Publications

Journal Articles

1. C. Shi, M. Qiao, Z. Li, Z. Akhtar, B. Wang, M. Han, T. Qiao, “Deepfake Video Traceability and Authentication via Source Attribution”, IET Biometrics, Wiley, vol. 2025, no. 1, pp. 1-14, 2025.

2. S. Pahune and Z. Akhtar, "Transitioning from MLOps to LLMOps: Navigating the Unique Challenges of Large Language Models", Information, MDPI, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 1-36, 2025.

3. L.S. Panchananam, P.K. Chandaliya, Z. Akhtar, K. Upla, R. Ramachandra, "WaveletFusion: Enhancing Plant Leaf Disease Classification with Multi-scale Feature Extraction and Explainable AI",  Expert Systems With Applications, Elsevier, 2025.

4. S. Pahune, Z. Akhtar, V. Mandapati, K. Siddique, "The Importance of AI Data Governance in Large Language Models", Big Data and Cognitive Computing, MDPI, vol. 9, no. 6, pp. 1-44, 2025. 

5. D.W. Deressa, H. Mareen, P. Lambert, S. Atnafu, Z. Akhtar, G.V. Wallendael, "GenConViT: Deepfake Video Detection Using Generative Convolutional Vision Transformer", Applied Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15, no. 12, pp. 1-21, 2025.

6. C. Mohamed, Z. Akhtar, P.K. Chandaliya, "Dual-Model Synergy for Fingerprint Spoof Detection Using VGG16 and ResNet50", Journal of Imaging, MDPI,  vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 1-13, 2025.

7. S.R. Hole, J. Vrindavanam, Z. Akhtar, "An efficient Quantum-Enhanced Ensemble Fault Detection for Solar Energy Integration using an Iterative Game-Theoretic Approach with Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference and Energy Storage", Solar Energy and Sustainable Development Journal, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 279-294, 2025.

8. H. Zouaoui, A. Attia, A.Moussaoui, Z. Akhtar, "A robust MR image segmentation method for enhanced brain tumor detection",  Ingénierie des Systèmes d’Information, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1077-1085, 2025. 

9. Y. Belayadi, A. Attia, N.E. Chalabi, Z. Akhtar, A.W. Mohamed, "Gabor filter bank features selection for face recognition based on particle swarm optimization",  Ingénierie des Systèmes d’Information, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 713-720, 2025. 

10. R. Hafeez, S. Waheed, S.A. Naqvi, F. Maqbool, A. Sarwar, S. Saleem, K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, "Deep Learning in Early Alzheimer’s Disease’s Detection: A Comprehensive Survey of Classification, Segmentation and Feature Extraction Methods", Journal of Computer Science, vol. 21, no. 5, pp. 1083-1098, 2025.

11. S. Saleem, A. Hussain, N. Majeed, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "A Multi-Scale Feature Extraction and Fusion Deep Learning Method for Classification of Wheat Diseases",  Journal of Computer Science, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 34-42, 2025.

12. Z. Akhtar, T.L. Pendyala, V.S. Athmakuri, "Video and Audio Deepfake Datasets and Open Issues in Deepfake Technology: Being Ahead of the Curve", Forensic Sciences, MDPI, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 289-377, 2024.

13. B. Kaddar, S.A. Fezza, Z. Akhtar, W. Hamidouche, A. Hadid, J. Serra-Sagristà, "Deepfake Detection Using Spatiotemporal Transformer", ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications, vol. 20, no. 11, pp. 1-21, 2024.

14. H. Szmurlo and Z. Akhtar, "Digital Sentinels and Antagonists: The Dual Nature of Chatbots in Cybersecurity", Information, MDPI, vol. 15, no. 8, pp. 443, 2024.

15. A. Buriro, Z. Akhtar, F. Ricci and F. Luccio, "Wearable Wisdom: A Bi-modal Behavioral Biometric Scheme for Smartwatch User Authentication", IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 61221-61234, 2024.

16. M. Cheniti, Z. Akhtar, C. Adak, K. Siddique, "An Approach for Full Reinforcement-based Biometric Score Fusion", IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 49779-49790, 2024.

17. H. Inani, V. Mehta, D. Bhavsar, R.K. Gupta, A. Jain, Z. Akhtar, "AI‑enabled dental caries detection using transfer learning and gradient‑based class activation mapping", Journal of Ambient Intelligence and Humanized Computing, Springer, pp. 1-25, 2024.

18. A. Arora, J.M. Zaeem, V. Garg, A. Jayal, Z. Akhtar, "A Deep Learning Approach for Early Detection of Facial Palsy in Video Using Convolutional Neural Networks: A Computational Study", Computers, MDPI, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 200,  2024.

19. F. Boudjerida, Z. Akhtar, A. Lahoulou, S. Chettibi, "Integrating Fuzzy C-Means Clustering and Fuzzy Inference System for Audiovisual Quality of Experience", International Journal of Information Technology, Springer, vol. 16, no. 4, pp.2549-2562, 2024.

20. D. Ranga, S. Prajapat, Z. Akhtar, P. Kumar, A.V. Vasilakos, "Hybrid Quantum–Classical Neural Networks for Efficient MNIST Binary Image Classification", Mathematics, MDPI, vol. 12, no. 23, pp. 3684, 2024.

21. H. Saini, G. Singh, A. Kaur; S. Saini, N.A. Wani, V. Chopra, Z. Akhtar, S.A. Bhat, "Hybrid Optimization Machine Learning Framework for Enhancing Trust and Security in Cloud Network", IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 195943-195959, 2024.

22. H. Bibi, S.R. Shah, M.M. Baig, M.I. Sharif, M. Mehmood, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "Phishing Website Detection Using Improved Multilayered Convolutional Neural Networks", Journal of Computer Science, vol. 20, no. 9, pp. 1069-1079, 2024.

