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        <title>Frontiers in Blockchain | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/blockchain</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Blockchain | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-06-03T02:01:02.829+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1792905</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1792905</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The future of money: blockchain as the backbone of secure and transparent finance]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-06-01T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Mohammad Ali Al-Afeef</author><author>Ayman Abdalmajeed Alsmadi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The growing demand for secure, transparent, and efficient financial systems has accelerated interest in blockchain technology within the financial sector. This study investigates the determinants and outcomes of financial blockchain adoption by proposing an integrated research model that links core blockchain characteristics security and transparency, smart contracts, and decentralization to financial blockchain adoption and its subsequent effects on fraud reduction, risk management, and cost efficiency. Using data collected from financial institutions operating in Jordan, the study applies Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to empirically test the proposed hypotheses. The findings demonstrate that security and transparency, smart contracts, and decentralization significantly and positively influence financial blockchain adoption. Moreover, the results confirm that financial blockchain adoption has a strong positive impact on fraud reduction, risk management effectiveness, and operational cost efficiency. By conceptualizing blockchain adoption as a strategic organizational capability rather than a purely technological choice, this study extends existing blockchain and fintech literature. The findings provide valuable theoretical insights into how blockchain characteristics translate into tangible financial outcomes and offer practical guidance for financial institutions and policymakers seeking to enhance trust, governance, and efficiency through blockchain-based financial systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1759813</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1759813</link>
        <title><![CDATA[ZkHybridChain: ultra-efficient cross-border credit recognition]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>A. J. Xu</author><author>B. M. Wang</author><author>C. Y. Zhu</author><author>D. X. Zhu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundCross-border credit recognition in Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education (SFCE) suffers from data fragmentation, regulatory conflicts (e.g., GDPR vs. China’s Data Security Law), and low efficiency.ObjectiveThis paper proposes ZkHybridChain, a dual-layer blockchain credit bank (BCB) framework to resolve the privacy-compliance-efficiency trilemma.MethodsThe hybrid architecture integrates Polygon zkEVM (public credential hashing) and Hyperledger Fabric (private raw data storage). Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKP) and three-tiered smart contracts enable automated credit conversion (ECTS↔CNQF) and privacy-preserving verification.ResultsExperiments on 10,000 SFCE records show 58% efficiency gain (full lifecycle from ∼1,200 s to <9 s), cross-border latency <9 s, throughput up to 1,620 TPS, and ZKP verification latency 135 ms (93.7% success rate).ConclusionZkHybridChain provides a scalable, GDPR/DSL-compliant solution for global education trust networks. Future work includes post-quantum cryptography and lightweight client protocols.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1757940</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1757940</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Adoption of cryptocurrency in Ghana: a two-step analytical approach combining PLS-SEM and fsQCA]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-28T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Isaac Osei</author><author>Chettupally Anil Carie</author><author>Satish Anamalamudi</author><author>Dennis Opoku Boadu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[PurposeThis study investigates the drivers of cryptocurrency adoption in Ghana, an emerging economy where adoption patterns remain underexplored. It seeks to explain both the linear relationships and complex configurational pathways that shape user behaviour in digital financial systems.Design/methodology/approachA dual-method approach was employed, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). PLS-SEM was used to examine net effects among constructs, while fsQCA identified multiple causal configurations leading to adoption. Data were collected from 652 cryptocurrency users in Ghana through a structured online survey.FindingsThe PLS-SEM results indicate that facilitating conditions and intention to use are the most direct predictors of actual usage. However, several relationships exhibit counterintuitive effects, including negative influences of financial literacy and perceived usefulness on attitude, and a negative direct effect of behavioural intention on usage. The fsQCA results complement these findings by revealing multiple alternative pathways to adoption, including configurations in which users adopt despite low intention, driven by enabling conditions or perceived opportunity. These results highlight the non-linear, asymmetric, and context-dependent nature of cryptocurrency adoption.OriginalityThis study contributes to the technology adoption literature by integrating Technology Acceptance Model and UTAUT constructs within a combined PLS-SEM and fsQCA framework. It extends existing models by demonstrating that adoption behaviour in high-risk financial contexts cannot be fully explained through linear assumptions alone, thereby introducing a configurational perspective to cryptocurrency adoption research in emerging economies.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that policymakers and fintech developers should prioritise infrastructural support, user education, and context-sensitive strategies. Enhancing facilitating conditions and financial literacy, while reducing barriers to use, may be more effective than focusing solely on attitudinal change.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1817622</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1817622</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Ethereum tokenomics and token value: a quantitative analysis of on-chain fundamentals (2021–2025)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-26T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Hypothesis and Theory</category>
