Digital Presentation and Preservation of Cultural and Scientific Heritage
The periodical Digital Presentation and Preservation of Cultural and Scientific Heritage presents innovative results, research projects, practices, case studies, and applications in the field of digitisation, documentation, archiving, representation and preservation of global and national tangible and intangible cultural and scientific heritage. The focus is on the search and the presentation of innovations such as information systems, innovative and creative tools for approaching cultural/scientific assets, applications and services for better access and exploitation of the rich and diverse digital cultural/scientific heritage in a sustainable way, intelligent curation, creative use/re-use and remix, reinterpretation, study, understanding, analysis, personalization, adaptation, semantics, protection, restoration, preservation, etc. The research community deals with the important issues of handling data directly, affecting the economy (as presented by creative and re-creative industry), the public sector (cultural institutions—museums, libraries, galleries, etc.), education, and society as a whole. All articles published in Digital Presentation and Preservation of Cultural and Scientific Heritage have been open access since the beginning of the periodical's publication, and all articles, since 2022, are made immediately available worldwide under an open access Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC 4.0).
Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
Knowledge Base for Alternative Tourism - Case Study Devin Municipality
The article presents an ontology for alternative tourism in the municipality of Devin. Although developed for a specific locality, the ontology can serve as a reusable template for others. The technological aspects are briefly described, including classes, individuals, properties, and reasoning, which is a key mechanism for semantic interpretation.
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The 16th National Information Day: Open Science, Open Data, Open Access, Bulgarian Open Science Cloud
This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and the ongoing efforts regarding open science at both national and international level, focusing on open access to scientific information, open data, and the Bulgarian Open Science Cloud.
Impact of the Skills4EOSC Project on Bulgarian Open Science
Open Science (OS) is a global movement that transforms the way research is conducted, shared, and utilised by promoting transparency, accessibility, and collaboration. Bulgaria has embraced these principles by implementing policies and practices aligned with European frameworks to facilitate Open Access, FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) data management, and collaborative research infrastructures. As a member of the European Open Science Cloud Steering Board, Bulgaria showcases its commitment to building a European ecosystem for OS. It urges national research communities to engage in European initiatives such as Openaire, NI4OS-Europe and Skills4eosc. These initiatives seek to establish the foundations of OS by sharing scientific knowledge products (research articles, data, and software) and actively participating in the process of knowledge production (citizen science, crowdsourcing). This paper presents Bulgaria's participation in the Skills4EOSC project, the benefits of the project for advancing Open Science in Bulgaria, and its contribution to the country's integration into the European Research Area.
IICT operates a state-of-the-art computational infrastructure, developed over many years of continuous expansion. The latest acquisition has been the HEMUS supercomputer, inaugurated in November 2023. The infrastructure serves mainly diverse scientific communities with widely varying requirements for computational power and data storage and processing, which motivates a feature-rich organization of the data storage and analysis facilities. The main design goal has been to provide efficient access to the data, corresponding to the needs of the applications and workflows. Apart from that, the needs for ensuring regular backups and secure long term storage, taking into account the Open Science paradigm and FAIR principles are also considered. In this paper we outline our key technical solutions, the organization of the various data services at our datacenter as well as our near-term roadmap for deployment of new services.
Bulgarian Catholic Books (1878-1944): A Digital Bibliographic and Geographic Information System Platform in Pursuit
This paper deals with the structure and the ongoing technological development of a digital bibliographic product dedicated to Bulgarian Catholic books published between 1878 and 1944. It examines the structural components of the bibliographic repertoire and their functionalities as a matter of the user interface. It also explores the analytical capabilities and potential of the system’s functions as a tool in cross-disciplinary research in Book History, particularly in the context of bibliographic analysis and publishing trends.
Generative Artificial Intelligence and Reconstruction of House Interiors from 19th Century
The paper explores the new creative opportunities introduced by the generative artificial intelligence for the architectural practice. Specifically, the study refers to the realm of architectural heritage. The reconstructed visions of interiors from a 19th century house are result of two input data models: fromtext-to-image and from-image-to-image. It considers the collaborative artwork between human and artificial intelligence.
