As smart transportation systems evolve, secure and efficient V2X communication between vehicles and infrastructure becomes crucial. This paper introduces a Vehicle-to-Blockchain (V2B) communication architecture, leveraging blockchain technology for transparent and decentralized interactions. Our work contributes to the integration of blockchain into V2X and IoT for next-generation transportation systems. We propose several novel blockchain use cases, including a blockchain-based vehicle ownership system based on the multi-token standard, a vehicle scoring system, blockchain–IoT integration, and a decentralized ticket management system for transportation services. The architecture addresses key aspects, such as data integration, validity, and secure messaging, and introduces a decentralized payment system and marketplace for transportation in smart cities. We specifically emphasize the technical implementation of smart contracts for these use cases, underscoring their role in ensuring robust and reliable interactions. Through our decentralized approach, we pave the way for a transformative transportation ecosystem that is adaptable, resilient, and capable of meeting the evolving needs of smart cities.
On-demand insurance is growing rapidly with predictions that by 2030 the global insurance market will evolve to contain highly dynamic, usage-based products that are tailored to individual customer behaviours and will transition from an annual renewal model to a continuous cycle, with products that constantly adapt to individual behavioural patterns—driven by application of data and individualised risk models. The availability of “big data” in conjunction with technological advances in artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics and blockchain create the foundation and operational capacity for new on-demand insurance products and opens doors to new and exciting opportunities within the insurance industry. Globally, insurtech start-ups have taken the lead in addressing the demand for customisable on-demand insurance, but large institutional insurers are responding to this trend by engaging emerging technologies and delving into transformational options to complement traditional services. Big data in conjunction with AI-driven analytics can be used to more precisely delineate the scope of cover provided. For example, big data and AI analytics enable insurers to monitor an insured&s;s activities in real time (such as motor and health risks) with the data about that insured&s;s behaviour (such as speeding in an insured motor vehicle). In principle, this enables an insurer to vary the scope of the cover or premium payable by way of real-time variations, which could extend to a policy termination or premium increases if certain behaviours occur. This chapter considers on-demand insurance and the associated technological developments supporting its global growth and development, as well as the risks and challenges to be addressed. The fraud implications of on-demand insurance and the potential for distributed ledger technology or blockchain initiatives to assist in fraud detection and risk prevention are also addressed.
This chapter reviews the developments and initiatives driven by distributed ledger technology (DLT) or blockchain technology within the insurance industry. In order for the insurance industry to capitalise on the very real benefits, however, progress towards standardisation (of practices, systems and databases) is required along with a willingness for intra-market cooperation to foster ecosystems. If achieved, the prospects for the insurance industry in utilising this technology to help embed itself as part of the wider digital economy, are bright. Broadly, the activities undertaken by insurers and reinsurers to date fall into three camps. First are more prosaic initiatives designed to improve efficiency, lower the costs of transaction processing and improve data quality and transparency. Second, fraud detection, risk prevention and “smart” contracting are at the forefront of several collaborative efforts undertaken within the industry or in conjunction with major external technology entities. Third, and most interesting, is the development of new markets and tools for risk management and sharing. While the first two limbs, efficiency and fraud prevention, are important, it is the third which holds particular promise and which is structurally important. DLT or blockchain technology may enable a move to faster more efficient and more sustainable decentralised solutions for existing products and can also help unlock unrealised economic value for new products and connectivity with the digital economy. However, these opportunities are not without their corresponding challenges and risks, technological, legal and otherwise. Key challenges and risks to be considered in the context of existing legal frameworks relate to security and privacy, governance, scalability and standardisation.
