Blockchain Applications Research Articles

A bibliometric survey on impact of Blockchain in Robotics: Trends and Applications

Integrating blockchain technology within robotic systems holds great potential for substantial breakthroughs, not only in industrial environments but in several avenues such as agriculture, healthcare, supply chain, and so on, which require increased levels of autonomy and security. This bibliometric survey comprehensively examines the evolution and interplay between blockchain technology and robotics. Addressing the inception of this domain, the study analyses research trends, publication shifts, influential academic articles, authors, countries, and so on. The influence of emerging themes, such as Industry 4.0, Artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things, are also explored, elucidating their impact on the research trajectory. Utilizing bibliometric techniques, the review offers insights into the current state of blockchain applications in robotic systems and suggests potential future directions warranting in-depth exploration. For a holistic overview covering both literature and technological advancements, we also present patent landscaping on blockchain in robotics, bridging the gap between theoretical results and real-world applications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work to present the bibliometric approach of reviewing the literature and patents for blockchain in robotics, precisely via bibliometric techniques such as keyword co-occurrence network, co-citation network, thematic evolution, and Sankey graph.

Ensuring product authenticity and traceability with blockchain in supply chains

This review paper explores the efficacy of blockchain technology in enhancing product authenticity and traceability within supply chains. With the complexity of global supply chains increasing, the risk of counterfeit products and inefficiencies in tracking origins is escalating. This paper synthesizes existing literature to outline the current landscape of blockchain applications in supply chains, focusing on the decentralized and immutable capabilities of the technology that promise to revolutionize traditional practices. The core of the review involves a comprehensive analysis of documented implementations of blockchain in various industries, assessing their impact on enhancing transparency, reducing fraud, and improving overall supply chain integrity. We critically examine case studies and existing research to identify patterns of success and common challenges faced by organizations adopting blockchain solutions. Findings highlight that blockchain technology not only supports better traceability and authentication processes but also fosters a more transparent environment for transactions, significantly deterring the proliferation of counterfeit goods. Additionally, the review points out the technological and organizational hurdles in adopting blockchain, such as the need for standardization and the resistance to change in legacy systems. The paper concludes that blockchain technology holds substantial promise for addressing critical issues in supply chain management. However, achieving its full potential requires overcoming significant adoption challenges and fostering collaborative efforts for standardization across industries. This review calls for ongoing research into scalable blockchain applications and strategic partnerships to drive the technology's integration into mainstream supply chain operations.

Documenting trends in blockchain technology adoption: a systematic review

Purpose This study aims to critically analyze existing research on blockchain technology adoption, examining the dominant models and methodologies used, the primary domains where blockchain is applied and the emerging opportunities across various sectors. Design/methodology/approach Using a methodical systematic review approach, the authors meticulously examined a pool of 1,322 collected articles, subjecting 38 studies to rigorous assessment. Through this comprehensive analysis, the authors unveiled the key models and influential factors that intricately shape the trajectory of blockchain adoption. Findings The primary models identified for investigating blockchain adoption were the technology acceptance model and technology–organization–environment. Apart from the core variables within these models, the pivotal determinants influencing various blockchain applications include perceived trust, perceived cost and social influence. In addition, this study highlights supply chain management as a prominent domain for blockchain application adoption. Practical implications Understanding these influential factors and models can guide practical decisions and aid stakeholders in formulating effective strategies for blockchain adoption in diverse sectors. Originality/value This study contributes to advancing the understanding of blockchain adoption dynamics by unveiling the prevalent models and determinants shaping adoption. This study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the use and adoption of blockchain technologies across diverse sectors.

