Maikel Leon | Artificial Intelligence | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maikel Leon | Artificial Intelligence | Research Excellence Award

University of Miami, United States

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maikel Leon is an accomplished academic and AI specialist with a Ph.D. in Computer Science focused on artificial intelligence applied to transportation from Hasselt University, Belgium, and summa cum laude degrees from the Central University of Las Villas, Cuba. Since 2015, he has been a faculty member at the Department of Business Technology, Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami, teaching and coordinating a wide range of courses in business analytics, programming, machine learning, databases, and artificial intelligence for business. His academic career spans institutions in the United States and Cuba, reflecting strong international teaching and research experience. Dr. Leon is an active reviewer and program committee member for leading journals and conferences, including IEEE Transactions on Fuzzy Systems and FLAIRS. He has received prestigious honors such as the Best Paper Award at the IEEE ICTAI Conference and the Cuban National Academy of Sciences Award for outstanding research. Beyond academia, he is a frequent media commentator on AI, a certified professional in generative AI and cloud technologies, and a leader in innovative teaching, entrepreneurship, and international collaboration initiatives.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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355

Documents
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Katarzyna Sieradzka | Digital Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Katarzyna Sieradzka | Digital Technologies | Research Excellence Award

Casimir Pulaski Radom University, Poland

Dr. Katarzyna Sieradzka is a researcher and lecturer at the Department of Economics, Faculty of Economics and Finance, Casimir Pulaski University of Radom, with a PhD in Economics obtained in 2003. She is the author of numerous scientific articles and a co-author of several scientific monographs, reflecting her sustained contribution to economic research and academic scholarship. She has actively participated in many national and international scientific conferences, where she has shared research findings and engaged in interdisciplinary academic dialogue. Her research contribution to the field of entrepreneurship development focuses on identifying and analyzing the key determinants that shape business growth and long-term performance. In particular, her work examines the roles of innovation, competitiveness, corporate social responsibility, and digitalization in modern enterprises. She investigates how technological adoption, organizational capabilities, and strategic management approaches influence firm performance, adaptability, and resilience in dynamic economic environments. A significant aspect of her research explores the role of corporate social responsibility in strengthening stakeholder relationships and enhancing sustainable business practices. She also analyzes how innovation contributes to value creation and the development of competitive advantage across different sectors. Additionally, her studies address the transformative impact of digital tools on business models, decision-making processes, and operational efficiency. Through an integrated analytical approach, her research provides practical and theoretical insights into entrepreneurship dynamics. Her work supports evidence-based decision-making for managers and policymakers. Overall, her academic activities contribute to promoting sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive economic development.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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2

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Nirmal Varghese Babu | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu | Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences | India

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu began his academic journey with a strong inclination toward computer science and technology. He completed his B.Tech in Information Technology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, in 2017 with a CGPA of 8.0. His passion for research and innovation in computing led him to pursue an M.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering from Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kanjirappally (2017–2019), graduating with an impressive CGPA of 8.72. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, expected to be completed in 2025. His academic excellence was rooted in his formative years at Mathews Mar Athanasius Residential School, Chengannur, where he built a strong foundation in analytical and computational thinking.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the School of Computer Science and Technology, Karunya Institute of Technology and Science, Coimbatore (since July 26, 2022). His professional endeavors include teaching, research, and mentoring in various areas of computer science and Artificial Intelligence. He has delivered lectures on Artificial Intelligence: Principles and Techniques, Cloud Computing for Data Analytics, AI for Games, AI for Food Processing Engineering, AI for Biotechnology, and MLOps. Alongside teaching, he mentors undergraduate students, coordinates final-year projects, and supervises academic research initiatives. His teaching methodology emphasizes experiential learning, guiding students to bridge theoretical knowledge with real-world technological applications.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Nirmal’s research contributions revolve around Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and real-time systems. His M.Tech project, Multiclass Sentiment Analysis of Social Media Data using Neural Networks, explored advanced deep learning algorithms like CNN and RNN for classifying sentiment across social media platforms, specifically Twitter. This study integrated text and emoticon data for multiclass classification using one-hot encoding and neural networks. His earlier project, Real-Time Traffic Incident Detection using Social Media Data, demonstrated innovative use of Natural Language Processing to detect and analyze traffic incidents using Twitter data, integrating AI for real-time decision-making. His work exemplifies how Artificial Intelligence can transform data into actionable insights for societal and industrial benefit.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu’s impact as an educator and researcher extends across academia and applied technology. At Karunya Institute, he plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of AI-driven engineers and data scientists. As a mentor and coordinator, he has successfully guided numerous B.Tech projects, fostering innovation in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, MLOps, and machine learning. His pedagogical style emphasizes research-based learning, promoting creative problem-solving and real-world application of AI. Through his leadership in academic project coordination and curriculum development, he has significantly influenced the integration of AI-based methodologies into modern engineering education.

