Ali Bedii Candas | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Dr. Ali Bedii Candas | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Head of Contracts | YDA Group | Turkey 

Dr. Candaş Ali Bedii is a researcher at the Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, Turkey, specializing in construction engineering, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. His work focuses on the application of machine learning and natural language processing to enhance automation and decision-making in construction contract management. He has authored 2 Scopus-indexed publications, which have collectively received 48 citations, with an h-index of 2, indicating the academic relevance and influence of his research. His scholarly contributions highlight the use of multilabel text classification to streamline coordination and review processes in complex construction projects. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, he integrates engineering knowledge with intelligent computational methods. His research supports more efficient, transparent, and reliable project delivery, contributing to reduced contractual disputes and improved risk management, thereby offering meaningful societal and industrial impact.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

48
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48

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2

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2

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Featured Publications


Automated Identification of Vagueness in the FIDIC Silver Book Conditions of Contract


– Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 2022

Chengbiao Tong | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Mr. Chengbiao Tong | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Professor | Hunan Agricultural University | China

Dr. Chengbiao Tong is a researcher at Hunan Agricultural University specializing in intelligent aquaculture, computer vision, and deep-learning-based environmental monitoring. He has contributed a growing body of scientific work, with publications advancing automated recognition systems, image-based analysis, and smart farming technologies. His research has accumulated meaningful citations and demonstrates increasing visibility within the agricultural technology community. Dr. Tong actively collaborates with multidisciplinary teams and co-authors, supporting innovation at the intersection of artificial intelligence and modern aquaculture. His work on YOLO-based detection models, including applications for fish health monitoring, contributes to improving sustainability, efficiency, and early-warning capabilities in aquatic farming systems. Through his research, he promotes data-driven decision-making and enhances the technological transformation of agriculture.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

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Featured Publications

Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Head of Department | Walter Sisulu University | South Africa

Prof. Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama is a South African Associate Professor and registered Quantity Surveyor (SACPCMP-A426/2014 & SACQSP-IT6878) with a distinguished academic and professional trajectory in construction management, dispute resolution, and sustainable infrastructure delivery. She earned her Ph.D. in Quantity Surveying from the University of Johannesburg in 2021, following a Master’s in Construction Management (2016, Distinction) and a B-Tech in Quantity Surveying (2013) from the same institution, demonstrating a consistent record of academic excellence. Professionally, Dr. Mashwama has engaged in extensive research projects locally and internationally, including JSPS-SA Bilateral and Thuthuka Fund initiatives, contributing significantly to improving service delivery, occupational health and safety, and minimizing construction disputes in Southern Africa. Her research interests encompass construction dispute resolution, public-private partnerships, cost of poor quality, stakeholder management, and sustainable construction practices. She possesses advanced research skills in project evaluation, stakeholder analysis, alternative dispute resolution, occupational health and safety assessment, and infrastructure service delivery analysis. Dr. Mashwama has published over 32 high-quality documents in reputed international journals and conference proceedings, including Springer, IEOM, Procedia Engineering, and Scopus-indexed outlets, presenting her work in global forums across the USA, UK, Europe, and Africa. She has demonstrated leadership through mentorship, community engagement, and active participation in professional bodies such as SACQSP, SACPCMP, IEEE, and Thuthuka-funded initiatives. Her awards and honors include competitive research grants such as the African Research Funding Accelerator and Future Professor Programme, reflecting her scholarly impact and professional recognition. Through her sustained contributions to research, education, and professional practice, Dr. Mashwama is positioned to lead high-impact, internationally recognized projects in construction management, sustainable infrastructure, and stakeholder-driven research, fostering knowledge transfer and innovation in the built environment globally. Her academic influence is supported by 106 citations across 32 documents, with an h-index of 5.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

  1. Mashwama, N. X., & Madubela, B. (2025). Harnessing technology and research innovations for sustainable educational development in Southern Africa. E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 2025, Article 647.

  2. Mashwama, N. X. (2025). Innovations in pedagogy and technology for engineering education: A systematic review. Interdisciplinary Journal of Education Research, 7(S1), Article 10.

  3. Mashwama, N. X., & Thwala, D. W. (2025). Educational institutions as catalysts for economic growth in South Africa. E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, 2025, Article 643.

