Mr. Rafael Lucas | Clean technology development | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Rafael Lucas | Clean technology development | Research Excellence Award

São Paulo State University (UNESP), School of Engineering and Sciences | Brazil

A dedicated researcher in Materials Science, Rafael Resende Lucas is a PhD candidate in Engineering at São Paulo State University (UNESP), where he investigates advanced surface engineering solutions for hybrid metal–polymer structures. His academic background includes a master’s degree in Materials and Technology, a technologist degree in Metallurgical Processes, a licentiate in Chemistry, and specializations in higher education teaching and school inspection. His multidisciplinary formation supports his contributions to plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), welding interfaces, additive manufacturing, corrosion behavior, and optimization of industrial processes. Throughout his academic journey, he conducted research at the Electrolytic Plasma Laboratory, focusing on oxide coatings for aluminum alloys and corrosion testing. Professionally, he has gained experience as a university researcher, a teacher in Chemistry and Physics, and a technician in industrial environments, including steelmaking and mechanical maintenance. He has also served as a peer reviewer for national and international journals and maintains an active publication record, with studies published in reputable journals covering PEO coatings, mechanical performance of hybrid joints, process optimization, sustainability in manufacturing, and additive manufacturing advancements. With an expanding research footprint and recognition reflected in citation metrics, he continues to contribute to materials engineering innovations aimed at improving industrial performance and sustainability.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Galib, G., Silva, F. J. G., Pedroso, A. F. V., Campilho, R. D. S. G., Lucas, R., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
A comprehensive review of additive manufacturing technologies for composite materials.
Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing.

Silva, E. R. R., Vieira, M. de O. L., Mota, R. P., & Lucas, R. R. (2025).
Analysis of PEO coating on AA2024 alloy after immersion in saline solution.
Brazilian Journal of Development.

Barreira, M. P., Silva, F. J. G., Campilho, R. D. S. G., Lucas, R. R., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
Improving inner tube feeding system to reduce cycle time and workflow in the automotive industry.
In Book chapter.

Sebbe, N. P. V., Costa, J. P. M. M., Lucas, R. R., Pinto, A. M. G., Pedroso, A. F. V., da Silva, F. J. G., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
Improving surface quality and mechanical strength through the optimization and enhancement of fused deposition modelling (FDM) for non-planar 3D printing.
CIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology.

Monteiro, J., Silva, F. J. G., Regattieri, C. R., Ferreira, L. P., Lucas, R. R., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
Improving the economic and environmental sustainability of painting and glueing operations in a luxury leather goods industry using DMAIC methodology: A case study.
Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management.

Lucas, R. R., Mota, R. P., da Silva, F. J. G., Pinto, A. M. G., Botelho, E. C., Pereira, A. M. de B., Hein, L. R. de O., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
Influence of plasma electrolytic oxidation coating on the interface of an aluminum alloy/glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic composite obtained by ultrasonic welding.
Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance.

Sales-Contini, R. C. M., Pedroso, A. F. V., Leitão, P., Lucas, R. R., Campilho, R. D. S. G., Pinto, A. G., & Regattieri, C. R. (2025).
Innovative approaches to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce sprue backflow in Zamak hot chamber injection moulding.
Journal of Mechanical Engineering and Manufacturing.
https://doi.org/10.53941/JMEM.2025.100004

Lucas, R. R., Mota, R. P., da Silva, F. J. G., Botelho, E. C., & Sales-Contini, R. C. M. (2025).
Mechanical characterization of an aluminum-composite hybrid joint bonded by ultrasonic welding.
In Book chapter.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hsiao-Chi | Ling | Cross-Cultural Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hsiao-Chi | Ling | Cross-Cultural Leadership

Kainan University | Taiwan

I am an Associate Professor at Kainan University, specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural and creative industries. I hold a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Management from National Chiao Tung University and completed postdoctoral research at the Department and Graduate Institute of Psychology, National Taiwan University. My academic experience spans leadership roles as Chair of multiple departments and Director of the Program in Image and Health Management, alongside teaching engagements at NTU, NCTU, Fu Jen University, and other institutions. Professionally, I have served as COO, executive vice president, and consultant in marketing, PR, and corporate management for leading organizations, including Johnson & Johnson, EVA Air, SONY, MediaTek, Disney, Nike, and government agencies across health, economic, and defense sectors. My research focuses on human factors, organizational behavior, Chinese psychology, human–computer interaction, creative and brand management, and data-driven decision-making. I have led projects in policy communication, city marketing, CSR, and ESG reporting. Recognized for contributions to both academia and practice, I integrate interdisciplinary approaches to address organizational, societal, and marketing challenges. I remain committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders and fostering innovation in education, industry, and public engagement.

