No / Research studies report that there are a growing number of falsified educational certificates being produced by dishonest job seekers and higher education applicants across the world. Technological development in the image-processing domain makes editing the document so simple that any individual can perform this kind of forgery without having high-level skills in image editing. Most national governments have put in place stringent policies and procedures to verify and authenticate academic documents. However, due to the amount of human intervention in the process, the efficiency of such measures is debatable. Such systems leave open the possibility that unethical insiders may engage in forgery. In addition, the process of document verification and authentication consumes substantial amounts of time and money. Existing systems of document attestation do not provide a simple and instant way of verifying the authenticity of certificates from transcript level onward. In response to the above issues, this project proposes a prototype model for digitally managing and attesting the academic records using permissioned blockchain technology. By this method, the block-chaining of a student record begins from the time of admission to the Higher Education Institute (HEI) and continues to record the academic progress until graduation, having the graduation details stored as the last block in the chain. The whole blockchain of the student record will remain in the system with the participants enabling any indirect stakeholder to verify the details instantly based on the hash code or QR code. Additional privileges will be provided for direct stakeholders such as (here in Oman) the Ministry of Manpower and the Ministry of Higher Education to access further details of the certificate-holder. The system includes the student as a stakeholder and also as a participant to ensure transparency for her/his academic records.

This paper has four chapters. The first chapter serves as an introduction. The second chapter studies the transaction fees in the bitcoin system. The transaction fees and transaction volume in the bitcoin system increase whenever the network is congested and results from a simple VAR show that it is indeed the case. To account for the empirical findings, we build a model where users and miners together determine the transaction fee and transaction volume endogenously. Even though the fluctuating transaction fee mechanism in bitcoin introduces the extra cost of uncertainty to users, a back-of-envelope calculation shows that the cost of using the bitcoin network for transactions is still smaller than the cost of using the current conventional payment system with a fix transaction fee rate. The second chapter studies the time-varying price dispersion among different bitcoin exchanges. We identify the sources of price dispersion using a standard time-varying vector autoregression model with stochastic volatility. The results show that shocks to transaction fees and bitcoin price growth explain on average 20%, and sometimes more than 60%, of the variation of price dispersion. The third chapter studies the relationship between connections and returns in the bitcoin investor network. Using transaction data from the bitcoin blockchain, we reach three conclusions. First, on average, the annualized returns of connected addresses in the network are 20.75% above those of their unconnected peers. Second, returns also differ among those connected addresses. By dividing the connected ad- dresses into ten deciles based on their centrality, we find that addresses in the two most-connected deciles earn higher returns than the other connected addresses. Third, eigenvector centrality is more related than degree centrality to higher returns, implying that quality of connections matters. / Doctor of Philosophy / This paper has four chapters. The first chapter serves as an introduction. The second chapter studies the transaction fees in the bitcoin system. The transaction fees in the bitcoin system can fluctuate given the amount of unconfirmed transactions in the bitcoin network. Our results show that the transaction fees and transaction volume in the bitcoin system increase whenever the network is congested. To account for this findings, we build a model and show that users and miners together can determine the transaction fee and transaction volume. Even though the fluctuating transaction fee mechanism in bitcoin introduces the extra cost of uncertainty to users, a back-of- envelope calculation shows that the cost of using the bitcoin network for transactions is still smaller than the cost of using the current conventional payment system with a fix transaction fee rate. The second chapter studies the price dispersion among different bitcoin exchanges. Our results show that transaction fees and bitcoin price growth can be important explanatory factors for the price dispersion among different bitcoin exchanges. The third chapter studies the relationship between connections and returns in the bitcoin investor network. Using transaction data from the bitcoin blockchain, we reach three conclusions. First, on average, those connected addresses in the network earn higher returns than their unconnected peers. Second, returns also differ among those connected addresses. By dividing the connected addresses into ten groups based on their centrality, we find that addresses in the two most-connected groups earn higher returns than the other connected addresses. Third, eigenvector centrality, which measures the quality of connections, is more related than degree centrality, which measures the quantity of connections, to higher returns, implying that quality of connections matters.

Yes / Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to help in providing a better understanding of the application of blockchain technology in the context of the banking and finance sectors. The aim is to outline blockchain’s benefits, opportunities, costs, risks as well as challenges of the technology in the context of banking and finance services Design/methodology/approach – Careful examination of the extant literature, including utilising relevant academic-based research databases has been carried out. It covered reviewing various research contributions published in peer-reviewed journals, academic reports, as well as technical reports to help in identifying related benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks. Findings – The findings reveal that there are limited contributions in utilising blockchain in the banking and finance sectors when compared with other sectors. As such, the study highlighted the relevant perspective of benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks within such sectors. Practical implications – This study helps in offering a focal point to banking and financial sector managers and decision-makers for realising the benefits of blockchain technology as well as developing strategies and programmes to overcome the identified challenges. Originality/value – This study highlights the need for a holistic understanding of the various aspects of cost, benefits, risk and opportunities to create blockchain applications that work for banking and finance sectors / NPRP grant # [11S-0117–180325] from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation).

