Multilayer System Research Articles

Safeguarding data privacy: strategies to counteract internal and external hacking threats

In the digital age, the protection of data privacy has become increasingly important. Hackers, whether internal or external to an organization, could cause significant damage by stealing sensitive data, causing financial loss, compromising the privacy of individuals, or damaging the organization's reputation. This scientific research aimed to make substantial contributions by emphasizing the importance of addressing both internal and external hacking threats to protect sensitive information. The main theme of their work revolved around building a multi-layered defense system that included technological solutions like firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems. The specific goals of their design and development approach were to establish clear policies and procedures for data handling, access control, and incident response, as well as to enhance data privacy strategies to stay ahead of evolving hacking techniques. The authors also highlighted the significance of employee awareness and training programs, collaboration with cybersecurity experts, and staying up-to-date with regulatory requirements to create a robust data privacy framework.

Towards Dirac-like physics in ultrasonic crystals

Ultrasonic crystals provide a novel path forward for studying Dirac-like physics in classical systems free from interaction effects and are considered promising candidates for the development of more complex multilayer systems, such as those governed by a Moire pattern. However, no ultrasonic crystal experiment (and to the best of our knowledge no experiment studying classical wave propagation in a hexagonal lattice) has measured linear dispersion along the Dirac cone at the edge of the Brillouin zone where the upper and lower bands touch, which must include a measure of reduced phase and group velocities along the cone. This presentation will discuss experimental and theoretical results on acoustic surface wave propagation in a hexagonal lattice of resonant cavities, which can aid in the observation of such Dirac-like physics for ultrasonic crystals.

IMPROVEMENT OF THE METHODOLOGY FOR OPTIMIZING THE PARAMETERS OF COMPLEX SYSTEMS UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THERMAL LOAD SOURCES

The article investigates some aspects of solving the problem of constructing mathematical models for optimizing the parameters of local laser action on multilayer microbiological systems. The constraints on the desired laser parameters and on the temperature field in the material subject to laser fission are set. Verification of compliance with the restrictions on not exceeding the maximum value of the temperature field requires multiple calculations of the corresponding temperature field in the microbiological material. Control over the temperature field limits ensures the viability of its parts during the biotechnological process of laser fission. To construct adequate optimization mathematical models, the author substantiates the adequacy of the computational mathematical models describing the state of a microbiological system under the action of laser radiation sources. A multi-point boundary value problem with a system of inhomogeneous differential heat conduction equations for a multilayer microbiological medium is investigated and the correctness of this problem is substantiated for minor perturbations of the right-hand side of the differential equation. The results obtained in the article guarantee the adequacy of applied optimization mathematical models for finding rational values of technical parameters of laser emitters. In order to improve the accuracy of optimization of the technical parameters of laser emitters, the article presents a mathematical modeling of the preparatory stage of embryo defrosting. The presented mathematical models and methods of their implementation are necessary to improve the quality of embryo defrosting. Improvement of the methodology for solving applied biotechnological problems will certainly lead to the complication of mathematical models, but it will increase the accuracy of calculation and optimization of technical parameters of the biotechnological process of laser embryo division.

Integrating SBAS-InSAR and Random Forest for Identifying and Controlling Land Subsidence and Uplift in a Multi-Layered Porous System of North China Plain

Controlling groundwater table decline could mitigate land subsidence and induced environmental hazards in over-explored areas. Nevertheless, this becomes a challenge in the multi-layered porous system as (in)elastic deformation simultaneously occurs due to vast spatiotemporal variability in the groundwater table. In this study, SBAS-InSAR was used to estimate annual land deformation during 2017–2022 in a specific region of North China Plain, in which aquifers are composed of many layers of fine-grained compressible sediments and the groundwater table has experienced a prolonged decline. The random forest (RF) was applied to establish the nonlinear relationship between accumulated deformation and its potential driving factors, including the depth to the groundwater table (GWD) and its change rate, and the compressible sediment thickness. Results show that the marked subsidence and uplift co-exist in the region even though the groundwater table has risen widely since the South–North Water Diversion Project. The land subsidence is attributed to inelastic compaction of the thick compressible deposits in depression cone centers, where the GWD is over 40 m and 90 m in the shallow and deep aquifers, respectively. In contrast, the marked uplift is primarily attributed to fast rising of the groundwater table (e.g., −2.44 m/a). The RF predictions suggest that, to control the subsidence, the GWD should be less than 20 and 70 m in the shallow and deep aquifers, respectively, and the rising rate of the GWD should increase to 2–5 times of current rates in the depression cones. To mitigate the marked uplift, the rising rate of the GWD should reduce to 1/2–1/5 of the current rates in the shallow aquifers. The uneven deformations of sediments in the depression cone centers and uplift in their boundaries may exacerbate geohazards. Therefore, it is vital to implement appropriate governance of groundwater recovery in the multi-layered porous system.

