Lijia Fang | Ammonia Combustion | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Lijia Fang | Ammonia Combustion | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Lijia Fang | Sophia University | Japan

Mr. Lijia Fang is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Science and Engineering at Sophia University, Japan, specializing in AI-driven combustion control and sustainable fuel systems. His research integrates artificial intelligence with combustion engineering to optimize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. Currently, his work focuses on exploring the synergies between ammonia and ethanol fuels to enhance clean combustion performance and significantly reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. He has completed a major research project titled “Influence of Pre-Chamber Nozzle and Main Chamber Geometry on Ammonia Combustion: A Combined Experimental and Predictive Study” and has published two research papers, including one under review in Applied Thermal Engineering and another published in Energies (2024). His studies employ machine learning algorithms to predict in-cylinder combustion pressure and validate ammonia–oxygen combustion models in constant-volume chambers. Mr. Fang has contributed to seven patents, demonstrating his strong involvement in practical innovation, particularly in electronic systems and control circuits. His research aims to accelerate the transition toward low-carbon, high-efficiency combustion systems by integrating AI-based optimization methods with experimental validation. With 2 publications indexed and cited by 6 documents, he currently holds an h-index of 2, reflecting his emerging impact in the field of sustainable combustion and energy technologies. Through his interdisciplinary expertise in artificial intelligence, mechanical design, and environmental sustainability, Mr. Fang continues to advance cutting-edge research that supports the global pursuit of cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Fang, L., Singh, H., Ohashi, T., Sanno, M., Lin, G., Yilmaz, E., Ichiyanagi, M., & Suzuki, T. (2024). Effect of machine learning algorithms on prediction of in-cylinder combustion pressure of ammonia–oxygen in a constant-volume combustion chamber. Energies, 17(3), 746. https://doi.org/10.3390/en17030746

 

Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Microwave Pretreatment for Biomass Pyrolysis | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Microwave Pretreatment for Biomass Pyrolysis | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar | Universidad San Francisco de Quito | Ecuador

Prof. Dr. Lourdes M. Orejuela-Escobar is an accomplished and dynamic scholar recognized for her pioneering contributions to biomass valorization, sustainable and circular bioeconomy, and the engineering of high-value-added bioproducts. She earned her Ph.D. in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, USA, where she also completed diplomas and master’s studies in Bio-based Materials and Macromolecular Science, alongside an MSc in Organic Chemistry Technology from Universitatea si Politehnic Bucuresti, Romania. Currently serving as Emeritus Professor at Universidad San Francisco de Quito (USFQ), Ecuador, she has over two decades of teaching and research excellence, having co-directed the GICAS Research Laboratory and collaborated with numerous international institutions. Her professional engagements include consultancy roles with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), ECLAC-UN, and Geocircular Consulting Group, focusing on sustainable bioeconomy strategies and circular engineering initiatives. Dr. Orejuela-Escobar has led and participated in over 25 major research projects across Latin America, Europe, and Asia, supported by prominent funding bodies such as SENESCYT, CEDIA, ARES Belgium, and UNDP. Her research encompasses green synthesis of nanomaterials, biomass-based energy-efficient materials, microalgae biorefineries, and sustainable bioethanol production from agro-industrial waste. She has spearheaded projects integrating artificial intelligence in biomass valorization and developed innovative solutions for environmental remediation, water disinfection, and sustainable packaging, with several patents registered for her novel biotechnological processes. As co-director and principal investigator, she has strengthened multidisciplinary collaborations with universities in Belgium, Japan, Venezuela, and the United States, among others. Her work has been featured in high-impact journals such as Sustainability and Journal of Bioresources and Bioproducts, contributing significantly to applied bioengineering and environmental science. With over 60 scientific publications, numerous book chapters, and conference presentations, her research has achieved more than 900 citations and an h-index of 17 (Google Scholar), underscoring her international influence. She has presented at more than fifty scientific events and served as a panel expert at major symposia promoting circular economy innovation in Latin America. Her contributions extend beyond academia through technical consulting, mentoring of graduate research, and development of public–private partnerships advancing bio-based industries. Dr. Orejuela-Escobar continues to drive interdisciplinary initiatives linking biotechnology, circular engineering, and sustainability, shaping policies and innovations for a greener, circular, and inclusive future.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid

Featured Publications

Naranjo, E., Hernández Guerra, I., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. (2025). Biopolímeros: alternativa ecoamigable y sostenible en la recuperación mejorada de petróleo. ACI Avances en Ciencias e Ingenierías, 17(2).

Landázuri, A. C., Pullas, Y., Prócel, L. M., Niebieskikwiat, D., Orejuela‐Escobar, L. M., León, M., Guerrero, V. H., Herrera, N., Luciani, C., & Chacón‐Torres, J. C. (2025). Tunable dielectric carbon materials from hydrothermally nanostructured organic carbon sources. ChemPhysChem, 26(12), e202400711.

Mathura, S. R., Landázuri, A. C., Mathura, F., Andrade Sosa, A. G., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. M. (2024). Hemicelluloses from bioresidues and their applications in the food industry – towards an advanced bioeconomy and a sustainable global value chain of chemicals and materials. Sustainable Food Technology, 2(1), 35.

Orejuela-Escobar, L., Venegas-Vásconez, D., & Méndez, M. A. (2024). Opportunities of artificial intelligence in valorisation of biodiversity, biomass and bioresidues – towards advanced bio-economy, circular engineering, and sustainability. International Journal of Sustainable Energy and Environmental Research, 13(2), 76–89.

Jara-Medina, N. R., Sundaramanickam, A., Cueva, D. F., Cedeño-Pinargote, A. C., Gualle, A., Aguilera-Pesantes, D., Méndez, M. Á., Orejuela-Escobar, L., Cisneros-Heredia, D. F., Cortez-Zambrano, R., et al. (2024). Eco-alternative treatments for Vibrio parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae biofilms from shrimp industry through Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and Guava (Psidium guajava) extracts: A road for an Ecuadorian sustainable economy. PLOS ONE, 19(8), e0304126.

Venegas-Vásconez, D., Orejuela-Escobar, L., Valarezo-Garcés, A., Guerrero, V. H., Tipanluisa-Sarchi, L., & Alejandro-Martín, S. (2024). Biomass valorization through catalytic pyrolysis using metal-impregnated natural zeolites: From waste to resources. Polymers, 16(13), 1912.

Hidalgo Robayo, N., Lantsoght, E. O. L., Batallas Tituaña, J., Montenegro Défaz, M., Játiva, F., & Orejuela-Escobar, L. (2024). Initial study on natural fibers for use in concrete mixes as a sustainable materials alternative. ACI Avances en Ciencias e Ingenierías, 16(1).