Blockchain Papers

Bill Wang, Wen Luo, Abraham Zhang, Zonggui Tian · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Diogo Costa

Increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies lead to the rapid development of blockchain-based distributed ledger keeping systems. Industrial applications for the new technologies were soon found, enhanced by needs of security, trust and transparency along the value-chain in traceability of products, parts and processes, particularly when transactions are being maintained through several different entities. Traceability solutions are also increasingly being built upon IoT or IIoT platforms. Although this allows for highly modular and flexible architectures, severe security deficiencies make these designs inapplicable to most real-life production lines. Lack of research and practical advances in the creation of modular and easily deployable frameworks motivated development of the project underlying this dissertation.

Utkan Eryılmaz, Remco Dijkman, Willem van Jaarsveld, Wouter van Dis · 5 authors

Blockchain emerged as a peer-to-peer trust platform for trading virtual currencies and evolved to be used for different problems including supply chain provenance. Due to stringent requirements of safety, regulated manufacturing and service industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and transportation require regulated traceability for parts, from source to the last customer, with detailed information requirements for each handover and operation. In this research, we analyzed the current traceability problem and list use cases of a traceability blockchain platform. A prototype platform is developed for the aerospace industry where every single part is required to have source and path traces recorded by certified supply chain actors. We evaluate the efficiency benefits of the platform in terms of duration and address future research topics.

Tharangana Perera, Sithija Piyuman Thewa Hettige, Shadhini A. P. Jayatilake, Wickramaranga Abeygunawardhana · 5 authors

Contemporary consumers are demanding greater visibility in products they consume, and practices used to produce them. Blockchain-based product traceability solutions attempt to integrate the data silos of suppliers into an immutable and distributed ledger to provide consumers with a transparent and trustworthy system to trace back a product at hand. A common limitation of these solutions is the use of blockchain to provide only the proof of existence of data. We propose a solution where data related to enforcement of product-quality specifications and production limits, merging and splitting products as batches, and mixing of ingredients are handled within the block-chain itself to provide greater consistency, transparency, and trust. Our solution is based on a graph data structure built into the blockchain nodes, smart contracts, and facilitation of different roles in a supply chain. We demonstrate the utility of the proposed solution by implementing it on the Hyperledger Fabric platform. Performance results confirmed that both the graph data structure and blockchain has acceptable throughput and latency characteristics.

Leonardo Aniello, Basel Halak, Peter Chai, Riddhi Dhall · 6 authors

Abstract The complexity of today’s integrated circuit (IC) supply chain, organised in several tiers and including many companies located in different countries, makes it challenging to assess the history and integrity of procured ICs. This enables malicious practices like counterfeiting and insertion of back doors, which are extremely dangerous, especially in supply chains of ICs for industrial control systems used in critical infrastructures, where a country and human lives can be put at risk. This paper aims at mitigating these issues by introducing Anti-BlUFf (Anti-counterfeiting Blockchain- and PUF-based infrastructure), an approach where ICs are uniquely identified and tracked along the chain, across multiple sites, to detect tampering. Our solution is based on consortium blockchain and smart contract technologies; hence, it is decentralised, highly available and provides strong guarantees on the integrity of stored data and executed business logic. The unique identification of ICs along the chain is implemented by using physically unclonable functions (PUFs) as tamper-resistant IDs. We first define the threat model of an adversary interested in tampering with ICs along the supply chain and then provide the design of the tracking system that implements the proposed anti-counterfeiting approach. We present a security analysis of the tracking system against the designated threat model and a prototype evaluation to show its technical feasibility and assess its effectiveness in counterfeit mitigation. Finally, we discuss several key practical aspects concerning our solution ad its integration with real IC supply chains.

