Dr. Reni K. Cherian | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Reni K. Cherian | Computer Science | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Computer Science,  Saintgits College of Engineering, India

Dr. Reni K. Cherian is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science & Engineering at SAINTGITS College of Engineering, situated in Pathamuttom, Kottayam. With a strong academic background and a passion for education, she is dedicated to advancing the field of computer science through her research and teaching. Dr. Cherian’s expertise lies in areas such as Data Science, Computational Intelligence, Intrusion Detection Systems, and Education Technology. Her commitment to excellence in education has been recognized through various awards, including the Teaching and Learning Leadership Award by Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) in January 2024. Dr. Cherian’s work reflects her deep-seated belief in the transformative power of education and technology in shaping a better future.

Professional Profiles:

Professional Experience:

Dr. Reni K. Cherian has had a rich and varied professional journey. She currently serves as an Associate Professor at Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam, a position she has held since January 2022. Prior to her current role, Dr. Cherian was an Assistant Professor at the same institution for over a decade, from July 2010 to January 2022. She began her academic career at Saintgits College of Engineering, Kottayam, as a Lecturer from January 2008 to June 2010. Before her time at Saintgits, Dr. Cherian worked as a Lecturer at Mar Baselios College of Engineering & Technology, Trivandrum, from July 2005 to July 2006, and at Mar Baselios Christian College of Engineering & Technology, Idukki, from January 2004 to July 2005. She also has experience as a Guest Lecturer at Government Polytechnic College, Pathanamthitta, from June 2003 to October 2003. Prior to her academic roles, Dr. Cherian worked in the software industry, gaining valuable experience as a Software Developer at Data Systems and Softwares, Bangalore, from June 2001 to May 2003, and at Eagle Software Technologies, Pathanamthitta, from June 2000 to May 2001. Her diverse background brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her current role in academia.

Education:

Dr. Reni K. Cherian has pursued a strong academic path, culminating in a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering from Noorul Islam University, Thuckalay, which she completed in 2021. Prior to her doctoral studies, she earned a Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Computer Science & Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, in 2008. Her foundational education in this field began with a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Computer Science & Engineering from Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, in 2000. Dr. Cherian’s early academic years were at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Pathanamthitta, where she completed her 12th grade in 1995 and her 10th grade in 1993, both under the CBSE curriculum. Her educational journey reflects a strong commitment to the field of computer science and a dedication to academic excellence.

Awards & Recognitions:

Dr. Reni K. Cherian’s dedication to excellence in education has been recognized through various awards and accolades. In June 2008, she was awarded the Fifth Rank in Master of Engineering (Computer Science & Engineering) by Anna University, Chennai, showcasing her academic prowess. Her commitment to engineering education was further highlighted in December 2019 when she achieved certification as an IGIP International Engineering Educator by The International Society for Engineering Pedagogy. Dr. Cherian’s contributions to teaching and learning were honored with the Teaching and Learning Leadership Award by Indo Universal Collaboration for Engineering Education (IUCEE) during ICTIEE in January 2024, underscoring her impact in the field.

Areas of Interest:

Dr. Reni K. Cherian’s professional interests span a wide range of topics within the field of computer science and engineering. She has a strong interest in Data Science, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of data to extract valuable insights. Her research also extends to Computational Intelligence, where she explores the development of intelligent systems capable of solving complex problems. Dr. Cherian is also actively involved in researching and implementing Intrusion Detection Systems, working to enhance the security of computer networks. Additionally, she is passionate about Education Technology, aiming to improve learning outcomes through the integration of technology in educational settings. Her diverse areas of interest reflect a deep commitment to advancing the field and exploring innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

 

 

 

Mrs. Maria Arostgei | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Maria Arostgei | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

PhD Candidate at Artificial Intelligence, Tecnalia Research Innovation, Spain

👨‍🎓She remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 She successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Maria Arostegi 🎓 earned her mathematics degree (Number Theory) in 1995 from EHU-UPV (Basque Country University), completing her final year of studies at L’Università degli Studi di Milano in Milano, Italy 🇮🇹. In 1996, she completed the Course on Pedagogical Aptitude. Over the next two years, she received grants to work in the mechanics department of LABEIN, focusing on Virtual Reality. She then obtained another grant from the “Bizkaiko Foru Aldundia” to further her training on Virtual Reality tools at VRAC (Virtual Reality Applications Center, Ames-IA), where she worked with the Carolina Cruz-Neira research team. During this period, she focused on geometric modeling, software navigation, and photo-realistic treatment.

