Álvaro Figueira | Artificial Intelligence | Best Paper Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Álvaro Figueira | Artificial Intelligence | Best Paper Award

Professor Auxiliar, FCUP – Universidade do Porto, Portugal

Profile

Orcid

Álvaro Figueira is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of Computer Science, currently serving as a Professor (Prof. Auxiliar) at Universidade do Porto, Faculdade de Ciências in Portugal. With a robust academic background and extensive experience, his research focuses on data mining, machine learning, social network analysis, and eLearning. Figueira’s passion for technology and innovation is evident in his contribution to various scientific fields, including data visualization and text mining, where his work aims to bridge theory with practical applications. With years of experience in teaching and leading research initiatives, Figueira is a prominent figure in his discipline. 📚💻

Education

Álvaro Figueira’s academic journey is distinguished by his advanced qualifications in Computer Science. He obtained his Bachelor’s (BSc) degree from Universidade do Porto, followed by a Master’s (MSc) from Imperial College London. He continued his academic excellence by completing a Ph.D. at Universidade do Porto in 2004, where he focused on Computer Science. Additionally, Figueira pursued Post-Graduation in Business Intelligence and Analytics at Porto Business School in 2017, further enhancing his expertise. 🎓📖

Experience

Throughout his career, Álvaro Figueira has amassed a wealth of academic and professional experience. He is currently a Professor at Universidade do Porto, where he teaches and supervises students in the field of Computer Science. He has also worked on a variety of research projects related to eLearning, data science, and machine learning, particularly focused on how these technologies can improve education and business practices. His previous experience includes a prestigious Master’s thesis position at Imperial College London. 🌍📊

Research Interests

Álvaro Figueira’s research interests span a wide array of cutting-edge fields within Computer Science. His primary focus areas include Data Mining, Text Mining, Machine Learning, Social Network Analysis, Data Visualization, and eLearning. Figueira’s work aims to apply computational techniques to improve the analysis of large datasets, making significant strides in understanding and enhancing social networks and educational systems. His research has contributed to the advancement of automated assessment systems and the optimization of learning processes. 📈🔍

Award

Álvaro Figueira’s contributions to computer science and education have been recognized with various awards and accolades. Notably, his research has been funded by several prestigious grants, including those from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia I.P. and Instituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores. His excellence in research is further highlighted by his numerous publications in top-tier journals, where he continues to make an impact in the fields of data science and machine learning. 🏆🎖️

Publications Top Notes

Álvaro Figueira’s publication record reflects his significant contributions to the fields of data science, machine learning, and eLearning. Some of his recent publications include:

“Topic Extraction: BERTopic’s Insight into the 117th Congress’s Twitterverse”Informatics (2024).

“Clustering source code from automated assessment of programming assignments”International Journal of Data Science and Analytics (2024).

“Comparing Semantic Graph Representations of Source Code: The Case of Automatic Feedback on Programming Assignments”Computer Science and Information Systems (2024).

“GANs in the Panorama of Synthetic Data Generation Methods”ACM Transactions on Multimedia Computing, Communications, and Applications (2024).

“On the Quality of Synthetic Generated Tabular Data”Mathematics (2023).

“Bibliometric Analysis of Automated Assessment in Programming Education: A Deeper Insight into Feedback”Electronics (2023).

Josiah Lebakeng | Intelligence | Best Research Article Award

Prof. Josiah Lebakeng | Intelligence | Best Research Article Award 

Professor, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, South Africa

Teboho Josiah Lebakeng is a distinguished Professor at the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs, UNISA, in South Africa. He specializes in Strategic Intelligence and Human Security, imparting knowledge on statecraft, intelligence gathering, analysis, and governance. Prior to his current role, he lectured in sociology and research methodology at the University of Limpopo and had teaching appointments at both Vista University (now University of Johannesburg) and the University of Pretoria. 🌍📚

Publication Profile

ORCID

Education

Professor Lebakeng holds a PhD in Sociology from the University of Limpopo, an MSc in Human Services from Springfield College, an MA in Sociology from the University of Dar es Salaam, and a BA in Sociology from The American University in Cairo. His academic journey reflects a strong foundation in social sciences and research methodologies. 🎓

