Maria Candel | Food Sector | Excellence in Research Award

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Mrs. Maria Candel | Food Sector | Excellence in Research Award

pre-doctoral researcher | University of Cadiz | Spain

Mrs. Maria Candel is a dedicated Pre-doctoral Researcher with a strong foundational background in molecular genetics and biotechnology, currently focusing on Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Food Systems. Her professional experience centers on resource recovery from food-related waste streams, specifically the anaerobic co-digestion of slaughterhouse sludge and wastewater to enhance biomethane production for a circular economy approach. Her key research interest lies in optimizing the conditions of this critical bioprocess, demonstrating a superior biomethane yield under thermophilic (55 °C) conditions compared to mesophilic conditions. Her research skills encompass complex laboratory-scale experimentation, bioprocess optimization, data analysis, and bibliometric analysis to identify research trends and gaps in waste management technologies, as evidenced by a comparative study on biomethane from pig slurry and slaughterhouse wastewater. While her profile is still early-career, her impactful publication on the effect of temperature on anaerobic digestion (in Recycling journal) signals significant future potential in bioenergy research.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications:

Candel, M., Ballesteros, L., Fernandez-Rodriguez, J., Perez, M., & Solera, R. (2025). Study of the Effect of Temperature to Optimize the Anaerobic Digestion of Slaughterhouse Sludge by Co-Digestion with Slaughterhouse Wastewater. Recycling, 10(2), 47.

Candel, M., Fernández-Rodríguez, J., Solera, R., & Perez, M. (2025). Comparative Bibliometric Analysis of Biomethane Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Pig Slurry and Slaughterhouse Wastewater: Research Trends and Gaps.

Ebenezer Olaniyi | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Ebenezer Olaniyi | Food Quality | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant | University of Georgia | United States 

Mr. Ebenezer Olaniyi is a distinguished researcher whose profile spans Food Science and Technology and Electrical/Electronic Engineering, with a core focus on developing intelligent systems for non-destructive quality assessment. His educational background includes advanced degrees in his technical field. His professional experience includes roles as a Lecturer in engineering and his current capacity as a Graduate Research Assistant, contributing to cutting-edge food safety projects. Mr. Olaniyi’s primary research interest lies in applying Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Computer Vision for solving real-world challenges in the food industry, such as rapid and objective evaluation of meat quality (e.g., white striping and microbial spoilage) and the grading of agricultural products like sweet potatoes and bananas. His specific research skills encompass advanced techniques like Structured Illumination Reflectance Imaging (SIRI), Pattern Recognition, Deep Learning, and Neural Networks for feature extraction and classification. The available information, while comprehensive on his research output, does not list specific formal awards or honors at this time. In conclusion, Mr. Olaniyi is an interdisciplinary scholar positioned to make transformative contributions to the efficiency and safety of global food production through his innovative application of machine vision systems.

Profile: Google scholar | ORCID

Featured Publications:

Lu, Y., Chen, D., Olaniyi, E. O., & Huang, Y. (2022). Generative adversarial networks (GANs) for image augmentation in agriculture: A systematic review. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 200, 107208. (Citations: 344)

Olaniyi, E. O., Oyedotun, O. K., & Adnan, K. (2015). Heart diseases diagnosis using neural networks arbitration. International Journal of Intelligent Systems and Applications, 7(12), 72. (Citations: 230)

Olaniyi, E. O., Khashman, A. (2014). Onset diabetes diagnosis using artificial neural network. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 5(10), 754-759. (Citations: 90)

Olaniyi, E. O., Adekunle, A. A., Odekuoye, T., & Khashman, A. (2017). Automatic system for grading banana using GLCM texture feature extraction and neural network arbitrations. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 40(6), e12575. (Citations: 60)

Olaniyi, E. O., Oyedotun, O. K., & Khashman, A. (2017). Intelligent grading system for banana fruit using neural network arbitration. Journal of Food Process Engineering, 40(1), e12335. (Citations: 59)

