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)

Aishah Alatawi | Food Systems | Editorial Board Member

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aishah Alatawi | Food Systems | Editorial Board Member

Associate Professor | University of Tabuk | Saudi Arabia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aishah Alatawi is an accomplished academic and researcher specializing in Plant Ecophysiology, Crop Science, and Environmental Remediation. Her academic journey culminated in a high-level qualification in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, which provides the foundation for her advanced research. Dr. Alatawi’s professional experience is primarily rooted in teaching and research within the biological sciences department of a major university, where she has established a robust, internationally recognized research program. Her primary research interests lie in developing sustainable strategies to enhance crop productivity and safety, focusing on the molecular and physiological mechanisms of plant tolerance to severe abiotic stresses such as heavy metal contamination, drought, and salinity. Key areas of investigation include the application of nanotechnology, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), and various biostimulants to mitigate oxidative stress and improve plant growth. Her research skills are highly developed in molecular biology techniques, gene expression analysis, plant stress physiology, and biochemical analysis of antioxidant responses. Demonstrating significant scholarly impact, Dr. Alatawi has garnered an impressive publication record with an h-index of 16 and an i10-index of 23 (as per Scilit/Google Scholar metrics), reflecting the high citation counts of her work. While specific named awards and honors are often institutionally or regionally defined, her substantial contribution to the field is internationally recognized through her high citation metrics and extensive collaborative network with researchers in multiple countries. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aishah Alatawi is a high-caliber scientist making vital contributions to food security and environmental sustainability through innovative plant stress management, and her research trajectory indicates significant future potential in applying computational and biotechnological tools to address global agricultural challenges.

Profile: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications:

Ahmad, S., Mfarrej, M. F. B., El-Esawi, M. A., Waseem, M., Alatawi, A., & Nafees, M. (2022). Chromium-resistant Staphylococcus aureus alleviates chromium toxicity by developing synergistic relationships with zinc oxide nanoparticles in wheat. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 230, 113142. (Citations: 157)

Irfan, S., & Alatawi, A. M. M. (2019). Effectiveness of sulfur and sodium hydrosulfide on heavy metal accumulation and antioxidant enzymes in Triticum aestivum L. grown in contaminated soil. Open Journal of Ecology, 9(1), 1-13. (Citations: 116)

Ali, M., Wang, X., Haroon, U., Chaudhary, H. J., Kamal, A., Ali, Q., Saleem, M. H., & Alatawi, A. (2022). Antifungal activity of Zinc nitrate derived nano Zno fungicide synthesized from Trachyspermum ammi to control fruit rot disease of grapefruit. Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 233, 113311. (Citations: 86)

Hussain, I., Afzal, S., Ashraf, M. A., Rasheed, R., Saleem, M. H., & Alatawi, A. (2023). Effect of metals or trace elements on wheat growth and its remediation in contaminated soil. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(4), 2258-2282. (Citations: 76)

Saleem, M. H., Mfarrej, M. F. B., Alatawi, A., Mumtaz, S., Imran, M., & Ashraf, M. A. (2023). Silicon Enhances Morpho–Physio–Biochemical Responses in Arsenic Stressed Spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) by Minimizing Its Uptake. Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, 42(3), 2053-2072. (Citations: 70)

Heile, A. O., Zaman, Q. U., Aslam, Z., Hussain, A., Aslam, M., Saleem, M. H., & Alatawi, A. (2021). Alleviation of cadmium phytotoxicity using silicon fertilization in wheat by altering antioxidant metabolism and osmotic adjustment. Sustainability, 13(20), 11317. (Citations: 62)

Lakhouit, A., Shaban, M., Alatawi, A., Abbas, S. Y. H., Asiri, E., & Al Juhni, T. (2023). Machine-learning approaches in geo-environmental engineering: Exploring smart solid waste management. Journal of Environmental Management, 330, 117174. (Citations: 54)

 

Leila | Food Microbiology | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Leila | Food Microbiology | Editorial Board Member

Postdoctoral | University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Leila is a highly accomplished food scientist whose professional experience is rooted in the critical areas of Food Chemistry and Analytical Toxicology. Her expertise is centered on the safety and integrity of the global food supply chain, particularly in the identification, mitigation, and risk-assessment of chemical contaminants, such as mycotoxins and pesticide residues. Her academic foundation provided her with comprehensive training, which she leveraged to engage in impactful international research projects across various continents, focusing on developing and applying advanced analytical and biosensor-based detection methodologies for food contaminants in staple crops. Her research interest is deeply focused on the intersection of analytical chemistry, public health, and global food safety regulation. Dr. Leila’s research skills include sophisticated quantitative analysis, chromatographic profiling, immunosensor development, and predictive risk modeling. As a reflection of her scientific impact, she has received an Assist. Prof. Dr. designation and has been honored with the Best Researcher Award in the field of infectious diseases/antimicrobial resistance, demonstrating her cross-disciplinary relevance. In conclusion, Dr. Leila is an innovative and critical contributor to global food safety science, whose body of work directly addresses a major public health concern through rigorous analytical methods and a commitment to international collaboration.

Profile: ORCID

Featured Publications:

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)

Wenhua Tong | Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenhua Tong | Metabolism | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor | Sichuan University of Science and Engineering | China

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenhua Tong is a distinguished researcher and academic leader specializing in flavor chemistry and fermentation engineering, with a specific focus on the metabolic pathways of microorganisms in traditional brewing processes. Serving at a prominent state key laboratory for brewing science in China, his professional experience encompasses the advanced study of microbial community dynamics and the biosynthesis of aroma compounds such as pyrazines and esters. His research interests lie in decoding the molecular mechanisms of flavor formation in Baijiu (Chinese liquor) and optimizing industrial fermentation through bioaugmentation strategies involving Bacillus and Corynebacterium species. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenhua Tong possesses advanced technical skills in HS-SPME-GC-MS, molecular docking, and multi-spectral analysis, effectively bridging the gap between traditional food processing and modern biotechnology. His contributions have been recognized through the publication of high-impact research in top-tier journals like Food Research International and LWT, establishing him as a key contributor to the field of food science. In conclusion, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wenhua Tong demonstrates exceptional potential for future leadership in green manufacturing and smart fermentation, driving innovation in the global food industry through his rigorous and impactful scientific inquiry.

Profile: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications:

Occurrence, Diversity, and Character of Bacillaceae in the Solid Fermentation Process of Strong Aromatic Liquors. (2022). [Cited by 17]

Mechanism of molecular interaction between Pyrazine flavor substances and Lysozyme: Based on spectroscopy and molecular docking studies. (2023). [Cited by 15]

Insights into the Dynamic Succession of Microbial Community and Related Factors of Vanillin Content Change Based by High-Throughput Sequencing and Daqu Quality Drivers. (2023). [Cited by 8]

Interactions of ferulic acid and ferulic acid methyl ester with endogenous proteins: Determination using the multi-methods. (2024). [Cited by 4]

Strengthening the microbial community and flavor structure of jiupei by simulating strong-aroma baijiu fermentation with Bacillus velezensis DQA21. (2024). [Cited by 1]

Spectroscopic studies on the interaction of a novel porphyrin derivative (PFP) and bovine serum albumin. (2020). [Cited by 1]