Search Results (4,672)

Generative linguistic steganography aims to produce texts that remain both perceptually and statistically imperceptible. The existing embedding algorithms often suffer from imbalanced candidate selection, where high-probability words are overlooked and low-probability words dominate, leading to reduced coherence and fluency. We introduce a character-based diffusion embedding algorithm (CDEA) that uniquely leverages character-level statistics and a power-law-inspired grouping strategy to better balance candidate word selection. Unlike prior methods, the proposed CDEA explicitly prioritizes high-probability candidates, thereby improving both semantic consistency and text naturalness. When combined with XLNet, it effectively generates longer sensitive sequences while preserving quality. The experimental results showed that CDEA not only produces steganographic texts with higher imperceptibility and fluency but also achieves stronger resistance to steganalysis compared with the existing approaches. Future work will be to enhance statistical imperceptibility, integrate CDEA with larger language models such as GPT-5, and extend applications to cross-lingual, multimodal, and practical IoT or blockchain communication scenarios. Full article

The characteristics of Food Supply Chains (FSC) make them hard to manage properly, and many efforts have been conducted to alleviate the difficulties related to their management, especially when it comes to integrating the latest Information and Communications Technologies. The Internet of Things (IoT) has shown to be very beneficial in providing a holistic and real-time vision of FSCs. Blockchain, with its decentralization and immutability, is another promising technology, that is showing a great potential in managing FSCs. A lot of research has been carried out to prove the advantages of each of these technologies on its own. However, the research investigating their adoption together is still not enough. Our paper presents a study of recent advances in the integration of IoT and Blockchain in Food Supply Chain Management (FSCM) over the past five years. We identify key research trends, analyze the benefits and limitations of IoT–blockchain integration, and highlight major challenges hindering large-scale adoption. Finally, we propose future research directions to address these challenges and improve the adoption of IoT–blockchain solutions in FSCs. This study aims to serve as a reference for researchers and practitioners seeking to understand and advance the integration of these emerging technologies in FSCM. Full article

As many German SMEs approach the end of their photovoltaic (PV) feed-in tariff period, the challenge of maintaining economic viability for these installations intensifies. This study addresses the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources (iRES) into production processes by proposing a method to identify and exploit industrial flexibility. A detailed case study of a German carpentry factory designed as a Net-Zero Energy Factory (NZEF) illustrates the approach, combining energy monitoring with blockchain technology to enhance transparency and traceability. Flexibility is exploited through a three-layer control system involving passive operator guidance, battery storage, and electric vehicle charging. The installation of a 40 kWh battery raises self-consumption from 50 to 70%, saving approximately EUR 4270 annually. However, this alone does not offset the investment. Blockchain-based transparency adds economic value by enabling premium pricing, potentially increasing revenue by up to 10%. This dual benefit supports the financial case for NZEFs. The framework is replicable and particularly relevant for low-automation industries, offering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) a viable pathway to decarbonization. The results align with the European Clean Industrial Deal, demonstrating how digitalization and industrial flexibility can reinforce competitiveness, sustainability, and digital trust in Europe’s transition to a resilient, low-carbon economy. Full article

As e-commerce competition intensifies, brand companies face challenges such as product homogenization, consumer trust erosion, and price wars. Blockchain technology (BCT) has emerged as a solution to enhance transparency and optimize competitive strategies. In this study, the adoption of BCT and pricing decisions between weak and strong brand companies is analyzed in an asymmetric competitive environment. A game-theoretic framework is developed to analyze whether each company should adopt BCT. The results show that when the difference in brand awareness is small, BCT adoption allows pricing advantages to be shifted between weak and strong brands. As the difference in brand awareness increases, both types of brands reduce their BCT investments. Moreover, when one brand adopts BCT, the other often follows suit to maintain competitiveness. Three equilibrium scenarios are identified based on consumer privacy concerns and differences in brand awareness. Interestingly, the strategy where only the weak brand adopts BCT does not constitute an equilibrium in any scenario. Finally, when the difference in brand awareness is significant and price competition is high, either both brands adopt BCT or neither does. This paper provides strategic insights into BCT adoption and its implications for competitive behavior in asymmetric markets. Full article

