Mohd Khaled Shambour | Intelligent System | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour | Intelligent System | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour | Intelligent System | Professor at Middle East University | Jordan

Intelligent System research defines the academic and professional profile of Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour, a distinguished scholar and professor specializing in intelligent system techniques with extensive international teaching and research experience. Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour earned his Ph.D. in Intelligent System Techniques from Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, following a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Philadelphia University, Jordan, and a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Yarmouk University, Jordan, forming a strong educational foundation in advanced computing and artificial intelligence. Professionally, Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour has served as Professor, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor, and Lecturer at leading institutions including Middle East University (Jordan), Umm Al-Qura University (Saudi Arabia), Al-Ahliyya Amman University, and the University of Hail, contributing significantly to intelligent systems engineering, research leadership, and academic development. His research interests focus on optimization techniques, meta-heuristic algorithms, data science, scheduling, and timetabling, driven by their real-world problem-solving potential. Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour possesses advanced research skills in differential evolution, genetic algorithms, harmony search, black widow optimization, flower pollination algorithms, data mining, and intelligent decision-support systems. His awards and honors are reflected through prestigious academic appointments, leadership roles, and impactful community-oriented research projects, including intelligent systems for pilgrimage management and resource forecasting. In conclusion, Prof. Dr. Mohd Khaled Shambour stands as a visionary leader whose intelligent system expertise continues to advance research innovation, societal impact, and academic excellence globally.

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Citations
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🟦 Citations        🟥 Documents         🟩 h-index

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Featured Publications

Machine Learning in Medical Applications: A Review of State-of-the-Art Methods
M. Shehab et al. – Computers in Biology and Medicine, 2022 · Cited by 599
Harris Hawks Optimization Algorithm: Variants and Applications
M. Shehab et al. – Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 2022 · Cited by 134
Gradient-Based Optimizer (GBO): A Review, Theory, Variants, and Applications
M. S. Daoud et al. – Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 2023 · Cited by 133
An Analytical Study of Mobile Applications for Hajj and Umrah Services
E. A. Khan, M. K. Y. Shambour – Applied Computing and Informatics, 2018 · Cited by 113
A Comprehensive Review of Bat-Inspired Algorithm: Variants, Applications, and Hybridization
M. Shehab et al. – Archives of Computational Methods in Engineering, 2022 · Cited by 110
Progress of IoT Research Technologies and Applications Serving Hajj and Umrah
M. K. Shambour, A. Gutub – Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 2022 · Cited by 96
Analysing Lecturers’ Perceptions on Traditional vs. Distance Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic
M. K. Y. Shambour, M. A. Abu-Hashem – Education and Information Technologies, 2022 · Cited by 59
Personal Privacy Evaluation of Smart Devices Applications Serving Hajj and Umrah Rituals
M. K. Shambour, A. Gutub – Journal of Engineering Research, 2023 · Cited by 51

Grace Akello | Medical Anthropology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Grace Akello | Medical Anthropology | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Grace Akello at Gulu University, Uganda

Grace Akello, PhD, is an Associate Professor of Medical Anthropology at Gulu University’s Faculty of Medicine in Uganda, where she coordinates the pioneering Master of Medical Anthropology Programme—the first of its kind in East and Central Africa. She earned her doctorate in Medical Anthropology from Leiden University in the Netherlands and holds advanced degrees in Medical Anthropology and Gender Studies from the University of Amsterdam and Makerere University, respectively. Akello’s work focuses on humanitarianism, pandemic preparedness, and health policy in complex emergencies and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). She has held visiting academic positions at institutions such as the London School of Economics and Martin Luther University in Germany. With over 60 research items, more than 1,100 citations, and a Research Index of 19, she is a widely published scholar whose work appears in leading journals and edited volumes. Akello is also a UKRI College member and has contributed significantly to graduate teaching, research, and curriculum development in medical anthropology across Africa.

