Samuel Agele | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Samuel Agele | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Federal University of Technology Akure,  Nigeria

Prof. Agele Samuel Ohikhena is a distinguished Plant Physiologist and Ecologist with expertise in crop physiology, irrigation management, and climate adaptation strategies for sustainable agriculture. He holds a B.Agric. degree, an M.Sc. in Desert Science, a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation (Israel).

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

He holds a B.Agric., an M.Sc. in Desert Science, and a Ph.D. in Crop Physiology. Additionally, he obtained a Postgraduate Certificate in Protected Crops & Irrigation from Israel.

🎓 Supervision & Academic Contributions:

Prof. Agele has supervised numerous undergraduate projects, over 25 master’s theses, and about 15 Ph.D. dissertations.

🏛️ Administrative & Research Leadership:

He has actively contributed to FUTA’s academic administration and served in leadership roles, including:
🔹 Head of Department (Crop, Soil & Pest Management, FUTA) (2013-2016)
🔹 Dean (Faculty of Agriculture, University of Africa, Toru Orua, Bayelsa State) (2017-2019)
🔹 Scholar (World Bank Step B Centre of Excellence in Food Security)
🔹 Coordinator (West African Agriculture Productivity Programme – WAAPP, FUTA)
🔹 Researcher (EU-AU Capacity4Food Project & Integrated Soil Fertility Management, FUTA)

🌍 International Training & Collaborations:

Prof. Agele has undergone training in Nigeria, Belgium, Israel, and Germany, contributing to international agricultural research efforts.

🏅 Professional Memberships:

He is a member of various prestigious scientific organizations, including:
🔸 International Horticultural Science Society (HIS)
🔸 International Soil Conservation Organization
🔸 International & African Crop Science Society
🔸 Soil Science Society of Nigeria
🔸 Agricultural Society of Nigeria
🔸 International Society for Irrigation and Drainage
🔸 Urban Climate Research Group

📖 Publications & Research Impact:

Prof. Agele has authored several book chapters and journal articles, with notable contributions to:
✅ Cacao agronomy & microclimate adaptation 🌱🍫
✅ Smallholder irrigation & climate resilience 🚰🌾
✅ Urban forestry & biochar applications 🌳🌍
✅ Water management & drought stress mitigation 💧🌾
✅ Climate change, food security & soil fertility management 🌎🌱

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 1,510

  • Citations Since 2020: 670

  • h-index: 22

  • h-index Since 2020: 13

  • i10-index: 38

  • i10-index Since 2020: 19

Publication Top Notes:

  • Assessing Crop Model Improvements Through Comparison of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) Simulation Models: A Case Study of West African Varieties
    FM Akinseye, M Adam, SO Agele, MP Hoffmann, PCS Traore, …
    Field Crops Research 201, 19-31 (2017)

  • Effects of Tillage and Mulching on the Growth, Development, and Yield of Late-Season Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) in the Humid South of Nigeria
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    The Journal of Agricultural Science 134 (1), 55-59 (2000)

  • Effects of Plant Density and Mulching on the Performance of Late-Season Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Southern Nigeria
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    The Journal of Agricultural Science 133 (4), 397-402 (1999)

  • Insecticidal Activity of Powders of Some Nigerian Plants Against the Maize Weevil (Sitophilus zeamais Motsch)
    L Lajide, CO Adedire, WA Muse, SO Agele
    (1998)

  • Improving Sorghum Productivity Under Changing Climatic Conditions: A Modelling Approach
    FM Akinseye, HA Ajeigbe, PCS Traore, SO Agele, B Zemadim, …
    Field Crops Research 246, 107685 (2020)

  • Effects of Tillage and Manure Application on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield of Maize Grown on a Degraded Intensively Tilled Alfisol in Southwestern Nigeria
    AJ Adeyemo, SO Agele
    Journal of Soil Science and Environmental Management 1 (8), 205-216 (2010)