        <author>Zishan Ashraf Mohammad</author><author>Nick Harkiolakis</author><author>Saman Sarbazvatan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Although there has been a massive increase in the size and complexity of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, most of the academic research into the relationship between token design parameters and the long-term value of a given token is still very much in its infancy. Most of the research in tokenomics is theoretical in nature, based upon frameworks for understanding, or is focused solely on observing a specific time frame. The authors of this paper address the above mentioned void by studying the statistically significant relationships between five on-chain tokenomic variables--transaction gas fees, total value locked (TVL), token unlocks, tokens burned, and governance concentration (as measured using the Gini coefficient) -- and the market price of Ether (ETH) during a 52 months observation window that began in August 2021 and ended in September 2025. The data for the study consisted of bi-weekly observations (n = 108) which allowed researchers to use three different analytical methods--Spearman correlation analysis, log-linear multiple regression analysis, and an error correction model (ECM) after conducting Johansen cointegration and unit root tests. A cointegrating equation among the variables was established through Johansen Trace Testing, indicating that all of these variables do indeed exhibit a long-run equilibrium relationship. The ECM revealed that the total amount of funds “locked” into smart contracts (“total value locked”) was the strongest single predictor of the price of Ether in both the long run (beta = 0.8, p < 0.001) and short run (beta = 1.18, p < 0.001) specifications. Additionally, it was found that token unlocks have a negative relationship with price (beta = −0.22, p < 0.001). Gas Fees (beta = 0.2, p = 0.021) and tokens burned (beta = 0.15, p = 0.039) had positive coefficients at the 0.01 level in the long-run specification; however, both exhibited extremely high levels of multicolinearity (Variance Inflation Factor>28,000), likely due to their technical/operational linkages under EIP-1559. Voting power did not demonstrate a statistically significant relationship to price (rho =0.143, p > 0.05).]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1812168</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1812168</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Blockchain technology in sustainable public procurement: a legal assessment]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-25T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Policy and Practice Reviews</category>
        <author>Mais Qandeel</author><author>Robert Mjörnander</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study investigates whether the use of blockchain technology enhances sustainability in supply chains during e-procurement. It examines the issue from a legal perspective and discusses whether the benefits of public e-procurement may constitute possible means to enhance sustainability with the use of blockchain technology. This study investigates blockchain technology and its features to improve confidentiality and transparency in the area of public procurement. It further addresses whether states have the obligation to ensure sustainability in their public e-procurement processes while maintaining data protection and cybersecurity. This research is based on a survey of primary sources of law, best practice, and available literature, adopting the legal analytical method. It is limited to suggesting the use of blockchain technology to disclose the history and processes of suppliers to ensure their alignment with sustainability. It does not attempt to include identified states but rather adopts an EU institutional approach to the issue.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1821246</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1821246</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The application of blockchain technology in the audit system]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Jianfeng Wu</author><author>Haining Wang</author><author>Xinze Xu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This article systematically discusses the application of blockchain in the auditing process, and thoroughly analyzes the current research status, existing challenges, and future development trends. The blockchain shows great benefits in terms of optimizing the auditing process especially in increasing the integrity and reliability of auditing data, the effectiveness of auditing and automated execution of contracts. But the implementation of blockchain technology into auditing can also present some challenges and impediments, including authenticity of data sources, risk of privacy protection, and complexity of the technology. This paper also discusses some practical solutions and strategic approaches. To sum up, it is clear that this article focuses on the significance of blockchain in creating a reliable, safe, and effective auditing system.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1834705</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1834705</link>