Experience:

From then until 2017, Maria worked on various projects related to 3D modeling tools, graphic interaction, computation, and simulation in different scenarios. She specialized in developing software predictive tools for rolling mills, continuous casting, and reheating furnaces. Specifically, she developed the heating module in 1D, 2D, and 3D, as well as software interfaces for these steel processes. This involved mathematical development of the three-dimensional equations of heat transfer in steel processes and the (2D and 3D) View factor related to the geometrical shapes in the reheating furnace process for calculating radiation heat transfer.

Other Activity:

In 2017, Maria shifted her focus to studying mathematical algorithms for data analytics, machine learning, and big data technologies (such as Hadoop, Spark, etc.), receiving training in “Big data, Business Intelligence, and Data Science” through an online Master’s degree issued by INESEM. Since then, she has participated in several AI projects using techniques such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, clustering schemes, dimensional reduction, unbalanced strategies, regressive schemes, linear, lasso, elastic-net, SVMs, CART, RF, and assembly methods (bagging and boosting).

Currently, Maria is working on her thesis titled “Explainable continual learning over data streams” as part of the PhD program at UPV/EHV in the field of Information and Communication Technologies in Mobile Networks, while also working part-time.

 

Mr. Wang Xiaofeng | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Wang Xiaofeng | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student at Artificial Intelligence, INTI International University, Malaysia

👨‍🎓He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

👨‍🎓 Xiaofeng Wang (1980) is a PhD candidate in the Faculty of Data Science and Information Technology at INTI International University, Nilai, Malaysia. Originally from Shanxi, China, he graduated from Xinzhou Normal University with a major in Computer Science and Technology. He furthered his education at Shanxi University, specializing in Computer Systems Engineering.

Other Activity:

👨‍🏫 Currently, Xiaofeng Wang is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at Xinzhou Normal University in Shanxi. His primary research interests revolve around the Internet of Things, cyberspace security, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. Over the past few years, he has made significant contributions to his field, with 3 SCI papers, 1 EI paper, 2 Scopus papers, 1 book, and involvement in several research projects.

Publications:

  1. Wang, X., Othman, M., Dewi, D.A., Wang, Y. (2024). WSLC: Weighted semi-local centrality to identify influential nodes in complex networks. Journal of King Saud University – Computer and Information Sciences, 36(1), 101906.
  2. Wang, X., Wang, Y., Javaheri, Z., Moghadamnejad, N., Younes, O.S. (2023). Federated deep learning for anomaly detection in the internet of things. Computers and Electrical Engineering, 108, 108651.
  3. Wang, Y., Wang, X., Ariffin, M.M., Alqhatani, A., Almutairi, L. (2023). Attack detection analysis in software-defined networks using various machine learning methods. Computers and Electrical Engineering, 108, 108655.
  4. Wang, X. (2013). The research of digital recognition technology based on bp neural network. BioTechnology: An Indian Journal, 8(2), 180–185.

 

 

Dr. Sajal Halder | Personalized Recommendation | Best Research Award

Dr. Sajal Halder | Personalized Recommendation | Best Research Award

Research Fellow at Personalized Recommendation, Charles Sturt University, Australia

👨‍🎓He remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 He successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Sajal Halder is a dedicated scholar with a strong academic background and a proven track record of research excellence. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in December 2022 from the School of Computing Technologies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. His doctoral thesis focused on “Itinerary Recommendation based on Deep Learning” and was supervised by A/Prof Jeffrey Chan and Prof. Xiuzhen Zhang. Prior to his doctoral studies, Dr. Halder completed his Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering at Kyung Hee University, South Korea, graduating in August 2013 with an outstanding CGPA of 4.23/4.30 (equivalent to 95.25%). His master’s thesis, supervised by Prof. Young-Koo Lee, delved into “Supergraph-based Periodic Behaviors Mining in Dynamic Social Networks,” showcasing his expertise in advanced computational techniques. Dr. Halder’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, where he graduated in November 2010 with a commendable CGPA of 3.60/4.00, securing the 5th position out of 59 students. His final project, supervised by Dr. Ashis Kumar Biswas, focused on the “Classification of Multiple Protein Sequences by means of Irredundant Patterns,” demonstrating his early interest in computational biology. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Halder has consistently excelled, as evidenced by his exemplary performance in his Higher Secondary School Certificate (H.S.C) and Secondary School Certificate (S.S.C), where he achieved GPAs of 4.50/5.00 in both, specializing in Science under the Dhaka Board in 2005 and 2003, respectively. His strong foundation in science and technology has laid the groundwork for his successful career in academia and research.