Neha Bhat, Anil A. Bharath, N Nagashree, Shantakumar B. Patıl
Ride Booking platforms have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and other benefits. Taxi-service giants have dominated the market with the increasing demands and have introduced predatory practices such as surge-pricing in order to maintain the demand-supply balance, while providing drastically poor levels of reliability and responsiveness in majority of the cities. The existing solutions still face problems such as lack of privacy, control by intermediaries and centralization. In this paper, we propose a Blockchain-based Ride Booking platform built using Ethereum Smart Contracts and novel features such as an Optimal Price Calculation algorithm and Ride Fare Bidding. The platform leverages the inherent advantages of blockchain technology, such as decentralization, transparency, and immutability, to solve these problems. Blockchain technology also aids in increasing security and eliminating the single point of failure. The use of smart contracts enables the platform to execute transactions automatically and transparently, eliminating the need for intermediaries and reducing costs. The proposed solution demonstrates characteristics such as fairness, accountability, and privacy in the ride booking industry. In summary, our decentralized ride booking platform represents a significant step towards a fairer and more efficient ride booking ecosystem.
Existing permissionless sharded-Blockchains come on the scene. However, there is a lack of systematic formulations and experiments regarding the behaviors of individual miners. In this article, we interpret block mining in a permissionless sharded-Blockchain as a repeated$M$-player noncooperative game with finite actions, and propose a new multiagent deep reinforcement learning (MADRL) framework to allow the miners to maximize their profits in a decentralized fashion by scheduling their resources across the shards without centralized coordination. We formulate the rewards, and design a two-scale action space for each miner to reduce the action space and expedite convergence. We also propose a new MADRL model, named Rainbow-WoLF-PHC, which allows each miner to learn its resource allocation online and converge fast to a mixed strategy Nash equilibrium. Extensive experiments show the superiority of the Rainbow-WoLF-PHC to its alternatives in terms of convergence, stability, and profitable actions. This work provides a prosperous design of an end-user-friendly permissionless sharded-Blockchain.
Yubao Zhang, Xin Chen, Yi Gu, Zhicheng Li · 5 authors
With the growing prevalence of electric vehicles (EVs) and advancements in EV electronics, vehicle-to-grid (V2G) techniques and large-scale scheduling strategies have emerged to promote renewable energy utilization and power grid stability. This study proposes a multi-stakeholder hierarchical V2G coordination based on deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and the Proof of Stake algorithm. Furthermore, the multi-stakeholders include the power grid, EV aggregators (EVAs), and users, and the proposed strategy can achieve multi-stakeholder benefits. On the grid side, load fluctuations and renewable energy consumption are considered, while on the EVA side, energy constraints and charging costs are considered. The three critical battery conditioning parameters of battery SOX are considered on the user side, including state of charge, state of power, and state of health. Compared with four typical baselines, the multi-stakeholder hierarchical coordination strategy can enhance renewable energy consumption, mitigate load fluctuations, meet the energy demands of EVA, and reduce charging costs and battery degradation under realistic operating conditions.
This study applies Stackelberg game theory to analyze and compare optimal operational strategies in four supply chain finance scenarios: traditional trade financing (TI), trade financing through the blockchain platform (BI), traditional external financing (TE), and external financing through the blockchain platform (BE). The main findings are as follows: First, the adoption of the blockchain platform reduces the interest rate threshold, making external financing more advantageous for retailers with higher capital constraint. Further, financing through the blockchain platform leads to higher wholesale prices, retail prices, and order quantities compared to traditional financing scenarios. Second, internal trade financing and the use of blockchain technology are preferred over external bank financing. However, conducting external bank financing through the blockchain platform yields greater profit growth for manufacturers and retailers. Accessing the blockchain platform is the optimal strategy for retailers and banks, leading to a favorable “multi-win” situation when the manufacturer’s platform fees are reasonable. Third, the manufacturer’s risk guarantee ratio plays a crucial role in determining the choice of financing mode, particularly when the retailer faces the risk of debt default. This study contributes to the literature by quantifying the impacts of blockchain technology deployment for three aspects that have been overlooked in previous studies: the set-up cost and access fee of the blockchain platform, the service level provided by the platform, and the demand increase resulting from blockchain technology adoption.