        <title><![CDATA[An ethical proof-of-authority blockchain framework for anti-corruption in public grant disbursement and fundraising: a multi-level governance and threat-modelled approach]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Muhammad Farooq Shaikh</author><author>Muhammad Saad Iqbal</author><author>Davide Piaggio</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPublic-sector grant disbursement and fundraising systems are vulnerable to corruption due to limited transparency, weak auditability, unauthorized approvals, and poor traceability of financial transactions. This study proposes a blockchain-based framework to improve accountability and monitoring in public financial management.MethodsAn Ethereum-compatible ERC-20 test network was used to develop a blockchain-enabled architecture integrating smart contracts, decentralized application (DApp) components, and a Proof-of-Authority (PoA)-based governance mechanism. The framework was evaluated using simulation-based testing, transaction validation scenarios, corruption-detection workflows, and indicative gas-cost analysis under controlled conditions.ResultsThe proposed framework enabled tamper-resistant audit trails, timestamping, and end-to-end traceability of grant transactions. A hierarchical governance model incorporating multi-level institutional approvals reduced unilateral control and improved transaction accountability. Simulation-based evaluation demonstrated improved transparency, auditability, and transaction monitoring efficiency, while maintaining relatively low indicative gas costs.DiscussionThe findings suggest that blockchain-supported governance mechanisms may strengthen transparency and accountability in public-sector financial systems under controlled conditions. The proposed framework demonstrates the potential of combining institutional governance structures with blockchain-based validation to support secure and traceable grant management and fundraising processes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1813309</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1813309</link>
        <title><![CDATA[GeoLedger: blockchain and GIS architecture for trusted emergency incident mapping]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Osama A. Khashan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Most existing emergency management systems are centralized, leaving critical information vulnerable to unauthorized access, manipulation, and single points of failure. Blockchain has been extensively studied as a decentralized means of improving the security, integrity, and auditability of incident data. However, using full incident payloads on the blockchain is constrained by latency, throughput, and storage limits imposed by high-volume incident streams, which hinder real-time visualization and rapid decision-making. This paper presents GeoLedger, a blockchain–GIS architecture for secure, ledger-backed geospatial representation of emergency event data. In GeoLedger, incident data are first normalized by a registration authority before being compacted into signed metadata digests and content pointers anchored to a permissioned ledger. Incident narratives are then stored securely in off-chain repositories. The on-chain records are projected onto a GIS dashboard as interactive geospatial markers, enabling operators to inspect incident types, times, locations, and blockchain transaction identifiers without exposing full incident details to all participants. A prototype utilizing a custom Ethereum-compatible permissioned blockchain and a Python GIS layer was implemented and evaluated using replayed London Fire Brigade incident traces. The results show that GeoLedger attains average latencies of approximately 400 ms for incident-to-visualization and delivers a 20%–30% increase in sustained throughput at high incident rates compared with full-payload centralized and blockchain approaches. GeoLedger also yields significant reductions in the on-chain communication and storage required by committing metadata alone. The security analysis demonstrates that GeoLedger enhances integrity, accountability, and privacy against forgery, tampering, and unwarranted disclosure, supporting its deployment in large-scale, time-critical emergency operations.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1773761</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1773761</link>
        <title><![CDATA[A blockchain-based trusted traceability model for the down and feather manufacturing industry]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Shaowen Jing</author><author>Ruoyi Mai</author><author>Xiaofeng Gao</author><author>Zhihui Fan</author>
        <description><![CDATA[As a vital segment of the textile and apparel sector, the down and feather industry features product quality and traceability authenticity that are directly correlated with consumer rights and interests, standardized industrial development, and enterprises’ international trade competitiveness. Nevertheless, the dilemmas of trust deficiency, information fragmentation, and data out-of-control inherent in the traditional operation model have severely restricted the high-quality development of the down manufacturing industry. To address the aforementioned issues, this paper proposes a trusted traceability model for down and feather products based on blockchain technology. Leveraging the authority management architecture of the Hyperledger Fabric consortium blockchain, this model integrates Role-Based Access Control and Attribute-Based Access Control to design a hybrid access control strategy tailored to the down supply chain; meanwhile, it introduces InterPlanetary File System distributed storage and an identity-bound encryption mechanism to realize privacy protection for sensitive data. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed traceability model presents remarkable performance advantages in terms of transaction latency, system throughput, CPU utilization, and security. As the number of transactions increases from 1,000 to 5,000, the latency of each functional module of the system exhibits a reasonable upward trend. Among these, the IPFS-based smart contract invocation function achieves comprehensive optimization in latency performance compared with the conventional direct on-chain invocation function: under the scenario of 3,000 transactions, the average latency drops from 1.39s to 1.13s, and the maximum latency decreases from 3.33s to 2.94s, which effectively alleviates the computing and storage pressure of blockchain nodes under high concurrency. The read-only traceability query function features a lightweight process without modifying the blockchain ledger, with the lowest latency and minimal fluctuation, and its throughput and CPU utilization performance is far superior to the two types of write invocation functions, realizing optimal resource consumption control. This model provides a feasible technical solution for trusted traceability in the down and feather industry.