Contributions to Research and Advanced Practices

Research Background

Since 2007, I've been active in academia, founding a vocational institute. In 2011, I began my professional research journey with my Master’s thesis. I focused on RFID technology during my Master’s and PhD studies. Building on this background, I’ve initiated ongoing research to expand my RFID expertise and apply it to Intelligent and Adaptive Technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT) leading to several publications and conference presentations.

Today, the internet links not only computers but also smart devices like tablets, phones, wearables, and even smart cars and industrial systems. With over a billion devices online now, predictions indicate 30 billion internet-connected things by 2025, marking the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Yet, being connected isn't enough to be "smart." Transforming a passive object into a smart one requires a network connection and sensors to gather data. This data is then analyzed to generate intelligent responses and feedback from the smart device.

Every IoT object needs communication infrastructure and a unique ID. RFID technology, compact, affordable, and versatile, provides both these essentials for an object to qualify as an IoT device. The importance of RFID technology and Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) in shaping IoT and their applications in smart cities and smart agriculture highlights the present and future of my research focus.

Research Interests

Internet of Things (IoT); RFID Technology; Smart Agriculture; Project-based Learning; and Industry-based Learning.

Research and Advanced Practices Impacts

When conducting research and advanced practices, I consistently assess the impact of my activities as a guide for staying on the correct path. My ResearchGate research interest score is 183.2, accompanied by 228 citations and a readership of more than 25,800 for my publications by Jan 2025.

Beyond citations and readership numbers, my research significantly influences my teaching. Focusing on IoT and smart cities enhances my ability to guide students effectively, ensuring their success in their practical projects and research. I'm also keen on investigating project-based learning, which aids in orchestrating industrial and project activities within the school.

Complementing my academic research and publications, I actively organise TechTALK, a series of research and industry seminars. TechTALK yields several key impacts:

Industry Partnerships: For potential collaborations in research, student projects, internships, and guest speakers.
Industry Advisory Committee: Membership facilitates strategic connections.
Inter-Institutional Bonds: TechTALK fosters connections with esteemed universities and institutions, leading to collaborative research and symposium participation. TechTALK successfully co-organised seminars with generous support from the University of Auckland, AUT, Massey University, Unitec, EIT, Otago Polytechnic, and Techtorium.
Profile Enhancement: TechTALK elevates Unitec's profile by hosting prestigious external speakers at Unitec and inviting Unitec's leaders and researchers to contribute to the conversations.

Selected Publications

I've contributed to 35 journal publications and conference/poster presentations, with a Google Scholar citation count of 241 and an H-index of 8. Following is the list of my papers:

Fonseka, H., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. A Novel CVAE-Vision Transformer Hybrid Approach for Enhanced Alzheimer’s Detection in Early Stages. Journal of Medical Imaging (Under Review).
Le, A. T., Shakiba, M., Ardekani, I., & Abdulla, W. H. (2024). Optimising Plant Disease Classification with Hybrid Convolutional Neural Network–Recurrent Neural Network and Liquid Time-Constant Network. Applied Sciences, 14(19), 9118.
Le, A. T., Shakiba, M., & Ardekani, I. (2024). Tomato Disease Detection with Lightweight Recurrent and Convolutional Deep Learning Models for Sustainable and Smart Agriculture. Frontiers in Sustainability, 5, 1383182.
Zhang, E., Shakiba, M., Lin, F., Hassandoust, F., Varastehpour, S. (2025, May) Optimising Social Media with Gen AI: A Study on SEO Strategies for Influencers. In 11th International Conference on Computer Technology Applications (ICCTA 2025) (Submitted).
Lin, F., Shakiba, M., Zhang, E., Varastehpour, S. (2025, May) A Recommendation System Model for Instagram Influencer Marketing Campaign. In 11th International Conference on Computer Technology Applications (ICCTA 2025) (Submitted).
Debnath, B., Shakiba, M., Varastehpour, S. (2025, March). Clustering and Prediction: Evaluation of Machine Learning Models for Robust Business Operation. In the 3rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Applications (ICAIA 2025). Springer. (Submitted).
Sojan, G., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2025, March). Forex Prediction using Deep Learning: CNN, LSTM, GRU and hybrid models. In the 3rd International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Applications (ICAIA 2025). Springer. (Submitted).
Dave, Y., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2025, March). Predicting Forex Prices: An Evaluation of Long Short-Term Memory, XGBoost and Transformer Architectures. In IEEE 5th International Conference on Advances in Electrical, Electronics and Computing Technology (EECT 2025). IEEE (Accepted).
Thu, T.M., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2025, March). Deep Learning Approaches for Predicting Stock Market Trends: A Comparative Study of New Zealand and Australian Markets. In IEEE 5th International Conference on Advances in Electrical, Electronics and Computing Technology (EECT 2025). IEEE (Accepted).
Dave, Y., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2024, October). Forex Price Prediction: A Multi-Model Approach Integrating Sentiment Analysis Using LLMs with LSTM, XGBoost, Transformer Models. In the 18th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA). Springer.
Trehan, M., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M., Ramirez Prado, G., Barmada, B. (2024, October). Predicting New Zealand’s Stock Market Trends: Combining Sentiment Analysis and Deep Learning. In the 18th International Conference on Information Technology and Applications (ICITA). Springer.
Nortey, J., Tran, B., Montano, D., Sanjanwala, U., Shakiba, M. (2024, October). Application of VR Technology for Driving Mentoring. In 15th Computing and Information Technology Research and Education New Zealand (CITRENZ). Poster Presentation.
Li, T., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2024, October). Methods in Skill Extraction from Job Descriptions. In 15th Computing and Information Technology Research and Education New Zealand (CITRENZ). Poster Presentation.
Ramirez-Prado, G., Barmada, B., Varastehpour, S., Shakiba, M. (2024 September) Empowering Homes: On Navigating Energy Hardship with Consumption Monitoring in New Zealand. In The International Conference on Sustainable Development. Poster Presentation.
Shakiba, M., et al. “Bridging the Gap in Network Security and Data Management through IoT Innovation” 4th Interdisciplinary Conference on Electrics and Computer (INTCEC 2024) - Chicago - Illinois - USA - Under Review
Shakiba, M., et al. “Digital Forensic Tools: Comparison of Autopsy TSK and Forensic Explorer” IEEE International Conference on Information Technology, Electronics and Intelligent Communication Systems - Vemana Institute of Technology (VIT), Bangalore - India - Accepted
Adlakha, R., Shakiba, M., et al. “Comparative Analysis of LSTM, GRU, and XGBoost for Forex Prediction: A Deep Learning Approach” 2024 1st International Conference on Innovative Engineering Sciences and Technological Research (ICIESTR-2024) - UTAS-Muscat, Sultanate of Oman - Under Review
Shakiba, M., et al. “Sustainable Cyber-Physical Platform for Optimal Greenhouse Growth” Smart Sustainable Development 2024
Le, A., Shakiba, M., et al. “Lightweight CNN-RNN Model for Sustainable and Smart Agriculture” Smart Sustainable Development 2024
Shakiba, M., et al. “Project-Based Learning a Successful Capstone Project Experience at Unitec, School of Computing” 2022 ITP Research Symposium
Ardekani, I., Shakiba, M. “Intelligent Beehive Monitoring using Machine Learning Models” 2022 ITP Research Symposium
David, A., Shakiba, M., et al. “Penetration Testing & Mitigation Techniques for Windows and Linux” 2022 Unitec-MIT Research Symposium
Noutash, M., Shakiba M. “Enhance Organisational Performance Using Sustainable Software Monitoring System” 2022 Unitec-MIT Research Symposium
Shakiba, M., Zavvari, A., Aleebrahim, N., & Singh, M. J. (2016). Evaluating the academic trend of RFID technology based on SCI and SSCI publications from 2001 to 2014. Scientometrics, 109, 591-614.
Shakiba, M., Ale Ebrahim, N., Danaee, M., Bakhtiyari, K., & Sundararajan, E. (2016). A Comprehensive Comparison of Educational Growth within Four Different Developing Countries between 1990 and 2012. Revista de Gestão e Secretariado, 6(3), 152-174.
Shakiba, M., Singh, M. J., Islam, M. T., & Sundararajan, E. (2015). Applying cubic spline method to estimate the number of RFID tags in error-prone communication channels. Wireless Personal Communications, 83, 361-382.
Shakiba, M., et al. “Intelligent Items Traceability System–RFID vs QR”. The Ingenieur. Volume 61, 73-76.
Shakiba, M., Singh, M. J., Sundararajan, E., Zavvari, A., & Islam, M. T. (2014). Extending birthday paradox theory to estimate the number of tags in RFID systems. PloS one, 9(4), e95425.
Ale Ebrahim, N., Salehi, H., Embi, M. A., Danaee, M., Mohammadjafari, M., Zavvari, A., ... & Shahbazi-Moghadam, M. (2014). Equality of Google Scholar with Web of Science citations: Case of Malaysian engineering highly cited papers. Modern Applied Science, 8(5), 63-69.
Bakhtiyari, K., Salehi, H., Embi, M. A., Shakiba, M., Zavvari, A., Shahbazi-Moghadam, M., ... & Mohammadjafari, M. (2014). Ethical and unethical methods of plagiarism prevention in academic writing. International Education Studies, 7(7), 52-62.
Zavvari, A., Islam, M. T., Shakiba, M., & Mandeep, S. J. (2014, December). Theoretical analysis of RFID security protocols. In 2014 IEEE International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management (pp. 302-306). IEEE.
Shakiba, M., Sundararajan, E., Zavvari, A., & Islam, M. (2013). Cubic spline-based tag estimation method in RFID multi-tags identification process. Canadian Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering, 36(1), 11-17.
Zavvari, A., Shakiba, M., Islam, M. T., Sundararajan, E., & Singh, M. J. (2013). Computational cost analysis on securing RFID protocols conforming to EPC class-1 generation-2 standard. Procedia Technology, 11, 778-784.
Badpa, A., Yavar, B., Shakiba, M., & Singh, M. J. (2013). Effects of knowledge management system in disaster management through RFID technology realization. Procedia Technology, 11, 785-793.
Shakiba, M., Zavvari, A., & Sundararajan, E. (2011, November). Fitted dynamic framed slotted ALOHA anti-collision algorithm in RFID systems. In ICIMU 2011: Proceedings of the 5th International Conference on Information Technology & Multimedia (pp. 1-6). IEEE.

