Fariba Shokoohi | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Fariba Shokoohi | Engineering and Technology | Best Researcher Award

SR.C., Islamic Azad University | Iran

Dr.  Fariba Shokohi is a civil engineering researcher specializing in construction engineering and management. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at the Islamic Azad University, focusing on lean construction, sustainability analytics, and multi-criteria decision-making. Her academic path includes dual master’s degrees in Construction Engineering & Management and Industrial Engineering, supported by a strong foundation in civil engineering and cartography. Professionally, she has served in senior technical, design, supervision, and project management roles across major national organizations, including construction engineering firms, banking infrastructure companies, and intelligent systems corporations. Her expertise spans project management, sustainability assessment, BIM applications, fuzzy MCDM techniques, quality evaluation models, and advanced engineering software. She has authored impactful publications on lean–sustainable construction integration, fuzzy DEMATEL, green building systems, and self-healing concrete. Her research interests include sustainable construction, lean project delivery, green roofs, carbon emission reduction, intelligent project systems, and integrated management frameworks. She has actively contributed to national conferences and international journals and is a senior member of professional engineering societies. Dr. Shokohi continues to advance innovative methods in sustainable project management and construction optimization.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Shokoohi, F. (2025). Multi-dimensional sensitivity analysis of lean and sustainable construction: A novel MTDA approach for integrated project management. International Journal of Construction Management. (Accepted, June 2025)

Shokoohi, F. (2023). Application of focus group method in extended fuzzy DEMATEL technique: Integrating effective factors in lean and sustainable construction. Andisheye Amari Journal, 27(2), 105–120.

Rabieifar, H., Shokoohi, F., & Ashtiani, Z. (2021). Application of bacteria in concrete repair and its effect on self-healing properties: A review study. In 23rd National Concrete and Earthquake Conference, Concrete Research Center (METEB).

Farrokhzadeh, F., & Shokoohi, F. (2020). Integration of lean thinking and sustainable development in HSE management of the construction industry. Journal of Defense Maintenance Engineering Research, 3(2), 58–74.

Shokoohi, F., & Ravanshadnia, M. (2023). Evaluation of green roofs in reducing carbon emissions and improving environmental sustainability: A case study of a building in Tehran using DesignBuilder software. In 8th International Conference on Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Sustainable Green Urban Development.

Teresa Dieguez | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

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Prof. Teresa Dieguez | Social Sciences | Excellence in Research Award

Universidade Portucalense | Portugal

Teresa Dieguez is a distinguished academic and researcher at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Portugal, specializing in strategy, entrepreneurship, innovation, and management.  she has contributed extensively to advancing knowledge in managerial sciences and sustainable development. She holds a degree in Economics, a Master’s in Innovation and Technological Transfer, a Specialist title in Strategy and Entrepreneurship , an MBA in Social Sustainability and Development, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Managerial Sciences. Teresa’s professional journey began in the automotive sector, where she led international projects promoting innovation and competitiveness, including initiatives under the EU’s ESPRIT and RECITE programs. Her current research interests include digital transformation, social entrepreneurship, Industry 4.0, sustainable leadership, and innovation ecosystems. As a professor and project leader, she has mentored over 30 master’s theses and collaborated with research centers such as INESC TEC, CiTUR, and REMIT. A recipient of various academic recognitions, Teresa remains committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial mindsets to drive sustainable change and global competitiveness in education and industry.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Orcid

Featured Publications

Sivam, A., Dieguez, T., Ferreira, L. P., & Silva, F. J. G. (2019). Key settings for successful open innovation arena. Journal of Computational Design and Engineering, 6(4), 507–515.

Mourato, J., Ferreira, L. P., Sá, J. C., Silva, F. J. G., Dieguez, T., & Tjahjono, B. (2021). Improving internal logistics of a bus manufacturing using the lean techniques. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 70(7).

Dieguez, T., Ferreira, L. P., Silva, F. J. G., & Tjahjono, B. (2020). Open innovation and sustainable development through industry-academia collaboration: A case study of automotive sector. Procedia Manufacturing, 51, 1773–1778.

