Vitalice Owuor | Food Research | Best Researcher Award

Mr Vitalice Owuor |  Food Research |  Best Researcher Award

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology,  Kenya

Calvin Owuor Vitalice is a dedicated environmental and fisheries professional from Kenya. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Environmental Legislation and Management at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), with a funded project in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Calvin holds a BSc in Fisheries from JKUAT and has worked as a Part-time Teaching Assistant at JKUAT, where he supports students in various academic capacities. His experience also includes serving as a Fisheries Officer in Siaya County, where he contributed to sustainable fisheries practices and beach management. Prior to this, he taught biology and business studies at Unibridge High School. Calvin’s expertise extends to data categorization.

Profile:

Education:

  • MSC in Environmental Legislation and Management (2021 – Present), JKUAT (Funded project with JICA)
  • BSc in Fisheries (2015 – 2019), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
  • Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (K.C.S.E.) (2011 – 2014), Chulaimbo Secondary School
  • Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (K.C.P.E.) (2001 – 2010), Ochok Kadongo Primary School

Employment:

  • Part-time Teaching Assistant (Jan 2020 – Present), JKUAT, Nairobi
    Responsibilities include invigilating exams, consultancy services, student counseling, teaching, and data entry.
  • Fisheries Officer (May 2019 – Aug 2019), Siaya County, Rarieda Sub-county
    Oversaw beach cleanliness, maintained order among fishermen, and ensured the use of appropriate fishing gear and compliance with fishing regulations.
  • High School Teacher (May 2016 – Aug 2018), Unibridge High School, Nairobi
    Taught biology and business studies, managed timetabling, and ensured student discipline.

Skills:

  • Excellent in categorizing data, integrity, patience, communication, and teamwork.

Publication:

Nitrogenous Waste Removal in Closed Freshwater Recirculating Aquaculture Systems Using an Innovative DHS-USB Bioreactor
Journal of Agriculture and Food Research
March 2025 | Journal Article
DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101577

 

 

Petya Veleva | Agricultural Science | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr Petya Veleva |  Agricultural Science |  Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Professor at  Department of Agricultural Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petya Marinova Veleva is an expert in automated systems, artificial intelligence, and precision agriculture. She holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and Machine Tools and a PhD in Automation of Engineering Labor and Systems for Automated Design. Dr. Veleva’s research focuses on intelligent data analysis, agricultural safety, and the application of artificial neural networks and Near Infrared Spectroscopy in agriculture and food safety. She has collaborated with renowned institutions, including Kobe University (Japan) and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and has published 34 journal articles and 6 books.

Profile:

Academic & Professional Background:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Petya Veleva holds a Master’s degree in “Mechanical Engineering Technology and Machine Tools” and a PhD in “Automation of the Engineering Labor and Systems for Automated Design.” Her research focuses on automated systems for data analysis, artificial intelligence in precision agriculture, intelligent animal husbandry, and food safety evaluation, with specializations in artificial neural networks, Near Infrared Spectroscopy, and Aquaphotomics. She has gained valuable international experience through JSPS Fellowship in Japan, and research mobility at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany) and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (Romania).

Research & Innovations:

Dr. Veleva has completed 39 research projects and is currently involved in 6 ongoing projects. Her work has resulted in 34 journal publications (SCI, Scopus), 6 books, and 1 patent. She collaborates with prestigious institutions like Kobe University (Japan), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Germany), and the University of Agronomic Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Bucharest (Romania). She is also a member of the editorial board of the journal SLOVJANI.info and has an h-index of 5 in Scopus.

Contributions:

Dr. Veleva’s research contributes to advancements in sustainable agriculture, smart crop production, and intelligent animal husbandry. Her work supports human health, bioeconomy, and quality of life through innovative applications of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in agriculture.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Impact of Different Sugar Syrups on the Development of the Fat Body in Worker Bees (Apis mellifera macedonica)
    Agriculture (2025-01-02)
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15010083
  • Exploring Microelement Fertilization and Visible–Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Enhanced Productivity in Capsicum annuum and Cyprinus carpio Aquaponic Systems
    Plants (2024-12-20)
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13243566
  • Differentiation of Amaranthus Species and Estimation of Their Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Potential Using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
    Plants (2024-11-30)
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13233370
  • Assessment of Tomato Quality through Near-Infrared Spectroscopy—Advantages, Limitations, and Integration with Multivariate Analysis Techniques
    Conference Paper (2024-08-08)
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024070034
  • Indirect Determination of Basic Tomato Quality Parameters Using Color Digital Images
    Conference Paper (2024-08-06)
    DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024070024
  • Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Rapid Differentiation of Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)
    Sensors (2024-06-04)
    DOI: 10.3390/s24113620
  • Evaluating the Performance and Practicality of a Multi-Parameter Assessment System with Design, Comparative Analysis, and Future Directions
    Sustainability (2024-05-14)
    DOI: 10.3390/su16104124
  • Detection of Fungal Diseases in Lettuce by VIR-NIR Spectroscopy in Aquaponics
    Microorganisms (2023)
    DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS11092348
  • Non-Destructive Determination of Plant Pigments Based on Mobile Phone Data
    TEM Journal-Technology Education Management Informatics (2023)
    DOI: 10.18421/TEM123-23
  • An Aquaphotomics Approach for Investigation of Water-Stress-Induced Changes in Maize Plants
    Sensors (2023-12-07)
    DOI: 10.3390/s23249678
  • Influence of Some Environmental Factors on Summer Phytoplankton Community Structure in the Varna Bay, Black Sea (1992–2019)
    Water (2023-04-25)
    DOI: 10.3390/w15091677