Revisiting growth-defence trade-offs and breeding strategies in crops.

Plants have evolved a multi-layered immune system to fight off pathogens. However, immune activation is costly and is often associated with growth and development penalty. In crops, yield is the main breeding target and is usually affected by high disease resistance. Therefore, proper balance between growth and defence is critical for achieving efficient crop improvement. This review highlights recent advances in attempts designed to alleviate the trade-offs between growth and disease resistance in crops mediated by resistance (R) genes, susceptibility (S) genes and pleiotropic genes. We also provide an update on strategies for optimizing the growth-defence trade-offs to breed future crops with desirable disease resistance and high yield.

Electric field tunable bandgap in twisted double trilayer graphene

Twisted van der Waals heterostructures have recently emerged as a versatile platform for engineering interaction-driven, topological phenomena with a high degree of control and tunability. Since the initial discovery of correlated phases in twisted bilayer graphene, a wide range of moiré materials have emerged with fascinating electronic properties. While the field of twistronics has rapidly evolved and now includes a range of multi-layered systems, moiré systems comprised of double trilayer graphene remain elusive. Here, we report electrical transport measurements combined with tight-binding calculations in twisted double trilayer graphene (TDTLG). We demonstrate that small-angle TDTLG (~1.7−2.0∘) exhibits an intrinsic bandgap at the charge neutrality point. Moreover, by tuning the displacement field, we observe a continuous insulator-semimetal-insulator transition at the CNP, which is also captured by tight-binding calculations. These results establish TDTLG systems as a highly tunable platform for further exploration of magneto-transport and optoelectronic properties.

Chitosan/Virgin Coconut Oil-Based Emulsions Doped with Photosensitive Curcumin Loaded Capsules: A Functional Carrier to Topical Treatment.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in developing smart drug delivery systems based on natural resources combined with stimulus-sensitive elements. This trend aims to formulate innovative and sustainable delivery platforms tailored for topical applications. This work proposed the use of layer-by-layer (LbL) methodology to fabricate biocompatible photo-responsive multilayer systems. These systems are composed of a polyoxometalate inorganic salt (POM) ([NaP5W30O110]14-) and a natural origin polymer, chitosan (CHT). Curcumin (CUR), a natural bioactive compound, was incorporated to enhance the functionality of these systems during the formation of hollow capsules. The capsules produced, with sizes between 2-5µm (SEM), were further dispersed into CHT/VCO (virgin coconut oil) emulsion solutions that were casted into molds and dried at 37 °C for 48 h. The system presented a higher water uptake in PBS than in acidic conditions, still significantly lower than that earlier reported to other CHT/VCO-based systems. The drug release profile is not significantly influenced by the medium pH reaching a maximum of 37% ± 1% after 48 h. The antioxidant performance of the designed structures was further studied, suggesting a synergistic beneficial effect resulting from CUR, POM, and VCO individual bioactivities. The increased amount of those excipients released to the media over time promoted an increase in the antioxidant activity of the system, reaching a maximum of 38.1% ± 0.1% after 48 h. This work represents a promising step towards developing advanced, sustainable drug delivery systems for topical applications.

