Peter Eisert | AI in agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Peter Eisert | AI in agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Fraunhofer HHI, Germany

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Eisert is a renowned expert in computer vision and visual computing. He serves as the Head of the Vision & Imaging Technologies Department at Fraunhofer HHI, Berlin, leading a team of around 30 researchers. Since 2009, he has also held a Professorship in Visual Computing at the Computer Science Department of Humboldt University of Berlin.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Academic Background:

  • 🧠 Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg (2000) – With highest honors

  • 📘 Diploma in Electrical Engineering, University of Karlsruhe (1995) – With highest honors

  • 🎓 Former Postdoctoral Fellow at Stanford University (2001)

🧑‍🔬 Current Positions:

  • 🏛️ Professor of Visual Computing, Humboldt University of Berlin (since 2009)

  • 🔬 Head of Vision & Imaging Technologies, Fraunhofer HHI, Berlin (since 2015)

  • 💡 Leader of Computer Vision & Graphics Group, Fraunhofer HHI (since 2002)

🔍 Research Focus:

  • 📷 Visual Computing

  • 🧠 Deep Learning

  • 🧍‍♂️ 3D Graphics & Computer Vision

  • 🤖 Facial Expression Analysis

  • 💻 Lightfield Coding

🏆 Honors & Awards:

  • 🥇 Multiple Best Paper Awards (CVMP, Eurographics, IC3D, CVPR Workshop)

  • 🧪 Young Investigator Award, SPIE VCIP (2002)

  • 💡 Nominated for Innovation Award Berlin/Brandenburg

  • 🇩🇪 Winner of “365 Orte im Land der Ideen” for Virtual Mirror

📚 Scientific Output:

  • ✍️ Over 70 journal publications in top-tier venues (IEEE, IET, Eurographics)

  • 🧾 More than 200 reviewed conference papers (CVPR, ECCV, ICCV, NeurIPS, ICIP, etc.)

  • 💶 Secured €35+ million in third-party funding (EU, BMBF, BMWi, industry)

🎤 Professional Service:

  • 📅 Chair and organizer of leading conferences (CVMP, VMV, Mirage, DAGM)

  • 📝 Editorial roles: Elsevier Journal of Visual Communication, Intl. Journal of Image & Video Processing

  • 🧪 Reviewer for DFG, FWF, VR, IEEE, ACM, Springer

👨‍🏫 Teaching Experience:

  • 🎓 Lecturer at Humboldt University since 2009 (Visual Computing, Computer Graphics)

  • 🏫 Former lecturer at TU Berlin, HTW Berlin, and Stanford University

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 7,437 (since 2020: 3,010)

  • h-index: 41 (since 2020: 24)

  • i10-index: 138 (since 2020: 66)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Visual computing as a key enabling technology for Industrie 4.0 and Industrial Internet
    J. Posada, C. Toro, I. Barandiaran, D. Oyarzun, D. Stricker, R. De Amicis, … P. Eisert
    IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 35(2), 26–40 (2015) — 903 citations

  • 3D video and free viewpoint video—technologies, applications and MPEG standards
    A. Smolic, K. Mueller, P. Merkle, C. Fehn, P. Kauff, P. Eisert, T. Wiegand
    2006 IEEE International Conference on Multimedia and Expo, 2161–2164 (2006) — 464 citations

  • Data-driven artificial intelligence applications for sustainable precision agriculture
    M.T. Linaza, J. Posada, J. Bund, P. Eisert, M. Quartulli, J. Döllner, A. Pagani, …
    Agronomy, 11(6), 1227 (2021) — 239 citations

  • Analyzing facial expressions for virtual conferencing
    P. Eisert, B. Girod
    IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications, 18(5), 70–78 (1998) — 213 citations

  • Stereo correspondence and reconstruction of endoscopic data challenge
    M. Allan, J. Mcleod, C. Wang, J.C. Rosenthal, Z. Hu, N. Gard, P. Eisert, K.X. Fu, …
    arXiv preprint arXiv:2101.01133 (2021) — 175 citations

  • Detection of face morphing attacks by deep learning
    C. Seibold, W. Samek, A. Hilsmann, P. Eisert
    Digital Forensics and Watermarking: 16th International Workshop, IWDW 2017 — 151 citations

  • Multi-hypothesis, volumetric reconstruction of 3-D objects from multiple calibrated camera views
    P. Eisert, E. Steinbach, B. Girod
    1999 IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing — 140 citations

  • Platform for distributed 3D gaming
    A. Jurgelionis, P. Fechteler, P. Eisert, F. Bellotti, H. David, J.P. Laulajainen, …
    International Journal of Computer Games Technology, 2009(1), 231863 (2009) — 134 citations

  • Automatic reconstruction of stationary 3-D objects from multiple uncalibrated camera views
    P. Eisert, E. Steinbach, B. Girod
    IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, 10(2), 261–277 (2000) — 123 citations

  • Digital watermarking of MPEG-4 facial animation parameters
    F. Hartung, P. Eisert, B. Girod
    Computers & Graphics, 22(4), 425–435 (1998) — 123 citations

  • Adaptive colour classification for structured light systems
    P. Fechteler, P. Eisert
    IET Computer Vision, 3(2), 49–59 (2009) — 120 citations