 

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain | Agricultural Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Muhammad Zakaria Hossain |  Agricultural Engineering |  Best Researcher Award

Scientific Officer at  Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur,  Bangladesh

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been serving as a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012. His research focuses on precision agriculture, farm machinery, and renewable energy, with notable contributions to developing IoT-based agricultural systems and robotic mowers for orchard management. He has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter, earning recognition such as the Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024). With over 12 years of experience, Zakaria has led multiple innovative projects, presented at international conferences, and completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

 

Publication Profile

📚 Academic and Professional Background:

Muhammad Zakaria Hossain has been a Scientific Officer at BARI since 2012, focusing on precision agricultural techniques for sustainable crop production. His PhD research explored robotic mowers for orchard floor management. With over 12 years of experience, he has published 11 journal articles and a book chapter in reputable platforms like Wiley and MDPI.

🚜 Research and Innovations:

He has led and contributed to various projects, including developing IoT-based systems, solar-powered machinery, and automated agricultural tools. Notable projects include the Farm Machinery Technology Development Project (2020–2025) and the Smallholder Agricultural Competitiveness Project (2024).

🌟 Achievements:

  • Best Paper Award at the 63rd Annual Meeting of the Japanese Weed Society (2024).
  • Presented research at 11 conferences, including ASABE AIM (2021).
  • Completed advanced training programs, including a 7-month JICA training in Japan.

🛠️ Areas of Expertise:

Precision agriculture, farm machinery, renewable energy, UAV imagery, and sensor-embedded systems.

🌐 Professional Memberships:

Member of ASABE, Bangladesh Society of Agricultural Engineers, Japanese Society of Farm Work Research, and JICA Alumni Association Bangladesh.

Publication Top Note:

  • Hanging as a method of suicide: Retrospective analysis of postmortem cases
    M Ahmad, MZ Hossain
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2010
  • Design and development of solar dryer for chilli drying
    MZ Hossain, MA Hossain, MA Awal, MM Alam, A Rabbani
    International Journal of Research, 2015
  • Weed management and economic analysis of a robotic lawnmower: A case study in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    Agriculture, 2021
  • Performance evaluation of a cabinet solar dryer for drying red pepper in Bangladesh
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MFB Hossain, MSH Sarker, MA Awal, N Jahan
    Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2018
  • Design of a new beneficial single-axis automatic controlled solar tracker
    MRI Sarker, RA Beg, MZ Hossain, MT Islam
    Proceedings of the 11th APM, 2006
  • Drying and dehydration kinetics of ginger
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, M Aktar, MS Islam, Z Hasan
    International Journal of Innovation and Applied Studies, 2014
  • Robotic lawnmower saves labor and operation costs in a pear (Pyrus pyrifolia) orchard
    MZ Hossain, K Takahashi, M Komatsuzaki
    Japanese Journal of Farm Work Research, 2020
  • Rehydration characteristics of dried summer onion
    MM Alam, MZ Hossain, MN Islam
    International Journal of Research, 2014
  • Optimization of the year‐round mowing schedule of a robotic lawnmower in a Japanese pear orchard
    MZ Hossain, S Watanabe, T Okayama, M Komatsuzaki
    Weed Biology and Management, 2022
  • Risk of High Systolic Blood Pressure among the Air Crew in Bangladesh Air Force
    MM Rahman, MA Wahab, MZ Hossain, MM Yasin, NKBG Quddus
    Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 2021
  • Osmotic development of value-added garlic products through dehydration and mechanical drying
    M Alam, MZ Hossain, W Ahmed, S Nahar
    Scientia, 2017
  • Architecture program structure in Bangladesh: A critical study
    M Ahsan, SI Raj, M Hossain, A Kundu
    International Seminar on Architecture: Education, Practice and Research, 2012
  • The need to incorporate ergonomics in smart agriculture and organic farming in agricultural and biological engineering education
    M Komatsuzaki, MZ Hossain, NS Dewi
    Agricultural, Biosystems, and Biological Engineering Education, 2024
  • RTK-UAV monitoring of oat cover crop termination by a straight-bar roller-crimper amid weeds
    MZ Hossain, M Komatsuzaki
    2021 ASABE Annual International Virtual Meeting, 2021
  • Design and development of a low-cost power tiller operated potato harvester for small farmers, Bangladesh
    MZHKKS MI Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Agricultural Engineering, 2016
  • Computer vision technique for optimum nitrogen application in rice
    MZ Hossain, MM Alam, MA Haque, A Rahman, MA Awal
    International Journal of Research (IJR), 2014
  • Impact study of a generation-rich island and development of auto load shedding scheme to improve service reliability
    M Hossain, MS Alam, MI Hossain, MQ Ahsan
    1st International Conference on Electrical Engineering and Information, 2014
  • Study of impacts on operation of island and frequency-based auto load shedding to improve service reliability using CYME PSAF
    M Hossain, H Rahman, MQ Ahsan
    7th International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering, 2012
  • Effects of gibberellic acid and indole-3-acetic acid on growth, development, and yield of Arahar plants (Cajanus Cajan (L.) millsp. cultivar 76013)
    R Parveen, SN Hossin, F Hossain, M Hossain
    Bangladesh Journal of Life Sciences, 1994
  • 日本のナシ果樹園におけるロボット芝刈り機の評価と草刈りの最適化
    MZ Hossain