23. Z. Maaref, F. Belhadj, A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, M.B. Jasser, A.M. Ramly, A.W. Mohamed, "A comprehensive review of vulnerabilities and attack strategies in cancelable biometric systems", Egyptian Informatics Journal, Elsevier, vol. 27, pp. 100511, 2024.

24. M. H. Khan, M.I. Sharif, M. Mehmood, F. N. Nur, M. P. Uddin, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique and S. W. Awan, "Enhancing Semantic Web Retrieval Through Ontology-Driven Feature Extraction: A Novel Proposition",  Journal of Computer Science, vol. 20, no. 5, pp. 487-494, 2024.

25. S. Waheed, S. Hanif, R. Hafeez, M.I. Sharif, K. Siddique, and Z. Akhtar, "A Comprehensive Survey on Applications, Challenges, Threats and Solutions in IoT Environment and Architecture",  Journal of Computer Science, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 310-332, 2024.

26. M.I. Sharif, M. Mehmood, M.P. Uddin, K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, S. Waheed, "Federated Learning for Analysis of Medical Images: A Survey", Journal of Computer Science, vol. 20, no. 12, pp. 1610-1621, 2024.

27. G. Raja, G. Saravanan, S. B. Prathiba, Z. Akhtar, S. A. Khowaja and K. Dev, "Smart Navigation and Energy Management Framework for Autonomous Electric Vehicles in Complex Environments", IEEE Internet of Things Journal, vol. 10, no. 21, pp. 18641-18650, 2023.

28. Z. Akhtar, "Deepfakes Generation and Detection: A Short Survey", Journal of Imaging, MDPI, vol. 9, no. 1, pp. 1-16, 2023. 

29. I. Khamiyev, D. Issa, Z. Akhtar, M. F. Demirci, "Panoramic Image Generation using Deep Learning", Soft Computing, Springer, vol. 27, no. 13, pp. 8679-8695, 2023.

30. B. Kaddar, S. A. Fezza, W. Hamidouche, Z. Akhtar, A. Hadid, "On the effectiveness of handcrafted features for deepfake video detection", Journal of Electronic Imaging, SPIE, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 1-31, 2023.

31. S.L. Lutfi, B. Lahasan, C. Luna-Jiménez, Z.A. Bamasood, Z. Akhtar, “Effects of Facial Expressions and Gestures on the Trustworthiness of a Person”, IEEE Access, vol. 11, pp. 133891-133902, 2023.

32. Q. Zhu, S. Liu, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "Segment-Aware Dynamic Partitioning PCM-DRAM: A Solution to IoT Devices Development Constraints", Journal of Computer Science, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 1212-1221, 2023.

33. Q. Zhu, Q. Chen, Y. Liu, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "Investigating TrustZone: A Comprehensive Analysis", Security and Communication Networks, Hindawi, vol. 2023, pp.1-19, 2023.

34. H. Chellakh, A. Moussaoui, A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, "MRI Brain Tumor Identification and Classification using Deep Learning Techniques", Ingénierie des Systèmes d’Information, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 13-22, 2023. 

35. M. S. Hossain, M.T. Islam, Z. Akhtar, “Incorporating Deep Learning into Capacitive Images for Smartphone User Authentication”, Journal of Information Security and Applications, Elsevier, vol. 69, 2022.

36. R. Hammouche, A. Attia, S. Akhrouf, Z. Akhtar, "Gabor Filter Bank with Deep Autoencoder based Face Recognition System", Expert Systems With Applications, Elsevier, vol. 197, pp. 1-12, 2022.

37. W. Chen, Z. Qi, Z. Akhtar, and K. Siddique, "Resistive-RAM-Based In-Memory Computing for Neural Network: A Review", Electronics, MDPI, vol. 11,  no. 22, pp. 1-21, 2022. 

38. A. Attia, S. Mazaa, Z. Akhtar, Y. Chahir, "Deep Learning-Driven Palmprint and Finger Knuckle Pattern-based Multimodal Person Recognition System", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-20, 2022.

39. A. B. Oktay, Z. Akhtar, A. Gurses, “Dental biometric systems: a comparative study of conventional descriptors and deep learning-based features”, Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp.  1-24, 2022.

40. A. Attia, R. Hammouche, S. Akhrouf, Z. Akhtar, "A Fuzzy Connective Score Fusion Technique for 2D and 3D Palmprint Authentication Systems",  Evolving Systems, Springer, 2022.

41. M. Chaa, Z. Akhtar, A. Lati, "Contactless Person Recognition using 2D and 3D Finger Knuckle Patterns", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-19, 2022.

42. D. Dasgupta, Z. Akhtar, S. Sen, “Machine Learning in Cybersecurity: A Comprehensive Survey”, The Journal of Defense Modeling and Simulation, SAGE Publishing, pp. 1-50, 2022.

43. N. E. Chalabi, A. Attia, A. Bouziane, Z. Akhtar, "Face based Person Recognition Mechanism using Monogenic Binarized Statistical Image Features", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-18, 2022.

44. M. Chaa, Z. Akhtar, U. Sehar, "Finger Knuckle Print Verification by Fusing Invariant Texture and Structure Scores", International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, Inderscience Publishers, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 379-388, 2022.

45. S. Djaghbellou, A. Attia, A. Bouziane, Z. Akhtar, "Local features enhancement using deep auto-encoder scheme for the recognition of the proposed handwritten Arabic-Maghrebi characters database", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-19, 2022.

46. S. Thepade, S. Bang, R. Das, Z. Akhtar, "Machine Learning-based Land Usage Identification using Haralick Texture Features of Aerial Images with Kekre’s LUV Color Space", International Journal of Computational Science and Engineering (IJCSE), Inderscience Publishers, vol. 25, no. 5,  pp. 562-572, 2022.

47. A. Khodabakhsh and Z. Akhtar, "Unknown Presentation Attack Detection against Rational Attackers", IET Biometrics, pp. 1-20, 2021.

