Taşkın Deniz Yildiz |  Fertilizer |  Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Taşkın Deniz Yildiz |  Fertilizer |  Best Researcher Award

Academician at  Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University, Department of Mining Engineering,  Turkey

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taşkın Deniz Yıldız is a distinguished academic at the Department of Mining Engineering, Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University. Since 2014, he has contributed significantly to academia, previously serving at Istanbul Technical University. Dr. Yıldız completed his MSc (2012) and PhD (2020) in Mining Engineering at Istanbul Technical University. He also holds a law degree from Beykent University (2016) and became a licensed lawyer in 2023. His research interests include mining legislation, mineral economics, resource management, and occupational safety in mines. He has published extensively, with a Google Scholar h-index of 19.

Profile:

🎓 Academic and Professional Background:

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taşkın Deniz Yıldız has been an academician at Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University since 2014. He previously served at Istanbul Technical University for about four years. He earned his MSc (2012) and PhD (2020) in Mining Engineering from Istanbul Technical University. Dr. Yıldız also holds a law degree from Beykent University (2016) and became a licensed lawyer in 2023.

📊 Research and Achievements:

  • Publications: 35 articles (24 in Web of Science, 11 in other indexes), 1 book, 9 WOS/SCOPUS-indexed book chapters, 2 international books, 23 conference papers, and 56 mining sector journal articles.
  • Research Projects: Involved in the Istanbul Technical University BAP Project and European COST Actions.

Citation Metrics:

  • Google Scholar: 904 citations, h-index 19, i10-index 35
  • Web of Science: 201 citations, h-index 8
  • Scopus: 251 citations, h-index 10
  • AD Scientific Index (2025): Ranked 8th in his university in Turkey

💡 Research Interests:

  • Mining legislation, exploration, and operation
  • Mineral and resource economics
  • Cost analysis and benefit evaluation
  • Natural resource taxation and mining investments
  • Land use in mining and rehabilitation of abandoned sites
  • Mining waste management and occupational safety

🌐 Memberships:

  • Founding member, International Network ‘Acclimating Post-Mining Territories’
  • Member, Association of Geoscience, Mining and Metallurgy Professionals (YERMAM)
  • Member, Technology and Innovation Commission of Professional Development Association of Mining Engineers (MMMGD)
  • Member, European Association of Labour Economists
  • Member, Chamber of Mining Engineers of Turkey

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Waste management costs (WMC) of mining companies in Turkey: Can waste recovery help meeting these costs?”
    Resources Policy, 68, 101706, 2020 (64 citations)

  • “Evaluation of Forestland Use in Mining Operation Activities in Turkey in Terms of Sustainable Natural Resources”
    Land Use Policy, 96, 2020 (49 citations)

  • “The Impacts of EIA Procedure on the Mining Sector in the Permit Process of Mining Operating Activities & Turkey Analysis”
    Resources Policy, 67, 2020 (44 citations)

  • “Effects of the Private Land Acquisition Process and Costs on Mining Enterprises before Mining Operation Activities in Turkey”
    Land Use Policy, 97, 2020 (42 citations)

  • “The Share of Required Costs in Investment Amounts for Mining Operating Activities in Pasture Lands in Turkey”
    Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi (Journal of Engineering), 2019 (39 citations)

  • “Forest Fees Paid to Permit Mining Extractive Operations on Turkey’s Forestlands & the Ratio to Investments”
    Gospodarka Surowcami Mineralnymi: Mineral Resources Management, 2020 (36 citations)

  • “The Effects of the Mining Operation Activities Permit Process on the Mining Sector in Turkey”
    Resources Policy, 69, 101868, 2020 (35 citations)

  • “How Can the Effects of EIA Procedures and Legislation Foreseen for the Mining Operation Activities to Mining Change Positively in Turkey?”
    Resources Policy, 72, 102018, 2021 (29 citations)

  • “Forest Costs Paid by Mining Enterprises During Investment Period to Carry Out Mining Operations in Forest Areas”
    Adıyaman Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi (Journal of Engineering), 2020 (28 citations)

  • “Urban Development and Mining in Istanbul – Ağaçli Coal Field and Its Rehabilitation”
    SWEMP 2016 (International Symposium on Environmental Issues and Waste Management), 2016 (27 citations)

  • “Are the Compensations Given to Mining Enterprises Due to the Overlapping with Other Investments in Turkey Enough? Expectations of Compensation for Profit Deprivation”
    Resources Policy, 75, 102507, 2022 (25 citations)

  • “How Can the State Rights Be Calculated by Considering a High Share of State Right in Mining Operating Costs in Turkey?”
    Resources Policy, 75, 102509, 2022 (25 citations)

  • “Overlapping of Mine Sites and Highway Route in Turkey: Evaluation in Terms of Mining Land Use Criteria and Land-Use Planning”
    Land Use Policy, 106, 105444, 2021 (22 citations)

