Yifei Zhang | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Yifei Zhang | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Hebei University | China

Dr. Yifei Zhang is a developing scholar whose research contributions span metallurgical physical chemistry, advanced materials processing, non-destructive testing, and intelligent material characterization. With a growing academic profile supported by 13 research documents, 235 citations, and an h-index of 7, the author has established a strong foundation in studying material behavior, performance evolution, and diagnostics using both experimental and data-driven approaches. Their work in alloy systems, particularly titanium alloys produced through selective laser melting and other additive manufacturing pathways, has yielded influential findings regarding microstructural evolution, oxide film dynamics, and electrochemical performance. These studies have improved the understanding of how processing conditions affect long-term material stability, reliability, and corrosion behavior an area of increasing importance for aerospace, biomedical, and high-performance engineering applications. The author’s contributions extend to investigating surface modification and coating technologies, including the impact of residual stress on the adhesion behavior of thin films such as TiN coatings. Their insights into interfacial mechanics and coating performance support the broader development of durable protective layers and engineered surfaces. In parallel, the author has advanced methodological innovation in the field of non-destructive evaluation. By integrating acoustic emission analysis, variational mode decomposition, continuous wavelet transforms, and convolutional neural networks, their work enhances the accuracy of damage mode identification in complex composite structures and stainless steels. These integrated diagnostic frameworks offer improved capabilities for monitoring structural health, predicting failure, and optimizing material maintenance strategies. Collectively, the author’s research demonstrates a commitment to bridging materials science, machine learning, and modern diagnostic technologies. Their publications contribute to both theoretical understanding and practical solutions for evaluating and enhancing material performance. With a steadily increasing citation profile and a diverse research portfolio, the author continues to influence key developments in materials characterization, surface engineering, and intelligent non-destructive testing.

Featured Publication

Zhang, Y., Yao, Y., Li, J., et al. Effect of residual stress on adhesion behaviour of TiN coating. Bulletin of Materials Science.

Xu Xinsheng | Strategic HR Management | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Xu Xinsheng | Strategic HR Management | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Shandong University of Aeronautics | China

Prof. Xinsheng Xu is an accomplished scholar whose research sits at the intersection of supply chain management, inventory theory, risk analytics, and quantitative optimization. With 34 academic documents, over 300 citations, and an h-index of 10, his scholarly impact is reflected in both the depth and breadth of his contributions to operations research and management science. His work advances understanding of decision-making under uncertainty, particularly focusing on how risk attitudes such as loss aversion and risk aversion shape procurement and ordering behavior. A significant portion of his research extends classical models such as the newsvendor framework, exploring new dimensions that incorporate backlogging, shortage penalties, fill rate considerations, opportunity loss, and advanced risk measures including Conditional Value-at-Risk. These models offer improved decision-support tools for retailers, suppliers, and logistics managers facing increasingly volatile market environments. Beyond behavioral decision models, his research also encompasses multi sourcing procurement, dual sourcing under emergency conditions, supply option contracts, supplier default risks, and portfolio purchasing strategies. He has developed analytical methods for optimizing procurement in hybrid sourcing systems, considering mismatch costs, spot market dynamics, emergent replenishment strategies, and utility maximizing approaches for risk-sensitive buyers. In parallel, Xinsheng Xu has made influential contributions to optimization theory, including bilevel programming, tri level supply chain models, smoothing techniques for penalty functions, and algorithmic strategies for constrained optimization. These theoretical developments are applied in multi-stage supply chain design, cooperative risk-sharing, and interaction programming problems. His work appears in respected journals such as International Journal of Production Economics, International Journal of Production Research, Annals of Operations Research, Industrial Management & Data Systems, Computers & Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, and Numerical Functional Analysis and Optimization.

Featured Publications

Xu, X., Sang, S., & Lee, C. K. M. The optimal ordering decision of a retailer with a spot buying. International Journal of Production Research.

Xu, X., & Lee, C. K. M. Portfolio procurement with an option contract and spot market. International Journal of General Systems.

Sang, S., Xu, X., & Lee, C. K. M. A purchaser’s optimal procurement strategy under emergencies. International Journal of General Systems. Published online.

