Albert Camus

1. Soraia Raupp Musse
2. Julia Melgaré
3. Greice Pinho

From Pixels to Perception: The Interplay Between Real and Virtual Human Experiences

The book delves into two key aspects of the interaction between real and virtual humans. First, it examines the intricate dynamics of human perception in relation to virtual human representation, beginning with an exploration of the Uncanny Valley (UV) theory to understand why certain virtual humans evoke discomfort or a sense of strangeness in users. It also addresses how human biases influence these perceptions, offering a deeper understanding of the subjective factors at play. The book introduces innovative methods to investigate this phenomenon, correlating objective image characteristics, such as Hu Moments and Histogram Oriented Gradient (HOG), with subjective feelings of discomfort. The second aspect of the book shifts focus to the perspective of virtual humans, discussing how they perceive the virtual world and the importance of gaze behavior in creating believable characters. By integrating insights from neuroscience with data-driven models, the book illustrates how animated gaze and virtual human perception can enhance user interaction with virtual environments. Bringing together both sides of perception, this comprehensive analysis reveals how these dynamics impact the user experience with technology.

Nigerian Media's Artificial Intelligence Revolution

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming communication and media sectors around the world, but much of the global academic literature on this remains Western-centric. This book will be an important read for researchers working on media, communication, and education both in Nigeria, and in Africa more broadly.

Theory, Algorithms, and Modern Applications for Recommender Systems

1. Garrett Music

SOC Mastery

Industry 4.0 and Sustainability

Dr. Muhammad Imran Khan is a Full Professor in the College of Engineering at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University in Saudi Arabia. He obtained his PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from the University of Reading, UK. Dr. Khan has over 16 years of experience across industry, research, and academia related to engineering operations, energy systems, and sustainable development. His research utilizes an applied, interdisciplinary approach integrating engineering, economics, and policy to advance low carbon energy systems and sustainability. Dr. Khan has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, 15 of which are Highly Cited Papers ranking in the top 1% in their field. His Google Scholar h-index stands at 51 with over 6500 citations. He is among the top 0.3% of influential scientists worldwide according to Stanford University's global scientist ranking. Dr. Khan has received numerous honors and awards recognizing his contributions to energy and sustainability, including the Energy Engineer of the Year from the US Association of Energy Engineers. Dr. Khan serves as an Associate Editor for three Elsevier journals including: Sustainable Futures (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/sustainable-futures); Energy Research & Social Science (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/energy-research-and-social?science); Process Safety and Environmental Protection (https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/process-safety-and-environmental?protection) and has been guest editor for special issues in several leading journals. Dr. Khan is an elected Fellow of institutions such as the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), UK, Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), UK, Engineers Australia, Pakistan Academy of Engineering, Australian Institute of Energy, Australia, and Instition of Gas Engineers and Manager (IGEM), UK. He is also a Chartered/Professional Engineer registered with the national Engineering Councils in UK, Ireland and Australia. With his extensive research background situated at the nexus of Industry 4.0, energy systems, and sustainability, Dr. Khan will bring valuable expertise and leadership as editor of this timely book. His experience publishing high?impact interdisciplinary research will ensure the book integrates technological, organizational, and policy dimensions through an evidence-based approach. Dr. Khan's vision is for the book to stimulate debate and innovation in leveraging Industry 4.0 to accelerate the transition towards sustainable and just digital manufacturing futures. Dr. Sami G. Al-Ghamdi is an Associate Professor of Sustainability and Climate Change at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia. He obtained his PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh, USA. Dr. Al-Ghamdi's research focuses on the complexities of the built environment, including the intersections of climate change, energy systems, water resources, and sustainability. He utilizes a multidisciplinary approach spanning engineering, environmental sciences, economics, and policy. Dr. Al-Ghamdi has published over 130 peer-reviewed papers and serves as an Associate Editor for Frontiers in Sustainability. Dr. Al-Ghamdi has extensive experience conducting life cycle assessment of technologies and systems. His work examines the sustainability implications of major infrastructure like desalination plants, buildings, transportation, and renewable energy. As an expert on climate change and resiliency issues facing the Middle East, he provides crucial regional context regarding sustainability challenges and pathways. With his background in studying sustainability science and environmental life cycle analysis, Dr. Al-Ghamdi will provide important insights into assessing Industry 4.0 technologies from a sustainability perspective. His specialized expertise will inform integrative strategies to leverage advanced manufacturing for energy and resource efficiency while considering regional climate change impacts. Dr. Al-Ghamdi aims to synthesize perspectives from engineering, environmental science, and policy domains to develop actionable frameworks for Industry 4.0 sustainability. Dr. Mushtaq Khan is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia. He obtained his PhD in Additive Manufacturing from Loughborough University, UK followed by Post-Doc at University of Manchester, UK. Dr. Khan has over 15 years of research and teaching experience related to advanced manufacturing technologies, additive manufacturing, laser processing, and Industry 4.0. His research utilizes an interdisciplinary approach combining engineering design, materials science, and manufacturing processes. Dr. Khan has published over 50 papers in leading journals, including Rapid Prototyping Journal, Journal of Materials Processing Technology, and Lasers in Engineering. He has also presented his work at major international conferences like IMechE and ASME. Dr. Khan has worked extensively with state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technologies like Selective Laser Melting, Laser Cladding, and 3D Printing. As an academic researcher, he has been engaged in multiple externally funded projects related to advanced manufacturing, lightweight materials, and process optimization. Dr. Khan also has industry exposure, having worked on industrial research projects and professional training programs. With his in-depth expertise in additive manufacturing and familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, Dr. Khan will make significant contributions as a co-editor for this timely book. His specialized perspective on leveraging advanced manufacturing methods for sustainability outcomes will add value to the book. Dr. Khan is keen to synthesize cross-disciplinary insights shaping the future of smart, sustainable manufacturing.

Advanced Wireless Communication and Sensor Networks

This book cover wireless communication, security issues, advanced wireless sensor networks, routing protocols of WSNs with cross-layer solutions, emerging trends, power management, distributed sensing and data gathering techniques, WSNs Security, applications, research of advanced WSNs with simulation results, and simulation tools for WSNs.