Shaymaa Sorour | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Shaymaa Sorour | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

King Faisal University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Shaymaa E. Sorour is an Assistant Professor of Computer Science specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Optimization, with a strong focus on educational technologies and intelligent learning systems. She earned her Ph.D. in Computer Science from Kyushu University, Japan (2016), following an M.Sc. in Computer Education and a B.Sc. in Computer Teacher Preparation with honors. Dr. Sorour has extensive academic experience across teaching, research, quality assurance, and academic advising, serving in faculty roles at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia, and Kafrelsheikh University, Egypt. Her research integrates data mining, learning analytics, student performance prediction, adaptive and intelligent educational systems, and technology-enhanced learning, with publications in leading international journals and conferences. She has actively contributed to global scholarly communities through sustained participation in IEEE, LNCS, and international education and AI venues. Her scholarly impact includes 486 citations, 49 documents, and an h-index of 11, reflecting consistent contributions to AI in education and learning analytics (486 citations by 441 documents). Among her recognitions, she received a Best Paper Award at an international conference. Dr. Sorour’s work continues to bridge advanced computational intelligence with practical, scalable educational innovation, supporting data-driven decision-making and improved learning outcomes worldwide.

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Featured Publications

George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Prof. George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

Prof. George Vlontzos is a distinguished agricultural economist and Full Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece, where he directs the Laboratory of Agricultural Economics and Consumer Behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Planning and Regional Development (University of Thessaly), an MBA in Agribusiness (University of Wales, Aberystwyth) and a BSc in Agriculture (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). With a strong international academic profile, he has served as a visiting professor at the University of Florida and contributed to graduate programs at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier. Prof. Vlontzos has authored 62 documents indexed on Scopus with 952 citations by 886 documents and an h‑index of 17, reflecting significant research impact in agricultural economics, efficiency and sustainability analysis, consumer behavior, optimization and AI applications in agriculture. His research employs advanced quantitative and behavioral models—such as Data Envelopment Analysis, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, the Theory of Planned Behavior and Artificial Neural Networks—to address economic and environmental efficiency, consumer decision processes, and sustainable agri‑food systems. He has published extensively in refereed journals, participated in major international conferences, and contributed to multiple competitive projects co‑funded by the EU, national and private sources. His leadership in research and education underscores his influence in shaping sustainable agricultural policy and practice.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Assessing the economic impact of insect pollination on the agricultural sector: A department-level case study in France

– Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025

Emerging Technologies for Investigating Food Consumer Behavior: A Systematic Review

– Review, 2025

A hybrid remotely operated underwater vehicle for maintenance operations in aquaculture: Practical insights from Greek fish farms

– Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2025

Digital Transformation of Food Supply Chain Management Using Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review Towards Food Safety and Traceability

– Business and Information Systems Engineering, 2025

Variable RTS in hierarchical network DEA: Enhancing efficiency in higher education systems

– Socio Economic Planning Sciences, 2024

Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Helmi Ayari | Data processing | Research Excellence Award

Université Ibn khaldoun | Tunisia

Helmi Ayari is a doctoral researcher in Artificial Intelligence at the École Polytechnique de Tunisie, focusing on machine learning, deep learning, and intelligent imaging systems, with a research track record that includes 3 published documents, an h-index of 1, and citations from 33 documents. He holds a Master of Research in Intelligent Systems for Imaging and Computer Vision and a fundamental Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. His work includes contributions to medical image analysis, explainable AI, and optimization techniques, with notable publications such as a comparative study of classical versus deep learning-based computer-aided diagnosis systems published in Knowledge and Information Systems (Q2), and a study integrating genetic algorithms with ensemble learning for enhanced credit scoring presented at the International Conference on Business Information Systems (Class B). Professionally, he has served as a Maître Assistant and teaching assistant, delivering courses in machine learning, deep learning, Python, R, computer architecture, and automata theory, while supervising Master’s research, coordinating academic programs, and contributing to hackathons and university events. His research interests span AI-driven decision systems, interpretable machine learning, evolutionary optimization, and applied deep learning. Recognized for both academic and pedagogical engagement, he continues advancing impactful AI research and education.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Computer-Aided Diagnosis Systems: A Comparative Study of Classical Machine Learning Versus Deep Learning-Based Approaches. Knowledge and Information Systems, published May 23, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10115-023-01894-7