SELECTED ASPECTS OF BITCOIN AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FROM THE STANDPOINT OF THE LAW AND ECONOMICS Abstract Bitcoin is one of the best-known examples of a decentralized convertible cryptocurrency based on blockchain technology. The diploma thesis deals with the main aspects of bitcoin and bitcoin payment networks in complex economic analysis based on the use of standard economic apparatus. The economic analysis is backed by a thorough and relevant legal research. The main goal of the diploma thesis is complex economic and legal analysis of bitcoin. In economic analysis, the emphasis is put on the use of supply-demand analysis, which outlines the basic factors affecting supply and demand for bitcoins. Based on a clear delineation of these factors, the thesis is able to analyse specific aspects of bitcoin. Diploma thesis analyzes the impacts of decentralized setting, as well as risks associated with anonymity of users, crime in connection with bitcoin, time delays in transaction verification, technical and energetic demands on mining, high transaction costs and internet connection needs. Each of these aspects is compared to existing payment institutions or systems. The thesis also examines the legal regulation of bitcoin. Due to the absence of a complex legal regulation, the diploma thesis tries to apply the...

O trabalho tem como objetivo realizar uma prova de conceito que reproduza a rotina de compras entre empresas com a utilização da tecnologia blockchain. A prova de conceito será executada por meio da construção de dois artefatos. O primeiro artefato foi a modelagem e simulação dos processos de compras na sua forma tradicional (As-Is) e com o uso blockchain (To-Be) expandido para transação máquina a máquina (M2M). O segundo artefato foi a implantação de um contrato inteligente no blockchain público do Ethereum, que retratou o processo To-Be. Foi sugerida a proposição de que uma base de dados distribuída como o blockchain tenha um desempenho operacional superior ao de uma base de dados tradicional. Para tanto, comparou-se os custos transacionais de duas variáveis obtidas como resultados da simulação: tempos de execução da tarefa de geração de pedidos e número de postos de atendimentos necessários. Pode-se comprovar o desempenho superior do blockchain, mas dependente da arquitetura selecionada. No presente estudo, o blockchain privado com prova de trabalho ajustada para descobrir o hash iniciado com dois zeros consecutivos teve o melhor desempenho. / The aim of this work is to build two artifacts as a proof of concept of a procurement management that makes use of blockchain technology in order to demonstrate its feasibility. The first artifact was the modeling and simulation of a traditional (As-Is) purchasing process and other with the use of expanded blockchain (To-Be) for machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions. The second artifact was the implementation of a smart contract in the public blockchain of Ethereum, which portrayed the To-Be process. It was suggested that a distributed system of registries presents a more efficient operational performance than the conventional one. The output of the simulations was used to compare the transactional costs of each model measured through two variables: the execution time of placing orders and the number of service stations required. It could be verified that the blockchain alternative had a superior performance according to the type of architecture employed. In this present study, the private blockchain with proof of work adjusted to seek hashes that begins with two consecutive zeros had the best achievement.

A lo largo de la historia de la humanidad, el dinero ha tomado distintas formas, valores y alcances geopolíticos, ha llegado a situarse como la principal herramienta para engrandecer o destruir naciones. Hoy en día, muchas de las transacciones ya no son, necesariamente, en efectivo; una gran mayoría realiza pagos con dinero electrónico, a través de los aplicativos; y existe también otro grupo de usuarios que utiliza las criptomonedas para hacer sus operaciones. Estas últimas han llamado poderosamente la atención de académicos, financistas y público en general, pues representa un fenómeno de rápido crecimiento. Las criptomonedas, entonces, han respondido a la demanda insatisfecha de usuarios que encuentran grandes barreras en canales tradicionales como, por ejemplo, poca cobertura de las entidades financieras, demoras en las transacciones internacionales, filtración de información personal, exposición a hurtos, entre otros. Por estos motivos, las personas están dispuestas a aceptar nuevas formas de dinero que incorporen tecnología en su funcionamiento y uso, y que acabe con las barreras que presenta el sistema financiero conservador. Sin embargo, aparentemente, para algunos autores, no todas son ventajas en las criptomonedas, sino que presentan algunas características adversas que se califican como nocivas por determinadas fuentes, los bancos centrales principalmente. Esto se ha convertido en tema de discusión e investigación por parte de los gobiernos, que buscan la manera de regular este dinero intangible sobre el cual actualmente no tienen control. En este Paper se analiza, de acuerdo a lo expresado por distintos autores, si las criptomonedas deben ser consideradas dinero. / As has happened throughout the history of humanity, money has taken different forms, values and geopolitical domains, becoming the main tool to magnify or destroy nations. Many of the daily transactions are no longer necessarily in cash; a great majority makes payments with electronic money through the applications; and there is also another group of people who use cryptocurrencies to do their financial operations. The latter have attracted the attention of academics, financiers and the audiences in a powerful way, as it represents a fast growth phenomenon. The cryptocurrencies have responded to the dissatisfied users who find great barriers in traditional channels such as: poor coverage of financial institutions, delays in international transactions, filtering of personal information, exposure to thefts, among others. For these reasons, people are willing to accept new forms of money that incorporate technology in its operation and use, and to break down the barriers that the conservative financial systems has. But, apparently for some authors, not all are advantages when it comes to cryptocurrencies, these might have some adverse characteristics that are qualified as harmful by certain sources, mainly Central Banks. This has become a topic of discussion and research by governments, who seek ways to regulate this intangible money that they currently have no control over. In this Paper we analyze, according to what different authors has been expressed about whether cryptocurrencies should be considered money. / Trabajo de Suficiencia Profesional

