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.

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.

Michal Kravčík | HR Business Partnering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Michal Kravčík | HR Business Partnering | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | The University of People and Water NGO | Slovakia

Michal Kravčík is a Slovak environmental researcher and hydrologist whose work has profoundly influenced modern thinking on water management, climate restoration, and sustainable regional development. His research centers on the interdependence between water cycles, ecosystems, and climate regulation, forming the foundation of the New Water Paradigm, a globally recognized framework for water and climate recovery. This theory emphasizes retaining rainwater within ecosystems to restore the small water cycle, replenish groundwater, regulate temperatures, and support biodiversity. Kravčík’s approach challenges conventional hydrological models that prioritize drainage and diversion, proposing instead that water restoration is essential to reversing climate degradation and desertification. Kravčík’s initiatives, particularly through the Blue Alternative and People and Water, illustrate how decentralized water management can drive both environmental renewal and community empowerment. His integrated approach demonstrates that water restoration serves as a pathway to ecological stability and economic resilience, especially in regions facing high unemployment and social marginalization. By linking hydrology to social innovation, his work has contributed to broader understandings of participatory governance, sustainability, and climate adaptation. His research publications, including Water for the Recovery of the Climate. A New Water Paradigm , Water for the Third Millennium , Between Floods and Droughts and Water Without Borders provide comprehensive insights into how water retention can serve as both a mitigation and adaptation strategy for climate change. These works have become key references for policymakers, environmentalists, and sustainability researchers worldwide. Kravčík’s research influence is reflected in four major publications, 25 citations, and an h-index of 3. His scholarship continues to inspire global environmental discourse, emphasizing that climate recovery and water restoration are inseparable. By integrating ecological science, community action, and systems thinking, Kravčík’s contributions remain central to shaping sustainable water and climate management.

Featured Publication

Kravcik, M., et al. Costs and benefits of landscape-based water retention measures as nature-based solutions to mitigating climate impacts in eastern Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Land Degradation & Development.

Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Jae Park | Wastewater Treatment | Best Researcher Award

Professor Emiritus | The University of Univ. of  Wisconsin-Madison | United States

Professor Jae Kwang Park is a leading researcher in Civil and Environmental Engineering, whose scholarly work has significantly advanced the understanding of environmental pollution control, contaminant transport, and sustainable waste and water management systems. His research has focused extensively on the mechanisms governing pollutant dispersion, sorption, and permeation in aquatic and subsurface environments. By integrating principles of hydrodynamics, environmental chemistry, and material science, he has provided deep insights into the fate and transport of organic and inorganic contaminants across engineered and natural barriers. His studies on pollutant dispersion in estuarine systems, for instance, have produced foundational models for analyzing tidal mixing, stratified flow behavior, and mass transport processes that are crucial to understanding pollutant migration in coastal waters.In the field of wastewater and solid waste management, his contributions include the development of advanced treatment technologies using ozonation, photocatalytic oxidation, and membrane filtration to remove persistent organic pollutants. His work on the permeation of volatile organic compounds through geomembranes, polymeric pipes, and landfill liners has been pivotal in assessing the long-term performance of containment systems, directly influencing design standards and environmental protection regulations. He has also explored the use of recycled and synthetic materials, such as shredded tires and geomembranes, for the mitigation of contaminant movement in landfills, bridging the gap between waste reuse and environmental safety.Professor Park’s interdisciplinary research extends to understanding microbiologically influenced corrosion, pyrolysis kinetics of rubber materials, and thermodynamic modeling of sorption in polymers, reflecting his commitment to solving multifaceted environmental engineering challenges through innovative methodologies. His body of work demonstrates both theoretical depth and practical relevance, providing valuable tools for environmental monitoring, infrastructure safety, and pollution prevention.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Park, J. K., & Park, J. H. Advanced treatment of wastewater using ozone. Korean Society of Civil Engineers.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Tidal variation of salt flux and dispersion in a polluted estuary. Water Science and Technology.

Park, J. K., & James, A. Modeling of pollutant dispersion in stratified oscillatory flows. Journal of Environmental Engineering.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  Time-varying turbulent mixing in a stratified estuary and the application to a Lagrangian 2-D model. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science.

Park, J. K., & James, A.  A unified method of estimating longitudinal dispersion in estuaries. Water Science and Technology.

