Gabriel Osei Forkuo | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Gabriel Osei Forkuo | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Doctoral Researcher/ Research Assistant at Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania

Gabriel Osei Forkuo is a dedicated forestry specialist and researcher with an extensive background in forest operations engineering, postural ergonomics, and machine learning applications. He has built a career that merges practical field experience with academic research, contributing significantly to the development of innovative and cost-effective technologies in forest monitoring and conservation. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Forest Operations Engineering at Transilvania University of Brasov, Romania, Gabriel has emerged as a leading figure in the exploration of low-cost LiDAR technologies and smart solutions for ergonomic assessments in forestry. His multifaceted expertise is grounded in over two decades of professional service in teaching, field operations, and advanced scientific investigations.

Profile

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Education

Gabriel’s educational journey is marked by academic excellence and a continuous drive for specialized knowledge. He is currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Forest Operations Engineering at Transilvania University of Brasov, where his research focuses on integrating machine learning and computer vision for ergonomic assessments in forest operations. He previously earned a Master’s degree in Multiple Purpose Forestry from the same university, achieving excellent grades and a cumulative ECTS average of 9.76. His foundational studies include a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, where he graduated with First Class Honours. Earlier academic milestones include completing his GCE A-Level in science subjects and his GCE O-Level in science, supported by performance scholarships recognizing his consistent academic distinction.

Experience

Gabriel’s professional experience spans across teaching, research, and forest management. Between 2002 and 2011, he worked as a Forest Range Manager and Supervisor at the Forestry Commission Ghana, where he was instrumental in nursery planning, restoration of degraded forests, and report writing. From 1999 to 2001, he served as a Science and Maths Teacher at Maria Montessori School in Kumasi, followed by a role as a Teaching Assistant at his alma mater, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. In this capacity, he conducted laboratory classes, supervised research data collection, and participated in academic presentations, establishing a strong foundation in both pedagogical and research methodologies. His leadership in afforestation programs and practical forest management further reflects his field-based competency and organizational capability.

Research Interest

Gabriel’s research interests are centered on forest operations engineering, with a special focus on postural ergonomics, machine learning applications, and smart technologies for environmental monitoring. He is passionate about developing affordable and efficient technological solutions, particularly the use of mobile LiDAR and AI-driven tools for soil disturbance estimation and posture evaluation in forest labor. His interdisciplinary approach merges forestry, computer science, and ergonomics, contributing to sustainable and safe forestry practices. Through these interests, he aims to bridge the gap between traditional forestry operations and modern intelligent systems.

Award

Gabriel’s academic and professional contributions have been recognized through several prestigious scholarships and awards. He has twice secured first place in the “My Bachelor/Dissertation Project” competitions held in 2022 and 2023, scoring nearly perfect marks. In 2022, he received the “Premiul special pentru studenti straini” award at the Premiul AFCO. He has also been a recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Transilvania Academica Scholarship, UNITBV Ph.D. Scholarship for International Graduates, and funding from “Proiectul Meu de Diploma” programs. Earlier in his career, he was awarded performance scholarships by the Government of Ghana and Poku Transport Ghana for his outstanding performance in forest sciences.

Publication

Gabriel has authored several notable publications that demonstrate his expertise in forest operations and technological innovation. His key works include:

Forkuo, G.O., & Borz, S.A. (2023). Accuracy and inter-cloud precision of low-cost mobile LiDAR technology in estimating soil disturbance in forest operations. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6. Cited in multiple studies on forest soil impact monitoring.

Forkuo, G.O. (2023). A systematic survey of conventional and new postural assessment methods. Revista Padurilor, 138(3), 1-34.

Borz, S.A., Morocho Toaza, J.M., Forkuo, G.O., Marcu, M.V. (2022). Potential of measure app in estimating log biometrics: a comparison with conventional log measurement. Forests, 13(7), 1028.

Borz, S.A., Forkuo, G.O., Oprea-Sorescu, O., & Proto, A.R. (2022). Development of a robust machine learning model to monitor the operational performance of sawing machines. Forests, 13(7), 1115.

Forkuo, G.O., Proto, A.R., & Borz, S.A. (2024). Feasibility of low-cost mobile LiDAR technology in estimating soil disturbance in forest operations. SSRN.

Forkuo, G.O. (1999). Post-fire tree regeneration studies in the Kumawu Water Supply Forest Reserve. B.Sc. Thesis, KNUST-Kumasi.

Presented paper at FORMEC 2023 in Florence, Italy, highlighting applications of mobile LiDAR in operational environments.

Conclusion

Gabriel Osei Forkuo exemplifies the intersection of academic rigor, practical expertise, and technological innovation in the field of forest operations. His work continues to advance the integration of smart technologies into sustainable forestry, driven by a deep commitment to both ecological preservation and worker safety. Through his research, publications, and leadership roles, Gabriel has built a profile of excellence, contributing significantly to forestry engineering and shaping the next generation of sustainable forest management solutions.