Metaverse tourism refers to the application of immersive digital technologies—such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and blockchain—within tourism experiences. It enables users to explore destinations, participate in cultural experiences, and interact socially within persistent, 3D virtual environments. While it offers new ways of experiencing tourism beyond physical boundaries, it also introduces novel ethical, technological, and social dilemmas. This entry is written as an encyclopedia entry rather than a systematic review or empirical study. It is intended as a conceptual and integrative overview of current knowledge and debates, informed by peer-reviewed research, industry reports, and illustrative case examples. Full article

This paper introduces a novel approach to tree modeling architecture integrated with blockchain technology, aimed at enhancing landscape spatial planning and forest monitoring systems. The primary objective is to develop a low-cost, automated tree CAD modeling methodology combined with blockchain functionalities to support smart forest projects and collaborative design processes. The proposed method utilizes a parametric tree CAD model consisting of four 2D tree-frames with a 45° division angle, enriched with recorded tree-leaves’ texture and color. An “AI Text-by-Voice CAD Programming” technique is employed to create tangible tree-model NFT tokens, forming the basis of a thematic “Internet-of-Trees” blockchain. The main results demonstrate the effectiveness of the blockchain/Merkle hash tree in tracking tree geometry growth and texture changes through parametric transactions, enabling decentralized design, data validation, and planning intelligence. Comparative analysis highlights the advantages in cost, time efficiency, and flexibility over traditional 3D modeling techniques, while providing acceptable accuracy for metaverse projects in smart forests and landscape architecture. Core contributions include the integration of AI-based user voice interaction with blockchain and behavioral data for distributed and collaborative tree modeling, the introduction of a scalable and secure “Merkle hash tree” for smart forest monitoring, and the facilitation of fintech adoption in environmental projects. This framework offers significant potential for advancing metaverse-based landscape architecture, smart forest surveillance, sustainable urban planning, and the improvement of citizen involvement in sustainable forestry paving the way for a greener future. Full article

In recent years, blockchain has been increasingly used in shipping supply chains, enabling supply chain members to track the production process of shipping products, thereby increasing visibility for firms and boosting their competitiveness. When firms decide whether to invest in blockchain, they crucially consider the cost of development and fairness of profit distribution along the supply chain, with a particular focus on non-linear production cost and fairness concern. We build a Stackelberg game model for four scenarios utilizing a two-echelon supply chain made up of a single shipping company and a single freight forwarder, taking into account fairness concern and non-linear production cost. We analyze how participants in the shipping supply chain make decisions when the shipping company has non-linear production cost and the freight forwarder has fairness concern. The findings suggest that the interaction between the non-linear production cost of the shipping company and the level of fairness concern of the freight forwarder affects the managerial decisions of both the freight forwarder and the shipping company. In the presence of economies of scale or diseconomies of scale, fairness concern can effectively help the freight forwarder to increase its share of profits within the supply chain, while the shipping company changes in the opposite direction. Furthermore, when the freight forwarder takes fairness concern into account, its profit and utility do not always rise in direct proportion to the fairness concern degree. Interestingly, there is always an inverse relationship between the shipping company’s profit and the degree of fairness concern, regardless of whether there are economies of scale or diseconomies of scale. This paper provides management insights for companies considering blockchain in their plans, highlighting the importance of combining non-linear production cost and fairness concern to achieve profit goals. Full article

Food safety management has evolved with the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system serving as a global benchmark. However, conventional HACCP does not explicitly address environmental sustainability, leading to challenges such as excessive water use, chemical discharge, and energy inefficiency. Green HACCP extends traditional HACCP by integrating Environmental Respect Practices (ERPs) to fill this critical gap between food safety and sustainability. This study is presented as a conceptual paper based on a structured literature review combined with illustrative industry applications. It analyzes the principles, implementation challenges, and economic viability of Green HACCP, contrasting it with conventional systems. Evidence from recent reports and industry examples shows measurable benefits: water consumption reductions of 20–25%, energy savings of 10–15%, and improved compliance readiness through digital monitoring technologies. It explores how digital technologies—IoT for real-time monitoring, AI for predictive optimization, and blockchain for traceability—enhance efficiency and sustainability. By aligning HACCP with sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this paper provides academic contributions including a clarified conceptual framework, quantified advantages, and policy recommendations to support the integration of Green HACCP into global food safety systems. Industry applications from dairy, seafood, and bakery sectors illustrate practical benefits, including waste reduction and improved compliance. This study concludes with policy recommendations to integrate Green HACCP into global food safety frameworks, supporting broader sustainability goals. Overall, Green HACCP demonstrates a cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally responsible model for future food production. Full article

