International Journal of Blockchains and Cryptocurrencies (5 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Blockchain framework for smart contract and distributive ledger for entity marketplace  
  by Sourabh Yadav, Monika Mangla, Nonita Sharma, Asmita Mahajan 
  Abstract: In the present era of digitalisation, maintaining tamper-resistant records at centralised nodes is becoming more and more difficult. Blockchain technology, which is considered as the backbone of cryptocurrency, is gaining immense popularity due to its decentralised approach to store and verify the data. Blockchain technology gives the freedom to develop a user-specific validation protocol, which helps to maintain tamper-resistant logs of all the activities, known as transactions, performed on a private/public network of blockchain. Because of blockchain components such as data privacy and security, not only the private sector is shifting its interest towards the technology, the public sector and government authorities are also looking forward to this technology. This manuscript targets to propose the use case model of blockchain technology by developing the smart contract and distributive ledger for entity market place. This framework contains all required processes, functions, and services for making a reliable platform for marketing new and old entities.
  Keywords: blockchain; smart contract; public ledger; Ethereum; P2P network.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2021.10047076
   
  
• Blockchain technology and intellectual property protection: a systematic literature review  
  by Nuo Li, Haiqiang Zhang, Rong Du, Shizhong Ai, Yang Zheng, Cathal MacSwiney Brugha 
  Abstract: Many products and services require intellectual property protection (IPP). The current IPP schemes suffer from unclear ownership and potential risks of data tampering, among other drawbacks. Recent research has documented a significant need to address these issues. Blockchain presents an opportunity for IPP to help solve existing problems. This study attempts to conduct a systematic review of research on the applications of blockchain to IPP. To summarise existing research findings and provide a theoretical basis for scholars and practitioners, the authors' team used online databases (WOS, CNKI and CSSCI) to identify a total of 172 papers related to 'blockchain applications in IPP', then selected 82 papers for further analysis based on the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA). As a result, the paper analyses existing research topics and identifies directions that can be further investigated. The authors conclude that the urgent research directions to be explored in the future include blockchain technology architecture, IP laws and regulations, and IP management applications and operations.
  Keywords: blockchain; intellectual property protection; IPP; literature review; PRISMA protocol.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2023.10048092
   
  
• A review of cryptocurrencies research  
  by Maame Akua Sarpong 
  Abstract: Crypto currencies research is seen as young field though has made drastic impact with the introduction of Bitcoin. In order to strengthen the relatively young multidisciplinary field, there is a need to conduct review of literature. Therefore, it is deemed opportune to carry out systematic literature review which could unveil gaps for future studies and also inform policy makers in preparation towards adoption of cryptocurrencies. About 22 articles were filtered from sampled 42 articles after critically examining them on basis of contribution of insights drawn for discussion based on the model adopted for thematic analysis. The four-step life cycle model comprise of: needs assessment, design, adoption issues and impact assessment. Alternative coins have emerged which calls for comparative analysis and review to explore its usage. User perception of the crypto markets and the likelihood of governments deploring its use are areas considerable of further studies.
  Keywords: crypto currencies; block chain; selfish mining; Bitcoin; financial technology; protocol; cryptographic protocol; digital currency; peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2023.10047105
   
  
• Case study: smart contract prototype utilising the blockchain to securely deposit NIST control findings  
  by George Stone 
  Abstract: Security in online transactions is a critical component that cannot be overlooked in designing an accounting system for network-based trade. Previously, the challenge of double spending and the possibility for an external attack that could temper with records hampered the adoption of online transactions, additionally, the need for a trusted third party to validate transactions made over the networks made it too expensive to adopt such ideas. Thus, online transactions remained a dream for many. However, the introduction of blockchain and innovative contract technology has boosted their adoption. This document presents a case study report to develop a safe and secure system for government transactions using the mentioned technologies.
  Keywords: blockchain; smart contract; Hyperledger; security; NIST.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2023.10047106
   
  
• An empirical evaluation of blockchain security models from a fuzzy statistical perspective  
  by Kalyani Nikhilesh Pampattiwar, Pallavi Vijay Chavan 
  Abstract: Data must be conveyed in a way that only the intended entities can decode and comprehend it. Security is critical in the design of any data and process-intensive system. Researchers have developed a variety of protocols and security models to provide security – encryption models, hashing models, blockchain systems, secret sharing systems, etc. All these systems have their own nuances, advantages and limitations, making it challenging for system designers to choose the best security model. Delay-sensitive security systems, for example, should be able to secure data at high speeds with minimal complexity, however, this trait may jeopardise the system's security. In blockchain technology, secret sharing approaches improve the security performance of the systems. This review compares different blockchain and secret sharing techniques in terms of security, QoS performance, and computational complexity. These techniques pave the way for future security systems and can be combined for better QoS and security performance.
  Keywords: blockchain; secret sharing; encryption; hashing; public key infrastructure; access control; security; authentication.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJBC.2023.10048060