Christina Tassi | Mental Health Programs | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Christina Tassi | Mental Health Programs | Research Excellence Award

Postdoctoral Researcher | The University of  Ioannina | Greece

Dr. Christina Tassi is a scholar in counseling psychology whose work bridges group counseling theory, person centered facilitative conditions, and positive psychology interventions. Her research emphasizes the psychosocial development and emotional well-being of children and adolescents, with a particular focus on those facing psychological economic hardship. Through her publications and collaborative research, she has contributed valuable insights into how group processes, therapeutic factors, and supportive interpersonal climates can enhance participants’ resilience, adjustment, and overall mental health. Across 7 peer reviewed publications, Dr. Tassi’s research demonstrates methodological rigor and applied relevance, yielding a measurable scholarly impact reflected in 68 citations and an h-index of 4. Her studies explore a range of topics, including process outcome relationships in positive psychological interventions, person centered attitudes among facilitators, and the mechanisms through which group programs foster emotional growth in school-age populations. She has also examined the effectiveness of online positive psychology interventions implemented during the  pandemic, contributing early evidence on the feasibility and therapeutic value of digital group-based mental health support. Dr. Tassi has co authored a book on positive psychology and contributed chapters focusing on poverty’s psychological effects on children, strengths-based counseling, and psychoeducational interventions for youth with diverse needs. Her interdisciplinary collaborations reflect a commitment to advancing evidence-based practices in educational and therapeutic contexts.

Profile:  Scopus 

Featured Publication

Tassi, C., & Brouzos, A. Therapeutic factors in a group positive psychological intervention  for primary school students facing parental psychological economic hardship. International Journal of Applied Positive Psychology.

Svetlana Fa Nedeljkovic | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award | 2704

Dr. Svetlana Fa Nedeljkovic | Learning & Development | Research Excellence Award

Senior Research Associate | The University of  Faculty of Sciences University of Novi Sad | Serbia

Dr. Svetlana Fa Nedeljković is a distinguished researcher whose scientific contributions lie at the intersection of reproductive toxicology, developmental biology, endocrine disruption, and epigenetic regulation. Her work advances fundamental understanding of how environmental contaminants particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals interfere with cellular signaling, steroidogenesis, reproductive development, and early-life programming of health and disease. With a research portfolio comprising 35 peer-reviewed publications, 578 citations, and an h-index of 17, she has made a sustained and influential impact within the fields of toxicology and environmental health sciences. Her research spans multiple biological systems, including human granulosa cells, endothelial cells, zebrafish models, and rodent reproductive cells, enabling multi-layered insight into mechanisms of toxicity. She has significantly contributed to deciphering how chemicals such as phthalates bisphenol A, atrazine, and hexabromocyclododecane alter intracellular pathways, including linked regulatory cascades. Her findings helped reveal how these pathways subsequently impact steroid hormone synthesis, mitochondrial function, angiogenesis, reproductive competence, and cellular homeostasis. A notable dimension of her work addresses the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease  through epigenetic changes in early fetal tissues. Her studies on methylation patterns in response to maternal exposures have contributed valuable evidence for understanding how early environmental influences shape long-term physiological outcomes. Dr. Nedeljković has also engaged in extensive collaborative research across international projects focusing on reproductive biology, ecotoxicology, chemical risk assessment, and artificial intelligence based toxicological modeling. Her work integrates in vitro, in vivo, in silico, and systems-level approaches to build mechanistic frameworks for predicting human health risks. Through her broad and methodologically diverse contributions, Dr. Nedeljković continues to advance cutting edge research aimed at protecting reproductive health and improving scientific foundations for chemical safety evaluation.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID 

Featured Publications

Tesic, B., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Markovic Filipovic, J., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Pogrmic-Majkic, K., & Andric, N. Early-life exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate impairs reproduction in adult female zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Tesic, B., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Tomanic, T., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Milatovic, S., Stanic, B., Pogrmic-Majkic, K., & Andric, N. DEHP decreases steroidogenesis through the cAMP and ERK1/2 signaling pathways in FSH-stimulated human granulosa cells.

Stanic, B., Milošević, N., Sukur, N., Samardzija Nenadov, D., Fa Nedeljkovic, S., Škrbić, S., & Andric, N.  An in silico toxicogenomic approach in constructing the aflatoxin B1-mediated regulatory network of hub genes in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Zhaoxia Li | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Zhaoxia Li | HR Technology and Digital Transformation | Research Excellence Award

Associate Professor | The University of  Yunnan University of Finance and Economics | China

Mrs. Zhaoxia Li is an emerging researcher in the field of Management Science and Engineering, specializing in supply chain management, digital transformation, and HR digitalization. Her scholarly work is driven by a commitment to strengthening the integration of data analytics and decision sciences within organizational systems, particularly focusing on the evolving dynamics of digital supply chains and human resource technologies. With a growing research portfolio, she has contributed to the development and evaluation of innovative decision models designed to improve efficiency, adaptability, and sustainability across complex supply chain environments. Her academic contributions span multiple peer-reviewed journals and conference publications, including studies on logistics alliance strategies, low carbon pharmaceutical cold chain distribution, intelligent cold chain quality control, and evolutionary game models for distribution optimization. These publications demonstrate her ability to merge theoretical modeling with practical industry challenges, offering actionable insights for digital transformation in modern enterprises. She has published four academic papers, including two journal articles indexed in SCI and Scopus, which reflect her increasing impact within her discipline. Mrs. Li has completed or is currently engaged in five research projects, including work related to digital tools, evolutionary models, and algorithm-driven optimization. Her research has also generated a patent currently under review, underscoring her inclination toward applied innovation. Although early in her research career, her contributions have already gained attention through growing citation activity and expanding scholarly collaborations. Her central research agenda emphasizes the construction of multi dimensional adaptive frameworks that integrate supply chain decision making with HR digitalization. This framework seeks to advance enterprise digital transformation by aligning operational processes, technology adoption, and organizational decision systems. Through her consistent academic output, systems oriented perspective, and commitment to digital innovation, Mrs. Li is establishing a meaningful trajectory within the global research community of Management Science and Engineering.

Profile: ORCID 

Featured Publications

Ran, W., Li, Z., Xue, Y., & He, D.  Literature review: Current trends and future prospects of digital vaccine supply chain support technology.

Li, Z., Ran, W., Zheng, H., & Xue, Y. Quality control of vaccine cold chain transportation under intelligent system monitoring From China’s experience. In Lecture Notes on Data Engineering and Communications Technologies.

Ran, W., Li, Z., & Xue, Y. Optimization and application of pharmaceutical low-carbon cold chain logistics distribution model based on improved ant colony algorithm.

Ran, W., He, D., Li, Z., Xue, Y., He, Z., & Basnayaka Gunarathnage, Research on distribution strategy of logistics enterprise alliance based on three-party evolution game.

Asterios Patsiaouras | Coaching & Mentoring | Research Excellence Award

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

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

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

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

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.

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.