Load Assessment Method for Multi-Layer Oceanographic Winch with Synthetic Fibre Ropes Based on Non-Rotation Symmetric Cylindrical Model

Offshore winches are crucial in marine engineering, particularly in marine scientific research and deep-sea exploration. The use of fibre ropes presents significant opportunities for the weight reduction of winches as a consequence of the low length–strength ratio and characteristics of corrosion resistance. Nonetheless, a challenge arises in underestimating the stress load levels in load assessments of multi-layer winch systems using synthetic fibre ropes. Traditional computational methods reliant on symmetrically rotational models fall short in accurately predicting and assessing practical applications. This paper introduces a finite element analysis model based on a non-rotationally symmetric approach with four surfaces subjected to various radial pressure on account of the deformation of the fibre ropes. In the design model, sixteen stress detection paths have been incorporated to identify and confirm non-linear stresses. The outcomes of the finite element simulations have been compared with experimental results with two synthetic fibre ropes, each with distinct deformation characteristics utilised. The findings demonstrate that the application of the model aligns well with experimental results, showcasing its relevance and practical value in real-world scenarios. Precise theoretical calculations and experimental validation are pivotal to ensuring that equipment reliability and safety are maintained alongside the pursuit of light-weighting.

Controlling reaction transfer between Al/Ni reactive multilayer elements on substrates

Reactive multilayers produce exothermic reaction with definite velocity and maximum temperature after ignition, which are the fundamental properties of the reactive multilayer systems. The generated heat with certain velocity makes it widely used in joining, bonding in the packaging, thermal batteries and many more applications. In this work, a distinct approach for achieving a reaction transfer between the reactive multilayers and different materials is demonstrated which can affect the generated temperature and velocity from the self-propagating properties of the reaction. For these intensions, we fabricated the Al/Ni reactive elements with certain separations between elements which allow to observe the reaction front transfer and emitted temperature in the reaction chain. The created separation between reactive elements are periodical and ordered systems with different thermal conductive properties. The temperature and definite velocity were measured by time-resolved pyrometer and high-speed camera measurements. SEM analysis showed the characteristics of the reaction transfer between reactive multilayer elements. It is predicted that: (I) The reaction front stops at a space with critical length; (II) Reducing heat loss through the substrate supports reaction front propagation through spaces; (III) Thermal property design of the spaces between the reactive elements enables property modification of the self-propagating reaction.Graphical abstract

Pure optical twist with zero net torque.

In photonic systems, bilayer or multilayer systems exhibit numerous exciting phenomena induced by twisting. Thus, it is highly desired to explore the twisting effect by engineering the light-matter interactions. Optical torque, an important means in optical micromanipulation, can rotate micro-objects in various ways, enabling a wide range of promising applications. In this study, we present an interesting phenomenon called "pure optical twist" (POT), which emerges when a bilayer structure with specific symmetry is illuminated by counter-propagating lights with opposite spin and/or orbital angular momentum. Remarkably, this leads to zero net optical torque but yet possesses an interesting mechanical effect of bilayer system twisting. The crucial determinant of this phenomenon is the rotational symmetries of each layer, which govern the allowed azimuthal channels of the scattered wave. When the rotational symmetries do not allow these channels to overlap, no resultant torque is observed. Our work will encourage further exploration of the twisting effect through engineered light-matter interactions. This opens up the possibility of creating twisted bilayer systems using optical means, and constructing a stable bilayer optical motor that maintains identical rotation frequencies for both layers.

Stoner Ferromagnetism in a Momentum-Confined Interacting 2D Electron Gas.

In this work we investigate the ground state of a momentum-confined interacting 2D electron gas, a momentum-space analog of an infinite quantum well. The study is performed by combining analytical results with a numerical exact diagonalization procedure. We find a ferromagnetic ground state near a particular electron density and for a range of effective electron (or hole) masses. We argue that this observation may be relevant to the generalized Stoner ferromagnetism recently observed in multilayer graphene systems. The collective magnon excitations exhibit a linear dispersion, which originates from a diverging spin stiffness.