Ozerdem, O. C., Olaniyi, E. O., & Oyedotun, O. K. (2017). Short term load forecasting using particle swarm optimization neural network. Procedia Computer Science, 120, 382-393. (Citations: 53)

Sugandh Arora | Food security | Editorial Board Member

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Sugandh Arora | Food security | Editorial Board Member

Assistant Professor | Ajeenkya DY Patil University | India

Assist. Prof. Dr. Sugandh Arora is a distinguished academician and researcher whose professional journey includes extensive experience in academia, serving as an Assistant Professor in a School of Management and holding prior roles as a financial advisor in the finance industry and as a faculty member at top universities. She completed her doctoral research at the Mittal School of Business and has an academic career spanning several years. Her research interest is primarily concentrated in the interdisciplinary areas of household food security, agricultural economics, international trade, vulnerability, maternal health, and national food security reforms, including the integration of modern technologies like blockchain in the food system. Her research skills are evidenced by her competency in rigorous quantitative analysis, conceptual framework development, systematic reviews, and expertise in data analysis tools like SPSS. She has significantly contributed to her field through numerous publications in reputed journals, including those indexed in Scopus. Her awards and honors include receiving the Best Paper Award at a national conference and securing two copyrights from the Government of India. Furthermore, she has been recognized with international exposure through engagements in Poland and Indonesia, reflecting her global research relevance. In conclusion, Assist. Prof. Dr. Sugandh Arora has established herself as a valuable and globally engaged scholar dedicated to addressing critical issues in economic policy and food security, with a strong commitment to impactful research and academic excellence.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications:

Arora, S., Oberoi, S., Nabi, T., & Verma, B. (2024). How does blockchain impact sustainable food security? Insights from literature review. International Journal of Information Management Data Insights, 4(2), 100276. (16 Citations)

Arora, S., & Nabi, T. (2022). Blockchain adoption in banking systems: A boon or bane? Applications, challenges, and opportunities of blockchain technology in …. (14 Citations)

Oberoi, S., Arora, S., Verma, B., & Roy, K. K. (2024). What do we know about artificial intelligence and blockchain technology integration in the healthcare industry? Driving decentralization and disruption with digital technologies, 124–138. (12 Citations)

Arora, S., & Nabi, T. (2022). Determinants affecting household food security in India: A critical review. International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, 15(2–4), 317–330. (11 Citations)

Verma, B., Bhardwaj, M., Arora, S., & Oberoi, S. (2025). Unveiling the impact of remittances on productive efficiencies: Investigating productivity growth of prominent remittance-receiving developing nations. International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 74(4). (4 Citations)

Arora, S., Nabi, T., & Bhardwaj, M. (2023). Blockchain technology: A double-edged sword when it comes to sustainable food security. The Empirical Economics Letters, 22, 67–88. (4 Citations)

Arora, S., Nabi, T., Oberoi, S., & Awasthi, V. (2024). Prevalence of household food security and health-related quality of life: Special consideration on the expectant mothers in Punjab. The Indian Economic Journal, 72(3), 540–553. (2 Citations)

Louiza HIMED | films | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Louiza HIMED | films | Best Researcher Award

teacher researcher, Laboratoire BIOQUAL INATAA, université frères mentouri Constantine1,Algeria

Dr. Louiza Himed is a distinguished researcher and academic, currently serving as Maître de Conférences « A » and Maître de Recherche « A » at the Université Frères Mentouri-Constantine 1 in Algeria. Born on November 23, 1983, in Sidi-Aich, Béjaia, she has dedicated her career to advancing the field of food sciences, with a particular focus on natural food preservation and essential oils. Dr. Himed’s impactful research has been widely recognized, with publications in international journals exploring the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of citrus essential oils. Her innovative work combines applied science and industry relevance, addressing challenges in food safety and sustainability. Beyond her research, she is committed to teaching and mentoring, fostering the next generation of food scientists. Her dedication, expertise, and contributions make her a leader in her field and an asset to the scientific community.

Profile

Google Scholar

Education 

Dr. Louiza Himed’s academic journey is rooted in her passion for food sciences. She earned her Baccalauréat in Natural and Life Sciences from Lycée Taoues Amrouche in Béjaia in 2002. She pursued her higher education at the Université Frères Mentouri-Constantine 1 (UFMC), obtaining an Ingénieur d’État degree in Nutrition, Food, and Agro-Food Technologies in 2007. Building on her foundation, she completed her Magister in Food Sciences, specializing in Food Technology, in 2011. Driven by her commitment to research and innovation, Dr. Himed earned her Doctorate in Food Sciences in 2018, focusing on the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of natural food components. In 2020, she achieved her Habilitation Universitaire, marking her as a recognized authority in her field. Her comprehensive education and academic milestones have established her as an expert and leader in food sciences, emphasizing applied research and real-world solutions.

Research Focus 

Dr. Louiza Himed’s research primarily focuses on the utilization of natural compounds for food preservation, with a particular emphasis on the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of essential oils. Her work explores innovative applications of essential oils, such as those extracted from Citrus limon, in enhancing the shelf life of food products, reducing reliance on synthetic preservatives, and improving overall food safety. She also investigates the encapsulation of bioactive compounds, such as essential oils in amorphous SiO₂, to improve their stability and functionality. Dr. Himed’s research bridges the gap between fundamental science and practical applications, addressing pressing issues in the agro-food industry, such as spoilage, oxidative damage, and microbial contamination. By integrating advanced analytical techniques and sustainable approaches, her work contributes significantly to the development of natural, eco-friendly solutions for the food sector, reflecting her dedication to health, innovation, and sustainability.

Publications 

  1. 🧪 Antioxidant activity of the essential oil of Citrus limon before and after its encapsulation in amorphous SiO2
  2. 🍋 Chemical composition of Citrus limon (Eureka variety) essential oil and evaluation of its antioxidant and antibacterial activities
  3. 🧈 Élaboration d’une nouvelle margarine additionnée des huiles essentielles de Citrus limon
  4. 🍊 Evaluation of the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Citrus limon essential oil and its application in margarine preservation
  5. 🧴 Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Peel Essential Oils and their Application as a Natural Preservative in Fresh Cream
  6. 🧪 Evaluation des activités antioxydante et antibactérienne de l’huile essentielle de Citrus limon (variété Lisbon)
  7. 🧬 Complexation of cyclohexadiene tricarbonyl iron with imidazolidine-2-thione: Crystal structural and antimicrobial activity studies
  8. 🍊 Étude de l’activité antimicrobienne de l’huile essentielle extraite des écorces de Citrus reticulate
  9. 🌱 Evaluation de l’activité antioxydante des huiles essentielles de Citrus limon: application à la margarine
  10. 🍋 Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oils Extracted from the Peel of Citrus Limon and That of Tocoblend
  11. 🍅 PRESERVATION DU CONCENTRE DE TOMATE PAR UN AGENT ANTIFONGIQUE (HUILE ESSENTIELLE DU CITRON)
  12. 🌱 LIGHTENING MARGARINE WITH A NATURAL ANTIOXIDANT: ESSENTIAL OIL ENCAPSULATED IN AMORPHOUS SiO2
  13. 🍅 Preservation of the tomato concentrate by an antifungal agent (lemon essential oil)
  14. 🧪 Labeling of 2-aminothiazole with a cyclohexadiene iron unit tricarbonyl: Structural and antibacterial activity study
  15. 🌿 Évaluation des activités biologiques des huiles essentielles du citron (Citrus limon)
  16. ⚛️ Structure des complexes métallocarbonyles à base de tungstène
  17. 🍋 Optimization of Pectin Extraction from Lemon Peels Using Hydrochloric Acid and Response Surface Methodology
  18. 🍊 Composés bioactifs dans Nutrition & Santé (Citrus reticulata)