Yao Ni | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Dr. Yao Ni | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Researcher | Guangdong University of Technology | China

Dr. Ni Yao is a distinguished researcher at the Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China, widely recognized for his contributions to advanced materials, neuromorphic engineering, and intelligent sensing–processing systems. With an interdisciplinary focus spanning materials science, flexible electronics, artificial intelligence hardware, and intelligent control mechanisms, his research advances next-generation photonic synaptic transistors, in-sensor reservoir computing architectures, and flexible neuromorphic devices capable of multidimensional shape morphing. Dr. Yao has authored 65 peer-reviewed publications, achieved 1,679 citations, and maintains an h-index of 23, reflecting the depth, continuity, and global influence of his scholarly work. His recent high-impact contributions include crystallized conjugated polymer-based photonic synaptic transistors, paper-based perovskite artificial neuromorphic retinas, free shape-morphing neuromorphic devices published in Nature Communications, as well as novel methodologies for industrial control deadlock avoidance, frequency-aware transformers for pipeline leak detection, and symmetric optimization models for delivery duration forecasting. Engaging in collaborations with over 160 co-authors, Dr. Yao actively contributes to multidisciplinary research communities, promoting scientific advancement across materials innovation, industrial automation, computational sensing, and AI-driven systems engineering. His work delivers broad societal impact by enabling energy-efficient intelligent devices, enhancing autonomous perception capabilities, and driving innovations that support safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced industrial ecosystems. Through continuous innovation, rigorous scholarship, and extensive international collaboration, Dr. Ni Yao remains at the forefront of shaping future directions in intelligent materials, neuromorphic computing, and integrated sensing technologies.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Wei, H., Yang, J., Fu, C., Li, Z., Ni, Y., Wang, B., He, B., Jiang, S., & He, G. (2025). ALD-driven ultra-thin ZnO channels for flexible electrolytic neuromorphic devices. IEEE Electron Device Letters.

2. Ni, Y., Zhang, Y., Lin, J., Liu, X., Yu, Y., Liu, L., Zhong, W., Chen, Y., Chen, R., Kwok, H. S., et al. (2025). Transistor-structured artificial dendrites for spatiotemporally correlated reservoir computing. IEEE Electron Device Letters.

3. Guan, X., Wu, W., & Ni, Y. (2025). A novel methodology to deadlock analysis and avoidance for automatic control systems based on Petri Net. Processes, 13(10).

4. Chen, M., Lu, Y., Wu, W., Ye, Y., Wei, B., & Ni, Y. (2025). Multi-scale frequency-aware transformer for pipeline leak detection using acoustic signals. Sensors, 25(20).

5. Ji, Z., Liu, J., He, Y., Yang, H., Zhang, L., Guan, S., Ni, Y., & Wu, T. (2025). Stretchable synaptic device with photonic–electric dual mode for sign language recognition. Advanced Materials Technologies

Farouk Zouari | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

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Assist. Prof. Dr. Farouk Zouari | Engineering | Editorial Board Member

Ecole Nationale d’Ingénieurs de Tunis | Tunisia

Dr. Farouk Zouari is a distinguished researcher at Université de Tunis El Manar, Tunisia, known for his significant contributions to control systems engineering and intelligent autonomous technologies. His research encompasses neural network–based adaptive control, nonlinear optimal control, MIMO systems, time-varying delay systems, and finite-time fuzzy synchronization of fractional-order and chaotic systems, with a strong focus on bridging theoretical advancements and real-world applications in automation, robotics, and intelligent transportation. Over his career, Dr. Zouari has produced 37 peer-reviewed publications and established a solid scholarly presence supported by 735 citations and an h-index of 17, indicating substantial impact and sustained relevance in his field. His recent works spanning robust adaptive output feedback control for time-delay MIMO systems, optimal control strategies for multi-axle autonomous vehicles, and chattering-free synchronization methods demonstrate his commitment to addressing emerging engineering challenges. With collaborations involving 30 co-authors, Dr. Zouari actively contributes to interdisciplinary progress, fostering innovation across global research communities. His work continues to support the advancement of intelligent control methodologies and their integration into next-generation dynamic and autonomous systems, contributing to both technological development and societal benefit.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

1. Zouari, F., Ibeas, A., Boulkroune, A., Cao, J., & Arefi, M. M. (2018). Adaptive neural output-feedback control for nonstrict-feedback time-delay fractional-order systems with output constraints and actuator nonlinearities. Neural Networks, 105, 256–276. Cited by: 82

2. Zouari, F., Ibeas, A., Boulkroune, A., Cao, J., & Arefi, M. M. (2021). Neural network controller design for fractional-order systems with input nonlinearities and asymmetric time-varying pseudo-state constraints. Chaos, Solitons & Fractals, 144, Article 110742. Cited by: 65

3. Boubellouta, A., Zouari, F., & Boulkroune, A. (2019). Intelligent fuzzy controller for chaos synchronization of uncertain fractional-order chaotic systems with input nonlinearities. International Journal of General Systems, 48(3), 211–234. Cited by: 65

4. Zouari, F., Boulkroune, A., & Ibeas, A. (2017). Neural adaptive quantized output-feedback control-based synchronization of uncertain time-delay incommensurate fractional-order chaotic systems with input nonlinearities. Neurocomputing, 237, 200–225. Cited by: 64

5. Zouari, F., Ibeas, A., Boulkroune, A., Cao, J., & Arefi, M. M. (2019). Neuro-adaptive tracking control of non-integer order systems with input nonlinearities and time-varying output constraints. Information Sciences, 485, 170–199. Cited by: 56

Izhar Ahmed | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

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Mr. Izhar Ahmed | Engineering | Research Excellence Award

Institute of geology and Geophysics, CAS | China

Mr. Izhar Ahmed is a geoscientist at the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China, specializing in geomechanics, fault zone characterization, and tectonic processes. His research focuses on understanding the mechanical behavior of fault damage zones, particularly in the active Himalayas of Northern Pakistan, providing critical insights into rock strength, seismic hazards, and earthquake risk mitigation. To date, he has authored six peer-reviewed publications, which have garnered 36 citations, reflecting the significance of his contributions in Earth sciences. Dr. Ahmed has collaborated with 19 international researchers, fostering interdisciplinary studies that integrate field investigations, laboratory analyses, and computational modeling. His work has practical implications for infrastructure safety, natural hazard assessment, and geotechnical engineering in seismically active regions. Through rigorous research and global collaborations, Dr. Ahmed continues to advance knowledge in geomechanics and tectonics, demonstrating both scientific excellence and societal relevance in addressing complex geological challenges.

Citation Metrics (Scopus)

36

25

15

5

0

Citations

36

Documents

6

h-index

3

Citations

Documents

h-index

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Featured Publications

Nokulunga Xolile Mashwama | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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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).