Blockchain Applications Research Articles

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.

On the Suitability of Process Mining for Enhancing Transparency of Blockchain Applications

AbstractBlockchain technology is known for its transparency properties due to its publicly available, immutable data. Yet, as data availability does not inherently ensure transparency, further analytical methods may be required for human interpretation of data traces. Process mining has emerged as a popular toolbox for understanding processes and how they are executed in practice. The paper studies process mining as a method to enhance the transparency of blockchain data. To this end, two popular Ethereum applications were analyzed using process mining: the prediction and betting marketplace Augur and the network marketing platform Forsage. Observations from the process-mining analyses are used to discuss if process mining can serve as a method to establish transparency of a blockchain. For both applications, new insights are generated for usage scenarios such as application redesign, security analysis, user behavior analysis, and revealing blind spots in Augur’s and Forsage’s documentation. The paper concludes that there is evidence that process mining can serve as a method to enhance transparency in blockchains at the cost of technical setup and knowledge acquisition.

Access Control Verification in Smart Contracts Using Colored Petri Nets

This paper presents an approach for the verification of access control in smart contracts written in the Digital Asset Modeling Language (DAML). The approach utilizes Colored Petri Nets (CPNs) and their analysis tool CPN Tools. It is a model-driven-based approach that employs a new meta-model for capturing access control requirements in DAML contracts. The approach is supported by a suite of tools that fully automates all of the steps: parsing DAML code, generating DAML model instances, transforming the DAML models into CPN models, and model checking the generated CPN models. The approach is tested using several DAML scripts involving access control extracted from different domains of blockchain applications.

A Review of Research on Information Traceability Based on Blockchain Technology

Blockchain technology, as an emerging distributed ledger technology, has gradually shown great potential in the field of information traceability due to its characteristics of decentralization, non-tamperability, and transparency. Through blockchain technology, the production, circulation, and consumption of products can be recorded and verified to ensure the authenticity and credibility of the data. This article reviews the application of blockchain in information traceability, focusing on analyzing its practice and effects in food safety, drug traceability, supply chain management, and energy industry traceability. Through a systematic review of existing literature, this article summarizes the research status, main results, and technical challenges of blockchain information traceability, points out its significant advantages in improving transparency and trust, and also discusses the implementation complexity, limitations in terms of cost, and performance. Finally, this article proposes future development trends, including multi-chain integration and the combination of blockchain with other technologies. The research in this article provides important reference and guidance for the further development of blockchain technology in information traceability.

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 in Closed-Loop Supply Chain: A Systematic Review and Future Research Agenda

This article investigates the potential applications of blockchain technology (BCT) in a closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) using a systematic review of the literature. As a result, this study has used the Scopus database for a detailed search strategy to identify relevant studies on different applications of BCT in the context of CLSC. This article has employed a theme analysis approach and focuses specifically on peer-reviewed documents. Based on the themes and sub-themes, the CLSC literature has been divided into four clusters: ‘Barriers and enablers of blockchain implementation’, ‘Blockchain application in sustainability’, ‘Blockchain application in enabling soft supply chain dynamics’ and ‘Blockchain application in addressing inventory and other problems’. These four clusters are analysed to present future research areas on BCT applications in a CLSC, using a ‘results-systematization framework’. This study will provide valuable insights and understanding to researchers in advancing BCT-CLSC research. Moreover, practitioners and policymakers, who are interested in the implementation and execution of firm-level BCT in CLSC, will be greatly benefitted in terms of sustainable and efficient CLSC operations.

Penerapan Teknologi Blockchain Dalam Perspektif Akuntansi, Apakah Tepat Guna?

Today's technological advancements have made work more efficient. One of the breakthroughs in accounting technology is blockchain. This innovative system involves a distributed ledger that uses hashes to grant access to all users. For data accuracy, each user verifies the information before it is stored and shared with blockchain-connected users. This research aims to provide an understanding and overview to consider the application of blockchain technology in accounting based on developments that occur in blockchain. It is expected that this research can provide knowledge for practitioners and academics regarding the application of blockchain in an accounting perspective. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature review method that utilizes secondary data. Researchers use innovation diffusion theory (IDT) to explain the developments that occur in blockchain. Data sources are obtained from journal articles, books, proceedings, websites and other relevant sources. As a result, the application of blockchain has the potential to change the current accounting paradigm and have a major impact on the accounting profession. A decentralized system helps transparency and accountability of information data. The use of smart contract systems and supporting triple entry systems increases the reliability of information on financial statements, reduces accounting fraud. Innovation in blockchain technology is also appropriate if its application is in accordance with the needs of the organization, so it is important for companies to prioritize needs and know the obstacles in their application.