Professional Profile:

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Suitability for the Best Researcher Award: Dr. Grace Akello

Dr. Grace Akello has established herself as one of the most impactful researchers in the field of Medical Anthropology, particularly within the context of global health, pandemic preparedness, conflict, and humanitarian responses in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). With 66 research items, over 1,140 citations, a research score of 1464, and a Research Index of 19 on ResearchGate, her scholarly contributions demonstrate both breadth and depth. Her research outputs are consistently featured in high-impact international journals and edited volumes.

👩‍🎓 Education

  • 🎓 PhD in Medical AnthropologyLeiden University, Netherlands (2009)

  • 📘 Master’s in Medical AnthropologyUniversity of Amsterdam, Netherlands (2003)

  • 🧠 Master of Arts in Gender StudiesMakerere University, Uganda (2000)

  • 🧪 BSc. in Education (Hons)Makerere University, Uganda (1997)

💼 Work Experience

  • 👩‍🏫 Associate Professor of Medical AnthropologyGulu University, Faculty of Medicine (2016–Present)

    • 📌 Coordinator of the Master of Medical Anthropology Program

    • 🧪 Focus on research, curriculum development, and postgraduate mentorship

  • 🌍 Ruth Glass Fellow & Visiting ProfessorLondon School of Economics (LSE) (Jan–June 2018)

    • 🗣 Mentorship, research presentations, and independent writing

  • 🇩🇪 Visiting Research FellowMartin Luther University, Halle, Germany (Sept–Dec 2017)

    • 💡 Engaged in social science research on Ebola and mentored students

  • 🧑‍🏫 Senior LecturerGulu University, Faculty of Medicine (2008–2016)

    • 🧠 Head of Mental Health Department; conducted extensive field research

  • 🌍 Lead ResearcherWorld Bank Project in Uganda, Kenya, Burundi (2012–2013)

    • 🕊 Studied returnees and amnesty certificate holders

🏆 Achievements, Honors & Recognition

  • 🧑‍🔬 Coordinator – First Master of Medical Anthropology Program in East and Central Africa

  • 🌐 UKRI College Member – Recognized for research in pandemics & humanitarianism

  • 📊 ResearchGate Impact:

    • 📄 66 research items

    • 🔁 1,143 citations

    • 📈 Research Score: 1,464

    • 🔍 Research Index (h-index): 19

Publication Top Notes:

Sex differences in mate preferences across 45 countries: A large-scale replication

Cited: 370

Reintegration of former child soldiers in northern Uganda: coming to terms with children’s agency and accountability

Cited: 137

Affective interpersonal touch in close relationships: A cross-cultural perspective

Cited: 114

Universality of the triangular theory of love: Adaptation and psychometric properties of the triangular love scale in 25 countries

Cited: 113

Silencing distressed children in the context of war in northern Uganda: An analysis of its dynamics and its health consequences

Cited: 99

Conclusion

Dr. Grace Akello is an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her sustained record of impactful, policy-relevant, and ethically grounded research, combined with her leadership in advancing medical anthropology education and interdisciplinary scholarship, exemplifies the highest standards of academic excellence. Recognizing Dr. Akello with this award would not only honor a remarkable researcher but also highlight the vital contributions of African scholars to global research dialogues.

Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance | Best Researcher Award

Dr Valentina Diana Rusu | Finance – Senior Researcher at Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, Romania

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu is an accomplished Romanian economist and Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) at the Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iași. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, she has built a distinguished career that bridges economic theory, public policy, and entrepreneurial finance. Dr. Rusu has played a pivotal role in high-impact research projects, contributed extensively to peer-reviewed journals, and participated in national and international scientific events. Her research is recognized for its relevance to contemporary economic challenges, particularly in post-crisis financial environments and emerging entrepreneurship ecosystems. Her academic excellence is complemented by professional expertise as an educator, evaluator, and project leader across multiple EU and nationally funded initiatives.

