Blockchain Research Articles

Integrating Blockchain and Homomorphic Encryption to Enhance Security and Privacy in Project Management and Combat Counterfeit Goods in Global Supply Chain Operations

The proliferation of counterfeit goods and data privacy concerns in global supply chain operations poses a significant risk to organizations and end-users alike. This paper explores the integration of blockchain technology and homomorphic encryption as dual mechanisms to enhance security and privacy in project management and supply chain operations. Blockchain offers an immutable, decentralized ledger that provides traceability and authenticity across supply chain nodes, while homomorphic encryption enables secure data processing and analysis without compromising sensitive information. The synergy of these technologies presents a robust framework to address counterfeit risks, facilitating end-to-end product authentication and allowing for secure, real-time collaboration in project management settings. This integration minimizes vulnerabilities in data handling and improves compliance with privacy regulations by securing data at rest and in transit. By evaluating case studies and recent advancements, this paper highlights the potential of blockchain and homomorphic encryption to redefine security protocols, fostering a trustworthy and resilient supply chain ecosystem. Future research directions are recommended to expand the practical applications and address scalability challenges associated with these emerging technologies.

Blockchain Technology in Mobile Payments: A Systematic Review of Security Enhancements in Mobile Commerce

Blockchain Technology in Mobile Payments: A Systematic Review of Security Enhancements in Mobile Commerce

A Joint Survey in Decentralized Federated Learning and TinyML: A Brief Introduction to Swarm Learning

TinyML/DL is a new subfield of ML that allows for the deployment of ML algorithms on low-power devices to process their own data. The lack of resources restricts the aforementioned devices to running only inference tasks (static TinyML), while training is handled by a more computationally efficient system, such as the cloud. In recent literature, the focus has been on conducting real-time on-device training tasks (Reformable TinyML) while being wirelessly connected. With data processing being shift to edge devices, the development of decentralized federated learning (DFL) schemes becomes justified. Within these setups, nodes work together to train a neural network model, eliminating the necessity of a central coordinator. Ensuring secure communication among nodes is of utmost importance for protecting data privacy during edge device training. Swarm Learning (SL) emerges as a DFL paradigm that promotes collaborative learning through peer-to-peer interaction, utilizing edge computing and blockchain technology. While SL provides a robust defense against adversarial attacks, it comes at a high computational expense. In this survey, we emphasize the current literature regarding both DFL and TinyML/DL fields. We explore the obstacles encountered by resource-starved devices in this collaboration and provide a brief overview of the potential of transitioning to Swarm Learning.

The Pervasive Impact of Software Engineering and Architecture: A Multi-Industry Analysis

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of the ubiquitous role of software engineering and architecture across diverse industries in the modern digital landscape. Through a combination of literature review, industry case studies, and expert interviews, we examine how core software engineering principles—such as scalability, security, user experience, and data management—are applied and adapted in sectors ranging from e-commerce and fintech to healthcare, transportation, media, manufacturing, and government services. Our findings reveal both common challenges and industry-specific innovations in areas such as blockchain technology, telemedicine, autonomous vehicles, and industrial IoT. We also explore emerging trends, including the integration of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and quantum computing, and their potential impact on future software architectures. Furthermore, this article addresses critical ethical considerations and societal implications, including data privacy, job displacement, and the digital divide. By synthesizing these multifaceted perspectives, we provide valuable insights for both industry practitioners and academic researchers, highlighting the transformative power of software engineering in shaping the technological foundations of contemporary society and identifying key areas for future research and development.