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1776900</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1776900</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Strategic integration of blockchain technology into (agro)forestry forensics and governance in western Balkan 6 region: stakeholders - technology - policy nexus analysis]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-19T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Branislav Trudić</author><author>Filip Vasić</author><author>Aleksandar Marković</author><author>Tamara Popović</author><author>Boris Kuzmanović</author><author>Aleksandar Ivezić</author><author>Tamara Zavišić</author><author>Mehdi Ben Targem</author><author>Nikola Grčić</author><author>Miodrag Tolimir</author><author>Kristina Petrović</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study examines the feasibility and institutional capacity of integrating blockchain technologies (BT) into (agro)forest governance and forensic (FFG) traceability systems across the Western Balkans 6 region (WB6). Through a systematic desk-based analysis of 13 (agro)forestry case studies, regulatory frameworks, stakeholder ecosystems, and species-marker-blockchain interfaces, the research identifies the most suitable digital architectures and policy pathways for implementation. Results show that all WB6 countries possess basic legal and institutional capacity, particularly anti-money laundering (AML), countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) and digital-signature frameworks, to support permissioned blockchain pilots, though enforcement gaps and limited forensic laboratory capacities remain major constraints. Among evaluated technologies, Hyperledger Fabric and Private Ethereum (Proof of Authority) emerge as optimal for national traceability systems, while Corda and EBSI-linked Verifiable Credentials (VCs) provide interoperability and confidentiality for cross-border applications. The analysis highlights the potential of blockchain-anchored genetic and forensic data to enhance legality assurance, transparency and compliance with the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation (EUDR) and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A stepwise roadmap for the period from 2027 to 2031 outlines harmonized metadata structures, phased deployment of permissioned blockchain systems and coordinated regional governance measures designed to achieve reliable and interoperable traceability across the WB6. Findings demonstrate that a hybrid, permissioned blockchain ecosystem can substantially strengthen transparency, accountability and cross-border cooperation in WB6 FFG. A central bottleneck identified is the limited availability of courtroom-grade proof-of-origin in the WB6, driven by sparse genetic reference baselines and the lack of publicly documented national timber-forensic laboratory capacity, which constrains the evidentiary value of otherwise robust blockchain traceability systems.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1799056</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1799056</link>
        <title><![CDATA[RegTech-enabled governance of sanctions-safe enterprise ecosystems in post-conflict reconstruction]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-12T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Adel Mohammed Al Dulimy</author><author>Kawar Mohammed Mousa</author><author>Dildar Haydar Ahmed</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Post-conflict reconstruction relies heavily on private enterprises to bring back employment, rebuild supply networks, and reconnect damaged economies. These environments are strongly affected by sanctions pressure, weak rule enforcement, and high levels of corruption risk. Firms working under such conditions often experience limited access to finance and markets, while uncertainty around compliance and excessive risk avoidance reduce the space for lawful business activity. Existing studies on regulatory technology mainly present it as a firm-level compliance tool, giving little attention to its role in shaping coordination across wider enterprise ecosystems in post-conflict and sanctions-affected settings. This lack of focus creates uncertainty about whether regulatory technology helps legitimate economic recovery or instead strengthens exclusion and informality. The motivation for this study comes from the need to explain how compliance technology’s function when public authority is fragmented and legal boundaries remain unstable. The study develops a theory-based framework explaining how RegTech-supported governance may, under specified conditions, enable sanctions-safe enterprise ecosystems during post-conflict reconstruction. Methodologically, the paper uses a structured integrative review combined with interpretive theory synthesis to connect literature on RegTech, sanctions compliance, institutional voids, supply chain governance, and algorithmic accountability. The review is positioned as a structured integrative and interpretive review rather than a full systematic review. Sources were selected purposively through explicit inclusion and exclusion criteria tied to conceptual relevance, scholarly quality, and direct contribution to framework building, and higher-order categories were retained only after iterative comparison across the four literature streams. Regulatory technology is viewed as a governance arrangement that organizes relations between firms, banks, insurers, logistics actors, buyers, and regulators. The analysis identifies the theoretical conditions under which such governance may support verifiable integrity, adaptive compliance, and access to formal markets, while also identifying risks linked to exclusion, symbolic compliance, and concentration of control over compliance processes. This framework contributes to improving understanding of enterprise coordination and governance under constrained legal conditions and offers a basis for future analytical and empirical research.