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Title : Predicting Electric Vehicle Performance Metrics using a Convolution Neural Network-gated Recurrent Unit-attention Based Deep Learning Architecture
Name : Neetha S.S
University : Deemed University
Country : India
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The indicators of electric vehicle performance such as state of charge (SOC), remaining useful life (RUL), and charge demand need to be accurately forecasted to ensure maximum energy control and battery life. The models used are usually not able to capture the spatial and temporal correlation of battery data and be robust to the presence of noisy measurements. In this study, we model a sequential attention-based deep learning structure with convolutional neural networks, gated recurrent units, and an attention mechanism that can ultimately understand the local features, temporal relationships, and dynamic significance of various features in sequential battery data. The hybrid architecture of this model allows it to extract local spatial features, long-term sequential dependencies and dynamically find the importance of the critical time steps. We also develop a hybrid loss that is an accumulation of Huber loss and Mean Squared Error, which is much more resilient to outliers and at the same time has high prediction accuracy. It is experimentally proven that the proposed model has R2 values of 0.9575, 0.9558, and 0.9199 on SOC, RUL, and charge demand, respectively, which are better than the current single-architecture methods
Biography
Dr. Neetha S.S. is an academic professional and researcher with over 13 years of combined experience across academia and the IT industry. She is currently working as an Assistant Professor and CDC In-Charge in the Department of Computer Science at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, India Her research expertise spans Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cybersecurity (Digital Forensics, Ethical Hacking, Network Defense, and Penetration Testing), Cloud Security, and Intelligent Transport Systems, with a strong focus on real-world problem-solving and interdisciplinary applications. She has contributed to emerging research areas, including the prediction of electric vehicle battery performance, AI-driven sustainable energy solutions, and secure smart systems. Dr Neetha has published extensively in Scopus-indexed journals, authored book chapters, and holds published patents in secure data hiding and IoT-based security systems. She is an IEEE conference reviewer, curriculum designer, and an experienced trainer for faculty, students, and corporate batches. Known for her hands-on approach, she actively bridges theory, research, and implementation, enabling learners to build secure, scalable, and industry-relevant solutions.
Title : Changing Perspective on Groundwater Resources: an Italian case from the Southern Apennines
Name : Eleonora Vitagliano
University : Research Institute of Geophysics and Vulcanology
Country : Italy
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Groundwater is an essential resource that provides fresh water for billions of people and supports agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Compared to surface water, groundwater is better protected from anthropic pollution. It is stored in porous rocks known as aquifers, and its properties can change based on the surrounding geological formations. In Italy, various aquifers, including alluvial, carbonate, and volcanic formations, play crucial roles in the water supply. Alluvial aquifers, found in ancient river plains like the Po Plain, are heavily used for drinking and irrigation, leading to land subsidence due to the large extraction. Carbonate aquifers, found mainly in the Apennines and the Alps, store large quantities of high-quality water within fractured and karstified limestone. Volcanic aquifers, located on the west side of central Italy, can be highly productive, although they may contain natural contaminants. Unfortunately, groundwater is frequently overexploited or heavily contaminated, and its natural, slow recharge process cannot quickly restore the volumes extracted or the water’s original quality. This situation raises concerns within the scientific community and among the institutions responsible for managing water resources regarding long-term sustainability. Recent research topics we were involved with at the Research Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology of Italy inspired us to conceive a research project aimed at exploring freshwater springs in the submarine environment along the Tyrrhenian coast of Southern Italy. Based on satellite observations and borehole data, our studies focus on surface crustal deformation and underground fluid pressure in the Southern Apennines and suggest that: i) the groundwater flow under the mountain chain can occur at a regional scale; ii) the groundwater sources can be found even in the submarine environment. This perspective is new and requires further investigation by integrating various scientific disciplines to confirm the existence of a significant regional carrier for transporting freshwater to the sea floor. Finally, the proposed project, partially described here, would represent a crucial milestone in reshaping our understanding of groundwater storage processes, offering an alternative perspective on water reserves, traditionally considered confined to continental areas. It can provide significant benefits for future water needs.
Biography
Dr. Eleonora is a researcher at INGV in Rome (Italy). Her areas of expertise include pore pressure analysis using well data and the reconstruction of subsurface fluid flows. She is also interested in natural subsidence, combining data analysis with physically based models. In the past, she has worked on basin analysis and petroleum system modeling. Currently, she collaborates on projects aimed at popularizing and communicating geoscientific content.
Title : Foam-insulated Cryo-compressed Hydrogen Storage Vessels for Buses
Name : Julio Moreno Blanco
University : Superior Technological Institute
Country : Mexico
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Large (40%) reductions in pressure vessel cost are possible by operating buses with foam-insulated cryo-compressed hydrogen (ccH2) vessels. Detailed thermodynamic analysis reveals that large size and rapid H2 consumption in buses compensate for the poor performance of foam insulation (~100X more conductive than vacuum multilayer insulation), resulting in compact and inexpensive H2 storage systems with sufficient H2 capacity for the longest routes (500 km) while maintaining previously identified advantages of ccH2 systems: increased autonomy, rapid high density refueling, and improved safety, while simultaneously avoiding vacuum stability problems resulting from composite resin outgassing.
Biography
Dr. Julio C. Moreno-Blanco is a mechanical engineer and PhD-level researcher specializing in hydrogen storage and refueling technologies for sustainable mobility. His expertise includes cryo-compressed, compressed, and subcooled hydrogen systems, with a strong background in thermodynamics, heat transfer, and high-pressure safety analysis. He is currently a Professor at the Superior Technological Institute of Irapuato, Mexico, where he teaches mechanical and thermal engineering and conducts applied research on advanced hydrogen storage systems. Dr. Moreno-Blanco has collaborated with international research institutions (including Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory) and industry partners, authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, and co-invented several patents related to cryo-compressed hydrogen technologies.