  4. Mashwama, N. X., Dywili, S., Phaladi, G., & Aigbavboa, C. (2023). The learning curve and benefit of artificial intelligence for the built environment. In Human Interaction & Emerging Technologies (IHIET 2023): Artificial Intelligence & Future Applications (pp. 31).

  5. Mashwama, N. X. (2022). A theoretical assessment of causes for deferred maintenance of public buildings in developing countries: The Kingdom of Eswatini. In 12th International Conference on Construction in the 21st Century (pp. 16–19).

Danica Babic | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Danica Babic | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

University of Belgrade, Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering, Serbia

Prof. Dr. Danica Babić is an esteemed expert in air transport and traffic engineering, with extensive academic, research, and consultancy experience. She specializes in airline planning, transportation networks, and air passenger demand forecasting. With over 50 published papers in leading scientific journals and conference proceedings, she has made significant contributions to the field. Dr. Babić has been actively involved in international research projects, including FP7 and Horizon 2020, and has participated in numerous conferences and workshops worldwide. Her expertise extends to consulting in airport planning, network recovery, and aviation operations. She is also a program committee member of TRANSCODE and has delivered lectures on AI in aviation at global forums.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Babić earned her Ph.D. in Engineering (Air Transportation) from the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering (UB-FTTE) in 2015, with a dissertation focused on network structure and airline scheduling optimization. Prior to that, she completed her Master’s degree in 2009 and a Bachelor’s degree in 2005, both in Air Transport Engineering from UB-FTTE. She has also participated in specialized training programs and workshops, including courses on air transport economics, risk analysis, and multimodal transport organized by leading institutions like EUROCONTROL and SESAR JU.

Professional Experience

Dr. Babić has been a faculty member at the University of Belgrade – Faculty of Transport and Traffic Engineering since 2005, holding positions ranging from Teaching Assistant to her current role as an Associate Professor. She has contributed to major research initiatives, including the European Commission-funded FP7 TRANSTOOLS 3 project and the Horizon 2020 SYN+AIR project. In addition to academia, she has served as a consultant on projects related to airline schedule optimization, airport design, and aviation demand modeling. Notably, she was involved in the sustainability study for Airport Konstantin Veliki in Niš and the technical documentation for the Pljevlja Airport and Heliport project.

Research Interests

Dr. Danica Babić’s research primarily focuses on air transport planning and optimization, with a particular emphasis on airline scheduling, airport operations, and aviation demand forecasting. She explores the complexities of airline network structures, flight scheduling efficiency, and multimodal transportation integration. Her work contributes to enhancing operational resilience in the aviation industry, optimizing passenger and cargo transport flows, and improving decision-making in air transport systems. Additionally, she is deeply involved in data-driven analysis and AI applications in aviation, leveraging machine learning and advanced statistical modeling to predict air travel demand, assess airline performance, and optimize network recovery strategies. Her research extends to the role of artificial intelligence in air traffic management, disruption management, and capacity planning. Dr. Babić is also engaged in sustainability and environmental impact assessment within aviation, working on projects related to emissions reduction, green airport initiatives, and the integration of alternative fuels to support eco-friendly air transport development.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Danica Babić has received numerous academic and professional recognitions for her contributions to the field of air transport and traffic engineering. She has been honored by the University of Belgrade for her excellence in research and teaching, recognizing her significant role in advancing aviation studies. Her doctoral thesis on “Network Structure and Airline Scheduling Optimization” was highly regarded and contributed to innovations in airline operations. She has also been recognized by international organizations for her contributions to aviation research, including her involvement in prestigious EU-funded projects like FP7 Transtools 3 and Horizon 2020 SYN+AIR. As a program committee member of the International Conference on Science and Development of Transport (TRANSCODE), she has played a key role in shaping aviation research discussions.

Conclusion

Prof. Dr. Danica Babić is a highly qualified and accomplished researcher in air transport and traffic engineering. Her extensive research publications, EU project contributions, consultancy experience, and academic leadership make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Strengthening her global collaborations, leading independent research initiatives, and acquiring additional international recognitions would further enhance her qualifications.

