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94,742 results · page 243 of 3,948
Om Wanere, Sujal Chilai, Raj Pohekar, Vineet Mundada · 7 authors
No abstract is available for this record.
Luisa Mastellone, Anum Zaffar, Assunta Di Vaio
No abstract is available for this record.
Elvin Elkhan ogly Askerov
The article is devoted to the study of the role of digital competencies of management personnel in ensuring the competitiveness of organizations in the financial technology (fintech) sector. In the context of digital transformation of the economy and accelerating technological changes, the presence of relevant digital skills among managers becomes an essential condition for the successful functioning of fintech companies capable of creating demanded personalized financial products and services. The author examines the evolution of the concept of «digital competencies» from basic computer literacy to a comprehensive category that includes proficiency in modern data analysis tools, artificial intelligence, and distributed ledger technologies. The paper systematizes the methods for developing digital competencies of management personnel, identifying three main groups: educational, practice-oriented (project-based), and organizational-motivational. For each group, specific learning tools are presented, such as distance learning systems (LMS), workshops, hackathons, communities of practice, as well as gamification tools and KPI trackers. It is substantiated that the choice of methods and tools should be made taking into account the organization’s resource availability, the workload of managers, and the need for individualization of the educational process to increase the efficiency of professional training costs.
J. D. C. Vergara, D. E. Burdin, R.H. Davletbaev, Д. К. Д. Вергара · 6 authors
In the context of the digitalization of the economy, the problem of organizing effective document management in the non-profit sector has become particularly pressing. Traditional methods of managing information flows struggle to fully adapt to the requirements of transparency, accountability, and the legal significance of data. This article proposes a methodological approach to solving the document management problem based on the integration of distributed ledger technologies and smart contracts. A conceptual model of digital document management has been developed, in which each business event is represented as a smart document with legal verification in a blockchain environment. The paper describes in detail the stages of architecture development, the algorithms for interaction between participants, and the mechanisms for ensuring the immutability of records. The obtained results make it possible to increase transparency and trust between participants in non-profit organizations, ensure the automation of legally significant transactions, and minimize the risk of data falsification. The practical significance lies in the possibility of implementing the proposed approach into existing management systems of non-profit structures, which creates the basis for the formation of digital ecosystems of trusted document management.
Dalibor Vodenicarski, Gérald Estadieu
No abstract is available for this record.
R. Brian Langrin
No abstract is available for this record.
Ken Alabi
No abstract is available for this record.
Francis Chigozie Emmanuel, Ogaziechi Tobechi Anold, Obidinma Christian Alozie, Ikenna Tonna Adiele
The global freelance economy has experienced rapid growth, yet existing payment and escrow systems remain constrained by structural inefficiencies inherent in both centralized fiat-based and decentralized cryptocurrency-based models. Centralized escrow systems, while widely adopted due to their regulatory compliance and usability, suffer from custodial opacity, information asymmetry, high transaction costs, and limited verifiability. Conversely, purely decentralized blockchain-based escrow systems offer transparency and trust-minimized execution through smart contracts but face barriers including cryptocurrency price volatility, limited fiat integration, steep technical learning curves, and inadequate dispute resolution mechanisms for subjective deliverables. This article, a hybrid escrow system integrates traditional fiat payment infrastructure with decentralized Ethereum-compatible smart contract execution. The system adopts a three-layer architecture comprising a centralized service layer, a middleware synchronization layer, and a decentralized execution layer. A Finite State Machine (FSM) model governs escrow state transitions across both fiat-funded and cryptocurrency-funded transactions, ensuring determinism, auditability, and consistency. The system further incorporates a human-in-the-loop dispute resolution framework anchored to blockchain execution, enabling fair and transparent adjudication of subjective conflicts. Evaluation results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid architecture successfully bridges the gap between traditional finance and decentralized systems. The system achieved 100% correct FSM state enforcement with zero unauthorized fund releases across all test scenarios. Fiat-funded contracts were synchronized to the blockchain with an average latency of 8.4 seconds, while cryptocurrency-funded contracts confirmed on-chain within a median of 3.2 seconds on the Polygon testnet. All three dispute resolution outcomes were correctly enforced on-chain within an average of 5.1 seconds following adjudication, and API response times remained below 420 milliseconds under concurrent user loads. An ablation study further confirmed that all three architectural layers are individually necessary, as removing any single layer degraded transparency, payment flexibility, dispute resolution capability, or user accessibility. This research contributes a scalable and adaptable hybrid escrow blueprint applicable to fintech development, digital labour platforms, and cross-border payment systems.