Profile: Scopus 

Featured Publications

Ling, H.-C. (2025). AI-based e-commerce adoption by Taiwanese SMEs and its marketing performance expectancy. Journal of Strategy and Innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Sabry | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Research Article Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Sabry | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Research Article Award 

Benha University | Egypt

Dr. Ibrahim Sabry is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of mechanical and production engineering, with a strong focus on welding technologies and advanced manufacturing processes. He earned his B.Sc. in Production Engineering and Mechanical Design from Menoufia University, followed by an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in the same field from Tanta University, where his research centered on friction stir welding and its applications in aluminum alloys. With extensive academic experience, he has served as Lecturer at the Modern Academy for Engineering and Technology and currently holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Benha University. His professional expertise also includes consultancy in welding and heat treatment processes, notably contributing to large-scale industrial projects such as the El-Burullus Power Station in Egypt. Dr. Sabry has authored several academic books covering diverse topics including multi-criteria decision-making, engineering drawing, advanced forming techniques, and production engineering. His research interests span friction stir welding, production aids design, and mechanical design optimization. Recognized for his contributions to teaching, research, and consultancy, he continues to advance the integration of theoretical and applied aspects of production engineering to meet modern industrial challenges.

Profiles:  Google Scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications

Sabry, I., Awayssa, O., Mourad, A.-H. I., Naseri, M., & Hewidy, A. (2025). Enhancement of the mechanical characteristics for Inconel 700 alloy using friction stir welding with a unique tool shape. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture.

Sabry, I. (2024). Exploring the effect of friction stir welding parameters on the strength of AA2024 and A356-T6 aluminum alloys. Journal of Alloys and Metallurgical Systems.

Sabry, I., Hewidy, A. M., Alkhedher, M., & Mourad, A.-H. I. (2024). Analysis of variance and grey relational analysis application methods for the selection and optimization problem in 6061-T6 flange friction stir welding process parameters. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture.

Sabry, I., Singh, V. P., Mourad, A.-H. I., & Hewidy, A. (2024). Flange joining using friction stir welding and tungsten inert gas welding of AA6082: A comparison based on joint performance. International Journal of Lightweight Materials and Manufacture.

Sabry, I., El-Deeb, M. S. S., Hewidy, A. M., & ElWakil, M. (2024). Mechanical and tribological behaviours of friction stir welding using various strengthening techniques. Journal of Alloys and Metallurgical Systems.

Sabry, I., Hewidy, A. M., Naseri, M., & Mourad, A.-H. I. (2024). Optimization of process parameters of metal inert gas welding process on aluminum alloy 6063 pipes using Taguchi-TOPSIS approach. Journal of Alloys and Metallurgical Systems.

Sabry, I., El-Attar, T., & Hewidy, A. M. (2024). Optimization of fused deposition modelling acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene parameters using ANOVA and hybrid GRA–TOPSIS. Journal of Advanced Research in Applied Sciences and Engineering Technology, 50(1), 66–77.

Mrs. Naima Rahiel | Change Management | Young Researcher Award

Mrs. Naima Rahiel | Change Management | Young Researcher Award

QARTZ, Université Paris 8 | France

Naima Rahiel is a dedicated doctoral researcher in Industrial Engineering and Productics at ED CLI, Université Paris 8, where she has been engaged in advanced studies since January 2022. She holds both a Master’s degree and a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from IMSI, Université Oran 2, Algeria, obtained in 2020 and 2018 respectively. Her academic journey reflects a consistent commitment to the development of expertise in industrial systems, process optimization, and innovative engineering solutions. Professionally, she has gained valuable experience through academic and applied research in industrial engineering, emphasizing areas such as production systems, operations management, and industrial productics. Her research interests lie in digital transformation of industries, sustainable manufacturing, quality management, lean systems, and the integration of advanced technologies to improve industrial performance. Rahiel has participated in collaborative projects and academic exchanges that highlight her capacity to work across interdisciplinary teams, bringing analytical skills and innovative thinking to complex industrial challenges. She has been recognized for her academic achievements and contributions to research, receiving distinctions that reflect her scholarly excellence. Moving forward, she aims to contribute to the advancement of industrial engineering research and to promote sustainable and efficient industrial practices in both academic and applied contexts.

