Youmna Iskandarani | Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Youmna Iskandarani l Machine Learning | Best Researcher Award

American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Author Profile

Orcid

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 🎓

Youmna Iskandarani’s academic journey laid a robust foundation for her career in food science and technology. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services from Lebanese International University, followed by a Bachelor of Applied Science in Food Science and Technology. Building on this knowledge, she pursued a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology, which further refined her expertise in food processing, safety, and research. During her studies, she also explored economics, expanding her understanding of the broader socio-economic factors influencing food systems.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS đź’Ľ

Youmna’s professional trajectory spans over a decade and includes a wealth of experience in community development, food technology, and business development. As the founder of Ossah Taybeh, a food heritage initiative, she has demonstrated her leadership in promoting sustainable food practices. Additionally, her role as a business development consultant and food expert for various organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNDP, highlights her expertise in improving the socio-economic conditions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lebanon. Youmna has also worked with institutions like the American University of Beirut, where she contributed to food safety training, product development, and innovative food solutions. Her consulting work for international organizations and governments underscores her technical expertise in food processing, quality control, and business strategy.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS  On  Machine Learning🔬

Throughout her career, Youmna has been at the forefront of several groundbreaking projects in food science and technology. She has published significant research, including studies on ADHD and nutrition, the production procedures of labneh anbaris (a traditional Lebanese yogurt), and food security. Her research in food safety, quality control, and food product development, especially in the dairy sector, has made substantial contributions to understanding the physicochemical properties of traditional food products. Additionally, her work in food safety, particularly related to cross-contamination prevention and dairy production processes, has helped improve the standards of food processing in Lebanon and beyond.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Youmna’s impact extends far beyond her professional roles; she has become a key figure in advancing food safety and quality practices in Lebanon. As a consultant and trainer, she has helped develop and implement strategies that enhance the livelihoods of farmers and small business owners in rural and urban communities. Her work with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and various NGOs has supported entrepreneurial initiatives aimed at creating sustainable economic opportunities. Her efforts in building the capacity of SMEs and promoting socially impactful business practices have earned her recognition as a leader in both the food industry and community development sectors. Moreover, her role as a mentor and trainer for aspiring entrepreneurs has inspired many to develop their own successful ventures.

ACADEMIC CITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏅

Youmna’s research has been widely cited in academic circles, contributing to the fields of food science and public health. Her work on the physicochemical properties of labneh anbaris and her studies in the areas of food security and nutrition have been valuable in shaping food safety protocols and product development in Lebanon. She is recognized for her expertise in food technology and food safety, as well as for her commitment to advancing the quality and sustainability of food production systems in Lebanon and the broader region. Her contributions have made her a sought-after consultant and expert in various food safety and quality assurance projects.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🌱

Looking forward, Youmna Iskandarani is poised to continue making meaningful contributions to the fields of food science, business development, and community empowerment. Her passion for sustainability and rural development, combined with her technical expertise in food safety and quality assurance, will continue to guide her efforts in enhancing food systems and promoting socio-economic growth. Her vision for the future includes empowering more women and SMEs in the agri-food sector, improving the resilience of local food production systems, and advocating for healthier, safer, and more sustainable food practices. Youmna’s legacy will be built on her commitment to food security, innovation, and the betterment of her community and the global food industry.

 Top Noted Publications 📖

Microbial Quality and Production Methods of Traditional Fermented Cheeses in Lebanon

Authors: Mabelle Chedid, Houssam Shaib, Lina Jaber, Youmna El Iskandarani, Shady Kamal Hamadeh, Ivan SalmerĂłn
Journal: International Journal of Food Science
Year: 2025

Machine Learning Method (Decision Tree) to Predict the Physicochemical Properties of Premium Lebanese Kishk Based on Its Hedonic Properties

Authors: Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Houssam Shaib, Lina Jaber, Shady Hamadeh
Journal: Fermentation
Year: 2024

Development and Validation of an Indirect Whole-Virus ELISA Using a Predominant Genotype VI Velogenic Newcastle Disease Virus Isolated from Lebanese Poultry

Authors: Houssam Shaib, Hasan Hussaini, Roni Sleiman, Youmna Iskandarani, Youssef Obeid
Journal: Open Journal of Veterinary Medicine
Year: 2023

Effect of Followed Production Procedures on the Physicochemical Properties of Labneh Anbaris

Authors: Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Raymond Akiki
Journal: International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology
Year: 2020

Production and Physicochemical Properties of Labneh Anbaris, a Traditional Fermented Cheese Like Product, in Lebanon

Authors: Ossama Dimassi, Youmna Iskandarani, Michel Afram, Raymond Akiki, Mohamed Rached
Journal: International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology
Year: 2020

Amin Hekmatmanesh | Algorithm Development | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Amin Hekmatmanesh l Algorithm Development  | Best Researcher Award

LUT University, Finland

Author Profile

Google Scholar

🔎 Summary

Dr. Amin Hekmatmanesh is a skilled biomedical engineer and data scientist, specializing in wearable sensors, AI, and machine learning applications for health technologies. He has extensive experience in biosignal processing (EEG, ECG, PPG, EMG, GSR, IMU), rehabilitation robotics, and medical device development. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Engineering), he has made significant contributions to the field by developing real-time systems for rehabilitation and health monitoring. His research focuses on using AI to advance rehabilitation robotics and human-robot interactions, publishing over 30 peer-reviewed articles. He is also an active reviewer and editorial board member for several high-ranking journals.

🎓 Education

Dr. Hekmatmanesh holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Engineering) from LUT University in Finland, where he achieved a GPA of 4.33. His dissertation focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning for EEG signal processing in rehabilitation robotics. He also completed his M.Sc. in Biomedical Engineering at Shahed University in Iran, with a perfect GPA of 4.0, and a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering from Islamic Azad University, graduating with a GPA of 4.1.

đź’Ľ Professional Experience

Dr. Hekmatmanesh has a diverse professional background, having worked as a Lead Project Manager at Mevea Company, where he managed health monitoring system projects, incorporating wearable sensor technology. At Flowgait Company, he contributed to mathematical solutions for horse motion analysis. As a Junior Researcher and Project Manager at LUT University, he focused on wearable sensor systems and health monitoring. Additionally, he worked as a Research Assistant at Tehran University, working on diagnostic algorithms and therapeutic systems in health technologies.

📚 Academic Citations

Dr. Hekmatmanesh has published over 30 peer-reviewed papers, including book chapters and review articles, and his work has contributed significantly to the biomedical engineering and AI fields. His research has received wide recognition, and he is regularly invited to participate in scientific conferences and review for high-impact journals, showcasing his influence and contributions to advancing health technologies.

đź”§ Technical Skills

Dr. Hekmatmanesh is highly proficient in biosignal processing, including EEG, ECG, PPG, EMG, GSR, and IMU signals. He is skilled in machine learning and AI, specifically for biosignal classification and real-time system development. His technical expertise extends to embedded electronics, sensor design, and circuit board assembly. He is proficient in Python and Matlab for data analysis and has experience using version control tools like GitHub to manage research projects.

🎓 Teaching Experience

Dr. Hekmatmanesh has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring within the biomedical engineering field. He has supervised PhD students and contributed to academic programs by delivering lectures and guiding research projects in health technologies, machine learning, and rehabilitation robotics.

🔬 Research Interests On Algorithm Development

Dr. Hekmatmanesh’s research interests include the development of wearable sensor systems for health monitoring, AI and machine learning techniques for biosignal classification, and the design and control of rehabilitation robotics. He is also focused on human-robot interactions and improving prosthetics control through innovative AI applications in healthcare.

đź“– Top Noted Publications

Nanocaged platforms: modification, drug delivery and nanotoxicity. Opening synthetic cages to release the tiger
    • Authors: PS Zangabad, M Karimi, F Mehdizadeh, H Malekzad, A Ghasemi, …
    • Journal: Nanoscale
    • Year: 2017
Review of the state-of-the-art of brain-controlled vehicles
    • Authors: A Hekmatmanesh, PHJ Nardelli, H Handroos
    • Journal: IEEE Access
    • Year: 2021
Neurosciences and wireless networks: The potential of brain-type communications and their applications
    • Authors: RC Moioli, PHJ Nardelli, MT Barros, W Saad, A Hekmatmanesh, …
    • Journal: IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials
    • Year: 2021
A combination of CSP-based method with soft margin SVM classifier and generalized RBF kernel for imagery-based brain computer interface applications
    • Authors: A Hekmatmanesh, H Wu, F Jamaloo, M Li, H Handroos
    • Journal: Multimedia Tools and Applications
    • Year: 2020
EEG control of a bionic hand with imagination based on chaotic approximation of largest Lyapunov exponent: A single trial BCI application study
    • Authors: A Hekmatmanesh, RM Asl, H Wu, H Handroos
    • Journal: IEEE Access
    • Year: 2019

Kuo-Ching Ying | Metaheuristics | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Kuo-Ching Ying | Metaheuristics | Best Researcher Award

National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan

Author Profiles

orcid

Scopus

👨‍🏫 Current Position and Leadership Roles

Prof. Dr. Kuo-Ching Ying is currently a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan. In addition to his role as a faculty member, he also serves as the Associate Dean of the College of Management and Vice Director of the EMBA Program at the university. His leadership positions reflect his deep commitment to advancing education and research in the fields of industrial engineering and management.

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits and Education

Prof. Ying’s academic journey began with a Master’s degree in Industrial Management from the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology in 1992. His academic pursuits culminated in a Ph.D. in Industrial Management from the same institution in 2003. His educational background provided the foundation for his current expertise in operations scheduling, combinatorial optimization, and various aspects of industrial management.

đź’Ľ Professional Endeavors and Editorial Contributions

Prof. Ying has significantly contributed to the academic community as an editor for several prestigious journals. He has been serving as an editor for Advances in Industrial Engineering and Management since December 2012 and has held editorial roles for other journals like IEEE Access (since 2018), Applied Sciences (since 2021), and American Journal of Operations Management and Information Systems (since 2020). His editorial work spans across more than 10 journals, underscoring his significant involvement in shaping the direction of research in industrial management and optimization fields.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Prof. Ying’s primary research interests revolve around operations scheduling, combinatorial optimization, and industrial management. He has authored more than 130 academic papers in top-tier international journals such as IEEE Access, Computers and Operations Research, Applied Soft Computing, and European Journal of Operational Research. His research delves into innovative approaches to solving complex problems in industrial settings, particularly in operations management, manufacturing, and logistics.

🌍 Impact and Influence in Academia

Through his extensive research contributions and editorial roles, Prof. Ying has become a recognized figure in the fields of industrial engineering and management. His work has been cited numerous times in academic research, demonstrating his influence in advancing knowledge in operations scheduling and combinatorial optimization. His efforts have led to advancements in how industries manage production, operations, and logistics.

📚 Academic Citations and Recognition

Prof. Ying’s scholarly output has earned him wide recognition within the academic community. His work has been cited extensively across numerous journals, reflecting the importance and impact of his research. The high citation rate of his publications is a testament to the relevance and applicability of his work in both academic and industrial contexts. He is widely regarded as a thought leader in industrial management research.

đź’ˇ Technical Skills and Expertise

Prof. Ying possesses strong technical skills in areas such as operations research, optimization algorithms, and industrial management. He is particularly skilled in developing models and techniques for solving complex optimization problems related to manufacturing, logistics, and scheduling. His expertise in artificial intelligence and computational techniques further enhances his ability to contribute to cutting-edge research in these fields.

👩‍🏫 Teaching Experience and Mentorship

Prof. Ying has been a mentor to numerous students in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management at National Taipei University of Technology. As an educator, he has significantly shaped the careers of many professionals in industrial management. His teaching philosophy emphasizes the application of theory to real-world problems, preparing students to tackle challenges in operations management and optimization. His experience in teaching and mentoring plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of scholars and industry leaders.

🌱 Legacy and Future Contributions

Prof. Ying’s legacy is already well established through his substantial academic achievements, his leadership in educational programs, and his continued contributions to the field. Looking ahead, he is likely to continue shaping the future of industrial engineering research, particularly in optimizing industrial processes and the integration of new technologies. His future contributions will likely focus on further advancing operations research, combinatorial optimization, and artificial intelligence applications in industrial contexts.

📖 Top Noted Publications 

Reinforcement Learning-based Alpha-list Iterated Greedy for Production Scheduling
  • Authors: Kuo-Ching Ying, Pourya Pourhejazy, Shih-Han Cheng
    Journal: Intelligent Systems with Applications
    Year: 2024
Minimizing makespan in two-stage assembly additive manufacturing: A reinforcement learning iterated greedy algorithm
  • Authors: Kuo-Ching Ying, Shih-Wei Lin
    Journal: Applied Soft Computing
    Year: 2023
Meta-Lamarckian-based iterated greedy for optimizing distributed two-stage assembly flowshops with mixed setups
  • Authors: Pourya Pourhejazy, Chen-Yang Cheng, Kuo-Ching Ying, Nguyen Hoai Nam
    Journal: Annals of Operations Research
    Year: 2023
Supply chain-oriented permutation flowshop scheduling considering flexible assembly and setup times
  • Authors: Kuo-Ching Ying, Pourya Pourhejazy, Chen-Yang Cheng, Ren-Siou Syu
    Journal: International Journal of Production Research
    Year: 2023
Adjusted Iterated Greedy for the optimization of additive manufacturing scheduling problems
  • Authors: Kuo-Ching Ying, Fruggiero, F., Pourhejazy, P., Lee, B.-Y.
    Journal: Expert Systems with Applications
    Year: 2022