Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz

Professor

Department of Computer Science
shahzad.sarfraz@nu.edu.pk
(041) 111-128-128
Ext: 102

Introduction

Dr. Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz is a prominent figure in the fields of Computer Science and Geospatial Technologies. He spearheads key thematic areas including ICT tools for Health, Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Location-based systems, with a keen focus on their applications for the Environment. Dr. Shahzad specializes in utilizing web-based and open-source tools for Remote Sensing & Geographical Information Systems.

His academic contributions are substantial, encompassing 60 journal and conference papers. Additionally, he has developed tools tailored to organizational needs, conducted readiness assessments, and evaluated eHealth initiatives. Dr. Shahzad boasts extensive experience in planning, initiating, and overseeing the Computer Science Department and Evening Programs at the University of Gujrat. Moreover, he has demonstrated adeptness in catalyzing and coordinating research activities within the department.

Currently serving as a Professor in the Computer Sciences department and Director at the Chiniot-Faisalabad campus of the university, Dr. Shahzad Sarfraz has held distinguished positions in various institutions. Before joining the FAST-National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences, he served as an Associate Professor, Chairperson of the Computer Science Department, and Director of Evening Programs at the University of Gujrat and COMSATS Institute of Information Technology. His academic journey includes roles as an Assistant Professor at NUCES and a Ph.D. scholar at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand.

Dr. Shahzad’s global exposure extends to his tenure as a visiting researcher in the Digital Image Processing lab at the National Institute of Informatics (NII), Tokyo, Japan. He has actively participated in seminars and workshops, both nationally and internationally, fostering collaborative research across ten countries. A member of esteemed international societies such as IEEE, ACM, ISPRS, Canadian Remote Sensing, International Association of Chinese Professionals in GIS, and more, Dr. Shahzad also serves as a resource person for the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pak One Health Alliance, Pakistan, facilitating capacity-building workshops on analytical skills and information utilization.

Web Profile

Education

Ph.D in Computing (RS & GIS) AIT, Thailand, 2012
M.S in Computing (RS & GIS) AIT, Thailand, 2009
M.Sc. in Computer Science University of Agriculture, Pakistan, 2006
BCS in Computer Science University of Punjab, Pakistan, 2004

