Seminar 3
Topic: Screening of Some Botanical Insecticides against Maize Weevil, Sitophilus Zeamais Motschlsky (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) on Maize
Presenter:  Dr. Daniel Getahun (PhD)
Date:  Friday, November 14, 2025
Time:  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Seminar Room, Block 204

Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of powdered seeds of Azadirachta indica, Millettia ferruginea, and Jatropha curcas, as well as leaves of Croton macrostachyus and Euphorbia schimperiana, against maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais). Treatments involved 26 unsexed weevils exposed to 100 g of botanicals in 250 cm³ glass jars arranged in a randomized complete design with three replications. A standard insecticide (Pirimiphos-methyl 2% dust) and an untreated control were included for comparison.
Weevil mortality was recorded at 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post-treatment. By day 28, cumulative mortality in all botanical treatments was extremely high (97.43–100%), compared to only 11.53% in the control. F1 generation emergence was significantly reduced in treated samples, while seed germination remained above 77% with no significant differences among treatments.
The findings demonstrate that botanical powders cause high weevil mortality, reduce fecundity, and maintain seed viability. Further evaluation under farmers’ storage conditions is recommended to validate these results in practical settings.

Seminar 2

Topic: Biosynthesis of Bentonite Supported Plasmonic CuxO/Ag@Fe3O4 Nanostructures for Microplastic Removal: Experimental and Computational Studies

Presenter: Sisay Geda

Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Time: 10:30 AM– 11:30 AM

Venue: Seminar Room, Block 20

Abstract

This seminar addresses the critical environmental challenges posed by Mi croplastic contamination in water sources, exacerbated by rapid urbanization and industrialization. We present a novel method that utilizes biosynthesis to create CuxO/Ag@Fe3O4 nanocomposites supported by bentonite. These nanocomposites are intended to effectively remove polystyrene (PS) Microplas tic through photocatalytic degradation via localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Immobilization on bentonite increases the efficiency of pollutant degra dation, reduces agglomeration, and improves structural stability. We overcome the drawbacks of traditional photocatalysis by optimizing light absorption and charge carrier dynamics through the Plasmonic characteristics of these nanos tructures. The proposed approach addresses Microplastic contamination by combining photocatalytic technologies to provide a sustainable and affordable wastewater treatment solution.

Seminar 1
Topic: Fractional Brownian Motion in Option Pricing and Dynamic Delta Hedging: Experimental Simulations
Presenter:  Tamirat T. Dufera (PhD)
Date:  Thursday, October 15, 2025
Time:  2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Venue: Seminar Room, Block 204

Abstract
Financial markets often display memory and persistence that traditional mod els fail to capture. This seminar explores how fractional Brownian motion (fBm) can enhance our understanding of such behavior, particularly in option pricing and dynamic hedging. We will discuss how the Hurst exponent, a key parameter in fBm, influences option price predictions and what it reveals about market dynamics. Through simulation-based demonstrations, we will examine the role of continuous calibration and show how it affects hedging performance. The session also introduces a dynamic delta hedging algorithm that incorpo rates the Hurst exponent, illustrating its potential benefits for improving risk management and financial modeling. The full paper.

We are delighted to share that we have partnered with A2SV foundation, an organization that aims to discover, develop,

and empower the future of African tech talent. A2SV offers a comprehensive program that covers algorithms, problem-solving, software engineering, and soft skills, equipping students for opportunities at A2SV’s partner top tech companies by improving their problem-solving skills, communication, and personal growth.