Application Layer Research Articles

Research on jujube storage and preservation system based on Internet of Things (IoT)

With the surge in Xinjiang jujube production, there has been a concurrent increase in storage losses, posing an ongoing challenge for farmers to preserve the freshness of the jujubes. To tackle this issue, a novel storage and freshness control system for jujubes, integrating Internet of Things technology, has been developed. The control system is centered around a programmable logic controller (PLC) and utilizes an HMI as the interface for human–computer interaction. It is structured with distinct layers, including equipment, transportation, and application layers. By integrating with the Internet of Things cloud platform, data transmission between the device layer and the cloud server is ensured through the use of the TCP/IP protocol over a 4G network. A mobile app enables remote control functionality for monitoring and managing the storage and preservation environment. Experimental results demonstrate the system's stable performance, enabling remote monitoring and convenient operation by management personnel during the jujube storage and preservation process. This contributes to enhancing automation levels in jujube storage, extending its storage cycle while maintaining quality standards, thus providing valuable insights into intelligent fruit and vegetable storage practices in Xinjiang.

The Application of the Internet of Things in Intelligent Logistics Management

Starting from the application of the Internet of Things in intelligent logistics management, this paper first analyzes the main characteristics of intelligent logistics, including information, networking and intelligence, and then expounds the important value of the Internet of Things in intelligent logistics management, such as improving logistics efficiency, reducing logistics cost, optimizing resource allocation and so on. On this basis, the paper puts forward the key points of the application of the Internet of Things in intelligent logistics management, including the construction of the Internet of Things perception layer, building the Internet of Things network layer, improving the application layer of the Internet of Things, strengthening data analysis and mining, and paying attention to the security protection of the Internet of Things for reference.

DFT study of the electronic, optical and elastic properties of Cu2-xAgxMgSnS4 (x=0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) alloys using TB-mBJ+U potential

In this study, we have conducted first-principles computations on the promising photovoltaic materials Cu2-xAgxMgSnS4 (x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2). To determine the electronic characteristics of Cu2-xAgxMgSnS4(x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) in kesterite and stannite phases, we have used the Wien2k code based on density functional theory with the generalised gradient approximation (GGA) and modified Becke-Johnson (TB-mBJ) exchange potential. The results obtained by TB-mBJ likewise fall short of the experimental findings, like GGA and LDA. To get a comparable bandgap value with the experimental results, we have employed the TB-mBJ potential coupled with the Hubbard U correction (TB-mBJ + U), resulting in a more accurate representation of the pd hybridization. Electronic structure calculation reveals Cu2-xAgxMgSnS4(x = 0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2) materials as direct bandgap semiconductors, with band gaps ranging from 1.477 eV to 2.38 eV. The computed elastic constants confirm the mechanical stability of all materials. Additionally, we explored optical properties essential for their potential as absorber layers in photovoltaic applications, such as the imaginary and real components of the dielectric function, absorption coefficient, refractive index, reflectivity, and extinction coefficient. These predicted parameters provide valuable insights for researchers, facilitating further investigations into the photovoltaic potential of Cu2-xAgxMgSnS4 materials.

Does digitalization always benefit cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises quality? Unveiling the inverted U-shaped relationship from a resource and capability perspective

The impact of digitalization on the high-quality development of “technology-sparse” but “labor-intensive” cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises may not follow a linear path. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore the mechanism by which digitalization contributes to the integrated high-quality development of enterprises from the perspective of resources and capabilities. The majority of studies focus on the theoretical realm, while challenges in acquiring crucial data indicators constrain the advancement of empirical inquiries. This study creates a lexicon of digitized features encompassing strategic, technical, and application layers within cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises. The MD&A texts from annual reports were processed using the TF-IDF algorithm, which is based on machine learning, to assess the level of digitization. Additionally, integration development was incorporated into the evaluation system for high-quality development of cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises via social network analysis. In terms of theoretical contributions, enterprise search and reorganization capabilities were included within the scope of core enterprise capabilities. Furthermore, the study elucidated the roles of human capital and enterprise innovation in the interplay between digitalization and high-quality development, drawing upon the resource-based view and core capabilities theory. Finally, we empirically examined panel data from 116 listed cultural, sports, and tourism companies in Chinese A-share markets from 2010 to 2020. The findings reveal the following: (1) There is an inverted U-shaped association between digitalization and high-quality development, initially promoting then hindering progress, with a persistent pattern over time and robustness against instrumental variable regression and endogeneity tests. Additionally, the majority of cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises fall within a moderate range, indicating a positive impact on high-quality development. (2) Human capital and enterprise innovation are mediators of the inverted U-shaped relationship between digitalization and high-quality development. (3) The influence of digitalization on high-quality development significantly varies depending on the enterprise’s geographical location, life cycle, and risk tolerance. The study reveals the digitalization journey within cultural, sports, and tourism enterprises, offering theoretical insights for fostering collaborative high-quality development within the industry amid digitalization.

