Kunpeng Zhang – Evolutionary Computing – Best Researcher Award

Kunpeng Zhang – Evolutionary Computing – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kunpeng zhang distinguished academic and researcher in the field Evolutionary computing. Dr. Kunpeng Zhang is a highly accomplished researcher with significant contributions to the field of multimedia
tools, applications, and intelligent vehicle technologies. He has co-authored numerous influential papers,
particularly in areas like defect detection on vehicle paint, multi-object tracking, and feature selection optimization.
Dr. Zhang’s work often involves advanced algorithms such as MobileNet-SSD, APF-ACO, and IBGJO,
showcasing his expertise in improving computational efficiency and accuracy in real-world applications. His
research is well-cited, reflecting the impact of his contributions to the academic community.

🌐 Professional Profile

Educations📚📚📚

He has a comprehensive educational background, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Application Technology at the School of Computer Science and Technology, Jilin University, Changchun, since September 2018. Prior to this, he completed a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, between September 2015 and June 2018. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Network Engineering from the same institution, earned between September 2011 and June 2015. Additionally, he completed a Bachelor’s in Engineering Management with a focus on International Engineering Management from the School of Economics and Management, Jilin Jianzhu University, Changchun, during the same period.

Research Experience:

  • Significant contributions to the field of multimedia tools, applications, and intelligent vehicle technologies.
  • Co-authored numerous influential papers, particularly in areas like defect detection on vehicle paint, multi-object tracking, and feature selection optimization.

Research Output and Impact:

  • Published 13 journals in SCI and SCIE index and 7 in other indexed journals.
  • Citation index of 107 and an H-index of 13, indicating a substantial impact in the research community.
  • Cumulative impact factor of 43.4 over the last three years.

Innovations:

  • Development of advanced algorithms such as MobileNet-SSD, APF-ACO, and IBGJO.
  • Focus on improving computational efficiency and accuracy in real-world applications.

Projects and Collaborations:

  • Completed and ongoing involvement in 13 research projects.
  • Engaged in 7 consultancy and industry-sponsored projects.
  • Involvement in 3 collaborative research activities.

Recognition and Professional Engagement:

  • Editorial appointments in 2 journals/conferences.
  • Actively collaborates across disciplines, bridging the gap between theoretical advancements and industry needs.
  • Given Dr. Zhang’s significant research contributions, impactful publications, innovative work in algorithm development, and active engagement in the academic and industrial community, she is well-positioned as a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi- Graph Partitioning – Best Researcher Award

Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi- Graph Partitioning – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi  distinguished academic and researcher in the field Graph Partitioning. He is interested in projects contributing to well-being (e.g., technology-enabled interventions for destigmatizing assistive products), improving spatial experiences in hospitals, and developing tools and methods for researching behavioral factors in the contexts of Medical Design, healthcare, and everyday life.

Mohsen has served as a reviewer for several journals (e.g., Cogent Medicine, Cogent Education, Cogent Psychology, and Cogent Social Science) and conferences (e.g., IEEE ISTAS21 Conference). He has experience working with designers, and educational practitioners and collaborated with researchers in Canada, Europe, and Iran.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

Mohsen Rasoulivalajoozi is currently a doctoral researcher working on Health Design Thinking for medical and assistive products at the Department of Individualized Program (INDI), Concordia University, Canada. Mohsen received his bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication from the Art University of Tehran, Iran, in 2010. He received a master’s degree in Industrial Design from the University of Tehran (UT) in 2013. He worked as a lecturer at Art University and the University of Tehran between 2014 and 2017. Also, He collaborated as an Editor (In the area of Ergonomics) with Cambridge Scholar Publishing- Oxford-the UK (2016-2020). From 2019 to 2021, he collaborated with the industrial design department at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), the Netherlands. In 2020, Mohsen was granted the Excellence Doctoral Fellowship Award from Concordia University.

Conference publications

He has contributed significantly to the field of technology and management through his conference publications. In 2020, Kheyrkhahan and Rasoulivalajoozi presented their research on the development of Smart Glasses Frame (SGF) tailored for the visually impaired, focusing particularly on environment perception and depth detection. This was showcased at the International Conference on Emerging in Engineering, Science, and Technology in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, in 2019, Rasoulivalajoozi, along with Zangi and Razavi, investigated the impact of visual elements on consumer behavior across different age demographics, with a specific case study conducted in Iran. Their findings were shared at the 6th International Conference on Research in Management, Economics, and Development held in Tbilisi, Georgia. These publications demonstrate his commitment to advancing knowledge and addressing practical challenges in various domains