Reducing clients’ influence in property valuation: An exploration of a blockchain-based solution

Clients' influence remains a significant issue in the property valuation industry, particularly in emerging countries like Nigeria, where existing solutions have proven ineffective. This study, therefore, considers blockchain technology as a medium for delivering information transparency and explores the application of a blockchain-based tool for reducing clients' influence in property valuation. Specifically, this study is pioneering in proposing, developing, and testing a blockchain-based solution for reducing client influence in property valuation, suggesting a promising avenue for increasing transparency in the process. This study involves several stages. Firstly, propchain, a blockchain-based mobile application, was developed and deployed on the Hyperledger Fabric Network, a permissioned blockchain network. The efficacy of the proposed solution was qualitatively tested by a single-round focus group held with valuers, bankers, and a loan customer who used the application to simulate a property valuation exercise for a mortgage. The findings suggest that blockchain technology could be a viable tool for reducing client influence in property valuations. However, specific challenges in the Nigerian context, such as data access, information verification, and stakeholder trust, present significant obstacles. These issues highlight the need for robust institutional support systems to enhance the efficacy of blockchain solutions in this domain. This study supports Levy and Schuck's (2005) assertion that increased information transparency can reduce client influence. Nevertheless, our research indicates that the successful implementation of blockchain in property valuation will require overcoming systemic barriers unique to the Nigerian environment. The implication of key findings is also discussed.

Innovation and Sustainability in the Amazon with the Use of Blockchain

Objective: The general objective of this study is to model the implementation of a blockchain system for solid wastemanagement in a government agency. The specific objectives of the results are to identify the main challenges in implementing a blockchain system for solid waste management in Public Management (1); characterize the blockchain models identified in this investigation (2); and develop a blockchain system model for solid waste management in a government agency (3). Theoretical Framework: The Theory of New Public Management, discussed in Madan and Ashok (2022), is the basis of this study, considering the notes of these authors, who address the dominant paradigm in public administration. Method: This research has a qualitative or mixed approach, as it includes parametric elements based on architecture such as blockchain, supported by bibliographical research and documentary analysis. The bibliographical research was based on elements of an integrated solid waste management system, through a framework, as conceptualized in the specific topic of this study. The Content Analysis method was used to research documents and other textual or audiovisual databases on solid waste management and blockchain technology. This research method allowed us to extract relevant information from the data collected, organize it into thematic categories, and interpret it in light of the theoretical framework obtained. By applying Content Analysis, patterns, meanings, and nuances were identified that could enrich the understanding of the phenomenon studied, ensuring an in-depth and contextualized analysis. Results and Discussion: The scenario of research on solid waste management in Brazil is marked by significantchallenges that reflect the complexity of the country's socioeconomic and environmental context. According to Agência Brasil (2023), the generation of solid waste has increased alarmingly, with data from 2021 indicating that more than 80 million tons were produced, of which only 32.5% were correctly disposed of. Thisreality highlights the urgent need for effective and innovative public policies that address integrated waste management. Research Implications: The relevance of implementing a blockchain system in public governance is highlighted, considering the growing demand for innovative and sustainable solutions. Originality/Value: This study is of interest to government managers, academics involved in applied research onblockchain in waste management, politicians and other leaders committed to excellence in management, and other professionals committed to promising results in the relationship between innovation and sustainability in organizations.

Development of ERP System for Outsourcing Company using Internet of Things and Blockchain Technology

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are pivotal in optimizing operations within outsourcing industries, providing a unified platform for managing business processes. However, the current generation of ERP platforms exhibits significant limitations in seamlessly integrating with emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. the paper highlights the transformative potential of effective integration with IoT can offer real-time visibility and operational efficiency such as attendance of the worker, while blockchain can provide robust security and transparency of worker activity through smart contracts. The implementation of an ERP system compared to the traditional manual method to quantify the efficiency gained through this technological advancement. In this analysis, we collected attendance data for 20 employees, documenting the time taken for both manual and ERP-based attendance in seconds. The result of ERP system significantly reduces attendance time. Efficiency is calculated as the percentage reduction in time achieved by using the ERP system compared to the manual method. An average efficiency of 69.05% shows that, overall, the use of ERP is nearly 70% more efficient than the manual method with IoT data transfer using MQTT to blockchain result is 100% retention rate.