Publications

1. Cheema, Adeel Ashraf and Sarfraz, Muhammad Shahzad and Usman, Muhammad and Zaman, Qamar Uz and Habib, Usman and Boonchieng, Ekkarat ”KT-CDULF: Knowledge Transfer in Context-Aware Cross-Domain Recommender Systems via Latent User Profiling” in IEEE Access, July 2024.
2. M. Usman, M. S. Sarfraz, M. U. Aftab, U. Habib and S. Javed, “A Blockchain Based Scalable Domain Access Control Framework for Industrial Internet of Things,” in IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 56554-56570, April 2024.
3. Usman Ghous, Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, Muhammad Ahmad, Chenyu Li, Danfeng Hong, “(2+1) D Extreme Xception Net for Hyperspectral Image Classification”, IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Applied Earth Observations and Remote Sensing, Earth and planetary sciences PP (99):1-14, (IF :5.5), January 2024.
4. Rabia Maqsood, Paolo Ceravolo, Muhammad Ahmad, & Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, “Examining students’ course trajectories using data mining and visualization approaches”, International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, Springer Netherlands, (JCR IF=7.611), October, 2023.
5. Ariyo Oluwasanmi, Muhammad Umar Aftab, Zhiguang Qin, Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, Yang Yu, and Hafiz Tayyab Rauf, “Multi-Head Spatiotemporal Attention Graph Convolutional Network for Traffic Prediction”, Multidisciplinary, MDPI & Switzerland, (IF. 3.847), April 2023.
6. Momna Javaid, Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, Muhammad Umar Aftab, Qamar uz Zaman, Hafiz Tayyab Rauf, and Khalid A. Alnowibet, “WebGIS-Based Real-Time Surveillance and Response System for Vector-Borne Infectious Diseases”, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Multidiciplinary, MDPI & Switzerland, (IF. 4.614), 2023.
7. Mahnoor Khalid, Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, Uzair Iqbal, Muhammad Umar Aftab, Gniewko Niedbala, and Hafiz Tayyab Rauf, “Real-Time Plant Health Detection Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks”, Agriculture, Multidiciplinary, MDPI & Switzerland, (IF. 3.408), 2023.
8. Samia Aziz, Muhammad Shahzad Sarfraz, Muhammad Usman, Muhammad Umar Aftab, and Hafiz Tayyab Rauf, “Geo-Spatial Mapping of Hate Speech Prediction in Roman Urdu”, Mathematics, Computer Science, MDPI & Switzerland, (IF. 2.595), 2023.
9. M.H. Musaddiq, M.S. Sarfraz, N. Shafi, R. Maqsood, A. Azam, M. Ahmad, “Predicting the Impact of Academic Key Factors and Spatial Behaviors on Students’ Performance”, MDPI, Switzerland, (IF. 2.838), 2022.
10. Aftab, M. U., Hamza, A., Oluwasanmi, A., Nie X., Sarfraz, M. S., Shehzad, D., Qin, Z.,& Rafiq, A. Traditional and Hybrid Access Control Models: A Detailed Survey. Security and Communication Networks, 2022.
11. Khan, M. A., Nasralla, M. M., Umar, M. M., Iqbal, Z., Rehman, G. U., Sarfraz, M. S., & Choudhury, N. (2021). A Survey on the Noncooperative Environment in Smart Nodes-Based Ad Hoc Networks: Motivations and Solutions. Security and Communication Networks, 2021.
12. Jalbani, K. B., Yousaf, M., Sarfraz, M. S., Jamili Oskouei, R., Hussain, A., & Memon, Z. Poor Coding Leads to DoS Attack and Security Issues in Web Applications for Sensors. Security and Communication Networks, 2021.
13. Memon, Z., Aghian, H., Sarfraz, M. S., Hussain Jalbani, A., Oskouei, R. J., Jalbani, K. B., & Hussain Jalbani, G. (2021). Framework for Educational Domain-Based Multichatbot Communication System. Scientific Programming, 2021.
14. Tariq, H., Hanif, M. K., Sarwar, M. U., Bari, S., Sarfraz, M. S., & Oskouei, R. J. Employing Deep Learning and Time Series Analysis to Tackle the Accuracy and Robustness of the Forecasting Problem. Security and Communication Networks, 2021.
15. Ali, H., Rafique, M. Z., Sarfraz, M. S., Malik, M. S. A., Alqahtani, M. A., & Alqurni, J. S. A novel approach for solving travelling thief problem using enhanced simulated annealing. PeerJ Computer Science, 7, e377.
16. Xiao, H., Ali, S., Zhang, Z., Sarfraz, M. S., Zhang, F., & Faisal, M. Big Data, Extracting Insights, Comprehension, and Analytics in Cardiology: An Overview. Journal of Healthcare Engineering. Hindawi.
17. Ahmad, M., Khan, A. M., Mazzara, M., Distefano, S., Ali, M., & Sarfraz, M. S. A Fast and Compact 3-D CNN for Hyperspectral Image Classification. IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Letters.
18. Khan, M. A., Sarfraz, M. S., Alhaisoni, M., Albesher, A. A., Wang, S., & Ashraf, I. StomachNet: Optimal Deep Learning Features Fusion for Stomach Abnormalities Classification. IEEE Access.
19. Umair, A., Sarfraz, M. S., Ahmad, M., Habib, U., Ullah, M. H., & Mazzara, M. Spatiotemporal Analysis of Web News Archives for Crime Prediction. Applied Sciences, 10(22), 8220.
20. Khan, M. A; Seifedine, K.; Majed A.; Yunyoung N.; Yudong Z.; Venkatesan R.; and Sarfraz, M. S. “Computer-Aided Gastrointestinal Diseases Analysis From Wireless Capsule Endoscopy: A Framework of Best Features Selection. IEEE Access 8(2020), 132850-132859.
21. Ahmad, M.; Mazzara, M.; Raza, R.A.; Distefano, S.; Asif, M.; Sarfraz, M. S.; Khan, A.M.; Sohaib, A. Multiclass Non-Randomized Spectral–Spatial Active Learning for Hyperspectral Image Classification. Appl. Sci. 2020, 10, 4739.
22. Tariq M. Imran., Shahzadi T., Ali M. Natash, Sarfraz M. S. Hussain Akhtar, Imran M. Pricop Emil, Candia O, Paraschiv N. “Combination of AHP and TOPSIS methods for the ranking of information security controls overcome its obstruction under fuzzy environment.” Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, Vol. 38, no.5, pp.6675-6088, (2020).
23. Ashraf, M. Waseem., Manzoor Saher. Sarfraz M. S. Waseem M. Faisal., Ali Basic., Akhlaq M., Rujita C., Pupa Alex., “Fabrication and fuzzy analysis of AAO membrane with manipulated pore diameter for applications in biotechnology”. Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 5857-5864, (2020)
24. Tariq M. Imran., Shahzadi T., Ali M. Natash., Sarfraz M. S. Hussain Akhtar, Imran M. Pricop Emil, Candia O, Paraschiv N. “Intelligent data analysis and applications & smart vehicular technology, communications and applications” Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 38, no. 5, pp. 5933-5947, (2020).
25. Khan, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2019). A Comprehensive Study of Modern and High-Speed TCP-Variant in Linux Kernel: TCP CUBIC. The International Arab Journal of Information Technology.16(6). 1028-1035.
26. Akram, A., Sarfraz, M. S. & Shoaib U. (2019). HLA Run Time Infrastructure: A Comparative Study. Mehran University Research Journal of Engineering & Technology. 38(4), 961-972.