Integrating Genetic Algorithms and Ensemble Learning for Improved and Transparent Credit Scoring. International Conference on Business Information Systems, June 25, 2025. (Class B)

Umme Habiba | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Umme Habiba | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Research Excellence Award

North Dakota State University(NDSU) | United States

Umme Habiba is a dedicated researcher and educator in computer science whose work centers on machine learning, deep learning, transformer-based architectures, explainable AI, and swarm intelligence, particularly within medical data analysis. She is pursuing her Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Computer Science at North Dakota State University, where she has gained extensive teaching experience as an instructor of record and graduate teaching assistant across several undergraduate courses. Her research contributions span clinical text mining, medical risk prediction, brain–computer interface modeling, IoT security, and usability analysis of mHealth applications, with publications in reputable international journals. She has also collaborated on projects involving mobile sensor–based spatial analysis, voice-controlled IoT automation systems, and hybrid ML models for network intrusion detection. Her academic journey began with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, where she developed a strong foundation in data-driven system design and intelligent applications. She has received consistently high teaching evaluations and has demonstrated a commitment to interdisciplinary research and student learning. Her long-term goal is to contribute impactful solutions at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare while advancing as both a researcher and an educator.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publication

PSO-optimized TabTransformer architecture with feature engineering for enhanced cervical cancer risk prediction, 2026

Mebarka Allaoui | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Paper Award

Dr. Mebarka Allaoui | Machine Learning and AI Applications | Best Paper Award

Bishop’s University | Canada

Dr. Mebarka Allaoui dedicated computer science researcher with a strong background in machine learning, manifold learning, and computer vision, this scholar holds a PhD in Computer Science focused on embedding techniques and their applications to visual data analysis. Their academic journey includes a master’s degree in industrial computer science and a bachelor’s degree in information systems, all completed with high distinction. Professionally, they have served as a Postdoctoral Fellow contributing to industry-funded research on anomaly detection, developing novel embedding, deep learning, and clustering methods to enhance the interpretability of latent representations and improve fraud detection in real-world financial datasets. Prior experience includes working as a computer engineer supporting system administration, software development, data analysis, and network configuration, alongside several teaching appointments delivering practical courses in software engineering, algorithmics, and web development. Their research contributions span dimensionality reduction, clustering, optimization, document analysis, and scientific information retrieval, with publications in reputable journals and conferences. Collaborative work further extends to studies on optimizers, object detection, and embedding initialization strategies. Recognized for high-quality academic performance and impactful research outputs, they continue to advance data-driven methodologies, aiming to bridge theoretical innovation with practical applications in intelligent systems and decision-support technologies.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., & Cheriet, A. (2020). “Considerably improving clustering algorithms using UMAP dimensionality reduction technique” in International Conference on Image and Signal Processing, 317–325.

Drid, K., Allaoui, M., & Kherfi, M. L. (2020). “Object detector combination for increasing accuracy and detecting more overlapping objects” in International Conference on Image and Signal Processing, 290–296.

Allaoui, M., Belhaouari, S. B., Hedjam, R., Bouanane, K., & Kherfi, M. L. (2025). “t-SNE-PSO: Optimizing t-SNE using particle swarm optimization” in Expert Systems with Applications, 269, 126398.

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., Cheriet, A., & Bouchachia, A. (2024). “Unified embedding and clustering” in Expert Systems with Applications, 238, 121923.

Allaoui, M., Kherfi, M. L., & Cheriet, A. (2020). “International Conference on Image and Signal Processing” in Springer.

