Computing Department, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
Computing Department, and Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK.
Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Mar 30;19(7):4091. doi: 10.3390/ijerph19074091.
Counterfeiting drugs has been a global concern for years. Considering the lack of transparency within the current pharmaceutical distribution system, research has shown that blockchain technology is a promising solution for an improved supply chain system. This study aims to explore the current solution proposals for distribution systems using blockchain technology. Based on a literature review on currently proposed solutions, it is identified that the secrecy of the data within the system and nodes' reputation in decision making has not been considered. The proposed prototype uses a zero-knowledge proof protocol to ensure the integrity of the distributed data. It uses the Markov model to track each node's 'reputation score' based on their interactions to predict the reliability of the nodes in consensus decision making. Analysis of the prototype demonstrates a reliable method in decision making, which concludes with overall improvements in the system's confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The result indicates that the decision protocol must be significantly considered in a reliable distribution system. It is recommended that the pharmaceutical distribution systems adopt a relevant protocol to design their blockchain solution. Continuous research is required further to increase performance and reliability within blockchain distribution systems.
多年来，假药一直是全球关注的问题。考虑到当前药品分销系统缺乏透明度，研究表明，区块链技术是改进供应链系统的一个有前途的解决方案。本研究旨在探讨当前使用区块链技术的分销系统的解决方案建议。基于对现有解决方案的文献综述，确定系统内数据的保密性和节点在决策中的声誉尚未得到考虑。所提出的原型使用零知识证明协议来确保分布式数据的完整性。它使用马尔可夫模型根据节点之间的交互来跟踪每个节点的“声誉得分”，以预测节点在共识决策中的可靠性。原型的分析表明了决策中的一种可靠方法，最终得出结论，系统的机密性、完整性和可用性得到了全面提高。结果表明，决策协议必须在可靠的分销系统中得到充分考虑。建议药品分销系统采用相关协议来设计其区块链解决方案。需要进一步进行持续研究，以提高区块链分销系统的性能和可靠性。