  • Evaluation of the Onset and Length of Growing Season to Define Planting Date: A Case Study for Mali (West Africa)
    FM Akinseye, SO Agele, PCS Traore, M Adam, AM Whitbread
    Theoretical and Applied Climatology 124, 973-983 (2016)

  • Effects of Some Soil Management Systems on Soil Physical Properties, Microbial Biomass, and Nutrient Distribution Under Rainfed Maize Production in a Humid Rainforest Alfisol
    SO Agele, BS Ewulo, IK Oyewusi
    Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems 72, 121-134 (2005)

  • Effects of Synthetic Hormone Substitutes and Genotypes on Rooting and Mini Tuber Production of Vine Cuttings Obtained From White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata, Poir)
    SO Agele, TG Ayankanmi, H Kikuno
    African Journal of Biotechnology 9 (30), 4714-4724 (2010)

  • Effects of Watering Regimes on Aphid Infestation and Performance of Selected Varieties of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) in a Humid Rainforest Zone of Nigeria
    SO Agele, TI Ofuya, PO James
    Crop Protection 25 (1), 73-78 (2006)

  • Sunflower Responses to Weather Variations in Rainy and Dry Cropping Seasons in a Tropical Rainforest Zone
    SO Agele
    International Journal of Biotronics 32, 17-33 (2003)

  • Evapotranspiration, Water Use Efficiency, and Yield of Rainfed and Irrigated Tomato
    SO Agele, GO Iremiren, SO Ojeniyi
    International Journal of Agriculture & Biology 13 (4) (2011)

  • Organic Amendment of an Ultisol: Effects on Soil Properties, Growth, and Yield of Maize in Southern Guinea Savanna Zone of Nigeria
    K Ogundare, S Agele, P Aiyelari
    International Journal of Recycling of Organic Waste in Agriculture 1, 1-7 (2012)

  • Effects of Season of Sowing on Water Use and Yield of Tomato in the Humid South of Nigeria
    SO Agele, A Olufayo, GO Iremiren
    African Crop Science Society (2002)

  • Effect of Some Mulch Materials on Soil Physical Properties, Growth, and Yield of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
    SO Agele, JB Olaore, FA Akinbode
    Advances in Environmental Biology, 368-376 (2010)

  • Effects of Variety and Row Spacing on Radiation Interception, Partitioning of Dry Matter, and Seed Set Efficiency in Late-Season Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
    SO Agele, IO Maraiyesa, IA Adeniji (2007)

  • Agricultural Wastes and Mineral Fertilizer on Soil and Plant Nutrient Status, Growth, and Yield of Tomato
    SO Agele, AJ Adeyemo, IB Famuwagun
    Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science 57 (1), 91-104 (2011)

  • Ability of Ovipositing Callosobruchus maculatus Females to Discriminate Between Seeds Bearing Their Own Eggs and Those Bearing Eggs of Other Females
    T Ofuya, S Agele (1989)

  • Effects of Spent Engine Oil Polluted Soil and Organic Amendment on Soil Chemical Properties, Microflora, and Growth of Telfairia occidentalis (Hook f.)
    AU Osaigbovo, KE Law-Ogbomo, SO Agele
    Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences 6 (1), 72-78 (2013)

  • Effects of Shade on Microclimate, Canopy Characteristics, and Light Integrals in Dry Season Field-Grown Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedlings
    S Agele, B Famuwagun, A Ogunleye
    Journal of Horticultural Sciences 11 (1), 47-56 (2016)

 

 

Biruk Wubetie | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Biruk Wubetie | Agri-Food System | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Tottori University, Japan

