Geeta N. Brijwani, Prafulla E Ajmire, Mohammad Atique Mohammad Junaid, Suhashini Awadhesh Charasia ¡ 5 authors
Integrating blockchain technology into healthcare systems presents a transformative approach to documenting, storing, and accessing electronic health records (EHRs). This research introduces a novel blockchain-based EHR system designed to significantly enhance security, scalability, and accessibility compared to existing solutions. Current systems primarily utilize SHA-256 for security and either IPFS or centralized storage, which, while effective, have limitations in providing comprehensive data integrity and security. The proposed system leverages a hybrid security algorithm combining Argon2 and AES and integrates a hybrid storage and consensus mechanism utilizing IPFS and PBFT. This multifaceted approach ensures robust encryption, efficient consensus, and high fault tolerance. Furthermore, the system incorporates Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to safeguard against unauthorized access. It utilizes advanced blockchain tools like MetaMask, Ganache, and Truffle to facilitate seamless interaction with the decentralized network. Simulation results demonstrate that this system offers superior protection against data breaches and enhances operational efficiency. Specifically, the proposed hybrid model substantially improves data integrity, consensus efficiency, fault tolerance, data availability, latency, bandwidth utilization, throughput, memory usage, and CPU usage across various healthcare applications. To validate the performance and security of the proposed system, comprehensive analyses were conducted using real-world healthcare scenarios. The findings highlight the significant advantages of the blockchain-based EHR system, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize healthcare data management by ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient handling of sensitive medical information.
Thomas Conlon, Diego VĂctor de MingoâLĂłpez, Andrew Urquhart
ABSTRACT Growth in cryptocurrency funds has followed the wider expansion of the cryptocurrency sector. In this paper, we study the performance persistence and market timing ability of cryptocurrency fund managers. We show that cryptocurrency funds produce remarkable levels of abnormal returns. Moreover, sorting by previous alpha provides compelling evidence of persistence in abnormal returns. Funds with previous excess abnormal returns have high ex post abnormal returns, while cryptocurrency factors explain only a small proportion of the variation in these returns. An ex post outperformance among funds displaying ex ante market timing skills is found, while these ex post abnormal returns can, in turn, be attributed to managerial timing abilities.
The advancement of smart grid technologies necessitates the integration of cutting-edge computational methods to enhance predictive energy optimization. This study proposes a multi-faceted approach by incorporating (1) Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) agents trained using data from Digital Twins (DTs) to optimize energy consumption in real time, (2) Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to seamlessly embed physical laws within the optimization process, ensuring model accuracy and interpretability, and (3) Blockchain (BC) technology to facilitate secure and transparent communication across the smart grid infrastructure. The model was trained and validated using comprehensive datasets, including smart meter energy consumption data, renewable energy outputs, dynamic pricing, and user preferences collected from IoT devices. The proposed framework achieved superior predictive performance with a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.237 kWh, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.298 kWh, and an R-squared (R2) value of 0.978, indicating a 97.8% explanation of data variance. Classification metrics further demonstrated the model's robustness, achieving 97.7% accuracy, 97.8% precision, 97.6% recall, and an F1 Score of 97.7%. Comparative analysis with traditional models like Linear Regression, Random Forest, SVM, LSTM, and XGBoost revealed the superior accuracy and real-time adaptability of the proposed method. In addition to enhancing energy efficiency, the model reduced energy costs by 35%, maintained a 96% user comfort index, and increased renewable energy utilization to 40%. This study demonstrates the transformative potential of integrating PINNs, DT, and Blockchain technologies to optimize energy consumption in smart grids, paving the way for sustainable, secure, and efficient energy management systems.
Log files are essential assets for IT engineers engaged in the security of server and computer systems. They provide crucial information for identifying malicious events, conducting cybersecurity incident analyses, performing audits, system maintenance, and ensuring compliance with security regulations. Nevertheless, there is still the possibility of deliberate data manipulation by own personnel, especially with regard to system access and configuration changes, where error tracking or debugging traces are vital. To address tampering of log files, this work proposes a solution to ensure data integrity, immutability, and non-repudiation through different blockchain-based public registry systems. This approach offers an additional layer of security through a decentralized, tamper-resistant ledger. To this end, this manuscript aims to provide a solid guideline for creating secure log storage systems. For this purpose, methodologies and experiments using two different blockchains are presented to demonstrate their effectiveness in various contexts, such as transactions with and without metadata. The findings suggest that Solanaâs response times make it well suited for environments with moderately critical records requiring certification. In contrast, Cardano shows higher response times, thus making it suitable for less frequent events with metadata that requires legitimacy.
Open access
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Digital and Cyber Forensics
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
Methods. The application of the abstraction method allowed for the isolation of volatility characteristics, simplifying the analysis of complex financial data of the cryptocurrency market. Analysis with synthesis facilitated the identification of patterns and the integration of traditional and modern forecasting approaches, providing a comprehensive assessment of methods. Logical and historical approaches enabled evolutionary analysis, while classification methods based on general and specific analysis principles, combined with comparative and abstract-logical analysis, allowed for an objective evaluation of the developed modelsâ effectiveness and justified the feasibility of developing innovative solutions for optimizing trading strategies and minimizing risks. Results. The study conducted a comparative analysis of cryptocurrency market volatility prediction methods using traditional statistical approaches and modern machine learning algorithms. The results confirm the advantages of integrating classical methods with machine learning algorithms, which allow for more accurate risk assessment and optimization of trading strategies in the highly volatile cryptocurrency markets. The determined volatility can be used in conjunction with Reinforcement Learning (RL) to optimize trading strategies, allowing an agent to learn to make decisions in an environment to maximize cumulative reward. The use of RL in cryptocurrency trading is a promising direction but requires a cautious approach and thorough testing of strategies before their application in real trading.Novelty. The scientific novelty lies in a comprehensive approach to forecasting cryptocurrency market volatility, combining classical statistical methods with modern machine learning algorithms. The advantages of ensemble machine learning methods for analyzing cryptocurrency volatility have been established. The integration of Reinforcement Learning (RL) for optimizing trading strategies based on predicted volatility is proposed, representing a new approach to cryptocurrency trading automation. Practical value. The research results have practical significance for cryptocurrency market participants, including investors, traders, and financial analysts. The integration of machine learning methods with traditional statistical approaches opens new opportunities for developing effective trading strategies, contributing to increased profitability and stability in the cryptocurrency market. The research is also useful for developers of trading platforms and analytical tools, as it provides empirical data for improving prediction algorithms and market data analysis.