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1797659</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1797659</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Stablecoins: financial risks, vulnerabilities, and implications for the future internet — a systematic review]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-08T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Eduardo Ramiro Dávalos-Mayorga</author><author>Mariela de los Ángeles Hidalgo-Mayorga</author><author>Andrea Margarita Garrido-Patrel</author><author>Jessy Gabriela Vega-Flor</author><author>Daysi Graciela Astudillo-Condo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe evolution of the Internet toward increasingly decentralized infrastructures is reshaping economic, financial, and social interactions. In this context, stablecoins have gained relevance in digital transactions by offering a lower-volatility medium of exchange through fiat-backed mechanisms within the cryptoasset ecosystem. However, they also introduce financial and regulatory risks that may affect their stability and trustworthiness.MethodsThis study conducted a systematic literature review on stablecoins using the PRISMA methodology. A total of 122 primary studies indexed in Scopus and Web of Science were selected and analyzed to identify documented financial risks, regulatory vulnerabilities, and their implications for the future of the Internet.ResultsThe findings show that fiat-backed stablecoins, particularly USDT and USDC, are the most frequently analyzed in the literature, followed by crypto-collateralized and algorithmic stablecoins. The most recurrent risks identified include market and liquidity risks, credit risks, and regulatory gaps linked to insufficient transparency and supervision.DiscussionThe results indicate that the growing integration of stablecoins into digital financial infrastructures could reinforce their relevance in future Internet environments, but also increase systemic vulnerabilities if oversight remains fragmented. Although the expansion of stablecoin use appears likely, clear and coordinated regulatory frameworks are needed to strengthen the stability, trust, and resilience of future digital infrastructures.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1762670</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1762670</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Interoperability with DLT for an effective e-governance strategy—current trends]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Kumar D</author><author>B. M. Beena</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Distributed ledger technology (DLT) has emerged as a transformative force in decentralized data management across e-transactions, with significant applications in the banking, finance, supply chain, and trade sectors. Recognizing its potential, governments, including Estonia and India, have implemented DLT-based e-services to enhance transparency and privacy in public administration. With numerous platforms arising/available in the DLT segment, such as Hyperledger, Ethereum, Corda, Ripple, Stellar, Dragonchain, IOTA, and Hedera, understanding interoperability mechanisms across heterogeneous platforms has become critical. This comprehensive research provides a systematic analysis of distributed ledger technology fundamentals, consensus mechanisms, smart contracts, and their applications in e-governance services. The study examines leading DLT platforms and their core features, with a specific focus on interoperability capabilities essential for seamless cross-platform integration. Through analysis of existing interoperability solutions, including trade finance platforms, central bank digital currency initiatives, and e-governance implementations, this work identifies critical challenges and evaluation criteria for DLT adoption. The research addresses three primary research questions: (1) what capabilities does DLT provide for implementing effective e-governance strategies? (2) How does interoperability influence the delivery and effectiveness of various e-governance services? (3) What is the current impact and growth trajectory of existing e-governance services providing interoperability capabilities? The primary contributions include systematic exploration of interoperability mechanisms in various DLT platforms, documentation of existing implementations across multiple countries, including Estonia, the European Union, Dubai, and India, identification of technical challenges and security considerations, and development of a future roadmap for DLT-influenced e-governance systems. The research demonstrates that effective interoperability, combined with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum-resistant cryptography, can enable citizen-centric, transparent, and secure governance systems while maintaining regulatory compliance and data privacy.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1825419</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1825419</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Can a universal digital ethics exist in a structurally unequal world? A critical theory perspective on Web3, metaverse, and the global south]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Opinion</category>
        <author>Jose Pablo Salazar Aguilar</author>
        <description></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1762861</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1762861</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Bridging the governance gap in agricultural blockchain-based smart contracts: a bibliometric-driven architectural framework]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Systematic Review</category>