Chao-Feng Shih | Leadership Development | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chao-Feng Shih | Leadership Development | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof | The University of  Central Police University | Taiwan

Dr. Chao-Feng Shih is a scholar and engineer specializing in marine engineering, maritime safety, smart port technologies, and computational mechanics. His academic background and research trajectory focus on advancing hydrodynamics, nonlinear sloshing analysis, marine risk assessment, and intelligent port-based monitoring systems. He has developed strong expertise in integrating engineering theory with modern computational tools to address complex maritime challenges and enhance operational safety in port and offshore environments. His doctoral research applied a modified Lie-Group algorithm to nonlinear sloshing problems, contributing new numerical strategies for analyzing fluid structure interactions in confined and dynamic marine systems. Dr. Shih’s broader research in nonlinear hydrodynamics includes studies on sloshing suppression using baffle designs, meshless methods for heat transfer simulation, and explicit/implicit Lie-Group numerical schemes. His work has been published in reputable indexed journals, addressing topics such as underwater vehicle acoustics, two-dimensional tank sloshing behavior, and Trefftz-based multi-scale methods. Beyond theoretical contributions, Dr. Shih’s research intersects with applied maritime safety and smart harbor development. He has played key roles in projects involving 5G-enabled port monitoring, based inspection systems, and driven maritime applications. His recent works explore remote sensing for port operations, edge-computing frameworks for drone communications, and AI-enhanced solutions for underwater environmental monitoring. These efforts highlight his commitment to integrating emerging technologies with marine engineering to support safer, more efficient, and data-driven maritime operations. His academic publications also include studies on fire prevention in cargo vessels, unmanned underwater vehicle applications, and marine safety risk assessment. Future research directions involve developing AI assisted maritime training systems, simulation-based digital twin platforms, autonomous navigation technologies, and advanced predictive models for port-level risk management. Through this multidisciplinary research portfolio, Dr. Shih continues to contribute to innovation across marine engineering, intelligent maritime systems, and computational analysis.

Featured Publications

Tan, C.-C., Shih, C.-F., Shen, J.-H., & Chen, Y.-W.  A time–space numerical procedure for solving the sideways heat conduction problem.

Chen, Y.-W., Pan, C.-C., Lin, Y.-H., Shih, C.-F., Shen, J.-H., & Chang, C.-M. Acoustic field radiation prediction and verification of underwater vehicles under a free surface. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Arega Debu | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Arega Debu | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer| The University of  Dire Dawa University | Ethiopia

Mr. Arega Debu an emerging researcher in the fields of thermal engineering, renewable energy systems, and mechanical design. His academic work primarily centers on developing sustainable solutions that address critical resource challenges, with a particular focus on accessible water purification technologies for underserved communities. His master’s research explored solar desalination as a practical and energy-efficient avenue to provide clean water in remote regions. By investigating system performance, thermal behavior, and energy optimization, his work contributes to the broader field of solar-driven water treatment technologies and aligns with global efforts toward sustainable development. His research background also includes mechanical system design, with particular interest in dynamic systems and mobility solutions. Earlier academic projects involving suspension systems demonstrate his strong analytical capabilities, design proficiency, and commitment to engineering innovation. These foundational studies reflect a wider interest in mechanical structures and the integration of engineering principles for improved performance, efficiency, and user-centered design. He possesses strong technical skills that support his research activities, including proficiency in major mechanical engineering software tools such as SolidWorks and ANSYS for simulation, modeling, and design analysis. In addition, his training in computer hardware systems and digital tools enhances his ability to integrate technology-driven approaches into engineering problem-solving. His growing competency in digital productivity tools and technical communication further complements his interdisciplinary research focus. Beyond technical competence, the author maintains an interest in emerging renewable technologies, heat transfer applications, and sustainable engineering solutions. His research vision centers on advancing affordable, practical, and community-oriented engineering innovations particularly those that enhance water security, promote renewable energy adoption, and support long-term socio-economic development. Through continued inquiry and collaboration, he aims to expand contributions to fields such as thermal systems engineering, solar technologies, and applied mechanical design.

Featured Publication

Debu, A. A., Adem, K. D., & Nigussie, S. G. Design and thermal performance investigation of solar-powered water purifying system for Dire Dawa rural area. Solar Energy Advances.

Zemenu Tadesse Adimas | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Mr. Zemenu Tadesse Adimas | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Lecturer And Researcher | The University of  Bahir Dar University | Ethiopia