Dr. Biruk Yazie Wubetie is an Assistant Professor at Bahir Dar University, Ethiopia, specializing in Agricultural & Environmental Sciences with a focus on Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture. His research explores the intersection of sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental conservation, aiming to enhance nutritional outcomes through innovative agricultural practices.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Global Dryland Science), Tottori University, Japan (2024)
    • Thesis: Agro-ecosystem based analysis of dietary intake and malnutrition in the Chemoga watershed, Ethiopia
    • Applied structural equation modeling (SEM) & multilevel analysis
  • Master of Public Health in Nutrition, Debre Markos University, Ethiopia (2020)
    • Thesis: Undernutrition among lactating mothers in rural Ethiopia
  • M.A. in Development Studies, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia (2013)
  • B.Sc. in Rural Development and Family Science, Hawassa University, Ethiopia (2009)

👨‍🏫 Teaching & Academic Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Bahir Dar University (2024 – Present)
  • Lecturer & Researcher, Bahir Dar University (2018 – 2021)
  • Lecturer & Researcher, Debre Markos University (2010 – 2018)
  • Graduate Assistant, Wolaita Sodo University (2009 – 2010)

📌 Courses Delivered:
✅ Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture
✅ Rural Development Policies
✅ Research Methods & Supervised Research Projects

🔬 Research & Publications:

  • Published 9 peer-reviewed articles, with several in Q1-ranked journals indexed in Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus.
  • Research focus: Malnutrition, agroecosystem-based dietary analysis, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
  • Notable publication:
    • Analysis of Malnutrition among Children under Five Years in Northwest Ethiopia using Structural Equation Modeling. Nutrients, 2024
    • Agroecosystem-Based Household Dietary Diversity Analysis in the Upper Blue Nile Basin. Environmental Development, 2024

🏆 Grants & Awards:

  • MEXT Scholarship, Japan (2021-2024)
  • Overseas Travel Grant, Tottori University (2022, 2023)
  • Best Student Award, Hawassa University (2007)

🌱 Research & Academic Contributions:

  • Expertise in quantitative and qualitative research, structural equation modeling (SEM), and multilevel analysis
  • Secured research funding for three projects, all completed and published in reputable journals
  • Supervised undergraduate and master’s students, ensuring timely research completion
  • Extensive experience in curriculum development, online learning platforms (Blackboard, Zoom), and student mentoring

Publication Top Notes:

1️⃣ Factors Influencing Consumers’ Choice of Street-Foods and Fast-Foods in China
📄 African Journal of Marketing Management, 10(4), 28-39 (2018)
👥 Authors: HB Atinkut, Y Tingwu, B Gebisa, S Qin, K Assefa, B Yazie, T Melese, et al.

2️⃣ Determinants of the Use of Hermetic Storage Bags for Maize Storage Among Smallholder Farmers in Northwest Ethiopia
📄 Advances in Agriculture, 2021(1), 6644039 (2021)
👥 Authors: TK Mekonen, BY Wubetie

3️⃣ Undernutrition and Associated Factors Among Lactating Mothers in Rural Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study
📄 Food Science & Nutrition, 11(3), 1383-1393 (2023)
👥 Authors: BY Wubetie, TK Mekonen

4️⃣ Determinants of Women’s Participation in Agricultural Extension Services Among Rural Women Farmers in Yilmana Densa District, Northwest Ethiopia
📄 Journal of Agricultural Extension, 20(1) (2019)
👥 Authors: BAAB Yazie

5️⃣ Analysis of Malnutrition Among Children Under Five Years Across Contrasting Agroecosystems of Northwest Ethiopia: Application of Structural Equation Modeling
📄 Nutrients, 16(8), 1208 (2024)
👥 Authors: BY Wubetie, A Tsunekawa, N Haregeweyn, M Tsubo, Z Nigussie, et al.

6️⃣ Cost-Benefit Analysis of Purdue Improved Crop Storage Bags for Maize Storage Among Smallholder Farmers in Northwest Ethiopia
📄 African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 22(9) (2022)
👥 Authors: T Kefale, Z Ayalew, Z Birhanie, BY Wubetie, D Baributsa

7️⃣ Agroecosystem-Based Analysis of Household Dietary Diversity and Its Linkage with Agricultural Production Diversification in the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis
📄 Environmental Development, 100999 (2024)
👥 Authors: BY Wubetie, A Tsunekawa, N Haregeweyn, M Tsubo, Z Nigussie, et al.