Alves, D., Dieguez, T., & Conceição, O. (2019). Retaining talents: Impact on innovation. In Proceedings of the ECMLG 2019 15th European Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance (p. 36).

Dieguez, T., Loureiro, P., & Ferreira, I. (2021). Entrepreneurship and leadership in higher education to develop the needed 21st century skills. In Proceedings of the ECMLG 2021 17th European Conference on Management, Leadership and Governance.

Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Rashad Mukhtar Balal | Agricultural Science and Innovation | Best Researcher Award

University of Sargodha | Pakistan

Prof. Rashad Mukhtar Balal is a leading horticultural researcher and academician currently heading the Department of Horticulture at the University of Sargodha. He holds a PhD in Pomology, Biotechnology, and Horticultural Stress Physiology  and earlier earned an MPhil in Horticultural Biotechnology and a BSc (Hons) in Horticulture. Over more than two decades, he has served in roles from Assistant Professor to full Professor, with visiting appointments at Cornell University (USA) and Harper Adams University (UK). His research spans Pomology, stress physiology of horticultural crops, biotechnology, citrus rootstocks and nursery management, off-season vegetable production, and the use of phytoextracts to mitigate abiotic and biotic stress. According to his profile on ScienceDirect, He has received numerous national and international recognitions, including the ASHS Outstanding Research Publication Award, national innovation awards, and accolades for establishing certified disease-free citrus nurseries. Through leading significant funded projects and mentoring many MPhil and PhD scholars, he continues to advance horticultural research and education in Pakistan.

Profile : Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Shahid, M. A., Sarkhosh, A., Khan, N., Balal, R. M., Ali, S., Rossi, L., Gómez, C., … (2020). Insights into the physiological and biochemical impacts of salt stress on plant growth and development. Agronomy, 10(7), 938.

Abbas, T., Balal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Ayyub, C. M., Aqueel, M. A., … (2015). Silicon-induced alleviation of NaCl toxicity in okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is associated with enhanced photosynthesis, osmoprotectants and antioxidant activities. Acta Physiologiae Plantarum, 37(2), 6.

Khan, H. A., Ayub, C. M., Pervez, M. A., Bilal, R. M., Shahid, M. A., & Ziaf, K. (2009). Effect of seed priming with NaCl on salinity tolerance of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) at seedling stage. Soil and Environment, 28(1), 81–87.

Shahid, M. A., Pervez, M. A., Balal, R. M., Mattson, N. S., Rashid, A., Ahmad, R., … (2011). Brassinosteroid (24-epibrassinolide) enhances growth and alleviates the deleterious effects induced by salt stress in pea (Pisum sativum L.). Australian Journal of Crop Science, 5(5), 500–510.

Shahid, M. A., Balal, R. M., Khan, N., Zotarelli, L., Liu, G. D., Sarkhosh, A., … (2019). Selenium impedes cadmium and arsenic toxicity in potato by modulating carbohydrate and nitrogen metabolism. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 180, 588–599.

Marius Šumanas | Computer Vision | Best Researcher Award

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Assist. Prof. Dr Marius Šumanas | Computer Vision | Best Researcher Award

Vilnius Tech | Lithuania

Dr. Marius Šumanas is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechatronics, Robotics, and Digital Manufacturing at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH).  His research interests encompass robotics, machine learning, and digital manufacturing. Dr. Šumanas has authored several publications, including a study on improving positioning accuracy of articulated robots using deep Q-learning algorithms. He has also participated in various conferences, presenting topics related to machine learning applications in robotics. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Šumanas has practical experience in the industry. Since 2018, he has been working as a Process Engineer and ERP Systems Business Analyst at MB Pramones algoritmas. He has also held positions in marketing and sales management in previous years. Dr. Šumanas’ work bridges the gap between theoretical research and practical application, contributing to advancements in robotics and digital manufacturing.

