Research Interests Controls and Dynamics, Artificial intelligence, Electricity Restructuring, Energy Systems and Markets, Smart Grid, Adaptive Agent Systems, Sustainable development, Education and Industry Linkages, and e-Infrastructure.
Grants and Funded Research
Design, Development and Demonstration of a future-proof active smart Micro-grid system, European Commission, ERANTMED FP7, €947162, 2015
Master Curriculum, Capacity Building and Network Development in Traffic Safety in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon, European Commission - Directorate General educational and culture (Erasmus +), €892K, 2015
Middleware for Collaborative Applications and Global Virtual Communities - MAGIC, European Commission Horizon 2020 – Research and Innovation Framework Program, €1,785K, 2015
Partnership with Enterprises Towards Building Open Source Software Communities and Rejuvenation of Technical Education and Innovation – OSSCOM, European Commission – Directorate General educational and culture (TEMPUS), €868K, 2013
Coordination and Harmonization of Advanced e-Infrastructures for Research and Education Data Sharing, European Commission – Seventh Framework Programme, €1520K, 2012
Euro Mediterranean Connectivity Network – Phase 3 (EUROMEDCONNECT3), European Commission – European Neighbourhood Policy – South Regional Programme, €3067K, 2011
Coordination and Harmonization of Advanced e-Infrastructures, European Commission – Seventh Framework Programme, €1100K, 2010
Bioinformatics correlation between the natural selection of amino acids and loop folding as a tool for 3D protein structure prediction, Scientific research program, German-Jordanian University, $31K, 2008
Establishing Quality, Relevant and Collaborative Industry-Oriented IT Education, European Commission – Directorate General educational and culture (TEMPUS), €380K, 2006
Establishing Technology Incubator for Software Development, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, $70K, 2006
SUN Educational Laboratory – Center of Excellence, Sun Microsystems, $33K, 2004.
eSolution Development and Implementation Unit, Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, $500K, 2004.
Supplementary Funds, the Academic Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence, AMIR– USAID, $20K, 2003.
ICT Skill Promotion Program for Female Students, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) – Japan, $15K, 2003.
Academic Entrepreneurship Center of Excellence, Higher Education Development Fund – World Bank, $100K, 2002.
Computer Based Automated Control System for Plastic Orient Machinery, Higher Council for Science and Technology - Jordan, $20K, 2001.
Software Architecture for Modelling Competitive Power Systems: Scientific Research Deanship – Yarmouk University, $18K, 1999.
Refereed Journal Publications
A. Khalifeh, R. Tanash, M. AlQudah, S. Al-Agtash (2023), “Enhancing energy efficiency of IEEE 802.15.4- based industrial wireless sensor networks”, Journal of Industrial Information Integration, Vol. 33, doi.org/10.1016/j.jii.2023.100460
S. Al-Agtash, M. Al Hashem (2023), “Microgrid Optimal Scheduling”, Smart Grid and Renewable Energy, Vol. 14, No. 2, doi: 10.4236/sgre.2023.142002.
A. Almasri, A. Khalifeh, S. Al-Agtash (2022), “SCSAP: Spiral Clustering Based on Selective Activation Protocol for industrial tailored WSNs”, Journal of Industrial Information Integration, Vol. 27. doi:10.1016/j.jii.2022.100332.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Mutlaq, M. Elabbas, A. Alkhraibat, and M. Al Hashem (2021), “Multi-Agents for Microgrids”, Energy and Power Engineering, Vol. 13, pp. 293-305. DOI: 10.4236/epe.2021.137020.
S. Al-Agtash, A. Alkhraibat, M. Al Hashem, and N. Al-Mutlaq (2021), “Real-Time Operation of Microgrids”, Energy and Power Engineering, Vol. 13, pp. 51-66. DOI: 10.4236/epe.2021.131004.
S. Al-Agtash and H. Hafez (2020), “Agents for Smart Power Grids”, Energy and Power Engineering, Vol. 12, pp. 477-489. doi:10.4236/epe.2020.128029.
