Youssef Bencharki | Farming | Young Scientist Award

Dr Youssef Bencharki |  Farming |  Young Scientist Award

Research at  International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Morocco

Youssef Bencharki is a dedicated researcher specializing in agricultural biodiversity and crop improvement. With a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium, he has extensive experience in the field, particularly focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. His multidisciplinary expertise spans socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

📚 Education:

PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Mons/Belgium (2019-2024). Master’s degree in Agro Resources, Plant Biotechnology, and Environmental Science from the University Chouaib Doukkali, El Jadida (2013-2015). Bachelor’s degree in Plant Science and Environment from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2012-2013). Diploma of General University Studies in Plant Science from the University Hassan I, Khouribga (2010-2012). Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences from Othman Ben Affan High School, Berrechid (2010)

🔬 Professional Experience:

Senior Research Assistant at the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), focusing on the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach. Consultant in the Genetic Resources section at ICARDA, specializing in phenotypic characterization and seed viability testing. Short-term appointments at Pasteur Institute Casablanca and Dairy Center El Jadida, gaining experience in food quality control and microbiological analysis.

🌍 Academic and Professional Contributions:

Conducted pioneering research on the impact of FAP approach on various crops and ecosystems, contributing to multiple scientific publications. Developed brochures and manuals to disseminate knowledge on FAP approach, aiming to benefit farmers and enhance agricultural sustainability. Played a key role in training farmers and agricultural stakeholders in sustainable practices and biodiversity conservation. Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, data analysis, and socio-economic assessments related to agricultural projects

🔬 Research Focus: Farming

Youssef Bencharki’s research is primarily centered around innovative farming methodologies aimed at enhancing agricultural sustainability and biodiversity conservation. His focus lies in the implementation and evaluation of the Farming with Alternative Pollinators (FAP) approach, which encompasses multidisciplinary studies blending socio-economics, agronomy, and entomology.

Through his extensive academic journey and professional experience, Youssef has delved deep into understanding the intricate relationships between pollinators, crops, and the environment.

 

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Sentil, A., Lhomme, P., Reverté, S., …, Ssymank, A., Christmann, S. (2024). “The pollinator conservation approach ‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’: Success and drivers.” Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 369, 109029.
  2. Bencharki, Y., Michez, D., Ihsane, O., …, Rasmont, P., Christmann, S. (2024). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ provides benefits also in large-scale fields.” Acta Oecologica, 122, 103978.
  3. Bencharki, Y., Christmann, S., Lhomme, P., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2023). “‘Farming with alternative pollinators’ approach supports diverse and abundant pollinator community in melon fields in a semi-arid landscape.” Renewable Agriculture and Food Systems, 38, e6.
  4. Sentil, A., Reverté, S., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Wild vegetation and ‘farming with alternative pollinators’ approach support pollinator diversity in farmland.” Journal of Applied Entomology, 146(9), pp. 1155–1168.
  5. El Abdouni, I., Lhomme, P., Christmann, S., …, Rasmont, P., Michez, D. (2022). “Diversity and Relative Abundance of Insect Pollinators in Moroccan Agroecosystems.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 866581.
  6. Sentil, A., Wood, T.J., Lhomme, P., …, Christmann, S., Michez, D. (2022). “Impact of the ‘Farming With Alternative Pollinators’ Approach on Crop Pollinator Pollen Diet.” Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 10, 824474.
  7. Christmann, S., Bencharki, Y., Anougmar, S., …, Tsivelikas, A., Aw-Hassan, A. (2021). “‘Farming with Alternative Pollinators’ benefits pollinators, natural enemies, and yields, and offers transformative change to agriculture.” Scientific Reports, 11(1), 18206.

 

KALA K U | AI in Agriculture | Outstanding Scientist Award

Dr KALA  K U | AI in Agriculture | Outstanding Scientist Award

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR AT  JAIN UNIVERSITY, INDIA

Dr. Kala K U is a dedicated and experienced college professor and researcher specializing in computer science and artificial intelligence. With a PhD in Computer Science and Engineering from Pondicherry University, India, and over four years of teaching experience, Dr. Kala has made significant contributions to the field of deep learning and machine learning.

Publication Profile:🌟👨‍🎓

Education:

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering, Pondicherry University, India (2017-2021). Master of Computer Applications, University of Calicut, Kerala, India (2009-2012). Bachelor of Information Technology, University of Calicut, Kerala, India (2005-2008)

Research Contributions:

Proposed a 2D-GRU model for individual attention to every context. Developed DTW based 2D-GRU model for solving temporal pattern matching problem. Introduced Multi-Gated GRU (M-GRU) model for modeling the effect of each category of contexts individually. Proposed a Two Phase-Attention mechanism for incorporating user intentions. Utilized bidirectional training approach for considering both past and future contexts.

Awards and Achievements:

Best Researcher Award, Global Awards on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (AIR2022). Best Presenter Award, International Conference on Emerging Smart Computing and Informatics (ICESCI 2020)

Experience:

Assistant Professor, University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Guru Nanak University, Telangana, India. Assistant Professor, School of Computer Applications, Lovely Professional University, Punjab, India. Junior Research Fellow, Department of Computer Science, Pondicherry University, Puducherry, India. Assistant Professor on Contract, Department of Computer Applications, Sree Keralavarma College, Thrissur, Kerala, India. Assistant Professor, Department of Master of Computer Applications, Institute of Management and Technology, Thrissur, Kerala, India.

Research Focus: AI in Agriculture

Specializes in AI in Agriculture, focusing on developing advanced algorithms and deep learning models for analyzing agricultural data to enhance crop yield, disease detection, and pest management.

 

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Deep Learning Model of Sequential Image Classifier for Crop Disease Detection in Plantain Tree Cultivation
    • Authors: Nandhini, M.; Kala, K. U.; Thangadarshini, M.; Madhusudhana Verma, S.
    • Published in: Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2022, 197, 106915
  2. ILeHCSA: An Internet of Things Enabled Smart Home Automation Scheme with Speech Enabled Controlling Options Using Machine Learning Strategy
    • Authors: Robert, N. R.; Anija Starry, B.; Samuel, F. J.; Kumar, M. S.; Edison, M.
    • Published in: International Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Exploration, 2021, 8(85), pp. 1695–1704
    • [Open access]
  3. Performance Analysis of Pre-Processing Techniques in Plantain Tree Disease Classification with Convolutional Neural Network
    • Authors: Nandhini, M.; Kala, K. U.; Thangadarshini, M.; Verma, S. M.
    • Published in: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Trends in Electronics and Informatics, ICOEI 2021, 2021, pp. 870–874, 9452863
  4. Early Diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease Using Machine Learning Algorithms with Least Parameters by RFE and Feature Importance Techniques
    • Authors: Kavitha, K.; Kala, K.
    • Published in: Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, 2021, 1292, pp. 167–177
  5. Applicability of Deep Learning Techniques for Crop Protection in Plantain Tree Cultivation
    • Authors: Nandhini, M.; Thangadarshini, M.; Kala, K. U.; Madhusudhanaverma, S.
    • Published in: Indian Journal of Computer Science and Engineering, 2021, 12(1), pp. 1–9
    • [Open access]