Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Academic Researcher Award

Shahid Beheshti University, Iran

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Atousa Aliahmadi’s academic journey began with a profound curiosity about the natural world and the unseen microbial forces that influence health, agriculture, and biotechnology. She pursued her Master of Science in Microbiology from 1999 to 2002, laying a solid foundation in microbial research techniques and plant-based bioactivity studies. However, it was during her doctoral studies from 2006 to 2011 at the University of Isfahan—one of Iran’s most prestigious institutions—that her academic pursuits took a distinctive direction. Selected through a talent-based acceptance program by Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, she joined the Ph.D. program with high academic merit.

Her doctoral thesis, entitled “Investigation of antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects of plant peptides and extracts,” marked a critical phase in her scientific formation. Throughout her five-year, full-time Ph.D. program, she delved deeply into the bioactive potential of over 20 plant species. By mastering sophisticated analytical techniques such as High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), two-dimensional electrophoresis (2DE), and various bioassays, she became an expert in isolating and characterizing antimicrobial peptides and phytochemicals. Her research was not only academically rigorous but also practically innovative, yielding peer-reviewed publications and multiple international conference presentations.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

Currently serving as an Associate Professor and Principal Investigator based in Evin, Tehran, Iran, Dr. Aliahmadi holds an academic appointment at Shahid Beheshti University. Her career has blended academic scholarship with applied research. Notably, she was awarded a scholarship and appointed a lecturer at the Medicinal Plants and Drugs Research Institute during her Ph.D., underscoring her early recognition as a promising scientist.

In her role as principal investigator, she has led interdisciplinary projects that integrate microbiology, phytochemistry, and biotechnology. She focuses on harnessing plant and microbial natural products, both primary and secondary metabolites, for applications ranging from food safety to pharmaceuticals. Her research translates laboratory findings into real-world applications such as essential oil-based nano-emulsions for the food and healthcare industries, and plasma, ozone, and microwave decontamination technologies for edible products including spices, vegetables, and saffron.

🧬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Aliahmadi’s research portfolio is impressively broad yet interconnected by a central theme: the discovery and utilization of bioactive natural compounds for health and industrial benefits. She has made significant strides in the areas of antimicrobial and anti-biofilm compound identification, specifically targeting the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. One of her notable scientific pursuits involves elucidating the mechanisms of natural antibacterial agents using advanced analytical tools, particularly in discovering inhibitors of bacterial efflux pumps—key mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics.

Her interest in nanotechnology is equally groundbreaking. She has developed essential oil-based nano-emulsions that enhance the bioavailability and efficacy of plant compounds, particularly in food preservation and medical applications. Furthermore, she has expanded her work to the field of recombinant protein development, contributing to diagnostics and therapeutic interventions.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Aliahmadi’s academic excellence and innovative research have not gone unnoticed. Her talent-based admission into a competitive Ph.D. program and subsequent scholarship from Shahid Beheshti University reflect early and sustained recognition of her potential. During her Ph.D. candidacy, her contributions to both research and academia were rewarded with a lecturing position, a rare accomplishment that attests to her capabilities and dedication.

Her academic output—comprising peer-reviewed journal articles and conference presentations—has bolstered her reputation as a thought leader in natural product microbiology and applied biotechnology. Her work stands at the intersection of traditional knowledge and modern science, a niche that commands growing relevance in today’s healthcare and environmental contexts.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond publications and projects, Dr. Aliahmadi’s work has practical implications that resonate globally. With antibiotic resistance rising as a global health crisis, her investigations into plant-derived efflux pump inhibitors provide valuable alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Her decontamination methods using plasma radiation, ozone, and microwave technologies have direct applications in improving food safety, an essential issue for public health in both developing and developed nations.

Moreover, her nanotechnology research has opened new frontiers in natural product delivery systems, influencing food science, nutraceuticals, and drug development. As a mentor and principal investigator, she also shapes the next generation of researchers through training, supervision, and academic guidance.

