How blockchain impacts cloud-based system performance: a case study for a groupware communication application

This paper examines the performance trade-off when implementing a blockchain architecture for a cloud-based groupware communication application. We measure the additional cloud-based resources and performance costs of the overhead required to implement a groupware collaboration system over a blockchain architecture. To evaluate our groupware application, we develop measuring instruments for testing scalability and performance of computer systems deployed as cloud computing applications. While some details of our groupware collaboration application have been published in earlier work, in this paper we reflect on a generalized measuring method for blockchain-enabled applications which may in turn lead to a general methodology for testing cloud-based system performance and scalability using blockchain. Response time and transaction throughput metrics are collected for the blockchain implementation against the non-blockchain implementation and some conclusions are drawn about the additional resources that a blockchain architecture for a groupware collaboration application impose

Preventing Denial of Service Attacks in IoT Networks through Verifiable Delay Functions

Permissionless distributed ledgers provide a promising approach to deal with the Internet of Things (IoT) paradigm. Since IoT devices mostly generate data transactions and micropayments, distributed ledgers that use fees to regulate the network access are not an optimal choice. In this paper, we study a feeless architecture developed by IOTA and designed specifically for the IoT. Due to the lack of fees, malicious nodes can exploit this feature to generate an unbounded number of transactions and perform a denial of service attacks. We propose to mitigate these attacks through verifiable delay functions. These functions, which are non-parallelizable, hard to compute, and easy to verify, have been formulated only recently. In our work, we design a denial of service prevention mechanism which addresses network heterogeneity, limited node computational capabilities, and hardware-specific implementation optimizations. Verifiable delay functions have mostly been studied from a theoretical point of view, but little has been done in tangible applications. Hence, this paper can be considered as a pioneer work in the field, since it builds a bridge between this theoretical mathematical framework and a real-world problem

Christian Ethics Regarding Cryptocurrency Investment

Cryptocurrency is a digital currency that utilizes blockchain technology to do investments. This study aims to provide answers for Christians on how to respond to Cryptocurrency investments from the perspective of Christian ethics. The research method used is through the library research approach. This study indicates that cryptocurrency itself as a new technology is an agnostic technology; rather, it is the attitude and motivation of a person that determines the suitability of cryptocurrency in a particular situation. Thus, pastors and believers can invest in cryptocurrency, depending on their motivations

Do We Really Want Blockchain-Based Accounting? Decentralized Consensus as Enabler of Management Override of Internal Controls

Research proposing the application of blockchain technology in accounting assumes the utilization of decentralized consensus mechanisms based on the exertion of scarce resources (Proof-of-Work; PoW), leading to the validation of transactions without the need of any third party. Together with the blockchain, a shared database, PoW is expected to lead to nearly immutable and, therefore, fraud-resistant, real-time financial registers. This conclusion must be reconsidered, taking into account recurrent top-management involvement in accounting scandals, often conducted through deliberate exposures of internal and external control systems. This paper asserts that blockchain-based accounting using PoW-based consensus paves the way for the suspension of controls by the management, since exerting the majority of computer power is easier than circumventing internal and external control systems in conventional accounting systems. Alternatives to PoW must be considered for blockchain-based accounting that prevents the management from conducting fraud and, thereby, qualifies the blockchain for its application in accounting

Developing an Evaluation Framework for Blockchain in the Public Sector : The Example of the German Asylum Process

The public sector presents several promising applications for blockchain technology. Global organizations and innovative ministries in countries such as Dubai, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and Germany have recognized these potentials and have initiated projects to evaluate the adoption of blockchain technology. As these projects can have a far-reaching impact on crucial government services and processes, they should involve a particularly thorough evaluation. In this paper, we provide insights into the development of a framework to support such an evaluation for the German asylum process. We built this framework evolutionarily together with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. Its final version consists of three levels and eighteen categories of evaluation criteria across the technical, functional and legal domains and allows specifying use-case specific key performance indicators or knockout criteria

Trust, Privacy and Transparency with Blockhain Technology in Logistics

Since the introduction of blockchain over a decade ago, many industries and industrial sectors are exploring the potentials of the technology. In line with the trend, logistics sector is not an exception and is investigation various dynamics associated with the implementation of the technology. This study focuses on the linking between the capabilities of blockchain technology and trust, privacy and transparency. In order to explore dynamics of the linkage, the study used case study as a method for the inquiry. These have been common issues in logistics which the existing information solutions are unable in resolving to a greater extent.. The results shows that blockchain technology has the capability to build trust among unknown industry players while maintaining a sufficient level of privacy and transparency at the same time. Overall, the study presents useful insights by contributing to the major issues in logistics and supply chain when an innovative digital technology is put into action

Study of the readiness of the region’s population to accept cryptocurrencies as a means of payment

Статья посвящена исследованию, в ходе которого рассмотрена степень готовности представителей населения среди жителей Сибирского федерального округа к принятию и использованию криптовалют. Сформулированы возможные направления развития криптовалютного рынка, сопряженные с влиянием на систему денежных взаимоотношений и их принятия со стороны массового населения. Криптовалюта рассмотрена в качестве инструмента финансового рынка, который вносит изменения в традиционный уклад жизни людей, меняя их мировоззрение и ценности. Выявлены особенности экономико-психологических причин, влияющих на восприятие и понимание финансовых преобразований со стороны населения. Проведены исследования анализа природы инновационных процессов с точки зрения массового потребителя. Проанализированы и определены основные тенденции современного мира, с которыми общественность региона связывает появление и распространение криптовалют, ее преимущества и отрицательные стороны. Оценивается возможность использования криптовалюты в качестве платежного средства с точки зрения представителей населения. Отдельное внимание уделено происходящим изменениям нормативно-правовой базы, направленным на формирование легального рынка криптовалют в РФ

The Economics of the Blockchain: A study of its engineering and transaction services marketplace

The purpose of this document is to discuss the origins, developments, and economic issues of blockchain technology as well as the industry opportunities presented by different forms of ledger systems. The engineering of digital currencies\u27 blockchains are presented beginning with bitcoin and its blockchain. Afterwards, specific areas of contention within the engineering innovations and their interaction with the economics of blockchain transaction services with respect to the consensus process are discussed. Finally, industry opportunities are presented and specific organizations\u27 applications are described