MDPI will participate in the upcoming International Congress of 2025 Joint Mathematics Meetings (JMM 2025), scheduled to take place from 8 to 11 January 2025 in Seattle, United States of America.

Hosted by the American Mathematical Society (AMS) in collaboration with 16 partner organizations, this annual event is the largest global gathering of mathematics professionals and enthusiasts. Attracting nearly 6,000 attendees each year, the JMM features over 3,000 sessions, including panels, workshops, courses, invited lectures, and activities tailored for students.

Under the theme “We Decide Our Future: Mathematics in the Age of AI”, JMM 2025 will delve into the intersection of artificial intelligence and mathematics. This prestigious meeting will convene scholars, thought leaders, and subject matter experts from around the world to showcase and discuss emerging trends and innovations in the mathematical sciences.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Axioms;
• Mathematics;
• Fractal Fract;
• AppliedMath;
• Computation;
• Geometry;
• MCA;
• Symmetry.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, we warmly invite you to visit our booth and engage with our representatives. We look forward to meeting you in person and assisting with any questions or queries that you may have. For more details about the conference, please visit the official website:
https://jointmathematicsmeetings.org/meetings/national/jmm2025/2314_intro.

We are pleased to announce that the 5th International Conference on Symmetry (Symmetry 2025) is scheduled to take place from 16 to 19 May 2025 in Hangzhou, China. The conference, organized by MDPI’s Symmetry (ISSN: 2073-8994, Impact Factor: 2.2), aims to gather researchers, professionals, and experts interested in this field to share their latest research findings, innovations, and experiences.

For this upcoming event, we are proud to announce the following conference chairs and plenary speakers.

Conference Chairs:

• Dr. Sergei D. Odintsov, Institute of Space Sciences, Spain;
• Dr. Changzheng Qu, Ningbo University, China;
• Dr. Jihuan He, Soochow University, China.

Plenary Speakers:

• Dr. Ronggen Cai, Ningbo University, China;
• Dr. Sergei D. Odintsov, Institute of Space Sciences, Spain;
• Dr. Jiping Zhang, Peking University, China.

Topics of Interest and Session Chairs:
S1. Physics

• Session Chair: Shin'ichi Nojiri, Nagoya University, Japan;
• Session Chair: Prof. Tianjun Li, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Henan Normal University, China;
• Session Chair: Prof. Yuxiao Liu, Lanzhou University, China.

S2. Mathematics

• Session Chair: Prof. Qingwen Wang, Shanghai University, China;
• Session Chair: Prof. Shoufeng Shen, Zhejiang University of Technology, China.

S3. Chemistry

• Session Chair: György Keglevich, Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Hungary;
• Session Chair: Prof. Weihua Tang, Xiamen University, China.

S4. Engineering

• Session Chair: Prof. Chong Wang, Beihang University China, China;
• Session Chair: Prof. Deming Lei, Wuhan University of Technology, China.

S5. Computer Science

• Session Chair: Prof. Hu Xiong, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, China;
• Session Chair: Prof. Kuo-Hui Yeh, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan.

S6. Symmetry Applications

• Session Chair: Prof. Jihuan He, Soochow University, China;
• Session Chair: Prof. Chunli Zhang, Zhejiang University, China.

Conference Awards:

• Best Oral Presentation Award;
• Best Poster Award;
• Best Speaker Award.

Number of winners: 23.

Prizes:
CNY 1500 (5 winners); a full Article Processing Charge (APC) waiver for Symmetry (6 winners); a 50% APC waiver for Symmetry (12 winners); and a certificate celebrating this achievement (all winners).

Guide for Authors:
To submit your abstract, please click on the following link:
https://sciforum.net/user/submission/create/1219.

To register for the event, please click on the following link:
https://sciforum.net/event/symmetry2025?section=#registration.

For more information, you may refer to the following:
https://sciforum.net/event/symmetry2025?section=#instructions.

Important Dates:
Abstract Submission Deadline: 16 February 2025
Notification of Acceptance: 9 March 2025
Early-Bird Registration: 16 March 2025
Registration Deadline: 16 May 2025

We look forward to receiving your contribution to Symmetry 2025.

Conference Chairs
Symmetry 2025 Organizing Team ([email protected])

The nomination deadline for the Mathematics 2024 Young Investigator Award is approaching.

This award will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of mathematical sciences. The winner will receive CHF 2000, an electronic certificate, and an opportunity to publish an article for free in Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) after peer review before the end of 2025.

More information regarding the Mathematics 2024 Young Investigator Award including the eligibility and required documents for nomination can be found on the award page of the Mathematics website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards/2648.

Please note that the nominations must be submitted online by 31 December 2024. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Ms. Kelly Su ([email protected]).

Mathematics Editorial Office

We are excited to inform you that the application deadline for the Mathematics 2024 Travel Award (31 October 2024) is quickly approaching. We kindly encourage you to share this information with any Ph.D. students or Postdoctoral fellows within your research network if they plan to give a presentation, present a poster, or both at an international conference in the field of mathematical sciences to be held in 2025.

For detailed information about the Mathematics 2024 Travel Award, please visit: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards/2638.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• Postdoctoral fellows or Ph.D. students and research fellows;
• Plans to attend an international conference in 2025 (oral presentation or poster).

List of Documents for Application:

• Information regarding the conference that the applicant is planning to attend and the abstract that will be submitted;
• Curriculum Vitae and list of publications;
• Justification letter describing the focus of the research (max. 800 words);
• Letter of recommendation from a supervisor, research director, or department head which also confirms the applicant’s status.

Prize:

• CHF 500;
• A certificate.

Number of Winners: 1
Application Deadline: 31 October 2024
Application Link: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/mathematics/awards/submit/2638

We appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Francisco Chiclana
Editor-in-Chief of Mathematics

Join us for an engaging webinar as we explore the cutting-edge topics featured in the Special Issue of Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) on “Data Modelling, AI, and Health: Bridging Models and Insights in Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Medical Imaging”. This session will delve into key advancements in the field. Our three distinguished experts will present their insights on the latest research, methodologies, and applications, offering a comprehensive view of how mathematical models and data analysis are transforming epidemiology and biostatistics and AI's growing role in healthcare, particularly regarding processing medical images for disease detection and monitoring.

Whether you are a researcher, clinician, or data scientist, this webinar promises to provide valuable perspectives on the integration of traditional statistical methods with AI-driven solutions to address current healthcare challenges.

Date: 13 November 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m. CET | 10:00 a.m. EDT | 10:00 p.m. CST Asia
Register in Advance for this Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4717292575704/WN_FicndeaOQKuFX6xBA98DYA
Webinar ID: 858 3456 6325
Webinar Secretariat: [email protected]
Webinar Announcement: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-15

Register now for free!

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic or institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Feel free to still register; we will inform you when the recording is available.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:  

• Assoc Prof. Dr. Jorge M. Mendes, NOVA Medical School, NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal;
• Prof. Dr. Andrew B. Lawson, Medical University of North Carolina, USA;
• Prof. Duncan Lee, School of Mathematics, University of Glasgow, Scotland;
• Mr. José Guilherme Almedia, Computational Clinical Imaging Group at the Champalimaud Foundation.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Data Modeling and Analysis in Epidemiology and Biostatistics”
Guest Editors: Dr. Jorge M. Mendes, Dr. Ying C. MacNab and Dr. Helena Baptista
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025

MDPI is collaborating with the Kidney Cancer Association to hold an author training session, offering valuable insights about MDPI and open access publishing. While attending the 2024 International Kidney Cancer Symposium: North America (7–9 November), meet us at booth #7.

