Asterios Patsiaouras | Coaching & Mentoring | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Asterios Patsiaouras | Coaching & Mentoring | Research Excellence Award

EEP | The University of  Thessaly | Greece

Dr. Asterios Patsiaouras is a prominent researcher in sport psychology, sport didactics, and elite performance training, with a particular emphasis on volleyball and team sports. His research portfolio, comprising 18 scholarly documents, has accumulated 244 citations and an h-index of 8, reflecting both the academic impact and practical relevance of his work in applied sport science. A major focus of his studies is resilience, anxiety, and psychological readiness in athletes, particularly volleyball players. His research investigates how team dynamics, gender, and coaching styles influence resilience, stress management, and performance outcomes. Several studies have examined the technical elements of elite volleyball teams and their predictive power for match outcomes, providing data-driven insights to enhance athlete preparation and strategic coaching. Dr. Patsiaouras has also contributed to the understanding of coach athlete relationships, exploring the ethical, social, and value-based dimensions of mentorship in sports. His work highlights the critical role of communication, leadership, and relational dynamics in optimizing athlete development and mental health. In addition, his research addresses broader psychosocial and developmental issues, such as the mental health of children and adolescents, the role of sport in fostering social values, and the integration of neurodiversity considerations in performance and well-being. By combining psychological theory with applied methodology, his studies offer practical recommendations for coaches, educators, and sport professionals seeking to promote both performance excellence and holistic athlete development. Dr. Patsiaouras’s publications, which include peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and interdisciplinary contributions, are widely recognized for advancing knowledge in sport psychology and applied sports science. His work bridges theory and practice, emphasizing evidence-based approaches to resilience, mental fitness, ethical coaching, and high level performance. Collectively, his contributions provide a comprehensive understanding of the psychological and social factors that influence athletes, their teams, and the broader sporting environment.

Featured Publication

Chatzipanteli, A., Zafeiroudi, A., Trigonis, I., Tsartsapakis, I., Fotiadis, A., Patsiaouras, A., & Digelidis, N.  Justifications for judgment accuracy in sports.

Zewen Zhuo | Rewards & Recognition | Excellence in Research Award

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Mr. Zewen Zhuo | Rewards & Recognition | Excellence in Research Award

Engineer | The University of  Shandong Gangyuan Pipeline Logistics Co., Ltd | China

Mr. Zewen Zhuo is a researcher specializing in the rheology, microstructural behavior, and flow assurance mechanisms of waxy crude oil systems. His scholarly work focuses on understanding how wax crystallization, gel formation, and structural failure processes influence the stability and transport efficiency of crude oil in pipeline environments. Through the integration of rheology, in situ microscopy, and advanced experimental observation methods, his contributions address key scientific challenges associated with long distance crude oil transportation. With 3 published research documents, 48 citations, and a current h-index of 2, his work demonstrates measurable academic influence within the petroleum engineering and flow assurance communities. His studies provide detailed insights into the nonlinear and dynamic behavior of waxy crude oil under thermal and mechanical disturbances, offering data and models that support improved operational reliability in the oil and gas industry. One of his major contributions includes the investigation of the structural failure process of gelled waxy crude oil emulsions, using synchronous rheological and microscopic techniques to reveal how gel networks deform and break under external stress. Another publication examines shear thinning behavior and microstructural evolution in waxy crude oil, providing a clearer understanding of how shear fields disrupt wax crystal aggregates and modify flow characteristics. His additional work explores the destruction mechanisms of gel structures in emulsion systems, contributing to more accurate predictions of restart performance, wax deposition risk, and flow resistance. Across these studies, Mr. Zhuo’s research advances fundamental knowledge of wax oil interactions, microstructural dynamics, and rheological response under complex operating conditions. His contributions support the development of more efficient, safer, and scientifically grounded strategies for crude oil storage, transportation, and flow assurance technology.

Featured Publication

Zhao, J., Zhuo, Z., Dong, H., & Wang, Z. Structural failure process of gelled waxy crude oil emulsion based on rheological-in-situ microscopic synchronous measurement.

Sarina Hui-Lin Chien | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Sarina Hui-Lin Chien | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of China Medical University | Taiwan