Mr. Zemenu Tadesse Adimas is an emerging researcher in the fields of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, with a strong scholarly focus on food product development, formulation, and natural preservation strategies. His academic background in Food Technology and Food Process Engineering has provided a solid foundation for exploring innovative, sustainable, and science-driven approaches to enhancing food quality and safety. He is particularly interested in the utilization of natural preservatives, improvement of indigenous foods, and optimization of storage technologies to reduce post-harvest losses. His research contributions span various critical topics in food science, including shelf-life extension, food processing, bioactive compounds, and the integration of traditional and modern preservation methods. His published works demonstrate both depth and breadth, covering microbial stability, physicochemical property optimization, sensory quality enhancement, hermetic storage systems, and the use of plant-based bioactive compounds for grain protection. These publications appear in reputable international journals such as Cogent Food & Agriculture, Applied Food Research, Heliyon, and the Poly Journal of Engineering and Technology. A notable portion of his work examines the effects of processing conditions such as temperature, time, and formulation ratios on the quality attributes of food and beverage products. His studies on cinnamon extract for juice preservation, roasting parameters for plant beverages, and flour blending for biscuit production showcase his commitment to developing practical, scalable solutions for industry and community-level food systems. His scientific interests also extend to post-harvest technology, where he has investigated hermetic storage methods to minimize losses in staple crops such as maize and wheat. Through systematic experimental design, analytical evaluation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, he contributes to improving food security and promoting value-added food innovations. Across his research portfolio, Zemenu emphasizes evidence-based problem solving, sustainability, and the enhancement of traditional knowledge through modern food science techniques.

Featured Publications

Abera, B. D., Adimas, Z. T., Adimas, M. A., Alemayehu, A. J., & Geletu, M. G. Effect of blending ratios of roasted and unroasted lupine flour on the physicochemical properties, antinutritional factors, and organoleptic qualities of wheat–lupine composite bread. Applied Food Research.

Alemayehu, A. J., Adimas, Z. T., & Abera, B. D. The effect of sugar concentration and storage time on the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory properties of ginger drink. Applied Food Research.

Adimas, Z. T., & Abera, B. D. Effect of roasting time and temperature on the physicochemical and sensory properties of plant beverage from groundnut. Applied Food Research.

Adimas, Z. T., Adimas, M. A., & Abera, B. D.  Plant-based bioactive compounds for grain storage: A comprehensive review. Cogent Food & Agriculture.

Tolasa Tamasgen | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tolasa Tamasgen | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Editorial Board Member 

Course Instructor and Researcher | The University of Bonga University | Ethiopia

Dr. Tolasa Tamasgen Hirpha, is a dedicated scholar in Condensed Matter optical properties, nanostructures, and computational physics. His academic pathway includes a in Condensed Matter Physics, complemented by strong interdisciplinary grounding through master’s degrees in Physics and Project Management. His research interests bridge fundamental physics and applied materials science, with a particular emphasis on nanocomposites, thin films, electronic structure calculations, and field-enhancement phenomena. His scholarly work demonstrates strong competence in both theoretical modeling and materials characterization. Publications authored or co-authored address critical topics such as the optical and structural behavior of PbS thin films, local field enhancement mechanisms in spheroidal core-shell nanocomposites, nonlinear optical responses, and the impact of interfacial layers on enhancement factors in metal–dielectric systems. He has also contributed to computational investigations of bulk and monolayer using Density Functional Theory, reflecting his ability to apply modern simulation tools to explore electronic and optical properties. Additional interdisciplinary research includes fault-tolerant control systems for electrical machines, highlighting versatility beyond physics-focused domains. Proficient he integrates computational analysis with high-quality scientific documentation. His research strengths include data interpretation, modeling, simulation, and the dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations. His academic foundation and research record demonstrate a continuous commitment to advancing materials science, physics-based modeling, and interdisciplinary scientific inquiry. He remains strongly interested in further integrating project management principles into scientific research methodologies to enhance applied outcomes and broaden the real-world impact of theoretical concepts.

Featured Publications

Hirpha, T. T., Gurmesa, G. S., Ali, B. M., & Aga, G. S. Investigation of the electronic and optical properties of bulk and monolayer AlxGa(1−x)N structure using density functional theory.

Chehhat, A., Chouchane, N., Si-Ameur, M., Rebai, B., Larguech, S., Hirpha, T. T., & Menni, Y. Investigation of compressible internal flow mechanisms and thermofluid interactions in centrifugal compressors through advanced hub-to-shroud computational fluid dynamics for diesel engine turbocharger performance.

Bellali, B., Makhloufi, S., Belbekri, T., Alkhafaji, M. A., Hirpha, T. T., Bousserhane, I. K., & Menni, Y. Active fault-tolerant control for asynchronous machines using EKF-based fault estimation and 3-H-bridge inverter mitigation of ITSCs.

Hirpha, T. T., Bergaga, G. D., Ali, B. M., & Gebre, S. S. Investigation of optical bistability in spheroidal core–shell nanocomposites with passive and active dielectric cores.

Hirpha, T. T., Bergaga, G. D., Ali, B. M., & Gebre, S. S.  Local field enhancement factor of spheroidal core–shell nanocomposites with passive and active dielectric cores.