Bing Qing Tan, Fangfang Wang, Jia Liu, Kai Kang · 5 authors

The logistics industry around the world has proliferated over recent years as a large number of business organizations have come to recognize the importance of logistics. Cost control used to be emphasized to remain competitive, but recently green logistics has gained attention with the awareness of the integration of economy and society as a whole. Nowadays, green logistics is a useful concept to improve the sustainability of logistics operations, and its related policies and theoretical research have been investigated and explored. However, the practical applications of green logistics are impeded by real-time data sharing, which is common in the logistics industry. Blockchain technology is adopted to address this challenge and enable data sharing among related stakeholders. This paper presents a reference framework for green logistics based on blockchain to reach the sustainable operations of logistics, with the integration of the Internet of Things and big data. Finally, potential benefits and limitations are analyzed when implementing this framework.

Aditya Chidepatil, Prabhleen Bindra, Devyani Kulkarni, Mustafa Qazi · 6 authors

Virgin polymers based on petrochemical feedstock are mainly preferred by most plastic goods manufacturers instead of recycled plastic feedstock. Major reason for this is the lack of reliable information about the quality, suitability, and availability of recycled plastics, which is partly due to lack of proper segregation techniques. In this paper, we present our ongoing efforts to segregate plastics based on its types and improve the reliability of information about recycled plastics using the first-of-its-kind blockchain smart contracts powered by multi-sensor data-fusion algorithms using artificial intelligence. We have demonstrated how different data-fusion modes can be employed to retrieve various physico-chemical parameters of plastic waste for accurate segregation. We have discussed how these smart tools help in efficiently segregating commingled plastics and can be reliably used in the circular economy of plastic. Using these tools, segregators, recyclers, and manufacturers can reliably share data, plan the supply chain, execute purchase orders, and hence, finally increase the use of recycled plastic feedstock.

Giulio Caldarelli, Cecilia Rossignoli, Alessandro Zardini

Blockchain implications within the sustainability domain are rapidly arousing the interest of researchers and institutions. However, despite the avalanche of articles, papers, and recently published books, innovation in the blockchain domain is still heavily influenced by light literature, such as news, articles, opinion posts, and white papers. Lacking a homogeneous literature background, case studies often fall into storytelling, providing mere descriptions of the facts according to the writers’ impressions and opinions. We therefore investigate blockchain adoption for sustainable purposes through a case study while remaining firmly grounded in three main theoretical literature streams: knowledge management, knowledge infrastructure, and trust. Since blockchain interaction with the real world is managed by oracles, addressing the oracle problem is essential in order to evaluate the effectiveness of blockchain for sustainability issues. However, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no other paper has efficiently addressed this subject or even mentioned it. Recognizing its scarce consideration in the literature, the oracle problem will be analyzed in both theoretical and practical terms, thereby providing a way to solve the issues related to non-fungible products in the supply chain. Choice over the selected case study was made in light of the divergence in motives for the adoption of blockchain (economic over social), which makes the results more inferable at a broader scale and offers an insight into how sustainable innovations can also be economically viable.

Erik Westerström

The adoption of blockchain in the public electrical vehicle charging market has yet to be realized to its full potential, despite existing proof-of-concept. A positive outlook for blockchain is suggested by contemporary research, as well as the need for empirical studies to fully identify blockchain’s barriers to adoption. Through qualitative methods, a focused literature review, and in-depth interviews with subject matter experts, this thesis investigated which barriers to blockchain adoption exist in the public electrical vehicle charging market. The results indicated that the main barrier to blockchain adoption was the structure of the public electrical vehicle charging market itself, since it is an immature market experiencing constant change. This was followed by: coordination, norms and cultures, business process, incumbent technological solutions, regulations and legislations, shared infrastructure, and distributed ledger technology. These barriers were not shown individually, but were affected by each other. It is concluded that blockchain technology is not needed by the market in its current state, as its key defining attributes of privacy, security and decentralization are not deemed worth the cost of its own implementation. This research contributes to, and updates, the knowledge of blockchain utilization for the public electrical vehicle charging market. The results can be used by private and public organizations and scholars as reference material with regards to blockchain adoption for public electrical vehicle charging.

