Ik-Hyun Youn | Decision Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ik-Hyun Youn | Decision Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Mokpo National Maritime University , South Korea 

Dr. Ik-Hyun Youn is an accomplished academic and researcher in maritime safety and technology, holding a Ph.D. in Information Technology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Currently serving as an Assistant Professor at Mokpo National Maritime University, South Korea, he specializes in navigation science, maritime informatics, and autonomous ship technologies. His research focuses on the integration of wearable sensors, artificial intelligence, and collision avoidance algorithms to enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency. Dr. Youn has been the principal investigator in multiple research projects funded by the South Korean government, contributing significantly to the development of smart ports and autonomous ships. He has authored numerous papers, with notable contributions to IEEE Access and the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. His work also earned recognition through the Best Paper Award at SENSORCOMM 2017. Dr. Youn’s expertise bridges maritime safety, AI, and sensor-based systems, making him a leading figure in his field.

Professional Profile : 

Google Scholar

Education :

  • Ph.D. in Information Technology (2017) – University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA
    Focus: Wearable sensor-based human movement analysis, Artificial Intelligence for maritime applications
  • MS in Computer Science (2016) – University of Nebraska at Omaha, USA
    Focus: Communication technology, Wearable sensor-based applications
  • ME in Navigation Science (2011) – Korea Maritime University, Busan, South Korea
    Focus: Maritime safety technology
  • BE in Navigation Science (2004) – Mokpo National Maritime University, Mokpo, South Korea
    Focus: Navigation science, Maritime safety management

Teaching Experience : 

  • Mokpo National Maritime University (April 2018 – Present)
    Position: Assistant Professor
    Courses: Ship Handling, Terrestrial Navigation, Marine Meteorology, Ship Data Analytics, Big Data, Data Mining
  • University of Nebraska at Omaha (August 2014 – May 2017)
    Position: Instructor & Teaching Assistant
    Courses: Introduction to Computer Science I (Java), Introduction to Computer Science II (Java)

Research Projects: 

  • Smart Port-Autonomous Ships Linkage Technology (2021–2025) – Principal Investigator
    Focus: Shore remote control technology, Collision avoidance algorithms for MASS
  • Development of Autonomous Ship Technology (2021–2025) – Principal Investigator
    Focus: Collision avoidance algorithms, Reliability analysis

Work Experience : 

  • Hanjin Shipping Co., Ltd., Busan, South Korea
    Role: Navigation Officer (Junior mate & Chief mate on LNG carriers, Bulk carriers)
  • Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
    Position: Director of General Affairs

Honors and Awards :

  • Best Paper Award, SENSORCOMM 2017, Rome, Italy
    Title: “Robust Network Models for Using Mobility Parameters for Health Assessment”

Selected Publications :

  • IEEE Access: “Collision Risk Situation Awareness Evaluation Model Based on Bridge Operator Behavior Using Wearable Sensors” (2024)
  • Journal of Marine Science and Engineering: “The Development of a Steering Angle Estimation Model for Evaluation of Simulated Ship Handling Training for Remote Operators of Autonomous Ships” (2023)

Research Funding

  • Principal Investigator, Maintenance prediction model for LNGCs, National Research Foundation of Korea ($15,000, 2018-2019)
  • Secondary Investigator, Smart Operating and Maintenance System for Small Ships, Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy ($100,000, 2018-2019)

Publication Top Notes :