This study examines how rapidly advancing technology, digital transformation, and changing customer demands are causing revolutionary changes in the fields of health technology, education technology, fin technology, and Agri-technology.These sectors are going through major transformations that improve accessibility, efficiency, and personalization, which will ultimately raise economic development and general quality of life.By improving accessibility, cutting costs, and facilitating proactive health management, wearable technology, telemedicine, and AI-driven diagnostics are transforming patient care in the health technology sector.Personalized medicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and remote monitoring are all contributing to better treatment results.The integration of blockchain in healthcare is also enhancing data security and interoperability.EdTech is reshaping education through online platforms, adaptive learning technologies, and AI-driven tutoring systems.Education is becoming more dynamic, inclusive, and captivating with the emergence of digital classrooms, virtual reality (VR), and gamification strategies.For students around the world, especially in isolated and underprivileged places, these developments are reducing learning gaps and increasing chances.The financial ecosystem is changing as a result of FinTech developments including decentralized finance (DeFi), blockchain, digital payments, and Robo-advisors.Financial inclusion, security, and transparency are being improved via digital banking, mobile wallets, and AI-powered fraud detection systems.Lending and investing habits are also changing as a result of the rise of cryptocurrencies and peer-to-peer lending platforms.Agri-Tech, on the other hand, is using biotechnology, smart irrigation systems, and precision agriculture to address issues related to food security and sustainability.Drones, Internet of Things sensors, and AI-powered analytics are being used to maximize resource use, enhance crop resilience, and boost total agricultural output.This essay explores the effects of these disruptions, emphasizing the advantages and disadvantages for companies, customers, and legislators.By analyzing case studies and emerging trends, this research aims to provide insights into how these sectors can continue evolving to create a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable future.
The subject of the study is the main theoretical approaches to understanding the nature and functional role of smart contracts developed in the Russian civil doctrine. The object of the study is public relations in the field of using smart contracts as a means of regulating the turnover of copyright objects. The author raises the actual problem of using smart contracts in the field of copyright protection. The relevance of the issue is due to the widespread technological innovations in the field of intellectual property turnover, which requires the state to develop new solutions in the field of legal policy. The use of smart contracts is a promising technological solution that can ensure the effectiveness of protecting the interests of copyright subjects. Special attention is paid to certain aspects of the operation of smart contracts (their modification, termination) within the framework of the turnover of rights to copyright objects. The research methodology involves the use of structural and functional analysis tools, a method of interpreting legal ideas and a systematic approach, on the basis of which the article attempts to identify the functional significance of smart contracts as a technological and legal phenomenon in the sphere of turnover of copyright objects. The use of smart contracts is an innovative approach that contributes to the improvement of document management in Russian copyright law. The main conclusions of the author are the statement of the limited nature of the use of smart contracts in the framework of copyright protection of the results of intellectual activity. The author's contribution to the disclosure of the research topic is determined by the identification of differences between smart contracts and classical means of regulating contractual relations. Based on the conducted research, the author suggests ways to improve the legislative policy of the state, related to the lack of an orderly system of civil law norms governing relations in the field of smart contracts as tools for ensuring the registration of copyright objects and the fulfillment of private law obligations. The author substantiates the need to develop the provisions of civil legislation in terms of expanding legal structures capable of ensuring the fulfillment of agreements reached between the parties to a private law relationship.
Natalia Zakharchenko, Natalia Dobrova, Eduard Karazhiya
This article examines the key sectors and emerging trends in venture capital investment focused on technology startups.It highlights industries such as fintech, biotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, clean technology, robotics, and the metaverse that are increasingly attracting the attention of venture capitalists.Purpose.The purpose of the study is to analyze the rise of venture capital investment in startups aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles, focusing on how these companies contribute to sustainable business development and long-term value creation.The study also explores new opportunities for venture investment beyond traditional hubs such as Silicon Valley.Findings.The findings demonstrate the growing importance of ESG-compliant startups, which are attracting significant support due to their focus on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.The article also looks at the democratization of access to venture capital through crowdfunding and decentralized finance (DeFi), enabling a wider range of startups to raise funds.In addition, the article describes examples of 2023 startups, such as Trove, Charm Industrial, Ecovative Design, Ampersand, Verne Global, Living Carbon, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, and TerraPower, that have received significant venture backing for their innovations in renewable energy, carbon capture, clean transportation, and sustainable materials.Conclusions.Venture capital investment in technology startups is evolving rapidly, driven by the need for innovation in sustainable sectors and global economic shifts.The research shows that ESG-focused companies and new financial models have an important role to play in shaping the future of venture capital and driving long-term growth in key technology sectors.
The rapid development of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) is causing a significant upheaval in the banking sector.These technological advancements are boosting client experiences, increasing financial efficiency, and altering the way banks function.With an emphasis on topics like fraud detection, risk management, customer service (think chatbots and virtual assistants), personalized banking, and automating repetitive processes, this study examines how banks are presently utilizing AI and automation.While highlighting the major advantages-such as reducing expenses, reducing mistakes, and expediting decision-making-it also addresses the drawbacks, including concerns about data privacy, maintaining regulatory compliance, and the effect on employment.According to the study, further integration of technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), machine learning, and natural language processing is anticipated in the future, which will increase the intelligence and adaptability of banking systems.Also, it looks at new developments that have the potential to drastically change the sector, such as open banking, decentralized finance (DeFi), and AI-powered predictive analytics.As the report concludes, banks must carefully consider ethical issues, make investments in staff upskilling, and figure out how humans and computers can collaborate efficiently, even though AI and automation present enormous prospects for innovation and expansion.Although the banking industry has a bright future, maximizing the potential of new technologies will require careful planning.
