Yi Wang | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr Yi Wang | Environmental Science |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Agricultural Scientist at  Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, United States

Dr. Yi Wang is an Assistant Scientist in the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Texas at El Paso in 2020 and holds a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology of China.

Profile:

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Chemistry (2020) – University of Texas at El Paso
  • B.S. in Chemistry (2012) – University of Science and Technology of China

👨‍🔬 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Scientist (2022–Present) – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Postdoctoral Scientist (2020–2022) – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
  • Research & Graduate Assistant (2015–2020) – University of Texas at El Paso

🌱 Research Focus:

Dr. Wang specializes in the application of nanotechnology in agriculture, enhancing crop nutrition, disease resistance, and environmental safety. His work also explores the interactions between nanomaterials and plants, using advanced analytical techniques to improve agrochemical formulations and assess the impact of contaminants like PFAS and microplastics.

🏆 Research Grants & Projects:

  • PI: USDA NIFA AFRI-funded research on agro-nanomaterials ($299,541)
  • Co-PI: Nanoparticle-based crop disease management ($729,000)
  • Collaborator on multiple high-impact projects totaling millions in research funding

📚 Professional Contributions:

  • Editorial Board Member: ACS Agricultural Science and Technology, Plant Nano Biology, Agronomy
  • Reviewer: Top-tier journals like Environmental Science & Technology, Soil Biology & Biochemistry, and Scientific Reports
  • USDA-NIFA Proposal Panel Reviewer

🏅 Honors & Awards:

  • Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization (SNO) Student Award (2018)
  • University of California CEIN Travel Award (2019)
  • Dodson Research Grant (2021)

🎓 Teaching & Mentorship:

  • Taught General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry at the University of Texas at El Paso
  • Mentor for Yale Conservation Scholars Program (2022, 2024)

🌍 Community Engagement:

  • Judge at Sigma Xi Student Research Conference
  • Presenter & Committee Member at Plant Science Day Events

Citations:

Citations: 1,099 (1,063 since 2020)
h-index: 21 (20 since 2020)
i10-index: 31 (30 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  • Improvement of Nutrient Elements and Allicin Content in Green Onion (Allium fistulosum) Plants Exposed to CuO Nanoparticles
  • Copper Nanowires as Nanofertilizers for Alfalfa Plants: Understanding Nano-Bio Systems Interactions from Microbial Genomics, Plant Molecular Responses, and Spectroscopic Studies
  • Foliar Exposure of Cu(OH)₂ Nanopesticide to Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Variety-Dependent Copper Translocation and Biochemical Responses
  • Bok Choy (Brassica rapa) Grown in Copper Oxide Nanoparticles-Amended Soils Exhibits Toxicity in a Phenotype-Dependent Manner: Translocation, Biodistribution, and Nutritional Impact
  • Copper Oxide (CuO) Nanoparticles Affect Yield, Nutritional Quality, and Auxin-Associated Gene Expression in Weedy and Cultivated Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Grains
  • Enhancing Agrichemical Delivery and Plant Development with Biopolymer-Based Stimuli-Responsive Core–Shell Nanostructures
  • Evaluation of the Effects of Nanomaterials on Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Responses: Underlining the Benefits of Nanotechnology for Agricultural Applications
  • Factors Affecting Fate and Transport of Engineered Nanomaterials in Terrestrial Environments
  • Therapeutic Delivery of Nanoscale Sulfur to Suppress Disease in Tomatoes: In Vitro Imaging and Orthogonal Mechanistic Investigation
  • Effects of Different Surface-Coated nTiO₂ on Full-Grown Carrot Plants: Impacts on Root Splitting, Essential Elements, and Ti Uptake
  • Growth, Gas Exchange, and Mineral Nutrients of Ornamental Grasses Irrigated with Saline Water
  • Unlocking the Potential of Nano-Enabled Precision Agriculture for Efficient and Sustainable Farming
  • Soil and Foliar Exposure of Soybean (Glycine max) to Cu: Nanoparticle Coating-Dependent Plant Responses
  • Impact of Engineered Nanomaterials on Rice (Oryza sativa L.): A Critical Review of Current Knowledge
  • Lignin Nanoparticles as Delivery Systems to Facilitate Translocation of Methoxyfenozide in Soybean (Glycine max)
  • Metabolomic Analysis Reveals Dose-Dependent Alteration of Maize (Zea mays L.) Metabolites and Mineral Nutrient Profiles Upon Exposure to Zerovalent Iron Nanoparticles
  • Engineering Climate-Resilient Rice Using a Nanobiostimulant-Based “Stress Training” Strategy
  • Differential Physiological and Biochemical Impacts of Nano vs. Micron Cu at Two Phenological Growth Stages in Bell Pepper (Capsicum annuum) Plants
  • Surface-Coated Sulfur Nanoparticles Suppress Fusarium Disease in Field-Grown Tomato: Increased Yield and Nutrient Biofortification
  • Soil-Aged Nano Titanium Dioxide Effects on Full-Grown Carrot: Dose- and Surface-Coating-Dependent Improvements on Growth and Nutrient Quality