        <author>Huda M. Elmatsani</author><author>Arief Sartono</author><author>S. Joni Munarso</author><author>Sari Intan Kailaku</author><author>Yogi Purna Rahardjo</author><author>Noveria Sjafrina</author><author>Mochammad Jusuf Djafar</author><author>Ermi E. Koeslulat</author><author>Sitti Ramlah</author><author>Satrio Utomo</author><author>Boni Benyamin</author><author>Puji Astuti</author><author>Agung Hendriadi</author><author>Arief Arianto</author>
        <description><![CDATA[BackgroundAgricultural supply chains are characterized by high transaction costs and agency risks stemming from information asymmetry and biological variability. Although blockchain is widely proposed as a solution, existing literature predominantly focuses on passive traceability rather than active algorithmic governance.MethodsThis study conducts a bibliometric synthesis of 367 documents (2018–2025) to map the field’s intellectual structure and research orientation. Co-occurrence analysis was employed to reveal distinct thematic clusters and identify the evolution of technological infrastructure in the sector.ResultsThe analysis reveals a critical volume-impact paradox within the technological infrastructure group and a 16:1 asymmetry between traceability and automation research. This indicates a significant gap in leveraging smart contracts for economic enforcement and active supply chain management.ConclusionWe propose the Agri-Cognito framework, a prescriptive architecture designed to bridge the cognitive void through AI-driven pre-consensus validation. The framework provides a theoretical blueprint for transitioning agricultural blockchains from passive digital logbooks to autonomous governance ecosystems, offering a direct response to the “oracle problem” and structural inefficiencies in current implementations.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1735510</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1735510</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Blockchain-integrated machine learning framework for transparent smart contract vulnerability detection]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ankit Vishnoi</author><author>Varun Sapra</author><author>Luxmi Sapra</author><author>Preeti Narooka</author><author>Deepak Panwar</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe proliferation of dApps is increasing the attack surface for exploitable vulnerabilities in smart contracts, and thus there is a need for verifiable detection methodologies.MethodsIn this work, we propose a machine learning framework with blockchain integration for explainable and note that “explainable” implies “verifiable” smart contract vulnerability detection. The SmartBugs-curated data was systematically pre-processed with metadata filtering, feature correlation analysis and encoding for model evaluation. Four ensemble learning methods, Random Forest, XGBoost, LightGBM and CatBoost were tested under identical experimental settings for comparison.ResultsThe Random Forest classifier initially achieved the best balance in terms of stability and performance with an accuracy of 87.67%, successfully detecting important vulnerability classes such as re-entrancy, unchecked low-level calls, etc. To enhance the applicability of our blockchain-based machine learning framework for vulnerable smart contract analysis we extend it from the initial 143-contract dataset SmartBugs-Curated to evaluate it on on large-scale set, namely, SmartBugs-Wild which contains 47,398 real-world Ethereum contracts. Based on 29 static contract-level features, unsupervised clustering (k = 4, silhouette score = 0.3735) identifies discrete structural archetypes present in the dataset. Ensemble classifiers (such as XGBoost, CatBoost, Random Forest and LightGBM) can get excellent discriminative performance on these cluster labels: LightGBM achieves 99% accuracy and 0.98918 macro-F1.DiscussionThe additional results show that the approach scales, is robust and leads to stable models, even if interpretable. After injecting SHAP-based explainability, the interpretability and predictive power of CatBoost became similar to those of Random Forest. In order to guarantee end-to-end trust and traceability of our optimised classifier, this was linked to a blockchain oracle that independently store the outcomes as well as confidence scores for predictions directly onto an Ethereum-compatible ledger through a Vulnerability Registry smart contract. This integration provides the data is immutable, auditable and transparent in reporting.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1785590</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1785590</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Ethics: essential infrastructure for governance of Web3 and the metaverse in the age of AI]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-20T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Perspective</category>
        <author>Jane Thomason</author>
        <description><![CDATA[As Web3 architecture, artificial intelligence (AI), immersive environments, and connected devices converge, societies are moving from digitally mediated interaction to digitally programmed organisations, reshaping how value, labour, identity, learning, and participation are produced and governed. Programmable money, decentralised identity, AI-driven avatars, digital twins, and immersive environments illustrate how programmability collapses traditional distinctions between infrastructure, governance, and social behaviour. While these systems offer significant potential for inclusion, efficiency, and innovation, they also introduce profound ethical risks. This means that ethical challenges should become core governance elements, as code, data, and automated systems increasingly mediate trust, agency, and power at scale. Ethical failures in digital systems can scale across platforms, populations, and jurisdictions. This paper conceptualises a structural shift in which institutional rules, incentives, and governance functions are increasingly executed directly within programmable digital infrastructure, making ethics, accountability, and trust intrinsic properties of system design.