A. Bintoudi, L. Zyglakis, A. Tsolakis, D. Loannidis, L. Hadjidemetriou, L. Zacharia, N. Al-Mutlaq, M. Al-Hashem, S. Al-Agtash, E. Kyriakides, C. Demoulias, D. Tzovaras, "A Hybrid Multi-Agent-based Adaptive Control Scheme for AC Microgrids with Increased Fault-Tolerance Needs", IET Renewable Power Generation, accepted.
S. Al-Agtash, R. Barbera, “Interoperable e-Infrastructure Services in Arabia”, Journal of Computer and Communications, Vol. 7, 2019, pp. 29- 41
S. Al-Agtash, L. Khadra, "Internationalization Context of Arabia Higher Education", International Journal of Higher Education Vol. 8, No. 2, 2019, pp. 68 – 81
S. Al-Gharabli, S. Al-Agtash, N. Rawashdeh, and K. Barqawi, “Artificial Neural Networks for Dihedral Angles Prediction in Enzyme Loops: a Novel Approach”, International Journal of Bioinformatics Research and Applications, Vol. 11, 2015, pp. 153–163.
S. Al-Agtash, “Electricity Agents in Smart Grid Markets”, Computers in Industry, Vol. 64, 2013, pp.235-241.
S. Al-Agtash, “PC-Based Automated Control System for Jordan Northern Grain Silo”, Engineering, Vol.4 No.12, 2012, pp.914-919.
S. Al-Agtash, “Workforce Assessment in the Jordanian ICT Industry”, International Journal of Social and Organizational Dynamics in Information Technology, Vol. 1, No. 4, 2011, pp. 18-36.
S. Al-Agtash, “Supply Curve Bidding of Electricity in Constrained Power Networks”, Energy, Vol. 35, No. 7, 2010, pp. 2886-2892.
S. Al-Agtash, A. Al-Fahoum, “An Innovative Model for University – Industry Partnership”, International Journal of Innovation and Learning, Vol. 5, No. 5, 2008, pp. 512–532.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Fayoumi, “Software Engineering Approach to Developing Agents for Electricity E-commerce”, International Transactions on Systems Science and Applications, Vol. 2, No. 4, 2007, pp. 360-370.
S. Al-Agtash, A. Al-Fahoum, “An Evolutionary Computation Approach to Electricity Trade Negotiation”, Advances in Engineering Software, Vol. 36, No. 3, 2005, pp. 173-179.
S. Al-Agtash, H. Yamin, “Optimal Supply Curve Bidding Using Benders Decomposition in Competitive Electricity Markets”, Electric Power Systems Research, International Journal, Vol. 71, No. 3, 2004, pp. 245-255.
W. Awad, S. Al-Agtash, A. Nsour, “Adaptive Neuro – Fuzzy Inference system for Traffic Cycle Optimization”, International Journal of Modeling and Simulation, Vol. 24, No. 2, 2004, pp. 80 – 84.
S. Al-Agtash, R. Su, "Economic Efficiency of Pool Coordinated Electricity Markets", International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, Vol. 26, No. 4, 2004, pp. 281-289.
H.Y. Yamin, S. Al-Agtash, S.M. Shahidehpour, “Security-Constrained Optimal Generation Scheduling for GENCOs”, IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, Vol. 19, No. 3, 2004, pp. 1365-1372.
N. Al-Fayoumi, S. Al-Agtash, “Electronic Multilateral Trade of Electricity”, Advances in Engineering Software, Vol. 33, No. 11-12, 2002, pp. 749-759.
S. Al-Agtash, R. Su, "Economic Efficiency of Coordinated Multilateral Trades in Electricity Markets", International Journal of Electrical Power and Energy Systems, Vol. 24, No. 10, 2002, pp. 843-850.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Fayoumi, "Resource Operation Planning in Competitive Power Systems”, Journal of Computers and Electrical Engineering, Vol. 28, No. 5, 2002, pp. 335-348.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Fayoumi, "A Trade Server for Electricity e-Commerce”, Computers in Industry, Vol. 47, No.1, 2002, pp. 89-97.
S. Al-Agtash, "Hydrothermal Scheduling by Augmented Lagrangian: Consideration of Transmission Constraints and Pumped-Storage units", IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, Vol. 16, No. 4, 2001, pp.750-756.