Neo C. K. Yiu

Innovative solutions addressing product anti-counterfeiting and record provenance have been deployed across today's internationally spanning supply chain networks. These product anti-counterfeiting solutions are developed and implemented with centralized system architecture relying on centralized authorities or any form of intermediaries. Vulnerabilities of centralized product anti-counterfeiting solutions could possibly lead to system failure or susceptibility of malicious modifications performed on product records or various potential attacks to the system components by dishonest participant nodes traversing along the supply chain. Blockchain technology has progressed from merely with a use case of immutable ledger for cryptocurrency transactions to a programmable interactive environment of developing decentralized and reliable applications addressing different use cases globally. In this research, so as to facilitate trustworthy data provenance retrieval, verification and management, as well as strengthening capability of product anti-counterfeiting, key areas of decentralization and feasible mechanisms of developing decentralized and distributed product anti-counterfeiting and traceability ecosystems utilizing blockchain technology, are identified via a series of security and threat analyses performed mainly against NFC-Enabled Anti-Counterfeiting System (NAS) which is one of the solutions currently implemented in the industry with centralized architecture. A set of fundamental system requirements are set out for developing a blockchain-enabled autonomous and decentralized solution for supply chain anti-counterfeiting and traceability, as a secure and immutable scientific data provenance tracking and management platform in which provenance records, providing compelling properties on data integrity of luxurious goods, are recorded and verified automatically, for supply chain industry.

Walaa AlKhader, Nouf Alkaabi, Khaled Salah, Raja Jayaraman · 6 authors

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is a major advancement in the digitization of manufacturing and production operations. Additive manufacturing uses three dimensional digital design, software and hardware equipment to precisely deposit layered materials for on-demand product manufacturing. The distinct advantages in enabling additive manufacturing includes cost efficiency, reduced time-to-market, flexibility and precise customization. However, several challenges such as trusted traceability, certification for quality compliance, and protecting intellectual property need to be addressed. Blockchain-based distributed ledgers provide tremendous advantages for product traceability and ensure trust among participating stakeholders. In this paper, we propose a blockchain-based solution for product traceability produced using additive manufacturing, guaranteeing secure and trusted traceability, accessibility, and immutability of transactions, and data provenance among supply chain stakeholders. Our proposed solution utilizes Ethereum smart contracts to govern and trace transactions initiated by participants involved in the manufacturing process. Decentralized storage of Inter-Planetary File Systems is used to store and share design files, IoT device records, and additional product specifications. We provide the system architecture, implementation, and detailed algorithms that demonstrate the working principles of our proposed solution for secure AM. Furthermore, we present detailed security and cost analysis of the solution highlighting its efficiency with respect to key security and performance requirements.

António Miguel Rosado da Cruz, Francisco Javier Nieto De Santos, Paulo Mendes, Estrela Ferreira Cruz

No abstract is available for this record.

Qingyang Ding, Sheng Gao, Jianming Zhu, Chongxuan Yuan

Blockchain-based product traceability systems are receiving increasing attention from both industry and academia. Existing systems make full use of the traceability and non-modification characteristics of blockchain technology and realize the openness and transparency of product traceability information in the entire supply chain. However, existing systems do not consider government regulation, cannot protect enterprise sensitive private data effectively, and have performance bottlenecks. To address these problems, this paper proposes a product traceability scheme based on the permissioned blockchain within a double-layer framework. We introduce the double-layer framework and describe its advantages in detail. We also describe the smart contracts (chain code) in the double-layer framework. Finally, we test the performance of the proposed scheme through simulation experiments. The simulation results demonstrate the performance of nodes in the main layer, which is very important for consumers to obtain product traceability information, is optimized.

Tejaswi Khanna, Parma Nand, Vikram Bali

Supply chain management or logistics is a crucial aspect of any business, be it agriculture, food, healthcare, and more. However, it also involves a communication among a host of actors performing different roles in the chain. Integration of these actors in a transparent yet secure way is needed, which blockchain technology has the potential to do so. In this article, different models of blockchain application in logistics are discussed and how the permissioned blockchains can be used in realizing the business case. An overview of different frameworks which enable permissioned blockchains are discussed in this article. Based on this, the authors propose an asset transfer model which can be employed to enhance supply chain trackability using permissioned blockchain.

