Ahmed Mohamed El-Bondkly | Agricultural Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Ahmed Mohamed El-Bondkly | Agricultural Research |  Best Researcher Award

Professor at Biotechnology Research Institute / National Research Centre, Egypt

Dr. Ahmed El-Bondkly is a distinguished professor in the Genetics and Cytology Department at the National Research Centre (NRC) in Egypt. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Genetics from Tanta University, Egypt, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Genetics, focusing on genetic transformation in fungi and cellulase productivity. In 2008, he completed postdoctoral research in marine microbiology at IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Qualifications:

  • B.Sc. in Genetics – Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh, Tanta University, Egypt (1991)
  • M.Sc. in Genetics – Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh, Tanta University, Egypt (1997)
    Thesis: Protoplast fusion in Cephalosporium acremonium and its effect on antibiotic production
  • Ph.D. in Genetics – Faculty of Agriculture, Kafr El-Sheikh, Tanta University, Egypt (2002)
    Thesis: Genetic transformation in Trichoderma reesei to improve cellulase productivity
  • Postdoctoral Studies – IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany (2008)
    Research: Using molecular genetics techniques in marine microorganisms

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Professor – National Research Centre, Egypt (2013–Present)
  • Associate Professor – National Research Centre, Egypt (2007–2013)
  • Researcher – National Research Centre, Egypt (2002–2007)
  • Assistant Researcher – National Research Centre, Egypt (1997–2002)
  • Researcher Assistant – National Research Centre, Egypt (1993–1997)

🧪 Research Interests:

  • Microbial genetics
  • Genetic transformation and biotechnology techniques
  • Marine microbiology and molecular genetics
  • Biodegradation and environmental biotechnology

🏆 Awards:

  • NRC Prize for Scientific Contribution (Biotechnology) – 2012
  • Who’s Who in Science and Engineering (2007–2011) – Marquis Who’s Who, USA
  • Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare (2008) – The International Who’s Who, USA

📝 Editorial Memberships:

  • Advancements in Genetic Engineering
  • Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering
  • Journal of Agricultural Biotechnology and Sustainable Development (JABSD)
  • International Journal of Genetics and Genomics
  • Applied Microbiology: Theory & Technology

👥 Research Projects:

  • International Project (OTKA, Hungary) – Investigation of Trichoderma strains in mushroom cultivation
  • National Research Centre Projects – Genetic improvement of enzymes, microorganisms, and bioconversion of agricultural wastes
  • Principal Investigator – Treatment and reuse of industrial wastewater (2019–2021)

Citations:

  • Citations: 884
  • Documents: 674
  • h-index: 18
  • Number of documents: 35

Publication Top Notes:

  • Agro-Industrial Wastes as Low-Cost Production Media for the Phytochemical Constitutes and Biological Activity of Cadophora sp. (strain MERV20-1)
    Agricultural Research, 2025-01-23 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s40003-024-00837-0
    Contributors: Mervat Morsy Abbas Ahmed El-Gendy, Asmaa A. Abd El-galil, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Bondkly
  • Evaluation of Multidrug Resistance in the Gram-Negative Microbiome of Cancer Patients and the Adverse Effects of Their Metabolites on Albino Rats and Epithelial or Fibroblasts Cell Lines
    Infectious Agents and Cancer, 2025-01-16 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1186/s13027-024-00634-y
    Contributors: Mervat Morsy Abbas Ahmed El-Gendy, Huda Ahmed Alghamdi, Khaled G. Abdel-Wahhab, Nabila S. Hassan, Aya A. M. El-Bondkly, Mohammed Abdel-Wahab, Ayman A. Farghaly, Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed El-Bondkly
  • Bioremoval of Heavy Metals from Aqueous Solution Using Dead Biomass of Indigenous Fungi Derived from Fertilizer Industry Effluents: Isotherm Models Evaluation and Batch Optimization
    BioMetals, 2023 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s10534-023-00520-x
    Contributors: El-Gendy, M.M.A.A.; Abdel-Moniem, S.M.; Ammar, N.S.; El-Bondkly, A.M.A.
  • Multimetal Bioremediation from Aqueous Solution Using Dead Biomass of Mucor sp. NRCC6 Derived from Detergent Manufacturing Effluent
    Journal of Applied Genetics, 2023 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s13353-023-00765-9
    Contributors: El-Gendy, M.M.A.A.; Abdel-Moniem, S.M.; Ammar, N.S.; El-Bondkly, A.M.A.
  • Assessment of the Phylogenetic Analysis and Antimicrobial, Antiviral, and Anticancer Activities of Marine Endophytic Streptomyces Species of the Soft Coral Sarcophyton convolutum
    International Microbiology, 2022 | Journal article
    DOI: 10.1007/s10123-021-00204-x
    Contributors: El-Gendy, M.M.A.A.; Yahya, S.M.M.; Hamed, A.R.; El-Bondkly, A.M.A.

