This work is devoted to the research of the blockchain network, in particular, aimed at detecting illegal activity in the Ethereum network using forensic methods. The paper describes the concepts and basic vulnerabilities related to the Ethereum network and the integration of graph analysis to develop an algorithm that scrutinizes Ethereum's transaction structure for illegal activities, including money laundering. In addition, the study includes an analysis of the very structure of Ethereum and the blockchain, which allows insight into the identification and analysis of various aspects of their functioning. The research results are used for the software implementation of the study and improvement of the security level of the blockchain network, including the creation of advanced software solutions for network analysis and protection of the integrity of the blockchain ecosystem. This integrated methodology aims to protect the integrity of blockchain ecosystems.
Open access
Economic and Technological Systems Analysis
Advanced Research in Systems and Signal Processing
The development of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is penetrating many economies around the globe. Various researchers in both industry and academia are looking into more efficient management of both vehicles and related data processing aspects. A vast trend related to the latter part is the distributed data processing of the transmitted data. This article discusses approaches to the use of blockchain technology in ITS. It explores the use of blockchain in modern transport industries. Particularly, the paper proposes a novel approach to the maintenance of public transportation vehicles or buses. The specificity of the proposed approach is the autonomous control of the technical condition using information systems. When using blockchain technology, building a transparent vehicle fleet management system is possible. The specificity of the proposed approach lies in the approach to data processing: in the organization, confidence in data increases, the possibility of manipulating transportation is eliminated, and the decision-making chain is reduced. As a result, the system can manage itself. It also helps to increase the service life of vehicles, makes it possible to predict their malfunctions and improves the quality of data on their technical condition.
Hee Joo Kim, Zhe Xiao, Xiaocai Zhang, Xiuju Fu · 5 authors
This survey aims to provide an up-to-date and succinct yet informative overview of the blockchain technologies for the maritime industry. We synthesize the recent advancements in blockchain development and its adoption across maritime sectors, highlighting the key blockchain use cases, including promoting maritime sustainability and optimizing maritime supply chain management through improved traceability, advancing smart shipping with automated processes and fostering collaboration among stakeholders by enhancing transparency. Through an analysis of current implementations, pilot projects, and case studies, we especially focus on identifying the challenges and barriers, reasoning on the status quo, and the opportunities and future perspectives for blockchain in maritime.
This article examines the theoretical foundations and conceptual specifics of the mechanism for adopting cryptocurrencies as a payment method in business. It discusses the definition and key features of this mechanism, along with summarizing essential recommendations for the use of cryptocurrencies and crypto assets in business payments. The cryptocurrency adoption framework is analyzed through the organizational–economic mechanism, aiming to achieve practical objectives such as cost reduction, improved access to cross–border payments, and transaction security with crypto assets. The article stresses the importance of risk analysis related to cryptocurrency use and the development of risk mitigation methods through proactive management and the application of appropriate tools. The conclusions highlight the feasibility and benefits of using an organizational–economic mechanism to incorporate crypto assets into business payment processes, ensuring efficiency and adaptability of crypto assets or other alternative payment instruments. The study’s novelty lies in its contribution to the development of a mechanism for integrating cryptocurrencies into business operations, while its theoretical value is in the synthesis and clarification of key issues related to cryptocurrency acceptance in business. The proposed concept and vision of the organizational–economic mechanism to enhance the efficiency of cryptocurrency use in business payments offer valuable insights for future research and practical implementation.
Blockchain-based technology has completely revolutionized the development of the Internet of Vehicles (IoV) framework. This has led to increasing blockchain-based Internet of Vehicles application over the last decade. However, challenges persist, including scalability, interoperability, and security issues. This paper first presents the state-of-the-art overview on IoV systems along with their applications. Then, we explore novel technologies, including blockchain-based IoV and machine learning-based IoV and highlight how the blockchain technology could be integrated with machine learning for intelligent transportation systems in the IoV ecosystem. This paper has shown the potential of machine learning integration in addressing the technical challenges in individual blockchain-based Internet of Vehicles applications.
