Prof. Dr. Metin Zontul | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Metin Zontul | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dean, Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Metin Zontul is a seasoned academic and researcher in the fields of machine learning, data mining, and intelligent systems, currently serving as Professor and Dean at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sivas University of Science and Technology, Turkey. With over 30 years of academic experience, he has held various esteemed positions at several universities in Turkey and contributed significantly to national-level research projects, innovation in artificial intelligence, and academic leadership.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

ORCID

🎓 Education Background

He earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Methods in Business Administration (2004) from the Institute of Social Sciences, focusing his dissertation on clustering countries trading with Turkey using SOM-type artificial neural networks. He holds an M.Sc. in Computer-Aided Design, Manufacturing, and Programming (1996), where he analyzed local area network access protocols, and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering (1993) from Middle East Technical University.

💼 Professional Experience

Prof. Zontul has held multiple academic ranks, starting as a Lecturer at Cumhuriyet University (1994–2005) and advancing to Assistant, Associate, and then Professor at institutions such as Istanbul Aydın University, Arel University, Ayvansaray University, and Topkapi University. He has been a key academic leader, serving as Dean and Department Chair across several faculties. Since 2023, he has led the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences at Sivas UST. He also supervises graduate theses and collaborates on research with TUBITAK and other industry-linked projects.

🏆 Awards and Honors

Prof. Zontul has received Publication Incentive Awards from Istanbul Aydın University in 2014 and 2016 for his scholarly contributions. He is a former member of IEEE and holds a 2024 patent for a Personnel Assignment and Routing System related to unit failure and maintenance operations.

🔬 Research Focus

His research interests span machine learning, deep learning, data mining, signal processing, natural language processing, and intelligent systems. He has contributed extensively to the scientific community through 25+ peer-reviewed journal articles, 20+ conference papers, and collaborative projects involving academia and industry. His supervision of numerous theses and his involvement in over 30 national research projects reflect his commitment to practical and academic advancements in AI.

🔚 Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Metin Zontul stands as a multifaceted academician blending research, leadership, and innovation. His significant contributions to AI, education, and national research initiatives have cemented his reputation as a leading scholar in his field.

📚 Top Publications 

  1. Application of artificial intelligence neural network modeling to predict the generation of domestic, commercial and construction wastes (2021)
    Journal: Waste Management & Research
    Cited by: 92
    Co-authors: G. Coskuner, M.S. Jassim, S. Karateke

  2. Comparative performance analysis of support vector regression and artificial neural network for prediction of municipal solid waste generation (2022)
    Journal: Waste Management & Research
    Cited by: 49
    Co-authors: M.S. Jassim, G. Coskuner

  3. Urban bus arrival time prediction: A review of computational models (2013)
    Journal: International Journal of Recent Technology and Engineering (IJRTE)
    Cited by: 123
    Co-author: M. Altinkaya

  4. Measuring the efficiency of telecommunication sectors of OECD countries using data envelopment analysis (2005)
    Journal: CU Journal of Economics and Administrative Sciences
    Cited by: 41
    Co-authors: O. Kaynar, H. Bircan

  5. Wind speed forecasting using reptree and bagging methods in Kirklareli-Turkey (2013)
    Journal: Journal of Theoretical and Applied Information Technology
    Cited by: 35
    Co-authors: F. Aydin, G. Dogan, S. Sener, O. Kaynar

  6. The prediction of the ZnNi thickness and Ni% of ZnNi alloy electroplating using a machine learning method (2021)
    Journal: Transactions of the IMF
    Cited by: 34
    Co-authors: R. Katirci, H. Aktas

  7. A smart and mechanized agricultural application: From cultivation to harvest (2022)
    Journal: Applied Sciences
    Cited by: 31
    Co-authors: F. Kiani, G. Randazzo, I. Yelmen, A. Seyyedabbasi, S. Nematzadeh, F.A. Anka, et al.

