Search Results (437)

In the last few years, blockchain has emerged as a cutting-edge technology whose main advantages are transparency, traceability, immutability, enhanced efficiency, and trust, thanks to its decentralized nature. Although many people still identify blockchain with cryptocurrencies and the financial sector, it has many prospective applications beyond digital currency that can serve as use cases for which traditional infrastructures have become obsolete. Governments have started exploring its potential application to public services provision, as confirmed by the increasing number of adoption initiatives, projects, and tests. As the current public administration is often perceived as slow, bureaucratic, lacking transparency, and failing to involve citizens in decision-making processes, blockchain can establish itself as a tool that enables a process of disintermediation, which can revolutionize the way in which public services are managed and provided. In this paper, we will provide a survey of the main application areas which are likely to benefit from blockchain implementation, together with examples of practical implementations carried out by both state and local governments. Later, we will discuss the main challenges that may prevent its widespread adoption, such as government expenditure, technological maturity, and lack of public awareness. Finally, we will wrap up by providing indications on future areas of research for blockchain-based technologies. Full article

Smart cities are urban areas that leverage technological solutions to enhance traditional network management and efficiency to benefit residents and businesses. Based on the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) protocol, this study presents a systematic literature review aimed at analyzing the existing literature on smart cities research. The literature review specifically focuses on the impact of blockchain technology on the urban environment and its potential to contribute to the development of inclusive and sustainable communities, including financial systems and infrastructures with similar characteristics to serve these societies. The findings reveal a lack of studies on the practical applications of distributed ledger technologies (DLTs), particularly blockchain, that specifically focus on the urban context capable of developing the (financial) ecosystem of smart cities. To address this gap, a future research agenda is proposed, highlighting several research questions that could guide academics and practitioners interested in exploring the development of smart city systems, with particular attention on the financial framework. Full article

Aviation information systems are a key component in ensuring efficient and smooth air transport operations. In this regard, the transfer of passenger information between parties is of paramount importance. With the continuous improvement of biometrics technology, this kind of individual identification that can provide accurate and unforgeable identification is widely used in various fields. This research presents the significance and effective application scenarios of facial recognition in biometrics in air transport operations. Due to the characteristics of aviation information systems, Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) is used in this study for secure and private transmission of facial recognition information. Distributed systems can give a transparent and secure platform to multiple parties to access sensitive passenger data. This study uses the Corda framework as the DLT that supports CorDapp development. Based on the above techniques, this study proposes two feasible application scenarios. One is a baggage match detection system to prevent misplaced baggage, and the other is an iAPIS system that transmits passenger information in real-time communication between airlines and border control agencies. This article details how to apply the research in these two scenarios, as well as the benefits and implications of the applications. Finally, this article presents an outlook for future development and feasible directions for improvement. Full article

In recent years, the Internet of medical things (IoMT) has become a significant technological advancement in the healthcare sector. This systematic review aims to identify and summarize the various applications, key challenges, and proposed technical solutions within this domain, based on a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature. This review highlights diverse applications of the IoMT, including mobile health (mHealth) applications, remote biomarker detection, hybrid RFID-IoT solutions for scrub distribution in operating rooms, IoT-based disease prediction using machine learning, and the efficient sharing of personal health records through searchable symmetric encryption, blockchain, and IPFS. Other notable applications include remote healthcare management systems, non-invasive real-time blood glucose measurement devices, distributed ledger technology (DLT) platforms, ultra-wideband (UWB) radar systems, IoT-based pulse oximeters, accident and emergency informatics (A&EI), and integrated wearable smart patches. The key challenges identified include privacy protection, sustainable power sources, sensor intelligence, human adaptation to sensors, data speed, device reliability, and storage efficiency. The proposed mitigations encompass network control, cryptography, edge-fog computing, and blockchain, alongside rigorous risk planning. The review also identifies trends and advancements in the IoMT architecture, remote monitoring innovations, the integration of machine learning and AI, and enhanced security measures. This review makes several novel contributions compared to the existing literature, including (1) a comprehensive categorization of IoMT applications, extending beyond the traditional use cases to include emerging technologies such as UWB radar systems and DLT platforms; (2) an in-depth analysis of the integration of machine learning and AI in IoMT, highlighting innovative approaches in disease prediction and remote monitoring; (3) a detailed examination of privacy and security measures, proposing advanced cryptographic solutions and blockchain implementations to enhance data protection; and (4) the identification of future research directions, providing a roadmap for addressing current limitations and advancing the scientific understanding of IoMT in healthcare. By addressing current limitations and suggesting future research directions, this work aims to advance scientific understanding of the IoMT in healthcare. Full article

