Blockchain Papers

Hassan Khalid, Saeed Moradi, Shaiful Chowdhury, Sara Rouhani

The rise of decentralized applications (dApps) has made smart contracts imperative components of blockchain technology. As many smart contracts process financial transactions, their security is paramount. Moreover, the immutability of blockchains makes vulnerabilities in smart contracts particularly challenging because it requires deploying a new version of the contract at a different address, incurring substantial fees paid in Ether. This paper proposes Ethstractor, the first smart contract collection tool for gathering a dataset of versioned smart contracts. The collected dataset is then used to evaluate the reliability of code metrics as indicators of vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Our findings indicate that code metrics are ineffective in signalling the presence of vulnerabilities. Furthermore, we investigate whether vulnerabilities in newer versions of smart contracts are mitigated and identify that the number of vulner-abilities remains consistent over time. Finally, we examine the removal of self-admitted technical debt in contracts and uncover that most of the introduced debt has never been subsequently removed.

Safia Nasih, Sara Arezki, Taoufiq Gadi

The maritime industry has increasingly integrated advanced technologies such as AI, Blockchain, Big Data, and IoT, transforming traditional port operations into smart facilities aimed at enhancing global trade competitiveness. A particular focus has been on improving tracking and tracing services, with Blockchain technology emerging as pivotal for ensuring data integrity, transparency, and traceability across supply chains. This article proposes a blockchain-based tracking and tracing system model tailored for monitoring containers in Moroccan ports. Utilizing the Unified Modeling Language (UML), the model seeks to optimize resource allocation and boost stakeholder satisfaction through detailed diagrams and functional data requirements depiction. Despite challenges such as IoT terminal platform connectivity and operator resitance, successful implementation was achieved, establishing a foundational framework for a comprehensive container monitoring system. This model provides valuable insights for supply chain professionals and scholars interested in item tracking, aiming to integrate Blockchain with technologies like RFID, GPS, RTLS, QR Codes, BLE, and IoT sensors to enhance port operation efficiency and container management effectiveness. By leveraging these integrated technologies, ports can further improve operational efficiency and ensure accurate traceability of containers throughout the supply chain, contributing to overall trade facilitation and economic growth

Гліб Терещенко, Iryna Kyrychenko

The subject of this article is consideration of modern blockchain solutions and their potential use in the context of digital asset protection. Various aspects of blockchain technology are explored, including consensus mechanisms, security levels, and functionality. The goal of the work is a systematic analysis and justification of the application of various blockchain solutions for the protection of digital assets. The article is aimed at determining the effectiveness and feasibility of using specific blockchain protocols and their functional elements to ensure the safety, reliability, and integrity of digital assets. The following tasks were solved in the article: consideration of modern blockchain technologies and consideration of their role in ensuring the security of digital assets. Conducting a detailed analysis of popular blockchain protocols, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric, with a focus on their security against various types of cyber threats and attacks. The following methods are used: analysis of blockchain protocols, expert evaluations of the effectiveness of protection of digital assets, and study of the technical features of each solution. The following results were obtained: clearly defined advantages and disadvantages of each protocol were obtained, taking into account their applicability in the field of digital assets in various fields of application, such as semantic analysis of texts, E-Learning, Big Data, DDP-systems, finance, etc. In addition, the issue of network privacy in the context of information protection was investigated and justifies the choice of the optimal blockchain solution for a specific use. Conclusions: The article provides readers with an overview of how to effectively use blockchain to ensure the reliability and security of digital assets in a variety of usage scenarios. In today's digital world, where the value of digital assets is growing exponentially, protecting them from cyber threats becomes a critical task. Blockchain technologies, originally developed for cryptocurrencies, have gained recognition as an effective tool in the field of cyber security. The importance of standardization and regulation in the field of blockchain technologies to ensure their effective integration and compliance with the requirements of the law is put forward.