 

 

Rab Nawaz Bashir | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Rab Nawaz Bashir | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor, COMSATS University, Pakistan

Dr. Rab Nawaz Bashir 🎓 is a distinguished computer scientist and Assistant Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus. He holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Islamia University Bahawalpur and has been instrumental in shaping research and education in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT). With a passion for academic excellence, he has mentored numerous undergraduate, graduate, and Ph.D. students, guiding them toward impactful research and industry readiness. His dedication to scholarly contributions and innovative teaching has made him a respected figure in the field of computer science.

Publication Profile

Education 🎓

Dr. Bashir has a strong academic foundation, earning his Ph.D. in Computer Science (2021) from Islamia University Bahawalpur. Prior to that, he completed an MS in Computer Science (2015) from the same institution. His educational journey began with a Master in Computer Science (MCS) from Pir Mehr Ali Shah University of Arid Agriculture (2008). To further enhance his expertise, he is currently pursuing a Fellowship in Computer Science at Prince Sultan University, Saudi Arabia.

Experience 👨‍🏫

With over 15 years of experience, Dr. Bashir has significantly contributed to academia and research. Since 2022, he has served as an Assistant Professor at COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus, where he leads curriculum development, organizes seminars, and supervises undergraduate and Ph.D. research. Previously, he was a Lecturer at COMSATS University (2015–2022), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2014–2015), and Institute of Southern Punjab, Multan (2010–2014). Before transitioning fully into academia, he worked in software development at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2008–2010), specializing in secure and scalable web applications using ASP.NET and SQL Server.

Awards and Honors 🏆

Dr. Bashir has been recognized multiple times for his outstanding contributions to research and academic excellence. He has received several Research Awards (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024) and Annual Performance Awards (2022, 2023, 2024) from his institution. Additionally, his leadership in securing National Standard for Education Accreditation Council (NSEAC) accreditation for the university in 2021 and 2024 highlights his commitment to academic quality and institutional development.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Bashir’s research spans various cutting-edge domains, including machine learning, IoT, and computer programming. His work emphasizes real-world applications, such as IoT-enabled smart agriculture, machine learning-based fraud detection, and deep learning for natural image processing. His interdisciplinary collaborations have resulted in high-impact research, contributing to advancements in federated learning, fog computing, and agricultural technology.

Conclusion 🌟

Dr. Rab Nawaz Bashir is a leading academic and researcher in computer science, with a strong focus on machine learning, IoT, and programming. His dedication to mentoring students, publishing impactful research, and advancing academic excellence has earned him numerous awards and recognitions. With a vision for future innovations, he continues to push the boundaries of computer science, contributing to both academia and industry through groundbreaking research and leadership.

Publications 📚

A Novel 1-Dimensional Cosine Chaotic Equation and Digital Image Encryption Technique (IEEE Access, 2024) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3447889

Federated Learning (FL) Model of Wind Power Prediction (IEEE Access, 2024) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3415781

IoT-Enabled Firmness Grades of Tomato in Cold Supply Chain Using Fusion of Whale Optimization Algorithm and Extreme Learning Machine (IEEE Access, 2024) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3379327

Mushroom Species Classification in Natural Habitats Using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) (IEEE Access, 2024) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2024.3502543

Machine Learning and Fog Computing-Enabled Sensor Drift Management in Precision Agriculture (IEEE Sensors Journal, 2024) – DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2024.3451662

Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Feature Importance-Based Dimension Reduction for Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) Predictions of Taif, Saudi Arabia (Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2024) – DOI: 10.1016/j.compag.2024.109036

Ensemble Deep Learning-Based Prediction of Fraudulent Cryptocurrency Transactions (IEEE Access, 2023) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3310576

Internet of Things Based Weekly Crop Pest Prediction by Using Deep Neural Network  (IEEE Access, 2023) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3301504

Stacked Ensemble Model for Tropical Cyclone Path Prediction (IEEE Access, 2023) – DOI: 10.1109/ACCESS.2023.3292907