🔮 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking forward, Dr. Aliahmadi’s legacy is likely to be marked by the continued integration of nature and technology to solve pressing health and industrial problems. She is poised to further contribute to sustainable healthcare through plant-based innovations and environmentally friendly food processing technologies. With the increasing demand for safe, effective, and natural alternatives in pharmaceuticals and food industries, her multidisciplinary expertise will remain crucial.

Her future endeavors may include collaborative international projects, patentable innovations in natural antimicrobial agents, and possibly the commercial scaling of some of her decontamination and nano-emulsion technologies. Dr. Aliahmadi’s career exemplifies how deeply rooted academic inquiry, when paired with a visionary application, can yield both scientific progress and societal benefit.

Notable Publications

Superior antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of Thymus daenensis essential oil against E. coli

Authors: R. Moghimi, L. Ghaderi, H. Rafati, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements
Journal: Food Chemistry
Year: 2016

Antibacterial effect of silver nanoparticles on Staphylococcus aureus

Authors: F. Mirzajani, A. Ghassempour, A. Aliahmadi, M.A. Esmaeili
Journal: Research in Microbiology
Year: 2011

Antibacterial hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose edible films containing nanoemulsions of Thymus daenensis essential oil for food packaging

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, H. Rafati
Journal: Carbohydrate Polymers
Year: 2017

Alteration of hepatic cells glucose metabolism as a non-cholinergic detoxication mechanism in counteracting diazinon-induced oxidative stress

Authors: F. Teimouri, N. Amirkabirian, H. Esmaily, A. Mohammadirad, A. Aliahmadi, et al.
Journal: Human & Experimental Toxicology
Year: 2006

Investigations of the effectiveness of nanoemulsions from sage oil as antibacterial agents on some food borne pathogens

Authors: R. Moghimi, A. Aliahmadi, D.J. McClements, H. Rafati
Journal: LWT – Food Science and Technology
Year: 2016

Assoc Prof Dr. RIZWAN QAISAR DANISH | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

Assoc Prof Dr. RIZWAN QAISAR DANISH | Performance Management | Best Researcher Award

IBA, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

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Early Academic Pursuits 📚

Dr. Rizwan Qaiser Danish’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for knowledge in the field of management. His educational trajectory began with a strong foundation in business and management studies, obtaining his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Shah Abdul Latif University, Sindh, in 2004, where he achieved a remarkable CGPA of 3.76. This early success in his MBA laid the groundwork for his future academic and professional contributions.

Further honing his expertise, Dr. Danish pursued an MS in Management from COMSATS Institute of Information Technology (IT), Lahore, in 2008, where he achieved a respectable CGPA of 3.00. This phase marked the beginning of his deeper exploration into organizational dynamics and human resource management (HRM), areas that would shape his later research pursuits. Dr. Danish’s pursuit of knowledge did not stop there. His academic trajectory continued to rise as he achieved a PhD in Management (specializing in Human Resource Management) from COMSATS Institute of IT, Lahore, in 2015, with a CGPA of 3.55. The focus of his doctoral research was on the perceptions of organizational politics and its impact on employees’ performance in Pakistani workplaces, providing valuable insights into the intersection of organizational behavior and human resource practices.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Dr. Danish’s professional career has been as dynamic as his academic pursuits. He embarked on his career as an educator and researcher, using his knowledge to shape future leaders and professionals in the field of business management. His teaching expertise spans various subjects, including Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, Change Management, Performance Management, and Strategic Management at both graduate and postgraduate levels. This breadth of knowledge and teaching experience has allowed him to influence and mentor a significant number of students throughout his career.

