prices for train passengers. Inland waterway ports also added more ferry services to islands such as Cu Lao Cham, Ly Son, Con Dao, Phu Quy, and Phu Quoc…

The trend of self-driving to nearby destinations increased, with tourists preferring this mode of travel for freedom, exploration, and increased autonomy during the holiday journey.

Additionally, to prepare for the April 30th – May 1st holiday and this year’s summer tourism season, the Administration advised the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and issued a document to send to the People’s Committees of centrally-run provinces/cities to propose implementing domestic tourism stimulus activities in 2024 with the theme “Vietnamese People Traveling in Vietnam – Vietnam I Love”.

@Znews

Friend.Tech’s Native Token Tanks to $2.5 After Debut

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Early Friday, Friend.Tech airdropped its native token, FRIEND, while debuting version 2 of the platform.

Decentralized social platform Friend.Tech on Friday airdropped its native token, FRIEND, while unveiling version 2 of the platform, which is packed with new features, including the Money Club.

The token’s price rose as high as $169 immediately after it began trading on Base before quickly collapsing to $2.5, data from DEXscreener show.

“It looks like the price dump has been driven by liquidity issues, similar to what happened with Renzo last week,” Hitesh Malviya, founder of crypto analytics platform DYOR, told CoinDesk. Liquidity refers to market’s ability to absorb large buy and sell orders at stable prices. In a low liquidity environment, a few large orders can have an outsized impact on the market price.

Friend.Tech debuted in August last year on Coinbase’s Ethereum-based layer-2 blockchain Base as an invite-only platform with a point system that rewards users for their engagement.

The new Money Club feature will facilitate an exclusive space for financial discussion and networking alongside a new point system. At press time, crypto assets worth $29.8 million were locked in Friend.Tech, more than 40% off the peak of $52.04 million in early October, according to DeFiLlama.

Activity picked up last month in anticipation of the version 2 launch, initially planned for April 20 as well the FRIEND token airdrop teased by developers.

The platform took a snapshot for the highly anticipated 100% airdrop of FRIEND last week.

Several users, however, seem to be having issues with claiming their airdrop.

“I’m not selling my FRIEND airdrop (cause I can’t even claim it),” Dubai-based crypto analyst and trader Reetika Malik said on X.

Malviya said the distribution was a “concentrated airdrop,” where leading creators took the most supply home.

“Most users got 10x less airdrop than what they were expecting, so they are not even claiming that airdrop, as its less than 200$ for most of the retail investors,” Malviya told CoinDesk in a direct message on X. “But at the same time few people ended up making crazy amount. So its a clear case of very concentred airdrop where leading creators took the most supply home through airdrop, leaving retail in disguise.”

MoonPay Users Can Now Buy Crypto Via PayPal

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The partnership means MoonPay users in the U.S. can seamlessly buy crypto with PayPal through wallet transfer, bank transfer, and debit card transactions, according to a press release.

Cryptocurrency buying app MoonPay has partnered with fintech giant PayPal (PYPL), the companies said on Thursday. The partnership means MoonPay users in the U.S. can seamlessly buy crypto with PayPal through wallet transfer, bank transfer, and debit card transactions, according to a press release.

Buying and trading crypto is an ongoing project, which, has not been facilitated by the high street banks of this world.

PayPal has over 426 million active accounts globally; MoonPay, which is focused on crypto, is no slouch, with over 15 million users.

MoonPay co-founder and CEO Ivan Soto-Wright called the partnering “symbiotic” because users of his app increase their reach and have a new flexible payment option, while PayPal’s limited range of major cryptocurrencies on offer is now extended to the full gamut of popular tokens.

Soto-Wright pointed out the partnership is not a single integration of the type the fintech giant has been exploring with the likes of Web3 wallet MetaMask, but rather PayPal coming embedded inside MoonPay’s infrastructure.

We are the first company to do this with PayPal, and it was a long process to get them comfortable,” Soto-Wright said in an interview. “We process billions of dollars on debit and credit cards in terms of cryptocurrency, and we think this is going to be a big step up for us in terms of helping us reach more customers, people that may have had their card declined from one of their banks. Nobody’s fault; it’s just the banks; banks sometimes reject crypto companies.”