Naima Rahiel | Public Health Analytics | Women Researcher Award

Mrs. Naima Rahiel | Public Health Analytics | Women Researcher Award

QARTZ, Université Paris 8 | France

Naima Rahiel is a doctoral researcher in Industrial Engineering and Productics at the University of Paris 8, specializing in the modeling and optimization of complex systems, with a particular focus on hospital logistics and supply chain resilience. She holds a Master’s and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Oran 2, Algeria, where she built strong foundations in probabilistic analysis, production systems, and decision-making under uncertainty. Her professional experience includes academic teaching at IUT de Montreuil and practical research in industrial and healthcare environments, such as Tosyali Algeria and the Canastel Pediatric Hospital in Oran. Her research explores the resilience of healthcare supply chains through analytical and simulation-based approaches, leading to several international conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications, including contributions to Springer’s book series and the journal Environmental Systems and Decision. Passionate about innovation, data analysis, and system reliability, she aims to bridge theoretical modeling with real-world decision support tools for sustainable and adaptive supply chain management. Her academic achievements and active participation in scientific events demonstrate her commitment to advancing research on healthcare logistics and resilience engineering, contributing valuable insights to the industrial and operational research community.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publication

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2024). Healthcare Supply Chain: Resilience Qualitative Evaluation. In Hospital Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Healthcare.

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., Hachemi, K., Aouffen, N., & Rahiel, I. (2025). Resilience of the hospital supply chain: a case study-based approach on safety stock. Environment Systems and Decisions, 45 (4), 56.

Rahiel, N., Addouche, S.A., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2025). Function-Based Modeling for Reactive Optimization of Healthcare Resource Reallocation. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LOGISTIQUA 2025).

Qifei Du | Optimization Techniques | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Qifei Du | Optimization Techniques | Best Researcher Award

College of Safety and Ocean Engineering China University of Petroleum | China

Mr. Du Qifei is an Assistant Engineer and graduate student in Mechanical Engineering at the College of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing. His academic and professional journey centers on marine equipment structural design, with active contributions to research and innovation in marine engineering. He has participated in key R&D projects such as the study on the influence mechanism of freezing and thawing effect of Arctic permafrost on oil and gas pipelines, alongside consultancy and industry collaborations involving underwater pressurization systems and offshore wind power platform integration. Du Qifei has filed an impressive number of patents spanning underwater connectors, subsea protection devices, dredging systems, pipeline technologies, and advanced agricultural equipment. His research interests include structural simulation and optimization of marine systems, sealing performance of metal seals, underwater pressurization, and the effects of environmental stressors on marine infrastructure. Recognized for his contributions to national-level technological programs and innovation in offshore engineering, he continues to bridge theoretical research with industrial applications. With a focus on sustainable and resilient marine structures, his work contributes to advancing safe and efficient solutions for global offshore engineering challenges.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

“Design and key technology of underwater oil and gas pressurization system”
“A lifting three-dimensional garage”
“A logistics distribution system”
“A mechanical and electrical equipment testing platform”
“A mining system”
“A non-destructive apple picking device”

Gabriel Segarra – Human Factors – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Gabriel Segarra - Human Factors - Best Researcher Award 

Medical University of South Carolina - United States

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Gabriel C. Segarra's academic journey reflects a deep-seated passion for scientific exploration and interdisciplinary collaboration. Beginning with his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Segarra demonstrated an early commitment to understanding complex biological systems. His involvement in various research projects, such as his work on complement proteins and immune responses during his SURP Summer Researcher position at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), highlights his dedication to advancing knowledge in the field.

As a Teaching Assistant in Molecular Biology Laboratory, Segarra not only enhanced his own understanding of molecular processes but also contributed to the educational development of his peers. His leadership as Principal Investigator for a NASA Space Mission Design project showcases his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams toward ambitious scientific goals, culminating in winning a design contest sponsored by NASA.