48. K. D. Gupta,  D. Dasgupta, Z. Akhtar, "Determining Sequence of Image Processing Technique (IPT) to Detect Adversarial Attacks", SN Computer Science, Springer, vol. 2, no. 5, pp. 1-20, 2021.

49. S. Yavuzkilic, A. Sengur, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "Spotting DeepFakes and Face Manipulations by Fusing Features from Multi-Stream CNNs Models", Symmetry, MDPI, vol. 13, no. 8, pp. 1-15, 2021.

50. D. Sadhya, U. Utsav, Z. Akhtar, "Generation of Cancelable Locality Sampled Codes from Facial Images", IET Biometrics, vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 260-274, 2021.

51. M. Chaa, Z. Akhtar, "3D Palmprint Recognition using Tan and Triggs Normalization Technique and GIST Descriptors", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, vol. 80, no. 2, pp. 2263-2277, 2021.

52. S. Khan, K. Muhammad, T. Hussain, J. Del Ser, F. Cuzzolin, S. Bhattacharyya, Z. Akhtar, V. H. C. de Albuquerque, "DeepSmoke: Deep Learning Model for Smoke Detection and Segmentation in Outdoor Environments", Expert Systems with Applications, Elsevier, pp. 115125, 2021.

53. A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, Y. Chahir, "Feature-Level Fusion of Major and Minor Dorsal Finger Knuckle Patterns for Person Authentication",  Signal, Image and Video Processing, Springer, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 851-859, 2021.

54. N.E. Chalabi, A. Attia, A. Bouziane, Z. Akhtar, "Particle Swarm Optimization based Block Feature Selection in Face Recognition System", Multimedia Tools and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-17, 2021.

55. Y. Belayadi, A. Khababa, A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, "User Activities Analysis in Location Based Social Network via Association Rules", ICTACT Journal on Soft Computing, vol. 11, no. 3, pp. 2328-2336, 2021.

56. S. Djaghbellou, A. Bouziane, A. Attia , Z. Akhtar, "A Survey on Arabic Handwritten Script Recognition Systems", International Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 1-17,, 2021. 

57. E. Rachdi, Y. El Merabet, Z. Akhtar, R. Messoussi, "Directional Neighborhood Topologies Based Multi-Scale Quinary Pattern for Texture Classification", IEEE Access, vol. 8, pp. 212233-212246, 2020. 

58. H. Abderrahmane, G. Noubeil, Z. Lahcene, Z. Akhtar, D. Dasgupta, "Weighted Quasi-Arithmetic Mean based Score Level Fusion for Multibiometric Systems", IET Biometrics, vol. 9, no. 3, pp. 91-99, 2020.

59. Y. Li, Y. Fang, Z. Akhtar, "Accelerating Deep Reinforcement Learning Model for Game Strategy", Neurocomputing, Elsevier, vol. 408, pp. 157-168, 2020.

60. A. Herbadji, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, N. Guermat, L. Ziet, M. Cheniti, K. Muhammad, "Combining Multiple Biometric Traits Using Asymmetric Aggregation Operators for Improved Person Recognition", vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 1-19, MDPI Symmetry, 2020.

61. A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, N. E. Chalabi, S. Maza, Y. Chahir, "Deep Rule-Based Classifier for Finger Knuckle Pattern Recognition System", Evolving Systems, Springer, pp. 1-15, 2020.

62. S. Baraković, J. Baraković Husić, J. van Hoof, O. Krejcar, P. Maresova, Z. Akhtar, F. J. Melero, "Quality of Life Framework for Personalised Ageing: A Systematic Review of ICT Solutions", International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 17, no. 8, pp. 1-20, 2020.

63. S. Djaghbellou, Z. Akhtar, A. Bouziane and A. Attia, "Arabic Handwritten Characters Recognition via Multi-Scale HOG Features and Multi-Layer Deep Rule-Based Classification", ICTACT Journal on Image and Video Processing, vol. 10, no. 04, pp. 2195-2200, 2020.

64. A. Herbadji, N. Guermat, L. Ziet, Z. Akhtar, M. Cheniti, D. Herbadji, "Contactless Multi-biometric System Using Fingerprint and Palmprint Selfies", Traitement du Signal, vol. 37, no. 6, pp. 889-897, 2020. 

65. D. O. Y. Hui, S. L. Lutfi, S. Naim, Z. Akhtar, A. S. A. Mohamed, K. Siddique, "The Sound of Trust: Towards Modelling Computational Trust using Voice-only Cues at ZeroAcquaintance", Advances in Science, Technology and Engineering Systems Journal, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 469-476, 2020.

66. A. Attia, M. Chaa, Z. Akhtar, Y. Chahir, "Finger Knuckle Patterns Based Person Recognition Via Bank of Multi-Scale Binarized Statistical Texture Features", Evolving Systems, Springer, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 625-635, 2020.

67. A. Attia, Z. Akhtar, S. Akhrouf, S. Maza, "A Survey on Machine and Deep Learning for Detection of Diabetic Retinopathy", ICTACT Journal on Image and Video Processing, vol. 11, no. 02, pp. 2337-2344, 2020.

68. Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, A. Rattani, S. L. Lutfi, T. H. Falk, "Why is Multimedia Quality of Experience Assessment a Challenging Problem?", IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 117897-117915, 2019. 

69. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, F. A. Khan, and Y. Kim, "KDD Cup 99 Data Sets: A Perspective on the Role of Data Sets in Network Intrusion Detection Research", IEEE Computer, vol. 52, no. 2, pp. 41-51, 2019.

70. M. Chaa, Z. Akhtar, A. Attia, "3D palmprint recognition using unsupervised convolutional deep learning network and SVM classifier", IET Image Processing, vol. 13, no. 5,  pp. 736-745, 2019.