Experience

His professional journey includes significant roles in the South African State Security Agency, where he served as Manager of Production and Strategic Research and Analysis, and as a Senior Regional Analyst. Additionally, he was seconded as Political Counsellor at South Africa’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York and led the SADC Preventative Mission in Lesotho. He has extensive experience engaging with international intelligence services. 🔍

Research Focus

Professor Lebakeng’s research interests encompass Strategic Intelligence, Legislative Oversight, and African Epistemology. He is committed to advancing knowledge in these fields, emphasizing the importance of human security and good governance in contemporary society. 📖🔐

Awards and Honors

He has received recognition for his contributions to academia and intelligence, including various awards related to his scholarly work and his autobiography, “They Blunted Us: June 16, Exile and Homecoming,” published by Ziable Publisher in 2021. 🏆📖

Publication Top Notes

Policy sciences and the quest for human security in Africa (Journal of Public Administration, 2023)

The nature and issues in intelligence, with reference to the South African civilian intelligence services (African Security Review, 2023)

Lebakeng, T.J. & Matebese-Notshulwana, K.M. (2023). Doctoral Reflections of Journeys in the Humanities and Social Sciences in South African Universities (Ziable Publishers).

Repurposing the university in Africa in the context of the tenacity of an explicitly racist epistemology in Ndofirepi, A. P., Vurayai, S., and Erima, G. (Eds.). Unyoking African University Knowledge: A Pursuit of the Decolonial Agenda (Brill, 2023).

 

 

Mubarak Albathan | AI | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mubarak Albathan | AI | Best Researcher Award

Dr Mubarak Albathan , Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) ,Saudi Arabia

Dr. Mubarak Albathan is the Head of the Computer and Information Sciences Research Center and an Assistant Professor at Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He has a robust academic background, holding a PhD in Data Mining from Queensland University of Technology (QUT). With over a decade of experience in higher education, Dr. Albathan has made significant contributions to the fields of computer science and data analytics. He serves as a consultant to the Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research and has held various leadership roles in academia. Dr. Albathan is passionate about integrating advanced technologies into educational frameworks and enhancing research capabilities in the region. His work aims to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical applications, driving innovation in data-driven solutions across various industries.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award

Dr. Mubarak Albathan has demonstrated exceptional academic and research capabilities, exemplified by his extensive publication record and impactful research contributions. His work spans various critical areas, including data mining, machine learning, and healthcare applications, showcasing his versatility and innovation. Notably, he has received accolades such as the Best Student Paper Award and the International Publication Award, affirming his standing in the research community. As Head of the Computer and Information Sciences Research Center, he leads initiatives that enhance research quality and foster collaboration. Dr. Albathan’s commitment to integrating advanced technologies into practical solutions further underscores his qualifications for this prestigious award.

Areas for Improvement

While Dr. Albathan has a robust publication record, increasing the frequency of solo-authored publications could enhance his visibility as an independent researcher. Additionally, engaging in more interdisciplinary collaborations could broaden his research impact and foster innovative approaches. Expanding his outreach efforts to disseminate research findings beyond academic circles may also enhance community engagement and application of his work.

Education 

Dr. Mubarak Albathan earned his PhD in Data Mining from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) in 2015. He completed his Master’s degree in Network Computing at Monash University in 2009, where he developed a strong foundation in network systems and computational techniques. Prior to that, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Al-Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University in 2004. This comprehensive educational background has equipped Dr. Albathan with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in both academic and practical applications of computer science. His studies have focused on various aspects of computing, data mining, and network systems, leading him to engage in cutting-edge research and contribute to significant advancements in technology and education.