N. Al-Fayoumi, S. Al-Agtash, "Auto-Negotiation in Competitive Power Industries”, International Journal of Engineering Simulation, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2000, pp. 18-22.
A. Nsour, I. Al-Hujazi, S. Al-Agtash, “Optimal Traffic Cycle Estimation Using Neural Networks”, International Journal of Modeling and Simulation, Vol. 20, No. 3, 2000, pp. 221-226.
S. Al-Agtash, R. Su, "Augmented Lagrangian Approach to Hydrothermal Scheduling", IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, Vol. 13, No. 4, 1998, pp. 1392-1400.
S. Bataineh , A. Al-Anbukey and S. Al-Agtash , "An Expert System for Unit Commitment and Power Demand Prediction Using Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks", Expert Systems, Vol. 13, No. 1, 1996, pp. 29-40.
A. Al-Anbukey, S. Bataineh, S. Al-Agtash, "Power Demand Prediction Using Fuzzy Logic", Control Engineering Practice, IFAC, Vol. 3, No. 9, September 1995, pp. 1291-1298.
Conference Proceedings
S. Al-Agtash, M. Al-Hashem, M. Batarseh, A. Bintoudi, A. Tsolakis, D. Tzovaras, J. Martinez-Ramos, A. Onen, B. Azzopardi, L. Hadjidemetriou, L. Zacharia, N. Martensen, M. Khiat (2020), “Microgrid Environmental Impact”, Proceedings of 2020 6th IEEE International Energy Conference, Tunisia, 2020. DOI: 10.1109/ENERGYCon48941.2020.9236464.
L. Zacharia, L. Tziovani, M. Savva, L. Hadjidemetriou, E. Kyriakides, A. Bintoudi, A. Tsolakis, D. Tzovaras, J. Martinez-Ramos, A. Marano, B. Azzopardi, N. Martensen, M. Khait, A. Onen, S. Al-Agtash (2019), “Optimal Energy Management and Scheduling of a Microgrid in Grid-Connected and Islanded Modes”, Proceedings of 2019 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies, Portugal.
L Hadjidemetriou, L Zacharia, E Kyriakides, B Azzopardi, S Azzopardi, R Mikalauskiene, S Al-Agtash, M Al-hashem, A Tsolakis, D Ioannidis, D Tzovaras, “Design factors for developing a university campus microgrid”, Proceedings of the 2018 IEEE International Energy Conference, Cyprus, 2018
A. Bintoudi, L. Zyglakis, A. Tsolakis, D. Ioannidis, M. Al-Hashem, S. Al-Agtash, L. Hadjidemetriou, L. Zacharia, E. Kyriakides, C. Demoulias, D. Tzovaras, “An improved decentralised coordinated control scheme for microgrids with AC-coupled units”, Proceedings of the 2018 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies, Spain, 2018
M. Alhashem, S. Al-Agtash, M. Batarseh, Z. Dalalah, “Scheduling Approach for Connected Micro-Grid System”,Proceedings of 9th IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation, USA, 2018
N. Martensen, S. Al-Agtash, B. Azzopardi, D. Ioannidis, A. Önen, J. L. Martinez Ramos, K. Mounir, L. Hadjidemetriou, T. Camilleri, N. Borg, “Framework Design for Smart Micro-Grids”, 3rd International Hybrid Power Systems Workshop, Spain, 2018
D. Bintoudi, L. Zyglakis, T. Apostolos, D. Ioannidis, S. Al-Agtash, J. L. Martinez-Ramos, A. Onen, B. Azzopardi, L. Hadjidemetriou, N. Martensen, C. Demoulias, and D. Tzovaras, “Novel hybrid design for microgrid control,” 2017 IEEE PES Asia-Pacific Power and Energy Engineering Conference (APPEEC), India, 2017
T. Ackermann, S. Al-Agtash, B. Azzopardi, D. Ioannidis, A. Önen, J. L. Martinez Ramos, K. Mounir, L. Hadjidemetriou, T. Camilleri, N. Borg, “Framework Design for Smart Micro-Grids”, Large Scale Grid Integration of Renewable Energy, India, 2017.