71. Z. Zhou, Z. Akhtar, K. L. Man, K. Siddique, "A deep learning platooning-based video information-sharing Internet of Things framework for autonomous driving systems", International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, SAGE Publishing, vol. 15, no. 11, pp. 1-13, 2019.

72. M. Sajjad, S. Zahir, A. Ullah, Z. Akhtar, K. Muhammad, "Human Behavior Understanding in Big Multimedia Data Using CNN based Facial Expression Recognition", Mobile Networks and Applications, Springer, pp. 1-11, 2019.

73. B. Sadou, A. Lahoulou, T. Bouden, A. R. Avila, T. H. Falk, Z. Akhtar, "Free-Reference Image Quality Assessment Framework using Metrics Fusion and Dimensionality Reduction", Signal & Image Processing: An International Journal, AIRCC Publishing Corporation, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 1-14, 2019. 

74. A. Avila, Z. Akhtar, J. Santos, D. O’Shaughnessy, and T. Falk, "Feature Pooling of Modulation Spectrum Features for Improved Speech Emotion Recognition in the wild", IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing, pp. 1-12, 2018.

75. Z. Akhtar, G. Kumar, S. Bakshi, H. Proenca, "Experiments with Ocular Biometric Datasets: A Practitioner’s Guideline", IEEE IT Professional, vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 50-63, 2018.

76. Z. Akhtar and T. H. Falk, “Visual Nonverbal Behavior Analysis: The Path Forward”, IEEE MultiMedia, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 47-60, 2018.

77. Z. Akhtar, A. Hadid, M. Nixon, M. Tistarelli, J. L. Dugelay, and S. Marcel, "Biometrics: In Search of Identity and Security (Q & A)", IEEE MultiMedia, vol. 25, no. 3, pp. 22-35, 2018.

78. M. Cheniti, N. E. Boukezzoula, Z. Akhtar, "Symmetric Sum-Based Biometric Score Fusion", IET Biometrics, vol. 7, no. 5, pp. 391-395, 2018.

79. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, M. A. Khan, Y. H. Jung, and Y. Kim, "Developing an Intrusion Detection Framework for High-Speed Big Data Networks: A Comprehensive Approach", KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems, vol. 12, no. 8, pp. 4021-4037, 2018.

80. Z. Akhtar and T. H. Falk, “Audio-Visual Multimedia Quality Assessment: A Comprehensive Survey”, IEEE Access, vol. 5, pp. 21090-21117, 2017.

81. S. Zhalehpour, O. Onder, Z. Akhtar, and C. E. Erdem, "BAUM-1: A Spontaneous Audio-Visual Face Database of Affective and Mental States", IEEE Transactions on Affective Computing, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 300-313, 2017.

82. Z. Akhtar and A. Rattani, “A Face in any Form: New Challenges and Opportunities for Face Recognition Technology", IEEE Computer, vol. 50, no. 4, pp. 80-90, 2017.

83. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, H. Lee, W. Kim, Y. Kim, "Toward Bulk Synchronous Parallel-Based Machine Learning Techniques for Anomaly Detection in High-Speed Big Data Networks", MDPI Symmetry, vol. 9, no. 9, pp. 1-15, 2017.

84. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, Y. Kim, Y. S. Jeong, and E. J. Yoon, "Investigating Apache Hama: A Bulk Synchronous Parallel Computing Framework", The Journal of Supercomputing, Springer, vol. 73, no. 9, pp. 4190-4205, 2017.

85. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, Y. Kim, "Biometrics vs Passwords: A Modern Version of the Tortoise and the Hare", Computer Fraud & Security, Elsevier, vol. 2017, no. 1, pp. 13-17, 2017.

86. S. Zhalehpour*, Z. Akhtar* and C. E. Erdem, "Multimodal Emotion Recognition Based on Peak Frame Selection from Video", Signal, Image and Video Processing, Springer, vol. 10, no. 5, pp. 827-834, 2016. *The authors should be considered as co-first authors.

87. Z. Akhtar and G. L. Foresti, "Face Spoof Attack Recognition using Discriminative Image Patches", Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Hindawi, vol. 2016, pp. 1-14, 2016.

88. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar, E. J. Yoon, Y. S. Jeong, D. Dasgupta and Y. Kim, "Apache Hama: An Emerging Bulk Synchronous Parallel Computing Framework for Big Data Applications”, IEEE Access, vol. 4, pp. 8879-8887, 2016. 

89. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, ''Biometric Liveness Detection: Challenges and Research Opportunities", IEEE Security  & Privacy, vol. 13, no. 5, pp. 63-72, 2015.

90. Z. Akhtar, A. Rattani and G. L. Foresti, "Temporal Analysis of Adaptive Face Recognition", Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing Research, vol. 4, no. 4, pp. 243-255, 2014.

91. Z. Akhtar, "Serial and Parallel Biometric Fusions under Spoofing Attacks", International Journal of Information Processing, vol. 8, no. 3, pp. 42-50, 2014.

92. B. Biggio, Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis and F. Roli, "Security evaluation of biometric authentication systems under real spoofing attacks", IET Biometrics, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 11-24, 2012. Received 2014 Premium Award for Best Paper in IET Biometrics.

93. Z. Akhtar, M. Rizwan and S. Kale,"Multimodal Biometric Fusion: Performance under Spoof Attacks", Journal of Intelligent Systems, vol. 20, no. 4, pp. 353-372, 2011.

Conferences

1. A. Deo, A. Bangar, C. Adak, R. Verma, D. Nagar, Z. Akhtar, S. Dutta, S. Chattopadhyay, S. Chanda, "IndicSideFace: A Dataset for Advancing Deepfake Detection on Side-Face Perspectives of Indian Subjects", IEEE International Conference on Automatic Face and Gesture Recognition (FG), Clearwater, USA , May 26-30 , 2025.