Bitcoin Miner Stronghold Looking at Options, Including Sale of Company

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The miner is looking at options including sale of all or part of the company and other strategic transactions.

Bitcoin miner Stronghold Digital Mining (SDIG) has started exploring strategic alternatives that could include a potential sale of the company.

“The company is considering a wide range of alternatives to maximize shareholder value, including, but not limited to, the sale of all or part of the Company, or another strategic transaction involving some, or all of, the assets of the Company,” the miner said in a press release on Thursday.

Stronghold, the company that turns piles of coal waste into energy to mine bitcoin, said the move comes as there is a “valuation dislocation” of the stock compared to its other mining peers in the market.

“Stronghold’s Board and management team are committed to maximizing value for our shareholders and, to that end, have commenced a comprehensive and thorough review of strategic alternatives,” said Greg Beard, chairman and chief executive officer of Stronghold.

The company has hired Cohen and Company Capital Markets as financial advisers and said there isn’t any specific timeline set for the completion of the review. The shares rose nearly 7% in the pre-market trading on Thursday.

The stock fell 62% this year, while peers such as Riot Platforms (RIOT) and Marathon Digital (MARA) fell about 40%. Bitcoin rose 39% so far this year.

Mergers and acquisitions have been touted as one of the areas that will gain momentum after the halving, which made the mining landscape more competitive for the miners as rewards were cut in half.

There has already been an uptick in M&As in the mining industry as miners with stronger balance sheets started to buy up assets that are trading at low valuations.

Former FTX Europe Head Pays $1.5M for Gold Watch Recovered From Titanic: WSJ

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Gruhn said he bought the watch for his wife, Maren Gruhn, and that they would display the watch in museums, according to the report.

Patrick Gruhn, the former head of FTX Europe, has paid nearly $1.5 million, “the largest sum ever spent at auction on a piece of Titanic memorabilia,” for a gold pocket watch recovered from the body of the Titanic’s richest passenger, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The watch belonged to American property magnate John Jacob Astor IV, who was returning from a European honeymoon with his pregnant wife, Madeleine Astor.

When the Titanic hit an iceberg in 1912, an officer told Astor he couldn’t join his wife on a lifeboat until all women and children were safe. A week later, Astor’s body was found in the water, along with his possessions – a 14-karat “Gold watch, cuff links gold and diamond, diamond ring,” and a “gold pencil,” the report said.

Gruhn said he used money earned from the sale of his companies to buy the watch for his wife, Maren Gruhn, and that they would display the watch in museums.

In July 2023, the FTX bankruptcy estate asked a U.S. bankruptcy court to award recovery of more than $323.5 million from FTX’s Europe leadership. Later, as part of a settlement, Gruhn and others agreed to buy back FTX’s European assets for about $33 million. Grohn also said he did not know about the FTX fraud before it imploded.

Since the FTX collapse in Nov. 2022, Gruhn has moved to Oregon, from where he runs a German Catholic TV network and is attempting to build a crypto derivatives exchange in Europe.

Ninh Binh’s bright future: Maximizing nature’s gifts and cultural gems

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People – The Heart of the Experience

At the heart of Ninh Binh’s tourism success lies its people. As Ms. Mai Thi Hue, representative of Tam Coc Valley homestay, attests, the warmth and hospitality of the local community are integral to the visitor experience. Foreign guests are welcomed with open arms, with a focus on enhancing language skills and upgrading facilities to meet their needs. Transparent pricing further enhances the appeal of Ninh Binh as a tourist haven, reflecting a commitment to providing quality service.

The involvement of the local populace in nurturing a culture of hospitality has earned Ninh Binh acclaim on various tourism fronts, positioning it as a model for destination branding.

Unlocking Potential through Nighttime Exploration

In addition to its cultural and natural riches, Ninh Binh is embracing the allure of nighttime adventures to further enhance its tourism offerings. With a rich tapestry of 225 traditional festivals and a plethora of historical sites, the province boasts a wealth of intangible cultural heritage waiting to be explored.

