Eleni Tsakiri | Foundations of Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Eleni Tsakiri | Foundations of Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Eleni Tsakiri |  National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School | Greece

Dr. Eleni Tsakiri is a distinguished Molecular Biologist whose research centers on the molecular mechanisms of aging, proteostasis, and neurodegeneration. She earned her Ph.D. in Biology from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) with a thesis on proteome homeostasis and its alterations during aging, following her M.Sc. in Cell Biology and Biophysics and a B.Sc. in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Dr. Tsakiri has held multiple postdoctoral positions at leading Greek institutions, including the Medical School of NKUA and the Biomedical Research Center “Alexander Fleming,” where she contributed to projects on proteasome regulation, Tau aggregation, and ribosome-mediated cell competition. Currently, she serves as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Laboratory of Physiology, NKUA, focusing on neurodegeneration and aging under an ERC-funded project. Her research is supported by competitive grants such as the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI). She has supervised undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students and actively collaborates with prominent researchers in Greece and abroad. Dr. Tsakiri’s contributions are reflected in her 24 published documents, 730 citations, and an h-index of 15, highlighting her impact in molecular biology and aging research.

Profiles: Scopus | Google Scholar | Research Gate | LInked In

Featured Publications

  • Tsakiri, E. N., Sykiotis, G. P., Papassideri, I. S., Terpos, E., Dimopoulos, M. A., & others. (2013). Proteasome dysfunction in Drosophila signals to an Nrf2‐dependent regulatory circuit aiming to restore proteostasis and prevent premature aging. Aging Cell, 12(5), 802–813.

  • Tsakiri, E. N., Sykiotis, G. P., Papassideri, I. S., Gorgoulis, V. G., Bohmann, D., & others. (2013). Differential regulation of proteasome functionality in reproductive vs. somatic tissues of Drosophila during aging or oxidative stress. The FASEB Journal, 27(6), 2407–2419.

  • Tsakiri, E. N., & Trougakos, I. P. (2015). The amazing ubiquitin-proteasome system: Structural components and implication in aging. International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology, 314, 171–237.

  • Tsakiri, E. N., Iliaki, K. K., Höhn, A., Grimm, S., Papassideri, I. S., & Grune, T. (2013). Diet-derived advanced glycation end products or lipofuscin disrupts proteostasis and reduces life span in Drosophila melanogaster. Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 65, 1155–1163.

  • Tsakiri, E. N., Gumeni, S., Iliaki, K. K., Benaki, D., Vougas, K., Sykiotis, G. P., et al. (2019). Hyperactivation of Nrf2 increases stress tolerance at the cost of aging acceleration due to metabolic deregulation. Aging Cell, 18(1), e12845.

Zhou Yu | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Zhou Yu | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Yu Zhou is a postdoctoral researcher at Army Engineering University, specializing in the intersection of neuroscience, computer vision, and target detection. His research primarily focuses on deceptive visual design for both human and machine perception, exploring how visual stimuli can influence detection, recognition, and cognitive processing. Zhou has conducted pioneering studies on camouflage and optical deception, utilizing EEG-based brain functional network analysis to evaluate target visibility and cognitive responses. His work integrates principles from weapon science, biomedical engineering, and computer science to develop comprehensive models of visual perception and deception. Representative publications include investigations into neural responses to camouflage targets with varying exposure signs, the impact of color differences on brain activation patterns, and feasibility assessments of optical camouflage effects. Through these studies, he contributes to a deeper understanding of how visual designs can manipulate human attention and computer vision systems, providing actionable insights for defense technology applications. Zhou’s research emphasizes rigorous quantitative evaluation methods, leveraging neurophysiological data to inform the design of effective deceptive visual patterns. With an h-index of 2 and multiple citations, his work demonstrates a growing influence in fields spanning neuroscience-informed computer vision, perceptual deception, and applied optical camouflage.

Profiles: Scopus | Reasearch Gate

Featured publication

Author(s). (2024). Neural responses to camouflage targets with different exposure signs based on EEG. Neuropsychologia.

Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mr. Nasar Ata | Neurology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. S. M. Nasar Ata is a researcher in the Department of Neurology at Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, USA, specializing in artificial intelligence applications in neuroscience. His work focuses on developing machine learning and soft computing–based algorithms such as CNN, ANN, SVM, and MLR for detecting and predicting brain-based disorders, including Multiple Sclerosis. He integrates metabolomics and imaging clinical data to identify biomarkers and construct predictive models for neurological and metabolic diseases. Dr. Ata collaborates with research centers such as JNMC and IBRC AMU on brain tumor prediction from MRI data and with RCDR AMU on diabetes-related model development. His research contributions include several submitted papers on metabolite prediction, deep learning in brain tumor detection, and molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cancer. He has also authored the textbook Basics of Bio-Sciences and actively participates in scientific discussions and editorial work. With 3 published documents, 7 citations, and an h-index of 2, Dr. Ata’s growing research profile reflects his commitment to advancing data-driven neurological diagnostics through AI and biostatistical innovation.

Profiles: Scopus | Research Gate

Featured Publication

Corrigendum to “Artificial neural network-based prediction of multiple sclerosis using blood-based metabolomics data” [Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 92, 105942 (2024)]. (2024). Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 95, 106321.

Chahra Chbili | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chahra Chbili | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Chahra Chbili | University of Sousse | Tunisia

Dr. Chahra Chbili is an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the Higher School of Health Sciences and Techniques of Sousse (ESSTSS) and a member of the Research Laboratory of Metabolic Biophysics and Applied Pharmacology (LR/12ES02) at the Faculty of Medicine Ibn El Jazzar of Sousse, Tunisia. Her academic journey spans extensive training in biological sciences, genetics, and medical biotechnology, with a Ph.D. earned with highest honors for her work on the pharmacokinetic and pharmacogenetic study of carbamazepine therapy in epileptic and bipolar patients. Dr. Chbili’s research focuses on pharmacogenetics, pharmacokinetics, and the molecular mechanisms underlying drug efficacy and toxicity. She has contributed significantly to studies exploring the genetic determinants of drug metabolism, including investigations into glutathione-S-transferases in tuberculosis patients with drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Skilled in advanced laboratory techniques such as PCR, FISH, ELISA, and HPLC-MS, she has developed expertise in integrating molecular biology with clinical pharmacology. Dr. Chbili has authored 17 scientific documents, accumulated 138 citations across 123 indexed works, and maintains an h-index of 7, reflecting her impactful contributions to pharmacological and biomedical research in Tunisia and beyond.

Profiles: Scopus | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Chbili, C., Mrad, S., Graiet, H., Selmi, M., Maatoug, J., Maoua, M., Abdellaoui, L., Mrizek, N., Nouira, M., Ben Fredj, M., et al. (2024). Randomized, placebo-controlled pilot study investigating the effects of Laurus nobilis tea on lipid profiles and oxidative stress biomarkers in healthy North African volunteers. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 8(17), 86–98.

Chbili, C., Fathallah, N., Laadhari, C., Ouni, B., Saguem, S., Ben Fredj, M., Abdelghani, A., Ben Saad, H., & Ben Salem, C. (2022). Glutathione-S-transferase genetic polymorphism and risk of hepatotoxicity to antitubercular drugs in a North-African population: A case-control study. Gene, 808, 146019.

Rebai, A., Chbili, C., Ben Amor, S., Hassine, A., Ben Ammou, S., & Saguem, S. (2021). Effects of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 deletions on Parkinson’s disease risk among a North African population. Revue Neurologique, 177(1–2), 93–99.

Chbili, C. (2021, August 22). The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease: A randomized controlled pilot study. Journal article.

Chbili, C., Maoua, M., Selmi, M., Mrad, S., Khairi, H., Limem, K., Mrizek, N., Saguem, S., & Ben Fredj, M. (2020). Evaluation of daily Laurus nobilis tea consumption on lipid profile biomarkers in healthy volunteers. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 39(6), 518–526.

Rebai, A., Reçber, T., Nemutlu, E., Chbili, C., Kurbanoglu, S., Kir, S., Ben Amor, S., Özkan, S. A., & Saguem, S. (2020). GC-MS based metabolic profiling of Parkinson’s disease with glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphism in Tunisian patients. Combinatorial Chemistry and High Throughput Screening, 23(8), 785–794.

Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | India

Ms. Priyadharshini Veeralakshmanan is a dedicated PhD scholar at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, specializing in Medical Oncology with a focus on Breast Cancer Immunology and the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME), particularly in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Her doctoral research involves a Phase 2/3 open-label pilot clinical trial to evaluate neoadjuvant metronomic chemotherapy for modulating the TME and enhancing chemo- and immunotherapy responses, quantifying immunosuppressive cells and tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes from blood and tumour tissue. She holds an M.Sc. in Physician Assistant (Medical Oncology) and a B.Sc. in Physician Assistant (General Medicine), with extensive clinical training in oncology, hematology, surgical oncology, radiation oncology, and palliative care. Priyadharshini has strong expertise in flow cytometry, cell culture, in vitro drug testing, cytotoxicity assays, systematic reviews, meta-analysis, and clinical trial design, using advanced analytical tools such as FlowJo, SPSS, and GraphPad Prism. She has authored several publications, with an h-index of 3, over 7 documents, and more than 50 citations. A member of ESMO, ASCO, and I-OSI, she is committed to advancing cancer research, translating innovative findings into clinical practice to improve patient outcomes globally.

Profiles: Orcid | Linked In

Featured publications

Veeralakshmanan, P., Jose, W. M., Udayakumaran, S., Bindhu, M. R., Dutta, D., Rajesh, K., Kavalagunta, S., Bhaskaran, R., Haridas, N. K., Rakesh, M. P., et al. (2025). Multimodal management and outcome of pediatric and adolescent malignant central nervous system tumors: A single‐center retrospective study. Malignancy Spectrum.

Surendran, H. P., Sah, S. K., Veeralakshmanan, P., Nair, P., Ashok, H. P., Unnikrishnan, M. K., Kalavagunta, S., Sasidharan, A., Chandran, D., Poornachary, N. M., et al. (2025). Efficacy of hippocampal avoidance whole brain radiotherapy to preserve the cognitive functions among brain metastasis patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurology India, 73(5), 715–725.

Irene Litvan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Irene Litvan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Irene Litvan | University of California San Diego | United States

Dr. Irene Litvan, MD, is the Tasch Endowed Professor of Neurology and Director of the Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center at the University of California, San Diego. She is internationally recognized for her pioneering work in movement disorders, particularly Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative conditions. As a leading clinician-scientist, she has directed major multicenter and international initiatives to develop clinical and neuropathologic diagnostic criteria, identify disease biomarkers, and advance therapeutic interventions. Her extensive research spans epidemiologic, genetic, and clinico-pathologic correlation studies that have significantly deepened the understanding of movement disorders. Dr. Litvan’s scholarly impact is reflected in 6 published documents, 10 citations, and an h-index of 1. Throughout her distinguished career, she has received consistent funding support from national and international agencies, industry collaborations, and philanthropic organizations. Beyond her research, she has served as a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of neurologists and neuroscientists. Dr. Litvan also leads the UC San Diego Parkinson and Other Movement Disorders Center, fostering clinical excellence and research innovation aimed at improving diagnosis, management, and quality of life for individuals with Parkinson’s disease and other movement-related neurological disorders.

Featured Publications

Postuma, R. B., Berg, D., Stern, M., Poewe, W., Olanow, C. W., Oertel, W., Obeso, J., et al. (2015). MDS clinical diagnostic criteria for Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 30(12), 1591–1601.

McKeith, I. G., Dickson, D. W., Lowe, J., Emre, M., O’Brien, J. T., Feldman, H., et al. (2005). Diagnosis and management of dementia with Lewy bodies: Third report of the DLB Consortium. Neurology, 65(12), 1863–1872.

Dubois, B., Slachevsky, A., Litvan, I., & Pillon, B. (2000). The FAB: A frontal assessment battery at bedside. Neurology, 55(11), 1621–1626.

Emre, M., Aarsland, D., Brown, R., Burn, D. J., Duyckaerts, C., Mizuno, Y., Broe, G. A., et al. (2007). Clinical diagnostic criteria for dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. Movement Disorders, 22(12), 1689–1707.

Litvan, I., Goldman, J. G., Tröster, A. I., Schmand, B. A., Weintraub, D., Petersen, R. C., et al. (2012). Diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment in Parkinson’s disease: Movement Disorder Society Task Force guidelines. Movement Disorders, 27(3), 349–356.

Litvan, I., Agid, Y., Calne, D., Campbell, G., Dubois, B., Duvoisin, R. C., Goetz, C. G., et al. (1996). Clinical research criteria for the diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy (Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome): Report of the NINDS–SPSP international workshop. Neurology, 47(1), 1–9.

Höglinger, G. U., Respondek, G., Stamelou, M., Kurz, C., Josephs, K. A., Lang, A. E., et al. (2017). Clinical diagnosis of progressive supranuclear palsy: The Movement Disorder Society criteria. Movement Disorders, 32(6), 853–864.

