Preface
In recent years, decentralized networks have fundamentally reshaped the way data is managed, transactions are processed, and trust is established in digital ecosystems. Part 1 of this book, Beyond Blockchain: Reviewing the Impact and Evolution of Decentralized Networks, provides an in-depth examination of the foundational principles and early-stage innovations in decentralized technologies. It aims to equip readers with the essential knowledge to understand the emerging impact of decentralized systems across multiple domains.
This book includes six carefully chosen chapters that explain both the basic ideas and real-life uses of decentralized networks beyond just blockchain. It is a helpful guide for students studying computer science, IT, and similar subjects, and also useful for professionals who want to understand how these technologies are being used in the real world.
Chapter 1 introduces the foundational concepts of decentralized networks and presents an overview of recent innovations and future opportunities across industries such as finance, healthcare, and supply chain management. Chapter 2 explores smart contracts on Ethereum, focusing on their transformative role in creating transparent and automated smart supply chain systems. Chapter 3 shifts attention to sustainable agriculture, showcasing blockchain models that support environmental monitoring and carbon offset marketplaces.
In Chapter 4, the focus turns to education, discussing how blockchain can streamline certification, learning management, and institutional transparency. Chapter 5 and 6 examine the integration of blockchain and AI within the healthcare sector, unveiling the vision of a Bioverse, a secure, intelligent healthcare ecosystem driven by decentralized data sharing and automation.
We believe this book will not only enhance readers’ understanding of the foundational applications of decentralized networks but also stimulate further inquiry and development in this dynamic field.
Sharmila Arunkumar
Department of ECE
Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology
Ghaziabad, India
Neha Goel
Department of ECE
Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology
Ghaziabad, India
R.K. Yadav
Department of ECE
Raj Kumar Goel Institute of Technology
Ghaziabad, India
Manoj Kumar
Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences
University of Wollongong in Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
&
Shashi Bhushan
Department of Computer and Information Sciences
University Teknologi PETRONAS, Perak, Malaysia