Arbitrage in automated market makers

One of the most interesting applications of blockchain is given by the automated market makers (AMMs). In the paper, we discuss how arbitrage activity between the AMMs and the other exchange nodes can affect the volumes of assets in liquidity pools of constant function AMMs. In particular, we argue that arbitrage superimposes to the constant function in determining the liquidity volumes within the same AMM and across different AMMs. Yet, despite representing an additional condition in the model, equilibrium arbitrage is typically not unique because it may depend on several elements, such as the amount of liquidity in the system and the number of exchange nodes. Hence, the paper discusses how the constant function and arbitrage jointly determine the relationship across the assets’ liquidity volume in the pool but not a unique value for such volumes unless further constraints are introduced. Therefore, a platform interested in predicting the pool’s liquidity volumes may face indeterminacy as to which equilibrium would prevail. Though arbitrage has been discussed in related literature, equilibrium indeterminacy does not seem to have been pointed out.

The Impact of Blockchain Technology on E-commerce Product Development: Case Studies of Walmart and LVMH

In the current digital era, the emergence of blockchain technology has profoundly impacted business models, especially in e-commerce. Blockchain technology brings new opportunities and challenges to product sales, transactions, and management. This study examines the impact of blockchain technology on the development of e-commerce products, particularly through the cases of Walmart and Louis Vuitton (LVMH). It demonstrates the application of blockchain and its effects on product traceability, anti-counterfeiting verification, data transparency and privacy protection. It was found that blockchain technology improves data security and user trust, reduces transaction costs, and enhances supply chain management efficiency. However, blockchain also needs help regarding energy consumption, performance bottlenecks, privacy protection, inconsistent technical standards, and unclear laws and regulations. It is necessary to take appropriate measures to reduce risks and ensure the effective application of technology. This study concludes with a series of recommendations to promote the effective application of blockchain technology in e-commerce to facilitate the e-commerce industry's sustainable development.

Mechanism Study on Innovative Influences of AI and Blockchain on Supply Chain Logistics: Case Study of JD and Alibaba

This study explores the innovative impact mechanisms of artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain in supply chain and logistics through the case study of JD and Alibaba. The successful cases of JD and Alibaba in supply chain management show that by integrating AI and blockchain technologies, companies can automate, smarten and make supply chain logistics more efficient, thereby reducing costs, improving efficiency and enhancing overall competitiveness. Applying AI in supply chain logistics, such as demand forecasting, inventory optimization and transport route planning, can provide accurate data analysis and decision support. It can help reduce inventory costs, shorten transportation time and optimize resource allocation in the supply chain. However, AI and blockchain technologies still face several challenges, such as data privacy and security issues, technology costs and standardization. Future research and practice will continue to work on solving these challenges, further optimizing and improving the application of AI and blockchain in supply chain logistics, and promoting innovation and development in supply chain logistics.

Design and Development of a Smart Fidget Toy Using Blockchain Technology to Improve Health Data Control.

This study explores the integration of blockchain technology in wearable health devices through the design and development of a Smart Fidget Toy. We aimed to investigate design challenges and opportunities of blockchain-based health devices, examine the impact of blockchain integration user experience, and assess its potential to improve data control and user trust. Using an iterative user-centered design approach, we developed a mid-fidelity prototype of a physical fidget device with a blockchain-based web application. Our key contributions include the design of a fidget toy using blockchain for secure health data management, an iterative development process balancing user needs with blockchain integration challenges, and insights into user perceptions of blockchain wearables for health. We conducted user studies, including a survey (n = 28), focus group (n = 6), interactive wireframe testing (n = 7), and prototype testing (n = 10). Our study revealed high user interest (70%) in blockchain-based data control and sharing features and improved perceived security of data (90% of users) with blockchain integration. However, we also identified challenges in user understanding of blockchain concepts, necessitating additional support. Our smart contract, deployed on the Polygon zkEVM testnet, efficiently manages data storage and retrieval while maintaining user privacy. This research advances the understanding of blockchain applications in health wearables, offering valuable insights for the future development of this field.

