Cited by 186Blockchain Technology Applications and SecurityCOVID-19 Digital Contact TracingBlockchain Technology in Education and Learning

The Role of Blockchain to Fight Against COVID-19

Open access
Kalla, Anshuman, Hewa, Tharaka, Mishra, Raaj Anand, Ylianttila, Mika, Liyanage, Madhusanka·2020·IEEE Engineering Management Review

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected almost all aspects of human life, various sectors of business, and regions of the world. The flow of human activities halted for several months, and are now being carefully redefined to align with guidelines and recommendations to avoid the spread of the novel coronavirus. In contrast to other pandemics the world has witnessed in the past, the technological advancements of the current era are a boon that can play a key role in safeguarding humanity. In this work, we begin by highlighting general challenges that have arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Next, to gauge the applicability of blockchain as a key enabling technology, we identify potential use cases to meet current needs. Furthermore, for each use case, we present a high-level view of how blockchain can be leveraged and discuss the expected performance. Finally, we highlight the challenges that must be addressed to harness the full potential of blockchain technology and discuss plausible solutions.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

This paper argues blockchain can help manage COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 challenges by supporting use cases such as contact tracing, patient information sharing, supply chain, e-government, and food distribution. It maps expected performance and integration challenges, concluding that legal, privacy, security, latency, throughput, scalability, and resource-utilization issues must be resolved before full use.

Key findings

  • Blockchain was identified by the European Parliamentary Research Service as one of ten key technologies to fight COVID-19; the paper identifies use cases including contact tracing, disaster relief/insurance, patient information sharing, immigration/emigration, supply chain management, automated surveillance/contactless delivery, online education/secure certification, manufacturing management, e-government, and agriculture/food distribution.
  • Table II gives expected performance: latency from within seconds to within days; scalability examples include 360–1440 transactions per phone per day for contact tracing, 1000–100,000 transactions per minute for patient information sharing, and 1000–1 million per border per day for immigration; transaction costs range from 0 to 1 USD depending on use case/platform.
  • The paper highlights integration challenges: legal disputes over liability/jurisdiction, privacy/GDPR-type compliance, security attacks (wallet hijacking, crypto-stealing malware, transaction linkability, quantum threats), latency/throughput/scalability, and resource-intensive mining.
  • Proposed solutions include new legal frameworks, off-chain/distributed storage and PETs (homomorphic encryption, ABE, zero-knowledge proofs, secure multi-party computation), TEE/game-based smart contracts, sharding/layer-2/DAG, and lightweight cryptographic/consensus algorithms.

Methods

  • Design: conceptual/position paper that first highlights general COVID-19 challenges, then identifies blockchain use cases, presents high-level blockchain leverage and expected performance, and discusses challenges and plausible solutions.
  • Data/sample: no primary empirical sample; it draws on cited literature, reports, and real-world examples (e.g., WHO, WFP, UNESCO, USCIS, India misinformation/export restrictions) and presents Tables I–III.
  • Analysis: qualitative mapping of COVID-19 challenges to blockchain-enabled use cases, with Table II summarizing expected latency, scalability, transaction cost, consensus mechanism, and platforms, and Table III summarizing advantages and deployment challenges.

Limitations

  • The paper states that legal, security, privacy, latency, throughput, scalability, and resource-utilization challenges must be resolved before blockchain can be fully utilized for these purposes.
  • The paper does not report an implemented system, deployment, or empirical evaluation; Table II performance figures are explicitly “expected” and drawn from references [15]–[19], not measured in this work (evident from the text).
  • The discussion is high-level and conceptual, with no quantitative validation of the proposed use cases or solutions (evident from the text).

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.1109/emr.2020.3014052

Cites

19 of 19 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 10 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain with smart contracts can simplify complicated application and approval processes for loans and insurance.

    “Blockchain with smart contracts can be used to simplify complicated application and approval processes for loans and insurance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Using traditional paper-based procedures to help large numbers of businesses is time consuming and ineffective.
  • Interpretationreasoning

    Students can provide further viewing access to recruiters, professors or universities, as they choose.

