Manuel García-Infane | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Manuel García-Infane | Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Agronomy Department at University of Seville, Spain

Manuel García-Infante is a distinguished figure in agricultural sciences, renowned for his expertise in animal production and food quality assessment. Currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Seville, he has excelled in experimental design, data analysis using SPSS and R, biomarker analysis, and machine learning applications in agricultural research. Manuel’s research contributions, evidenced by publications in prestigious journals, focus on optimizing lamb carcass classification and understanding meat quality dynamics. Beyond his research acumen, he enriches educational practices as a professor at Isabel I International University of Castile, integrating technology into agricultural education. Recognized for his outstanding academic achievements, including the Best Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Manuel embodies a commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge and innovation, making significant contributions to both academia and industry.

Professional Profiles

Education

Manuel García-Infante has pursued a diverse and rigorous academic path, culminating in several degrees that underscore his expertise in agricultural sciences and education. Currently a PhD student at the University of Seville in Agricultural, Food, Forestry, and Rural Development Engineering, his research focuses on advancing techniques in animal production. Prior to this, he earned a Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the same institution, where he specialized in Agriculture, Forestry, Fisheries, and Veterinary Sciences. Complementing his scientific pursuits, Manuel also holds a Master’s Degree in Secondary Education Teacher Training from Isabel I University of Castile, emphasizing Technology and IT integration in educational settings. His educational journey reflects a deep commitment to both theoretical knowledge and practical application in agricultural sciences and pedagogy.

Professional Experience

Manuel García-Infante possesses a rich tapestry of professional experiences across academia, research, and industry. Currently, he serves as a Researcher at the Agricultural and Fisheries Research and Training Centre in Seville, focusing on citrus agriculture. Simultaneously, Manuel holds a position as a Professor at Isabel I International University of Castile, where he imparts knowledge in Teacher Training within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Previously, he contributed significantly as an Honorary Assistant in the Department of Agronomy at the University of Seville, collaborating on research projects in animal breeding technologies. His diverse roles also include a tenure as a bank employee at Caja Rural del Sur, where he provided personalized financial advice and managed client relationships. Throughout his career, Manuel’s professional journey has been marked by a blend of academic excellence, research leadership, and practical expertise in agricultural sciences and education.

Research Interest

Manuel García-Infante’s research interests are multifaceted and deeply rooted in agricultural science, particularly focusing on advancements in animal production. His primary research explores the application of biomarkers and machine learning strategies for the classification of lamb carcasses, as evidenced by his publications in Food Bioscience. Additionally, he investigates the use of nutritional and organoleptic traits to differentiate lamb breeds under varying feeding regimes, contributing valuable insights into food quality and consumer preferences. Manuel’s work also encompasses studying the aromatic compound profiles of meat, particularly in native breeds such as Ovella Mallorquina lambs, examining how production models influence these profiles. Beyond his scientific endeavors, he engages in educational innovation, exploring ways to integrate technology effectively into agricultural education to enhance learning outcomes. His research underscores a dedication to advancing agricultural knowledge and improving production systems while innovating in educational practices.

Award and Honors

Manuel García-Infante has garnered notable recognition and awards throughout his career, highlighting his contributions and achievements in agricultural sciences and education. Notably, he was awarded the Best Master’s Degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Higher Technical School of Agricultural Engineering at the University of Seville for the 2020-2022 promotion. This accolade acknowledges his exceptional academic performance and leadership in the field. Manuel’s commitment to excellence is further underscored by his active involvement in research, teaching, and innovative projects, reflecting his significant impact in advancing agricultural knowledge and pedagogy.

Research Skills

Manuel García-Infante’s research skills are extensive and well-rounded, reflecting his deep expertise in agricultural sciences. He excels in experimental design, adeptly crafting studies to investigate various aspects of animal production and food quality. His proficiency in data analysis encompasses advanced statistical methods and tools like SPSS and R, enabling thorough examination and interpretation of research data. Manuel’s specialization in biomarker analysis is pivotal for evaluating meat quality and nutritional traits in lamb carcasses, leveraging his insights into agricultural product assessment. Moreover, he applies machine learning techniques proficiently, particularly in developing predictive models for lamb carcass classification, as demonstrated in his published research. His ability to effectively communicate and disseminate research findings, both through academic papers and educational podcasts, underscores his commitment to advancing agricultural knowledge and enhancing educational methodologies within the field.

Jacob Bortman | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Jacob Bortman | Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Head of PHM Lab at Ben Gurion University, Israel

Jacob Bortman, a distinguished figure in mechanical engineering and aerospace technology, brings a wealth of expertise to his work. His career spans extensive research in advanced modeling techniques, computational mechanics, and vibration-based condition monitoring. With a focus on structural integrity and nonlinear analysis, Jacob has advanced the field through his application of the p-version of the finite element method, particularly in analyzing fastened structural connections. His contributions extend to materials science, where he explores the mechanical properties of engineering materials using rigorous finite element analysis. Jacob’s interdisciplinary approach integrates theory with practical applications, addressing complex challenges in aerospace engineering and beyond. Recognized for his teaching excellence and leadership, he continues to influence both academic research and practical innovations in mechanical engineering, leaving a lasting impact on the field.

Professional Profiles

Education

Jacob Bortman completed his B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Tel Aviv University from 1978 to 1982, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a GPA of 92. He continued at Tel Aviv University for his M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from 1983 to 1984, with a thesis titled “Extended Weight Function Method Analysis of a Mixed Mode Fracture Specimen” under the supervision of Prof. Leslie Banks-Sills, achieving a GPA of 96.5 and Summa Cum Laude honors. He earned his D.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA, from 1988 to 1991. His doctoral thesis, “Nonlinear Models for Fastened Structural Connection Based on the p-Version of the Finite Element Method,” was supervised by Prof. Barna Szabo. He graduated with an A+ GPA and was awarded Summa Cum Laude honors.