The recent establishment of Hoa Lu Ancient Town has garnered praise from both domestic and international visitors. To entice tourists to explore the town after hours, traditional art performances and folk games are organized, adding a touch of novelty and diversity to the visitor experience. Similar initiatives are underway across Ninh Binh province, with attractions such as the Tam Coc night market, nocturnal wildlife tours in Cuc Phuong, and evening visits to Bai Dinh Pagoda.

These ventures inject new life into Ninh Binh’s tourism landscape, offering visitors an array of captivating activities and immersive experiences after the sun sets.

@dulich.laodong.vn

3 Quick Ways to Create Practical Two Piece Boxes

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Just a simple removable lid and a base are two-piece packaging for you. Made for easy usage and smooth unboxing, custom two-piece boxes are hot favorites of many industries across the globe. They started shining in the packaging market in the late 19th century and their light hasn’t dimmed.

The double wall structure of two-piece boxes makes them a safer packaging option than several of their rivals. Luxury brands often use rigid or corrugated materials to create these boxes to ensure peak safety and fine texture appeal.

Due to their supreme display, two-piece boxes have been one of the most popular packaging choices for hi-tech, cosmetics, retail, and other industries. Due to the alteration ability, these boxes act like canvases that you can get creative with, to display your unique styles.

This is exactly what we strive to achieve in this article i.e., share diverse ways to get creative with your two-piece boxes to maximize their outlooks and safety and improve functionality and marketing ability. We’ll also find out the different purposes for which these boxes can be used. So let’s begin this educative journey about two piece packaging boxes!

How to Create Practical Two-Piece Boxes?

Practical packaging means to provide boxes that live up to their expectations. For instance, if a company claims that its packaging is appealing, secure, and fit for marketing, then its boxes must fit the description. Otherwise, clients can easily find out the reality in the long run which would only result in the company’s declining market status. Let’s see how can you achieve this packaging ideal:

i.Enticing

To make two-piece boxes enticing and interesting enough to catch the client’s attention, you need to work on their displays and surface textures. To create enticing displays, color and design selection is imperative. You can acquire the help of graphic designers to help you create designs that follow market trends and also give your brand a unique identity with a touch of uniqueness.

Following this process, you need to work on the printing quality of the colors and designs. You need to be aware of the fact that not every packaging material accepts all sorts of printing mediums. Thus, it is better to decide on the printing method before selecting the material to avoid mishaps. Then you need to work on the box finishing which is a process that often runs in parallel with printing. It is up to you to choose gold foiling, embossing, debossing, gloss, matte, or any other type of finishing that gives a final polish to the boxes and elevates their outlooks.

ii. Fit For Promotion

To create two-piece boxes that effectively advertise the brand, you need to work on its labels that include the brand name, logo, slogan, and product details. What is the font style and size of labels, where they are placed on the boxes, whether they are readable or not, and what part of these elements need to be focused on more than others? All these aspects need to be taken into consideration.

However, taking care of your packaging outlook also remains a vital factor as your boxes need to radiate shelf appeal to stand out. Thus, you need to work on their colors and designs that complement the marketing elements.

iii. Secure

Two-piece boxes are known for their supreme safety thus you need to ensure they don’t lack in this area due to any mishaps. This may include packing goods that are heavier than the boxes are supposed to hold, not applying the coating to seal any open spaces, or not adding foam inserts for shielding sensitive hi-tech items.

You can use safety seals or tags to improve your box’s security. These tags can be printed with basic brand details and come in different designs so you can select those that complement your boxes. You can add labels that explain and notify users or workers about the right ways to treat the packaging. For instance, you can add a “this side up” label to let the unloaders know how to stack the boxes while loading and unloading.

Diverse Ways to Utilize Two-Piece Boxes

Now that we have already discussed how to make two-piece packaging practical, it’s time to dive into their diverse usage. Exuding luxury from every angle, these boxes can be turned into different kinds of packaging to serve different purposes. These include:

1. Gift Boxes

Want to make your loved ones happy by gifting them on their special days? Whether it’s clothes, shoes, jewelry, or any hi-tech item, you can pack them in two-piece boxes for maximum appeal. The reason is that a simple two-piece packaging can be turned into an enticing gift box that can uplift the recipient’s mood with its attractive outlook. These boxes can be used for gifting at corporate events, weddings, parties, birthdays, Christmas, Easter, or any other special occasions.