2. J. Jain, P.K. Chandaliya, T. Hazra, K.P. Upla, Z. Akhtar, "Towards Explainable Ethnicity Altered Synthetic Images", International Conference on Innovations in Computational Intelligence and Computer Vision (ICICV), Rende, Italy, June 04-06, 2025.

3. K.C. Win , Z. Akhtar , C.K. Mohan, "Does Hard-Negative Contrastive Learning Improve Facial Emotion Recognition?",  International Conference on Machine Vision and Applications (ICMVA), pp. 162-168, Singapore, March 12-14, 2024.

4. K.C. Win , Z. Akhtar , C.K. Mohan, "Robust Facial Emotion Recognition System via De-Pooling Feature Enhancement and Weighted Exponential Moving Average",  IEEE Region 10 Conference (IEEE TENCON) under the theme 'Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Technologies for Sustainable Future', Singapore, December 1-4, 2024.

5. C. Adak, B. Jaswanth, Z. Akhtar, A. Kasen, S. Chanda, "Writer Identification from Nordic Historical Manuscripts using Transformer Networks", IEEE International Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB), pp. 1-9, Ljubljana, Slovenia, September 25-28, 2023.

6. K. Anuhya, D. Shivaram, D. Karthikeya, B.N. Jyothi, M.A. Jabbar, Z. Akhtar, "Deep Fake Video Detection Using Transfer Learning Techniques", International Conference on Advanced Informatics for Computing Research (ICAICR), pp. 236-249, Rohtak, India, December  16-17 , 2023.

7. P. K. Chandaliya, Z. Akhtar, N. Nain, "Longitudinal Analysis of Mask and No-Mask on Child Face Recognition", Indian Conference on Computer Vision, Graphics and Image Processing (ICVGIP), pp. 1-5, Gandhinagar, India, December 8-10, 2022. 

8. A. Herbadji, N. Guermat, Z. Akhtar, "Deep neural networks based contactless fingerprint recognition", International Conference on New Technologies of Information and Communication (NTIC), pp. 1-6, Mila, Algeria, December 21-22, 2022.

9. S. Ang, L. Kim Young, Z. Qi, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, K.L. Man, J. Zhang, "Attribute Based Encryption in Cloud Computing", International Conference on Recent Advancements in Computing in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Computer Engineering Technology (CICET), pp. 1-7, Taipei, Taiwan, October 24-26, 2022.

10. Y.Y. Chen, R.J. Wang, Z. Hong, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, "Optimizing Small Files Operations in HDFS File Storage Mode", International Conference on Recent Advancements in Computing in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Computer Engineering Technology (CICET), pp. 43-49, Taipei, Taiwan, October 24-26, 2022.

11. R. Lee, Z. Qi, Z. Akhtar, K. Siddique, K. L. Man, J. Zhang, "Automation in Cloud Migration: An Effective Study", International Conference on Recent Advancements in Computing in Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things and Computer Engineering Technology (CICET), pp. 1-7, Taipei, Taiwan, October 24-26, 2022.

12. B. Kaddar, S.A. Fezza, W. Hamidouche, Z. Akhtar, A. Hadid, “HCiT: Deepfake Video Detection Using a Hybrid Model of CNN features and Vision Transformer”, IEEE Visual Communications and Image Processing (VCIP), pp. 1-5, Munich, Germany, December 5-8, 2021.

13. L. Y. Wang and Z. Akhtar, “CCAP: Cooperative Context Aware Pruning for Neural Network Model Compression”, IEEE International Symposium on Multimedia (ISM), pp. 1-4, Naple, Italy, November 29 - December 1, 2021.

14. A. Singh, A. Kumar, Z. Akhtar, “Bitcoin Price Prediction: A Deep Learning Approach”, IEEE International Conference on Signal Processing and Integrated Networks (SPIN), pp. 1-6, Noida, India, August 26-27, 2021.

15. F. Boudjerida, A. Lahoulou, T. H. Falk, Z. Akhtar, “Parametric Audiovisual Quality Measurement Based on Interpretable Fuzzy Logic”, International Conference on Quality of Multimedia Experience (QoMEX), pp. 1-4, Montreal, Canada, June 14-17, 2021.

16. Z. Akhtar, M. R. Mouree, D. Dasgupta, "Utility of Deep Learning Features for Facial Attributes Manipulation Detection", IEEE International Conference on Humanized Computing and Communication with Artificial Intelligence (HCCAI), pp. 1-6, Irvine, USA, September 21-23, 2020.

17. B. Bekci, Z. Akhtar, H. K. Ekenel, "Cross-Dataset Face Manipulation Detection", IEEE Conference on Signal Processing and Communications Applications (SIU), pp. 1-5, Gaziantep, Turkey, October 5-7, 2020. 

18. K. D. Gupta,  D. Dasgupta, Z. Akhtar, "Applicability issues of Evasion-Based Adversarial Attacks and Mitigation Techniques", IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (SSCI), pp. 1-10, Canberra, Australia, December 1-4, 2020. 

19. F. Boudjrida, A. Lahoulou, Z. Akhtar, "Analysis and Comparison of Audiovisual Quality Assessment Datasets", 4th Conference on Computing Systems and Applications (CSA), pp. 1-10, Algiers, Algeria, December 14, 2020.

20. K. D. Gupta, D. Dasgupta, Z. Akhtar, "Adversarial Input Detection Using Image Processing Techniques (IPT)", IEEE Annual Ubiquitous Computing, Electronics & Mobile Communication Conference (UEMCON), pp. 1-7, New York, USA, October 28-31, 2020. 

21. Z. Akhtar and D. Dasgupta, "A Comparative Evaluation of Local Feature Descriptors for DeepFakes Detection", IEEE Symposium on Technologies for Homeland Security (HST), pp. 1-5, Woburn, USA, November 5-6, 2019.