  • Capturing panoramic or semi-panoramic 3D scenes
    P. Kauff, P. Eisert, J. Schuessler, C. Weissig, F. Arne
    US Patent 9,462,184 (2016) — 99 citations

  • Games@ large graphics streaming architecture
    I. Nave, H. David, A. Shani, Y. Tzruya, A. Laikari, P. Eisert, P. Fechteler
    2008 IEEE International Symposium on Consumer Electronics, 1–4 (2008) — 98 citations

  • Model-aided coding: A new approach to incorporate facial animation into motion-compensated video coding
    P. Eisert, T. Wiegand, B. Girod
    IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, 10(3), 344–358 (2000) — 93 citations

  • Predictive compression of dynamic 3D meshes
    K. Muller, A. Smolic, M. Kautzner, P. Eisert, T. Wiegand
    IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, 1, I-621 (2005) — 91 citations

  • Fast and high resolution 3D face scanning
    P. Fechteler, P. Eisert, J. Rurainsky
    2007 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, 3, III-81–III-84 (2007) — 89 citations

  • Tracking and retexturing cloth for real-time virtual clothing applications
    A. Hilsmann, P. Eisert
    Computer Vision/Computer Graphics Collaboration Techniques: 4th International Workshop (2009) — 86 citations

  • FreeCam: A Hybrid Camera System for Interactive Free-Viewpoint Video
    C. Kuster, T. Popa, C. Zach, C. Gotsman, M.H. Gross, P. Eisert, J. Hornegger, …
    VMV, 17–24 (2011) — 85 citations

  • Immersive 3D video conferencing: challenges, concepts, and implementations
    P. Eisert
    Visual Communications and Image Processing, 5150, 69–79 (2003) — 80 citations

  • Capture and 3D video processing of volumetric video
    O. Schreer, I. Feldmann, S. Renault, M. Zepp, M. Worchel, P. Eisert, P. Kauff
    2019 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing (ICIP), 4310–4314 (2019) — 79 citations

 

Joyce Abrafi Opoku | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Joyce Abrafi Opoku | Sustainable Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Seventh-day Adventist College of Education, Asokore- Koforidua, Ghana

Joyce Abrafi Opoku is the Director of Professional Development, Research, and International Relations at the Seventh-day Adventist College of Education in Asokore-Koforidua, Ghana. With a research focus on sustainable agriculture and the propagation of difficult-to-propagate plant species, she has contributed significantly to applied agricultural science. Ms. Opoku has authored four publications and participated in additional collaborative research projects. Her dedication has earned her several recognitions, including the “Best Institutional Farmer” award in 2017 and both the “Principal’s Excellence Award” and “Milestone Achievement Award” in 2024. She has served in key academic and administrative roles, including Dean of Students’ Affairs, Head of the Science Department, and Unit Head of Agriculture. A committed member of several professional bodies, including the Horticultural Society of Ghana and the Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association of Ghana, Ms. Opoku continues to advance agricultural education and practice through research and leadership.

Profile:

🧪 Research Focus:

Joyce Abrafi Opoku’s research centers on the use of organic resources for sustainable agriculture and the enhancement of propagation methods for challenging plant species. Her contributions bridge scientific practice and community agriculture.

🏆 Achievements:

  • Best Institutional Farmer Award (2017) – National Farmer’s Day, New Juabeng North Municipality 🚜

  • Principal’s Excellence Award (2024) 🎓

  • Milestone Achievement Award (2024) 🌟

  • Authored four publications and contributed to additional works in progress 📄

🎓 Academic & Administrative Roles:

  • Former Dean of Students’ Affairs

  • Head of the Science Department

  • Unit Head of Agriculture

  • Committee Member – Appointments and Finance, SDA College of Education

🤝 Professional Memberships:

  • Horticultural Society of Ghana 🌼

  • Colleges of Education Teachers’ Association of Ghana (CETAG)

  • Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT)

  • Agricultural Science Teachers’ Association of Ghana (ASTAG)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Effect of Pre-Sowing Treatments on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Silver Butterfly Tree (Bauhinia rufescens)
    Current Agriculture Research Journal, 2018-12-28
    DOI: 10.12944/CARJ.6.3.13
    Contributors: J. A. Opoku, J. N. Amissah, M. E. Essilfie, J. C. Norman

  • Seed Germination Percentage and Growth Performance of Caesalpinia pulcherrima as Influenced by Different Pre-Sowing Treatments
    Journal of Forestry, 2018-07-31
    Contributor: Joyce Abrafi Opoku

 

Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Ratibor Štrbanović | Vegetable Plants | Best Researcher Award

Senior Research Associate at  Institute for Plant Protection and Environment,  Serbia

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is a Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment in Belgrade, Serbia. He specializes in forage crop genetics, seed quality assessment, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade in 2016, focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Expertise:

Dr. Ratibor Štrbanović is an accomplished plant scientist specializing in forage crop genetics, seed quality, and molecular breeding. He earned his Ph.D. in Agriculture from the University of Belgrade (2016), focusing on the identification of alfalfa cultivars using molecular markers.