Radosław Wolniak, Bożena Gajdzik, Michaline Grebski, Roman Danel · 5 authors

This paper examines business model implementations in three leading European smart cities: London, Amsterdam, and Berlin. Through a systematic literature review and comparative analysis, the study identifies and analyzes various business models employed in these urban contexts. The findings reveal a diverse array of models, including public–private partnerships, build–operate–transfer arrangements, performance-based contracts, community-centric models, innovation hubs, revenue-sharing models, outcome-based financing, and asset monetization strategies. Each city leverages a unique combination of these models to address its specific urban challenges and priorities. The study highlights the role of PPPs in large-scale infrastructure projects, BOT arrangements in transportation solutions, and performance-based contracts in driving efficiency and accountability. It also explores the benefits of community-centric models, innovation hubs, revenue-sharing models, outcome-based financing, and asset monetization strategies in enhancing the sustainability, efficiency, and livability of smart cities. The paper offers valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and researchers seeking to advance smart city development worldwide.

N. A. Kashevarova, Maria E. Kulikova

The purpose of this article is to consider the prospects for the integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence (hereinafter referred to as AI) as an innovative approach to modernisation of various economic sectors. The authors analyse the possibilities of using this technological merger to optimise business processes, increase transparency and reduce transaction costs in different sectors, including finance, healthcare, transport, energy, etc. Particular attention is paid to the benefits of synergy between AI and distributed ledger technology, which allows for more efficient and sustainable systems of managing data and assets. The research object in this article is the process of integrating blockchain and AI. The subject of the study is the effectiveness of modernisation of various economic sectors through the combination of these technologies. The research method is an analytical review of scientific publications and successful implemented projects. The results of the current article lie in the analysis of the advantages of integrating blockchain and AI as well as forecasting further prospects for the development of this area. The practical significance of the work consists in the fact that the obtained results can be used to design strategies and plans for the implementation of this technology integration into domestic business.

Yishun Wang, Xiaoqi Li, Ye, Shipeng, Xie, Lei · 5 authors

Smart contracts with external data are crucial for functionality but pose security and reliability concerns. Statistical and quantitative studies on this interaction are scarce. To address this gap, we analyzed 10,500 smart contracts, retaining 9,356 valid ones after excluding outdated or erroneous ones. We employed code parsing to transform contract code into abstract syntax trees and identified keywords associated with external data dependencies. We conducted a quantitative analysis by comparing these keywords to a reference list. We manually classified the 9,356 valid smart contracts to ascertain their application domains and typical interaction methods with external data. Additionally, we created a database with this data to facilitate research on smart contract dependencies. Moreover, we reviewed over 3,600 security audit reports, manually identifying 249 (approximately 9%) related to external data interactions and categorized their dependencies. We explored the correlation between smart contract complexity and external data dependency to provide insights for their design and auditing processes. These studies aim to enhance the security and reliability of smart contracts and offer practical guidance to developers and auditors.

N. (Natiq) Quliyev, S. (Samira) Kahramanova

One of the latest achievements of information technology and in particular cryptography is the concept of cryptocurrency. It should also be noted that cryptocurrency also started a new era in the field of economy and finance in modern times. Recently, the trading volume of crypto-currency is also rapidly expanding in scope. In this regard, the publication of this article is is an actual issue.

А.В. Жагловская

развитие цифровых технологий существенно трансформирует различные сферы экономики, в том числе и промышленное производство. Одним из перспективных направлений в данном контексте является внедрение смарт-контрактов, способных значительно оптимизировать бизнес-процессы. Цель данного исследования заключается в анализе потенциала смарт-контрактов в контексте модернизации промышленного производства. Методологическая база работы включает в себя системный подход, методы сравнительного анализа, синтеза и обобщения. Эмпирической основой исследования послужили статистические данные, отражающие динамику внедрения смарт-контрактов в различных отраслях промышленности, а также результаты экспертных интервью с представителями бизнес-сообщества. В ходе исследования выявлено, что использование смарт-контрактов способствует сокращению транзакционных издержек на 15-20%, ускорению процессов согласования условий сделок в 2-3 раза, а также минимизации рисков, связанных с человеческим фактором. Так, по данным компании Deloitte, внедрение смарт-контрактов в сфере логистики позволяет сократить время обработки документов на 80% и снизить затраты на 90%. При этом в машиностроении использование смарт-контрактов обеспечивает повышение эффективности управления цепочками поставок на 30-35%. the development of digital technologies is significantly transforming various sectors of the economy, including industrial production. One of the promising areas in this context is the introduction of smart contracts that can significantly optimize business processes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the potential of smart contracts in the context of modernization of industrial production. The methodological basis of the work includes a systematic approach, methods of comparative analysis, synthesis and generalization. The empirical basis of the study was statistical data reflecting the dynamics of the introduction of smart contracts in various industries, as well as the results of expert interviews with representatives of the business community. The study revealed that the use of smart contracts helps to reduce transaction costs by 15-20%, accelerate the processes of agreeing on terms of transactions by 2-3 times, as well as minimize the risks associated with the human factor. Thus, according to Deloitte, the introduction of smart contracts in the field of logistics can reduce document processing time by 80% and reduce costs by 90%. At the same time, in mechanical engineering, the use of smart contracts provides an increase in the efficiency of supply chain management by 30-35%.