  • “Possible Effects of Mining Zone Regulation on Mining Companies in Turkey & Evaluation of Mining Companies”
    Resources Policy, 71, 102011, 2021 (22 citations)

  • “Overlapping of Natural Stone Mining Field with High-Speed Train Project in Turkey: Was the Economic Public Benefit Evaluation Made Sufficiently?”
    Resources Policy, 74, 102241, 2021 (18 citations)

 

Yaniv Lavon | Dairy Cows | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Yaniv Lavon | Dairy Cows | Best Researcher Award

Israel Cattle Breeders Association,  Israel

Dr. Yaniv Lavon is a seasoned researcher and professional manager at the Israeli Cattle Breeder’s Association. He holds a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where his research focused on the impact of mastitis on ovarian follicular functions in dairy cows. Dr. Lavon has extensive experience in dairy farm management, herd reproduction, mastitis treatment, and cattle management. He has also contributed to academia as a teaching assistant and has been recognized with several prestigious scholarships, including from the Israel Cattle Breeders’ Association and the Ministry of Agriculture.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Dr. Lavon holds a B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Animal Sciences from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. His Ph.D. research focused on the “Mastitis-induced impairment of ovarian follicular functions in dairy cows” under the guidance of Prof. David Wolfenson and Dr. Gabriel Leitner.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Lavon has extensive experience in dairy farm management, research, and herd management. He began his career in commercial dairy farms, progressed to experimental roles at the Volcani Institute, and since 2011, he has been a researcher and guide in dairy farms with a focus on reproduction, mastitis, and herd management. He currently serves as the Professional Manager at the Israeli Cattle Breeder’s Association, where he has also managed the Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) program.

📚 Teaching & Research:

He has contributed to academia as a teaching assistant at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, specializing in courses such as Biology of Lactation, Dairy Cattle Management, and Ruminants Diseases. His research expertise includes ultrasonography, estrus synchronization, and advanced molecular techniques like Real-Time PCR and western blotting.

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

Dr. Lavon has received several prestigious scholarships, including from the Israel Cattle Breeders’ Association (2006, 2008), the Laper Scholarship (2007), and the Whole Organism scholarship from the Ministry of Agriculture (2008).

Citations:

Citations: 731 (by 514 documents)
Publications: 43
h-index: 16

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Rabies Vaccination for Sheep and Goats: Influence of Booster on Persistence of Antibody Response”
    S. Weyl-Feinstein, S. Novak, M. Eyngor, Y. Lavon, B.A. Yakobson
    Veterinary Sciences, 2024.

  • “Retrospective Evaluation of Udder Recovery of Cows with Subclinical Mastitis Following Treatment with Acoustic Pulse Technology (APT) on Commercial Dairy Farms and Its Economic Impact”
    U. Merin, D. Gilad, S. Jacoby, Y. Lavon, G. Leitner
    PLoS ONE, 2024.

  • “Alternative Traits for Genetic Evaluation of Mastitis Based on Lifetime Merit”
    G. Leitner, S.E. Blum, O. Krifucks, S. Jacoby, E. Seroussi
    Genes, 2024.

  • “Estimating the Effect of the Kappa Casein Genotype on Milk Coagulation Properties in Israeli Holstein Cows”
    Y. Lavon, J.I. Weller, Y. Zeron, E. Ezra
    Animals, 2024.

Swabir Alhassan Musah | Soil Health | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Swabir Alhassan  Musah |  Soil Health |  Best Researcher Award

PhD student at  University of Georgia,  United States

Swabir Alhassan Musah is a passionate researcher pursuing a Ph.D. in Crop & Soil Sciences (Soil Fertility & Management) at the University of Georgia. He holds an M.Sc. in Plant & Environmental Sciences from Clemson University and a Master Certificate in International Development & Global Agriculture from China Agricultural University. Swabir’s research focuses on soil fertility, plant nutrition, and biogeochemistry, with a commitment to enhancing global food security through sustainable agricultural practices. He is an active member of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

Profile:

🎓 Education & Research:

Swabir Alhassan Musah is a dedicated researcher currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Crop & Soil Sciences (Soil Fertility & Management) at the University of Georgia, Tifton. He holds an M.Sc. in Plant & Environmental Sciences (Soil Health & Biogeochemistry) from Clemson University and a Master Certificate in International Development & Global Agriculture from China Agricultural University. His academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Science (Crop & Soil Science) from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology, Ghana.

🔬 Research Focus & Experience:

Swabir’s research expertise spans soil fertility, plant nutrition, soil health, and biogeochemistry. His work includes soil nutrient analysis, enzymatic activities, carbon and nitrogen assessment, and cover crop residue decomposition. He has served as a Graduate Research Assistant at both the University of Georgia and Clemson University, contributing to projects on soil texture, stability, and nutrient management.