Overall, she is a highly deserving nominee with impactful research in transportation and aviation. 🚀

Publications Top Noted

  1. Market share modeling in airline industry: An emerging market economies application
    • Authors: D. Babić, J. Kuljanin, M. Kalić
    • Year: 2014
    • Citations: 27
  2. Modeling the selection of airline network structure in a competitive environment
    • Authors: D. Babić, M. Kalić
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 22
  3. Integrated door-to-door transport services for air passengers: From intermodality to multimodality
    • Authors: D. Babić, M. Kalić, M. Janić, S. Dožić, K. Kukić
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 20
  4. Airport Access Mode Choice: Analysis of Passengers’ Behavior in European Countries
    • Authors: A. Colovic, S.G. Pilone, K. Kukić, M. Kalić, S. Dožić, D. Babić, M. Ottomanelli
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 13
  5. The airline schedule optimization model: Validation and sensitivity analysis
    • Authors: O. Babić, M. Kalić, D. Babić, S. Dožić
    • Year: 2011
    • Citations: 11
  6. An AHP approach to airport choice by freight forwarder
    • Authors: S. Dožić, D. Babić, M. Kalić, S. Živojinović
    • Year: 2023
    • Citations: 9
  7. Airline route network expansion: Modelling the benefits of slot purchases
    • Authors: D. Babić, M. Kalić
    • Year: 2012
    • Citations: 9
  8. Recent trends in assessment of proposed consolidations in EU airline industry – From discretion to arbitrariness
    • Authors: D. Pavlović, D. Babić
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 8
  9. IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE AVIATION INDUSTRY: An overview of global and some local effects
    • Authors: M. Kalić, D. Babić, S. Dožić, J. Kuljanin, N. Mijović
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 6
  10. Predicting air travel demand using soft computing: Belgrade airport case study
  • Authors: M. Kalić, S. Dožić, D. Babić
  • Year: 2012
  • Citations: 6
  1. Efikasnost aviokompanija u Evropskoj uniji: Primena AHP i DEA metoda
  • Authors: S. Dožić, D. Babić
  • Year: 2015
  • Citations: 4
  1. Modelling the estimation of the airline profit in case of purchasing new slots for increasing flight frequency
  • Authors: D. Babić, M. Kalić
  • Year: 2011
  • Citations: 4
  1. Introduction to the air transport system
  • Authors: M. Kalić, S. Dožić, D. Babić
  • Year: 2022
  • Citations: 3

Daniel Mmereki | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Daniel Mmereki | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Research Coordinator at University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

Daniel Mmereki is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Public Health in Johannesburg, South Africa, with an academic background rooted in environmental science and exposure science. He holds a PhD in Engineering (Exposure Science) from Chongqing University, China, and an MSc in Environmental Science from the University of Botswana. Daniel has garnered considerable international recognition, as evidenced by his NRF C2 rating, and has experience working across several countries, including Botswana, China, Vietnam, and South Africa. His work bridges multiple disciplines, integrating environmental science, public health, and advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning. Daniel is passionate about addressing global challenges, particularly those related to environmental health and public health. His expertise includes environmental exposure assessments, statistical methods, research project management, and postgraduate student supervision.

Professional Profile

Education

Daniel Mmereki’s academic journey is distinguished by degrees and training in environmental science and exposure science. He earned his PhD in Engineering (Exposure Science) from Chongqing University in China, a program that allowed him to gain expertise in assessing environmental exposures and their implications on public health. Prior to his PhD, he completed his MSc in Environmental Science and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, both at the University of Botswana. His education is complemented by additional specialized training in statistical analysis, research project management, and machine learning. These qualifications equip him with a multidisciplinary approach to tackling complex research challenges. Throughout his academic career, Daniel has been committed to gaining in-depth knowledge and improving his technical skills in environmental and public health research.

Professional Experience

Daniel has accumulated extensive professional experience in academic and research settings, both in South Africa and internationally. As a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Public Health in Johannesburg, he is involved in advanced public health research, focusing on environmental exposures and their impact on human health. His earlier work includes conducting research across Botswana, China, and Vietnam, where he applied his expertise in exposure science to a variety of environmental challenges. Additionally, Daniel has supervised postgraduate students, contributing to the academic development of emerging researchers. His professional experience also includes training in specialized areas such as project budgeting, writing research proposals, and applying statistical methods using software like STATA, STATISTICA, and SPSS. These roles have honed his skills in research leadership, project management, and mentorship.