Decentralized Integrity: Blockchain-Based Frameworks for Enhancing Software Update Security

This article examines the application of blockchain technology as a solution for secure and transparent software update distribution. As cyber threats evolve, traditional centralized update mechanisms face increasing vulnerabilities to tampering and unauthorized modifications. We propose a blockchain-based framework that leverages distributed ledger technology to create an immutable, decentralized environment for software updates. Our article demonstrates how this approach can eliminate single points of failure, ensure update integrity through cryptographic signing and network-wide verification, and enhance transparency in the update process. We discuss the system architecture, including update creation, distribution, and verification mechanisms, and evaluate its integration with existing software ecosystems. While acknowledging challenges such as scalability and implementation costs, we argue that blockchain-based solutions significantly advance securing software distribution. Our findings suggest that this approach has the potential to become a standard practice in the industry, substantially improving trust and reliability in software update systems. This article contributes to the growing body of research on blockchain applications in cybersecurity and provides insights for future developments in secure software distribution methods.

Blockchain Applications in Cyber Liability Insurance

Blockchain technology is revolutionizing cyber liability insurance (CLI) by addressing key challenges in underwriting, risk assessment, and claims management. As cyber-attacks become more frequent and complex, the demand for effective CLI solutions has surged. Traditional insurance practices often fall short in this rapidly evolving landscape. Blockchain offers a decentralized, secure, and transparent approach, enhancing the accuracy of risk assessments and preventing fraudulent claims. By maintaining an immutable ledger of historical claims, blockchain allows for better comparison of new claims against past data. Additionally, smart contracts within blockchain frameworks can automate claims processing, reducing administrative tasks and speeding up resolutions. Blockchain also enables decentralized, peer-to-peer insurance platforms, allowing multiple insurers to pool resources and share risks in a transparent, efficient manner. This study explores how blockchain can transform CLI, improving efficiency and security across the industry.

Role of Blockchain Technology in Enhancing Data Security in Germany

Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Blockchain technology is increasingly recognized in Germany for its potential to enhance data security across various sectors. Its decentralized and immutable nature significantly reduces the risks of data tampering and unauthorized access, thereby fostering trust among users. In industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management, blockchain provides transparent and secure methods for recording transactions and managing sensitive information. Additionally, German regulatory frameworks are evolving to accommodate blockchain applications, promoting innovation while ensuring compliance with data protection laws like the GDPR. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Technological acceptance model (TAM), diffusion of innovations (DOI) & resource-based View (RBV) may be used to anchor future studies on the role of blockchain technology in enhancing data security. Organizations should implement pilot projects to assess the effectiveness of blockchain in enhancing data security in their specific contexts. Policymakers should develop clear regulatory frameworks to support the adoption of blockchain technology across sectors.

Inventory pledge financing decisions based on a permissioned blockchain by controlling fraudulent risk

Inventory pledge financing (IPF) is a crucial financing way for small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs). But banks are reluctant to finance SMEs due to fraudulent risk in practice. This paper discusses the application of blockchain in IPF, particularly its impact on mitigating fraud risks. Utilizing game theory models, we illustrate how the finance and operation decisions of participants, along with supply chain efficiency, are influenced by the introduction of blockchain. Meanwhile, equilibrium outcomes are analysed and numerical study is given. Our analysis reveals that under certain conditions, blockchain integration can lead to reduced loan interest rates, lower wholesale prices, increased order quantities by buyers, and enhanced supply chain efficiency. Lastly, we develop a protocol to demonstrate the transfer of digital warehouse receipt on a permissioned blockchain to avoid fraudulent risk. This study provides a theoretical foundation, and a guidance for decisions-making in blockchain-enabled IPF schme.

Analyzing functional, technical and bibliometric trends of blockchain applications in education: A systematic review

Analyzing functional, technical and bibliometric trends of blockchain applications in education: A systematic review

IMPACT OF BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY IN THE E-COMMERCE SECTOR

Blockchain technology is considered as a significant development after the invention of the internet. Blockchain technology records the transactions on database which are encrypted and distributed over many computer networks like a digital ledger of online transactions. This technology can be utilized in the e-commerce industry to develop a decentralized online buying and selling platform. E-commerce industry presently facing many unique challenges like security measures of the e-commerce system, transparency, and trust, efficiency, etc. These challenges can be answered by the implementation of blockchain technology in the e-commerce industry. This paper discussed opportunities for using blockchain technology in the e-commerce industry. Blockchain applications and opportunities are discussed for various aspects of e-commerce like Payment, Security, Supply chain, Work automation with Smart contract, Ethical practices for transparency in e-commerce transactions. The paper seeks to explore the possible uses of blockchain technology within the e-commerce sector.