This study presents an architectural framework for the blockchain-based usage-based insurance (UBI) policy auction mechanism in the internet of vehicles (IoV) applications. The main objective of this study is to analyze and design the specific blockchain architecture and management considerations for the UBI environment. An auction mechanism is developed for the UBI blockchain platform to enhance consumer trust. The study identifies correlations between driving behaviors and associated risks to determine a driver's score. A decentralized bidding algorithm is proposed and implemented on a blockchain platform using elliptic curve cryptography and first-price sealed-bid auctions. Additionally, the model incorporates intelligent contract functionality to prevent unauthorized modifications and ensure that insurance prices align with the prevailing market value. An experimental study evaluates the system's efficacy by expanding the participant pool in the bidding process to identify the winning bidder and is investigated under scenarios where varying numbers of insurance companies submit bids. The experimental results demonstrate that as the number of insurance companies increases exponentially, the temporal overhead incurred by the system exhibits only marginal growth. Moreover, the allocation of bids is accomplished within a significantly abbreviated timeframe. These findings provide evidence that supports the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
This study explores the intricacies of waiting games, a novel dynamic that emerged with Ethereum's transition to a Proof-of-Stake (PoS)-based block proposer selection protocol. Within this PoS framework, validators acquire a distinct monopoly position during their assigned slots, given that block proposal rights are set deterministically, contrasting with Proof-of-Work (PoW) protocols. Consequently, validators have the power to delay block proposals, stepping outside the honest validator specs, optimizing potential returns through MEV payments. Nonetheless, this strategic behaviour introduces the risk of orphaning if attestors fail to observe and vote on the block timely. Our quantitative analysis of this waiting phenomenon and its associated risks reveals an opportunity for enhanced MEV extraction, exceeding standard protocol rewards, and providing sufficient incentives for validators to play the game. Notably, our findings indicate that delayed proposals do not always result in orphaning and orphaned blocks are not consistently proposed later than non-orphaned ones. To further examine consensus stability under varying network conditions, we adopt an agent-based simulation model tailored for PoS-Ethereum, illustrating that consensus disruption will not be observed unless significant delay strategies are adopted. Ultimately, this research offers valuable insights into the advent of waiting games on Ethereum, providing a comprehensive understanding of trade-offs and potential profits for validators within the blockchain ecosystem.
Ilham Qasse, Shailesh Mishra, Björn Þór Jónsson, Foutse Khomh · 5 authors
The potential of automatic code generation through Model-Driven Engineering (MDE) frameworks has yet to be realized. Beyond their ability to help software professionals write more accurate, reusable code, MDE frameworks could make programming accessible for a new class of domain experts. However, domain experts have been slow to embrace these tools, as they still need to learn how to specify their applications' requirements using the concrete syntax (i.e., textual or graphical) of the new and unified domain-specific language. Conversational interfaces (chatbots) could smooth the learning process and offer a more interactive way for domain experts to specify their application requirements and generate the desired code. If integrated with MDE frameworks, chatbots may offer domain experts with richer domain vocabulary without sacrificing the power of agnosticism that unified modelling frameworks provide. In this paper, we discuss the challenges of integrating chatbots within MDE frameworks and then examine a specific application: the auto-generation of smart contract code based on conversational syntax. We demonstrate how this can be done and evaluate our approach by conducting a user experience survey to assess the usability and functionality of the chatbot framework. The paper concludes by drawing attention to the potential benefits of leveraging Language Models (LLMs) in this context.
As an effective method to increase the computing capability of vehicles, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) assisted vehicular edge computing (VEC) has great potential to reduce infrastructure spending and better adapt to mobility. However, its feasibility depends heavily on the sharing willingness, how to incentive selfish vehicles in such decentralized architecture is a vital problem. In this paper, we jointly consider the pricing strategy and the users’ concerns about security and privacy to incentive more participants. We first construct a P2P resource trading system based on consortium blockchain to build trust between strange vehicles and guarantee transaction security and user privacy without an authority center. To overcome the resource constraint on blockchain deployment and enhance the scalability of blockchain, the proposed system is built on edge-terminal architecture and improves the consistency algorithm. In addition, the V2V trading process is formalized as a two-stage Stackelberg game model to maximize the utility of both requesters and providers. The optimal pricing and trading volume strategy are derived from efficient optimization algorithms. Finally, we conduct a security analysis to show the performance of the trading process in terms of security and privacy. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed strategy to motivate more participants.