Blockchain in Health Information Systems: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: With the increasing digitalization of healthcare systems, data security and privacy have become crucial issues. In parallel, blockchain technology has gradually proven to be an innovative solution to address this challenge, as its ability to provide an immutable and secure record of transactions offers significant promise for healthcare information management. This systematic review aims to explore the applications of blockchain in health information systems, highlighting its advantages and challenges. (2) Methods: The publications chosen to compose this review were collected from six databases, resulting in the initial identification of 4864 studies. Of these, 73 were selected for in-depth analysis. (3) Results: The main results show that blockchain has been used mainly in electronic health records (63%). Furthermore, it was used in the Internet of Medical Things (8.2%) and for data sharing during the COVID-19 pandemic (6.8%). As advantages, greater security, privacy, and data integrity were identified, while the challenges point to the need for standardization and regulatory issues. (4) Conclusions: Despite the difficulties encountered, blockchain has significant potential to improve healthcare data management. However, more research and continued collaboration between those involved are needed to maximize its benefits.

Matching supply chain management challenges with blockchain applications

Purpose This study aims to explore the potential of blockchain technology in the field of supply chain management (SCM). The research is motivated by the emerging significance of blockchain as a disruptive technology that can potentially address a range of challenges faced by SCM professionals globally. Design/methodology/approach In our approach, this paper utilized a knock-out criteria approach to break down 150 identified challenges in SCM to a more manageable number of 12. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was then used to prioritize these challenges in order of their relative importance and suitability for resolution through blockchain. Findings The analysis identified key challenges to be addressed by blockchain technology in SCM. Most notably, it highlighted concerns related to price stability and global financial flows, which closely intertwine. Another significant group of issues pertains to tracking, tracing and the demonstration of sustainability, thus suggesting a substantial potential for blockchain application in these areas. The fifth notable challenge revolves around establishing ownership rights over digital assets or software. Originality/value This study identified key challenges in SCM with significant potential for blockchain intervention including price stability, global financial flows, tracking, tracing and the establishment of digital asset ownership. Research gaps exist despite notable progress in applications such as inflation control and tracking – especially in areas like ownership rights and e-commerce. The findings indicate that blockchain has the potential to address SCM challenges and that further exploration and implementation are necessary.

Blockchain in digital notary services

The purpose of the study is to determine the future application of blockchain technology. Protection of rights, as well as legal interests of citizens and legal entities is the main postulate of notary activity. Only through the prism of this provision should one consider the possible application of blockchain technology in the notary. This includes studying the possibilities of the blockchain for verifying the authenticity of documents, automating registration actions. The relevance of the study is related to the need for modern notaries to meet the requirements of the digital world. The research is based on the application of an interdisciplinary approach, civil law and information technology, which combines the analysis of legal aspects with modern technological research. To study legislative aspects, methods of comparative analysis and synthesis were used, which includes an analysis of the legislation of Ukraine and other countries. The empirical method consists in researching existing examples of implementation of blockchain projects in EU and US notary offices. Analysis and modeling were carried out taking into account the architecture of blockchain networks, their capabilities in terms of information protection, authentication and legal validity of digital records. The study found that blockchain technology has significant potential for the notary industry due to its decentralized nature and high level of data protection. It has been established that the implementation of the blockchain allows for the creation of a reliable database for recording notarial actions, ensuring the impossibility of forgery or loss of information. The results of the study confirmed the possibility of using blockchain for digital recording of documents and automation of notarial procedures, which allows to reduce time costs and the risk of human errors. The experience of countries that have already implemented blockchain in the notary office indicates an increase in the level of trust in notary services and a reduction in bureaucratic procedures. The application of blockchain in the notarial sphere can fundamentally change the mechanisms of notarial actions, increasing security, convenience and speed of service. The use of decentralized networks ensures the reliability of data, which makes it impossible to forge them and makes procedures transparent. However, for the full implementation of such decisions, it is necessary to create an appropriate regulatory framework, adapt Ukrainian legislation and ensure the training of specialists for work in the conditions of digital notary.

