Search Results (29)

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes are now embedded in payment platforms, authentication workflows, industrial traceability, smart packaging, and mobile information services. Their ubiquity has simultaneously increased the incentive for phishing, tampering, and malicious redirection, while recent RGB-colored barcode designs have introduced a second challenge: maintaining reliable payload recovery under non-ideal capture conditions. This study presents a unified framework for secure and recoverable RGB-colored 2D barcodes across QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, and PDF417 symbologies. The framework combines channel-separated RGB encoding, lightweight hybrid cryptographic protection, and pretrained vision-based validation to jointly improve confidentiality, authenticity, and operational trust. A recoverability-oriented evaluation protocol is introduced to quantify robustness under distance variation, angular distortion, illumination change, blur, and color shift. Experimental results show that compact schemes based on ChaCha20-Poly1305 and Ed25519 achieve the most favorable trade-off between security overhead and decoding reliability, while EfficientNet-B0 offers the best deployment balance among the evaluated vision backbones. Data Matrix and Aztec exhibit the strongest maximum reliable distance under the tested conditions. The results indicate that secure barcode design cannot be treated as a purely cryptographic or purely visual problem; instead, practical deployment benefits from a layered architecture in which cryptography, computer vision, and recoverability metrics are optimized together. Full article

Modern web mapping technologies implement web standards that make the visualization of geoscience data on the web possible using various methods, offering a high degree of customizability for creating web maps. In meteorology, synoptic surface weather charts serve as crucial products to communicate observed surface weather at a point in time. To convey such information, these maps implement complex symbology, such as a multi-element surface station model symbol to indicate station data, isobars, and special line symbology to visualize weather fronts. Synoptic messages (SYNOP standard numerical code by WMO) are periodic meteorological reports of weather observations, exchanged by national meteorological services around the globe. This study focuses on visualizing surface weather data decoded from SYNOP reports. The paper introduces an open-source JavaScript module, which handles data decoding and dynamic symbol generation, using a WMO-compliant method for creating station model vector symbols for observational GeoJSON data on the client-side, in an interactive web mapping environment. Its output is compatible with popular, open-source web mapping libraries. It runs Python in the browser with Pyodide and makes use of the Web Workers API for parallelization, speeding up the decoding and visualization process without blocking the user interface thread. The developed module intends to help with easy representation of surface weather observations on web maps used in meteorology, which can also be implemented in a dynamically updated server–client architecture. The code is presented with a ready-to-use wrapper for Leaflet. Full article

The plant’s representation had, in the past, a great symbolic relevance, which is now often neglected. The presence and significance of mullein (Verbascum sp.) in Euro-Mediterranean art have been investigated, but despite its iconographic importance, a wide analysis of its value and recurrence is lacking. Through a survey of over 5000 artworks, from ancient to modern age, combining digital museum collections and fieldwork, we identified about hundred depictions of Verbascum, 64 of which are here reported for the first time. Based on key morphological traits, V. thapsus and V. sinuatum emerged as the most frequently depicted species, particularly through their basal leaves and inflorescences (especially in modern ages). In archaeological contexts, Verbascum overall appears as a symbol of Athena/Minerva, bringers of light, and in funerary settings, such as Apulian vases and tombs, symbolizing new life in the afterlife. After its absence during the Middle Ages, the plant reappeared in the Renaissance, carefully portrayed by notable artists, such as Leonardo, Correggio, Bellini, Dürer, Caravaggio, and Bernini. During this period, mullein is often associated with Christ and St. John the Baptist, reinforcing its symbolism of light and spiritual elevation. Other representations also occurred in the subsequent centuries, but in a renovated vision of the natural world. Full article

The static nature of traditional military symbology, such as MIL-STD-2525D, hinders effective real-time threat detection and response in modern cybersecurity operations. This research introduces the Dynamic Adaptive Symbol System (DASS), a novel framework enhancing cyber situational awareness in military and enterprise environments. The DASS addresses static symbology limitations by employing a modular Python 3.10 architecture that uses machine learning-driven threat detection to dynamically adapt symbol visualization based on threat severity and context. Empirical testing assessed the DASS against a MIL-STD-2525D baseline using active cybersecurity professionals. Results show that the DASS significantly improves threat identification rates by 30% and reduces response times by 25%, while achieving 90% accuracy in symbol interpretation. Although the current implementation focuses on virus-based scenarios, the DASS successfully prioritizes critical threats and reduces operator cognitive load. Full article