Towards Hybrid Deep Learning-based Threat Detection with Blockchain Technology for Secure IoT-based Consumer Electronics

Towards Hybrid Deep Learning-based Threat Detection with Blockchain Technology for Secure IoT-based Consumer Electronics

The Regulation and Ways of Using Digital (Information) Technologies to Protect Copyright

Introduction: the author explores the problem of intellectual property protection, and especially various inventions, know-how in production, industrial designs, and the rapid spread of intellectual property objects on the Internet, where their commercial value is reduced or leveled. In this regard, the chosen research topic is of particular interest and social significance. The Internet information and telecommunications network provides its users with a lot of freedom, which unfortunately generates many offenses. However, progress is also going in a positive direction. The latest technologies of the same Industry 4.0 come to the aid of authors, helping them to protect their works. Purpose: to identify gaps in the legal regulation of copyright protection for works on the Internet, to consider the specifics of the copyright protection procedure, as well as to develop scientifically sound recommendations and proposals aimed at filling the gaps in the legislation. Methods: the study was conducted based on general scientific and specific scientific methods. Such general scientific methods as the dialectical method and logical methods of analysis, synthesis, induction, and deduction were applied. The comparative method, which was used to analyze the experience of foreign countries, and the formal legal method, became special research methods. The historical research method was used to study the main characteristics of modern copyright, its problems, and their causes. Results: a number of problems have been identified in the study of blockchain prospects in the field of copyright, as well as in the development of proposals to improve the legislation in terms of depositing copyright objects. The work contains the author’s provisions aimed at regulating the use of blockchain technology by authors and owners of blockchain platforms, which is practically absent today. The work is focused on practical results, namely, the stable and efficient operation of blockchain platforms in the field of copyright. Conclusions: it has been revealed that to fix the rights to objects of property turnover, there are both opportunities and problems of applying machine-readable law at the present stage; electronic signatures, smart contracts, and entering data into registries are used to make transactions.

EADC: An Efficient Anonymous Data Collection Scheme with Blockchain in Internet of Things

The integration of smart contracts (SCs) within blockchain technology represents a pivotal direction in the evolution of the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling decentralization and enhancing user trust in the system. However, ensuring data privacy is a fundamental challenge that must be addressed during the deployment of these SCs. Many scholars have adopted data aggregation to protect privacy, but these methods are difficult to achieve fine-grained data collection. To this end, this paper proposes an efficient anonymous data collection (EADC) scheme suitable for the IoT environment. The scheme combines matrix algorithms with homomorphic encryption (HE) technology to effectively cut off the connection between users and data during data upload. In addition, the EADC scheme introduces a sophisticated data grouping protocol to improve the overall efficiency of the system. Analysis shows that the scheme can achieve efficient data collection without compromising user privacy.

Integrating Blockchain Technology with Internet of Things and Edge Computing to Achieve Security

The last decade has seen many advancements and emergence in computing technologies; Internet of Things (IoT) being one of the most successful among them. Huge data generation in IoT can be utilized for analysis and monitoring the behaviour of various patterns. In spite of wide adaptability, IoT has various challenges such as privacy, security and computational constraints. To address the later challenge, Edge computing can be a potential solution with great computational resources leading towards the improvement in performance in terms of latency, throughput and response time. However, privacy and security remain largely unaddressed along with the traditional limitations of a centralized approach. This brings into the usage of another technology viz. Blockchain that handles the issue of privacy and security through its inherent features such as immutability, transparency and decentralization. In this research, we intend to explore the option of possible integration of Blockchain technology with IoT to address these challenges.

