Transparent and Accountable Training Data Sharing in Decentralized Machine Learning Systems

In Decentralized Machine Learning(DML)systems,system participants contribute their resources to assist others in developing machine learning solutions.Identifying malicious contributions in DML systems is challenging,which has led to the exploration of blockchain technology.Blockchain leverages its transparency and immutability to record the provenance and reliability of training data.However,storing massive datasets or implementing model evaluation processes on smart contracts incurs high computational costs.Additionally,current research on preventing malicious contributions in DML systems primarily focuses on protecting models from being exploited by workers who contribute incorrect or misleading data.However,less attention has been paid to the scenario where malicious requesters intentionally manipulate test data during evaluation to gain an unfair advantage.This paper proposes a transparent and accountable training data sharing method that securely shares data among potentially malicious system participants.First,we introduce a blockchain-based DML system architecture that supports secure training data sharing through the IPFS network.Second,we design a blockchain smart contract to transparently split training datasets into training and test datasets,respectively,without involving system participants.Under the system,transparent and accountable training data sharing can be achieved with attribute-based proxy re-encryption.We demonstrate the security analysis for the system,and conduct experiments on the Ethereum and IPFS platforms to show the feasibility and practicality of the system.

Impact of an official accountability audit on industrial structure adjustment:a case study of environmental regulation in China

As a unique environmental regulation in China,the official accountability audit was piloted in 2014.With a focus on prioritizing the ecological environment,officials in pilot districts have implemented economic construction,adjusted industrial structures,and promoted coordinated development between the economy and environment.The effects of implementation have garnered widespread attention from society.However,there is limited research on the impact of an accountability audit on industrial structure adjustments.Using the“Accountability Audit of Officials for Natural Resource Assets(Trial)”released in 2015 as a quasi-natural experiment,this study collected panel data from 279 cities between 2013 and 2017.It then empirically analyzed the impact mechanism and effects of the accountability audit on industrial structure adjustment using the Propensity Score Matching and Difference-in-Differences model.The research findings indicate that the accountability audit directly impacted industrial structure adjustment,promoting the upgrading of the primary industry to the secondary industry and restricting the development of the tertiary industry.In addition,the audit is beneficial for enterprise entry,but not conducive to technological innovation,and has no significant impact on foreign direct investment.This conclusion fills a gap in the existing research and provides valuable insights for policymakers.

The Influence of Information Technology(IT)on Accrual Accounting Adoption:The Case of the Jordanian Public Sector

Jordan is one of many countries that intends to reform its public sector by adopting accrual accounting,which is primarily carried out through the International Public Sector Accounting Standards(IPSAS)implementation plan,scheduled to be completed by 2021.Considering the difficulties of adoption,this process cannot be completed without an appropriate Information Technology(IT)system capable of providing the accounting information required for this reform.Therefore,this study aims to examine the influence of IT on accrual accounting adoption in the Jordanian public sector.The study employed the quantitative survey approach.Based on 331 usable questionnaires,the descriptive findings showed that the use of IT in the Jordanian public sector is relevant to daily accounting transactions in general and to accrual accounting in particular.The regression analysis showed a positive,significant relationship between IT use and accrual accounting practice.The IT specialist should be able to understand the needs of public sector in adopting accrual-based accounting.In line with today’s digitalization age,which integrates advanced technologies and numerous techniques,this study suggests that a combination of accounting and IT experts is a value added to sharpen the competitiveness of public sector reform.This study contributes to the extant literature in public sector,concerning the relationship between IT and accrual accounting adoption in the context of Jordan.