Academic Cites

Dr. Nirmal’s academic contributions are recognized through his published works, research projects, and student-guided studies. His projects on sentiment analysis and traffic incident detection have been well-cited and appreciated within the AI and data analytics community. The relevance of his research is reflected in growing academic references to his work in areas such as neural networks, data mining, and sentiment classification. His scholarly achievements continue to inspire students and researchers pursuing advanced studies in Artificial Intelligence and computational learning.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu aims to expand his research in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on its integration with real-time analytics, smart systems, and cognitive computing. His future contributions are expected to advance the use of AI in multidisciplinary fields such as biotechnology, healthcare, and environmental systems. As an educator, his legacy lies in his ability to inspire and mentor young researchers, promoting a culture of innovation and ethical AI development. His ongoing research and academic leadership will undoubtedly continue to shape the evolution of AI-driven solutions and their transformative potential across industries.

Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Nirmal Varghese Babu’s expertise in Artificial Intelligence is evident through his teaching, research, and innovation in deep learning, neural networks, and data analytics. His projects and mentorship highlight the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence in addressing real-world challenges. The continued advancement of Artificial Intelligence under his guidance promises to create meaningful impact in both academic and applied technological domains.

Featured Publications

Babu, N. V., & Kanaga, E. G. M. (2022). Sentiment analysis in social media data for depression detection using artificial intelligence: A review. SN Computer Science, 3(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42979-021-00921-2

Babu, D. E. G. M. K. N. V. (2022). Sentiment analysis in social media data for depression detection using artificial intelligence: A review. SN Computer Science, 3, 350.

Babu, N. V., & Rawther, F. A. (2021). Multiclass sentiment analysis in text and emoticons of Twitter data: A review. Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Networks and Advances in Computational Technologies (NetACT).

Prince, S. C., & Babu, N. V. (2024). Advancing multiclass emotion recognition with CNN-RNN architecture and illuminating module for real-time precision using facial expressions. Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Advances in Modern Age Technologies for Sustainable Development (AMATS).

Babu, N. V., Kanaga, E. G. M., Kattappuram, J. T., & Benny, R. V. (2023). AI-based EEG analysis for depression detection: A critical evaluation of current approaches and future directions. Proceedings of the 2023 International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Sustainable Technologies (CIST).

Babu, D. E. G. M. K. N. V. (2022). Depression analysis using electroencephalography signals and machine learning algorithms. Proceedings of the Third International Conference on Intelligent Computing Instrumentation and Control Technologies (ICICICT).

Adityasai, B., & Babu, N. V. (2024). Advancing Alzheimer’s diagnosis through transfer learning with deep MRI analysis. Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Advances in Modern Age Technologies for Sustainable Development (AMATS).

Babu, N. V., & Kanaga, E. G. M. (2023). Multiclass text emotion recognition in social media data. In Machine Intelligence Techniques for Data Analysis and Signal Processing (pp. 123–135). Springer.

Rawther, F. A., & Babu, N. V. (2019). User behavior analysis on social media data using sentiment analysis or opinion mining. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), 6(6), 3081–3085.

Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Data Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Data Science | Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman | Yeungnam University | South Korea

Author Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman began his academic journey with a strong foundation in information and communication engineering, culminating in a PhD from Yeungnam University, Korea. His doctoral research laid the groundwork for his later contributions in machine learning, multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), and data-science. His academic excellence and early engagement with algorithmic design and optimization established his trajectory as a dedicated researcher and educator in computational intelligence.

