Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr. Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award

Dr. Zeb Hussain | Biology and Life Sciences | Research Hypothesis Excellence Award | Lecture | Dow university of health sciences | Pakistan

Dr. Zeb Hussain is an accomplished microbiologist, medical laboratory scientist, and researcher whose work bridges advanced diagnostic microbiology, infectious disease surveillance, molecular epidemiology, and clinical laboratory quality systems. Dr. Zeb Hussain holds an M.Phil. in Pathology (Microbiology) from Dow University of Health Sciences and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Karachi with a research focus on the molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of carbapenemase-producing bacteria associated with ventilator-acquired pneumonia. His academic foundation also includes a BS in Medical Laboratory Technology, a BSc in Chemistry and Biology, an Executive MBA in Health Management, and professional certification in ISO-15189:2012 assessor training from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council, equipping him with both scientific depth and managerial competence. Professionally, Dr. Zeb Hussain has extensive experience as a Medical Technologist and Shift Supervisor at the Dow Diagnostic and Research Complex, where he oversees microbiology operations including bacterial and fungal culture interpretation, parasitology, serology, PCR-based molecular diagnostics, biosafety practices, quality assurance, ISO compliance, and laboratory workflow management. His managerial expertise extends to inventory oversight, vendor coordination, LIS operations, staff supervision, and patient-physician issue resolution, ensuring efficient clinical service delivery. As an educator, he has taught medical and health sciences students at Malir University of Science and Technology and conducted MBBS/BDS tutorials at Dow University of Health Sciences, contributing to academic capacity building in laboratory sciences. His research interests include antimicrobial resistance, multidrug-resistant gram-negative pathogens, genotyping of bacterial and viral organisms, clinical-environmental surveillance, and epidemiological modelling of infectious diseases. Dr. Zeb Hussain’s research skills encompass molecular diagnostics, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, immunoassay evaluation, culture and sensitivity testing, laboratory biosafety, and use of automated biochemical and hematology analyzers. He has presented his research internationally, including at the European Congress of Immunology in Vienna, and has contributed to several peer-reviewed publications in Scopus-indexed journals in areas such as measles sero-surveillance, invasive blood culture pathogens, uropathogens, and antimicrobial resistance patterns. His awards and recognitions include international poster and oral presentation selections, reflecting his active role in global scientific exchange. Dr. Zeb Hussain continues to advance clinical microbiology through his dedication to infectious disease research, laboratory quality enhancement, and academic mentorship, demonstrating strong commitment to improving public health outcomes and clinical microbiological practices within Pakistan and beyond.

Profile:  orcid

Featured Publications

  1. Hussain, Z., Farooqui, F., Ibrahim, A., & Baig, S. (2025). Patients and surfaces: Integrated clinical–environmental surveillance of MDR gram-negative bacteria in critical-care units (Karachi). Microorganisms.

  2. Hussain, Z., Naim, A., Fatima, A., Karim, A., Uddin, F., & Shams, S. (2025). Distribution of MBL and serine-β-lactamase-producing pathogens in ventilator-associated pneumonia: Insights into MDR and XDR strains. Iranian Journal of Microbiology.

  3. Hussain, Z. (2024). Sero-surveillance of measles virus seropositivity amongst vaccinated children of rural areas of Sindh. Microbiological & Immunological Communications.

  4. Fatima, A., Iffat, W., Dawood, K., Sarfaraz, S., Hussain, Z., Siddiqui, H. Z., & Gajdács, M. (2023). Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens in Karachi, Pakistan. Acta Biologica Szegediensis.

  5. Fatima, A., Gohar, H., Dawood, K., Sajjad, M., Fasih, F., & Hussain, Z. (2022). Distribution of invasive pathogenic isolates in blood culture with their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern in a diagnostic lab in Karachi. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association.

  6. Hussain, Z. (2020). Measles in Sindh, Pakistan. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association (Submission ID: JPMA-2020-2312).

  7. Hussain, Z. (Year not specified). Sero-surveillance of measles virus amongst vaccinated children of rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan. Unpublished conference research.

 

xuekun Zhang | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

xuekun Zhang | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof xuekun Zhang, Shihezi University, China

Prof. Xuekun Zhang is an Associate Professor at Shihezi University, specializing in crop resistance/susceptibility genes and biological control of plant diseases 🌱🧬. He holds a doctoral degree from Huazhong Agricultural University and a master’s from Shihezi University. His research focuses on utilizing bioinformatics and molecular biology to identify key genes related to crop disease resistance, and studying pathogenic fungi for biocontrol potential 🦠🔬. He has led multiple provincial and university-level projects and published over 20 papers, including in top journals like Viruses and Front Plant Sci 📚. He also teaches advanced plant immunology and plant pathology courses 📖.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Research Interests

Professor Xuekun Zhang specializes in the mining and utilization of crop resistance and susceptibility genes, aiming to enhance agricultural resilience. His research focuses on understanding plant responses to diseases and improving crop protection. He also investigates the biological control of plant diseases, employing natural mechanisms to reduce reliance on chemical treatments. His work aims to create sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring better crop yields and healthier ecosystems. Prof. Zhang’s expertise is integral in advancing crop science and plant pathology. 🌱🌾🔬🧬🌍

Experience

Prof. Xuekun Zhang holds a doctoral degree and serves as an associate professor and master’s thesis supervisor. He graduated with a master’s degree from Shihezi University in 2013 and worked at the Cotton Research Institute of Xinjiang Agricultural Reclamation Science Academy from 2013 to 2017. In 2021, he obtained his doctoral degree from Huazhong Agricultural University. Following this, he joined the College of Agriculture at Shihezi University, where he continues to contribute to academic research and mentoring. 🌱🎓📚🌾

Research Field

Prof. Xuekun Zhang specializes in bioinformatics and molecular biology to identify key genes linked to crop resistance and susceptibility to diseases. 🌱🔬 He explores the mechanisms behind these genes’ actions and investigates harmful pathogenic fungi and viruses to find low-virulence strains with biocontrol potential. 🦠💪 Prof. Zhang has led three provincial-level scientific research projects and two university-level ones, contributing significantly to the field. He has also participated in three National Natural Science Foundation projects, the “Comprehensive Scientific Expedition to Xinjiang” by the National Ministry of Science and Technology, and several other national and regional research programs. 🌍🔍

Research Achievements

Prof. Xuekun Zhang is an accomplished researcher with over 20 publications, including 12 SCI papers where he served as the first or corresponding author. His work has been featured in prestigious journals such as Plant Biotechnology Journal, Viruses, Plants, and Agronomy. Notably, one of his papers was published in a top-tier journal, and since 2019, he has consistently published papers with an impact factor (IF) greater than 7.0. His research contributions continue to advance the field, demonstrating his expertise and influence in plant biotechnology and related areas. 📚🌱🔬🌿

Research Focus

Prof. Xuekun Zhang’s research primarily focuses on plant-pathogen interactions, particularly in the context of parasitic plants like broomrape (Orobanche) and their impact on crop health. His work involves the identification and genetic diversity of broomrape species in Xinjiang, China, as well as exploring plant resistance mechanisms, such as jasmonate signaling pathways and cell wall activity, to combat parasitic infestation. Zhang also investigates the role of mycoviruses in pathogens affecting fragrant pears and cotton plants, aiming to develop better disease management strategies. His interdisciplinary studies incorporate molecular biology, genomics, and plant pathology. 🌱🔬🧬🌾

Publication Top Notes

Identification and genetic diversity analysis of broomrape in Xinjiang, China

Jasmonate ZIM Domain Protein (JAZ) Gene SLJAZ15 Increases Resistance to Orobanche aegyptiaca in Tomato

Integrated Transcriptome and Proteome Analysis Reveals That Cell Wall Activity Affects Phelipanche aegyptiaca Parasitism

Identification of Mycoviruses in the Pathogens of Fragrant Pear Valsa Canker from Xinjiang in China

MAPK and phenylpropanoid metabolism pathways involved in regulating the resistance of upland cotton plants to Verticillium dahliae

First Report of Karelinia caspia as a New Host of Orobanche cumana in Xinjiang, China

 

 

ROBERTA PARADISO | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

ROBERTA PARADISO | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof ROBERTA PARADISO, University of Naples Federico II, Italy

🌱 Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) 🌍. With a PhD in Herbaceous Crops (2002) 🎓, her research spans eco-physiology of crops, sustainable horticulture, and innovative greenhouse technologies, including LED lighting 💡 and soilless cultivation. Prof. Paradiso has extensive expertise in Bioregenerative Life-Support Systems (BLSSs) for space 🌌, collaborating with ESA and ASI. She has co-led multiple international projects, authored impactful publications 📚, and mentors students globally 👩‍🏫. Her work bridges terrestrial agriculture and space exploration 🚀, driving sustainability and innovation.

Publication Profile

Scopus

Education

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an accomplished Associate Professor with a passion for academic excellence 🌱📚. Her teaching focuses on plant production and greenhouse horticulture 🌿🏡, showcasing her dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and sustainable practices 🌍✨. With a strong commitment to fostering student growth and innovation, she integrates cutting-edge research into her lectures and inspires future leaders in the field 🧑‍🔬🌟. Her expertise contributes significantly to the development of sustainable agricultural solutions, emphasizing the importance of environmentally friendly techniques 🌾♻️. Prof. Paradiso’s work reflects her dedication to bridging the gap between theory and practical applications in horticulture 🌷📖.

Experience

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is an Associate Professor of Horticulture at the University of Naples Federico II (Italy) since 2018. She teaches courses on Plant Production for the Food Industry and Greenhouse Horticulture 🌱🏡. Her research focuses on the eco-physiology of vegetable and flower crops, soilless cultures, sustainable horticulture, and advanced greenhouse technologies 💡🌿. She specializes in artificial lighting with LEDs, photosynthesis modeling, and cultivation in controlled environments for Bioregenerative Life-Support Systems (BLSSs) in space 🚀. Collaborating with ESA’s MELiSSA project, she co-created the Laboratory of Crop Research for Space and the Plant Characterization Unit, advancing space horticulture 🌍🌌.

Research Projects

Prof. Roberta Paradiso is a distinguished researcher leading innovative projects in agriculture and space botany. As PI of the PRIN 2022 PNRR project “Smart-Light” 🌱💡, she advances artificial light efficiency in controlled agriculture. She managed WP1400 in ASI’s MICROx2 🌍🚀, defining light parameters for microgravity plant growth. Her contributions include eco-compatible cultivation in Campania (ECOVIV) 🌾🌿, ESA’s PaCMan project on life support systems 🛰️🌱, and biostimulant evaluation in soilless crops 🌷. Notable projects span photosynthesis in flowers, space farming (Tom-Rad 🍅🛸), and sustainable ornamental plant production 🌺🌳, showcasing her expertise in eco-friendly, high-tech agriculture.

Research Focus

Prof. Roberta Paradiso’s research focuses on sustainable agriculture 🌱, plant physiology 🌿, and innovative cultivation strategies. Her studies explore optimizing crop growth and quality in controlled environments, including smart greenhouses and space farming 🚀. Key projects include nutrient dynamics in compost-amended Mars regolith simulants 🪐, the sustainable reuse of organic by-products as natural fertilizers ♻️, and the effects of LED irradiation on postharvest produce quality 💡. Additionally, she examines metabolic and antioxidant profiles in crops like potatoes 🥔, cherry tomatoes 🍅, and citrus fruits 🍊. Her work aims to enhance food production sustainability while addressing global agricultural challenges. 🌍

Publication Top Notes

Assessment of Fertility Dynamics and Nutritional Quality of Potato Tubers in a Compost-Amended Mars Regolith Simulant

Integrating Smart Greenhouse Cover, Reduced Nitrogen Dose and Biostimulant Application as a Strategy for Sustainable Cultivation of Cherry Tomato

Sustainable Reuse of Expresso Coffee By-products as a Natural Fertilizer to Improve Growth and Photosynthesis in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Plants

Space farming: supporting human life beyond earth

Metabolic Profiling in Tuberous Roots of Ranunculus asiaticus L. as Influenced by Vernalization Procedure

Photosynthesis, Yield and Quality in Wild Rocket (Diplotaxis tenuifolia L.) under Photoluminescent Greenhouse Covers

Modulation of Antioxidant Compounds in Fruits of Citrus reticulata Blanco Using Postharvest LED Irradiation

Interaction between bulb cold treatment and plant genotype regarding flowering and metabolism in cut flower tulip