Blockchain-Enabled Supply Chain Finance: A Bibliometric Review and Research Agenda

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed weaknesses in traditional supply chain finance systems, highlighting the need for digital change. Blockchain technology, with its ability to create secure and transparent records of transactions, offers a potential solution. This study uses bibliometric analysis and a literature review to examine research on blockchain-enabled supply chain finance, drawing on a database of 446 articles from ScienceDirect and Scopus. The findings show a growing interest in how blockchain can improve transparency, efficiency, and security in supply chain finance, addressing challenges like information asymmetry. This study suggests future research should focus on real-world applications of blockchain, how it can be used with other technologies, regulations and governance, and the social and environmental impacts of blockchain-based supply chain finance. This research also highlights the different priorities of the Global North and South in blockchain-enabled supply chain finance. The North focuses on efficiency and traceability, while the South emphasizes adding value and transparency. A lack of research on fair pricing, especially in the Global South, points to a critical gap that future research needs to address to ensure fairness in global trade.

Stabilizing food supply chains with Blockchain technology during periods of economic inflation

This study explores the potential of blockchain technology to stabilize food supply chains during periods of economic inflation. Economic inflation poses significant challenges to food security, as rising prices can disrupt supply chain transparency, efficiency, and trust among stakeholders. This research develops a conceptual model demonstrating how blockchain can enhance transparency and stability in food supply chains, ultimately improving resilience against inflationary pressures. By providing a decentralized, immutable ledger, blockchain technology allows for real-time tracking of food products from farm to table, enabling better inventory management and demand forecasting. The proposed model integrates key components, including smart contracts, which automate transactions and ensure compliance with quality and safety standards. This feature not only reduces delays but also fosters trust among supply chain participants, such as farmers, distributors, retailers, and consumers. Additionally, the model emphasizes the role of data analytics in harnessing blockchain data to provide insights into pricing trends and inventory levels, facilitating proactive decision-making in response to inflation. Future research directions are identified, focusing on innovations within blockchain technology that could further mitigate the effects of inflation on food supply chains. Potential areas of exploration include integrating artificial intelligence (AI) for predictive analytics, utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time data collection, and developing decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions to enhance liquidity and investment in the agricultural sector. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on blockchain applications in supply chain management by highlighting its potential as a tool for enhancing food security in inflationary environments. By ensuring transparency, improving stakeholder collaboration, and providing actionable insights, blockchain technology can play a pivotal role in stabilizing food supply chains amidst economic fluctuations. Ultimately, this research advocates for the adoption of blockchain solutions as part of comprehensive strategies to safeguard food systems from the adverse impacts of inflation. Keywords: Blockchain Technology, Food Supply Chains, Economic Inflation, Transparency, Stability, Smart Contracts, Predictive Analytics, Data Analytics, Food Security, Decentralized Finance.

Digital Transformation and Innovation of the News Media

Under the background of globalization and the rapid development of information technology, the digital transformation and innovation of news media have become an important trend of the industry. Traditional media adapt to the new audience needs and market environment through digital transformation, and gradually transform to diversified content production, personalized recommendation, multi-platform distribution and paid subscription mode. Many media organizations, such as the New York Times and the BBC, have explored the possibilities of content innovation and dissemination through artificial intelligence, big data and virtual reality. However, digital transformation also faces challenges such as information authenticity, privacy security and technology dependence. In the future, with the further development of new technologies, news media will continue to explore AI-driven news production, immersive reporting and blockchain applications to build a more innovative, efficient and credible news ecosystem.

Blockchain Applications in Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

Blockchain Applications in Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

When ChatGPT Meets Smart Contract Vulnerability Detection: How Far Are We?