Fund Applications

I am actively pursuing research funds and external grants. To date, I've contributed to 10 research fund applications, securing a total of NZD 49,000 and MYR 497,000 in successful funds. Following is the list of my fund applications:

Primary Applicant (2024-2025), Cloud-based Autonomous AgriTech Vehicle. KiwiNet Pre-Seed Commercialisation Fund, NZD 40,000 – Project Code: UT002962
Principal Investigator (2025), Cloud-based Autonomous AgriTech Vehicle, Unitec Early Career Fund, NZD 2,000 – Project Code: to be assigned
Associate Investigator (2025), AI Platform for Plant Disease Detection, Unitec Early Career Fund, NZD 7,000 – Project Code: to be assigned
Principal Investigator (2016-2017) Intelligent Traffic Light Control Based on RFID Technology in the Concept of Smart Cities. Monash Internal Grant - School of IT Collaborative Research Seed Grants (SEED), (MYR 12,000)
Research Assistant (2015) Exploring Data Streams Association Rules Mining on Clouds. Exploratory Research Grant Scheme (ERGS), (MYR 72,000), Project Code: ERGS/1/2013/ICT07/ULM/02/3
Research Assistant (2014) Performance and Reliability of Radio Frequency Identification. Innovation Fund, (MYR 150,000), Project Code: PKT 1/2010
Technical Executive (2013) The Compact Printed Planar Antenna of Lab-scale Model to a Prototype for Broadband Communication. Innovation Fund, (MYR 90,000), Project Code: INOVASI-2012-022
Technical Executive (2012) Prototyping of RFID Reader Antenna for Commercial Product and Market Testing. Innovation Fund, (MYR 98,000), Project Code: INOVASI-2011-033
Research Assistant (2012) UDP and High-Performance Computing. Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), (MYR 50,000), Project Code: UKM-TT-02-FRGS0205-2010
Research Assistant (2011) Running High-Performance Computing on Condor Platform. Incentive Grant for Young Researchers (GGPM), (MYR 25,000), Project Code: UKM-GGPM-ICT-104-2010

Some Testimonial on Research Activities

Keynote Speaker and Panel Member

Panel member and speaker at TechTALK: Empowering Future Tech Careers through Collaborative Education Systems hosted by The University of Auckland, Faculty of Engineering.