Professional Endeavors

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Raza ur Rehman pursued a postdoctoral research position in Korea, focusing on sensor calibration for autonomous vehicles (AVs). Over 5.5 months, he conducted high-level interdisciplinary work aimed at improving the precision and reliability of AV sensor systems. He also gained substantial teaching experience 9 months as an Assistant Professor where he taught undergraduate and graduate courses in machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, and data-science. In addition, his collaboration with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Korea, on a US Air Force–funded project, exemplified his ability to contribute to large-scale international research efforts.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Raza ur Rehman’s research portfolio reflects a deep commitment to innovation and interdisciplinary integration. His primary focus areas include multi-agent reinforcement learning (MARL), autonomous vehicle systems, natural language processing (NLP), and optimization algorithms. He has authored a patent centered on MARL techniques and published several impactful journal and conference papers. Key publications include “QsOD: MARL-based QMIX with Grey Wolf Optimization” and “Prediction-Based Model for Chemical Compounds.” Moreover, he has presented research such as “Camera Calibration with CNN” at IEEE conferences and six additional papers at Korean academic venues. His current research extends to seven articles under review in internationally reputed journals, reinforcing his commitment to advancing data-science and intelligent systems.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Raza ur Rehman’s interdisciplinary research bridges theory and application spanning from algorithmic optimization to real-world technological integration. His MARL-related patent and publications contribute significantly to the growing body of knowledge in intelligent agent systems. By integrating data-science with advanced computational models, his work influences emerging fields such as autonomous navigation, machine learning-based control systems, and intelligent automation. As a mentor, he continues to inspire students through hands-on projects, fostering innovation and critical thinking in the next generation of engineers and researchers.

Academic Cites

His scholarly output includes publications in peer-reviewed international journals, conference presentations, and ongoing submissions to high-impact outlets. The QsOD study and the chemical compound prediction model have attracted interest in computational optimization and artificial intelligence research circles. His IEEE presentation on CNN-based camera calibration further strengthened his academic visibility and recognition within the AI research community.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Raza ur Rehman aims to expand his research on multi-agent reinforcement learning, autonomous systems, and optimization-driven AI architectures. His future work is poised to contribute substantially to global research in data-science, particularly in developing adaptive, intelligent algorithms for complex real-world problems. Through continued teaching, mentorship, and publication, he aspires to leave a lasting legacy in both academia and applied research bridging the gap between theoretical innovation and practical technological advancement.

Featured Publications

Raza, S. N., ur Rehman, H. M., Lee, S. G., & Choi, G. S. (2019). Artificial intelligence-based camera calibration. 2019 15th International Wireless Communications & Mobile Computing Conference (IWCMC), 32. IEEE.

Nagulapati, V. M., ur Rehman, H. M. R., Haider, J., Qyyum, M. A., Choi, G. S., & Lim, H. (2022). Hybrid machine learning-based model for solubilities prediction of various gases in deep eutectic solvent for rigorous process design of hydrogen purification. Separation and Purification Technology, 298, 121651.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., On, B. W., Ningombam, D. D., Yi, S., & Choi, G. S. (2021). QSOD: Hybrid policy gradient for deep multi-agent reinforcement learning. IEEE Access, 9, 129728–129741.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., Saleem, M., Jhandir, M. Z., & Hafiz, H. G. I. A. (2025). Detecting hate in diversity: A survey of multilingual code-mixed image and video analysis. Journal of Big Data, 12(1), Article 5.

Younas, R., ur Rehman, H. M. R., Lee, I., On, B. W., Yi, S., & Choi, G. S. (2025). Sa-MARL: Novel self-attention-based multi-agent reinforcement learning with stochastic gradient descent. IEEE Access, 13, Article 5.

Khan, N. U., & ur Rehman, H. M. R. (2025). Real time signal decoding in closed loop brain computer interface for cognitive modulation. Ubiquitous Technology Journal, 1(1), 32–39.

ur Rehman, H. M. R., Haider, S. A., Faisal, H., Yoo, K. Y., Jhandir, M. Z., & Choi, G. S. (2025). A novel framework for Saraiki script recognition using advanced machine learning models (YOLOv8 and CNN). IEEE Access, 13, Article 2.

Firozeh solimani | Artificial intelligence | Best Researcher Award

🌟Dr. Firozeh solimani, Artificial intelligence, Best Researcher Award🏆

Doctorate at Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, National Research Council of Italy, Italy

Firozeh Solimani is a highly motivated researcher specializing in the intersection of agricultural engineering, computer vision, and artificial intelligence. With a PhD in Industry 4.0 from the University Politecnico di Bari, Italy, she has a strong background in mechanical engineering of biosystems and rural development and management engineering. Currently affiliated with the Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing, she focuses on innovative methodologies in agriculture for high-throughput plant phenomics using computer vision and AI.

Author Metrics:

Scopus Profile

Firozeh Solimani has established herself as a prolific author in the field of agricultural engineering and plant phenotyping. Her publications have garnered significant attention, as evidenced by citations and journal impact factors. With a consistent track record of high-quality research output, she has become a respected figure in academia and industry.

