Mohsen Mokhtarain | Food Science | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Mohsen Mokhtarain | Food Science |  Best Researcher Award

College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, China

Mohsen Mokhtarian is currently pursuing his Ph.D. at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University (CAU), Beijing. His academic interests lie in food science and nutrition, with a focus on research-driven innovation in food processing and safety. Mohsen is actively engaged in international academic collaboration and brings a strong interdisciplinary background to his research.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

Holding an M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology, I specialize in food processing, preservation, and food engineering. Over the past decade, I have supervised graduate students and conducted innovative research, resulting in high-impact journal publications, translated books, and authored textbooks. My technical expertise spans HPLC, FTIR, rheology, and food drying technologies. Notably, I contributed to the development of cold plasma drying methods and the extraction of bioactive compounds, serving as a reviewer for international journals and contributing meaningfully to both academia and industry.

🔬 Research & Innovations:

  • Key Research Areas:

    • Food Engineering & Rheology

    • Drying of Food & Agri-Products

    • Advanced Technologies (Ultrasound, Cold Plasma)

    • ANN, RSM, Fuzzy Logic for Process Optimization

    • Dryer Design (Solar, Nano-Spray)

    • Bioactive Compound Extraction

    • Edible Coatings for Preservation

  • Notable Contributions:
    I’ve advanced food preservation methods by leveraging deep learning for monitoring drying processes, improving product quality via moisture and color tracking. I developed nutrient-rich yogurt fortified with bitter orange seed powder and created edible coatings to extend shelf-life. These innovations have improved both industrial practices and consumer health outcomes.

📚 Books Published (Selected Titles & ISBNs):

Total: 17 books (translated and authored)
Examples:

  1. Drying in the Dairy Industry – ISBN: 978-622-294-637-1

  2. Food Lipids – ISBN: 978-622-91867-0-1

  3. Probiotics in Mental Health – ISBN: 978-622-294-400-1

  4. Fundamentals of Osmotic Dehydration of Food – ISBN: 978-600-8588-72-6

  5. Adapting High Hydrostatic Pressure (HPP) for Food Processing – ISBN: 978-964-8195-61-3
    Full list available upon request.

🧪 Experience:

  • 2025–2024: TA, CAU–Cornell Dual Program

  • 2016–2023: Asst. Professor, Azad University, Tehran

  • 2014–2024: Lecturer, Universities in Iran

  • Executed roles in academic administration, curriculum development, and journal management.

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 771

  • Citations Since 2020: 587

  • h-index: 14 (since 2020: 13)

  • i10-index: 22 (since 2020: 16)

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Energy and exergy analysis in solar drying of pistachio with air recycling system
    M Mokhtarian, H Tavakolipour, A Kalbasi-Ashtari
    Drying Technology 34 (12), 1484-1500, 75 citations, 2016

  2. Application of innovative processing methods for the extraction of bioactive compounds from saffron (Crocus sativus) petals
    HH Gahruie, K Parastouei, M Mokhtarian, H Rostami, M Niakousari, …
    Journal of Applied Research on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 19, 100264, 71 citations, 2020

  3. Aflatoxin B1 in the Iranian pistachio nut and decontamination methods: A systematic review
    M Mohsen, T Hamid, B Foroud, OCA Fernandes, CC Humberto, …
    Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods 12 (4), 15-25, 69 citations, 2020

  4. Modeling of drying kiwi slices and its sensory evaluation
    A Mahjoorian, M Mokhtarian, N Fayyaz, F Rahmati, S Sayyadi, P Ariaii
    Food Science & Nutrition 5 (3), 466-473, 52 citations, 2017

  5. Effects of solar drying along with air recycling system on physicochemical and sensory properties of dehydrated pistachio nuts
    M Mokhtarian, H Tavakolipour, AK Ashtari
    Lwt 75, 202-209, 51 citations, 2017

  6. Optimisation of pumpkin mass transfer kinetic during osmotic dehydration using artificial neural network and response surface methodology modelling
    M Mokhtarian, MH Majd, F Koushki, H Bakhshabadi, AD Garmakhany, …
    Quality Assurance and Safety of Crops & Foods 6 (2), 201-214, 42 citations, 2014