The increasing complexity and digitization of modern supply chains have created an urgent demand for transparent, traceable, and trustworthy systems of data management. Blockchain, with its core features of immutability, decentralization, and smart contracts, has emerged as a promising solution for strengthening data-driven supply chain operations. This paper presents a narrative review synthesizing insights from academic research, industry reports, and regulatory documents to examine blockchain’s role in enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust. References were identified through targeted searches of major databases and gray literature sources, with emphasis on diverse sectors and global perspectives, rather than exhaustive coverage. The review maps how blockchain’s technical capabilities—such as data integrity preservation, access control, automated validation, and provenance tracking—support these outcomes, and assesses the empirical indicators used to evaluate them. A sectoral applicability analysis distinguishes contexts in which blockchain adoption offers clear advantages from those where benefits are limited. The review also identifies critical research gaps, including inconsistent definitions of core concepts, insufficient interoperability standards, overreliance on subjective performance measures, and lack of longitudinal cost–benefit evidence. Finally, it proposes directions for future research, including the development of sector-specific adoption frameworks, integration with complementary technologies, and cross-border regulatory harmonization. Full article

The ongoing global shortage of healthcare personnel, exacerbated by demographic changes and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted the need for efficient workforce utilization and innovative technological support in healthcare. This paper presents LifeLink Monitoring, a prototype of an integrated remote patient monitoring system designed to optimize clinical workflows, support medical personnel, and enhance patient care without replacing human expertise. The system enables real-time patient observation through AI-powered devices, providing automated alerts, live video feeds, and intelligent task management to reduce the burden of non-clinical duties on healthcare professionals. Applications include hospitals, hospices, home care, and remote locations. Key features include seamless integration with medical devices and national health records, advanced computer vision and audio analysis, multi-level deployment models, and a blockchain-secured architecture ensuring high data privacy and cybersecurity standards. Additionally, LifeLink incorporates an entertainment module aimed at improving patient emotional well-being. The solution represents a convergence of artificial and human intelligence to improve healthcare delivery, personnel efficiency, and patient outcomes. Full article

The integration of electric vehicles (EVs) into smart grids (SGs) is reshaping both energy systems and mobility infrastructures. This review presents a comprehensive and cross-disciplinary synthesis of current technologies, methodologies, and challenges associated with EV–SG interaction. Unlike prior reviews that address these aspects in isolation, this work uniquely connects three critical pillars: (i) the evolution of energy storage technologies, including lithium-ion, second-life, and hybrid systems; (ii) optimisation and predictive control techniques using artificial intelligence (AI) for real-time energy management and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) coordination; and (iii) cybersecurity risks and post-quantum solutions required to safeguard increasingly decentralised and data-intensive grid environments. The novelty of this review lies in its integrated perspective, highlighting how emerging innovations, such as federated AI models, blockchain-secured V2G transactions, digital twin simulations, and quantum-safe cryptography, are converging to overcome existing limitations in scalability, resilience, and interoperability. Furthermore, we identify underexplored research gaps, such as standardisation of bidirectional communication protocols, regulatory inertia in V2G market participation, and the lack of unified privacy-preserving data architectures. By mapping current advancements and outlining a strategic research roadmap, this article provides a forward-looking foundation for the development of secure, flexible, and grid-responsive EV ecosystems. The findings support policymakers, engineers, and researchers in advancing the technical and regulatory landscape necessary to scale EV–SG integration within sustainable smart cities. Full article

