Adnan Abu-Mahfouz | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Adnan Abu-Mahfouz, Engineering, Best Researcher Award

Professor at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is a distinguished researcher and academic in computer engineering. He holds a PhD and MEng from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, and a BSc in Information Engineering from the University of Baghdad, Iraq. Currently, he is the Centre Manager for Emerging Digital Technologies at CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions and holds professorial roles at the University of Pretoria, Tshwane University of Technology, and the University of Johannesburg. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz excels in industrial-based R&D, particularly in the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart systems. He has secured over USD 4.5 million in research funding and has published extensively, with 139 journal articles and 136 conference papers. His work has earned him numerous awards, and his high H-index scores reflect his impactful research. Additionally, he has mentored over 70 postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, contributing significantly to the academic and scientific community.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has an extensive and distinguished educational background in computer engineering. He earned his PhD in Computer Engineering from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, he completed his MEng in Computer Engineering, also at the University of Pretoria, from 2003 to 2005, graduating Cum Laude. His foundational education in engineering began with a BSc in Information Engineering from the University of Baghdad, Iraq, where he graduated in 2000 with an impressive 84.18%, earning the “First” rank in his class. Throughout his academic journey, Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has demonstrated consistent excellence, receiving numerous accolades such as Academic Honorary Colours from the Student Representative Council at the University of Pretoria for both his PhD and MEng degrees. His educational achievements have laid a strong foundation for his prolific research and professional career.

Professional Experience

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is currently the Centre Manager for the CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions (EDT4IR) since July 2020 and holds multiple professorial positions. He is an Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria, a Professor Extraordinaire at Tshwane University of Technology, and a Visiting Professor at the University of Johannesburg. His previous roles include Principal Research Engineer and Senior Research Engineer at CSIR, and Chair of the Water Resource Management Network at the City of Tshwane. His early career includes positions as a Software Engineer, Network Administrator, and Faculty Coordinator at the Emirates College of Technology.

Research Interest

Professor Adnan Abu-Mahfouz’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics in computer engineering and technology. His primary focus is on the Internet of Things (IoT), where he explores the design, implementation, and application of IoT systems, with a particular interest in smart infrastructure and smart cities. He is also deeply invested in network security, investigating methods to enhance the security and reliability of network systems, including cybersecurity measures and protocols. Additionally, he studies the development and optimization of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which are crucial for monitoring and data collection in various environments. His work in cyber-physical systems (CPS) involves integrating physical processes with networked digital systems to ensure seamless interaction between the physical and virtual worlds. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz is also focused on industrial informatics, applying advanced informatics techniques to improve efficiency, productivity, and automation in industrial systems. Furthermore, he leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to enhance the functionalities of technological systems, particularly in IoT and CPS. His interest in smart water management involves developing innovative solutions for water resource management using advanced technologies and smart systems. Lastly, he utilizes data analytics to extract meaningful insights from large datasets, particularly in the context of IoT and smart systems, addressing real-world challenges and promoting sustainable development through his research.

Award and Honors

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has received numerous awards and honors in recognition of his contributions to research, innovation, and academic excellence. Among these accolades, he was awarded the “Career Growth CSIR Excellence Award” and the “Outstanding Contribution by a Team – Electronic Monitoring Team – Excellence Award” by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in 2022. He also received the “Outstanding Associate Editor of 2018” award from the IEEE Access Journal. His research excellence earned him the “Established Researcher CSIR Excellence Award” in 2018 and the “Emerging Leader Excellence Award” in 2015 from CSIR’s Meraka Institute. Furthermore, Prof. Abu-Mahfouz has been recognized by the University of Pretoria for his academic achievements, being listed in the top 15% of academic achievers and invited to join the Golden Key International Honour Society. These awards highlight his leadership, significant research contributions, and dedication to advancing science and technology.

Research Skills

Prof. Abu-Mahfouz possesses exceptional research skills that have significantly advanced his field. He has a proven track record in developing and implementing robust research and development (R&D) strategies, particularly in emerging digital technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT). His expertise in formulating large, multidisciplinary R&D proposals has secured over USD 4.5 million in funding, demonstrating his ability to attract substantial investment and drive impactful research projects. Prof. Abu-Mahfouz’s research skills are evidenced by his extensive publication record, which includes 139 journal articles, 136 conference papers, and 6 book chapters. His work is highly regarded, reflected in his H-index of 48 on Google Scholar and 39 on Scopus. Additionally, he has successfully supervised and mentored numerous postgraduate and postdoctoral researchers, further underscoring his leadership and mentorship in the research community. His role as an associate editor for several high-impact IEEE journals also highlights his expertise in evaluating and guiding cutting-edge research in his field.

