Journal Description
Blockchains
Blockchains
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on blockchain and its applications published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: first decisions in 16 days; acceptance to publication in 5.8 days (median values for MDPI journals in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
Latest Articles
Toward a Blockchain-Based, Reputation-Aware Secure Transactive Energy Market
Blockchains 2024, 2(1), 61-78; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains2010004 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
The rapid expansion of transactive energy has transformed traditional electricity consumers into producers, engaging in local energy trading. In the context of distributed energy transactions, blockchain technology has been increasingly applied to facilitate transaction transparency and reliability. However, due to the challenges in
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The rapid expansion of transactive energy has transformed traditional electricity consumers into producers, engaging in local energy trading. In the context of distributed energy transactions, blockchain technology has been increasingly applied to facilitate transaction transparency and reliability. However, due to the challenges in collecting accurate energy transmission data from power lines, most existing studies on the blockchain-based transactive energy market are still vulnerable to security attacks, such as malicious users misreporting energy prices, refusing to pay or refusing to transmit energy. Therefore, based on the co-simulation platform PEMT-CoSim and a blockchain, we establish a blockchain-based, reputation-aware secure transactive energy market (STEM) by introducing a reputation scheme to evaluate the trustworthiness of all prosumers and designing reputation-aware, multi-round double auction and energy transmission algorithms to detect and penalize malicious attacks. Furthermore, we run comprehensive experiments for different use cases. The results show that even with malicious participants, the proposed system can guarantee the interests of the honest participants and improve the robustness and effectiveness of the energy market.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Applications of Blockchain)
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Open AccessArticle
Decision Tree-Based Federated Learning: A Survey
by
Zijun Wang and Keke Gai
Blockchains 2024, 2(1), 40-60; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains2010003 - 07 Mar 2024
Abstract
Federated learning (FL) has garnered significant attention as a novel machine learning technique that enables collaborative training among multiple parties without exposing raw local data. In comparison to traditional neural networks or linear models, decision tree models offer higher simplicity and interpretability. The
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Federated learning (FL) has garnered significant attention as a novel machine learning technique that enables collaborative training among multiple parties without exposing raw local data. In comparison to traditional neural networks or linear models, decision tree models offer higher simplicity and interpretability. The integration of FL technology with decision tree models holds immense potential for performance enhancement and privacy improvement. One current challenge is to identify methods for training and prediction of decision tree models in the FL environment. This survey addresses this issue and examines recent efforts to integrate federated learning and decision tree technologies. We review research outcomes achieved in federated decision trees and emphasize that data security and communication efficiency are crucial focal points for FL. The survey discusses key findings related to data privacy and security issues, as well as communication efficiency problems in federated decision tree models. The primary research outcomes of this paper aim to provide theoretical support for the engineering of federated learning with decision trees as the underlying training model.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Blockchains)
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Open AccessArticle
Zk-SNARKs-Based Anonymous Payment Channel in Blockchain
by
Yunwei Guo, Haochen Liang, Liehuang Zhu and Keke Gai
Blockchains 2024, 2(1), 20-39; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains2010002 - 05 Feb 2024
Abstract
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
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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.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Blockchains)
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Open AccessArticle
Decentralization Is Good or Not? Defending Consensus in Ethereum 2.0
by
Vojislav B. Mišić, Soosan Naderi Mighan, Jelena Mišić and Xiaolin Chang
Blockchains 2024, 2(1), 1-19; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains2010001 - 23 Jan 2024
Abstract
Proof-of-Stake (PoS) protocols are widely accepted as a viable substitute for the Proof-of-Work-based consensus, which is why recent blockchain-based cryptocurrencies and applications, most notably Ethereum 2.0, are using some variant of PoS as the basis for the consensus protocol. However, the implementation of
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Proof-of-Stake (PoS) protocols are widely accepted as a viable substitute for the Proof-of-Work-based consensus, which is why recent blockchain-based cryptocurrencies and applications, most notably Ethereum 2.0, are using some variant of PoS as the basis for the consensus protocol. However, the implementation of PoS protocols in Ethereum 2.0 are not without its share of problems and vulnerabilities, especially with respect to the malicious behavior of validator nodes. In this paper, we first review the basic tenets of PoS protocols. We then discuss some of the recently described attacks on the Ethereum 2.0 consensus, and we also show that some of the design rationales adopted in PoS implementation—the decentralization of the voting process in particular—have, in actuality, enabled attacks that can be launched at a very low cost to the attacker. We also propose simple remedies that can reduce or eliminate the impact of those attacks and can evaluate the performance of the Ethereum 2.0 consensus when these remedies are applied.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Blockchains)
