Djamel Eddine Boukhari | Computer Vision | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Djamel Eddine Boukhari | Computer Vision | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Regions (CRSTRA) | Algeria

Dr. Djamel Eddine Boukhari is a dedicated researcher whose work lies at the intersection of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and computer vision, with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental monitoring. His research emphasizes the development of hybrid CNN–Transformer and Vision Mamba–ViT architectures, achieving advanced performance in facial beauty prediction, diabetic retinopathy detection, and image-based environmental analysis. Through innovative multi-task learning approaches, he has contributed to bridging AI technologies with real-world societal and ecological challenges. Dr. Boukhari has participated in several national and international projects, including PRIMA and collaborative research with institutions such as IKERBASQUE in Spain, IEMN–Université Polytechnique Hauts-de in France, and the National Research Council in Italy. His scholarly output includes multiple publications in Scopus and Springer-indexed journals, a forthcoming book on deep learning applications in facial analysis, and a published patent related to intelligent pollination systems using AI. He also serves as a reviewer for esteemed journals, contributing to the advancement of scientific rigor and innovation. His interdisciplinary expertise extends to AI-based water management, UAV systems, and smart environmental monitoring. Recognized for merging theoretical insight with applied research, Dr. Boukhari exemplifies the integration of machine learning and sustainable technology, consistently pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence to address complex human and environmental needs.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Boukhari, D. E., Chemsa, A., & Baarir, Z.-E. (2025). Facial beauty prediction using global context vision transformer. In Proceedings of the 2025 International Symposium on Innovative Informatics of Biskra (ISNIB 2025) (pp. – ). IEEE.

Boukhari, D. E. (2025). FairViT-GAN: A hybrid vision transformer with adversarial debiasing for fair and explainable facial beauty prediction. arXiv.

Zidi, F. A., Boukhari, D. E., Sellam, A. Z., Ouafi, A., Distante, C., Bekhouche, S. E., & Taleb-Ahmed, A. (2025). LoLA-SpecViT: Local attention SwiGLU vision transformer with LoRA for hyperspectral imaging. arXiv.

Belkacem, L., Laala, G., Taher, B. M., Zereg, A., Nora, B., & Boukhari, D. E. (2025). New kinematic of droop-nose leading-edge (DNLE) to increase the extracted power by flapping wing. Journal of the Institution of Engineers (India): Series C.

Bouzaher, M. T., Zereg, A., Nora, B., Boukhari, D. E., & Lebaal, N. (2025). Numerical research on the effect of expandable flaps on the output power of flapping foils. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering.

Barnali Mahanta | Tourism Management | Best Researcher Award

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Ms. Barnali Mahanta | Tourism Management | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Pragjyotish College | India

Ms. Barnali Mahanta is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Tourism Management at Pragjyotish College, Guwahati, India, where she has been actively engaged in teaching, research, and academic development in the field of tourism studies. She holds a Master’s degree in Tourism Management from Gauhati University and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Anthropology at Cotton University. Her research focuses on tourism dynamics in Northeast India, with special emphasis on river tourism, sustainable tourism, Brahmaputra tourism, and tourism anthropology. Through her scholarly work, she explores the interconnections between tourism, culture, ecology, and community development, particularly in riverine and indigenous contexts. She has published widely in national and international journals, contributing insightful studies on river-based religious tourism, medical tourism, and socio-cultural impacts of tourism along the Brahmaputra River. Her publications appear in reputed platforms such as Springer Nature and other indexed journals. In addition to her teaching and research responsibilities, she serves as a reviewer for the International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Management, reflecting her commitment to advancing the academic discourse in tourism and hospitality. Dr. Mahanta’s academic endeavors aim to promote sustainable and community-based tourism in Northeast India, with a vision to integrate local cultural heritage and environmental preservation into tourism development practices.

Profile: Scopus

Featured Publications

Mahanta, B. (2025). Brahmaputra river-based religious tourism: A study of local perception on Umananda Island, Guwahati, India. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 29(51).

Mahanta, B. (2024). Current status of Indian medical tourism and role of Apollo Hospitals Group in Chennai. In Medical Tourism in Developing Countries: A Contemporary Approach (pp. 265–269). Springer Nature Singapore.

Mahanta, B. (2025). Tourism, culture, and ecology: Socio-cultural and environmental impacts of Brahmaputra River tourism in Guwahati, Chandrapur, and North Guwahati, Assam, India. International Journal of Environmental Sciences, 11(22s).