With the development of blockchain technology, smart contracts have become an important component of blockchain applications. Despite their crucial role, the development of smart contracts may introduce vulnerabilities and potentially lead to severe consequences, such as financial losses. Meanwhile, large language models, represented by ChatGPT, have gained great attentions, showcasing great capabilities in code analysis tasks. In this paper, we presented an empirical study to investigate the performance of ChatGPT in identifying smart contract vulnerabilities. Initially, we evaluated ChatGPT's effectiveness using a publicly available smart contract dataset. Our findings discover that while ChatGPT achieves a high recall rate, its precision in pinpointing smart contract vulnerabilities is limited. Furthermore, ChatGPT's performance varies when detecting different vulnerability types. We delved into the root causes for the false positives generated by ChatGPT, and categorized them into four groups. Second, by comparing ChatGPT with other state-of-the-art smart contract vulnerability detection tools, we found that ChatGPT's F-score is lower than others for 3 out of the 7 vulnerabilities. In the case of the remaining 4 vulnerabilities, ChatGPT exhibits a slight advantage over these tools. Finally, we analyzed the limitation of ChatGPT in smart contract vulnerability detection, revealing that the robustness of ChatGPT in this field needs to be improved from two aspects: its uncertainty in answering questions; and the limited length of the detected code. In general, our research provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of employing large language models, specifically ChatGPT, for the detection of smart contract vulnerabilities.

Enabling blockchain-IoT convergence for industrial revolution 4.0 innovation: A critical review

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has revolutionised global interactions through the Internet of Things (IoT), connecting over 40 billion devices by 2030, raising significant security, protection, and privacy concerns. Blockchain technology offers a decentralised, secure, and transparent solution for data sharing and storage, leveraging its core characteristics—immutability, data integrity, transparency, and consensus—to enable tamper-proof records, real-time tracking, and secure data sharing in supply chain management and healthcare. Despite high implementation costs, blockchain-IoT convergence promises transformative benefits, including enhanced efficiency, reduced costs, and improved security. This study provides an in-depth analysis of blockchain's applications in IoT, highlighting its potential to enhance data security and privacy, improve supply chain management, facilitate secure healthcare data exchange, and enable real-time tracking and monitoring. Future research directions include scalability solutions, interoperability protocols, regulatory frameworks, blockchain-based supply chain management, and quantum-resistant blockchain networks.

Transforming agri-food value chains in Bangladesh: A practical application of blockchain for traceability and fair pricing

The agricultural sector is a vital component of Bangladesh's economy, but its agri-food supply chain faces signifi-cant inefficiencies primarily due to the involvement of numerous intermediaries. This complexity not only reduces the profits for farmers but also affects the overall transparency and efficiency of the supply chain. This study aims to em-ploy blockchain technology to transform the traditional agri-food supply chain in Bangladesh, focusing on increasing transparency, enhancing efficiency, and improving profitability for farmers, thus potentially bolstering the entire agri-food ecosystem in the country. The research involves setting up a blockchain-based smart contract on the Ethereum Blockchain network. This approach guarantees that all transactions within the agri-food supply chain are transparent, traceable, and accountable. Additionally, the study develops a web application to facilitate user interaction with the smart contract, enhancing accessibility and usability. Performance analysis and testing of the implemented smart con-tract demonstrate its capability to handle a significant volume of transactions without compromising on performance. The solution effectively reduces the dependency on intermediaries, thereby increasing the profit margins for the farm-ers involved. The integration of blockchain technology in the agri-food supply chain has shown promising results in enhancing transparency and efficiency. It lays a solid foundation for future improvements and suggests a scalable model that could be applied to other sectors within the country to further enhance agricultural practices and economic growth.

Dynamically redactable blockchain based on decentralized Chameleon hash

The immutability is a crucial property for blockchain applications, however, it also leads to problems such as the inability to revise illegal data on the blockchain and delete private data. Although redactable blockchains enable on-chain modification, they suffer from inefficiency and excessive centralization, the majority of redactable blockchain schemes ignore the difficult problems of traceability and consistency check. In this paper, we present a Dynamically Redactable Blockchain based on decentralized Chameleon hash (DRBC). Specifically, we propose an Identity-Based Decentralized Chameleon Hash (IDCH) and a Version-Based Transaction structure (VT) to realize the traceability of transaction modifications in a decentralized environment. Then, we propose an efficient block consistency check protocol based on the Bloom filter tree, which can realize the consistency check of transactions with extremely low time and space cost. Security analysis and experiment results demonstrate the reliability of DRBC and its significant advantages in a decentralized environment.

