Search Results (105)

Honey is globally recognized for its substantial nutritional and therapeutic properties. However, its high market value makes it susceptible to counterfeiting, negatively impacting consumers and beekeepers. This paper presents a blockchain-based framework to monitor the honey trade supply chain, ensuring authenticity. The framework employs an oracle component to verify honey quality and origin using IoT data. Additionally, it integrates fungible and non-fungible tokens to track honey batches. The study evaluates the economic feasibility of this approach, demonstrating that the cost of performing a trade is less than USD 1, with the oracle component achieving an average accuracy rate of 90% in detecting falsified sensor data. Full article

Secure Digital Evidence Management Systems (DEMSs) ae crucial for law enforcement agencies, because traditional systems are prone to tampering and unauthorised access. Blockchain technology, particularly private blockchains, offers a solution by providing a centralised and tamper-proof system. This study proposes a private blockchain using Proof of Work (PoW) to securely manage digital evidence. Miners are assigned specific nonce ranges to accelerate the mining process, called collaborative mining, to enhance the scalability challenges in DEMSs. Transaction data includes digital evidence to generate a Non-Fungible Token (NFT). Miners use NFTs to solve the puzzle according to the assigned difficulty level d, so as to generate a hash using SHA-256 and add it to the ledger. Users can verify the integrity and authenticity of records by re-generating the hash and comparing it with the one stored in the ledger. Our results show that the data was verified with 100% precision. The mining time was $2.5$ s, and the nonce iterations were as high as $80\times {10}^3$ for $d=5$. This approach improves the scalability and integrity of digital evidence management by reducing the overall mining time. Full article

As climate change concerns, urban congestion, and environmental degradation intensify, cities prioritise cycling as a sustainable transport option to reduce CO₂ emissions and improve quality of life. However, rampant bicycle theft and poor security infrastructure often deter daily commuters and tourists from cycling. This study explores how advanced security measures can bolster sustainable urban mobility and tourism by addressing these challenges. A mixed-methods approach is utilised, incorporating primary survey data from Slovenia and secondary data on bicycle sales, imports and thefts from 2015 to 2024. Findings indicate that access to secure parking substantially enhances users’ sense of safety when commuting by bike. Regression analysis shows that for every 1000 additional bicycles sold, approximately 280 more thefts occur—equivalent to a 0.28 rise in reported thefts—highlighting a systemic vulnerability associated with sustainability-oriented behaviour. To bridge this gap, the study advocates for an innovative security framework that combines blockchain technology and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with encrypted Quick Response (QR) codes. Each bicycle would receive a tamper-proof QR code connected to a blockchain-verified NFT documenting ownership and usage data. This system facilitates real-time authentication, enhances traceability, deters theft, and builds trust in cycling as a dependable transport alternative. The proposed solution merges sustainable transport, digital identity, and urban security, presenting a scalable model for individual users and shared mobility systems. Full article

Prior research has focused on the technical and institutional challenges of blockchain adoption. However, little is known about how blockchain ventures claim categorical space in the market and how such domain positioning influences their visibility and evaluation. This study investigates the relationship between strategic domain positioning and market recognition among blockchain-based ventures, with a particular focus on applications relevant to e-commerce, such as non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and decentralized finance (DeFi). Drawing on research on categorization, legitimacy, and the technology lifecycle, we propose a domain lifecycle perspective that accounts for the evolving expectations and legitimacy criteria across blockchain domains. Using BERTopic, a transformer-based topic modeling method, we classify 9665 blockchain ventures based on their textual business descriptions. We then test the impact of domain positioning on market recognition—proxied by Crunchbase rank—while examining the moderating effects of external validation signals such as funding events, media attention, and organizational age. Our findings reveal that clear domain positioning significantly enhances market recognition, but the strength and direction of this effect vary by domain. Specifically, NFT ventures experience stronger recognition when young and less institutionally validated, suggesting a novelty premium, while DeFi ventures benefit more from conventional legitimacy signals. These results advance our understanding of how categorical dynamics operate in emerging digital ecosystems and offer practical insights for e-commerce platforms, investors, and entrepreneurs navigating blockchain-enabled innovation. Full article