Research Interests

Daniel Mmereki’s research interests lie at the intersection of environmental science, exposure science, and public health. He focuses on understanding the environmental factors that influence human health, particularly in the context of global environmental changes. His work involves assessing exposure to environmental pollutants and their health effects, with a special interest in how these factors contribute to chronic diseases. Daniel’s recent interests also include exploring the application of machine learning and AI techniques in public health research, aiming to identify patterns and trends in environmental health data. He is particularly passionate about addressing global public health challenges through data-driven approaches and interdisciplinary solutions. His research contributes to a better understanding of environmental health risks and aims to inform policy and public health strategies aimed at reducing these risks.

Awards and Honors

Daniel Mmereki has been recognized for his significant contributions to environmental science and public health research. His notable recognition includes the NRF C2 rating, which signifies considerable international recognition for his research impact and influence. This prestigious rating is a testament to his contributions to the field, particularly in the areas of exposure science and environmental health. Daniel has also received various honors and awards throughout his academic and professional career for his innovative research projects and academic leadership. His ability to merge advanced statistical methods with environmental science has positioned him as a respected researcher in his field. As he continues his career, Daniel’s work is expected to inspire further recognition for its global impact on public health and environmental policy.

Conclusion

Daniel Mmereki has a solid academic and research foundation with significant international experience and recognition in his field. His achievements in environmental science, exposure science, and public health demonstrate his capability for the Best Researcher Award. However, to further solidify his candidacy, he could focus on enhancing the public health impact of his work, increasing his publication presence, and applying machine learning in novel ways within his research areas. Overall, he has the potential to be a standout researcher with further refinement of these aspects.

Publications Top Noted

  • Bladder cancer: a retrospective audit at a single radiation oncology unit of an academic hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa
    📝 Authors: Oliver, T., Ramiah, D., Mmereki, D., Hugo, M., Ayeni, O.A.
    📅 Year: 2024
    📚 Citations: 0
  • Phthalates on indoor surfaces and associated exposure via surface touch behavior: Observation in university dormitories and its implications
    📝 Authors: Yuan, F., Sun, Y., Li, N., Xu, Y., Bu, Z.
    📅 Year: 2024
    📚 Citations: 0
  • The management and prevention of food losses and waste in low- and middle-income countries: A mini-review in the Africa region
    📝 Authors: Mmereki, D., David, V.E., Wreh Brownell, A.H.
    📅 Year: 2024
    📚 Citations: 6
  • Reducing children’s exposure to di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in homes and kindergartens in China: Impact on lifetime cancer risks and burden of disease
    📝 Authors: Tao, D., Sun, W., Mo, D., Dong, C., Bu, Z.
    📅 Year: 2024
    📚 Citations: 1
  • Status of health care waste management plans and practices in public health care facilities in Gauteng Province, South Africa
    📝 Authors: Ramodipa, T., Engelbrecht, K., Mokgobu, I., Mmereki, D.
    📅 Year: 2023
    📚 Citations: 1
  • Application of Innovative Materials and Methods in Green Buildings and Associated Occupational Exposure and Health of Construction Workers: A Systematic Literature Review
    📝 Authors: Mmereki, D., Brouwer, D.
    📅 Year: 2022
    📚 Citations: 1
  • Waste-to-energy in a developing country: The state of landfill gas to energy in the Republic of South Africa
    📝 Authors: Mbazima, S.J., Masekameni, M.D., Mmereki, D.
    📅 Year: 2022
    📚 Citations: 14
  • Exposure to phthalates in the sleeping microenvironment of university dormitories: A preliminary estimate based on skin wipe and dust sampling
    📝 Authors: Yao, J., Hu, M., Yuan, F., Zheng, Y., Bu, Z.
    📅 Year: 2022
    📚 Citations: 8
  • Modeled exposure to phthalates via inhalation and dermal pathway in children’s sleeping environment: A preliminary study and its implications
    📝 Authors: Bu, Z., Dong, C., Mmereki, D., Ye, Y., Cheng, Z.
    📅 Year: 2021
    📚 Citations: 13
  • Phthalates in Chinese vehicular environments: Source emissions, concentrations, and human exposure
    📝 Authors: Bu, Z., Hu, M., Yuan, F., Cao, J., Zheng, Y.
    📅 Year: 2021
    📚 Citations: 8