George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Prof. George Vlontzos | Agricultural Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

University of Thessaly | Greece

Prof. George Vlontzos is a distinguished agricultural economist and Full Professor at the University of Thessaly, Greece, where he directs the Laboratory of Agricultural Economics and Consumer Behavior. He holds a Ph.D. in Planning and Regional Development (University of Thessaly), an MBA in Agribusiness (University of Wales, Aberystwyth) and a BSc in Agriculture (Aristotle University of Thessaloniki). With a strong international academic profile, he has served as a visiting professor at the University of Florida and contributed to graduate programs at the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Montpellier. Prof. Vlontzos has authored 62 documents indexed on Scopus with 952 citations by 886 documents and an h‑index of 17, reflecting significant research impact in agricultural economics, efficiency and sustainability analysis, consumer behavior, optimization and AI applications in agriculture. His research employs advanced quantitative and behavioral models—such as Data Envelopment Analysis, Stochastic Frontier Analysis, the Theory of Planned Behavior and Artificial Neural Networks—to address economic and environmental efficiency, consumer decision processes, and sustainable agri‑food systems. He has published extensively in refereed journals, participated in major international conferences, and contributed to multiple competitive projects co‑funded by the EU, national and private sources. His leadership in research and education underscores his influence in shaping sustainable agricultural policy and practice.

Profile : Scopus

Featured Publications

Assessing the economic impact of insect pollination on the agricultural sector: A department-level case study in France

– Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 2025

Emerging Technologies for Investigating Food Consumer Behavior: A Systematic Review

– Review, 2025

A hybrid remotely operated underwater vehicle for maintenance operations in aquaculture: Practical insights from Greek fish farms

– Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2025

Digital Transformation of Food Supply Chain Management Using Blockchain: A Systematic Literature Review Towards Food Safety and Traceability

– Business and Information Systems Engineering, 2025

Variable RTS in hierarchical network DEA: Enhancing efficiency in higher education systems

– Socio Economic Planning Sciences, 2024

Madai López-Silva | Innovation in Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Prof. Dr. Madai López-Silva | Innovation in Data Analysis | Research Excellence Award

Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Tepeaca | Mexico

Dr. Madai López Silva is a Professor–Researcher at the Instituto Tecnológico Superior de Tepeaca, holding a Ph.D. in Biotic Product Development from the Instituto Politécnico Nacional. With extensive experience in teaching, mentoring, and leading technological development projects, she has contributed significantly to food science and sustainable ingredient design. Her research focuses on starch modification through OSA esterification, extrusion, and heat–moisture treatment, carbohydrate digestibility, functional food development, and valorization of agro-industrial residues, including insect-based flours. She has published 8 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals such as Food Chemistry, Carbohydrate Polymers, and Food Hydrocolloids, accumulating 295 citations across 268 documents and achieving an h-index of 6. Dr. López Silva also serves as a peer reviewer for 14 international Elsevier journals and collaborates with national and international institutions to advance research in starch and protein modification, functional ingredient development, and structural characterization of biopolymers. She co-authored the book chapter Starchy Flour Modification to Alter Its Digestibility (CRC Press, 2022) and has led projects integrating chemical, physical, and polyphenol-based strategies to reduce digestibility and improve nutritional functionality. Her work bridges scientific innovation and practical applications, fostering healthier, sustainable, and evidence-based food systems, and earning recognition for research excellence.

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Featured Publication

Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Vilma Petkova | Qualitative Research | Best Researcher Award

Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography “Acad. Ivan Kostov”, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences | Bulgaria

Prof. Vilma Petkova is an eminent chemist-engineer and researcher specializing in inorganic materials science, crystallography, thermal analysis, and environmentally clean technologies. She holds a Ph.D. in Chemical Technology and Metallurgy and has over three decades of academic and research experience, serving in positions ranging from Assistant Professor to full Professor at the Institute of Mineralogy and Crystallography, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and New Bulgarian University. Her research spans inorganic substances, nanomaterials, cement and construction materials, fertilizers, solid-phase kinetics, thermal and X-ray analysis, spectroscopy, and eco-friendly materials. Prof. Petkova has supervised numerous bachelor, master, and Ph.D. students, actively participated in over 130 national and international conferences, and contributed to more than 193 publications, including 89 indexed in IF/SJR journals, accumulating 904 citations across 744 documents with an h-index of 18. She has led and participated in national and international research projects, served on scientific councils, editorial boards, and accreditation panels, and received recognition for her leadership in thermal analysis and materials science. Her expertise integrates material characterization, environmental chemistry, biotechnology, and sustainable development. Prof. Petkova continues to advance research, mentor emerging scientists, and contribute to global knowledge in material science and chemistry, promoting innovations that balance technological progress with environmental sustainability.

