Blockchain Applications Research Articles

A low-storage synchronization framework for blockchain systems

The advent of blockchain technology has brought major changes to traditional centralized storage. Therefore, various fields have begun to study the application and development of blockchain. However, blockchain technology has a serious shortcoming of data bloating. The reason is that blockchain technology achieves decentralization by storing complete blockchain data at each node, incurring a significant amount of blockchain data. Therefore, each node must spend significant amount of storage space and initialization synchronization time. To solve the above problems, in this research, we propose a secure and agile synchronization framework for low storage blockchains. First, we design a K-extreme segment algorithm, which reduces the synchronization time by returning only the first and last k blocks of each block segment at once to the local storage. Next, we decentrally store the block data of the blockchain by IPFS and establish a backup mechanism by IPFS-cluster. Finally, due to use of distributed storage, the nodes must request un-stored block data from IPFS, causing an increase in the throughput of the blockchain network. To avoid network congestion, we propose the working set algorithm to improve the hit ratio of the local storage and reduce the number of requests to decrease throughput. In summary, our experiments demonstrate that the ratio of full nodes to low storage nodes is significantly lower for nodes with higher storage limits compared to those with lower storage limits. In other words, a higher storage limit results in more low storage nodes which can be permitted to ensure that the blockchain network is robust and reliable. Therefore, our proposed framework can provide reliable low storage nodes for the blockchain. The node can reduce the local storage pressure and can still maintain the full functionality of blockchains.

Transformative Trends: Exploring the Nexus of Innovation, Technology, Blockchain, and Islamic Social Finance for Global Sustainability

Global sustainability is a growing concern, with the Islamic finance system playing a pivotal role in this process. The integration of blockchain technology, a technology that enhances transparency, efficiency, and security, is being explored in the context of Islamic social finance. The study, which combines literature review, case study, and industry expert interviews, highlights the potential of blockchain to revolutionize zakat management, waqf, and sadaqa processes, contributing to global sustainability by promoting fair transactions, wealth distribution, and socioeconomic empowerment. The case study of iBantu's collaboration with the Hidayatullah organization in Indonesia exemplifies the practical application of blockchain in digital philanthropy. The study emphasizes the importance of user-friendly, scalable, and interoperable blockchain solutions for widespread adoption and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, businesses, and practitioners, suggesting strategic interventions to foster sustainable innovation. By integrating blockchain technology into regulatory frameworks and operations, Islamic social finance institutions can significantly contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals while promoting environmental responsibility and socioeconomic development.

Enhancing sustainability in electric mobility: Exploring blockchain applications for secure EV charging and energy management

The global shift towards reducing carbon emissions has spurred a growing interest in electric vehicles (EVs) over traditional fossil fuel-based internal combustion engines. Concurrently, blockchain technology has emerged as a transformative solution across various sectors, characterized by its decentralized database and distributed ledger. Its notable attributes, including transparency, immutability, traceability, security, auditability, and authenticity, have led major companies to recognize its potential integration into the EV sector. As a result, there has been a steady increase in case studies and research initiatives exploring blockchain applications in EVs. This article provides a detailed overview of the use of blockchain in the EV domain, focusing on the challenges and applications in four key areas: EV charging infrastructure, energy trading, supply chain management, and energy management. Initially, the basic concepts of blockchain technology are briefly explained, followed by its applications in different fields. The study presents the opportunities and crucial requirements for implementing blockchain technology for secure energy trading, charging, energy management, and supply chain operations. While blockchain can improve security and efficiency in the EV domain, it remains vulnerable to various attacks. This article explores these attacks and other potential challenges in integrating blockchain technology in the EV sector. The main findings of this rEView provide insights into the importance of blockchain in the EV sector and underscore the need to overcome existing challenges for the widespread adoption of this technology in the near future.

Eksplorasi Potensi Penggunaan Blockchain Dalam Optimalisasi Manajemen Pelabuhan di Indonesia: Tinjauan Literatur

This research explores the potential use of Blockchain technology to optimize port management in Indonesia, which is a crucial element in the global supply chain. The research method employed is a literature review, with analysis and synthesis of information to understand Blockchain's contribution to improving port management. The identified potential uses of Blockchain include real-time logistics tracking and monitoring, data validation and authentication, increased transparency and trust, and port process efficiency. The study also highlights the use of smart technology and smart contracts in port management, as well as challenges in adopting Blockchain technology. A comprehensive conceptual framework is proposed for the application of Blockchain in Indonesia's maritime industry, including a feasibility analysis framework to assess implementation readiness. The results of this literature review are expected to provide deep insights and serve as a foundation for further research and assist stakeholders in making decisions related to the application of Blockchain technology in port management.

