Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Political Communication | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi Alibigloo | Political Communication | Best Research Article Award

communication at The University of University of Religions and denominations |  Iran

Dr. Hatef Pourrashidi is an accomplished Assistant Professor of Communication Science at the University of Religions and Denominations in Qom, Iran, recognized for his extensive academic and professional contributions to the field of media and communication. He holds a Ph.D. in Communication Science from Islamic Azad University, Tabriz  an M.A. in Communication Science and Journalism from Islamic Azad University, Tehran , and an M.S. in Agricultural Engineering from Urmia University. His professional journey spans over two decades, including positions as Deputy of the Department of Media Management at URD, Administrator of the University of Applied Science and Technology (Urmia campus), and Public Relations and International Affairs Manager at Maku Free Zone Organization. Dr. Pourrashidi has also served as Chief Editor at the Islamic Parliament of Iran’s News Agency and as a long-serving reporter and correspondent for ISNA, covering major regional events in Lebanon, Afghanistan, and Iraq. His research interests encompass political communication, cognitive warfare, media diplomacy, cultural identity in cyberspace, digital media ethics, and health communication. He possesses strong research and analytical skills in thematic and discourse analysis, qualitative and quantitative research methods, and cross-cultural media studies, complemented by expertise in academic writing, translation, and multilingual communication in Farsi, Azeri, English, Turkish, and Arabic. Dr. Pourrashidi has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers in high-impact international journals, including SCOPUS- and JCR-indexed publications, as well as books on media equipment and Islamic political history. His scholarly excellence has earned him several awards, including the 2025 Featured Researcher Award from the University of Religions and Denominations, and honors from Iran’s Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. Overall, Dr. Pourrashidi stands out as a distinguished scholar whose interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing communication science continue to bridge cultural understanding and contribute meaningfully to global academic discourse.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Hassim, A. A., Azman, N. S., & Shamsudin, M. F. . The global business environment and the role of cultural intelligence: Systematic literature review. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice.

Shamsudin, M. F., Hassim, A. A., Zandi, G., & Esa, S. A. Managing customer trust and satisfaction on chatbots in the retail industry. Journal of Information Technology Management.

Hassim, A. A., Shamsudin, M. F., Zandi, G., & Ismail, N. The influence of social media marketing activities on purchase intention: A study of the e-commerce industry. Journal of Information Technology Management.

Shamsudin, M. F., & Hassim, A. A.  Mediating role of organizational innovation on market orientation and business performance: SEM-AMOS approach. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology.

Abudaqa, A. M., Hassim, A. A., & Saidun, Z. . Relationship between service usefulness and information awareness toward citizen satisfaction of e-government services in Kuala Lumpur. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change.

Affendy Abu Hassim | Global Business | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Affendy Abu Hassim | Global Business | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at The University of UniKL Bu | Malaysia

Associate Professor Dr. Affendy Abu Hassim is a distinguished academic and researcher currently serving as an Associate Professor of International Business at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Business School, Malaysia. With over 18 years of academic teaching experience and more than 30 years of diverse professional expertise across multiple industries, he embodies the fusion of academic rigor and real-world application. Associate Professor Dr. Affendy holds a Doctor of Business Administration  from Universiti Utara Malaysia, focusing on entrepreneurial proclivity, innovation, and international new ventures; a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia; and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Bolton, UK, complemented by several professional diplomas in management and computer studies. His professional experience spans multiple academic roles, including senior lectureships, adjunct faculty positions, and postgraduate supervision at institutions such as Open University Malaysia, Putra Business School, and Leeds Beckett University. His research interests include international business, global innovation management, strategic planning, and sustainability, with publications in leading journals like the Journal of Information Technology Management and the International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change. Associate Professor. Dr. Affendy demonstrates advanced research skills in structural equation modeling, entrepreneurship analytics, metaverse consumer behavior, and marketing strategy, supported by successful management of national research grants such as FAMA and STRG. A certified business coach, Elsevier peer reviewer, and member of the Malaysian Professors Council, he has also authored several academic books, including Applied Strategic Marketing for Competitive Edge and Major Misstep Facebook Marketing. His numerous roles as a viva examiner, editorial board member, and academic leader underscore his dedication to advancing scholarship and mentorship. In conclusion, Dr. Affendy Abu Hassim represents an inspiring blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and global business insight, making him a strong candidate for recognition in academic and professional excellence awards.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Hassim, A. A., Azman, N. S., & Shamsudin, M. F. . The global business environment and the role of cultural intelligence: Systematic literature review. Journal of Marketing Theory and Practice.

