Interoperability, Anonymity and Privacy Issues in Blockchain for Healthcare Systems

<p>Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) has been a key part of evolving communication systems in the last few years. However, the life-cycle management of Virtual Network Functions (VNF) is still a not trivial task. Blockchains (BC), due to their decentralization and immutability characteristics, together with the automation provided by Smart Contracts (SC), can be employed to enable such automated and trustworthy VNF management.Thus, this paper proposes VeNiCE to automate the deployment and life-cycle management of VNFs using events emitted on SCs. VeNiCE provides automation and auditability by relying on a BC to provide a decentralized approach for VNF management, which performs management actions, such as VNF deployment and deletion, and based on events and communicates with an SC to provide immutable logging of the VNF life-cycle. VeNiCE provides (i) a frontend for user interaction, (ii) a backend implementing the communication with the NFV framework, and (iii) an SC that emits events, stores VNF allocations, and authenticates users. A prototype of VeNiCE was developed and deployed in the Ethereum BC using OpenStack Tacker as an NFV platform. Experiments were conducted in a real-world deployment of such a prototype to analyze the economic costs of using SCs and the time required to process requests by each component of VeNiCE and the BC. Those results obtained show VeNiCE’s feasibility, highlight its benefits achieved with the automation and provide insights on reducing costs by exploring additional BC platforms and different deployment types, which introduce centralization and management concerns.</p>

The study explores the transformative role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and traceability within the agricultural food supply chain. By leveraging blockchain's inherent characteristics of decentralization, immutability, and security, stakeholders can significantly improve information sharing and visibility from farm to consumer. The study delves into how blockchain addresses longstanding transparency and traceability issues that have plagued the agricultural sector. Real-world examples illustrate blockchain's successful application in agriculture, showcasing its capacity to boost transparency, operational efficiency, and trust among supply chain participants. These case studies demonstrate how blockchain creates tamper-proof records, enhances end-to-end visibility, and provides reliable, real time data. The technology's potential to combat fraud, promote sustainability, and ensure product authenticity is also explored. Furthermore, the research investigates blockchain's impact on food safety, particularly when integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and smart contracts. These synergies enable automated, secure data collection and the execution of predefined agreements, further streamlining supply chain processes. Successful implementations across various areas of supply chain management, including logistics, inventory tracking, and quality control, are highlighted to demonstrate the practical benefits of blockchain adoption. By providing an in-depth analysis of blockchain's potential, this study underscores its pivotal role in building consumer trust regarding food safety, quality, and origin. The research concludes by discussing the challenges and opportunities for widespread blockchain adoption in agriculture, offering insights into its future trajectory and potential to revolutionize the global food supply chain.

Блокчейн у системі охорони здоров’я: проблеми правового забезпечення

Blockchains provide a unique approach to storing healthcare data, conducting healthcare transactions, and proving the trustworthiness of healthcare data in the context of a decentralized and open healthcare network ecosystem. Blockchain technology for healthcare businesses, whether for internal operations or collaborative research, is causing continuing debate regarding the potential risks to user data security and privacy. Despite considerable interest and attention from the corporate, government, and academic sectors, blockchain technology deployment in the healthcare business is still in its early stages. Blockchain technology has the potential to greatly boost patient data security in the healthcare industry. We not only understand the problems and expectations associated with security and privacy, but we also provide effective ways and procedures for overcoming these concerns via the use of technology. The first stage in using blockchains in the healthcare business is determining what features and standards are required to ensure the secure and effective transfer of electronic health information. Then we look at the technologies that may be utilized to offer the essential security and privacy aspects for each of the three potential blockchain uses in the healthcare business. In terms of the sharing of electronic medical records, blockchain technology has three potential uses blockchain technology to validate a patient's identity is standard. The previous work highlighted numerous potential uses of blockchain technology in healthcare. Many various types of information will be exchanged, including ideas, risks, requirements, development tools, system designs, and deployment strategies. Based on the findings of our poll, we were able to make some plausible assumptions regarding the problem.