The article considers financial literacy as an important factor of sustainable socio-economic development in the context of global digital transformation. The rapid development of financial technologies, platform economy, artificial intelligence, blockchain technologies, and decentralized finance (DeFi) has significantly changed the architecture of financial markets and consumer financial behavior models. In these circumstances, the ability of the population to effectively and safely use digital financial instruments is becoming a key condition for the financial stability of households and the stability of the financial system. According to the OECD/INFE (2023), only about 29% of the adult population achieve a minimum level of digital financial literacy, which indicates that there is a significant gap between the technological development of the financial sector and the level of financial competence of users. The study systematizes modern theoretical approaches to understanding financial literacy and analyzes its evolution under the influence of fintech innovations, artificial intelligence technologies and digital assets. Special attention is paid to new competencies necessary for secure interaction with cryptocurrencies, robo-consultants, embedded finance systems and open banking tools. It is proved that the development of digital financial literacy helps to reduce the financial vulnerability of the population, expand access to financial services and form an inclusive digital economy. The results of the study show that investments in the development of digital financial competencies of the population form a multiplier effect for economic growth and improving the financial well-being of society.
Over the past few years, the financial industry has undergone significant transformation as a result of a flurry of technological advancements.This examination of the most recent innovations that have altered the financial landscape focuses on fintech, blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital currencies.Startups in the fintech sector have created brand-new financial services with the goal of improving customer service, efficiency, and accessibility.Block chain technology has revolutionized data management and secure transactions, paving the way for decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts.AI has improved risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized financial services through advanced data analytics.Digital currencies, particularly crypto currencies and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), have also challenged conventional monetary systems and introduced new paradigms for global financial transactions.Consumers, regulators, and financial institutions face both challenges and opportunities as a result of these innovations, according to this research.To fully utilize these technologies' potential and address associated risks, the findings emphasize the need for industry-wide adaptation and ongoing collaboration.
The research examines the increased popularity of electronic currencies as well as the radical change towards a digital economy.In the last decade, the use of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and newly formed central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) has gained momentum, capturing extraordinary shifts in financial frameworks as well as in global economic models.The study examines the factors driving the growing adoption of digital currencies, noting their advantages including decentralization, improved security, lower transaction costs, and the capacity to enable cross-border payments.Aside from analysing the economic and technological drivers of digital currency adoption, the research looks at the general implications of digital finance on the existing banking systems, monetary policy, and regulatory regimes.The research also discusses the potential role of digital currencies in promoting financial inclusion, especially in areas with limited access to mainstream banking services.In addition, the research examines how the growth of the digital economy, typified by the convergence of digital currencies, blockchain technology, and decentralized finance (DeFi), is changing business models and consumer behaviours in various industries.The research, conducted through a mixture of surveys, case studies, and interviews with experts, cites major challenges including volatility, regulatory ambiguity, and security risks that may affect future stability and development of digital currencies. REVIEW OF LITERATUREDevlin (2019) -An Analysis of main and subsidiary credit card holding and spending.This research aims to investigate why the majority of multiple credit card holders hold a "main" card (i.e., one that is more frequently used than the others) and "subsidiary" cards (i.e., ones used less frequently or in an emergency situation) and the spending behaviour on main and subsidiary cards.
Contract management in construction law plays a critical role in mitigating risks, ensuring performance enforcement, and facilitating dispute resolution.The increasing complexity of construction projects, coupled with evolving regulatory frameworks, necessitates robust contract management strategies to address financial, operational, and legal risks.Poorly managed contracts often lead to cost overruns, project delays, and disputes, making it essential for stakeholders to adopt proactive measures in drafting, executing, and enforcing contractual obligations.This study examines key aspects of contract management in construction law, focusing on risk allocation, dispute resolution mechanisms, and performance enforcement strategies.Risk mitigation strategies, including well-defined contract terms, contingency planning, and insurance provisions, are explored to illustrate how parties can safeguard their interests.The research also highlights the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods, such as mediation, arbitration, and adjudication, in reducing litigation costs and project disruptions.Furthermore, contract enforcement mechanisms, including penalty clauses, performance bonds, and liquidated damages, are analyzed for their role in ensuring compliance and timely project completion.The study also evaluates the impact of digital transformation on contract management, particularly the use of smart contracts and blockchain technology to enhance transparency, efficiency, and dispute prevention.Through case studies and legal precedents, this research provides practical insights into how construction professionals, legal practitioners, and policymakers can optimize contract management practices.A comprehensive approach to risk management, dispute resolution, and performance enforcement is essential to maintaining legal compliance, ensuring financial stability, and improving project delivery in the dynamic construction sector.
Rahul Mulukanuri, P. B. Lavanya, Vara Lakshmi Thavva
Today's world is experiencing an increasing global emphasis on sustainable finance, which brings with it new solutions to enhance trust, adoption and accountability in the financial transaction systems.Most of the time, these traditional financial systems fail as they are mainly challenged by facts like data manipulations, lack of transparency, greenwashing and also lack of tracking about the sustainable investments.The decentralized and immutable nature of blockchain helps in enhancing ESG compliance, preventing fraud, and automating reporting through smart contracts.Blockchain technology can build an ecosystem of transparency, thus restoring investors' trust and compliance with regulations, making sustainable investments credible.This paper examines blockchain's role in promoting sustainability by improving financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and the credibility of ESG-driven investments.Amalgamation of blockchain will provide long-term economic and environmental advantages, resulting in a more responsible and transparent financial ecosystem.
