Laxmi Kantham Durgam | Deep Learning | Best Scholar Award

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Mr. Laxmi Kantham Durgam | Deep Learning | Best Scholar Award

National Institute of Technology Warangal | India

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🧑‍🎓 Education

Mr. Laxmi Kantham Durgam is currently pursuing his PhD in Electrical Engineering at National Institute of Technology Warangal, Telangana, India (2021–Present). His research focuses on Speech Recognition, Age and Gender Identification from Speech, and the application of Machine Learning and Deep Learning techniques. He is also a Visiting Researcher at the Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia, as part of the NSP SAIA Fellowship (2024). Mr. Durgam holds an M.Tech in Digital Systems and Computer Electronics from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad (2017–2020) and a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from the same institution (2011–2015).

📚 Publications

Mr. Durgam has contributed to various publications in the fields of speech processing, deep learning, and edge computing. His notable works include papers on speaker age and gender classification, real-time age estimation from speech, and dress code detection using MobileNetV2 on NVIDIA Jetson Nano. He has been published in journals like Computing and Informatics and Journal of Signal Processing Systems, as well as conferences like ICIT-2023 in Kyoto, Japan.

🔬 Research Experience

Since 2021, Mr. Durgam has been a PhD Research Scholar at NIT Warangal, where his research includes projects on real-time age identification from speech using Edge devices like Jetson Nano and Arduino Nano BLE. He has also worked on real-time projects like vehicle logo classification using Edge Impulse and dress code detection using MobileNetV2. His work is focused on implementing Machine Learning and Deep Learning algorithms for practical, real-time applications.

🏆 Fellowships and Awards

Mr. Durgam was awarded the NSP SAIA Fellowship (2024), an international mobility program funded by the European Union, allowing him to collaborate with the KEMT, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Informatics at the Technical University of Kosice, Slovakia. He also received the MHRD Fellowship for his PhD from the Government of India. He has passed the NITW PhD Entrance and the GATE exam (2016), and he received financial support as an undergraduate student from the Andhra Pradesh State Government.

📖 Academic Achievements

Mr. Durgam has significantly contributed to the academic environment through his role in conducting hands-on programming sessions in Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and AI applications. He has mentored students in Faculty Development Programs (FDPs), summer and winter internships, and workshops at various institutions. His workshops have reached institutions such as BRIT Vijayanagaram and VBIT Hyderabad, where he focused on advanced deep learning applications on Edge devices.

💻 Technical Skills

Mr. Durgam is highly skilled in programming with languages like Python, C, Embedded C, Matlab, and frameworks such as Keras, TensorFlow, and OpenCV. He has experience working with edge devices like Jetson Nano, Jetson Xavier, and Arduino Nano BLE 33 Sense. His expertise also extends to Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Computer Vision, and Digital Signal Processing.

🧑‍🏫 Teaching and Mentoring

Mr. Durgam has been an active Teaching Assistant and mentor at NIT Warangal, where he has assisted in courses like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Digital Signal Processing. He has guided B.Tech students in lab sessions, and his expertise in AI/ML has also been shared through guest lectures and faculty development programs.

🚀 Key Projects

Some of Mr. Durgam’s key projects include age and gender estimation from speech using MFCC features, dress code detection with MobileNetV2 on Edge devices, and real-time object detection using deep learning algorithms. He has successfully developed these applications on devices like Jetson Nano and Arduino Nano BLE for real-time deployment.

🌍 Professional Engagement

Mr. Durgam is an IEEE Student Member and an active participant in IEEE Young Professionals. He has been involved in organizing and coordinating internships, workshops, and training programs related to AI/ML and Deep Learning at NIT Warangal and other institutes. He is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and real-world applications, particularly through Edge Computing and AI deployment.

📚 Top Notes Publications 

Real-Time Dress Code Detection using MobileNetV2 Transfer Learning on NVIDIA Jetson Nano

    • Authors: LK Durgam, RK Jatoth

    • Journal: Proceedings of the 2023 11th International Conference on Information

    • Year: 2023

Real-Time Classification of Vehicle Logos on Arduino Nano BLE using Edge Impulse

    • Authors: D Abhinay, SV Vighnesh, LK Durgam, RK Jatoth

    • Journal: 2023 4th International Conference on Signal Processing and Communication

    • Year: 2023

Age Estimation based on MFCC Speech Features and Machine Learning Algorithms

    • Authors: LK Durgam, RK Jatoth

    • Journal: IEEE International Symposium on Smart Electronic Systems (iSES)

    • Year: 2022

Age Estimation from Speech Using Tuned CNN Model on Edge Devices

    • Authors: LK Durgam, RK Jatoth

    • Journal: Journal of Signal Processing Systems

    • Year: 2024

Age and Gender Estimation from Speech using various Deep Learning and Dimensionality Reduction Techniques

    • Authors: MPJJ Laxmi Kantham Durgam*, Ravi Kumar Jatoth, Daniel Hladek, Stanislav Ondas

    • Journal: Acoustics and Speech Processing at Speech analysis synthesis, Institute of

    • Year: 2024

 

Isabel Lastres-Becker | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Isabel Lastres-Becker | Emerging Research Trends | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid | Spain

PUBLICATION PROFILE

Scopus

Orcid

INTRODUCTION 👩‍🔬

Dr. Isabel Lastres-Becker is an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, specializing in biochemistry and neurodegenerative diseases. With over 20 years of research experience, her scientific work primarily focuses on the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and proteinopathies. Her contributions span several neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Huntington’s disease.

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Dr. Lastres-Becker completed her Licenciatura en Ciencias Químicas (Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry) with a specialization in Biochemistry from Universidad Complutense de Madrid in 1997. She later earned her PhD in Biochemistry in 2003 from the same institution, with a focus on neurodegenerative diseases. Her doctoral research was awarded the prestigious European mention.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 👩‍🏫

Throughout her career, Dr. Lastres-Becker has held various academic and research positions. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid since October 2021, after having previously served as a Ramón y Cajal researcher and Postdoctoral Researcher in Spain and Germany. Her experience in both the academic and research environments has greatly contributed to her expertise in neurodegenerative diseases.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research contributions have had a significant impact on the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has focused on various aspects:

  • Cannabinoid System in Huntington’s Disease: Dr. Lastres-Becker explored how the dysregulation of the endogenous cannabinoid system affects Huntington’s disease. Her work laid the groundwork for clinical trials examining the neuroprotective effects of cannabinoids.
  • Parkinson’s Disease: She demonstrated how cannabinoid receptors, particularly CB1, are involved in neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease, and her research suggested potential therapeutic targets for modulating microglial activity.
  • Ataxin-2 in Spinocerebellar Ataxia: She was the first to identify the role of ataxin-2 in metabolism and protein synthesis, as well as its involvement in SCA2 neurodegeneration.
  • NRF2 Transcription Factor: Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research on NRF2 has revealed its central role in neurodegenerative diseases. She showed how NRF2’s involvement in inflammatory processes could be a therapeutic target, particularly in the context of Parkinson’s disease and tauopathies.
  • Neuron-Glia Communication: In Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Lastres-Becker identified how neurons with overexpressed TAU protein release fractalkine (CX3CL1), triggering neuroinflammation and tau-related neurodegeneration.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Dr. Lastres-Becker’s research is not only impactful within the academic sphere but also in the broader scientific and clinical communities. She serves as an external collaborator with several research groups and is a reviewer for high-impact scientific journals. Additionally, her collaborations with international research agencies and companies have advanced the therapeutic exploration of neurodegenerative diseases.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS 📚

Dr. Lastres-Becker has authored more than 65 publications, contributing significantly to neurodegenerative disease research. Some of her high-impact publications include studies on the cannabinoid system, NRF2 modulation, and tauopathies, with her work frequently cited in the fields of neurobiology and pharmacology. These studies have not only contributed to scientific knowledge but have also provided the foundation for potential clinical therapies.

HONORS & AWARDS 🏆

Throughout her career, Dr. Lastres-Becker has received numerous awards and grants, including funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation. Her work has been recognized through various prestigious research projects aimed at studying and developing therapeutics for Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and Alzheimer’s disease.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

Looking ahead, Dr. Lastres-Becker continues to contribute to the advancement of therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. She is currently involved in various cutting-edge research projects focused on the roles of NRF2, cannabinoids, and proteostasis. Her future work aims to bridge the gap between preclinical discoveries and clinical applications, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients with these devastating conditions.

TOP NOTES PUBLICATIONS 📚

Model organisms for investigating the functional involvement of NRF2 in non-communicable diseases
    • Authors: A.I. Rojo, B. Buttari, S. Cadenas, I.P. Trougakos, A.T. Dinkova-Kostova
    • Journal: Redox Biology
    • Year: 2025
Investigation in the cannabigerol derivative VCE-003.2 as a disease-modifying agent in a mouse model of experimental synucleinopathy
    • Authors: S. Burgaz, E. Navarro, S. Rodríguez-Carreiro, E.E. Muñóz, J.J. Fernández-Ruiz
    • Journal: Behavioral and Brain Functions
    • Year: 2024
Beneficial Effect of Dimethyl Fumarate Drug Repositioning in a Mouse Model of TDP-43-Dependent Frontotemporal Dementia
    • Authors: I. Silva-Llanes, R. Martín-Baquero, A. Berrojo-Armisen, E. De Lago, I. Lastres-Becker
    • Journal: Antioxidants
    • Year: 2024
Biomarkers of NRF2 signalling: Current status and future challenges
    • Authors: C. Morgenstern, I. Lastres-Becker, B.C. Demirdogen, A. Cuadrado, I.M. Copple
    • Journal: Redox Biology
    • Year: 2024
RIPK1 expression and inhibition in tauopathies: implications for neuroinflammation and neuroprotection
    • Authors: I. Silva-Llanes, E. Madruga, A.R. Martínez, I. Lastres-Becker
    • Journal: Frontiers in Neuroscience
    • Year: 2024

Vicenta Llorente Cortés | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Vicenta Llorente Cortés | Social Impact | Best Researcher Award

Consejo Superior Investigaciones Cientificas, Spain

👨‍🎓Professional Profile

Scopus Profile

👩‍🔬 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Vicenta Llorente Cortés’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in 1989. She pursued advanced studies in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biomedicine, completing her degree in 1995. These early academic experiences laid the foundation for her future research career in the fields of cardiovascular science and pathology.