SuperSIM: a comprehensive benchmarking framework for neural networks using superconductor Josephson devices

Abstract This paper introduces SuperSIM, a benchmarking framework tailored for neural networks using superconducting Josephson devices, specifically focusing on Adiabatic Quantum Flux Parametron (AQFP) based Processing-in-Memory (PIM) architectures. Our framework offers in-depth architecture-level simulations and performance assessments to enhance AQFP PIM chip development. It supports single and multi-bit PIM designs, various AQFP memory cell types, and diverse clocking methods. Additionally, it integrates circuit-level models for precise energy, delay, and area measurements, ensuring accurate performance evaluation. The framework includes application, device, and architectural layers for versatile configurations and cycle-accurate energy, latency, and area simulations. Experiments validate our framework, with case studies on algorithm and architecture-level features, examining data precision, crossbar size, operating frequency and clocking scheme impacts on computational accuracy, energy use, overall latency and hardware cost.

A Review on Soft Error Correcting Techniques of Aerospace-Grade Static RAM-Based Field-Programmable Gate Arrays.

Aerospace-grade SRAM-based field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) used in space applications are highly susceptible to single event effects, leading to soft errors in FPGAs. Additionally, as FPGAs scale up, the difficulty of correcting soft errors also increases. This paper proposes that performing soft error sensitivity analysis on FPGAs can help target the more sensitive areas for detection and correction, thereby improving the efficiency of soft error repair. Firstly, in accordance with the dual-layer architecture of SRAM-based FPGAs, methods for the soft error sensitivity analysis of FPGA application layer resources and configuration bitstreams are reviewed. Subsequently, based on the analysis results, it also covers corresponding application layer memory scrubbing and configuration scrubbing techniques. A prospective look at emerging soft error mitigation technologies is discussed at the end of this review, supporting the development of highly reliable aerospace-grade SRAM-based FPGAs.

A U-shaped CNN with type-2 fuzzy pooling layer and dynamical feature extraction for colorectal polyp applications

A U-shaped CNN with type-2 fuzzy pooling layer and dynamical feature extraction for colorectal polyp applications

Attacks, Challenges, and Countermeasures for an Integrated IoT Framework

The Internet of Things (IoT) has lately attracted a lot of interest owing to the fact that it has several applications in a variety of fields and makes communication easier across a variety of levels. The IoT is made up of three unique levels, which are the physical layer, the network layer, and the application layer at the most fundamental level. The purpose of this study is to examine security threats and the responses that correspond to them for each layer of the IoT architecture. Additionally, the article investigates the implications that arise from security breaches on IoT devices. In addition to providing a detailed taxonomy of attacks, this research reveals security weaknesses that are present inside each tier of the IoT network. In addition to this, the article investigates a variety of modern security frameworks, investigates probable security flaws, and investigates remedies that correspond to those vulnerabilities. In conclusion, the article proposed the "Unified Federated Security Framework," which is an all-encompassing security architecture made specifically for IoT networks. In order to facilitate the ability of users inside the security layer to acquire access to resources situated within a separate security layer, the proposed framework is based on the building of trust across the three levels. This allows users to gain access to resources without having to utilise the account of another user.

Detection of Application Layer DDOS-Attacks Produced by Various Freely Accessible Toolkits Using Machine Learning

Detection of Application Layer DDOS-Attacks Produced by Various Freely Accessible Toolkits Using Machine Learning