Integration of Cultural and Historical Heritage Ontologies into an Ontological Network
Ontology creation poses integration and interoperability challenges. Ontology integration is a hot topic in artificial intelligence. The article considers variants for integrating ontologies in Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage, which can be used as an Intelligent Tourist Guide’s knowledge base. Cataloguing standard and ontology integration mechanisms using Protégé are discussed.
Digital library on Pain and Analgesia: Structure and Impact on Professional Competencies
This article presents the structure of a digital library on pain and analgesia. Authors discuss the necessity of its creation, the steps of its introduction in the educational process of the medical staff, and the impact of its application on the professional competencies of members of the pain team.
Chemo-, Bioinformatics’ and Bioengineering Tools in Heritage Science: Repositories and Vocabularies
In recent years nano-, bio-, info-, and cognitive technologies signed significant advances in improvement the beneficial properties of natural biological objects and the creation of entirely new ones that do not exist in nature. This paper examines some of the IT opportunities developed in this process such as databases, vocabularies and linked data, in view of their potential to enable the transition of heritage science to a fundamentally new line — use of renewable supplies and technologies, modelled in respect to the art works’ nature, to ecological and to health save norms.
The Lexical and Semantic Field of Memory in Bulgarian and Ukrainian
We present a contrastive study of the lexical and semantic field of memory in Bulgarian and Ukrainian based on material from a parallel bilingual corpus. The correspondences between several principal roots from which the lexemes of this field are formed, the word-formation patterns and their frequencies are examined, and the most frequent collocations are analysed. We also look into some aspects of translation strategies.
Analyzing Knowledge Graph Innovations and Emerging AI technologies for Cultural Heritage Data Management
Knowledge graphs have become a vital tool for structuring and accessing cultural heritage data, offering new ways to connect and interpret historical information. As the volume and complexity of heritage data grow, integrating advanced computational methods becomes essential to enhance their accuracy, usability, and accessibility. This paper explores emerging trends in cultural heritage knowledge graphs, focusing on the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in improving entity recognition, contextualization, and knowledge enrichment. It examines how natural language processing and deep learning techniques can refine data interpretation and automate updates, leading to dynamic, self-sustaining knowledge graphs. Additionally, the study highlights the integration of knowledge graphs with immersive technologies such as augmented reality and virtual reality, which offer interactive ways to engage with heritage content. Finally, it discusses the impact of linked open data initiatives in fostering crossinstitutional collaboration and global accessibility. These advancements collectively redefine how cultural heritage is studied and experienced, making it more interconnected, interactive, and adaptable to new discoveries.
Preserving the Past in the Digital Future: User Centric Approach
: This paper describes a methodology and plan for promoting the tangible and intangible cultural heritage to digital users. The example in the article is related to Glozhene village, Teteven Municipality, Lovech District, Bulgaria. The primary goals are to digitize local landmarks and artifacts and create a virtual platform for showcasing and sharing the rich heritage of the Glozhene region. The study also seeks to determine the best methodology for presenting and socializing cultural heritage in an innovative way that meets the technological expectations of modern society and adheres to established user experience standards. This digital transformation aids in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
Digital Modeling and Visualization of Embroidery Techniques
This paper deals with problems related to digital presentation and preservation of handmade embroidery in the following aspects: techniques, master skills and numerous embroidery patterns created by generations of craftsmen. The development of a new cross-stitch software application is presented, where the main idea of the proposed software solution is to give the user an opportunity to design embroidery patterns by determining the types of stitches used in a pattern and the technique for their implementation. This ensures the digitalization of not only embroidery patterns, but the embroidery technique itself as well. Indeed, the proposed software solution can be used as an environment for embroidery patterns design and software for instruction and sharing of information among craftsmen.
Ethical Aspects of Digital Reconstruction of the Historical Cultural Heritage
Digital reconstruction of historical artefacts supports cultural heritage preservation, providing new insights beyond digitization. This study addresses ethical challenges of authenticity and interpretation when digitally restoring missing parts, analysing technical processes. Using concrete examples, it explores the interplay between ethical standards and technology in digitization and access to cultural heritage.
Digitization of Cultural and Historical Heritage and Sustainable Development of Cultural Tourism on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
The aim of the research is to assess the impact of digitization of cultural and historical heritage on cultural tourism along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The methods include an analysis of tourism websites and surveys with tour guides and representatives of tourism organizations. The results show that the lack of VR, AR, and virtual tours limits the attractiveness of the websites. Investment in technology and training is needed to improve accessibility and competitiveness of the region as a cultural tourism destination.
The article presents a study analyzing the attitudes of managers regarding the digitalization of art organizations. The results of an empirical survey are provided, showing the desire for digitalization within these organizations. The research focuses on the digitalization of art management processes and presents a prototype for digital art management. The relevance of the prototype is expressed in the fact that this area remains under-researched and requires further attention and development, especially in the context of rapidly evolving technologies and the growing needs of the contemporary art sector.
Secure Curation and Reuse of Digital Scientific Data Using Retrieval-Augmented Generation Systems
This study explores secure and intelligent curation of digital scientific data using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems. Focusing on privacy-preserving approaches and reuse of structured healthcare datasets, we propose models for fraud detection, enhancing semantic interpretation, personalization, and secure access to digital knowledge assets in critical sectors.
Towards a Hybrid Educational-Persuasive Framework for a Library-Oriented Serious Game to Alleviate Library Anxiety
This paper proposes a Hybrid Educational-Persuasive Framework for designing serious games that alleviate library anxiety. Integrating pedagogical and persuasive elements, it emphasizes learner context, motivation, and gameplay mechanics to boost user familiarity and comfort, serving as a model for educational and persuasive game design across multiple domains.
Towards Development of Innovative Software Platform for Serious Educational Games with Creative Visualization in Selected Eco-context
The application of new digital technologies for a sustainable society has a long-term effect on the environment and the quality of life of present and future generations. Achieving sustainable natural resource management through modern digital technologies starts with awareness raising and education. It is imperative to develop innovative digital solutions with high added value and educational initiatives that equip the younger generation to become responsible environmental stewards. In the frame of ProNature project in 2024, the development of an innovative software platform for serious educational games with creative visualization to build competence on natural ecosystems, responsible management of natural resources and environmental protection, started. With the built software platform and based on created educational game scenarios, demonstration serious educational games with creative visualization will be created in a selected eco-context. This paper targets the design and development of the Pro- Nature platform, highlighting its modular architecture and the role of the game scenario module in facilitating the creation of adaptable and reusable educational games. The paper also discusses several learning scenarios of a serious educational game and their formalization, considering their key role in the development process.
A Methodological Framework for Digital Enhancement and Text Recognition in Palimpsests
This paper presents a methodology for enhancing palimpsest readability using image processing. Applying CLAHE, noise reduction, and adaptive thresholding enables the extraction of hidden text layers. The results show effective separation of scriptio inferior and superior, supporting further analysis through digital reconstruction and OCR.
Enhancing Manuscript Readability Using Advanced Image Processing Techniques
This paper explores AI-based image processing techniques to enhance the readability of 12th-century palimpsests from the Bulgarian National Library. Combining UV/IR imaging with methods like denoising, CLAHE, and sharpening, the study demonstrates significant improvements in recovering obscured texts for research and educational purposes.
Raman Spectroscopy of Medieval Manuscripts in Bulgarian National Library – Preliminary Results
This paper presents the initial stages for preparation of a digital catalog (library), including analytical information gathered by using portable Raman spectroscopy instrument for the study of medieval parchment manuscripts from the repository of the Bulgarian National Library” Saints Cyril and Methodius”.
Who Was the Real Collaborator of the Copyist Damijan-Iosif?
This study re-evaluates the manuscript corpus attributed to the Serbian copyist Damijan-Iosif through the application of the Cyrillic Palaeography Toolkit, a digital instrument enabling detailed script analysis. By reassessing six manuscripts bearing his name or monogram and examining two additional codices previously linked to an anonymous collaborator, the study attributes them all to Damijan-Iosif. A further manuscript reveals the presence of a collaborator, distinguished through palaeographic and layout features. These findings shed new light on collaborative practices within the Hilandar scriptorium and demonstrate the potential of digital methodologies to enhance traditional palaeographic attribution frameworks in South Slavonic manuscript studies.