Nianko L.Yu., Dovbush A.V. DEVELOPMENT OF BANKING SERVICES IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITALIZATION: CHALLENGES, TRENDS AND PROSPECTS Purpose. The aim of the study is to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the transformation processes of banking services in the context of digitalization, in particular to identify key trends and outline the prospects for further development of the banking sector based on the implementation of digital technologies and FinTech solutions. Methodology of research. The methodological basis of the study is the dialectical method of scientific knowledge and a systematic approach. In the course of the study, a set of scientific methods was used to analyse the development of the banking system and its digitalization, in particular: analysis and synthesis, analytical â when processing literature sources; statistical analysis â to assess the dynamics of the banking system's development and its digitalization, evaluate global trends, and identify key areas for digitalization implementation. The use of trend analysis made it possible to identify the main factors influencing the development of the banking system and its digitalization. The graphical method was used to visualize statistical data and trends, which provides a more visual representation of the dynamics of the banking system and simplifies the interpretation of the obtained results. Findings. The issues of digitalization of the banking system are studied. The level of penetration of online banking, the dynamics of launching new banks in the world, the number of digital banks in the world, and the number of clients of the world's leading digital banks are determined and estimated. The list of promising and newest financial technologies in the banking sector is specified. Originality. The study proves that the prospects for the introduction of such digital financial technologies as artificial intelligence (AI), open banking, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), biometric identification services, and green banking are directly related not only to their technological convenience but also to the level of government support and promotion of financial inclusion. This, unlike existing approaches, makes it possible to comprehensively assess not only the innovative potential of technologies but also their systemic integration into the banking model. It is established that DeFi (decentralized finance), despite the limited regulatory environment and high risk, can be further developed through gradual integration with traditional banking instruments, in particular through models of sharing APIs and smart contracts within hybrid financial systems. The study also improves the classification of the main risks that accompany the implementation of FinTech solutions in the banking sector by identifying strategic, technical, regulatory, organizational, and infrastructure threats. This allows for a more effective risk management model for the digital transformation of the bank. Practical value. The substantiated results of the study can be used to assess the trends in the implementation of FinTech solutions in the banking sector, to understand the role of FinTech in the strategic management of the bank, which allows considering digital innovations not only as tools for improving efficiency, but also as factors in the formation of long-term competitiveness. The study also improved the classification of the main risks accompanying the implementation of FinTech solutions in the banking sector by identifying strategic, technical, regulatory, organizational, and This allows for a more effective risk management model for the digital transformation of the bank. Key words: bank, banking services, digitalization, online banking, blockchain, Open Banking, digital transformation, FinTech.
Miguel JimĂŠnez-CarriĂłn, Gustavo A. Flores-Fernandez
This study aims to develop a predictive model for cryptocurrency prices in highly volatile markets. The methodology includes an exploratory data analysis, followed by designing and implementing machine learning (ML) algorithms, focusing on the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network. The model's performance was optimized through hyperparameter tuning, and its stability was validated using an analysis of variance (ANOVA). We conducted a benchmark comparison with other ML approaches. Our LSTM model achieved an R² of 99.41% on the first day of prediction and maintained an accuracy above 97% up to the seventh day, demonstrating its robustness even for extended forecasts. During training, the LSTM model reached an RMSE of $1,187.14 and a MAPE of 2.20%, with the MAPE consistently remaining below 10% during the validation phase. For seven-day forecasts, the model recorded an RMSE of $5,038.46 and a MAPE of 6.83%. In comparison, alternative models such as Support Vector Machines (SVM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Random Forests exhibited significantly higher error rates; for instance, XGBoost recorded an RMSE of $17,849.66 and a MAPE of 27.74%. Overall, these findings highlight the superior performance of the LSTM model in addressing the challenges of cryptocurrency price forecasting. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2025-06-01-017 Full Text: PDF
Kavitha Janamolla, Ghousia Sultana, Fnu Mohammed Aasimuddin, Abdul Faisal Mohammed ¡ 5 authors
The paper explores the use of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance trade exception handling in international settlements.Why is this important?Manual interventions, data inconsistencies and delays make conventional settlement processes inefficient.Why?The framework under consideration aims to improve exception handling, reduce processing time, and enhance efficiency of operations by employing blockchain's distributed ledger for openness and AI-based analytics for detecting anomalies.To provide support for the approach, a case study with empirical evidence, technological summary and experimental environment is discussed here.These results point to major decreases in expense as well as in time to solve anomalies.
This study analyzed the volatility and risk profiles of three prominent blockchain-based cryptocurrenciesâDogecoin, Polygon, and Solanaâusing the Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity (GARCH) model. Volatility, a key risk metric for cryptocurrencies, was modeled through the GARCH(1,1) framework, which effectively captured the time-varying nature of price fluctuations. The analysis revealed that Dogecoin exhibited the highest volatility and risk, primarily driven by its speculative market behavior and social media influence. Polygon and Solana, while also volatile, demonstrated more stability, with their risk profiles reflecting the technological advancements and broader use cases within their respective blockchain ecosystems. The study also incorporated Value at Risk (VaR) and Conditional Value at Risk (CVaR) metrics to assess the potential downside risks for each cryptocurrency. Dogecoin had the highest potential for extreme losses, followed by Polygon and Solana. The GARCH model successfully identified the volatility persistence in these assets, showing that past market conditions heavily influenced future volatility. This research contributes to the literature on cryptocurrency volatility by applying the GARCH(1,1) model to analyze digital assets with varying market characteristics. The findings emphasize the need for robust risk management strategies tailored to the unique behaviors of individual cryptocurrencies. Limitations of the study included the use of historical data and the focus on only three cryptocurrencies, suggesting opportunities for future research. Potential areas for further study include the incorporation of additional variables, such as macroeconomic indicators, and the exploration of alternative volatility models, such as EGARCH or TGARCH, to better capture the complexities of cryptocurrency markets. These insights provide valuable guidance for investors, risk managers, and policymakers navigating the volatile and evolving landscape of blockchain-based digital assets.