The patient's medical data is very valuable and sensitive. Hackers are always trying to steal or tamper with this patient's data. Cyber-criminals can misuse or sell this patient's data. Protecting medical data, and ensuring security and privacy of data is a statutory and ethical mandate for healthcare services providers. Implementation of blockchain technology enhances the security, confidentiality, and traceability of patient data. Secure sharing of patient data among all stakeholders of healthcare ecosystems ensures quality and high speed in services.<br>Objective: This paper's objective is to review data security applications in the healthcare domain using blockchain technology and present the highlights from selected survey papers. The second objective is to implement data security using a web-based prototype based on blockchain technology. <br>Method: This blockchain technology enables secure online sharing of data using open, distributed, denationalized, and immutable ledgers. Blockchain-based online transactions are taking place between sender and receiver directly. Blockchain-based transactions eliminate the need for third-party intermediate agents. Data. Authors applied blockchain technology for the implementation of oral health big data using a web portal. Results: The taxonomy of concepts applied in blockchain and EHR, Smart Contracts, and Healthcare 4.0 systems in healthcare from the literature are mapped. To identify research gaps, a comparative study of curated survey papers is conducted with specific variables. The results of web portal implementation are discussed.<br>Conclusion: At the out, the authors tried to provide a holistic view of blockchain applications and presented insight into systems design by discussing algorithms, techniques and methods applied. Authors conclude that intelligent systems integrated blockchain systems are going to play a vital role in the healthcare industry and enhance the quality and efficiency of services.

The object of this paper is blockchain technology in the tracking system of grain supply chains. The current study considers the task of determining the impact of blockchain technology introduction on the tracking system of grain supply chains. The key problems in the system of grain supply chains have been identified and the tasks to solve them have been proposed. The characteristics of key technologies in the implementation of blockchain in the system of grain supply chains have been defined, such as smart contracts, the Internet of Things (IoT), interplanetary file system (IPFS), contactless tags (RFID), Ethereum platform (identified as the best for supply chain tracking). The influence of factors on the introduction of blockchain technologies into the grain supply chain tracking system was determined using a SWOT analysis. Strengths include transparency, increased trust, automation of processes and protection against falsification. Weaknesses include high implementation costs, difficulty scaling, and the need for staff training. Opportunities that open up through the use of blockchain include attracting new partners, increasing competitiveness, and developing new markets. Threats include legal difficulties, technical failures, high energy costs, and resistance from market participants. An assessment of the investment attractiveness of introducing blockchain technology into the grain supply chain tracking system was carried out by calculating such indicators as economic effect; net present value (NPV) of implementing blockchain technologies; payback period of investments. According to the results of analysis, the following data were obtained: NPV (150439 a.u.)>0, the payback period of investments is 2.8 years, which is acceptable for large agricultural holdings. Prospects for development have been determined, in particular, the unification of agricultural holdings for the joint implementation of blockchain technologies in the tracking system of grain supply chains, which would be a strategically beneficial solution for all participants in the supply chain

Blockchain Technology (BT) and Big Data (BD)-based data management solutions can be used for storing and processing sensitive patient data efficiently in the healthcare field. While many institutions and industries have recognized the significance of both technologies, few have implemented and executed them in the health sector when it comes to the management of patients’ medical records. By leveraging Patients’ Health Records (PHR) data, the purpose of this paper is to develop a practical application with an architecture built on BT and BD technologies and to help organizations manage data requirements and enhance data security, provenance, traceability, availability, and effective identity management. For that purpose, a case study was developed, which covers the BT and BD key considerations, as well as key issues such as policies, smart contracts, consent, and provision of secure identities, so that records are properly managed and controlled. Hence, the purpose of this study is to summarize the key characteristics of a practical EHR implementation, emphasizing security measures and technologies to decipher the effectiveness of the included technological components, such as decentralized identification, consent management, and private BT management. According to the results of the case study research, the presented solution has high accuracy and is capable of managing PHR effectively. Additionally, it has been shown to have a high practical value when it comes to meeting the accuracy and real-time requirements of BT and BD applications.