MDPI has invited academic editors from the journal Cancers (ISSN: 2072-6694) to inform authors about ways to explore ongoing Special Issues and topics and discover opportunities tailored to specific author groups.

Date: 7 November 2024
Time: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Venue: Omni Louisville Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Schedule: 

MDPI Speakers: 

MDPI invites all esteemed experts to join the Mathematics Webinar titled “Stochastic Processes and Applications”. Stochastic system dynamics modeling mainly involves stochastic processes, both continuous-time and discrete-time processes (time series). The talks planned for this webinar are diverse in content, but they share a common focus on analyzing the stochastic evolution of phenomena common to many models.

We look forward to your participation in this discussion.

Title: Stochastic Processes and Applications
Date: 31 October 2024
Time: 09:00–11:10 (CET)
More Information: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-12

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Relevant Special Issue:
“Stochastic Processes and Its Applications”
Guest Editors: Dr. Elvira Di Nardo and Prof. Dr. Luis Alberiko Gil-Alana
Deadline for submission: 31 May 2025

A welcome message from the webinar chair, Prof. Dr. Ramoshweu S. Lebelo:

To all attendees, warmest greetings, and thank you for your attendance! I would like to thank the Mathematics editorial team. for granting me the opportunity to be the Guest Editor of Volume I of the Special Issue, “Analysis and Applications of Mathematical Fluid Dynamics” as well as Volume II (ongoing). I also appreciate the chance to chair this webinar and would like to thank the speakers, Prof. Dr. O. D. Makinde, Prof. Dr. C. C. Tisdell, and Prof. Dr. S. O. Adesanya, for accepting the invitation to speak at this webinar.

Date: 29 November 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CET | 4:00 p.m. CST Asia | 7:00 p.m. AEDT
Webinar ID: 895 4373 7567
Website: https://sciforum.net/event/mathematics-14

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we’ll let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Register now for free!

Program:

 Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Ramoshweu S. Lebelo, Faculty of Applied and Computer Sciences, Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021, Vanderbijlpark 1911, South Africa;
• Dr. Oluwole D. Makinde, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University, Saldanha, South Africa;
• Dr. Christopher C. Tisdell, School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia;
• Dr. Samuel O. Adesanya, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Redeemer’s University, Ede 232101, Nigeria.

Five new journals covering a diverse range of subjects launched their inaugural issue in September 2024. Like other journals in MDPI’s portfolio, these journals are dedicated to sharing the latest research through open access, reflecting our commitment to making knowledge accessible to all.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Editorial Board Members for their dedication to the launch and development of our new journals. Each journal will ensure its high-quality output via excellent editorial and rigorous peer-review processes so that the published articles achieve significant impact and broad visibility.

We invite you to explore and learn more about these new journals below.

Journal	Founding Editor-in-Chief	Journal Topics (Selected)
	Prof. Dr. Nejat Düzgüneş, University of the Pacific, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	biological therapy and stem-cell therapy; drug therapy; chemotherapy; radiation and other nonsurgical therapeutic strategies | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Magda Tsolaki, Greek Federation of Alzheimer’s Disease, Greece; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece | Editorial | view inaugural issue	surgical/procedural complications; complications; perioperative adverse events; postoperative adverse events | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Steven R. Fassnacht, Colorado State University, USA; Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	ice as a mineral; atmospheric ice; sea ice; freshwater ice; ice sheets; ice caps and ice shelves | view journal scope | submit an article
	Dr. Francisco Epelde, Hospital Universitari Parc Tauli, Spain; University Autonoma of Barcelona, Spain | Editorial | view inaugural issue	hospital management; hospital facilities; hospital services; hospital risk management; health law | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Nicola Ferri, University of Padova, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	lipids in cells and whole organisms; lipid structure and function; lipid products and processes; dietary lipids and nutrition | view journal scope | submit an article

We wish to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. You are welcome to send an application here or contact the New Journal Committee ([email protected]) if you would like to create more new journals.

MDPI invites all esteemed experts to join our webinar “Computational Modelling of Functionally Graded Materials and Structures” of the journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390). Functionally graded materials (FGMs) represent a class of advanced materials characterized by spatial variations in composition and microstructure, resulting in corresponding changes in their mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties. This webinar will feature insights from leading specialists aimed at equipping newcomers with foundational knowledge while providing experts with the latest developments in advanced modelling techniques, optimization strategies, and practical applications.

We look forward to your participation in this discussion.

Title: Computational Modelling of Functionally Graded Materials and Structures
Date: 22 October 2024
Time: 10:30–12:35 (CEST)
More information: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-10

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording of this event is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Relevant Special Issue:
“Numerical and Computational Methods in Structural Engineering and Mechanics”
Guest Editors: Prof. Dr. Joaquim Infante Barbosa and Dr. José Alberto Rodrigues
Deadline for submission: 20 December 2024 

The 19th International Conference on Information Security Practice and Experience (ISPEC 2024) will be held from 25 to 27 October 2024 in Wuhan, China, organized by Wuhan University of Technology and Central China Normal University.

The ISPEC is an established forum that brings together researchers and practitioners to discuss the confluence of new information security technologies, including their applications and their integration with IT systems in various vertical sectors, and promote research in these areas.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the conference:

• Symmetry;
• Cryptography;
• Information;
• Informatics;
• Mathematics.

If you are planning to attend this conference, we warmly invite you to visit our booth and engage with our representatives. We look forward to meeting you in person and are here to assist you with any questions you may have. For more information about this conference, please visit the official website at https://ispec2024.github.io/ISPEC2024/.

Mesh generation and its adaptivity are recognized as one of the major challenges in the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) workflow in the NASA report: CFD Vision 2030 study. The quality of a mesh is extremely important to obtain reliable solutions and guarantee numerical stability. Adaptive mesh refinement strategies offer the potential for superior accuracy at reduced cost, but the issues include robustness, error estimation, and software complexity. This webinar introduces adaptive mesh-free methods in CFD modelling and adaptive mesh refinement methods, proposed based on the qualitative theory of differential equations and their performance.

Date: 15 October 2024 at 9:00 a.m. CEST | 3:00 a.m. EDT | 3:00 p.m. CST Asia
Webinar ID: 846 1040 4481

Register now for free!

Program:

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available to watch.

Webinar Chair and Keynote Speakers:

• Dr. Zhenquan Li (Chair), School of Computing and Mathematics, Charles Sturt University, Australia;
• Dr. Tao Zhang, School of Engineering, University of Leicester, UK;
• Dr. Rajnesh Lal, School of Mathematical and Computing Science, Fiji National University, Fiji.

Relevant Special Issue:
“Advanced Computational Methods for Fluid Dynamics and Applications”
Guest Editor: Dr. Zhenquan Li
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2024

For more information about this webinar, please visit the following link: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-13.

MDPI warmly invites you to participate in our upcoming forum The Science Behind the Prize: 2024 Nobel Physics Roundtable, a celebration of the groundbreaking research shaping the future of physics.

Title: The Science Behind the Prize: 2024 Nobel Physics Roundtable
Date: 8 October 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m.–12:10 p.m. (CEST)
More information available here: https://sciforum.net/event/NPR2024

Coinciding with the announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, this forum underscores the importance of recognizing outstanding achievements that push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding. It is a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas on the advancements driving scientific progress and to inspire the next generation of gifted physicists.

General topics of discussion for this event will include the following:

• Breakthrough research shaping the future of physics;
• Reflecting on past Nobel-Prize-winning work and its legacy;
• The key trends driving innovation in physics today;
• Exploring the societal and scientific contributions of physics research.

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

MDPI would like to invite all experts recognized in their fields to attend the webinar organized by Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390), entitled Bayesian Networks and Their Real-World Applications for Decision Making. The aim of the webinar is to introduce Bayesian networks, a versatile probabilistic model that integrates statistical methods, data mining, and machine learning for complex data analysis. The session will highlight their ability to simplify complex relationships and address uncertainty, showcasing various real-world applications across different fields.    

We are looking forward to seeing you at the webinar.

Webinar: Bayesian Networks and Their Real-World Applications for Decision Making

Date: 10 October 2024

Time: 11:00–13:00 (CEST)

More information: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-11

This is a free webinar. Following registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Relevant Special Issue:

“Bayesian Networks: Parameter and Structure Learning with Their Real-World Applications for Decision Making”

Guest Editor: Marta Pittavino
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 April 2025

As a leader in open access publishing, MDPI is eager to explore new collaboration opportunities, including the launch of new journals and the transfer of existing ones. At present, MDPI publishes over 400 journals, more than 160 of which have established partnerships with academic organizations. Additionally, we publish 19 association journals.

In order to enhance exchange and cooperation with scientific researchers and share the results of open science, MDPI invites experts and scholars from various fields to submit proposals for new journal collaboration opportunities. If your proposal is approved, you could take on the role of Editor-in-Chief, Deputy Editor-in-Chief, or Editorial Board Member of the journal. This position allows you to manage the manuscript review process alongside our editorial department, participate in calls for papers, strengthen your network with scholars in the field, expand scientific research cooperation, enhance your personal and academic influence internationally, and play a leading role in academia.

Once the new journal is online, MDPI will provide a variety of promotional channels to market the journal internationally.

MDPI will offer various promotional channels to enhance its visibility and promote it internationally.

How can you determine the theme of a new journal?

• Assess research hotspots/academic frontiers;
• Assess pioneers in the field/key research directions of universities;
• Determine whether MDPI has already established a journal in the field.

You can browse MDPI’s existing journals at the following link: https://www.mdpi.com/about/journals.

Advantages of collaborating with MDPI:

• MDPI is a global leader in open-access publishing with extensive academic resources.
• MDPI offers a professional publishing team that provides comprehensive support throughout the publishing process.
• MDPI’s diverse promotional platforms and channels help journals quickly increase their international visibility and influence.

We invite you to submit new journal proposal here, and contribute to academic development! In addition, if your institution (university, institute, college, national key laboratory, society, etc.) intends to establish a journal, you can also submit a draft to MDPI on its behalf.

MDPI journals frequently grant travel awards to empower junior researchers to showcase their latest research at academic conferences, thereby amplifying their impact within their research fields.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 103 recipients of MDPI's 2023 Travel Awards from different countries and territories for their exceptional presentations. These outstanding individuals were selected by the journal editors based on the strength of their research proposals and the anticipated impact of their presentations at academic conferences. We commend their exceptional contributions and wish them continued success in their academic endeavors.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community. To learn more about the list of awardees, please visit the following pages:

• Biology and Life Sciences;
• Chemistry and Materials Sciences;
• Engineering;
• Environmental and Earth Sciences;
• Medicine and Pharmacology;
• Public Health and Healthcare;
• Others.

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the academic community, especially young researchers, and enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and are making a significant contribution to the advancement of their fields.

To explore more MDPI awards, please click here.

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, particularly within the past few decades, have significantly impacted lives, businesses, and industries. ChatGPT and other large language models stand out as being particularly influential among these advancements. This webinar aims to explore these cutting-edge developments in AI while placing a specific focus on deep learning methodologies.

The webinar features three distinguished researchers who have made substantial contributions to the field. Their presentations will delve into the following critical topics:

• Optimization of deep learning;
• Reinforcement learning;
• Generative adversarial networks (GANs).

Join us to gain insights into the latest advancements in computer science and to discuss how these innovative technologies are shaping our world today.

Date: 26 September 2024 EST | 27 September 2024 CST
Time: 08:40–10:40 p.m. (EST) | 09:40–11:40 a.m. (CST)
More Information: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-9

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join the webinar. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Related Special Issues:

“Intelligent Perception Computing and Graph Neural Networks: Algorithms, Applications, and New Challenges”
Guest Editors: Huakun Huang, Chunhua Su and Zhuotao Lian
Deadline: 1 March 2025

“Deep Neural Networks: Theory, Algorithms and Applications”
Guest Editors: Osslan Osiris Vergara Villegas, Vianey Guadalupe Cruz Sánchez and Vicente García
Deadline: 31 March 2025

“Neural Networks and Their Applications”
Guest Editor: Mario Muñoz Organero
Deadline: 30 November 2024

“Advances in Fuzzy Logic and Artificial Neural Networks”
Guest Editor: Francisco Rodrigues Lima Junior
Deadline: 30 November 2024

We wish to congratulate Prof. Dr. Álvaro Figueira and Dr. Bruno Vaz for winning the Mathematics 2022 Best Paper Award.

Name: Prof. Dr. Álvaro Figueira
Affiliation: CRACS-INESCTEC and Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
Research interests: Computer Science; Generative Adversarial Networks; Synthetic Data Generation; Disinformation Detection; Large Language Models.

Name: Dr. Bruno Vaz
Affiliation: Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; DareData Engineering, 1050-117 Lisbon, Portugal
Research interests: Large Language Models; Agentic Systems; Generative Adversarial Networks

The following is from an interview with Prof. Dr. Álvaro Figueira and Dr. Bruno Vaz:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers? Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?

BV: I was a student at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto. I am currently an AI engineer working at a company from the private sector that builds custom AI-powered solutions. I work mainly with generative AI systems, such as chatbots.

AF: I graduated in 1995 with a degree in applied mathematics and computer science from the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto. I earned an M.Sc. in advanced information technology from Imperial College London in 1997 and a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Porto in 2004. Currently, I am a tenured Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto. My research focuses on disinformation detection, social media analysis, and data visualization. As a researcher at the CRACS/INESCTEC unit, I have led international projects with institutions such as the University of Texas at Austin, University of Coimbra, and University of Aveiro, specializing in information extraction from social networks using machine learning and AI techniques.

2. Could you please briefly introduce the main content of the winning paper?

AF+BV: We wanted to provide an extensive review of synthetic data generation techniques, with a focus on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). The paper explores the need for synthetic data, especially in situations where real data is scarce, of poor quality, or involves privacy concerns, such as medical or financial data. We present various methods of generating synthetic data, both traditional and deep learning-based, with GANs being the primary focus due to their state-of-the-art performance in generating realistic data samples.

3. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?

AF+BV: The field of synthetic data generation and GANs faces several key challenges, including training instability, mode collapse, and difficulty generating diverse, high-quality data, especially for tabular datasets. Evaluating the quality of synthetic data remains difficult, as different applications require varying metrics, and hyperparameter tuning can be complex and resource-intensive. Moreover, privacy concerns arise when synthetic data generation risks revealing sensitive information from the original dataset.

Despite these challenges, breakthrough innovations have improved the performance and stability of GANs. Techniques like Wasserstein GAN (WGAN) and Progressive Growing GAN (ProGAN) have enhanced training stability and image resolution, while architectures like TGAN, CTGAN, and TabFairGAN have adapted GANs to generate high-quality tabular data. These innovations have significantly expanded the applicability and robustness of synthetic data generation.

4. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to submit your paper? How was your experience submitting to Mathematics?

AF+BV: We were both drawn to Mathematics because of its reputation for efficiency and a well-structured review process. The journal ensures that reviewers are promptly engaged after submission, with a clear and expedited timeline—typically ranging from one week to a month, even during busy periods. This approach minimizes delays and keeps the process moving smoothly. We also appreciated the user-friendly submission system, which made navigating the various stages straightforward. The blind review process was particularly noteworthy for its clear and effective communication, allowing us to quickly understand and address the reviewers' feedback. Furthermore, the journal's strong impact factor and the consistently high quality of papers, especially in the Computer Science section, reinforced our decision to submit our work to Mathematics.

5. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

BV: In the last few months, LLMs have gained a lot of traction and have become more and more proficient, not only at natural language tasks but also in vision and audio. Even though the advances are astonishing, such models still suffer from hallucinations—they return content that, even though well-written, might not be factual. I believe this will be a clear topic of research in the coming years. Moreover, as AI systems become more autonomous, questions about ethical decision-making, accountability, and transparency will intensify. So, I believe research into AI fairness, bias mitigation, and explainability is expected to grow.

AF: I would also emphasize that the future likely holds a trend toward the specialization of LLMs in specific domains or for individual users, often referred to as personalized LLMs. This specialization could significantly enhance the relevance and effectiveness of AI interactions. Additionally, as LLMs become more tailored to individual needs, we can expect a growth in interactions between different LLMs, opening up new possibilities for making these exchanges mutually beneficial for both the LLMs and their users. This evolution could lead to more dynamic, personalized, and productive AI-driven conversations in the future.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?

BV: More and more often I hear about FOMO (fear of missing out). With so many advances in generative AI, it is easy to feel like you are missing out. This has happened to me personally, so the advice that I would give would be to have JOMO (joy of missing out). If one can focus on a specific thing and do it well, I believe they would go a long way.

AF: In today’s fast-paced world of scientific advancement, it can be challenging to keep track of the latest developments and where the cutting-edge lies. To navigate this complex landscape, we rely on an enormous quantity of scientific publications that together with current advanced large language models help us map out the current state of knowledge. However, pushing beyond these boundaries still demands human effort, creativity, sensitivity, and insight. While these tools can guide us, it is ultimately our unique human qualities that drive innovation and meaningful progress.

7. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?

BV: Like Newton once wrote, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of Giants". If I was able to write this paper, it is because of the giants in my life. So, I would like to thank my parents, Albino and Natércia, and girlfriend, Rita, for being my pillars in life. Also, a special thanks to Professor Álvaro Figueira, who has guided me through the whole writing of this paper—without his help, I would still be floating on uncharted waters.

AF: The pursuit of methods to identify fake news led me to the creation of synthetic data (for balancing the datasets). While this was my initial focus, working with Bruno greatly expanded the scope of the research beyond my original goals. I am deeply grateful for his dedication and invaluable contributions to this project, and I want to express my heartfelt thanks for his commitment.

8. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?

AF+BV: Open access publishing can remove paywalls, allowing anyone with Internet access to read the published articles. This is particularly beneficial for researchers, students, and professionals in low-income or under-resourced institutions who cannot afford expensive journal subscriptions. Moreover, open access platforms often provide a faster route to publication and allow for the immediate dissemination of research, which is crucial in fast-moving fields like medicine, climate science, and technology.

MDPI’s Best PhD Thesis Awards are granted to promising young scholars whose PhD theses are deemed exceptional within their respective research fields. These awards aim to encourage young scholars to continue their outstanding accomplishments and further contribute to their field.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 54 winners of the 2023 Best PhD Thesis Awards and wish them success with their future research endeavors.

MDPI will continue to provide support and recognition to the academic community. To learn more about all the awardees and their research projects in your field of study, please visit the following pages:

About MDPI Awards:

To reward the academic community, especially young researchers, and enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help raise the influence of talented individuals who have been credited with outstanding achievements and are making a significant contribution to the advancement of their fields.

To explore more MDPI awards, please click here.

MDPI will be attending the 18th European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV 2024) in MiCo Milano, Italy, which will take place from 29 September to 4 October 2024. The European Conference on Computer Vision (ECCV) is a premier biennial research conference in Computer Vision and Machine Learning, managed by the European Computer Vision Association (ECVA). It is held on even years and gathers the scientific and industrial communities within these areas. The first ECCV was held in 1990 in Antibes, France, and the conference has subsequently been organized all over Europe.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Applied Sciences;
• Electronics;
• AI;
• Future Internet;
• Inventions;
• Journal of Imaging;
• Machine Learning and Knowledge Extraction;
• Mathematics;
• Remote Sensing;
• Technologies.

If you are attending the conference, please visit our booth. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions that you may have. For more information about the conference, please visit the following link: https://eccv.ecva.net/.

Conference: 2024 IEEE Information Theory Workshop
Organization: Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School and IEEE Information Theory Society
Date: 24–28 November 2024
Place: Shenzhen, China

We are pleased to announce that MDPI will be attending the 2024 IEEE Information Theory Workshop as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Shenzhen, China, from 24 to 28 November 2024.

This conference consists of a daily plenary followed by two parallel technical sessions throughout the day. IEEE-ITW’24 welcomes original contributions on the frontiers of information theory, statistics, coding theory, and their applications, as well as interactions between information theory and other fields such as data science, biology, and signal processing.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Entropy;
• Information;
• Data;
• Future Internet;
• Cryptography;
• Network;
• Digital;
• JCP;
• Mathematics;
• Electronics.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to engage with us while you are there. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the event, please visit the following website: https://www.ieee-itw2024.org/.

MDPI would like to invite all experts recognized in their fields to attend a webinar organized by our journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) entitled—The Utilization of Stochastic Reconstruction in Estimating, Diagnosing and Extending Hawkes Process Models. The aim of the webinar is to focus on the Hawkes process model, a point process model widely used in both natural and social sciences. Its ability to examine clustering effects and positive interactions among events makes it a powerful tool for many researchers. During this talk, the ways in which stochastic reconstruction can be applied to estimate, diagnose, and enhance the Hawkes process model will be explored. This webinar will be valuable and inspiring for anyone working with these models. 

We are looking forward to seeing you at the webinar.

Webinar: The Utilization of Stochastic Reconstruction in Estimating, Diagnosing and Extending Hawkes Process Models
Date: 12 September 2024
Time: 9:00–9:50 (CEST) | 16:00–16:50 (JST)
More information: https://sciforum.net/event/Mathematics-8

This is a free webinar. After registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing information on how to join. Registrations with academic institutional email addresses will be prioritized.

Unable to attend? Register anyway and we will let you know when the recording is available for viewing.

Register for free:

Program:

Relevant Special Issue:
“Stochastic Processes and Its Applications”
Edited by Dr. Elvira Di Nardo and Prof. Dr. Luis Alberiko Gil-Alana
Submission Deadline: 31 May 2025

We wish to congratulate Prof. Dr. Masahiro Yamamoto for winning the Mathematics 2022 Best Paper Award.

Name: Masahiro Yamamoto
Affiliation: Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro, Tokyo 153-8914, Japan
Interests: inverse problems in mathematical sciences; parameters in evolution equations; determination of shapes of domains from overdetermining data

Masahiro Yamamoto has been a full professor in the Graduate School of Mathematical Sciences of The University of Tokyo, Japan, since 2010, and he is now a Project Professor and Emeritus Professor at the University of Tokyo and a professor at Zonguldak Bulent Ecevit University in Turkey. In 1983, he obtained the degree of Master of Science from the University of Tokyo. He received a Ph.D. from the University of Tokyo for a thesis entitled “Inverse Spectral Problem for Systems of Ordinary Differential Equations” in 1988. His research interests include inverse problems by Carleman estimate; inverse boundary value problems; determination of shapes; fractional partial differential equations and optimal control.

The following is from an interview with Prof. Dr. Masahiro Yamamoto:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers? Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?
I have been working on control theory, inverse problems for partial differential equations and time fractional partial differential equations. In particular, I have started mathematical research for fractional differential equations, motivated by the analysis of the anomalous diffusion of radioactive nuclide, which was seriously emitted by the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011. In order to maintain reasonable shapes of my own theoretical research, I, a mathematician, am confident that it is so important to maintain contact with more applied aspects. Moreover, through such contact, one can find significant topics from the real-world which are awaiting mathematical studies. In other words, in this field, mathematicians must always pursue not only theories but also possible practice of the developed theories.
Holding such views, I have recently been working on the uniqueness and stability of various inverse problems for time-fractional differential equations, as well as for transport, parabolic, hyperbolic, Schrodinger equations.

2. Could you please briefly introduce the main content of the winning paper?
There have been many important works on time-fractional differential equations such as the unique existence of solutions to initial value problems and initial boundary value problems. However, aiming at more consistent convenient applications to inverse problems, I proposed a framework based on the operator theory. This approach is not purely new, but I have integrated existing results and expertise such as the operator theory and the theory of evolution equations, and I have demonstrated the effectiveness of the framework in various problems for time-fractional differential equations.
In the winning paper, I have tried to establish foundations of the theory of time-fractional differential equations, which is directly applicable to inverse problems.

3. Could you describe the difficulties and breakthrough innovations in this research field?
Fractional calculus is similar to classical calculus treating derivatives of natural number orders, but not the same. For example, formulae of integration by parts for fractional derivatives do not allow us to use energy estimates and Carleman estimates, which are strong tools for inverse problems. Such a difference is a main difficulty. Thus, it is definitely a breakthrough that we can completely clarify which properties can still hold and which are essentially different among the properties of parabolic equations and hyperbolic equations. Through such complete clarification, we can also understand the essence of anomalous diffusion.

4. What appealed to you about the journal that made you want to submit your paper? How was your experience submitting to Mathematics?
The wide range of audience is appealing, and the referee procedure was excellent.

5. Which research topics do you think will be of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?

• The inverse problems for fractional partial differential equations;
• The establishment of the theory of time-fractional differential equations which may generalize the classical theory of partial differential equations.

6. Do you have any advice for aspiring young researchers looking to make a meaningful impact in their respective fields?

• Do not aim too much at currently popular research fields. Also, we should keep in mind that we try to find rough gemstones which will open up rich and important research fields;
• It may take a long time until your achievements are well recognized and evaluated; please be patient and continue to work;
• In order to maintain your mathematical research, please grasp wide scopes not only involving mathematics but also real-world problems. Remember that mathematics looks transcendental and far away from reality, but it can solve real world problems and potentially even save the world.

7. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
The late Professor Dr. Rudolf Gorenflo. He introduced me to the world of fractional calculus and has supported my research. It is a pity that now I cannot directly convey my gratitude to him, and I am surely indebted to him.

8. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
Open access is fine, especially for mathematics if used relevantly, because mathematical achievements are fundamental and so are more similar to common properties, especially among natural sciences.

MDPI’s Young Investigator Awards recognize promising early career scientists, acknowledge their contributions, and foster collaboration within the scientific community. We are proud to announce the recipients for 2023, who were carefully selected by the journals’ esteemed Award Evaluation Committee.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 79 winners of MDPI’s 2023 Young Investigator Awards for their excellent contributions in their research field. We look forward to seeing these rising stars continue to contribute to the advancement of science.

MDPI will continue to support and recognize the academic community. To explore details about the awardees by field, please visit the individual pages listed below:

Congratulations to all the winners for their exceptional contributions and dedication to advancing scientific research.

About MDPI Awards:
To support the academic community, particularly young researchers, and to enhance communication among scientists, MDPI journals regularly offer various awards to researchers in specific fields. These awards, serving as a source of inspiration and recognition, help to elevate the profiles of talented individuals who have made outstanding achievements and are making significant contributions to advancements in their respective fields.

To find out more about MDPI awards, please click here.

MDPI will be attending the Physical Society of Japan 2024 annual meeting, which will be held from 16 to 19 September 2024 in Hokkaido, Japan.

The Physical Society of Japan (JPS) holds nationwide scientific meetings in the spring and autumn of each year and categorizes all the fields of physics into 19 divisions. During the annual meeting, recent research from all these divisions is discussed at one venue. The autumn meetings are held at different venues, covering the 13 divisions of condensed matter physics and other fields. As many as 5,000 researchers take part in both the spring and autumn meetings, where more than 3,000 presentations and active discussions take place.

The following topics will be covered:

• Theoretical Particle Physics;
• Experimental Particle Physics;
• Theoretical Nuclear Physics;
• Experimental Nuclear Physics;
• Cosmic Rays/Astrophysics;
• Beam Physics.

Division 1: Atomic and Molecular Physics, Quantum Electronics, Radiation;

Division 2: Plasma;

Division 3: Magnetism;

Division 4: Semiconductors, Mesoscopic Systems and Quantum Transport;

Division 5: Optical Properties of Condensed Matter;

Division 6: Metal Physics [Liquid Metals, Quasicrystals], Low Temperature Physics [Ultralow Temperatures, Superconductivity, Density Waves;

Division 7: Molecular Solids;

Division 8: Strongly Correlated Electron Systems;

Division 9: Surfaces & Interfaces, Crystal Growth;

Division 10: Structural Property(Dielectrics, Ferroelectricity, Lattice Defects and Nanostructures, Phononic Properties, and X-ray and Particle Beams);

Division 11: Fundamental Theory of Condensed Matter Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Applied Mathematics, Socio- and Econophysics;

Division 12: Soft Matter Physics, Chemical Physics, Biophysics;

Division 13: Physics Education, History of Physics, Environmental Physics.

The following MDPI journals will be represented at the symposium:

• Applied Science;
• Galaxies;
• Plasma;
• Atoms;
• Optics;
• Surfaces;
• Instruments;
• Technologies;
• Fluids;
• Magnetochemistry;
• Physics;
• Mathematics;
• Condensed Matter.

If you are planning to attend the above conference, we encourage you to visit our booth and speak to our representatives. We are eager to meet you in person and assist you with any queries that you may have.

We wish to congratulate Dr. Minhyeok Lee for winning the Mathematics 2023 Outstanding Reviewer Award.

Name: Dr. Minhyeok Lee
Affiliation: School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
Research Interests: deep learning; machine learning; generative adversarial network

The following is from an interview with Dr. Minhyeok Lee:

1. Could you give a brief introduction of yourself to the readers?   Could you introduce your current research direction and provide an update on your progress?
My research focuses on the mathematical foundations of generative models and computational intelligence. I am currently investigating the convergence properties of multi-task deep learning games using techniques from game theory and convex optimization. My work aims to establish rigorous theoretical guarantees for the performance and stability of complex neural network architectures.

2. Can you please share with us your sentiments upon winning the award?
The award recognition aligns with my commitment to advancing mathematical rigor in the field of computational intelligence. It reflects the importance of applying formal mathematical analysis to emerging computational techniques. This acknowledgment may help promote the increased emphasis on theoretical foundations within the broader research community.

3. Could you share some insights into your approach to reviewing manuscripts? How do you balance thoroughness with efficiency?
My review approach centers on assessing the mathematical validity and novelty of the presented work. I examine proofs, derivations, and algorithmic complexities to ensure logical consistency and correctness. Efficiency is maintained by focusing primarily on the core mathematical contributions rather than peripheral details.

4. In your opinion, what are some key qualities that make a review outstanding?
Key qualities of an outstanding review include identifying logical gaps in mathematical arguments, suggesting relevant theoretical connections or generalizations, assessing the mathematical significance and originality of the results, providing constructive feedback to strengthen formal proofs, and maintaining objectivity in evaluating the work’s mathematical merit.

5. Based on your experience, which research topics do you think are of particular interest to the research community in the coming years?
Promising research directions include the theoretical analysis of large language models, mathematical frameworks for explainable AI, information-theoretic approaches to deep learning, and advances in geometric deep learning. These areas offer rich opportunities for developing new mathematical tools and insights.

6. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
The open access model aligns with the universality of mathematical truth and the field’s collaborative nature. It promotes the wider dissemination of mathematical knowledge, potentially accelerating theoretical advancements. However, maintaining rigorous peer review processes remains crucial for upholding the integrity and quality of published mathematical work.

We are pleased to announce that Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) is now inviting nominations for the Mathematics 2024 Young Investigator Award. This prize will be given to one young investigator in recognition of their excellence in the field of mathematical sciences. All the nominations will be assessed by an Award Evaluation Committee led by the Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Francisco Chiclana.       

The Prizes:

• CHF 2000;
• The option to publish one paper free of charge in Mathematics after peer review before the end of December 2025;
• An electronic certificate.

Eligibility and Requirements:

• The candidate must have received their Ph.D. no more than 10 years prior to 31 December 2024;
• The candidate must have produced ground-breaking research and made a significant contribution to the advancement of mathematical sciences;
• The candidate must be nominated by senior scientists. 

List of Documents for Nomination:

• Detailed CV, including an updated publication list and a list of the researcher’s own research grants;
• Scanned copy of their doctorate certificate;
• Signed nomination letters from two established senior scientists. 

Schedule:
Nomination deadline: 31 December 2024;
Winner announcement: 31 March 2025.

How to Submit Nominations?
The nominations must be submitted online.

Contact:
Email: [email protected]

Mathematics Editorial Office

In May, MDPI Romania held three author training sessions – one endorsing an external event and two stand-alone sessions.

The National Session of Scientific Student Communications took place at Technical University Cluj on 17 and 18 May 2024. MDPI Romania sponsored this event and contributed an author training session on the production of research papers and case study analyses. JRS Norbert Kiss gave a presentation called The World of Open Access to explain different open access publishing models and the benefits of open access publishing. His presentation highlighted the impact of open access publishing on scientific progress and innovation.

On 29 May 2024, MDPI Romania hosted an author training session for Ph.D. students, early career researchers, and professors at the Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In collaboration with Prof. Andreea Arsene, JRS Ioana Paunescu prepared two presentations: The Steps of the Publishing Process and Elaboration of a Peer Review Report. In her first presentation, she delved into MDPI’s history and mission, MDPI’s editorial process, and MDPI journals of various scopes that are accepting submissions. Her second presentation outlined the types of peer review, the contents of a peer review report by an MDPI reviewer, and the responsibilities of an MDPI reviewer.

MDPI Romania also hosted an author training session at the Iasi University of Life Sciences on 29 May 2024. JRSs Laurentiu Preda and Cosmin Artan gave four presentations: Efficient Writing of an ISI-Indexed Scientific Article, Benefits of Publishing in the Open Access Model, Various Methods of Open Access Publishing, and MDPI Guide for the Article Review Process. The first three presentations offered guidance on how to improve academic writing, the fourth focused on how to write peer review reports. A highly interactive discussion followed the presentations, during which the JRSs provided extensive answers to attendees’ questions.

MDPI is grateful for all the attendees, speakers, and organizers involved in these events. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, these events were great successes.

We are excited to invite you to delve into the most highly cited papers from our journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) for the year 2022. These papers, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and relevance, represent cutting-edge research in various branches of mathematics and applied mathematics.

1. “On Numerical Approximations of the Koopman Operator”
by Igor Mezić
Mathematics 2022, 10(7), 1180; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10071180
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/7/1180

2. “Bifurcation Theory, Lie Group-Invariant Solutions of Subalgebras and Conservation Laws of a Generalized (2+1)-Dimensional BK Equation Type II in Plasma Physics and Fluid Mechanics”
by Oke Davies Adeyemo, Lijun Zhang and Chaudry Masood Khalique
Mathematics 2022, 10(14), 2391; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10142391
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/14/2391

3. “Bio-Constrained Codes with Neural Network for Density-Based DNA Data Storage”
by Abdur Rasool, Qiang Qu, Yang Wang and Qingshan Jiang
Mathematics 2022, 10(5), 845; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10050845
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/5/845

4. “How Many Fractional Derivatives Are There?”
by Duarte Valério, Manuel D. Ortigueira and António M. Lopes
Mathematics 2022, 10(5), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10050737
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/5/737

5. “Mathematical Modeling and Analytical Solution of Thermoelastic Stability Problem of Functionally Graded Nanocomposite Cylinders within Different Theories”
by Mahmure Avey, Nicholas Fantuzzi and Abdullah Sofiyev
Mathematics 2022, 10(7), 1081; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10071081
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/7/1081

6. “The Interplay between Digital Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development in the Context of the EU Digital Economy: A Multivariate Analysis”
by Emilia Herman
Mathematics 2022, 10(10), 1682; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10101682
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/10/1682

7. “A System with Two Spare Units, Two Repair Facilities, and Two Types of Repairers”
by Vahid Andalib and Jyotirmoy Sarkar
Mathematics 2022, 10(6), 852; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10060852
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/6/852

8. “Riemann–Hilbert Problems and Soliton Solutions of Type (λ∗, −λ∗) Reduced Nonlocal Integrable mKdV Hierarchies”
by Wen-Xiu Ma
Mathematics 2022, 10(6), 870; https://doi.org/10.3390/math10060870
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/10/6/870

We wish to congratulate Dr. Anita Agárdi for winning the Mathematics 2023 Best Ph.D. Thesis Award.

Name: Dr. Anita Agárdi
Affiliation: Institute of Information Science, University of Miskolc, 3515 Miskolc, Hungary
Research Interests: optimization; algorithms; logistics

The following is from an interview with Dr. Anita Agárdi:

1. Could you please briefly introduce the scientific research you conducted during your doctoral study?
During my doctoral studies, I focused on the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP). The VRP is a transportation problem, one of the most common tasks in logistics. The objective of the basic Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) is to serve the needs of customers. Vehicles deliver products from one or more depots to customers and then return to the depot. Over the years, several variants (components) of the task have been developed, thus adapting to the demands of the industry. The aim of my dissertation was to develop a general model and prototype transportation system. Based on the literature, current proposals in this area were only focusing on a subsystem. The main goal of my research was an integrated general system. The proposed general system contains all the major components that are currently known in practice. Having this general model, almost all types of transportation tasks that appear in logistics systems can be analyzed and solved as a subtype of the general model. In the first part of my dissertation, I conducted a literature search, where I presented the Vehicle Routing Problem components published so far. In the next section, I analyzed and presented requirements for a general model. After the mathematical model, I presented the ontological knowledge used to design the control of the optimization of the VRP task. Ontology can be used in the field of the VRP to describe which types of products can be transported with which vehicles, which types of products can be transported together, what types of products may be needed by each customer, and what components should be used when designing the system. Next, I outlined the formalism related to the applied optimization algorithms and evaluation. I also analyzed the efficiency of different optimization algorithms, and I demonstrated that the proposed general model could manage a wide range of transportation tasks.

2. Did you encounter any difficulties in carrying out this research? How did you overcome them?
Yes, I ran into several problems. The biggest challenge was performing a comprehensive literature review. The VRP was first published by Dantzig and Ramser as “The Truck Dispatching Problem” in 1959. Since then, many versions of the problem have been developed, thus adapting to real industrial demands. A challenge was deciding which articles to review and how thoroughly, as this is a highly researched area. 

3. As an author, what aspects of a journal do you value most when choosing a journal to publish your academic work?
When I choose a journal, I take several factors into consideration. The prestige and reputation of the journal are important, such as the impact factor and citation metrics.
Open access can also be important, since it makes the publication available to everyone.
The publication process can also be crucial, with factors such as fast publication and an effective editorial process being important.
The journal scope is of course also very crucial, as the journal topic should be relevant to the research topic. 

4. Many doctoral students experience pressure to publish papers and worry about delaying graduation. What advice do you have for doctoral students who have not yet graduated?
It is important to plan in advance which journals you want to submit your publications to and determine which conferences you would like to attend in the coming months. It is important to know how much time is expected to elapse after submission until the first decision and publication.
There are other important factors that are related to your work life, such as time management and maintaining a work–life balance. It is important to be in a supportive environment, by which I mean family, friends and colleagues.

5. As the winner of this award, is there something you want to express or someone you wish to thank most?
First of all, I would like to thank the award committee for their efforts. Secondly, I would like to thank my supervisors, Prof. László Kovács and Prof. Tamás Bányai, for their great support. Finally, I would like to thank my family, who have always stood by me, supported me and believed in me.

6. What is your opinion of the open access model of publishing?
My opinion of open access publishing is very positive. It provides the opportunity for everyone to have free access to research, not just the institutions that can afford to have a subscription.

We are thrilled to share the updated Exceptional Reviewers List 2024. This program was designed to recognize and honor scholars who have delivered consistently exceptional review reports to our journal. Committed to fostering rigorous research and promoting knowledge exchange, Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390) recognizes the significant role our reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the articles we publish. According to surveys conducted in 2023, 91% of our authors rate the peer review as good or excellent, thanks to our pool of excellent reviewers.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to all the reviewers who have generously volunteered their time and expertise to assist in Mathematics’ peer-review process. Their dedication and attention to detail in evaluating manuscripts, offering valuable feedback, and contributing to academic rigor are truly commendable.

Each quarter, we will be selecting a group of outstanding reviewers and introducing them here, in the Exceptional Reviewers List, as follows:

Q3:

Name: Dr. Jan Friso Groote
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, Eindhoven Universtiy of Technology, Eindhoven, the Netherlands

Name: Dr. Martynas Patašius
Affiliation: Faculty of Informatics, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas, Lithuania

Name: Dr. Xiao Ma
Affiliation: School of Computer Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China

Name: Dr. Sandra Saraiva Ferreira
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics and Center of Mathematics, Faculty of Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal

Name: Dr. Rainer Schwabe
Affiliation: Institute for Mathematical Stochastics; Otto-von-Guericke University; Magdeburg Germany

Q2:

Name: Dr. Robin Hankin
Affiliation: School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
Interests: computational statistics; computational symbolic algebra; recreational mathematics; game theory 

Name: Dr. Ricardo Fabricio Escobar-Jiménez
Affiliation: Centro Nacional de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico, Mexico, Cuernavaca, Mexico
Interests: control theory; computational intelligence 

Name: Dr. Andreas D. Demou
Affiliation: Computation-based Science and Technology Research Center, The Cyprus Institute, 20 Konstantinou Kavafi Street, Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus
Interests: computational fluid dynamics; multiphase flow; turbulence; heat transfer; wetting hydrodynamics

Name: Dr. Konstantin Borovkov
Affiliation: School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
Interests: statistics; probability theory; financial mathematics 

Name: Dr. Marco Seracini
Affiliation: Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
Interests: approximation by discrete operators; variational calculus applied to imaging; applied mathematics

Q1:

Name: Dr. Tjalling Ypma
Affiliation: Department of Mathematics, Western Washington University, Bellingham, USA

Name: Dr. José Niño-Mora
Affiliation: Department of Statistics, Carlos III University of Madrid, Getafe (Madrid), Spain

Name: Dr. Joseph D. Lakey
Affiliation: Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA

Name: Dr. Anthony Graham Bellotti
Affiliation: School of Computer Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, 199 Taikang East Road, Ningbo 315100, China

Name: Dr. Boris Odehnal
Affiliation: University of Applied Arts Vienna, Oskar-Kokoschka-Platz 2, 1010 Vienna, Austria

We invite you to delve into the top 10 cited papers in 2023 in the Section “Mathematics and Computer Science” of Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390). These papers, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and relevance, represent cutting-edge research in mathematics and computer science.

1. “Variational Bayesian Network with Information Interpretability Filtering for Air Quality Forecasting”
by Xue-Bo Jin, Zhong-Yao Wang, Wen-Tao Gong, Jian-Lei Kong, Yu-Ting Bai, Ting-Li Su, Hui-Jun Ma and Prasun Chakrabarti
Mathematics 2023, 11(4), 837; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11040837
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/4/837

2. “Machine-Learning Methods on Noisy and Sparse Data”
by Konstantinos Poulinakis, Dimitris Drikakis, Ioannis W. Kokkinakis and Stephen Michael Spottswood
Mathematics 2023, 11(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11010236
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/1/236

3. “On Model Identification Based Optimal Control and Its Applications to Multi-Agent Learning and Control”
by Rui Luo, Zhinan Peng and Jiangping Hu
Mathematics 2023, 11(4), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11040906
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/4/906

4. “Auto-encoders in Deep Learning—A Review with New Perspectives”
by Shuangshuang Chen and Wei Guo
Mathematics 2023, 11(8), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11081777
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/8/1777

5. “A Survey on Evaluation Metrics for Machine Translation”
by Seungjun Lee, Jungseob Lee, Hyeonseok Moon, Chanjun Park, Jaehyung Seo, Sugyeong Eo, Seonmin Koo and Heuiseok Lim
Mathematics 2023, 11(4), 1006; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11041006
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/4/1006

6. “It’s All in the Embedding! Fake News Detection Using Document Embeddings”
by Ciprian-Octavian Truică and Elena-Simona Apostol
Mathematics 2023, 11(3), 508; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030508
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/3/508

7. “Equation-Based Modeling vs. Agent-Based Modeling with Applications to the Spread of COVID-19 Outbreak”
by Selain K. Kasereka, Glody N. Zohinga, Vogel M. Kiketa, Ruffin-Benoît M. Ngoie, Eddy K. Mputu, Nathanaël M. Kasoro and Kyamakya Kyandoghere
Mathematics 2023, 11(1), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11010253
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/1/253

8. “GA-KELM: Genetic-Algorithm-Improved Kernel Extreme Learning Machine for Traffic Flow Forecasting”
by Wenguang Chai, Yuexin Zheng, Lin Tian, Jing Qin and Teng Zhou
Mathematics 2023, 11(16), 3574; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11163574
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/16/3574

9. “Performance Analysis of Long Short-Term Memory Predictive Neural Networks on Time Series Data”
by Roland Bolboacă and Piroska Haller
Mathematics 2023, 11(6), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11061432
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/6/1432

10. “Embedding Uncertain Temporal Knowledge Graphs”
by Tongxin Li, Weiping Wang, Xiaobo Li, Tao Wang, Xin Zhou and Meigen Huang
Mathematics 2023, 11(3), 775; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030775
Full text available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/3/775

Five new journals covering multiple subjects have launched their inaugural issue in June 2024. We are excited to be able to share with you the newest research rooted in the value of open access.

We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all the Editorial Board Members and each journal will ensure its high-quality output using excellent editorial and rigorous peer review processes, to ensure that the articles achieve high impact and visibility.

Please feel free to browse and discover more about the new journals below.

Journal	Founding Editor-in-Chief	Journal Topics (Selected)
	Prof. Dr. Marco Ranucci, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	anaesthetic medications; blood and fluid management; pain management; critical care; critical illness | view journal scope | submit an article
	Dr. Giovanni E. Cacciamani, University of Southern California, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	surgical/procedural complications; complications; perioperative adverse events; postoperative adverse events | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr.  Gassan Hodaifa, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, Spain | Editorial | view inaugural issue	laboratory management; laboratory safety; protective equipment; laboratory problems and challenges; laboratory Innovation | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Jan S. Suchodolski, Texas A&M University, USA | Editorial | view inaugural issue	companion animals health and disease; veterinary care and nutrition; genetics and genomics; behavior and welfare; human-animal relations | view journal scope | submit an article
	Prof. Dr. Pierfrancesco De Paola, University of Naples Federico II, Italy | Editorial | view inaugural issue	real estate appraisal; economic and financial valuation of real estate projects; sustainable real estate; housing and urban economics | view journal scope | submit an article

We wish to thank everyone who has supported the development of open access publishing. You are welcome to send an application here, or contact the New Journal Committee ([email protected]) if you would like to create more new journals.

We invite you to delve into the top 10 cited papers in 2023 in the Section “Dynamical Systems” of the journal Mathematics (ISSN: 2227-7390). These papers, carefully selected for their exceptional quality and relevance, represent cutting-edge research in the Section “Dynamical Systems”.

1. “Dynamic Analysis and FPGA Implementation of a New Simple 5D Memristive Hyperchaotic Sprott-C System”
by Fei Yu, Wuxiong Zhang, Xiaoli Xiao, Wei Yao, Shuo Cai, Jin Zhang, Chunhua Wang and Yi Li
Mathematics 2023, 11(3), 701; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030701
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/3/701

2. “Chaos-Based Image Encryption: Review, Application, and Challenges”
by Bowen Zhang and Lingfeng Liu
Mathematics 2023, 11(11), 2585; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11112585
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/11/2585

3. “A Color Image Encryption Algorithm Based on Hash Table, Hilbert Curve and Hyper-Chaotic Synchronization”
by Xiaoyuan Wang, Xinrui Zhang, Meng Gao, Yuanze Tian, Chunhua Wang and Herbert Ho-Ching Iu
Mathematics 2023, 11(3), 567; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030567
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/3/567

4. “Neural Network Optimization Based on Complex Network Theory: A Survey”
by Daewon Chung and Insoo Sohn
Mathematics 2023, 11(2), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11020321
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/2/321

5. “Appearance-Based Gaze Estimation Method Using Static Transformer Temporal Differential Network”
by Yujie Li, Longzhao Huang, Jiahui Chen, Xiwen Wang and Benying Tan
Mathematics 2023, 11(3), 686; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030686
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/3/686

6. “Robust Evaluation and Comparison of EEG Source Localization Algorithms for Accurate Reconstruction of Deep Cortical Activity”
by Hao Shen and Yuguo Yu
Mathematics 2023, 11(11), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11112450
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/11/2450

7. “Color Image Encryption Algorithm Based on a Chaotic Model Using the Modular Discrete Derivative and Langton’s Ant”
by Ernesto Moya-Albor, Andrés Romero-Arellano, Jorge Brieva and Sandra L. Gomez-Coronel
Mathematics 2023, 11(10), 2396; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11102396
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/10/2396

8. “A K-SVD Based Compressive Sensing Method for Visual Chaotic Image Encryption”
by Zizhao Xie, Jingru Sun, Yiping Tang, Xin Tang, Oluyomi Simpson and Yichuang Sun
Mathematics 2023, 11(7), 1658; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11071658
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/7/1658

9. “Neimark–Sacker Bifurcation of a Discrete-Time Predator–Prey Model with Prey Refuge Effect”
by Binhao Hong and Chunrui Zhang
Mathematics 2023, 11(6), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11061399
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/6/1399

10. “An Approach Using the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM) for Mandible Body Bone Calculus”
by Mihaela Suciu
Mathematics 2023, 11(2), 450; https://doi.org/10.3390/math11020450
Available online: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7390/11/2/450

Conference: Conference on Complex Systems 2024
Organization: Northeastern University London and the University of Exeter
Date: 2–6 September 2024
Place: Exeter, UK

We are pleased to announce that MDPI journals will be attending the Conference on Complex Systems 2024 as an exhibitor. This meeting will be held in Exeter, UK, from 2 to 6 September 2024.

The CCS is the flagship annual meeting for the complex systems research community, operating within the framework of the Complex Systems Society. This special 20th anniversary conference is being organised through a collaboration between Northeastern University London and the University of Exeter, UK. The event is following up on previous editions that were held in Salvador da Bahia 2023, Mallorca 2022, Lyon 2021, Online 2020, Singapore 2019, Thessaloniki 2018, and Cancun 2017.

The following MDPI journals will be represented:

• Entropy;
• Systems;
• BDCC;
• Mathematics;
• Sustainability;
• Applied Sciences;
• Computation;
• Information;
• Data;
• Algorithms;
• MCA;
• Physics;
• Dynamics;
• Environments;
• Quantum Reports.

If you are attending this conference, please feel free to engage with us while you are there. Our delegates look forward to meeting you in person and answering any questions you may have. For more information about the event, please visit the following website: https://ccs24.cssociety.org/.

MDPI is pleased to announce the inclusion of 237 journals in the 2024 release of the Journal Citation Reports (JCR) and share the key results (see above).

This year, journals covered in the Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI) received category ranks together with journals in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE) and Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Overall, 139 MDPI journals indexed in ESCI are included in the new unified rankings for the first time.

Enhanced Comparability of Data

According to Clarivate, "the creation of unified category rankings [provides] a simpler and more complete category view for the evaluation of journal performance. [...] The category-first approach simplifies journal performance assessment with a holistic view of all journals in each subject category."

We are thrilled to announce that 72% of our ranked MDPI journals (171 of 237) are above average, in Q1 or Q2. Twenty-nine of our journals received their first Impact Factor this year, accounting for more than 5% of the journals accepted into the Web of Science last year.

MDPI Journals Ranked in JCR

The following data includes all MDPI journals indexed in SCIE, SSCI, ESCI and AHCI.