There is a wide assortment of add-ons and custom inserts to make your gift boxes look the part. For instance, you can add personal notes, bows and ribbons, and wrapping papers to the boxes. To make the unboxing more striking, you can add inserts like foams and gold or silver papers that also secure the packed items. You can also modify the original packaging colors as per your creative desires. To make gifting more exciting, you can add display windows that allow recipients to view the packed contents and get attracted to them.

2. PR Boxes

The modern way of marketing includes gifting PR boxes to social influencers journalists, and other media personalities who give reviews to the company based on their experiences, and their followers, in turn, check out that brand. This means that the PR box that the company gifts, carries its whole reputation. Thus, the PR packaging needs to be enticing, secure, high-quality, and in line with the current design trends.

Thanks to the customization ability of two-piece boxes, you can easily turn them into PR packaging that contains all the stated qualities. A PR box is different from regular packaging and even gift boxes as they often need to hold a diverse range of a company’s products. Thus, this box often needs dividers to hold diverse items. Brands can add personal notes with special messages by owners and other decorative items but the boxes need to be designed a bit differently than gift packaging.

3. Subscription Boxes

Brands often provide subscriptions to customers on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. This means that they need to deliver the items on a routine footing to specific clients while retaining the order quality. This is a delicate task because if the company delivers spoiled orders on any specific day or worse, several times, the clients can get frustrated and might start looking for alternatives.
Thus, to ensure supreme safety each time the order is delivered, brands trust custom two-piece box. Reason? Their double-wall structure. Whether it’s a heavy, luxury, or delicate item, both brands and customers can feel confident about their protection.

Creating boxes that are practical, attractive, marketing-friendly, and secure is a hard-to-achieve task with every other packaging type. However, custom two-piece boxes rank among packaging that can be easily customized so you can tailor them to fit the stated description and utilize them for various objectives as discussed in the post. You can contact Packaging Mania to acquire these refined boxes and uplift your market status.

 

BikingExchange Ra Mắt Phiên Bản Tiếng Việt Và Triển Khai Chương Trình Ưu Đãi Dành Cho Người Dùng Mới!

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Theo thông báo chính thức, sàn giao dịch Biking Exchange (sau đây gọi tắt là Biking) có trụ sở tại Singapore đã chính thức ra mắt phiên bản tiếng Việt và bước chân vào thị trường Việt Nam. Biking hứa hẹn mang đến cho người dùng Việt Nam trải nghiệm giao dịch sản phẩm phái sinh tiền điện tử an toàn, ổn định và đa dạng hơn, đồng thời triển khai nhiều chương trình ưu đãi dành riêng cho người dùng khu vực Việt Nam.

Được thành lập tại Singapore, Biking đã hoạt động an toàn và ổn định trong gần 4 năm qua. Sàn giao dịch nổi tiếng với độ sâu hợp đồng tuyệt vời và công nghệ khớp lệnh lõi bộ nhớ RAM tốc độ cao lên tới 1,4 triệu lệnh/giây, là một trong những sàn giao dịch hợp đồng tài sản kỹ thuật số hàng đầu thế giới trên blockchain.

Kể từ khi ra mắt đến nay, Biking đã cung cấp cho người dùng toàn cầu nhiều dịch vụ đa dạng bao gồm: giao dịch tiền điện tử, giáo dục blockchain, ươm mầm dự án blockchain, nền tảng phát hành tài sản blockchain, quỹ hỗ trợ dự án blockchain, Viện nghiên cứu blockchain và tổ chức từ thiện công ích blockchain.

Hiện tại, Biking đã có hơn 30 triệu người dùng trên toàn thế giới, hoạt động kinh doanh bao gồm giao dịch sản phẩm phái sinh tiền điện tử, trò chơi trên chuỗi, hệ thống giao dịch NFT, đầu tư và nghiên cứu dự án tiền điện tử, hỗ trợ dự án tiền điện tử giai đoạn đầu, v.v. Biking là một trong những nền tảng hợp đồng có tốc độ giao dịch tiền điện tử nhanh nhất và khối lượng giao dịch hợp đồng tiền điện tử lớn nhất trên thế giới.

