Xingjian Huang | Engineering | Best Research Article Award

Dr. Xingjian Huang | Engineering | Best Research Article Award

Huaihua University | China

Xingjian Huang is a distinguished food‑science researcher whose work integrates protein chemistry, food structure and functionality, biopolymer‑based materials, and the nutritional evaluation of plant proteins. His research has significantly advanced understanding of how soy proteins and other plant‑derived proteins behave under various processing conditions, including proteolysis, gelation, hydrolysis, and complex formation, and how these behaviors influence texture, gel strength, nutritional quality, and functional properties. Among his notable contributions is the study of amyloid‑fibril formation from selectively hydrolyzed soy protein hydrolysates, which provided key insights into protein aggregation, fibrillation mechanisms, and structural modification. He has also conducted extensive research on exopolysaccharide production by lactic acid bacteria, improving yields through strain screening and optimization of fermentation and extraction conditions, linking microbial fermentation to food‑biopolymer applications. In addition, Huang has investigated the nutritional value and amino acid composition of various plant proteins, such as the protein subunits of the Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima), enhancing understanding of plant protein quality and potential functional applications. His work further explores the practical implications of protein interactions in food systems, including mixed‑protein gels, soy‑protein/corn‑starch composites, and the interplay of lipids and proteins in gel networks, bridging fundamental biochemical insights with industrial food processing relevance. Huang’s research has contributed valuable knowledge for improving food texture, nutrition, and the scalable processing of plant‑based proteins, supporting both academic research and applied food technology. According to his ResearchGate profile, he has published over 20 peer‑reviewed papers with more than 1,800 reads, demonstrating significant influence in the field and a substantial citation record that reflects his impact on food science research worldwide. For his outstanding contributions, Xingjian Huang has been recognized with the Best Research Article Award, highlighting his innovative work and high impact in the field of food science and technology.

Publication Profile

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Featured Publications

Yang, F., Huang, X., Zhang, C., … Hao, Y. (2018). Amino acid composition and nutritional value evaluation of Chinese chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) and its protein subunit. RSC Advances.

Xie, D., Liu, X., Zhang, H., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2017). Textural properties and morphology of soy 7S globulin–corn starch (amylose, amylopectin). International Journal of Food Properties.

Xia, W., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2017). Formation of amyloid fibrils from soy protein hydrolysate: Effects of selective proteolysis on β‑conglycinin. Food Research International.

Qi, L., … Pan, S., Huang, X. (2016). Yield improvement of exopolysaccharides by screening of the Lactobacillus acidophilus ATCC and optimization of the fermentation and extraction conditions. EXCLI Journal.

Pan, Y., Huang, X., Shi, X., … Du, Y. (2015). Antimicrobial application of nanofibrous mats self-assembled with quaternized chitosan and soy protein isolate. Carbohydrate Polymers.

 

Shimelis Assefa | Information Technology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Shimelis Assefa | Information Technology | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at University of Denver, United States

Dr. Shimelis Assefa is an Associate Professor at the University of Denver’s Department of Research Methods and Information Science. With a Ph.D. in Information Sciences from the University of North Texas and extensive experience in both academia and research, Dr. Assefa has made significant contributions to the fields of information science and bioinformatics. His research spans human conceptual cognition, data management in healthcare, and smart irrigation. He has received notable honors including the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Denver and has held prestigious fellowships such as the U.S. Fulbright Scholar.

professional profile📖

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Education 🎓

Dr. Shimelis Assefa’s educational background reflects a robust foundation in information science and related disciplines. He earned his Ph.D. in Information Sciences from the University of North Texas, where he conducted his dissertation on “Human Concept Cognition and Semantic Relations in the Unified Medical Language System: A Coherence Analysis” under the guidance of Dr. Brian O’Connor. His work was distinguished by its comprehensive approach, earning a passing grade with no revisions required.  Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Assefa completed a Master of Science in Information Science at the School of Information Studies for Africa, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. His thesis, titled “Information Resource Sharing at the International Livestock Research Institute, ILRI: Towards Building Intranet,” was highly regarded, earning an excellent grade. This research laid the groundwork for his expertise in information systems and resource management.

work Experience💼

Dr. Shimelis Assefa’s work experience reflects a distinguished career in academia and research. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Denver’s Department of Research Methods and Information Science, Dr. Assefa has significantly impacted the field through both teaching and research. His role at the University of Denver began as an Assistant Professor in 2008, where he has since contributed to advancing knowledge in information science and bioinformatics. In addition to his tenure at the University of Denver, Dr. Assefa has gained valuable international experience. From 2016 to 2016, he served as a Visiting Professor at Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia, further enriching his global perspective.

Research Focus🔎

Dr. Shimelis Assefa’s research focus centers on the intersection of information science, bioinformatics, and data management, with a particular emphasis on advancing the understanding and application of complex information systems. His work explores human concept cognition and semantic relations within the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS), aiming to enhance coherence in medical terminologies and knowledge representation. Additionally, Dr. Assefa investigates data management strategies for the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare systems, specifically targeting improvements in clinical and public health research within Ethiopian contexts. His research also extends to smart irrigation systems, where he employs scientometric analysis to evaluate the literature and identify key trends in this critical area of environmental management. Through his contributions to bioinformatics, Dr. Assefa addresses the integration of biological data with computational tools, advancing the field of structural bioinformatics and its applications in healthcare and agriculture. His diverse research portfolio reflects a commitment to addressing both theoretical and practical challenges in information science and its interdisciplinary applications.

Awards and honors🏆

Dr. Shimelis Assefa has received numerous awards and honors that reflect his distinguished career and contributions to the field of information science. In 1999, he was awarded the Backbone Internetworking Training by the Internet Society, which recognized his expertise in networking technologies. The British Council Fellowship, granted in 2000, enabled him to further his studies at the University of East Anglia, UK. In 2001, he received the International Training in Medical Informatics Fellowship, a prestigious award from the New England Medical Center in partnership with Fogarty/University of Natal, South Africa, highlighting his expertise in medical informatics.

Conclusion✅

Dr. Shimelis Assefa’s outstanding research contributions, global impact, and recognition through prestigious awards and fellowships make him a highly deserving candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His innovative work in information science and bioinformatics, coupled with his dedication to advancing global knowledge and education, underscores his significant role in his field. With opportunities for further collaboration and public engagement, Dr. Assefa’s potential to drive future advancements remains substantial, positioning him as a leading figure in research excellence.

📚Publications to Noted

A bibliometric mapping of the structure of STEM education using co‐word analysis

Authors: SG Assefa, A Rorissa

Citations: 160

Year: 2013

Faculty members’ perceptions towards institutional repository at a medium-sized university: Application of a binary logistic regression model

Authors: F Oguz, S Assefa

Citations: 44

Year: 2014

Information seeking behavior of the poor: the study of parents’ school choice decisions

Authors: S G. Assefa, M Stansbury

Citations: 14

Year: 2018

Open access in the age of a pandemic

Authors: DG Alemneh, S Hawamdeh, HC Chang, A Rorissa, S Assefa, K Helge

Citations: 12

Year: 2020

Diffusion of scientific knowledge in agriculture: The case for Africa

Authors: S Assefa, DG Alemneh, A Rorissa

Citations: 12

Year: 2014

21st century skills and science education in K-12 environment

Authors: S Assefa, L Gershman

Citations: 12

Year: 2013

Towards a comprehensive model to predict perceived performance impact of wireless/mobile computing in a mandatory environment

Authors: S Assefa, V Prybutok

Citations: 9

Year: 2006

Digital readiness assessment of countries in Africa: A case study research

Authors: S Assefa, A Rorissa, D Alemneh

Citations: 8

Year: 2021

Harnessing social media for promoting tourism in Africa: an exploratory analysis of tweets

Authors: DG Alemneh, A Rorissa, S Assefa

Citations: 7

Year: 2016

Human concept cognition and semantic relations in the unified medical language system: A coherence analysis

Author: SG Assefa

Citations: 5

Year: 2007