Mahanta, B. (2025). Factors influencing tourist perceptions of river tourism destinations: A case study of the Brahmaputra River in Guwahati, Assam, India. African Journal of Biomedical Research, 28(2s), 774–778.

Mahanta, B. (2024). Assam’s riverine religious tourism industry in Guwahati Metro: Prospects and challenges. Global Journal of Tourism Leisure & Hospitality Management, 2(3).

Leepile Sehularo | Nursing Education | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Leepile Sehularo | Nursing Education | Best Researcher Award

Research Director | North-West University | South Africa

Prof. Leepile Sehularo is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of nursing, with extensive expertise in mental health, psychiatric care, and nursing education. His work spans clinical practice, health policy, and higher education, focusing on improving mental health care, strengthening nursing curricula, and enhancing resilience and coping strategies among nurses and nursing students. He has held senior academic and leadership roles, including professorship and directorship of research entities, contributing significantly to the development of evidence-based models for patient care, mental health assessment, and substance use interventions. His research integrates qualitative and quantitative approaches, addressing critical issues such as post-traumatic stress management, HIV care, integrated management of non-communicable diseases, and psychosocial support for both patients and caregivers. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and conceptual frameworks that inform policy and practice in nursing and mental health services. Beyond research, he is actively involved in governance, ethics committees, and community engagement initiatives, providing mentorship and guidance to emerging scholars and practitioners. His professional contributions extend to membership in national and international nursing organizations, promoting excellence in nursing education, research, and practice. Through his work, he has advanced understanding of clinical and educational challenges in nursing, fostering the development of innovative strategies that enhance patient outcomes, professional development, and the quality of nursing education. Professor Sehularo’s scholarship reflects a commitment to integrating theory, practice, and policy to address complex health care needs and to support the growth and resilience of nursing professionals.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Dintwe, T., Gause, G., & Sehularo, L. A. (2025). Coping strategies used by newly appointed nurse educators during transition from clinical practice to academia: A qualitative study. Nursing Reports, 15(10), 367.

Chukwuere, P. C., Sehularo, L. A., & Manyedi, M. E. (2024). Conceptual framework for the psychosocial management of depression in adolescents in the North West Province, South Africa. Open Public Health Journal, 17, 60–63.

Gause, G., Sehularo, L. A., & Matsipane, M. J. (2024). Coping strategies used by undergraduate first-year nursing students during transition from basic to higher education: A qualitative study. BMC Nursing, 23, 138.

Smith, B., Chukwuere, P. C., & Sehularo, L. A. (2024). Exploring presence practices: A study of unit managers in a selected provincial hospital in Free State Province. BMC Nursing, 23, 203.

Gause, G., Sehularo, L. A., & Matsipane, M. J. (2024). Factors that influence resilience among first-year undergraduate nursing students: A cross-sectional descriptive study. Nursing Reports, 14(2), 100.

Daroel Fuentebella | Software Development | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Daroel Fuentebella | Software Development | Best Researcher Award

Faculty | Carlos Hilado Memorial State University | Philippines

Mr. Daroel Fuentebella is a dedicated academic and technology professional with extensive experience in information technology, software development, and quality assurance. A graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University  Alijis, he has built a strong foundation in system administration and software engineering through various key roles in both corporate and academic settings. His career began in system administration, where he managed complex IT infrastructures and contributed to improving operational efficiency. Transitioning into software development, he successfully led multiple projects as a project leader, overseeing system design, implementation, and team coordination to deliver effective digital solutions. His expertise extends to quality assurance, ensuring that software products meet high standards of performance and reliability. Currently serving as a faculty member at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University  Alijis, he is passionate about imparting knowledge, mentoring students, and integrating real-world technological applications into academic learning. He holds a Master’s degree in Technology Management from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University  Talisay and is pursuing a Master’s in Information Technology at the State University of Northern Negros, focusing on advanced research and innovation. His professional journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning, technological advancement, and academic excellence, with a vision to bridge the gap between education and the evolving needs of the IT industry.

Profiles: Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Fuentebella, D. M. (2025, December). Centralized vehicle information and document repository system. Invention Disclosure, 100047.

Fuentebella, D. (2024, July 15). Android-based product identification for visually impaired individuals. Globus Publication.