Perkembangan teknologi yang semakin berkembang banyak mengubah sistem yang telah ada diberbagai bidang, salah satu contoh perubahan yaitu sistem voting atau pemungutan suara. Di negara demokratisseperti indonesia sistem pemungutan suara sangat penting karena menjadi sarana masyarakat untuk menyuarakanhak-hak seperti contoh untuk memilih presiden atau wakil-wakil rakyat negara. Disamping itu sebagianpemungutan suara atau voting dilakukan dengan cara konvensional yaitu menggunakan kertas untuk menentukanpilihan sampai perhitungan hasil akhir suara, hal itu dapat menghabiskan biaya yang sangat banyak dan prosesperhitungan yang sangat lama dalam pelaksanaanya. Oleh karena itu, untuk menjawab permasalahan tersebutdirancanglah sistem e-Voting yang memanfaatkan teknologi smart contract dan blockchain. Dengan perjanjiandigital (smart contract) yang dibuat dengan bahasa pemrograman solidity, perjanjian tersebut tidak bisa diubahalurnya (paten) jika sudah diterapkan di blockchain. Setiap transaksi atau data suara pemilihan masuk maka akandilakukan hashing dengan menggunakan algoritma sha-256 (dimana sampai saat ini hash dengan sha-256 belumada yang mampu memecahkannya) dan kemudian akan membentuk suatu rantai block yang saling terhubung(peer-to-peer) di jaringan blockchain tersebut. Sehingga dengan memanfaatkan teknologi ini, data pemungutansuara yang telah dilakukan tidak dapat diubah, digandakan atau bahkan dihapus.
The paper analyses how the substantive and procedural aspects of priority setting could implement considerations of gender equality and guarantee womenâs equal market participation. Despite the EUâs robust constitutional framework and its horizontal clauses, gender equality remains an invisible issue in EU competition law. Notwithstanding the potential of priority setting rules and practices as a tool to combat inequality, currently they do not explicitly implement considerations of gender equality in the EU. Gender-sensitive indicators could be embedded across the priority setting rules and practice cycle. Four aspects of priority setting are particularly suitable for the consideration of gender equality: agenda setting, the substantive criteria guiding prioritization, conducting ex-post impact assessment of priority setting decisions, and the procedure in which prioritization decisions are being taken. The paper proposes to draft a new Recommendation on priority setting within the framework of the European Competition Network (ECN), nudging competition authorities to base their priority setting rules and practices on criteria based on sustainable, inclusive growth with a strong focus on gender equality. Women make major contributions to the economy, and their economic participation and unrestrained access to markets contribute vastly to inclusive growth and sustainable development.1 However, modern economies are characterized by gender divisions of labour, gender inequalities in income and wealth, gender hierarchies in industrial enterprises, gender differences in rights of ownership, and conditions of employment.2 While women represent remarkable spending power and economic influence, controlling the dominant share of global consumer expenditure, they are overrepresented among economically vulnerable groups of population with little to no economic independence.3 Women are known to have less income, wealth, and capital on average than men.4 Moreover, women are not only economically more vulnerable than men, but also have unequal access and unequal opportunities to participate in the economy. This is due to the fact that gender and gender relations, in interaction with other structures of social hierarchy, such as class, ethnicity, race, and age, shape economic relationships, preferences, choices, and decisions by businesses and consumers.5 Accordingly, gender differences influence the allocation of resources in the economy, and while the specific nature of gender relations varies among societies, the general pattern is that women have less economic autonomy, fewer resources at their disposal, and limited influence over decision-making processes.6 Womenâs lack of equal participation in the economy and gender inequalities in markets have many causes including discriminatory laws, policies, and social norms coupled with shifts in the global economy and demographics, technological advances, and protracted crises.7 Part of this assemblage of barriers are the laws, policies, norms, and institutions that structure markets, which operate with a gender divide mirroring the broader organization of society along gender lines.8 Competition law is a fundamental area of the law to safeguard open and competitive markets, and to ensure that competition functions as an effective accountability mechanism against arbitrary use of private economic power at national and supranational (EU) levels.9 While debates on the optimal welfare standard guiding competition law enforcement have been long ongoing, and a large number of competition authorities adopt a consumer welfare standard globally, competition rules are generally aimed at protecting citizens from the negative impact of the undue acquisition and exercise of market power, whether private or public.10 Through preventing anticompetitive practices resulting from restrictive agreements between firms, abuses of dominant position, mergers which lead to excessive market power, and state aid that provides economic advantages to selected firms, EU competition law influences who has access and under what conditions to goods and services, and who can participate in markets. This raises the question of whether and how competition law and policy can address gender inequalities in markets and facilitate a more equal economy for women. Which tools and mechanisms EU competition law has to address the barriers to womenâs access and participation in markets as consumers of goods and services, or as entrepreneurs? More concretely, this paper focuses on the question of how competition authorities in the EU can implement a gender lens in their priority setting rules and practices. Priority setting is the way competition authorities select which cases they pursue and which they disregard.11 Setting priorities entails administrative discretion on the side of the competition authorities and provides them with the freedom to choose their course of action and to make choices that best fulfil the public interest that the law protects. At the same time, competition authoritiesâ priority setting has vast socioeconomic consequences for economies and citizensâ welfare, and impacts wealth distribution across various groups of society, including women. The paper analyses how the substantive and procedural aspects of priority setting could implement considerations of gender equality, protect women as vulnerable citizens, and facilitate their equal market participation. It investigates this question against the EUâs legal and constitutional order and its underlying integration mechanisms that support the integration of gender equality as a constitutionally embedded fundamental right under EU law. By relying on the authorsâ empirical research on priority setting rules and practices in the EU and its Member States, and the UK12 as well as the theoretical framework they developed,13 the paper offers a theoretical and a practical framework for embedding gender within competition law enforcement. In the European Unionâs legal order, gender equality and competition law are both constitutional values.14 First, undistorted competition is a fundamental constitutional value in the EU legal order.15 EU competition rules are to control economic power, safeguard undertakingsâ freedom of economic activity and consumersâ choice, and guarantee equal opportunities for all EU citizens to participate in the internal market. When competition is effective in markets, citizens benefit from lower prices, better products and services, and innovation. While the central concern of EU competition law is to target firm behaviour that can harm the competitive process and ultimately the economic interests of consumers,16 is also a central of the integration and as a fundamental of the EUâs internal equality is also a value of the on which the is and under is to the Member and a fundamental right in the of equality to a state in which access to rights or opportunities