Structural, chemical, and magnetic investigation of a graphene/cobalt/platinum multilayer system on silicon carbide

We investigate the magnetic interlayer coupling and domain structure of ultra-thin ferromagnetic (FM) cobalt (Co) layers embedded between a graphene (G) layer and a platinum (Pt) layer on a silicon carbide (SiC) substrate (G/Co/Pt on SiC). Experimentally, a combination of x-ray photoemission electron microscopy with x-ray magnetic circular dichroism has been carried out at the Co L-edge. Furthermore, structural and chemical properties of the system have been investigated using low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In situ LEED patterns revealed the crystalline structure of each layer within the system. Moreover, XPS confirmed the presence of quasi-freestanding graphene, the absence of cobalt silicide, and the appearance of two silicon carbide surface components due to Pt intercalation. Thus, the Pt-layer effectively functions as a diffusion barrier. The magnetic structure of the system was unaffected by the substrate’s step structure. Furthermore, numerous vortices and anti-vortices were found in all samples, distributed all over the surfaces, indicating Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. Only regions with a locally increased Co-layer thickness showed no vortices. Moreover, unlike in similar systems, the magnetization was predominantly in-plane, so no perpendicular magnetic anisotropy was found.

Mechanical Properties of Thermally Annealed Cu/Ni and Cu/Al Multilayer Thin Films: Solid Solution vs. Intermetallic Strengthening

In this study, Cu/Ni and Cu/Al multilayers, with individual layer thickness varying from 25 nm to 200 nm, and co-sputtered Cu-Ni and Cu-Al single layer films were deposited at room temperature via magnetron sputtering and further annealed from 100 °C to 300 °C. The mechanical and microstructural properties of the as-deposited and annealed samples were characterized by nanoindentation, x-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Both multilayer systems exhibit an increase in hardness with increasing annealing temperature. However, the Cu/Ni system shows a gradual and moderate hardness increase (up to 30%) from room temperature to 300 °C, while the Cu/Al system displays a sharp hardness surge (~150%) between 125 °C and 200 °C. The co-sputtered Cu-Ni and Cu-Al samples consistently demonstrate higher hardness than their multilayered counterparts, albeit with distinctly different temperature dependence—the hardness of Cu-Ni increases with annealing temperature while Cu-Al maintains a constant high hardness throughout the entire temperature range. The distinct thermal strengthening mechanisms observed in the two metallic multilayer systems can be ascribed to the formation of solid solutions in Cu/Ni and the precipitation of intermetallic phases in Cu/Al. This study highlights the unique advantage of intermetallic strengthening in metallic multilayer systems.

How to enhance the polarization intensity of two-dimensional sliding ferroelectricity for hexagonal boron- or nitrogen-based binary compounds?

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) sliding ferroelectric (SFE) materials have received widespread attention due to their unique ferroelectric mechanism, which exists in van der Waals bilayer and multilayer systems. However, compared to traditional ferroelectric materials, their relatively weak polarization intensity and low energy barrier limit their practical applications. Here, using the first-principles calculations, we focus on hexagonal layered structures formed by group III–V elements and propose a design principle that utilizes bilayer materials composed of elements with significant differences in atomic electronegativity to address this issue. The results show that materials composed of two atoms with significant electronegativity differences can effectively increase the polarization intensity and possess moderate energy barriers. Furthermore, the polarization intensity can be effectively modulated by adjusting interlayer distance. The research findings have important significance for the exploration of other 2D SFE materials with high polarization intensity.

An effective multiphysics toolkit for lithium prospecting: From geophysics to the static reservoir model in the Pozuelos salt flat, Argentina

Energy transition drives the energy sector to renewable energy and electrification, being the critical minerals key players in the industrial development map. They comprise rare-earth elements and 35 other elements, including lithium, which holds 60% of its world reserves in the so-called lithium triangle located in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. The low electrical resistivities, variations in salt concentrations, low acoustic impedances, and dynamics of the hydrogeologic system make brine monitoring a complex geophysical exploratory problem. So, the objective is to find a suitable combination of geophysical techniques that fit the lithium exploration objectives, which are the characterization of the salt flat in-depth, fluid detection, basement delineation, definition of the main structures and main faults, and detection of semifresh water aquifers that contribute to its recharge and that are key to the reservoir water balance of an endorheic basin, which has the resource in solution. For this purpose, the evaluation of several prospecting methods in different salt flats was executed, concluding that full tensor magnetotellurics (MT), electrical resistivity tomography, and gravity comprise a toolkit that fits the objectives set. The methodology was validated at the Pozuelos salt flat. The results show that the fresh water-brines contact and the recharge system were well-defined and imaged by ERT. The full tensor MT detected two ultraconductive units: a shallower multilayer system saturated with brines, has a 400 m thickness, whereas the deeper unit has a 500 m thickness. Both MT and gravity characterized the basement, and gravity successfully delineated the main structures. The geophysical interpretation is in concordance with shallow and deep exploration wells. Finally, the integration of geophysical and well data allowed the construction of a 3D static reservoir model that finds the deepest basement area at approximately 900 m depth and discriminates eight lithofacies.