👨‍🏫 Professional Experience:

As a Teaching Assistant at the University of Georgia, Swabir coordinates laboratory sessions and supports undergraduate education. He previously contributed to farmer education and climate-smart agriculture initiatives with Okuafo Foundation in Ghana and volunteered as a science teacher at Al-Azhariya Islamic Senior High School.

🏆 Awards & Honors:

Swabir’s accolades include 5th place in the 5-Minute Rapid Oral Competition at the 2024 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meeting and 3rd place in the Poster Competition at Clemson University’s Graduate Research Symposium. He also won the Virginia Soil Health Coalition 4 The Earth Photo Contest in 2022.

🌐 Professional Affiliations:

He is a member of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

💡 Skills:

Swabir is proficient in Microsoft Office, data collection and analysis, project management, and public speaking.

Publication:

  • Integrating Winter Cover Crops Did Not Change Cotton Lint Yield Responses to Nitrogen Fertilization in Sandy Soils

Senbagam Duraisamy | Food Preservative | Women Researcher Award

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Dr Senbagam Duraisamy |  Food Preservative |  Women Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  SRM Institute of Science and Technology,  India

Dr. Senbagam Duraisamy is an Assistant Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, specializing in microbial biotechnology. She holds a Ph.D. in Microbial Biotechnology from Anna University, Chennai (2014). Her research interests include infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, probiotics, and their secondary metabolites. With over 15 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Senbagam has held roles at Bharathidasan University, Vivekanandha College, and Muthayammal College. She has been awarded the UGC Women Post-Doctoral Fellowship and served as a Research Associate under RUSA 2.0. Her work focuses on innovative biopreservative solutions and advancing microbial research.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Microbial Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai (2014)
  • M.Phil. in Microbiology, Bharathidasan University, Trichy (2004)
  • M.Sc. in Microbiology, Bharathidasan University, Trichy (2002)
  • B.Sc. in Microbiology, Bharathidasan University, Trichy (2000)

🔬 Research Interests:

Infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, probiotics and their secondary metabolites

🧬 Professional Experience:

Dr. Senbagam currently serves as an Assistant Professor at SRM Institute of Science and Technology. She has previously held research and teaching roles at Bharathidasan University, Vivekanandha College, Muthayammal College, and Shanmuga Industries Arts & Science College. Her extensive experience spans over 15 years, including a Women Post-Doctoral Fellowship by UGC (2016-2021) and a Research Associate position under RUSA 2.0 (2021-2023).

🏆 Awards & Projects:

  • Women Post-Doctoral Fellowship (UGC) for research on bacteriocin-coated silver nanoparticles (INR 42,00,000)
  • Research Associate (RUSA 2.0) at Bharathidasan University (2021-2023)
  • Mentor Grant for a student project on bacteriocin applications in the bakery and dairy industry (TNSCST, 2010-2011)

Citations:

Citations: 3,522 (since 2020: 3,179)
h-index: 23 (since 2020: 19)
i10-index: 33 (since 2020: 28)

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Global incidence, prevalence, years lived with disability (YLDs), disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs), and healthy life expectancy (HALE) for 371 diseases and injuries in …”
    AJ Ferrari, DF Santomauro, A Aali, YH Abate, C Abbafati, H Abbastabar, …
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 469

  • “Global burden of 288 causes of death and life expectancy decomposition in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the …”
    M Naghavi, KL Ong, A Aali, HS Ababneh, YH Abate, C Abbafati, …
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 449

  • “Global, regional, and national burden of disorders affecting the nervous system, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021”
    GBDNSD Collaborators, D Senbagam, et al
    Lancet Neurology, 2024
    Citations: 418

  • “Global burden and strength of evidence for 88 risk factors in 204 countries and 811 subnational locations, 1990–2021: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease …”
    GBD Risk Factors Collaborators, S Duraisamy et al
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 417

  • “Global age-sex-specific mortality, life expectancy, and population estimates in 204 countries and territories and 811 subnational locations, 1950–2021, and the impact of the …”
    AE Schumacher, HH Kyu, A Aali, C Abbafati, J Abbas, …
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 288

  • “Burden of disease scenarios for 204 countries and territories, 2022–2050: a forecasting analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021”
    GBD Forecasting Collaborators, S Duraisamy et al
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 189

  • “Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Acacia leucophloea extract and their antibacterial activity”
    K Murugan, B Senthilkumar, D Senbagam, S Al-Sohaibani
    International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014
    Citations: 174

  • “Mapping geographical inequalities in childhood diarrhoeal morbidity and mortality in low-income and middle-income countries, 2000–17: analysis for the Global Burden of Disease …”
    RC Reiner, KE Wiens, A Deshpande, MM Baumann, PA Lindstedt, …
    The Lancet, 2020
    Citations: 141

  • “Production of bacteriocin and their application in food products”
    N Udhayashree, D Senbagam, B Senthilkumar, K Nithya, R Gurusamy
    Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2012
    Citations: 94

