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.

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

Enyew Zereffa | Employee Engagement | Editorial Board Member | 2306

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

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

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

Featured Publications

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

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

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

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

Djimet Guemona | Archéologie | Best Researcher Award

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 Dr. Djimet Guemona | Archéologie | Best Researcher Award

Attaché de Recherche | The University of Centre National De Recherche Pour Le Developpement | Chad

Dr. Djimet Guemona is a dedicated archaeologist and researcher whose scholarly work focuses on the preservation, analysis, and digital reconstruction of African cultural heritage, particularly in Chad. His academic interests lie at the intersection of traditional archaeological research and emerging digital technologies such as 3D modeling, and artificial intelligence. By combining field-based methodologies with advanced digital tools, Guemona contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of Africa’s ancient metallurgical and artistic traditions, while also promoting innovative approaches to cultural heritage documentation and management. His recent collaborative work, Reconstructing Ancient Iron-Smelting Furnaces of Guéra Through 3D Modeling and AI-Assisted Video Generation, published in Electronics  exemplifies his commitment to interdisciplinary innovation. This research merges archaeological field data with computational modeling to recreate ancient iron-smelting processes, offering valuable insights into the technological sophistication of early African societies. Another key publication, Analyse techno-stylistique de la céramique du pays fanian , published in Afrique  Archéologie & Arts explores stylistic and technological aspects of ceramics, contributing to the understanding of regional cultural identities and material expressions. Guemona’s scholarly output, though emerging, reflects a growing influence in the field of African archaeology. His research has garnered academic recognition with 2 indexed publications, 5 citations, and an h-index of 1. His work stands out for its integration of heritage science, community-based archaeology, and digital preservation techniques, aligning traditional cultural studies with modern technological perspectives. By bridging archaeological theory, field practice, and digital innovation, Guemona is advancing the documentation and safeguarding of African heritage, while fostering global awareness of the continent’s archaeological richness. His research trajectory demonstrates strong potential for continued contributions to both academic scholarship and sustainable heritage management.

Featured Publication

Barreau, J. B., Guemona, D., & Robion-Brunner, C. Reconstructing ancient iron-smelting furnaces of Guéra  through 3D modeling and AI-assisted video generation. Electronics.

Chih-Hung Pai | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Chih-Hung Pai | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Director of the Leisure Tourism Development Research Center | The University of Zhejiang Yuexiu University | China

Professor Chih-Hung Pai is an accomplished scholar whose research focuses on the intersections of sustainable tourism, hospitality management, and environmental economics. With a portfolio of nine scholarly publications, 78 citations, and an h-index of 4, his academic influence reflects both depth and interdisciplinary breadth. His body of work contributes significantly to understanding how sustainable practices, innovative technology, and policy frameworks can jointly enhance economic growth and ecological preservation within global tourism systems. His recent studies highlight the integration of environmental conservation and economic progress, emphasizing how sustainable tourism practices shape global economies and support long-term resilience. His contributions to leading indexed journals, including Current Issues in Tourism, Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, and Resources Policy, have offered novel insights into green finance mechanisms, carbon neutrality promotion, and cultural tourism development. Through empirical modeling and policy evaluation, he explores strategies that enable regions, particularly in Asia, to transition toward environmentally responsible and economically viable growth models. In parallel, his research investigates technological innovation in hospitality, analyzing how digital tools, machine learning, and green technologies influence customer experience, service recovery, and organizational competitiveness. Studies such as those on technology adoption in green hotels and data-driven assessments of cultural tourism experiences underscore his commitment to integrating artificial intelligence and sustainability in modern service systems. Furthermore, his work on eco tourism experiences, leisure behavior, and corporate social responsibility within the hospitality sector enriches the understanding of human environment interactions and their socio-economic implications. Collectively, Professor Pai’s scholarly output represents a forward-thinking approach to sustainability science bridging theory with practice and providing actionable pathways for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders seeking to harmonize economic prosperity with ecological balance in the evolving global tourism landscape.

Featured Publication

Pai, C.-H., Zhang, Y., Wang, Y.-L., Li, K., & Shang, Y. Current challenges and opportunities in cultural heritage preservation through sustainable tourism practices. Current Issues in Tourism.

