Crypto-Steganographic Method to Protect Secret Messages

Multiple methods are used to hide secret messages in digital color images, and the most important and most common is the least significant bit (LSB) method. The LSB method is a known and exposed method, and anyone with programming experience can retrieve the secret message embedded in the digital image. In this paper research we will add some enhancements to improve the security level of LSB method to protect the embedded secret message from being hacked. A simple method of secret message cryptography will be used to encrypt the secret message before bedding it using LSB method. The method will be based on using color image as an image_key; this image_key will be resized to generate the needed secret private key used to encrypt-decrypt secret message. The length and the contents of the generated private key will dynamically change depending on the message length and the selected image_key. The selected image_key will be kept in secret without transmission and will be known only by the sender and receiver and it can be changed any time when needed. The proposed crypto_steganographic method will be implemented to show how it will increase the level o secret message protection.

Compare the Similarity between Two Quantum Images

Comparing the similarity between digital images is an important subroutine in various image processing algorithms. In this study, we present three quantum algorithms for comparing the similarity between two quantum images. These algorithms apply to binary, grey and color images respectively. Without considering the image preparation, the proposed algorithms achieve exponential acceleration than the existing quantum and classical methods in complexity. At the end of this paper, an experiment based on the real quantum computer of IBMQ and simulations verify the effectiveness of the algorithms.

Demonstrative symbolization of national identity in the design of the Olympic ceremonial costume

The purpose of the article is to analyze the Olympic ceremonial costume of the XVIII Winter Olympic Games "Nagano-1998" and set the components demonstratively symbolizing the national identity in the design of clothing of the Olympic ceremonial costume. Methodology. Heuristic methods in art analysis were used to solve the set tasks, namely: visual observation; description; an attempt to establish components demonstratively symbolizing national identity in the design of Olympic ceremonial costume clothing; logical generalization of the obtained results. Scientific Novelty. According to the results of the art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costume of foreign teams participating in the competitions (USA, China, Greece) of the XVIII Winter Olympic Games "Nagano-1998", one of the determinants of artistic and informational identification of the Olympic ceremonial costume was established for the first time and its components, which demonstratively symbolize a national identity in the design of clothing. Conclusions. Art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costume, the reflection of socio-political influences of the historical context on its formality and informational compliance with the principles enshrined in the Olympic Charter [5, p. 11–12] competitions, give us reason to establish for the first time a demonstrative symbolization of the national identity of the design of clothing of the Olympic ceremonial costume as one of the determinants of artistic and informational identification. Given the ceremonial guidelines for identity in costume, which have been followed by all teams since 1936, the most important manifestation in this period (1998) is the semiotic accent in costume. Expression of their state independence, national identity, as well as the importance and identity of their culture at the turn of the era, with the help of such demonstratively symbolizing national identity in the design of Olympic ceremonial costume components, such as 1) Construction - the formation of the suit and the material used are tectonically displayed on the figures of athletes. By designing items of clothing, a visual image is built, which allows obtaining a silhouette identifying result; 2) Sign - stylization of the sign/signs is done by applying a pattern, graphic elements, combinations of graphic elements, embroidery, and possibly other creative innovative stylizations on clothes and accessories. Signs visually identify athletes, allow you to read the underlying meanings of the semantic information content of the costume; 3) Color – appealing to the colors of the national flag and reproducing with the help of color images of well-known objects of cultural heritage are the most popular methods of identifying the country during the Olympic parade. However, when choosing a color and its outflow, its compliance with the values in the host country and the prevailing trends overtime is taken into account. 3) Color – appealing to the colors of the national flag and reproducing with the help of color images of well-known cultural heritage sites are the most popular methods of identifying the country during the Olympic parade. However, when choosing a color and shade of color, its compliance with the values in the host country and the prevailing trends of the time is taken into account. It is worth noting that the visual image that translates national identity can be obtained by combining these components in the design, both together and separately, which was found during the art analysis of the Olympic ceremonial costumes of sports teams of the United States, China, and Greece. Key words: design, costume, Olympic ceremonial costume, identity, identification, symbolization, demonstration.

Additions to Lyophyllaceae s.l. from China

Four new species, viz. Calocybe coacta, C. fulvipes, C. vinacea and Clitolyophyllum umbilicatum, are described in northern China. Comparisons are made of macro- and micromorphological features among the new species and closely related species within the genus. The new species feature unique morphological characteristics that separate them from the previously described species. Calocybe coacta is characterized by medium- to large-sized basidiocarps, greyish cream, felty pileus and non-cellular epicutis. The key characteristics of C. fulvipes are rose-brown to greyish-brown pileus, stone-brown stipe and non-cellular epicutis. The unique morphological characteristics of C. vinacea that distinguish it from its closely related species are pastel red to dull-red pileus and stipe surface with densely white pruina. The main characteristics of Clitolyophyllum umbilicatum are deeply depressed dark orange to light-brown pileus, central stipe and subglobose-ellipsoid spores. Phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS and 28S regions indicated that the four new species are distinct and monophyletic. Full descriptions, color images, illustrations and a phylogenetic tree that show the placement of the four new species are provided. A key to the Calocybe species reported from China is also given.