    “Students can then provide further viewing access to recruiters, professors or universities, as they choose.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Interpretationcitation

    Leveraging blockchain technology, international or national humanitarian organizations can remotely and securely help needy people buy free or subsidized food from local vendors.

    “Leveraging blockchain technology, international or national humanitarian organizations can remotely and securely help needy people buy free or subsidized food from local vendors [14].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Interpretationcitation

    Blockchain's immutable distributed recording gives rise to privacy issues related to confidentiality, control and management of data, which can be users' personal data or trade secrets.

    “This gives rise to privacy issues that are related to the confidentiality, control and management of data [21], which can be users' personal data or perhaps a trade secrets of an organization.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • Rests on an assumption: Blockchain immutably records data in a distributed way such that all nodes (miners) possess the entire database.
  • Premisecitation

    Enforcement of commercial and business laws has carried the implicit assumption that every organization has a hierarchical structure with a central authority that owns responsibility.

    “Hitherto, enforcement of commercial and business laws have carried the implicit assumption that every organization has a hierarchical structure with a central authority that owns the responsibility [20].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [20] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 79
  • May combine two claims. 28
  • The quote only partly states this claim. 1
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The decentralized storage offered by blockchain could greatly improve the security and privacy of healthcare data.

    “The decentralized storage offered by blockchain could greatly improve the security and privacy of healthcare data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Patients' privacy is the most important concern and is one of the impediments to the implementation and wide adoption of medical data sharing systems.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Instead of a centralized database, blockchain can offer a decentralized solution that allows users to retain full control of their data.

    “Instead of a centralized database, blockchain can offer a decentralized solution that allows users to retain full control of their data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Premisenone given

    Blockchain provides a decentralized computational service architecture that eradicates most limitations associated with centralized computing ecosystems.

    “Blockchain provides a decentralized computational service architecture that eradicates most of the limitations associated with centralized computing ecosystems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Integral features of blockchain systems with strict smart contracts, like immutability, access control, non-repudiation, auditability and provenance, are vital for immigration and emigration applications.

    “Various integral features of blockchain systems with strict smart contracts, like immutability, access control, non-repudiation, auditability and provenance are vital for such applications.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Using smart contracts as policy agreements can eliminate the inherent processing delays of traditional paper-based policies.

    “The utilization of smart contacts as policy agreements can eliminate the inherent processing delays of traditional paper-based policies.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Using traditional paper-based procedures to help large numbers of businesses is time consuming and ineffective.
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisereasoning

    The biggest concerns with BLE-based contact tracing are ensuring data security and privacy for users because users' data is stored and analyzed in a centralized cloud and users may lose ownership of their data.

    “However, the biggest concerns with this method is how ensure data security and privacy for users.This because users' data gets stored and analyzed in a centralized cloud and thus users may loose the ownership of their data.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Patients and hospitals can have increased control over their data due to the elimination of costly middleman in the form of centralized databases.

    “Moreover, patients and hospitals can have increased control over their data due to the elimination of costly middleman in the form of centralized databases.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Additional transparency in collecting, storing and sharing data helps build and maintain trust between stakeholders and protects patients' privacy.

    “The additional transparency in collecting, storing and sharing data helps to build and maintain trust between stakeholders and protects patients' privacy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Smart contracts can be established between patients and users to provide time-bound access to patients' data.

    “Smart contracts can be established between patients and users to provide time-bound access to patients' data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can enable real-time data sharing.

    “In fact, blockchain can enable real-time data sharing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-powered cross-country data sharing platforms can be established to handle immigration and emigration processes in a smarter way.

    “Blockchain-powered cross-country data sharing platforms can be established to handle immigration and emigration processes in a smarter way.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • The quote only partly states this claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain is a viable alternative to address data security and privacy concerns in contact tracing.

    “Blockchain is a viable alternative to address data security and privacy concerns.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Uploading MIoT data directly to a blockchain-based system can eliminate issues such as data forging and mutation.

    “Uploading MIoT data directly to a blockchainbased system can eliminate issues such as data forging and mutation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain could break traditional silos of medical records and make sharing between hospitals and medical professionals across the country and around the world significantly easier.