V. G. Venkatesh, Kai Kang, Bill Wang, Ray Y. Zhong · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Susanne Köhler, Massimo Pizzol

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide This study estimates the environmental impact of mining Bitcoin, the most well-known blockchain-based cryptocurrency, and contributes to the discussion on the technology’s supposedly large energy consumption and carbon footprint. The lack of a robust methodological framework and of accurate data on key factors determining Bitcoin’s impact have so far been the main obstacles in such an assessment. This study applied the well-established Life Cycle Assessment methodology to an in-depth analysis of drivers of past and future environmental impacts of the Bitcoin mining network. It was found that, in 2018, the Bitcoin network consumed 31.29 TWh with a carbon footprint of 17.29 MtCO 2 -eq, an estimate that is in the lower end of the range of results from previous studies. The main drivers of such impact were found to be the geographical distribution of miners and the efficiency of the mining equipment. In contrast to previous studies, it was found that the service life, production, and end-of-life of such equipment had only a minor contribution to the total impact, and that while the overall hashrate is expected to increase, the energy consumption and environmental footprint per TH mined is expected to decrease.

Joniarto Parung

Abstract This paper aims to identify, and analyze how the use of blockchains technology can support sustainable supply chain management strategies. This support is seen from environmental, economic, and social aspects. In addition, it explains the various advantages of using Blokchain technology to reduce the use of transportation and other resources that have the potential to damage the environment. From an economic aspect, this technology has the potential to increase the efficiency of cost and time. Blockchain technology also has the potential to provide social benefits for the companies involved because of the increasingly good reputation of the organization. Three examples of implementation of the blockchain in three different industries are also provided in this paper. This paper also points out the potential disadvantages of using this technology for supply chains that can threaten supply chain sustainability.

Authors unavailable

Blockchain generation and the Internet of Things are two of the most famous technology these days. IoT is an interconnection of devices which have the usefulness to detect, degree, a strategy the country of natural markers just as themselves and incite dependent on the enter outfitted. It can help make astute arrangements which could enhance the best of ways of life of individuals. In like manner, blockchain is dispensed database structures that guarantee an extreme dimension of wellbeing and accessibility of actualities with least exchange overhead. In this proposal, we endeavor to convey together that two innovation to grow a Smart Waste Management System (SWMS). The SWMS is weight-based for example Clients need to pay for the utilization of administrations as indicated by the measure of waste they produce. Installments are made the use of a custom digital currency controlled by utilizing Smart Contracts and the total SWMS can be supported with the guide of a DAO through a totally computerized, observably secure strategy. Blockchain can help bring down the infiltration and supplier esteem which might be particularly valuable to developing countries in which governments are not exceptionally inventive. This paper tries to set up an evidence of concept thru size of performance and evaluation of the applicability of this type of device.

Seyed Hamidreza Ghaffar, Matthew Burman, Nuhu Braimah

The challenges of sustainable construction, industrial growth and importance of resource efficiency are clearly recognised by the UK government and are now at the forefront of strategy and policy. A critical component of the government’s sustainability strategies concerns way in which construction and demolition waste (C&DW) is managed. In this study a mixed method approach was adopted to investigate current practices of C&DW management and circular construction (re-use, recycle and recovery of materials) concept awareness in the UK. Relevant stakeholders from the construction industry (contracting, demolition and C&DW organisations) were selected and their views solicited on arguments about circular construction to help establish common visions and further encourage sustainable behaviour across the sector. The study revealed that legislation by the government on the re-use and recycling threshold for every new project can substantially improve circularity within the built environment. More specifically, focus should be on smart dismantling of buildings and ways of optimising cost effective processes. This will enable fair competition between stakeholders and eventually lead to investments in innovative approaches for resource recovery from C&DW. Further incentives and appreciations from government should also be given to stakeholders who are innovating and setting benchmarks in circular construction. This can lead to harmonised technological and non-technological solutions, closed-loop material processes and a circular economy.

