/library/oar/handle/123456789/120863 2026-06-23T04:29:52Z 2026-06-23T04:29:52Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/145973 2026-04-28T08:21:58Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: NFT business models : a legal analysis Abstract: Whilst the NFT industry has been experiencing an accelerated growth over the last few years, the industry is still lacking concrete legal definitions and legal certainty on where NFTs fit within existing legal regimes. This has led to an increasing confusion on what contractual relationships are forged when NFTs are minted, sold and traded on the secondary market. A main legal uncertainty stems from the industry’s lack of clarity as to whether NFTs fall within the legal regime of property ownership or intellectual property licensing. This study will therefore delve into relevant legal areas, including property law, contract law, and copyright law, to come to a conclusion as to which legal regime applies to NFTs having digital art as their underlying asset, and this from a Maltese law point of view with consideration for the relevant European legislation. For the purpose of answering this question, this study will be undertaken as desk-based research during which international, European, and Maltese legislation will be analysed together with the terms of use of five different NFT projects and platforms in order to be able to ground the legal concepts within current existing NFT business models. Landmark cases as well as select published works will be referred to throughout the legal analysis undertaken. The study has determined that NFTs issued and traded in terms of the business models analysed are not to be classified as property in terms of Maltese law, but rather they fall within the scope of intellectual property licensing contracts, with the token itself being a proof of the licensed rights held by the NFT holder in relation to the underlying content. Description: M.Sc.(Melit.)

2023-01-01T00:00:00Z /library/oar/handle/123456789/121945 2024-05-10T15:43:24Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

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 /library/oar/handle/123456789/121943 2024-05-10T15:38:31Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

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 /library/oar/handle/123456789/121942 2024-05-10T15:24:48Z 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z

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