Qianqian Zheng, Na Lin, Di Fu, Tianjun Liu · 7 authors
The platform-based agricultural service is receiving popularity in small-scale farming and shows significant advantages in gathering dispersed service requests and matching supply and demand. However, it also generates new challenges, including service traceability, denial and fraud, information security, and privacy issues. Blockchain is an emerging technology that provides a secure and trusted environment to track and manage the service process. In this study, we propose a blockchain-based service platform for efficient agricultural service operations with the support of Internet of Things technology. Following the smart platform, we use the drone plant protection service as an example and develop a new execution procedure for smart contract-based agricultural services. In the proposed procedure, we focus on integrating optimization methods to deal with multiple service requests as well as potential disruption events and establishing detailed interactions among service plans, smart contracts, and physical services. Moreover, we formulate the drone plant protection issue using a mixed-integer linear programming model to obtain the optimal service plan and develop a recovery model to deal with potential disruptions of new order arrival. Finally, we design detailed smart contract terms for drone plant protection services. Results of numerical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the developed optimization model in obtaining the optimal service plan before and after disruptions. Also, we verify the applicability and security of the smart contract on the Ethereum platform based on a three-phase functional test and a comprehensive security test.
Syed Muhammad Ahsan, Hassan Abbas Khan, Sarmad Sohaib, Anas Hashmi
The operation of smart buildings (with solar, storage and suitable power routing infrastructure) can be optimized with the addition of parking stations for electric vehicles (EVs) with vehicle-to-everything (V2X) operations including vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-building (V2B) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operations. In this paper, a multi-objective optimization framework is proposed for the smart charging and discharging of EVs along with the maximization of revenue and savings of smart building (prosumers with solar power, a battery storage system and a parking station) and non-primary/ordinary buildings (consumers of electricity without solar power, a battery storage system and parking station). A mixed-integer linear program is developed to maximize the profits of smart buildings that have bilateral contracts with non-primary buildings. The optimized charging and discharging (V2X) of EVs at affordable rates utilizing solar power and a battery storage system in the smart building helps to manage the EV load during on-peak hours and prevent utility congestion. The results indicate that in addition to the 4–9% daily electricity cost reductions for non-primary buildings, a smart building can achieve up to 60% of the daily profits. Further, EVs can save 50–69% in charging costs while performing V2X operations.
Blockchain is an emerging technology in logistics and supply chain management. However, its adoption is still in a doldrum with limited success. This study explores container shipping service providers’ (CSSPs) current adoption status and perceived barriers in integrating blockchain applications before providing adoption recommendations. A qualitative analysis was conducted on thirty-two interviews with experts holding managing positions from container terminal operators, shipping companies, and freight forwarders. Thematic analysis was employed to extract and aggregate information from the qualitative database. This study revealed the difference between CSSPs’ perceptions of blockchain adoption barriers and, accordingly, their adopting approaches. A challenging implementing process for the current blockchain applications in container shipping was depicted with ten barriers and twenty-nine connections. Industry experts provided six recommendations for successful blockchain adoption to address the complicated situation. This paper deepens the knowledge about blockchain in supply chains, especially maritime logistics operations. It sheds light on the complexity of perceived adoption barriers, their effect on CSSPs’ approaches to blockchain applications, and potential digitalization policies to be taken.
Moein Choobineh, Ali Arabnya, Amin Khodaei, Honghao Zheng
The growing share of distributed, renewable resources in energy mix to combat climate change calls for a significant efficiency improvement through market-based solutions such as peer-to-peer (P2P) transactive energy systems. This paradigm shift requires an energy market that supports its functions through well-designed market rules and transaction infrastructure—the two ingredients that form a marketplace. Blockchain technology can facilitate the implementation of both market rules and transaction infrastructure for newly emerging P2P transactive energy markets. In this paper, we propose a model for the design of a transactive energy marketplace using blockchain as transaction infrastructure based on game-theoretic market rules that incentivize a more sustainable energy generation and consumption behavior while preserving the privacy of economic agents in the market. We propose a novel consensus mechanism named Proof-of-Reserve (PoR) to perform consumer-prosumer transactions and block mining activities on a distributed ledger. The model is numerically analyzed on a test system to illustrate its effectiveness. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of game-theoretic modeling in establishing market equilibrium and showcase the efficiency of blockchain technology in facilitating a functional, decentralized transaction settlement process.
