Bar graphs are routinely used in academic works, official reports, and mass media. Prior studies have focused on the comprehension of numerical information in bar graph design but have largely ignored the semantic information representation. Actually, along with the escalating need to convey semantic information beyond numerical data, unconventional bar graphs emerge and catch increasing eyes, highlighting the necessity of unlocking semantic information representation in bar graph design. In this paper, we attempt to address these gaps through examining the impact of three visual channels-color, shape, and orientation-on viewers' comprehension of semantic information. Drawing from prior research, we formulate a series of research hypotheses and conduct two experiments. Results show that by evoking sensorimotor experiences, conceptually relevant colors and shapes of bars facilitate the representation of semantic information. This facilitation is more pronounced in conveying concrete concepts than abstract concepts. Similarly, by evoking emotional experiences, colors and orientation aligned with the affective valence of concepts aid the representation of semantic information, with a more noticeable enhancement in conveying abstract concepts compared to concrete concepts. Additionally, we find that shape-embellished bars somewhat hinder the judgment of specific numerical values. These findings provide a renewed perspective on how semantic information is represented in bar graphs, offering valuable practical guidance for scientifically representing semantic information.

Using combined data from the 2011–2013 China Industrial Firm Database, China Industrial Firm Pollution Emission Database, and provincial-level digital financial inclusion index, this paper investigates the impact of digital finance on firm pollution. The authors find that digital finance significantly reduces firm SO2 emission intensity. The inclusive finance attribute of digital finance is conducive to alleviating firm financing constraints and promoting firm transformation and emission reduction. Furthermore, digital finance reduces pollution through innovation compensation. Digital finance mainly affects private firms and small and medium-sized firms, while it mainly plays its role through depth of use, digital payments, and digital credit. The basic conclusions of this paper are verified by using the Internet development level and the spherical distance from Hangzhou, as instrumental variables. This paper has important policy implications for developing countries using digital financial tools to promote green economic transformation and high-quality development.