Beáta Šofranková | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Beáta Šofranková | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | The University of Presov| Slovakia

Mrs. Beáta Šofranková, is a researcher in the field of management whose scholarly work centers on digital transformation, competitiveness, economic performance, and sustainable development across European countries. Her research integrates economic-mathematical reasoning with modern managerial perspectives, providing a multidimensional understanding of how digitalization and innovation impact institutional performance and long-term economic resilience. Her scientific portfolio consists of 16 published research documents, collectively cited 235 times, resulting in an h-index of 8. These metrics reflect a steady scholarly influence and demonstrate the relevance of her work within the fields of management, economics, and regional development. Her publications frequently address the evolving conditions of European economies, exploring strategic determinants of competitiveness, the role of digital technologies in economic growth, and the implications of sustainable development frameworks on national and regional performance indicators. She has contributed significantly to research initiatives through her involvement in major national grant projects, where she has designed, coordinated, or supported scientific tasks focused on digital readiness, innovation performance, and socio-economic transformation. Her participation in  projects reflects sustained engagement in evidence-based research aligned with national priorities and international academic standards. These projects have produced theoretical and empirical outputs that inform management practices, public policy, and academic debate. Her work also incorporates a strong comparative perspective, drawing on interdisciplinary frameworks that connect economic modelling, management theory, and sustainability science. She frequently collaborates within research teams exploring emerging digital trends, performance analytics, and the competitiveness challenges faced by European economies in the context of global transformations. Through her publication record, research leadership, and active contribution to national scientific projects, her scholarly profile demonstrates a consistent commitment to advancing knowledge about digital transformation and sustainable economic development. Her research output continues to support academic, institutional, and policy-oriented discussions within the broader European research community.

Featured Publication

Kiselakova, D., Sofrankova, B., Gombar, M., & Matijova, M. Modelling the impact of innovation performance on digital competitiveness: The key role of innovation and technologies. Asian Economic and Financial Review,

Enyew Zereffa | Employee Engagement | Editorial Board Member | 2306

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Enyew Zereffa | Employee Engagement | Editorial Board Member

Professor of Inorganic Chemistry | The University of Adama Science and Technology University | Ethiopia

Dr. Enyew Amare Zereffa is an accomplished chemist whose scholarly work spans inorganic chemistry, analytical chemistry, materials science, and nanotechnology. With a strong academic foundation built through advanced degrees in chemistry, he has developed a research career distinguished by innovation, scientific rigor, and impactful contributions to applied chemical sciences. His publication record reflects sustained excellence, comprising 53 peer-reviewed documents, accumulating 1,345 citations, and resulting in an h-index of 18, underscoring the visibility and influence of his work within the scientific community. Central to Dr. Zereffa’s research portfolio is the design, synthesis, and characterization of inorganic materials, particularly nanomaterials and ceramic systems with applications in energy storage, catalysis, water purification, environmental remediation, and biomedical fields. His investigations into ceramic microfilters, nanocomposite structures, and modified metal oxides have contributed to advancements in sustainable technologies and low-cost materials development. These contributions support critical societal needs such as improved water quality, enhanced materials performance, and environmentally conscious industrial processes. His scientific interests bridge fundamental chemistry and applied engineering, emphasizing materials synthesis techniques, solid-state chemistry, surface chemistry, and advanced characterization methods. Dr. Zereffa’s work also demonstrates a strong commitment to problem-solving within local and global contexts, including projects on zinc oxide-based sunscreens, antibacterial nanocomposites, and energy-generating dye-sensitized solar cells. Through collaborations and funded research initiatives, he has driven forward interdisciplinary studies that connect chemistry, materials science, environmental engineering, and nanoscience. As an active contributor to scholarly dissemination, he engages in manuscript reviewing, editorial duties, and academic evaluation, ensuring quality and integrity in scientific publishing. His sustained output, impactful citations, and engagement with emerging research themes position him as a leading figure in contemporary inorganic and materials chemistry research.

Featured Publications

Derbe, T., Gindose, T. G., Sani, T., & Zereffa, E. A. Synthesis of zeolite-A/Fe₃O₄/biochar/MOF-5 composite for the defluoridation of drinking water.

Derbe, T., Sani, T., & Zereffa, E. A. Synthesis of a zeolite-A/MOF-5 composite for the defluoridation of groundwater.

Zereffa, E. A., Segne, T. A., Ananda Murthy, H. C., Gupta, N. K., Orshiso, Aqueous extract phyto-mediated synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles and ZnO-bentonite nanocomposites: Physical analysis and investigation of antibacterial activity.