    “In addition, blockchain could break the traditional silos of medical records and make the process of sharing between hospitals and medical professionals across the country and even around the world significantly easier.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-based disaster relief and insurance systems provide faster processing time, lower cost, reduced operational risk, and more rapid settlement for all stakeholders involved.

    “The benefits of such a system include faster processing time, lower cost, reduced operational risk, and more rapid settlement for all stakeholders involved.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Blockchain has been identified by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) as one of the ten key technologies to fight COVID-19.

    “Notably, blockchain has been identified by the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) as one of the ten key technologies to fight COVID-19 [3].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [3]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can remove third-party intermediaries.

    “Moreover, blockchain can remove third-party intermediaries.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The key features of blockchain, such as notarization, shared database and workflow automation, are useful when implementing different operational features in e-government systems.

    “The key features of blockchain, such as notarization, shared database and workflow automation, are useful when implementing different operational features in egovernment systems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain technology can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient supply chain.

    “Blockchain technology can play a pivotal role in building a more resilient supply chain.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Smart contracts could be utilized to manage royalties and other intellectual property rights in decentralized production environments.

    “Smart contracts could be utilized to manage the royalties and other intellectual property rights in such decentralized production environments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Immutable recording of data logs supports auditability, provenance, and transparency, while well-designed smart contracts provide a high level of access restrictions and automation.

    “Immutable recording of data logs supports auditability, provenance, and transparency, while well-designed smart contracts provide a high level of access restrictions and automation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-enabled IoT systems can be used to validate the integrity of production.

    “Blockchain-enabled IoT systems can be used to validate the integrity of production.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Future COVID-19 vaccines and medicines could be globally manufactured using blockchain-enabled cloud controlled manufacturing ecosystems.

    “Future COVID-19 vaccines and medicines could be globally manufactured using blockchain-enabled cloud controlled manufacturing ecosystems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-based e-government systems can automatically detect spots for possible errors and counterfeiting attempts.

    “Such systems can automatically detect spot for possible errors and counterfeiting attempts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Smart contracts and tokens can be used to devise a correct payment system based on the exact usage of content.

    “Smart contracts and tokens can be used to device correct payment system based on the exact usage of content.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Decentralized blockchain-based storage increases the security of student data while ensuring it remains available to authorized users.

    “Decentralized blockchain-based storage increases the security of student data while ensuring it remains available to the authorized users.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    With IoT, quality measurements can be obtained at different stages of production: gathering raw materials, manufacturing, storing, transporting, etc.

    “With IoT, quality measurements can be obtained at different stages of production: gathering raw materials, manufacturing, storing, transporting, etc.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Once the issuing authority of an institute uploads a credential to a blockchain-based system, the entitled student gets full control of the credential.

    “Once the issuing authority of an institute uploads a credential to a blockchain-based system, the entitled student gets the full control of the credential.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Organizations providing humanitarian services, like the WFP, are experiencing a severe financial crisis and difficulty in keeping their food distribution cycle intact due to COVID-19.

    “Moreover, because of COVID-19, organizations providing humanitarian services, like the WFP, are experiencing a severe financial crisis as well as difficulty in keeping their food distribution cycle intact [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain allows fast, efficient and secure issuance and sharing of verifiable educational credentials.

    “Finally, blockchain allows fast, efficient and secure issuance and sharing of verifiable educational credentials.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    These salient blockchain features can pave the way for a secure, decentralized and collaborative immigration ecosystem.

    “These salient features can pave the way for a secure, decentralized and collaborative immigration ecosystem.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    A certain level of continuous and automated surveillance is required for alerts to save countless lives.

    “This disconnect implies that a certain level of continuous and automated surveillance is required for alerts to save countless lives.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Adopting behaviors such as social distancing, minimal touching, wearing facemasks, and self-tracking symptoms is challenging because they do not align with natural human behaviors.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The use of blockchain for e-government improves efficiency by reducing processing delays and lowering operational costs.

    “Moreover, its use improves efficiency by reducing processing delays and lowering operational costs.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-powered UAVs and robots are well-suited to support automated surveillance and contactless delivery.