Abdullah J. Abualhamayl, Mohanad A. Almalki, Firas Al-Doghman, Abdulmajeed A. Alyoubi · 5 authors

Abstract In the rapidly evolving digital era, the growing trend of conducting real estate e-business transactions through online platforms has led to escalated challenges in ensuring transactional security and trust. These challenges underscore the importance of balancing transparency with data privacy and enhancing accountability in this field. As an extension of our previously published work (Abualhamayl AJ, Almalki MA, Al-Doghman F, Alyoubi AA, Hussain FK (2023) Towards fractional NFTs for joint ownership and provenance in real estate. In: 2023 IEEE international conference on e-business engineering (ICEBE), p. 143–8. 10.1109/ICEBE59045.2023.00022.), this paper introduces the Global Real Estate Platform (GREP), a novel hybrid blockchain system that utilizes real estate provenance to establish a secure and trustworthy environment for real estate e-business, specifically focusing on two key challenges: ensuring data authenticity and effectively managing access rights. Integral to GREP's design is the involvement of government entities, which is essential for maintaining the required balance between transparency, privacy, and high levels of accountability. This proposed framework is explained conceptually and demonstrated practically, offering an innovative perspective on the integration of hybrid blockchain technology in the real estate system. Furthermore, our research encompasses a detailed implementation, using various tools, and an in-depth examination of three use cases. This combined analysis effectively demonstrates GREP's efficacy in addressing the targeted challenges in the field. While acknowledging the system's limitations, including challenges in user adoption and performance variability under different network conditions, our findings open new avenues for further exploration, such as landlords' payment histories and utility bills, and using blockchain as a secondary user identifier. These features collectively highlight the transformative potential of blockchain technology in real estate e-business.

Claudia Durán, Amir Karbassi Yazdi, Iván Dérpich, Yong Tan

This research investigates the optimal integration of Blockchain Technology (BT) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) within Chile’s maritime ports. Utilizing fuzzy Logarithmic Methodology of Additive Weights (LMAW) and Double Normalization-based Multiple Aggregation Methods (DNMA), the study systematically identifies, prioritizes, and ranks key factors influencing BT adoption in SCM. The study’s findings highlight crucial factors like enhanced transaction security, good supply chain practices, and risk management. Furthermore, it ranks the application of ports as prime candidates for BT integration. The research contributes theoretically by developing a hybrid model combining MCDA methods, and practically by guiding the strategic application of BT in the maritime logistics sector, aligning with the principles of Industry 5.0. This paper presents a novel approach that explores the utilization of BT in maritime supply chain management, incorporating MCDA in a vague environment. The research gap of this study lies in defining new contexts in both theoretical and practical literature reviews for extending the use of BT in SCM in the ports of Chile, according to Industry 5.0, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of all aspects of operations in these places. The contribution of this research is applying hybrid MCDA methods in an uncertain environment to assist decision-makers (DMs) in better implementing BT in SCM in Chilean ports, according to Industry 5.0.