Kofi Obeng | Employee Work Effort | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Kofi Obeng | Employee Work Effort | Best Researcher Award

Emeritus Professor | The University of  North Carolina A&T State University | United States

Professor K. Obeng, is a highly respected scholar in the fields of transportation economics, logistics, and urban planning, widely recognized for his influential contributions to transportation research and policy analysis. His prolific academic output includes 60 scholarly publications with 523 citations and an h-index of 14, reflecting both the depth and sustained impact of his work on the global research community. Professor Obeng’s research primarily focuses on transportation planning, public transit efficiency, cost optimization, subsidy policy, transport pricing, safety analysis, and productivity measurement in urban transportation systems. His studies have advanced understanding of how economic incentives, regulations, and institutional structures affect the operational efficiency and financial sustainability of public transit systems. Through rigorous quantitative modeling and policy evaluation, his research has provided valuable insights into improving performance, enhancing service quality, and promoting sustainable transportation solutions. His works have been published in numerous high-impact journals, including Transportation Research, Transport Policy, Journal of Air Transport Management, and Administration & Society, contributing to international dialogues on transport management and economics. He has also co-edited influential academic volumes, such as Transit Economics, which explore complex issues surrounding transit subsidies and productivity. Professor Obeng’s interdisciplinary approach bridges economic theory and applied transportation policy, addressing challenges in public transit finance, safety management, and strategic organizational performance. His research has informed transportation policy reforms and supported the advancement of effective, data-driven solutions for modern mobility systems. As a leading figure in transportation research, Professor Obeng’s scholarly legacy continues to influence academic, governmental, and professional communities, reinforcing his position as a key contributor to the evolution of transportation planning and economics in both theory and practice.

Profiles:  Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Obeng, K.  Incentivizing public transit to improve performance to meet the programmatic goal of a funding agency. Public Transport.

Obeng, K. Regulations and factor adjustment in transit systems. Transportmetrica A: Transport Science.

Obeng, K.  Accounting for factors affecting cost and technical inefficiency. Case Studies on Transport Policy.

Obeng, K.  On incentives and optimal effort to improve bus transit performance. Transportation Planning and Technology.

Obeng, K.  Effects of government regulations and input subsidies on cost efficiency: A decomposition approach. Transport Policy.

Mohamad Ali Abdallah | Emotional Intelligence | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Mohamad Ali Abdallah | Emotional Intelligence | Best Research Article Award

Researcher at The University of Jinan university | Lebanon

Dr. Mohamad Ali Abdallah is a distinguished scholar and operations professional recognized for his strong academic foundation and leadership excellence in management and research. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Administration, a Master’s in Management, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, reflecting a solid educational background that bridges theory and practice. His professional experience encompasses key leadership roles, including serving as Office Director at Al Bilad Magazine, where he successfully led the organization’s transformation from print to digital media, and as Operations Manager at Baguette Restaurant, where he streamlined multi-branch operations and optimized performance. His research interests focus on emotional intelligence, organizational behavior, leadership development, job satisfaction, and nonprofit management, contributing to the understanding of how human factors influence organizational success. His publications in internationally recognized journals demonstrate his commitment to producing impactful research, particularly on emotional intelligence and employee engagement in nonprofit sectors. Dr. Abdallah possesses strong research skills in data analysis, survey design, and the use of statistical software such as SPSS, alongside proficiency in academic writing and critical evaluation as a peer reviewer for several prestigious journals including Financial Innovation, SN Business & Economics, and the International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management. His professional activities also reflect a dedication to quality improvement and academic excellence. Dr. Abdallah has participated in numerous workshops and trainings that enhanced his expertise in communication, leadership, public speaking, and creative problem-solving. His achievements and contributions have earned him recognition within both academic and professional circles for his innovative thinking and commitment to advancing management research. In conclusion, Dr. Abdallah’s blend of academic distinction, operational leadership, and scholarly impact positions him as an influential figure dedicated to bridging the gap between theory and practice while shaping the future of organizational and management studies.

Profile:  SCOPUS

Featured Publications

Abdallah, M. A. The effect of emotional intelligence on job satisfaction: A study on Lebanese non-profit organizations. International Journal of Organizational Analysis.

Abdallah, M. A., & Younis, J. A. Rethinking funding nonprofit organizations through crowdfunding: The use of financial technology. Asian Business Research

Abdallah, M. A. Managing a non-profit organization: The case of Arab trading and contracting company. Open Science Journal.

Abdallah, M. A. The influence of SCADA information technology system application on improving performance efficiency. Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing.