In recent years, numerous regions worldwide have experienced devastating natural disasters, leading to significant structural damage to buildings and loss of human lives. The reconstruction process highlights the need for a reliable method to document and track the maintenance history of buildings. This paper introduces a novel approach for managing and monitoring restoring interventions using a secure and transparent digital framework. We will also present an application aimed at improving building structures with respect to earthquake resistance. The proposed system, referred as the “Building Ledger Dossier”, leverages a Digital Twin approach applied to blockchain to establish an immutable record of all structural interventions. The framework models buildings using OpenSees, while all maintenance, repair activities, and documents are registered as Non-Fungible Tokens on a blockchain network, ensuring timestamping, transparency, and accountability. A Decentralized Autonomous Organization oversees identity management and work validation, enhancing security and efficiency in building restoration efforts. This approach provides a scalable and globally applicable solution for improving both ante-disaster monitoring and post-disaster reconstruction, ensuring a comprehensive, verifiable history of structural interventions and fostering trust among stakeholders. The proposed method is also applicable to other types of processes that require the aforementioned properties for document monitoring, such as the life-cycle management of tax credits and operations in the financial or banking sectors. Full article

This paper examines the strategic decisions of fashion brands to develop and sell non-fungible tokens (NFTs) within the metaverse. We construct two operational models based on whether NFTs are adopted: the traditional fashion model without NFT (Scenario T) and the digital fashion model with NFT (Scenario D). By comparing the equilibrium outcomes of fashion brands in Scenarios T and D, we derive valuable insights into the implementation of digital strategies in the fashion industry. Our analysis reveals three key findings. First and foremost, the proportion of fashion customers to conventional customers, as well as the digital value and cost of NFTs, are direct factors influencing the adoption of digital strategies by fashion brands. Secondly, opportunistic pricing by manufacturers is an indirect factor influencing fashion brands’ strategic choices, and a fixed production price contract can effectively avoid this case. Finally, we find that personalized pricing and a free NFT strategy are effective tools to boost fashion brands’ digital revenues. Full article

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are an emerging application of blockchain technology, with the potential to transform various industries, including tourism. Despite conceptual discussions that have highlighted opportunities and challenges associated with using NFTs—such as in digital souvenirs, ticketing systems, loyalty programmes, and conservation initiatives—there is a critical gap in the literature consisting of the lack of a structured methodological framework to empirically evaluate the impact of real-world NFT implementations. This study addresses this gap by proposing a conceptual model and methodological framework designed to assess NFT projects in the tourism sector. The framework integrates diverse data collection methods, advanced analytical techniques (including econometric analysis, natural language processing, and machine learning), and a technological workbench for tracking key performance indicators (KPIs). To demonstrate its applicability, the framework is applied to the Dalmatia NFT project, an exploratory application in cultural tourism. The considered example highlights the potential of NFTs to enhance tourism experiences while addressing challenges such as scalability, sustainability, and user engagement. This study concludes with insights into the framework’s practical implications for stakeholders and outlines future research directions for empirical validation. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this study aims to provide a robust foundation for effectively integrating NFTs into the tourism industry. Full article

In recent years, Facility Management has undergone significant technological and methodological advancements, primarily driven by Building Information Modelling (BIM), Computer-Aided Facility Management (CAFM), and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS). These innovations have improved process efficiency and risk management. However, challenges remain in asset management, maintenance, traceability, and transparency. This study investigates the potential of blockchain technology and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to address these challenges. By referencing international (ISO, BOMA) and European (EN) standards, the research develops an asset management process model incorporating blockchain and NFTs. The methodology includes evaluating the technical and practical aspects of this model and strategies for metadata utilization. The model ensures an immutable record of transactions and maintenance activities, reducing errors and fraud. Smart contracts automate sub-phases like progress validation and milestone-based payments, increasing operational efficiency. The study’s practical implications are significant, offering advanced solutions for transparent, efficient, and secure Facility Management. It lays the groundwork for future research, emphasizing practical implementations and real-world case studies. Additionally, integrating blockchain with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning could further enhance Facility Management processes. Full article