🔬 Research & Professional Experience:

  • Senior Research Associate at the Institute for Plant Protection and Environment, Belgrade (2012–present)
    • Head of the Laboratory for Seed Quality Testing
    • Specializes in seed quality assurance, genetic improvement, and molecular breeding
    • Oversees ISO/IEC 17025:2017 implementation in laboratory testing
  • Research Assistant at the Institute for Forage Crops, Kruševac (2006–2011)
    • Focused on selection and breeding of perennial legumes

📑 Research Contributions & Impact:

✅ 167 scientific publications in international and national journals
✅ Key researcher in multiple national projects on forage breeding, genetic improvement, and sustainable livestock production
✅ Member of national commissions for soybean variety recognition
✅ Active in scientific societies, including the Society of Geneticists and Plant Breeders of Serbia

🛠 Skills & Achievements:

✔ Expertise in genetic variability, plant breeding, and seed technology
✔ Strong background in laboratory quality management and risk analysis
✔ Fluent in English and proficient in computer applications
✔ Experienced in international collaboration and research supervision

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 104
  • h-index: 6
  • Total Publications: 21
  • Cited Documents: 97

Publication Top Notes:

  • Seed Quality and Seedling Growth After Applying Ecological Treatments to Crimson Clover Seeds
    Plants, 2025-03-07. DOI: 10.3390/plants14060839
    Authors: Ratibor Štrbanović, Branimir Šimić, Mariana Stanišić, Dobrivoj Poštić, Nenad Trkulja, Violeta Oro, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Dynamics of Moisture Release from Maize Husks as a Function of Crop Density
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49481
    Authors: Marijneka Tabaković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ivana Živković, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ljubiša Kolarić, Mile Sečanski, Rade Stanisavljević, Violeta Oro

  • Evaluation of the Quality Indicators of Pepper Hybrid Seeds During Germination
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49491
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Nenad Pavlović, Sanja Đurović, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Quality of Alfalfa Seeds from Different Regions of Serbia During Storage Up to 42 Months
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2024. DOI: 10.5937/jpea28-49467
    Authors: Rade Stanisavljević, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Violeta Oro, Jasmina Milenković, Marijenka Tabaković, Dragoslav Đokić

  • Application of Alternative Methods of Crop Protection in Sustainable Agriculture
    Selekcija i Semenarstvo, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/SelSem2301043T
    Authors: Marijenka Tabaković, Vesna Dragičević, Ratibor Štrbanović, Ivana Živković, Milan Brankov, Sveto Rakić, Violeta Oro

  • Changes in Quality Indicators of Different Cucumber Hybrid Seeds During Five Years of Aging
    Journal on Processing and Energy in Agriculture, 2023. DOI: 10.5937/jpea27-42793
    Authors: Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Marijenka Tabaković, Nenad Đurić, Ivana Živković, Marija Milivojević, Rade Stanisavljević

  • Influence of the Presence of Weeds and Other Impurities in Natural Alfalfa Seed on Finishing Machines Work and Seed Quality During Three Years
    Romanian Agricultural Research, 2023. DOI: 10.59665/rar4025
    Authors: Dragoslav Đokić, Dragan Terzić, Jasmina Knežević, Aleksandar Vuković, Dobrivoj Poštić, Ratibor Štrbanović, Rade Stanisavljević

 

Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products |  Best Researcher Award

postgraduate at College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Zhizhou Ren is a postgraduate researcher specializing in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His work focuses on integrating hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning for efficient wheat disease detection. He has published two SCI papers in high-impact journals and developed the GFNN model, achieving 98.76% accuracy in disease identification. Ren has contributed to four major collaborative projects and holds one patent. As a member of the China Electronics Society, he actively engages in research that enhances precision agriculture and food security.

Profile:

🔬 Research Focus:

Zhizhou Ren specializes in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His research integrates hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning algorithms to detect wheat diseases efficiently.

📚 Key Contributions:

  • Developed the GFNN model for detecting VOCs using an electronic nose, achieving 98.76% accuracy in wheat disease detection.
  • Published two SCI papers in Q1 and Q2 journals, including Agriculture-Basel and International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
  • Holds one patent and has contributed to four major collaborative projects funded by Jiangsu Province.

🏆 Achievements & Collaborations:

  • Active member of the China Electronics Society.
  • Engaged in consultancy and industry projects, contributing to agricultural disease management and food security.
  • Participated in prestigious research programs, including the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province.

Citations:

Citations: 948 (All), 947 (Since 2020)
h-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • QPLEX: Duplex Dueling Multi-Agent Q-Learning
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, T. Liu, Y. Yu, C. Zhang
    Ninth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2021) – 550 citations

  • Exploration via Hindsight Goal Generation
    Z. Ren, K. Dong, Y. Zhou, Q. Liu, J. Peng
    Thirty-third Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2019) – 99 citations

  • Towards Understanding Cooperative Multi-Agent Q-Learning with Value Factorization
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, B. Han, J. Ye, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 61 citations

  • Proximal Exploration for Model-guided Protein Sequence Design
    Z. Ren, J. Li, F. Ding, Y. Zhou, J. Ma, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 47 citations

  • Generalizable Episodic Memory for Deep Reinforcement Learning
    H. Hu, J. Ye, G. Zhu, Z. Ren, C. Zhang
    Thirty-eighth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2021) – 43 citations

  • Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning with Delayed Rewards
    B. Han, Z. Ren, Z. Wu, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 41 citations

