Search Results (65)

Large-scale events, such as festivals and public gatherings, pose serious problems in terms of traffic congestion, slow transaction processing, and security risks to transportation planning. This study proposes a blockchain-based solution for enhancing the efficiency and security of intelligent transport systems (ITS) by utilizing state channels and rollups. Throughput is optimized, enabling transaction speeds of 800 to 3500 transactions per second (TPS) and delays of 5 to 1.5 s. Prevent data tampering, strengthen security, and enhance data integrity from 89% to 99.999%, as well as encryption efficacy from 90% to 98%. Furthermore, our system reduces congestion, optimizes vehicle movement, and shares real-time, secure data with stakeholders. Practical applications include fast and safe road toll payments, faster public transit ticketing, improved emergency response coordination, and enhanced urban mobility. The decentralized blockchain helps maintain trust among users, transportation authorities, and event organizers. Our approach extends beyond large-scale events and proposes a path toward ubiquitous, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven decision-making in a broader urban transit network, informing future operations in dynamic traffic optimization. This study demonstrates the potential of blockchain to create more intelligent, more secure, and scalable transportation systems, which will help reduce urban mobility inefficiencies and contribute to the development of resilient smart cities. Full article

During the last decade, the blockchain landscape has rapidly evolved, fostering the development of decentralized applications (DApps) that utilize cross-chain interactions. Although existing technologies have enhanced transaction processing and introduced interoperability solutions, scalability challenges persist, undermining their effectiveness. In particular, traditional cross-chain DApp interaction protocols experience performance bottlenecks due to their dependence on on-chain validation mechanisms, resulting in increased latency and computational costs. To address these issues, this paper presents the ScaL2Chain protocol, which is designed to facilitate efficient and secure cross-chain transactions for DApps. ScaL2Chain leverages off-chain technologies, such as payment channels, to enable participants to conduct transactions with a minimal on-chain footprint. By implementing an innovative state verification mechanism, ScaL2Chain guarantees high performance, confidentiality, and transaction integrity. Our empirical evaluations indicate that ScaL2Chain significantly outperforms existing solutions in terms of transaction throughput. Specifically, compared to baseline systems, ScaL2Chain achieves a 7.9-times to 8.4-times improvement in permissionless environments and a 1.9-times to 35.8-times improvement in permissioned environments under workloads with 4-64 DApps and varying cross-chain transaction ratios (0–100%). Full article

Off-chain payments in the Internet of Things (IoT) enhance the efficiency and scalability of blockchain transactions. However, existing privacy mechanisms face challenges, such as the disclosure of payment channels and transaction traceability. Additionally, the rise of quantum computing threatens traditional public key cryptography, making the development of post-quantum secure methods for privacy protection essential. This paper proposes a post-quantum ring signature scheme based on hash functions that can be applied to off-chain payments, enhancing both anonymity and linkability. The scheme is designed to resist quantum attacks through the use of hash-based signatures and to prevent double spending via its linkable properties. Furthermore, the paper introduces an improved Hash Time-Locked Contract (HTLC) that incorporates a Signature of Knowledge (SOK) to conceal the payment path and strengthen privacy protection. Security analysis and experimental evaluations demonstrate that the system strikes a favorable balance between privacy, computational efficiency, and security. Notably, the efficiency benefits of basic signature verification are particularly evident, offering new insights into privacy protection for post-quantum secure blockchain. Full article

Remanufacturing in reverse logistics can not only support sustainable development but also provide a tractable way to achieve carbon neutrality. This study evaluates whether an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) should remanufacture outsource or authorize this reverse channel activity in the presence of government subsidies. Additionally, the model considers the equilibrium acquisition quantities, collection rates, prices, and effects of government subsidy under three reverse channel options: centralizing remanufacturing, outsourcing remanufacturing, and authorization remanufacturing. The analysis indicates that (i) a centralized approach with manufacturing and remanufacturing operations under a fixed government subsidy is always in the interest of the supply chain; (ii) that for the profit-maximizing third-party remanufacturer (3PR), the differentials in variable collection costs drive the strategy choice, and that a higher fixed scaling parameter of the collection cost favors outsourcing; and (iii) when the government aspires to reduce environmental effects and subsidy payments, the OEM and government have different reverse channel choice preferences. Surprisingly, profitability and environmental goals align under a high consumer acceptance of the remanufactured product. This paper extends the understanding of the remanufacturing strategy of an OEM and provides new insights on which reverse channel is optimal. Full article