Murtaza Hussain | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Murtaza Hussain | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

PhD Research Scholar at Xi’an Jiaotong University, Singapore

Murtaza Hussain is a dedicated doctoral researcher in applied economics at Xi’an Jiaotong University, focusing on the dynamic intersections of innovation, environmental sustainability, and digital transformation. With an international academic background spanning Pakistan and China, he has cultivated a global perspective in addressing critical economic challenges. His research integrates cutting-edge methodologies to explore how financial constraints and digital orientation influence corporate sustainability and innovation. Passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, he aims to contribute meaningful insights to the evolving landscape of applied economics, ensuring that businesses and policymakers are equipped with strategic frameworks to drive sustainable growth.

Profile

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Education

Murtaza Hussain is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Economics at Xi’an Jiaotong University, where he works under the guidance of Associate Professor Dr. Shaohua Yang. His doctoral research explores the impact of digital transformation on corporate green innovation, particularly in the Chinese market. Prior to his Ph.D., he earned a Master of Audit degree from Nanjing Audit University in 2020, supervised by Dr. Chien-Yu Huang. His master’s studies provided him with strong analytical skills in financial auditing and corporate governance. Earlier in his academic journey, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Quaid-e-Azam University in Pakistan in 2014, solidifying his foundational understanding of economic theory and policy analysis.

Experience

Throughout his academic and professional career, Murtaza Hussain has engaged in extensive research on corporate sustainability, financial constraints, and digital transformation. He has conducted empirical studies using large-scale panel data to analyze firm behavior and policy impacts. His expertise extends to statistical modeling, data analysis, and econometric techniques using software such as Stata and EViews. Beyond academia, he has participated in several research collaborations focusing on corporate governance, artificial intelligence, and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, he has held leadership roles, including serving as a Recreational Coordinator and a committee member for international students at Nanjing Audit University, where he facilitated academic and cultural exchange initiatives.

Research Interests

Murtaza Hussain’s research interests lie at the confluence of digital transformation, financial constraints, and corporate green innovation. He examines how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, drive corporate sustainability and strategic decision-making. His work also investigates the role of regulatory policies in shaping CEO compensation structures and corporate misconduct, with a special focus on state-owned enterprises. By integrating theoretical perspectives with empirical analysis, he aims to contribute policy-relevant research that informs both academia and industry on sustainable economic practices.

Awards

Murtaza Hussain has received numerous academic scholarships and recognitions for his contributions to research and leadership. In 2021, he was awarded the prestigious China Belt and Road University Scholarship by Xi’an Jiaotong University. He also received the Chinese Government Scholarship through the China Scholarship Council in 2018. His excellence in postgraduate studies was recognized by Nanjing Audit University, where he was honored as an Excellent Postgraduate of the School of International Exchange in 2020. Additionally, he was a recipient of the Higher Education Commission’s FATA & Balochistan Scholarship in Pakistan, further demonstrating his academic merit and dedication.

Publications

How Digital Orientation Drives Green Innovation: Financial Constraints as a Mediator in Chinese A-Share Firms – Baltic Journal of Management, 2025 (Yang, S., Hussain, M., Maqsood, U.S., Younas, M.W., Zahid, R.M.A.)

Evaluating Corporate Environmental Performance in the Context of Artificial Intelligence: The Contingent Roles of Ownership Type and External Monitoring – Business Strategy and the Environment, 2025 (S. Wang, Y. Yong, M. Hussain, U.S. Maqsood, R.M.A. Zahid)

Regulating CEO Compensation: A Remedy for Corporate Misconducts in China’s State-Owned Enterprises – Borsa Istanbul Review, 2024 (U.S. Maqsood, Q. Li, H. Hussain, M. Hussain, R.M.A. Zahid)

Tapping into the Green Potential: The Power of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Corporate Green Innovation Drive – Business Strategy and the Environment, 2024 (Hussain, M., Yang, S., Maqsood, U.S., Zahid, R.M.A.)

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Corporate Digital Strategies: Evidence from China – Kybernetes, 2024 (Yang, S., Hussain, M., Ammar Zahid, R.M., Maqsood, U.S.)

Conclusion

Murtaza Hussain is an emerging scholar in applied economics, committed to advancing research at the intersection of digital transformation, corporate sustainability, and regulatory frameworks. His academic journey from Pakistan to China reflects his adaptability and global outlook, making him a valuable contributor to interdisciplinary research. Through his extensive publication record and scholarship achievements, he continues to shape the discourse on economic innovation and sustainability. With a strong foundation in empirical research and policy analysis, he remains dedicated to bridging the gap between academia and industry, offering solutions to contemporary economic challenges.