    “Blockchain-powered UAVs and robots are well-suited to support this use case.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: UAVs are prone to security attacks that may change their intended function and/or allow data theft.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-based online education systems enable secure cross-platform sharing of online content and encourage automatic standardization across educational establishments.

    “For instance, such systems enable secure cross-platform sharing of online content and encourage automatic standardization across educational establishments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-based online education platforms can offer a wide range of possibilities to mitigate issues such as lack of secure tracking, data theft, poor cross-platform collaboration, and difficulty verifying credentials.

    “Blockchain-based online education platforms can offer a wide range of possibilities to mitigate these issues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Online education systems are not well established and are facing many challenges.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    The use of blockchain for e-government can ensure security by enhancing integrity, immutability, confidentiality and data consistency between organisations.

    “The use of blockchain for e-government can ensure security by enhancing integrity, immutability, confidentiality and data consistency between organisations.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can anonymously knit together all stakeholders, establishing a trust-less environment.

    “Blockchain can anonymously knit together all stakeholders, establishing a trust-less environment.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Smart contracts can hold the logic required to conduct audits to monitor noncompliance rates.

    “Further, smart contracts can hold the logic required to conduct audits to monitor noncompliance rates.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain, along with smart contracts designed in accordance with governmental or healthcare policies, can empower UAVs to function securely, provide restricted access to captured data, and integrate digital payment systems.

    “Blockchain, along with smart contracts designed in accordance with governmental or healthcare policies, can empower UAVs to function securely, provide restricted access to captured data, integrate digital payment systems, etc.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: UAVs are prone to security attacks that may change their intended function and/or allow data theft.
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain-integrated IoT systems enable secure logging of production data in an immutable and decentralized manner.

    “Thus, blockchain-integrated IoT systems enable secure logging of production data in an immutable and decentralized manner.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Currently, blockchain latency can be anywhere from tens of seconds to tens of minutes.

    “Currently, latency can be anywhere from tens of seconds to tens of minutes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    More donors may tend to donate to good causes, since blockchain-based systems provide transparency as well as anonymity.

    “Further, more donors may tend to donate to good causes, since blockchain-based systems provide transparency as well as anonymity.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    To ensure both availability and privacy of data, it is better to use distributed off-chain storage than centralized off-chain storage.

    “Though centralized off-chain storage can be used, it is better to use distributed off-chain storage to ensure both the availability and privacy of data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Researchers are working on innovative solutions, like sharding and layer-2 scalability solutions, to improve transaction throughput and make blockchain scalable.

    “To improve transaction throughput and make blockchain scalable, researchers are working on innovative solutions, like sharding [23] and layer-2 scalability solutions [24].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [23]

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [24] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The economic incentive, in the form of rewards for mining a new block, has paved the way for a dense global web of mining farms utilizing high end application-specific processors.

    “The economic incentive, in the form of rewards for mining a new block, has paved the way for a dense global web of mining farms utilizing high end application-specific processors.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    A variety of challenges, such as legal, security, privacy, latency, throughput, scalability and resource utilization issues must be resolved before blockchain can be fully utilized for these purposes.

    “However, a variety of challenges, such as legal, security, privacy, latency, throughput, scalability and resource utilization issues must be resolved before blockchain can be fully utilized for these purposes.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain is a powerful combination of many technologies-P2P networking, distributed ledger, consensus mechanism, and cryptographic techniques-and thus offers strong security.

    “Blockchain is a powerful combination of many technologies-P2P networking, distributed ledger, consensus mechanism, and cryptographic techniques-and thus offers strong security.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain technology does not completely replace existing public services-it adds to them and makes them more efficient.

    “Blockchain technology does not completely replace existing public services-it adds to them and makes them more efficient.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The central position or entity of each organization is responsible for its overall smooth functioning and is liable for any legal issues.

    “The central position or entity of each organization is responsible for its overall smooth functioning and is liable for any legal issues.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Much of blockchain latency is ascribed to the time required to mine a new block.

    “Much of blockchain latency is ascribed to the time required to mine a new block.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Direct procurement would help farmers get better prices for their produce and reduce the overall price of food products.

    “This would help farmers get better prices for their produce, and reduce the overall price of food products.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Recently, a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) approach has been proposed to improve transaction throughput.