An application-layer plausibly deniable encryption system for wearable devices

Wearable devices especially smartwatches are widely used in our daily life. With their increased use, a large amount of sensitive data are collected, stored, and managed in those devices. To protect sensitive data, encryption is often used but, traditional encryption is vulnerable to a novel coercive attack in which the adversary can capture the device’s user and coerce the user to disclose the decryption key. To defend against the coercive attack, Plausibly Deniable Encryption (PDE) has been designed which can allow the victim user to deny the existence of hidden sensitive data. The PDE systems have been explored broadly for smartphones. However, the PDE systems which are suitable for wearable devices are still missing in the literature. In this work, we have designed MobiWear, the first PDE system specifically designed for wearable devices. By leveraging PDE, image steganography as well as watermarking, MobiWear ensures plausible deniability and can be easily deployed at the application layer. In addition, MobiWear relies on sensors equipped with the wearable devices to enter passwords, accommodating the wearable devices which have small-size screens and are inconvenient for entering plaintext. Security analysis and experimental evaluation using a real-world prototype (ported to an LG G smartwatch) show that MobiWear can ensure the deniability with a small computational overhead as well as a tiny degradation of the perceived quality of the image.

The experimental and DFT approaches on electronic, thermal and conductivity properties of non-linear optical bearing fused aromatic chalcones towards prospective OLEDs

New derivatives of push-pull chalcone was successfully synthesized to demonstrate as NLO active on the impact of organic light emitting diode (OLED) materials. A total of three fused-aromatic chalcones (AA, AB, AC) with different substituents have been characterized through TGA, Z-scan analysis, 1H & 13C NMR, IR and UV–Vis. All the targeted compounds are nonlinear refraction (NLR) active with the range of χ(3) (∼ × 10–6 esu). AC reveals the highest value of first order hyperpolarizability (βtot) at 528.08 × 10–30 esu upon the substitution of strong electron acceptor. Theoretical investigation was performed by employing the theory of B3LYP/6–31 G (d,p) level via density functional theory (DFT) to optimize the geometries, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and frontier molecular orbitals (FMO). The predicted electronic properties of the molecule are supported by the experimental results, confirming the theoretical conclusions. The examination of its potential as emissive layer in OLED application was constructed on ITO substrate for electroluminescence behaviour evaluation under various direct current (DC) voltages supply. The preliminary outcomes reveal that these simple chalcone derivatives are capable of being utilised in any optoelectronic application.

CYBERSECURITY ON IOT SYSTEMS BASED MULTI-LAYERED SECURITY RISK ASSESSMENT

IoT systems contribute to digital transformation through the development of smart concepts. However, the IoT has also generated new security challenges that require security tools to be adapted, such as risk analysis methodologies. Many organizations use a variety of methods and frameworks to assess cybersecurity risks. However, most current risk assessment methods are for generic software systems, so there is no holistic approach to risk assessment for IoT technologies, especially due to the diversity of IoT systems The purpose of our study is based on the following question: What IoT device factors should be considered in cybersecurity risk assessment methods? In this study we first propose a cybersecurity risk assessment model based on vectors such as vulnerabilities and attacks, which evaluates the security risk from different dimensions of physical layer, network layer and application layer. Secondly, we design the mathematical assessment model for computing risk value of IoT system and then establish the mapping relationship table that the risk value is transformed into risk level.

A LoRa-based safety monitoring system for hydrogen compressed natural gas (HCNG)

Abstract Hydrogen compressed with natural gas pipeline for gas mixture delivery is an effective way to realize large-scale, low-cost delivery of hydrogen. The Internet of Things (IoT) technology is one of the important supporting technologies for smart energy transformation, and the low power wide area network (LPWAN) represented by LoRa will play a key role. In this paper, a LoRa-based hydrogen compressed natural gas safety monitoring system is designed, which can collect, transmit, and analyze multiple types of data, such as ambient temperature and humidity, gas concentration, pipeline and equipment vibration, etc., and store the data and configure the alarm thresholds through the cloud server, and finally complete the real-time safety monitoring in the application layer. The system is characterized by high efficiency, high precision, low power consumption, and intelligence, which will have a positive effect on the safe transportation of hydrogen.

Fabrication of luminescent disc-shaped microstructures via wet-chemical etching of hybrid sol–gel layers for potential photonic applications