22. Z. Akhtar, D. Dasgupta and B. Banerjee, "Face Authenticity: An Overview of Face Manipulation Generation, Detection and Recognition", International Conference on Communication and Information Processing (ICCIP), pp. 1-8, Talegaon-Pune, India, May 17-18, 2019. 

23. S. Poudyal, D. Dasgupta, Z. Akhtar, K. D. Gupta, "A Multi-Level Ransomware Detection Framework using Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning", IEEE International Conference on Malicious and Unwanted Software (MALCON), pp. 1-8, Nantucket, USA, October 1-4, 2019.

24. J. Monteiro, I. Albuquerque, Z. Akhtar, T. H. Falk, "Generalizable Adversarial Examples Detection Based on Bi-Model Decision Mismatch", IEEE International Conference on Systems, Man and Cybernetics (SMC), pp. 1-6, Bari, Italy, October 6-9, 2019. 

25. D. Sadhya, Z. Akhtar, D. Dasgupta, "A Locality Sensitive Hashing Based Approach for Generating Cancelable Fingerprints Templates", IEEE International Conference on Biometrics: Theory, Applications and Systems (BTAS), pp. 1-8, Tampa, Florida, September 23-26, 2019. 

26. S. Poudyal, Z. Akhtar, D. Dasgupta, K. D. Gupta, "Malware Analytics: Review of Data Mining, Machine Learning and Big Data Perspectives”, IEEE Symposium Series on Computational Intelligence (SSCI), pp. 1-7, Xiamen, China, December 6-9, 2019.

27. S. Kuanar, V. Athitsos, D. Mahapatra, K. R. Rao, Z. Akhtar, D. Dasgupta, "Low Dose Abdominal CT Image Reconstruction: An Unsupervised Learning Based Approach", IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP), pp. 1351-1355, Taipei, Taiwan, September 22-25, 2019. 

28. R. Shrivastava, C. Hota, G. Mittal, Z. Akhtar, "UnderTracker: Binary Hardening Through Execution Flow Verification”, International Conference on Secure Knowledge Management in Artificial Intelligence Era (SKM), pp. 1-20, Goa, India, December 21-22, 2019.

29. B. Sadou, A. Lahoulou, T. Bouden, A. R. Avila, T. H. Falk, Z. Akhtar, "Blind Image Quality Assessment Using Singular Value Decomposition Based Dominant Eigenvectors For Feature Selection", 5th International Conference on Signal and Image Processing (SIPRO), pp. 233-242, Toronto, Canada, July 13-14, 2019. 

30. Z. Akhtar, J. Monteiro and T. H. Falk, "Adversarial Examples Detection Using No-Reference Image Quality Features", IEEE International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology (ICCST), pp. 1-5, Montreal, Canada, October 22-25, 2018.

31. Z. Akhtar, S. Bedoya and T. H. Falk, "Improved Audio-Visual Laughter Detection via Multi-Scale Multi-Resolution Image Texture Features and Classifier Fusion", IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP), pp. 3106-3110, Calgary, Canada, April 15-20, 2018.

32. A. Şengür, Z. Akhtar, Y. Akbulut, S. Ekici, U. Budak, “Deep Feature Extraction for Face Liveness Detection”, International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Data Processing (IDAP), pp. 942-945, Malatya, Turkey, September 28-30, 2018.

33. Z. Akhtar, A. Buriro, B. Crispo and T. Falk, "Multimodal Smartphone User Authentication using Touchstroke, Phone-Movement and Face Patterns", IEEE Global Conference on Signal and Information Processing (GlobalSIP), pp. 1368-1372, Montreal, Canada, November 14-16, 2017.

34. C. Mohamed, Z. Akhtar, N. E. Boukezzoula and T. H. Falk, "Combining Left and Right Wrist Vein Images for Personal Verification", 7th International Conference on Image Processing Theory, Tools and Applications (IPTA), pp. 1-6, Montreal, Canada, November 28-December 1, 2017. 

35. V. Youssofzadeh, Z. Akhtar, A. M. Amiri and T. Falk, "An Automated Framework for Emotional fMRI Data Analysis using Covariance Matrix", IEEE Global Conference on Signal and Information Processing (GlobalSIP), pp. 760-763, Montreal, Canada, November 14-16, 2017.

36. A. Buriro, Z. Akhtar, B. Crispo and S. Gupta, "Mobile Biometrics: Towards A Comprehensive Evaluation Methodology", IEEE International Carnahan Conference on Security Technology (ICCST), pp. 1-6, Madrid, Spain, October 23-26, 2017.

37. Z. Boulkenafet, J. Komulainen, Z. Akhtar, A. Hadid et al. "A Competition on Generalized Software-based Face Presentation Attack Detection in Mobile Scenarios", International Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB), pp. 688-696, Denver, Colorado, USA, October 1-4, 2017.

38. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar and Y. Kim, "Intrusion Detection in High-Speed Big Data Networks: A Comprehensive Approach", 9th International Conference on Internet (ICONI), Vientiane, Laos, December 17-20, 2017. Received Outstanding Paper Award.

39. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, "Mobile Ocular Biometrics in Visible Spectrum using Local Image Descriptors: A Preliminary Study", IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP), pp. 340-344, Phonenix, Arizona, USA, September 25-28, 2016.

40. A. Buriro, Z. Akhtar, B. Crispo and F. Del Frari, "Age, Gender and Operating-hand Estimation on Smart Mobile Devices", IEEE 15th International Conference of the Biometrics Special Interest Group (BIOSIG), pp. 1-5, Darmstadt, Germany, September 22-23, 2016.

41. K. Siddique, Z. Akhtar and Y. Kim, "Researching Apache Hama: A Pure BSP Computing Framework", 11th International Conference on Future Information Technology (FutureTech), pp. 215-221, Beijing, China, April 20-21, 2016.

42. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, "Correlation Based Fingerprint Liveness Detection", 8th IAPR Int’l Conference on Biometrics (ICB), pp. 305-310, Phuket, Thailand, May 19-22, 2015.