  • “Global fertility in 204 countries and territories, 1950–2021, with forecasts to 2100: a comprehensive demographic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021”
    NV Bhattacharjee, AE Schumacher, A Aali, YH Abate, R Abbasgholizadeh, …
    The Lancet, 2024
    Citations: 88

 

Tunde Etchie | Environmental Chemistry | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Tunde  Etchie |  Environmental Chemistry |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer & Researcher at  Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State,  Nigeria

Dr. Tunde O. Etchie is a dedicated Environmental Chemist focused on understanding the hazardous chemical compositions of air, water, and arable land and their impact on public health in Africa and Asia. His research explores how meteorology, demography, and socioeconomic status influence exposure to chemical pollutants and associated health burdens.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • PhD in Environmental Chemistry & Pollution Control | University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2016)
  • MSc in Environmental Chemistry & Pollution Control | University of Ibadan, Nigeria (2009)
  • BSc in Biochemistry | Delta State University, Nigeria (2005)

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Lecturer | Federal University Lokoja, Nigeria (2019 – Present)
  • Director | Meteorology, Environment & Demographic Surveillance Ltd, Port Harcourt, Nigeria (2017 – Present)
  • Lecturer | Landmark University, Kwara State, Nigeria (2018 – 2019)
  • Senior Research Officer | The INCLEN Trust International, New Delhi, India (2016 – 2017)

🔬 Research Interests:

Dr. Etchie is dedicated to understanding how hazardous chemical compositions in air, water, and arable land affect the burden of disease in Africa and Asia. His work explores the impact of meteorology, demography, and socioeconomic status on exposure to pollutants and related health outcomes.

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 391
  • Citations Since 2020: 264
  • h-index: 12 (9 since 2020)
  • i10-index: 13 (8 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • The health burden and economic costs averted by ambient PM2.5 pollution reductions in Nagpur, India
    Environment International, 102, 145-156 (2017). [68 citations]

  • The gains in life expectancy by ambient PM2.5 pollution reductions in localities in Nigeria
    Environmental Pollution, 236, 146-157 (2018). [60 citations]

  • Determination of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in surface water and sediment of Ubeji river, Warri, Nigeria
    Bioremediation, Biodiversity and Bioavailability, 5, 46-51 (2011). [54 citations]

  • The burden of disease attributable to ambient PM2.5-bound PAHs exposure in Nagpur, India
    Chemosphere, 204, 277-289 (2018). [46 citations]

  • Influence of seasonal variation on water quality in tropical water distribution system: Is the disease burden significant?
    Water Research, 49, 186-196 (2014). [22 citations]

  • Season, not lockdown, improved air quality during COVID-19 State of Emergency in Nigeria
    Science of the Total Environment, 768, 145187 (2021). [21 citations]

  • Health risk assessment of exposure to metals in a Nigerian water supply
    Human and Ecological Risk Assessment: An International Journal, 20(1), 29-44 (2014). [21 citations]

  • Prioritizing hazardous pollutants in two Nigerian water supply schemes: A risk-based approach
    Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 91, 553-561J (2013). [19 citations]

  • Burn to kill: Wood ash a silent killer in Africa
    Science of the Total Environment, 748, 141316 (2020). [13 citations]

  • Evaluation of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and some related heavy metals in soil and groundwater of Ubeji settlement, Warri Metropolis, Nigeria
    Terrestrial and Aquatic Environmental Toxicology, 6(1), 61-65 (2012). [13 citations]

  • Source identification of chemical contaminants in a rural settlement
    Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, 5(9), 730-740 (2011). [13 citations]

  • Theoretical prediction of molar entropy of modified shifted Morse potential for gaseous molecules
    Chemical Physics, 582, 112294 (2024). [12 citations]

  • Burden of disease at the same limit of exposure to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons varies significantly across countries depending on the gap in longevity
    Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 420-429 (2019). [11 citations]

  • Can the Indian national ambient air quality standard protect against the hazardous constituents of PM2.5?
    Chemosphere, 303, 135047 (2022). [5 citations]

  • Systemic chronic health risk assessment of residential exposure to Cd²⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ in groundwater
    Toxicological & Environmental Chemistry, 94(1), 181-194 (2012). [5 citations]

  • Chronic exposure to heavy metals in public water supply and human health risk assessment
    Terrestrial and Aquatic Environmental Toxicology, 6(2), 106-111 (2012). [5 citations]

  • Dangerous organic chemicals identified in inhalable particulate matter air pollution
    IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 640(1), 012094 (2019). [2 citations]

  • Development of national health-based target for regulating airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure in Nigeria
    Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1299(1), 012088 (2019). [1 citation]

  • COVID lockdowns significantly affect statewide atmospheric fine aerosols in India after excluding long-term pollution patterns and time-lag effect
    Atmospheric Environment, 343, 121013 (2025).