Bridging Theory and Practice : An Integrated Approach to Blockchain and Data Analytics Education

This article presents a comprehensive framework for building a strong foundation in blockchain technology and data analytics, two rapidly evolving fields that are increasingly intertwined in today's digital landscape. We propose a structured approach that combines theoretical knowledge acquisition with practical skill development, designed to equip aspiring professionals with the necessary tools to succeed in this dynamic sector. The framework encompasses key areas such as blockchain fundamentals, smart contracts, cryptography, data analysis techniques, and advanced machine learning concepts including neural networks, deep learning, and artificial intelligence. We emphasize the importance of leveraging diverse educational resources while highlighting the critical role of hands-on projects in reinforcing learning outcomes. By detailing strategies for developing blockchain applications and conducting advanced data analytics, this article bridges the gap between academic understanding and practical application. We explore real-world use cases demonstrating the synergy between blockchain and AI in areas such as financial crime prevention, supply chain management, and healthcare. Our findings suggest that this integrated approach not only enhances technical proficiency but also cultivates the problem-solving and analytical skills essential for advancing towards professional roles in blockchain and data analytics. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on technology education and provides a roadmap for individuals seeking to establish a robust foundation in these interconnected fields.

Blockchain for sustainable supply chains: A systematic review and framework for SME implementation

This paper presents a systematic review of the role of blockchain technology in fostering sustainable supply chains, with a particular emphasis on its implementation for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The objective is to explore how blockchain can address critical challenges such as transparency, traceability, and accountability, thereby contributing to more sustainable and ethical supply chain practices. Through an extensive literature review, this study examines various blockchain applications and their potential to enhance sustainability by reducing inefficiencies, ensuring compliance with environmental standards, and mitigating risks related to unethical practices. The research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and industry reports to identify the benefits and barriers of blockchain adoption in supply chains. Key findings suggest that while blockchain can significantly enhance transparency and sustainability, SMEs face unique challenges in terms of technological adoption, cost implications, and scalability. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework tailored to SME needs, outlining practical steps for blockchain implementation, including initial investment strategies, stakeholder collaboration, and integration with existing technologies. The study concludes that blockchain holds great potential for advancing sustainable supply chains, but its adoption by SMEs requires a strategic approach that addresses financial, technical, and operational barriers. This framework provides a roadmap for SMEs aiming to leverage blockchain technology to achieve sustainability goals, thus contributing to long-term business competitiveness and compliance with global sustainability standards.

Digital health and some thematic shifts in bioethics in academic publications after the pandemic