Payam Hanafizadeh, Maryam Alipour

The rising prominence of blockchain technology has spurred researchers to delve deeper into its applications through the lens of organizational and management theories. Our thematic analysis of blockchain literature reveals examination across five key domains: economic, strategic, operational, behavioral, and implementation considerations, each viewed through various theoretical perspectives. The multifaceted nature of blockchain phenomena necessitates diverse types of theory and research questions. Thus, the unique characteristics within each domain stimulate the formulation of inquiries that address a system of research questions about what, how, why, when, where, what will be, and how to do. Existing literature predominantly emphasizes explanatory and predictive theories, notably expanding research topics such as blockchain adoption behavior. However, this singular focus limits the exploration of diverse reasoning approaches suited to blockchain's complexity. Our study illustrates how different types of theory contribute to understanding each of the identified blockchain application areas. Based on our findings, we propose pertinent questions that highlight the need for varied theoretical frameworks and address specific issues within each application domain. Furthermore, we recommend appropriate theories to address these questions, fostering a more multi-perspective investigation across the breadth of blockchain-related research topics and areas. By embracing diverse theoretical perspectives, we aim to create a more balanced research landscape, facilitating deeper insights into blockchain phenomena.

Wantao Yu, Chee Yew Wong, Mark Jacobs, Roberto Chávez

Purpose This study aims to address a significant and previously unanswered question for both academics and practitioners: how do organizations learn to apply Blockchain technology to support modern slavery (MS) supply chain capabilities? Specifically, this study examines whether employees’ digital dexterity (EDD) and strategic investment in Blockchain technology (SIBT) can support three MS supply chain capabilities: internal MS capability (IMSC), MS capability with customers (MSCC) and MS capability with suppliers (MSCS). Design/methodology/approach This study uses resource accumulation and deployment perspective to explain how EDD promotes SIBT, which then drives the development of MS supply chain capabilities. Survey data collected from the Chinese manufacturing industry were used to test the proposed theoretical framework and hypotheses through structural equation modelling and moderated regression analysis. Findings EDD has a positive relationship with SIBT. SIBT has a positive relationship with IMSC. IMSC fully mediates the relationships between SIBT and MS capability with customers and suppliers. Originality/value By conceptualizing MS supply chain capabilities as a multi-dimensional construct for the first time, this study discovers the significant mediating roles of IMSC. The empirical findings also clarify digital dexterity of employees that drives investment in Blockchain technology to foster MS supply chain capabilities as resource accumulation and deployment processes.

Мaryna Chyzhevska, Nataliia Romanovska, Vitalii Venger, Volodymyr Sokolov

Ever since the first block of the Bitcoin network was created, the relevance of research into the assessment of the prospects of the blockchain project is constantly increasing. Ultimately, the economics of a token will have a big impact on how it will be used, how easy it will be to build a network, and whether there will be much interest in the options of its use. The work substantiates that tokenomics allows us to determine which digital assets can be traded or exchanged for other tokens or fiats in the blockchain network. It is noted that the key difference between traditional economics and tokenomics is that the latter is written in code. The authors systematized the elements of tokenomics: supply and demand, the utility of the token, its distribution, the burn of the token, mechanism of token stimulation. The mechanism and working principles of Proof-of-Stake and its differences from Proof of Work, which consists, first of all, of reducing computing costs, are revealed. It is stated in the work that in the coming years, the development of the potential of this algorithm and the growth of the level of popularity of cryptocurrency mining based on it is expected.

Abdel‐Badeeh M. Salem, Rostyslav Yurynets, Zoryna Yurynets, Grzegorz Konieczny · 7 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Kashish Bhurani, Aashna Dogra, Prerna Agarwal, Pranav Shrivastava · 6 authors

INTRODUCTION: Data integrity protection has become a significant priority for both consumers and organizations as cloud storage alternatives have multiplied since they provide scalable solutions for individuals and organizations alike. Traditional cloud storage systems need to find new ways to increase security because they are prone to data modification and unauthorized access thus causing data breaches. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study is to review usage of smart contracts and blockchain technology to ensure data integrity in cloud storage. METHODS: . Case studies, performance evaluations, and a thorough literature review are all used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the suggested system. RESULTS: This research has unveiled a revolutionary approach that capitalizes on the fusion of smart contracts and cloud storage, fortified by blockchain technology. CONCLUSION: This theoretical analysis demonstrate that smart contracts offer a dependable and scalable mechanism for maintaining data integrity in cloud storage, opening up a promising area for further research and practical application.