📚 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Dr. Llorente Cortés’s professional career has been deeply rooted in scientific research, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and cellular pathophysiology. She has been a Scientist at the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) since 2006. Throughout her career, she has held senior research positions, including at the Hospital de Sant Pau and Fundación Investigación Cardiovascular. Her work in experimental pathology at CSIC focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms of heart failure, cholesterol metabolism, and related diseases.

🧬 Contributions and Research Achievements

Dr. Llorente Cortés has made significant contributions to both basic and applied research, particularly in the field of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. She has directed 14 doctoral theses, 6 final degree projects, and 10 final Master’s projects, illustrating her commitment to fostering the next generation of researchers. Her scientific output includes 120 international publications, with 36 (51.4%) ranking in the top 25% of the most cited worldwide. Dr. Llorente Cortés’s work has been pivotal in advancing the understanding of cardiovascular pathophysiology and identifying new therapeutic targets, such as vascular cholesterol inhibitors and biomarkers for dilated cardiomyopathy.

🌍 Impact and Influence in the Scientific Community

Dr. Llorente Cortés’s impact extends beyond her own research. She is an active evaluator for scientific projects in Spain, collaborating with organizations like the ANEP, the Junta de Andalucía, and the Spanish Society of Cardiology. Her international collaborations span countries like France, Italy, and the USA, with 30% of her publications being co-authored with foreign researchers. As a reviewer for prestigious journals and a member of several scientific committees, she continues to shape the direction of cardiovascular research globally. Furthermore, her leadership in competitive projects and participation in high-profile international symposiums underscores her influence.

📊 Academic Citations and Recognition

Dr. Llorente Cortés’s academic excellence is reflected in her high citation index. She has an H-index of 34, with a total of 3,150 citations, of which 2,195 are not her own. This high citation count and her consistent publication in top-tier journals (66.2% of her publications appear in the top 25% by cite score) highlight her substantial contribution to the field. Her leadership and expertise are recognized worldwide, as evidenced by her membership in various international scientific societies and networks.

🧪 Technical Skills and Expertise

Dr. Llorente Cortés possesses extensive technical expertise in molecular biology, cardiovascular research, and experimental pathology. Her skill set includes advanced techniques in cellular biology, molecular diagnostics, and the development of therapeutic strategies. She has been instrumental in translating scientific research into potential clinical applications, as demonstrated by her patents and collaborations with companies like Iproteos S.L.

🎓 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Dr. Llorente Cortés has been an influential mentor throughout her career. In addition to guiding doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, she has contributed to numerous academic projects, fostering a productive environment for new scientists to thrive. She has directed numerous doctoral theses, and her ability to inspire and lead has made her a prominent figure in the academic community.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Llorente Cortés’s legacy is defined not only by her groundbreaking research but also by her significant role in mentoring the next generation of scientists and promoting international collaboration. Her future contributions are poised to focus on translational research, particularly in the areas of heart failure therapies and the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases. With the continued success of her research projects, including her involvement in innovative programs like InnoPau and CIBERINNOVA, Dr. Llorente Cortés will likely remain a key figure in the global scientific community, advancing both fundamental knowledge and clinical applications.

 

📖Top Noted Publications

PCSK9 Antibodies Treatment Specifically Enhances the Macrophage-specific Reverse Cholesterol Transport Pathway in Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Authors: Borràs, C., Canyelles, M., Girona, J., Blanco-Vaca, F., Escolà-Gil, J.C.

Journal: JACC: Basic to Translational Science

Year: 2024

Targeting LDL Aggregation Decreases Atherosclerotic Lipid Burden in a Humanized Mouse Model of Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Crucial Role of ApoB100 Conformational Stabilization

Authors: Benitez-Amaro, A., Garcia, E., La Chica Lhoëst, M.T., Escola-Gil, J.C., Llorente-Cortés, V.

Journal: Atherosclerosis

Year: 2024

sICAM-1 Concentrations Are Associated with Inflammation in Contralateral Carotid Plaque in Patients with Ischemic Stroke

Authors: Puig, N., Camps-Renom, P., Garcia, E., Llorente-Cortés, V., Benitez, S.

Journal: Clínica e Investigación en Arteriosclerosis

Year: 2024

Mechanisms Modulating Foam Cell Formation in the Arterial Intima: Exploring New Therapeutic Opportunities in Atherosclerosis

Authors: La Chica Lhoëst, M.T., Martinez, A., Claudi, L., Escolà-Gil, J.C., Llorente-Cortés, V.

Journal: Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine

Year: 2024

Transcriptional Analysis Reveals that the Intracellular Lipid Accumulation Impairs Gene Expression Profiles Involved in Insulin Response-associated Cardiac Functionality

Authors: Actis Dato, V., Paz, M.C., Rey, F.E., Chiabrando, G.A., Ceschin, D.G.

Journal: Scientific Reports

Year: 2023