  • Biometric gait recognition based on wireless acceleration sensor using k-nearest neighbor classification
    • Authors: S Choi, IH Youn, R LeMay, S Burns, JH Youn
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 73
  • Analysis of lookout activity in a simulated environment to investigate maritime accidents caused by human error
    • Authors: IH Youn, DJ Park, JB Yim
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 39
  • Biomechanical gait variable estimation using wearable sensors after unilateral total knee arthroplasty
    • Authors: IH Youn, JH Youn, JA Zeni, BA Knarr
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 32
  • Prime block design for asynchronous wake-up schedules in wireless sensor networks
    • Authors: W Lee, IH Youn, T Song, N Kim, JH Youn
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 20
  • Navigation Situation Clustering Model of Human-Operated Ships for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ship Collision Avoidance Tests
    • Authors: T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 19
  • Wearable sensor-based biometric gait classification algorithm using WEKA
    • Authors: IH Youn, K Won, JH Youn, J Scheffler
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 16
  • Development of navigator behavior models for the evaluation of collision avoidance behavior in the collision-prone navigation environment
    • Authors: JB Yim, DJ Park, IH Youn
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 15
  • Seafarers’ physical activity and sleep patterns: results from Asia-Pacific sea routes
    • Authors: IH Youn, JM Lee
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 13
  • Self-reported and performance-based outcome measures estimation using wearables after unilateral total knee arthroplasty
    • Authors: IH Youn, T Leutzinger, JH Youn, JA Zeni, BA Knarr
    • Year: 2020
    • Citations: 12
  • New gait metrics for biometric authentication using a 3-axis acceleration
    • Authors: IH Youn, S Choi, R Le May, D Bertelsen, JH Youn
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 10
  • Preventive maintenance topic models for LNG containment systems of LNG marine carriers using dock specifications
    • Authors: IH Youn, SC Kim
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 9
  • Collision Risk Situation Clustering to Design Collision Avoidance Algorithms for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships
    • Authors: T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7
  • Effect of onboard training for improvement of navigation skill under the simulated navigation environment for maritime autonomous surface ship operation training
    • Authors: H Hwang, T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7
  • Difficulty evaluation of navigation scenarios for the development of ship remote operators training simulator
    • Authors: T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7
  • Navigation scenario permutation model for training of maritime autonomous surface ship remote Operators
    • Authors: T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7
  • Latent-cause extraction model in maritime collision accidents using text analytics on Korean maritime accident verdicts
    • Authors: T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 7
  • Adopting the audible alert system for the electronic chart display and information system for improvement of early navigational situation awareness
    • Authors: I Kim, S Lee, IH Youn
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 5
  • Multidimensional Mobility Metric for Continuous Gait Monitoring using a Single Accelerometer
    • Authors: IH Youn, D Khazanchi, JH Youn, KC Siu
    • Year: 2016
    • Citations: 5
  • Anomaly detection model of small-scaled ship for maritime autonomous surface ships’ operation
    • Authors: W Tyasayumranani, T Hwang, T Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 4
  • Efficacy evaluation of adaptive collision avoidance systems for autonomous maritime surface ships based on target ships’ maneuvering behaviors
    • Authors: HS Hwang, TM Hwang, IH Youn
    • Year: 2024
    • Citations: 3

Mendas Abdelkader | Decision Sciences | Best Paper Award

Dr. Mendas Abdelkader | Decision Sciences | Best Paper Award

Dr. Mendas Abdelkader, Centre des Techniques Spatiales, Algeria

Dr. Abdelkader Mendas 🌍📊 is a distinguished researcher and leader at the Centre des Techniques Spatiales (CTS), Algeria. His expertise spans Geomatics, Spatial Decision-Making, and Environmental Sciences. He has significantly contributed to advancing multicriteria analysis for spatial decision-making, leading impactful projects such as GIS-based agricultural suitability mapping and data imperfection analysis. A prolific author, Dr. Mendas has published extensively in prestigious journals and serves as a reviewer for many scientific publications. Additionally, he actively mentors postgraduate students and fulfills vital scientific and pedagogical responsibilities. Dr. Mendas is a member of key professional networks, including the European Work Group – MCDA. 🌐📚