Shamsudin, M. F., Hassim, A. A., Zandi, G., & Esa, S. A. Managing customer trust and satisfaction on chatbots in the retail industry. Journal of Information Technology Management.

Hassim, A. A., Shamsudin, M. F., Zandi, G., & Ismail, N. The influence of social media marketing activities on purchase intention: A study of the e-commerce industry. Journal of Information Technology Management.

Shamsudin, M. F., & Hassim, A. A.  Mediating role of organizational innovation on market orientation and business performance: SEM-AMOS approach. International Journal of Advanced Science and Technology.

Abudaqa, A. M., Hassim, A. A., & Saidun, Z. . Relationship between service usefulness and information awareness toward citizen satisfaction of e-government services in Kuala Lumpur. International Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Change.

Ibrahimou Hamadou | History of Sport | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ibrahimou Hamadou | History of Sport | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at The University of Maroua | Cameroon

Dr. Ibrahimou Hamadou is a dedicated scholar and researcher in the Department of History at the École Normale Supérieure, Université de Maroua, Cameroon. Holding a PhD in the History of Sport from the University of Ngaoundéré, his academic work focuses on the intersections of sport, culture, heritage, and social dynamics in Cameroon and across Africa. His research explores themes such as the historical evolution of football clubs, the sociocultural meanings embedded in sports practices, and the political and gendered dimensions of athletic participation. He has contributed several peer-reviewed articles and book chapters examining topics like the role of sports heritage in tourism development, linguistic borrowing in sports contexts, and the political appropriation of national football victories. Dr. Hamadou has presented his findings at numerous international conferences and research workshops across Africa, including events organized by CODESRIA, the Nordic Africa Institute, and the University Gaston Berger. His work demonstrates a commitment to advancing historical inquiry through interdisciplinary perspectives, particularly in understanding how sports function as a mirror of social transformation, identity construction, and memory preservation. Through his teaching, research, and scholarly collaborations, Dr. Hamadou continues to contribute meaningfully to the development of African historiography and the global study of sports history.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

Ibrahimou, H. (2021). Formation des arbitres de football au Cameroun des années 1950 à 2000: enjeux, défis et propositions. Revue Spécialisée d’Éducation Physique et des Loisirs (RSEPL), Les Éditions Dinimber & Larimber.

Ibrahimou, H. (2020). La pratique de sport et développement au Nord-Cameroun, une phallocratie aveugle. In M. Rosalie, P. E. King, & P. Tchimabi (Eds.), Les dynamiques de la condition de la femme du Sahel. En hommage à Djaili Amadou et Aissa Doumara (pp. 91–107). Éditions Cheikh Anta Diop.

Ibrahimou, H. (2020). Organisation du festival Yelwata à Maroua et le championnat régional de football à Mora en contexte d’insécurité (2014 à 2017). Revue des Sciences Sociales – Programme d’Appui Stratégique à la Recherche Scientifique (RSS-PASRES).

Ibrahimou, H. (2019). Les stades de football comme substrat aux enjeux touristiques au Cameroun. Revue des Sciences Sociales – Programme d’Appui Stratégique à la Recherche Scientifique (RSS-PASRES).

Jani Grey Kasunda | Global Workforce Management | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Jani Grey Kasunda | Global Workforce Management | Best Researcher Award

Editor of the Hansard at Parliament of Malawi | Malawi

Jani Grey Kasunda is a communications professional from Malawi with extensive experience in journalism, public relations, and institutional communication. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Malawi and has developed a career marked by creativity, innovation, and ethical practice in information management and public engagement. Over the years, he has worked as an editor, lecturer, reporter, and communications strategist, gaining expertise in writing, editing, research, media relations, event coordination, and crisis communication. He currently serves in the Parliament of Malawi as Editor of Hansard, where he is responsible for producing, editing, and managing parliamentary publications, reports, and information resources, while also playing a key role in communication strategy and stakeholder engagement. His previous roles include teaching journalism and communication at the Malawi Institute of Journalism, where he developed curricula, mentored students, and enhanced the institution’s reputation through innovative initiatives, as well as newsroom leadership at Matindi FM and reporting for Nation Publications Limited. He is known for his ability to foster teamwork, mentor colleagues, and develop communication strategies that strengthen institutional reputation. In addition to his professional career, he has contributed to staff welfare initiatives within the Parliament and has been recognized with awards for his academic and professional contributions.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Kasunda, J. G. (2025). China’s global governance strategy and the revival of leftist ideologies in Africa: A constructivist analysis of norm diffusion and political alignment. Cogent Social Sciences. Advance online publication.