Abebe Kassaye | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Abebe Kassaye | Industrial Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate | The University of  Addis Ababa University | Ethiopia

Mr. Abebe Shimelis Kassaye demonstrates exceptional academic depth, analytical rigor, and an applied research orientation that make him a strong contender for this award. His strengths lie in integrating theoretical frameworks with practical industry applications, particularly in the domains of industrial engineering, production systems, and technology based entrepreneurship. His published research in reputable journals showcases innovative use of advanced modeling techniques such as Interpretive Structural Modeling and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling  providing empirical insights into the success factors of Ethiopian technology startups. Mr. Abebe’s ability to synthesize complex interdependencies between business models, operational efficiency, and innovation ecosystems underscores his capacity for multidisciplinary research. His strong command of quality management systems, sustainable industrial development, and lean manufacturing principles reflects a balance between academic excellence and practical impact. Furthermore, his active engagement in professional societies such as the Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Society International strengthens his global outlook and professional network, enhancing his potential to bridge academia and industry effectively. While his accomplishments are commendable, there remain areas of improvement that could further elevate his research influence and professional contribution. Expanding his scholarly output through increased publications in indexed international journals would enhance visibility and citation impact. Developing collaborations with interdisciplinary teams and global research institutions could enrich his research perspectives and foster innovative methodologies. Additionally, gaining experience in consultancy or applied industrial projects would allow him to translate academic findings into tangible outcomes, thereby extending his impact beyond the academic sphere. Strengthening statistical and simulation-based research tools and engaging in data driven policy advisory roles could also enhance the societal relevance of his work. Looking ahead, Mr. Abebe’s future research potential is both promising and strategically significant. His focus on industrial innovation, technology management, and sustainable manufacturing positions him to address emerging challenges in Africa’s industrialization agenda. His research could evolve toward building smart, adaptive production systems integrating artificial intelligence, circular economy principles, and digital transformation strategies.

Featured Publications

Shimelis, A., Beshah, B., & Tesfaye, E.  Measuring successful business models in Ethiopian technology business. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.

Shimelis, A., Beshah, B., & Tesfaye, E.  An investigation on the factors influencing the success of Ethiopian tech startup companies: The ISM approach. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development.

Yağmur Guler | Coaching & Mentoring | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Yağmur Guler | Coaching & Mentoring | Best Researcher Award

Department of Physical Education and Sport Teaching | The University of  Ankara University | Turkey

Dr. Yağmur Güler is an academic researcher in the field of sport sciences, focusing on physical education, teacher development, and ethics in sports. Her research explores the professional identity of pre-service physical education teachers, the mentoring process in teacher education, and the role of ethical awareness and child protection in sports settings. She has contributed extensively to understanding how pedagogical practices and psychosocial factors shape the effectiveness and integrity of sports education. Her academic publications include articles in respected international journals such as Sport, Education and Society, Children, and Frontiers in Psychology. These works address issues including child abuse prevention in sports, creative and design thinking in physical education, and the development of 21st-century teaching competencies. She has also contributed to national and international conferences with studies on topics like mindfulness in athletes, ethical decision-making, and recreational awareness. Dr. Güler has authored and co-authored several scientific book chapters related to sports ethics, performance evaluation, and mentorship, enriching the academic dialogue in her discipline. Her recent research also engages in multidisciplinary projects supported by national scientific bodies, focusing on child safeguarding and alternative assessment approaches in sports. Her scholarly output reflects a strong commitment to advancing the scientific and ethical foundations of sports education. Through her contributions to research, publication, and collaborative academic projects, she continues to influence the evolution of professional standards, child protection practices, and innovative learning strategies within the global field of sport sciences.

Featured Publications

Güler, Y., & Tuncel, S. Professional identity of pre-service physical education and sports teachers and the role of mentor teachers. Sport, Education and Society. Advance online publication.

Güler, D., Güler, Y., Cengiz, C., Tuncel, S., & Karayiğit, R. Investigating child abuse in sports: An ecological systems perspective.

Aras, D., Onlu, A. S., Durmus, T., Cengiz, C., Guler, D., Guler, Y., Ugurlu, A., Aldhahi, M. I., & Gülü, M. A brief body scan mindfulness practice has no positive effect on the recovery of heart rate variability and cognitive tasks in female professional basketball players.