Background: As a result of food supply chain management, we have access to fresh food from all around the world. But there are some encounters that food supply chain has to deal with. The E. coli outbreak in the US is an illustrative of a widespread problem faced by the food supply chain.   Purpose: The purpose of the study is to examine how blockchain technology can be used in food supply chain management and see what the interest of the customer looks like.   Method: The methodology of the research to examine how blockchain can be used in food supply chain management was through literature study, and questionnaire to get a better grasp of the customers interest.   Result: By using blockchain technology in food supply chain management it improves the information flow, while becoming more transparent between the actors. Blockchain technology improves the security of FSCM and traceability of a product. You can automatize several processes of FSCM by using smart contracts and sensors. From the survey it was a found that there is an interest in the customers side and about two-thirds of the customer might pay extra if the products use blockchain technology.   Conclusion: Blockchain’s features makes it ideal to be integrated in the food supply chain management, as it makes it harder to counterfeit the products, and it improves the trust between the actors by ensuring transparency of the information flow. But on the other hand, blockchain is not suitable for everyone, as it’s a complicated system and it can result in high switching cost when changing systems. / Bakgrund: Med hjälp av food supply chain management så har man nästan alltid tillgång till färsk mat från hela världen. Men det finns några utmaningar som man behöver hantera. E. coli utbrottet i USA illustrerar ett problem som food supply chain management står inför. Eftersom det var många aktörer som var inblandad i kedjan så tog det FDA nästan två månader att hitta källan.   Syfte: Syftet med denna studien är att undersöka vilka förändringar man kan uppnå inom food supply chain management med hjälp av blockchain, samt se hur intressen ser ut hos kunden.   Metod: Metoden som användes för att få överblick om vad blockchain teknologin kan uppnå i food supply chain management var allmän litteraturstudie, och enkätundersökningen för att få en förståelse över kundernas intresse.   Resultat: Med hjälp av blockchains teknologi så blir informationsflödet mer transparent och att man lagrar data i ett decentraliserat nätverk. Blockchain förbättrar säkerhet- och spårbarheten. Med smart kontrakt och sensorer så kan man automatisera flera processer. Från enkätundersökningen så kom fram till att det finns ett intresse hos kunden och ungefär två tredjedelar skulle kunna tänka sig att betala extra om produkterna använder sig utav blockchains teknologin.     Slutsats: Blockchains egenskaper gör det ideal för att behandla livsmedelskedjan eftersom det blir svårare att förfalska produkterna, och att man skapar bättre förtroende mellan aktörerna genom att säkerställa transparensinformationsflöde. Men däremot så passar inte blockchain till alla, då det är ett komplicerat system och att det kan tillkomma höga omställningskostnader när man ska byta system.