Quantum calculi and formalisms for system and network security: A bibliographic insights and synoptic review

AbstractQuantum calculi and formalisms are useful tools for ensuring security and computational capabilities in blockchain and cryptography. They aid in designing and analysing new cryptographic protocols for blockchain, determining the behaviour of quantum operations in blockchain‐based smart contracts, assessing the feasibility and security of quantum algorithms in blockchain applications, and building a quantum‐safe blockchain system. A comprehensive review of the applications of quantum calculi and formalisms in computer security and network security, along with a bibliographic analysis is presented. It is unique in that it combines bibliometric analyses with a technical review of the domain of quantum calculi and formalism. Bibliometric and biographic analysis in the field helps identify research trends, assess the influence of research, determine collaboration patterns, evaluate journals, and examine publication behaviours, among other things. It performs bibliographic and bibliometric analysis using a dataset collected from Scopus and Web of Science through different queries. The obtained results help identify important institutions, authors, organisations, collaboration networks, keywords, and more. The provided open challenges and future vision pave the way for further research in the direction of quantum calculi and formalism applications in computer security and network security.

Design principles for a blockchain-based multi-sided platform for the sustainable trade of water: An affordance approach

Water scarcity has become a critical challenge affecting the well-being of many communities worldwide and has been incorporated as one of the focal points within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6). Digital technologies, such as blockchain technology, have shown promising potential to help tackle this issue through smart distribution of water abundancies to water-scarce regions. This research employs affordance theory and affordance-based design (ABD) to investigate the design of blockchain or distributed ledger technology (DLT) to tackle challenges related to water scarcity. Using design science research (DSR), this paper proposes design principles (DP) for a blockchain-based multi-sided platform (MSP) for the smart distribution and trade of water. To obtain our principles, we collaborated with a company employing a blockchain-based MSP for water trade. We identified the different elements of the DPs, including affordances and material properties, and matched these principles with meta-requirements obtained from the literature. This research aims to contribute to the scholarly debate by generating prescriptive knowledge in the form of DPs and providing tangible contributions that shed light on the optimal design of similar blockchain applications. These applications are envisioned to ensure their efficacy in addressing the pressing challenges of water scarcity and equitable water access, thereby fostering a sustainable and resilient future for everyone.

Integrating fully homomorphic encryption to enhance the security of blockchain applications

Blockchain has been widely used for secure transactions among untrusted parties, but the current design of blockchain does not provide sufficient privacy and security for the data on the chain, limiting its application in sensitive information scenarios. To address this problem, we propose integrating fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) to enhance the security of blockchain applications, which can extend the application scope of blockchain and improve the privacy and security of blockchain by the features of FHE. Our scheme classifies FHE into those supporting polynomial and non-polynomial operations and introduces the concept of ciphertext computation conversion into Ethereum, enabling conversion between different ciphertext computation types. Moreover, we analyse the security and correctness to explain the feasibility and availability of the scheme. We carry out comparative experiments using different open-source libraries for fully homomorphic encryption and the time performance evaluation of the ciphertext computation conversion under different thread counts. The experiment results demonstrate the efficiency and usability of our scheme.

Improving Blockchain Consistency Bound by Assigning Weights to Random Blocks

Ironclad Method Boosts Blockchain Consistency and Speeds up Block Production Researchers have developed a novel method called Ironclad to address the scalability limitations of blockchains based on the Nakamoto consensus protocol. Although these blockchains have shown promise in various applications, the consensus properties of the protocol impose inherent scalability constraints. A key property, known as consistency, poses a challenge by presenting a trade-off between block production speed and the system’s security against adversarial attacks. To overcome this, the researchers propose the Ironclad method, which introduces a unique approach by assigning different weights to randomly selected blocks. By applying the Ironclad method to the original Nakamoto protocol and conducting rigorous analysis of its consensus properties, the researchers demonstrate a significant improvement in the consistency bound. This advancement allows for a much faster block production rate compared with the original protocol while maintaining the same level of security guarantees. The Ironclad method presents a promising solution to enhance blockchain scalability, overcoming the limitations of the Nakamoto consensus protocol. This breakthrough has the potential to unlock new possibilities for blockchain applications, paving the way for improved transaction speeds and increased efficiency in various industries.