Mohd Kafeel Ahmad Ansari | Botany | Best Faculty Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Kafeel Ahmad Ansari | Botany | Best Faculty Award

Associate Professor | University of Guyana | Guyana

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohammad Kafeel A. Ansari is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Guyana, Georgetown, South America, and Visiting Research Fellow at INTI International University, Malaysia. He is an accomplished biologist and environmental scientist recognized for his contributions to plant stress physiology, phytoremediation, cyanobacterial biotechnology, and environmental microbiology. His research focuses on developing eco-friendly technologies for ecosystem restoration, bioremediation of toxic pollutants, and enhancing stress tolerance in crop plants. Dr. Ansari has extensive academic and research experience across leading institutions in Australia, Turkey, and India, where he has held postdoctoral, research, and teaching positions. He has received several prestigious international fellowships and awards for excellence in higher education and research, including recognition from the Governments of Australia, Turkey, and India. His scholarly work encompasses numerous publications in high-impact international journals, along with active participation in global conferences and collaborations. Dr. Ansari has served on editorial boards, research committees, and academic councils, contributing significantly to curriculum development, postgraduate supervision, and interdisciplinary research initiatives. His dedication to advancing biological sciences, environmental biotechnology, and sustainable development has established him as a respected academic and researcher with an active role in promoting international scientific collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Manzoor, R., Ahmad, M., Munir, M., Zafar, M., Sultana, S., Ansari, M. K. A., Burkhan Sobirovisch, A., Bekhit, M. M., Idress, M., & Ozdemir, F. A., et al. (2025). Harnessing the potential of novel waste biomass feedstock (Caesalpinia crista L.) for producing clean energy via phyto-fabricated nanocatalyst (Al₂O₃). Waste and Biomass Valorization, Advance online publication.

Manzoor, M., Ahmad, M., Gillani, S. W., Zafar, M., Hussain, J., Ansari, M. K. A., Rizwana, H., Abid, I., Imran, M., & Jabeen, S. (2025). Micromorphological and ultrastructural exploration of Sorbus foliolosa (Rosaceae) populations from the Himalayan region of Kashmir. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, Advance online publication.

Ansari, M. K. A., Turkyilmaz Unal, B., Javad, S., Vardar, F., Ansari, A. A., Ozturk, M., & Iqbal, M. (2023). Application of nanobiotechnology in enabling plants to overcome water-logging stress: A review. Agricultural Reviews, Advance online publication.

Turkyilmaz Unal, B., Ozturk, M., Owens, G., & Ansari, M. K. (2023). Plants as medicine and aromatics. CRC Press.

Ansari, M. K. A. (2022). A case study of medicinal plant conservation in the Jabalpur District, India. Journal Plantarum, December issue.

Wael Badawy | Data Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

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Prof. Wael Badawy | Data Science | Pioneer Researcher Award

Head of Data science Department | Egyptian Russian University | Egypt

Prof. Wael Badawy, Ph.D., P.Eng., SFAHE, SIEEE, SACM, is a distinguished academic, researcher, engineer, and business leader with over twenty-eight years of international experience spanning academia, research, innovation, and technology commercialization. He has served in key academic and executive positions, including Executive Director of ABM College in Canada, Professor at several universities in Egypt, the United Kingdom, and Canada, and Adviser for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Umm Al Qura University in Saudi Arabia. His expertise encompasses cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, computer engineering, information technology management, and digital transformation. Prof. Badawy has authored more than four hundred scientific publications, thirty-four patents, and over fifty books and proceedings, and has delivered numerous invited lectures and tutorials worldwide. Recognized with over ninety national and international awards, including distinctions from IEEE, Alberta Venture, the Global Business Leaders Magazine, and the QS Reimagine Education Awards, he has played a pivotal role in establishing and accrediting educational programs, serving on technical and quality assurance committees, and leading initiatives for national research and innovation strategies. As a Senior Fellow of the Advanced Higher Education and a Professional Engineer in Canada, Prof. Badawy continues to advance research excellence, technological innovation, and higher education development through visionary leadership, mentorship, and global collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Badawy, W. (2025). The ethical implications of using children’s photographs in artificial intelligence: Challenges and recommendations. AI and Ethics, 5(2).

Maged, S., Mohamed, A., & Badawy, W. (2025, May 10). Audiogram-based tinnitus detection using deep learning: A comparative study of CNN architectures. In Proceedings of ICMISI 2025. IEEE.