 

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

 

Davoud Akhzari | Biofertilizer Application | Best Researcher Award

Prof Davoud Akhzari | Biofertilizer Application | Best Researcher Award

Malayer University,  Iran

Dr. Davoud Akhzari is an Associate Professor specializing in phytoremediation, biotic and abiotic stress management, and plant eco-physiology. With a Ph.D. in Soil, Plant, and Environmental Sciences from Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, his research focuses on vegetation improvement, rangeland management, and soil rehabilitation. Dr. Akhzari has held key administrative roles at Malayer University and serves as a reviewer for numerous international journals. His expertise includes biofertilizer production, composting, and advanced data analysis using R and SAS software.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Soil, Plant, and Environmental Sciences (2012), Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran.
  • M.S. in Natural Resource Management (2007), Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran.

🧑‍🏫 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor, Malayer University (2011–2016).
  • Associate Professor, Malayer University (2016–present).
  • Held administrative roles, including Head of Department, Dean of Central Library, and Dean of Brilliant Talents Office.

🔬 Skills & Contributions:

  • Expertise in compost and biofertilizer production.
  • Reviewer for numerous scientific journals, including PLOS ONE and Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology.
  • Proficient in R and SAS for data analysis.

🌱 Research Focus:

Dr. Akhzari specializes in phytoremediation, biotic and abiotic stress management, and plant eco-physiology. His work addresses vegetation improvement in arid zones, rangeland management, and soil rehabilitation.

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 631
  • Citations Since 2019: 491
  • h-index: 13 (12 since 2019)
  • i10-index: 18 (14 since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • The removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions using two nano-structures: copper oxide and carbon tubes
    S. Mahdavi, D. Akhzari
    Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, 1-11, 2016 (64 citations)
  • Effect of Drought Stress on Total Protein, Essential Oil Content, and Physiological Traits of Levisticum Officinale Koch
    M.P., D. Akhzari
    Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2015 (57 citations)
  • Effects of salinity, drought, and priming treatments on seed germination and growth parameters of Lathyrus sativus L.
    S. Gheidary, D. Akhzari, M. Pessarakli
    Journal of Plant Nutrition 40 (10), 1507-1514, 2017 (47 citations)
  • Effects of Vermicompost and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Soil Properties and Growth of Medicago polymorpha L.
    D. Akhzari, B. Attaeian, A. Arami, F. Mahmoodi, F. Aslani
    Compost Science & Utilization 23 (3), 142-153, 2015 (43 citations)
  • Effects of cadmium stress on seedlings of various rangeland plant species (Avena fatua L., Lathyrus sativus L., and Lolium temulentum L.): Growth, physiological …
    L. Marzban, D. Akhzari, A. Ariapour, B. Mohammadparast, M. Pessarakli
    Journal of Plant Nutrition 40 (15), 2127-2137, 2017 (29 citations)
  • Effects of vermicompost and salinity stress on growth and physiological traits of Medicago rigidula L.
    D. Akhzari, M. Pessarakli, M. Khedmati
    Journal of Plant Nutrition 39 (14), 2106-2114, 2016 (25 citations)
  • Studying the effects of salinity stress on the growth of various halophytic plant species (Agropyron elongatum, Kochia prostrata, and Puccinellia distans)
    D. Akhzari, A. Sepehry, M. Pessarakli, H. Barani
    World Applied Science Journal 16 (7), 998-1003, 2012 (25 citations)
  • Effects of grazing intensity on soil and vegetation properties in a Mediterranean rangeland
    D. Akhzari, M. Pessarakli, S. Eftekhari Ahandani
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 46 (22), 2798-2806, 2015 (22 citations)
  • Drought Monitoring Using Vegetation Indices and MODIS Data (Case Study: Isfahan Province, Iran)
    D. Shad, M.S., Ildoromi, A., Akhzari
    Rangeland Science 7 (2), 148-159, 2017 (21 citations)
  • Characterization of bare and modified nano-zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and their applications as adsorbents for the removal of bivalent heavy metals
    S. Mahdavi, N. Amini, H. Merrikhpour, D. Akhzari
    Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering, 1-11, 2017 (18 citations)