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Open AccessReview
Web3: Exploring Decentralized Technologies and Applications for the Future of Empowerment and Ownership
by
Yiwei Lai, Jingyi Yang, Mingzhe Liu, Yibei Li and Shanlin Li
Blockchains 2023, 1(2), 111-131; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1020008 - 11 Dec 2023
Abstract
The emergence of the World Wide Web has revolutionized online communication, aiming to achieve global information sharing and communication. However, the current Web 2.0 architecture, which relies on centralized platforms, presents limitations such as restricted user rights, data privacy concerns, and dependence on
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The emergence of the World Wide Web has revolutionized online communication, aiming to achieve global information sharing and communication. However, the current Web 2.0 architecture, which relies on centralized platforms, presents limitations such as restricted user rights, data privacy concerns, and dependence on centralized institutions. Web3, as a concept describing the next evolutionary stage of the internet, offers a solution to these issues by reshaping the internet infrastructure. Web3 provides a foundation for autonomous digital experiences and drives the advancement of the digital economy. This paper offers a thorough exploration of Web3, covering its key technologies, applications, challenges, and opportunities. We begin by introducing the core technologies behind Web3, followed by an exploration of its prominent applications. Finally, we analyze the challenges faced by Web3 and discuss potential research opportunities to address these challenges in the future. In summary, this study comprehensively elaborates on Web3 and lays a solid foundation for subsequent research work, encouraging researchers to explore new frontiers.
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Open AccessReview
Bitcoin and Renewable Energy Mining: A Survey
by
Yusuke Tomatsu and Wenlin Han
Blockchains 2023, 1(2), 90-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1020007 - 07 Dec 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Bitcoin, the most valuable and energy-consuming cryptocurrency, has recently been at the center of a heated debate over its environmental impact. This controversy has caught the public’s attention, prompting us to investigate the energy consumption of Bitcoin. In this paper, we have conducted
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Bitcoin, the most valuable and energy-consuming cryptocurrency, has recently been at the center of a heated debate over its environmental impact. This controversy has caught the public’s attention, prompting us to investigate the energy consumption of Bitcoin. In this paper, we have conducted a review of the literature on various aspects of Bitcoin mining, including its mechanisms, energy consumption, mining sites, and the potential for renewable energy use. Our findings reveal that the power consumption of Bitcoin is bound to increase with the continued adoption of the proof-of-work (PoW) consensus algorithm. Nonetheless, the growing availability of affordable renewable energy sources worldwide brings hope that Bitcoin mining will shift towards cleaner energy in the near future.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Blockchains)
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Open AccessReview
Blockchain and Healthcare: A Critical Analysis of Progress and Challenges in the Last Five Years
by
Hamed Taherdoost
Blockchains 2023, 1(2), 73-89; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1020006 - 08 Nov 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Utilizing the fundamental characteristics of the decentralization, immutability, and transparency of blockchain technology, the healthcare industry has made notable advancements in incorporating it over the past five years. This review examines the progress and challenges encountered in this critical study by assessing 124
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Utilizing the fundamental characteristics of the decentralization, immutability, and transparency of blockchain technology, the healthcare industry has made notable advancements in incorporating it over the past five years. This review examines the progress and challenges encountered in this critical study by assessing 124 articles published by MDPI between 2018 and the current date. Examining blockchain’s potential uses, like safe data exchange and interoperability in supply chain management and electronic health records, provides exciting new directions for the future of healthcare. Blockchain technology can greatly increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness by guaranteeing data integrity, protecting patient privacy, and reducing administrative procedures. This paper objectively evaluates blockchain’s advancement in healthcare through a thorough analysis of real-world applications and research projects. By highlighting both its advantages and disadvantages, this analysis seeks to add to the continuing conversation about how blockchain will influence the way healthcare is managed and delivered in the future.
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Open AccessReview
Blockchain Technology Application in Security: A Systematic Review
by
Nazanin Moosavi and Hamed Taherdoost
Blockchains 2023, 1(2), 58-72; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1020005 - 29 Oct 2023
Abstract
Blockchain technology is a promising technology that attracts popularity among researchers. However, it was first introduced with digital currencies, particularly Bitcoin, but nowadays, it is also known as one of the most frequently used techniques for securing networks. This systematic review research identifies
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Blockchain technology is a promising technology that attracts popularity among researchers. However, it was first introduced with digital currencies, particularly Bitcoin, but nowadays, it is also known as one of the most frequently used techniques for securing networks. This systematic review research identifies studies that use blockchain for their security challenges. In addition, different fields in blockchain usage, blockchain categorization type, consensus mechanism, smart contract usage, and integration with other software-based algorithms are also investigated. Our results maintain that the Internet of Things (IoT) is the main field in which blockchain provides security.