43. A. Rattani, Z. Akhtar and G. L. Foresti, "A Preliminary Study on Identifying Fabrication Material From Fake Fingerprint Images", IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Biometrics and Identity Management (IEEE SSCI-CIBIM), pp. 362-366, Cape Town, South Africa, December 8-10, 2015.

44. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni, C. Piciarelli and G. L. Foresti, "MoBio_LivDet: Mobile Biometric Liveness Detection", 11th IEEE Int’l Conference on Advanced Video and Signal-Based Surveillance (AVSS), pp. 187-192, Seoul, Korea, August 26-29, 2014.

45. Z. Akhtar, N. Martinel, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, "Mobile Re-Identification Based on Local Features Analysis", 8th ACM/IEEE International Conference on Distributed Smart Cameras (ICDSC), pp. 1-6, Venice, Italy, November 4-7, 2014.

46. Z. Akhtar, A. Ahmed, C. E. Erdem and G. L. Foresti, "Biometric Template Update under Facial Aging", IEEE Symposium on Computational Intelligence in Biometrics and Identity Management (IEEE SSCI-CIBIM), pp. 9-15, Orlando, Florida, USA, December 9-12, 2014.

47. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, "Liveness Detection for Biometric Authentication in Mobile Applications", 48th IEEE Int’l Carnahan Conference on Security Technology (ICCST), pp. 1-6, Rome, Italy, October 13-16, 2014.

48. S. Zhalehpour, Z. Akhtar and C. E. Erdem, "Multimodal Emotion Recognition with Automatic Peak Frame Selection", IEEE Int. Symp. On Innovations in Intelligent Systems and Applications (INISTA), pp. 116-121, Alberobello, Italy, June 23-24, 2014. 

49. Z. Akhtar, C. Drioli, M. Farinosi, G.. Ferrin, G. L. Foresti, N. Martinel, C. Micheloni, C. Piciarelli, D. Salvati, L. Snidaro and M. Vernier, "Sensor network reconfiguration and big multimedia data fusion for situational awareness in smart environments", 7th Conference GIRPR 2014, pp. 1-7, Ascea Marina (Salerno), Italy, June 18-20, 2014.

50. Z. Akhtar, A. Rattani, A. Hadid and M. Tistarelli, "Face Recognition under Ageing Effect: A Comparative Analysis", 17th Int’l Conference on Image Analysis and Processing (ICIAP), pp. 309-318, Naples, Italy, September 11-13, 2013.

51. Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis and F. Roli, "Evaluation of serial and parallel multibiometric systems under spoofing attacks", 5th IEEE Int'l Conference on Biometrics: Theory, Applications and Systems (BTAS), pp. 283-288, Washington DC, USA, September 23-26, 2012.

52. Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis and F. Roli, "Evaluation of Multimodal Biometric Score Fusion Rules under Spoof Attacks", 5th IAPR Int’l Conference on Biometrics (ICB), pp. 402-407, New Delhi, India, March 29 - April 1, 2012.

53. Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis and F. Roli, "Robustness Analysis of Likelihood Ratio Score Fusion Rule for Multimodal Biometric Systems under Spoof Attacks", 45th IEEE Int’l Carnahan Conference on Security Technology (ICCST), pp. 237-244, Barcelona, Spain, October 18-21, 2011.

54. B. Biggio, Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis and F. Roli, "Robustness of multi-modal biometric verification systems under realistic spoofing attacks", Int’l Joint Conference on Biometrics (IJCB), pp. 1-6, Washington DC, USA, October 11-13, 2011. [PPT]

55. Z. Akhtar, G. Fumera, G. L. Marcialis, and F. Roli, "Robustness Evaluation of Biometric Systems under Spoof Attacks", 16th Int’l Conference on Image Analysis and Processing (ICIAP), pp. 159-168, Ravenna, Italy, September 14-16, 2011.

56. Z. Akhtar, B. Biggio, G. Fumera and G. L. Marcialis, "Robustness of Multi-modal Biometric Systems under Realistic Spoof Attacks against All Traits", IEEE Workshop on Biometric Measurements and Systems for Security and Medical Applications (BioMS), pp. 5-10, Milan, Italy, September 28, 2011. [PPT]

57. Z. Akhtar, M. Rizwan and S. Kale, "Performance and Security of Biometric Fusion against Spoof Attacks", 5th Indian Int’l Conference on Artificial Intelligence (IICAI), pp. 1572- 1586, Tumkur, India, December 14-16, 2011.

58. Z. Akhtar and N. Alfarid, "Robustness of Serial and Parallel Biometric Fusion against Spoof Attacks", 5th Int’l Conference on Information Processing (ICIP), pp. 217-225, Banglore, India, August 5-7, 2011.

59. Z. Akhtar, N. Alfarid and S. Kale, "Face Recognition Systems under Spoofing Attack", 2nd Int’l Conference on Advances in Computer Engineering (ACE), pp. 155-158, Trivandrum, India, August 25, 2011.

60. Z. Akhtar and N. Alfarid, "Modeling Correlation and Robustness of Biometric Fusion against Spoof Attacks", Int’l Conference on frontiers of computer science (ICFoCS), pp. 1-6, Banglore, India, August 7-9, 2011.

61. Z. Akhtar and S. Kale, "Security Analysis of Multimodal Biometric Systems against Spoof Attacks", 1st Int’l Conference on Advances in Computing and Communications (ACC), pp. 604-611,Kochi, India, July 22-24, 2011.

62. Z. Akhtar and N. Alfarid, "Secure Learning Algorithm for Multimodal Biometric Systems against Spoof Attacks", Int’l Conference on Information and Network Technology (ICINT), pp. 52-57, Chennai, India, April 29-30, 2011.