Professional Experience

Jacob Bortman brings a wealth of expertise and leadership from both military and academic realms. Serving in the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from 1981 to 2009, he retired as a Brigadier General, having held pivotal roles such as Head of Material Directorate and Head of Aircraft Department. His military career underscores his deep commitment to aerospace engineering and operational leadership. Since 2010, Jacob has been a Full Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. His academic contributions are substantial, focusing on areas such as structural integrity, fatigue, and damage tolerance. He also holds editorial positions in prominent journals and has been involved in consulting for Israel Aerospace Industries and various tech startups. Throughout his career, Jacob Bortman has garnered accolades, including the Israeli National Defense Prize and the Prime Minister’s National Prize for Excellence in Public Service. His dedication to advancing mechanical engineering and aerospace technology is evident in his extensive professional achievements and leadership roles.

Research Interest

Jacob Bortman’s research interests encompass a broad spectrum of mechanical engineering disciplines, with a primary focus on structural integrity, fatigue, and damage tolerance. His work delves into advanced modeling techniques and nonlinear analysis methods for fastened structural connections, utilizing the p-version of the finite element method. Additionally, he explores vibration-based condition monitoring and its applications in engineering management. Jacob’s research extends into the realms of aerospace engineering, particularly in the development of innovative solutions for aircraft maintenance and structural reliability. He is deeply engaged in the study of computational mechanics, exploring its applications in enhancing the performance and longevity of mechanical systems. His multidisciplinary approach integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, aiming to advance the understanding and implementation of robust engineering practices. Through his research, Jacob Bortman contributes significantly to the fields of mechanical engineering and aerospace technology, addressing critical challenges in structural design, maintenance optimization, and materials science.

Award and Honors

Jacob Bortman has garnered numerous prestigious awards and honors throughout his illustrious career. In 2022, he was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award of the PHM Society, a testament to his profound contributions to Prognostics and Health Management. His leadership in a strategic program at Israel Aerospace Industries earned him the Israeli National Defense Prize in 2020, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing national defense technology. Recognized as an Outstanding Lecturer in 2016 at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Jacob is celebrated for his excellence in teaching and mentorship. His distinguished service in the Israeli Air Force was honored with the Israeli Prime Minister’s National Prize for Excellence and Quality in Public Service in 1992, and he received a Special Note for Excellence in 1988 from the IAF. These accolades underscore Jacob Bortman’s exceptional achievements and lasting impact in mechanical engineering, aerospace technology, and beyond.

Research Skills

Jacob Bortman is highly skilled in advanced modeling techniques and computational mechanics, specializing in structural integrity and nonlinear analysis. His proficiency in the p-version of the finite element method has enabled him to conduct detailed analyses of fastened structural connections and mechanical behaviors. With a focus on aerospace engineering, Jacob’s expertise extends to vibration-based condition monitoring, essential for optimizing maintenance strategies and ensuring structural reliability. He has contributed significantly to materials science research, particularly in understanding the mechanical properties of engineering materials through finite element analysis. Jacob’s interdisciplinary approach integrates theoretical insights with practical applications, addressing complex engineering challenges with innovative solutions. His research not only enhances academic knowledge but also fosters advancements in practical engineering solutions, making a profound impact in the fields of mechanical engineering and aerospace technology.

Publications

  1. Title: A systematic literature review of deep learning for vibration-based fault diagnosis of critical rotating machinery: Limitations and challenges
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Dattner, I.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.; Parmet, Y.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Journal of Sound and Vibration
  2. Title: Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Freight Car Braking System for Fault Diagnosis
    • Authors: Davidyan, G.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Advanced Theory and Simulations
  3. Title: A novel method for helical gear modeling with experimental validation
    • Authors: Cohen, R.; Bachar, L.; Matania, O.; Klein, R.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Nonlinear Dynamics
  4. Title: Dynamic behavior of large faults toward severity estimation in bearings
    • Authors: Madar, E.; Sol, A.; Klein, R.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Structural Health Monitoring
  5. Title: Signal Processing for the Condition-Based Maintenance of Rotating Machines via Vibration Analysis: A Tutorial
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Bachar, L.; Bechhoefer, E.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2024
    • Journal: Sensors
  6. Title: Digital Twin of a Gear Root Crack Prognosis
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Bechhoefer, E.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Sensors
  7. Title: Development of an Operational Digital Twin of a Locomotive Parking Brake for Fault Diagnosis
    • Authors: Davidyan, G.; Bortman, J.; Kenett, R.S.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Scientific Reports
    • Citations: 2
  8. Title: A novel hybrid physical AI-based strategy for fault severity estimation in spur gears with zero-shot learning
    • Authors: Bachar, L.; Matania, O.; Cohen, R.; Lipsett, M.G.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing
    • Citations: 2
  9. Title: Predicting ductile failure of aluminum components under general loading conditions: Computational implementation, model verification and experimental validation
    • Authors: Rom, N.; Bortman, J.; Priel, E.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: International Journal of Solids and Structures
    • Citations: 3
  10. Title: Toward diagnostics of water-lubricated bearings of naval vessels by vibration analysis
    • Authors: Matania, O.; Heletz, S.; Klein, R.; Groper, M.; Bortman, J.
    • Year: 2023
    • Journal: Structural Health Monitoring
    • Citations: 1