    “Recently, a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) approach has been also proposed to improve transaction throughput [25].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [25]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    High latency results in lower transaction throughput, which gives rise to scalability issues.

    “The result of high latency is lower transaction throughput (i.e.fewer transactions per unit time), which gives rise to scalability issues.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Each node can be mapped to one or more shards and will thus process and store selected transactions.

    “Each node then can be mapped to one or more shards and will thus process and store selected transactions.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    New privacy methods such as privacy-by-design and mixing, and Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) such as homomorphic encryption, Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE), zero-knowledge proof, non-interactive zero-knowledge proof, format-preserving encryption, secure multi-party computation and obfuscation can be utilized to enhance privacy.

    “New privacy methods, such as privacy-by-design and mixing, and Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) such as homomorphic encryption, Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE), zero-knowledge proof, non-interactive zero-knowledge proof, format-preserving encryption, secure multi-party computation and obfuscation can be utilized to enhance privacy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    With advancements in technologies like quantum computing, attacks to alter the blockchain may become possible.

    “Further, with advancements in technologies like quantum computing, attacks to alter the blockchain may become possible.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain technology has enormous potential to help in the current pandemic.

    “Blockchain technology has enormous potential to help in the current pandemic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    The use of homomorphic signature has been shown to work better than public-key certificates.

    “For instance, the use of homomorphic signature has been shown to work better than public-key certificates [22].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [22] source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    These mining farms require massive energy input to run, which inevitably has some adverse environmental effects.

    “These mining farms require massive energy input to run, which inevitably has some adverse environmental effects.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Smart contract-based automation can replace paper-based and lengthy agreements with a trustless digital market, where buying and selling can be quick without compromising ownership.

    “Smart contract-based automation can replace paper-based and lengthy agreements with a trustless digital market, where buying and selling can be quick without compromising ownership.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Depending on the type of blockchain and cryptographic mechanisms, there may be different methods for data processing and storage, as well as viewing, leading to different levels of security vulnerabilities and non-compliance with privacy laws.

    “Depending on the type of blockchain (along with the sort of cryptographic or encryption mechanisms) being employed, there may be different methods for data processing and storage, as well as viewing, which in turn lead to different levels of security vulnerabilities and non-compliance with privacy laws (the EU's GDPR, Brazil's LGPD, California's CCPA, etc.).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Such attacks are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to deploy since they do not directly deal with secure blockchain infrastructure.

    “Such attacks are becoming increasingly popular because they are easy to deploy since they do not directly deal with secure blockchain infrastructure.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The design of alternative application-specific consensus algorithms and hierarchical blockchain systems can further improve the latency, throughput and scalability of such systems.

    “The design of alternative application-specific consensus algorithms and hierarchical blockchain systems can further improve the latency, throughput and scalability of such systems.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Use of blockchain-based decentralized application for contact tracing ensures security and can allow users to retain ownership of data.

    “Use of blockchain-based decentralized application for contact tracing ensures security and can allow users to retain ownership of data.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain can play a vital role in the management of the post-COVID-19 world.

    “Blockchain can play a vital role in the management of the post-COVID-19 world.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain can provide pragmatic solutions with agility in agriculture and food distribution.

    “In this context, blockchain can provide pragmatic solutions with agility.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Blockchain technology is (hyper) resource-intensive due to the inherent transaction validation process, which incentivizes the mining process and distributed storage.

    “Blockchain technology is (hyper) resource-intensive due to the inherent transaction validation process, which incentivizes the mining process and distributed storage.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    A system based on hybrid blockchain can be used to justify the different level of security; however, one must be extra cautious at points of intersection.

    “A system based on hybrid blockchain can be used to justify the different level of security; however, one must be extra cautious at points of intersection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    There are challenges which must be addressed to embrace blockchain technology and leverage maximum benefit.

    “Nevertheless, there are some challenges which must be addressed to embrace blockchain technology and leverage maximum benefit.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    The security of smart contracts can be improved by using a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and game-based smart contracts.