Assessing Financial Management Practices and Accounting Mechanisms in Agricultural Cooperatives:A Case Study From Nepal

The study focuses on assessing the financial management practices and accounting mechanisms in agricultural cooperatives in Tulsipur Sub-Metropolitan,Dang District,Nepal with a focus on understanding their implications for financial performance and organizational effectiveness.The sample size of total cooperatives(n=46)was divided into Savings and Credit Cooperatives(n=18)and Multipurpose Cooperatives(n=28),respectively,with a total number of respondents(n=138)categorized into managing directors,employees,and general members.Using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative analysis of financial data with qualitative insights gathered through interviews and surveys,the study emphasizes the importance of modern financial practices,improved reporting mechanisms,and relevant staff training for long-term sustainability.Recommendations include the integration of criteria and evaluation tools to assess cooperative performance,with Hamro Pahunch Multipurpose Cooperative identified as a high performer.Emphasizing the need for robust financial management strategies to navigate the complexity of the agricultural sector,manage risks,and achieve sustainable development,the study notes frequent preparation of financial management reports on a monthly and annual basis,and predominantly annual accounting management.Most cooperatives are using computerized models to present financial positions,but face challenges such as lack of marketing infrastructure,cooperative skills,and technical support.Ultimately,the study advocates for educating policy makers,cooperative leaders,practitioners and stakeholders on the role of effective financial management and accounting in enhancing the resilience,expansion and socio-economic impact of agricultural cooperatives,thereby fostering their long-term prosperity and viability as drivers of rural development and empowerment.

The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Commitment to Change Among Jordanian Government Accountant Toward IPSAS Implementation

IPSAS was accepted by Jordan’s government in accordance with worldwide trends.The Jordanian Ministry of Finance launched cash-basis IPSAS in 2015 and planned to implement accrual accounting by January 1,2021.However,the commitment to change remains uneven,hindering the full shift.Moving from old accounting processes to new ones is tough.Even then,it hasn’t been implemented,creating a gap due to the difficulty in committing to new accounting standards throughout implementation due to obstacles.Thus,knowing government accountants’issues is essential to applying IPSAS in government accounting.This study examines how transformational leadership affects government accountants’commitment to IPSAS adoption in Jordan’s public sector.This study used a quantitative approach to survey Jordanian Ministry of Finance accountants.The 384-person study had a 78%response rate.Additionally,PLS-SEM was used to confirm variable relationships.Transformational leadership positively predicted IPSAS implementation,according to the study.

From EBIT to SEBIT(Sustainable EBIT):Sustainable Performance Accounting(SPA)Using the Example of CO_(2) Accounting

Corporate sustainability reporting has become increasingly important in recent years.However,conventional approaches reach their limits when it comes to quantifying and measuring the actual sustainability performance of a company.This article presents a new approach:Sustainable Performance Accounting(SPA),which is based on an extension of bookkeeping by including ESG bookkeeping.SPA enables companies to systematically measure and manage their sustainability performance.The article provides an overview of the basics of SPA methodology and uses a comprehensive example showing how SPA can be implemented in practice.The article is aimed at interested readers from science and practice as well as decision-makers who are interested in future-oriented sustainability reporting.

Variable and Invariable,Explore the Value-Creation Techniques of Management Accounting by Benchmarking the Financial Management of Large Enterprises

With the development of information technology such as ChatGPT,artificial intelligence,5G,and so on,technological innovation brings about a qualitative change in the economic business.This change is embodied in breakthroughs in the field of science and technology and the iterative upgrading process of products.The traditional business model undoubtedly fails to adapt to the management needs of modern enterprises,while traditional financial practices and knowledge reserves cannot meet these needs.Faced with sudden technological changes and the emergence of financial sharing,financial robots,etc.,there is an urgent need for financial practitioners to transform from traditional financial accounting to value-creating management accounting.In the future,financial professionals with the ability to embrace uncertainty,adapt to environmental changes,and find breakthroughs in uncertain environments will be the most sought-after by enterprises.This paper aims to benchmark the excellent financial management models of large enterprises and conduct thematic research on financial management in large enterprises.It seeks to explore,in the era of big data management accounting,the road and art of creating value in enterprises.The objective is to provide references for colleagues in the financial field and to explore effective ways to generate value for enterprise management ideas,thus serving as a reference point in the financial transformation journey.