is not by Accordingly, can be as and women equal access and use of equal participation in and and from The of gender equality the of equal to substantive equality is to opportunities they are equality in the EU as a tool of economic and by the of the However, over the a fundamental value and of EU by the of horizontal clauses, the European of and the of the the EU various aspects of gender equality, and the a of a gender in all EU policies, while also specific to or gender the EU is as a global in gender equality, robust equal and and the gender policy and to address Competition law is not action as gender equality its at controlling excessive economic power to the for the and of competition has been the of consumer welfare the of economic in the of this standard is that not the welfare of all groups It to consumers within the market under and their economic while specific and of By on the of consumer welfare, competition law and policy do not the of such as age, race, and social income, or the potential of anticompetitive practices or the competition law that vulnerable consumers and citizens are by negative market consumers than known as the and are at a of negative impact on their the consumer welfare standard has due to its focus on and while to of broader social such as social and economic the rights of or the distribution of economic power within of that competition can and contribute to more equal distribution of wealth and that competition on other than such as or products and services, can contribute to and to this competition law the competitive process and economic power that the of a Despite on and little has been to gender inequalities and their with market mechanisms and excessive market While gender equality has been as a of economic growth and social and womenâs economic and are as for and sustainable has been little consideration of how economic law and could address economic and implement gender EU competition and have not the question of how the enforcement of EU competition norms, institutions and decision-making impact women. This is as EU competition law is embedded in a constitutional gender equality has been a value of the EU legal order the of equal for of the of the the EU has not only a of equal and but has also a framework its for gender all of its policies, gender By use of the by social to and social from the of womenâs this paper an based on the in EU competition law. The is a that to whether and enforcement tools womenâs and the gender of rules and practices that or It the gender of a legal or social have women been of for whether the competition rules with their of consumer welfare standard of womenâs in the of preferences, choices, and they markets and market power and and on an exercise is in its the and of womenâs of social and power Womenâs social are by of at the of race, social position, and Accordingly, can contribute to the that in with other an in markets and market The of the competitive process is a value of the EUâs legal and economic order, and as such an of of the on the European which among the EU of equality, of and for When the they to the EUâs economic and legal order, which as a explicitly the of undistorted by the competition law a in EU Member States, due to market the process of EU and strong supranational enforcement mechanisms of the European Moreover, the EU is the enforcement of the EU competition rules on anticompetitive agreements and of with the Member Competition authorities the based on their national procedural and within their and constitutional In this the of administrative and setting for the effective enforcement of the EU competition a fundamental of the EU legal order, competition law and by all Member States, and the of competitive markets is a value for all Member is also a of the EU legal order, as by equality between the Member and on equal between women and is also an of the EU as in that the EU is on of and that equality between women and equality is also a fundamental which is in of the of the EU equality rules an economic to of competition between within the the EUâs to equality law has and the of gender equality and the the EUâs gender equality have a policy from a preventing competitive within the for with to the of equal and to to the of and to a legal and framework with of the of the of in the EU constitutionally the to gender equality gender all policy and by gender equality and guiding legal of the EU. the of substantive equality the new various of and including an By a new on the social policy of the European integration the to the constitutional framework of including competition law and gender equality, a framework the economic and social of the legal By a competitive social market as an of the the on European the that social and economic interests be Accordingly, to a market economy with social by including both economic and social under the of market The of the horizontal also a of such have an to the EUâs to ensure between as not to the of policy and which be in all of EU By social and such as the of gender equality, they a constitutional to all of EU law and While all of the way integration has to remains the horizontal clauses, explicitly that the EU to gender inequalities and gender equality. Accordingly, the EU has to inequalities and gender equality all its and in its of Despite this robust constitutional and while the has that the of the be as and gender equality remains an invisible issue in the area of competition law. in their and on the of EU competition and no cases to gender equality in the practice of the or the a and in EU the horizontal have been as tools by the but their has been more in policy than in the of the Accordingly, their has been to a to the of and of equality within the EU legal The EUâs by that the gender by including a gender in all of policy in all EU policy internal and equality and competition law could be as of social and economic This also with the economic nature of the European integration and the constitutional between economic and social at EU However, social has in the EUâs constitutional framework and a inclusive internal market economic and social are at the EU is not a new equality considerations with the of a competitive market. of and wealth for many a central in the competitive markets in competition that that by economic power and equality of competition to economic The of equality of also central to the of competition which the and enforcement of EU competition While the in EU competition law from the a economic the of equality of competition law excessive state with the on the between the of competition law and has in the The of and of economic power in the of a large are as a of economic and social market power has been as to of Accordingly, both the constitutional framework and the of competition law in that EU competition law with the of competitive markets economic power is and economic opportunities are the EUâs constitutional framework is based on a competitive social market as well as the constitutional mechanisms in the horizontal clauses, both an to the of gender equality and competition law. This with the of gender equality as substantive equality in of womenâs consumers and equal access to markets, and services, and their equal opportunities to participate in their of a The to the question of which EU competition law can in gender and how to and the integration of gender equality in competition law. In the framework of competition law and gender can a at various of the and enforcement. can by embedding the gender lens in the substantive of the competition law that the of the consumer and its with market power has been as a of but has not been what womenâs preferences, choices, and consumer behaviour fulfil in the and market power and competitive in competition power and gender for that and access to services, or Accordingly, that for women can women gender equality and of equality in the of the competition law not First, raises value in and legal the of the power to of wealth in society to competition a that is to Competition as not have the to make value While they are who have the to they lack the to economic and the of the substantive competition law for between economic and This in legal the of a or the to be as competition law enforcement this to the that competition law and policy are