 

 

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).

 

Américo Ferraz Dias Neto | Agricultura Digital | Best Researcher Award

Dr Américo Ferraz Dias Neto |  Agricultura Digital |  Best Researcher Award

Consultor at  Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Brazil

Américo is an Agricultural Engineer with over 20 years of experience in the bioenergy sector, particularly in agroindustrial processes, supply chain optimization, and business strategy. Recognized for his expertise in controlled traffic and digital agriculture, he has successfully led large-scale projects, improving productivity and sustainability. His innovative contributions to bioenergy have earned him notable awards, including 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): Bioenergy consulting with clients like Novo Milênio Distillery and Grupo Moreno, focusing on sustainable agricultural production and digital agriculture.
  • UMOE Bioenergy (2017–2020): COO managing a 42,000-hectare unit for ethanol and energy production.
  • Atvos (2007–2016): Agricultural Director, pioneered technologies in remote sensing, precision agriculture, and crop logistics for sugarcane.

🏆 Awards:

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

Publication Top Notes

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

 

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

 

Anelia Iantcheva | Agricultural Science | Excellence in Research

Prof Anelia  Iantcheva |   Agricultural Science  |  Excellence in Research

Prof. Principal Investigator at  AgroBioInstitute, Agricultural Academy,  Bulgaria

Prof. Anelia Iantcheva is a distinguished researcher in plant genetics and biotechnology, currently serving as a Professor and Principal Investigator at the Agrobioinstitute of the Agricultural Academy in Bulgaria. She obtained her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. in 1997 and a DSc in 2019 from the Agricultural Academy.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

Prof. Iantcheva earned her Master’s degree from Sofia University in 1987, followed by a Ph.D. from the Agricultural Academy, Bulgaria in 1997, and a DSc degree in 2019. She became a professor and principal investigator at Agrobioinstitute in 2022.

Research Focus:

Her expertise lies in plant genetics, genomics, transcriptomics, molecular biology, and biotechnology of model and grain and forage legumes.

Research Contributions:

Prof. Iantcheva has coordinated several EU-funded projects, including Horizon 2020 “Legumes Translated” and the ongoing Horizon Europe “Legume Generation.” She has published 64 articles in indexed journals and contributed chapters to five books on somatic embryogenesis and genetic transformation.

Innovations:

Her research has led to the development of efficient plant regeneration systems and insertional mutant collections in Medicago truncatula, laying the groundwork for functional genomics in legumes. She has also innovated a low-temperature pre-treatment method for soybean seeds to enhance agricultural practices.