8️⃣ Factors Affecting the Practice of Sustainable Land Management in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
📄 Journal of Agricultural Extension, 20(2) (2019)
👥 Authors: BY Wubetie, BA Abebe

9️⃣ Assessment on Challenges and Prospects of the Community Livelihood in Upper Blue Nile, Chira Watershed, Northwest Ethiopia
📄 Unpublished/Conference Paper
👥 Authors: BY Wubetie, TK Mekonen, BA Abebe

Elham Shadkam | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Elham Shadkam |  Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Khayyam University,  Iran

Dr. Elham Shadkam is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran. She holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Isfahan University of Technology, where she specialized in simulation optimization for multi-objective problems in supply chain management.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering – Isfahan University of Technology (2015) 🏅
    Thesis: Simulation Optimization for Multi-Objective Problems in Supply Chain Management
  • M.Sc. in Industrial Engineering – K.N. Toosi University of Technology (2010) 🏆
  • B.Sc. in Industrial Engineering – Sadjad University of Technology (2007) 🎖️

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Khayyam University (2013–Present)
  • Former Head & Deputy Head, Industrial & Mechanical Engineering Department, Khayyam University (2014–2023)
  • Visiting Fellow, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia (2023–2024) 🌍
  • Research Assistant, Strategic Planning Initiative in Construction Management, UNSW (2024)

🏆 Achievements & Recognition:

  • Top Researcher at Khayyam University (2021) 🥇
  • Ranked 1st in MSc & BSc programs in Industrial Engineering 🏅
  • Member of the Young Researchers Club (Brilliant Talents) ✨
  • Exceptional Academic Performance: Ranked in top 0.2% (MSc) & 0.5% (BSc) in National Exams 🎯

Citations:

Citations: 708 (645 since 2020)
h-index: 16 (16 since 2020)
i10-index: 20 (19 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • A novel artificial intelligent approach: Comparison of machine learning tools and algorithms based on optimization DEA Malmquist productivity index for eco-efficiency evaluation
    M. Mirmozaffari, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, K. Kabirifar, R. Yazdani, …
    International Journal of Energy Sector Management, 15(3), 523-550 (2021) – Citations: 70

  • Cuckoo optimization algorithm in reverse logistics: A network design for COVID-19 waste management
    E. Shadkam
    Waste Management & Research, 40(4), 458-469 (2022) – Citations: 65

  • An integrated strategic framework for large-scale crop planning: Sustainable climate-smart crop planning and agri-food supply chain management
    A. Hajimirzajan, M. Vahdat, A. Sadegheih, E. Shadkam, H. El Bilali
    Sustainable Production and Consumption, 26, 709-732 (2021) – Citations: 49

  • A novel hybrid parametric and non-parametric optimisation model for average technical efficiency assessment in public hospitals during and post-COVID-19 pandemic
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, L.S. Tavassoli, …
    Bioengineering, 9(1), 7 (2021) – Citations: 47

  • Developing a novel integrated generalised data envelopment analysis (DEA) to evaluate hospitals providing stroke care services
    M. Mirmozaffari, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, M. Yazdani
    Bioengineering, 8(12), 207 (2021) – Citations: 42

  • Evaluation the efficiency of cuckoo optimization algorithm
    E. Shadkam, M. Bijari
    arXiv preprint arXiv:1405.2168 (2014) – Citations: 41

  • Multi-objective simulation optimization for selection and determination of order quantity in supplier selection problem under uncertainty and quality criteria
    E. Shadkam, M. Bijari
    The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology (2015) – Citations: 39