This study examines how contract structures influence coordination and innovation incentives in dual-channel telecommunications supply chains. We consider a setting where a mobile network operator (MNO) supplies services both directly to consumers and indirectly through a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), which competes in the retail market. Using a game-theoretic framework, we evaluate how different contracts—single wholesale pricing, revenue sharing, and quantity discounts—shape strategic decisions, particularly in the presence of investment spillovers between parties. A key coordination problem emerges from the externalized gains of innovation, where one party’s investment generates value for both participants. Our results show that single wholesale and revenue sharing contracts often lead to suboptimal investment and profit outcomes. In contrast, quantity discount contracts, especially when combined with appropriate transfer payments, improve coordination and enhance the total performance of the supply chain. We also find that innovation led by the MVNO, while generally less impactful, can still yield reciprocal benefits for the MNO, reinforcing the value of cooperative arrangements. These findings emphasize the importance of contract design in managing interdependence and improving efficiency in decentralized supply chains. This study offers theoretical and practical implications for telecommunications providers and policymakers aiming to promote innovation and mutually beneficial outcomes through well-aligned contractual mechanisms. Full article

Revolutionizing distributed agile software testing, we propose BCTestingPlus, a groundbreaking blockchain-based platform. In the traditional distributed agile software testing lifecycle, software testing has suffered from a lack of trust, traceability, and security in communication and collaboration. Furthermore, developers’ failure to complete unit testing has been a significant bottleneck, causing delays and contributing to project failures. Introducing BCTestingPlus, a transformative blockchain-based architecture engineered to overcome these challenges. This framework integrates blockchain technology to establish an inherently transparent and secure environment for software testing. BCTestingPlus operates on a private Ethereum blockchain network, offering superior control and privacy. By implementing smart contracts on this network, BCTestingPlus ensures secure payment verification and efficient acceptance testing. Crucially, it aligns development and testing teams toward shared objectives and guarantees equitable compensation for their efforts. The experimental results and findings conclusively show that this innovative approach demonstrates that BCTestingPlus significantly enhances transparency, bolsters trust, streamlines coordination, accelerates testing, and secures communication channels for all parties involved in the distributed agile software testing lifecycle. It delivers robust security for both development and testing teams, ultimately transforming the efficiency and reliability of distributed agile software testing. Full article

Amid the global drive to enhance public sector performance in the digital economy era, improving government spending efficiency has become a critical governance objective. This study investigates the impact of digital inclusive finance on government spending efficiency from a digital finance systems perspective using county-level panel data in China’s Yangtze River Delta for the period 2014–2022 and constructing the fixed-effects model and instrumental variable method to estimate the effect of digital inclusive finance and explore its underlying mechanisms. Heterogeneity across regions with varying economic development levels is analyzed, and fiscal pressure is examined as a potential mediating factor. The results indicate that (1) digital inclusive finance significantly enhances government spending efficiency, primarily through broad service coverage and deep usage of digital financial services such as mobile payments, digital credit, and insurance; (2) the positive effect is more pronounced in counties with lower government spending efficiency and economic development; and (3) fiscal pressure acts as a key transmission channel, with broader digital inclusive finance coverage helping to alleviate fiscal stress and improve government spending efficiency. These findings offer empirical insights into the role of digital finance in promoting effective and adaptive public financial governance. Full article