Energy performance-based contracts (EPCs) offer a promising solution for enhancing the energy performance of buildings, which is an overarching step towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Buildings, addressing climate change and improving occupants’ comfort. Despite their potential, their execution is constrained by difficulties that hinder their diffusion in the architecture, engineering, construction, and operation industry. Notably, the Measurement and Verification process is considered a significant impediment due to data sharing, storage, and security challenges. Nevertheless, there have been minimal efforts to analyze research conducted in this field systematically. A systematic analysis of 113 identified journal articles was conducted to fill this gap. A paucity of research tackling the utilization of digital technologies to enhance the implementation of EPCs was found. Consequently, this article proposes a framework integrating Digital Twin and Blockchain technologies to provide an enhanced EPC execution environment. Digital Twin technology leverages the system by monitoring and evaluating energy performance in real-time, predicting future performance, and facilitating informed decisions. Blockchain technology ensures the integrity, transparency, and accountability of information. Moreover, a private Blockchain infrastructure was originally introduced in the framework to eliminate high transaction costs related to on-chain storage and potential concerns regarding the confidentiality of information in open distributed ledgers. Full article

A Multi-Controller Software-Defined Network (MC-SDN) is a revolutionary concept comprising multiple controllers and switches separated using programmable features, enhancing network availability, management, scalability, and performance. The MC-SDN is a potential choice for managing large, heterogeneous, complex industrial networks. Despite the rich operational flexibility of MC-SDN, it is imperative to protect the network deployment with proper protection against potential vulnerabilities that lead to misuse and malicious activities on the MC-SDN structure. The security holes in the MC-SDN structure significantly impact network survivability and performance efficiency. Hence, detecting MC-SDN security attacks is crucial to improving network performance. Accordingly, this work intended to design blockchain-based controller security (BCS) that exploits the advantages of immutable and distributed ledger technology among multiple controllers and securely manages the controller communications against various attacks. Thereby, it enables the controllers to maintain consistent network view and accurate flow tables among themselves and also neglects the controller failure issues. Finally, the experimental results of the proposed BCS approach demonstrated superior performance under various scenarios, such as attack detection, number of attackers, number of controllers, and number of compromised controllers, by applying different performance metrics. Full article

Blockchain technology ensures record-keeping by redundantly storing and verifying transactions on a distributed network of nodes. Permissionless blockchains have pushed the development of decentralized applications (DApps) characterized by distributed business logic, resilience to centralized failures, and data immutability. However, storage scalability without sacrificing throughput is one of the remaining open challenges in permissionless blockchains. Enhancing throughput often compromises storage, as seen in projects such as Elastico, OmniLedger, and RapidChain. On the other hand, solutions seeking to save storage, such as CUB, Jidar, SASLedger, and SE-Chain, reduce the transactional throughput. To our knowledge, no analysis has been performed that relates storage growth to transactional throughput. In this article, we delve into the execution of the Bitcoin and Ethereum transactional models, unlocking patterns that represent any transaction on the blockchain. We reveal the trade-off between transactional throughput and storage. To achieve this, we introduce the spent-by relation, a new abstraction of the UTXO model that utilizes a directed acyclic graph (DAG) to reveal the patterns and allows for a graph with granular information. We then analyze the transactional patterns to identify the most storage-intensive ones and those that offer greater flexibility in the throughput/storage trade-off. Finally, we present an analytical study showing that the UTXO model is more storage-intensive than the account model but scales better in transactional throughput. Full article

This paper investigates the potential of integrating supply chain management with blockchain technology, specifically by implementing smart contracts on the Ethereum network using Solidity. The paper explores supply chain management concepts, blockchain, distributed ledger technology, and smart contracts in the context of their integration into supply chains to increase traceability, transparency, and accountability with faster processing times. After investigating these technologies’ applications and potential use cases, a framework for smart contract implementation for supply chain management is constructed. Potential data models and functions of a smart contract implementation improving supply chain management processes are discussed. After constructing a framework, the effects of the proposed system on supply chain processes are explained. The proposed framework increases the reliability of the supply chain history due to the usage of DLT (distributed ledger technology). It utilizes smart contracts to increase the manageability and traceability of the supply chain. The proposed framework also eliminates the SPoF (Single Point of Failure) vulnerabilities and external alteration of the transactional data. However, due to the ever-changing and variable nature of the supply chains, the proposed architecture might not be a one-size-fits-all solution, and tailor-made solutions might be necessary for different supply chain management implementations. Full article

The current trend in supply chain development requires the application of new knowledge to meet the challenges posed by new technologies. One such technology is blockchain, which facilitates supply chain solutions through the use of innovative data transfer, storage, and verification systems. However, the use of blockchain can be challenging for certain stakeholders, such as small carriers, who may lack the necessary technical expertise or access to the technology. In this paper, we explore the potential for engaging small carriers that provide services within the blockchain supply chain but face technological barriers. We identify the technological barriers and opportunities for these carriers to participate, focusing on a case study of a small carrier that transports temperature-sensitive cargo. As one of the innovations, we proposed a classification according to three types of control levels, which are of fundamental importance in blockchain applications. In addition, we tested in-vehicle temperature measurement for use in cold chains and stored the transaction in a distributive ledger application in blockchain. Full article