  7. Neural network approaches for prediction of pistachio drying kinetics
    H Tavakolipour, M Mokhtarian
    International Journal of Food Engineering 8 (3), 39 citations, 2012

  8. Intelligent monitoring of zucchini drying process based on fuzzy expert engine and ANN
    H Tavakolipour, M Mokhtarian, A Kalbasi‐Ashtari
    Journal of Food Process Engineering 37 (5), 474-481, 30 citations, 2014

  9. Co‐encapsulation of vitamin D3 and saffron petals’ bioactive compounds in nanoemulsions: Effects of emulsifier and homogenizer types
    HH Gahruie, M Niakousari, K Parastouei, M Mokhtarian, I Eş, …
    Journal of Food Processing and Preservation 44 (8), e14629, 25 citations, 2020

  10. Effects of solar drying operation equipped with a finned and double-pass heat collector on energy utilization, essential oil extraction and bio-active compounds of peppermint
    M Mokhtarian, A Kalbasi-Ashtari, HW Xiao
    Drying Technology, 1-27, 23 citations, 2020

Boukaga Farmani | Food Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr  Boukaga  Farmani | Food Technology |  Best Researcher Award

Academic staff at  University of Tabriz,  Iran

Dr. Boukaga Farmani is a researcher at the University of Tabriz, specializing in Food Technology. His contributions focus on improving postharvest quality, food preservation, and the development of innovative processing methods.

Profile:

Notable Research Contributions:

  1. Chilling Tolerance in Tomato Fruits: His study on employing exogenous melatonin to enhance chilling tolerance in tomatoes, published in Food Chemistry, has been cited 224 times.
  2. Calcium’s Role in Postharvest: A comprehensive review on calcium’s importance in postharvest life, published in Scientia Horticulturae, cited 201 times.
  3. Brassinosteroids in Chilling Stress: Research on brassinosteroids’ effect on PAL activity in tomatoes under chilling stress, also in Scientia Horticulturae, cited 136 times.
  4. GABA Pathway Activation: Investigation into melatonin-induced activation of the GABA shunt pathway during cold storage in tomatoes, cited 106 times.

Recent Innovations:

  • Food Preservation: Use of β-aminobutyric acid to enhance decay tolerance in strawberries and minimize aflatoxin accumulation in pistachios.
  • Juice Processing: Advances in ultrafiltration techniques for pomegranate juice clarification and sugarcane juice refinement.

Citation Metrics:

  • Citations: 821 (618 since 2020)
  • h-index: 9 (8 since 2020)
  • i10-index: 8 (7 since 2020)

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Employing exogenous melatonin confers chilling tolerance in tomato fruits by upregulating ZAT2/6/12, promoting endogenous polyamines, proline, and nitric oxide
    Food Chemistry, 275, 549-556 (2019)
    Citations: 224
  2. The language of calcium in postharvest life of fruits, vegetables, and flowers
    Scientia Horticulturae, 144, 102-115 (2012)
    Citations: 202
  3. Impact of postharvest brassinosteroids treatment on PAL activity in tomato fruit in response to chilling stress
    Scientia Horticulturae, 144, 116-120 (2012)
    Citations: 137
  4. Melatonin treatment promotes endogenous melatonin accumulation and triggers GABA shunt pathway activity in tomato fruits during cold storage
    Scientia Horticulturae, 254, 222-227 (2019)
    Citations: 104
  5. β-Aminobutyric acid treatment confers decay tolerance in strawberry fruit by warranting sufficient cellular energy
    Scientia Horticulturae, 240, 249-257 (2018)
    Citations: 34
  6. Exogenous adenosine triphosphate application retards cap browning in Agaricus bisporus during low-temperature storage
    Food Chemistry, 293, 285-290 (2019)
    Citations: 32
  7. Efficacy of stinging nettle extract in combination with ε-polylysine on the quality, safety, and shelf life of rainbow trout fillets
    Food Science & Nutrition, 9(3), 1542-1550 (2021)
    Citations: 23
  8. Determining optimum conditions for sugarcane juice refinement by pilot plant dead-end ceramic micro-filtration
    *Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

 

Amer Mahdi | Functional Food | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr Amer Mahdi |  Functional Food  |  Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at  Sana’a University, Yemen

Dr. Amer Ali Mahdi Amer is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sana’a University, Yemen. He earned his Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering from Jiangnan University, China (2020), and his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology from Sana’a University, Yemen.