 

Farnaz almasi | Soil-Vegetable System | Best Researcher Award

Dr Farnaz almasi |  Soil-Vegetable System |  Best Researcher Award

shoushtar faculty, Iran

Farnaz Almasi is an environmental researcher specializing in bioremediation, pollution control, and environmental health risk assessments. Her work focuses on innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of pollutants in water, soil, and industrial environments, particularly in saline and contaminated areas. Almasi has contributed to several studies on biosurfactant-assisted composting, biodegradation of petroleum, and the health risks associated with environmental contaminants like pesticides and heavy metals. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, including research on the degradation of hazardous chemicals and the health impacts of pollutants in aquatic systems. With a strong background in environmental engineering, Almasi continues to make significant strides in the field of environmental health and pollution management.

 

Publication Profile

🏆 Notable Achievements:

  • Published extensively in high-impact journals, with a focus on biosurfactant-assisted composting, herbicide residue monitoring, and bioremediation using halotolerant bacterial strains.
  • Contributed significantly to studies on health risk assessments related to environmental contaminants, including pesticides and toxic elements.

🧪 Key Research Contributions:

  • Enhanced bioremediation techniques for petroleum-contaminated saline soils.
  • Health risk assessment of herbicides and organochlorine pesticides in water systems.
  • Systematic reviews on the environmental transmission of COVID-19 and arsenic’s role in kidney cancer.

Key Skills and Expertise:

  • Bioremediation of industrial and saline environments.
  • Risk assessment of environmental pollutants.
  • Advanced oxidation processes for pollutant degradation.

📚 Research Focus:

Farnaz Almasi is a prolific researcher specializing in environmental science and engineering, with a strong emphasis on bioremediation, pollution control, and environmental health risk assessments. Her work often explores innovative solutions for mitigating the effects of pollutants in water, soil, and industrial environments.

Citation Metrics:

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 424
  • Citations Since 2019: 339

h-index:

  • Total h-index: 11
  • h-index Since 2019: 10

i10-index:

  • Total i10-index: 16
  • i10-index Since 2019: 10

Publication Top Note:

  • A comparative study on the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions by electro–Fenton and electro–persulfate processes using iron electrodes
    AR Rahmani, H Rezaeivahidian, M Almasi, A Shabanlo, H Almasi
    Research on Chemical Intermediates 42, 1441-1450 (58 citations, 2016)
  • Removal of turbidity and organic matter from car wash wastewater by electrocoagulation process
    MJ Mohammadi, J Salari, A Takdastan, M Farhadi, P Javanmardi, AR Yari, …
    Desalination and Water Treatment 68, 122-128 (50 citations, 2017)
  • Spatial distribution, ecological and health risk assessment and source identification of atrazine in Shadegan international wetland, Iran
    H Almasi, A Takdastan, N Jaafarzadeh, AA Babaei, YT Birgani, …
    Marine Pollution Bulletin 160, 111569 (48 citations, 2020)
  • Arsenic in drinking water and kidney cancer: a systematic review
    N Jaafarzadeh, A Poormohammadi, H Almasi, Z Ghaedrahmat, F Rahim, …
    Reviews on Environmental Health 38 (2), 255-263 (24 citations, 2023)
  • Activated persulfate by chelating agent Fe·/complex for in situ degradation of phenol: intermediate identification and optimization study
    AR Rahmani, A Poormohammadi, F Zamani, Y Tahmasebi Birgani, S Jorfi, …
    Research on Chemical Intermediates 44, 5501-5519 (24 citations, 2018)
  • A comparative study on the removal of pentachlorophenol using copper-impregnated pumice and zeolite
    AR Rahmani, S Jorfi, G Asgari, F Zamani, H Almasi, Z Masoumi
    Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 6 (2), 3342-3348 (24 citations, 2018)
  • Modeling and optimization of ciprofloxacin degradation by hybridized potassium persulfate/zero valent-zinc/ultrasonic process
    AR Rahmani, H Rezaei-Vahidian, H Almasi, F Donyagard
    Environmental Processes 4, 563-572 (23 citations, 2017)
  • Effect of silica on the ultrasonic/persulfate process for degradation of Acid Black 1 in aqueous solutions
    AR Rahmani, F Zamani, A Shabanloo, H Almasi
    AVICENNA JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH ENGINEERING 3 (2), 0-0 (17 citations, 2016)
  • Optimization of catalytic ozonation process for removal of reactive black 5 dye using bone char ash modified by magnesium oxide and applying taguchi design
    G Asgari, H Almasi, J Fardmal, F Ghanbari, Z Daraie, S Akbari
    Journal of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences 24 (122), 252-262 (17 citations, 2015)
  • Optimization of ciprofloxacin antibiotic sonochemical degradation with persulfate activated by nano zero-valent iron by central composite design method
    AR Rahmani, H Almasi, S Bajalan, H Rezaei Vahidian, A Zarei, …
    J. Health 8, 231-245 (11 citations, 2017)
  • Investigation into catalytic potential of marble powder in catalytic ozonation of reactive black 5
    S Akbari, F Ghanbari, H Almasi, G Asgari
    (11 citations, 2017)
  • Removal of 2, 4-dichlorophenol from aqueous solution using ultrasonic/H2O2
    M Sadrnourmohamadi, A Poormohammadi, H Almasi, G Asgari, …
    Desalination and Water Treatment 75, 189-194 (11 citations, 2017)
  • Removal of 2, 4 di-chlorophenol using persulfate activated with ultrasound from aqueous solutions
    A Seid Mohammadi, G Asgari, H Almasi
    Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 1 (4), 259-270 (11 citations, 2014)
  • Herbicide residues in water resources: a scoping review
    S Jorfi, F Rahim, A Rahmani, N Jaafarzadeh, Z Ghaedrahmat, H Almasi, …
    Avicenna Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 8 (2), 126-133 (10 citations, 2021)
  • Biodegradation of Bisphenol A in a saline industrial wastewater using Alcaligenes faecalis strain BPAN5
    A Neisi, AR Rahmani, S Ghafari, S Jorfi, H Almasi
    Desalination and Water Treatment 189, 276-282 (10 citations, 2020)
  • Investigation of sonochemical oxidation process in the presence of SiO2, CuSO4 and Na2SO4 in removal of acid black1 azo dye from aqueous solution
    HA R Rahmani, Z Masoumi, A Shabanlo, S Akbari
    Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences 13 (12), 1115-1128 (10 citations, 2015)
  • The study of phenol removal from aqueous solutions using oxidizing agents of peroxide hydrogen, persulfate and periodate activated by ultrasound
    H Almasi, G Asgari, M Leili, Z Sharifi, A Seid-Mohammadi
    Journal of Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences 15 (9), 835-848 (9 citations, 2017)
  • Monitoring and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in Karun River and drinking water Ahvaz city, South West of Iran
    S Jorfi, A Poormohammadi, E Maraghi, H Almasi
    Toxin Reviews 41 (2), 361-369 (8 citations, 2022)
  • Sonochemical oxidation of phenol using persulfate activated by zerovalent iron nanoparticles in aqueous environments
    R Shokouhi, Y Poureshgh, H Almasi, A Shabanloo
    J Occup Environ Health 2 (1), 7-17 (7 citations, 2016)
  • Application of a moving bed biofilm reactor in removal of ciprofloxacin from real hospital effluent: effect of operational conditions
    R Shokoohi, H Almasi, M Sedighi, Z Daraee, S Akbari
    Avicenna Journal of Environmental Health Engineering 4 (2), 19-23 (6 citations, 2017)

 

 

Dinesh Sharma | Agriculture | Best Innovation Award

Dr Dinesh Sharma |  Agriculture |  Best Innovation Award

Associate Professor at  Manipal University Jaipur,  India

Dr. Dinesh Sharma is an accomplished Associate Professor in Data Science and Engineering at Manipal University Jaipur. With over 14 years of experience in technical and engineering education, he has contributed extensively to academia, research, and software development. His expertise spans artificial intelligence, precision agriculture, and wireless sensor networks.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering – Uttarakhand Technical University, Dehradun (2021)
  • M.E. in Computer Science & Engineering – R.G.P.V., Bhopal (2007)
  • B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering – R.G.P.V., Bhopal (2006)
  • C-DAC Certification in Software Development – ACTS, Pune (2007)

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Associate Professor at Manipal University Jaipur (Aug 2023 – Present)
  • Assistant Professor at Amity University, Madhya Pradesh (2015 – 2023)
  • Assistant Professor at IMS Unison University, Dehradun (2013 – 2015)
  • Head of Department & Assistant Professor at Amardeep College of Engineering, Agra (2012 – 2013)
  • Guest Lecturer at Rustamji Institute of Technology, Gwalior (2008 – 2010)
  • Software Designer & Developer (Freelancer) at D-Sys Data Solution, Gwalior (2008 – 2012)

📚 Research & Innovations:

  • Published multiple patents, including systems for intelligent animal welfare, waste composting, and assistive devices for the visually impaired.
  • Authored research papers on AI applications in agriculture and soil monitoring.
  • Contributed book chapters on enterprise service buses and data mining in agriculture.
  • Current research interests include AI in cybersecurity, precision agriculture, and energy-efficient wireless networks.

🏆 Achievements & Skills:

  • Proficient in C#, ASP.Net, PHP, Java, and Android app development.
  • Coordinated academic initiatives, including KPI management, coding clubs, and entrepreneurship cells.
  • Extensive experience in organizing and attending FDPs and workshops on cutting-edge technologies and pedagogy.