Ngoài ra, Biking sẽ ra mắt các mảng GameFi, Startup và nhiều mảng sinh thái khác vào năm 2024. Sản phẩm đầu tiên của mảng Startup đã được ra mắt thành công và thu hút sự chú ý lớn. Nhóm cho biết mảng Startup sẽ tiếp tục hỗ trợ nhiều sản phẩm xuất sắc hơn trong tương lai, lựa chọn những dự án có tiềm năng phát triển, hỗ trợ dự án huy động vốn giai đoạn đầu và mang đến cho người dùng nền tảng nhiều cơ hội tham gia vòng hạt giống dự án giai đoạn đầu hơn.

 

Các Ưu Điểm Cốt Lõi Của Biking!

Biking Exchange cam kết mang đến cho người dùng khu vực một môi trường giao dịch tài sản kỹ thuật số blockchain an toàn, công bằng, cởi mở và hiệu quả. So với các nền tảng giao dịch khác, Biking Exchange sở hữu những ưu điểm cốt lõi sau:

1. Đội ngũ dày dặn kinh nghiệm:

Nhóm Biking Exchange sở hữu 4 năm kinh nghiệm trong lĩnh vực dịch vụ giao dịch tài sản kỹ thuật số, kết hợp kiến trúc phân tán chuyên nghiệp và hệ thống chống tấn công DDOS. Nhờ vậy, Biking mang đến cho người dùng dịch vụ mạng lưới giá trị an toàn và đáng tin cậy.

 

2. Mạng lưới toàn cầu:

Biking Exchange đã xây dựng đội ngũ vận hành chuyên nghiệp bản địa hóa tại nhiều khu vực trên thế giới, hiện diện tại các quốc gia như Singapore, Nhật Bản, Nigeria, v.v. Sàn giao dịch đặt mục tiêu xây dựng hệ sinh thái blockchain đa dạng, hướng đến tương lai sẽ mở rộng sang thị trường Việt Nam, mang đến dịch vụ chuyên nghiệp bản địa hóa cho người dùng khu vực.

 

3. Bảo mật hàng đầu:

Biking Exchange đề cao triết lý dịch vụ lấy người dùng làm trọng tâm, thành lập quỹ bảo vệ người dùng, xây dựng cơ chế bồi thường trước, góp phần tái định hình hệ thống dịch vụ nền tảng tài sản kỹ thuật số, bảo vệ an toàn tài sản cho người dùng.

4. Giao dịch 24/7:

Thị trường giao dịch tiền điện tử hiện giao dịch 24/7, không giới hạn thời gian giao dịch.

 

5. Phủ sóng toàn cầu:

Thị trường giao dịch tiền điện tử mang tính toàn cầu, người dùng có thể giao dịch với các nhà giao dịch đến từ khắp nơi trên thế giới. Điều này mang đến cho người dùng nhiều cặp giao dịch và cơ hội thị trường hơn.

6. Tự chủ:

Giao dịch tiền điện tử hiện giao dịch cho phép người dùng trực tiếp nắm quyền sở hữu vốn và quyết định giao dịch của riêng họ. Người dùng có thể tự do lựa chọn thời điểm và số lượng mua hoặc bán, không bị ràng buộc bởi sự can thiệp và hạn chế của bên thứ ba.

 

Biking Tung Ra Chương Trình Ưu Đãi Dành Cho Người Dùng Mới Tại Việt Nam

Nhân dịp ra mắt phiên bản tiếng Việt chính thức và gia nhập thị trường Việt Nam, Biking hiện đang triển khai chương trình ưu đãi dành riêng cho người dùng khu vực Việt Nam với bốn ưu đãi hấp dẫn, kéo dài trong một tháng. Chi tiết chương trình như sau:

1. Đăng ký tài khoản thông qua trang web chính thức (bikingex, com) và kích hoạt thành công tài khoản hợp đồng để nhận tiền thưởng 20U. số điểm có hạn!