Sol–gel materials based on SiO2 and TiO2 precursors are attractive as a new platform for planar photonics. Particularly interesting are those based on organically modified silica (ORMOSIL), which may improve the luminescent properties of organic dyes. However, their microstructurization remains a challenge as it requires optimization of various technological stages. Here, we report the structurization of thin layers based on ORMOSIL precursor and titanium(IV) ethoxide (TET) containing luminescent rhodamine B (RhB) dye. Films were fabricated using sol–gel synthesis and dip-coating method. Depending on the time of annealing performed at 200 °C, layers with different thicknesses (300–760 nm) and refractive indices (RI) (1.51–1.68) were obtained. Combining photolithography and wet-chemical etching processes made it possible to fabricate well-separated sol–gel waveguides and discs of different diameters. The etching time in buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF) affected the depth of the etched luminescent microstructures. Additionally, it was found that a longer layer’s annealing time increased the etching selectivity of the substrate over the sol–gel layer. This enabled the obtaining of under-etched sol–gel goblet microstructures. Selected samples were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV–Vis photoluminescence measurements showed that long heat treatment also influenced the emission spectrum’s shape. The stability of the films under ambient conditions was established using spectroscopic ellipsometry. It was proven that films heat-treated at 200 °C did not change their properties during storage time of around 2 months. Relatively high RI, luminescent properties, and structurization potential make these microstructures interesting for application in integrated photonic devices, e.g., light amplifiers or sensing systems.

Stabilization of Sn2+ in FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite thin films using an electron donor polymer, PCDTBT, and an improvement in the charge transport properties of perovskite solar cells

Lead-free tin halide perovskites for the fabrication of perovskite solar cells have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding optoelectronic and ecofriendly properties. These materials face severe issues, such as poor environmental stability, low formation energy and faster oxidation of tin from the Sn2+ to Sn4+ state, leading to poor film quality and self-doping. In this work, we have fabricated FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite thin films via a solution processing method and studied the conjugated polymer poly [N-9′-hepta-decanyl-2,7-carbazole-alt-5,5-(4′,7′-di-2-thienyl-2′,1′,3′-benzothiadia-zole)] (PCDTBT)-induced effects in perovskite thin films. The micro-strain of PCDTBT-doped FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite reduced without any change in the crystal structure. Reductions in electron trap density have been observed due to improved film quality and enlarged perovskite grains. We have observed that the Sn4+ content in 0.050 wt% PCDTBT-doped FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite film gets reduced, as shown in the x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results. The reduction in Sn4+ (cause of self-doping) content shows that PCDTBT doping maintains the stability of Sn2+ in FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite thin film. A decrement in hole density from 3.2 × 1018 cm−3 for pristine films to 1.3 × 1017cm−3 for 0.050 wt% PCDTBT-doped FA0.75MA0.25SnI3 perovskite has been observed from C–V measurement, which is consistent with the XPS results. Thus, PCDTBT doping in perovskite films can effectively tackle the severe issues of tin oxidation and defects in the lead-free tin halide perovskite photoactive layer for solar cell application.

Formation of GaN mesas with reverse-tapered edge structures on a lattice-matched AlInN layer for a positive beveled edge termination

GaN mesas were fabricated by sequential dry and wet etching of a +c-oriented GaN layer onto a lattice-matched AlInN layer for future applications of positive beveled edge termination, which is desirable for preventing premature breakdown of power devices. The dry etching produced hexagonal AlInN/GaN mesas surrounded by m-plane sidewalls with six protrusions at the vertices. The subsequent hot phosphoric acid etching selectively etched the AlInN layer to expose and etch the chemically unstable −c surface of the GaN layer, which formed reverse-tapered { 101¯2¯ } facets. The protrusions were sacrificed during the wet etching to prevent undesirable positive tapering at the vertices.

Investigations on the Structure, Mechanical Property, Wear and Oxidation Resistances of TiAlSiN Coatings by Tailoring Al/(Al + Ti) Ratios

Previous studies have broadly dealt with TiAlSiN coatings that exhibit promising characteristics as surface protective layers for antiwear and antioxidation applications. In this regard, revealing the correlations among coating composition, structure, and properties is vitally important for developing advanced TiAlSiN coatings. The present work addresses the issue by studying the structure and properties of TiAlSiN coatings by tailoring Al/(Al + Ti) ratios. To this end, TiAlSiN coatings are produced by arc deposition with the Al/(Al + Ti) ratios of 0.31, 0.42, 0.51, and 0.62, respectively. The results show that, when the Al/(Al + Ti) ratio ranges from 0.31 to 0.51, the phase structure is mainly TiN phase, and the hardness, wear resistance and oxidation resistance of the films are increased with the rise in the Al/(Al + Ti) ratio. When the Al/(Al + Ti) ratio reaches 0.62, the oxidation resistance of the coating does not improve significantly, while the mechanical and wear properties of the coating are deceased due to the formation of w‐AlN phase. Therefore, the appropriate Al/(Al + Ti) ratio at 0.51 provides overall improvements including mechanical properties, and wear and oxidation resistances under operation conditions. These findings show that optimizing the Al/(Al + Ti) ratio is a promising way to develop TiAlSiN coatings with advanced structure and properties.