Experience 

Dr. Mubarak Albathan has extensive experience in academia and research management. Currently, he is the Head of the Computer and Information Sciences Research Center, a position he has held since 2023. He has also served as a consultant to the Vice Rector for Graduate Studies and Scientific Research since 2019. His previous roles include Deputy Director of the Electronic Scientific Research Portal initiative at the Ministry of Education from 2017 to 2019 and Vice-Chair of the Computer Science Department at his university from 2016 to 2017. Dr. Albathan has been involved in several academic projects and has acted as a sessional academic at QUT. His earlier experience includes supervising a diploma program in Computer Applications, showcasing his commitment to education and professional development in the field of computer science.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mubarak Albathan has received numerous accolades for his academic and research contributions. He was awarded the Best Student Paper Award at the 2014 IEEE/WIC/ACM International Conferences on Web Intelligence in Warsaw, Poland, recognizing his exceptional research in the field. In 2015, he was honored with the International Publication Award from Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University for his prolific contributions to scholarly publications. Dr. Albathan’s work has been recognized internationally, with his participation in several prestigious conferences, including the IEEE International Conference on Data Mining and the Australasian Joint Conference on Artificial Intelligence. His commitment to advancing knowledge in computer science and data mining continues to be acknowledged through various awards, highlighting his impact on the academic community and his dedication to research excellence.

Research Focus 

Dr. Mubarak Albathan’s research focuses on data mining, machine learning, and their applications in various domains, including healthcare, agriculture, and cybersecurity. His work emphasizes the development of optimized algorithms for pattern recognition and classification, particularly in complex datasets. Dr. Albathan is particularly interested in leveraging advanced technologies such as deep learning to address real-world challenges, such as disease diagnosis through image analysis and enhancing security protocols in IoT networks. His collaborative research projects have led to significant advancements in understanding and improving data-driven systems. Dr. Albathan’s commitment to integrating theoretical research with practical applications makes him a key contributor to the field, driving innovation and supporting the development of efficient, scalable solutions that benefit multiple sectors.

Publications Top Notes

  • Mobile-HR: An Ophthalmologic-Based Classification System for Diagnosis of Hypertensive Retinopathy Using Optimized MobileNet Architecture. 🩺
  • Leveraging Ethereum Platform for Development of Efficient Tractability System in Pharmaceutical Supply Chain. 💊
  • EfficientPNet—An Optimized and Efficient Deep Learning Approach for Classifying Disease of Potato Plant Leaves. 🌾
  • Computer-Aided Diagnosis of COVID-19 from Chest X-ray Images Using Hybrid-Features and Random Forest Classifier. 🦠
  • A Supervised Method to Enhance Distance-based Neural Networks’ Clustering Performance by Discovering Perfect Representative Neurons. 🧠
  • Effective 20 Newsgroups Dataset Cleaning. 📊
  • Relevance Feature Discovery for Text Mining. 📖
  • Using Extended Random Set to Find Specific Patterns. 🔍
  • Interpreting Discovered Patterns in Terms of Ontology Concepts. 📚
  • Enhanced N-gram Extraction Using Relevance Feature Discovery. 🌐
  • Using Patterns Co-occurrence Matrix for Cleaning Closed Sequential Patterns for Text Mining. 📈
  • A Deep Learning Framework for the Prediction and Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women. 🎗️
  • Optimized Deep Learning Techniques for Disease Detection in Rice Crop Using Merged Datasets. 🌱
  • Detection of Depression Trends in Literary Cyber Writers Using Sentiment Analysis and Machine Learning. 📖
  • Deep-Ocular: Improved Transfer Learning Architecture Using Self-Attention and Dense Layers for Recognition of Ocular Diseases. 👁️
  • ROAST-IoT: A Novel Range-Optimized Attention Convolutional Scattered Technique for Intrusion Detection in IoT Networks. 🔒
  • Enhancing Cloud-Based Security: A Novel Approach for Efficient Cyber-Threat Detection Using GSCSO-IHNN Model. ☁️

Conclusion

Dr. Mubarak Albathan is a highly qualified candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His impressive educational background, extensive experience, and significant contributions to research make him a standout in his field. By focusing on areas for improvement, he can further solidify his impact on academia and industry. Recognizing his achievements through this award would not only honor his dedication but also inspire future researchers in the field.