Professional Endeavors

Mr. Segarra's professional trajectory underscores his commitment to applying scientific principles to real-world challenges in healthcare. His tenure as a Research Program Assistant and subsequently as a Program Coordinator at MUSC's Embedded Human Factors and Clinical Safety Science Unit evidences his transition into a pivotal role in healthcare research. Under the mentorship of Dr. Ken Catchpole, Segarra spearheaded initiatives aimed at improving patient safety and quality of care in surgical settings.

His contributions to developing system analysis tools for sterile processing and integrating team training activities for robotic-assisted surgery underscore his hands-on approach to addressing critical issues in healthcare delivery. Segarra's ability to coordinate diverse research teams and his track record of presentations at prestigious conferences reflect his growing expertise and influence in the field.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Segarra's research focuses on applying systems engineering principles to healthcare, particularly in the areas of surgical care, sterile processing, and transplant coordination. His work delves into understanding the intricate interdependencies within healthcare systems, with a keen emphasis on enhancing patient safety and quality outcomes.

His publications and presentations demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the challenges inherent in healthcare delivery and his innovative approach to addressing these challenges through rigorous research and interdisciplinary collaboration. By investigating patient safety incident reporting, reprocessing protocols, and simulation models, Segarra's research provides valuable insights that can inform policy and practice in healthcare settings.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Segarra's contributions have garnered recognition both within academia and the broader scientific community. His presentations at international symposiums and contributions to peer-reviewed journals reflect the esteem in which his work is held. Winning the design contest for the NASA space mission design further highlights his ability to excel in competitive environments and push the boundaries of scientific inquiry.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Segarra's work has the potential to catalyze significant advancements in healthcare delivery by bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application. By elucidating complex interdependencies and developing innovative solutions, Segarra is poised to make a lasting impact on patient care and safety.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Segarra continues to advance in his career, his legacy will be defined by his unwavering dedication to improving healthcare systems and outcomes. By mentoring future generations of researchers and continuing to push the boundaries of knowledge, Segarra's contributions will resonate far beyond his current endeavors, shaping the future landscape of healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Citations

A total of 342 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.

Mahdi Abkar – material management – Best Researcher Award 

Mr. Mahdi Abkar - material management - Best Researcher Award 

Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia - Malaysia

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Mahdi Mohammed Abdullah Abkar embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in science, evident from his outstanding performance in the Secondary School Scientific Section in Yemen, where he graduated with top honors. His pursuit of excellence continued as he secured a scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education in Yemen, enabling him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM).

Throughout his undergraduate years, Mahdi exhibited a keen interest in civil engineering, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in the field. His academic pursuits were marked by diligence and dedication, which culminated in his graduation with a Second Class Bachelor's degree from UTHM.

Professional Endeavors

Building upon his academic achievements, Mahdi pursued higher education to enhance his expertise in the construction industry. He obtained a Master of Construction Technology Science Management from UTHM, excelling with a remarkable Cumulative Point Average (CPA) of 3.79. This advanced degree equipped him with specialized knowledge in construction technology and management, preparing him for leadership roles in the field.

Mahdi's professional journey also includes teaching experience, where he imparted his knowledge to aspiring engineers. His dedication to education underscores his commitment to nurturing the next generation of construction professionals. Moreover, his role as an editor for prestigious journals such as Frontiers and Heliyon demonstrates his proficiency in academic writing and research dissemination.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mr. Mahdi's research endeavors focus on addressing pressing challenges in the construction industry, particularly in the context of material waste mitigation. His publications in esteemed journals and presentations at international conferences underscore his contributions to advancing knowledge in construction management and technology.

By investigating the adoption of automation technology for material waste mitigation and exploring the influence of supply chain management on sustainable construction practices, Mahdi contributes valuable insights to industry stakeholders. His empirical investigations provide evidence-based solutions for improving construction site performance and promoting sustainability.