not the tools to or other of the nature of the competition rules in the the substantive of the competition rules the of interests in to with legal as to the of that an from the competition in the many of can be by embedding gender equality considerations in the competition authoritiesâ as to the substantive competition law While competition authoritiesâ enforcement against anticompetitive practices can vast for society, competition authoritiesâ resources are limited and can target only a limited number of the of which potential they pursue and which they is of fundamental for all Setting priorities influences the of and impacts wealth distribution across various groups of competition authoritiesâ priority setting has vast socioeconomic consequences for economies and citizensâ welfare, including women. Accordingly, the power to the enforcement priorities provides an to gender within competition the substantive competition law Competition authorities for focus on markets or practices that women. priority setting provides for and public participation priority setting are law such as or policy law tools the competition authorities to the nature of social debates over and norms and which not be to them the substantive of the law. Competition authorities can interest groups and the general public on their priority setting and them to Despite the potential of priority setting rules and practices as a tool to combat inequality, currently competition authorities do not explicitly implement considerations of gender equality in the EU. a the allocation of enforcement and the and they are not among the of society and not who them markets have been to the of a consumer to their social position, economic or vulnerable citizens, for can be by anticompetitive practices in markets such as and Competition authorities do not or the impact of the on from demographics, social race, and Moreover, they limited for the of such vulnerable groups of society in their a groups are at a of anticompetitive priority setting the freedom and the power to choose which cases to pursue and which to and resources to the such power authorities the to focus on of economic and can be by the the or the competition as can contribute to enforcement Despite the of prioritization choices, research that is a large of priority setting and practices across national legal in the the question of what of competition law the European and the Member national competition authorities and how such decisions have not been in The and procedure for setting enforcement priorities have not been by the EU of the an on the Member to their competition authorities to their enforcement and to that they do not to be an enforcement However, this legal has not been by or EU law to Member or in setting the enforcement Moreover, competition authorities have and invisible priority setting practices. are by no or rules on how and they their enforcement and are not to or their prioritization In many competition authorities their enforcement priorities in a of their enforcement are to to by consumers or to and than conducting their prioritization are to focus the enforcement on a of anticompetitive behaviour in the interests of than of The EUâs of for that while the European priority to cases which have the potential impact on the internal market and on criteria to be in to ensure the of cases with the to competition or consumer welfare in the internal market and across all economic By relying on the authorsâ this analyses how priority setting could implement considerations of gender equality and address practices that gender inequalities to First, gender equality can be in priority setting rules and practices by on the of markets, on anticompetitive practices in markets that to gender for spending of consumersâ such as services, and priority could be to markets and the of In the women are overrepresented in such as and priority setting could also focus on access to markets, anticompetitive behaviour that market access of and by vulnerable groups such as businesses that in access to and on anticompetitive practices that market access by women access to and Gender-sensitive indicators could be embedded across the priority setting rules and practice cycle. In empirical various aspects of the priority setting to their and in the and Four aspects of priority setting are particularly suitable for the consideration of gender equality: agenda setting, the substantive criteria guiding prioritization, conducting ex-post impact assessment of priority setting decisions, and the procedure in which prioritization decisions are being taken. First, gender equality considerations could a competition that a of enforcement that or practices are a an agenda than only to or of their impact on markets and It in whether to open an or to a and what enforcement tools to use in agenda could focus on and practices women a of their they are in the economy, they are for in social and with such as and In in of and social and of in are The substantive criteria for priority setting to or internal criteria guiding competition authoritiesâ decisions on whether to pursue or a agenda setting, this not to a specific or but to Setting substantive criteria structures the exercise of the competition authoritiesâ use of focuses enforcement on and the It both enforcement in cases of or and practices only a limited impact on consumers and It also functions as an accountability substantive criteria accountability and and of the of prioritization to broader While EU law not substantive criteria for Member States, such of the are by substantive by the national or as by only internal substantive by as internal control and by both internal and substantive and are not by or internal criteria at research has that or the competition authorities have competition law prioritization such have on practical of the for legal the of an the resources of the competition the legal the competition is well to an the potential of the and on economic growth indicators or of the the impact of the on the of the economy or the or on consumer In that prioritization decisions of the European and the of the EU Member are by economic growth on consumer welfare as the of their substantive prioritization Setting competition law enforcement priorities based on the consumer welfare standard or other growth indicators not who the of the are and the impact the competition law enforcement have on their priorities by the consumer welfare standard do not between the products or to an for between competitive harm in products markets and an competition authorities could their priorities with to broader growth the have that such as do not a of the conditions that Accordingly, is a for for not and economic growth but also in the of and such not only at the of the economic but also at the and conditions of of and have been from economic growth to inclusive and sustainable a and and to wealth across society and opportunities for In of gender and womenâs have been The and the for are both and in the to The and In the the is a tool to the of gender equality. by the European for its in has and by a of gender equality, to the EUâs policy It both and and more effective to opportunities for The have been and in over the in substantive prioritization criteria that their competition law enforcement more with new of inclusive and sustainable The and competition authorities have both the economic that influence and ultimately better for all of The and a more inclusive and sustainable growth to of This is from the on broader and the of competition the with The prioritization the to the which explicitly that harm can be markets do not with in vulnerable in at of and the to markets well for vulnerable the for and its prioritization The of the of the make markets well for and and in the the competition is an economic process that the of It is a to a economy and in a and to contribute to in a that and businesses from the of markets. the assessment of is not limited to or in markets. The social interest in the of the including not only market markets, optimal of legal or and consumer but also public interests such as economic of and The also an enforcement of the large impact its have on a such as and in vulnerable or and impact prioritization choices, for by who can participate as in the participation and various