The current study aims to explore the early adoption of the metaverse in the hospitality and tourism industry, with a particular focus on understanding adoption drivers for tourism providers and the anticipated benefits for end-users. Addressing the need for practical insights in a rapidly evolving digital landscape, the review identifies 33 real-world early cases of metaverse and non-fungible token (NFT) adoption, spanning from the first metaverse hotel in 2006 to ongoing digital twins of tourism destinations up to 2023. This study follows the PRISMA technique and examines early metaverse adopters at both the enterprise and destination levels, categorizing them into metaverse-based, NFT-based, and complementary-to-tourism cases. The analysis applies two theoretical frameworks: the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) to examine adoption drivers and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to assess expected end-user benefits. Key findings highlight promotion, brand engagement, new revenue streams, and community building as primary motivations for adoption, while user benefits include enhanced entertainment, social interaction, improved decision-making, and immersive experiences. By bridging theory and practice, this study contributes both actionable guidance for tourism stakeholders and a theoretical foundation for future research on digital transformation in tourism. Full article

Swiss banks are at a pivotal moment as digital assets gain traction, presenting both challenges and opportunities. This study examines how Swiss banks can leverage their internal resources and capabilities to establish a competitive advantage in the digital asset ecosystem. Using the Resource-Based View and the VRIO (Value, Rarity, Imitability, and Organization) framework, this study investigates the strategic importance of key services such as custody, staking, and tokenization. Drawing on expert interviews with Swiss banking leaders, this research identifies these services as vital for maintaining Switzerland’s financial leadership. Findings suggest that Swiss banks’ established reputation for trust, combined with regulatory clarity under the Distributed Ledger Technology Act, creates a strong foundation for digital asset adoption. While digital asset custody services address the growing demand for security, tokenization presents significant growth potential, particularly in real-world asset markets. This study concludes that Swiss banks can sustain their competitive edge by investing in blockchain expertise, fostering fintech partnerships, and enhancing educational initiatives. By combining traditional banking strengths with innovative digital asset services, Swiss banks are well positioned to capitalize on this evolving financial landscape. Full article

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are unique digital assets powered by blockchain technology, enabling secure and decentralized ownership and monetization across diverse industries. However, their energy consumption is primarily linked to energy-intensive consensus mechanisms and has raised significant environmental concerns. This survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolution and use of token standards and blockchain workflows in developing green NFT technologies, emphasizing the transition to energy-efficient consensus mechanisms. By seamlessly blending technological acumen with a discerning gaze, the current analysis suggests that, apart from the blockchain consensus mechanisms, the environmental impact of NFTs should also be investigated and linked to certain blockchain factors such as interoperability, scalability, sustainability, and Layer-2 scaling solutions. As such, the current endeavor offers a perspective on the symbiotic relationship between blockchain and NFTs by identifying pathways to balance innovation with environmental stewardship. Finally, this paper offers valuable insights into the role of green NFTs in fostering sustainable digital economies by exploring under-represented applications in various economic and industrial domains. Full article

In higher education, especially in programming-intensive fields like computer science, safeguarding students’ source code is crucial to prevent theft that could impact learning and future careers. Traditional storage solutions like Google Drive are vulnerable to hacking and alterations, highlighting the need for stronger protection. This work explores digital technologies that enhance source code security, with a focus on Blockchain and NFTs. Due to Blockchain’s decentralized and immutable nature, NFTs can be used to control code ownership, improving security, traceability, and preventing unauthorized access. This approach effectively addresses existing gaps in protecting academic intellectual property. However, as Bennett et al. highlight, while these technologies have significant potential, challenges remain in large-scale implementation and user acceptance. Despite these hurdles, integrating Blockchain and NFTs presents a promising opportunity to enhance academic integrity. Successful adoption in educational settings may require a more inclusive and innovative strategy. Full article