Application layer security for Internet communications: A comprehensive review, challenges, and future trends

The security of Internet communications has traditionally been delegated to controls at lower layers of the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) architecture. However, the increasing complexity and severity of current Internet threats have rendered this approach insufficient, necessitating enhanced security measures at higher levels. This paper presents a comprehensive review of Application layer security for Internet communications, utilizing a novel classification scheme of existing literature based on standards and frameworks. Unlike previous studies, our proposed classification scheme encompasses all current approaches to security provision, security goals, types of attacks, and types of controls at the Application layer. Moreover, it analyzes security solutions for both standardized and proposed protocols. Our review is domain-agnostic and considers all existing contributions without age restrictions, allowing us to analyze the complete landscape beyond the conventional use of browsers for accessing Internet services and to understand the evolution of Application layer security from the Internet’s inception. Our thorough review also identifies gaps, challenges, and forecasts future trends, serving as a baseline for future research. We conclude that the primary driver to secure the Application layer for Internet communications is the technological adaptation of standardized Application layer protocols to meet new requirements over time, which has given rise to new and dangerous threats, rendering controls at lower layers insufficient.

Enhancing Manufacturing Excellence with Digital-Twin-Enabled Operational Monitoring and Intelligent Scheduling

This research examines the potential of digital twin (DT) technology for reformation within China’s traditional solid-wood-panel processing industry, which currently suffers from production inefficiencies and the slow adoption of digital technology. The research centers around developing a digital twin system, elucidating improvements in manufacturing efficiency, waste management, process simulation, and real-time monitoring. These capabilities facilitate immediate problem solving and offer transparency in the process. The digital twin system is comprised of physical, transport, virtual, and application layers, employing a MySQL database and using the Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA) protocol for communication. The application of this system has led to heightened production efficiency and better material use in the solid-wood-panel manufacturing line. Integrating the dynamic selection adaptive genetic algorithm (DSAGA) into the virtual layer drives the system’s efficiency forward. This evolved approach has allowed for an enhancement of 8.93% in the scheduling efficiency of DSAGA compared to traditional genetic algorithms (GAs), thereby contributing to increased system productivity. Real-time mapping and an advanced simulation interface have strengthened the system’s monitoring aspect. These additions enrich data visualization, leading to better comprehension and a holistic process view. This research has ignited improvements in solid-wood-panel production, illustrating the tangible benefits and representing progress in incorporating digital technology into traditional industries. This research sets a path for transforming these industries into smart manufacturing by effectively bridging the gap between physical production and digital monitoring. Furthermore, the adjustability of this approach extends beyond solid-wood-panel production, indicating the capability to expedite movement towards intelligent production in various other manufacturing sectors.

Design of New BLE GAP Roles for Vehicular Communications.

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is a prominent short-range wireless communication protocol widely extended for communications and sensor systems in consumer electronics and industrial applications, ranging from manufacturing to retail and healthcare. The BLE protocol provides four generic access profile (GAP) roles when it is used in its low-energy version, i.e., ver. 4 and beyond. GAP roles control connections and allow BLE devices to interoperate each other. They are defined by the Bluetooth special interest group (SIG) and are primarily oriented to connect peripherals wirelessly to smartphones, laptops, and desktops. Consequently, the existing GAP roles have characteristics that do not fit well with vehicular communications in cooperative intelligent transport systems (C-ITS), where low-latency communications in high-density environments with stringent security demands are required. This work addresses this gap by developing two new GAP roles, defined at the application layer to meet the specific requirements of vehicular communications, and by providing a service application programming interface (API) for developers of vehicle-to-everything (V2X) applications. We have named this new approach ITS-BLE. These GAP roles are intended to facilitate BLE-based solutions for real-world scenarios on roads, such as detecting road traffic signs or exchanging information at toll booths. We have developed a prototype able to work indistinctly as a unidirectional or bidirectional communication device, depending on the use case. To solve security risks in the exchange of personal data, BLE data packets, here called packet data units (PDU), are encrypted or signed to guarantee either privacy when sharing sensitive data or authenticity when avoiding spoofing, respectively. Measurements taken and their later evaluation demonstrated the feasibility of a V2X BLE network consisting of picocells with a radius of about 200 m.