Guillaume Andrieu
No abstract is available for this record.
Deepak Ranjan Sahoo, Vaishali Deepak Sahoo
This paper presents a comprehensive structural analysis of cryptocurrency derivative markets spanning January 2019 to December 2024, covering Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and six additional tokens across over 2.83 billion high-frequency transactions on eight major centralized exchanges and three decentralized finance (DeFi) derivative protocols. Using a theoretically grounded multi-method framework—comprising Vector Error Correction Models (VECM), Hasbrouck (1995) and Gonzalo-Granger (1995) information share decompositions, Heston (1993) and rough volatility (Gatheral et al., 2018) stochastic models, DCC-GARCH(1,1) augmented with realized kernel estimators, MIDAS regressions linking high-frequency derivative signals to lowerfrequency on-chain variables, and panel quantile regressions for cross-sectional volatility risk—we deliver six primary empirical contributions. First, perpetual swap markets consistently dominate spot markets in price discovery, contributing 63.4% (BTC) and 58.7% (ETH) of price-efficient information on average, rising to 72.1% and 68.4%, respectively, during the top quartile of volatility days—consistent with informed-agent migration to leveraged venues. Second, the Heston leverage correlation estimate ρ = −0.61 for BTC and ρ = −0.73 for ETH reflects asymmetric tail risk demand rather than balance-sheet leverage, with the implied volatility smirk's left-tail slope strongly cointegrated with funding-rate deviations (r = −0.54, p < 0.001). Third, we estimate a time-varying variance risk premium averaging 14.8 (BTC) and 19.3 (ETH) annualized variance percentage points; panel regressions reveal that on-chain network congestion fees retain significant incremental explanatory power after controlling for VIX, DXY, and credit spreads—a novel identification of a blockchain-specific volatility channel. Fourth, rough volatility models (Hurst exponent H ≈ 0.08 for BTC) significantly outperform classical Heston specifications in fitting near-term implied volatility smiles, with RMSPE reductions of 31.7% for one-week expiry options. Fifth, CME Bitcoin Futures introduction produced a structural break in arbitrage efficiency, reducing basis mean-reversion halflives by 41.2% and lowering adverse-selection costs by 18.6 basis points. Sixth, on-chain DeFi perpetual protocols (GMX v2, dYdX v4) exhibit significantly higher adverse selection costs and lower price discovery shares (mean IS = 0.24) relative to centralized counterparts, but display timevarying convergence during U.S. regulatory uncertainty episodes. Our findings deliver unified implications for derivative pricing theory, risk management, and the architectural design of regulated cryptocurrency derivative markets.
Hamidreza Khankeh, Samaneh Motalebi, naajmeh yazdanparast, Abbas Naboureh
No abstract is available for this record.
Unnati Kadam
No abstract is available for this record.
Vedika Jorika, Karthikeya Challagulla, Prajwal Katakam, Sudheer Kumar Battula · 6 authors
No abstract is available for this record.
Dyuti Pandya, Rafael Leal-Arcas
No abstract is available for this record.
Srinivas Kalisetty, Phanish Lakkarasu, Sneha Singireddy, Jai Kiran Reddy Burugulla · 6 authors
No abstract is available for this record.
Mohit Tiwari
No abstract is available for this record.
Ratnesh Kumar Choudhary, Jai Patel, Ansh Mishra, Shivam Badade · 6 authors
No abstract is available for this record.
Linlin Zhang, Nianlu Liu, Ke Li, Wenbo Fang · 5 authors
No abstract is available for this record.
Nur Haliza Abdul Wahab, Juniardi Nur Fadila, Nur Faszha Razali, Keng Yinn Wong
High transaction costs remain a major barrier to the scalability of Ethereum-based decentralized applications (DApps), particularly when smart contracts are computationally inefficient. Although the Solidity compiler optimizer can reduce bytecode size and improve some low-level patterns, it does not fully address structural inefficiencies in storage layout and state mutation. This study introduces controlled empirical research on the topic of manual smart contract refactoring approaches with the aim of quantifying their impact on gas usage and execution cost in the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). The Remix Integrated Development Environment (IDE) and a synchronized Go-Ethereum (Geth) node (version 1.13.5) were configured to create a controlled experimental environment. This environment was connected to the Sepolia Testnet to approximate conditions similar to the Ethereum Mainnet. The role of high-cost storage operations such as SSTORE was analyzed using opcode-level transaction traces, which were collected using debug_traceTransaction. The proposed refactoring plan implies the alignment of storage slots by systematically packing the variables and data location optimization (calldata and memory) to minimize unnecessary memory allocation. The experiments show gas reductions of up to 40.68% for storage-intensive functions, with an average reduction of 28.5% across all evaluated test cases. Moreover, the findings at the opcode level have shown that it is possible to reduce the costs of unnecessary storage writes without impacting the correct functional performance of the execution. Overall, the findings show that storage-aware manual refactoring is a viable strategy for improving runtime efficiency and reducing the execution cost of Layer-1 smart contracts.