2. Theo dõi Twitter + tham gia cộng đồng Telegram, điền vào biểu mẫu và nhận phần thưởng 30U.

3. Nạp tiền ≥30U và nhận thưởng 30U.

4. Nếu khối lượng giao dịch hợp đồng ≥100U, bạn sẽ nhận được phần thưởng 30U.

Để biết thêm chi tiết sự kiện, vui lòng liên hệ nhân viên chính thức.

Recent Developments in the Isotonix Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Overview

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Recent Developments in the Isotonix Lawsuit: A Comprehensive Overview

Specifically, the Isotonix conflict has received much attention in the past months, from a famous dietary supplement producer. The legal case which relates to misrepresentation and false labeling is not just a concern of the brand but it also pertains to the standards that are maintained in the business industry. Making it more interesting is the participation of C. W. Park, a personality from the University of Southern California ( USC) affiliated with the case.

Background of the Isotonix Lawsuit

Market America’s Isotonix product line asserts to provide enhanced nutrient assimilation through the Isotonix delivery method. Nevertheless, there has been some controversy regarding the validity of these statements for the brand. Moreover, consumers and advocacy groups have complained that the claimed benefits are exaggerated and that Isotonix does not have adequate science to back them up.

In 2023 a federal class action suit was filed against Market America for the company having unfairly and deceptively solicited business through claims that its products are greatly effective when they are not. The plaintiffs’ complaint with the isotonic delivery system is that it fails to deliver the therapeutic feel and the fact that consumers have been sold products with customer benefits that do not hold water.

The Involvement of C.W. Park from USC

The case then shifted gears with an introduction to C.W. Park, a professor from the University of Southern California. Park is a distinguished marketing and consumer behavior scholar with several researches and endorsements of Isotonix products that made him associated with the lawsuit.

  1. W. Park has been linked to Market America and there are issues concerning the veracity of the endorsements he gives. Several commentators have pointed out that Park being a doctor and a scholar might have given the impression that Isotonix was a genuine product and this swayed people’s decisions.

Key Allegations and Legal Proceedings

The primary allegations in the Isotonix lawsuit include:

  1. False Advertising: Plaintiffs assert that Market America made unsubstantiated claims about the benefits of its isotonic delivery system, misleading consumers.
  2. Deceptive Practices: The lawsuit alleges that the company engaged in deceptive marketing practices by using endorsements from reputable figures like c.w. park usc lawsuit to bolster its credibility.
  3. Consumer Harm: The plaintiffs argue that consumers suffered financial harm by purchasing products that did not deliver the advertised benefits.

The lawsuits are still in court and therefore both parties have been deposed with whatever evidence they wish to tender. Market America has defended its advertising strategy as accurate and has further claimed that its product’s effectiveness has been substantiated by empirical evidence. However, opponents insist that the company has not produced enough data to support its statements.

Implications for the Dietary Supplement Industry

The effects of this case, hence, Isotonix or otherwise, may in the future likely shape the nature and conduct of the dietary supplements market. This may make advertisements more restricted and controlled because, with this win, the plaintiffs are likely to push for better rules and better enforcement of existing rules in the industry. It can force companies to offer tougher scientific substantiation for claims made in their advertising so that the public is not given the bum’s rush via misleading advertisements.

Also, such popularizers as C. W. Park represent academic-science industry collaborations and overlook contradictions regarding the endorsement of commercial products. This particular case demonstrates the importance of identifying all affiliations when reporting research outcomes and the link between academia and industry.

Conclusion

The lawsuit that was filed against Isotonix for false advertising and other social misdeeds should be a wake-up call to everyone who engages in marketing and business. It will be highly anticipated by the consumers, the industries, and the regulators as the court case proceeds. The case could possibly alter the face of the dietary supplement market so that customers are safeguarded and manufacturers are obliged to stand by their words.

The additional element in the case is C. W. Park from USC and such questions as what role endorsements of scholars might play in advertisements. When the case is ongoing, it will be useful to scrutinize the data submitted by the two parties to reveal all the details of the challenges in question and to define the right strategies for consumers’ protection and sectors’ welfare.

 

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