Prof. Sarina Hui-Lin Chien is a cognitive neuroscientist whose research bridges perceptual development, face processing, and early cognitive mechanisms across the lifespan. Her scholarly work, reflected in 32 peer-reviewed publications, over 307 citations, and an h-index of 12, demonstrates strong and sustained contributions to understanding how humans interpret, encode, and respond to complex visual and social information. A major theme in her research involves the developmental trajectory of face perception, including sensitivity to identity, race, emotional expressions, and trait inferences. She has conducted extensive studies examining how infants, children, and adults categorize faces, perceive trustworthiness, and discriminate subtle facial cues. This work extends to populations with atypical development, such as individuals with autism spectrum characteristics, providing insights into perceptual and social cognitive variability. Her investigations also contribute significantly to perceptual organization and early visual cognition, including studies on topological and geometric properties, visual short term memory, and the mechanisms underlying perceptual narrowing. By integrating behavioral methods, psychophysics, and eye tracking, she advances multi method approaches to understanding how perception evolves and adapts under different developmental and environmental conditions. Another core dimension of her scholarship explores how context, familiarity, and essentialist thinking shape visual categorization, race perception, and social preferences. This line of work intersects cognitive development with social cognition, offering a broader framework for understanding how perceptual biases emerge and change over time. Her recent projects investigate the impact of public health contexts such as mask-wearing on face recognition and emotional interpretation in children, reflecting her interest in real-world influences on cognitive development. Overall, Prof. Chien’s body of work illustrates a coherent and influential research program that deepens scientific understanding of visual cognition, developmental trajectories, and the foundations of human social perception.

Featured Publications

Ali, M., & Chien, S. H.-L. Within-person face recognition strongly correlates with objective face processing assessments: A study beyond the populations.

Lin, C.-Y., Ho, M. W.-R., & Chien, S. H.-L.  Exploring face perception efficiency in patients with lacunar stroke: A study with familiar and unfamiliar face recognition.

Wang, H.-T., Lyu, J.-L., & Chien, S. H.-L.  Dynamic emotion recognition and expression imitation in neurotypical adults and their associations with autistic traits. Sensors.

Junfeng Zhao | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Junfeng Zhao | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Henan University | China

Prof. Junfeng Zhao is an influential researcher in psychology whose scholarship integrates educational, developmental, health, and social psychology to address learning, adaptation, and mental health among children and adolescents. Across 98 publications, with 1,349 citations and an h-index of 26, his body of work combines rigorous empirical methods, longitudinal designs, and interdisciplinary approaches to investigate resilience, peer attachment, self-esteem, and school adaptation. He emphasizes applied outcomes measurement development, intervention design, and translation to educational practice while advancing theoretical understanding of developmental processes. A major strand of his research focuses on children affected by social disadvantages such as left-behind children, and those with sensory impairments examining risk and protective factors that shape psychological outcomes. Through multi-year tracking studies and psychometric scale evaluation, he has produced validated instruments and intervention-informed findings that clarify how family dynamics, peer relationships, and school contexts contribute to mental health trajectories. This work informs community based strategies and educational policies aimed at improving psychosocial supports for vulnerable groups. In educational psychology, his studies illuminate learning motivation, cognitive styles, learning strategies, and classroom processes, offering practical implications for curriculum design and teacher training. His research addresses early identification models for learning difficulties, the neural correlates of cognitive control and the psychological underpinnings of teacher professional identity and its influence on student well being. The portfolio demonstrates a productive mix of quantitative, qualitative, and neurophysiological methods. Methodologically, Zhao emphasizes mixed methods, longitudinal analyses, culturally sensitive measurement, and robust psychometrics strengthening the reliability and applicability of findings across contexts. His publications consistently bridge theory and practice, targeting educators, clinicians, and policymakers. The cumulative impact of his research lies in deepening understanding of how developmental mechanisms interact with social environments and in providing evidence-based frameworks for interventions that promote resilience and healthy development in children and adolescents. Overall, his work offers actionable frameworks for policy and practice.

Featured Publications

Huang, G., Qian, C., Newman-Norlund, R. D., Zhao, J., & Li, X.  Perceived stigma mediates the relationship between regional gray matter volume and aggressive behavior in children affected by parental.

Ji, L., Yu, Y., Wan, J., Zhang, Y., Zhao, J., & Chen, C. Relationship between cumulative peer risk and sense of security among adolescents: A moderated mediation model. BMC Psychology.

Wan, J., Ji, L., Wang, Z., Zhao, J., & Li, X.  Social exclusion and mental health of youths affected by parental HIV/AIDS in China: Based on a serial mediating model.

Chen, C., Wu, Q., Zhao, J., Zhao, G., Li, X., Du, H., & Chi, P. Enacted stigma influences bereavement coping among children orphaned by parental. A longitudinal study with network analysis.

Wu, J., Li, Q., Chi, P., Zhao, J., & Zhao, J. Mindfulness and well-being among socioeconomically disadvantaged college students: Roles of resilience and perceived discrimination.