Publication Top Notes

  1. A novel Microbacterium strain SRS2 promotes the growth of Arabidopsis and MicroTom (S. lycopersicum) under normal and salt stress conditions
    • Journal: Planta
    • Publication Date: October 2024
    • DOI: 10.1007/s00425-024-04510-2
    • Contributors: Ho Manh Tuong, Sonia García Méndez, Michiel Vandecasteele, Anne Willems, Anelia Iantcheva, Pham Bich Ngoc, Do Tien Phat, Chu Hoang Ha, Sofie Goormachtig.
  2. Transcriptional and Metabolic Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana Transgenic Plants Expressing Histone Acetyltransferase HAC1 upon the Application of Abiotic Stress—Salt and Low Temperature
    • Journal: Metabolites
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/metabo13090994
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85172238091
    • Contributors: T. Ivanova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, A. Iantcheva.
  3. Transition to legume-supported farming in Europe through redesigning cropping systems
    • Journal: Agronomy for Sustainable Development
    • Publication Year: 2023
    • DOI: 10.1007/s13593-022-00861-w
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85146474358
    • Contributors: I. Notz, C.F.E. Topp, J. Schuler, S. Alves, L.A. Gallardo, J. Dauber, T. Haase, P.R. Hargreaves, M. Hennessy, A. Iantcheva, et al.
  4. Auxin and stringolactone interaction in extreme phosphate conditions
    • Book Chapter: In Agricultural Biocatalysis: Biological and Chemical Applications
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85142565230
    • ISBN: 9781000635287, 9781003313144
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  5. Functional characterization of Medicago truncatula GRAS7, a member of the GRAS family transcription factors, in response to abiotic stress
    • Journal: Biotechnology and Biotechnological Equipment
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1080/13102818.2022.2074893
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85130201236
    • Contributors: M. Revalska, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  6. Legumes in natural post-fire successions of forest meadows and pastures in Northern Bulgaria
    • Journal: Thaiszia Journal of Botany
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.33542/TJB2022-1-05
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85133384347
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.
  7. Long-lasting low temperature pretreatment of soybean seeds enhances plant field performance and content of free metabolites
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85143811831
    • Contributors: G. Naidenova, I. Dincheva, I. Badjakov, M. Radkova, M. Revalska, A. Iantcheva.
  8. Moldovan soybean varieties testing in the condition of North Bulgaria
    • Journal: Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science
    • Publication Year: 2022
    • EID: 2-s2.0-85127731032
    • Contributors: G. Naydenova, M. Radkova, A. Iantcheva.

 

Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

Mr Bramwel Wanjala | Crop health | Best Paper Award

Senior Research Scientist at  Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization,  Kenya

Dr. Bramwel Waswa Wanjala is an experienced research scientist at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), where he has worked since 2003. His research primarily focuses on plant disease diagnostics and molecular biology, particularly the epidemiology and management of critical diseases like Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN), Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSV), and sweetpotato viruses. Dr. Wanjala has contributed to the development of laboratory protocols, training of personnel, and the establishment of standardized practices that ensure high-quality lab operations. His work includes using genetic markers such as AFLP, SSRs, SRAP, and ISSR to analyze crop diversity, helping enhance agricultural resilience in Kenya. Dr. Wanjala’s expertise has made him a key figure in plant pathology research, where he supports capacity-building efforts and advances diagnostic methodologies for sustainable agriculture.

 

Publication Profile

Academic Background:

  • Ph.D. in Biotechnology (Expected Dec 2022) – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • M.Sc. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2013) – Egerton University

Expertise:

Dr. Wanjala is a skilled research scientist specializing in plant disease diagnostics, molecular biology, and crop germplasm management. His work has focused on critical plant diseases in Kenya, including Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN) and various sweetpotato viruses, employing advanced techniques like ELISA, PCR, Q-PCR, and LAMP. At the International Potato Center (CIP), he led sweetpotato virus diagnostics and developed innovative technologies for rapid vine multiplication, like sandponics, significantly aiding the sweetpotato seed system in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Contributions and Achievements:

  • Capacity Building: Trained numerous researchers and technical staff in virus diagnostics across East and Central Africa, including for KEPHIS.
  • Diagnostic Innovations: Validated a ClonDiag Microarray for sweetpotato virus detection, reducing testing time from 6 months to 2 days.
  • MLN Lab Establishment: Set up a diagnostic lab for MLN and trained stakeholders in disease identification and management.
  • Prebasic Seed Production: Helped establish a sustainable sweetpotato seed production system with KEPHIS, distributing over 150,000 vines to farmers.