The Impact of Corporate Governance and Fair Value Accounting on Debt Contracts

This paper investigates the theoretical relationship between corporate governance,fair value accounting,and debt contracts.It primarily examines the individual impacts of corporate governance and fair value accounting on debt contracts,while also exploring the influence of corporate governance on fair value accounting.The study emphasizes the importance of considering the interests and legal status of creditors in the context of debt contracts.The findings indicate that strong corporate governance can reduce the likelihood of debt default and that the company’s restructuring costs in the event of a default determine whether improved corporate governance will increase or decrease debt costs.Additionally,the study reveals that the strength of corporate governance affects the value relevance of fair value accounting.However,the impact of fair value accounting on debt contracts is not inherently positive or negative;for instance,companies may use fair value adjustments with manipulative intent to enhance performance.Ultimately,the research highlights that discussions about corporate governance should not prioritize shareholder interests exclusively but also consider the legitimate position of creditors.

Analysis of Internal Control Management Problems in Hospital Finance and Accounting

This paper outlines the internal control management of hospital accounting and finance,introducing its concept,importance,and objectives.It then analyzes the problems existing in the internal control management of hospital accounting and finance,including an unsound management system,insufficient system implementation,inadequate risk assessment and control capabilities,poor information communication,weak internal supervision,and uneven personnel quality.The reasons for these problems are also analyzed,including outdated management concepts,irrational organizational structures,imperfect training and incentive mechanisms,low levels of information technology,and changes in the external environment.This paper proposes improvement measures for the internal control management of hospital accounting,including enhancing the management system,strengthening system implementation,improving risk assessment and control capabilities,enhancing the information communication mechanism,strengthening internal supervision,improving personnel quality,advancing information technology,and adapting to changes in the external environment.

Valuation of forest carbon sinks in China within the framework of the system of national accounts

To better promote forest resource management and strengthen the development of forest carbon sink marketization, this paper studied the accounting of forest carbon sinks from 2003 to 2008 based on a system of national accounts （SNA） and data from the latest forest resources inventory in China. The study calculated the value of forest carbon stocks at a total of RMB 817.13 × 10^9 yuan in 2003 and RMB 839.93×10^9 yuan in 2008, with an average annual increase of 0.55 % from an increase in physical carbon sinks. The total value of forest carbon sinks in 2003 and 2008 was RMB 26.73×10^9 yuan and RMB 29.77×10^9 yuan, respectively, with an average annual growth of 2.18 %. From 2003 to 2008, both stock and flow value of forest carbon sinks increased, but the total net flow value of carbon sinks decreased. The growth rate for the environmentally adjusted Gross Domestic Product （eaGDP） for China＇s forest carbon sinks was 17.23 %, outstripping the average growth rate of 9.5 % for the GDP during the same period. The study alsoindicates that China＇s forest carbon sinks affects the GDP in the range of 0.25-0.26 %, and its economic potential is not relatively huge.

Time-Based Dynamic Trust Model Using Ant Colony Algorithm

The trust in distributed environment is uncertain, which is variation for various factors. This paper introduces TDTM, a model for time-based dynamic trust. Every entity in the distribute environment is endowed with a trust-vector, which figures the trust intensity between this entity and the others. The trust intensity is dynamic due to the time and the inter-operation between two entities, a method is proposed to quantify this change based on the mind of ant colony algorithm and then an algorithm for the transfer of trust relation is also proposed. Furthermore, this paper analyses the influence to the trust intensity among all entities that is aroused by the change of trust intensity between the two entities, and presents an algorithm to resolve the problem. Finally, we show the process of the trusts＇ change that is aroused by the time＇s lapse and the inter-operation through an instance.

Estimating time-based instantaneous total mortality rate based on the age-structured abundance index

The instantaneous total mortality rate(Z) of a fish population is one of the important parameters in fisheries stock assessment. The estimation of Z is crucial to fish population dynamics analysis,abundance and catch forecast,and fisheries management. A catch curve-based method for estimating time-based Z and its change trend from catch per unit effort(CPUE) data of multiple cohorts is developed. Unlike the traditional catch-curve method,the method developed here does not need the assumption of constant Z throughout the time,but the Z values in n continuous years are assumed constant,and then the Z values in different n continuous years are estimated using the age-based CPUE data within these years. The results of the simulation analyses show that the trends of the estimated time-based Z are consistent with the trends of the true Z,and the estimated rates of change from this approach are close to the true change rates(the relative differences between the change rates of the estimated Z and the true Z are smaller than 10%). Variations of both Z and recruitment can affect the estimates of Z value and the trend of Z. The most appropriate value of n can be different given the effects of different factors. Therefore,the appropriate value of n for different fisheries should be determined through a simulation analysis as we demonstrated in this study. Further analyses suggested that selectivity and age estimation are also two factors that can affect the estimated Z values if there is error in either of them,but the estimated change rates of Z are still close to the true change rates. We also applied this approach to the Atlantic cod(G adus morhua) fishery of eastern Newfoundland and Labrador from 1983 to 1997,and obtained reasonable estimates of time-based Z.