Cengiz, C., & Güler, Y. The effect of design thinking on the creative thinking of physical education and sports teachers. African Educational Research Journal.

Eren, H. B., Güler, Y., Güler, D., Çokluk-Bökeoğlu, Ö., & Tuncel, S. Çevrim içi beden eğitimi ve spor dersine yönelik öğrenci memnuniyet ölçeğinin geliştirilmesi  Avrasya Spor Bilimleri ve Eğitim Dergisi,

Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat | Learning & Development | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Student | The University of Chulalongkorn University | Thailand

Mr. Nasiwat Thanathitiphuwaphat is a researcher specializing in applied economics, with focused interests in the economics of education, labor economics, and microeconomics. His scholarly work integrates quantitative analysis with a policy-oriented perspective, emphasizing how education and labor systems contribute to equitable and sustainable economic growth. His academic foundation in economics has enabled him to develop research that explores the intersection of individual decision-making, institutional structures, and social outcomes. His published thesis, “Rational Decision-Making Model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics,” featured in the Journal of Teaching in International Business, provides an innovative framework for understanding economic reasoning in education. The study analyzes how curriculum design and economic learning frameworks influence cognitive behavior and student performance, contributing to the broader literature on education economics and pedagogy. Building on this, his ongoing working papers examine topics such as fair college admissions, educational investment efficiency, and the role of pre-university economics in shaping university outcomes. Collectively, these studies aim to enhance fairness, transparency, and inclusivity within educational and labor systems. In addition to academic research, his work extends to applied economic issues related to labor rights, workforce management, and responsible business conduct. His participation in research and policy dialogues within Southeast Asia reflects a commitment to addressing contemporary challenges surrounding human capital, migration, and labor equity. Employing econometric and data-driven approaches, his research contributes to evidence-based policymaking that supports social and economic inclusion. His research direction is defined by an analytical yet human centered approach, integrating economic modeling with empirical insights. By connecting education, labor, and development economics, his work advances the understanding of how economic principles can be applied to create fairer systems of opportunity and enhance long-term socioeconomic well-being.

Featured Publication

Thanathitiphuwaphat, N., & Tipayalai, K. Rational decision-making model: AP Micro, AP Macro, A-Level Economics, and IB Economics. Journal of Teaching in International Business.

Mrs. Ada Wong | Rewards & Recognition | Best Researcher Award

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Mrs. Ada Wong | Rewards & Recognition | Best Researcher Award

Community Affair Chinese Community Partnership for Health | The University of New York Presbysterian Hosptial | United States

Ada M. Wong, is a researcher and professional recognized for her contributions to the fields of health information management, community health systems, and healthcare administration. Her scholarly and professional work focuses on strengthening the integration between data governance, public health strategy, and organizational performance within healthcare institutions. Wong’s academic background in health information management provides a strong analytical foundation for exploring how structured data systems can drive equitable and efficient healthcare delivery. Her research interests encompass healthcare information systems, medical data quality, and the optimization of clinical and administrative processes through evidence-based management. Wong’s work emphasizes the role of digital transformation in enhancing patient-centered care, promoting interoperability, and improving community health outcomes. She advocates for leveraging health information management as a strategic tool for decision-making, public policy support, and sustainable healthcare innovation. In her scholarly publications, Wong addresses emerging challenges in managing complex health networks, developing standardized reporting frameworks, and improving organizational transparency. Her studies contribute to understanding how data-driven strategies can be applied to bridge healthcare disparities, improve service delivery, and enhance communication between providers, administrators, and policymakers. Across her academic record, Wong has authored 2 research documents, accumulating 52 citations and an h-index of 2. These metrics reflect her growing influence in advancing discussions around healthcare data utilization and system reform. Her contributions demonstrate a commitment to integrating information science with public health goals, positioning her as a valuable voice in contemporary health management discourse. Through her applied research and leadership insights, Wong continues to promote innovation and accountability in healthcare information practices, supporting more resilient, responsive, and community-oriented health systems.

Featured Publication

Chen, Y., Li, X., Wong, A. M., & Zhang, J.  Adaptation of diabetes prevention program for Chinese Americans  a qualitative study. BMC Public Health.

Michal Kravčík | HR Business Partnering | Best Researcher Award

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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.