Strategizing blockchain adoption in public cultural services: a comprehensive scoping review

PurposeThis paper explores the application of blockchain technology in the public cultural sector, where adoption remains limited despite its potential. The study identifies major use case scenarios and empirical examples of blockchain adoption in public sector cultural services through a scoping literature review.Design/methodology/approachA scoping literature review was conducted to map research and conceptual approaches to blockchain technology in the public cultural sector, focusing on key use cases emerging and empirical examples.FindingsThe review reveals that while blockchain has the potential to enhance public cultural services, its adoption is still in its early stages. Identified use cases include tokenization of cultural assets, digital rights management and decentralized funding models. Empirical examples in the public cultural sector are sparse, and the impact of the technology remains largely theoretical.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the scarcity of empirical data on blockchain adoption in public cultural services. Future research should focus on in-depth case studies and empirical analyses to understand the practical implications of blockchain in this sector.Practical implicationsPublic sector organizations offering cultural services may use these insights to guide blockchain adoption and implementation decisions.Social implicationsBlockchain adoption in public cultural services has the potential to democratize access, enhance transparency and foster community engagement, contributing to a more inclusive and participatory cultural ecosystem.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the emerging discourse on blockchain in the public sector, focusing on the often-overlooked cultural services. It highlights the benefits and challenges of blockchain adoption in this sector, providing insights for future research and policy decisions.

The Influence of Digital Trading Applications on Financial Markets

The word "fintech" refers to a new technology that aims to make financial services better and more automated. Investment management, retail banking, artificial intelligence, block chains, mobile payments, stock trading, and other industries are increasingly included in the fintech sector. With today's high-tech electronic trading on the stock exchange, ordinary investors can purchase or sell shares in a matter of seconds, giving investors the opportunity to efficiently perform their research before investing in equities. This paper, thus, talks about the emergence of fintech, which has led to the development of various mobile trading applications like Zerodha, Grow, Upstox, Angel Broking, etc. These apps have become popular among young investors in recent years because of their low-cost broking services. In this study, both primary and secondary data have been used. Primary survey-based research has been used to know the experiences of people belonging to different age groups on trading apps, and secondary data for statistical figures and other factual points has been used from verified stock exchange data and websites of trading apps. This paper will also shed light on the various seamless services offered by such broking applications, which have drastically changed the way the market functions. Investors could easily browse through the available investments, order what they wanted, and manage their portfolio with a single tap from their phone, making adjustments right away. The paper will go on to explain how stock trading applications have affected the financial markets by encouraging an increasing number of people to participate in the process of constructing economies by trading in financial assets. The report can assist policymakers in determining the advantages and hazards of using these new technologies, as well as the repercussions of their use. It offers legislative recommendations that are meant to encourage the use of AI in finance while making sure that its application is consistent with fostering market integrity, financial stability, and competition while safeguarding financial consumers. To support and encourage the use of responsible AI, emerging dangers from the deployment of AI techniques need to be detected and mitigated.

Towards a framework for implementing blockchain technology in the construction industry of Sri Lanka

PurposeThe construction industry is often criticised due to inherited challenges: poor payment practices, inadequate collaboration, etc. Blockchain has the potential to address these issues with its salient features. Nonetheless, adopting blockchain and smart contracts (B&SC) within the construction industry is a comprehensive endeavour due to its intricate nature. The situation is bleak in Sri Lanka due to numerous barriers such as limited technical expertise, cost implications and many others. Hence, this paper aims to examine these barriers, appropriate strategies to overcome them, explore potential blockchain-applicable areas and formulate a framework to adopt B&SC in the construction industry of Sri Lanka (CISL).Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a mixed research approach. The barriers for the adoption of B&SC to the CISL and their applicable areas were distinguished through a questionnaire survey and analysed using the Relative Importance Index. Strategies to overcome them were identified through expert interviews and analysed utilising manual-content analysis.FindingsThe study identified 15 barriers, 12 strategies and 9 areas for integrating B&SC for the CISL. The analysis indicated that having fewer blockchain-powered applications, the reluctance of the enterprises to bear costs to integrate blockchain and sluggish adaptation to new digital technologies are significant barriers. Further, conducting an industry-wide digitalisation analysis, developing an industry-wide digitalisation strategy and recruiting skilful IT staff were pointed out as the pivotal strategies. Moreover, payment and supply chain management were identified as areas with high potential.Originality/valueThis study unveils an analysis of barriers, strategies and areas in adopting B&SC for CISL and formulates a framework. It can be deployed as a guideline for implementing B&SC in the CISL.