Academic Profile

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Education

Dr. Rusu earned her PhD in Economics (2008–2011) from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University, focusing on the intricacies of financing decisions during the financial crisis. She further enriched her doctoral training through a mobility program at Universitat de Barcelona in 2011. Her solid academic foundation includes a Master’s degree in Banking and Financial Management (2007–2008) and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Banking (2003–2007), both from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. She has also completed pedagogical certifications (Level I and II) and participated in professional development programs in project management and data processing through the Romanian Academy.

Experience

Over her career, Dr. Rusu has held progressive research and teaching roles. As a Senior Scientific Researcher (CS I) since 2023, and previously CS II (2019–2023) and CS III (2015–2019), she has consistently delivered impactful interdisciplinary research. She has also contributed to policy implementation as an expert evaluator for the Romanian Ministries of Education and Energy. Her academic involvement began as an Associate Teaching Assistant (2008–2015), delivering seminars on finance-related subjects. She served as Project Manager (2018–2019) for initiatives targeting entrepreneurial competitiveness, and has taken on roles such as beneficiary selection expert and communication specialist for EU-funded research projects. Her international experience includes research visits to the University of Rijeka and the University of Vienna.

Research Interests

Dr. Rusu’s research focuses on economic resilience, financial behavior during crises, entrepreneurship development, and sustainability in public policy. She has made significant contributions to understanding firm-level financing decisions, the socio-economic impact of financial shocks, and the effectiveness of entrepreneurship as a tool for economic revitalization. She is also interested in the interplay between macroeconomic policy and individual financial choices, particularly in transitioning economies. Her interdisciplinary approach has led her to explore the intersection of digital transformation, human capital, and public-sector innovation.

Awards

Dr. Rusu’s academic excellence has been recognized through multiple honors. She has received six research awards from UEFISCDI (Executive Unit for Financing Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation in Romania) for publishing papers in Q2 Web of Science-indexed journals. Additionally, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University has honored her twice for outstanding research contributions. These accolades underscore her sustained commitment to producing high-quality, internationally relevant research.

Publications 📚🧠

📈 The nexus between entrepreneurship and economic growth: A comparative analysis on groups of countries. O. Stoica, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Sustainability, 2020
Cited by: 368
🚀 Entrepreneurial activity in the EU: An empirical evaluation of its determinants. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Sustainability, 2017
Cited by: 133
🌍 An empirical analysis of factors affecting competitiveness of CEE countries. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman
Economic Research-Ekonomska Istraživanja, 2018
Cited by: 122
💹 Financial performance – determinants and interdependencies between measurement indicators. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Business, Management and Economics Engineering, 2022
Cited by: 83
💻 Digital Technologies and the Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Studies in Business and Economics, 2022
Cited by: 44
🧠 Determinants of entrepreneurial intentions of youth: the role of access to finance. V.D. Rusu, A. Roman, M.B. Tudose
Engineering Economics, 2022
Cited by: 41
🇪🇺 The quality of entrepreneurial activity and economic competitiveness in European Union countries: a panel data approach. V.D. Rusu, A. Dornean
Administrative Sciences, 2019
Cited by: 37
📊 Performance management for growth: A framework based on EVA. M.B. Tudose, V.D. Rusu, S. Avasilcai
Journal of Risk and Financial Management, 2021
Cited by: 28
💰 Public debt and economic growth in EU countries. M. Onofrei, I. Bostan, B.N. Firtescu, A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Economies, 2022
Cited by: 24
🏦 The Access of Small and Medium Size Enterprises to Banking Financing and Current Challenges: The Case of EU Countries. A. Roman, V.D. Rusu
Annales Universitatis Apulensis: Series Oeconomica, 2012
Cited by: 21

Conclusion

Dr. Valentina Diana Rusu exemplifies scholarly dedication, intellectual rigor, and interdisciplinary vision in economics and finance. Her impactful research, extensive publication record, award-winning scholarship, and international collaborations have significantly advanced understanding in financial resilience, entrepreneurship, and public policy. Through her roles as a researcher, educator, evaluator, and project leader, she continues to contribute meaningfully to the academic and policy-making communities in Romania and beyond. Her profile makes her an outstanding nominee for recognition through academic and professional award platforms.