Elnady, N., Adel, A., & Badawy, W. (2025, May 10). Enhancing kidney stone detection using YOLOv9: A deep learning approach. In Proceedings of ICMISI 2025. IEEE.

Elnady, N., Adel, A., & Badawy, W. (2025, April 13). Advancing brain tumor detection with YOLOv9: A comprehensive evaluation. In Proceedings of ICCIT 2025. IEEE.

Soliman, S. S., Abd El-Samie, F. E., Abd El-atty, S. M., Badawy, W., & Eshra, A. (2025). DNA nanotechnology for cell-free DNA marker for tumor detection: A comprehensive overview. Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids, 44(4), 233–249.

A V Raghu | Polymer Science | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. A V Raghu | Polymer Science | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Dayananda Sagar University  | India

Dr. A. V. Raghu is a distinguished Professor and Research Coordinator at the School of Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and industry in chemical engineering and polymer chemistry. His academic background includes advanced studies in polymer science, and his career spans roles across academia, research institutes, and industry, including Reliance Industries and international postdoctoral research in South Korea. He has made significant contributions to the development of polymeric nanomaterials for diverse applications such as supercapacitors, fuel cells, energy storage, water treatment, drug delivery systems, and sustainable technologies. His prolific research output includes over 140 publications and 15 book chapters, with 9,439 citations across 6,223 documents and an h-index of 56, based on 118 published works, reflecting his strong global research impact. He serves on editorial and advisory boards of several leading journals from publishers like Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, and Frontiers. Dr. Raghu has successfully led and completed multiple funded projects from national and international agencies and currently supervises Ph.D. and postgraduate research scholars. He has received numerous honors for his contributions to chemical sciences, including recognition among the world’s top scientists in polymers and chemistry. A member of various professional and scientific societies, he actively collaborates with international researchers from institutions in Australia, the USA, and South Korea. His research vision focuses on creating innovative, sustainable materials that address challenges in energy, environment, and healthcare, fostering academic excellence and global scientific collaboration.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Raghu, A. V. (2025). A novel RP-HPLC method for Imatinib Mesylate impurity profiling. International Journal of Environmental Sciences.

Kugaji, M., Ray, S. K., Parvatikar, P., & Raghu, A. V. (2025). Biosurfactants: A review of different strategies for economical production, their applications and recent advancements. Advances in Colloid and Interface Science.

Pruthviraj, N., Geetha, K. N., Chandrashekara, C. P., Raghu, A. V., Prasad, G., Ramarao, …, & Karthik, A. N. (2025). Evaluation of the altered enzymatic and pollen activity in sunflower on application of nanoparticles. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry.

Kamble, A. A., Sarojini, B. K., Divakar, M. S., Kamat, V., Barretto, D. A., Chalannavar, R. K., & Raghu, A. V. (2025). Fabrication of pullulan/Syzygium kanarense-ZnO nanocomposite films for effective topical treatment of diabetes-induced wounds. Next Nanotechnology.

Ray, S. K., Kugaji, M. S., & Raghu, A. V. (2025, August 31). Developing anticancer redox chemotherapeutics: Challenges and opportunities. Oral Diseases.

 

Fang Chen | Cognitive Linguistics | Best Scholar Award

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Dr. Fang Chen | Cognitive Linguistics | Best Scholar Award

Assistant Professor | Beijing Normal University | China

Dr. Fang Chen is an Assistant Professor and Doctoral Candidate at the School of Foreign Languages and Literature, Beijing Normal University, whose research focuses on cognitive linguistics and cognitive poetics. Her academic work explores the intersection of language, cognition, and culture, particularly in the context of intercultural communication and cognitive mechanisms in linguistic expression. She has published several articles in national and provincial journals, with recent first-author papers accepted by Contemporary Foreign Languages Studies and the International Journal of Intercultural Relations. Fang has actively participated in numerous academic conferences, presenting papers on cognitive and rhetorical approaches to language studies. She has led and contributed to various research projects, including the Chongqing Graduate Research Innovation Project on pandemic discourse rhetoric and the provincial academic project on Bashu culture dissemination, as well as contributing to the development of research instruments for a National Science Fund project. Her scholarly achievements have been recognized with multiple academic awards, including honors for outstanding papers and conference presentations. In addition to her research accomplishments, Fang has demonstrated excellence in teaching, receiving several awards in national and regional college foreign language teaching competitions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to advancing interdisciplinary approaches to language education, cognitive linguistics, and intercultural competence, contributing both theoretical insights and practical applications to the field of foreign language teaching and research.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Chen, F., & Wang, D. (2025, November). Construction and application of an embodied-cognitive intercultural communicative competence model: An empirical investigation of critical thinking mediating mechanisms in the Insights into Chinese Culture course. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 103, 102306.