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

Google Scholar

Academic and Professional Background

Dr. Abdelkader Mendas, a dedicated researcher and department leader at the Centre des Techniques Spatiales (CTS), Algeria, specializes in Geomatics Sciences, Spatial Decision-Making, and Environmental Sciences. His recent work emphasizes Multi-Criteria Analysis to enhance spatial decision-making. Collaborating across geosciences disciplines, Dr. Mendas has led numerous research projects and authored impactful scientific papers. A passionate mentor, he actively trains students at both graduation and post-graduation levels while holding key scientific and pedagogical roles. As a respected reviewer for renowned journals, Dr. Mendas continues to shape advancements in his field, making significant contributions to geospatial innovations. 🌐📚

 

Research and Innovations

Dr. Abdelkader Mendas has contributed extensively to advancements in spatial analysis and decision-making. His projects include developing processes for spatial analysis and decision-making support, integrating GIS with multi-criteria analysis to enhance decision-making. He has studied the impact of data imperfections on spatial decision support and created systems to map agricultural suitability. Dr. Mendas also compared hierarchical analysis and outranking approaches for identifying suitable agricultural lands. Additionally, his work explores group decision-making in spatially-referenced problems, showcasing his commitment to improving geospatial tools for practical applications. These innovations reflect his expertise in Geomatics and Earth Sciences. 🌐📈🌾

 

Areas of Research

Dr. Abdelkader Mendas specializes in Geomatics, focusing on the integration of geospatial technologies for practical applications. His research delves into Multicriteria Decision Making (MCDM), exploring innovative methods to enhance spatial decision-making processes. Additionally, his work in Earth Sciences emphasizes the application of geomatic tools to address environmental and land management challenges. Through his studies, he has contributed to improving decision-making frameworks by incorporating advanced spatial analysis techniques. Dr. Mendas’s interdisciplinary approach underscores his dedication to advancing geosciences and developing effective solutions for spatial planning and environmental sustainability. 🌐📈🌾

 

Publication Top Notes 📚

  • Integration of MultiCriteria Decision Analysis in GIS to develop land suitability for agriculture (Cited by: 363, Year: 2012) 🌾📊
  • L’analyse multicritère comme outil d’aide à la décision pour la localisation spatiale des zones à forte pression anthropique (Cited by: 26, Year: 2007) 🌐📈
  • The contribution of the digital elevation models and geographic information systems in a watershed hydrologic research (Cited by: 23, Year: 2010) 🌊🗺️
  • Support system based on GIS and weighted sum method for land suitability map development (Cited by: 20, Year: 2012) 🌾🖥️
  • Élaboration d’un système d’aide à la décision spatiale – Application à la dangerosité de l’infrastructure routière (Cited by: 18, Year: 2007) 🚧📊
  • Improvement of land suitability assessment for agriculture (Cited by: 16, Year: 2014) 🌱📉
  • Comparison between two multicriteria methods for assessing land suitability for agriculture (Cited by: 15, Year: 2021) 🌾🛠️
  • Water impoundment location using GIS and multicriteria decision-making (Cited by: 10, Year: 2010) 💧📍
  • Hydrologic model combined with GIS for estimating hydrologic balance at watershed scale (Cited by: 10, Year: 2008) 🌊💻
  • Contribution of GIS to irrigation planning – Zriga region case study (Cited by: 6, Year: 2003) 🚜🖥️
  • Mise en place d’un SIG pour le suivi de l’érosion hydrique (Cited by: 6, Year: 2002) 🌧️📍
  • Hydrologic model combined to a GIS for watershed-scale balance estimation (Cited by: 4, Year: 2007) 🌊🗺️
  • Multicriterion analysis for decision-making: Naâma case study (Cited by: 3, Year: 2007) 🌍📈
  • Impact of GRACE Geopotential Model and SRTM data on geoid modeling in Algeria (Cited by: 1, Year: 2009) 🌐📊
  • Le GPS cinématique for enriching road information systems (Cited by: 1, Year: 2006) 🚗📌

 

Johannes Tshepison Tsoku | Decision Sciences |Best Researcher Award

 Prof. Johannes Tshepison Tsoku | Decision Sciences |Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor & Programme Leader,  Facuty of Economic Science and Management, North West University, South Africa.