Bingfei Gu | Rewards & Recognition | Research Excellence Award

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Prof. Dr. Bingfei Gu | Rewards & Recognition | Research Excellence Award

Professor | The University of Zhejiang Sci-Tech University | China

Prof. Dr. Bingfei Gu is a prominent researcher in the interdisciplinary domain of digital apparel engineering, computational ergonomics, and intelligent garment technologies. With a scholarly record of 81 publications, 255 citations, and an h-index of 11, the author has built a strong research presence that spans human body modeling, fabric behavior simulation, and advanced garment design systems. Their work integrates computational methods, image processing, 3D point cloud analytics, and artificial intelligence to address long-standing challenges in apparel fit, pattern generation, body measurement accuracy, and digital clothing representation. A central focus of the author’s research is the development of precise and scalable human body measurement frameworks using hybrid scanning and imaging systems. This includes advanced classification of body shape, automated feature extraction, and individualized prototype generation for apparel design. Their studies on digital garment systems explore virtual fittings, numerical simulations of fabric drape, and biomechanics-based modeling of clothing body interaction, contributing to improved prediction of wearer comfort and performance. The author has produced influential work on garment technologies, including new algorithms for pattern adaptation, topologically consistent model reconstruction, and simulation-driven design optimization. Their research in garment virtual simulation extends into computational evaluations of ergonomics, ballistic protection mechanisms, and AI driven virtual try on methods leveraging generative diffusion models. Through collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, the author has contributed to notable advancements in industrial ergonomics, textile engineering, and digital fashion innovation. Their publications in high impact journals demonstrate a commitment to methodological rigor and practical relevance, supporting the broader transition toward intelligent apparel manufacturing, personalized garment engineering, and data-driven fashion technologies. The author’s contributions continue to shape emerging standards in digital human modeling and next-generation garment simulation.

Featured Publications

Hou, J., Lu, Y., Wang, M., Ouyang, W., Yang, Y., Zou, F., Gu, B., & Liu, Z.  A Markov Chain approach for video-based virtual try-on with denoising diffusion generative adversarial network. Knowledge Based Systems.

Jin, S., & Gu,, Production scheduling optimization of shirt component module based on standard man-hour prediction.

Sheng, X., Zhao, S., & Gu, B. Construction of shirt component module groups based on process similarity

Sun, Y., Niu, W., Chen, X., Chen, Q., Gu, B., & Liu, Y. Application of human finite element model in flexible protective products. Journal of Medical Biomechanics.

Feng, H., Sheng, X., Zhang, L., Liu, Y., & Gu, B. Color analysis of brocade from the 4th to 8th centuries driven by image based matching network modeling.

Jin, S., & Gu, B. Individualized generation of women’s prototype based on the classification of body shape.

Imran Muhammad | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

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Dr. Imran Muhammad | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

PostDoc | The University of Xinjiang University | China

Dr. Imran Muhammad is an accomplished researcher in advanced analytical chemistry, with a strong publication record comprising 35 scientific documents, 276 citations, and an h-index of 11. His work spans a diverse range of contemporary research fields, with a central focus on sensor technologies, analytical method development, and environmental monitoring. His expertise bridges multiple interdisciplinary domains, including fluorescent probe design, chemosensors, biosensors, polymer-based sensing platforms, computational chemistry, and catalysis. A significant portion of his research is dedicated to developing innovative sensing systems for detecting toxic environmental pollutants such as mercury ions nitroaromatics, dioxins, and heavy metals. He has made notable contributions to the design of dansyl-based fluorescent sensors, graphene oxide–based solid-phase sensing materials, and β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, offering enhanced selectivity, sensitivity, and environmental applicability. Providing an efficient tool for water-quality assessment. In addition to sensor development, his research extends to molecularly imprinted polymers photocatalytic nanomaterials, surface modification, solid-phase extraction, and advanced material synthesis. His studies in photocatalysis, catalytic pyrolysis of plastics, and nanostructured metal oxides contribute to sustainable technologies and environmental remediation. Dr. Muhammad’s technical skills span a broad array of analytical instruments, including Fluorescence spectroscopy, and supporting his capacity to conduct rigorous and high-impact experimental work. He also integrates computational studies to elucidate molecular interactions and sensing mechanisms, strengthening the theoretical foundation of his analytical methodologies. Through continuous publication in high-ranking journals and participation in global scientific discussions, he maintains a strong commitment to advancing analytical chemistry and environmental science, with research aimed at delivering practical, efficient, and sustainable technological solutions.

Featured Publication

Yao, N., Cai, Y., Li, J., Nulahong, A., Okitsu, Imran, M., & Ren, T. Enhanced low-temperature performance of CO₂ methanation over Ni-Y zeolite molecular sieve.

Khan, M. I., Kim, H. Y., Ali, R., & Miyazaki, S. A comparison of conventional aging and defect-assisted precipitation mechanisms in TiNiPdCu-based high-temperature shape memory alloys.

Rida, B. N., Bakhsh, N. Investigating the high-temperature oxidation of the Hf₀.₅Nb₀.₅Ta₀.₅Ti₁.₅Zr refractory high-entropy alloy. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry.

Yifei Zhang | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

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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

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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

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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

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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.