Profiles : Scopus | Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Serafimova, E., Titorenkova, R., Tsvetanova, L., & Trikkel, A. (2025). “Impact of High Energy Milling and Mineral Additives on a Carbonate–Quartz–Apatite System for Ecological Applications.” Materials.

Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., Kaljuvee, T., & Piroeva, I. (2025). “Induced structural changes within a natural apatite-calcite system via short-time mechanochemical activation.” Materials Chemistry and Physics.

Petkova, V., Stoyanov, V., Mihaylova, K., & Kostova, B. (2025). “Impact of pozzolanic and inert powders on the microstructure and thermal chemistry of cement mortars.” Ceramics International.

Stoyanov, V., Petkova, V., Mihaylova, K., & Shopska, M. (2024). “A Study of the Influence of Thermoactivated Natural Zeolite on the Hydration of White Cement Mortars.” Materials.

Serafimova, E., & Petkova, V. (2022). “BTEX exposure in indoor air in schools in Bulgaria.” IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.

Simon Adu | Nuclear Security and Nonproliferation | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Simon Adu | Nuclear Security and Nonproliferation | Best Researcher Award

Texas A&M university | United States

Dr. Simon Adu is a distinguished researcher in Radiation Protection and Health Physics with over 16 years of professional experience. He holds a PhD (2016) and MPhil (2008) in Radiation Protection/Health Physics from the University of Ghana, and a BSc in Physics from the University of Cape Coast. He has held senior roles as Senior Research Scientist at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Senior Regulatory Officer heading the Department of Nuclear Security at Ghana’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Ghana. His work encompasses radiation safety in medical, industrial, mining and research reactor settings; calibration; regulatory inspections; nuclear security; non-proliferation; and education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has supervised PhD and MSc students, reviewed theses externally in several African universities, participated in numerous IAEA-coordinated research projects, and has been awarded prestigious fellowships including the Stanton Fellowship, the IAEA PhD Sandwich Award, and Argonne National Laboratory fellowship. His research interests include nuclear safety, reactor core conversion (HEU to LEU), radiation dosimetry, nuclear security and safeguards. He is also an IAEA nuclear security expert participating in missions across Africa. Dr. Adu’s contributions have significantly advanced regulatory frameworks, improved safety culture, and strengthened capacity building in radiation protection and nuclear security across the region.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Doudoo, C. O., Gyekye, P. K., Emi-Reynolds, G., Adu, S., Kpeglo, D. O., Tagoe, S. N. A., & others (2023). “Dose and secondary cancer-risk estimation of patients undergoing high dose rate intracavitary gynaecological brachytherapy.” Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences, 54 (2), 335–342.

Hasford, F., Owusu-Banahene, J., Otoo, F., Adu, S., Sosu, E. K., Amoako, J. K., & others (2012). “Assessment of annual whole-body occupational radiation exposure in education, research and industrial sectors in Ghana (2000–09).” Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 150 (3), 350–358.

Arwui, C. C., Deatanyah, P., Wotorchi-Gordon, S., Ankaah, J., Emi-Reynolds, G., Adu, S., & others (2011). “Assessment of the effectiveness of collimation of Cs–137 panoramic beam on TLD calibration using a constructed lead block collimator and an ICRU slab phantom at SSDL in Ghana.” International Journal of Science and Technology, 1 (4), 169–173.

Ndum, Z. N., Tao, J., Liu, Y., Ford, J., Vlassov, V., Morton, N., Grissom, J., Adu, S., & others (2024). “A digital twin-based simulator for small modular and microreactors.” Proceedings of the 2024 Winter Simulation Conference (WSC), 2963–2974.

Adu, S., Horvatovic, I., D’Auria, F., Nyarko, B. B. J., Geoffrey, E. R., & Menzel, F. (2015). “Analysis of channel blockage of MNSR reactor using the system thermal-hydraulic code RELAP5/MOD3.3.” Proceedings of the 24th International Conference on Nuclear Energy for New Europe, Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Birikorang, S. A., Dahunsi, S., Adu, S., Nketia, C. A., & Blay, A. (2025). “Assessing nuclear energy and radiological risks: a case study of radionuclide dispersion from potential nuclear power plant accidents in Ghana.” Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 201 (5), 333–350.