Blockchain technologies, despite their profound transformative potential across multiple industries, continue to face significant scalability challenges. These limitations are primarily observed in restricted transaction throughput and elevated latency, which hinder the ability of blockchain networks to support widespread adoption and high-volume applications. To address these issues, research has predominantly focused on Layer 1 solutions that seek to improve blockchain performance through fundamental modifications to the core protocol and architectural design. Alternatively, Layer 2 solutions enable off-chain transaction processing, increasing throughput and reducing costs while maintaining the security of the base layer. Despite their advantages, Layer 2 approaches are less explored in the literature. To address this gap, this review conducts an in-depth analysis on Ethereum Layer 2 frameworks, emphasizing their integration with machine-learning techniques, with the goal of promoting the prevailing best practices and emerging applications; this review also identifies key technical and operational challenges hindering widespread adoption. Full article

Wireless body area networks (WBANs) are a pivotal solution for continuous health monitoring, but their energy constraints pose a significant challenge for long-term operation. This paper provides a comprehensive review of state-of-the-art energy-efficient mechanisms, critically evaluating solutions across various network layers. We focus on three key approaches: energy-aware MAC protocols that reduce idle listening and optimize duty cycling; energy-efficient routing protocols that enhance data transmission and network longevity; and emerging energy harvesting techniques that offer a path toward energy-autonomous WBANs. Furthermore, the paper provides a detailed analysis of the inherent trade-offs between energy efficiency and other critical performance metrics, such as latency, reliability, and security. It also explores the transformative potential of emerging technologies, such as AI and blockchain, for dynamic energy management and secure data handling. By synthesizing these findings, this work contributes to the development of sustainable WBAN solutions and outlines clear directions for future research. Full article

In recent years, there have been significant advances in the application of technology in professional kitchens. This evolution of “smart kitchens” has transformed the food processing sector, ensuring higher standards of food safety through continual microbial monitoring, quality control, and hygiene improvements. This review critically discusses the recent developments in technology in commercial kitchens, focusing on their impact on microbial safety, operational efficiency, and sustainability. The literature was sourced from peer-reviewed journals, industry publications, and regulatory documents published between 2000 and 2025, selected for their relevance to the assurance of food safety using emerging technologies especially for use in commercial kitchens. Some of the most significant of these technologies currently being employed in smart kitchens include the following: smart sensors and IoT devices, artificial intelligence and machine learning systems, blockchain-based traceability technology, robotics and automation, and wearable monitoring devices. The review evaluated these technologies against criteria such as adherence to existing food safety regulations, ease of integration, cost factors, staff training requirements, and consumer perception. It is shown that these innovations will significantly enhance hygiene control, reduce the levels of waste, and increase business revenue. However, they are constrained by high installation costs, integration complexity, lack of standardized assessment measures, and the need for harmonizing automation with human oversight. Thus, for the widespread and effective uptake of these technologies, there is a need for better collaboration between policymakers, food experts, and technology innovators in creating scalable, affordable, and regulation-compliant solutions. Overall, this review provides a consolidated evidence base and practical insights for stakeholders seeking to implement advanced microbial safety technologies in professional kitchens, highlighting both current capabilities and future research opportunities. Full article

Commitment schemes represent foundational cryptographic primitives enabling secure verification protocols across diverse applications, from blockchain systems to zero-knowledge proofs. This paper presents a systematic survey of vector, polynomial, and functional commitment schemes, analyzing their evolution from classical constructions to post-quantum secure alternatives. We examine the strengths and limitations of RSA-based, Diffie–Hellman, and lattice-based approaches, highlighting the critical shift toward quantum-resistant designs necessitated by emerging computational threats. The survey reveals that while lattice-based schemes (particularly those using the Short Integer Solution problem) offer promising security guarantees, they face practical challenges in proof size and verification efficiency. Functional commitments emerge as a powerful generalization, though their adoption is constrained by computational overhead and setup requirements. Key findings identify persistent gaps in adaptive security, composability, and real-world deployment, while proposed solutions emphasize optimization techniques and hybrid approaches. By synthesizing over 90 research works, this paper provides both a comprehensive reference for cryptographic researchers and a roadmap for future developments in commitment schemes, particularly in addressing the urgent demands of post-quantum cryptography and decentralized systems. Full article