Emilyani, Marviola Hardini, Natasya Aprila Yusuf, Achani Rahmania Az Zahra

This research aims to explore the convergence between smart networks, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain technology as a foundation for future innovation. The background includes the rapid development of information and communications technology, which is driving increasing integration between AI and blockchain in infrastructure networks. The methods used include a comprehensive literature survey and in-depth analysis of the latest trends in the development of this technology. The issues examined include interoperability, security, and privacy challenges faced in integrating AI and blockchain. The research results show that this convergence promises to improve efficiency, transparency and transparency in a variety of applications, from supply chain management to financial services. However, significant challenges such as scalability and regulation must also be overcome to realize the full potential of this convergence. In conclusion, the merger of AI and blockchain expands the scope of technological innovation by leveraging the strengths of each, but more efforts are needed to address further issues so that this convergence can be implemented widely and sustainably in various industrial fields.

Финансовый университет при Правительстве Российской Федерации, Москва, Россия, Грачева Анна Дмитриевна, Лебедев Игорь Александрович, Финансовый университет при Правительстве Российской Федерации, Москва, Россия · 6 authors

The article deals with the problem of using cryptocurrencies to legalize income received from the sale of narcotic substances. Due to the active development of digital technologies, the availability and ease of use of cryptocurrencies, cases of using crypto markets for drug trafficking have become more frequent. In this regard, the authors assessed the scale of the problem and the volume of proceeds from drug trafficking using cryptocurrencies, and also considered the main territories characterized by the implementation of such activities. In conclusion, measures were proposed to minimize the risks of using cryptocurrencies to legalize income from drug trafficking.

Opeyemi Abayomi Odejide

This paper explores the theoretical underpinnings of blockchain technology and its practical applications in enhancing banking security. The financial landscape is experiencing a seismic shift as disruptive technologies like blockchain emerge. Blockchain, with its core tenets of decentralization, immutability, and transparency, offers a transformative approach to banking security. This paper delves into the theoretical foundations of blockchain and explores its practical applications in bolstering bank security. Theoretical Underpinnings at its core, blockchain is a Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). Imagine a digital record of transactions, not held by a single entity, but replicated and synchronized across a vast network of computers. This distributed nature eliminates the need for a central authority, fostering trust and transparency within the system. Cryptographic hashing adds another layer of security. Each transaction on the blockchain is cryptographically hashed, generating a unique fingerprint. This fingerprint is linked to the previous transaction's hash, creating an immutable chain of blocks. Any attempt to tamper with data would invalidate the entire chain, ensuring the integrity of every transaction. Consensus mechanisms play a vital role in ensuring network agreement. These mechanisms, like Proof of Work or Proof of Stake ensure all participants on the network agree on the validity of transactions and the current state of the ledger. Practical Applications in Banking Security, Traditional banking systems rely on centralized ledgers, susceptible to fraud and manipulation. Blockchain disrupts this paradigm by offering, Enhanced Transaction Security, by eliminating intermediaries and using cryptography, blockchain significantly reduces the risk of fraud and errors in financial transactions. The immutable nature of the ledger ensures transactions cannot be reversed or altered once recorded. Streamlined Regulatory Compliance, regulatory compliance is a constant challenge for banks. Blockchain simplifies the process by providing an auditable and transparent record of all transactions

Idaver Sherifi, Olesіa Lebid, O. Yu. Goncharova, Svetlana Drobyazko · 5 authors

Bitcoin is an asset with high risks, and a significant part of its volatility can be explained by the speculative component. Parametric variance-covariance (VaR) methods are not applicable for assessing the risks of bitcoin investment, since log returns are not distributed according to the normal law. Autoregressive risk assessment models (such as ARIMA-GARCH) for bitcoin volatility overestimate risks at times of sharp exchange rate changes and they underestimate them at times of less significant rate changes compared to historical volatility. The grid search for the smoothing parameter in the exponentially weighted moving average method is potentially interesting for modeling the risks of bitcoin investment. This makes it possible to fully take into account the autocorrelation of the bitcoin rate to the levels of previous periods and the volatility of the asset. As a conclusion, there are currently no econometric models that can explain and forecast the volatility of bitcoin in the medium and short term, considering the available factors in the market.