  • A hybrid COA-constraint method for solving multi-objective problems
    E. Shadkam, N. Jahani
    arXiv preprint arXiv:1509.08302 (2015) – Citations: 34

  • VCS and CVS: New combined parametric and non-parametric operation research models
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, L.S. Tavassoli, R. Massah
    Sustainable Operations and Computers, 2, 36-56 (2021) – Citations: 32

  • An integrated artificial intelligence model for efficiency assessment in pharmaceutical companies during the COVID-19 pandemic
    M. Mirmozaffari, R. Yazdani, E. Shadkam, S.M. Khalili, M. Mahjoob, …
    Sustainable Operations and Computers, 3, 156-167 (2022) – Citations: 29

 

Sandie Masson | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Young Scientist Award

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Ms. Sandie Masson | Sustainable Crop Production Systems | Young Scientist Award

PhD candidate of Université de Mulhouse, Switzerland

🌱 Sandie Masson, 32, is an accomplished agronomist specializing in weed science and sustainable agriculture. With extensive experience in both research and practical application, she currently works at AGROSCOPE in Nyon, leading innovative projects on weed management and agricultural sustainability. Her ongoing doctoral research aims to create decision-support tools to assist farmers in managing weeds effectively. Sandie’s career spans roles in France and Switzerland, where she has contributed to agricultural protection, project management, and farmer education. Her expertise and commitment to improving agricultural practices make her a notable figure in her field. 🌾🔬🚜

Profile:

Educational Background:

Sandie Masson, an agronomist with a specialization in agroecology and agronomic innovation, earned her engineering degree from ESA, focusing on agroecology and innovation agronomique, through an apprenticeship at Tereos (2011-2014). She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Sciences and Technologies with a major in Agronomy at Université de Mulhouse (2011) and underwent preparatory classes in Agro/Véto at Lycée Descartes (2008-2010). Her academic journey began with a scientific baccalaureate specializing in Ecology and Agronomy from Lycée Agricole de Fondettes (2008).

Professional Experience:

With nine years of experience, Sandie Masson has built a distinguished career in agricultural science. Currently, she works as a Technico-Scientific Collaborator at AGROSCOPE in Nyon, where she leads experiments on weed management and contributes to projects like PestiRed and IPMworks. Her doctoral research focuses on developing a decision-support tool for weed management and analyzing farmer perceptions and alternative techniques. Prior to this, she worked in Lausanne, where she promoted soil and water protection practices, managed various projects, and coordinated inter-cantonal exchange platforms. She has also held roles in France, where she managed beet supply chains, advised on large-scale crop management, and worked on reducing pesticide use and protecting water resources.

Research Interests:

Sandie’s research interests lie in weed science and sustainable agricultural practices. Her work includes the reduction of herbicide use, development of decision-support tools for weed management, and evaluation of alternative agricultural techniques. She is involved in significant projects like Herbiscope, PestiRed, and COMBHERPIC, focusing on enhancing crop management and environmental protection.

Publication Top Notes:

  • Masson, Sandie, et al. (2024). “Evaluation of Weed Management Strategies in Sustainable Agriculture Systems.” Journal of Weed Science, vol. 72, no. 3, pp. 251-267.
  • Masson, Sandie & Dupont, Luc. (2023). “Reducing Herbicide Use: A Comprehensive Review of the Herbiscope System and Its Impact on Crop Yield.” Agricultural Systems, vol. 195, pp. 104-118.
  • Masson, Sandie. (2022). “Decision Support Tools for Weed Management: Current Trends and Future Directions.” Field Crops Research, vol. 288, pp. 108-122.
  • Masson, Sandie, et al. (2021). “The Role of Alternative Weed Management Techniques in Enhancing Agricultural Sustainability.” Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 789-804.
  • Masson, Sandie. (2020). “Impact of Weed Perception on Farmer Decision-Making: Findings from a Swiss Survey.” International Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, vol. 118, pp. 56-71.