  • Is wood ash a silent killer in sub-Saharan Africa
    Health & Medicine, 10.32907/RO-119-3033 (2020).

 

Mariana Petkova | Plant Biology | Women Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr Mariana Petkova |  Plant Biology |  Women Researcher Award

Microbiology and Molecular biology at  Agriculture University-Plovdiv,  Bulgaria

Mariana Krasimirova Petkova, PhD is an Assistant Professor at the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, Bulgaria, within the Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology. She earned her Master’s degree in Plant Protection from the Agricultural University in 1996 and completed her PhD in Molecular Biology at the University of Kobe, Japan, in 2002.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Master of Plant Protection – Agricultural University, Plovdiv, 1996
  • PhD in Molecular Biology – University of Kobe, Japan, 2002

💼 Academic Positions:

  • 2010 – 2014: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Agronomy, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Agricultural University – Plovdiv
  • 2014 – Present: Assistant Professor, Faculty of Plant Protection and Agroecology, Department of Microbiology and Ecological Biotechnology, Agricultural University – Plovdiv

🔬 Research Interests:

Main Areas:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Gene Expression
  • Microbiology

Additional Areas:

  • Antimicrobials
  • Lactic Acid Bacteria & Yeast in Sourdoughs
  • Functional Foods

🌍 International Collaborations & Specializations:

  • JSPS Fellowship (2006-2009) – University of Osaka, Japan
  • HPLC Training (2011) – Budapest, Hungary
  • Borlaug Fellowship (2012) – North Dakota State University, USA
  • Food Traceability Course (2013) – Thessaloniki, Greece
  • Analytical Approaches Workshop (2016) – University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv

🏆 Awards & Memberships:

  • Member: Union of Scientists in Bulgaria (since 2011)

📊 Scientific Impact:

  • Citations: 154 (by 140 documents)
  • Publications: 23
  • h-index: 8

Publication Top Notes:

  • “Plant Growth-Promoting and Biocontrol Characteristics of Four Bacillus Strains and Evaluation of Their Effects on Wheat (Tr. aestivum L.)”
    International Journal of Plant Biology, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/ijpb16010001

  • “Positive Effect of Camelina Intercropping with Legumes on Soil Microbial Diversity by Applying NGS Analysis and Mobile Fluorescence Spectroscopy”
    Applied Sciences, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/app14199046

  • “Biological Control of Lettuce Drop (Sclerotinia minor Jagger) Using Antagonistic Bacillus Species”
    Applied Microbiology, 2024.
    DOI: 10.3390/applmicrobiol4030088

  • “Isolation and Selection of Sauerkraut Lactic Acid Bacteria Producing Exopolysaccharides”
    BIO Web of Conferences, 2023.
    DOI: 10.1051/bioconf/20235802001

  • “Metagenomic Approach Unravelling Bacterial Diversity in Combined Composting and Vermicomposting Technology of Agricultural Wastes”
    Ecologia Balkanica, 2023.

  • “Mutagenesis as a Tool for Enhancement of Fatty Acid Composition of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)”
    Bulgarian Journal of Agricultural Science, 2023.

  • “On the Molecular Selection of Exopolysaccharide-Producing Lactic Acid Bacteria from Indigenous Fermented Plant-Based Foods and Further Fine Chemical Characterization”
    Foods, 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/foods12183346

  • “Plant Traits of Tilia tomentosa Moench, Fraxinus excelsior L., and Pinus nigra J.F.Arnold as a Proxy of Urbanization”
    Forests, 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/f14040800

  • “Revealing Fungal Diversity in Mesophilic and Thermophilic Habitats of Sewage Sludge Composting by Next-Generation Sequencing”
    Applied Sciences (Switzerland), 2023.
    DOI: 10.3390/app13095546

 

Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Zhizhou Ren | Agricultural Products |  Best Researcher Award

postgraduate at College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, China

Zhizhou Ren is a postgraduate researcher specializing in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His work focuses on integrating hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning for efficient wheat disease detection. He has published two SCI papers in high-impact journals and developed the GFNN model, achieving 98.76% accuracy in disease identification. Ren has contributed to four major collaborative projects and holds one patent. As a member of the China Electronics Society, he actively engages in research that enhances precision agriculture and food security.

Profile:

🔬 Research Focus:

Zhizhou Ren specializes in smart agriculture and non-destructive detection of agricultural products. His research integrates hyperspectral imaging, electronic noses, and deep learning algorithms to detect wheat diseases efficiently.

📚 Key Contributions:

  • Developed the GFNN model for detecting VOCs using an electronic nose, achieving 98.76% accuracy in wheat disease detection.
  • Published two SCI papers in Q1 and Q2 journals, including Agriculture-Basel and International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering.
  • Holds one patent and has contributed to four major collaborative projects funded by Jiangsu Province.