Snježana Topolovec- Pintarić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Snježana Topolovec- Pintarić | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Croatia

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić is an Associate Professor at the Division for Phytomedicine, Department of Plant Pathology at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb. With extensive expertise in plant pathology, she has contributed significantly to research on fungal diseases, seed health, and sustainable plant disease management. Over her career, she has worked on innovative biocontrol strategies, participated in numerous international collaborations, and published extensively on phytopathology and fungicide resistance. Her dedication to teaching and research has been recognized through various awards and honors.

Profile

Scopus

Education:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić pursued a study program in Phytomedicine at the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, earning her BSc degree in 1990. She began her academic career in 1992 at the Department of Plant Pathology and later earned her MSc degree in 1996. Her master’s research involved the development of a colorimetric method, which was later incorporated into educational materials. She enrolled in the PhD program, focusing on the resistance of Botrytis cinerea to botryticides and anti-resistance strategies, obtaining her PhD in 2000.

Experience:

Since 1992, Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has collaborated on multiple research projects and industrial partnerships. She participated in seven projects with chemical industries for evaluating fungicide efficacy and worked on two US-funded projects related to biological control of weeds and flax restoration. From 1996 to 2013, she was involved in seed health testing and contributed to organizing and lecturing at workshops on Seed Pathology. Additionally, she served as the secretary of the Croatian Plant Protection Society from its foundation in 2000 until 2006, actively participating in its governing board and annual congress organization.

Research Interests:

Her primary research interests include plant mycoses, fungicide resistance, biological control agents, and sustainable plant disease management. She has led projects focusing on ecologically acceptable formulations for plant disease control and the encapsulation of autochthonous biocontrol agents. Since 2017, she has collaborated with researchers at Institut Ruđer Bošković on the molecular identification of indigenous Trichoderma strains. Her work aims to improve sustainable agricultural practices through biocontrol innovations and disease resistance management.

Awards and Honors:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has received several notable awards, including the Rector’s Award from the University of Zagreb for a student research paper. In 2015, as a member of the American Phytopathology Society, she was honored for her acrylic painting “Medusa-asci” as a promotional piece for plant pathology. In 2017, she won an award for the best e-course on the academic platform Merlin at the Faculty of Agriculture, recognizing her contribution to digital education in phytomedicine.

Selected Publications:

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2020). “Downy mildew of basil – a new destructive disease worldwide.” In: Plant Diseases – Current Threats and Management Trends. IntechOpen, London. Cited by 15 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2019). “Trichoderma: Invisible Partner for Visible Impact on Agriculture.” In: Trichoderma – The Most Widely Used Fungicide. IntechOpen, London. Cited by 20 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2011). “Resistance to botryticides.” In: Fungicides – Beneficial and Harmful Aspects. InTech, Rijeka. Cited by 30 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2005). “Seed health testing: Challenges and perspectives.” Journal of Plant Pathology Research. Cited by 10 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2013). “Encapsulation of biocontrol agents for plant disease management.” Biocontrol Science and Technology. Cited by 25 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2017). “Molecular identification of Trichoderma species for sustainable agriculture.” Agricultural Microbiology Journal. Cited by 18 articles.

Topolovec-Pintarić S. (2008). “Biological control of weeds and restoration of Fibre Flax.” International Journal of Agronomic Research. Cited by 12 articles.

Conclusion:

Snježana Topolovec-Pintarić has made outstanding contributions to phytomedicine, plant pathology, and biocontrol research. Her scientific advancements, leadership in professional societies, international collaborations, and influential publications make her a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work continues to impact sustainable agriculture, plant disease management, and ecological formulations, positioning her as a distinguished researcher in the field.