ORAL COMMUNICATION & WORKSHOP PRESENTATION

He has been actively engaged in sharing his expertise and research insights across various platforms and institutions. In April 2023, Rasoulivalajoozi presented his study titled “Unintended Behaviors in Using Mobility Aids” at the 4th Space, INDI Research Day hosted by Concordia University. Earlier in February 2023, he discussed “The role of research methodology in medical design” at Bu-Ali Sina University, Faculty of Design, emphasizing the significance of methodological approaches in the field. His contributions extend to the domain of healthcare system design, as evidenced by his presentation on “Design Principles for Health Care System and Service” at Concordia University in October 2020. Furthermore, he has been involved in enhancing sports equipment and devices through optimization and new product development, as demonstrated by his talk at the University of Tehran (UT), Faculty of Physical Education & Sport Science in February 2016. Rasoulivalajoozi’s commitment to knowledge dissemination is evident from his earlier engagements such as his presentation on “The Research Methods for Medicine Sports Products” at UT in February 2015 and his efforts in preparing students for the National Olympiad Examination. These endeavors highlight his multidisciplinary approach and dedication to advancing research and education in various fields.

RESEARCH PROJECT PARTICIPATION

He has actively participated in several research projects, contributing his expertise and insights to various fields. Currently, he is engaged as a Research Assistant in a project titled “Public Practice Art Therapy: COVID Response,” led by Janis Timm-Bottos and sponsored by Fond de recherche du Quebec, since January 2023. Additionally, he is involved in another project led by Janis Timm-Bottos, focusing on the “Relevance, Originality, Added Value, and Feasibility of the Living Lab Approach,” also sponsored by Fond de recherche du Quebec, from January 2023 onwards.

His earlier research endeavors include collaborative projects such as the design of a Chest Muscle Rehabilitation Instrument aimed at enhancing user performance, conducted at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Industrial Design from February 2012 to September 2013. Furthermore, he contributed to the development of a Body Design for an Infusion Pump targeting the rehabilitation of chest muscles, in collaboration with Razavi and Faraji at the University of Tehran from February 2012 to September 2012. Prior to that, he was involved in designing a device to prevent driver’s awareness lapses at Amir Kabir University of Technology from November 2011 to March 2012. These projects underscore his dedication to research and innovation across diverse domains, showcasing his multidisciplinary approach and commitment to addressing practical challenges.

MEMBERSHIPS

He has been actively engaged in various professional memberships and roles, showcasing his commitment to advancing research and innovation across multiple domains. Currently, he is a scientific member of the International Behavioural Trials Network (IBTN)-Summer School, led by Simon L. Bacon in Montreal, Canada, from November 2023 to June 2024. Additionally, he serves as a Program Committee Member for the IEEE International Symposium on Technology and Society (ISTAS) in 2021, allowing him to review numerous papers in the medical design field and health technologies with a focus on ethics and sociology.

He is also affiliated with the IDEAS BE Research Lab at Concordia University in Canada, supervised by Dr. Carmela Cucuzzella, since 2021. Furthermore, he has contributed as a Guest Researcher and Designer at the Industrial Design Lab at Eindhoven University of Technology, collaborating with experts in the Netherlands from March 2019 to September 2020. His editorial involvement includes serving as an Editorial Advisor at Cambridge Scholar Publishing in the United Kingdom, focusing on Ergonomics Books from March 2018 to December 2020.

Moreover, he has held positions as a Co-Reviewer for various academic journals, including Cogent Social Sciences, Cogent Medicine, and Cogent Psychology, contributing his expertise to scholarly peer review processes. He was also a member of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA) from 2013 until 2019, emphasizing his active participation in professional communities. Additionally, he served as an Editorial Advisor for Recent Patents on Food, Nutrition & Agriculture from April 2018 to 2019, contributing to advancements in agricultural sciences. These diverse memberships and roles underscore his dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration and scholarly contributions across multiple fields.

AWARDS AND HONORS 

He has received several notable awards and honors throughout his academic and professional career, highlighting his exceptional achievements and contributions. In 2015, he was honored as an Annual Selected visiting lecturer at the University of Pars Architecture and Art, recognizing his expertise and influence in the field. His dedication to academic excellence was further recognized in 2013 when he received the Best Master’s Degree Thesis award from the Department of Industrial Design at the University of Tehran in Iran, underscoring his significant scholarly contributions.