A. Khalifeh, S. Al-Agtash, R. Tanash, and M. AlQudah, “Deploying Agents for Monitoring and Notification of Wireless Sensor Networks”, IEEE 28th International Conference on Tools with Artificial Intelligence, San Jose, USA, 2016.
S. Al-Agtash, “State of the art of the Research Networking Infrastructure - North Africa - Regional Science Gateways and Publication Tools: the Arab States Science Grid”, IST Africa, South Africa, 2016.
S. Al-Agtash, “Arab e-Infrastructures in a Global Context”, Internet2 Global Summit, Chicago, USA, 2016
S. Al-Agtash, Roberto Barbera, Federico Ruggeiri, Boubakar Barry, “Intercontinental Networking towards a Cohesive Platform of Collaboration with Africa and Arabia”, Internet2 Global Summit, Washington DC, USA, 2015.
S. Al-Agtash, “Towards Pan-Arab Transformative Education and Rejuvenation”, World Universities Forum 2015: The Economics of Higher Education”, Georgia Southern University, Savannah, USA, 2015
O. Prnjat, M. Rodriguez, S. Al-Agtash, “Surveying Clouds in the Global Environment”, Proceeding of the International Platform on Integrating Arab e-Infrastructures, Muscat, Oman, 2014.
S. Al-Agtash, “Towards Developing Pan-Arab e-Infrastructure in a Regional Context”, Proceeding of the EUMEDGRID-Support User Forum, Lyon, France, 2011.
S. Al-Agtash, “Case Study: Developing Quality and Relevance ICT Education at the German Jordanian University through EU-Tempus Project”, Proceeding of the 3rd Event on European Mediterranean e-Infrastructure, Brussels, Belgium, 2010.
J. Pulkkinen, S. Al-Agtash, B.Kane , “Framework on Education for All in the Digital Age”, Global Forum of the United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, Mexico City, Mexico, 2009.
S. Al-Agtash, “Sustainable Education and Cultural Literacy in the Arab Regional Context”, Proceeding ofSECL 2008: Ubiquitous ICT for Sustainable Education and Cultural Literacy, Finland, 2008.
S. Al-Agtash, L. Khadra, “World Class Universities in Developing Countries: German-Jordanian University Model”, Proceeding of the 2nd International Conference on World Class Universities, Shanghai, China, 2007.
S. Al-Agtash, T. Dwairy, A. El-Nasan, B. Mull, M. Barakat, A. Shqair, “Re-Engineering BLUE Financial System Using Round-Trip Engineering and JAVA Language Conversion Assistant”, The 2006 International Conference on Software Engineering Research & Practice, Las Vegas, Nevada, 2006, pp. 657-663.
S. Al-Agtash, "Developing agent for electricity trade markets", 2006 IEEE Workshop on Distributed Intelligent Systems, Prague – Czech Republic, June 2006, pp. 231-236.
S. Al-Agtash, “Evolutionary Negotiation Strategies in Emerging Electricity Markets”, Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing, Zakopane – Poland, Book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, ISBN: 978-3-540-22123-4, 2004, pp. 1099 - 1104.
W. Awad, S. Al-Agtash, A. Nsour, “Adaptive Neuro – Fuzzy Inference system for Traffic Cycle Optimization”, Proceedings of the International Fuzzy System Association, Istanbul – Turkey, June 2003.
N. Al-Fayoumi, S. Al-Agtash, “Agent-Based Electricity Trade”, Proceedings of the International Society of Computer Applications, Las Vegas, US, November 2001.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Fayoumi, "Automated Trading in Electricity Spot Markets ", Proceedings of The International Energy Conference, Dubai, May 2000.
S. Al-Agtash, N. Al-Fayoumi, "Software Architecture for Modeling Competitive Power Systems", Proceedings of IEEE PES Winter Meeting 2000, Vol. 3, pp. 1674 –1679, Singapore, January 2000.
Technical Reports
S. Al-Agtash, Arab e-Infrastructures Status Report, Arab States Research and Education Network, Jordan, 2012.
J. Pulkkinen, S. Al-Agtash, B. Kane, Framework on Education for All in the Digital Age, United Nations Global Alliance for ICT and Development, USA, 2010.
