Melih Altay | Agricultural | Young Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

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.

View Orcid Profile


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

Ramesh Sahni | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Dr. Ramesh Sahni | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering | India

Ramesh Kumar Sahni has established a solid and impactful scholarly record, demonstrated through 40 peer-reviewed research documents that together have garnered 187 citations from 154 citing publications, reflecting wide visibility and meaningful influence within the academic community. With an h-index of 9, his research output shows a strong balance between productivity and sustained citation impact, indicating that several of his works are consistently referenced and contribute enduring value rather than short-term attention. His publications collectively address relevant scientific and applied challenges, offering methodological depth, technological relevance, and interdisciplinary insights that continue to inform and support subsequent research efforts. The citation distribution highlights not only recognition by peers but also the practical and conceptual relevance of his work across related domains. Maintaining a steady stream of quality publications, Ramesh Kumar Sahni’s research profile reflects intellectual consistency, originality, and a commitment to advancing knowledge through well-disseminated findings. Overall, the combination of document volume, citation count, and h-index underscores a credible and growing research impact, positioning his contributions as reliable reference points within the scholarly ecosystem and demonstrating sustained engagement with high-value research outcomes.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

200
150
100
50
0

Citations
187

Documents
40

h-index
9

Citations

Documents

h-index

View Scopus ProfileView OrcidProfile


Development of a Sensor-Based Embedded System for Real-Time Variable-Rate Fertilizer Application in Maize Cultivation

– Results in Engineering


Utilising Drones in Agriculture: A Comprehensive Review of Remote Sensing, Image Processing, and Field Applications

– Modern Agriculture


Comparative Evaluation of Drone Spraying and Conventional Gun Spraying for Nano-Urea Application in Maize Cropping Systems

– Drones


Resource Use Efficiency and Environmental Impacts of Traditional and Improved Cultivation Practices in Soybean, Paddy, and Wheat Systems

– Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessments


A Novel Dynamic Detection Method for Stem and Fruit Identification to Enable Apricot Posture Estimation and Adjustment

– Information Processing in Agriculture

sultan acun | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

Assist. Prof. Dr. sultan acun | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan acun, Amasya University, Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan Acun is a faculty member at Amasya University, Turkey, specializing in food science and engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Suleyman Demirel University, where her research focused on the use of propolis extracts and microencapsulated honey powder in cakes. Her expertise includes food quality enhancement, natural antioxidants, and functional food production. Dr. Acun has extensive academic and administrative experience, having served as a lecturer and department head. She has published numerous research papers in peer-reviewed journals and actively contributes to scientific conferences.

Profile

Scopus

Summary:

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sultan Acun is a distinguished researcher in food science with a strong publication record, innovative research on functional foods, and significant contributions to academia. Her work on propolis, natural antioxidants, and food quality improvement has positioned her as a leading figure in her field. While she has demonstrated outstanding research capabilities, expanding international collaborations and securing more research grants would further enhance her impact.

🎓 Education

Sultan Acun completed her Ph.D. in Food Science in February 2021 at the Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Department of Food Engineering, Suleyman Demirel University, Turkey. Her doctoral research focused on using different propolis extracts and honey powder produced by the microencapsulation technique in cake. She obtained her M.Sc. in Food Science in June 2011 from the same university, where she studied the effects of grape wine waste pomace and grape seed on biscuit quality. She earned her B.Sc. in Food Engineering in June 2008, graduating with the highest GPA (93.11/100) among her peers.

💼Experience

Dr. Sultan Acun has extensive academic and administrative experience in food engineering and food science education. She has been a Lecturer Ph.D. at Amasya University, Suluova Vocational School, since 2021. Before that, she served as a Lecturer at the same institution from 2012 to 2021. She also worked as a Visiting Lecturer at Suleyman Demirel University, teaching at Gelendost and Şarkikaraağaç Vocational Schools between 2009 and 2012. In addition to her academic roles, she held administrative positions as Deputy Director of Suluova Vocational School from 2015 to 2020 and as Head of the Food Processing Department from 2014 to 2015.

🔬Research Focus

Her research interests lie in food science, with a specific focus on food quality enhancement, the use of natural antioxidants, and the incorporation of by-products in food production. She has worked on projects involving the use of propolis and microencapsulated honey in cakes, the determination of wheat quality, the evaluation of bakeries, and the use of grape pulp as a natural antioxidant in bread production. Her studies also explore the quality characteristics of traditional and gluten-free bakery products.

🛠️Skills

Dr. Acun possesses strong technical skills in food analysis, including the use of instruments such as protein analyzers, centrifuges, colorimeters, spectrophotometers, rotary evaporators, texture analyzers, and atomic absorption spectrophotometers. She is proficient in statistical analysis, including randomized and incomplete block design, ANOVA, multivariate analysis, and regression analysis. Additionally, she has expertise in Microsoft Office, Design Expert, and SPSS for data analysis.

🏆Awards

Dr. Acun has published numerous research papers in international and national peer-reviewed journals. She has presented her findings at various conferences, both as oral and poster presentations. She has contributed significantly to the study of food technology and has been recognized for her research on the nutritional and functional properties of different food ingredients. She also holds multiple certifications in quality management systems, HACCP, and risk-based process management.

📚 Publications

Title: The effect of propolis as a functional product on health
Author(s): Acun, S., & Gül, H.
Year: 2021
Journal: Uludag Aricilik Dergisi

Conclusion:

Dr. Sultan Acun is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award due to her valuable contributions to food science and functional food development. With continued efforts in global research engagement and industry partnerships, she can further solidify her position as a leading researcher in her domain.

Ahmed Ali Ayoub Abdelmoneim | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Soil Scientist

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.