Experience:

Sajal Halder is currently serving as a Research Fellow at Charles Sturt University, located in Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia, a position held since December 2022. In this role, he has been involved in groundbreaking research, notably in the development of a metadata-based model for detecting malicious and benign packages within the NPM repository. The model introduces two sets of features, namely easy to manipulate (ETM) and difficult to manipulate (DTM), with DTM manipulation relying on long-term planning and monotonic properties. The team has verified the effectiveness of their feature selection using four well-known machine learning techniques and one deep learning technique. Additionally, they have analyzed algorithm performance using metadata manipulation and have recommended improved metadata adversarial attack-resistant algorithms. The experimental analysis conducted on their proposed model has shown a significant reduction of 97.56% in False Positive cases and 80.35% in False Negative cases. Notable achievements of Sajal Halder include his work on “Malicious Package Detection using Metadata Information,” currently in submission for presentation at an A* Conference, and “Install Time Malicious Package Detection on NPM Repository,” which is currently in progress.

Skills:

Sajal Halder possesses a diverse skill set, including expertise in Feature Engineering, Data Scraping, Open Source Software, Machine Learning Model development, Deep Learning techniques, Python programming, Report and Article Writing, Data Visualization, and Teamwork. These skills reflect his proficiency in various aspects of data analysis, from extracting and engineering features to building and evaluating machine learning and deep learning models. His ability to work with open-source software and programming languages like Python demonstrates his adaptability and commitment to leveraging cutting-edge tools for effective data analysis. Furthermore, his proficiency in communicating findings through reports and articles highlights his capability to articulate complex technical concepts effectively. Additionally, his skills in data visualization indicate his capability to present data insights in a visually compelling and informative manner, essential for conveying findings to diverse audiences. Finally, his experience in teamwork underscores his ability to collaborate effectively with others, an important asset in any research or professional environment.

Research/Project Experience:

During his tenure as a Supervisor, Sajal Halder has led several impactful projects, including “Design and Implementation of a Basic Framework for Big Data Analytics,” funded by the ICT Ministry, Government of Bangladesh, from July 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. This project aimed to establish a foundational framework for conducting Big Data Analytics, addressing the burgeoning need for efficient data processing and analysis in contemporary data-driven environments. Additionally, Mr. Halder contributed to the project “Designing an Efficient Technique for Mining Periodic Patterns in Time Series Databases,” funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh, running from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2018. This initiative focused on developing innovative methods for extracting meaningful periodic patterns from time series databases, enhancing the efficiency of data mining processes. Furthermore, he participated in the project “Efficient Spatiotemporal Pattern Mining in Time Series Databases,” supported by the Jagannath University Innovation Fund, spanning from December 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. This project aimed to advance the field of spatiotemporal pattern mining, addressing the complexities of analyzing time series data with spatial and temporal dimensions. Additionally, in a co-supervisory role, Mr. Halder contributed to the project “Efficient Anomaly Detection Technique on Time Series Graph Data,” funded by the Jagannath University Innovation Fund, operating from December 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. This project focused on developing novel anomaly detection techniques tailored to time series graph data, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of anomaly detection processes.

Publications:

Predicting students yearly performance using neural network: A case study of BSMRSTU

  • Published in Energy in 2016 with 56 citations.

Movie recommendation system based on movie swarm

  • Published in Energy in 2012 with 35 citations.

Supergraph based periodic pattern mining in dynamic social networks

  • Published in Energy in 2017 with 34 citations.

An efficient hybrid system for anomaly detection in social networks

  • Published in Energy in 2021 with 31 citations.

Exploring significant heart disease factors based on semi supervised learning algorithms

  • Published in Energy in 2018 with 25 citations.

Smart disaster notification system

  • Published in Energy in 2017 with 23 citations.

Transformer-based multi-task learning for queuing time aware next poi recommendation

  • Published in Energy in 2021 with 20 citations.