A significant amount of livestock manure is generated in Bangladesh, creating challenges for sustainable manure management. Bioenergy and organic fertilizer production from manure are expected to provide opportunities for renewable resources, including environmental benefits. Therefore, this research aimed to spatially assess the potential of manure for biogas and compost using GIS (geographic information system) symbology and hot spot analyses, based on theoretical estimations. This study identified hot spots for biogas and compost production from various types of livestock manure at the district and sub-district levels, whereas previous studies have only explored these at a national level. The estimated total biogas and compost potential was approximately 15,035.50 million m³ and 67.36 million tons, respectively, from livestock manure in 2024, distinguishing it as a feasible alternative to fossil fuels for electricity generation and synthetic fertilizers for crop production. Overall, the regional pattern maps of the socio-economic potential, hot spot identification, and environmental benefits assessments of manure will provide a more localized approach to planning sustainable manure management strategies for biogas and compost production in Bangladesh. Full article

With the increasing digitalization of maritime transportation, the demand for structured and interoperable data has grown. While the S-100 framework developed by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) provides a foundation for standardizing maritime information, a data model for representing marine casualties has not yet been developed. As a result, past incident data—such as collisions or groundings—remain fragmented in unstructured formats and are excluded from electronic navigational systems, limiting their use in safety analysis and route planning. To address this gap, this paper proposes a data model for structuring and visualizing marine casualty information within the S-100 standard. The model was designed by defining an application schema, constructing a machine-readable feature catalogue, and developing a portrayal catalogue and custom symbology for integration into Electronic Navigational Charts (ENCs). A case study using actual casualty records was conducted to examine whether the model satisfies the structural and portrayal requirements of the S-100 framework. The proposed model enables previously unstructured casualty data to be standardized and spatially integrated into digital chart systems. This approach allows accident information to be used alongside other S-100-based data models, contributing to risk-aware route planning and future applications in smart ship operations and maritime safety services. Full article

Historical maps contain valuable topographic information, including altimetry in the form of annotated elevation contours. These contours are essential for understanding past terrain configurations, particularly in areas affected by human activities such as mining or dam construction. To make this data usable in modern GIS applications, the contours must be vectorized—a process that often requires extensive manual work due to noise, inconsistent symbology, and topological disruptions like annotations or sheet boundaries. In this study, we apply a convolutional neural network (U-Net) to improve the automation of this vectorization process. Leveraging a recent benchmark for historical map vectorization, our method demonstrates increased robustness to disruptive factors and reduces the need for manual corrections. Full article

In this article, for the first time on this topic, we analyze the historical color palettes of Renaissance oil paintings by using machine-learning methods and digital images. Our work has two main parts: we collect data on their historical color palettes and then use machine learning to predict the original colors of paintings. This model studies color ratios, enhancement levels, symbolic meanings, and historical records. It looks at key colors, measures their relationships, and learns how they have changed. The main contributions of this work are as follows: (i) we develop a model that predicts a painting’s original color palette based on multiple factors, such as the color ratios and symbolic meanings, and (ii) we propose a framework for using cognitive computing tools to recover the original colors of historical artworks. This helps us to rediscover lost emotional and cultural details. Full article

This study examines the understanding of tourist maps in Croatian national parks, emphasizing a user-centered approach to enhancing cartographic design, the tourist experience, and map readability. Although tourist maps are widely used, there is limited research evaluating these cartographic products, particularly in terms of their comprehensibility and effectiveness in communicating spatial information. To address this gap, we examined existing cartographic materials published by Croatian national park authorities in line with recognized cartographic standards. An online questionnaire, completed by 132 participants of varying ages and educational backgrounds, was used to evaluate the understanding of Point of Interest (POI) pictograms. The results obtained within both gap analysis and needs assessment underscore the need for user-centered improvements in cartographic communication and provide a foundation for the development of more effective map designs tailored to user needs. Full article

Tsunami maps provide critical information about tsunami hazards, potential inundation areas, and safe evacuation routes, yet little research has addressed how different user groups perceive and interpret these maps. Using a questionnaire distributed to 181 participants (24 experts—EXs and 157 general users—GUs) and the chi-square (χ²) test, this research explored their understanding and perception of map elements, symbology, probabilistic data, and uncertainty communication. The results show that while both groups generally understand the maps, significant differences exist in their perception of essential map elements, such as evacuation routes, safe zones, and technical data. On average, EXs identified 7.38 elements that evacuation maps should contain, consistently emphasizing the need for more detailed information, whereas GUs preferred simplicity, selecting an average of 5.11 elements. These results highlight the need to balance detail and clarity in map design to serve both user groups effectively. Notably, the results suggest that at least 33% of EXs and 47% of GUs did not clearly distinguish between tsunami hazard and evacuation maps, highlighting the need for clearer map design and terminology. The study also revealed challenges in communicating probabilistic data and uncertainty to non-experts, suggesting the need for improved methods to present this information effectively. Full article