Block chain is a new application model integrating distributed data storage, peer-to-peer transmission, consensus mechanism, encryption algorithm and other computer technologies born under the background of rapid development of the Internet, and its emergence has aroused the attention of various countries and discussions in various industries. The application of blockchain technology to the accounting field has been a hot topic of research and exploration for scholars in recent years. Its features of decentralization, de-trust, immutability, data traceability and smart contracts can solve the trust problem faced by the accounting field. The article focuses on the nature, working principle and characteristics of blockchain, discusses the advantages of applying blockchain to accounting, and proposes some problems faced by "block chain + accounting" today as well as strategies to solve the problems.

The purpose of this paper is to present our proposal to use blockchain technology to create a secure, efficient, and smart voting system in the USA. The first section of this paper presents the current equipment and technology used in the current voting process in the USA. Next, an analysis of the technological challenges of our voting system is presented. Recommendations are proposed to remedy these challenges with the implementation of blockchain and biometric technologies. Next, the paper discusses the features, benefits, and uses of blockchain technology. Finally, arguments are presented both for and against the use of blockchain and biometric technologies for voting purposes.

The chapter examines how block chain technology can revolutionize pharmaceutical supply chain management. Through real-time tracking and traceability, the authenticity of medications can be ensured, thereby combating the persistent issue of counterfeit drugs and enhancing patient safety. Additionally, the clinical trial process stands to benefit from block chain and transparent and secure nature. Smart contracts can streamline patient recruitment, informed consent, and trial result reporting, promoting trust and accountability in the clinical trial ecosystem. Despite the potential benefits, the adoption of DeFi and block chain in healthcare presents several challenges, including regulatory compliance, scalability, and integration with existing healthcare systems. This chapter discusses the current state of block chain integration in healthcare and identifies future research directions to overcome these hurdles.

The financial world has been changed by blockchain technology, which improves security, openness, and speed. This research evaluates the block chain’s potential to change the Indian banking system, focusing on its ability to fix flaws, boost security, and help more people get access to money. Leading Indian banks like SBI, Punjab National Bank (PNB), ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, Axis Bank, and foreign banks like HSBC and Citibank were looked at to see how they integrated blockchain technology., this research highlights real-world applications, operational benefits, and challenges faced in large-scale implementation. The study employs descriptive and exploratory research methodologies, utilizing primary and secondary data collection methods. Surveys, structured interviews, and case studies were conducted with banking professionals, fintech experts, and customers, while secondary data from regulatory reports, white papers, and blockchain implementations was analyzed. This study explores the impact, opportunities, and challenges of blockchain in banking, emphasizing its role in enhancing security and reliability. It highlights research gaps in blockchain adoption, regulatory implications, and financial reporting. Future research should focus on blockchain implementation in banking, regulatory frameworks, and its relevance in emerging economies.Key findings indicate that blockchain significantly enhances transaction security, fraud prevention, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance in Indian banking. However, technological, regulatory, and infrastructural barriers remain critical challenges. The study emphasizes that in order to speed up adoption, scalable blockchain solutions, regulatory frameworks, and hybrid financial models are required. For blockchain technology to reach its full potential in banking, future studies should examine its scalability and interoperability.

The world today has realized the vast technological evolution that has greatly shaped the production and management functions of business enterprises. Traditional contracts can take weeks or even months to initiate, and there have been numerous instances of breaches and lack of trust for contracts in both the private and public sector. A smart contract can be defined as a self-executing contract that utilizes blockchain technology to digitally enforce, verify, or facilitate the performance or negotiation of a contract. Owing to the security and decentralized system exhibited by blockchain technology, smart contracts can foster transaction credibility between contracting parties without the necessity of third parties as exhibited in traditional contracts. Any business organization that aims at achieving greater heights in management and production dimensions must consider utilizing robust technologies that are aimed at bolstering its competitive edge. Owing to the newness of smart contracts, characterized by very few studies on the same, this research reviews how smart contracts through blockchain technology can be implemented in an organization to enhance performance and outlines the applications, benefits, and limitations associated with such contracts. Keywords: Blockchain technology; smart contracts; smart contract applications; smart contract benefits; smart contract implementation; cryptography; cryptocurrency DOI : 10.7176/JIEA/9-5-07 Publication date :September 30 th 2019

Purpose. To substantiate conceptual approaches to integrating blockchain technologies into risk management systems of investment activities of financial institutions through systematization of architectural solutions, development of efficiency evaluation criteria, and typology of implementation strategies, taking into account the specifics of different categories of investment risks and regulatory environment. Methodology. An interdisciplinary approach was used, combining institutional analysis of financial systems, comparative analysis of traditional centralized and decentralized risk management models, and systematization of empirical data on blockchain implementation in the global financial sector. Methods of structural-functional analysis were applied to study blockchain systems architecture and their impact on various categories of investment risks. Critical analysis of scientific literature on decentralized finance, asset tokenization, and smart contracts was conducted. Findings. The dual nature of blockchain technologies has been revealed as both a tool for minimizing traditional risks (market, credit, operational, liquidity, regulatory) and a source of new technological challenges. Four integration models have been systematized: asset tokenization for enhancing liquidity, DeFi instruments for decentralized lending and exchange, hybrid portfolios for diversification, and smart contracts for risk management automation. An evaluation matrix for blockchain solutions effectiveness has been developed based on seven criteria (transparency, settlement speed, operational costs, accessibility, reliability, regulatory certainty, scalability) compared to traditional systems. A typology of implementation strategies for commercial banks, investment funds, and insurance companies has been proposed. Originality. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the transformation of investment activity risk management architecture through the lens of blockchain technology integration has been conducted, simultaneously considering institutional, technological, and regulatory aspects. A conceptual model of an integrated blockchain system for managing investment risks has been developed with identification of interaction levels and feedback loops. Practical value. Research results form a methodological foundation for financial institutions regarding the selection of optimal blockchain technology implementation strategies, provide tools for evaluating the effectiveness of various integration models, and contribute to the formation of regulatory policy in the field of digital transformation of the financial sector.

The aim of this article is to investigate possible applications of blockchain technology in the fight against the pandemic, which, among other negative consequences, has disrupted global supply chains. Bottlenecks in the supply of raw materials and intermediary products for drug production had cascading effects in other areas, causing shortages in the supply of finished products. The author shows how blockchain-based smart contracts can help improve the functioning of the health service in general, how they can be used to optimize treatment methods and make social insurance more efficient. After reviewing the key features of blockchain technology and tracking the stages of its development, from the creation of the Bitcoin virtual currency to its use in smart contracts and other applications in combination with artificial intelligence in many spheres of the economy and social life, the presentation focuses on the use of blockchain in the management of medical records and its role in securing the stability of supplies of medicines and medical equipment.

Blockchain and drone technologies can operate in cooperation with each other. As the number of drones increases, managing them becomes a significant challenge. A swarm of drones, also referred to as swarm drones, must operate reliably and securely. In this study, blockchain technology is utilized through a smart contract to ensure both security and reliability. Swarm drones are deployed for surveillance missions, where each execution corresponds to a single mission. These missions are represented using a simple model. A smart contract maintains the essential mission data in the model. The mission is divided into smaller tasks. Until all the tasks are completed, they are executed by drones in parallel. The smart contract, implemented on the Ethereum platform, securely exchanges information with the drones. The proposed model functions dynamically. It reorganizes when drones leave or new drones join the system. Because blockchain platforms have limited resources, particularly in memory and the number of permissible execution operations, optimizations are applied to both the smart contract and drone programs to accommodate these constraints within the surveillance framework. The proposed surveillance model is implemented and simulated to analyze its dynamic behavior.