Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

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Mr. Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Hacettepe University | Turkey

Melih Altay is a researcher in geomatics engineering with a strong specialization in photogrammetry, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing. His research is centered on integrating deep learning and machine learning methods with multi-source Earth observation data to address complex geospatial problems. He has developed and applied advanced AI-based segmentation, object detection, and classification approaches for analyzing optical and SAR satellite imagery, with particular emphasis on forest fire assessment, water surface detection, and agricultural land monitoring. His work contributes to improving the accuracy and automation of geospatial data extraction from high-resolution satellite platforms such as PlanetScope and Sentinel series. His research demonstrates strong interdisciplinary integration of GIS, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, offering scalable solutions for environmental monitoring, land-use analysis, and spatial decision support. Through peer-reviewed conference publications, he has contributed comparative evaluations of deep learning architectures and innovative workflows that enhance geospatial analysis efficiency and reliability. Overall, his work reflects a forward-looking approach to geomatics engineering, emphasizing intelligent automation, high-resolution spatial analytics, and the practical application of AI technologies in Earth observation and digital twin systems.

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Phenology aware agricultural boundary extraction using segment anything model and planet scope imagery (zero shot learning approach)– Advances in Space Research

Opeyemi Faronbi | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Opeyemi Faronbi | Agricultural | Research Excellence Award

Landmark University | Nigeria

Dr. Opeyemi Faronbi is an emerging scholar whose research contributions demonstrate growing impact and visibility within the agricultural and food systems research community. Her scholarly output comprises 8 peer-reviewed documents, reflecting a focused and consistent publication trajectory across key thematic areas such as agricultural economics, food and nutrition security, climate-smart agriculture, agroecology, and gender-related dimensions of rural development. These publications have collectively attracted 36 citations from 34 citing documents, indicating that her work is being actively referenced and utilized by other researchers to inform ongoing studies and evidence-based discussions. With an h-index of 4, Dr. Faronbi has established a measurable balance between productivity and citation impact, underscoring the relevance and quality of her research contributions. Her citation profile suggests that multiple publications have achieved sustained academic engagement rather than isolated recognition. Overall, the combination of her document count, citation performance, and h-index highlights a solid and developing research footprint, characterized by methodological rigor, policy relevance, and interdisciplinary appeal. Dr. Opeyemi Faronbi’s bibliometric indicators reflect a promising academic profile with clear potential for continued growth, broader international recognition, and increasing influence within her research domains.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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36

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Causal Nexus Between Agricultural Credit Rationing and Repayment Performance: A Two-Stage Tobit Regression


– AIMS Agriculture and Food


Economic Performance of Smallholder Soya Bean Production in Kwara State, Nigeria


– Open Agriculture


Land Tenure, Land Use Antecedents, and Willingness to Embrace Resilient Farming Practices Among Smallholders in Nigeria


– Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems


Potential of Tithonia diversifolia and Biofertilizers on Soil Physiochemical Properties, Growth, Yield and Mineral Composition of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)


– Research on Crops


Effects of Climate Change on Grain Productivity in Nigeria (1970–2014)


– IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

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Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Agricultural | Editorial Board Member

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma | Manipal University | India

Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma has established a significant scientific presence through impactful research spanning plant biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, medicinal plant conservation, and sustainable bioscience innovation. His scholarly influence is reflected in 757 citations from 717 citing documents, demonstrating broad recognition and applicability of his findings across diverse research communities. With a portfolio of 62 peer-reviewed documents, his work has advanced micropropagation techniques, optimized in vitro regeneration systems, explored endophytic fungal diversity, and contributed to the biosynthesis of eco-friendly nanoparticles with antimicrobial and therapeutic potential. His h-index of 14 underscores the consistent relevance and academic value of his contributions, which have shaped new directions in plant tissue culture, phytochemical enhancement, biogenic nanomaterial development, and bioresource conservation. Prof. Dr. Madan Sharma’s research further integrates molecular, biochemical and nanotechnological approaches to address challenges related to medicinal plant preservation, sustainable agricultural practices, and innovative biological solutions for health and environmental applications. His cumulative scientific output reflects a commitment to advancing knowledge that supports societal benefit, industry innovation, and the progressive development of biosciences through interdisciplinary and forward-looking research.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

 Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub, CIHEAM Bari, Italy

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a distinguished researcher at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM Bari), Italy. With a Ph.D. in irrigation system modernization and an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management, his work focuses on sustainable agriculture, water scarcity solutions, and IoT-based precision irrigation. Dr. Ayoub has extensive expertise in soil mapping, irrigation automation, and climate change mitigation, combining cutting-edge technologies like drones and microcontrollers to enhance water use efficiency. A recipient of multiple academic awards, he is committed to advancing innovative solutions for global agricultural challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub has a robust research profile, addressing critical agricultural and environmental challenges through innovative and interdisciplinary approaches. His contributions to irrigation modernization, precision agriculture, and IoT-based solutions position him as a top contender for the Best Researcher Award. With his strong publication record, technical skills, and leadership in academia and research, he exemplifies the qualities of a forward-thinking researcher. However, additional efforts to amplify the visibility and impact of his work could further solidify his position as a global research leader.