Basharat Ali | Cybersecurity Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Basharat Ali | Cybersecurity Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Nanjing University | China

Dr. Basharat Ali is a dedicated researcher and PhD scholar in Computer Science at Nanjing University, China, with a strong academic foundation in Software Engineering from Northeastern University, China, and the University of Swat, Pakistan. His professional journey includes roles as a Software Developer at Neusoft (China) and RaidIT Solution (Pakistan), where he gained hands-on expertise in programming, system architecture, and cross-border e-commerce platforms. His research focuses on network security, blockchain development, IoT infrastructure protection, and the integration of deep learning techniques for cyber defense. Dr. Ali has published influential works such as “An Efficient E-Voting Algorithm and DApp Using Blockchain Technology” and “Towards a Secure Infrastructure for the IoT’s Using Deep Learning.” His scholarly contributions have achieved an h-index of 4, with 79 citations and 2 indexed documents, reflecting the growing impact of his work in secure digital ecosystems. He has also been recognized for his innovation and technical creativity in decentralized systems and smart contract applications. Combining academic research with practical software engineering and design expertise, Dr. Ali aims to advance global cybersecurity through intelligent, transparent, and scalable blockchain-based systems that shape the next generation of secure digital environments.

Profiles : Orcid | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Ali, B., & Chen, G. (2025). Next-generation AI for advanced threat detection and security enhancement in DNS over HTTPS. Journal of Network and Computer Applications.

Ali, B. (2022). An Efficient E-Voting Algorithm and DApp Using Blockchain Technology.

Ali, B. (2021). Towards a Secure Infrastructure for the IoT’s Using Deep Learning. Multidisciplinary International Journal of Research and Development.

Edmundo Tulcanaza | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Edmundo Tulcanaza | Environmental Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Universidad Politecnica De Madrid | Germany

Edmundo Tulcanaza is a seasoned mining engineer and researcher whose work bridges mining, geostatistics, resource economics, and sustainable extraction of strategic minerals. Educated at Universidad de Chile (Mining Engineering, 1966), he pursued postgraduate studies in Geostatistics & Mineral Economics at École des Mines Paris (1971), later completing an MSc in Geospatial Technologies at Universität Münster (2022), and is currently a PhD candidate at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (2023-2026) studying ecosystems of strategic minerals. Over decades in academia and industry, he has lectured in Chile and Peru, worked as a research assistant at Harvard, been senior engineer in the USA, served as Managing Director of Mineral Resources & Mine Projects at CODELCO Chile, and since 2011 acted as senior consultant for mine asset certification, valuation, and strategic management. His research interests focus on natural capital valuation in mineral ecosystems, mine development risk, exploration decision-making, and resource/reserve reporting under international standards (e.g. NI 43-101, CRIRSCO). Among his major contributions is the book Evaluación de Recursos y Negocios Mineros. He has been awarded recognitions like the Alexander Sutulov award (Chile, 2008) and held leadership roles including in CRIRSCO. His h-index and citation counts are not publicly verified in major indexing services at this time, but his work is widely cited in mining economics and resource estimation. He continues to influence both policy and practice in sustainable mining asset reporting.

Profiles : Orcid |Scopus

Featured Publication

Tulcanaza, E. (2025). “Towards sustainable extraction of lithium-bearing brine resources: Role of natural capital in the High Andes business strategies” in Mineral Economics.”

Mohamed Shehata | Healthcare Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed Shehata | Healthcare Data Analysis | Best Researcher Award

Tanta University | Egypt

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamed A. Shehata is a pediatric surgeon with over 20 years’ experience in both general and pediatric surgery. After earning his M.B., B.Ch. with honors, he completed a Master’s in General Surgery (2009) and an M.D. thesis on Thoracoscopic Repair for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia in the Pediatric Age Group (2017) at Tanta University, where he rose through lecturer, specialist, assistant professor to associate professor roles. He held specialist positions at Dr. Soliman Faqeeh Hospital, Jeddah, and served as consultant pediatric surgeon in several Saudi Arabian hospitals, including Alanwar Hospital, Hail, before being appointed consultant pediatric surgery at King Fahd Medical City, Riyadh, in December 2024. His clinical and academic interests span minimally invasive surgery, thoracoscopic and laparoscopic repair of congenital anomalies, hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal neoplasms, emergency neonatal surgery, and surgical oncology. He is active in surgical education—organizing and instructing workshops in pediatric MIS, laparoscopic bariatric surgery, and advanced laparoscopic colorectal surgery—and participates in peer review (Annals of Pediatric Surgery). According to available data, his h-index is 5, with a similar count over recent years, and his publications number over 20 on ResearchGate, with dozens of citations. He has received travel fellowships (e.g., BAPS Hugh Greenwood) and accreditation in multiple continuing medical education workshops.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

“Female Fertility Outcome Following Bariatric Surgery: Five-Year Follow Up”

“GLP-1 and GIP Changes after Sleeve Gastrectomy and Weight Regain in Adolescents. Do we need a Boost?”