Abdallah, M. A. Organizational commitment in the nonprofit organization. Journal of Positive Psychology & Wellbeing.

Juan Xu | Women in Leadership | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Juan xu | Women in Leadership | Best Researcher Award

NCWU at The University of North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power | China

Mrs. Xu Juan is a dedicated Lecturer at the School of Electrical Engineering, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, recognized for her strong academic foundation and research excellence in electronic science and energy storage materials. She earned her Ph.D. in Electronic Science and Technology from Huazhong University of Science and Technology , following a solid academic path that included a Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Xinxiang University and postgraduate studies in Electronic Science and Technology at the same institution. Since joining her current university in 2018, she has actively engaged in teaching and research, contributing significantly to the fields of zinc-ion and sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and nanostructured materials. Her research interests focus on cation doping regulation, oxygen vacancy engineering, and advanced energy storage technologies, aiming to enhance electrochemical performance and energy efficiency. Mrs. Xu has published 24 scientific papers, receiving 80 citations with an h-index of 5, showcasing her growing academic influence. Her technical expertise includes materials synthesis, electrochemical analysis, and nanomaterial interface engineering, combining theoretical understanding with experimental innovation. She has also contributed to two Chinese patents and was part of a research team that won the Henan Provincial First-Class Award for Scientific and Technological Progress for advancements in high-power nonlinear optical terahertz radiation sources. Her professional strengths lie in collaborative research, analytical problem-solving, and high-quality scholarly output. Looking ahead, Mrs. Xu aims to expand her research through interdisciplinary collaborations and explore next-generation flexible and sustainable energy storage systems. With her academic excellence, innovative mindset, and strong commitment to scientific advancement, she continues to be a promising scholar contributing meaningfully to the development of modern energy technologies.

Profile:  SCOPUS

Featured Publications

Authors unavailable. Enhancing interfacial electron transfer by gradiently constructing polyaniline electron bridge between MOF and MnOx for high-performance flexible supercapacitors. Journal of Power Sources.

Authors unavailable. The optimal integrating state of VOx with the synergistic effect of Cu²⁺ cation and polyaniline for high-performance flexible fiber zinc-ion battery. Journal of Energy Storage.

Junqiao Hong | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Junqiao Hong | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer at The University of  Southwestern University of Finance and Economics | China

Dr. Junqiao Hong is a distinguished researcher and lecturer at the Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, with a PhD from Renmin University of China. He specializes in rural development, labor migration, and climate change, contributing significantly to understanding the socioeconomic and environmental dynamics in China. Dr. Hong has an impressive academic and professional track record, including publications in high-impact journals such as the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization and Climate Policy, reflecting his expertise in rigorous quantitative and policy-oriented research. His professional experience encompasses teaching, mentoring, and conducting applied research at the Institute of Western China Economic Research, where he examines the impact of poverty alleviation relocation on rural households’ migration decisions and livelihood vulnerability, as well as analyzing the effects of wildfires on different types of property. He possesses strong research skills in data analysis, field surveys, policy evaluation, and socioeconomic modeling, enabling him to generate insights with practical relevance for policymakers and communities. Dr. Hong is a member of the Beijing Association of Agricultural Economics, highlighting his commitment to professional engagement and scholarly collaboration. While he has yet to engage extensively in editorial roles or consultancy projects, his focused research contributions have already garnered recognition, positioning him for future awards and professional honors in economic and environmental research. Looking ahead, Dr. Hong demonstrates strong potential to advance knowledge at the intersection of climate policy and rural economic development, with opportunities to expand interdisciplinary collaborations, develop innovative methodologies, and influence policy formulation. Overall, Dr. Hong exemplifies a dedicated, impactful researcher and educator whose work not only advances academic understanding but also addresses real-world challenges, establishing him as a leading figure in his field with considerable promise for continued scholarly excellence and societal contribution.

Profile:  ORCID

Featured Publications

 Wang, X., Deng, X., Hong, J., Jian, W., & Yang, Z. The impact of wildfires on local property values in Wisconsin, United States. Climate Policy. Advance online publication.

 Qiu, H., Hong, J., Wang, X., & Filipski, M. Home sweet home: Impacts of living conditions on worker migration with evidence from randomized resettlement in China. Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization. Advance online publication.

 Hong, J., Liu, M., Qiu, H., & Feng, X. Can a poverty alleviation programme really help vulnerable rural households? Insights from China. Applied Economics. Advance online publication.