In addition to his teaching role, Dr. Danish has been deeply involved in research, both in academic institutions and in collaboration with various organizations. His involvement as a Research Fellow at the Centre of Research Excellence and Incubation Management at UniSZA in Malaysia, which he joined in June 2024, further demonstrates his commitment to the advancement of research and innovation in the field of management. His postdoctoral fellowship at the prestigious Queensland University of Technology in Australia (2022-2023) allowed him to refine his expertise in areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR), green practices, and sustainable business performance, showcasing his commitment to addressing contemporary challenges in management.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔍

Dr. Rizwan Danish has made significant contributions to the understanding of organizational dynamics, HRM, and employee performance. His research work focuses on the complexities of organizational politics, motivation, and employee performance, especially in the context of Pakistan. His MS thesis explored the link between perceived organizational politics and work performance, setting the stage for his future research endeavors. His PhD thesis, titled “Perceptions of Organizational Politics and Employees’ Performance: An Integrative Model of Pakistani Worksites,” extended this focus, offering an integrative model that is now widely cited in the field.

Dr. Danish has also conducted research on topics such as reward and recognition, leadership spirituality, job satisfaction, and organizational commitment, with a focus on public and private sector organizations. His postdoctoral research project, which examines the impact of CSR, green practices, and organizational politics on sustainable business performance, reflects his dedication to bridging the gap between management practices and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, his involvement in mentoring more than 250 MPhil and PhD scholars demonstrates his active engagement in shaping the next generation of researchers.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Rizwan Qaiser Danish’s research contributions have been widely recognized within the academic community. With over 6,600 citations, an h-index of 34, and an i10-index of 78, his work has made a lasting impact on the field of management. His ResearchGate profile further attests to his scholarly influence, and his publications in high-impact journals demonstrate the relevance and significance of his research. His work is not only recognized in academic circles but also holds practical implications for businesses seeking to improve organizational performance and employee well-being.

In addition to his academic success, Dr. Danish’s leadership and mentorship in supervising numerous theses and dissertations have earned him respect from colleagues and students alike. He has supervised 11 PhD scholars who have successfully defended their theses, and many others are in the process of completing their research under his guidance. His role as a mentor has played a crucial part in advancing knowledge in the management field.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Danish’s work has had a profound impact on both the academic community and the business world. His research on organizational politics, CSR, and sustainable business practices has provided organizations with valuable insights into how they can improve employee performance and implement more effective management strategies. His research projects, such as the study of organizational politics in Pakistani workplaces, offer practical solutions that address cultural and organizational challenges in a regional context. This has made his work particularly valuable in shaping HRM policies and practices in Pakistan and beyond.

Dr. Danish’s influence extends to his students and research scholars, many of whom have gone on to make significant contributions in academia and industry. His teachings on subjects such as leadership, team building, and organizational behavior have equipped students with the tools they need to succeed in the competitive world of business management.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🔮

As Dr. Danish continues his career, his contributions to the field of management will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy. His focus on sustainable business practices, CSR, and the intersection of organizational politics with employee performance has positioned him as a leading researcher in the field. Moving forward, his future research endeavors will likely continue to explore the impact of environmental and social factors on business performance, furthering his commitment to creating sustainable solutions for businesses globally.

Dr. Danish’s legacy will not only be measured by his scholarly publications and research contributions but also by the countless students and researchers he has mentored. As he continues to innovate and explore new avenues in management research, his work will continue to inspire and guide the next generation of leaders in business.

 Impact of Reward and Recognition on Job Satisfaction and Motivation: An Empirical Study from Pakistan

Authors: R.Q. Danish, A. Usman
Journal: International Journal of Business and Management
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 5(2), Pages 159

Job Satisfaction and Organizational Commitment of University Teachers in Public Sector of Pakistan

Authors: M.E. Malik, S. Nawab, B. Naeem, R.Q. Danish
Journal: International Journal of Business and Management
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 5(6), Pages 17

How Corporate Social Responsibility Boosts Firm Financial Performance: The Mediating Role of Corporate Image and Customer Satisfaction