Title : Integrated Heat Recovery from Petrochemical Refinery with Water Splitting for Cogeneration of Hydrogen and Electricity
Name : Greg F. Naterer
University : University of Prince Edward Island
Country : Canada
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The thermochemical copper-chlorine (Cu-Cl) cycle is a promising method of clean hydrogen production that involves three primary steps (hydrolysis, thermolysis and electrolysis) for the splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. The Cu-Cl cycle has been extensively examined in relation to nuclear based hydrogen production. This study explores potential diversification of the Cu-Cl cycle with other applications, particularly through integration with a petrochemical refinery, where demand exists for both oxygen (e.g., for oxy-combustion) and hydrogen (e.g., for hydrogenation processes) [1].
Where some refineries already integrate a steam Rankine cycle for local power and heat generation, this study further investigates the option of integrating a Cu-Cl cycle with a steam Rankine that serves a petrochemical refinery, with a flowsheet designed to increase the heat recovery and overall system efficiency. The generated oxygen is a feedstock for a cleaner oxy-combustion processes within the refinery, with environmental and energetic benefits, as it facilitates a direct carbon dioxide extraction. Hydrogen can be partially or totally used within the refinery for hydrogenation processes and producing refinery fuels, thereby bringing additional environmental benefits.
The study found that the hydrolysis process can be improved by staging the reactors, with the second stage being a fluidized bed. Application of oxyfuel combustion in the refinery is beneficial with the potential of direct carbon dioxide capture, while energizing thermolysis and hydrolysis units of operation in the Cu-Cl cycle. Integration of a steam Rankine cycle with the Cu-Cl cycle, oxy-fuel combustion loop and the petrochemical refinery was found to be beneficial as it facilitates better heat recovery and local power generation. The availability of cleaner hydrogen for petrochemical hydrogenation processes reduces fossil fuel usage and corresponding CO2 emissions.
Biography
Dr. Greg Naterer is the Vice-President, Academic and Research, and a Professor of Sustainable Design Engineering, at the University of Prince Edward Island in Charlottetown, Canada. His research interests include sustainable energy systems, heat transfer and thermodynamics, including over 300 journal articles, 4 books, and 6 patents in these fields.
Title : SWOT-based Strategic Planning for Sustainable Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) Aquaculture in Baja California, Mexico
Name : Miroslava Vivanco Aranda
University : The Autonomous University of Baja California
Country : Mexico
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Oyster farming is a key component of Mexico’s socioeconomic development, particularly in Baja California. It represents a productive model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability—an essential goal amid ongoing climate change challenges. This study presents the first application of a SWOT analysis to assess the challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of oyster farming in northwestern Mexico. Using both secondary sources (an exploratory literature review) and primary sources (interviews and workshops with experts and company decision-makers), this research evaluates the operational status of Ostrícola Nautilus S. de R.L. de C.V., a pioneer oyster farming company with over 40 years of experience. Ten strengths, nine weaknesses, ten opportunities, and seven threats were identified and categorized within a SWOT matrix. The analysis revealed that the company is strong but faces significant external threats, placing it within the “risk” quadrant (average score = 2.62). The study concludes that a continuous improvement strategy is necessary, emphasizing green technology, green recruitment, green rewards, green bonds, production, traceability, infrastructure, and workforce training. The findings provide a strategic planning baseline for the company and contribute to the broader development of oyster farming in Mexico.
Biography
Dr. Miroslava Vivanco Aranda is an industrial and systems engineer from the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM, Mexico), and a Master’s in Aquaculture from the Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education, Ensenada, Baja California (CICESE), and a PhD in Science from the Center for Research in Food and Development (CIAD, Mexico). Professor Vivanco-Aranda is a full-time professor-researcher at the Marine Science Faculty of the Autonomous University of Baja California, and has led and co-authored multiple research projects, trained undergraduate and graduate students, and published scientific contributions on your areas of specialization covering a wide range of topics related to sustainable aquaculture, scenario planning and strategic marketing. She has also worked in the development of expert systems for strategic advantage in different organizations and supply chains.
Title : SWOT-based Strategic Planning for Sustainable Pacific oyster (Magallana gigas) Aquaculture in Baja California, Mexico
Name : Mary Carmen Ruíz-de la Torre
University : Autonomous University of Baja California
Country : Mexico
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Oyster farming is a key component of Mexico’s socioeconomic development, particularly in Baja California. It represents a productive model that balances economic growth with environmental sustainability—an essential goal amid ongoing climate change challenges. This study presents the first application of a SWOT analysis to assess the challenges and opportunities for the sustainable development of oyster farming in northwestern Mexico. Using both secondary sources (an exploratory literature review) and primary sources (interviews and workshops with experts and company decision-makers), this research evaluates the operational status of Ostrícola Nautilus S. de R.L. de C.V., a pioneer oyster farming company with over 40 years of experience. Ten strengths, nine weaknesses, ten opportunities, and seven threats were identified and categorized within a SWOT matrix. The analysis revealed that the company is strong but faces significant external threats, placing it within the “risk” quadrant (average score = 2.62). The study concludes that a continuous improvement strategy is necessary, emphasizing green technology, green recruitment, green rewards, green bonds, production, traceability, infrastructure, and workforce training. The findings provide a strategic planning baseline for the company and contribute to the broader development of oyster farming in Mexico.
Biography
Dr. Mary Carmen Ruíz-de la Torre is a full-time professor at the Autonomous University of Baja California (UABC) with an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Marine Ecology from the Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education of Ensenada (CICESE). Her research focuses on harmful algal blooms (HABs), phytoplankton ecology, and the interactions between oceanographic processes and coastal ecosystems. She collaborates with regional and national monitoring programs, aquaculture and mariculture stakeholders, and research networks to strengthen the understanding of environmental drivers and support sustainable coastal resource management. Professor. Ruíz-de la Torre has led and co-authored multiple research projects, trained undergraduate and graduate students, and published scientific contributions on HAB dynamics and coastal sustainability.
Title : Green ammonia: A future fuel produced in a sustainable global green process
Name : Omar Chaalal
University : Abu Dhabi University
Country : UAE
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Ammonia (NH3) is the second most produced chemical in the world. The future fuel for marines transportation will be green ammonia. Traditionally, hydrogen is produced from methane steam reforming. The reforming produces carbon dioxide. Today any process that produces carbon dioxide is harmful to the environment and causes global warming. Global Green process sequesters the carbon dioxide contained in the atmosphere to produce nitrogen. Hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis at moderate pressure and temperature conditions to ensure overall energy usage is reduced and high purity of hydrogen is obtained. The process shows the feasibility of a full-scale ammonia plant utilizing 100% renewable energy. Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) presents a unique and promising advantage with its dispatchability to fulfill this necessity. Therefore, a hybrid CSP+PV solution can give the best cost solution power mix for the green ammonia industry.
Biography
Dr. Omar Chaalal is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU). Dr. Chaalal is an internationally renowned expert in the separation technologies. He is the inventor of the Global Green Process of Triton AS Norway that deals with the sequestration of carbon dioxide and global warming reduction and green ammonia. He has undertaken several successful research projects related to CO2 cleaning in Natural Gas and subsequently two patents applications have been filed for the use of this technology. The benefits of these patents were, in addition to the environmental benefits, used in the treatment of large quantities of desalinated formation water in the oil field. Dr. Chaalal is the chief scientist of Triton Green Hydrogen Norway. He has authored around 150 refereed publications, 3 European patents, 2 US patent related to smart material in Enhance Oil Recovery and 200 presentations. , August (2017), Dr. Chaalal was awarded by the International Association of Advanced Materials (IAAM) a Medal for notable and outstanding research in Materials Science and Technology Stockholm Sweden. Dr. Chaalal was invited as keynote speaker in The Global Peace Conference held in Kenya June 2024.
Title : Chemical characterization and performance optimization of waste glass-modified concrete for sustainable construction
Name : Maryam Basil Ishaq
University : : University of Sulimani
Country : Iraq
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Concrete, a widely utilized material for constructing various structural elements, relies on cement in its manufacturing process. Cement production hurts the environment as it’s an energy-consume process that generates a considerable amount of carbon footprint, this influences water purity, vegetation vitality, and neighbouring communities’ well-being, causing environmental degradation; industrial operations added to air, water, and noise pollution intensify climate change and ecological imbalances. This study investigates the potential of incorporating waste glass into concrete to improve its mechanical properties and address environmental concerns. It examines the effects of different chemical compositions of glass powder on predicted outputs, such as compressive strength and splitting tensile strength. Factors including water-to-binder ratio, cement content, and glass powder replacement percentages are analyzed across various ranges. The study evaluates the impact of Al2O3 and Fe2O3 content in glass powder and considers parameters such as fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, superplasticizers, and curing time. Results show a gradual reduction in compressive strength with an increasing Al2O3/Fe2O3 ratio while splitting tensile strength increases. Based on compressive strength measurements, a correlation model was developed to predict flexural strength. Multiple variables models were employed for output prediction, and various criteria were used to assess model performance.
Biography
Ms. Maryam is a master’s student in Construction Building Materials at Sulaimani University, Kurdistan, Iraq. Her research lies at the intersection of sustainable construction materials and environmental science. She is particularly focused on the innovative use of waste glass powder as a partial replacement for cement in concrete. This work addresses the urgent environmental challenges associated with the cement industry, notably its substantial contribution to global CO₂ emissions. By incorporating glass powder into concrete mixtures, Ms. Maryam aims to reduce the carbon footprint of construction practices while simultaneously enhancing the durability and performance of concrete structures. Her research contributes to the development of more eco-friendly building materials and supports the global movement toward sustainable construction.
Title : Strategic Insights into Urban Green Infrastructure: Planning Sustainable Cities through the understanding of Land Use and Ownership Dynamics
Name : Alejandra Narváez Vallejo
University : National University of Colombia
Country : Colombia
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Urban Green Infrastructure (UGI) is at the heart of sustainable city development, offering solutions to the environmental challenges of the future. The way UGI is configured and distributed within a city greatly impacts the ecosystem services that enhance urban life, making strategic planning and maintenance essential. This study delves into the UGI of Frankfurt am Main, Germany, exploring how land use (LU) and ownership sectors (private and public) dictate the structure and spatial arrangement of urban greenspaces.
By analyzing detailed vegetation cover data, categorized into height strata (grass, bush, tree), this research employs three key landscape metrics—vegetation fraction, patch area, and number of patches—to assess the UGI across different LUs and ownership types. The results reveal distinct vegetation patterns across LUs, identify ways to enhance ecosystem services through strategic green arrangements, and underscore the predominance of tree strata in the urban environment.
Notably, the study finds that the private sector contributes a significant 40% of the city’s vegetation cover, with LUs generally tied to specific ownership sectors. Differences in vegetation between private and public lands for similar LUs point to diverse management approaches.
The study highlights the need for an integrated approach that considers both function and ownership in urban planning. The UGI characterization offers a powerful tool for evaluating ecosystem service potentials, optimizing green space arrangements, and addressing maintenance challenges. Understanding the functional allocation of urban areas between private and public landowners is essential for developing targeted, cooperative, inclusive planning strategies.
This research not only provides a replicable model for UGI analysis but also opens the door for deeper exploration into the complex landscape of urban green management. While offering foundational insights, the study calls for further research to fully grasp the benefits and challenges of varying land use strategies. Such work is vital to support evidence-based green planning that aligns with the broader vision of sustainable urban development.
Biography
Ms. Alejandra Narváez Vallejo is a biologist with a strong commitment to the development of sustainable cities, holding degrees from the National University of Colombia, the Technical University of Dresden (MSc in Hydroscience and Engineering), and Lund University, Sweden (Master’s in Information Systems). Her academic background equips her with a robust foundation in ecology, plant systematics, physiology, soil science, and essential analytical tools, including remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Her research experience spans four major projects across Uzbekistan, West Africa, Central Asia, and Germany, focusing on sustainable natural resource management—encompassing water, agriculture, forests, and urban vegetation—as well as climate change. Notably, her involvement with the INTERESS project at the Institute for Landscape Planning and Ecology, University of Stuttgart, was pivotal in shaping her interest in sustainable cities. This project involved comprehensive studies on city-wide vegetation classifications and the planning of sustainable urban infrastructure. Additionally, she contributed to the development of Stuttgart’s digital twin and supported the organization of electric scooter transportation, reflecting her dedication to innovative urban planning and management. Currently, she is a researcher at IAvH in Bogotá, Colombia, where she concentrates on ecosystem analysis and synthesis.
Title : Impact of Leaching Coefficient, Chemical Interactions, and Silica-Sesquioxide Ratio on Strength Development in Lime-Stabilized Clay via Hydrothermal Solidification: A Sustainable Geotechnics Perspective
Name : Ahmed Salih Mohammed
University : American University of Iraq
Country : Iraq
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Hydrothermal solidification offers an effective, sustainable method for stabilizing clay soil, addressing environmental concerns while improving geotechnical properties. Facilitating pozzolanic reactions between lime and clay under controlled temperature and pressure significantly enhances compressive strength and soil durability. This process promotes calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) formation, reduces industrial waste, and supports lime reuse, making it an energy-efficient soil improvement approach. This study investigates the impact of lime addition (0–20%) and various chemical and physical parameters on clay soil compressive strength. Key chemical components include SiO₂ (20.1–76.9%), Al₂O₃ (7.6–34.8%), Fe₂O₃ (0.6–32.9%), CaO (0.1–43.5%), MgO (0–9.56%), Na₂O (0.01–2.8%), and K₂O (0.1–3.9%). Physical properties such as density (0.8–2.1 g/cm³), plasticity index (6–34.5%), and liquid limit (24–65.2%) were analyzed alongside process parameters like heating temperature (60–1000°C), curing time (0–120 days), and curing temperature (20–41°C). Compressive strengths ranged from 0.02 to 11.9 MPa.
Using a dataset of 152 samples divided into training and testing groups, the statistical analysis focused on the leaching coefficient (Lc) and silica-sesquioxide ratio (Kr). Lc emerged as the most significant factor, achieving an R² of 0.89 and an RMSE of 1.13 MPa. Increased Lc improved compressive strength through enhanced pozzolanic activity and density, while higher Kr values, indicating lower CaO availability, yielded limited strength gains. Lc consistently outperformed Kr and other chemical compositions in enhancing clay soil compressive strength.
Keywords: Expansive Clay Soil, Lime, Hydrothermal Solidification, Chemical Composition, Leaching Coefficient, Silica-Sesquioxide Ratio.
Biography
Dr. Ahmed Salih Mohammed is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at both the University of Sulaimani (College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department) and the American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (Engineering Department). He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston, TX, USA (2010–2014), where he also completed his postdoctoral research in 2016. He earned his M.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Technology, Baghdad, Iraq (2003) and a B.Sc. in Building and Construction Engineering from the same university in 2000. Dr. Mohammed is a prolific researcher with over 270 publications and more than 10,900 citations, boasting an h-index of 62. His research expertise spans nanotechnology, geotechnical engineering, drilling engineering, rock mechanics, material characterization, smart materials, rheology, grouting, fracture mechanics, cement mortar, concrete technology, geopolymer, and modeling. Recognized as one of Iraq’s top researchers, Dr. Mohammed was ranked the number-one researcher in construction and building materials from 2021 to 2023, according to the Scopus database. He was also named among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier in 2020, 2021, and 2024. His exceptional contributions earned him the Most Active Researcher Award from the Ministry of Higher Education – KRG and the University of Sulaimani in 2019. That same year, he was recognized as the most active researcher in Kurdistan, Iraq, out of 30 universities. Dr. Mohammed plays a significant role in the academic publishing community, serving as a reviewer for over 40 international journals and as a guest editor and academic editor for five journals with impact factors of 5.3, 3.9, and 3.24. Additionally, he currently chairs the Certificate Committee of the ACI-Kurdistan Chapter (since 2023). His pioneering work continues to influence the fields of civil engineering and material science, making him a leading figure in Iraqi and international research communities.
Title : Heavy Metals Contamination in Groundwaters of Punjab (India), its Health Hazards and Mitigation
Name : Hardev Singh Virk
University : Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University
Country : India
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The curse of heavy metals contamination in groundwaters of Punjab state is an obvious source of health hazards for the population of Punjab. According to the data compiled by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the total number of villages affected by heavy metal contamination is 2420 in India, out of which 2139 (88%) fall in Punjab state. This shows an alarming situation and an environmental crisis waiting for Punjab. Department of Water Supply and Sanitation (DWSS) of Punjab Government has conducted a groundwater survey of entire Punjab under the World Bank funded project “Toward Managing Rural Drinking Water Quality in the State of Punjab, India” to determine heavy metal contamination of groundwater. Our analysis pertaining to heavy metals, such as Uranium, Arsenic, Selenium, Mercury, Iron, Nickel, Cadmium, Chromium, and Lead in groundwaters of Punjab, is based on DWSS World Bank Project data.
Punjab state is further divided into three geographical areas, known as Majha, Malwa, and Doaba. Our investigations reveal that Malwa districts, known as the ‘Cancer belt’ of Punjab, have all Uranium content higher than the WHO safe limit of 30 ppb in water. Arsenic and Selenium contamination is abundant in Majha and Doaba districts, respectively. Ferozepur district in Malwa is a “Hot Spot” of Mercury contamination. Nickel and Cadmium are both equally rampant in Punjab with concentration variation from 0.02 mg/l to 0.947 mg/l and 0.003 mg/l to 0.162 mg/l, respectively. Almost 80% villages with chromium concentration higher than WHO limit fall in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab. Lead is highly toxic and its concentration in groundwater above the WHO safe limit has been found in 708 villages with a variation from 0.010 mg/l to 0.479 mg/l.
Heavy metal toxicity in water can result in various health hazards which are well documented. Long-term exposure may result in slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes that mimic Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. DWSS of Punjab is involved in mitigation strategies to reduce the heavy metals content below the WHO limits. Presently, DWSS has opted for the supply of Canal water to all households in Punjab, which is the most economical source of drinking water, and also free of heavy metal contamination.
Biography
Prof. Hardev Singh Virk was born in Kamoke, district Gujranwala (now in Pakistan) on 23rd Feb. 1942. He received his M.Sc. in Physics from Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (1963) and Doctorate in Nuclear Physics from Marie Curie University, Paris (France) in 1972. He served in Punjabi University, Patiala (1965-79) and Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar (1979-2002). His research interests are manifold: Nuclear & Radiation Physics; Geochronology; Earthquakes & Environment; Ion Tracks & Nanotechnology; History & Philosophy of Science; Sikh Religion and Punjabi Literature.
Professor Virk retired from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar in June 2002 after serving as Director Research and Dean Academic Affairs. He was re-employed as Director Research, DAV Institute of Engineering & Technology, Jalandhar (2008-2011); Adjunct Professor, Akal University, Baru Sahib (2010-till date); Visiting Professor, SGGS World University, Fatehgarh Sahib (2013-17); and Professor of Eminence, Punjabi University, Patiala (2017-19).
Professor Virk has published 475 research papers in national & international journals; 45 books and 150 articles on Science Education & Science Policy in India. He has presented his Research Papers and Invited Talks in 100 National and 70 International Conferences in 50 countries. He is a globe trotter. He is recipient of several awards, viz., Senior Associateship of International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy (1988-93); Shiromani Award as Best Writer of Scientific Literature in Punjabi awarded by the Punjab State Languages Department (1993); Honourable Mention Award of Templeton Foundation (USA) for a Project on Global Perspectives of Science & Sikh Religion (2005); and FRAY International Sustainability Award by FLOGEN Stars Outreach (2022). Presently, he is Professor of Eminence (Honorary), SGGS World University, Fatehgarh Sahib (India).
Title : Assessment of Exurban Expansion on Water Quality in Rock Creek of the Yellowstone River in southcentral Montana, USA
Name : David Arthun
University : Water Monitoring Task Force Red Lodge
Country : USA
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Exurban expansion can degrade significantly stream water quality. This study was conducted on Rock Creek of the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River in southcentral Montana, USA. The impact from recent exurban expansion was evaluated by a baseline study measuring total suspended solids (TSS), total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN) and nitrites (NO2) and nitrates (NO3) together. This was part of a larger study by Montana Department of Environmental Quality to assess water quality, identify sources of pollution and develop total maximum daily loads (TMDL). Water samples were measured for these analytes at nine (2022) and 11 (2023) locations with different land-uses over seven periods (both years). Seasonal spikes, corresponding to runoff (2022, late May), occurred in TSS, TP and TN. Data from 2023 showed similar but reduced levels occurring in June for TSS and TP. Total suspended solids, TP, NO2 and NO3 concentrations increased by location year over year, 2022 to 2023. The high relative concentrations of NO2 and NO3 in Rock Creek are primarily associated with exurban expansion, a significant threat to stream quality and wildlife habitat in Montana. The results will assist county planners in land use decisions.
Biography
Dr. David received his Ph.D. from New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA. He completed post-doc research at the University of Louisiana in neurotoxicology. He has pursued research in riparian and desert ecosystems in Arizona and currently involved in riparian water quality work in Montana. David is retired from the U.S. Government.
Title : Global Spatial Assessment of Potential for new Peri-urban Forests to Combat Climate Change
Name : Saverio Francini
University : University of Bologna
Country : Italy
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Forests hold and remove vast quantities of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Given the challenges of reducing emissions quickly enough and the stakes involved, planting new trees is therefore crucial in the broader battle against climate change. Accordingly, the proposal from the G20 summit of November 2021, to fight the climate crisis by planting 1 trillion trees by 2030, has been accepted, elevating tree restoration as an emissions reduction strategy. At the same time, increasing urbanization has rendered more and more forested areas to the periphery of cities. We show that, globally, between 141 and 322 Mha are potentially available for tree restoration in such peri-urban areas. New forests around cities could provide crucial ecosystem services, improving air quality, mitigating temperatures, reducing heat islands, and removing greenhouse gases and other pollution from the atmosphere. We constructed a 500-m-resolution global map of the peri-urban areas suitable for tree restoration. We found that these areas may host between 241 and 106 billion trees, depending on different land availability scenarios, and between 101 and 34 billion trees when excluding areas that currently serve as croplands. Almost 80% of such trees could be hosted in just 20 countries. Although forest restoration activities such as tree planting cannot replace reducing carbon emissions, incrementing peri-urban forests can play a crucial role in the fight against climate change. Our results and the maps we constructed may help decision-makers to come to more informed decisions about where to focus reforestation efforts.
Biography
Dr. Saverio Francini is a young Assistant Professor in Tenure Track at the University of Bologna. He is a Remote Sensing specialist, with a focus on forest monitoring and disturbance mapping via artificial intelligence and novel technologies.
Title : Underutilized Food Plants and their Potential Contribution to Food Security: Lessons Learned from the Local Context
Name : Fernando Barrios
University : University of Caen
Country : France
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In the Huasteca region of Mexico, certain food plant species have been neglected due to public policies that have reduced support for family agriculture and favored the commercialization of processed and ultra-processed foods. It is important to identify and characterize these underutilized food plant species in the context of climate change and food and nutritional poverty. A survey was conducted among 45 participants in four rural localities, and field visits were carried out. The data obtained were analyzed thematically and through descriptive statistics. The study area is experiencing a progressive abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society. abandonment of species, resulting in a loss of germplasm and the traditional knowledge that underlies it. The reintroduction of these species into agroecosystems can be achieved by incorporating them into the local culinary practices. This will promote the resilience of agroecosystems and contribute to the food and nutritional security of society.
Biography
Dr. Fernando Barrios studied the International Baccalaureate at United World College Costa Rica, graduating in May 2020. He received his Bachelor of Arts in International Political Economy and Theater from The College of Idaho in the United States in May 2024. Fernando was awarded a grant to develop a “Davis Project for Peace” focused on the preservation of indigenous midwives in La Huasteca, Mexico, during the summer of 2024. He has participated in multiple projects in collaboration with Mexican higher education institutions for the conservation of traditional knowledge about underutilized, medicinal, and edible plants. He is currently enrolled in a one-year course on French Studies: Language and Culture at the University of Caen, Normandy.
Title : Environmental Science in Tiger Work: Stories, Essays and Poems about Climate Change (2023) － Sir Ben Okri’s Aesthetics of Necessity
Name : Rosemary Alice Gray
University : University of Pretoria
Country : South Africa
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This presentation surveys Sir Ben Okri’s 2023 Tiger Work through an ‘aesthetics of necessity’ prism as deduced not only from its dedication to “those who love the world enough to fight for it,” but also from the book’s mystical Blakean intertext, the final lines of which ponder the Tyger’s creation. I propose that the urgent apocalyptic thrust and ecocritical underpinning of this multimodal, interdisciplinary collection of essays, poems, parables, stoku [an amalgam of Japanese Haiku and flash fiction], an epistle and allegorical short stories inform Okri’s narrative stance in his treatment of environmental science and the ambiguities of reality. I adopt an eco-critical lens that studies literature and the environment from an interdisciplinary viewpoint; where all sciences come together to analyse the environment and to brainstorm possible solutions for the correction of contemporary environmental chaos, while cognizant of causal laws of science, on the one hand, and the intentionality and consciousness of art, on the other. My argument references two works of Stephen O’Leary (‘Apocalyptic Argument and the Anticipation of Catastrophe: The Prediction of Risk and the Risk of Prediction’ 1997 and Arguing the Apocalypse: A Theory of Millennial Rhetoric 1998); Arne Naess (Ecology of Wisdom 2008); and Michael Chapman (Literary Transactions in South Africa 2025).
Of necessity, too, I adopt a phenomenological ecocritical approach to critical environmental issues, such as water scarcity, climate change, global warming, deforestation, and reading for meaning that fall under the conceptual carapace of Okri’s “existential creativity” within the overriding theme of conservation. I conclude by citing lines from four of Okri’s 2021 A Fire in My Head poems− “Finding the Present,” “closed. still open” and “Notre Dame is Telling Us Something,”and climaxing with “Grenfell Tower, June 2017”− in illustration of his penetrating engagement with environmental issues and his ardent plea for change.
Biography
Dr. Rosemary Alice Gray is a BA, Senior Teachers Diploma (UCT); BA Honours, MA cum laude, Dlitt.et Phil. (Unisa). Rosemary is Emeritus Professor in the Department of English at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She is a rated researcher, specializing in Anglo-Saxon, Middle English and Pan-African texts. Her current research interest is the work of Ben Okri, and she has written or presented over fifty papers on Okri’s oeuvre, plus a Bloomsbury Academic monograph entitled, The Tough Alchemy of Ben Okri: The writer as conceptual artist.
Like Sir Ben Okri, she had planned to become a scientist, but fate dictated that she studied languages (French, Latin, German, Anglo-Saxon and Middle English). Growing up in East Africa, she perforce added Kiswahili, and returning to South Africa, Afrikaans. She has pursued her scientific bent by marrying a scientist, a Geo-Chemist; is a Fellow of the International Eskom Exco for Young Scientists and former Board Member of EEYS and Le Mouvement International pour le loisire scientifique et technologique (MILSET), adjudicating the annual UP Dr Derek Gray Gold Medal Award and the Dr Meiring Naude Gold Medal Award (for the Top Young Scientists).
She is Honorary Life Vice President of the English Academy of Southern Africa and Managing Editor of the English Academy Review: A Journal of English Studies.
Her book publications include Broken Strings: The Politics of Poetry and Sounding Wings: Short Stories from Africa (with Stephen Finn, Longmans), A Tribute to JRR Tolkien (Unisa Press), Light Comes Out of the Darkness: The History of Expo for Young Scientists (OUP); A Glass Half Full or Half Empty? The Challenges of Political Succession and Elections in Africa (Ssali pubs.); Commemorative Snapshots: Recalibrating Our Blue Diamond (Ssali) and Hunger for the Light: The Challenges of an African Life (Unisa Press).
Title : Integrated Supply Chain Network Design and Superstructure Optimization Problem: A case study of Microalgae Biofuel Supply Chain
Name : Setayesh Shirazaki
University : Iran University of Science & Technology
Country : Iran
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In recent years, several strategies have been developed and adopted in a bid to manage the biofuel supply chain. In this paper, a two-stage optimization model is proposed for integrated microalgae biofuel supply chain network design and superstructure optimization problems. In the first stage, the design of the carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) network is taken into account. A robust mixed integer linear programming (RMILP) model is proposed to optimize the strategic CCUS decisions, including the simultaneous selection of emission sources, capture facilitates, CO2 pipelines, intermediate transportation sites and storage sites, or microalgae cultivation sites. The second stage is dedicated to biorefinery superstructure optimization in order to determine the optimal/promising biorefinery configurations. The presented model is able to handle the inherent uncertainty of critical input parameters. Moreover, the results show that biodiesel production cost cannot compete with current diesel price, but it can be reduced significantly by improving biomass productivity.
Biography
Dr. Setayesh Shirazaki Currently, looking for a PhD position. She have completed my bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Shahid Beheshti University. Later on, she completed a master’s degree in the field of Supply Chain and Logistics Engineering as a major under Master of Industrial Engineering from Iran University of Science & Technology (IUST). Besides that, while studying for my master’s degree, She started working for Dana System Company of Dana Energy Group, a giant in oil exploration and oilfield services, as an IFS specialist. Afterward, She pursued my career at Petropars, a specialized company for financing mega projects in the oil and gas industry, as a SAP specialist. Right now, this is my current client.
Title : Isolation and Optimization of a Bacterial Consortium for Effective Cadmium Removal through Mixture Design Approaches
Name : Athira V M
University : National Institute of Technology
Country : India
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Heavy metal contamination is a major environmental and ecological threat worldwide, posing significant challenges. Excessive accumulation of heavy metals like cadmium in the environment poses significant risks to the environment and human health, particularly in regions with industrial activities and insufficient waste management practices. In this study, we focused on optimizing bacterial consortia composed of Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris for efficient removal of cadmium from contaminated environments, with specific emphasis on areas near the Cochin backwater system in Kerala, India. Sampling conducted at Sreebhoothapuram and Eloor Ferry Kadavu stations near Fertilizers and Chemicals Travancore (FACT) revealed these sites as having significant cadmium accumulation. Bacterial strains isolated from these stations exhibited notable resistance to cadmium, with levels reaching up to 40 mg/l and these strains maintained similar growth conditions, making them good candidates for constructing a bacterial consortium. The Cd-resistant bacteria were characterized and identified as Aeromonas hydrophila and Psychrobacter nivimaris. Through a synergetic approach, a consortium comprising two bacterial strains from different combinations obtained from these stations demonstrated promising cadmium resistance, reaching up to 60 mg/l. Mixture design optimization facilitated the determination of an optimal ratio (Aeromonas hydrophila: Psychrobacter nivimaris) = (0.329:0.671) for maximum removal efficiency. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of both individuals and the consortium revealed morphological changes, such as modifications in the cell wall, shape, and size of the bacteria, that occur during the absorption of Cd (II). The efficiency of the optimized consortium was validated through Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy, achieving an impressive removal percentage of 96.5% for a real wastewater sample with a Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of less than 10%. This study underscores the potential of tailored bacterial consortia as effective bioremediation agents for Cd-contaminated environments, particularly in regions with elevated cadmium levels like the Cochin backwater system in Kerala.
Biography
Dr. Athira V M is a Biotechnologist with real-world experience working in a Biopharmaceutical company. She is a postgraduate expertise in Medical Law and Ethics, ensuring a thorough understanding the perspective that combines scientific innovation with ethical and legal considerations. Her contributions to the field of Environmental Biotechnology research with a particular emphasis on Bioremediation, are showcased at an International Conference on Materials, Health and Energy. Her integrative approach highlights how Environmental Biotechnology can enhance public health, sustainability and innovation when guided by ethical and legal principles. She holds certifications in Bioenergy from IIT Kanpur and Bioengineering from IIT Bombay. She had been invited to TED Circle for her insightful remarks on socially relevant subjects.
Title : Quantifying Public Sentiment on Climate Change: Insights from Sentiment Analysis
Name : Nor Fariza Mohd Nor
University : National University of Malaysia
Country : Malaysia
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Public perceptions on climate change is a paramount component in developing and conceiving mitigation and adaptation strategies towards climate change. An understanding of public perceptions on climate change may assist decision-makers in producing appropriate strategies to ameliorate the impacts of climate change. The aim of this study is to quantify public sentiment by examining the polarity of the public sentiments through sentiment analysis and corpus-driven approaches. A part of a specialised corpus namely the Malaysian Diachronic Climate Change Corpus (MyDCCC) was developed from an online newspaper published in Malaysia, and this data was used in the present study. Azure Machine Learning software was used to conduct the sentiment analysis in order to explore the polarity of public sentiments, while corpus- driven approach was employed to identify the sentiment lexicon. The analysis began with sentiment analysis approach to categorise the news articles into two sub-corpora; the negative sentiment sentiment and the positive sentiment. Positive and negative sentiment words were identified by matching the wordlists generated for each sub-corpus with the MPQA Subjectivity Lexicon. The results indicated that the majority of public sentiments were negative. From 59 news articles, 53 words were identified as negative sentiment, with an average polarity score of 0.056 and an overall polarity percentage of 90%. In contrast, only six words were identified as positive sentiment, with an average polarity score of 0.897 and an overall polarity percentage of 10%.The findings suggest that the public is reasonably aware of climate change, though their sentiments are predominantly negative. This negative stance is largely influenced by public dissatisfaction with how decision-makers are handling climate change issues. Paradoxically, these negative sentiments may serve as an indicator for decision-makers to improve their approach to addressing climate change. In conclusion, this study significantly contributes to research on public perceptions of climate change in the Malaysian context. It offers valuable insights for decision-makers, as understanding public sentiment can enhance their strategies to positively influence societal perceptions of climate change issues.
Biography
Prod. Nor Fariza Mohd Nor, is an Associate Professor at the Center of Research for Language and Linguistics, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, National University of Malaysia (UKM). She received her Ph.D in Applied Linguistics from University of Malaya, and Master degree in English for Specific Purpose from the University of Warwick, U.K. Her Bachelor (Hons) degree is in Modern English Language and Education, from the University of Lancaster, U.K. Nor Fariza is a prolific writer and an active researcher, with her primary research interests encompassing media discourse and critical discourse studies. Her work includes analyses of the Malaysian Hansard corpus, as well as newspapers and social media corpora. She has published over 60 peer-reviewed papers, books, book chapters, and technical reports, and serves as a peer reviewer for high-impact journals such as PLOS ONE, SAGE Open, and Taylor & Francis. She has participated in 40 research projects within her areas of expertise. As a project leader, she has secured several international and national grants from various funding agencies, totaling nearly €70,000. She is currently engaged in multiple research projects with a strong focus on climate change, media linguistics, and the application of AI in teaching and learning. Her research in media linguistics employs sentiment analysis, corpus linguistics and word embedding techniques to capture sentiment analysis, collocations and the semantic meanings of words and their associations. The overarching aim of her research is to link language to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a way that benefits society.
Title : Theory and Experiments on Multiple Energy Resources for Optimal Energy Carbon-Mass Conversion Rates
Name : A. Jerry Jin
University : Ningbo University
Country : China
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The authors methodically optimize a distributed energy resource in terms of the production, management, utilization, and/or transaction of renewable energies during the deployment process. They discover a mathematical theoretical model that allows users to arrive at three critical output functions, including output power, energy economy, and carbon footprint. The model delivers three eigenstates derived by a power utility matrix (PUM) model. PUM transforms three-input parameters (3i) into three-output functions (3o) through 3i3o-transformation. The PUM model is ubiquitous, and its systematic characterization is discussed. Moreover, they discover a mathematical conversion relationship between energy generation and carbon emissions. Therefore, various case-studies are conducted to demonstrate the optimal energy resource utilization. Furthermore, an energy blockchain approach is employed for microgrid design, development, and carbon reduction. Finally, the authors demonstrate the energy matter (such as CO2) conversion relationship that can be valuable in order to reduce carbon emissions for energy production. The beta factor of carbon emissions drops to 0.225 kg/kWh for carbon peak state and to zero for carbon neutrality state.
Biography
Dr. A. Jerry Jin has been a full professor focused on the renewable energies in Ningbo University, China, and he also serves as a Chief Scientist of China Huaneng Group, China. He has earned his PhD in Physics from University of Minnesota. He has extensive research experience in EE, material science, and applied physics. Jerry has held positions in premier universities/ institutes/ companies such as NASA, Case Western Reserve University, and Applied Materials, USA. Moreover, he is a chief technology officer in a startup company who has managed RnD projects globally of several million dollars in budget. He is a well-known published author including many top journals with totally over a hundred scientific works in both Science and Nature portfolio.
Title : Pollutant Sources of a Highly Eutrophicated Bay: insights from a Stable Isotope Mixing Model in a multi-proxy approach
Name : Thaise Machado Senez-Mello
University : University of Rio de Janeiro
Country : Brazil
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A multiproxy methodology was employed to delineate pollution sources and assess ecological risks along the margins of Guanabara Bay (GB; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) shortly after a significant oil spill in 2018 attributed to a Local Oil Refinery. A total of 33 samples of surface sediments were analyzed for granulometry, geochemical profile, heavy metals, total organic carbon (TOC), nitrogen and its stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N), Rock-Eval pyrolysis parameters (REPP) and a set of other physicochemical metrics. The investigation revealed pronounced metal contamination in approximately 85% of the sites surveyed, emphasizing Cd in percolated water (CdW) and Cd, Pb, and Hg in the organic matrix of sediments (CdOM, PbOM, HgOM). Furthermore, implementing a Bayesian Stable Isotope Mixture Model (BSIMM) through the signals of δ13C and δ15N was crucial to identifying the presence and origin of the oil in the analyzed samples. The BSIMM results were corroborated by the REPP results, affirming its effectiveness in tracking the presence and provenance of PAHs in sediments. Furthermore, BSIMM and Cluster Analysis identified a pattern based on sediment probable composition, grouping sampling stations into three clusters. The composition of the organic matrix was then effectively associated with geographic typologies and potential polluting sources such as domestic sewage and industrial discharges. TOC analyses pointed out widespread eutrophication, with a notable discrepancy in GB’s eastern margin, where high concentrations of metals prevailed despite the proximity to the marine environment, signaling potential risks to marine life and human health. The use of isotopic signals to track sources of organic matter is already well-established in ecological studies. However, applying isotopic models based on proportions and probabilities (Monte Carlo Method) to detect oil spills is a novel approach. This methodology also has applicability in exploring natural oil exudations and in preventive monitoring of oil and mineral exploration. The need for additional studies, the compilation of a database containing the isotopic signatures of several oils, and free access to this data are essential to increase the model’s accuracy. This study highlights the need for more investments in environmental policies to mitigate ecological liabilities in Guanabara Bay. It also highlights the crucial role of innovative analytical tools in interpreting biogeochemical data.
Biography
Dr. Thaise M. Senez-Mello received a Ph.D. degree in Marine Biogeochemistry (2019) and MSc. in Marine MicroBiology (2014), both from Universidade Federal Fluminense – UFF, Niterói, Brasil. She graduated in Biological Sciences (2012) from FaMTh, Niterói, Brasil. In 2020, she joined the Post-graduation Programm as a post-doc researcher on Oceans and Earth Dynamics (UFF). In 2022, she joined the MicroPaleontology Laboratory from Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, UERJ, Brasil, where she started a new postdoc research on investigating marine pollution by multiproxy approach. In 2023, she started a collaboration with the Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira IEAPM, Brazilian Navy, Arraial do Cabo, RJ, where her main job was to aid postgraduation students dealing with statistics, translations, and submition process issues. She is currently working on biomonitoring marine pollution at UERJ supported by the Postgraduation Development Programm. She works on environmental aspects of oil and gas exploitation, seep hunting and ultra-deep benthonic ecology. Yet, contributes as associate reviewer in Frontiers in Marine Science (Marine Pollution), Frontiers in Environmental Science (Toxicology, Pollution, and the Environment), Environmental Science and Pollution Research (SpringerNature), and Applied Life Sciences International, Scientific Ambassador in Translation & Innovation Hub, Imperial College, London. Dra. Thaise is an Honorary Member of the Council of Rosalind Members (London Journals Press, UK); was honored by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, Arts, History, and Literature (ABRASCI) with the Academic Merit Necklace occupying the chair number 80 (Biological Science Concil). Translator, proofreader, and independent submission agent for multidisciplinary scientific journals. Professor of “Text mining – RapidMiner” of the MBA in “Data Science” at Universidade Federal Fluminense.