His outstanding performance in academic examinations is evidenced by his impressive rankings. In 2005, he achieved a remarkable feat by securing the 194th position out of 119,000 participants in the National Entrance Exam for B.A. degree in Iran, demonstrating his academic prowess and dedication to excellence. Additionally, his innovative work has been acknowledged internationally, as evidenced by his recognition as a Semi-finalist in the IF World Competition in 2014. The project titled “Design of an IFO (Interactive Foot Orthosis)” emerged from his master’s thesis project, reflecting his ability to merge academic rigor with practical innovation.

Moreover, he has excelled in national competitions, further solidifying his reputation as a top talent in his field. In 2010, he ranked 4th among all Iranian industrial design students in the National Competition of Olympiad in Industrial Design Discipline, showcasing his creativity and proficiency. Similarly, in the same year, he secured the 7th position out of 14,000 participants in the National Entrance Exam for MA degree in Iran, reaffirming his academic excellence and aptitude. These accolades collectively highlight his remarkable achievements and underscore his status as a distinguished scholar and innovator in the field of industrial design.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬

Erfan Shojaei Barjuei – Automated planning and scheduling Award – Top Researcher Award

Erfan Shojaei Barjuei – Automated planning and scheduling Award – Top Researcher Award

Dr. Erfan Shojaei Barjuei distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Automated Planning and Scheduling. Throughout my career journey, I’ve traversed diverse roles and geographical locations, accumulating a wealth of experience in research and engineering. From delving into the intricacies of mechatronics engineering at institutions like the Italian Institute of Technology and the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy, to contributing to cutting-edge research in mechanical and automation engineering at the National Institute of Applied Sciences in France, I’ve always been driven by a passion for innovation and problem-solving.

My academic pursuits have taken me across borders, from pursuing a research fellowship in robotics and artificial intelligence at Sapienza University of Rome to my current role as a postdoctoral researcher in mechanical and manufacturing engineering at the University of Calgary in Canada. These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the field but also honed my skills in tackling complex challenges and pushing the boundaries of technological advancement.

In addition to my academic endeavors, I’ve also had the opportunity to apply my expertise in industry settings. As a part-time mechatronics engineering consultant at Halo Beauty in the USA, I provided valuable insights and solutions, leveraging my expertise to contribute to the company’s projects. Currently, as a product software engineer at Cure Data in the USA, I am engaged in developing software products with a focus on data analysis, leveraging my diverse background to drive innovation and deliver impactful solutions.

My journey has been characterized by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to excellence, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the forefront of research and innovation in the years to come.

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

He pursued his academic journey with zeal and dedication, starting with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Azad University in Iran, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors. Building upon this strong base, he pursued a Master of Science in Mechatronics Engineering at Sharif University of Technology in Iran from 2006 to 2008, delving into the interdisciplinary realm of engineering. Eager to deepen his knowledge further, he embarked on a PhD in Industrial and Information Engineering with a focus on Mechatronics Curricula at the University of Udine in Italy from 2013 to 2016, where he honed his research skills and expertise. Continuing his pursuit of academic excellence, he completed a Master of Science in Computer Engineering with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction & Artificial Intelligence Curricula at the University of Genoa in Italy from 2018 to 2022, further broadening his horizons and enhancing his proficiency in cutting-edge technologies. Through his academic endeavors, he has demonstrated a relentless commitment to learning and growth, equipping himself with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the ever-evolving field of engineering and technology.

RESEARCH INTERN

During his time as a research intern at Karlstad University in Sweden from August 2015 to December 2015, he immersed himself in the field of assistive robotics. Focused on the design of a human-friendly walking assist robot vehicle, he dedicated his efforts to refining control systems and variable stiffness mechanisms. Through his internship, he gained valuable hands-on experience in the development of innovative solutions aimed at enhancing mobility and accessibility. His contributions during this period underscored his commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society, particularly in improving the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments.

 

He has a keen interest in a wide array of research areas within the realm of engineering and technology. His primary focus lies in robotics and mechatronic systems, where he explores the intricate dynamics and control mechanisms governing these complex systems. With a passion for advancing the field, he dedicates his efforts to refining models and control algorithms to optimize the performance of mechatronic systems. Additionally, he delves into the realm of artificial intelligence, leveraging cutting-edge techniques to enhance the capabilities of autonomous systems and intelligent agents. His research also extends to advanced manufacturing, where he explores innovative approaches to streamline production processes and improve efficiency. Furthermore, he is fascinated by the potential of vision systems in industrial automation, investigating novel techniques to enhance perception and decision-making capabilities in automated systems. Through his research endeavors, he continually seeks to push the boundaries of engineering innovation and contribute to the development of transformative technologies.

INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

In his current role at Cure Data in the USA from February 2024 to the present, he collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary R&D team comprising engineers, scientists, and physicians. Together, they are dedicated to the development of an extensive digital twin, a digital replica used for modeling and simulating human organs. His contributions to this project involve leveraging his expertise in various fields to enhance the accuracy and functionality of the digital twin, aiming to revolutionize medical research and treatment approaches.

During his tenure at Halo Beauty in the USA from September 2023 to December 2023, he played a pivotal role in developing core aspects of control and electrical engineering, as well as a vision system for an automated hair braider. Working in tandem with a mechanical engineering team, he focused on refining the end-effector, sensor-based controls, and retraction systems. His collaborative efforts ensured the seamless integration of electrical and control components, optimizing the performance and efficiency of the automated hair braider.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Throughout his career, he has garnered recognition for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of engineering. Notably, in September 2019, he received the Best Conference Paper Award at the IEEE International Conference on Cyborg and Bionic Systems (CBS 2019) held in Munich, Germany, showcasing his excellence in academic research and innovation. His dedication to excellence was further acknowledged with an Internship Fellowship at Karlstad University in Sweden from August 2015 to December 2015, providing him with valuable practical experience in the field.

In March 2015, he was honored with the NI (National Instruments) Engineering Impact Awards 2015 for Best Application in Advanced Research, recognizing his significant contributions to the advancement of engineering technologies. This accolade was bestowed upon him during NIDays 2015 in Milan, Italy, highlighting his innovative approaches and impactful research endeavors.

Additionally, he was awarded a Winter School Scholarship in February 2015 to attend the SAPHARI NMMI Winter School in Rome, Italy, demonstrating his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. His academic prowess was evident during his master’s studies, as he successfully completed the Master’s Degree Honors Program at Sharif University of Technology in Iran in July 2008, attesting to his exceptional academic performance and dedication to scholarly pursuits.

Moreover, his leadership abilities and accomplishments were recognized early in his career when he received a Travel Grant in November 2003 for his successful leadership of the executive team in the National Robotic Race of Intelligent Devices at Azad University in Iran, underscoring his capability to excel in both academic and practical domains, as well as his adeptness in leading collaborative endeavors.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬
  • Meghdari.A, Mirfakhree.F, Akrami.S.M, Shojaei Barjuei.E
    Introduction to Robotics: Mechanics and Control (By: Craig.J.J)
    Third Edition, Sharif University Press, Iran, 2009 (ISBN: 978‐964‐208-019‐9)
  • Akrami.S.M, Shojaei Barjuei.E
    Mechatronics: Dynamics of Electromechanical and Piezoelectric Systems (By:Preumont.A)
    Fan Afzar press, Tabriz, Iran, 2009 (ISBN: 978-964-8150-24-9).
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Shin. J, Kim. K, Lee. J
    Precision improvement of robotic bioprinting via vision-based tool path compensation
    Accepted in Scientific Reports.
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Capitanelli.A, Bertolucci.R, Courteille.E, Mastrogiovanni.F, Maratea.M
    Digital Workflow for Printability and Prefabrication Checking in Robotic Construction 3D Printing
    Based on Artificial Intelligence Planning
    Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, vol. 133, p. 108254, 2024.
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Courteille.E, Rangeard.D, Marie.F, Perrot.A
    Real-time vision-based control of industrial manipulators for layer-width setting in concrete 3D
    printing applications
    Advances in Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering (2022): 100094.
  • Bianchi.F, Masaracchia.A, Damone.A, Falotico.F, Shojaei Barjuei.E, Oddo.C, Dario.P, Ciuti.G
    Hybrid 6-DoFs magnetic localization for robotic capsule endoscopes compatible with high-grade
    magnetic field navigation
    IEEE Access 10 (2021): 4414-4430.
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Darwin.G.C, Ortiz.J
    Bond Graph Modeling and Kalman Filter Observer Design for a Back-Support Exoskeleton
    Designs 4.4 (2020): 53.
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Ortiz.J
    A Comprehensive performance comparison of Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller, Model
    Predictive Controller (MPC), H∞ loop shaping and μ-synthesis on spatial compliant linkmanipulators
    International Journal of Dynamics and Control 9 (2021): 121-140.
  • Bianchi.F, Masaracchia.A, Shojaei Barjuei.E, Menciassi.A, Arezzo.A, Koulaouzidis.A, Stoyanov.D,
    Oddo.C, Dario.P, Ciuti.G
    Localization strategies for robotic endoscopic capsules: a review
    Expert review of medical devices 16.5 (2019): 381-403.
  • Li.J, Shojaei Barjuei.E, Ciuti.G, Hao.Y, Zhang.P, Shi.Q, Menciassi.A, Huang.Q, Dario.P
    Magnetically-driven medical robots: an analytical magnetic model for endoscopic capsules design
    Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials 452 (2018): 278-287.
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E
    Hybrid position/force control of a spatial compliant mechanism
    International Journal of Automotive and Mechanical Engineering, ISSN: 2229-8649 (Print); ISSN:
    2180-1606 (Online); Volume 14, Issue 3 pp. 4531-4541 September 2017
  • Shojaei Barjuei.E, Boscariol.P, Gasparetto.A, Vidoni.R
    Robust control of Three-Dimensional Compliant Mechanisms
    Journal of Dynamic Systems, Measurement & Control, 2016, 138, 101009-1-14.
  • Abdolshah.S, Shojaei Barjuei.E
    Linear Quadratic Optimal Control of Cable-Driven Parallel Robots
    Journal of Frontiers of Mechanical Engineering, FME-15038-AS, vol.10, no. 4, pp. 344–351, 2015