 

Deme Hirko | Civil | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Deme Hirko | Civil | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | Stellenbosch University | South Africa

Mr. Deme Hirko is a Water Resources Engineer, Climate Researcher, and Lecturer with extensive experience in teaching, research, and project coordination in the fields of hydrology, irrigation, and water systems management. His work focuses on sustainable water resource strategies, integrating advanced hydrological models with machine learning to optimize water allocation and assess the impacts of climate change. As a PhD researcher at Stellenbosch University, he develops Python-based analytical tools and applies data-driven methods to enhance climate impact assessments and water management efficiency. He has taught and supervised numerous students in hydraulic engineering and water resource modelling, combining academic rigor with practical insights from his earlier experience in infrastructure project management. His research explores the intersection of climate science, data analytics, and high-performance computing, aiming to improve resilience in water-scarce regions. He has published several peer-reviewed papers on topics such as machine learning applications in hydrology, water allocation modelling, and irrigation performance evaluation. In addition to his academic work, he actively participates in international conferences and specialized training programs related to climate modelling, Earth observation, and water resource assessment. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, he strives to advance research that supports equitable and data-informed water management policies, particularly within the context of climate variability in Africa.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Hirko, D. B., Du Plessis, J. A., & Bosman, A. (2025). Using machine learning and satellite data to analyse climate change in the Upper Awash Sub-basin, Ethiopia. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C.

Hirko, D. B., Du Plessis, J. A., & Bosman, A. (2025). Review of machine learning and WEAP models for water allocation under climate change. Earth Science Informatics.

Hirko, D. B., Gebul, M. A., Du Plessis, J. A., & Emama, W. O. (2023). Assessment of irrigation water allocation, Koftu, Ethiopia. Water Practice & Technology, 18(6).

Hirko, D. B., & Du Plessis, J. A. (2023, April 16). Assessing the effectiveness of Koftu’s small-scale irrigation schemes in enhancing water resource utilization in Ethiopia [Preprint]. ESSOAr.

Hirko, D. B. (2022, July 27). Irrigation land suitability assessment of Sibilu River catchment using geographic information system. Irrigation & Drainage Systems Engineering.

Ben Robinson | Adhesion | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ben Robinson | Adhesion | Best Researcher Award

Graduate Process Engineer | University of Leeds | United Kingdom

Ben Robinson is a highly motivated Graduate Process Engineer with a strong foundation in chemical engineering and hands-on experience across the chemical, precious metals, and food manufacturing industries. He is driven by a passion for process optimisation, operational efficiency, and sustainable engineering solutions. His professional experience includes leading plant improvement projects through the Management of Change process, conducting root cause analyses, and driving measurable improvements in safety, efficiency, and environmental performance. At Johnson Matthey, he has delivered initiatives such as energy-saving compressed air leak mapping and condensate recovery enhancements, contributing to both cost reduction and sustainability goals. His prior experience at Westmill Foods involved process troubleshooting, recipe standardisation, lean six-sigma problem-solving, and implementing control methodologies that achieved significant savings in retail giveaway and plastic usage. Ben’s technical expertise spans data analysis, process modelling, and systems optimisation, supported by proficiency in tools like Minitab, Aspen HYSYS, AutoCAD, and Power BI. He is trained in process safety management and steam and condensate system design, reflecting a commitment to professional development and engineering excellence. With strong analytical and communication skills, Ben excels in cross-functional collaboration and in translating complex technical data into actionable business insights. His curiosity for innovation and dedication to continuous improvement underpin his ability to deliver practical, forward-thinking engineering solutions that enhance performance, sustainability, and reliability across diverse industrial environments.

Profile: Orcid

Featured Publications

Robinson, B., Avelar-Batista Wilson, J. C., Borissova, A., & Goltz, G. (2025, October 8). Investigation of the differences in the lap-shear strengths of sulphuric acid anodised aluminium alloy AA6060-T6 joints bonded with hot and cold cure adhesives. International Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives.