Marika Tatishvili- Dr. of Physical and Mathematical Sciences since 2006. She is Head of Weather forecasting, natural and  technogenic disaster modeling division of the Institute of Hydrometeorology of Georgian Technical University. She published 104 scientific articles including high rated journals. She is the member of Scientific and Editorial Board of Institute of Hydrometeorology and Institute of Geophysics. Also she is the Scientific Committee Member of the International Scientific Conference on Environment and Renewable Energy (ICERE 2014,15,16.17). She collaborates with High Education Institution Accreditation Expert of Ministry of Education of Georgia.

• 2016-Present: Professor of Hydrology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
• 2009-2016: Professor of Hydrology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China;
• 2007-2008: Associate professor, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing, China;
• 20072009: Postdoctoral researcher, The Institute of Space and Earth Information Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
• 2005-2007: Assistant professor, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences;
• May, 2005-April, 2006: Giessen University, Germany, Humboldt Fellow;
• July, 2003-March, 2005: Postdoctoral Researcher, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
• 1998-2003: Nanjing University, Ph.D. and Master
• 1994-1998: Qufu Normal University, Bachelor degree

Research Interest: Hydrometeorology, Natural hazards, floods and droughts, land-atmosphere interactions, Hydrological cycles

Publications List:

1. Shuai Sun, Qiang Zhang*, Chunxiang Shi, Vijay, P. Singh, Tao Zhang, Junxia Gu, Gang Wang, Wenhuan Wu, Donghui Chen, Jianmei Wu, 2024. Urban irrigation reduces moist heat stress in Beijing, China. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 7, 36, DOI 10.1038/s41612-024-00585-6.
2. Gang Wang, Qiang Zhang*, Yadu Pokhrel, Daniel Farinotti, Jida Wang, Zexi Shen, Vijay P. Singh, Chong-Yu Xu, 2023. Exogenous moisture deficit fuels drought risks across China. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 6, 217.
3. Qiang Zhang, Huiqian Yu, Jianfeng Li, Brent Clothier, Vijay P. Singh, Zexi Shen, 2023. Divergent effectiveness of irrigation in enhancing food security in droughts under future climates with various emission scenarios. npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, 6, 40.
4. Qiang Zhang, Zexi Shen, Yadu Pokhrel, Daniel Farinotti, Vijay P. Singh, Chong-Yu Xu, Wenhuan Wu, Gang Wang, 2022. Oceanic climate changes threaten the sustainability of Asia’s water tower. Nature, 615, 87-93. DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05643-8.
5. Shiyong Yu, Wenjia Li, Liang Zhou, Xuefeng Yu, Qiang Zhang, Zhixiong Shen, 2023. Human disturbances dominated the unprecedentedly high frequency of Yellow River flood over the lastmillennium. Science Advances, 9, eadf8576.
6. Shuai Sun, Qiang Zhang*, Vijay P. Singh, Chunxiang Shi, Gang Wang, Wenhuan Wu, Zexi Shen, 2022. Increased moist heat stress risk across China under warming climate. Scientific Reports, 12, 22548. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-27162-2.
7. Keke Fan, Louise Slater, Qiang Zhang*, Justin Sheffield, Pierre Gentine, Shuai Sun, Wenhuan Wu, 2022. Climate warming accelerates surface soil moisture drying in the Yellow River Basin, China. Journal of Hydrology, 613, 128735.
8. Qiang Zhang*, Rui Shi, Chong-Yu Xu, Peng Sun, Huiqian Yu, Jiaqi Zhao, 2022. Multisource data-based integrated drought monitoring index: model development and application. Journal of Hydrology, 615, 128644.
9. Zexi Shen, Qiang Zhang*, Vijay P. Singh, Yadu Pokhrel, Jianping Li, Chong-Yu Xu, Wenhuan Wu, 2022. Drying in the low-latitude Atlantic Ocean attributed to terrestrial water storage depletion across Eurasia. Nature Communication, 13, 1849, DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29544-6.
10. Gang Wang, Qiang Zhang*, Ming Luo, Vijay P. Singh, Chong-Yu Xu, 2022. Fractional contribution of global warming and regional urbanization to intensifying regional heatwaves across Eurasia. Climate Dynamics, DOI: 10.1007/s00382-021-06054-7.
11. Zexi Shen, Qiang Zhang*, Shilong Piao, Josep Peñuelas, Nils Chr. Stenseth, Deliang Chen, Chong-Yu Xu, Vijay P. Singh, Tingxi Liu, 2022. Mining exacerbates global degradation of dryland. Geophysical Research Letter, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021 GL094490.
12. Guicai Ning, Ming Luo, Qiang Zhang, Shigong Wang, Zhen Liu, Yuanjian Yang, Sijia Wu, Zhaoliang Zeng, 2021. Understanding the mechanisms of summer extreme precipitation events in Xinjiang of arid Northwest China. Journal of Geophysical Research: atmosphere, doi: 10.1029/2020JD034111.
13. Zexi Shen, Qiang Zhang*, Deliang Chen, Vijay P. Singh, 2021. Varying effects of mining development on ecological conditions and groundwater storage in dry region in Inner Mongolia of China. Journal of Hydrology, 18, 125759.

Research Interest: Toxicology – Research, Teaching and Manuscript Writing, Publication, Learning New Techniques.