The reuse of construction materials has been a consistent practice throughout the history of architecture, especially prevalent during periods of transition when it was preferred for its ability to simplify installation and reduce construction costs. This practice was particularly common in late Roman urban contexts, where construction materials, especially ashlar and sculptural elements, were abundant following the abandonment of temples and public buildings. However, there are occasions when the use of spolia, or reused materials, goes beyond simple material recycling. The reuse and display of certain pieces carry complex implications involving symbology, cultural appropriation, or collective memory exercises that convey messages through new buildings. In this paper, we focus on the unique case of Hispanic Christian architectural sculptures that were “recycled” in new buildings during the first centuries of Islamic domination of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically within places of worship. Through a general analysis and review of some examples, we aim to reflect on the motivations and intentionality behind the use of certain sculptural pieces and their placement in new buildings, which is not arbitrary. Full article

The present work will try to delve into some emotional aspects expressed by the community of believers about a section of the Mosque of Córdoba: the maqsūra of al-Ḥakam II. It is important to observe this maqsūra from the point of view of the emotions that it generates during its use as an active sacred space. The maqṣūra of al-Ḥakam II is a space for communication between the political and religious powers within the religious community who attended the Prayer on Friday (Ṣalat al-Jumu’a). This article reviews and expands some hypotheses raised by Professor Ruiz Souza in 2001, where he pointed out the importance of the point of view of the community of worshippers to understand the main functions of the maqṣūra. The worshippers attended the ceremonial and could observe part of the maqṣūra from the shadows of the naves of the old mosque. What did they perceive from a space that was hidden from their gaze? What was this luminous place where the Prince of Believers was located, trying to make them feel? To answer these questions, new methodologies from the History of Art have been used, combined with Anthropology of Religion, the Archeology of Emotions, Color Symbology, Neuroscience and Psychology. Full article

Does our food for thought come virtually from the internet? When we take a long view, the instant stroke of a keyboard pales in comparison to the centuries-old evolution of real food harvesting and the generation and exchange of ideas, which have resulted in creative capital. The vernacular architecture of the agricultural built environment has almost dematerialized in its transition from the ancient pre-industrial era to the post-truth world, to become almost only an imagined concept. The symbology of the common threshing terrace of a Portuguese remote mountain village can now be found in multiple spaces of the urban realm, including in the metaphor of a community arts incubator’s modus operandi in Albany, New York (USA). How has the concept of food for thought developed and materialized? How has it evolved? And what are some of the expected ways it might be utilized in the future? The purpose of the paper is to trace the evolution of this concept and its elements via the BLC Framework. The methodology employs a time analysis of approximately three centuries to distinguish three distinct evolutionary phases: (i) the pre-industrial era, (ii) the industrial era, and (iii) the information-driven era. The key finding is an up-to-date discussion of the food for thought concept in two distinct geographical worlds and three-time eras, as well as a set of lessons learned according to a protest poem and a rock song. The results are presented in the form of five lessons learned with implications for public policy: the first two lessons pertain to issues of procedural justice as encapsulated in the anonymous ‘The Goose’ poem, while the last three result from a discussion of selected verses in Nick Cave’s ‘Fable of the Brown Ape’ rock song. Full article

The presented study aims to examine the process of preattentive processing of dynamic point symbols used in cartographic symbology. More specifically, we explore different motion types of geometric symbols on a map together with various motion velocity distribution scales. The main hypothesis is that, in specific cases, motion velocity of dynamic point symbols is the feature that could be perceived preattentively on a map. In a controlled laboratory experiment, with 103 participants and eye tracking methods, we used administrative border maps with animated symbols. Participants’ task was to find and precisely identify the fastest changing symbol. It turned out that not every type of motion could be perceived preattentively even though the motion distribution scale did not change. The same applied to symbols’ shape. Eye movement analysis revealed that successful detection was closely related to the fixation on the target after initial preattentive vision. This confirms a significant role of the motion velocity distribution and the usage of symbols’ shape in cartographic design of animated maps. Full article

At the entrance of some churches in Tuscany (Italy), the reproduction of an apparently undecipherable inscription can be found. Beginning in the 18th century, this epigraphic puzzle has originated a debate on its interpretation. This study proposes a hypothesis based on the Latin alphabet used in texts contemporary to the churches where the inscription is reproduced and a possible interpretation of the message consistent with the official religious doctrine. The proposed deciphering is extended to the full text, including some signs that were previously considered geometric forms or a specific elaboration of letters not attested in other contemporary documents. Full article