27. Aurangzeb K., Haider I., Khan M.A., Saba T., Sarfraz, M.S., (2019). Human Behavior Analysis based on Multi-types Features Fusion and Von Nauman Entropy based Features Reduction. Journal of Medical Imaging and Health Informatics. 9(4), 662-669.
28. Hassan, J., Sarfraz, M. S. (2019). Impact of suicide bombings in Pakistan using spatial and temporal analysis. In Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment (RSCy2019) (Vol. 11174, p. 111740S). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
29. Shakoor A., Ahmed A., Sarfraz, M.S. (2018). Security Technique in Mobile Clouds to Ensure Malware Prevention. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 11(31).
30. Naz, N. A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2018). A Review on Customer Churn Prediction Data Mining Modeling Techniques. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 11(27).
31. Rana, M. F., Shoaib, U., Sarfraz, M. S. (2018). Ergonomics Estimation and Dimensions of ATM Usage in Pakistan. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 11(24).
32. Baig, S., & Sarfraz, M. S. Spatio-temporal Analysis to Predict Environmental Influence on Malaria. Proceedings of ISPRS TC III Mid-term Symposium “Developments, Technologies and Applications in Remote Sensing held in Beijing, China during May 7-10, 2018.
33. Rana, I. A., Aslam, S., Sarfraz, M. S., & Shoaib, U. (2018). Analysis of Query Optimization Components in Distributed Database. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 8(1).
34. Mahmood, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2018). A Recommendation System for Cloud Services Selection based on Intelligent Agents. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 11(10).
35. Nazar, H., Sarfraz, M. S., & Shoaib, U. (2017). Web Accessibility Evaluation of Banking Website in Pakistan. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 15(1), 642.
36. Noureen, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2017). Secure Device Pairing Methods: An Overview. INTERNATIONAL Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 8(9), 442-451.
37. Riaz, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2017). Workplace Design and Employee‘s Performance and Health in Software Industry of Pakistan. International Journal of Advanced Computer Science and Applications, 8(5), 542-548.
38. Azeem, M. W., Sarfraz, M. S., & Shoaib, U. (2016). Comparison of Different Techniques for Detecting Malware in Smartphones. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(5), 642.
39. Rasheed, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2016). Performance evaluation of Keystone in cloud (OpenStack) for applications in Disaster Management & Recovery. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(11), 202.
40. Rahman, A., Sarfraz, M.S., Shoaib, U., Abbas, G., & Sattar, M. A. (2016). Cloud based E-Learning, Security Threats and Security Measures. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 9(48).
41. Tabassum, H., Shoaib, U., & Sarfarz, M. S. (2016). Tools and Techniques for Predicting User Browsing Behavior by using Web Usage Mining. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(11), 519.
42. Rashid, A., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2016). Knowledge Discovery in Database using Intention Mining. Science International-Lahore, 28(6),5145-515.
43. Mir, S. S., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2016). Analysis of Digital Forensic Investigation Models. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(11), 292.
44. Razzaq, S., Shoaib, U., & Sarfraz, M. S. (2016). Evaluation of Image Services in Open Source Clouds for Disaster Management. International Journal of Computer Science and Information Security, 14(11), 398.
45. Arshad, M., Nawaz, R., Shahnawaz, M., Sarfraz, M. S., Ahmad S., & S. L. Ranamukhaarachchiet. (2015). First and second generation bioethanol production in sweet sorghum, mungbean and soybean in sole and intercropping systems. Trop. Agric, 41(3216), 010035-14.
46. Arshad, M., Nawaz, R., Shahnawaz, M., Sarfraz, M. S., Ahmad, S., & Ranamukhaarachi, S. L. (2014). Effect of Legume type, Nitrogen Dose and Air Quality on Biomass and Bioethanol Production in Sweet Sorghum-Legume Intercropping. Poljoprivreda i Sumarstvo, 60(3), 257.
47. Sarfraz, M. S., Tripathi, N. K., Faruque, F. S., Bajwa, U. I., Kitamoto, A., & Souris, M. (2014). Mapping urban and peri-urban breeding habitats of Aedes mosquitoes using a fuzzy analytical hierarchical process based on climatic and physical parameters. Geospatial health, 8(3), 685-697.
48. Nawaz, R., Arshad, M., Sarfraz, M. S., Ashraf, M.W., Hayyat, M.U., Mahmood, R., and Parkpian, P. (2014). Interactions between Acidic (Al3+, Fe2+) and Basic (Ca2+, Mg2+) Cations in Oxisol and Ultisol under Acidification Induced by Simulated Acid Rain. Asian Journal of Chemistry. 269(15), 4794-4800.
49. Sarfraz, M. S., Tripathi, N. K., & Kitamoto, A. (2014). Near real-time characterisation of urban environments: a holistic approach for monitoring dengue fever risk areas. International Journal of Digital Earth, 7(11), 916-934.
50. Sarfraz, M. S., Tripathi, N. K., Kitamoto, A., and Souris, M. Identification of Urban and Peri-urban Favorable Breeding Habitat for Aedes Mosquitoes. At 2nd symposium on advances in geospatial technologies for health at Arlington, VA, USA during 24-30 August, 2013.
51. Asif, M., Sarfraz, M. S., Ahmed, M. S., & Tripathi, N. K. (2013). A Two Factor Based Anti-Phishing Method in Open ID. Journal of Basic and Applied Scientific Research. 3(12), 26-33.
52. Arshad, M., Cheema, T. A., Ahmad, S., Nawaz, R., Sarfraz, M. S., Shrestha, R. P., & Ranamukhaarachchi, S. L. (2013). Yield Comparison of Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Sweet Sorghum and Legume-Based Cropping Systems. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 44(14), 2186-2206.
53. Sarfraz, M. S., Tripathi, N. K., Tipdecho, T., Thongbu, T., Kerdthong, P., & Souris, M. (2012). Analyzing the spatio-temporal relationship between dengue vector larval density and land-use using factor analysis and spatial ring mapping. BMC public health, 12(1), 853.
54. Ahmad, S., Sadiq, M., Cheema, T.A., and Sarfraz, M. S. Geographical information system (GIS) based approach to monitor epidemiological disaster: 2011 dengue fever outbreak in Punjab, Pakistan. At 4th Int. Conference on Geo-Information Technology for Natural Disaster Management-“Reduce Exposure to Reduce Risk”, Colombo, Sri Lanka during 7-8 November 2012.
55. Shahzada, H., Tripathi, N.K., and Sarfraz, M. S. Geo-spatial site suitability for medicinal plants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. At the 1st International Conference on Health Science, Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Thailand during November, 21-23, 2012.