Profile : Orcid

Featured Publications

Andrijauskas, I., Šumanas, M., Dzedzickis, A., Tanaś, W., & Bučinskas, V. (2025). Computer vision-based optical odometry sensors: A comparative study of classical tracking methods for non-contact surface measurement. Sensors.

Šumanas, M., Treciokaite, V., Čerškus, A., Dzedzickis, A., Bučinskas, V., & Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene, I. (2022). Sitting posture monitoring using Velostat based pressure sensors matrix. In Smart Sensor Systems (pp. 1–12). Springer.

Bučinskas, V., Dzedzickis, A., Šumanas, M., Sutinys, E., Petkevicius, S., Butkiene, J., Virzonis, D., & Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene, I. (2022). Improving industrial robot positioning accuracy to the microscale using machine learning method. Machines, 10(10), 940.

Šumanas, M., Urbonis, D., Petronis, A., Stankaitis, S., Januškevičius, T., Iljin, I., & Dzedzickis, A. (2021). Evaluation of motion characteristics using absolute sensors. In Advances in Mechatronics and Intelligent Robotics (pp. 1–12). Springer.

Šumanas, M., Petronis, A., Urbonis, D., Januskevicius, T., Rasimavicius, T., Morkvenaite-Vilkonciene, I., Dzedzickis, A., & Bučinskas, V. (2021, April 22). Determination of excavator tool position using absolute sensors. In 2021 Open Conference of Electrical, Electronic and Information Sciences (eStream). IEEE.

Mehrdad Esmaeilipour | Electrical Engineering | Engineering Talent Award

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Mr. Mehrdad Esmaeilipour | Electrical Engineering | Engineering Talent Award

Arya Plasma Gostar Pars | Iran

Mehrdad Esmaeilipour is an accomplished Electronics Engineer with extensive experience in green technology, digital health, and smart systems innovation. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from Islamic Azad University, he has applied his expertise as a Senior Electronics Engineer at Arya Plasma Gostar Pars Company, leading projects in cold plasma systems, air purification, and wastewater treatment technologies. As the founder and CEO of Parsa Pardazesh Bushehr Sanat Company (PPBS Co.), he has combined technical excellence with entrepreneurial vision, fostering innovation, employment, and social impact. His research spans artificial intelligence, robotics, smart wearable devices, renewable energy systems, and electronic circuit optimization, leading to multiple patents, including a novel smart bracelet for visually impaired individuals. He has authored several books and journal articles on photovoltaic systems, electrical safety, robotics, and AI applications, contributing to both academic and industrial advancements. With conference presentations in Europe, Iran, and beyond, he has gained international recognition through numerous awards such as the Best Wearable Sensing Technology Award 2025 and the Global Recognition Award 2025. Dedicated to leveraging electronics for environmental sustainability and human welfare, Mehrdad continues to integrate research, innovation, and mentorship, shaping the future of smart systems and sustainable engineering.

Profile :  Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Esmaeilipour, M., & Zalzar, M. H. (2025). Design, construction and performance comparison of fuzzy logic controller and PID controller for two-wheel balance robot (smart sensors). Applied Mathematics on Science and Engineering, 2(1), 36–47.

Esmaeilipour, M. (2025, July). Advances and challenges in lithium-ion battery technology. In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Electrical, Mechanical, Information Technology and Computer in Engineering Sciences (Naples, Italy).

Esmaeilipour, M. (2025, May). Design of an optimal proportional-integral-derivative controller utilizing AI techniques for brushless direct current motor with phase shift. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer, Electrical, Mechanical and Engineering Science (Eindhoven, Netherlands).

Esmaeilipour, M. (2025, June). Advancements in cold plasma technology for electronic and surface sterilization applications. In Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on Science and Technology of Electrical, Computer and Mechanical Engineering (Iran).

Esmaeilipour, M. (2025, February). Design, construction and performance comparison of fuzzy logic controller and PID controller for two-wheel balance robot. In Proceedings of the 10th International Conference on Electrical Engineering, Computer, Mechanics and Artificial Intelligence (Mashhad, Iran).