Effects of hygrothermal and natural aging on the durability of multilayer insulation systems incorporating thermal mortars with EPS and aerogel

This study evaluated the durability of three innovative multilayer insulation systems incorporating thermal mortars with EPS aggregates and silica aerogel granules after hygrothermal accelerated aging and one year of natural aging at an urban site in Portugal. The loss of performance was assessed after the accelerated aging and every three months of natural aging using non-destructive testing. Chemical-morphological analyses were also carried out prior to and after accelerated and natural aging. Results obtained after accelerated and natural aging were compared, thus contributing towards a deeper understanding of possible synergistic effects of several degradation agents and mechanisms on the long-term durability of multilayer insulation systems. The Coffin-Manson equation showed that the accelerated aging procedure (∼13 days of heat/rain cycles and 5 days of heat/cold cycles) adopted herein corresponds to approximately 11 years of natural aging in typical urban conditions. The results show a significant increase in capillary water absorption and drying capacity after aging. Extensive surface microcracking was observed after accelerated aging and after 3 months of natural aging, especially in the systems facing North. Traces of biological growth were detected on both the artificially and naturally aged systems, whereas aesthetic alterations were more pronounced in North-oriented specimens after 3 months of exposure, with significantly lower surface gloss and a darker tone. On the other hand, color change cannot be detected in the artificially aged systems (ΔElab* < 2), due to the lack of degradation agents such as pollutants or UV radiation that were not included in the accelerated aging procedure.

Customized designs, preparations, and characterizations of high-performance multilayer VO2-based thermochromic smart coatings

VO2-based thermochromic coatings have gained much attention in temperature-adaptive smart windows, and constructing multilayer film structures is the main way to obtain high thermochromic performances. Based on the self-developed objective-orientated automatic optimization code, the present research realized customized designs of thermochromic multilayer coatings composed of VO2, TiO2, and SiO2 from the objectives of visible luminance (Tlum) and solar light modulation (ΔTsol). The TiO2/VO2/s, VO2/TiO2/s, TiO2/VO2/TiO2/s, and SiO2/TiO2/VO2/TiO2/s (s denotes substrate) multilayer film systems were then prepared by magnetron sputtering and vacuum controllable heating, with their structures, insulator-metallic transition, and thermochromic properties being carefully studied. The result showed that the best trade-off between high Tlum and high ΔTsol was achieved for these film assemblies, and solar light modulation was mainly limited at the near-IR wavelength region of the solar spectrum, with the difference between cool- and hot-state Tlum being greatly reduced. In the case of the four-layer SiO2/TiO2/VO2/TiO2/s, very high average Tlum (60%) and high ΔTsol (14%) were obtained. A 100 × 100 mm2 of the SiO2/TiO2/VO2/TiO2/s was also prepared, and it showed an obvious temperature adjustment, and the service life can last for 14 years under normal weather conditions. Not limited to the prepared multilayer film systems, the methodology used here is also suitable for the fast development of other multilayer film systems.