  • Learning Long-Term Reward Redistribution via Randomized Return Decomposition
    Z. Ren, R. Guo, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Tenth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2022 Spotlight) – 39 citations

  • On the Estimation Bias in Double Q-Learning
    Z. Ren, G. Zhu, H. Hu, B. Han, J. Chen, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 24 citations

  • Self-Organized Polynomial-Time Coordination Graphs
    Q. Yang, W. Dong, Z. Ren, J. Wang, T. Wang, C. Zhang
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 13 citations

  • Efficient Meta Reinforcement Learning for Preference-based Fast Adaptation
    Z. Ren, A. Liu, Y. Liang, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-sixth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2022) – 12 citations

  • Object-Oriented Dynamics Learning through Multi-Level Abstraction
    G. Zhu, J. Wang, Z. Ren, Z. Lin, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fourth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI 2020) – 11 citations

  • Full-Atom Peptide Design based on Multi-modal Flow Matching
    J. Li, C. Cheng, Z. Wu, R. Guo, S. Luo, Z. Ren, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Forty-first International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2024) – 7 citations

  • Enhancing Protein Mutation Effect Prediction through a Retrieval-Augmented Framework
    R. Guo, R. Wang, R. Wu, Z. Ren, J. Li, S. Luo, Z. Wu, Q. Liu, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-eighth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2024) – 1 citation

  • Bridging Distribution Gaps: Invariant Pattern Discovery for Dynamic Graph Learning
    Y. Jin, M. Wang, Y. Xiong, Z. Ren, C. Huo, F. Zhu, J. Zhang, G. Wang, H. Chen
    World Wide Web 27 (4), 44 (2024)

 

Simion Matsvai | Agribusiness | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Simion Matsvai |  Agribusiness |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Simion Matsvai is a distinguished academic with over 10 years of experience in teaching, research, and community engagement. His areas of expertise include Applied Economics, with a focus on Financial Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental & Natural Resources Economics, Development Economics, and Health Economics. Matsvai has contributed to various national and international research projects, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to excellence. Skilled in analytical tools such as Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, and SPSS, he is dedicated to advancing research and consultancy within his field.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare, 2016-2020)
  • Master of Commerce in Industrial Strategy and Trade Policy (Great Zimbabwe University, 2011-2012)
  • BSc (Hons) in Economics (University of Zimbabwe, 2003, 2006)

Work Experience:

Current Employment

  • Senior Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Commerce (Feb 2013 – Present)
    • Specializes in advanced modules including International Finance, Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics.
    • Dissertation supervision and research mentoring.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Walter Sisulu University, 2024-2025)

Agribusiness Development Specialist (Intercountry Peoples Aid, 2010–2013)

Consultancy Experience:

Simion Matsvai has co-researched a variety of impactful studies for national and international organizations, including work on economic development, youth empowerment, agricultural policies, and financial systems.

Conferences & Workshops:

  • International Conference on Time Series and Forecasting (2023, Gran Canaria, Spain) – Presented on ICTs and Economic Growth.
  • 19th African Finance Association Conference (2023, Cape Town, RSA) – ICTs and Agricultural Total Factor Productivity Change in South Africa.
  • Beef Enterprise Strengthening Workshop (2023, Masvingo) – Discussed Agricultural Financing Models.

Skills & Expertise:

  • Statistical Software: Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, SPSS, FRONTIER, N-Logit, etc.
  • Research: Extensive experience in data analysis, methodology development, and report writing.
  • Teaching: Strong academic background in economics, with experience across postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Sustainability Reporting Strategy and Its Determinants Among Resource-Based Companies
    Corporate and Business Strategy Review, 2025
    DOI: 10.22495/cbsrv6i1art9
    Contributors: Leward Jeke, Sanderson Abel, Kudakwashe David Chitaukire, Julius Mukarati, Pierre Le Roux, Simion Matsvai

  2. Determinants of Microfinance Demand (Evidence from Chiredzi Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers in Zimbabwe)
    Sustainability, 2024-11-08
    DOI: 10.3390/su16229752
    Contributor: Simion Matsvai

  3. Technical Efficiency Impact of Microfinance on Small Scale Resettled Sugar Cane Farmers in Zimbabwe
    Cogent Economics & Finance, 2022-01-05
    DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2021.2017599

  4. Characterisation of Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers and Their Perceptions Towards Microfinance in Zimbabwe (Chiredzi)
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2021-10-11
    DOI: 10.17306/J.JARD.2021.01308
    Contributors: Simion Matsvai, Abbissynia Mushunje, Simbarashe Tatsvarei

 

Vitalice Owuor | Food Research | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Vitalice Owuor |  Food Research |  Best Researcher Award

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,  Kenya

Calvin Owuor Vitalice is a dedicated environmental and fisheries professional from Kenya. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Legislation and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a funded project in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Calvin holds a BSc in Fisheries from JKUAT and has worked as a Part-time Teaching Assistant at JKUAT, where he supports students in various academic capacities. His experience also includes serving as a Fisheries Officer in Siaya County, where he contributed to sustainable fisheries practices and beach management. Prior to this, he taught biology and business studies at Unibridge High School. Calvin’s expertise extends to data categorization.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSC in Environmental Legislation and Management (2021 – Present), JKUAT (Funded project with JICA)
  • BSc in Fisheries (2015 – 2019), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) (2011 – 2014), Chulaimbo Secondary School
  • Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) (2001 – 2010), Ochok Kadongo Primary School

Employment:

  • Part-time Teaching Assistant (Jan 2020 – Present), JKUAT, Nairobi
    Responsibilities include invigilating exams, consultancy services, student counseling, teaching, and data entry.
  • Fisheries Officer (May 2019 – Aug 2019), Siaya County, Rarieda Sub-county
    Oversaw beach cleanliness, maintained order among fishermen, and ensured the use of appropriate fishing gear and compliance with fishing regulations.
  • High School Teacher (May 2016 – Aug 2018), Unibridge High School, Nairobi
    Taught biology and business studies, managed timetabling, and ensured student discipline.