Associate Professor Johannes Tshepiso Tsoku is an accomplished statistician dedicated to enhancing knowledge through rigorous research. Currently pursuing a PhD in Statistics at North West University, he has a strong academic foundation, including a Master’s and an Honours degree with Distinction. With extensive experience in teaching and leadership roles, he has significantly contributed to departmental operations and student mentorship. His involvement in various research committees and receipt of a grant for the African International Conference highlight his commitment to ethical research practices and professional development. Tsoku’s contributions position him as a leading candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award.

Publication Profile :

Scopus

Academic Qualifications :

Tsoku’s academic journey is commendable, with a strong focus on statistics. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics at North West University, emphasizing statistical arbitrage strategies. His previous qualifications include a Master of Commerce, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce with Distinction, and a Bachelor’s in Commerce, all specializing in Statistics. Such a robust academic foundation demonstrates his dedication to continuous learning and research excellence, underscoring his potential for impactful contributions to the field.

Work Experience :

With a diverse range of roles at North West University, Tsoku has cultivated significant leadership experience. As a Programme Leader and Associate Professor, he oversees departmental operations, coordinates research activities, and engages in teaching and mentorship. His role in organizing meetings, preparing reports, and supervising research underscores his commitment to fostering a supportive academic environment. Additionally, his tenure as a Senior Lecturer and various instructional roles showcases his ability to inspire and educate the next generation of statisticians, further amplifying his impact in academia.

Research Contributions And Achievements :

Tsoku’s research endeavors have led to notable contributions within the academic community. His membership in various committees, including the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences Research Ethics Committee, highlights his engagement with ethical research practices. His participation in the South African Statistical Association and the Scientific Committee for the School of Economic Sciences demonstrates his active involvement in advancing statistical science. Furthermore, his research grant award to attend the African International Conference in 2018 signifies recognition of his potential and dedication to furthering his expertise.

Awards And Honors : 

Associate Professor Johannes Tshepiso Tsoku has received several prestigious awards and honors throughout his academic career. Notably, he earned a Certificate of Academic Excellence for achieving his Honours Bachelor of Commerce in Statistics with Distinction, underscoring his commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, his research contributions have been recognized through a research grant awarded in 2018, enabling him to attend the African International Conference (AiC) in Botswana. His active participation in various committees, including the South African Statistical Association, further reflects his dedication to advancing the field of statistics and promoting ethical research practices.

Conclusion :

Associate Professor Johannes Tshepiso Tsoku exemplifies the qualities and accomplishments sought in the Research for Best Researcher Award. His professional expertise in statistics, rigorous academic background, extensive work experience, and active research contributions collectively position him as a leader in his field. Tsoku’s commitment to fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge ensures that his work will have a lasting impact on society and the academic community. His recognition through this award would not only honor his achievements but also inspire further advancements in research and education within the discipline.

Publication Top Notes

  • Hybrid time series and ANN-based ELM model on JSE/FTSE closing stock prices – Moseane, O., Tsoku, J.T., Metsileng, D. (2024) 📝
  • Modelling External Debt Using VECM and GARCH Models – Mokoena, N.B., Tsoku, J.T., Chanza, M. (2022) 📊
  • Influence of some sociodemographic factors on causes of death among South African youth – Mogale, B.V., Tsoku, J.T., Munapo, E., Ewemooje, O.S. (2020) 📚
  • The application of the Multivariate GARCH models on the BRICS exchange rates – Metsileng, L.D., Moroke, N.D., Tsoku, J.T. (2020) 🌍
  • Modelling the oil price volatility and macroeconomic variables in South Africa using the symmetric and asymmetric GARCH models – Sekati, B.N.Y., Tsoku, J.T., Metsileng, L.D. (2020) ⛽ | Cited by: 6
  • Economic growth and agricultural production in South Africa: An empirical study of causality and error correction mechanisms – Moroke, N.D., Tsoku, J.T., Seaketso, P.G. (2014) 🌱