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) represent a promising application of blockchain technology that can potentially disrupt various sectors, mainly tourism. While there have been conceptual discussions regarding the opportunities and challenges of utilizing NFTs for purposes such as digital souvenirs, ticketing, loyalty programs, and conservation initiatives, there remains a significant need for a robust methodological framework to assess the impact of real-world NFT implementations empirically. This paper presents the methodological foundation of ongoing research. It proposes a comprehensive approach to researching NFT initiatives within the tourism sector, which includes data collection methods, analytical techniques, and the design of a workbench for monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs). The proposed framework combines quantitative and qualitative measures to capture the complex nature of NFT adoption, including financial performance, visitor engagement, user experience, and operational efficiency. By establishing standardized protocols and metrics, the proposed methodology aims to enable cross-study comparisons and contribute to developing the best practices for leveraging NFTs in the tourism industry. The work highlights the potential of NFTs to enhance visitor experiences, generate new revenue streams, and promote destinations as tech-savvy hubs, while also addressing ethical and sustainability concerns. The conclusion emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to evaluating NFTs initiatives, which can provide valuable insights for tourism organizations seeking to innovate and remain competitive in a digital landscape. Future research should focus on validating the framework through real-world case studies, exploring additional applications of NFTs in tourism, and addressing challenges related to data availability, technological integration, and stakeholder collaboration. Full article

With the rise of blockchain technology and the Ethereum platform, non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have emerged as a new class of digital assets. The NFT transfer network exhibits core–periphery structures derived from different partitioning methods, leading to local discrepancies and global diversity. We propose a core–periphery structure characterization method based on Bayesian and stochastic block models (SBMs). This method incorporates prior knowledge to improve the fit of core–periphery structures obtained from various partitioning methods. Additionally, we introduce a locally weighted core–periphery structure aggregation (LWCSA) scheme, which determines local aggregation weights using the minimum description length (MDL) principle. This approach results in a more accurate and representative core–periphery structure. The experimental results indicate that core nodes in the NFT transfer network constitute approximately 2.3–5% of all nodes. Compared to baseline methods, our approach improves the normalized mutual information (NMI) index by 6–10%, demonstrating enhanced structural representation. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further analysis of the NFT market. Full article

Crypto wallets store and protect the private keys needed to sign transactions for crypto currencies; they are secured by multi-factor authentication schemes. However, the loss of a wallet, or a dysfunctional factor of authentication, can be catastrophic, as the keys are then lost as well as the crypto currencies. Such difficult tradeoffs between the protection of the private keys and factors of authentication that are easy to use are also present in public key infrastructures, banking cards, smartphones and smartcards. In this paper, we present protocols based on novel challenge–response pair mechanisms that protect private keys, while using factors of authentication that can be lost or misplaced without negative consequences. Examples of factors that are analyzed include passwords, tokens, wearable devices, biometry, and blockchain-based non-fungible tokens. In normal operations, the terminal device uses all factors of authentication to retrieve an ephemeral key, decrypt the private key, and finally sign a transaction. With our solution, users can download the software stack into multiple terminal devices, turning all of them into backups. We present a zero-knowledge multi-factor authentication scheme allowing the secure recovery of private keys when one of the factors is lost, such as the token. The challenge–response pair mechanisms also enable a novel key pair generation protocol in which private keys can be kept secret by the user, while a Keystore can securely authenticate the user and transmit the public key to a distributed network. The standardized LWE post-quantum cryptographic CRYSTALS Dilithium protocol was selected in the experimental section. Full article