Manuel S. Alvarez Alvarado – Syber Physical Power Systems – Best Researcher Award

Manuel S. Alvarez Alvarado – Syber Physical Power Systems – Best Researcher Award

Dr. Manuel S. Alvarez Alvarado distinguished academic and researcher in the field  Syber Physical Power Systems. From 2023 onwards, he has been actively engaged in academia, serving as the International Accreditation Coordinator for the Electricity degree program at ESPOL (Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral). In addition to his academic role, he holds the position of Vice-President at Rodsolar Technologies since 2020, contributing to the industry sector. Furthermore, he continues to be an integral part of academia and research as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering (FIEC-ESPOL) at ESPOL, a position he has held since 2020. In his ongoing commitment to academic research, he serves as a reviewer for prestigious journals including the IEEE Transactions on Power Systems and the IET Generation, Transmission, and Distribution. Moreover, he has taken on editorial responsibilities as the Editor of the Special Issue titled “Sustainability of Future Power Systems: Climate Change Impacts, System Reliability, Renewable Energy Technologies, and Grid Integration,” reflecting his expertise in the field. During the period of 2018-2019, he contributed to research by co-supervising master’s theses at the University of Birmingham. Prior to these roles, from 2016 to 2017, he served as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (FCNM-ESPOL) at ESPOL.

 

🌐 Professional Profiles

Educations📚📚📚

 He received the degree in electrical power engineering in 2011 and the masters degree in physics education (rank 1) in 2013, both awarded by the Escuela Superior Politecnica del Litoral, Guayaquil and the M.Sc. degree in power and energy systems (rank 1) in 2015 from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ, USA. In 2019, he awarded the Ph.D. degree in educational physics given by the National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico. In 2020, he received his second Ph.D. degree in power systems with the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK. His research areas include educational physics, quantum mechanics, renewable energy, electrical trains, smart grids, and power systems reliability.
🏆🏆Awards 🏆🏆

He has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions throughout his academic and research career. In 2023, he was honored as the Best Researcher in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the ESPOL major quartiles event, highlighting his outstanding contributions to the field. His excellence in research was further acknowledged in 2019 when he received the Best Paper Award at the 3rd Annual School of Engineering PGR Symposium in Birmingham, UK. Additionally, he was recognized as a Top Peer Reviewer in 2019 both in Cross-field and in Engineering categories by the Web of Science Group, Publons.

In preceding years, his contributions were similarly esteemed, with notable awards including the Best Paper Award at the PES conference session during the Third Ecuadorian Technical Chapters Meeting in Cuenca, Ecuador, in 2018. He was also honored with the Premio Roy Billinton Student Paper Gold Award at the Conference on Probabilistic Methods Applied to Power Systems in Idaho, USA, in 2018.

His achievements extend internationally, as evidenced by the Best Paper Award at the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2016. Furthermore, his academic pursuits have been supported by prestigious scholarships, including the Ph.D. program Walter Raffo Valdano scholarship at ESPOL and the Senescyt scholarship for the Ph.D. program.

Moreover, he demonstrated excellence in academic programs, receiving the distinction of Best Graduate in the Master in Power and Energy Systems at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), USA, in 2016. Earlier, in 2013, he was recognized as the Best Graduate in the Master’s Degree in Teaching Physics at ESPOL, Guayaquil-Ecuador. His academic journey was initiated with the support of the 2012 Senescyt scholarship for the Master’s program.

📝🔬Publications📝🔬