    “The security of smart contacts can be improved by using a Trusted Execution Environment (TEE) and game-based smart contracts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    The key features of blockchain can support proper implementation of many use cases, such as contact tracing, disaster relief, patient information sharing, e-government, supply chain management, online education, immigration management, manufacturing management, automated surveillance and contact-less delivery.

    “The key features of blockchain can support proper implementation of many use cases, such as contact tracing, disaster relief, patient information sharing, e-government, supply chain management, online education, immigration management, manufacturing management, automated surveillance and contact-less delivery.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationnone given

    Depending on the type of blockchain and the specification of the platform used, there can be variation in the latency experienced.

    “Depending on the type of blockchain and the specification of the platform used, there can be variation in the latency experienced.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationreasoning

    In the future, when quantum computing proves its supremacy over high-end ASIC computing, blockchain will have to be either redesigned or incrementally upgraded.

    “In the future, when quantum computing proves its supremacy over high-end Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) computing, blockchain will have to be either redesigned or incrementally upgraded.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Since blockchain allows two parties to transact directly, producers can procure raw material directly from farmers.

    “Since blockchain allows two parties to transact directly, producers can procure raw material directly from farmers.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Interpretationcitation

    Sharding is a way to achieve network-wide scalability such that a rapidly growing blockchain network can be logically divided into groups, called shards.

    “Sharding is a way to achieve network-wide scalability such that a rapidly growing blockchain network can be logically divided into groups, called shards.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can support the development of an integrated trust-less collaborative and compliance control monitoring system for production and manufacturing.

    “Blockchain can support the development of integrated trust-less collaborative and compliance control monitoring system for production and manufacturing.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain-based online educational platforms can revolutionize the way education is imparted online and globally verifiable certificates are issued.

    “Blockchain-based online educational platforms can revolutionize the way education is imparted online and globally verifiable certificates are issued.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain-based national and international collaborative and decentralized immigration ecosystem can provide a way to confine the transmission.

    “Blockchain-based national and international collaborative and decentralized immigration ecosystem can provide a way to confine the transmission.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can empower the development of a trusted global healthcare platform which allows secure data sharing among medical collaborators, yet protects the privacy.

    “Blockchain can empower the development of trusted global healthcare platform which allows secure data sharing among medical collaborators, yet protects the privacy.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain can enable creation of a decentralized automated financial system which can motivate donors and generate confidence in the insurance sector.

    “Blockchain can enable creation of decentralized automated financial system which can motivate donors and generate confidence in insurance sector.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain among other ICT technologies can nurture realization of secure and decentralized e-government that can better facilitate citizens of a country.

    “Blockchain among other ICT technologies, can nurture realization of secure and decentralized e-government that can better facilitate citizens of country”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain powered UAVs and robots are the best solution to automate secure surveillance and contactless delivery of medicines and food items.

    “Blockchain powered UAVs and robots are best solution to automate secure surveillance and contactless delivery of medicines and food items.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Interpretationnone given

    Underpinning of blockchain can help in realization of a resilient, automated, and trust-less supply chain management system.

    “Underpinning of blockchain can help in realization of resilient, automated, and trust-less supply chain management system.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

    Interpretationnone given

    Blockchain based trustless digital market can offer a pragmatic solution to buying, selling and distribution of food, and ensures transparency with anonymity to stakeholders like donors, distributing agencies, bulk food sellers, and needy recipients.

    “Blockchain based trustless digital market can offer pragmatic solution to buying, selling and distribution of food.Also, it ensures transparency with anonymity to the stakeholders like donors, distributing agencies, bulk food sellers, and needy recipients.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
85 of 85
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    UAVs are prone to security attacks that may change their intended function and/or allow data theft.

    “Though UAVs have the unique ability to precisely maneuver and perform task without human intervention, they are prone to security attacks.Such attacks may change the intended function and/or allow data theft.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Using traditional paper-based procedures to help large numbers of businesses is time consuming and ineffective.

    “However, using traditional paper-based procedures to help large number of businesses is going to be time consuming and ineffective.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Patients' privacy is the most important concern and is one of the impediments to the implementation and wide adoption of medical data sharing systems.

    “Patients' privacy is the most important concern and is one of the impediments to the implementation of medical data sharing system as well as to its wide adoption.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Online education systems are not well established and are facing many challenges.