Publication Top Note:

  • A New Energy-Efficient Multitier Deterministic Energy-Efficient Clustering Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
    Symmetry, 12(5), 837, 2020.
  • Energy-Efficient Multitier Random DEC Routing Protocols for WSN in Agriculture
    Wireless Personal Communication, 2021.
  • Factors Affecting E-Waste Management: An Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
    2015 Fifth International Conference on Communication Systems and Network Technologies, 2015.
  • Comparative Energy Evaluation of LEACH Protocol for Monitoring Soil Parameters in Wireless Sensor Networks
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 29, 381-396, 2020.
  • Enhanced PEGASIS Algorithm for Increasing the Lifetime of Wireless Sensor Networks
    Materials Today: Proceedings, 29, 372-380, 2020.
  • Face Mask Detection Analysis for COVID-19 Using CNN and Deep Learning
    2022 IEEE 11th International Conference on Communication Systems and Network Technologies, 2022.
  • Comparative Analysis of Skin Cancer Detection Using Classification Algorithms
    2023 IEEE 15th International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Communication Networks, 2023.
  • Prognosis for Crop Yield Production by Data Mining Techniques in Agriculture
    Applications of Image Processing and Soft Computing Systems in Agriculture, 2019.
  • A Survey on Energy-Efficient Hierarchical-Based Routing Protocols in Wireless Sensor Networks
    International Journal of Wireless and Mobile Communication for Industrial and Systems Engineering, 2019.
  • A Role of Enterprise Service Bus in Building Web Services
    Exploring Enterprise Service Bus in the Service-Oriented Architecture Paradigm, 2017.
  • A New Approach for Wireless Communication Security Protocol by Using Mutual Authentication
    Advanced Computing, 3(3), 31, 2012.
  • Neural Network-Based Soil Parameters Predictive Coordination Algorithm for Energy-Efficient Wireless Sensor Networks
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024.
  • Deep Learning Approach to Analyse, Detect, and Classify COVID-19 Patients
    New Trends in Mathematical Science, 1, 2021.
  • Effect of Contention Windows Size in Binary Exponential Backoff Algorithm
    2015 Second International Conference on Advances in Computing and Communication Engineering, 2015.
  • Energy-Efficient Clean and Green IT: Concepts and Approaches
    International Journal of Smart Home, 9(6), 65-70, 2015.
  • Soil Nutrient Analysis and Automatic Monitoring in Precision Agriculture
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024.
  • Identification of Personality Traits by Machine Learning Analysis of Signatures and Handwriting
    SN Computer Science, 5(5), 497, 2024.
  • Enhancing Feature Extraction in Plant Image Analysis through a Multilayer Hybrid DCNN
    International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications in Engineering, 2023.
  • Increasing Growth of Agriculture Using Efficient Wireless Sensor Network Systems
    (Details missing; please provide the publication venue and year for completion).

 

Ousmane Thiare | Smart agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Ousmane Thiare |  Smart agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis,  Senegal

Professor Ousmane Thiaré has a distinguished academic and professional career, primarily at Gaston Berger University (GBU) in Saint-Louis, Senegal, where he has contributed significantly to the fields of computer science and higher education. Thiaré joined GBU in 1994, later obtaining a PhD in Computer Science from CY Cergy Paris University in 2007. His career includes various academic roles at GBU, including Assistant, Assistant Professor, Senior Lecturer, and ultimately Full Professor in 2015, recognized as an Exceptional Class Professor in 2021.

 

Publication Profile

Current Positions:

  • General Manager at the National Cyber-Infrastructure for Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (CINERI), Ministry of Higher Education, Senegal (since June 2022).
  • Full Professor in Computer Science at Gaston Berger University (since April 2021).
  • Head of the RESOCC Research Team (Networks, Communicating Objects, and Cybersecurity) at GBU (since June 2024).
  • Full Member of the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal (since December 2021).
  • Expert Evaluator for various international academic projects, including ARES (Belgium), ANR (France), and CAMES (Africa).

Past Leadership Roles:

  • Rector (Vice-Chancellor) of Gaston Berger University (May 2018 – March 2023), leading the university’s academic strategy and operational management.
  • Director of the African Centre of Excellence for Mathematics, Informatics, and ICT (ACE-MITIC), enhancing educational opportunities for youth in STEM (2017-2020).

Professor Thiaré’s extensive leadership experience is complemented by his contributions to digital infrastructure, cyberinfrastructure, and academic excellence at national and international levels, including serving as an advisor on higher education policies and cyber strategies.

Research and Expertise:

Professor Thiaré’s research spans several areas of computer science, including:

  • Distributed systems and resource management
  • Cloud computing and mobile ad hoc networks
  • Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT)
  • Cybersecurity, wireless sensor networks, and computing grids

He is also involved in the European Research Project URBANE, focusing on One Health approaches in agroecology.

Notable Contributions:

  • Led the Scholars Program at GBU, securing significant funding to train 1,000 students by 2030 in digital fields, agriculture, health, and engineering.
  • Played a crucial role in CINERI, managing Senegal’s national supercomputing resources and improving digital services for education and research.
  • Supported the development of scientific infrastructure in Senegal and contributed to international collaborations in higher education and research.

Professor Thiaré’s vision continues to shape the future of higher education, digital transformation, and scientific collaboration across Africa and beyond.