This study investigates the impact of digital transactions on sustainable economic growth in Turkey, utilizing a vector autoregressive (VAR) model and quarterly data from 2006 to 2023. The results indicate a positive long-term association between digital payments and GDP. Granger causality tests and impulse response functions suggest a bidirectional relationship, highlighting mutual reinforcement between economic activity and digital financial adoption. The study also investigates three potential transmission channels linking digital payments to economic performance: household consumption, productivity, and financial intermediation. Evidence shows that digital payments are associated with increased consumption and financial sector activity, while the link to productivity is less conclusive. These findings imply that policymakers should prioritize digital financial infrastructure development and enhance regulatory frameworks to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Full article

The link between financial inclusion and financial stability is a central concern in public economic policymaking, particularly in emerging countries where access to financial services remains limited. While financial inclusion is widely regarded as a key driver of economic development, its impact on financial stability remains debated. Some studies highlight the stabilizing effect of financial inclusion, whereas others, like emphasize its potential risks. This study empirically investigates the relationship between financial inclusion and financial stability across the years 2011, 2014, 2017, and 2021 in 26 African and MENA countries. The hierarchical multiple regression (HMR) method is employed to assess the independent effect of financial inclusion, controlling for macroeconomic variables. The findings reveal that financial inclusion positively contributes to financial stability through channels such as digital payments and the number of bank branches. Conversely, savings, the number of ATMs, and the money supply exhibit a negative effect on financial stability. These results underscore the need for a regulatory framework that balances financial inclusion with financial stability. In particular, cybersecurity measures must be implemented to support the expansion of digital payments, and supervisory mechanisms should be reinforced to mitigate liquidity risks. Full article

Shandong and Henan provinces face significant pest and disease issues, creating a strong demand for green pest control technologies. This paper analyzes the impact of government subsidies and quality certification on farmers’ adoption of green pest control technologies, based on 419 survey responses collected through stratified sampling in Shandong and Henan provinces in 2024, using the Heckman two-stage model. The results show the following: (1) Government subsidies and quality certification significantly promote farmers’ adoption of green pest control technologies, with regression coefficients of 0.260 and 0.493, respectively. (2) An interaction effect exists between government subsidies and quality certification on farmers’ adoption of green pest control technologies, with a coefficient of 0.454. For a given government subsidy, higher quality certification levels increase the likelihood of farmers adopting green pest control technologies. (3) From the perspective of human capital quantity, there is obvious heterogeneity in the impact of government subsidies and quality certification on farmers’ adoption of green pest control technologies. (4) From the perspective of generational differences, quality certification has obvious heterogeneity on farmers’ adoption of green pest control technologies, while there is no obvious generational difference in government subsidies. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a stable and multi-channel government transfer payment system, improve the construction of the agricultural product quality traceability system, take a two-pronged approach, and complement each other’s strengths to build a targeted incentive mechanism based on different groups of farmers. Full article

The article presents an innovative approach for secure authentication in internet banking transactions, utilizing an Out-of-Band visual two-factor authorization protocol. With the increasing rise of cyber attacks and fraud, new security models are needed that ensure the integrity, authenticity, and confidentiality of financial transactions. The identified gap lies in the inability of traditional authentication methods, such as TANs and tokens, to provide security in untrusted terminals. The proposed solution is the Dynamic Authorization Protocol (DAP), which uses mobile devices to validate transactions through visual codes, such as QR codes. Each transaction is assigned a unique associated code, and the challenge must be responded to within 120 s. The customer initiates the transaction on a computer and independently validates it on their mobile device using an out-of-band channel to prevent attacks such as phishing and man-in-the-middle. The methodology involves implementing a prototype in Java ME for Android devices and a Java application server, creating a practical, low-computational-cost system, accessible for use across different operating systems and devices. The protocol was tested in real-world scenarios, focusing on ensuring transaction integrity and authenticity. The results show a successful implementation at Banco do Brasil, with 3.6 million active users, demonstrating the efficiency of the model over 12 years of use without significant vulnerabilities. The DAP protocol provides a robust and effective solution for securing banking transactions and can be extended to other authentication environments, such as payment terminals and point of sale devices. Full article

