What is AELF?

Could you please elaborate on what AELF stands for and what it represents in the cryptocurrency and finance landscape? I've heard of it being mentioned as a potential contender in the blockchain space, but I'm curious to know more about its core objectives, functionalities, and how it aims to disrupt or improve upon existing systems. Specifically, I'm interested in its scalability solutions, consensus mechanisms, and its approach to cross-chain interoperability. I'd also appreciate a brief history of AELF and its founders' vision for the project.