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1767169</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1767169</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The impact of bank size on blockchain technology adoption: empirical evidence from Nigerian deposit money banks]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Dolapo Faith Sule</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Evidence from developed countries has shown that larger banks usually have more financial and technical resources to finance and implement blockchain technology more effectively, compared to smaller banks. Even though interest in blockchain is rising in the Nigerian banking sector, there is little empirical research on how bank size affects blockchain adoption. In view of this gap, this study examines the influence of bank size on the adoption of blockchain technology within Nigerian Deposit Money Banks (DMBs). A longitudinal research design was used, and secondary data were extracted from the published annual reports of the banks from 2015 to 2024. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to present the findings of the study. Findings revealed that the size of banks has a positive and significant effect (coeff = 0.124, p = 0.000) on blockchain technology adoption of banks in Nigeria. This demonstrates that larger banks tend to adopt blockchain technology compared to smaller ones. Similarly, return on assets (ROA) has a positive and significant impact (coeff = 0.133, p = 0.0162) on the extent of blockchain adoption of the examined banks. Because ROA was used to proxy the profitability of the banks, this result suggests that an increase in the profitability of banks is an advantage in terms of blockchain adoption. A negative relationship exists between leverage and blockchain technology adoption (−0.0071) as anticipated, but the impact is not significant (p = 0.5731). Lastly, this study found that age has a positive and significant (coeff = 0.0158, p = 0.016) impact on blockchain technology adoption among Nigerian banks, as older banks are investing in this technology more than younger ones. The study concludes that larger banks demonstrate a higher tendency to adopt blockchain technology due to greater resource availability, enhanced technical capacity, and stronger strategic incentives. This study, therefore, concludes that policymakers and industry players should provide supportive policies and programmes to promote blockchain adoption across all bank sizes. Partnerships between smaller banks and fintech firms can help bridge resource gaps, allowing smaller banks to benefit from fintech expertise and innovations without incurring full development costs.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1784449</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1784449</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Trustless intelligent rooms: a blockchain-enabled federated learning framework with lightweight neural networks for privacy-preserving healthcare]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Ramesh Kumar Veerapaneni</author><author>Radhakrishnan Delhibabu</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The rapid aging of the global population necessitates automated healthcare environments, yet current Intelligent Room architectures relying on centralized cloud servers face critical challenges regarding data opacity and single points of failure. This paper proposes a novel architecture that synergizes Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) with Federated Learning (FL) to create a trustless, immutable audit trail for patient monitoring. Unlike traditional FL approaches, we introduce a blockchain-based aggregation mechanism that eliminates the central authority. Furthermore, to address the resource constraints of edge devices such as smartphones, we implement a specific Lightweight Neural Network (L-CNN) utilizing depthwise separable convolutions. The proposed system ensures that patient data remains local while model updates are cryptographically verified on-chain, offering a scalable, low-cost solution for resource-constrained healthcare environments.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1743242</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbloc.2026.1743242</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The impact of blockchain technology on corporate governance: empirical evidence on American firms]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-10T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Hanene Ezzine</author><author>Ines Abdelkafi</author><author>Aida Smaoui</author><author>Kwadria Takwa</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Technological innovation has generated an increasing number of technologies that have transformed financial services and corporate governance structures. Among these innovations, blockchain technology represents a decentralized and transparent system capable of reshaping governance mechanisms. This study examines the relationship between blockchain technology (BT) and corporate governance (CG) using panel data from 35 U.S. firms over the period 2010–2021. The empirical analysis employs Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and fixed-effects regression models, with the Hausman test guiding model selection. The findings reveal that blockchain adoption is significantly and positively associated with corporate governance, with larger firms being more likely to adopt such technology, thereby enhancing governance quality. In addition, corporate performance is found to have a positive and significant relationship with governance, while leverage, research intensity, and sales size do not show significant effects. These results provide important theoretical and empirical contributions by highlighting blockchain as a strategic tool for improving transparency, accountability, and trust in corporate operations. The study also offers practical implications for policymakers and regulators to develop supportive frameworks that encourage blockchain adoption while ensuring data protection, as well as for corporate decision-makers seeking to enhance governance efficiency, reduce agency conflicts, and promote long-term sustainability in an increasingly digitalized economy.]]></description>
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