Abstract Background Digital health (DH) presents vast opportunities, but also dynamic shift in viewpoints, which is reflected in academic works. Since DH concerns patient data, a major issue is complying with the bioethical principles, and ensuring patients’ privacy and security. The aim of this research is to explore avenues, in which ethics and privacy are reflected in DH, especially in terms of research, legislation, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain applications in medicine and public health. Methods Literature search for full text publications in PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect focused on ethics and privacy in DH in the period 2019-2023 found 325 articles in English authored by academicians. Six thematic categories were identified: ethics (fundamental principles; ethics in using novel DH tools); privacy (in use of apps/wearables; as a challenge/barrier to DH interventions/technologies); ethics/privacy in: DH research (data gathering, use, sharing); policy and legislation (for DH applications); AI and blockchains (in medicine and public health). Results Articles were from 32 countries: USA-24.3%; UK-13.5%; Germany-7.7%; Canada-7.4%; Australia-6.7%; Netherlands, Italy, Switzerland-4.7% each; China, India-3.0% each and 20.3% from 22 other countries; 86.5% in medical/DH journals. Only 10.2% were published in 2019; 17.8% - 2020; 19.4% - 2021; 27.1% - 2022 and 25.5% - 2023. Privacy was discussed in 26.5%; ethics-23.7%; research-19.4%; AI-15.1%; policy and legislation-9.5% and blockchains-5.5% of the articles. The publication activity of all six categories increased after the unfold of the pandemic in 2020. In 2023 publications for ethics (13%), privacy (5.8%) and research (6.3%) decreased; for legislation (12.9%), AI (14.3%) and blockchains in healthcare (16.8%) increased. Conclusions The pandemic and its aftermath present a change in academic interest. Traditional ethical fundaments in DH slightly lose position in favor of top notch technologies and apt legislation. Key messages • The pandemic and modern technologies enforced new digital health applications. Further research will reveal the needs of AI and blockchain applications respecting privacy and the ethical principles. • Besides existing legislation and regulations, in order to catch up with the dynamic developments in DH, the legal base needs to become more flexible. Technologies change, privacy importance does not.

The Utilization of Blockchain for Data Security for the Chronic Pain Physician.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the surge in medical data utilization, notably impacting chronic pain management given its enormous economist cost. While the collection and use of data enhances research and care quality, data exchange risks compromising integrity and privacy, exemplified by the Change Healthcare cyberattack. Here, we review the potential of blockchain for the utilization for cybersecurity in the healthcare system with an emphasis on the field of chronic pain. Blockchain technology emerges as a potential solution, offering decentralized, secure, and immutable data management. Blockchain ensures transparency, integrity, and data privacy, which is crucial in healthcare. Smart contracts may offer automated, secure management of implantable neuromodulation devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. Blockchain's potential in pharmaceutical supply chain integrity is exemplified in preliminary efforts ensuring that the medication retrieved by the patient is indeed the intended medication. Despite limitations such as speed of transactions, blockchain presents innovative avenues for healthcare security and quality improvement, necessitating further development for widespread implementation. Blockchain's applicability is not only applicable to chronic pain management, but can be used in medicine as a whole.

Blockchain in Healthcare: Overview of Applications, Challenges, and Future Directions

There are numerous healthcare issues which show the potential of blockchain technology such as transparency, interoperability and security of data. Through this study, it tries to offer a very deep explanation of where the Blockchain applications today stand for in the healthcare domain emphasising on possible benefits from the technology and some known challenges that are being faced while actuating those. We then use blockchain applications in the above-mentioned aspects to explain different aspects of use of Blockchain in healthcare like supply chain management, clinical trials, secure medical data exchange and patient empowerment. We also talk about Blockchain from implementation point of view – smart contracts, consensus methods and data privacy. In this publication, we determine whether deploying Blockchain in healthcare raises ethical and legal issues and how existing issues can be addressed. In conclusion, we describe future directions for research and opportunities to use Blockchain to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes.

Enhancing Medical Information Security Through Blockchain Technology

Healthcare data management systems today face pressing challenges in maintaining data transparency, traceability, immutability, and security. Additionally, the centralized framework of many current healthcare systems raises concerns over potential catastrophic failures at single points. Blockchain technology stands out as a transformative solution, offering a decentralized and innovative approach with the potential to redefine healthcare data management. This paper investigates the transformative impact of blockchain in the realm of healthcare data management. It underscores how blockchain can drive revolutionary progress and substantial improvements in the sector. The paper examines the key features and benefits of blockchain, shedding light on the vast opportunities it opens up for healthcare. We provide an in-depth look at current projects and case studies, illustrating the practical application of blockchain in various healthcare contexts. Moreover, we address the significant research challenges hindering the full integration of blockchain into healthcare systems. The paper concludes by outlining future research directions that could further the advancement of blockchain in healthcare, paving the way for a new standard of excellence in data management.