Smart CDSS: Integration of social media and interaction engine (SMIE) in healthcare for chronic disease patients

  • Published in Energy in 2015 with 20 citations.

Link prediction by correlation on social network

  • Published in Energy in 2017 with 16 citations.

 

 

Dr. Sita Rani | Machine Learning | Women Researcher Award

Dr. Sita Rani : Leading Researcher in Machine Learning

Assistant Professor at Machine Learning, Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College, Ludhiana, Punjab, India

She remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 She successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Dr. Sita Rani has a distinguished academic background, including a Ph.D. in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) from Inder Kumar Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKG PTU), Kapurthala, India, where she focused on the performance characterization of parallel computation in bioinformatics applications. She also holds a Master’s degree in CSE from GNDEC, Ludhiana, where she achieved a remarkable 73.68%, securing the 2nd position in her class. Dr. Rani’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in CSE from the same institution, where she secured a 73.2%, again achieving the 2nd position in her class. She also holds a Diploma in CSE from GPW, Ludhiana, where she graduated with honors and a notable 75.2% with a first division. Her academic excellence extends to her high school education, where she graduated from Govt. Sen. Sec. School., Lambra (Hoshiarpur) with a remarkable 78.8%, earning a first division with distinction. Additionally, Dr. Rani has recently completed a Post Graduate Certification Program in Data Science and Machine Learning from IIT, Roorkee, with distinction, further enhancing her expertise in the field.

Professional Experience:

Dr. Sita Rani completed her Postdoctoral research at the Big Data and Machine Learning Lab at South Ural State University (National Research University) in Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation. Her research was conducted under the project titled “Federated Learning for IoMT Applications” during the period from May 2022 to August 2023. This project likely involved exploring the applications of Federated Learning, a machine learning technique, in the context of the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), which focuses on the use of interconnected medical devices and systems for healthcare applications.

Sita Rani ‘s citation metrics and indices from Google Scholar are as follows:

  • Cited by: All: 1338, Since 2018: 1325
  • Citations: 1338 (All), 1325 (Since 2018)
  • h-index: 21 (All), 20 (Since 2018)
  • i10-index: 39 (All), 39 (Since 2018)

These metrics showcase the impact of Rani ‘s work within the academic community, demonstrating the number of citations his publications have received and the influence of his research output.

Conferences:

Dr. Sita Rani actively participated in several international conferences, contributing to the field of data science and smart systems. She served as the Sessions Chair for the special session on “Data Mining and Software Engineering” at the 1st International Conference on “Applied Data Science and Smart Systems (ADSSS)” held at Chitkara University, Punjab, INDIA on 4th -5th November, 2022. Additionally, she chaired the special session on “Data Science and Data Analytics” at the “International Conference on Innovations in Data Analytics (ICIDA-2022)” organized by the “International Knowledge Research Foundation” in collaboration with Eminent College of Management and Technology (ECMT), West Bengal, India on 29-30 November, 2022. Dr. Rani also contributed as a member of the Technical Program Committee during the “International Conference on Innovations in Data Analytics (ICIDA-2022).” Furthermore, she chaired the special session on “Networking and Security” at the International Conference on Data Analytics and Management (ICDAM-2022), jointly organized by The Karkonosze University of Applied Science, Poland, in association with the University of Craiova Romania, Warsaw University of Life Sciences Poland, and Tun Hussein Onn University Malaysia, on 25th – 26th June, 2022. These engagements reflect her active involvement in the academic community and her commitment to advancing research in her field.

Research Interest:

Parallel and high-performance computing, Internet of Things (IoT), machine learning, blockchain, and healthcare are among Dr. Sita Rani’s areas of expertise and interest. Her work likely involves leveraging these technologies to advance various aspects of healthcare, such as data analysis, system optimization, and security within the context of healthcare systems and IoT devices. Dr. Rani’s focus reflects a multidisciplinary approach, integrating cutting-edge technologies to address complex challenges in healthcare and related fields.

Memberships:

Dr. Sita Rani holds memberships in several prestigious professional organizations:

  1. IEEE Membership (Yearly up to December 2023) with Membership Number: 97635456.
  2. IAEngg Membership (Lifetime) with Membership Number: 273196.
  3. ISTE Membership (Lifetime) with LM-131713.
  4. Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) – Chandigarh SME & MSME Council – Vice-President.