 

 

Imran | Agriculture Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr Imran |  Agriculture Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Postdoc Researcher at  South China Agriculture University, China

Dr. Imran is a distinguished agronomist specializing in crop science, soil health, environmental sustainability, and climate change forecasting. He holds a Ph.D. in Agronomy from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, and has completed postdoctoral research in UAV technology for agriculture (China) and soil health & CO₂ sequestration (Turkey).

Profile:

📚 Education & Postdoctoral Research:

  • Postdoc (China, 2024): UAVs & Rotor Aircraft in Agriculture (South China Agricultural University)
  • Postdoc (Turkey, 2021-22): Soil Health, CO₂ Sequestration & Climate Change (Çukurova University)
  • Ph.D. Agronomy (2020): The University of Agriculture, Peshawar
  • M.Sc. (Hons) Agronomy (2014): The University of Agriculture, Peshawar
  • B.Sc. (Hons) Agronomy (2011): Gomal University, D.I. Khan, Pakistan

🏆 Awards & Achievements:

  • Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC) Ph.D. Scholarship Awardee
  • Türkiye Bursları Fellowship Postdoctoral Awardee
  • Best Research Paper Award (2021)Journal of Soil, Plant, and Environment
  • Best Researcher Award (2020)National Conference on Beneficial Microbes & Sustainable Crop Production

🌍 Professional Memberships:

  • American Society of Agronomy
  • Crop Science Society of America
  • Soil Science Society of America
  • Pakistan PGPR Society
  • Rhizosphere Scientist of Turkey
  • Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES)
  • IFOAM – Organics International
  • Himalayan University Consortium

🎤 Conferences & Workshops (Organizer & Presenter):

  • International Conference of Emerging Scientists (2022)
  • International Citrus Congress (Turkey, 2022)
  • National Conference on Beneficial Microbes & Sustainable Crop Production
  • International Conference on Climate Change
  • Workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture & Crop Modeling

📢 Consultant & Trainer:

  • Developed agricultural training modules, manuals, and content for USAID, CABI, AWS, and HUJRA
  • Expert in farmer capacity development and disaster risk reduction techniques

Publication Top Notes:

  • Strategies for Sustainable Crop Production and Arid Land Management
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2025-02-21
    DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2024.2426641

  • Rotors Wind Wall Enabled Microclimate Engineering for Enhanced Rice Leaf Morphometrics Traits, Yield, and Agronomic Performance
    Journal of Agronomy and Crop Science, 2025-01
    DOI: 10.1111/jac.70019

  • Mitigating Cadmium Contamination in Soil Using Biochar, Sulfur-Modified Biochar, and Other Organic Amendments
    International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2025-01-26
    DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2025.2454515

  • Carbon Cultivation for Sustainable Agriculture, Ecosystem Resilience, and Climate Change Mitigation
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2025-01-20
    DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2025.2453996

  • Aero-Thermodynamics of UAV Downwash for Dynamic Microclimate Engineering: Ameliorating Effects on Rice Growth, Yield, and Physiological Traits Across Key Growth Stages
    Agriculture, 2025-01-01
    DOI: 10.3390/agriculture15010078

  • Lead Stabilization and Remediation Strategy with Soil Amendment In Situ Immobilization in Contaminated Range Lands
    International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2024-10-14
    DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2372850

  • Integration of Organic, Inorganic, and Bio Fertilizer to Improve Maize-Wheat System Productivity and Soil Nutrients
    Journal of Plant Nutrition, 2024-09-13
    DOI: 10.1080/01904167.2024.2354190

  • Nano Biotechnology: Exploring the Potential of Nano Materials in Enhancing Crop Health and Combating Abiotic Stress
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024-09-07
    DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2024.2358854

  • Mitigation Strategies for Heavy Metal Toxicity and Its Negative Effects on Soil and Plants
    International Journal of Phytoremediation, 2024-07-28
    DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2024.2327611

  • Nano-Black Carbon Improves Phosphorus Uptake and Sustains Soil and Plant Health Under Biodynamic Agriculture
    Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 2024-02-21
    DOI: 10.1080/00103624.2023.2269244

  • A Comparative Study to Evaluate the Effects of Antibiotics, Plant Extracts, and Fluoride-Based Toothpaste on the Oral Pathogens Isolated from Patients with Gum Diseases in Pakistan
    Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2023
    DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.242703

 

Taşkın Deniz Yildiz |  Fertilizer |  Best Researcher Award

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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