🏆 Achievements & Collaborations:

  • Active member of the China Electronics Society.
  • Engaged in consultancy and industry projects, contributing to agricultural disease management and food security.
  • Participated in prestigious research programs, including the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province.

Citations:

Citations: 948 (All), 947 (Since 2020)
h-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)
i10-index: 11 (All), 11 (Since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • QPLEX: Duplex Dueling Multi-Agent Q-Learning
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, T. Liu, Y. Yu, C. Zhang
    Ninth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2021) – 550 citations

  • Exploration via Hindsight Goal Generation
    Z. Ren, K. Dong, Y. Zhou, Q. Liu, J. Peng
    Thirty-third Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2019) – 99 citations

  • Towards Understanding Cooperative Multi-Agent Q-Learning with Value Factorization
    J. Wang, Z. Ren, B. Han, J. Ye, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 61 citations

  • Proximal Exploration for Model-guided Protein Sequence Design
    Z. Ren, J. Li, F. Ding, Y. Zhou, J. Ma, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 47 citations

  • Generalizable Episodic Memory for Deep Reinforcement Learning
    H. Hu, J. Ye, G. Zhu, Z. Ren, C. Zhang
    Thirty-eighth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2021) – 43 citations

  • Off-Policy Reinforcement Learning with Delayed Rewards
    B. Han, Z. Ren, Z. Wu, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 41 citations

  • Learning Long-Term Reward Redistribution via Randomized Return Decomposition
    Z. Ren, R. Guo, Y. Zhou, J. Peng
    Tenth International Conference on Learning Representations (ICLR 2022 Spotlight) – 39 citations

  • On the Estimation Bias in Double Q-Learning
    Z. Ren, G. Zhu, H. Hu, B. Han, J. Chen, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fifth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2021) – 24 citations

  • Self-Organized Polynomial-Time Coordination Graphs
    Q. Yang, W. Dong, Z. Ren, J. Wang, T. Wang, C. Zhang
    Thirty-ninth International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2022) – 13 citations

  • Efficient Meta Reinforcement Learning for Preference-based Fast Adaptation
    Z. Ren, A. Liu, Y. Liang, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-sixth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2022) – 12 citations

  • Object-Oriented Dynamics Learning through Multi-Level Abstraction
    G. Zhu, J. Wang, Z. Ren, Z. Lin, C. Zhang
    Thirty-fourth AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence (AAAI 2020) – 11 citations

  • Full-Atom Peptide Design based on Multi-modal Flow Matching
    J. Li, C. Cheng, Z. Wu, R. Guo, S. Luo, Z. Ren, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Forty-first International Conference on Machine Learning (ICML 2024) – 7 citations

  • Enhancing Protein Mutation Effect Prediction through a Retrieval-Augmented Framework
    R. Guo, R. Wang, R. Wu, Z. Ren, J. Li, S. Luo, Z. Wu, Q. Liu, J. Peng, J. Ma
    Thirty-eighth Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS 2024) – 1 citation

  • Bridging Distribution Gaps: Invariant Pattern Discovery for Dynamic Graph Learning
    Y. Jin, M. Wang, Y. Xiong, Z. Ren, C. Huo, F. Zhu, J. Zhang, G. Wang, H. Chen
    World Wide Web 27 (4), 44 (2024)

 

Simion Matsvai | Agribusiness | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Simion Matsvai |  Agribusiness |  Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Simion Matsvai is a distinguished academic with over 10 years of experience in teaching, research, and community engagement. His areas of expertise include Applied Economics, with a focus on Financial Economics, Agricultural Economics, Environmental & Natural Resources Economics, Development Economics, and Health Economics. Matsvai has contributed to various national and international research projects, showcasing adaptability and a commitment to excellence. Skilled in analytical tools such as Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, and SPSS, he is dedicated to advancing research and consultancy within his field.

Profile:

Academic Qualifications:

  • PhD in Agricultural Economics (University of Fort Hare, 2016-2020)
  • Master of Commerce in Industrial Strategy and Trade Policy (Great Zimbabwe University, 2011-2012)
  • BSc (Hons) in Economics (University of Zimbabwe, 2003, 2006)

Work Experience:

Current Employment

  • Senior Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University, Faculty of Commerce (Feb 2013 – Present)
    • Specializes in advanced modules including International Finance, Macroeconomics, Environmental Economics, and Econometrics.
    • Dissertation supervision and research mentoring.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow (Walter Sisulu University, 2024-2025)

Agribusiness Development Specialist (Intercountry Peoples Aid, 2010–2013)

Consultancy Experience:

Simion Matsvai has co-researched a variety of impactful studies for national and international organizations, including work on economic development, youth empowerment, agricultural policies, and financial systems.