Gindose, T. G., Gebreslassie, G., Derbe, T., Ashebr, T. G., Daba, Y. T., Mtunzi, T. B. Charge separation enhancement of triple-phase Ag₃PO₄–AgI–ZnO heterojunction for dye photodegradation.

Salah-Eddine Chorfi | Rewards & Recognition | Young Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Salah-Eddine Chorfi | Rewards & Recognition | Young Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | The University of Cadi Ayyad University | Morocco

Dr. Salah-Eddine Chorfi is an applied mathematician whose research lies at the intersection of inverse problems, control theory, and the analysis of partial differential equations. His work focuses on developing rigorous mathematical frameworks to address fundamental questions related to identification, stability, and controllability in complex dynamical systems. A key aspect of his research involves studying equipped with dynamic boundary conditions, which arise in models describing diffusion, heat transfer, and wave propagation in heterogeneous media. Chorfi’s contributions span multiple interrelated themes. He investigates inverse source problems, coefficient determination, and initial data reconstruction using advanced tools such as Carleman estimates, semigroup theory, and logarithmic convexity methods. These approaches enable the establishment of uniqueness and quantitative stability results for parabolic, hyperbolic, and time-fractional evolution equations. His work also explores the control and stabilization of PDEs, including null controllability, impulsive control, and finite-time stabilization, offering new insights into systems governed by coupled or degenerate equations. Another significant direction in his research is the analysis of time-fractional diffusion models and mean field game systems, where he examines backward problems, non-symmetric operators, and degenerate dynamics. His investigations contribute to bridging theoretical PDE analysis with computational and applied challenges, particularly in contexts where data are incomplete or the underlying systems are ill-posed. Chorfi has authored 23 scientific documents, which collectively have received 67 citations, resulting in an h-index of 7. His work is published in highly regarded journals including Evolution Equations and Control Theory, Journal of Mathematical Analysis and Applications, Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences, Applicable Analysis, Inverse Problems, and others. Through his collaborations with researchers in analysis, control theory, and mathematical modeling, he contributes to advancing modern approaches to inverse problems and dynamical systems. His research continues to influence emerging methodologies for understanding complex driven phenomena in both theoretical and applied settings.

Featured Publications

Chorfi, S. E., Habbal, A., Jahid, M., Maniar, L., & Ratnani, A. Stability of backward inverse problems for degenerate mean field game systems.

Chorfi, S.-E., Ismailov, M. I., Maniar, L., & Oner, I. Boundary null controllability of the heat equation with Wentzell boundary condition and Dirichlet control.

Pascal Vrignat | Learning & Development | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Pascal Vrignat | Learning & Development | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr.Pascal Vrignat | The University of Orleans University | France

Dr. Pascal Vrignat is a highly accomplished researcher whose scientific contributions lie at the intersection of operational safety, diagnostics, prognosis, and maintenance strategies for complex systems. His research focuses on the modeling and optimization of system reliability and performance using Markovian and stochastic processes, with particular attention to system obsolescence, shortages, and life-cycle management. He integrates survival laws and Hidden Markov Models  to develop advanced models for remaining useful life prediction and degradation analysis, addressing key challenges in industrial maintenance and decision support. With a strong publication record of 25 scholarly works, 242 citations, and an h-index of 6, Vrignat has established himself as a significant contributor in the fields of industrial systems engineering and intelligent maintenance. His research output includes high-impact journal articles, such as his recent paper, “Contribution to Estimating the Level of Bearing Degradation Using an HMM MultiBranch Approach” which demonstrates a refined methodology for mechanical fault diagnosis and predictive maintenance. His studies consistently bridge theoretical modeling with applied engineering, especially in areas involving industrial computer applications, systems, IoT integration, and digital communication networks. Vrignat’s work extends to the development of AI-driven tools for sustainability and automation, reflecting a broader commitment to advancing the Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing paradigm. His publication, “The Effectiveness of AI: Feedback on the Experience to Counteract Food Waste” (Journal of Sustainability Research, exemplifies his interdisciplinary reach, applying artificial intelligence for societal benefit. Beyond technical innovation, his research promotes practical solutions that enhance reliability, optimize maintenance planning, and extend system longevity.

Featured Publications

Vrignat, P., Avila, M., Duculty, F., Bardet, C., Begot, S., & Marangé, P. Innovative pedagogies for Industry 4.0: Teaching RFID with serious games in a project-based learning environment. Education Sciences.

Vrignat, P., Kratz, F., Avila, M., Duculty, F., Begot, S., & Bardet, J. C. The effectiveness of AI: Feedback on the project to counteract food waste. Journal of Sustainability Research.