Iara Teixeira | Psychology | Best Research Article Award

Mrs. Iara Teixeira | Psychology | Best Research Article Award

Researcher at University of Minho | Portugal

Iara do Nascimento Teixeira is a psychologist and doctoral researcher in Applied Psychology at the University of Minho in Portugal. Her academic path reflects a continuous dedication to the study of mental health, occupational well-being, and organizational diversity. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and has pursued postgraduate training in Work, Organizational, and Human Resources Psychology, which complements her expertise in applied psychology. Her doctoral research focuses on psychosocial risks at work, with an emphasis on their conceptualization and evaluation, aiming to contribute to healthier organizational practices and improved occupational health outcomes. Her research addresses critical themes such as psychosocial risks, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, diversity in professional settings, and the effects of organizational climate on employee well-being. She has applied both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, including statistical analysis, interviews, and conceptual reviews, to provide evidence-based insights. Iara has contributed to peer-reviewed journals with publications on topics including perceived homonegativity and psychological distress, psychosocial determinants of occupational health, and inclusive workplace climate practices. She has also co-authored integrative reviews that deepen understanding of psychosocial risks in professional contexts. Her active participation in international congresses, symposiums, and academic seminars highlights her role as a committed researcher and communicator of scientific knowledge. In addition, she has served as a reviewer and member of scientific committees, reflecting her engagement with the broader academic community. With experience as a research fellow in both Portugal and Brazil, she has developed collaborative projects that link psychology, diversity, and occupational health. Her growing academic impact is reflected in 5 citations by 5 documents, with 3 publications indexed and an h-index of 1. These metrics, combined with her strong scholarly engagement, position her as a promising researcher. Through her interdisciplinary work, she continues to contribute to the fields of occupational health, workplace diversity, and mental well-being, addressing both theoretical gaps and practical challenges in contemporary society.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Teixeira, I. do N., Alckmin-Carvalho, F., & Pereira, H. (2025). “You always have to prove yourself”: Trans women’s experiences in the Portuguese labor market. International Journal of Transgender Health.

Teixeira, I. do N., Alckmin-Carvalho, F., Bloniewski, T., Tosto, M. G., Costa, A. B., Poletto, M., Dell’Aglio, D. D., Koller, S. H., & Wendt, G. W. (2025). Associations between depression, school performance and perception of stressful life events in a non-WEIRD sample of vulnerable students. Trends in Psychology.

Alckmin-Carvalho, F., Oliveira, A., & Teixeira, I. do N. (2025). Associações entre bullying, adversidade familiar e psicopatologias em adolescentes brasileiros.

Teixeira, I. do N., Wendt, G. W., Alckmin-Carvalho, F., & De Assis Freire, S. E. (2025). Connected but distant: The paradox of digital use and its impact on romantic commitment. Cyberpsychology.

Teixeira, I. do N., Wendt, G. W., & Alckmin-Carvalho, F. (2025). Cyberbullying victimization and depression in youth: Brazilian findings. Societies.

Zhongbiao Nie | Clinical Pharmacist | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Zhongbiao Nie | Clinical Pharmacist | Best Researcher Award

Associate professor at Shanxi Bethune Hospital | China

Zhongbiao Nie (MM) is a pain and mental health clinical pharmacist and Associate Professor at Shanxi Bethune Hospital, with a strong academic foundation in clinical pharmacy. He earned his Master of Medicine degree from the Shanxi Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has since contributed extensively to the fields of pain management, pharmacotherapy, and mental health. His research has been published in high-impact journals such as Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, Journal of Pain Research, Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Medicine (Baltimore), and Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics. Dr. Nie has conducted influential clinical studies on postoperative pain management, patient-controlled analgesia, and the safety of pharmacological agents, while also exploring scientometric and bibliometric analyses that map research trends in depression, immunotherapy, and chronic disease management. He has led and contributed to projects such as the Shanxi Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Innovation Team Building Plan, reflecting his role in advancing both evidence-based medicine and integrative approaches to healthcare. His published works, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, demonstrate his expertise in applying rigorous methodologies to improve patient outcomes. With a growing portfolio of 71 citations by 58 documents, 14 publications, and an h-index of 5, Dr. Nie’s research not only addresses current clinical challenges but also anticipates future healthcare needs in pain management and mental health pharmacology. Through his dedication to clinical research and teaching, he continues to play a pivotal role in advancing pharmacy practice and patient-centered care.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Nie, Z., Wang, L., Li, L., Zhang, R., Zhao, J., & Wei, M. (2025). Comparison of disease burden of major depressive disorder in China and globally from 1991 to 2021. Journal of Affective Disorders.

Nie, Z., Zhang, R., Guo, Y., Wang, X., Zhang, K., & Zhao, H. (2025). Comparison of the burden of musculoskeletal disorders between China and worldwide data using the global burden of disease dataset from 1990 to 2021. Annals of Medicine.

Li, R., Zhang, R., Jia, Y., & Nie, Z. (2024). A bibliometric analysis from 2004 to 2024 reveals research hotspots and trends in the immunotherapy for vasculitis. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

Zhang, R., Li, Y., & Nie, Z. (2024). A bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2024 reveals research hotspots and trends in the immunotherapy for glomerulonephritis. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

Nie, Z., Liang, C., Li, Z., Han, X., & Zhang, R. (2024). Gabapentinoids-related delirium adverse events: A real-world study from 2004 to 2022 based on FAERS. Journal of Pain Research.

Kashif Nadeem | Management and Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kashif Nadeem | Management and Business Administration | Best Researcher Award

Department of Economics | Italy

Dr. Kashif Nadeem is a distinguished researcher and academic with an interdisciplinary background in accounting, management, business economics, and sustainability studies. He currently serves as a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Parma, Italy, contributing to a prominent project on environmental and innovation policies, green technologies, and business competitiveness. His research bridges digital transformation, sustainability, organizational behavior, and Industry 4.0, reflecting a deep interest in leveraging technology for sustainable development and corporate efficiency. Dr. Nadeem earned his PhD in Accounting, Management, and Business Economics in Italy, complementing earlier degrees in business administration, information technology, human resource management, and statistics from Pakistan. His academic trajectory is enhanced by international research fellowships in Norway and Canada, emphasizing his global research perspective. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and conference papers indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, with 33 citations by 33 documents and a growing h-index. His research focuses on the interplay between digital innovation, sustainability performance, employee well-being, and organizational competitiveness, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methodologies including bibliometric analysis, systematic reviews, survey-based studies, and advanced statistical modeling. Proficient in tools such as SPSS, R, STATA, AMOS, and NVivo, Dr. Nadeem applies rigorous analytical approaches to research challenges. Beyond research, he has extensive teaching experience and has supervised graduate students in areas such as human resource management, leadership, strategic business management, and corporate information systems. Recognized for his academic excellence through multiple scholarships and international fellowships, he has also delivered keynote speeches and chaired sessions at international conferences. Dr. Nadeem’s work integrates theoretical insight with practical relevance, addressing global challenges in sustainability, digitalization, and innovation management. His interdisciplinary expertise, global outlook, and commitment to academic and societal impact position him as an emerging thought leader poised for continued contributions to research, education, and practice.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

  • Nadeem, K., Za, S., & Smacchia, M. (2025). Exploring the relationship of digital transformation and sustainability: A bibliometric analysis and future research agenda. Journal of Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal.

  • Nadeem, K., Wong, S., Za, S., & Venditti, M. (2024). Digital transformation and Industry 4.0 employees: Empirical evidence from top digital nations. Technology in Society, 76, 102434.

  • Sarwar, H., Nadeem, K., & Aftab, J. (2017). The impact of psychological capital on project success: Mediating role of emotional intelligence. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 7(22).

  • Nadeem, K., Riaz, A., & Danish, R. Q. (2019). Influence of high-performance work system on employee service performance and OCB: Mediating role of resilience. Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, 9(13).

  • Nadeem, K., Akram, W., Ali, H. F., Iftikhar, Y., & Shamshad, W. (2019). The relationship between work values, affective commitment, emotional intelligence, and employee engagement: A moderated mediation model. European Online Journal of Natural and Social Sciences, 8(3), 469–482.

Kyungjin Yum | Aviation Safety | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Kyungjin Yum | Aviation Safety | Best Researcher Award

Guro District Office, Safety & Transportation Bureau, Urban Safety Division | South Korea

Mrs. Kyungjin Yum is a distinguished aviation safety professional and researcher with extensive experience across the aviation industry and public service. She began her career as a cabin crew member with an international airline, gaining practical insights into airline operations, safety protocols, and customer service management. She later advanced to a Safety Officer role in helicopter operations, where she was responsible for implementing safety measures and assessing risks in high-stakes aviation environments. Currently, she serves in the Urban Safety Division of the Safety & Transportation Bureau at the Guro District Office in South Korea, where she applies her aviation safety expertise to urban safety and transportation management. Alongside her professional work, Dr. Yum is pursuing doctoral studies in air traffic, focusing on human factors, aviation psychology, and safety management. Her research investigates the impact of stress, fatigue, and organizational pressures on aviation personnel, exploring ways to reduce human error and enhance overall safety. She has published research in respected journals and has received recognition for her work, including a Best Paper Award for her study on psychological stress and human errors in helicopter pilots. Her professional certifications as a U.S. FAA Aircraft Dispatcher and a Korean Aeronautical Radio Operator further strengthen her technical and operational knowledge. Dr. Yum combines practical experience, academic rigor, and public service leadership, bridging theory and practice in aviation safety. Her multidisciplinary research skills include quantitative and qualitative analysis, survey design, and case study methodologies, enabling her to conduct studies that are both rigorous and applicable to real-world safety challenges. As a member of national aviation societies, she actively contributes to advancing aviation research and policy. With her proven expertise, scholarly achievements, and dedication to safety, Mrs. Yum is recognized as a versatile leader poised to make continued contributions to aviation safety, human factors research, and community safety initiatives.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Yum, K., & Kim, K. (2024). A study on the relationship between human errors caused by psychological stress of helicopter pilots and conditions of potential accidents and incidents. Journal of the Korean Society for Aviation and Aeronautics, 32(2), 29–45.

2. Yum, K. K., Choi, J. O., & Hyun, S. S. (2024). A study on the effect of job stress factors on mental health and service sabotage: Focusing on flight attendants in foreign airlines. Journal of Air Transport Management, 108, 102541.

Stephen Lind | AI Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stephen Lind | AI Technology | Best Researcher Award

University of Southern California – Marshall School of Business | United States

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stephen Lind, PhD, is a distinguished scholar, author, and educator whose career spans rhetoric, communication, media studies, and business communication. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Clinical Business Communication and Academic Director of the part-time MBA program at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. Dr. Lind has established himself as a thought leader in integrating classical rhetorical traditions with emerging digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence in education and workplace communication. His widely recognized book A Charlie Brown Religion: Exploring the Spiritual Life and Work of Charles M. Schulz showcases his expertise in media, culture, and religion, while his articles have appeared in leading academic journals and professional outlets. In addition, his commentaries have been featured in major global publications including The Hill, CNN, Fortune, Fast Company, and the LA Times, reflecting his ability to bridge academic research with public discourse. With 39 citations across 38 documents, 8 published works, and an h-index of 4, Dr. Lind continues to advance scholarship at the intersection of business, media, and communication. His research interests include strategic persuasion, digital oratory, rhetorical practices in business contexts, and the influence of AI-driven avatars and communication technologies on leadership and organizational culture. Prior to joining USC, he held academic positions at Washington and Lee University, where he earned tenure for his contributions to business communication and interdisciplinary teaching, as well as at Clemson University and the University of Illinois. His professional training in organizational change further complements his expertise in communication strategy and leadership. Widely engaged in international conferences and scholarly collaborations, Dr. Lind is committed to advancing both theory and practice in communication while mentoring the next generation of scholars and professionals. His work exemplifies innovation, interdisciplinarity, and public impact, making him a leading voice in contemporary communication research and education.

Profile: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Lind, S. (2020). A framework for viral marketing replication and mutation. AMS Review, 10(3–4), 209–224.

Lind, S. (2018). Merchandising Snoopy: The case of licensing Peanuts in Japan. Journal of General Management, 43(4), 217–225.

Lind, S. (2015). A Charlie Brown religion: Exploring the spiritual life and work of Charles M. Schulz. University Press of Mississippi.

Lind, S. (2014). Christmas in the 1960s: A Charlie Brown Christmas, religion, and the conventions of the genre. Journal of Religion and Popular Culture, 26(1), 1–19.