functions in administrative that the of and administrative decision-making in modern not only and administrative authorities in the of markets, but their participation an of and accountability that the of the and the participation of is an mechanism the administrative use of and functions as a to are the to the of the competition or that could ultimately lead to the of the However, such a is of participation rights and no on the competition authorities to address them by a enforcement and is for and for technological in but is only of the considerations for modern public and a between procedural and be This could for between of participation and by to of who are in the public Women as in the public interest of gender equality, could be procedure to the could be which society to a anticompetitive which the competition to the of the by a in a that administrative are not only in the and equality of This womenâs to participate in decision-making by being and access to by the participation rules in legal It the of the of law that by the of administrative decision-making be effective participation and of their legal competition authorities can gender equality considerations within impact ex-post assessment of prioritization assessment of competition law is limited in general and to prioritization are no for the of a competition in general and the allocation of enforcement priorities in the lack of such and the in and the impact of the enforcement the limited ex-post of competition law enforcement to focus on the number of in a or on growth indicators such as consumersâ the in resulting from the competition policy enforcement in the market by the of the Competition authorities little on the impact of their of cases and enforcement is little on the impact of the enforcement on the of or the of products or This by the EU of for the European for on than on and the of its enforcement for gender equality considerations within impact prioritization in with the EU policy on gender impact the European a of in its to gender the policy from policy to and While the not gender impact as a has the consideration of gender within its general impact assessment equality is not a of social but also a fundamental of sustainable and inclusive By equal opportunities in markets, can facilitate womenâs potential as to and a competitive markets are to and in a including the interests and of women. While the of EU competition as a area of the EU legal and economic order, has been to protect competitive markets and goods and for a broader constitutional value that a social order well and of specific The and the constitutional of EU competition law are with the of equal which is a of gender equality as a constitutional and fundamental right in EU law. Despite this strong constitutional of the between competition law and gender equality, and mechanisms of gender the horizontal clauses, their invisible both in the EU and in national competition law This paper offers a but enforcement tool to gender equality in the enforcement of competition law. It how gender equality considerations could be in the priority setting rules and practices of competition authorities to how such could be in the substantive of the competition law While being of the administrative and constitutional across the EU Member States, but also the central and the in EU competition law policy across the the this paper is a of the Recommendation on the power to priorities in the framework of the the to priorities the could within the framework of the a that on the way prioritization criteria are the EU has its growth which is based on the of and inclusive growth and competitive the the on the of the its legal and economic order for a of the consumer and for the based on sustainable, inclusive growth and also social of The have no of interest to
Abstract Privacy is one of the major security concerns. The zero-knowledge proof enables the transmission of data from the sender to the receiver without disclosing the actual content of the data. The proposed work uses the ZK-STARK (Zero-Knowledge Scalable Transparent ARgument of Knowledge) Algorithm for transaction privacy in the organic jaggery supply chain. The paper emphasizes a detailed mathematical model, involving two key participants: the prover (food processor) and the verifier (distributor). The prover calculates the polynomial for the problem, its composition polynomial, and provides its Merkle proof to the verifier. The verifier conducts queries to confirm and validate the accuracy of the information. Using the fast reed-solomon interactive oracle proofs protocol, the proof is validated. It measures performance as proof generation and verification time, proof size, and throughput. Plans involve increasing the domain size of this algorithm, varying the polynomial interpolation, and evaluating its performance measures by integrating it into Blockchain.
Open access
Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
Cryptography and Data Security
Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques
Deploying smart contracts and invoking their functions on block-chains incur gas costs, which depend on the operations executed by those functions. This makes optimizing the gas cost of smart contract functions a rewarding goal. However, existing approaches to gas cost optimization of smart contracts mainly involve rule-based optimization or automatic optimization for specific types of patterns. In this paper, we discuss a novel approach to automatically retrieving optimized versions of Solidity functions from a repository of smart contracts. The system identifies and suggests gas-efficient alternatives that maintain functional equivalence by comparing the opcode sequences of individual functions. We evaluate this approach on a dataset of 16,529 functions from real-world contracts, demonstrating substantial gas savings, as high as 34% on average when considering the most similar functions.
We examine the roles of Gold and Bitcoin as a hedge, a safe haven, and a diversifier against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Ukraine War. Using a rolling window estimation of the dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)-based regression, we present a novel approach to examine the time-varying safe haven, hedge, and diversifier properties of Gold and Bitcoin for equities portfolios. This article uses daily returns of Gold, Bitcoin, S&P500, CAC 40, and NSE 50 from January 3, 2018, to October 15, 2022. Our results show that Gold is a better safe haven than the two, while Bitcoin exhibits weak properties as safe haven. Bitcoin can, however, be used as a diversifier and hedge. This study offers policy suggestions to investors to diversify their holdings during uncertain times. JEL Codes: G1, G11, G12
This is the NIST Threshold Call, calling for public submissions of multi-party threshold schemes, and other related crypto-systems, to support the United Statesâ National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in gathering a public body of reference materials unadvanced cryptography. In a threshold scheme, a reference cryptographic primitive (e.g., signing, encryption, decryption, key generation) is computed in a distributed manner, while its private/secret key is or becomes secret-shared across various parties. The threshold schemes submitted in reply to this call will be interchangeable with a reference no threshold primitive of interest, in the sense that their outputs can be used interchangeably in a subsequent operation. The primitives of interest are organized into various categories, across two classes: Class N, for selected NIST-specified primitives; and Class S, for special primitives that are not specified by NIST but are threshold friendly or have useful functional features. The scope of Class S also includes fully homomorphic encryption, zero-knowledge proofs, and auxiliary gadgets. This document specifies submission phases, and the requirements for submitting a package, including a technical specification, a reference implementation, and a report on experimental evaluation. A subsequent phase of public analysis will support the elaboration of a characterization report, which may help assess new interests beyond the cryptographic techniques currently standardized by NIST, and may include recommendations for future processes.