The evolution and enlightenment of water resourcesaccounting from accounts to balance sheet

The Third Plenary Session of the 18 th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China has proposed an important national strategic decision: to explore and establish the balance sheet of natural resources, to implement leaders’ of-office auditing system about natural resources assets. Water is one of the most essential nature resources of human beings; water resources accounting, as an important water resources management tool, is an essential part of compiling the natural resources balance sheet. In this paper, we provide a summary of the historic evolution of water resources accounting and analyze its application in some typical countries. Although water resources accounting and water resources balance sheet reflect different implications and focus, both require water resources accounts as the basis in system establishment.

Carbon emission reduction accounting method for a CCUS-EOR project

It is difficult to quantify and certify the greenhouse gas(GHG)emission reduction in the entire process of a project of carbon capture,utilization and storage(CCUS)-enhanced oil recovery(EOR).Under the methodological framework for GHG voluntary emission reduction project,the carbon emission reduction accounting method for CCUS-EOR project was established after examining the accounting boundaries in process links,the baseline emission and project emission accounting methods,and the emission and leakage quantification and prediction models,in order to provide a certification basis for the quantification of GHG emission reduction in the CCUS-EOR project.Based on the data of energy consumption,emission and leakage monitoring of the CCUS-EOR industrial demonstration project in Jilin Oilfield,the net emission reduction efficiency is determined to be about 91.1%at the current storage efficiency of 80%.The accounting and prediction of carbon emission reduction for CCUS-EOR projects with different concentrations and scales indicate that within the project accounting boundary,the certified net emission reduction efficiency of the low-concentration gas source CCUS-EOR projects represented by coal-fired power plants is about 37.1%,and the certified net emission reduction efficiency of the high-concentration gas source CCUS-EOR projects represented by natural gas hydrogen production is about 88.9%.The proposed method is applicable to the carbon emission reduction accounting for CCUS-EOR projects under multiple baseline scenarios during the certification period,which can provide decision-making basis for the planning and deployment of CCUS-EOR projects.

Creative Accounting Does not Need to Equal Falsification of Accounts

The aim of this paper is to present different aspects of creativity in accounting. Firstly, since creative accounting allows to present a company＇s financial condition in a more favourable light, the ＂advantages＂ of this creativity are identified. This is followed by the enumeration of negative aspects of creative accounting, to illustrate how creativity in accounting may help to falsify the true picture of a company＇s business. Next, the concept of creative accounting and aggressive accounting （the latter, identified rightly, with a financial and accounting fraud） is explained. Finally, methods that are commonly used to falsify accounts, as well as the premises for and the circumstances in which such criminal practices occur, are presented. The paper draws on the results of other scientific works （books and articles published in scientific journals） in which the main and most interesting views of other authors have been presented. A critical analysis method was employed, followed by a comparison of legal texts and legal acts. The scientific conclusion was conducted using the deduction, and, partially, the induction method. It has been shown that it is justified to differentiate in accounting between creativity that is allowable within the established legal limits and practice based upon the use of creativity in a manner contrary to law. Further, it has been concluded that where creativity in accounting goes beyond the limits unambiguously established by the law, it definitely carries attributes of an offence. It has been also noted that due to continuous changes in the functioning conditions of enterprises, the above mentioned limits cannot be fixed or rigid. Thus it is necessary to control and analyse the creativity of accounting and financial staff working in enterprises in order to adapt the binding regulations to the needs of current markets.