Abraham Zhang, Ray Y. Zhong, Muhammad Farooque, Kai Kang · 5 authors

No abstract is available for this record.

Mahtab Kouhizadeh, Joseph Sarkis, Qingyun Zhu

The circular economy (CE) is an emergent concept to rethink and redesign how our economy works. The concept recognizes effective and efficient economic functioning at multiple scales—governments and individuals, globally and locally; for businesses, large and small. CE represents a systemic shift that builds long-term resilience at multiple levels (macro, meso and micro); generating new business and economic opportunities while providing environmental and societal benefits. Blockchain, an emergent and critical technology, is introduced to the circular economy environment as a potential enabler for many circular economic principles. Blockchain technology supported information systems can improve circular economy performance at multiple levels. Product deletion, a neglected but critical effort in product management and product portfolio management, is utilized as an illustrative business scenario as to blockchain’s application in a circular economy research context. Product deletion, unlike product proliferation, has received minimal attention from both academics and practitioners. Product deletion decisions need to be evaluated and analyzed in the circular economy context. CE helps address risk aversion issues in product deletions such as inventory, waste and information management. This paper is the first to conceptualize the relationships amongst blockchain technology, product deletion and the circular economy. Many nuances of relationships are introduced in this study. Future evaluation and critical reflections are also presented with a need for a rigorous and robust research agenda to evaluate the multiple and complex relationships and interplay amongst technology, policy, commerce and the natural environment.

David D. Zhang

Rural areas in developing countries have constantly been plagued by poor sanitation and energy shortages. A key issue has been the decentralized nature of waste generation and energy consumption, leading to farmers burning crop stocks, lumber, and other agricultural waste. As 1.9 billion people lack access to waste collection services [1], untreated solid and liquid refuse hamper the health of many and irreversibly damage the local ecosystem. Considering the scattered nature of agricultural waste generation and centralized treatment difficulties, this study examines the feasibility of adopting decentralized blockchain system in trading biomass energy and agricultural products across the waste-to-energy ecosystem. A case study is conducted based on the Yitong system in Changzhi City, Shanxi Province, China. This plant collects and transports agricultural wastes (crop straw and animal residue), and converts them to clean energy and agricultural by-products like briquettes, fertilizer, and animal feedstock. This paper presents how a digital coupon or cryptocurrency can be introduced to trade the wastes, energy and by-products among the farmers and entrepreneurs. It argues that this system could maximize the use of agriculture wastes by incentivizing farmers and enterprises to work together. This paper covers three key areas: 1) Literature review, methodology preparation, and field assessment for introducing digital incentive mechanism to enhance rural wastes management. 2) Design of a prototype of blockchain-based model: (a) how the waste-to-energy plant managers collect the segregated waste from individual farmers through trucks connected to blockchain-based smart meters; (b) how systems on each of the trucks register the quantity of waste received onto a universal ledger when collecting. This quantity received will be translated into a certain amount of energy and products like fertilizer that the waste-to-energy plant owes each farm; and (c) how the farmers will receive digital coupons corresponding to the quantity of energy and agricultural products that they should receive. 3) Evaluation of the feasibility of blockchain-based model (technical and economic): (a) data collection on the total quantity of waste produced and the processing capabilities and availability of Waste to Energy plants; (b) assessing readiness of digital infrastructure (cyber-security and communications); and (c) economic evaluation of the incentives and responsibilities associated with the key stakeholders from the farmers to enterprises.

Mengchen Cai, Ming Li, Wanwan Cao

Blockchain technology is playing an increasingly important role in the Management Information System especially in the data security aspect. In this paper, we propose a blockchain based system for the data distribution and traceability analysis in Electric Management Information System (EMIS). The blockchain and smart contract is studied to ensure the security of data share in the system. The experimental results indicate that the proposed demo system can efficiently support the data share and supply the undeniable traceability services in EMIS.

Sotiris P. Gayialis, Evripidis P. Kechagias, Georgios A. Papadopoulos, Grigorios D. Konstantakopoulos

No abstract is available for this record.