Collaborations at National and International Level

Detail of Funded Projects

HEC Funded Research Project Vector-borne Infectious Diseases Surveillance and Response System using Earth Observation Data. Funding amount Rs. 4.8 Million.

NUCES Faculty Research Support Grant (FRSG) Awards worth Rs. 5.4 Million for the year 2023-2025.

HEC Travel Grant for Conference Presentation for presenting research at “Symposium on ”Developments, Technologies and applications in Remote Sensing” during May 7-10, 2018 in Beijing China.

Winner of Start-up Incubator during 2016 & 2018 Business Plan Competition at University of Gujrat Winner of HEC Travel Award for presenting research at “XXII International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS) Congress 2016” July 12-19, 2016.

HEC Scholarship for MS leading to Ph.D. Winner of ISPRS Grant for presenting research results at “ISPRS TC VIII Mid-Term Symposium 2014” by ISPRS Foundation during 9-12 December, 2014 in Hyderabad, India.

Winner of GSA-USA Grant for presenting research results at “Geological Society of America, 2014” by GSA International Section held on 19-22 October, 2014 in Vancouver, BC, Canada.

Winner of NASA Award for presenting research results at “2nd Symposium on Advances in Geospatial Technologies for Health” by NASA held during August 25-29, 2013 in Arlington, USA.

Best oral presentation award at the 1st International Conference on Health Science Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine held on 21-23 Nov at Mahasarakam, Thailand.

ProSPER.NET thesis competition prize for excellent research presentation held at headquarter of United Nation (UN) University, Japan.

1st position in the Department of Computer Science, Batch-2006, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.