Publications

A survey on 5G networks for the Internet of Things: Communication technologies and challenges

  • Authors: GA Akpakwu, BJ Silva, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 1473
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 6
  • Pages: 3619-3647

From industry 4.0 to agriculture 4.0: Current status, enabling technologies, and research challenges

  • Authors: Y Liu, X Ma, L Shu, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 620
  • Journal: IEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 6
  • Pages: 4322-4334

A survey on software-defined wireless sensor networks: Challenges and design requirements

  • Authors: HI Kobo, AM Abu-Mahfouz, GP Hancke
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 541
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 5
  • Pages: 1872-1899

Software defined wireless sensor networks application opportunities for efficient network management: A survey

  • Authors: KM Modieginyane, BB Letswamotse, R Malekian, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2018
  • Citations: 268
  • Journal: Computers & Electrical Engineering
  • Volume: 66
  • Pages: 274-287

A review of machine learning approaches to power system security and stability

  • Authors: OA Alimi, K Ouahada, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 266
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 8
  • Pages: 113512-113531

IoT devices and applications based on LoRa/LoRaWAN

  • Authors: O Khutsoane, B Isong, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 249
  • Conference: IECON 2017 – 43rd Annual Conference of the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society
  • Pages: Not specified

Software defined networking for improved wireless sensor network management: A survey

  • Authors: M Ndiaye, GP Hancke, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 243
  • Journal: Sensors
  • Volume: 17
  • Issue: 5
  • Article Number: 1031

IoT in the wake of COVID-19: A survey on contributions, challenges and evolution

  • Authors: M Ndiaye, SS Oyewobi, AM Abu-Mahfouz, GP Hancke, AM Kurien, …
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 193
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 8
  • Pages: 186821-186839

Towards achieving a reliable leakage detection and localization algorithm for application in water piping networks: An overview

  • Authors: KB Adedeji, Y Hamam, BT Abe, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 180
  • Journal: IEEE Access
  • Volume: 5
  • Pages: 20272-20285

Smart water meter system for user-centric consumption measurement

  • Authors: MJ Mudumbe, AM Abu-Mahfouz
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 167
  • Conference: 2015 IEEE 13th International Conference on Industrial Informatics (INDIN)

 

Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

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Prof. Juan Pulhin | Forest Governance | Excellence in Research

Professor and UP Scientist III at University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines.

Professor Juan M. Pulhin is a distinguished full professor and former Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). With a career marked by significant academic and scientific achievements, he has held the esteemed rank of UP Scientist III since 2011. Prof. Pulhin is known for his pioneering work in the fields of human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. He has made notable contributions to the development of participatory approaches for climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments. His work has been instrumental in enhancing climate resiliency and adaptive capacity across various local government units in the Philippines. Prof. Pulhin has served as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), contributing to global climate assessments. He is also an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines, reflecting his national and international standing in the scientific community. His extensive experience and dedication to environmental research and governance continue to drive impactful change and innovation in sustainable development practices.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin holds a Ph.D. in Forestry and Environmental Studies from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), where he also earned his Master of Science in Watershed Management and his Bachelor of Science in Forestry. His academic journey at UPLB equipped him with extensive expertise in forestry, watershed management, and environmental studies, laying a strong foundation for his distinguished career in academia and research. 🌳🏞️🌲

Professional Experience

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin is a full Professor and former Dean of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB). Since 2011, he has held the prestigious rank of UP Scientist III, recognizing his scholarly contributions and international scientific standing. For the past decade, he has chaired the UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Integrated Natural Resources and Environment Management (UPLB-INREM), leading its development into a prominent center for research and public service. Prof. Pulhin has also been a Visiting Professor at the University of Tokyo and a Visiting Scholar at Waseda University in Japan. His extensive experience includes roles as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and contributions to various national and regional environmental initiatives. 🌏📝🌱

Research Interest

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin is an internationally recognized scientist specializing in the human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. His pioneering work focuses on participatory approaches to climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments. He integrates scientific and local knowledge to address climate change challenges. Prof. Pulhin’s research contributes to enhancing the adaptive capacity and climate resilience of communities, particularly in regions affected by severe weather events. His work on climate change assessments is cited by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) in the Philippines. Additionally, he has contributed to the development of collaborative frameworks for climate change adaptation and mitigation in Southeast Asia, working with organizations like SEARCA and ASEAN. His research continues to influence policies and practices in community-based forest management and environmental protection. 🌳🌍🔬

Award and Honors

Prof. Juan M. Pulhin has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his significant contributions to environmental science and climate change. His most notable achievement is his contribution to the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. This award highlighted his role in advancing global understanding of climate change. Additionally, he holds the highest academic rank of UP Scientist III at the University of the Philippines, a testament to his scholarly excellence and international scientific standing. As an Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) in the Philippines, he continues to be a leading voice in his field. His numerous awards reflect his commitment to integrating science with community-based approaches to environmental management and climate resilience. 🌍🔬✨

Research Skills

Professor Juan M. Pulhin excels in various research methodologies and analytical techniques that have propelled his career as an influential environmental scientist. His expertise includes the development of participatory approaches for climate risk, vulnerability, and adaptation assessments, integrating both scientific and local knowledge. This blend of interdisciplinary methods ensures that his research is both scientifically robust and practically applicable. Prof. Pulhin is adept at using qualitative and quantitative research techniques to analyze the human dimensions of environmental change, social forestry, and natural resource governance. He is skilled in the application of GIS and remote sensing for environmental monitoring and assessment, which enhances his research on forest fragmentation and landscape change. His involvement with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) as a Lead Author and Coordinating Lead Author showcases his capability in synthesizing complex scientific data for global climate reports. Moreover, Prof. Pulhin’s extensive experience in collaborative research projects, both locally and internationally, highlights his ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and multicultural research environments. His proficiency in these diverse research skills underpins his significant contributions to the fields of environmental management, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.

Publications

  • Correction to: Exploring bioproduction systems in socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes in Asia through solution scanning using the Nature Futures Framework (Sustainability Science, (2023), 10.1007/s11625-023-01338-9)
    • Authors: Lahoti, S.A., Withaningsih, S., Lomente, L., Hashimoto, S., Saito, O.
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 1
  • Factors affecting land use and land cover change and fragmentation in selected protected areas in the Philippines
    • Authors: Buhay, A.F.V., Cruz, R.V.O., Tiburan, C.L., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2023
  • No Island is an Island: Understanding the Geo-social Interaction of Small Islands in the Philippine Archipelagoscape
    • Authors: Hilvano, N.F., Bantayan, N.C., Pulhin, J.M., Nelson, G.L.M., Arboleda, M.D.M.
    • Year: 2023
  • Ten new insights in climate science 2022
    • Authors: Martin, M.A., Boakye, E.A., Boyd, E., Van Der Geest, K., Zhao, Z.J.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 10
  • Estimating the Recreational Value and Setting Entrance Fees during Early Development of Ecotourism Sites: the Case of Bataan Natural Park
    • Authors: Fajardo, A.R., Sajise, A.J.U., Predo, C.D., Diona, D.L.Z., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2022
  • Small Island Spatial Accessibility: The Case of San Vicente, Northern Samar, Philippines
    • Authors: Hilvano, N.F., Bantayan, N.C., Pulhin, J.M., Nelson, G.L.M., Arboleda, M.D.M.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 2
  • Unbundling Property Rights among Stakeholders of Bataan Natural Park: Implications to Protected Area Governance in the Philippines
    • Authors: Pulhin, J.M., Fajardo, A.R., Predo, C.D., De Luna, C.C., Diona, D.L.Z.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 3
  • Recalibrating burdens of blame: Anti-swidden politics and green governance in the Philippine Uplands
    • Authors: Dressler, W.H., Smith, W., Kull, C.A., Carmenta, R., Pulhin, J.M.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 19
  • Enhancing resilience through capacity building in LCCAP formulation in the local government of Aurora, Philippines
    • Authors: Pulhin, J.M., Tapia-Villamayor, M.A., de Luna, C.C., Tiburan, C.L., Almarines, N.R.
    • Year: 2021

 

Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Faculty Member at University of Religions and Denominations, Iran.

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois an accomplished professional with expertise spanning communication science, journalism, and agricultural engineering. Holding a Ph.D. in Communication Science from Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran, alongside degrees in journalism and agricultural engineering, Dr. Mall’s interdisciplinary background enriches his work. With experience as an Assistant Professor at the University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran, and prior roles in university lecturing and managerial positions in public relations and international affairs, Dr. Mall demonstrates versatility and leadership. His research interests encompass media studies, journalism, and public relations, exploring the impact of media on cultural perceptions and societal change.

Professional Profiles:

Education

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  academic journey began with a Bachelor’s in Agricultural Engineering from Urmia University, Iran, followed by a Master’s in Communication Science and Journalism from Islamic Azad University, Tehran. He furthered his academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Communication Science from Islamic Azad University, Tabriz. This diverse educational background equips him with a unique interdisciplinary perspective.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  has held various positions spanning academia, public relations, journalism, and management. His roles include Assistant Professor at the University of Religions and Denominations, Qom, Iran, University Lecturer at the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran and Urmia, and Public Relations & International Affairs Manager at the Maku Free Zone Organization.

Research Interest:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  research interests primarily revolve around communication science, with a focus on areas such as media studies, journalism, and public relations. He is particularly interested in exploring the role of media in shaping cultural perceptions and facilitating social change.

Award and Honors:

Throughout his career, Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois has been recognized for his contributions to academia and journalism. He has received prestigious awards from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance for his excellence in writing, journalism, and photojournalism.

Research Skills:

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloois  possesses a diverse skill set in research methodologies, data analysis, and communication strategies. His proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methods, coupled with his extensive experience in journalism and media, enables him to conduct comprehensive and insightful studies in his field.