Accolades and Recognition

Mr. Mahdi's academic excellence has been consistently recognized throughout his career. From achieving top honors in secondary school to receiving a scholarship for his undergraduate studies, he has been a recipient of prestigious awards that acknowledge his intellectual prowess and dedication to learning.

Notably, Mahdi's first-class performance in his master's degree program further solidifies his status as a high achiever in academia. His exceptional grades reflect his commitment to academic excellence and his ability to excel in rigorous academic environments.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Mahdi's research and academic contributions have the potential to drive positive change in the construction industry. By identifying innovative solutions for material waste mitigation and advocating for sustainable practices, he aims to make a lasting impact on the field of civil engineering.

Moreover, Mahdi's teaching experience and mentorship roles demonstrate his commitment to knowledge dissemination and professional development. Through his guidance and expertise, he inspires future generations of engineers to tackle complex challenges and strive for excellence in their endeavors.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Mahdi continues to pursue his PhD in construction engineering, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in his field. With a focus on interdisciplinary research and collaborative partnerships, he aims to address multifaceted challenges facing the construction industry and pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient built environment.

Mahdi's legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to academic excellence, his passion for innovation, and his dedication to making a positive impact on society. As he looks toward the future, he envisions a career marked by continued growth, exploration, and meaningful contributions to the field of civil engineering and construction management.

Nunzia Carbonara – Business Intelligence and Analytics – Women Researcher Award 

Prof Dr. Nunzia Carbonara - Business Intelligence and Analytics - Women Researcher Award 

Politecnico di Bari - Italy

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Prof Dr. Nunzia Carbonara embarked on her academic journey with a strong foundation in Electronic Engineering, earning her Laurea degree from the esteemed Polytechnic of Bari in 1995. Her academic pursuits soon led her to delve deeper into the intricacies of Engineering of Advanced Production Systems, culminating in a Ph.D. from Politecnico di Bari in 2000. During her doctoral studies, Carbonara exhibited a keen interest in exploring innovative models of inter-firm networks within industrial districts, showcasing her early aptitude for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and management.

Professional Endeavors

Following the completion of her Ph.D., Carbonara ventured into the realm of post-doctoral research, further honing her expertise at the Department of Mechanical and Management Engineering of Politecnico di Bari. Additionally, her academic pursuits took her abroad as a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Central England, where she gained invaluable insights into international perspectives on business and management.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout her academic career, Carbonara has made significant contributions to the fields of Business and Management Engineering. Her research endeavors have primarily focused on elucidating the dynamics of inter-firm relationships within industrial ecosystems, with a particular emphasis on the role of leader firms in driving innovation and competitiveness. Carbonara's interdisciplinary approach, integrating principles of engineering with management theories, has yielded novel insights into the strategic management of businesses operating within complex networked environments.

Accolades and Recognition

Carbonara's scholarly contributions have been recognized through various accolades and affiliations. Notably, she was elected as the Coordinator of the Management Engineering Program at Politecnico di Bari, underscoring her leadership acumen and commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, her active involvement in professional associations, such as the Italian Association of Management Engineering (AiIG), further attests to her esteemed reputation within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Carbonara's research and teaching activities have had a profound impact on both academia and industry. By elucidating the intricacies of inter-firm networks and organizational dynamics, her work has provided invaluable insights for businesses seeking to navigate increasingly complex and interconnected markets. Moreover, her mentorship of students and engagement with industry stakeholders have fostered a culture of innovation and knowledge exchange, perpetuating her influence beyond the confines of academia.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Carbonara continues to ascend in her academic career, her legacy as a pioneering scholar in Business and Management Engineering is firmly established. Her future contributions are poised to further shape the trajectory of research in her field, with a continued emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and practical relevance. Through her mentorship, research endeavors, and institutional leadership, Carbonara remains dedicated to advancing knowledge and driving positive change in both academia and industry.

Citations

A total of 3635 citations for his publications, demonstrating the impact and recognition of her research within the academic community.