    “Online education has become the most viable route forward; but systems for online education are not well established and are facing many challenges.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Adopting behaviors such as social distancing, minimal touching, wearing facemasks, and self-tracking symptoms is challenging because they do not align with natural human behaviors.

    “However, adopting these behaviors seems to be challenging, especially since they do not align with the natural behaviors of human beings.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The demand for key commodities such as sanitizers, face masks, test swabs, PPE, and disinfectants has surged with COVID-19.

    “The demand for key commodities such as sanitizers, face masks, test swabs, PPE, and disinfectants has surged with COVID-19.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many companies lack sufficient production capabilities and therefore outsource production to third parties.

    “To meet the demand, many companies have to outsource their production to third parties because they lack sufficient production capabilities.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Third parties may not fulfil quality standards or meet guidelines for hygienic compliance.

    “This gives rise to serious concern, as these third parties may not fulfil quality standards or meet guidelines for hygienic compliance.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    COVID-19 medicines and vaccines will become significant commodities in the near future.

    “Most importantly, COVID-19 medicines and vaccines will become significant commodities in the near future.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Many small plants and micromanufacturing sites will be required to operate simultaneously and collaboratively to satisfy global demand.

    “Many small plants and micromanufacturing sites will be required to operate simultaneously and collaboratively to satisfy global demand.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The exponential increase in COVID-19 cases makes time-consuming paper-based traditional collaborations infeasible.

    “In view of the exponential increase in COVID-19 cases, establishing timeconsuming paper-based traditional collaborations may not be feasible.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Strict disease control measures such as travel bans, export restrictions, closure of informal labor sectors, and shutdown of local markets have resulted in numerous challenges for farmers, suppliers, producers, distributors, retailers and consumers.

    “However, strict disease control measures, like travel bans, export restrictions, closure of informal labor sectors, shutdown of local markets, etc. have resulted in numerous challenges for farmers, suppliers, producers, distributors, retailers and consumers.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Farmers are finding it difficult to sell their yield at a good price because producers are not able to run their facilities at full capacity.

    “Farmers are finding it difficult to sell their yield at a good price, since producers are not able to run their facilities at full capacity.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Distributors are finding it difficult to cross state and country borders because of the time required to seek official permission.

    “Distributors are finding it difficult to cross state and country borders because of the time required to seek official permission.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Blockchain immutably records data in a distributed way such that all nodes (miners) possess the entire database.

    “Blockchain immutably records data in a distributed way such that all the nodes (i.e., miners) are in possession of the entire database.”
15 of 15

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Sharding citation points to a signature scheme

    Minor

    Reference [23] is about a homomorphic signature scheme; the paper's sharding survey is reference [24].

  • WFP estimate cites a Zoom privacy article

    Minor

    The cited reference [14] concerns Zoom privacy, while the World Food Program situation report is listed as reference [15].

2 of 2

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Authors
Kalla, A., Hewa, T., Mishra, R. A., Ylianttila, M., & Liyanage, M.
Affiliations
  • Manipal University Jaipur (IN)
  • University of Oulu (FI)
  • University College Dublin (IE)
Venue
IEEE Engineering Management Review
Published
2020-09-01
Volume
48
Issue
3
Pages
85-96
ISSN
  • 0360-8581 (ISSN-L)
  • 1937-4178
OpenAlex
W3047311238
Cited by
186
References
19
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 8 · 2024: 16 · 2023: 36 · 2022: 51 · 2021: 68 · 2020: 6
FWCI
37.87
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • IEEE Engineering Management Review (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (publishedVersion)
  • Research Repository UCD (University College Dublin) (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc-nd)
  • Arrow@dit (Dublin Institute of Technology) (submittedVersion)
Funders
  • European Commission (789658)
  • Academy of Finland (318927)
  • Secure Connect projects
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology Applications and Security
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › COVID-19 Digital Contact Tracing
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Blockchain Technology in Education and Learning
Keywords
blockchain, COVID-19 pandemic, pandemic response, blockchain use cases, enabling technologies, technology adoption barriers, performance evaluation

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›

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