Profile:  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2024). Healthcare supply chain: Resilience qualitative evaluation. Hospital Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities for Improving Healthcare.

Rahiel, N., El Mhamedi, A., Hachemi, K., Aouffen, N., & Rahiel, I. (2025). Resilience of the hospital supply chain: A case study-based approach on safety stock. Environment Systems and Decisions, 45(4), 56.

Rahiel, N., Addouche, S. A., El Mhamedi, A., & Hachemi, K. (2025). Function-based modeling for reactive optimization of healthcare resource reallocation. In Proceedings of the 16th International Conference on Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Sabry | Decision-making and Problem-solving

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Sabry | Decision-making and Problem-solving

Benha University | Egypt

Ibrahim Sabry Ibrahim Mahmoud is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Benha University, Egypt, with a distinguished academic and research background in production engineering and mechanical design. He earned his B.Sc. in 2005 from Menoufia University, followed by an M.Sc. in 2011 and a Ph.D. in 2017 from Tanta University, specializing in friction stir welding. Over the course of his career, he has combined academic scholarship with applied industrial consultancy, notably serving as a consultant in welding and heat treatment processes at the El-Burullus Power Station (4800 MW). He has also held teaching roles at the Modern Academy for Engineering and Technology in Cairo. His research contributions are extensive, including publications in prestigious international journals such as the International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, International Journal of Production Research, and the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance. His recent works focus on hybrid optimization techniques, advanced welding processes, additive manufacturing, and corrosion prediction using artificial neural networks. He has also authored several academic books and led funded projects, such as converting rice straw into wood. With numerous scholarly documents and citations to his credit, his research interests include welding technologies, advanced manufacturing, operations research, and production aids design. Recognized for both his teaching and research excellence, he continues to advance knowledge in mechanical and production engineering with significant industrial impact.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

“Optimising batch scheduling on non-identical parallel machines: lower bounds, MIP, branch-and-price, and heuristics”

“Enhancement of the mechanical characteristics for Inconel 700 alloy using friction stir welding with a unique tool shape”

“Exploring the effect of friction stir welding parameters on the strength of AA2024 and A356-T6 aluminum alloys”

“Analysis of variance and grey relational analysis application methods for the selection and optimization problem in 6061-T6 flange friction stir welding process parameters”

“Flange joining using friction stir welding and tungsten inert gas welding of AA6082: A comparison based on joint performance”

Prof. Samir Ladaci | Control Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Samir Ladaci | Control Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Ecole Nationale Polytechnique Algiers | Algeria

Author Profile

Google Scholar

Early Academic Pursuits

S. Ladaci’s academic journey began with a deep engagement in the theoretical and mathematical foundations of control engineering, where he explored the emerging concept of fractional calculus and its application to adaptive control. His early scholarly focus combined rigorous mathematical analysis with practical engineering insights, aiming to extend traditional control theory into the fractional domain. This early period was characterized by an eagerness to investigate the unique properties of fractional-order systems—systems described by non-integer order differential equations—and their potential in achieving more robust and flexible control strategies. Through collaborations with fellow scholars such as A. Charef and J.J. Loiseau, he developed a foundational understanding of both the opportunities and the mathematical challenges in bridging fractional calculus with adaptive control techniques.

Professional Endeavors

Throughout his professional career, S. Ladaci has actively pursued research and publication in high-impact journals, contributing to the advancement of fractional-order control systems. He has collaborated extensively with a network of international researchers, including K. Rabah, Y. Bensafia, and M. Assabaa, which has allowed his work to maintain both theoretical depth and practical applicability. His research output spans various aspects of fractional adaptive control, from theoretical formulations to advanced simulation studies, making substantial contributions to engineering science and control theory. His professional endeavors also extend to exploring fuzzy systems, sliding mode control, and adaptive gain techniques, creating a multidimensional portfolio that bridges mathematical theory with engineering practice.