The use of blockchain technology has become crucial in securing applications that operate in real-time and their associated data. The automotive industries are one of the sectors that have embraced this technology to enhance their products, customer satisfaction, and overall experiences by incorporating distributed ledger technology in autonomous vehicles. This study seeks to investigate the importance of blockchain technology in autonomous vehicles, which includes Autonomous Electric Vehicles and Autonomous Driving. To determine the present state and future obstacles, a comparative analysis of blockchain-integrated autonomous vehicle systems is conducted. The study examines different aspects of blockchain technology, such as vehicle types, driving modes, tracking methods, intelligent contracts, intelligent data handling, and industry-specific use cases. The research is based on recent technologies and practices, with the goal of improving user experiences and industry practices in the future of intelligent transportation.
Universitas Pembangunan Nasional Veteran Jakarta, Indonesia, Ajeng Septiana WULANSARI
One of the biggest issues in organization in centuries is problem raised by the relationship between actor inside. This problem called principal-agent problem which explained by principal agent theory (PAT). The emerged new technology disruption called blockchain technology (BCT) receive the challenge to offers the solution for principal agent problem, it claims empirically could reduce or even eliminate the problem, thus lead to lower cost to solved the problem, called agency cost. This technology application wide spread in several sectors, the example is the implementation of Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO). DAO is the blockchain based new form of organization, who run based on a smart contract or algorithm run in the computer network. This paper is conceptual paper, we explained about the basic of blockchain, and we analyzed the correlation between blockchain and principal agent theory.
Seyed Mohammad Hashemi, Ruxandra Mihaela Botez, Georges Ghazi
View Video Presentation: https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2023-3757.vid This paper presents a novel consensus algorithm for Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM). Blockchain as a highly secured consensus protocol was used for airspace allocation. A smart contract in charge of airspace allocation was designed based on the Ethereum blockchain. Hence, the action of sharding could be done to reduce the computational complexity in the swarm flight zone. According to the sharded flight zone, a decentralized voting platform was developed using two main approaches, namely Proof of Work (PoW) and Proof of Stake (PoS). A swarm flight zone was arranged using a number of 1000 UAS-S4 at different locations and heading angles. The performance of the designed decentralized consensus system was evaluated in terms of error rate and validation time. Although the PoS approach was faster than the PoW, the comparison study showed that the PoW approach was better than the PoS in terms of error rate.
Blockchain has gained significant adoption in energy trading, offering benefits for both economy and environment. Consensus, in particular, is a decisive factor for blockchain-based energy trading systems to operate efficiently and securely. However, the consensuses currently applied have been criticized for being too energy intensive or not sufficiently decentralized, which counteracts the positive effect of energy trading. Besides, consensus and energy trading are treated separately in many energy trading blockchain-based studies. In this article, we propose a green and efficient consortium blockchain-enabled transaction system for energy trading, meeting the requirement of low energy consumption under security. We then design a two-stage consensus mechanism called proof-of-energy that is coupled to trading through “energy” and naturally uses the monetary rewards to stimulate prosumer participation. Specifically, it retains a strong degree of decentralization, which selects a dynamic delegation with high historical energy generation and motivates delegates to compete for new blocks by solving a meaningful puzzle. Furthermore, a variable block reward is investigated as the incentive to regulate trading and consensus behavior within a reasonable range of energy consumption. Finally, we design a two-layer iterative algorithm to obtain the optimal consensus strategy and block rewards, taking the noncooperative game approach with the consideration of the strategy effect on the pricing model. Our simulation results show that the proposed blockchain-enabled system has a high energy efficiency ratio that improves the social welfare and reduces the consensus overhead.