Researchers and educators are increasingly interested in how virtual worlds allow users to interact, play, learn, do business, share, and collaborate in an online environment. Handbook of Research on Practices and Outcomes in Virtual Worlds and Environments not only presents experienced professionals with the most recent and advanced developments in the field, but it also provides clear and comprehensive information for novice readers. The handbook introduces theoretical aspects of virtual...

This book explores the volatile and uncertain future of democracies in Asia through typological analysis of the diverse patterns of Asian countries.Detailed analysis and extensive case studies featured throughout this edited volume unveil democracies in the process of being consolidated, such as Taiwan and South Korea; precarious democracies, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines; states that are experiencing setbacks and a retreat from democracy, such as Thailand and My...

3D deep learning is a rapidly evolving field that has the potential to transform various industries. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in 3D deep learning, covering a wide range of research topics and applications. It collates the most recent research advances in 3D deep learning, including algorithms and applications, with a focus on efficient methods to tackle the key technical challenges in current 3D deep learning research and adoption, therefo...

Wearable Solar CellsUnderstand a groundbreaking new energy technologySolar energy is one of the most important paths to a sustainable future. In recent years, extensive research and development has begun to produce wearable solar cells, whose novel planar and fiber format gives them enormous flexibility and a wide range of potential uses. The possibility of a solar energy source that can be fitted to the human body promises to become an ext...

In an age where real-time processing and interaction with the physical world through digital lenses are paramount, visual SLAM technology has become the backbone of mobile AR/VR applications, robotics, and autonomous systems. However, the demanding computational load of visual SLAM often strains the limited resources of mobile devices, hindering performance and accuracy. This is exactly where edge computing comes to the forefront, offering a potent solution by performing data processing at...

This book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the 13th China Academic Conference on Printing and Packaging (CACPP 2022), held in Jinan, China, on November 10-12, 2022. The proceedings cover the recent findings in color science and technology, image processing technology, digital media technology, mechanical and electronic engineering and numerical control, materials and detection, digital process management technology in printing and packaging, and other technologies. As ...

This book represents a pioneering contribution to the study of municipal solid waste and the policies that can mitigate its negative impact on both the environment and the economy. It is structured around a comprehensive exploration of municipal waste with focus on food waste and plastic waste in China and the United States, the two largest economies and the biggest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. By drawing a comparative analysis and case studies from businesses and non-governme...

The two-volume Proceedings set CCIS 1637 and 1638 constitutes the refereed proceedings of the Third International Conference on Neural Computing for Advanced Applications, NCAA 2022, held in Jinan, China, during July 8–10, 2022.The 77 papers included in these proceedings were carefully reviewed and selected from 205 submissions. These papers were categorized into 10 technical tracks, i.e., neural network theory, and cognitive sciences, machine learning, data mining, data security &...

This book includes original, peer-reviewed research papers from the 12th China Academic Conference on Printing and Packaging (CACPP 2021), held in Beijing, China on November 12-14, 2021. The proceedings cover the recent findings in color science and technology, image processing technology, digital media technology, mechanical and electronic engineering and numerical control, materials and detection, digital process management technology in printing and packaging, and other technologies. As...

This book explores spatiotemporal analysis and impact assessment of agricultural drought in China and investigates the correlation coefficient between meteorological drought and agricultural drought. It then conducts multivariate frequency analysis of drought events using drought indices and copula functions. It aims to reveal spatiotemporal characteristics and impacts of agricultural drought in China both on vegetation phenology and productivity. The book assesses the performances of drou...

This book offers a forward-looking exploration of how converging technologies are reshaping inclusive education across diverse learning contexts. Bringing together interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, artificial intelligence, pedagogy, and social sciences, the volume examines how digital innovation, generative AI, deep learning, and data-driven methodologies can enhance teaching effectiveness, learner engagement, and equitable access to education. The chapters add...

Today, the online sphere is no longer just an information repository or a place to search for resources. It has become instead a place supporting both intentional and non-intentional learning. Intentional, formal learning, often leads to certification, whereas informal learning is unstructured and takes place as part of daily work-related or leisure activities. Cases on Formal and Informal E-Learning Environments: Opportunities and Practices brings together cases outlining the practical as...