Ensuring information security and stability: The application of blockchain in naming system

In recent years, network information security and stability problems have emerged one after another, and people's personal privacy and property security are being threatened. A large part of these problems are caused by two major characteristics of traditional DNSinsecurity and instability. Therefore, this article aims to explore a new internet naming system the Blockchain Naming Systemto address the current issues of internet information security and stabilityespecially the problems caused by the traditional DNS system. This article adopts scientific research methods such as literature survey, comparative research, experimental exploration, analogy research, and model building. By analyzing the current situation, studying the feasibility of the blockchain naming system, and comparing its advantages and disadvantages with the traditional DNS system, it is not difficult to conclude that this new blockchain naming system has huge potential. It can not only ensure stability and security but also contribute to other fields.

Leveraging Blockchain for Ethical Business Operations

This article explores the application of blockchain technology to enhance ethical operations in the food industry. Blockchain is viewed as a potential solution for improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the food supply chain. This technology enables the recording of transactions that are immutable and publicly verifiable, reducing the likelihood of fraud and product contamination. Additionally, blockchain can support compliance with ethical and sustainability standards, helping companies build trust with consumers. The study suggests that further research is needed to explore various aspects of blockchain application in the food industry, such as sustainable finance, digital forensics, and supply chain management. However, the article is limited by its focus on bibliometric analysis and lacks empirical data on blockchain implementation in the food industry. Future research should combine theoretical and practical approaches to provide a comprehensive view of blockchain's use in ethical and sustainable business operations.

Smart contract vulnerability detection using wide and deep neural network

Smart contracts, integral to blockchain technology, automate agreements without intermediaries, ensuring transparency and security across various sectors. However, the immutable nature of blockchain exposes deployed contracts to potential risks if they contain vulnerabilities. Current approaches, including symbolic execution and graph-based machine learning, aim to ensure smart contract security. However, these methods suffer from limitations such as high false positive rates, heavy reliance on trained data, and over-generalization.The goal of this paper is to investigate the application of Wide and Deep Neural Networks in identifying vulnerabilities within smart contracts. We introduce WIDENNET, a method based on deep neural networks, designed to detect reentrancy and timestamp dependence vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Our approach involves extracting bytecodes from the contracts and converting them into Operational Codes (OPCODES), which are then transformed into distinct vector representations. These vectors are subsequently fed into the neural network to extract both complex and simple patterns for vulnerability detection. Testing on real-world datasets yielded an average accuracy of 83.07% and a precision of 83.13%. Our method offers a potential solution to mitigate vulnerabilities in blockchain applications.

Revolutionizing machine learning: Blockchain-based crowdsourcing for transparent and fair labeled datasets supply

With the development of 5G/6G communication networks, the industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) industry has generated a massive amount of data, presenting opportunities for advancements in the field of machine learning. The core of machine learning, labeled datasets, requires qualities such as diversity, quantity, and quality. However, the current collection of training datasets is mostly centralized, relying on crowdsourcing systems as platforms. Hence, there are four open challenges existing: (1) traditional crowdsourcing systems are mostly based on centralized platform which often suffers single point of failure, mischief attacks, DDoS attacks and are easy to be remotely hijacked; (2) the transparency of traditional crowdsourcing systems cannot be guaranteed, which results in the unfairness in assigning task or rewarding worker; (3) the quality of labeled training dataset cannot be guaranteed as the workers in traditional crowdsourcing systems are professional or non-professional; (4) the privacy of labels cannot be preserved as the platform can also learn the labeled result. In this paper, we utilize web 3.0 technology to propose a blockchain-based labeled training dataset supply system which can simultaneously supply annotation service and labeled training dataset with the challenges above overcome. Meanwhile we design a privacy-preserved truth discovery suitable for categorical data by combining it with Software Guard Extensions (SGX). Furthermore, we design a fair rewards distribution mechanism which is based on reputation system and Shapley value. The two mechanisms above can ensure the quality of labeled training dataset. Finally, to demonstrate the practicability of our design, we implement a prototype of the system deployed on Fabric test network and conduct extensive simulations. Compared to applications on public chains, the throughput of our blockchain application can reach 53 times higher.