The Influence of IAS/IFRS on the New OHADA General Chart of Accounts

Accounting standardization in black African French-speaking countries is presented through two streams of research.The first stream presents the general chart of accounts common to all these countries as an accounting model which reconciles the divergences between the Anglo-Saxon and continental approaches to accounting,and thereby satisfies the requirements of users of accounting information.The second stream considers that the convergence towards IAS/IFRS is a vital way of attracting international investors and increasing development.This article stands by the second perspective and analyzes the changes introduced in the PCG-OHADA(2017)compared to the PCG-OHADA(2000).It shows that the new provisions of the PCG-OHADA are mainly inspired by IAS 1,IAS 16,IAS 19,IAS 36,IAS 38,IAS 40,and IFRS 6.

Multiple hashes of single key with passcode for multiple accounts

A human's e-life needs multiple offline and online accounts. It is a balance between usability and security to set keys or passwords for these multiple accounts. Password reuse has to be avoided due to the domino effect of malicious administrators and crackers. However,human memorability constrains the number of keys. Single sign-on server,key hashing,key strengthening and petname system are used in the prior arts to use only one key for multiple online accounts. The unique site keys are derived from the common master secret and specific domain name. These methods cannot be applied to offline accounts such as file encryption. We invent a new method and system applicable to offline and online accounts. It does not depend on HTTP server and domain name,but numeric 4-digit passcode,key hashing,key strengthening and hash truncation. Domain name is only needed to resist spoofing and phishing attacks of online accounts.

Is Anarchism Inevitable？ A Critique of Simmons＇ Treatment of Natural Duty Accounts of Political Obligation

Are citizens morally obligated to obey and support their states？ ＂Political Obligations and Authority＂ is perhaps A. John Simmons＇ most comprehensive summary of his mature views on this enduring philosophical problem. In this essay, Simmons critically engages Plato＇s dialogue Crito and culls from it three types of strategies for justifying political obligations： natural duty, associative, and transactional. Simmons argues that natural duty accounts are inherently incapable of providing moral grounding for political obligations, disqualifies both associative and transactional accounts on empirical grounds, and settles for a form of anarchism. I argue, assuming as Simmons does in this essay that natural duties imply obligations of support and obedience to political institutions, that the natural duty strategy promises to provide an escape route out of anarchism.

Principal Features of Building Social Accounts Matrix and Improving Statistical Database for Eco-countries

With common borders of the population, total area, and GDP （PPP-based） of Economic Cooperation Organization （ECO） member states are estimated as 416 million persons, 7.9 million m2, and US$2.7 trillion respectively （2010 data）. Although heterogeneous in the extent, there is economic development, overall, with serious energy and transport-transit relations among countries that is reflected in growing trade turnover year-by-year. However, there are still rather unused resources and capacity in such areas of cooperation among countries as exchange of energy, transport services, agricultural and industrial goods, use of opportunities for tourism, promoting investment and innovation processes and other areas. Certainly, maximum and optimal use of these resources calls for availability of analytical means capable of accounting for relations both within member states and among them. The implementation of computable general equilibrium （CGE） modeling in each member state would thus be of great significance in resolution of these problems both in terms of accounting for input-output linkages within the countries as well as enabling impact of main trading partners and goods and services among countries. The analysis carried out indicates that there are a number of problems in application of CGE model in most of the member states. As such, input-output tables are not compiled in some countries, while in others despite the fact that these tables are compiled, there are no attempts to build the model, yet in other countries, even if the CGE model is implemented, there are difficulties in taking into account the real results in the face of serious problems related to improving national accounts system database. Summarizing these problems, it is possible to conclude that to ensure the application of a CGE model,there is a great need to work out procedures of compilation of a social accounts matrix （SAM） that lies on the basis of this model, for which the relevant statistics of a member state must be improved. Considering the above-mentioned, the presented research, makes procedures and proposals on compilation of SAM, improves statistical data for researching the extent of application of CGE Model in ECO member states, and identifies the degree of availability and organization of relevant data to develop input-output tables and respective SAM.

New Economy Output Accounts for 15.7% of China's GDP

The value-added output of new industries,new types of business and new business models accounted for 15.7% of China’s GDP last year,up 0.4% from2016,the National Bureau of Statistics(NBS)said recently.