Authors: H.Y. Ali, R.Q. Danish, M. Asrar‐ul‐Haq
Journal: Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
Year: 2020
Volume/Issue: 27(1), Pages 166–177

 The Impact of Service Quality on Students’ Satisfaction in Higher Education Institutes of Punjab

Authors: A. Usman, R.Q. Danish
Journal: Journal of Management Research
Year: 2010
Volume/Issue: 2(2)

 The Impact of Pay and Promotion on Job Satisfaction: Evidence from Higher Education Institutes of Pakistan

Authors: M.E. Malik, R.Q. Danish, Y. Munir
Journal: American Journal of Economics
Year: 2012

Prof ShaoHua Zhou | Innovative Leadership | Best Research Article Award

Prof ShaoHua Zhou | Innovative Leadership | Best Research Article Award

Zhongyuan University of Technology, China

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🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Shaohua Zhou, born in December 1995, is a prodigious talent whose academic journey began with a strong foundation in engineering, eventually leading to the attainment of a Ph.D. in the field. From the earliest stages of his education, Dr. Zhou exhibited a profound interest in electronic systems, intelligent optimization, and RF circuit design. His curiosity for scientific challenges and his commitment to problem-solving quickly propelled him toward more specialized studies. He soon established a reputation for academic excellence, underpinned by his selection for prestigious programs such as the Polish National Academic Exchange Scholarship—an award limited to only ten recipients globally in 2019. This formative period laid the groundwork for his eventual ascent into complex research territories that marry artificial intelligence with the intricate design of radio-frequency (RF) integrated circuits.

🧪 Professional Endeavors

As a core research backbone in multiple high-level national projects—including the National Major Science and Technology Special Project, National Key R&D Program, National Foundation Commission Key Projects, and the JKW Innovation Special Zone Project—Dr. Zhou has firmly established himself as an indispensable figure in advanced engineering research. Over the last four years, his primary focus has centered on the behavioral modeling of RF power amplifiers (PAs), a field critical to the advancement of next-generation wireless communication systems. His methodology combines artificial intelligence with practical engineering, exemplified by innovations such as Particle Swarm Optimization-XGBoost-based modeling—a technique recognized among Wiley’s Top 10 Most Cited Papers in 2023. Through his involvement in more than ten major projects, he has developed a pragmatic yet innovative approach to technical challenges, applying AI solutions to real-world RF performance bottlenecks.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Zhou’s publication record reflects the depth and relevance of his research. With 26 SCI-indexed papers where he serves as both first and sole corresponding author, he contributes significantly to scholarly discourse in his discipline. Notably, his work has appeared in highly respected journals like the International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields. One of his papers was distinguished by Advances in Engineering (AIE) as a Key Scientific Article, an honor reserved for just 1% of published works. Beyond academic publishing, his inventive spirit is evident in his substantial patent portfolio—55 international patents granted in the UK and US, 30 Chinese invention patents, and 12 software copyrights—a testimony to the practical applicability of his research.

He has also made regulatory and standards contributions, playing a vital role in the drafting and revision of two national/local technical metrology specifications. His efforts in this arena earned him the distinction of Excellent Drafter by the National Technical Committee for Radio Metrology in 2024. Furthermore, Dr. Zhou was entrusted with writing a chapter in an international English-language monograph, underscoring his growing stature as a thought leader.