Citations:

  • Total Citations: 806
  • Citations Since 2019: 660
  • h-index: 15 (total), 13 (since 2019)
  • i10-index: 26 (total), 17 (since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Enabling Privacy and Security in Cloud of Things: Architecture, Applications, Security & Privacy Challenges
    Published in Applied Computing and Informatics, 2024 – 111 citations.
  • Flood Forecasting Based on an Artificial Neural Network Scheme
    Published in Natural Hazards, 2020 – 75 citations.
  • Resource Allocation Scheme for 5G C-RAN: A Swarm Intelligence Based Approach
    Published in Computer Networks, 2019 – 71 citations.
  • HGC: HyperGraph-Based Clustering Scheme for Power-Aware Wireless Sensor Networks
    Published in Future Generation Computer Systems, 2020 – 52 citations.
  • A Study on IoT Solutions for Preventing Cattle Rustling in the African Context
    Published in ICC, 2017 – 36 citations.
  • Low-Cost Antenna Technology for LPWAN IoT in Rural Applications
    Published in IEEE International Workshop on Advances in Sensors and Interfaces, 2017 – 33 citations.
  • Nature-Based One Health Approaches to Urban Agriculture Can Deliver Food and Nutrition Security
    Published in Frontiers in Nutrition, 2022 – 25 citations.
  • Outdoor Localization and Distance Estimation Based on Dynamic RSSI Measurements in LoRa Networks: Application to Cattle Rustling Prevention
    Published in International Conference on Wireless and Mobile Computing, 2019 – 21 citations.
  • A Comparative Study of Machine Learning and Deep Learning Methods for Flood Forecasting in the Far-North Region, Cameroon
    Published in Scientific African, 2024 – 18 citations.
  • Applications of Probiotic-Based Multi-Components to Human, Animal, and Ecosystem Health: Concepts, Methodologies, and Action Mechanisms
    Published in Microorganisms, 2022 – 18 citations.

 

Zongho Kom | Agricultural | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zongho Kom |  Agricultural  | Best Researcher Award

University Of Venda,  South Africa

Dr. Zongho Kom holds a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Venda, South Africa, where he also completed his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Sciences. He is currently a Doctoral Fellow at the University of Venda, engaged in research, publications, and supervising postgraduate students. Dr. Kom has previously worked as a Project Administrator for the South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership and as a Coordinator of Conservation Technology in Chad.

 

Publication Profile

Educational Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. in Geography
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Master of Environmental Sciences (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa
  • Bachelor of Environmental Sciences Honours (Geography)
    University of Venda, South Africa

Career History:

  • Doctoral Fellowship, University of Venda
    June 2021 – Present
    Responsibilities include conducting research, publishing findings, and supervising postgraduate students.
  • Project Administrator / Teaching Postgraduate, University of Venda
    South Africa/Flander Climate Adaptation Research and Training Partnership (SAF-ADAPT)
  • Coordinator of Conservation Technology, African Parks
    Chad (September 2020 – April 2021)
  • Administrator of GIS Certificate Course / Facilitator and Senior Tutor, University of Venda
    January 2013 – 2019
    Taught various environmental courses in Geography.

Research Interests:

Dr. Kom’s research focuses on climate change adaptation policies, environmental awareness, sustainable livelihoods, smallholder farming systems, indigenous knowledge systems, food security, and geospatial analysis.

Grants and Fellowships:

  • Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Venda
  • National Research Foundation (NRF) Doctoral Fellowship Grant
  • NRF Student Travel Grant for the American Association of Geographers (2017)
  • Travel grant for the International Geographical Union (2015)

Memberships:

  • South Africa for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)
  • Society of South Africa Geographers (SSAG)

Publication Top Notes

  • Smallholder Farmers Multinomial Choice Analysis for Climate Change and Variability in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024 | Type: Book Chapter
    DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-2926-5_4
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Solomon E. Uhunamure, Sylvester Mpandeli, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Jacobus N. Steyn, Karabo Shale, Pindulo Ramasunga, Hector Chikoore
  • Indigenous and Local Knowledge: Instruments Towards Achieving SDG2: A Review in an African Context
    Year: 2024-10-21 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.3390/su16209137
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni Samuel Nethengwe
  • The Use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems Practices to Enhance Food Security in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2024-09 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40003-024-00716-8
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau, Shandukani C. Nenwiini
  • Climate Change, Food Security and Farmers’ Livelihoods: A Case Study in Limpopo Province, South Africa
    Year: 2024-05-14 | Type: Preprint
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4172452/v1
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Melanie D. Nicolau
  • Understanding Links Between Water Scarcity and Violent Conflicts in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin Using the Water Footprint Concept
    Year: 2024-02 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1029/2023EF004013
    Contributors: Elias Nkiaka, Robert G. Bryant, Zongho Kom
  • Indigenous Knowledge Indicators Employed by Farmers for Adaptation to Climate Change in Rural South Africa
    Year: 2023-11-10 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1080/09640568.2022.2086854
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore
  • Determinants of Small-scale Farmers’ Choice and Adaptive Strategies in Response to Climatic Shocks in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2022-04 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1007/s10708-020-10272-7
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, N. S. Nethengwe, N. S. Mpandeli, H. Chikoore
  • Climate Change Grounded on Empirical Evidence as Compared with the Perceptions of Smallholder Farmers in Vhembe District, South Africa
    Year: 2020-08 | Type: Journal Article
    DOI: 10.1177/0021909619891757
    Contributors: Zongho Kom, Nthaduleni S. Nethengwe, Sylvester Mpandeli, Hector Chikoore