In the ever-changing global energy landscape, the emergence of ‘prosumers’, individuals who both produce and consume energy, has blurred traditional boundaries. Driven by the growing demand for sustainability and renewable energy, prosumers play a critical role in bridging the gap between energy production and consumption. They can generate their own energy through decentralized sources like solar panels and wind turbines, and sell excess energy back to the grid. However, tracking carbon emissions and pricing strategies for prosumers pose challenges. To address this, we developed an innovative blockchain-driven peer-to-peer (P2P) trading platform for carbon allowances. This platform empowers prosumers to influence pricing and promotes a more equitable distribution of energy. The P2P platform leverages blockchain technology, a decentralized digital ledger, to provide transparency and security in carbon emission tracking and energy transactions. By eliminating intermediaries, blockchain ensures the accuracy of data and creates a tamper-proof record of energy production and consumption. This study employed a modified IEEE 37-bus test system to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed blockchain-based trading framework. The IEEE 37-bus system is a well-established benchmark for power system analysis, comprising 37 nodes, 13 generators, and 37 transmission lines. By leveraging this test system, this study demonstrated the framework’s ability to optimize energy consumption patterns and mitigate carbon emissions, highlighting the transformative potential of blockchain technology in the energy sector. The proposed P2P trading platform offers several benefits for prosumers: (1) Transparency: The blockchain-based platform provides a transparent record of all energy transactions, ensuring that prosumers are compensated fairly for the energy they produce. (2) Security: Blockchain technology makes it impossible to tamper with or counterfeit carbon allowances, ensuring the integrity of the trading system. (3) Efficiency: The P2P trading platform eliminates the need for intermediaries, reducing the cost and complexity of energy transactions. (4) Empowerment: The platform gives prosumers a greater say in how their energy is priced and distributed, promoting a more equitable energy system. Full article

This research introduces a comprehensive collaborative intrusion detection system (CIDS) framework aimed at bolstering the security of Internet of Things (IoT) environments by synergistically integrating lightweight architecture, trust management, and privacy-preserving mechanisms. The proposed hierarchical architecture spans edge, fog, and cloud layers, ensuring efficient and scalable collaborative intrusion detection. Trustworthiness is established through the incorporation of distributed ledger technology (DLT), leveraging blockchain frameworks to enhance the reliability and transparency of communication among IoT devices. Furthermore, the research adopts federated learning (FL) techniques to address privacy concerns, allowing devices to collaboratively learn from decentralized data sources while preserving individual data privacy. Validation of the proposed approach is conducted using the CICIoT2023 dataset, demonstrating its effectiveness in enhancing the security posture of IoT ecosystems. This research contributes to the advancement of secure and resilient IoT infrastructures, addressing the imperative need for lightweight, trust-managing, and privacy-preserving solutions in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges. According to our experiments, the proposed model achieved an average accuracy of 97.65%, precision of 97.65%, recall of 100%, and F1-score of 98.81% when detecting various attacks on IoT systems with heterogeneous devices and networks. The system is a lightweight system when compared with traditional intrusion detection that uses centralized learning in terms of network latency and memory consumption. The proposed system shows trust and can keep private data in an IoT environment. Full article

As blockchain becomes more widely used, a growing number of application fields are becoming interested in blockchain to benefit from its decentralised nature, invariability, security, transparency, quick transaction capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. Blockchain has a wide range of applications and uses in healthcare. Distributed ledger technology facilitates the secure transfer of patient medical records, manages the medicine supply chain, and creates an efficient, transparent, safe, and effective way of communicating data across global healthcare. The organ transplantation process (OTP) is one of the healthcare areas that benefit from the use of such technology to make its process more secure and transparent. In this article, we put forward a systematic literature review analysis on the application of blockchain to the OTP. Additionally, we address and highlight the barriers and challenges that arise while using blockchain technology for the OTP. We also offer some suggestions for future developments that would enhance blockchain’s implementation in the OTP domain. Full article

The emergence of Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) in the past decade has challenged our imagination to discover new, innovative and disruptive solutions to problems in domains ranging from finance and healthcare to supply chain and Smart Cities. However, the enormous energy consumption that has been observed in some of the most successful DLT applications raises the question of their long term sustainability. This article reviews the standardization efforts of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to provide guidelines to regulators and policy makers for making informed decisions on the applicability and sustainability of DLT architectures from the point of view of energy consumption. Full article

Within the domain of industrial control systems, safeguarding data integrity stands as a pivotal endeavor, especially in light of the burgeoning menace posed by malicious tampering and potential data loss. Traditional data storage paradigms, tethered to physical hard disks, are fraught with inherent susceptibilities, underscoring the pressing need for the deployment of resilient preservation frameworks. This study delves into the transformative potential offered by distributed ledger technology (DLT), with a specific focus on IOTA, within the expansive landscape of the Internet of Things (IoT). Through a meticulous examination of the intricacies inherent to data transmission protocols, we present a novel paradigm aimed at fortifying data security. Our approach advocates for the strategic placement of IOTA nodes on lower-level devices, thereby streamlining the transmission pathway and curtailing vulnerabilities. This concerted effort ensures the seamless preservation of data confidentiality and integrity from inception to storage, bolstering trust in the convergence of IoT and DLT technologies. By embracing proactive measures, organizations can navigate the labyrinthine terrain of data management, effectively mitigate risks, and cultivate an environment conducive to innovation and progress. Full article