Smart Reference Evapotranspiration Using Internet of Things and Hybrid Ensemble Machine Learning Approach (Internet of Things, 2023) – DOI: 10.1016/j.iot.2023.100962

Syed Ijaz Ul Haq | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Syed Ijaz Ul Haq | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award 

Research associate, Shandong University of Technology, China

Syed Ijaz Ul Haq is a dedicated Research Assistant in Agronomy at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, since September 2021. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agriculture Engineering and Food Science at Shandong University of Technology, China, he is passionate about advancing research in remote sensing, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. With a commitment to excellence and professional development, Syed aims to explore innovative solutions in agriculture. 🌱📚

Publication Profile

ORCID

Strengths for the Award

  1. Specialized Research Interests: Syed has a clear focus on Remote Sensing, AI, and Deep Learning, which are critical areas in modern agricultural research. His work on machine learning techniques for pest detection and weed analysis demonstrates innovative applications of technology in agriculture.
  2. Academic Background: Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering and Food Science at Shandong University of Technology, Syed is in an excellent position to contribute cutting-edge research to the field.
  3. Professional Experience: His role as a Research Assistant at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University allows him to gain practical experience and engage with ongoing research projects, enhancing his research skills.
  4. Publication Record: With multiple publications in reputable journals, including articles on trace elements’ effects on crop growth and the use of AI for weed detection, he demonstrates the ability to conduct and disseminate impactful research.
  5. Peer Review Engagement: His involvement as a reviewer for the American Society of Plant Biologists reflects recognition by peers and contributes to his professional development.

Areas for Improvement

  1. Broader Research Impact: While Syed has several publications, expanding his research to include interdisciplinary collaborations or more diverse agricultural challenges could enhance his visibility and impact in the field.
  2. Networking and Collaboration: Actively seeking collaborations with other researchers or institutions could provide Syed with additional insights and resources, fostering a more extensive research network.
  3. Professional Development: Attending more international conferences and workshops could enhance his skills and provide opportunities for exposure to global trends in agricultural research and technology.
  4. Outreach and Application of Research: Engaging with local communities or agricultural practitioners to apply his findings could bridge the gap between research and real-world application, leading to significant societal impacts.

Education

Syed is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Agriculture Engineering and Food Science at Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, Shandong, China, where he has been studying since July 2022. His academic focus revolves around integrating advanced technologies to enhance agricultural practices. 🎓🌾

Experience

Since September 2021, Syed has served as a Research Assistant in Agronomy at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, where he contributes to various agricultural research projects, gaining valuable experience and insights into the field. His role involves collaborating with researchers to explore sustainable agricultural practices and technologies. 🧑‍🔬🌍

Research Focus

Syed’s research primarily focuses on the application of remote sensing, AI, and deep learning techniques in agriculture. His work aims to improve crop yield, pest detection, and weed management, making significant contributions to sustainable farming practices. 🤖🌿

Awards and Honours

Syed has been recognized for his contributions to agricultural research, including serving as a Reviewer for the American Society of Plant Biologists since 2021. His academic excellence is reflected in his ongoing Ph.D. studies, showcasing his dedication to advancing the field. 🏆📜

Publications

Influence of Trace Elements (Co, Ni, Se) on Growth, Nodulation and Yield of Lentil
Published in Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 2024
Cited by: Crossref

Identification of Pest Attack on Corn Crops Using Machine Learning Techniques
Published in 2023
Cited by: Crossref

Weed Detection in Wheat Crops Using Image Analysis and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Published in Applied Sciences, 2023
Cited by: Crossref

Conclusion

Syed Ijaz Ul Haq shows strong potential as a candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award due to his focused research interests, current academic pursuits, publication record, and peer engagement. To further enhance his candidacy, he should consider broadening his research scope, expanding his professional network, and increasing the real-world applicability of his research findings. If he continues on this trajectory, he has the potential to make substantial contributions to agricultural research, making him a deserving recipient of this award.