63. Z. Akhtar, S. Kale and N. Alfarid, "Spoof Attacks on Multimodal Biometric Systems", Int’l Conference on Information and Network Technology (ICINT), pp. 46-51, Chennai, India, April 29-30, 2011.

64. Z. Akhtar and Sandeep Kale, "Performance of Multimodal Biometric Systems against Spoof attacks", Int’l Conference on Innovative Science & Engineering Technology (ICISET), pp. 1-4, Rajkot, India, April 08-09, 2011.

65. Z. Akhtar, A. D. Shaligram, T. M. Bhave and D. C. Gharpure, "Colorimetric Sensor Array for Alcohol Vapour Detection", 12th National Seminar on Physics and Technology of Sensors (NSPTS), pp. 243-245, Mumbai, India, March 7-9, 2007. Received Best Industry Oriented Research Work Award.

Book Chapters

1. R. Rafeek, V. S. Anoop, Z. Akhtar, "FaceTrack: A Face Recognition-based Real-time Attendance Marking Approach using Haar Cascade and Machine Learning", in Artificial Intelligence and Optimizing Techniques for Smart Information System Generations, A. Ali, R. Chakraborty, N. Alharbe (Eds.), Taylor & Francis, 2025.

2. S. Kumar, Z. Akhtar, H. Satsangi, S. Sehrawat, N. Arora, K. Bamal, "Depression Prediction Using Machine Learning Techniques", in Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare , pp. 241-265, G. Bathla, S. Kumar, H. Garg, D. Saini (Eds.), CRC Press-Taylor & Francis, 2024

3. N.E. Chalabi, A. Attia, A. Bouziane, M. Hassaballah, Z. Akhtar, "Recent Trends in Face Recognition Using Metaheuristic Optimization", in Handbook of Nature-Inspired Optimization Algorithms: The State of the Art, pp. 85–112, A. W. Mohamed, D. Oliva, P.N. Suganthan (Eds.), Springer, 2022.

4. R. Tolosana, C. Rathgeb, R.V. Rodriguez, C. Busch, L. Verdoliva, S. Lyu, H.H. Nguyen, J. Yamagishi, I. Echizen, P. Rot, K. Grm, V. Štruc, A. Dantcheva, Z. Akhtar, S.R. Tapiador, J. Fierrez, A. Morales, J.O. Garcia, E. Kindt, C. Jasserand, T. Kalvet, M. Tiits, "Future Trends in Digital Face Manipulation and Detection", in Handbook of Digital Face Manipulation and Detection From DeepFakes to Morphing Attacks, pp. 463-482,  C. Rathge, R. Tolosana, R.V. Rodriguez, C. Busch (Eds.), Springer, 2022.

5. J. Chandra, M. Rangaswamy, B. Banerjee, A. Prajapati, Z. Akhtar, K. Sakauye, A. Joseph, "Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Neurological Disorders: Current Technologies and Open Problems", in Augmenting Neurological Disorder Prediction and Rehabilitation Using Artificial Intelligence, pp. 243-272, A. Pillai and B. Menon (Eds.), Elsevier, 2022.

6. Z. Akhtar and A. Buriro, "Multitrait Selfie: Low Cost Multimodal Smartphone User Authentication", in Biometric Identification Technologies Based on Modern Data Mining Methods, pp. 159-175, S. Bilan, M. Elhoseny, J. Hemanth (Eds.), Springer, 2021.

7. S. Yavuzkiliç, Z. Akhtar, A. Sengür, K. Siddique, "DeepFake Face Video Detection using Hybrid Deep Residual Networks and LSTM Architecture", in AI and Deep Learning in Biometric Security: Trends, Potential and Challenges, pp. 81-104, G. Jaswal, V. Kanhangad, R. Ramachandra, CRC Press-Taylor and Francis (USA), 2021.

8. J. Komulainen, Z. Boulkenafet and Z. Akhtar, "Review of Face Presentation Attack Detection Competitions", in Handbook of Biometric Anti-Spoofing: Presentation Attack Detection, pp. 291-317, S. Marcel, M. Nixon, J. Fierrez, N. Evans (Eds.), Springer, 2019.

9. Z. Akhtar, C. Micheloni and G. L. Foresti, “Biometric Antispoofing on Mobile Devices”, in Mobile Biometrics, pp. 375-406, G. Guo and H. Wechsler (Eds.), The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), 2017.

10. Z. Boulkenafet, Z. Akhtar, X. Feng and A. Hadid, "Face Anti-spoofing in Biometric Systems", in Biometric Security and Privacy: Opportunities & Challenges in The Big Data Era, pp. 299-321, R. Jiang, S. Al-Maadeed, A. Bouridane, D. Crookes and A. Beghdadi (Eds.), Springer, 2017.

11. Z. Akhtar, "Biometric Spoofing and Anti-spoofing", in Developing Next-Generation Countermeasures for Homeland Security Threats Prevention, pp. 121-139, M. Dawson, D. R. Kisku, P. Gupta, J. K. Sing and W. Li (Eds.), IGI Global, 2017.

12. Z. Akhtar, A. Ahmed, C. E. Erdem and G. L. Foresti, "Adaptive Facial Recognition under Aging Effect", in Adaptive Biometric System: Recent Advances and Challenges, pp. 97-117, A. Rattni, F. Roli and E. Granger (Eds.), Springer, 2015.

ArXiv

• D. Wodajo, S. Atnafu, Z. Akhtar, "Deepfake Video Detection Using Generative Convolutional Vision Transformer", arxiv, 2023.

• Z. Akhtar, "Malware detection and analysis: Challenges and research opportunities", 2021.

Doctoral Thesis

• • Zahid Akhtar, "Security of Multimodal Biometric Systems against Spoof Attacks", Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy, March 6, 2012. [PPT]

Technical Report

• • Z. Akhtar and D. Dasgupta, "A brief survey of Adversarial Machine Learning and Defense Strategies", The University of Memphis, 2019.