Claudia Pauciulo | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo | Borghesiana Veterinary Clinic | Italy

Mrs. Claudia Pauciulo is the Head of the Neurology and Neurosurgery Department at Borghesiana Veterinary Clinic in Rome, Italy, and a certified veterinary neurologist completing her ECVN Residency. She holds a Master’s Degree in Diagnostic Imaging and a GP Certificate in Neurology, combining strong academic training with extensive clinical experience in advanced diagnostics (MRI, CT), neurosurgery, and case management. Her research focuses on feline and canine hyperesthesia syndromes, central nervous system lymphoma, intervertebral disc disease, and peripheral neuropathies. Dr. Pauciulo has published as both first author and coauthor in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals, including the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary Record Case Reports, Journal of Small Animal Practice, and Veterinary Sciences (MDPI). She maintains an active citation record with growing visibility in Scopus- and SCI-indexed publications. Her current h-index is 2, with a total of 10 citations across multiple publications. Through her collaborative research with leading ECVN diplomates and contributions to international neurology congresses, Dr. Pauciulo continues to advance veterinary neuroscience, integrating clinical excellence with innovative research to improve evidence-based therapeutic strategies for neurological disorders in companion animals.

Profiles: Orcid | Linked In

Featured Publication

Pauciulo, C., & Gallucci, A. (2025, September 25). Long‐term outcome of presumptive idiopathic hyperesthesia syndrome in a dog treated with fluoxetine. Veterinary Record Case Reports.

Jaleel Miyan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Jaleel Miyan | Clinical Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Jaleel Miyan | The University of Manchester | United Kingdom

Dr. Jaleel Ahmad Miyan is a distinguished British neuroscientist and Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, Medicine & Health, Division of Neuroscience, University of Manchester, with a long-standing career dedicated to understanding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) physiology and its role in neurological disorders. As President of the Society for Research into Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida and a Fellow of both the Higher Education Academy and the Royal Society of Biology, he is recognized internationally for his expertise in cerebral folate metabolism and hydrocephalus research. His principal work focuses on fetal-onset and neonatal hydrocephalus, aiming to develop a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment to address global disparities in care. Miyan has supervised numerous PhD and Masters students, postdoctoral researchers, and technicians, fostering research excellence. He has published over 120 peer-reviewed research papers and reviews, with an h-index of 34, and his work has garnered substantial citations, reflecting his impact in neuroscience. He has served on editorial boards, contributed to major research projects, and secured significant funding for studies on folate metabolism in neurological conditions. Miyan’s scholarship is accessible through his ResearchGate, Orcid, and Google Scholar profiles, showcasing his profound contributions to advancing neuroscience and improving treatments for devastating neurological conditions.

Profiles : Google Scholar | Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Downing, J. E. G., & Miyan, J. A. (2000). Neural immunoregulation: Emerging roles for nerves in immune homeostasis and disease. Immunology Today, 21(6), 281–289.

Assas, B. M., Pennock, J. I., & Miyan, J. A. (2014). Calcitonin gene-related peptide is a key neurotransmitter in the neuro-immune axis. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 8, 23.

Miyan, J. A., Nabiyouni, M., & Zendah, M. (2003). Development of the brain: A vital role for cerebrospinal fluid. Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 81(4), 317–328.

Gazi, E., Dwyer, J., Lockyer, N. P., Miyan, J., Gardner, P., Hart, C., & Brown, M., et al. (2005). Fixation protocols for subcellular imaging by synchrotron‐based Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. Biopolymers: Original Research on Biomolecules, 77(1), 18–30.

Mashayekhi, F., Draper, C. E., Bannister, C. M., Pourghasem, M., & Miyan, J. A., et al. (2002). Deficient cortical development in the hydrocephalic Texas (H‐Tx) rat: A role for CSF. Brain, 125(8), 1859–1874.

Owen‐Lynch, P. J., Draper, C. E., Mashayekhi, F., Bannister, C. M., & Miyan, J. A. (2003). Defective cell cycle control underlies abnormal cortical development in the hydrocephalic Texas rat. Brain, 126(3), 623–631.