Changes in the fashion market (mainly fast fashion) mean that the negative impact of this sector on the natural and social environment is increasing. An important measure to limit this negative impact is to create more responsible consumer behavior in this market. This applies especially to young consumers, who are the recipients of most fast fashion campaigns, and thanks to new media (including mobile applications), their sustainable behavior can be shaped. The main aim of this study was to identify the features of the useful Vinted mobile application in terms of promoting socially and environmentally sustainable behaviors of Generation Z on the clothing market. At the stage of collecting research material, the desk research and CAWI (computer-assisted web interview) methods were used, and the analysis included, among others, measures of descriptive statistics, a customer satisfaction index (CSI) and a Mann–Whitney Z test. The research was carried out at the turn of 2022/23. The responses of 370 respondents using the Vinted application were qualified for analysis. A convenient selection of the research sample was used. The link to the survey was shared through online channels, including social media. The snowball method was used to obtain respondents. This study shows that less frequent use of the application corresponds to lower ratings of the analyzed parameters. The most important features (attributes) of the application are free application, ease of creating an account and secure payment. The main reason for using the Vinted application is the economic factor (looking for bargains). There is a difference between the CSI value in the group of women and men. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first survey conducted among representatives of Gen Z, which simultaneously took into account satisfaction with using the Vinted application and its impact on popularizing sustainable attitudes. Full article

While the prior mobile payment−subjective well-being (SWB) literature has mainly discussed its economic and social impacts, the present study supplements this body of research by introducing an economic–social–environmental perspective. Using two waves of representative Chinese national surveys, the instrumental variable (IV) estimator suggests that mobile payment is positively and statistically significantly correlated with SWB. Furthermore, the results reveal that the positive correlation comes from the compound influence of economic, social, and environmental channels. Specifically, it shows that mobile payment not only affects people’s economic and social performance but also mitigates the adverse effects of poor environmental conditions on SWB. Additionally, a further disaggregated analysis shows that mobile payment exerts a stronger positive influence on SWB for people from underdeveloped areas within the economic–social–environmental framework. These findings shed light on the role of financial technology in facilitating sustainable development. Full article

Payment channels serve as an effective solution to the scalability problem of cryptocurrencies, which significantly increase transaction rates by allowing users to conduct large-scale offline transactions off-chain without posting everything to the blockchain. However, the existing payment channels lack privacy protection for the transaction amount and the linking relationship between the two parties to the transaction. Therefore, in order to address the scalability and privacy issues of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, this paper proposes a zk-SNARKs-based anonymous payment channel (zk-APC), which supports an unlimited number of off-chain payments between the payer and the payee and protects the privacy of the participants. Specifically, the proposed scheme achieves relational anonymity and amount privacy for both on-chain and off-chain transactions in the payment channel through utilizing zero-knowledge proof (zk-SNARKs) and commitment schemes. This paper proves that the proposed method is more effective than similar schemes through a performance evaluation. Full article

Cross-chain transaction technologies have greatly promoted the scalability of cryptocurrencies, which then facilitates the development of Metaverse applications. However, existing solutions rely heavily on centralized middleware (notary) or smart contracts. These schemes lack privacy considerations, and users’ cross-chain transactions are easy to master by other parties. Some signature-based payment schemes have good privacy but do not support multi-party cross-chain protocols or rely heavily on some time assumptions. The uncertainty of user behavior makes it difficult to design a secure multi-party cross-chain protocol. To solve these problems, we investigate how to design a secure multi-party cross-chain transaction protocol with offline tolerance. We propose a new signature algorithm called the pre-adaptor signature scheme, an extension of the adaptor signature scheme. The pre-adaptor signature scheme combines the multi-signature and adaptor signature schemes, which can realize the secret transmission channel between multiple parties. To provide offline tolerance, we encode our protocol into the P2SH script. Our protocol provides better privacy due to no dependence on smart contracts. The performance evaluation was conducted with ten participants. For each participant of our cross-chain protocol, the initialization and execution process can be performed in 3 milliseconds and with 6 k bytes of communication overhead at most. The cost increases linearly with the increase in the number of participants. Full article