Disaster Preparedness Archives - Research Data Analysis Awards

Dr. Hisao Nakai | Public Health Analytics | Best Researcher Award

Faculty of Nursing, University of Kochi | Japan

Dr. Hisao Nakai is an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Kochi, specializing in disaster nursing, disaster management, and GIS‑based risk assessment. Holding a Ph.D. in Health Sciences from Kanazawa University, he has published 28 documents, which have been cited 107 times by 96 documents, resulting in an h-index of 7. His research centers on vulnerable populations—such as medically dependent children, older adults, and people with mental illness—and uses participatory ICT/IoT systems like K‑DiPS, which he helped develop, to support personalized disaster readiness, evacuation planning, power backup, and business continuity. He has applied GIS to simulate evacuation routes (e.g., for tsunamis) and assess environmental risks, especially for those with special needs. Academically, he has held roles at Kanazawa Medical University and Kochi University and has received awards including a Japanese Public Health Society poster prize. He has also led national surveys on disaster information sharing among caregivers of children requiring medical care. Through his interdisciplinary, community‑oriented work, Dr. Nakai is advancing equitable disaster resilience for people often overlooked in traditional emergency planning, combining practical applications with innovative research in disaster preparedness and nursing science.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Nakai, H., Oe, M., Nagayama, Y., Tokuoka, M., Yamaguchi, C., & Tanaka, K. (2025). “A retrospective study on evacuation and long-term displacement among home-visit psychiatric nursing service users in the aftermath of the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake” in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

Oe, S., Nakai, H., Nagayama, Y., Oe, M., & Yamaguchi, C. (2025). “Factors associated with worsening post-earthquake psychiatric symptoms in patients receiving psychiatric visiting nurse services during the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake: A retrospective study” in Psychiatry International.

Nitta, Y., Hashimoto, R., Shimizu, Y., Nakai, Y., & Nakai, H. (2025). “Adherence to outpatient care among individuals with pre‐existing psychiatric disorders following the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake: A retrospective study” in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences Reports.

Nakai, H., Oe, M., & Nagayama, Y. (2024). “Factors related to evacuation intention when a Level 4 evacuation order was issued among people with mental health illnesses using group homes in Japan: A cross-sectional study” in Medicine.

Nakai, H., Ishii, K., & Sagino, T. (2024). “Turnover intention among staff who support older adults living alone in Japan: A cross-sectional study” in Social Sciences.

Mr. Hussam Tarazi - Critical infrastructure protection - Best Researcher Award

Oakland University - United States

Author Profile

Early Academic Pursuits

Mr. Hussam Tarazi embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in computer science. Graduating with a Bachelor of Software Engineering from Hashemite University, Jordan, in 2008, he showcased an early aptitude for programming languages such as Java, C++, and C#. His academic pursuits continued as he pursued a Master of Science in Information, Network, and Computer Security from New York Institute of Technology in 2011. This laid the groundwork for his future specialization in cybersecurity, a field he has demonstrated immense dedication to throughout his career.

Professional Endeavors

Over the past 15 years, Hussam Tarazi has cultivated a diverse professional portfolio spanning various roles in both academia and industry. He has served as an IT Trainer at esteemed institutions such as King Saud University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Memorial University in Canada. His tenure as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant at Oakland University showcases his commitment to both academic research and fostering the next generation of IT professionals.

Additionally, Tarazi's industry experience includes positions such as Senior Network and Technical Support Administrator at the Amman Chamber of Industry in Jordan, where he honed his skills in network administration and technical support. His multifaceted background encompasses roles in system analysis, quality assurance, and computer technician positions, underscoring his versatility in navigating different facets of the IT landscape.

Contributions and Research Focus On Critical infrastructure protection

Mr. Tarazi's current research focus lies in malware detection and countermeasures for industrial control systems, a critical area within the realm of cybersecurity. Collaborating with Dr. Julian Rrushi in Oakland University's research group, Tarazi brings his expertise to the forefront of tackling complex cybersecurity challenges facing industrial environments. His contributions in this domain are poised to shape the future of cybersecurity infrastructure, safeguarding vital systems against evolving threats.

Furthermore, Tarazi has made significant contributions to academia through his teaching and training roles, imparting knowledge and skills to students across various institutions. His dedication to educational excellence underscores his commitment to nurturing talent and advancing the field of IT security.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout his academic and professional journey, Hussam Tarazi has garnered numerous accolades and recognition for his outstanding achievements. With a stellar GPA of 3.97 in his PhD program, Tarazi exemplifies academic excellence. His certifications, including the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) from EC-Council, testify to his expertise in cybersecurity.

Tarazi's contributions extend beyond academia, as evidenced by his involvement in various professional organizations such as the IEEE and the Jordanian Computer Society. His active participation underscores his commitment to staying abreast of industry developments and contributing to the broader IT community.

Impact and Influence

Mr. Hussam Tarazi's impact resonates across academia, industry, and the cybersecurity landscape. Through his research, teaching, and professional endeavors, he has shaped the trajectory of IT security, imparting knowledge and driving innovation in the field. His work in malware detection and industrial control systems security has far-reaching implications for safeguarding critical infrastructure against cyber threats, highlighting his significance as a thought leader in cybersecurity.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Hussam Tarazi continues to advance in his academic and professional journey, his legacy is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the field of cybersecurity. Through his research, mentorship, and advocacy, he paves the way for future generations of IT professionals to navigate and combat emerging cybersecurity challenges. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation, Tarazi's future contributions hold the promise of further elevating the standards of cybersecurity practice and education on a global scale.