https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/120863 2026-04-15T07:56:40Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121945 Title: Exploring the potential of blockchain e-voting system in the fight against political corruption in Bulgaria Abstract: This dissertation explores the use of blockchain technology as a potential tool to fight political corruption, with a particular emphasis on the distinctive socio-political environment of Bulgaria. There is growing interest in using blockchain technology's transparent, immutable, and decentralized nature to address long-standing problems in the electoral process and governance as digital innovations reshape our world. While the technical viability of blockchain voting systems has received extensive research, there is a significant gap in the literature addressing how these systems will align with the unique cultural, political, and societal complexities of various nations. This study uses a multifaceted approach to highlight the opportunities and problems associated with implementing a blockchain voting system in Bulgaria, a country with low levels of technical literacy, privacy concerns regarding personal information, and a general lack of trust in the government. The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the potential impact and drawbacks of such a system by fusing technical analysis with ethical considerations. The importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and user-friendly interfaces is highlighted, ensuring that the suggested solutions are not only technically sound but also appealing to the target audience. The dissertation emphasizes the significance of public perception, education, and a thoughtful balance between innovation and the preexisting social fabric. This thorough investigation aims to advance the academic conversation and provide stakeholders eager to use blockchain technology to pioneer a transparent and corrupt-free democratic process in Bulgaria with actionable insights. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121943 Title: The impact of decentralised market design on liquidity and prices : an empirical analysis of Uniswap protocol upgrades Abstract: This study explores the impact that market design has on liquidity and asset pricing in decentralised exchanges using Uniswap as a case study. By examining transitions between different Uniswap versions, the research investigates how these changes affect liquidity on Uniswap and the relationship between liquidity improvements and token prices. The findings reveal significant liquidity enhancements following Uniswap version upgrades and a positive, statistically significant relationship between liquidity changes and token price appreciation. This research extends traditional microstructure theory into the growing domain of decentralised finance, underscoring the critical role of market design in influencing key market quality metrics and prices. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121942 Title: Towards decentralized science : evaluating the data provenance of blockchain-enabled cameras Abstract: The proliferation of digital technologies and the increasing importance of data in scientific research necessitate new approaches to data integrity, transparency and decentralization. This dissertation, titled "Towards Decentralized Science: Evaluating the Data Provenance of Blockchain-Enabled Cameras," explores innovative solutions for enhancing scientific image data provenance through the integration of blockchain technology, guided by the research question: "What specific blockchain-based implementations can enhance the secure capture, storage and content verification of digital images, and how can these developments contribute to the advancement of decentralized science?" This research leverages both Bitcoin and Ethereum blockchain implementations tailored to address the intricacies of securing data provenance. By examining these implementations, I aim to elucidate their unique contributions to bolstering the security and trustworthiness of digital images. My research not only sheds light on theoretical considerations but also emphasizes the practical aspects of implementation, providing a comprehensive understanding of the prospects and challenges involved. The evolving landscape of open science and the increasing demand for data reproducibility and open access act as catalysts for our exploration. This study situates itself at the intersection of blockchain technology and scientific research practices, aiming to bridge the gap between the burgeoning need for trust in digital data and the decentralized ethos of contemporary scientific endeavors. In summary, this dissertation seeks to contribute to the discourse on Decentralized Science by proposing tangible solutions to the challenges surrounding the secure capture, storage and content verification of digital images. Through an in-depth analysis of various blockchain implementations, I aspire to provide a pathway for researchers and technologists to navigate the complexities of immutable data provenance of digital images in the pursuit of transparent, reproducible and open scientific practices. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/121941 Title: Service of documents via NFTs : is it compatible with the EU civil procedural law acquis? Abstract: To exercise their rights, one must first be allowed a means of doing so. This is where the service of judicial acts comes into play. Therefore, albeit it seemingly mostly concerns procedural law, the service of judicial acts has its basis in fundamental human rights law. A general misconception is that persons cannot remedy civil wrongs done to them on the blockchain, due to this technology's elusive and anonymous nature. This same misconception was present during the beginnings of Web 2.0, however, it was shut down by the CJEU in the Hypoteční Banka a.s. v Udo Mike Lindner and G v Cornelius de Visser cases wherein the rights of the plaintiff were deemed an objective of public interest and given that all investigations required by the principles of diligence and good faith which were undertaken to trace the defendant proved futile, the Court allowed service to a defendant even though their location was unknown. This same reasoning that the CJEU adopted in the mentioned cases can be applied to blockchain related ones and therefore, as the Courts of Common Law jurisdictions have held, it may be possible to ensure justice for one with a civil claim in blockchain related matters when the defendant is unknown. On the other hand, in instances wherein the identity of the defendant is known, reference is to be made to the Service of Documents Recast Regulation which provides several methods of effecting service, inter alia, electronic service. The research question revolves around whether NFTs can be a method for serving judicial acts as an efficient way of effecting service in blockchain civil issues. From an analysis of the case law, it may be assumed that in blockchain related matters, NFTs may be an adequate way of bringing the case to the attention of the defendant in a timely and effective manner. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z