Biography (up to 500 words): Prof Jun Peng is currently the Chair Professor of Sustainable Energy Engineering in the University of Lincoln, UK. He is a member of the University’s Green Energy and Net Zero Steering Committee, Deputy Director in Research of School of Engineering, Head of Thermofluids Research Lab. Prof Peng obtained his PhD degree in mechanical engineering (thermodynamics/IC engine combustion) in 1996 from the National Engine Combustion Lab (China). He moved to Brunel University in 1998 as research fellow for five years.  After obtained two years industrial experience at Ford Motor Company (Product Development Europe) as a senior development engineer since 2003, he started working as a lecturer in mechanical engineering in University of Sussex since 2004 and was promoted to senior lecturer (associate professor) in 2007. He was appointed as Professor in Engineering in Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, University of Bedfordshire in June 2017. Prof Peng’s research interest lies in flow dynamics and combustion with application on combustion engines, gas turbines, fuel cells and other sustainable power systems. Prof Peng is a fellow of IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers) and committee members of Academic Assessment Committee, and an invited international fellow of JSPS (Japan Society for the Promotion of Science).  He is currently an associate editor of Electronics Letters (SCI Journal) and Editorial Board member of Johnson Matthey Technology Review (SCI Journal).

Research Interest:

Experimental investigation (including various laser diagnostics) and numerical simulation (including LES, DNS, etc.) on fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, combustion with application on flows and combustion of non-carbon fuels and other renewable fuels in combustion engines, fuel cells and other sustainable energy technologies (including exhaust energy recovery, solar energy, etc.) 

Dorina Simedru is a distinguished Romanian professional with a diverse academic and professional background, specializing in both physics and psychology. Born on July 20, 1980, she has built an impressive career blending scientific research with academic instruction and laboratory leadership.

Academically, Dorina holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Babes-Bolyai University, completed between 2003 and 2008, where she also earned a Master's Degree in Oxide Materials Physics (2002-2003) and a Bachelor of Science in Medical Physics (1998-2002). Demonstrating her interdisciplinary interests, she concurrently pursued and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Babes-Bolyai University between 2007 and 2010. Her academic pursuits also included an Erasmus program as a student at the University of Aveiro, Faculty of Physics, in Portugal (2003).

Professionally, Dorina Simedru has held significant roles within research and academia:

• Head of the Environmental Analysis Laboratory at INCDO-INOE 2000, ICIA Cluj-Napoca Subsidiary (Since May 2014)Associate Professor at University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, Cluj-Napoca (October 2011 to March 2012)
• Scientific Researcher at INCDO-INOE 2000, ICIA Cluj-Napoca Subsidiary (Since February 2008)

Her long-standing commitment to research is evident in these roles.

Her expertise is reflected in an extensive body of work, including over 57 papers in ISI journals, 15 in national journals, and numerous presentations at national and international conferences. She has also managed and contributed to over 20 national and international projects, including "Multi-element analysis of apples, pears and corresponding leaves and blossom leaves..." and "Innovative Technologies For Advanced Materials Recovery from IT and Telecommunication Waste...".

Beyond her research and academic duties, Dorina is recognized for her strong communication and interpersonal skills, her ability to adapt to diverse environments, and excellent organizational skills, including effective time management and research capabilities.

Dorina Simedru has also been honored with two invited lectures at international conferences. She holds several certifications, including "Trainer" certification, various ISO accreditations related to testing and calibration laboratories, quality management systems, and as an environmental auditor, showcasing her commitment to high standards and continuous professional development.

She actively engages in social activities, partnering in educational programs and participating in European Researcher Night events.

Research Interest(s):

• Environmental Analytical Chemistry & Sustainable Technologies: Focus on multi-element analysis, environmental monitoring, waste valorization, and the development of sustainable processes and materials from various waste streams.
• Advanced Materials & Biomaterials Science: Research into the synthesis, characterization, and application of novel materials, including oxide materials, bioglasses, and polymer composites, particularly for biomedical and engineering purposes.
• Sustainable Construction Materials: Investigation into the development and properties of eco-friendly building materials, with an emphasis on utilizing industrial by-products (e.g., blast furnace slags) and agricultural waste to enhance performance and reduce environmental impact.
• Food Science, Quality Assessment, and Nutrition: Study of food product quality, composition, storage impact, nutrient bioavailability, and profiling using advanced analytical techniques.
• Material Characterization and Advanced Analytical Methods: Expertise in employing various instrumental techniques for the structural, chemical, and physical characterization of diverse materials across environmental, medical, and industrial applications.

Research Interest: Outdoor Air Quality Modeling and Assessment, Indoor Air Quality, Numerical Simulation (CFD model), Atmospheric Diffusion, Air Pollution Meteorology, Modeling of micro-scale flow problems, Physical Simulation (Wind tunnel modeling), Noise Pollution, Environmental Statistics, and Wind Engineering.

Isidro A. Pérez is Associate Professor of Applied Physics at the University of Valladolid. His scientific career began with measurement and modelling of photochemical oxidants. The following research line was the management of RASS sodar data, which led to different papers. This device analyses the low boundary layer beyond the heights investigated by any meteorological tower. After that, CO2 concentrations were studied at a rural site and several papers that combined RASS sodar observations with concentrations measured present the results of this research. Moreover, parametric and nonparametric procedures were used to investigate the daily and annual cycles of greenhouse gases. The analysis of air parcel trajectories was later considered and the contrast between Atlantic and continental trajectories was observed on the greenhouse gas concentration recorded. Finally, his research is oriented towards the trend determination by parametric and nonparametric procedures and the origin of greenhouse gas outliers and their influence on this trend.

Research Interest:  Low atmosphere meteorology; Air pollution; Statistics of meteorological observations

URL: https://publons.com/researcher/1233838/isidro-a-perez/metrics/

Number of Publications: 71

March 1th, 2023 to date: Researcher in the Competition Sector 05 / C1- (SSD-BIO 07) ECOLOGY at the Department of

Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceuticals and Environmental Sciences of the

University of Messina.

• 05/2022 - 07/2022: Visiting Researcher at Marbio-UiT Artic University of Norway:

Extraction techniques of Bioactive Compounds from aquatic organism and

biotechnological applications

• 2019-2022: PhD in " Applied Biology and Experimental Medicine" (XXXV cycle)

at the Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceuticals and Environmental

Sciences of the University of Messina.

• 2004-2014: Master Degree in CHEMISTRY AND PHARMACEUTICAL

TECHNOLOGY, awarded at the University of Messina.

SKILLS:

• Experience in screening complex mixtures (i.e. natural product extracts and

fractions) for biological activity in biochemical and cell-based assays

• Identification of known and potentially unknown bioactive compounds

(dereplication) using high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry

• Mass guided isolation of bioactive natural products from extracts and organisms,

purity determination.

• Structural elucidation of complex natural products using high resolution mass

spectrometry and spectroscopical tecniques such as NMR, IR and UV-Vis

spectroscopy.

• Isolation and cultivation of marine microorganisms (Bacteria and Fungi),

• Focus on samples of marine origin such as extracts from invertebrates, marine

fungi and bacteria,

• MOLECULAR BIOLOGY TECHNIQUES

• Use of microscopes, camera image acquisition and computer image processing,

preparation of samples and solutions in sterility, ability to work in a clean room

and under a laminar flow hood, cell cultures, determination of cell mortality by

MTT, electrophoresis on gel, western blot, nitrite and nitrate assay, comet assay,

immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, preparation and staining of

histological samples. ELISA , PCR.

Research Interest: Marine Ecology, Ecotoxicology, Marine Pharmacology

Dr. Nour Shafik El-Gendy is a Professor in the field of Petroleum and Environmental Biotechnology. Acting and Former Vice Head of Process Design & Development Department and Former Head Manager of Petroleum Biotechnology Lab, Egyptian Petroleum Research Institute. Former Advisor for the Egyptian Minster of Environment. Member in Center of Excellence in Modern Sciences and Arts, MSA University. Vice Coordinator of the Scientific Research Committee and member in Rural Woman Committee, National Council for Women (NCW) of Egypt. Executive committee member in the Egyptian Young Academy of Sciences (EYAS). Member of the Technical Committee for the preparation of the regulations of the Faculty of Energy and Environmental Engineering - British University in Egypt (BUE) and committee member for the preparation of the undergraduate Biochemical Engineering Program in the same faculty. El-Gendy is expert in the field of environmental pollution, wastewater treatment, biofuels, petroleum upgrading, green chemistry, nanobiotechnology, valorization of wastes and biocorrosion. She has published seven chapters, four books and 108 research papers, and supervised 27 MSc and PhD thesis in the field of; biofuels, biocorrosion, environmental pollution, climate change, bioremediation, valorization agroindustrial wastes, nanobiotechnology, wastewater treatment and bioupgrading of petroleum. Dr. El-Gendy is also an editor and reviewer in 43 and 86 international journals, respectively, in the field of; environmental biotechnology and pollution, bioenergy, nanobiotechnology and petroleum microbiology and biotechnology. She is the PI of a project for bioethanol production from agricultural wastes and she participated also in research projects concerning with; biodiesel from algae, application of nanobiotechnology in upgrading of petroleum and bioremediation of petroleum polluted environment. Dr. El-Gendy participated in 44 international workshops and training courses, and 67 international conferences. Dr. El-Gendy is a member in many international associations and organizations concerned with petroleum industry, environmental health and sciences. She is also an active member in national committees concerning with; water desalination, wastewater treatment, biofuel standards, petroleum pollution, chemical engineering and biotechnology. She is in international collaboration with different foreign universities. She has also teaching experience (Chemical Engineering Department – Faculty of Engineering - The British University in Egypt BUE, Faculty of Biotechnology, Chemical Engineering Department – Faculty of Engineering and Center of Excellence and Entrepreneurship - Modern Sciences and Arts, MSA University, Faculty of Science - Monufia University, Chemical Engineering Department - Faculty of Engineering - Cairo University and Biotechnology Program - Faculty of Science, Cairo University). Her biography is recorded in Who’s Who in Science and Engineering.

Research Interest:

environmental pollution and its treatment, petroleum and industrial wastewater treatment, recycling and valorization of wastes, environmental biotechnology, bioenergy, petroleum microbiology and biotechnology, petroleum upgrading, biocorrosion, green chemistry and nanobiotechnology

URL:   https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nour_El-gendy

List of Publications: 
1.    B.A. Omran, H.N. Nassar, N.A. Fatthalah, A. Hamdy,E.H. El-Shatoury &N.Sh. El-Gendy“Physiochemical properties of Trichoderma longibrachiatumDSMZ 16517-synthesized silver nanoparticles for the mitigation of halotolerant sulphate-reducing bacteria” Journal of Applied Microbiology.126(1), 138-154.

2.    A.R. Ismail, S.B. El-Henawy, S.A. Younis, M.A. Betiha, N.Sh. El-Gendy, M.S. Azab & N.M. Sedky“ Statistical Enhancement of Lipase Extracellular Production by Bacillus stratosphericusPSP8 in A Batch Submerged Fermentation Process” Journal of Applied Microbiology125(4), 1076-1093.

3.    Omar Aboelazayem, Nour Sh. El-Gendy, Ahmed A. Abdel-Rehim, Fatma H. Ashour & Mohamed A. Sadek“ Biodiesel production from castor oil in Egypt: process optimisation, kinetic study, diesel engine performance and exhaust emissions analysis” Energy157,843-852

4.    Kheiralla ZH, El-Gendy NSh, Ahmed HA, Shaltout ThH, Hussein MMD “Upgrading of Tomato(Solanum lycopersicum) Agroindustrial Wastes” Journal of Microbial & Biochemical Technology10, 46-48. doi: 10.4172/1948-5948.1000394

5.    R.M. Soliman, S.A. Younis, N.Sh. El-Gendy, S.S.M. Mostafa, S.A. El-Temtamy & A.I. Hashim“Batch bioethanol production via the biological and chemical saccharification of some Egyptian marine macroalgae” Journal of Applied Microbiology125(2), 422-440

6.    B.A. Omran, H.N. Nassar, N.A. Fatthalah, A. Hamdy, E.H. El-Shatoury &N.Sh. El-Gendy“ Characterization and antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles mycosynthesized by Aspergillusbrasiliensis” Journal of Applied Microbiology125(2), 370—382.

7.    Nour Sh. El-Gendy, A. Hamdy & Basma A. Omran“ Thermal and Surface Studies on the Corrosion Inhibition of Petroleum Pipeline by Aqueous Extract of Allium cepa Skin under Acidic Condition” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects 40(8),905-915.

8.    Basma A. Omran, Hussein N. Nassar, Nesreen A. Fatthalah, A. Hamdy, Einas H. El-Shatoury &Nour Sh. El-Gendy“ Waste Upcycling of Citrus Sinensis Peels as A Green Route for Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects 40(2),227-236.

9.    Hussein N. Nassar, Samiha F. Deriase & Nour Sh. El-Gendy“Kinetic Modeling and Simulation of a Batch Biodesulfurization Process by Rhodococcus erythropolisHN2” Petroleum Science & Technology 35(20), 1995-2002.

10.    Hussein N. Nassar, Samiha F. Deriase & Nour Sh. El-Gendy“ Statistical Optimization of Biomass Production and Biodesulfurization activity of Rhodococcus erythropolisHN2” Petroleum Science & Technology35(20), 1951-1959.

11.    Abdullah M El Mahdi, Hamidi Abdul Aziz & Nour Sh. El-Gendy“ Emulsifiers Produced by Locally Microbes Using Local Agro-Industrial Wastes” Recent Advances in Petrochemical Sciences 2(2), 555583. DOI:10.19080/RAPSCI.2017.02.55558

12.    Hager R. Ali, Hussein N. Nassar & Nour Sh. El-Gendy“ Green Synthesis of α-Fe2O3Using Citrus reticulum Peels Extract and Water Decontamination from Different Organic Pollutants” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects 39(13), 1425–1414.

13.    Omar Aboelazayem, Nour Sh. El-Gendy, Fatma H. Ashour & Mohamed A. Sadek“ Complete Analysis of Castor Oil Methanolysis for Biodiesel Production” Conference proceedings, “10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy and Environmental Protection: Bioenergy and Biofuels” Krope, J., Ghani Olabi, A., Goričanec, D., and Božičnik, S. (Ed.) June 27th –30th, 2017, Bled, Slovenia. Pp. 45-55. https://doi.org/10.18690/978-961 -286-048-6.5

14.    K. Mchiouer, S. Bennani, N. Sh. El-Gendy& M. Meziane“. Evaluation of the Hygienic Quality of Raw Cow’s Milk in Oujda City Morocco” Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia14(2), 587-591.

15.    Soha S. M. Mostafa & Nour Sh. El-Gendy“ Evaluation of Fuel Properties for Microalgae Spirulina PlatensisBio-diesel and Its Blends with Egyptian Petro-diesel” Arabian J. of Chemistry10, S2040–S2050.

16.    Abdallah R. Ismail, Samy B. El-Henawy, Mohamed A. Betiha, Salem S. Abu Amr, Nour Sh. El-Gendy, Mohamed S. Azab & Nagwa M. Sedky“ Optimization of a Batch Cao-Catalyzed Transesterification of Used Domestic Waste Oil with Methanol and Elucidation of a Mathematical Correlation between Biodiesel Yield and Percent Conversion” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects 39(10),1013–1028.

17.    Abdallah R. Ismail, Samy B. El-Henawy, SherifA. Younis, Mohamed A. Betiha, Salem S. Abu Amr, Nour Sh. El-Gendy, Mohamed S. Azab & Nagwa M. Sedky“ Optimization of Batch Novozym435-Catalyzed Transesterification of Waste Cooking Oil with Methanol for Biodiesel Production in a Solvent-Free Medium” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects 39(9),911–925

18.     Sahar M. Ahmed, Fawzia I. El-Dib, Nour Sh. El-Gendy, Wafaa M. Sayed & Mohamed El-Khodary“A Kinetic Study for the Removal of Anionic Sulphonated Dye from Aqueous Solution Using Nano-polyaniline and Baker's Yeast" Arabian J. of Chemistry9(2), S1721–S1728.

19.    Nour Sh. El–Gendy, A. Hamdy, Nesreen A. Fatthalah & Basma A. Omran “Recycling of Some Domestic Wastes to Produce Green Corrosion Inhibitors and Biocides for Sulfate Reducing Bacteria” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects38(24), 3722-3732.

20.    K. Mchiouer, S. Bennani, N. Sh. El-Gendy& M. Meziane“ Identification and Antibiotic Resistance of Lactobacilli Isolated from Raw Cow’s Milk of Oujda City (Morocco)” Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery Utilization & Environmental Effects38(24), 3572-3577.

Since 2019 and up until the present day, I have been diligently serving as a Full Professor and researcher within the esteemed Technical Colleges system under the Mexican Federal  Ministry of Education (Exhibit 7-a). Here, my duties include teaching students about smart agriculture and agriculture-related courses with giving them real-life practical applications. Prior to this, I had the honor of being chosen by the Mexican National Science and Technology Council to undertake the prestigious project titled "Soil Chemistry, plant nutrition and Irrigation Water Management in the Mante region of Tamaulipas state." This project was an integral part of the comprehensive initiative launched by the Mexican Federal Government with the important aim of supporting various economic sectors by providing them with exceptionally qualified and well-trained individuals who possessed a doctorate in their respective fields.

Research Interest: The main research objective is to explore environment friendly, economically feasible and efficient remediation strategies for Natural Resources Conservation and Rehabilitation particularly, Soils and Water. Research areas explored: Applied environmental soil chemistry, Remediation of metal contaminated soils using chemical and biological methods, Contaminated soil rehabilitation through immobilization by adsorbents like biochar, cow and chicken manure, synthetic chemical chelates, among others, Phytostabilization of soils contaminated with Cd by lupin plants, Zn and Cd accumulation by Lupinus uncinatus grown in nutrient solution, Synthesis and characterization of Carbon/AlOOH composite for adsorption of Cr (VI) from synthetic wastewater

Dr. Chee Kong YAP is a Malaysian and is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University Putra Malaysia (UPM). He obtained his Ph.D. degree in Ecotoxicology from University Putra Malaysia. As an academician for more than 12 years in UPM and 17 years as a researcher, he has been active in teaching and doing research since his first degree. Under his chairmanship, one PhD and six MS students have successfully graduated so far in UPM. In recognition of his expertise and research capabilities, he was awarded research grants as Principal Investigator and Researcher including from Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI, Malaysia), Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE, Malaysia) and University Putra Malaysia. He has been invited as a reviewer in various prominent Impact Factor Journals besides some non-cited journals. Until February 2015, he has reviewed [voluntarily] 190 citation-indexed and 63 non-citation –indexed journal articles, by invitation on ad hoc basis, which are submitted for consideration for publication in international journals worldwide. Dr. Yap has been active in publications as evidenced with his research outputs with more than 236 published in refereed academic journals, 2 books, 4 book chapters, 18 international conferences/ proceedings, 45 national conferences/ proceedings, 4 invited papers and 32 poster presentations. In addition, he has published 21 papers (8.60%) as single author of the paper. Until February 2015, 163 of them have now been indexed in Elsevier’s Scopus with an H-index of 18 (1185 citations) and 20 (1758 citations) based on Google Scholar. His single-authored book entitled ‘Mussel Watch in Malaysia: Past, Present and Future’ (UPM Press, 2012) is his significant output of his 17-year research endeavor. Most recently, Dr. Yap has won an international award for ‘Award for Excellence in Research 2014 (EET CRS)’, on 21 July 2014 from Bangalore, India.

Research Interest:  Plant and Soil Sciences, Environmental pollution,

Heavy Metal

Biomonitoring

Molluscs

Ecotoxicology

URL: http://livedna.org/60.9528

List of Publications: 

1.   Yap, C.K., A.R. Bakhtiari and W.H. Cheng, 2017. Impacts of marine pollution and toxicology: A mussel watch experience in peninsular Malaysia. Aquatic pollution Malaysia. J. Aquat Pollut. Toxicol., 1: 1-4.

2.    Yap, C.K., 2017. Essential minerals for good heath, but their overdose is not. EC Nur., 6: 109-112.

3.    Wong, K.W., C.K. Yap, R. Nulit, M.S. Hamzah and S.K. Chen et al., 2017. Effects of anthropogenic activities on the heavy metal levels in the clams and sediments in a tropical river. Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res., 24: 116-134.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

4.    Ong, G.H., C.K. Yap, M. Mahmood, S.G. Tan and M.S. Hamzah, 2017. Magnesium in local edible ulam (Centella asiatica) and its relation to their habitat soils in peninsular Malaysia. Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci., 40: 1-18.

5.    Ashraf, A., E. Saion, E. Gharibshahi, H.M. Kamari, C.K. Yap, M.S. Hamzah and M.S. Elias, 2017. Distribution of trace elements in core marine sediments of coastal east Malaysia by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Applied Radiation Isotopes, 122: 96-105.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

6.    Yap, C.K., Y.J.E. Ng, F.B.E. Thomas, W.H. Cheng and G.H. Ong, 2016. The use of foot of the green-lipped mussel is perna viridis as an alternative method to reduce the gender effect on the bioaccumulation of Cu and Zn in the mussel. Open J. Oceanography, 1: 22-25.

7.    Yap, C.K., W.H. Cheng, A. Karami and A. Ismail, 2016. Health risk assessments of heavy metal exposure via consumption of marine mussels collected from anthropogenic sites. Sci. Total Environ., 553: 285-296.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

8.    Sharifinia, M., A. Mahmoudifard, J.I. Namin, Z. Ramezanpour and C.K. Yap, 2016. Pollution evaluation in the Shahrood River: Do physico-chemical and macroinvertebrate-based indices indicate same responses to anthropogenic activities? Chemosphere, 159: 584-594.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

9.    Ong, G.H., L.S. Wong, A.L. Tan and C.K. Yap, 2016. Effects of metal-contaminated soils on the accumulation of heavy metals in gotu kola (Centella asiatica) and the potential health risks: A study in Peninsular Malaysia. Environ. Monitoring Assess., Vol. 188. 10.1007/s10661-015-5042-0.

CrossRef  | 

10.    Karami, A., N. Romano, H. Hamzah, S.L. Simpson and C.K. Yap, 2016. Acute phenanthrene toxicity to juvenile diploid and triploid African catfish (Clarias gariepinus): Molecular, biochemical and histopathological alterations. Environ. Pollut., 212: 155-165.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  |

11.    Karami, A., D. Omar, J.M. Lazorchak, C.K. Yap, Z. Hashim and S.C. Courtenay, 2016. A comparison of biomarker responses in juvenile diploid and triploid African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, exposed to the pesticide butachlor. Environ. Res., 151: 313-320.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

12.    Ashraf, A., E. Saion, E. Gharibshahi, H.M. Kamari, C.K. Yap, M.S. Hamzah and M.S. Elias, 2016. Rare earth elements in core marine sediments of coastal East Malaysia by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Applied Radiat. Isotopes, 107: 17-23.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

13.    Yap, C.K., A. Jusoh, W.J. Leong, A. Karami and G.H. Ong, 2015. Potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals via the consumption of tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus collected from contaminated and uncontaminated ponds. Environ. Monit. Assess., Vol. 187. 10.1007/s10661-015-4812-z.
CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

14.    Yap, C.K., 2015. Comment on assessment of heavy metal contamination in Hindon River sediments: A chemometric and geochemical approach published in Chemosphere 87 (2012) 945-953. Chemosphere, 119: 1465-1466.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

15.    Yap, C.K. and W.H. Cheng, 2015. Beryllium levels in the mangrove snail, Nerita lineata and surface sediments from Peninsular Malaysian Mangrove Area. Sains Malaysiana, 44: 965-971.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

16.    Cheng, W.H., C.K. Yap, M.P. Zakaria, A.Z. Aris and S.G. Tan, 2015. Lithium levels in Peninsular Malaysian coastal areas: An assessment based on mangrove snail Nerita lineata and surface sediments. Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci., 38: 93-101.

Direct Link  | 

17.    Cheng, W.H. and C.K. Yap, 2015. Potential human health risks from toxic metals via mangrove snail consumption and their ecological risk assessments in the habitat sediment from Peninsular Malaysia. Chemosphere, 135: 156-165.

CrossRef  |  Direct Link  | 

18.    Yap, C.K., F.B. Edward and S.G. Tan, 2014. Concentrations of heavy metals in different tissues of the bivalve Polymesoda erosa: Its potentials as a biomonitor and food safety concern. Pertanika J. Trop. Agric. Sci., 37: 19-38.

Direct Link  | 

19.    Yap, C.K., 2014. Shells of Telescopium telescopium as biomonitoring materials of ni pollution in the tropical intertidal area. Int. J. Adv. Applied Sci., 3: 11-18.

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20.    Yap, C.K., 2014. Elemental concentrations in the surface sediments collected from the straits of Malacca: 2004 sampling cruise. Int. J. Adv. Applied Sci., Vol. 3. .

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21.    Yap, C.K., 2014. Contamination of heavy metals and other organic pollutants in Perna viridis from the coastal waters of Malaysia: A review based on 1998 data. J. Sci. Res. Rep., 3: 1-16.

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Ons Bouchami holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia. Her research primarily focuses on antimicrobial resistance in bacterial pathogens, particularly Staphylococcal species. She has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular epidemiology, genetic diversity, and evolution of antibiotic resistance determinants in healthcare-associated pathogens. During her postdoctoral studies (2012-2022) at the Microbiology of Human Pathogens Unit, ITQB-NOVA, she focused on molecular epidemiology and evolutionary pathways of antibiotic resistance in staphylococci, utilizing advanced bioinformatic and molecular tools. Collaborating with healthcare professionals and veterinarians, Ons Bouchami investigated animals and the meat-processing chain as potential reservoirs for multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospitals. She also partnered with chemists to discover new antibiotics for combating infections from these bacteria. Her discoveries empowered her to question the traditional clinical perspective on coagulase-negative staphylococci, challenging the notion that these infections are uniform across various species and strains. Since 2022, she has been with the Human Microbiota – Xenobiotics Interactions Lab at ITQB NOVA, investigating the impact of xenobiotics on the gut microbiome. Ons Bouchami has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has actively engaged in various academic activities, including teaching, mentoring, and serving as an editorial board member for scientific journals organizing scientific events. Her work has greatly advanced our understanding of antibiotic resistance dynamics and infection control strategies.

Research Interest: Antimicrobial resistance; Bacterial Evolution; Human gut Microbiome; Metals; Xenobiotics Interactions; Pathogenicity; Bioinformatics; Metagenomics

Publications List:

1. Bouchami, O., Machado, M., Carriço, J. A., Melo-Cristino, J., de Lencastre, H., &  Miragaia, M. (2023). Spontaneous Genomic Variation as a Survival Strategy of  Nosocomial Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Microbiology Spectrum. Advance online  publication. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.02552-22.
2. Raddaoui, A., Chebbi, Y., Bouchami, O., Frigui, S., Messadi, A. A., Achour, W., & Thabet, L. (2022). Dissemination of epidemic ST239/ST241-t037-agrI-SCCmecIII methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Tunisian trauma burn intensive care unit. Acta Microbiologica et Immunologica Hungarica. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1556/030.2022.01884.
3. Dhaouadi, S., Bouchami, O., Soufi, L., Dhaouadi, F., Chaari, S., Bouglita, W., Cherif, A., et al. (2022). Frequent dissemination and carriage of an SCCmec-mecC hybrid in methicillin-resistant Mammaliicoccus sciuri in farm animals from Tunisia. Journal of Global Antimicrobial Resistance, 22, 00222-00223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jgar.2022.09.007
4. Lawal, O. U., Fraqueza, M. J., Worning, P., Bouchami, O., Bartels, M. D., Goncalves, L., ... de Lencastre, H. (2021). Staphylococcus saprophyticus causing infections in humans is associated with high resistance to heavy metals. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 65(7), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.02685-20
5. Lawal, O. U., Fraqueza, M. J., Bouchami, O., Worning, P., Bartels, M. D., Gonçalves, M. L., ... Miragaia, M. (2021). Foodborne origin and local and global spread of Staphylococcus saprophyticus causing human urinary tract infections. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 27(3). https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2703.200852
6. Bouchami, O., Fraqueza, M. J., Faria, N. A., Alves, V., Lawal, O. U., de Lencastre, H., & Miragaia, M. (2020). Evidence for the dissemination to humans of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST398 through the pork production chain: A study in a Portuguese slaughterhouse. Microorganisms, 8(12), 1892-1908.  https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8121892
7. Alves, M. M., Bouchami, O., Tavares, A., Córdoba, L., Santos, C. F., Miragaia, M., & De Fátima Montemor, M. (2017). New insights into antibiofilm effect of a nanosized ZnO coating against the pathogenic methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 9(34), 28157-28167. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b02320
8. Rolo, J., Worning, P., Nielsen, J. B., Sobral, R., Bowden, R., Bouchami, O., ... Westh, H. (2017). Evidence for the evolutionary steps leading to mecA-mediated β-lactam resistance in staphylococci. PLoS Genetics, 13(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgen.1006674
9. Rolo, J., Worning, P., Nielsen, J. B., Bowden, R., Bouchami, O., Damborg, P., ... Westh, H. (2017). Evolutionary origin of the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec(SCCmec). Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 61(6). https://doi.org/10.1128/AAC.02302-16
10. Bouchami, O., de Lencastre, H., & Miragaia, M. (2016). Impact of insertion sequences and recombination on the population structure of Staphylococcus haemolyticus. PLoS ONE, 11(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0156653
11. Zhang, L., Thomas, J. C., Miragaia, M., Bouchami, O., Chaves, F., d'Azevedo, P. A., ... Tomasz, A. (2013). Multilocus sequence typing and further genetic characterization of the enigmatic pathogen, Staphylococcus hominis. PLoS ONE, 8(6). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0066496
12. Gouveia, C., Gavino, A., Bouchami, O., Miragaia, M., Varandas, L., de Lencastre, H., & Brito, M. J. (2013). Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus lacking PVL, as a cause of severe invasive infection treated with linezolid. Case Reports in Pediatrics, 2013, 1-5. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/727824
13. Rolo, J., Miragaia, M., Turlej-Rogacka, A., Empel, J., Bouchami, O., Faria, N. A., ... Westh, H. (2012). High genetic diversity among community-associated Staphylococcus aureus in Europe: Results from a multicenter study. PLoS ONE, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0034768
14. Rolo, J., Miragaia, M., Turlej-Rogacka, A., Empel, J., Bouchami, O., Faria, N. A., Tavares, A., et al. (2012). High genetic diversity among community-associated Staphylococcus aureus in Europe. PLoS ONE. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/117124
15. Mekni, M. A., Bouchami, O., Achour, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2012). Strong biofilm production but not adhesion virulence factors can discriminate between invasive and commensal Staphylococcus epidermidis strains. APMIS, 120(8), 605-611. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0463.2012.02877.x
16. Soufi, L., Sáenz, Y., De Toro, M., Abbassi, M. S., Rojo-Bezares, B., Vinué, L., ... Ben Hassen, A. (2012). Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of Salmonella entericarecovered from poultry meat in Tunisia and identification of new genetic traits. VectorBorne and Zoonotic Diseases, 12(1), 10-16. https://doi.org/10.1089/vbz.2011.0678
17. Bouchami, O., Ben Hassen, A., de Lencastre, H., & Miragaia, M. (2011). High prevalence of mec complex C and ccrC is independent of SCCmec type V in Staphylococcus haemolyticus. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 31(4), 605-614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-011-1354-3
18. Bouchami, O., Achour, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2011). Prevalence of resistance phenotypes and genotypes to macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin antibiotics in Gram-positive cocci isolated in Tunisian bone marrow transplant center. Pathologie Biologie, 59(4), 199-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patbio.2009.03.010
19. Bouchami, O., Hassen, A. B., de Lencastre, H., & Miragaia, M. (2011). Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus hominis (MRSHo): Low clonality and reservoirs of SCCmec structural elements. PLoS ONE, 6(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0021940
20. Bouchami, O., Achou, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2011). Species distribution and antibiotic sensitivity pattern of coagulase-negative staphylococci other than Staphylococcus epidermidis isolated from various clinical specimens. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 5(11), 1298-1305. https://doi.org/10.
21. Khadraoui, N., Kallel, K., Bouchami, O., Bouchakoua, M., Kaouech, A., Belhadj, S., ... Chaker, E. (2011). Pulsed field gel electrophoresis types of Candida albicans isolates from an intensive care unit in a Tunisian hospital. Annales de Biologie Clinique, 69(3), 289-294. https://doi.org/10.1684/abc.2011.0532
22. Sghaier, H., Bouchami, O., Desler, C., Lazim, H., Saidi, M., Rasmussen, L. J., & Ben Hassen, A. (2011). Analysis of the antimicrobial susceptibility of the ionizing radiationresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans: Implications for bioremediation of radioactive waste. Annals of Microbiology, 62(2), 493-500. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13213-011-0281-y
23. Bouchami, O., Achour, W., Mekni, M. A., Rolo, J., & Hassen, A. B. (2011). Antibiotic resistance and molecular characterization of clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci isolated from bacteremic patients in oncohematology.
24. Folia Microbiologica, 56(2), 122-130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12223-011-0017-1
25. Bouchakoua, M., Kallel, K., Khadraoui, N., Bouchami, O., Kaouech, A., Belhadj, S., ... Chaker, E. (2011). Les infections candidosiques en milieu de réanimation: Intérêt de l'index de Pittet dans la surveillance des malades et apport de l'analyse en champ pulsé d'isolats de Candida. Revue Tunisienne d'Infectiologie, 2011.
26. Khadraoui, N., Kallel, K., Bouchami, O., Bouchakoua, M., Kaouech, A., Anane, S., ... Chaker, E. (2010). PFGE types of Candida tropicalis isolates from an intensive care unit in a Tunisian hospital. Journal de Mycologie Médicale, 20(3), 169-173. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycmed.2010.05.003
27. Bouchami, O., Achour, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2009). Typing of staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec encoding methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated at the bone marrow transplant centre of Tunisia. Current Microbiology, 59(4), 380-385. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-009-9448-1
28. Abbassi, M. S., Bouchami, O., Touati, A., Achour, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2008). Clonality and occurrence of genes encoding antibiotic resistance and biofilm in methicillinresistant Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from catheters and bacteremia in neutropenic patients. Current Microbiology, 57(5), 442-448. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00284-008-9227-4
29. Belhaj, M., Boutiba-Ben Boubaker, I., Ben Redjeb, S., & Bouchami, O. (2008). Molecular characterisation of high-level ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates from hospitalised patients in Tunis. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 32(3), 284-286. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.04.017
30. Abbassi, M. S., Torres, C., Achour, W., Vinué, L., Sáenz, Y., Costa, D., ... Ben Hassen, A. (2008). Genetic characterisation of CTX-M-15-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli strains isolated from stem cell transplant patients in Tunisia. International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, 32(4), 308-314. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2008.04.009
31. Achour, W., Bouchami, O., Galopin, S., Leclercq, R., & Ben Hassen, A. (2008). Analysis of pristinamycin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates in the Tunisian Bone Marrow Transplant Center. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 46(3), 358-363. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1472-765X.2007.02318.x
32. Majouri, D., Touati, A., Achour, W., Bouchami, O., & Ben Hassen, A. (2007). Comparison of phenotypic methods with PCR to screening methicillin resistance in coagulasenegative staphylococci. Pathologie Biologie, 55(8-9), 361-365. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.patbio.2007.06.010
33. Chaieb, K., Zmantar, T., Chehab, O., Bouchami, O., Ben Hassen, A., Mahdouani, K., & Bakhrouf, A. (2007). Antibiotic resistance genes detected by Multiplex PCR assays in Staphylococcus epidermidis strains isolated from dialysis fluid needles in a dialysis service. Journal of Infection and Chemotherapy, 13(4), 183-187. https://doi.org/10.7883/yoken.JJID.2007.183
34. Bouchami, O., Achour, W., & Ben Hassen, A. (2007). Prevalence and mechanisms of macrolide resistance among Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from neutropenic patients in Tunisia. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 13(1), 103-106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2006.01567.
35.  

As a citizen of Gabon, I hold a Scientific Baccalaureate (Series D), a Bachelor’s degree in General Biology and Earth Sciences, a Research Master’s in Wood Sciences, and a Ph.D. in Wood Sciences, obtained respectively at Jean Baptiste ADIWA High School (2007), the University of Science and Technology of Masuku (2012), the National School of Water and Forests (2015), and the University of Lorraine in France (2020). Then, as a research associate at the Institute for Agricultural and Forestry Research (IRAF)/CENAREST, I am developing new knowledge on the ecophysiology of mangroves exposed to mineral and organic pollution, as well as techniques for restoring them.  I have four (4) publications and one (1) book chapter, three of which have been published in indexed journals.  I won two awards in 2019 in France and in 2024 in Dubai, demonstrating the impact of pollution on the properties of Avicennia germinans mangrove wood. I have also participated in the evaluation of two scientific articles in two international journals, namely the Asian Journal of Environment and Ecology and the Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection. I teach wood science at the National School of Water and Forests of Gabon and supervise undergraduate and graduate students working on topics related to the technological properties of wood in general and mangroves in particular. Finally, I also consult for NGOs involved in the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems. I have also participated in the authorization of mangrove-related projects. 

Research Interest(s): Wood Science and Mangrove

Research Interest: Environmental Toxicology, Basic and Clinical Toxicology, Immunotoxicology.

Research Interest: Agricultural Water Management; Agricultural and Environmental Engineering; Irrigation of Crops with Recycled (Treated) Wastewater.