 

🎓 Education

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim has a robust educational background focused on agricultural engineering and water resources management. He holds a B.Sc. in Agriculture Sciences (Agricultural Engineering Program) from Cairo University. Later, he earned an M.Sc. in Land and Water Resources Management: Irrigated Agriculture from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari (CIHEAM), where he was ranked first in his class. His master’s thesis explored comparative assessment of irrigation design criteria in Egypt. Ahmed also pursued advanced research studies as part of his Ph.D. at Bari Aldo Moro University and conducted doctoral research at the University of California, Davis. His work at UC Davis focused on hydraulic analysis of furrow irrigation systems using gated pipes under variable soil conditions, leveraging advanced technologies like drones, soil mapping tools, and automation. Additionally, he has a diploma in Laser Applications in Meteorology, Photochemistry, and Agriculture from Cairo University’s National Institute for Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES).

 

💼Experience

Ahmed has accumulated significant experience in research, consultancy, project management, and technical innovation. Since March 2021, he has been a Researcher and Consultant at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, contributing to regional projects, teaching courses on solar energy and irrigation systems, and designing field experiments with modern technologies like IoT and 3D printing. From 2017 to 2021, during his Ph.D., he focused on modernization of traditional irrigation systems, employing automation and soil mapping technologies to enhance irrigation efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Ahmed also worked as a Technical Officer for the UNDP’s Low-Emission Capacity Building Project, where he managed climate change mitigation activities, stakeholder coordination, and training programs. His earlier roles include working as an Optical Emission Spectrometry Analyst with the General Organization for Export and Import Control (GOEIC) and as a Technical Office Engineer for Green Hills International, where he contributed to irrigation and drainage system designs for large-scale landscape projects like Uptown Cairo.

 

🔬Research Focus

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub’s research is dedicated to tackling global challenges in climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable agriculture. His primary areas of focus include the modernization of irrigation systems, such as furrow and drip irrigation, to enhance efficiency and uniformity. He leverages the Internet of Things (IoT) to automate irrigation management tools, including tensiometers and infiltration devices. Ahmed also specializes in utilizing soil mapping technologies and remote sensing, such as drones and multi-spectral cameras, to advance precision agriculture. His work emphasizes improving water distribution systems, studying the impact of soil variability on irrigation performance, and developing affordable, sustainable solutions for precision irrigation to optimize water use and increase crop productivity.

 

Awards

Ahmed has been recognized for his academic and professional excellence with several awards. He was ranked first in the CIHEAM M.Sc. Program (2014–2015) and second in his undergraduate class at Cairo University’s Agricultural Engineering Department (2010). These distinctions highlight his commitment to academic and research excellence.

Skills

Dr. Ayoub has a versatile skill set encompassing technical, research, and organizational capabilities. He is proficient in CAD design, Python programming, C++ (Arduino IDE), GIS tools like ArcGIS, and image processing software such as Pix4D. His research expertise includes irrigation modeling tools like DSSAT, AquaCrop, CropWat, and Daily ET0, as well as advanced soil analysis technologies like Veris U3 mapping systems and Pario meter devices. With strong digital competence, he designs IoT applications, integrating 3D printing and automation using microcontrollers like ESP32. Ahmed’s organizational skills are demonstrated through his leadership roles as a lab supervisor, internal auditor for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, and coordinator of youth networks such as MedYWat. Fluent in English (IELTS 7.5) and proficient in Italian, he excels in communication, delivering technical webinars, and managing training programs.

Publications

  • Title: Forecasting Blue and Green Water Footprint of Wheat Based on Single, Hybrid, and Stacking Ensemble Machine Learning Algorithms Under Diverse Agro-Climatic Conditions in Nile Delta, Egypt
    Authors: Lotfy, A.A., Abuarab, M.E., Farag, E., Abdelmoneim, A.A., Mokhtar, A.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Advancements in Remote Sensing for Evapotranspiration Estimation: A Comprehensive Review of Temperature-Based Models
    Authors: Derardja, B., Khadra, R., Abdelmoneim, A.A.A., Deflorio, A.M., Volden, E.
    Journal: Remote Sensing
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 3

 

  • Title: Towards Affordable Precision Irrigation: An Experimental Comparison of Weather-Based and Soil Water Potential-Based Irrigation Using Low-Cost IoT-Tensiometers on Drip Irrigated Lettuce
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Elkamouh, A., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Sustainability (Switzerland)
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 5

 

  • Title: OptGate: A New Tool to Design and Analyze the Performance of Conventional and Self-Compensating Gated Pipe Systems
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R.
    Journal: Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 0

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Soil Moisture Tensiometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Khadra, R., Derardja, B., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Micromachines
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 6

 

  • Title: Internet of Things (IoT) for Double Ring Infiltrometer Automation
    Authors: Abdelmoneim, A.A., Daccache, A., Khadra, R., Bhanot, M., Dragonetti, G.
    Journal: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 13

Conclusion:

Dr. Ahmed Ali Ayoub is a suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his substantial contributions to agricultural engineering and sustainability. His innovative research, technical expertise, and dedication to capacity-building make him a deserving nominee. By further enhancing the dissemination and societal application of his research, he can elevate his profile and continue to make transformative contributions to global agricultural and environmental sustainability.