Contributions and Research Focus

S. Ladaci’s primary research focus lies in the integration of fractional calculus into adaptive control strategies, aiming to overcome limitations of conventional integer-order control systems. His notable contributions include developing fractional order adaptive high-gain controllers for linear systems, designing sliding mode control configurations for synchronizing disturbed fractional-order chaotic systems, and proposing robust adaptive control methods grounded in strictly positive realness conditions. These works not only expanded theoretical understanding but also provided practical frameworks for controlling complex and uncertain systems. Furthermore, his research into fuzzy adaptive control with Nussbaum gains addressed the challenges of unknown control gain signs in chaotic systems, reflecting his commitment to solving non-trivial, real-world engineering problems.

Accolades and Recognition

The impact of S. Ladaci’s research is evident in the consistent citation and recognition his work has received across multiple respected journals such as Nonlinear Dynamics, Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica, and IET Control Theory & Applications. His papers are widely referenced within the control systems community, highlighting the relevance and applicability of his contributions. Recognition of his work has come not only from academia but also from engineering practitioners who seek robust and innovative control strategies. His collaborations with leading institutions and publication in internationally recognized platforms serve as a testament to the scholarly and applied value of his work.

Impact and Influence

S. Ladaci’s influence in the field of fractional adaptive control has been significant in shaping both the theoretical discourse and the applied engineering approaches to system control. His works have contributed to broadening the scope of adaptive control to include fractional-order dynamics, enabling engineers to design controllers that can handle a wider range of system uncertainties and disturbances. By addressing stability issues, robustness, and adaptive gain configurations, his research has provided solutions applicable to a variety of fields, from mechanical and electrical engineering to complex systems in science and technology. This influence is evident in the way his methodologies have been adopted, extended, and cited by other researchers working in nonlinear systems, chaos control, and adaptive algorithms.

Legacy and Future Contributions

The legacy of S. Ladaci’s work lies in his pioneering efforts to merge fractional calculus with adaptive control, thereby opening new avenues for research and application. His publications continue to serve as foundational references for scholars and engineers working on control strategies for complex and uncertain systems. Moving forward, his research trajectory suggests a growing emphasis on integrating intelligent control techniques—such as fuzzy logic and machine learning—with fractional-order systems to enhance adaptability and predictive capabilities. This blend of fractional calculus with modern computational intelligence tools positions his future work to have a lasting impact on the next generation of control technologies, offering solutions that are not only mathematically rigorous but also practically resilient.

Notable Publications

On fractional adaptive control

Authors: Ladaci, S.; Charef, A.
Journal: Nonlinear Dynamics
Year: 2006

Fractional order adaptive high-gain controllers for a class of linear systems

Authors: Ladaci, S.; Loiseau, J.J.; Charef, A.
Journal: Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation
Year: 2008

A fractional adaptive sliding mode control configuration for synchronizing disturbed fractional-order chaotic systems

Authors: Rabah, K.; Ladaci, S.
Journal: Circuits, Systems, and Signal Processing
Year: 2020

Robust fractional adaptive control based on the strictly positive realness condition

Authors: Ladaci, S.; Charef, A.; Loiseau, J.J.
Journal: Uniwersytet Zielonogórski
Year: 2009

Fuzzy adaptive control of fractional order chaotic systems with unknown control gain sign using a fractional order Nussbaum gain

Authors: Khettab, K.; Ladaci, S.; Bensafia, Y.
Journal: IEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica
Year: 2016

Conclusion

S. Ladaci’s academic and professional journey reflects a sustained commitment to advancing the field of control engineering through the innovative application of fractional calculus. From his early theoretical investigations to his influential publications in adaptive, sliding mode, and fuzzy control, he has consistently contributed to expanding the horizons of control theory and practice. His work has left a lasting mark on both scholarly literature and applied engineering, inspiring further research and fostering technological innovation. As the field evolves, his integration of fractional calculus with adaptive and intelligent control methods stands as both a legacy and a forward-looking pathway, ensuring his continued influence in the discipline.