Panel member and speaker at Forging a New Age of India- New Zealand Relations Symposium hosted by the High Commission of India, Wellington, New Zealand.

Speaker IEEE Workshop at hosted by The University of Technology and Applied Sciences - IEEE Oman Sector.

Research Services

Editor

- KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems, KSII

Reviewer

IEEE Transactions on Mobile Computing
IEEE Transactions Signal Processing Letters (SPL)
Education and Information Technologies, Springer
Electronics, MDPI

Programme Committee and Chair

- Smart Sustainable Development Conference and Project Showcase 2025
- 1st International Conference on Innovative Engineering Sciences and Technological Research (ICIESTR-2024)
- Smart Sustainable Development Conference and Project Showcase 2024
- 14th Computing and IT Research and Education New Zealand - CITRENZ 2023 - Chair
- MIT-Unitec Research Symposium 2022 - Session Chair
- ITP-SIT Research Symposium 2022 - Panel Moderator
- Smart Aotearoa – Sustainable Development 2022
- Sustainable Development Research Symposium – Otago Polytechnic 2021
- The 28th Australasian Conference on Information Systems 2017
- Telemedicine Conference Sunway, Malaysia 2016
- IEEE Malaysia Student Congress 2014

Research Talk Organiser

- Cybersecurity meetup - a collaboration between the School of Computing and the Research Office at Unitec
- Vocational education and training in Switzerland – new learning cultures in enterprises

Membership

- Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
- IT Professionals New Zealand
- IEEE Senior Member
  - IEEE Computer Society
  - IEEE Agricultural Robotics and Automation Technical Committee Member
  - IEEE Internet of Things Community Member
  - IEEE Young Professionals Member
  - IEEE Education Society Member

Research and Project Supervision

Postgraduate Supervision

Master Thesis Supervision:

M. Virajini (2025) – New master students working on proposal – topic IoT/AI in Smart AgriTech
M. Jumly (2025) – New master students working on the proposal – topic IoT/AI in Smart AgriTech
S. Salimon (2024-2025) – A Hybrid DL Approach for Grape Leaf Disease Detection Using YOLOv10 and EfficientNet
J.S. Bedi (2024-2025) – Grape Disease Detection Using CNN-ViT Hybrid Model with RF Classifier
G. Hinton (2024) – Using Computer Vision to Predict Apple Ripeness and Optimise Picking Time
S. Mane (2024) – Deep Learning-Based Plant Disease Detection and Recognition
S. Singh (2024) – Integrating the Precision Agriculture Techniques with Rice Disease Prediction
M. Arora (2024) – Smart Agriculture: Apple Disease Detection Using Deep Learning
B. Mangotra (2024) – Deepfake Detection: Evaluating Performance Across Differing Scenarios
Y. Xian (2024) – Enhance Diagnostic Accuracy in Imbalanced Datasets Using BERT Optimisation
A. L. Tanh (2023-24) – AI-Enhanced Plant Disease Detection for Smart Agriculture
M. Trehan (2023-24) – New Zealand Stock Market Prediction Using Sentiment Analysis
Y. Dave (2023-24) – Predicting Forex Pair Movement

Postgraduate Applied Project Supervision:

- H. Fonseka (2024) – Hybrid CAVE-Vision Transformer Network for Early-Stage Alzheimer's Diagnosis
- E. Zhang (2024) – GenAI for Social Media Account Optimization
- F. Lin (2024) – A Recommend System for Influencer Marketing Campaigns
- B. Debnath (2024) – A Comparative Analysis of Customer Segmentation and Stock Determination Using Unsupervised Machine Learning Models
- R. Adlakha (2023) – CNN-LSTM Enhanced Forex Forecasting Through Effective Data Pre-Processing

Undergraduate Supervision

Unitec Institute of Technology (2021 - Current) - I coordinate the Capstone Project, a level 7 course under the Bachelor of Computer Science programme with 60 credits, and supervise several students on their projects and research activities.
Techtorium (2018 - 2020) - I was the Capstone Project coordinator, a level 6 course under a Software Development diploma with 30 credits, and supervised several students on their practical projects.
Monash University (2016 - 2017) - I supervised several bachelor students on their Final Year Project. I also coordinate Industry-based learning in the School of IT and manage and supervise students' practical work.

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