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Review of Blockchain Applications in Food Supply Chains
by
William George and Tareq Al-Ansari
Blockchains 2023, 1(1), 34-57; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1010004 - 02 Sep 2023
Cited by 4
Abstract
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Blockchain has found wide acceptance not just in the DeFi and Crypto space, but also in digital supply chains, non-monetary transactions, and governance. Amongst many, the food supply chain is riddled with lots of inefficiencies and untraceable corruption. Hence, many have investigated the
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Blockchain has found wide acceptance not just in the DeFi and Crypto space, but also in digital supply chains, non-monetary transactions, and governance. Amongst many, the food supply chain is riddled with lots of inefficiencies and untraceable corruption. Hence, many have investigated the integration of blockchain technology into the food system. This paper discusses the major advancement in blockchain technology from the aspect of food security and proposes roadmaps for future applications in businesses. We dive into the different pillars of food security and how blockchains can play a valuable role in the technology infrastructure of food security in a holistic sense. Next, the paper also discusses the organizational, economic, and management aspects of technology adoption. Finally, we end by discussing the nexus between Blockchain and Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAO), as well as Digital Twins, respectively.
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Recommendation Systems for the Metaverse
by
Lingwen Wei, Xutian Wang, Ting Wang, Zhilan Duan, Yan Hong, Xiaoming He and Huawei Huang
Blockchains 2023, 1(1), 19-33; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1010003 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 3
Abstract
The metaverse, a virtual world closely intertwined with reality, represents the next-generation form of the Internet and encompasses advanced sociability and interaction. With the rapid growth of users and virtual products within this environment, the importance of recommendation systems becomes paramount. This article
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The metaverse, a virtual world closely intertwined with reality, represents the next-generation form of the Internet and encompasses advanced sociability and interaction. With the rapid growth of users and virtual products within this environment, the importance of recommendation systems becomes paramount. This article presents a comprehensive survey that examines the technologies influencing the development of recommendation systems tailored for the metaverse. Firstly, we identify the key trends and fundamental concepts associated with these systems. Secondly, we delve into the core supporting technologies and application scenarios within metaverse recommendation systems. Lastly, we provide insights into future research directions for this rapidly evolving field. Our survey reveals that while progress has been achieved, further investigation is necessary to optimize the technical layout and content of metaverse recommendation systems.
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A Review of Approaches for Detecting Vulnerabilities in Smart Contracts within Web 3.0 Applications
by
Hui Li, Ranran Dang, Yao Yao and Han Wang
Blockchains 2023, 1(1), 3-18; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1010002 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Smart contracts, programs running on a blockchain, play a crucial role in driving Web 3.0 across a variety of domains, such as digital finance and future networks. However, they currently face significant security vulnerabilities that could result in potential risks and losses. This
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Smart contracts, programs running on a blockchain, play a crucial role in driving Web 3.0 across a variety of domains, such as digital finance and future networks. However, they currently face significant security vulnerabilities that could result in potential risks and losses. This paper outlines the inherent vulnerabilities of smart contracts, both those typical of their applications and those unique to Web 3.0 applications. We then systematically classify the techniques based on their core approach to detecting vulnerabilities in smart contracts. Using these approaches, we conduct a comparative analysis of existing tools in terms of their vulnerability coverage, detection effectiveness, open-source availability, and integration capabilities. Finally, we present the Co-Governed Sovereignty Multi-Identifier Network (CoG-MIN) as a case study to demonstrate the significance of smart contract application security in establishing a community with a shared future in cyberspace during the Web 3.0 era and anticipate future research directions with challenges. To conclude, this study addresses the gap in integrating existing smart contract security research with the advancement of Web 3.0 development, while also providing recommendations for future research directions.
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Open AccessEditorial
Introduction to a New Open Access Journal Published by MDPI: Blockchains
by
Keke Gai and Liehuang Zhu
Blockchains 2023, 1(1), 1-2; https://doi.org/10.3390/blockchains1010001 - 01 Feb 2023
Abstract
Blockchain, one of the representative technologies of Web 3 [...]
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Blockchains
Feature Papers in Blockchains
Guest Editors: Keke Gai, Liehuang ZhuDeadline: 31 December 2024