🏅 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Zhou’s academic brilliance and research excellence have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards. Among these are the First Prize from the China Instrumentation Society Scholarship, the First Prize of the Integrated Circuit Scholarship awarded by the Chinese Institute of Electronics, and the Baosteel Outstanding Student Scholarship. These recognitions highlight not only the quality of his research but also his influence as a young scholar within China’s technology and engineering ecosystem. Additionally, one of his research results was named among the Top Ten Research Advances in Semiconductors in 2024, demonstrating his broader impact on one of the most crucial high-tech sectors in the world.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Beyond individual accolades, Dr. Zhou’s influence extends into mentorship and academic leadership. He successfully supervised a student team that won second prize at the 19th National Intelligent Vehicle Competition for College Students, fostering innovation and excellence in the next generation of engineers. His global perspective, reinforced by international exposure and collaborative projects, enables him to bridge theory and application across geographical and disciplinary boundaries. His contributions are shaping not just academic thought but also the practical design and performance of integrated circuits vital to global communications infrastructure.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Shaohua Zhou is poised to continue making substantial contributions at the nexus of artificial intelligence, RF design, and semiconductor innovation. His work addresses some of the most pressing challenges in engineering today—such as miniaturization, energy efficiency, and intelligent design automation. His pioneering efforts in AI-based modeling are likely to play a pivotal role in the design of future wireless systems and smart devices.

With an enviable track record already behind him and a visionary outlook guiding his path, Dr. Zhou’s career is on a remarkable trajectory. His legacy will be one of intellectual rigor, technological innovation, and collaborative leadership, paving the way for smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable electronic systems.

Experimentally investigating the degradations of small-signal gain for a GaN class-AB dual-band power amplifier under high temperature and humidity conditions

Author: S. Zhou
Journal: AIP Advances
Year: 2020

BPNN-based behavioral modeling of the S-parameter variation characteristics of PAs with frequency at different temperatures

Authors: Z. He, S. Zhou
Journal: Micromachines
Year: 2022

 Experimentally investigating the performance degradations of the CMOS PA at different temperatures

Authors: Z. He, S. Zhou, M. Nie
Journal: AIP Advances
Year: 2021

Experimental investigation on the performance degradations of the GaN class-F power amplifier under humidity conditions

Author: S. Zhou
Journal: Semiconductor Science and Technology
Year: 2021

Particle swarm optimization‐XGBoost‐based modeling of radio‐frequency power amplifier under different temperatures

Authors: J. Wang, S. Zhou
Journal: International Journal of Numerical Modelling: Electronic Networks, Devices and Fields
Year: 2024

Prof Dr. Chengming Wang | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Chengming Wang | Decision-making and Problem-solving | Best Researcher Award

Huazhong Agricultural University, China

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🌱 Early Academic Pursuits

Chengming Wang’s academic journey began with a strong foundation in analytical chemistry, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Wuhan University, China. His early studies in this field laid the groundwork for his methodical approach to food sciences and his future innovations in oils and fats processing. Following this, his academic curiosity led him abroad, where he pursued a Ph.D. in Material Engineering at Fukui University in Japan. His time in Japan was marked by intense academic training and cross-cultural scientific exchange, sharpening his research skills and instilling a global perspective in his work. Upon returning to China, he continued to deepen his expertise by completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Huazhong Agricultural University in the field of Food Science and Engineering. These formative years were not only academically enriching but pivotal in shaping the direction of his lifelong research ambitions.

🧪 Professional Endeavors and Research Focus

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Wang has carved a niche in the area of oils and fats processing, with an exceptional focus on the comprehensive utilization of agricultural by-products. His research extends across an impressive range of topics, from the low-temperature ethanol steam deodorization of oils to the detection of illegal gutter oil. His work does not remain confined to theory—he has developed technologies for the physical, biological, and chemical removal of toxic elements from rapeseed meal and pioneered methods to create probiotic feed and high-value products from oilseed meals.

He has delved into developing efficient, green extraction technologies for by-products like phospholipids and phytosterols, ensuring that nothing goes to waste in the oil processing chain. His studies on cottonseed protein detoxification, tea seed saponin extraction, peanut beverages and protein functionalization, and Pistacia seed polyphenol applications demonstrate the breadth of his research vision. Moreover, he has made significant progress in biodiesel production from waste oil and agricultural residues, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.