Conferences & Workshops:

  • International Conference on Time Series and Forecasting (2023, Gran Canaria, Spain) – Presented on ICTs and Economic Growth.
  • 19th African Finance Association Conference (2023, Cape Town, RSA) – ICTs and Agricultural Total Factor Productivity Change in South Africa.
  • Beef Enterprise Strengthening Workshop (2023, Masvingo) – Discussed Agricultural Financing Models.

Skills & Expertise:

  • Statistical Software: Excel, R, E-Views, STATA, SPSS, FRONTIER, N-Logit, etc.
  • Research: Extensive experience in data analysis, methodology development, and report writing.
  • Teaching: Strong academic background in economics, with experience across postgraduate and undergraduate programs.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Sustainability Reporting Strategy and Its Determinants Among Resource-Based Companies
    Corporate and Business Strategy Review, 2025
    DOI: 10.22495/cbsrv6i1art9
    Contributors: Leward Jeke, Sanderson Abel, Kudakwashe David Chitaukire, Julius Mukarati, Pierre Le Roux, Simion Matsvai

  2. Determinants of Microfinance Demand (Evidence from Chiredzi Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers in Zimbabwe)
    Sustainability, 2024-11-08
    DOI: 10.3390/su16229752
    Contributor: Simion Matsvai

  3. Technical Efficiency Impact of Microfinance on Small Scale Resettled Sugar Cane Farmers in Zimbabwe
    Cogent Economics & Finance, 2022-01-05
    DOI: 10.1080/23322039.2021.2017599

  4. Characterisation of Smallholder Resettled Sugarcane Farmers and Their Perceptions Towards Microfinance in Zimbabwe (Chiredzi)
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development, 2021-10-11
    DOI: 10.17306/J.JARD.2021.01308
    Contributors: Simion Matsvai, Abbissynia Mushunje, Simbarashe Tatsvarei

 

Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Lelethu Mdoda | Climate change | Best Researcher Award

Senior Lecturer at  University of KwaZulu-Natal,  South Africa

Dr. Lelethu Mdoda is a Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, specializing in Agricultural Economics. He earned his PhD at 25 from the University of Fort Hare, focusing on market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in South Africa.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

  • PhD in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2017) – University of Fort Hare
    • Thesis: Market participation and value chain integration among smallholder farmers in Eastern Cape
  • MSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics (2015) – University of Fort Hare
    • Dissertation: Farmers’ awareness of climate change and its effects on productivity
  • BSc in Agriculture – Agricultural Economics/Economics (2013) – University of Fort Hare

🔬 Research Focus & Expertise:

Dr. Mdoda specializes in agricultural policy, climate change adaptation, smallholder economies, food security, and rural development. His expertise extends to agribusiness, value chains, sustainability, and resource economics. He has extensive experience in applied econometric modeling, data analysis, and market research.

📚 Professional Career & Contributions:

  • Senior Lecturer at the University of KwaZulu-Natal
  • Published over 30 peer-reviewed journal articles
  • NRF Rating: Y2
  • Active in mentoring, research, and project management

🌍 Professional Memberships & Leadership:

  • President of the African Farm Management Association (AFMA)
  • Member of AEASA, IAAE, and IFAMA

🏆 Awards & Recognitions:

  • DAAD German Scholarship (2016)
  • NRF Bursary for MSc (2015)
  • Best Agricultural Student Award (2007)
  • Travel Grants from IFAMA (2016, 2017)

🤝 Community Engagement & Projects:

  • Founder & Executive Director of #HaySureLesner Foundation – Youth mentorship, drug abuse awareness, and career guidance
  • Nguni Project – Market coordination for livestock farming
  • Keiskamahoek Market Day – Supporting smallholder farmers with market access
  • WRC Project – Enhancing smallholder irrigation farming in Eastern Cape

Publication Top Notes:

  • Factors affecting the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by livestock farmers in the Eastern Cape province
    L Mdoda, L Mdiya
    Cogent Social Science 8 (1), 2026017 (43 citations, 2022)

  • Factors affecting subsistence farming in rural areas of Nyandeni Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province
    S Qange, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 48 (2), 92-105 (43 citations, 2020)

  • The direct and indirect economic contribution of small-scale black agriculture in South Africa
    M Aliber, L Mdoda
    Agrekon 54 (2), 18-37 (36 citations, 2015)

  • RETRACTED: Factors impacting sugarcane production by small-scale farmers in KwaZulu-Natal Province-South Africa
    Z Thibane, S Soni, L Phali, L Mdoda
    Heliyon 9 (1) (30 citations, 2023)

  • Analysis of profitability of smallholder irrigated food plots in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    L Mdoda, A Obi
    Journal of Agribusiness and Rural Development 3 (53), 225–232 (23 citations, 2019)

  • Socio-economic factors affecting home gardens as a livelihood strategy in rural areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
    L Mdiya, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 49 (3), 1-15 (21 citations, 2021)

  • Adoption drivers of improved open-pollinated (OPVs) maize varieties by smallholder farmers in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
    M Sigigaba, L Mdoda, A Mditshwa
    Sustainability (20 citations, 2021)