“Mass Closure vs. Layer-by-Layer Closure of Transverse Laparotomy in Children: A Randomized Trial with Ultrasound and Elastography Outcomes”

“Comparing open surgical, SELDINGER’S technique with surgical isolation of the vein and ultrasound guided techniques for jugular central line insertion in infants: a randomized clinical trial”

“Laparoscopic management of incarcerated inguinal hernia in children”

“Seven Years Follow-Up after Sleeve Gastrectomy in Adolescents”

Maksym Lazirko | Accounting Information Systems | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Maksym Lazirko | Accounting Information Systems | Best Academic Researcher Award

Rutgers University | United States

Prof. Maksym Orest Lazirko is an emerging scholar and academic professional specializing in Management Information Systems, Accounting Information Systems, and advanced technologies impacting modern business practices. With a multidisciplinary foundation spanning management, accounting, geological sciences, and quantum computing, he has developed a unique expertise that bridges technical innovation and business strategy. His academic and professional journey reflects a strong commitment to research, teaching, and technological transformation in accounting and audit domains. Prof. Lazirko actively engages in developing frameworks for blockchain applications, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) reporting, quantum computing integration in accounting systems, and data-driven audit methodologies. His work emphasizes innovative approaches to automation, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies that redefine corporate reporting and decision-making.

Professional Profiles

SCOPUS
ORCID

Education

Prof. Lazirko completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Science in Management of Information Systems and a minor in Geological Science. Building upon his academic foundation, he pursued advanced research as a Doctoral Candidate in Management with a concentration in Accounting Information Systems at Rutgers University, where he has made significant contributions under the mentorship of Dr. Miklos Vasarhelyi. His educational background reflects a blend of business management, technological innovation, and applied sciences, equipping him with the expertise to address interdisciplinary challenges in the digital and corporate ecosystem.

Experience

Prof. Lazirko has amassed extensive teaching, research, and industry-related experience across multiple roles, including instructor, research assistant, teaching assistant, and guest lecturer at Rutgers University. His teaching portfolio spans courses such as Audit Analytics, Managerial Accounting, Financial Accounting, Data Warehousing & Data Mining, Management Information Systems, and Advanced Design & Development of Information Systems. His instructional expertise integrates theory with cutting-edge technological tools, providing students with practical and forward-thinking insights into accounting and information systems. Beyond academia, he has held roles in child development and robotics education, aquatics, and geology-focused positions, where he honed his leadership, process improvement, and technical skills. His volunteering work as a leader and advisor at a nonprofit organization reflects his dedication to community service, operational support, and technological guidance.

Research Interests

Prof. Lazirko’s research interests focus on the convergence of emerging technologies and accounting systems. His primary areas include quantum computing applications in accounting, blockchain-based proof of reserves frameworks, ESG-focused corporate reporting methodologies, automation in audit processes, metaverse and augmented/virtual reality applications in information systems, and artificial intelligence integration for financial transparency. He has contributed to developing methodologies for monitoring and reporting Natech disasters for business continuity, advanced risk assessment in cryptocurrency markets, and innovative designs for academic advisory chatbots. His interdisciplinary approach aims to bridge gaps between technological potential and practical business needs in an evolving regulatory landscape.

Awards and Contributions

Prof. Lazirko has been recognized for his active participation in professional conferences, workshops, and peer review activities in the field of accounting and information systems. He has served as a moderator, discussant, and organizer at significant academic meetings, including AAA Mid-Year Meetings, Transformative Technology Workshops, and WCARS conferences. His contributions as a volunteer referee for leading journals such as The British Accounting Review, Accounting Horizons, and the Journal of Emerging Technologies in Accounting reflect his standing as a critical contributor to scholarly discourse and research development. Furthermore, his involvement in the creation of innovative educational platforms such as quantum computing courses for business students and virtual reality classrooms highlights his forward-thinking contributions to academic innovation.

Publications

Lazirko, M., Appelbaum, D., & Vasarhelyi, M. (2025). “Proof of Reserves: A Double-Helix Framework” in The British Accounting Review.

Lazirko, M. (2025). “The Quantum Dynamics of Cost Accounting: Investigating WIP via the Time-Independent Schrödinger Equation” in Journal of Decision Science and Optimization.

Lazirko, M., & Gates, A. (2025). “Unveiling Nature’s Fury: Natech Disasters for Business – A Continuous Monitoring & Reporting Framework” in Journal of Risk Research.

Conclusion

Prof. Maksym Orest Lazirko embodies the intersection of technology, research, and education, actively shaping the future of accounting and information systems. His work reflects a continuous pursuit of integrating next-generation technologies—quantum computing, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and immersive systems—into the financial and corporate sectors. Through his teaching, research, and community engagement, he promotes the advancement of sustainable, transparent, and innovative business practices. His ongoing efforts in developing cutting-edge frameworks and educational initiatives position him as a valuable thought leader in the fields of accounting innovation, digital transformation, and academic mentorship.