Skills:

  • Excellent in categorizing data, integrity, patience, communication, and teamwork.

Publication:

Nitrogenous Waste Removal in Closed Freshwater Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using an Innovative DHS-USB Bioreactor
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
March 2025 | Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577

 

 

Petya Veleva | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Petya Veleva |  Agricultural Science |  Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Professor at  Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petya Marinova Veleva is an expert in automated systems, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture. She holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Machine Tools and a PhD in Automation of Engineering Labor and Systems for Automated Design. Dr. Veleva’s research focuses on intelligent data analysis, agricultural safety, and the application of artificial neural networks and Near Infrared Spectroscopy in agriculture and food safety. She has collaborated with renowned institutions, including Kobe University (Japan) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and has published 34 journal articles and 6 books.

Profile:

Academic & Professional Background:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petya Veleva holds a Master’s degree in “Mechanical Engineering Technology and Machine Tools” and a PhD in “Automation of the Engineering Labor and Systems for Automated Design.” Her research focuses on automated systems for data analysis, artificial intelligence in precision agriculture, intelligent animal husbandry, and food safety evaluation, with specializations in artificial neural networks, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, and Aquaphotomics. She has gained valuable international experience through JSPS Fellowship in Japan, and research mobility at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (Romania).

Research & Innovations:

Dr. Veleva has completed 39 research projects and is currently involved in 6 ongoing projects. Her work has resulted in 34 journal publications (SCI, Scopus), 6 books, and 1 patent. She collaborates with prestigious institutions like Kobe University (Japan), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (Romania). She is also a member of the editorial board of the journal SLOVJANI.info and has an h-index of 5 in Scopus.

Contributions:

Dr. Veleva’s research contributes to advancements in sustainable agriculture, smart crop production, and intelligent animal husbandry. Her work supports human health, bioeconomy, and quality of life through innovative applications of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Impact of Different Sugar Syrups on the Development of the Fat Body in Worker Bees (Apis mellifera macedonica)
    Agriculture (2025-01-02)
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15010083
  • Exploring Microelement Fertilization and Visible–Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Enhanced Productivity in Capsicum annuum and Cyprinus carpio Aquaponic Systems
    Plants (2024-12-20)
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13243566
  • Differentiation of Amaranthus Species and Estimation of Their Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Potential Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
    Plants (2024-11-30)
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13233370
  • Assessment of Tomato Quality through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy—Advantages, Limitations, and Integration with Multivariate Analysis Techniques
    Conference Paper (2024-08-08)
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024070034
  • Indirect Determination of Basic Tomato Quality Parameters Using Color Digital Images
    Conference Paper (2024-08-06)
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024070024
  • Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Differentiation of Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
    Sensors (2024-06-04)
    DOI: 10.3390/s24113620
  • Evaluating the Performance and Practicality of a Multi-Parameter Assessment System with Design, Comparative Analysis, and Future Directions
    Sustainability (2024-05-14)
    DOI: 10.3390/su16104124
  • Detection of Fungal Diseases in Lettuce by VIR-NIR Spectroscopy in Aquaponics
    Microorganisms (2023)
    DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS11092348
  • Non-Destructive Determination of Plant Pigments Based on Mobile Phone Data
    TEM Journal-Technology Education Management Informatics (2023)
    DOI: 10.18421/TEM123-23
  • An Aquaphotomics Approach for Investigation of Water-Stress-Induced Changes in Maize Plants
    Sensors (2023-12-07)
    DOI: 10.3390/s23249678
  • Influence of Some Environmental Factors on Summer Phytoplankton Community Structure in the Varna Bay, Black Sea (1992–2019)
    Water (2023-04-25)
    DOI: 10.3390/w15091677

 

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Muhammad Zakaria Hossain |  Agricultural Engineering |  Best Researcher Award

Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur,  Bangladesh

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been serving as a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012. His research focuses on precision agriculture, farm machinery, and renewable energy, with notable contributions to developing IoT-based agricultural systems and robotic mowers for orchard management. He has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter, earning recognition such as the Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024). With over 12 years of experience, Zakaria has led multiple innovative projects, presented at international conferences, and completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

 

Publication Profile

📚 Academic and Professional Background:

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012, focusing on precision agricultural techniques for sustainable crop production. His PhD research explored robotic mowers for orchard floor management. With over 12 years of experience, he has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter in reputable platforms like Wiley and MDPI.

🚜 Research and Innovations:

He has led and contributed to various projects, including developing IoT-based systems, solar-powered machinery, and automated agricultural tools. Notable projects include the Farm Machinery Technology Development Project (2020–2025) and the Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (2024).

🌟 Achievements:

  • Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024).
  • Presented research at 11 conferences, including ASABE AIM (2021).
  • Completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

🛠️ Areas of Expertise:

Precision agriculture, farm machinery, renewable energy, UAV imagery, and sensor-embedded systems.

🌐 Professional Memberships:

Member of ASABE, Bangladesh Society of Agricultural Engineers, Japanese Society of Farm Work Research, and JICA Alumni Association Bangladesh.

Publication Top Note:

  • Hanging as a method of suicide: Retrospective analysis of postmortem cases
    M Ahmad, MZ Hossain
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2010
  • Design and development of solar dryer for chilli drying
    MZ Hossain, MA Hossain, MA Awal, MM Alam, A Rabbani
    International Journal of Research, 2015
  • Weed management and economic analysis of a robotic lawnmower: A case study in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    Agriculture, 2021
  • Performance evaluation of a cabinet solar dryer for drying red pepper in Bangladesh
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MFB Hossain, MSH Sarker, MA Awal, N Jahan
    Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2018
  • Design of a new beneficial single-axis automatic controlled solar tracker
    MRI Sarker, RA Beg, MZ Hossain, MT Islam
    Proceedings of the 11th APM, 2006
  • Drying and dehydration kinetics of ginger
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, M Aktar, MS Islam, Z Hasan
    International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2014
  • Robotic lawnmower saves labor and operation costs in a pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) orchard
    MZ Hossain, K Takahashi, M Komatsuzaki
    Japanese Journal of Farm Work Research, 2020
  • Rehydration characteristics of dried summer onion
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, MN Islam
    International Journal of Research, 2014
  • Optimization of the year‐round mowing schedule of a robotic lawnmower in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, S Watanabe, T Okayama, M Komatsuzaki
    Weed Biology and Management, 2022
  • Risk of High Systolic Blood Pressure among the Air Crew in Bangladesh Air Force
    MM Rahman, MA Wahab, MZ Hossain, MM Yasin, NKBG Quddus
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2021
  • Osmotic development of value-added garlic products through dehydration and mechanical drying
    M Alam, MZ Hossain, W Ahmed, S Nahar
    Scientia, 2017
  • Architecture program structure in Bangladesh: A critical study
    M Ahsan, SI Raj, M Hossain, A Kundu
    International Seminar on Architecture: Education, Practice and Research, 2012
  • The need to incorporate ergonomics in smart agriculture and organic farming in agricultural and biological engineering education
    M Komatsuzaki, MZ Hossain, NS Dewi
    Agricultural, Biosystems, and Biological Engineering Education, 2024
  • RTK-UAV monitoring of oat cover crop termination by a straight-bar roller-crimper amid weeds
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    2021 ASABE Annual International Virtual Meeting, 2021
  • Design and development of a low-cost power tiller operated potato harvester for small farmers, Bangladesh
    MZHKKS MI Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2016
  • Computer vision technique for optimum nitrogen application in rice
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MA Haque, A Rahman, MA Awal
    International Journal of Research (IJR), 2014
  • Impact study of a generation-rich island and development of auto load shedding scheme to improve service reliability
    M Hossain, MS Alam, MI Hossain, MQ Ahsan
    1st International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information, 2014
  • Study of impacts on operation of island and frequency-based auto load shedding to improve service reliability using CYME PSAF
    M Hossain, H Rahman, MQ Ahsan
    7th International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2012
  • Effects of gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid on growth, development, and yield of Arahar plants (Cajanus Cajan (L.) millsp. cultivar 76013)
    R Parveen, SN Hossin, F Hossain, M Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Life Sciences, 1994
  • 日本のナシ果樹園におけるロボット芝刈り機の評価と草刈りの最適化
    MZ Hossain

 

Farnaz almasi | Soil-Vegetable System | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Farnaz almasi |  Soil-Vegetable System |  Best Researcher Award

shoushtar faculty, Iran

Farnaz Almasi is an environmental researcher specializing in bioremediation, pollution control, and environmental health risk assessments. Her work focuses on innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of pollutants in water, soil, and industrial environments, particularly in saline and contaminated areas. Almasi has contributed to several studies on biosurfactant-assisted composting, biodegradation of petroleum, and the health risks associated with environmental contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, including research on the degradation of hazardous chemicals and the health impacts of pollutants in aquatic systems. With a strong background in environmental engineering, Almasi continues to make significant strides in the field of environmental health and pollution management.

 

Publication Profile

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Published extensively in high-impact journals, with a focus on biosurfactant-assisted composting, herbicide residue monitoring, and bioremediation using halotolerant bacterial strains.
  • Contributed significantly to studies on health risk assessments related to environmental contaminants, including pesticides and toxic elements.

🧪 Key Research Contributions:

  • Enhanced bioremediation techniques for petroleum-contaminated saline soils.
  • Health risk assessment of herbicides and organochlorine pesticides in water systems.
  • Systematic reviews on the environmental transmission of COVID-19 and arsenic’s role in kidney cancer.

⭐ Key Skills and Expertise:

  • Bioremediation of industrial and saline environments.
  • Risk assessment of environmental pollutants.
  • Advanced oxidation processes for pollutant degradation.

📚 Research Focus:

Farnaz Almasi is a prolific researcher specializing in environmental science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on bioremediation, pollution control, and environmental health risk assessments. Her work often explores innovative solutions for mitigating the effects of pollutants in water, soil, and industrial environments.

Citation Metrics:

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 424
  • Citations Since 2019: 339

h-index:

  • Total h-index: 11
  • h-index Since 2019: 10

i10-index:

  • Total i10-index: 16
  • i10-index Since 2019: 10

Publication Top Note:

  • A comparative study on the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by electro–Fenton and electro–persulfate processes using iron electrodes
    AR Rahmani, H Rezaeivahidian, M Almasi, A Shabanlo, H Almasi
    Research on Chemical Intermediates 42, 1441-1450 (58 citations, 2016)
  • Removal of turbidity and organic matter from car wash wastewater by electrocoagulation process
    MJ Mohammadi, J Salari, A Takdastan, M Farhadi, P Javanmardi, AR Yari, …
    Desalination and Water Treatment 68, 122-128 (50 citations, 2017)
  • Spatial distribution, ecological and health risk assessment and source identification of atrazine in Shadegan international wetland, Iran
    H Almasi, A Takdastan, N Jaafarzadeh, AA Babaei, YT Birgani, …
    Marine Pollution Bulletin 160, 111569 (48 citations, 2020)
  • Arsenic in drinking water and kidney cancer: a systematic review
    N Jaafarzadeh, A Poormohammadi, H Almasi, Z Ghaedrahmat, F Rahim, …
    Reviews on Environmental Health 38 (2), 255-263 (24 citations, 2023)
  • Activated persulfate by chelating agent Fe·/complex for in situ degradation of phenol: intermediate identification and optimization study
    AR Rahmani, A Poormohammadi, F Zamani, Y Tahmasebi Birgani, S Jorfi, …
    Research on Chemical Intermediates 44, 5501-5519 (24 citations, 2018)
  • A comparative study on the removal of pentachlorophenol using copper-impregnated pumice and zeolite
    AR Rahmani, S Jorfi, G Asgari, F Zamani, H Almasi, Z Masoumi
    Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 6 (2), 3342-3348 (24 citations, 2018)
  • Modeling and optimization of ciprofloxacin degradation by hybridized potassium persulfate/zero valent-zinc/ultrasonic process
    AR Rahmani, H Rezaei-Vahidian, H Almasi, F Donyagard
    Environmental Processes 4, 563-572 (23 citations, 2017)
  • Effect of silica on the ultrasonic/persulfate process for degradation of Acid Black 1 in aqueous solutions
    AR Rahmani, F Zamani, A Shabanloo, H Almasi
    AVICENNA JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ENGINEERING 3 (2), 0-0 (17 citations, 2016)
  • Optimization of catalytic ozonation process for removal of reactive black 5 dye using bone char ash modified by magnesium oxide and applying taguchi design
    G Asgari, H Almasi, J Fardmal, F Ghanbari, Z Daraie, S Akbari
    Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences 24 (122), 252-262 (17 citations, 2015)
  • Optimization of ciprofloxacin antibiotic sonochemical degradation with persulfate activated by nano zero-valent iron by central composite design method
    AR Rahmani, H Almasi, S Bajalan, H Rezaei Vahidian, A Zarei, …
    J. Health 8, 231-245 (11 citations, 2017)
  • Investigation into catalytic potential of marble powder in catalytic ozonation of reactive black 5
    S Akbari, F Ghanbari, H Almasi, G Asgari
    (11 citations, 2017)
  • Removal of 2, 4-dichlorophenol from aqueous solution using ultrasonic/H2O2
    M Sadrnourmohamadi, A Poormohammadi, H Almasi, G Asgari, …
    Desalination and Water Treatment 75, 189-194 (11 citations, 2017)
  • Removal of 2, 4 di-chlorophenol using persulfate activated with ultrasound from aqueous solutions
    A Seid Mohammadi, G Asgari, H Almasi
    Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 1 (4), 259-270 (11 citations, 2014)
  • Herbicide residues in water resources: a scoping review
    S Jorfi, F Rahim, A Rahmani, N Jaafarzadeh, Z Ghaedrahmat, H Almasi, …
    Avicenna Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 8 (2), 126-133 (10 citations, 2021)
  • Biodegradation of Bisphenol A in a saline industrial wastewater using Alcaligenes faecalis strain BPAN5
    A Neisi, AR Rahmani, S Ghafari, S Jorfi, H Almasi
    Desalination and Water Treatment 189, 276-282 (10 citations, 2020)
  • Investigation of sonochemical oxidation process in the presence of SiO2, CuSO4 and Na2SO4 in removal of acid black1 azo dye from aqueous solution
    HA R Rahmani, Z Masoumi, A Shabanlo, S Akbari
    Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences 13 (12), 1115-1128 (10 citations, 2015)
  • The study of phenol removal from aqueous solutions using oxidizing agents of peroxide hydrogen, persulfate and periodate activated by ultrasound
    H Almasi, G Asgari, M Leili, Z Sharifi, A Seid-Mohammadi
    Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences 15 (9), 835-848 (9 citations, 2017)
  • Monitoring and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in Karun River and drinking water Ahvaz city, South West of Iran
    S Jorfi, A Poormohammadi, E Maraghi, H Almasi
    Toxin Reviews 41 (2), 361-369 (8 citations, 2022)
  • Sonochemical oxidation of phenol using persulfate activated by zerovalent iron nanoparticles in aqueous environments
    R Shokouhi, Y Poureshgh, H Almasi, A Shabanloo
    J Occup Environ Health 2 (1), 7-17 (7 citations, 2016)
  • Application of a moving bed biofilm reactor in removal of ciprofloxacin from real hospital effluent: effect of operational conditions
    R Shokoohi, H Almasi, M Sedighi, Z Daraee, S Akbari
    Avicenna Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 4 (2), 19-23 (6 citations, 2017)

 

 

Dinesh Sharma | Agriculture | Best Innovation Award

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Dr Dinesh Sharma |  Agriculture |  Best Innovation Award

Associate Professor at  Manipal University Jaipur,  India

Dr. Dinesh Sharma is an accomplished Associate Professor in Data Science and Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur. With over 14 years of experience in technical and engineering education, he has contributed extensively to academia, research, and software development. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and wireless sensor networks.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering – Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun (2021)
  • M.E. in Computer Science & Engineering – R.G.P.V., Bhopal (2007)
  • B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering – R.G.P.V., Bhopal (2006)
  • C-DAC Certification in Software Development – ACTS, Pune (2007)

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Associate Professor at Manipal University Jaipur (Aug 2023 – Present)
  • Assistant Professor at Amity University, Madhya Pradesh (2015 – 2023)
  • Assistant Professor at IMS Unison University, Dehradun (2013 – 2015)
  • Head of Department & Assistant Professor at Amardeep College of Engineering, Agra (2012 – 2013)
  • Guest Lecturer at Rustamji Institute of Technology, Gwalior (2008 – 2010)
  • Software Designer & Developer (Freelancer) at D-Sys Data Solution, Gwalior (2008 – 2012)

📚 Research & Innovations:

  • Published multiple patents, including systems for intelligent animal welfare, waste composting, and assistive devices for the visually impaired.
  • Authored research papers on AI applications in agriculture and soil monitoring.
  • Contributed book chapters on enterprise service buses and data mining in agriculture.
  • Current research interests include AI in cybersecurity, precision agriculture, and energy-efficient wireless networks.

🏆 Achievements & Skills:

  • Proficient in C#, ASP.Net, PHP, Java, and Android app development.
  • Coordinated academic initiatives, including KPI management, coding clubs, and entrepreneurship cells.
  • Extensive experience in organizing and attending FDPs and workshops on cutting-edge technologies and pedagogy.

Publication Top Note:

  • A New Energy-Efficient Multitier Deterministic Energy-Efficient Clustering Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
    Symmetry, 12(5), 837, 2020.
  • Energy-Efficient Multitier Random DEC Routing Protocols for WSN in Agriculture
    Wireless Personal Communication, 2021.
  • Factors Affecting E-Waste Management: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
    2015 Fifth International Conference on Communication Systems and Network Technologies, 2015.
  • Comparative Energy Evaluation of LEACH Protocol for Monitoring Soil Parameters in Wireless Sensor Networks
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 29, 381-396, 2020.
  • Enhanced PEGASIS Algorithm for Increasing the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 29, 372-380, 2020.
  • Face Mask Detection Analysis for COVID-19 Using CNN and Deep Learning
    2022 IEEE 11th International Conference on Communication Systems and Network Technologies, 2022.
  • Comparative Analysis of Skin Cancer Detection Using Classification Algorithms
    2023 IEEE 15th International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Communication Networks, 2023.
  • Prognosis for Crop Yield Production by Data Mining Techniques in Agriculture
    Applications of Image Processing and Soft Computing Systems in Agriculture, 2019.
  • A Survey on Energy-Efficient Hierarchical-Based Routing Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks
    International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Communication for Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2019.
  • A Role of Enterprise Service Bus in Building Web Services
    Exploring Enterprise Service Bus in the Service-Oriented Architecture Paradigm, 2017.
  • A New Approach for Wireless Communication Security Protocol by Using Mutual Authentication
    Advanced Computing, 3(3), 31, 2012.
  • Neural Network-Based Soil Parameters Predictive Coordination Algorithm for Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024.
  • Deep Learning Approach to Analyse, Detect, and Classify COVID-19 Patients
    New Trends in Mathematical Science, 1, 2021.
  • Effect of Contention Windows Size in Binary Exponential Backoff Algorithm
    2015 Second International Conference on Advances in Computing and Communication Engineering, 2015.
  • Energy-Efficient Clean and Green IT: Concepts and Approaches
    International Journal of Smart Home, 9(6), 65-70, 2015.
  • Soil Nutrient Analysis and Automatic Monitoring in Precision Agriculture
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024.
  • Identification of Personality Traits by Machine Learning Analysis of Signatures and Handwriting
    SN Computer Science, 5(5), 497, 2024.
  • Enhancing Feature Extraction in Plant Image Analysis through a Multilayer Hybrid DCNN
    International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 2023.
  • Increasing Growth of Agriculture Using Efficient Wireless Sensor Network Systems
    (Details missing; please provide the publication venue and year for completion).