 

Américo Ferraz Dias Neto | Agriculture | BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Dr Américo Ferraz Dias Neto |  Agriculture |  BioAgri Innovator Excellence Award

Executivo agrícola at  UNICAMP,  Brazil

Dr. Américo Ferraz Dias Neto is an accomplished Agricultural Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the bioenergy sector, specializing in agroindustrial processes, supply chain optimization, and sustainable agricultural operations. His expertise spans controlled traffic agriculture, digital agriculture, and predictive models for production improvement. Dr. Dias Neto has led large-scale projects and managed significant agricultural operations, gaining recognition through awards like the Outstanding Alumnus Award from UNICAMP and the Norman Joseph King Award.

Publication Profile

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (2021)
  • M.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (2000)
  • B.Sc. in Agricultural Engineering, FEAGRI-UNICAMP (1997)

Professional Experience:

  • Américo Ferraz Consult (2017–Present): Consulting in bioenergy, specializing in agricultural production management and sustainability.
  • Novo Milênio Distillery (2023–2024): Managed agricultural production over 28,000 hectares, enhancing productivity.
  • UMOE Bioenergy (2017–2020): Oversaw agro-industrial operations for a 42,000-hectare unit producing ethanol and energy.
  • Atvos (2007–2016): Led digital agriculture and logistics projects, implementing technologies for crop monitoring and cost reduction.

Publications & Patents:

Dr. Dias Neto has contributed to numerous publications focused on mechanized sugarcane harvesting, soil management, and digital agriculture. His notable patent includes “Soft Cana,” an innovative technology for sugarcane agriculture (2022).

Awards:

  • Norman Joseph King Award, ISSCT Congress (2023)
  • Outstanding Alumnus Award, UNICAMP (2023)

Publication Top Notes

  • Advancements of Agriculture 4.0 in Mechanized Sugarcane Harvesting: A Review
    Ciência Rural (2024)
    DOI: 10.1590/0103-8478cr20220562
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Jenyffer da Silva Gomes Santos, Raffaella Rossetto, João Domingos Biagi, Daniel Albiero
  • Use of Vegetation Activity Index for Evaluation of L-Alpha Amino Acid Treatment in Sugarcane Agriculture
    Agriculture (2024)
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14111877
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Ivan Bazo Bergamim, Flavio Roberto de Freitas Gonçalves, Raffaella Rossetto, Daniel Albiero
  • Use of Vegetation Activity Index for Evaluation of L-Alpha Amino Acid Treatment in Sugarcane (Preprint)
    (2024-09-22)
    DOI: 10.20944/preprints202409.1603.v1
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Ivan Bazo Bergamim, Flavio Roberto de Freitas Gonçalves, Raffaella Rossetto, Daniel Albiero
  • Strip Soil Tillage and Traffic Over the Soil on Sugar Cane Compared to Conventional Tillage Systems
    Sugar Tech (2023)
    DOI: 10.1007/s12355-023-01267-y
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Daniel Albiero, Raffaella Rossetto, João D. Biagi, Jenyffer Gomes da Silva
  • Modeling of Mechanized Sugarcane Harvesting to Support Decision-Making on Asset Management
    Sugar Tech (2022)
    DOI: 10.1007/s12355-022-01126-2
    Contributors: Américo Ferraz Dias Neto, Daniel Albiero, Raffaella Rossetto, João D. Biagi

 

Amira Ibrahim | Crop Evolution | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Amira Ibrahim |  Crop Evolution |  Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Science Arish University at  Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of science, Arish University, Egypt

Dr. Amira Abdallah Ibrahim Ahmed is an Assistant Professor of Plant Genetics in the Botany Department at Arish University, Egypt. Born on July 7, 1985, in Aga, Dakahlia, she has dedicated her career to advancing research in plant genetics. As a single Muslim woman, Dr. Ahmed embraces her identity while contributing to the scientific community. Her work focuses on understanding the genetic basis of plant traits, which is crucial for agricultural improvement and sustainability.

Publication Profile

Education:

  1. B.Sc. in Botany-Chemistry (2006), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
  2. M.Sc. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2012), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.
  3. Ph.D. in Basic Science (Botany) – Genetics and Plant Cytology (2018), Faculty of Science, Mansoura University.

Research Interests:

Dr. Amira specializes in plant genetics and cytology, with a particular focus on biocontrol agents, phytochemical analysis, molecular markers, plant stress responses, and crop improvement under environmental stresses.