Awards:

Dr. Sita Rani is an esteemed member of several renowned professional organizations. She holds an IEEE Membership, which is valid yearly until December 2023, with the membership number 97635456. Additionally, she is a lifetime member of the IAEngg with the membership number 273196 and the ISTE with LM-131713. Dr. Rani also holds a significant position as the Vice-President of the Women’s Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (WICCI) – Chandigarh SME & MSME Council, showcasing her active involvement in professional and leadership roles within her field.

Publications:

IoT equipped intelligent distributed framework for smart healthcare systems

  • Published in Energy in 2023 with 117 citations.

Cloud and fog computing platforms for internet of things

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 113 citations.

AI-Centric Smart City Ecosystems: Technologies, Design and Implementation

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 75 citations.

Amalgamation of advanced technologies for sustainable development of smart city environment: A review

  • Published in Energy in 2021 with 67 citations.

Threats and corrective measures for IoT security with observance of cybercrime: A survey

  • Published in Energy in 2021 with 66 citations.

Exploring the application sphere of the internet of things in industry 4.0: a review, bibliometric and content analysis

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 57 citations.

Handbook of Research on AI-Based Technologies and Applications in the Era of the Metaverse

  • Published in Energy in 2023 with 53 citations.

Fog computing in industry 4.0: Applications and challenges—A research roadmap

  • Published in Energy in 2022 with 50 citations.

 

 

Ms. Mohaddeseh Koosha | Artificial Intelligence | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Mohaddeseh Koosha : Leading Researcher in Artificial Intelligence

PhD Student at Artificial Intelligence, Amirkabir University of Technology, Iran

She remarkable academic journey, extensive research contributions, and dedication to the field of psychology are truly commendable. Your wealth of knowledge and diverse skill set reflect a deep commitment to understanding and addressing critical issues such as bullying, inclusion, and socialization.

🔬 She successful completion of a PhD in Psychology, along with the numerous advanced courses and workshops, showcases your continuous pursuit of excellence and expertise in your field.

🏆 The awards and recognitions, including the First Place in the Poster Award at the University of Stavanger, underscore the impact of your research and the high regard it holds in the academic community.

Professional Profiles:

Education:

Ms. Mohaddeseh Koosha is an expert in signal and image processing with a passion for extracting features from natural patterns. She enjoys applying evolutionary algorithms to solve regression and classification problems and has a keen interest in studying scientific papers for new ideas. Ms. Koosha holds a Master’s degree in Electronics from Sharif University of Technology and is currently completing her Ph.D. in Computer Engineering with a focus on Artificial Intelligence at Amirkabir University of Technology. While she initially worked in electrical engineering, specifically in microelectronics and VHDL, she transitioned her focus to Artificial Intelligence eight years ago. Ms. Koosha has published in high-impact journals such as Knowledge-Based Systems (Elsevier) and IET Image Processing, as well as in conference publications. She has served as a peer-reviewer for IET Image Processing and has collaborated with Professor Mohammad Mehdi Ebadzadeh on Genetic Programming within the field of Evolutionary Algorithms. Throughout her career, Ms. Koosha has successfully completed several engineering projects for various companies, showcasing her expertise and practical skills in the field.

Research, Innovations and Extension:

Ms. Mohaddeseh Koosha has completed 12 research projects and has ongoing research activities. She has a citation index of 12 in Scopus/Web of Science or PubMed/Indian Citation Index. Additionally, she has been involved in 8 consultancy and industry-sponsored projects. Ms. Koosha has published 2 books with ISBN (text, reference, chapters, and conference proceedings) and has a cumulative project cost of USD/INR 30,000. She has published patents and has 2 journals indexed in SCI and SCIE. She has also held editorial appointments in journals/conferences and has 2 publications in Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed indexes. Furthermore, she has a notable H-index based on Scopus/Web of Science, has organized research conferences/workshops, and has been involved in collaborative activities and received numerous awards and recognition. Ms. Koosha is a member of professional bodies and has functional MoUs with other universities/industries/corporates.

Research & Development:

👩‍🔬 Ms. Mohaddeseh Koosha is currently focusing on using artificial intelligence in developing biometric research, particularly in extracting biometric features from face and eyes. She is also using probabilistic genetic programming to resolve regression problems, such as making predictions from data gathered from CT Scan devices and making pollution condition forecasts. Additionally, she is enthusiastic about gathering healthcare-relevant features and observing their influence on life expectancy.