Professional Affiliations:

  • International Society for Tropical Root Crops (African Branch)
  • African Biotechnology Stakeholders Forum (ABSF)
  • Trustee and Director of Economic Empowerment, JEDIMU Trust

Publication Top Notes

  • “Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification assays for on-site detection of the main sweetpotato infecting viruses”
  • “Comparative analysis for producing sweetpotato pre-basic seed using sandponics and conventional systems”
  • “Improving rapid multiplication of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L. (Lam) pre-basic seed using sandponics technology in East Africa”
  • “Storage root yield of sweetpotato as influenced by sweetpotato leaf curl virus and its interaction with sweetpotato feathery mottle virus and Sweetpotato chlorotic stunt virus in Kenya”
  • “Yield potential of sandponically produced sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) pre-basic seed for selected genotypes”

 

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

 

Samuel Alemayehu | Agriculture | Best Researcher Award

Dr Samuel Alemayehu | Agriculture |  Best Researcher Award

Mekelle university,  Ethiopia

Dr. Samuel Alemayehu Lapiso is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems. He earned his Ph.D. from Mekelle University in 2023, with a focus on the diversity of storage molds and mycotoxins in chickpea and sesame in Ethiopia. With a Master’s degree in Microbiology from Hawassa University and a Bachelor’s in Biology from Haramaya University, he has a robust educational foundation. Dr. Lapiso has held various academic roles at Mekelle University since 2009, including Assistant Professor and Lecturer. His research interests include post-harvest loss management, mycotoxin contamination, and microbial quality analysis of food and water. He has contributed significantly to community service through training programs on safer agricultural practices and has published numerous articles in reputable journals. Dr. Lapiso is also a member of several professional societies, including the Ethiopian Society for Microbiology and the American Geoscience Union.

Publication Profile

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Seed Systems (2017-2023), Mekelle University (GPA: 3.97/4.00)
    Research Topic: Diversity of Storage Molds and Mycotoxins in Chickpea and Sesame in Ethiopia
  • M.Sc. in Microbiology (2010-2012), Hawassa University (GPA: 3.48/4.00)
    Thesis: Investigation of Colletotrichum spp. on Mango and Banana in Southern Ethiopia
  • B.Sc. in Biology (2003-2006), Haramaya University (GPA: 3.26/4.00)
    Project: Microbiological Quality of Drinking Water in Bati Haramaya
  • Higher Diploma in Teaching Profession (2009), Mekelle University

Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (2015-Present), Mekelle University
  • Lecturer (2012-2015), Mekelle University
  • Graduate Assistant (2009-2012), Mekelle University
  • Assistant Coordinator, Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Post-Harvest Loss Reduction, Ethiopia (Since 2018)
  • Biology Teacher, Mudulla Senior Secondary School, Tembaro District (2006-2008)

Research Interests:

Samuel specializes in post-harvest loss management, particularly mycotoxin contamination in pulse and oil crops. His expertise includes molecular-based identification of toxigenic microbial species, mycotoxin detection and management, and microbial quality analysis of food and water.

Professional Memberships:

  • American Geoscience Union (AGU) (2023-Present)
  • Ethiopian Society for Microbiology (ESM) (2016-Present)
  • Biological Society of Ethiopia (BSE) (2014-Present)
  • Ethiopian Society of Postharvest Management (2019-Present)

Publication Top Notes

Occurrence and Levels of Mycotoxins in On-Farm-Stored Sesame in Major Growing Districts of Ethiopia
Agriculture, 2024-02
DOI: 10.3390/agriculture14030372
Authors: Samuel Alemayehu, Fetien Abay Abera, Kiros-Meles Ayimut, Jagger Harvey, Rizana Mahroof, Subramanyam Bhadriraju, Jonathan Ulmer, Richard Edema
Source: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute