Xifeng Gao | Robot Systems | Research Excellence Award

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Xifeng Gao | Robot Systems | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Xifeng Gao at Harbin Institute of Technology | China

Xifeng Gao’s recent research focuses on advanced control systems and robotics, with applications spanning pneumatic actuators, vacuum aerostatic bearings, and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). In his work on pneumatic muscle actuators, Gao addresses the challenges posed by unknown system dynamics and output constraints, developing a tracking control strategy that enhances precision and reliability in biomimetic robotics. This approach allows soft actuators to perform complex motions safely and efficiently, expanding their potential in human-robot interaction and assistive devices. In parallel, his research on vacuum aerostatic bearings explores the fundamental design and operational principles of these high-precision components, emphasizing performance optimization, stability, and wear reduction in mechanical systems. These bearings play a crucial role in precision engineering, offering low-friction motion and high load-bearing capacity for industrial and scientific applications. Furthermore, Gao investigates fault-tolerant control strategies for autonomous underwater vehicles, proposing methods that ensure prescribed tracking accuracy even in the presence of system faults or environmental disturbances. By integrating robust control theory with practical implementation, this research enhances the reliability, safety, and efficiency of AUV operations, which is vital for underwater exploration, monitoring, and industrial tasks. Across all these studies, Gao’s work demonstrates a strong emphasis on combining theoretical modeling with real-world application, bridging gaps between robotics, mechanical engineering, and autonomous systems. His contributions advance the development of intelligent, adaptive, and resilient technologies capable of operating in complex and uncertain environments, highlighting both scientific innovation and practical impact.

Citation Metrics (Scopus Preview)

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Citations
408

Documents
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h-index
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Featured Publications

Research Progress of Vacuum Aerostatic Bearing

Jixie Gongcheng Xuebao (Journal of Mechanical Engineering), 2025 · Citations: 1

Fault-Tolerant Control for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles With Prescribed Tracking Accuracy

IEEE Transactions on Systems, Man and Cybernetics Systems, 2025 · Citations: 0

Mehmet Akif Özgül | Machine Learning | Research Excellence Award

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Mehmet Akif Özgül | Machine Learning | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Mehmet Akif Özgül at Gazi University | Turkey

Mehmet Akif Özgül’s recent research focuses on strengthening cybersecurity in Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems used in critical energy infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on hydroelectric power plants. In the paper “A Hybrid Machine Learning Approach for Cyberattack Detection and Classification in SCADA Systems: A Hydroelectric Power Plant Application,” he and his co-authors propose an intelligent security model that integrates multiple machine learning techniques to detect and classify cyberattacks with high accuracy. Recognizing that conventional signature-based systems are often limited in identifying evolving and sophisticated threats, the study develops a hybrid model capable of learning complex behavioral patterns from operational data. Real-world SCADA data from a hydroelectric facility is used to train and evaluate the system, ensuring that the model reflects authentic power plant operating conditions. The proposed approach demonstrates improved performance in distinguishing between normal activities and various cyberattack categories, contributing to better situational awareness, operational continuity, and risk mitigation in industrial control environments. This research is particularly significant as cyber threats targeting energy systems continue to rise, and hydroelectric plants represent essential components of national energy grids. By advancing intelligent intrusion detection tailored to SCADA environments, Özgül’s work bridges the gap between electrical engineering practice and cybersecurity innovation, supporting safer, more resilient, and more reliable power generation systems.

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Abdulfattah Alqahtani | Rehabilitation Technology | Research Excellence Award

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Abdulfattah Alqahtani | Rehabilitation Technology | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Abdulfattah Alqahtani at King Saud University | Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdulfattah S. Alqahtani, affiliated with King Saud University, is a leading researcher in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, physical therapy, and health education. His work focuses on evaluating the impact of physical activity, therapeutic exercise, and innovative rehabilitation strategies on patients with heart failure, diabetes, spinal cord injury, and post-COVID-19 conditions. He has contributed significantly to telehealth and digital health interventions, including the application of artificial intelligence in cardiac rehabilitation to improve accessibility and patient-centered outcomes. His research also explores factors influencing electronic learning self-efficacy and student satisfaction during remote education, reflecting his interest in integrating health sciences with education technology. Dr. Alqahtani’s systematic reviews, clinical trials, and community-based studies provide evidence-based insights into improving cardiovascular, pulmonary, and musculoskeletal health. He has a total of 576 citations since 2020, with an h-index of 13 and an i10-index of 17, demonstrating his research impact and scholarly recognition. His multidisciplinary contributions bridge clinical practice, education, and technology to advance rehabilitation sciences.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Citations
576

Documents
17

h-index
13

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Featured Publications

Cerebral β-amyloid angiopathy is associated with earlier dementia onset in Alzheimer’s disease

Neurodegenerative Diseases, Vol. 16(3-4), 218-224, 2016 · Citations: 44

Aerobic exercise improves measures of vascular health in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

International Journal of Neuroscience, Vol. 127(1), 80-85, 2017 · Citations: 33

Mohamed Helmy | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

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Mohamed Helmy | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Mohamed Helmy at university of saienza | Italy

Mohamed Helmy is a Ph.D. researcher in geodesy, hydrography, Earth observation, and remote sensing, with a strong focus on sea-level analysis and tidal modeling. His research integrates in situ measurements, satellite data, and numerical simulations to improve tidal datum realization and coastal monitoring. He has published studies on tidal characteristics in major harbors across Egypt and the Middle East, supporting maritime safety and coastal management. In parallel, he applies deep learning and transformer-based models to enhance digital terrain models and crop classification accuracy. His work demonstrates interdisciplinary expertise in geospatial analysis, machine learning, and environmental applications.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Sofia Pacheco | Polymer Matrix Composites | Research Excellence Award

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Sofia Pacheco | Polymer Matrix Composites | Research Excellence Award

Ms. Sofia Pacheco at Faculty of Engineering – University of Porto | Portugal

Sofia Pacheco is an early-career researcher in applied physics and biomaterials with a growing focus on biomedical and wound-healing applications. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Physics at the University of Aveiro (2022–2025) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree at the University of Porto (since September 2025). Her research interests lie at the intersection of physics, materials science, and biomedical engineering, particularly the development and characterization of functional biomaterials for therapeutic use. Sofia is the author of a 2025 peer-reviewed journal article published in Gels titled “Impact of CeO₂-Doped Bioactive Glass on the Properties of CMC/PEG Hydrogels Intended for Wound Treatment,” where she investigated the effects of cerium oxide–doped bioactive glass on hydrogel performance. This work highlights her expertise in hydrogel systems, bioactive materials, and experimental materials characterization. Through multidisciplinary collaboration, she has developed strong analytical and research skills, positioning her as a promising researcher in advanced biomaterials for regenerative and wound care applications.


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Issouf Fofana | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

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Issouf Fofana | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Issouf Fofana at Université d’Abobo-Adjamé | Côte d’Ivoire

Fofana Issouf, affiliated with Nangui Abrogoua University, focuses on computational drug design, molecular modeling, and pharmacokinetics-oriented inhibitor development against infectious and non-communicable diseases. His research encompasses structure-based and virtual screening approaches to identify and optimize small-molecule inhibitors targeting key enzymes of pathogens and human disease-relevant proteins. Notably, he has contributed to the development of inhibitors against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, including thymidylate kinase and enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase, emphasizing favorable pharmacokinetic profiles for enhanced drug-likeness. His work extends to anticancer and antiviral applications, designing molecules targeting E6 papillomavirus proteins and SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, employing in silico optimization and pharmacophore-based virtual screening strategies. Additionally, Fofana has explored the inhibition of human histone deacetylase 8 and acetylcholinesterase, contributing to potential therapeutic interventions for cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. His integrative approach combines computational chemistry, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking to accelerate the discovery of bioactive compounds with improved efficacy and safety. Overall, his research demonstrates a consistent commitment to applying in silico methodologies for rational drug design, aiming to translate computational insights into effective therapeutic candidates against infectious, neurodegenerative, and oncological targets.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Costel Pleşcan | Properties and Performance | Research Excellence Award

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Costel Pleşcan | Properties and Performance | Research Excellence Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Costel Pleşcan at Transilvania University | Romania

Costel Pleşcan is a researcher affiliated with Universitatea Transilvania din Brașov whose scholarly work focuses on higher education in construction-related disciplines, with particular attention to educational adaptation, pedagogical innovation, and entrepreneurial training. With 11 published documents, 48 citations, and an h-index of 4, his research demonstrates a growing and focused impact within the fields of engineering education and applied educational studies. A central theme of his work is the transformation of university education in response to systemic challenges, most notably examined through his recent open-access publication on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on construction education. In this research, he analyzes how universities adapted teaching, learning, and assessment processes during periods of disruption, highlighting both the challenges faced and the innovative strategies adopted to sustain educational quality. His work places strong emphasis on entrepreneurial training for construction students, recognizing the importance of equipping future professionals with adaptive skills, innovation capacity, and practical problem-solving abilities in uncertain economic and social contexts. By exploring curriculum adjustments, digital learning environments, and institutional responses, his research contributes to a deeper understanding of resilience and modernization in engineering and construction education. Costel Pleşcan’s scholarly output reflects an interdisciplinary orientation, bridging technical education, pedagogy, and entrepreneurship, and aligning academic training with labor market and industry needs. Overall, his research supports the development of flexible, student-centered, and innovation-driven educational models, offering valuable insights for educators, academic leaders, and policymakers seeking to strengthen construction and engineering education in times of rapid change and global uncertainty.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Citations
48

Documents
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Syarifah Inayati | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

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Syarifah Inayati | Modeling | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Syarifah Inayati at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta | Indonesia

Syarifah Inayati is an academic researcher at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta with expertise in statistics, mathematical finance, and optimization, and a scholarly record that demonstrates strong engagement with advanced quantitative modeling and applied statistical analysis. Her research primarily focuses on time series modeling, particularly Markov Switching Autoregressive (MSAR) and Bayesian time-varying parameter models, which she applies to dynamic economic forecasting and financial market analysis. Several of her studies address financial risk and investment analysis, including stock market contagion between Indonesia and the United States, portfolio analysis using Gaussian mixture distributions with expectation–maximization algorithms, and risk measurement through Value at Risk methods under Bayesian mixture frameworks. Beyond financial applications, she has made notable contributions to socio-economic and public policy research, such as forecasting BPJS health insurance beneficiaries using fuzzy time series methods and modeling the Human Development Index of Central Java using three-parameter gamma regression. Her work in optimization includes nonlinear multiobjective optimization problems solved through Pareto front and weighting approaches, demonstrating methodological depth and versatility. In addition to theoretical and applied research, Syarifah Inayati is actively involved in community service and capacity building, contributing to workshops and training programs on nonparametric analysis, factor analysis, logistic regression, and statistical methods for social sciences and education. With 39 citations, an h-index of 4, and consistent citation growth since 2020, her research reflects a balanced integration of rigorous statistical methodology, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical relevance. Overall, her scholarly contributions strengthen the application of modern statistical and econometric techniques in finance, economics, public policy, and applied mathematics, while also supporting knowledge dissemination through educational and community-oriented initiatives.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Rajeshreebhye Mahadea Nemdharry | Environmental effects | Research Excellence Award

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Rajeshreebhye Mahadea Nemdharry | Environmental effects | Research Excellence Award

Mrs. Rajeshreebhye Mahadea Nemdharry at Mauritius Sugarcane Industry Research Institute (MSIRI) | Mauritius

Rajeshreebhye Mahadea-Nemdharry is a researcher affiliated with the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority, Reduit, Mauritius, with a growing scholarly presence in geospatial and land-use studies relevant to sustainable development. According to Scopus records, she has authored two research documents and currently holds an h-index of 1, with one citation received from a single citing document. Her 2025 publication in Spatial Information Research, titled “Development implications of land cover change in Mauritius: a multi-temporal geospatial analysis of sugarcane contraction and built-up area expansion,” provides a focused and policy-relevant examination of land-cover dynamics in Mauritius. The study employs multi-temporal geospatial analysis to investigate the contraction of sugarcane cultivation alongside the expansion of built-up areas, highlighting how economic development, urbanization, and changing land-use priorities are reshaping the island’s traditional agricultural landscape. By integrating spatial data across time, the research offers insights into the environmental, economic, and developmental consequences of declining sugarcane areas, a sector historically central to Mauritius’ economy. The findings underscore the need for balanced land-use planning that supports urban growth while safeguarding agricultural sustainability and environmental integrity. Overall, Mahadea-Nemdharry’s work contributes valuable evidence for policymakers, planners, and researchers concerned with land-use change, agricultural transformation, and sustainable development in small island contexts such as Mauritius.

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Somia Abbas | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

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Somia Abbas | Renewable Energy | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Somia Abbas at National Research Centre (NRC) | Egypt

Yi Yang, affiliated with Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, is a leading clinician-scientist specializing in neurorestoration, disorders of consciousness (DoC), and neuromodulation therapies. His research emphasizes understanding neural mechanisms underlying consciousness, motor function recovery, and brain network plasticity following brainstem injury, stroke, and other neurological disorders. Yi Yang integrates advanced neuroimaging, electroencephalography (EEG), functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), and brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies to quantify motor intention, assess consciousness levels, and develop targeted rehabilitation strategies for patients with cognitive and motor impairments. He has made significant contributions to clinical translation of neuromodulation approaches, including epidural spinal cord stimulation and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, demonstrating improvements in motor recovery and hemodynamic responses. His work also includes clinical diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines for ischemic stroke neurorestoration, highlighting his role in evidence-based clinical practice. Yi Yang has authored 98 Scopus-indexed publications, accumulating 1,370 citations with an h-index of 22, demonstrating both scientific impact and clinical relevance. Key studies include multimodal BCI applications for motor intention quantization, thalamic burst and tonic firing as biomarkers of consciousness, and cerebral neurovascular networks as potential targets for DoC interventions. His research advances neural plasticity understanding, supports personalized neurorestorative therapies, and aims to enhance functional recovery and quality of life for patients with severe neurological conditions.

Citation Metrics (Google Scholar)

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Citations
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Documents
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h-index
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