The influence of blockchain technology on circular economy implementation in the automotive sector: From a GMM model to a new machine learning algorithm

AbstractThis investigation explores the integration of blockchain technology (BCT) with circular economy (CE) principles within the automotive sector, leveraging a dataset from the years 2011 to 2019. Employing advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning models and the system generalized method of moments (GMM), the study meticulously assesses BCT's impact on CE practices over the specified period. The dataset, curated from esteemed sources such as CSRHub, Thomson Reuters, and Bloomberg, enhances the reliability and validity of our analysis. Results indicate a positive influence of BCT on the adoption and effectiveness of CE practices in the automotive industry, suggesting that CE practices can bolster firm performance. Notably, the analysis reveals that support vector machines (SVM) and neural networks (NNs) exhibit superior efficacy over the random forest (RF) model in capturing the nuances of the BCT‐CE interplay. This is evidenced by their lower root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE), signifying greater predictive accuracy. The findings illuminate BCT's potential to revolutionize CE practices, optimize resource use, and foster sustainability in the automotive field.

The Efficiency Assessment of the Blockchain Networks Adaptive Algorithm as Part of a Multi-Consensus System on Communication Networks

The relevance of the approaches and solutions proposed in the work is due to the desire for distributed computing and decentralization of system modules using blockchain technology in order to increase the autonomy, security and independence of system components. The implementation of blockchain technology for decentralization is hampered by the lack of flexibility in terms of the algorithm for making a single decision in the asynchronous system ‒ consensus, which affects the amount of generated network traffic and the requirements for the hardware component. Due to the changing nature of the transmitted traffic, the load on the communication channel, the time of day of traffic transmission, the equipment, and the network protocols used, the development of a single universal consensus algorithm is not possible, since it depends on a very wide range of variable and specific parameters characteristic of different tasks. The introduction of adaptation mechanisms to current network conditions and a change in the consensus algorithm without losing information and with a satisfactory level of delays would provide sufficient flexibility for further implementation in existing telecommunication systems. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive algorithm for choosing a consensus for blockchain networks.The essence of the presented algorithm is to change the consensus algorithm on a section of the blockchain network upon reaching certain network conditions, which allows regulating the amount of generated load on the communication network to reduce the loss of transaction blocks and the subsequent delay in their processing. The proposed efficiency assessment model is based on mathematical modeling methods, differential equation analysis, queueing theory and network graphs. The analysis of the results showed the efficiency of the proposed model when comparing the results of the analytical calculation and the experiment. The scientific novelty of the proposed approach is to developing an adaptive consensus selection algorithm, as opposed to developing a universal consensus algorithm, and the efficiency assessment model of the proposed algorithm on the communication network, taking into account a number of parameters characterizing the devices and the section of the communication network.The theoretical significance is in the universality of the proposed efficiency assessment model for calculating the synchronization speed of all nodes of the blockchain network with specified network parameters.The practical significance of the proposed algorithm and efficiency assessment method lies in the formation of new approaches and opportunities for integrating blockchain technology into modern communication networks, abstracting from the problem of consensus selection in changing conditions of the communication network section.