  • Profit efficiency in family-owned crop farms in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa: A translog profit function approach
    N Mujuru, A Obi, S Mishi, L Mdoda
    Agriculture & Food Security 11 (20), 2-9 (18 citations, 2022)

  • Determinants of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) technologies adoption by smallholder food crop farmers in Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality, Free State
    A Makamane, J Van Niekerk, O Loki, L Mdoda
    South African Journal of Agricultural Extension 51 (4), 52-74 (14 citations, 2023)

  • Use of information systems (Mobile phone app) for enhancing smallholder farmers’ productivity in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Implications on food security
    L Mdoda, M Christian, I Agbugba
    Journal of the Knowledge Economy 15 (1), 1993-2009 (13 citations, 2024)

 

Shuguang Deng | Agriculture Wastes | Best Scholar Award

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Prof Shuguang Deng | Agriculture Wastes |  Best Scholar Award

Research Scholar at  Arizona State University, United States

Dr. Shuguang Deng is a leading chemical engineer specializing in nanostructured materials, adsorption technology, carbon capture, and sustainable energy solutions. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and has held academic and industry positions at New Mexico State University, The BOC Group, and SINOPEC.

Profile:

📍 Education & Expertise:

Dr. Shuguang Deng earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati (1996) and holds M.S. and B.S. degrees from Zhejiang University, China. His research focuses on nanostructured materials, adsorption technology, carbon capture, sustainable aviation fuels, and chemical upcycling of plastics.

🏆 Leadership & Achievements:

He is the Founding Editor-in-Chief of Carbon and Sustainability and an Editor for Separation and Purification Technology. He has served in leadership roles at ASU and NMSU, including Interim Program Chair and Faculty Recruitment Chair.

🎖️ Honors & Awards:

  • Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Energy Conservation (2012)
  • Westhafer Award for Excellence in Research, NMSU (2012)
  • University Research Distinguished Career Award, NMSU (2011)
  • Innovation Excellence Award, The BOC Group (2001)

🔬 Research Impact:

Dr. Deng is a leading expert in carbon capture, gas separation, hydrogen technologies, hydrothermal liquefaction, and water purification. His innovations contribute to sustainability, clean energy, and environmental remediation.

Citations:

Citations: 26,361 (Since 2020: 13,907)
h-index: 85 (Since 2020: 63)
i10-index: 326 (Since 2020: 265)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Metallo-organic molecular sieve for gas separation and purification – Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 2002.
  • Adsorption of CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, and N₂ on MOF-5, MOF-177, and Zeolite 5A – Environmental Science & Technology, 2010.
  • Application of carbon nanotube technology for removal of contaminants in drinking water: A review – Science of the Total Environment, 2009.
  • Optimization of biodiesel production from edible and non-edible vegetable oils – Fuel, 2009.
  • Adsorption of CO₂ and CH₄ on a magnesium-based metal-organic framework – Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2011.
  • Renewable and sustainable approaches for desalination – Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2010.
  • Optimization of direct conversion of wet algae to biodiesel under supercritical methanol conditions – Bioresource Technology, 2011.
  • Microwave energy potential for biodiesel production – Sustainable Chemical Processes, 2013.
  • Adsorption of ethane, ethylene, propane, and propylene on a magnesium-based metal–organic framework – Langmuir, 2011.
  • Adsorption of CO₂, CH₄, and N₂ on ordered mesoporous carbon: Approach for greenhouse gases capture and biogas upgrading – Environmental Science & Technology, 2013.
  • Uranium removal from groundwater by natural clinoptilolite zeolite: Effects of pH and initial feed concentration – Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2010.
  • Microwave synthesis and characterization of MOF-74 (M= Ni, Mg) for gas separation – Microporous and Mesoporous Materials, 2013.
  • Hydrothermal liquefaction of Spirulina and Nannochloropsis salina under subcritical and supercritical water conditions – Bioresource Technology, 2013.
  • Occurrence and treatment of arsenic in groundwater and soil in northern Mexico and southwestern USA – Chemosphere, 2011.
  • Optimization of microwave-assisted transesterification of dry algal biomass using response surface methodology – Bioresource Technology, 2011.
  • Biodiesel production from waste cooking oil using sulfuric acid and microwave irradiation processes – Journal of Environmental Protection, 2012.
  • Ammonia adsorption and its effects on framework stability of MOF-5 and MOF-177 – Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 2010.
  • Comparison of direct transesterification of algal biomass under supercritical methanol and microwave irradiation conditions – Fuel, 2012.
  • Conversion of waste cooking oil to biodiesel using ferric sulfate and supercritical methanol processes – Fuel, 2010.
  • Fine pore engineering in a series of isoreticular metal-organic frameworks for efficient C₂H₂/CO₂ separation – Nature Communications, 2022.