Deep Learning-based Face Recognition in Help of Historical Data and Event Analyses
This study focuses on the deep learning methods for face recognition in order to spot society patterns from historical databases. The results can enrich historical narratives by quantifying visual cues that are often overlooked in traditional archival research. Scanned photographs from the early 20th century have been used to perform recognition of the basic facial attributes – gender, age and emotion.
Usage of Geospatial Augmented Reality for the Representation of National Heritage
The technology of augmented reality can significantly improve the presentation of national heritage. This technology provides quick and more intuitive information search about heritage site landmarks compared to classical technologies that use keywords or scrolling lists. In this paper, we present a mobile application based on geospatial augmented reality technology to present outdoor heritage sites. We provide a detailed description dedicated to the hybrid type of AR tracking that uses ARCore Geospatial API. Also, we present the system's architecture and illustrate its application on the examples of monuments in the city of Niš.
Highlighting Local Heritage: Digital Collections and Virtual Exhibitions in Latvian Public Libraries
The study examines the digitization processes of local cultural documents in Latvian public libraries, as well as practices for highlighting local history through digital collections and virtual exhibitions. The study is based on an analysis of annual reports of public libraries, a survey of library staff and interviews. It is concluded that although the overall pace of digitization of local history documents is still relatively modest, Latvian public libraries have increased their digitization efforts. Publicly accessible, interactive digital collections and virtual exhibitions are being created to promote cultural heritage. The recent launch of the integration of the digital collections of the public libraries into a single platform - the Digital Library of the National Library of Latvia - is of crucial importance for sustainable preservation and accessibility.
Evaluating Cognitive and Emotional Engagement in AI-Assisted Virtual Reality Through EEG
This study proposes an EEGbased evaluation pipeline for an AI assisted VR platform designed to deliver immersive cultural heritage experiences for elderly people. EEG data is used to evaluate emotional and cognitive responses while performing realworld versus virtual tasks, offering a reusable evaluation framework for future immersive heritage applications.
RESTORATIVE: Improving Accessibility to Cultural Heritage with AI-Assisted Virtual Reality
Digitalization of the cultural heritage can be considered from multiple perspectives. In this work, we present a case study based on the ancient city of Karkemish to propose a structured pipeline for developing an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-assisted Virtual Reality (VR) system. The framework outlines a roadmap for creating a user-friendly and gamified VR interface, incorporating qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods before deployment. Qualitative assessments focus on User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX) design, while quantitative evaluations utilize electroencephalogram (EEG) data to monitor cognitive and emotional responses, aiming to promote a positive user experience. Moreover, we introduce a privacy-preserving approach to ensure the user's privacy during the system interaction. The study’s aim is twofold: a) preservation and dissemination of endangered cultural heritages, and b) improving the quality of life for individuals with limited mobility (handicapped, elderly, heritage site restrictions, poverty) by enabling virtual access to cultural heritages.
The proliferation of deepfakes—AI-generated or manipulated media—has transformed the landscape of contemporary art. Deep generative models, including GANs, VAEs, diffusion models, and Transformers, have enabled artists to explore new creative realms while simultaneously raising critical questions around authenticity, ethics, and detection. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of deepfake technologies across five key media modalities: image, video, text, speech, and music. We examine the architectures that enable content creation, and the state-of-the-art techniques used for detection. Further, we evaluate detection accuracy, robustness, and practical implementation, incorporating diagrams, comparative tables, and performance formulas. This work aims to provide a balanced perspective on the opportunities and challenges posed by synthetic media in the artistic domain.
The Role of Science, Technology, Innovation, Education and Gaming in Building a Culture of Disaster Preparedness with the B-prepared Project
B-prepared builds on a freely accessible massive collaborative knowledge base and data hub, demonstrating its usefulness via three demonstrator applications: a cooperative multiplayer VR serious game, simulating real disaster scenarios for the safest near-real experience; an interactive gamified mobile app with age-appropriate content and enhanced accessibility to people with specific functional needs for the widest possible reach; and an LMS system to effectively and comparably measure preparedness levels achieved by VR and/or mobile users on a unified scale. Players can take different roles to solve puzzle tasks in an immersive experience. Teamplay, collaboration and communication are keys to survival, strengthening the culture of mutual assistance and cooperation in danger.