Abstract In light of the rapid development of edge computing and the increase in the number of connected devices, this paper addresses the pressing issue of ensuring data integrity. The main focus is on the use of blockchain technology, which offers unique opportunities to solve this problem. This paper provides a brief overview of the existing methods and a new method for ensuring integrity based on blockchain technology. It is proposed to use the Hot Stuff consensus algorithm in the case of multiple active nodes, which ensures fast operation and scalability of the system. Particular attention is paid to the use of a secondary blockchain based on Ethereum to provide additional security and create checkpoints in large blockchain networks. This makes it possible to simplify the work of edge servers and ensure data integrity verification upon the user’s request using smart contracts. The proposed new approaches to ensure data integrity and use blockchain technology can be applied not only in the field of edge computing but also in various variations of the Internet of Things.
Abstract The security of the main distributed consensus algorithms used in distributed legers in the digital environment of a smart city is analyzed. A new concept for protecting a smart city’s distributed legers is presented, which consists of using a hybrid distributed consensus protocol based on the joint use of a tangle-class algorithm and a proof-of-authority-class algorithm, protected by trusted computing and remote attestation technologies. The proposed protocol compensates for the weaknesses and vulnerabilities of the existing distributed consensus algorithms that are inherent in distributed ledger technology and hinder its widespread use in large digital environments of smart cities.
Purpose The real estate industry is often highlighted as a significant beneficiary of blockchain-driven digital transformation (DT). This paper unravels blockchain’s role in driving rapid DT in the Finnish housing sector and its removal after market entry. Design/methodology/approach This four-year longitudinal study used 35 semi-structured interviews. Findings Blockchain was crucial in the early industry-wide DT, fostering innovation through shared value creation, delivery and capture while supporting collaboration and enhancing processes. The findings largely support blockchain’s theoretical benefits in reducing intermediaries, automating processes, minimizing errors, enhancing transparency and addressing data silos in real estate transactions. However, limitations – like the need for specialised expertise, scalability issues and centralisation tendencies emerged – ultimately outweighed the benefits, leading to blockchain abandonment. Regulatory commitment, contrary to expectations about regulatory barriers, regulatory commitment substantially boosted industry activities. While blockchain can spark transformation, maintaining momentum amid evolving market and regulatory developments may require more than blockchain alone can offer. Practical implications Blockchain can drive early-stage DT even in traditional industries like real estate, addressing issues like intermediary reliance, manual processes, inefficiencies and errors. However, it does not guarantee long-term decentralisation as initially promised and depends on off-chain governance. Originality/value This is the first empirical study on blockchain in real estate examining the drivers of a full-scale DT. It is also amongst the first to explore blockchain’s evolving role in successful industry-wide transformation based on a rare four-year study, extending insights into blockchain’s initial impact and subsequent limitations beyond the firm level.
Digital transformation requires agile, open and secure project management systems to manage the challenges of modern-day organizational change. These requirements, when delivered via standard project management tools, are often not met in terms of data security, transparency and process efficiency. Blockchain, with its distributed and permanent ledger, provides new solutions to these problems. This paper presents a blockchain-based project management system that will create more transparency, accountability, and security within digital transformation projects. With the help of DLT and smart contracts, this model increases data integrity, automates processes and enables collaborative work in real time with minimal bottlenecks and administration costs. This paper investigates whether the system could effectively keep the data consistent, enhance cooperation and increase compliance without relying on intermediaries. Integration with legacy systems and scalability are some of the major issues that we discussed along with phased integration. This blockchain-enabled solution enables robust, responsible and efficient management of projects, in response to the evolving demands of digital transformation, and providing a future-ready framework for organizations.