 

Publication Profile

🎓 Education:

  • Ph.D. in Food Science and Engineering (2015–2020), Jiangnan University, China
  • M.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2012–2015), Sana’a University, Yemen
  • B.Sc. in Food Science and Technology (2003–2007), Sana’a University, Yemen

💼 Professional Experience:

  • Assistant Professor (2023–Present), Department of Food Science and Nutrition, Sana’a University
  • Head of Scientific Research Unit (2024–Present), Faculty of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Sana’a University
  • Postdoctoral Fellow (2020–2023), Jiangsu University, China
  • Lecturer (2015–2015) and Teaching Assistant (2009–2015), Sana’a University
  • Quality Inspector (2007–2009), Coca-Cola Company, Yemen

🔬 Research Interests:

Functional Foods, Essential Oils, Nanofibers, Smart Packaging, Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidants, Encapsulation, and Sensory Evaluation.

📚 Teaching Areas:

Essentials of Food Science, Food Preservation, Food Quality, Chemistry, and Biochemistry.

🏆 Honors and Awards:

  • Jiangnan University President Scholarship (2017–2018)
  • Certificate of Appreciation from Sana’a University’s President (2024)
  • Multiple recognitions from the Yemeni Ministry of Higher Education and the Embassy of Yemen in China

Citation Metrics:

🔢 Total Citations: 1,770
📅 Citations Since 2019: 1,763
📊 h-index: 24 (overall and since 2019)
📈 i10-index: 45 (overall and since 2019)

Publication Top Note:

  • Microencapsulation of fingered citron extract with gum arabic, modified starch, whey protein, and maltodextrin using spray drying
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 152, 1125-1134 (2020).
    Citations: 152
  • Effect of maltodextrin combination with gum arabic and whey protein isolate on the microencapsulation of gurum seed oil using a spray-drying method
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 171, 208-216 (2021).
    Citations: 136
  • Preparation, deproteinization, characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharide from Medemia argun fruit
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 155, 919-926 (2020).
    Citations: 96
  • Application of essential oils as preservatives in food systems: Challenges and future prospectives – A review
    Phytochemistry Reviews, 1-38 (2021).
    Citations: 91
  • Intelligent colorimetric pH sensoring packaging films based on sugarcane wax/agar integrated with butterfly pea flower extract for optical tracking of shrimp freshness
    Food Chemistry, 373, 131514 (2022).
    Citations: 76
  • Enhancement of antioxidant activity, antifungal activity, and oxidation stability of Citrus reticulata essential oil nanocapsules by clove and cinnamon essential oils
    Food Bioscience, 43, 101226 (2021).
    Citations: 72
  • Molecular structure, morphological, and physicochemical properties of highlands barley starch as affected by natural fermentation
    Food Chemistry, 356, 129665 (2021).
    Citations: 64
  • Fabrication and characterization of chitosan/gelatin films loaded with microcapsules of Pulicaria jaubertii extract
    Food Hydrocolloids, 129, 107624 (2022).
    Citations: 58
  • Physicochemical properties, microstructure, and storage stability of Pulicaria jaubertii extract microencapsulated with different protein biopolymers and gum arabic as wall materials
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 187, 939-954 (2021).
    Citations: 54
  • Role of peppermint oil in improving the oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity of borage seed oil-loaded nanoemulsions fabricated by modified starch
    International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 153, 697-707 (2020).
    Citations: 52

 

Li Zheng | Plant Food Components | Best Researcher Award

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Dr Li Zheng | Plant Food Components | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at Northeast Agricultural University, China

Dr. Li Zheng is a distinguished lecturer at the College of Food Science, Northeast Agricultural University, specializing in Food Science and Engineering with a focus on the processing and storage of agricultural products. Born on May 4, 1990, she completed her joint doctoral studies at Cornell University, USA, a prestigious Ivy League institution, before joining Northeast Agricultural University in July 2021 under the fifth-level B talent introduction program.