A Conceptual Exploration of Hidden Spatial Layers: Reading Urban-Breccia

Sustainable urban spaces, from social and cultural perspectives, can be characterized not only by the preservation of the historical cultural structures within them but also by the subjective and collective meanings contributed by the individuals inhabiting these spaces in their daily lives across physical, social, cognitive, and cultural dimensions. Therefore, the planning and construction of socially and culturally sustainable cities is a challenging endeavor due to the intricate and dynamic nature of the urban phenomenon. The main goal of this study is to investigate the meanings of the different layers of the urban space phenomenon and how they can be conceptualized at the core of social and cultural sustainability strategies for cities. The study aims to reconceptualize urban space through the lens of ‘memory’, depicting it as ‘urban-breccia’ that emerges along the axes of remembering–construction and forgetting–destruction, mediated by visible and hidden layers. Within the entirety and variability of physical realities, concepts, phenomena, and occurrences, the urban-breccia generates dynamic, complex, multilayered, and ambiguous relational systems through the struggles of the visible and hidden layers vying for predominance. These relational systems within urban-breccia signify both semantic and syntactic approaches that encompass visible and hidden layers. It is believed that such a study would contribute to the endeavors that seek to find the fundamental domains that render urban spaces culturally and socially sustainable, within the synthesis of urban space’s physical, social, cognitive, and cultural perspectives, through a temporality inherent to memory.

Stochastic modeling of enhancing energy efficiency for HAP in HAP-LEO systems using Markov regenerative process

The sixth-generation (6G) communication systems heavily rely on space-air-terrestrial networks (SAT), which integrate high-altitude platforms (HAPs) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. LEO satellites play a crucial role in ensuring global coverage and supporting a large number of users, while HAPs are strategically deployed to cover regions with high demand, providing a more reliable communication service to ground users. The principal aim of the proposed model is to explore techniques for energy conservation and efficient energy harvesting within the multi-layered system for HAP. In this energy harvesting scenario, it is assumed that HAPs will store the energy units generated through solar power. Moreover, the presented model incorporates two energy-saving states: standby and sleep states, during which HAPs consume minimal or zero energy. To analyze the described multi-layer system, a stochastic model is formulated using Markov regenerative process (MRGP), with consideration for the mean sojourn times of energy-saving states following a non-exponential distribution. The numerical results vividly demonstrate the significant contribution of energy-saving states in enhancing the energy efficiency of the HAP system. Also, trade-offs have been presented to analyze the impact of energy harvesting and energy saving in the proposed model. These findings are visually presented in graphs, and to validate the proposed model, simulation results have been carried out.

The concept of increasing the efficiency of financial risk management based on the application of new digital technologies

Aim. Development of the author’s concept of increasing the efficiency of financial risk management on the basis of application of the technology of creating and using the digital twin of the enterprise.Objectives. To formalize the problems of existing approaches to solving the problems of financial risk management of enterprises of the real sector of economy; to identify trends in the development of digital twins, to formulate the advantages of their practical application and to give the author’s interpretation of the concept of “digital twin of the enterprise”; to build and substantiate a multilayer system of indicators of the digital twin of the enterprise in the context of improving the efficiency of financial risk management; to develop the principles of building a digital twin of the enterprise, focused on solving the problems of financial risk management.Methods. The research was carried out on the basis of system approach, in the process of realization of which the methods of synthesis, logical comparative, factor and graphical analysis, basic provisions of financial risk management and the results obtained in domestic and foreign scientific literature on the problems of realization of approaches and methods of financial risk management were used.Results. The author’s concept of increasing the efficiency of financial risk management based on the application of new technologies for creating digital twins is proposed. In particular, by means of formalizing the problems of existing approaches to solving the problems of financial management, identifying trends in the development of methodology and technologies for creating digital twins, the idea of increasing the efficiency of financial risk management on the basis of creating a digital twin of the enterprise is outlined. The multilayer system of indicators defining the structure of this digital twin is proposed and substantiated, the tasks are defined and the principles of its construction oriented to solving the tasks of financial risk management are developed. The financial kernel of the digital twin of the enterprise is constructed, containing the contours of formation of financial indicators common for different enterprises, determining the achievement of the objectives of financial risk management and its efficiency. The qualitative substantiation of increasing the efficiency of financial risk management with the application of the methodological basis for the creation and use of digital twins proposed in the article is given.Conclusions. Conceptual provisions of creation and use of digital twins for the purposes of financial risk-management, given in the article, create a theoretical and methodological basis for increasing the efficiency of financial risk-management taking into account the use of new digital technologies and can serve as a basis for practical construction of effective systems of financial risk-management at enterprises of the real sector of economy.