Tapio Varis, S. Al-Agtash (Editors): Ubiquitous ICT for Sustainable Education and Cultural Literacy, Publications of the Finnish National Commission of UNESCO No.84, Finland, 2008.
S. Al-Agtash, Workforce in Jordanian ICT Industry: Competency-based Evaluations and Needs Assessment - GJU Series in Industry Evaluations and Technologies, German-Jordanian University press, 2008.
S. Al-Agtash, et al, “Principles for Responsible Management Education”, UN Global Compact, 2007.
S. Khatib, J. Afifi, A. Khawaldeh, S. Al-Agtash, O. Al Jarrah, E. Jaser, O. Hamarneh, S. Younis, B. Ajlouni, A. Qattan, Research & Development Strategy for Information and Communication Technology, 2007 – 2009, Ministry of Information & Communication Technology, 2007.
O. Al-Jarrah, S. Ghawanmeh, S. Al-Agtash, et. al. National eLearning Strategy, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 2007.
L. Khadra, S. Al-Agtash, O. Al-Jarrah, S. Ghawanmeh,, et. al., Reviewing Policies in Information & Communication Technologies in Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, 2007.
L. Khadra, S. Al-Agtash, M. Al-Otoum, H. Kilani, Jordanian Industry: Competency-based Evaluations and Needs Assessment in Automation and Manufacturing - GJU Series in Industry Evaluations and Technologies, German-Jordanian University press, 2006.
M. Sabbarini, R. Faouri, S. Al-Agtash, L. Khadra, K. Oreifeg, Proceedings of Higher Education Linkage with Industry, Workshop 2005.
S. Al-Agtash, A. Fahoum, L. Khadra, F. Khasawneh, Proceedings of Information & Communication Technology, Innovative Partnership - ICT-IPS 2004, Amman-Jordan, 2004.
S. Al-Agtash, A. Fahoum, "Computer Based Automated Control System for Plastic Orient Machinery", Report, Higher Council for Science and Technology, December 2003.
Invited Lectures Colloquium
Interoperable e-Infrastructures, APAN 48th Annual Meeting, Malaysia, July 22-26, 2019.
Re-Inventing Global Resilience for the Information and Knowledge Age, Panelist, National Defense University, Washington DC, May, 2017.
E-Infrastructures towards Achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, Invited speech, APAN 38th Annual Meeting, Taiwan, August 11-15, 2014.
ASREN regional perspective towards enhanced e-infrastructures for research and education, Invited speech, UbuntuNet Alliance Annual Meeting, Kigali, Rwanda, November 12, 2013.
Developing Iraq Research and Education Network, Invited speech, Ministry of Higher Education, Baghdad, Iraq, October 1, 2013
The Arab States Research and Education Network – London Point of Presence, EUMEDCONNECT3 Meeting, Doha, Qatar, September 11, 2013
Pan-Arab e-Infrastructure: An Evolving Backbone for University Smartness, Smart University Forum, Florence, Italy, 7 May, 2013
Coordination and Harmonization of Advanced e-Infrastructures, TEIN4 Meeting, Hawaii - 13 January 2013
From Philadelphia to Philadelphia: The Journey of African Research and Education Networking (2005 -2012), INTERNET 2 Members Meeting – Philadelphia USA, October 4, 2012
Regional Connectivity in the Arab World – Future Perspective, ANKABUT Users Meeting – Al Ain UAE, September 19, 2012
Status of e-Infrastructure in the Arab Region, Africa Research and Education Network – Banjul Gambia, May 15, 2012
Trends and Challenges of e-Infrastructures in the Arab Region, Africa Research and Education Network – Daar Essalam Tanzania, June 6, 2011
Status of Arab States Research and Education Network, International Center for Theoretical Physics Strada Costiera, Trieste Italy, May 19, 2011
Experience Control Systems and Dynamics Modeling analysis of adaptive control systems, state-space model of stochastic systems, and optimal estimation for discrete system models based on Kalman filters as optimal system state estimators for time-varying system models. Design of self-tuning controllers, implementation of lead-lag compensator, and stability and convergence analysis of stochastic gradient and least-square with covariance modification algorithms, and application study for attitude stabilization of the ATS-6 Collaboration: Professor Miloje Radenkovic [University of Colorado].