Profile:

🎓 Educational and Professional Journey:

Dr. Zheng’s academic journey is highlighted by her joint Ph.D. training at Cornell University, an Ivy League institution in the United States. Her research primarily focuses on the interactions of plant food components and the formation of colloidal structures, gels, and proteins.

📜 Academic Achievements:

Dr. Zheng has authored 20 scientific papers in renowned international journals, with 13 as the first or corresponding author, including publications in JCR-Q1 journals. Her work includes two highly cited papers and one hot paper, boasting a cumulative impact factor of 138.1. She has also published an article in a prestigious Science journal. Her innovative contributions are marked by four pending invention patents.

🏅 Honors and Recognition:

She has been honored as an “Academic Backbone” of Northeast Agricultural University, “Sanjiang Talents” of Jiamusi City, and “Science and Technology Special Correspondent” of Guangdong Province.

🔬 Research and Development:

Dr. Zheng has actively participated in numerous research projects, with a notable grant portfolio totaling $220,000. Her efforts have advanced scientific knowledge, improved industry practices, and facilitated cost-effective innovations. She has also been instrumental in extension activities, bridging the gap between research and practical applications through workshops and training programs.

Research Focus: Plant Food Components

Dr. Li Zheng’s research in plant food components primarily revolves around understanding and leveraging the intricate interactions within plant-based foods. Her work aims to enhance the quality, functionality, and storage of agricultural products. Key areas of her research include:

  1. Interaction of Plant Food Components:
    • Colloidal Structure Formation: Investigating how plant food components such as proteins, polysaccharides, and lipids interact to form stable colloidal systems.
    • Gel Formation: Exploring the mechanisms behind gelation in plant-based foods to develop improved textural properties in food products.
    • Protein Functionality: Studying the functional properties of plant proteins, including their solubility, emulsification, and foaming abilities, to enhance their use in various food applications.
  2. Innovation and Application:
    • Developing novel plant-based food products with improved nutritional and sensory properties.
    • Enhancing the shelf-life and stability of food products through advanced processing and storage techniques.
  3. Publications and Patents:
    • Authored 20 scientific papers in internationally recognized journals, including 9 in JCR-Q1 journals.
    • Holds 4 pending invention patents related to her research in plant food components.
  4. Project Involvement:
    • Principal investigator or participant in national and provincial research projects, focusing on high-impact studies in food science.
  5. Industry Collaboration:
    • Collaborating with industry partners to implement research findings into practical applications, improving food quality and sustainability.

Dr. Li Zheng’s dedication to plant food components research has significantly advanced the understanding of food science, driving innovation and enhancing the quality and efficiency of agricultural product processing and storage.

Publication Top Notes:

  • 3D Printing of Smart Labels with Curcumin-loaded Soy Protein Isolate
    • Authors: Li, H., Liu, M., Li, J., Wei, A., Hua, S.
    • Journal: International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2024
    • Citations: 5
  • Understanding the Structure, Interfacial Properties, and Digestion Fate of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions Stabilized by Food-Grade Coacervates
    • Authors: Wang, L., Liu, M., Guo, P., Cui, Q., Hua, S.
    • Journal: Food Chemistry, 2023
    • Citations: 15
  • Gel Properties and Structural Characteristics of Composite Gels of Soy Protein Isolate and Silver Carp Protein
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Zhou, L., Mokhtar, S.M., Wang, Z.
    • Journal: Gels, 2023
    • Citations: 3
  • Reconstituted Rice Protein: The Raw Materials, Techniques, and Challenges
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Wang, Z., Zhang, H., Zhou, L.
    • Journal: Trends in Food Science and Technology, 2023
    • Citations: 6
  • The Amur Tiger Needs Transborder Protection
    • Authors: Zheng, L., Regenstein, J.M., Jiang, L., Wang, Z.
    • Journal: Science, 2022