This body of work stands not just as a scientific portfolio but as a roadmap to building a zero-waste, value-added agro-industrial ecosystem. With 119 published journal articles in international databases such as SCI and Scopus, 16 invention patents as the first inventor, and 2 published monographs, his scholarship has reached across academic and industrial spheres alike.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

While formal accolades have not been enumerated, Professor Wang’s impact speaks volumes. His citation index includes widely referenced works such as his study on Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus warneri in traditional fermented foods, which has received 36 citations. His publications on acrylamide detoxification and novel edible oil deodorization methods further attest to his relevance in cutting-edge food safety and processing research. His research outputs have not only advanced academic knowledge but also laid the foundation for practical applications in food technology and bioenergy.

The breadth of his funded projects reflects his research reputation both at home and abroad. He has led or contributed to projects supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the National Key R&D Program of China, and the Ministry of Education in Japan. These high-impact projects underscore the national and international trust placed in his scientific leadership.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Professor Wang’s influence goes beyond the confines of academia. His consultancy experience with seven projects and four industry collaborations signifies his role as a bridge between scientific theory and real-world application. These engagements have likely contributed to the commercialization and industrial scaling of his innovative processing technologies.

His work contributes meaningfully to several of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those addressing responsible consumption and production, clean energy, and zero hunger. Through bioconversion of oil residues and extraction of plant-based proteins, his research offers alternative sources of nutrition and energy, directly impacting both public health and environmental sustainability.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Chengming Wang’s legacy is being built on the pillars of scientific rigor, innovation, and social responsibility. He stands as a role model for how researchers can convert basic scientific knowledge into applied technology that benefits society at large. His commitment to improving the efficiency and safety of oil and fat processing, while simultaneously enhancing the value of agricultural by-products, ensures that his work will continue to resonate across multiple disciplines and industries.

Looking to the future, his focus on pilot-scale and industrialized applications of biodiesel and rapeseed-based products promises to strengthen the global movement toward sustainable agriculture and green energy. His research lab, his patents, and the many students and collaborators he continues to inspire will serve as enduring vessels of his intellectual legacy.

In sum, Professor Chengming Wang exemplifies the kind of academic whose work is not only deeply scholarly but also profoundly impactful, with real-world applications that touch upon health, industry, energy, and the environment. His continued efforts promise to illuminate new paths in food science and technology, benefitting both current and future generations. 🌟

📝Notable Publications

 Bleaching of Idesia polycarpa Maxim. Oil Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based Adsorbent: Kinetics and Adsorption Isotherms

Authors: Dong, Y.; Wang, C.; Gao, Y.; Xu, J.; Ping, H.; Liu, F.; Niu, A.
Journal: Foods
Year: 2025

Mesophilic Argonaute-Based Single Polystyrene Sphere Aptamer Fluorescence Platform for the Multiplexed and Ultrasensitive Detection of Non-Nucleic Acid Targets

Authors: Lu, Y.; Wen, J.; Wang, C.; Wang, M.; Jiang, F.; Miao, L.; Xu, M.; Li, Y.; Chen, X.; Chen, Y.
Journal: Small
Year: 2024

Procyanidin A1 and its digestive products alleviate acrylamide-induced IPEC-J2 cell damage through regulating Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Authors: Yan, F.; Lu, Q.; Wang, C.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food Science and Human Wellness
Year: 2024

Acrylamide in food: Occurrence, metabolism, molecular toxicity mechanism and detoxification by phytochemicals

Authors: Yan, F.; Wang, L.; Zhao, L.; Wang, C.; Lu, Q.; Liu, R.
Journal: Food and Chemical Toxicology
Year: 2023

Autocatalytic formed bamboo-like N-doped carbon nanotubes encapsulated with Co nanoparticles as highly efficient catalyst for activation of peroxymonosulfate toward degradation of tetracycline

Authors: Lu, Y.; Li, Y.-K.; Huang, C.; Chen, R.; Chen, Y.; Wang, C.
Journal: Reactive and Functional Polymers
Year: 2023