Fuzzy systems Knowledge base inference engines based on expert control and Fuzzy set theory. The main focus has been on fuzzy relations, reasoning, and compositional operators in systems control and prediction Collaboration: Professor Miloje Radenkovic [University of Colorado].
Scheduling of Power Generation Units Developing a new optimization method based on Augmented Lagrangian for scheduling hydrothermal generation units, while meeting real-time operational constraints of the electric power system. The analysis involved power dispatch, generation-load balance, unit commitment, transmission constraints, power loss, and emission cap requirements – Collaboration: Professor Renjeng Su [University of Colorado].
Electric Power Industry Restructuring Design, implementation, and analysis of restructured electricity industry operating on the basis of Pool and Multilateral Coordinated trade systems. Modeling complexity of two types of electricity restructuring mechanisms comprising of electric power generation entities (all sorts of generation mix: Hydro, Thermal, Coal, and Nuclear) on the supply side, transmission grid interconnection, and power distribution on the demand side. A non-linear system of equations has been developed on the basis of the supply function equilibria model for deriving bidding strategies of competing generators. Analysis of bus power injections, power system stability, spot pricing, network congestion, and elasticity of power demand. An augmented Lagrangian approach is introduced to solve iteratively for global optimal operations schedules in bilateral and day-ahead electricity markets Collaboration: Professor Renjeng Su [University of Colorado].
Agent-based electric power system Modeling of the main electricity elements: generation, transmission, and distribution as complex adaptive systems that need to strictly coordinate not only to trade but also to keep generation-load balance in real-time while maintaining security and reliability, emission cap, and contingency limitations of the electricity grid system. Implementing a complex adaptive system model to create intelligent software agents that interact and coordinate autonomously on behalf of their underlying electricity elements, while coping with the inherent real-time dynamism in electricity supply and demand. Use of evolutionary negotiation strategies among trade agents. Develop a software architecture for an agent-based grid system using C++/DCOM and ACL/KQML Collaboration: Professor Nabil Fayoumi [Yarmouk University] and Professor Amjed Fahoum [Yarmouk University].
Supply Curve Bidding of Electricity Contributing to the “Standard Market Design” research in electricity systems related to optimal supply curve bidding, locational marginal pricing, and transmission congestion. Developing models that allow power generation companies to produce different types of profit-maximizing supply curve bids while meeting network congestion constraints Collaboration: Professor Hatim Yamin [Yarmouk University], Professor Mohamed Shahidehpour [Illinois Institute of Technology], and Professor Richard Tabors [Tabors & Caramanis Associates].
Innovative Partnership in Education Involved as a Dean, Department Chair, and Director in several industry linkage projects and educational development programs in coordination with international universities in Germany, Finland, Sweden, and the US. Developing quality, relevant, and industry-oriented IT education and devising an innovative partnership model that links the academic institutions with the ICT industrial sector to better cultivate collaboration and partnership with industrial and business partners and align the skills and knowledge of students to real and immediate industry needs Collaborations: Professor Tapio Varis [University Tampere], Professor Rainer Herpers/ Professor Ulrich-Witt [Bonn-Rhine-Sieg University of Applied Sciences], Professor Ralf Denzer [Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft des Saarlandes], and Professor Leonard Ferrari [Naval Postgraduate School].
e-Infrastructure Involved as an Advisor in the Arab States Research and Education Network in several European Commission-funded FP7 projects for developing a pan-Arab e-Infrastructure. The purpose is to establish a dedicated high-speed communication network to link universities and research centers in the Arab region and facilitate access to computing resources and digital content worldwide. The projects include CHAIN, CHIAN-REDs, EUMEDCONNECT3, EUMEDGRID, and EPIK. Collaborations: Professor Ales Krenek, [CESNET (Czech Republic)], David West, [DANTE (UK)], Professor Federico Ruggieri, [INFN (Italy)], Dr. Ognjen Prnjat, [GRNET (Greece)], Dr. Roberto Barbera, [INFN & University of Catania (Italy)]