Gauhar Ali, Sajid Hussain Shah, Muhammad Asim, Abdelhamied A. Ateya · 5 authors
The global energy sector is experiencing a significant revolution, propelled by the necessity to address climate change and shift towards sustainable energy sources. Particularly, the extensive implementation of distributed solar photovoltaic generation is converting traditional power grid systems into decentralized, prosumer-oriented energy grids. However, the traditional centralized energy trading frameworks cannot handle the complexity and volatility of a distributed grid, resulting in delay, costly transactions, a single point of failure, and insufficient transparency. Although blockchain (BC)-based peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading presents an attractive solution, current models frequently neglect to ensure dependable and steady market convergence, instead concentrating mainly on transactional elements. This study proposed an innovative smart contract-based P2P renewable energy trading framework intended for decentralized grids. The proposed two-tiered framework, i.e., intra-microgrid and inter-microgrid layers, expands P2P trading from regional equilibrium to full grid connectivity. It utilizes a game-theoretic, iterative bidding approach, entirely automated by smart contracts. This method is formally proven to attain market convergence to a singular Nash equilibrium, optimizing utility for prosumers and consumers in the energy trading. Moreover, the decentralized ledger, smart contract-based market clearance, and limited disclosure of consumer/prosumer’s private data enhanced its resilience against replay, false data injection, and DoS/DDoS attacks. Additionally, the proposed energy trading market is proved monotonic and convergent formally by implementing a Promela model using the SPIN model checker.
João Crisóstomo, Fernando Bação, Victor Lobo
No abstract is available for this record.
Elvira Albert, Emanuele De Angelis, Marco Di Ianni, Fabio Fioravanti · 5 authors
Testing has become an integral part of the software development process in order to ensure the correct and safe execution of programs. A powerful approach to testing is property-based testing that aims at generating unit tests that verify that a certain property of interest holds. However, smart contracts are also characterized by important non-functional aspects, such as the gas consumption required to execute their functions. Static gas analyzers are able to obtain parametric gas bounds - that soundly over-approximate - the gas consumption of executing each of the public functions within a smart contract. This paper discusses our ideas towards combining both formal methods, property-based testing and gas analysis, in order to generate gas-aware unit tests that can ensure the gas requirements provided by the programmers.
Ajith Perera, Dr. James Collett, Russell Conduit
Project Title Understanding Financial Counsellor Perspectives On Cryptocurrency Investing Principal Investigator Ajith Perera (PhD Candidate, RMIT University) Supervisors: Dr. James Collett (Primary), Dr. Russell Conduit (Secondary) Project Description This qualitative research explores how financial counsellors conceptualise and respond to cryptocurrency-related financial harm in their professional practice. The study examines counsellors' perspectives on whether cryptocurrency engagement represents gambling, investment, or hybrid behaviours, and investigates how these conceptualisations influence intervention strategies. Financial counsellors encounter diverse presentations including voluntary problematic trading patterns and cryptocurrency-related fraud victimisation, both potentially exhibiting gambling-like psychological mechanisms such as loss-chasing and escalating commitment. Research Aims and Objectives Primary Aim: To understand how financial counsellors view and interact with clients who engage with cryptocurrencies across the gambling-investment-fraud continuum. Research Questions: How do financial counsellors decide if someone's cryptocurrency trading reflects gambling versus investment behaviours (including voluntary problematic trading and exploitation through fraudulent schemes)? What role does financial literacy play in whether clients develop problematic cryptocurrency engagement patterns? How do counsellors identify and help clients with problematic cryptocurrency engagement? What challenges do counsellors face and what training or resources do they need to address cryptocurrency-related financial harm effectively? Rationale Cryptocurrency trading has emerged as a novel phenomenon with concerning parallels to gambling addiction. Research suggests cryptocurrency's structural characteristics—volatility, 24/7 availability, minimal barriers to entry—may facilitate gambling-like behaviours while also serving as a medium for investment scams exploiting similar psychological vulnerabilities. Financial counsellors occupy a unique position at the intersection of financial advice and behavioural intervention, providing direct observational evidence of how problematic cryptocurrency engagement presents in practice. Their professional experiences reveal assessment and intervention strategies unavailable through literature review alone, identifying specific training and resource needs to enhance professional capacity. This research addresses a critical knowledge gap in understanding professional responses to this emerging financial harm. Research Methodology Design: Qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews and reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2019). Theoretical Framework: Behavioural finance theory (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979), problem gambling frameworks (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002), and professional practice theory (Schön, 1983). Data Collection: Semi-structured individual interviews (60-90 minutes each) Conducted via secure video conferencing or telephone Audio recorded with participant consent Open-ended questions exploring professional experiences, intervention strategies, and challenges Analysis Approach: Reflexive thematic analysis following Braun and Clarke's framework, allowing construction of meaningful themes through iterative engagement with rich contextual data while maintaining theoretical grounding. Participant Selection and Recruitment Sample Size: 8-15 certified financial counsellors (typical for qualitative research using reflexive thematic analysis, ensuring sufficiently rich data while maintaining analytical depth). Inclusion Criteria: Certified financial counsellors with recognized professional certification Current experience working with clients engaging in cryptocurrency-related financial presentations Able to participate in 60-90 minute interview Over 18 years of age, English-speaking Exclusion Criteria: Uncertified practitioners or those without formal financial counselling qualifications Unable to commit to interview participation requirements Under 18 years of age or non-English speakers Sampling Strategy: Purposive sampling ensuring diversity across experience levels, practice settings (private practice, non-profit, government agencies), and geographical locations (urban and regional Australia). Recruitment Methods: Professional networks and organisations (Financial Counselling Australia) Educational providers with connections to practitioners Public website searches of financial counselling practices Direct email contact using publicly available professional addresses Data Management Plan Data Collection: Audio recordings of interviews (45-60 minutes each) Interview transcripts (Word documents) Consent forms (PDF scanned documents) Participant demographic information (Excel spreadsheets) Data Storage During Project: RMIT network H: drive with password protection Separate storage of identifiable data and de-identified research data Access limited to research team only (Ajith Perera, Dr. James Collett, Dr. Russell Conduit) De-identification Protocol: Participants assigned unique codes (P01, P02, etc.) immediately following data collection Names, workplace locations, and identifying information removed from transcripts Coding key stored separately and destroyed after transcript approval by participants Audio recordings destroyed following transcription verification Data Retention: Personal identifiers: Destroyed after all participants approve transcripts De-identified research data: Retained for 5 years following publication (RMIT policy compliance) Audio recordings: Destroyed following transcription verification Ethics Approval: RMIT University Human Research Ethics Committee (Reference number: 29607) Project Benefits Individual Participants: Opportunity to reflect on professional practice and contribute to knowledge development Access to research findings that may enhance professional effectiveness Recognition of expertise in emerging area of practice Financial Counselling Profession: Evidence-based practice guidelines for addressing cryptocurrency-related financial harm Targeted training modules and specialised resources Enhanced professional capacity to support diverse client presentations Broader Community: Improved client outcomes through more effective counselling interventions Potential for early intervention reducing financial and mental health harm Contribution to public health approaches and regulatory improvements Better support for vulnerable populations (older adults, individuals with debt, disability pension recipients, regional communities) Risk Management Minimal Risks Identified: Time commitment (60-90 minutes) Potential discomfort reflecting on challenging professional cases Confidentiality concerns regarding professional reputation Risk Mitigation: Voluntary participation with right to withdraw at any time Comprehensive de-identification protocols Secure data storage and handling procedures Mental health support resources provided (Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636) Transcript review opportunity for participants Clear communication about confidentiality protections Timeline Start Date: Upon ethics approval End Date: Three years from approval date (maximum) Current Status: Ethics application submitted [insert date] Funding and Conflicts of Interest Funding: Supported by RMIT University resources Conflicts of Interest: None declared by research team Expected Outputs PhD thesis chapter Peer-reviewed journal publications in financial counselling, gambling studies, and public health Conference presentations at professional forums Practice guidelines for financial counsellors Training resource recommendations Compliance This research adheres to: National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2023) Australian Code for Responsible Conduct of Research (2018) RMIT University research policies and procedures Privacy legislation (Victorian Information Privacy Principles) Pre-Registration Date: [insert] Ethics Reference Number: 29607
José Javier Losada
No abstract is available for this record.