Exploring Data Privacy and Privacy Paradox Nature of Consumers Using Block Chain Technology: Application of SLR and Bibliometric Analysis Tools

This research presents an in-depth study of blockchain technology’s impact on data privacy and the consumer behaviour phenomenon known as the privacy paradox. Through a systematic literature review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis, the study delves into the effectiveness of blockchain in safeguarding personal data in an increasingly digital world. Key databases such as Scopus and Web of Science provide rich academic contributions, particularly from regions with stringent data privacy laws. The findings highlight blockchain’s effectiveness in limiting unauthorised data access, boosting user control and tackling the privacy paradox, where personal information is shared despite privacy worries. Yet, it points out challenges in aligning blockchain with legal frameworks, such as General Data Protection Regulation, particularly concerning data erasure rights. The study emphasises three themes: blockchain’s progression toward robust data protection, psychological aspects of the privacy paradox in consumer decisions and attitudes toward blockchain solutions. It notes gaps in standardisation, public awareness and blockchain’s practical applications, alongside ethical and policy issues. Conclusively, the research stresses the need for aligning technological advancements with legal and ethical frameworks, highlighting user experience in digital technology adoption. It positions blockchain as a pivotal factor in reshaping digital privacy, advocating for continued innovation and exploration in blockchain applications to ensure a secure, user-empowering future globally.

Blockchain for Accounting and Auditing—Accounting and Auditing for Cryptocurrencies: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Directions

The aim of this study is to analyze and synthesize the key challenges that are prevalent in the application of blockchain in accounting and auditing, to study the approaches to account for cryptocurrencies, to study the effect of blockchain on the accounting and auditing profession, and to identify the current direction of research of blockchain in accounting and auditing, as well as identify potential avenues of future research. The research is based on 75 peer-reviewed academic studies on the topic of blockchain in accounting and auditing, followed by a descriptive and thematic analysis of the literature. Our results indicate that there is a need for more empirical studies to be carried out, which coincides with the notion of growing digitization and blockchain adoption in accounting and auditing. Based on our thematic analysis of the literature, we recommend that future research on blockchain in accounting and auditing should concentrate on the following specific areas: skills and education, governance, auditor independence, accounting standards and regulation, and the challenges faced by the accounting and auditing professions due to the adoption of blockchain technology.

Trustworthy and collaborative traceability management: Experts’ feedback on a blockchain‐enabled framework

AbstractBlockchain technology has attracted significant attention in both academia and industry. Recently, the application of blockchain has been advocated in software engineering. The global software engineering paradigm exacerbates trust issues, as distributed and cross‐organizational teams need to share software artifacts. In such a context, there is a need for a decentralized yet reliable traceability knowledge base to keep track of what/how/when/by whom software artifacts were created or changed. This study presents a blockchain‐enabled framework for trustworthy and collaborative traceability management and identifies benefits, challenges, and potential improvements based on the feedback of software engineering experts. A qualitative approach was followed in this study through semistructured interviews with software engineering (SE) experts. Transcripts were analyzed by applying the content analysis technique. The results indicated the emergence of five categories, further grouped into three main categories: experts' perceptions, blockchain‐based software process improvement, and experts' recommendations. In addition, the findings suggested four archetypes of organizations that may be interested in blockchain technology: distributed organizations, organizations with contract‐based projects, organizations in regulated domains, and regulators who may push the use of this technology. Further efforts should be devoted to the integration of the proposal with tools used throughout the software development lifecycle and leveraging the potential of smart contracts in validating the implementation of requirements automatically.

Blockchain Applications in the Food Industry: A Systematic Literature Review

This paper presents the findings from a systematic literature review that explores the applications of blockchain technology within the food industry. The review is based on an analysis of 83 selected publications which have been sourced from ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases. The findings show promising and multifaceted ways of blockchain technology in the supply chain. By enabling secure and traceable data management, blockchain contributes to more safety and reliability of information hereby contributing to auditing functions as well as enabling sustainability-oriented business and reporting practices. The impact of blockchain technology is affecting various stakeholders in the supply chain. For example, consumers benefit from improved access to trustworthy food-related information, which in turn can shape purchasing decisions. Businesses, on the other hand, face the imperative of assessing the potential implications of blockchain technology on their existing strategies. Despite the evident progress and the promise of numerous advantages, it is apparent that blockchain technology in the food industry remains at an early stage of development with much work ahead with respect to academic contributions and practical implications. It is essential to tailor the implementation of blockchain technology to the specific conditions of individual supply chains, particularly regarding different types of food products. This applies equally to the bakery industry, where academic research is still missing so far. Therefore, insights from other sectors within the food industry are informative as to their applicability in the bakery industry as well if they are indirectly applied.