Publication Top Notes

  1. Biochemical Characterization and Disease Control Efficacy of Pleurotus eryngii-Derived Chitosan
    An In Vivo Study against Monilinia laxa, the Causal Agent of Plum Brown Rot
    Published: 2024-09-17
    DOI: 10.3390/plants13182598
    Contributors: Ippolito Camele, Amira A. Mohamed, Amira A. Ibrahim, Hazem S. Elshafie
  2. Analysis of Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Phylogenetic Relationships of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) Markers
    Published: 2024-06
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01789-0
    Contributors: Khaled F. M. Salem et al. (including Amira A. Ibrahim)
  3. Association Study Between Some Cultivated Species and Their Wild Relatives from Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Brassicaceae Families Based on Molecular and DNA Barcoding in Egypt
    Published: 2024-03
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01681-x
    Contributors: Nerveen M. Essa, Amira A. Ibrahim, Magda I. Soliman
  4. Characterization and Comparative Genomic Analyses of Complete Chloroplast Genome on Trema orientalis L.
    Published: 2024-03
    DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01678-6
    Contributors: Amira A. Ibrahim et al.

 

Christian Coelho | Agricultural practices | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr  Christian Coelho |  Agricultural practices |  Best Researcher Award

UMR Fromage at  VetAgro Sup,  France

Dr. Christian Coelho is an Associate Professor at UMR Fromage / VetAgro Sup, specializing in agricultural and food science. He earned his Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from Université Paul Sabatier in 2006 and completed his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at Université Blaise Pascal in 2009. With a focus on the quality of fermented foods, particularly wine and cheese, he has authored numerous scientific papers and holds several patents. Dr. Coelho has supervised multiple graduate students and collaborates with various international research institutions and industry partners.

Publication profile:

Academic and Professional Background:

Dr. Christian Coelho obtained his Master’s degree in Environmental Chemistry from Université Paul Sabatier (2006) and a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from Université Blaise Pascal (2009). He served as an Assistant Professor in Food and Wine Science at the University of Burgundy (2011-2020) and co-led the National Diploma of Enology. In 2021, he joined VetAgro Sup as an Associate Professor, co-leading the Agriculture Environment Health and Territory program.

Research and Innovations:

Dr. Coelho’s research focuses on the impact of agricultural practices on the quality of fermented foods, particularly wine and cheese. He has authored 34 scientific papers, 2 review papers, and holds 2 patents, with an h-index of 20. His ongoing projects include the COST Pimento Programme and various FNADT and FEADER programs. He collaborates with international institutions and industry partners, enhancing the sustainability of food systems.

Contributions and Leadership:

A dedicated mentor, Dr. Coelho has supervised 5 PhD students and 24 Master’s students. He is actively involved in interprofessional associations focused on terroir-specific products and is leading initiatives on the cartography of fermented foods through the PIMENTO COST action.

 

Publication Top Notes:

  • Data fusion of HS-SPME-GCMS, NIRS, and fluorescence, using chemometrics, has the potential to explore the geographical origin of gentian rhizomes
    Food Chemistry
    2024-10 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2024.141564
  • Exploring the Impact of French Raw-Milk Cheeses on Oxidative Process Using Caenorhabditis elegans and Human Leukocyte Models
    Nutrients
    2024-06-13 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/nu16121862
  • Élimination de molécules phytosanitaires par des voies biologiques
    Revue des oenologues
    2024-01-01 | Book chapter
  • Produire des vins sans résidus quantifiables – Synthèse des résultats de 4 ans d’étude
    Revue des Oenologues
    2023-07-01 | Book chapter
  • Development of a Novel Flavored Goat Cheese with Gentiana lutea Rhizomes
    Foods
    2023-01-19 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/foods12030468
  • Mid-infrared spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis and machine-learning: A powerful tool to simultaneously assess geographical origin, growing conditions and bitter content in Gentiana lutea roots
    Industrial Crops and Products
    2022-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2022.115349
  • Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of dipicolinic acid and its salt photoproducts – A UVc effect study on DPA in solution and in bacterial spores
    Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy
    2022-11 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2022.121502
  • L’évolution du marketing digital par la filière viticole au service des consommateurs
    Revue des oenologues
    2022-09-01 | Book chapter
  • Typicité chimique et sensorielle des vins issus de terroirs volcaniques – Cas du gamay de l’AOC Côtes d’Auvergne
    Revue des oenologues
    2022-04-01 | Book chapter
  • Multispectral fluorescence sensitivity to acidic and polyphenolic changes in Chardonnay wines – The case study of malolactic fermentation
    Food Chemistry
    2022-02 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.131370
  • Analytical combinations to evaluate the macromolecular composition of extracellular substances (ECS) from Lactobacillus plantarum cell culture media
    Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
    2021-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s00216-020-03022-8
  • Influence of regionality and maturation time on the chemical fingerprint of whisky
    Food Chemistry
    2020-09 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2020.126748
  • How Chemical and Sensorial Markers Reflect Gentian Geographic Origin in Chardonnay Wine Macerated with Gentiana lutea Roots?
    Foods
    2020-08-05 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.3390/foods9081061
  • New advances on the Brettanomyces bruxellensis biofilm mode of life
    International Journal of Food Microbiology
    2020-04 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108464
  • Effect of ageing on lees and distillation process on fermented sugarcane molasses for the production of rum
    Food Chemistry
    2020-01 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125405
  • Sulfites and the wine metabolome
    Food Chemistry
    2017-12 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.05.039