Zdravko Paladin, Sanja Bauk, Rasim Mujalović, Nexhat Kapidani · 5 authors

This paper reviews the most important cases of using Blockchain to support Big Data in maritime transport and supply chains and to make them secure and integrated. Contemporary global markets and trade produce a vast amount of Big Data that is collected from various sources and processed, structured, and categorized in order to provide important information to various users in the maritime sector. Also, Blockchain as a new disruptive technology could provide important benefits for handling, securing, and efficient management of Big Data within the maritime transportation supply chain. The paper presents some of the key platforms of Blockchain for maritime and logistics purposes, including smart contracts and other use cases.

Wei Chen, Wei Wu, Zhiyuan Ouyang, Yelin Fu · 6 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Security and Communication Networks

This article has been retracted by Hindawi, as publisher, following an investigation undertaken by the publisher [1]. This investigation has uncovered evidence of systematic manipulation of the publication and peer-review process. We cannot, therefore, vouch for the reliability or integrity of this article. Please note that this notice is intended solely to alert readers that the peer-review process of this article has been compromised. Wiley and Hindawi regret that the usual quality checks did not identify these issues before publication and have since put additional measures in place to safeguard research integrity. We wish to credit our Research Integrity and Research Publishing teams and anonymous and named external researchers and research integrity experts for contributing to this investigation. The corresponding author, as the representative of all authors, has been given the opportunity to register their agreement or disagreement to this retraction. We have kept a record of any response received.

Ahmed Abdelhafeez, J Shreyas, P K Udayaprasad

Assessing blockchain technology strategies is crucial for organizations seeking to leverage the potential benefits of blockchain in their operations. We explore the importance of evaluating blockchain technology strategies and emphasize critical considerations in the assessment process. These considerations encompass aligning strategy with business objectives, evaluating technology capabilities, analyzing implementation challenges, assessing security and privacy implications, considering regulatory compliance, and measuring the impact of the strategy. The study outlines the significance of a comprehensive assessment in ensuring the effectiveness and success of blockchain technology strategies. By conducting thorough assessments, organizations can make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and maximize the value of implementing blockchain technology. This study proposed utilizing the fuzzy set to handle and evaluate the linguistic data. We integrated the fuzzy set with the TOPSIS method to show the rank of strategies. We collect ten criteria and ten strategies in this study. We conducted a sensitivity analysis to show the stability of the results.

Miguel Ángel Pesquera

According to World Economic Forum the COVID-19 crisis exposed the vulnerabilities in global supply chains. One notable impact was in shipping rates, as transport ground to a halt and a worldwide backlog of containers built up in ports around the world. Another was a dramatic increase in the number of people shopping online as measures to safeguard public health meant that many were confined to their homes. Logistics service providers were forced to get creative and identify means of mitigating costs while maintaining the speed and quality of service. Within the commodity supply chain, there are many stakeholders, each with their own set of platforms and methods. Multiple versions of the same document can inundate end-users, especially if they need to enter one set of data in multiple places. These circumstances open up loopholes for fraudulent or malicious activity in the supply chain. Logistics suppliers are fragmenting their operations in response to this shift, spreading out their processes to minimize concentration risk and the disruption caused by events like geopolitical tension or a pandemic. Using a world production growth function the contribution of the Logistics Performance Index(LPI) components of 133 countries has been estimated for the period 2007-2018 through the econometric method of panel data with fixed effects. Blockchain Technology can guarantee transparency and quality, and automation where Smart Contracts can be written and often reused between different entities and a set of agreements that can automatically take effect after a period or condition is met. The content of the paper reflects the results of research conducted on the contribution of logistics port and freight transport with which we can solve inefficiencies in the ease of arranging international shipments at competitive prices with Blockchain to get Automation of whole supply chain with ports nodes.