Blockchain as a Facilitator For Secure Migration: A Case Study of E-Commerce in Indonesia

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the role of blockchain technology as a facilitator for secure data migration in the Indonesian e-commerce sector, with the aim of Amidst the growing concerns over data security and privacy in online transactions, blockchain emerges as a potential solution due to its inherent characteristics of decentralization, transparency, and immutability. Theoretical Framework: In this topic, the main concepts and theories that underpin the research are presented. this study delves into the multifaceted role of blockchain technology in e-commerce, particularly focusing on enhancing data security and fostering consumer trust, a critical concern in the digital marketplace. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises a qualitative approach, utilizing case studies of Indonesian e-commerce platforms to examine how blockchain technology can enhance data security during migration processes. Through in-depth interviews and document analysis, the study explores the current challenges faced by e-commerce platforms in managing data security and how blockchain integration can address these issues. The results obtained that blockchain technology not only strengthens data security but also fosters trust among users, which is crucial for the growth of e-commerce. Results and Discussion: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights into how the results can be applied or influence practices in the field of The study also identifies the barriers to blockchain adoption, including technological complexity and regulatory uncertainties. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the understanding of blockchain applications in e-commerce, particularly in the context of a developing country, and provides insights for businesses and policymakers in adopting blockchain for secure data management.

Innovative Digital Signature Paradigm and its Blockchain Applications

Abstract: This paper introduces an innovative digital signature method called the "expander signature" and explores its Blockchain technology applications. The key advantage of this approach is that a signer can create and manage multiple signatures using a powerful computer, storing expander keys securely. When needed, the signer can release specific expander keys for signature verification, even on resource-limited devices. The paper formally defines the syntax and the security of expander signatures, providing generic constructions from different signature schemes. Importantly, security of expander signatures relies on underlying public key signature schemes, ensuring the signer's secret key remains confidential. This innovation is showcased through an application in blockchain technology.

The Digital Transformation of Pharmacy Services in Germany

The digitalization of retail pharmacy services in Germany has led to a profound change in the pharmaceutical market that is propelled by factors like an aging population, a need to obtain prescription medications, and government regulations that are meant to make the market more efficient. Online pharmacies are quickly expanding, and major players like Doc Morris and Shop-Apotheke Europe are taking their businesses online. The German regulatory system guarantees quality and patient safety, which are managed through the regulation of licensing and operations defined in accordance with given standards. Digital pharmacies have several advantages like accessibility, convenience, and cost savings, but they also have some issues, such as data protection and regulatory compliance. They are creating new realities for conventional pharmacies and forcing them to adopt to the changing environment by having an online presence and adopting technological advancements. The future of digital pharmacies is driven by advanced technology like artificial intelligence and the application of blockchain, and the cooperation of digital and traditional pharmacies can improve patient care. Policy interventions must be in place to facilitate innovation and training in the digital pharmacy sphere to make it a contributing force to healthcare sector development.

A Stealthy Communication Model with Blockchain Smart Contract for Bidding Systems

With the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, its public ledger characteristic enhances transaction transparency but also amplifies the risk of privacy breaches. Attackers can infer users’ real identities and behaviors by analyzing public transaction patterns and address relationships, posing a severe threat to users’ privacy and security, and thus hindering further advancements in blockchain applications. To address this challenge, covert communication has emerged as an effective strategy for safeguarding the privacy of blockchain users and preventing information leakage. But existing blockchain-based covert communication schemes rely solely on the immutability of blockchain itself for robustness and suffer from low transmission efficiency. To tackle these issues, this paper proposes a stealthy communication model with blockchain smart contract for bidding systems. The model initiates by preprocessing sensitive information using a secret-sharing algorithm-the Shamir (t, n) threshold scheme-and subsequently embeds this information into bidding amounts, facilitating the covert transfer of sensitive data. We implemented and deployed this model on the Ethereum platform and conducted comprehensive performance evaluations. To assess the stealthiness of our approach, we employed a suite of statistical tests including the CDF, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Welch’s t-test and K–L divergence. These analyses confirmed that amounts carrying concealed information were statistically indistinguishable from regular transactions, thus validating the effectiveness of our solution in maintaining the anonymity and confidentiality of information transmission within the blockchain ecosystem.