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Approaches to Machine and Deep Learning, Big Data or Modern Analytical Methods in the Agri-Food Industry

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 February 2024) | Viewed by 5776

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Dairy and Process Engineering, Food Sciences and Nutrition, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 31, 60-624 Poznan, Poland
Interests: application of artificial intelligence; deep learning and machine learning; high-dimensional data visualization; python programming; database designing; data preprocessing; statistical analysis; optimizing fruit and vegetable drying processes; patterns analyzing; analysis of the morphological structure of raw materials using electron microscopy
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Guest Editor
Department of Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Food Sciences and Nutrition, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 28, 60-637 Poznan, Poland
Interests: food safety; water diffusion in food systems; physical properties of food; modified starch and its applications; water activity measurement; low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR); FTIR spectroscopy; colour measurement

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleague,

Changing consumer habits, food supply and economic aspirations require the optimization of processes and the application of modern technologies aimed at food preservation and achieving a high-quality index of finished foodstuffs. High levels of food waste are causing food producers to find ways in which to extend the shelf life of food items. Efforts are being made to reduce industrial energy intensity in the food production process via automation, optimization and the application of artificial intelligence to individual processes. Novel means of managing production, production organization, processing and waste management are also being applied using artificial intelligence. This article will take a deeper look at key aspects related to data analysis and technological applications in the agri-food industry. In this edition, topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Classification and prediction models, machine and deep learning.
  • Analytical methods, including spectroscopy, chromatography, image analysis and computer vision, electron microscopy and microbiological methods.
  • Quality control in food production and distribution.
  • Precision agriculture, yield forecasting, process optimization.
  • New product development and innovation.
  • Data collection and management.

In food production, quality control at every stage of the process, from the acquisition of raw materials to the receipt of the final product after processing, is an essential aspect. In view of this, it is reasonable to employ modern tools such as classification and prediction models, based on machine learning or deep learning. These advanced techniques make it possible to analyze vast quantities of data, identify patterns and predict quality, which translates into a quick yet effective response to potential quality problems.

In agriculture, yield forecasting, optimizing cultivation processes and monitoring environmental parameters are becoming key aspects of effective farm management. By employing technologies such as remote sensing, field sensors and geospatial data analysis, farmers can make better-informed decisions, resulting in enhanced productivity and minimized environmental impact.

In innovation and new product development, data analysis is influencing the outcome. Tracking consumer trends, analyzing preferences and identifying market niches make it possible to create products that better meet consumer needs. Image analysis and computer vision technologies enable the automatic sorting and quality assessment of products, accelerating production processes.

All these aspects require effective data collection, management and analysis, which apply to both the food and agricultural sectors. By employing advanced analytical methods and machine learning technologies, the agri-food industry can achieve higher standards of quality, efficiency and innovation, while minimizing its environmental impact.

Dr. Krzysztof Przybył
Dr. Łukasz Masewicz
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Applied Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 4129 KiB  
Article
Deep Learning-Based Method for Classification and Ripeness Assessment of Fruits and Vegetables
by Enoc Tapia-Mendez, Irving A. Cruz-Albarran, Saul Tovar-Arriaga and Luis A. Morales-Hernandez
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(22), 12504; https://doi.org/10.3390/app132212504 - 20 Nov 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2830
Abstract
Food waste is a global concern and is the focus of this research. Currently, no method in the state of the art classifies multiple fruits and vegetables and their level of ripening. The objective of the study is to design and develop an [...] Read more.
Food waste is a global concern and is the focus of this research. Currently, no method in the state of the art classifies multiple fruits and vegetables and their level of ripening. The objective of the study is to design and develop an intelligent system based on deep learning techniques to classify between types of fruits and vegetables, and also to evaluate the level of ripeness of some of them. The system consists of two models using the MobileNet V2 architecture. One algorithm is for the classification of 32 classes of fruits and vegetables, and another is for the determination of the ripeness of 6 classes of them. The overall intelligent system is the union of the two models, predicting first the class of fruit or vegetable and then its ripeness. The fruits and vegetables classification model achieved 97.86% accuracy, 98% precision, 98% recall, and 98% F1-score, while the ripeness assessment model achieved 100% accuracy, 98% precision, 99% recall, and 99% F1-score. According to the results, the proposed system is able to classify between types of fruits and vegetables and evaluate their ripeness. To achieve the best performance indicators, it is necessary to obtain the appropriate hyperparameters for the artificial intelligence models, in addition to having an extensive database with well-defined classes. Full article
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12 pages, 2310 KiB  
Article
Application of Machine Learning to Assess the Quality of Food Products—Case Study: Coffee Bean
by Krzysztof Przybył, Marzena Gawrysiak-Witulska, Paulina Bielska, Robert Rusinek, Marek Gancarz, Bohdan Dobrzański, Jr. and Aleksander Siger
Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(19), 10786; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131910786 - 28 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2610
Abstract
Modern machine learning methods were used to automate and improve the determination of an effective quality index for coffee beans. Machine learning algorithms can effectively recognize various anomalies, among others factors, occurring in a food product. The procedure for preparing the machine learning [...] Read more.
Modern machine learning methods were used to automate and improve the determination of an effective quality index for coffee beans. Machine learning algorithms can effectively recognize various anomalies, among others factors, occurring in a food product. The procedure for preparing the machine learning algorithm depends on the correct preparation and preprocessing of the learning set. The set contained coded information (i.e., selected quality coefficients) based on digital photos (input data) and a specific class of coffee bean (output data). Because of training and data tuning, an adequate convolutional neural network (CNN) was obtained, which was characterized by a high recognition rate of these coffee beans at the level of 0.81 for the test set. Statistical analysis was performed on the color data in the RGB color space model, which made it possible to accurately distinguish three distinct categories of coffee beans. However, using the Lab* color model, it became apparent that distinguishing between the quality categories of under-roasted and properly roasted coffee beans was a major challenge. Nevertheless, the Lab* model successfully distinguished the category of over-roasted coffee beans. Full article
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