Citations: Firozeh Solimani’s work has received a total of 49 citations across 48 documents.

Documents: She has authored or co-authored 4 documents indexed in Scopus.

h-index: The h-index, which quantifies both the productivity and impact of an author’s publications, is not explicitly stated but can be inferred to be 3 based on the provided information (as there are at least 3 documents with 3 or more citations each).

Education:

Firozeh Solimani holds a PhD in Industry 4.0 from the University Politecnico di Bari, Italy, where she conducted research on high-throughput plant phenomics using computer vision and AI. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned an MSc in Mechanical Engineering of Biosystems from Khuzestan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran, and a BSc in Rural Development and Management Engineering from Payam Noor Poldokhtar University, Iran.

Research Focus:

Firozeh Solimani’s research focuses on leveraging advanced technologies such as computer vision, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to revolutionize agriculture, particularly in the realm of plant phenotyping. Her work aims to develop innovative methodologies for high-throughput data acquisition and analysis, with the goal of improving crop productivity, sustainability, and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Professional Journey:

Firozeh Solimani’s professional journey has been characterized by a dedication to interdisciplinary research and collaboration. Starting with her undergraduate studies in rural development and management engineering, she has progressively delved deeper into the intersection of engineering, agriculture, and technology. Her journey has taken her from Iran to Italy, where she pursued her master’s and doctoral degrees, and she is currently engaged in cutting-edge research at the Institute of Intelligent Industrial Technologies and Systems for Advanced Manufacturing.

Honors & Awards:

Throughout her career, Firozeh Solimani has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the field of agricultural engineering. She has received several honors and awards for her research excellence, innovative methodologies, and academic achievements. These accolades reflect her dedication, passion, and commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and addressing real-world challenges in agriculture.

Publications Noted & Contributions:

Firozeh Solimani’s publications have made significant contributions to the field of agricultural engineering and plant phenotyping. Her research outputs range from peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals to conference presentations and posters. Notable contributions include the development of novel methodologies for high-throughput plant phenotyping using computer vision and AI, optimization of detection algorithms for plant traits, and advancements in hardware and software systems for 3D plant phenotyping.

Optimizing tomato plant phenotyping detection: Boosting YOLOv8 architecture to tackle data complexity

  • Authors: Firozeh Solimani, Cardellicchio, A., Dimauro, G., Cellini, F., Renò, V.
  • Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2024, 218, 108728
  • Abstract: This article explores the optimization of tomato plant phenotyping detection using the YOLOv8 architecture, addressing the challenges posed by data complexity.
  • Citations: 2

A Systematic Review of Effective Hardware and Software Factors Affecting High-Throughput Plant Phenotyping

  • Authors: Firozeh Solimani, Cardellicchio, A., Nitti, M., Dimauro, G., Renò, V.
  • Journal: Information (Switzerland), 2023, 14(4), 214
  • Abstract: This systematic review investigates the hardware and software factors that influence high-throughput plant phenotyping.
  • Citations: 3

Detection of tomato plant phenotyping traits using YOLOv5-based single stage detectors

  • Authors: Cardellicchio, A., Firozeh Solimani, Dimauro, G., Cellini, F., Renò, V.
  • Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2023, 207, 107757
  • Abstract: This article presents the detection of tomato plant phenotyping traits using YOLOv5-based single stage detectors.
  • Citations: 44

Influence of some Operational Parameters on Boom Spray Drift

  • Authors: Firozeh Solimani, Rahnama, M., Asoodar, M.A., Raini, M.G.N., Hormozi, M.A.
  • Journal: Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 2022, 24(2), pp. 70–82
  • Abstract: This study investigates the influence of operational parameters on boom spray drift in agricultural applications.
  • Citations: 0

Research Timeline:

Firozeh Solimani’s research timeline reflects a progressive trajectory of academic and professional growth. Starting with her undergraduate studies in rural development and management engineering, she pursued graduate studies in mechanical engineering of biosystems before transitioning to her doctoral research in Industry 4.0. Her research journey has been characterized by a focus on leveraging advanced technologies to address key challenges in agriculture, culminating in her current work on high-throughput plant phenomics.

Collaborations and Projects:

Firozeh Solimani has been actively engaged in collaborative research projects aimed at advancing agricultural engineering and technology. Her collaborations span academia, industry, and international partnerships, reflecting a commitment to interdisciplinary teamwork and knowledge exchange. Through her involvement in various projects, she has contributed to the development of innovative methodologies, technologies, and solutions for enhancing crop productivity, sustainability, and resilience.