In recent years, cryptocurrencies have become a significant element of the modern economy, attracting the attention of investors, regulators, and researchers. Despite substantial progress in understanding the factors influencing cryptocurrency pricing, many aspects remain insufficiently studied. This article provides an overview of traditional factors such as fundamental, macroeconomic, financial, behavioral, and infrastructural ones, and introduces two new groups of factors: socio-economic and market manipulators. Socioeconomic factors represent a wide range of influences determined by the state of society and the economy, significantly impacting cryptocurrency pricing. Market manipulators, on the other hand, encompass methods such as pump-and-dump schemes, insider trading, and manipulations using stablecoins, which lead to substantial price fluctuations in cryptocurrencies. The review of existing traditional factors in combination with new ones allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the dynamics of cryptocurrency pricing. The introduction of these new groups of factors underscores the need for further research to gain a fuller understanding of the pricing mechanisms in the cryptocurrency market and to develop risk management strategies. This work provides a review of existing studies and highlights gaps that require researchers’ attention.
Abstract In today's business landscape, the paramount focus of firms is to achieve advanced corporate sustainability. This objective has led to the development of big data analytics, reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities, and blockchain technology as powerful tools worldwide that have helped firms increase sustainable performance. Capitalizing on these technologies, this study provides new insight into the role data‐driven competitive sustainability, data‐driven culture, and organizational management information in steering firms' performance. Using a quantitative research approach, data was collected through a structured survey administered to managers and IT professionals across various industries. The relationships between the variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM), confirming that all proposed hypotheses were supported. The results demonstrate the significant positive impact of big data analytics capabilities, reliable big and cloud data analytics capabilities, and blockchain technology on corporate sustainable performance and data‐driven competitive sustainability. Furthermore, data‐driven competitive sustainability was found to mediate the relationships between BDA, RBCDA, blockchain technology, and corporate sustainable performance. Additionally, OMIS‐fit and data‐driven culture were identified as critical moderators that enhance the effects of these technological capabilities on competitive sustainability and corporate performance. These findings provide valuable insights for organizations seeking to leverage advanced technological capabilities to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage in emerging economies.
Odunayo Akindotei, Igba Emmanuel, Babatunde Olusola Awotiwon, Adah Otakwu
Blockchain technology has garnered significant attention for its potential to revolutionize critical systems by enhancing transparency, efficiency, and data security. This review examines the integration of blockchain in three essential domains: Agile Project Management, Decentralized Finance (DeFi), and Cold Chain Management. By leveraging decentralized ledgers and smart contracts, blockchain provides a robust framework for real-time tracking, data integrity, and automated compliance, addressing long-standing challenges across these sectors. In Agile Project Management, blockchain fosters seamless collaboration and transparent decision-making, minimizing bottlenecks and improving accountability. In DeFi, blockchain strengthens security for digital transactions and identity verification while offering financial autonomy and mitigating fraud risks. Within Cold Chain Management, blockchain ensures traceability, reduces data tampering risks, and enhances visibility throughout supply chain processes, safeguarding temperature-sensitive goods. This paper evaluates existing blockchain-based applications and frameworks, identifies current limitations, and discusses future opportunities for optimizing critical systems through blockchain. The findings highlight blockchain's transformative role in driving operational efficiency, security, and data transparency across diverse applications, providing a roadmap for industries to harness its full potential in critical environments.
This paper explores the integration of blockchain technology to enhance data integrity in cloud computing environments. As data breaches and unauthorized access continue to challenge traditional cloud security measures, blockchain offers a decentralized solution that ensures tamper-proof record-keeping and accountability. By leveraging cryptographic techniques and distributed ledger technology, the proposed framework enables secure data storage, sharing, and validation processes. This study highlights key use cases, potential challenges, and the overall impact of blockchain on improving trust and reliability in cloud computing, paving the way for more robust data integrity solutions in various applications across industries.
Anton Krivonogov, K. Starodubov, Andrey Elistratov, R. Doroshenko
The article deals with the use of LR-type fuzzy number methods for processing uncertain and fuzzy data on the parameters of criticality of a defect in a smart contract estimated using the direct expert assessment method. To assess the final defect criticality level of a smart contract, it is proposed to use a nonlinear optimization method including gradient descent method to formulate the problem as an optimization problem where the objective is to maximize the objective function (or fitness function) that reflects the defect criticality. The results of the study will enable smart contract designers to more accurately determine the criticality of the detected defects and take effective corrective measures to ensure the sustainability of the smart contract.