Au cours des quinze dernières années, le développement de plateformes embarquées intelligentes et les progrès des protocoles de communication radio ont permis l'émergence de réseaux de capteurs sans-fils (WSN). D'autre part, la démocratisation d'Internet et du Web, ainsi que l'augmentation des débits ont contribué à l'essor d'un nouveau paradigme : le Cloud computing. L'Internet des Objets, (IoT) ou Internet des Objets réalise la convergence entre les réseaux de capteurs et le Cloud computing. De nombreux travaux adressant les problématiques de l'IoT ont étés menés ces dix dernières années, cependant ces propositions manquent ne tiennent pas suffisamment compte des problématiques de sécurité et de protection des données. D'après Gartner, 70 % des plateformes déployées ne disposent pas d'une solution de sécurité efficace, les rendant vulnérables aux attaques. Dans le domaine des monnaies numériques, Bitcoin propose en son sein une nouvelle structure de données authentifiée et trustless permettant la décentralisation de l'enregistrement de transactions en s'appuyant sur un protocole permettant d'obtenir un consensus : la blockchain. Cette thèse se focalise sur l'utilisation de cette nouvelle structure de données dans les WSN dans un contexte IoT, comme base pour la définition d'une architecture sécurisée et adaptative basée sur la blockchain. Le but de cette architecture est d'intégrer les solutions existantes pour l'organisation du réseau et l'accès aux services de manière innovante afin de réaliser l'intégration des WSN avec l'infrastructure web; mais aussi d'y adjoindre une solution répondant aux nouveaux besoins de sécurités et contraintes spécifiques des réseaux de capteurs. Nous proposons pour cela un framework nommé Network Service Loader (NSL) en charge de la gestion de services et d'agents mobiles, auquel s'adjoint notre solution Blockchain Authentication and Trust Module (BATM) en charge de l'authentification, du contrôle d'accès, ainsi que des évaluations de confiance via l'algorithme Maximum Likelihood Trust Estimator (MLTE). / During the last fifteen years, the rise of smart and wireless enabled embedded devices lead to the development of wireless sensor networks (WSN). In the same time, the emerging of Cloud computing with the development of the Internet and the Web as an everyday technology thanks to the rise of bandwidth and processing power leads to new network paradigms. The Internet of Things (IoT) primary goal is to bridge the gap between these technologies and bring WSN sensing and actuating abilities to Cloud applications. We count a significant amount of work targetting the IoT in the last decade, however they lack proper solutions to ensure data privacy and security. Gartner investigations shows that 70 % of connected and smart devices provide little or no security policies and solutions, making both user and devices vulnerable to attackers. In the field of digital currencies, Bitcoin proposed a new authenticated and trustless data structure dedicated to transactions logging in a decentralized network with the help of a consensus protocol : the blockchain. This thesis is focused on bringing the blockchain technology as a new solutions for security in decentralized WSN in the IoT, providing the basis for a secure and adaptative agent-based middleware and execution framework. This framework attempt to federate existing work regarding the architecture of the IoT, but also to tackle security issues regarding network access, agent execution and trust evaluation. To achieve this goal, we propose Network Service Loader (NSL), an agent-based middleware constructed of existing protocols in a new way, along with a new solution called Blockchain Authentication and Trust Module (BATM) dedicated to node and users authentication, access control policies, and trust evaluation through our new Maximum Likelihood Trust Estimator (MLTE) algorithm.

Internet of Things (IoT) means that physical objects will be able to interact and communicate via embedded systems. This will lead to a distributed network of devices that can communicate with both humans and each other. One application area is in improving supply chain management. The goal in supply chains is to move a product or a service from the producer to the customer as efficient as possible. Implementation of IoT will have many benefits but it also raises security issues that can affect integrity, security and privacy for both individuals and companies. In 2009, Satoshi Nakamoto created bitcoin and more importantly, blockchain. Blockchain is a ledger of facts, data is not stored in only one network with a common processor, but it is distributed among all the clients on the network. This technology may be a solution to some problems that IoT are facing. This paper looks into up to date research of blockchain and IoT with the purpose to study blockchain as a potential solution to secure IoT data management within supply chains. Both blockchain and IoT are relatively new research areas with little existing research, which support our use of a qualitative inductive method. Semi-structured interviews, which will be further explained in the methodology section, have been conducted with people working within the fields of blockchain, IoT and supply chain. The result indicates that blockchain can be used to secure data management within any given supply chain that uses IoT technology, but blockchain should be seen as a tool, and not as a complete solution. Many of the security issues within IoT are related to the devices and blockchain will not be able to provide a solution to these problems. Blockchain can however be used for handling information, securing identities, traceability of goods, transactions being made without human interaction, automated storage management and time stamped actions to name some examples. There are still barriers to make these benefits work in reality but there is a lot of research currently on-going, trying to make it happen.

Financial interactions on the capital market involve a wide variety of actors and processes. The requirement of security and privacy results to a large extent in non-shared and unintegrated databases among the different parties, leading to complex, time consuming and costly procedures. The last decade's introduction of innovative blockchain technologies such as Bitcoin, has brought attention to the possibilities of decentralized peer-to-peer networking in general, and its potential influence in the financial sector in particular. This master thesis investigates the possibilities for the capital market to adapt such a system from a technical point of view, with main focus on scalability. The analysis covers crucial aspects such as a peer-to-peer application's ability to handle large transaction volumes while maintaining security. The degree project also includes continued work on Visigon's blockchain application prototype with main focus on the network communication, as well as simulations of its performance capability. Results from the simulations showed that the transaction throughput capacity is limited to the time of broadcasting the transaction to the network, and thus decreasing linearly with increasing network size. The required time for handling other parts in the process appears constant and takes up a small fraction of the total time, therefore future work lays in further optimization of the communication protocol.