Aikaterini Sousamli | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Dr. Aikaterini Sousamli | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Aikaterini Sousamli | University of West Attica | Greece

Aikaterini Sousamli, Midwife, MSc, PhD Candidate at the University of West Attica, is a dedicated healthcare professional and researcher specializing in perinatal health, reproductive medicine, and family planning. She graduated with distinction from the University of Thessaly with an MSc in Primary Health Care and holds a degree in Midwifery from the TEI of Athens. Her doctoral research focuses on perinatal factors associated with the occurrence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in children and its impact on family dynamics. Alongside her academic pursuits, she has extensive professional experience as a midwife at the Larissa Health Center and as a research associate in national and international health projects addressing antimicrobial resistance, perinatal care, and global health indicators. She has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals, covering topics such as maternal mental health, menopause, perinatal risk factors for ASD, and sexual health in women with chronic conditions. Her research has been widely cited, with an h-index of 5, 15 scientific documents, and 120 total citations, reflecting her growing academic influence. Active in scientific conferences across Europe, Africa, and Asia, she also serves as a reviewer for the Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics, contributing to advancing evidence-based midwifery practice globally.

Profiles: Orcid | Research Gate

Featured Publications

Sousamli, A., Vidali, M., Dourou, P., Sarantaki, A., Deltsidou, A., & Vivilaki, V. (2025). Crafting kinship beyond biology: Maternal experiences in non-genetic family formation – A systematic review. MAEDICA – A Journal of Clinical Medicine.

Sousamli, A., Patronidou, D., Taskou, C., Athanasiadou, C.-R., Dourou, P., & Sousamli, A. (2025). The role of the maternal gut microbiome in regulating endocrine function during pregnancy and postpartum: Implications for neonatal health. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 27(1).

Sousamli, A., Malli, F., Tsaras, K., Dourou, P., Sarantaki, A., & Malliarou, M. (2025). Psychological burden, stress, depression, and resilience among midwives: An epidemiological study in Thessaly, Greece. Journal of Clinical & Basic Psychosomatics.

Sousamli, A., Malliarou, M., Sarantaki, A., Dourou, P., Malli, F., & Tsaras, K. (2025). Psychological burden and burnout among midwives: An epidemiological study in Thessaly, Greece. Journal of Clinical & Basic Psychosomatics.

Sousamli, A. E., & Dourou, P. D. (2025). The impact of menopause on sexual health: A cross-sectional study using data from women living in Northern Greece. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 26(3).

Sousamli, A. E., & Dourou, P. D. (2025). Association between menopause and quality of life: A cross-sectional study using data from women living in Northern Greece. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 25(3).

Sousamli, A. E., & Dourou, P. D. (2024). Relationship between episiotomy and dyspareunia: A narrative review of the most recent literature. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 24(3).

Sousamli, A., Dragioti, E., Metallinou, D., Lykeridou, A., Dourou, P., Athanasiadou, C.-R., Anagnostopoulos, D., & Sarantaki, A. (2024). Perinatal and demographic risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorder: A national survey of potential predictors and severity. Healthcare, 12(20).

Gang Cao | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Neuroscientists

Mr. Gang Cao | Behavioral Neuroscience | Best Researcher Award

Anhui University of Finance and Economics | China

Gang Cao (Ph.D.) is a Lecturer at the International Business School, Anhui University of Finance and Economics, with academic training in Business Administration and Management Science and Engineering from Shanghai University and Anhui University of Finance and Economics. His research focuses on AI capabilities, entrepreneurship, and innovation, and he has published in leading international journals such as the Journal of Business Research, Management and Organization Review, R&D Management, Plos One, and the International Journal of Conflict Management, as well as in top Chinese journals including Journal of Management Sciences in China and Journal of Economic Management. He has authored and co-authored multiple high-impact studies addressing themes such as entrepreneurial well-being, entrepreneurial failure and reentry, bricolage and disruptive innovation, digital identity change, impression management, and the integration of artificial intelligence with entrepreneurship and business model innovation. His work combines quantitative, qualitative, and computational methodologies, offering both theoretical contributions and practical insights into entrepreneurial behavior and firm evolution. Gang Cao has achieved an h-index of 5, with 11 documents and 102 citations, reflecting his growing academic impact and recognition in the fields of entrepreneurship, innovation management, and digital transformation. Through his interdisciplinary and collaborative research, he continues to advance understanding of the complex dynamics driving entrepreneurial success and organizational performance.

Profiles: Google Scholar

Featured Publications

“Exploring the relationship between entrepreneurial failure and conflict between work and family from the conservation of resources perspective.”

“Entrepreneurial Bricolage and Disruptive Innovation: The Joint Effect of Learning From Failure and Institutional voids.”

“Striking the balance: Configurations of causation and effectuation principles for SME performance.”