Impact of Digital Banking on Traditional Banking Services

Digital banking has quickly become a game-changer in the world of finance, altering the way banks interact with customers and run their operations. With tools like mobile banking apps, AI-driven recommendations, and blockchain technology, consumers now have more control and convenience in managing their finances than ever before. This shift has raised the bar on what people expect from their banks, prompting traditional banking institutions to adapt to stay relevant in a fast-evolving, tech-driven landscape. This paper explores how digital banking is impacting traditional banks in areas like cost savings, data insights, market reach, and consumer habits. While the digital shift opens doors to new efficiencies and easier access, it also brings unique challenges, especially around cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance with new regulations. Additionally, with fewer physical branches and less face-to-face contact, there’s a question of how this transition may affect the trust and service quality that many customers still value in their banking experience. Using real-world examples and industry trends, this paper looks at how traditional banks are responding—whether by creating hybrid models that blend digital and in-person services, forming partnerships with tech innovators, or ramping up cybersecurity. The goal is to explore whether digital banking can coexist with traditional models to enhance the banking experience, or if it’s setting the stage for a future where traditional practices may be left behind. The findings aim to shed light on how banks can strike a balance between adopting new technology and maintaining the personalized, reliable service that has long defined their role in the financial industry.

Improve the Sustainability of Supply Chain: the Role of Carbon Abatement and Blockchain Technology

This paper constructs a sustainable supply chain consisting of a manufacturer and a retail platform. This paper explores the manufacturer’s decision of whether to develop green technology to reduce carbon emission and the platform’s option of whether to adopt blockchain technology to disclose information. According to the selling format in the supply chain (i.e., reselling or agency selling format), this study divides the research into two scenarios: Scenarios R and A. Through analyses, the paper first finds that two parameters play decisive roles in the manufacturer’s and the platform’s decisions: the consumer’s acceptance of product and the consumer’s environmental sensitivity. As the consumer’s acceptance of product increases, the supply chain members’ mode preferences change from Mode RT (Mode AT) to Mode RB (Mode AB). And the increase of the consumer’s environmental sensitivity leads the supply chain members less likely to take actions (reducing carbon emission or disclosing information). Specifically, this paper discovers that the manufacturer’s and the platform’s mode preferences are always analogous with each other. Next, this paper finds that the two decisive parameters’ (i.e., the consumer’s acceptance of product and the consumer’s environmental sensitivity) joint impact on the platform’s optimal decision is more drastic than on the manufacturer’s. Finally, the selling format in the supply chain interacts with the consumer’s acceptance of product exerting influence on the supply chain members’ optimal decisions.

The Use of Blockchain Technology in Improving the Reliability and Security of Accounting Information Systems: Impacts and Challenges

The use of blockchain technology in the context of Accounting Information Systems (SIA) has become an important topic in the academic and industry literature. By leveraging blockchain, the Triple Entry Accounting System application can improve information transparency and reliability while reducing fraud in business, improving audit efficiency, and improving data protection. This study aims to analyze the impacts and challenges associated with the implementation of blockchain technology in improving the reliability and security of accounting information systems. The research method used in this scientific paper is a type of qualitative method through the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) study. The results of this analysis show that the use of blockchain technology has a significant impact on the reliability and security of accounting information systems. Blockchain allows financial transactions to be recorded transparently, immutable, and trustworthy automatically through network consensus. However, there are several challenges that need to be addressed in implementing this technology, including scalability issues, high transaction fees, complex regulations, and a lack of understanding and awareness of blockchain technology among accounting practitioners. The reason for the choice of the title is that blockchain technology in Accounting Information Systems is not only relevant, interesting, and offers great opportunities, but also has the potential to make a significant contribution to the field of industry practice.

Intelligent Data Governance Frameworks : A Technical Overview

This comprehensive article explores the transformative potential of AI-driven data governance frameworks in addressing modern data management challenges. The article examines the limitations of traditional governance methods in the face of exponential data growth, regulatory complexities, and diverse data sources. It delves into the architecture, core components, and benefits of intelligent governance systems that leverage advanced AI technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and reinforcement learning. The article highlights significant improvements in operational efficiency, compliance accuracy, and data quality achieved through AI-driven solutions. Furthermore, it investigates future directions, including the integration of explainable AI, federated learning, and blockchain technology, while acknowledging the challenges that need to be addressed for widespread adoption.