Blockchains have sparked global interest in recent years, gaining importance as they increasingly influence technology and finance.This thesis investigates the robustness of blockchain protocols, specifically focusing on Ethereum Proof-of-Stake. We define robustness in terms of two critical properties: Safety, which ensures that the blockchain will not have permanent conflicting blocks, and Liveness, which guarantees the continuous addition of new reliable blocks.Our research addresses the gap between traditional distributed systems approaches, which classify agents as honest or Byzantine (i.e., malicious or faulty), and game-theoretic models that consider rational agents driven by incentives. We explore how incentives impact the robustness with both approaches.The thesis comprises three distinct analyses. First, we formalize the Ethereum PoS protocol, defining its properties and examining potential vulnerabilities through a distributed systems perspective. We identify that certain attacks can undermine the system's robustness. Second, we analyze the inactivity leak mechanism, a critical feature of Ethereum PoS, highlighting its role in maintaining system liveness during network disruptions but at the cost of safety. Finally, we employ game-theoretic models to study the strategies of rational validators within Ethereum PoS, identifying conditions under which these agents might deviate from the prescribed protocol to maximize their rewards.Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the importance of incentive mechanisms for blockchain robustness and provide insights into designing more resilient blockchain protocols.
Open access
Economic and Technological Systems Analysis
Economic and Technological Developments in Russia
Advanced Research in Systems and Signal Processing
As an emerging technology, blockchain demonstrates strong potential for applications in digital finance. As a core component of blockchain, the security and reliability of smart contracts is crucial. To ensure the high reliability of smart contracts, this study employs formal construction and verification techniques based on game theory. Initially, the profit function is defined using distortion techniques, and a game model for supply chain participation is designed. However, the equilibrium solution of the two-party game does not represent the optimal solution for the supply chain system. Therefore, the study introduces third-party participation to optimize the equilibrium solution. Finally, a probability model detection method is used to verify the constructed smart contract model. The results show that the supply chain model, analyzed through formal methods, has attributes consistent with theoretical analysis. Consequently, the research on automatic construction and verification algorithms for smart contracts based on formal verification proves to be effective and feasible in practical applications.
Business compliance in smart contracts for blockchain-based electricity and carbon trading (B-ECT) remains unexplored. We propose an automated Business Compliance Detection tool for smart contracts (BCDetection ) in B-ECT to address this gap. Our innovation encompasses the creation of a benchmark dataset containing both compliant and non-compliant smart contracts, coupled with the deployment of Agent-based Large Language Models (LLMs) to align smart contract codes with prevailing business regulations. The BCDetection tool employs a structured agent for compliance verification, including pre-judgment, feature extraction, fine-grained feature alignment, and consistency judgment. A case study demonstrates its effectiveness. As the field evolves, our approach shows promise for enhancing security and compliance.
Christos Roumeliotis, Minas Dasygenis, Vasilis Lazaridis, Michael Dossis
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has transformed industries and supply chains by integrating advanced operations, tools, and logistics services. Despite these advancements, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring data dependability, security, and operational efficiency. Digital twins (DTs), which replicate real-world components and processes, have emerged as essential tools for enhancing predictive analytics, simulation, and product lifecycle management in Industry 4.0. However, traditional DT development relies on centralized systems, which are vulnerable to data tampering and security breaches, especially in the management of transaction logs and historical data. To address these challenges, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of integrating blockchain with DTs. Using a qualitative research methodology, including desk research, case studies, and interviews with industry experts, we analyze various blockchain-based DT applications across industries and specifically in supply chain management. The findings reveal that blockchain-enhanced DTs can significantly improve data integrity, traceability, and security, thus boosting operational efficiency and quality control in supply chains. Additionally, this study identifies key integration techniques and the role of blockchain in automating processes through smart contracts. This review provides insights into the practical implications of blockchain-based DTs, highlighting their potential to enhance the reliability and scalability of Industry 4.0 operations.