Dr. Ahmed LAALA | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

University lecturer, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center of Mila, Algeria

Ahmed Laala is a dedicated lecturer-researcher specializing in Plant Ecology at the Department of Ecology and Environment, Institute of Natural and Life Sciences, Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center in Mila, Algeria. With a deep-rooted passion for understanding forest ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes, Ahmed is actively engaged in research that has significant implications for conservation efforts in Algeria. 🌱

Education

Ahmed Laala earned his University Habilitation in 2021 from Frères Mentouri University, Constantine 1. He holds a Doctorate in Plant Ecology, awarded in 2016 for his thesis titled “Mapping the Thermal Variability of Forest Ecosystems in Eastern Algeria.” Prior to that, he completed his Master’s in Plant Ecology in 2009, focusing on the behavior of Aleppo Pine seedlings under thermal stress. His academic journey began with a State Engineer degree in Ecology and Environment in 2002, specializing in Forest Ecosystems. 🎓

Experience

Since his appointment at the Abdelhafid Boussouf University Center, Ahmed has contributed significantly to the academic community through teaching and research. His extensive work has focused on ecological modeling, habitat suitability assessments, and the impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. As a lecturer, he plays a vital role in educating the next generation of ecologists and environmental scientists in Algeria. 📚

Research Interests

Ahmed’s research interests center on Plant Ecology, specifically the modeling of species distributions and the ecological impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems. He is particularly interested in the conservation of endemic species, the influence of climate variability on forest dynamics, and the intersection of urban environments with natural ecosystems. His work aims to provide insights that are critical for effective conservation strategies. 🌍

Publications Top Notes

Ahmed has a robust portfolio of publications that contribute to the field of Plant Ecology. Below are some of his significant works:

Modeling the potential distribution and shift of an Algerian endangered endemic species (Cedrus atlantica) under climate change scenarios: Implications for conservation (2024) – Journal for Nature Conservation, 82, 126744.

Predicting potential habitat suitability of Quercus suber L. in Algeria under climate change scenarios (2021) – African Journal of Ecology, 00, 1–12.

The link between Covid-19 pandemic and air pollution in Algeria (2021) – Bulletin of Environment, Pharmacology and Life Sciences (BEPLS), Vol.10 (10), 115-122.

“Apport des SIG dans la cartographie des arbres urbains de la ville de Mila” (2021) – Actes du Séminaire National sur « Les systèmes d’informations géographiques (SIG) et la gestion de l’espace urbain », 323-333.

Mapping the Wildland-Urban Interfaces for Forest Fire Prevention in the Province of Mila (Algeria) (2020) – Journal of Environmental Research, Engineering and Management, Vol. 76(2): 76–90.

Analyse spatiale de la corrélation entre les variables thermiques et l’activité végétative des forêts de l’Est Algérien (2019) – Agriculture and Forestry Journal, 3(2): 95-103.

Interpolation spatiale des températures mensuelles en Algérie orientale (2017) – La Météorologie, n°98, 45-51.

Réponse écophysiologiques du pin d’Alep aux contraintes thermiques (2016) – Éditions universitaires européennes (EUE). ISBN-13: 978-3841614612, 65p.

Alfredo Dias : Sustainable Innovation Pioneer Award

👨‍🏫 Alfredo Dias stands as a distinguished academic and researcher in the domain of Sustainable construction . Holding a Ph.d in Delft University of Technology his professional journey exemplifies dedication and expertise. 📚

🌐 Professional Profiles:

Academic Qualifications 📚

Alfredo Manuel Pereira Geraldes Dias pursued his academic journey through a BSc in Civil Engineering from the University of Coimbra, Portugal, in 1997, achieving a noteworthy final grade of 17 out of 20. 🏗️ His educational path continued with an MSc in Civil Engineering (Structures) from the same university in 1999. 📘 However, the pinnacle of his academic pursuit was marked by a PhD in Mechanical Behavior of Timber-Concrete Connections attained from Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands, in 2005. 🌍 This specialized focus on exploring the mechanical intricacies of timber-concrete connections played a pivotal role in shaping his subsequent research and professional engagements within the sphere of timber and composite structures. 🔍

Professional Engagements and Leadership Roles 🏗️🌐

Professional Membership

Senior member of the Portuguese Civil Engineering Association since 2004.Member of the Technical Committee CT14 “Wood” since 2006.Participation as a member of the Technical Committee CT115 “Structural Codes” since 2012.

Leadership and Coordination Responsibilities

Chairman of the National mirror committee from TC 124 since 2009.Chairman of the National mirror committee from TC 250\SC5 since 2014.Coordinator of the Working group “Innovative timber & composite elements for buildings” in COST E29 from 2004 to 2006.Coordinator of the Working group “Hybrid structures” in COST FP1402 “Basis of structural timber design – from research to standards” from 2014 to 2018.Head of the sub-group involved in preparing the new Eurocode 5 part on composite structures from 2011 to 2014.Convener of the WG2 from TC250\SC5 “Composite structures” from 2014 to 2020.Chairman of the Project Team SC5.T2 responsible for preparing the new Eurocode part on timber composites from 2015 to 2018.

Scientific Contributions 🌐📚

Published Research

Authored or co-authored 72 papers in ISI-Web of Knowledge indexed International Journals, with 66 specifically focusing on timber products and structures since 2005.Contributed to 66 papers in non-indexed journals and scientific conferences, with 60 covering topics related to timber products and structures since 2005.

Reviewer Engagement

Acted as an independent reviewer for 25 different International Journals since 2005.Served as an independent reviewer in 15 international conferences associated with timber products and structures since 2005.

Academic Supervision

Supervised or co-supervised 10 PhD theses, successfully concluding 6 and currently overseeing 4 ongoing research endeavors since 2005.

Research Project Involvement

Involved in 25 research projects, all focused on timber products and structures since 2005, taking the lead in 18 of these projects as the principal investigator.

Alfredo Dias’s citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar are as follows:

📊 Citation Metrics (Google Scholar):

Cited by: All – 2134, Since 2018 –1466
h-index: All – 22, Since 2018 – 20
i10-index : All -48 Since 2018 -39

Summary 🔍

Reinforced concrete corner for timber frame moment resisting joints –Design and experimental assessment

🌟 Introduces an innovative moment-resisting joint design for timber frames. 🪵 Uses a prismatic corner filled with robust concrete reinforced by steel bars within the timber beam and column. 🔍 Conducts analytical and experimental studies to assess resisting moment, stiffness, and failure modes of the proposed joint. 📏 Explores how timber cross-section and steel bar diameters influence resisting moment via a mechanical stress-strain model. ⚙️ Prefers steel bar yielding over timber shear failure, considering steel’s ductility. 🧪 Produces and tests knee joint specimens with varying steel bar diameters, aligning well with analytical estimates. 🛠️ Performs tests on polygonal bolted joint specimens for comparison purposes. 💪 Shows significantly improved rotational stiffness and bending strength compared to traditional bolted joints. 🏁 Concludes the joint’s structural effectiveness and its promising potential for real-world applications.