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This study focuses on the investigation and comparison of combustion characteristic parameters and combustion performance indices between fast-growing trees and agricultural residues as biomass sources. The investigation is conducted through direct combustion in an air environment using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Additionally, partial least squares regression (PLSR)-based models were developed to assess combustion performance indices via near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), serving as a non-destructive alternative method. The results obtained through the TGA reveal that, specifically, fast-growing trees display higher average ignition temperature (227 °C) and burnout temperature (521 °C) in comparison to agricultural residues, which exhibit the values of 218 °C and 515 °C, respectively. Therefore, fast-growing trees are comparatively difficult to ignite, but sustain combustion over extended periods, yielding higher temperatures. However, despite fast-growing trees having a high ignition index (Di) and burnout index (Df), the comprehensive combustion performance (Si) and flammability index (Ci) of agricultural residue are higher, indicating the latter possess enhanced thermal and combustion reactivity, coupled with improved combustion stability. Five distinct PLSR-based models were developed using 115 biomass samples for both chip and ground forms, spanning the wavenumber range of 3595–12,489 cm−1. The optimal model was selected by evaluating the coefficients of determination in the prediction set (R2P), root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP), and RPD values. The results suggest that the proposed model for Df, obtained through GA-PLSR using the first derivative (D1), and Si, achieved through full-PLSR with MSC, both in ground biomass, is usable for most applications, including research. The model yielded, respectively, an R2P, RMSEP, and RPD, which are 0.8426, 0.4968 wt.% min⁻4, and 2.5; and 0.8808, 0.1566 wt.%2 min⁻2 °C⁻3, and 3.1. The remaining models (Di in chip and ground, Df, and Si in chip, and Ci in chip and ground biomass) are primarily applicable only for rough screening purposes. However, including more representative samples and exploring a more suitable machine learning algorithm are essential for updating the model to achieve a better nondestructive assessment of biomass combustion behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the non-destructive analysis of proximate parameters (moisture content, MC; volatile matter, VM; fixed carbon, FC; ash content) in various chipped and ground biomass using a combination of destructive thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and non-destructive near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with partial least squares regression (PLSR). The thermogravimetric method determines proximate analysis data through TG and DTG curves, tracking biomass mass loss over time or temperature. NIRS scans chipped biomass in diffuse reflectance, and ground biomass in transflectance mode, covering the wavenumber range from 3595 to 12,489 cm−1. PLSR-based models (Full-PLSR, GA-PLSR, SPA-PLSR, MP PLSR 5-range method, and MP PLSR 3-range method) are developed and evaluated based on R2P, RMSEP, and RPD. MC and FC models for chip biomass exhibit satisfactory performance, making them cautiously applicable in various applications, including research. Optimal models for MC and FC in chip biomass, constructed using GA-PLSR with the second derivative and Full-PLSR with a constant offset, yield high R2P values (0.8654 and 0.8773), low RMSEP values (0.85% and 2.12%), and high RPD values (2.9 and 3.0), indicating applicative capabilities. Other parameters such as MC and FC in ground biomass, as well as VM and ash content in both chip and ground biomass, are found suitable for rough screening. Model sensitivity, assessed by calculating LOQ, indicates high sensitivity for VM in both chip and ground biomass and FC in chip biomass, as the calculated LOQ value is lower than the minimum reference values used during model development. However, for the remaining parameters, LOQ values surpass the established minimum reference value, suggesting limitations in predicting samples below the calibration range. Continuous model enhancement incorporating an ample number of representative biomass samples and consistent validation with unknown samples are imperative for ensuring accurate predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ultimate analysis parameters, including carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), and oxygen (O) content in biomass, were rarely found to be predicted by non-destructive tests to date. In this research, we developed partial least squares regression (PLSR) models to predict the ultimate analysis parameters of chip biomass using near-infrared (NIR) raw spectra of non-wood and wood samples from fast-growing tree and agricultural residue and nine different traditional spectral preprocessing techniques. These techniques include first derivative (sd1), second derivative (sd2), constant offset, standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), vector normalization, min-max normalization, mean centering, sd1 + vector normalization, and sd1 + MSC. Additionally, we employed a genetic algorithm (GA), successive projection algorithm (SPA), multi-preprocessing (MP) 5-range, and MP 3-range to develop a PLSR model for rapid prediction. A dataset consisting of 120 chip biomass samples was utilized for model development in which the samples were non-wood samples of 65–67% and wood samples of 33–35%, and the model performance was evaluated and compared. The selection of the optimum performing model was mainly based on criteria such as the coefficient of determination in the prediction set (R2P), root mean square error of the prediction set (RMSEP), and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD). The optimal model for weight percentage (wt.%) of C was obtained using GA–PLSR, yielding R2P, RMSEP, and RPD values of 0.6954, 1.1252 wt.%, and 1.8, respectively. Similarly, for wt.% of O, the most effective model was obtained using the multi-preprocessing PLSR–5 range method with R2P of 0.7150, RMSEP of 1.3088 wt.%, and RPD of 1.9. For wt.% of N, the optimal model was obtained using the MP PLSR-3 range method, resulting in R2P, RMSEP, and RPD values of 0.6073, 0.1008 wt.%, and 1.6, respectively. However, wt.% of the H model provided R2P, RMSEP, and RPD values of 0.5162, 0.2322 wt.%, and 1.5, respectively. Notably, the limit of quantification (LOQ) values for C, H, and O were lower than the minimum reference values used during model development, indicating a high level of sensitivity. However, the LOQ for N exceeded the minimum reference value, implying the samples to be predicted by the model must be in the range of reference range in the calibration set. By scatter plot analysis, the effect of combined non-wood and wood spectra of biomass chips on rapid prediction of ultimate analysis parameters using NIR spectroscopy was investigated. To include different species in a model, the species have to be not only in the different values of the constituents to make a wider range for a robust model, but also must provide their trend line characteristics in the scatter plot, i.e., correlation coefficient (R), slope, and intercept (same slope and slope approached to 1, and intercept is same (no gap) and approached zero, high R approached to 1). The effect of the R, slope, and intercept to obtain the better-optimized model was studied. The results show that the different species affected the model performance of each parameter prediction in a different manner, and by scatter plot analysis, which of these species were affecting the model negatively and how the model could be improved was indicated. This is the first time the effect has been studied by the principle of a scatter plot. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classification of the crosslink density level of para rubber medical gloves by using near-infrared spectral data combined with machine learning is the first time reported in this paper. The spectra of medical glove samples with different crosslink densities acquired by an ultra-compact portable MicroNIR spectrometer were correlated with their crosslink density levels, which were referencely evaluated by the toluene swell index (TSI). The machine learning protocols used to classify the 3 groups of TSI were specified as less than 80% TSI, 80–88% TSI, and more than 88% TSI. The 80–88% TSI group was the group in which the compounded latex was suitable for medical glove production, which made the glove specification comply with the requirements of customers as indicated by the tensile test. The results show that when comparing the algorithms used for modeling, the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) developed by 2nd derivative spectra with 15 k-best selected wavelengths fairly accurately predicted the class but was most reliable among other algorithms, i.e., artificial neural networks (ANN), support vector machines (SVM), and k-nearest neighbors (kNN), due to higher prediction accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score of the same value of 0.76 and no overfitting or underfitting prediction. This developed model can be implemented in the glove factory for screening purposes in the production line. However, deep learning modeling should be explored with a larger sample number required for better model performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate non-destructive assessment of biomass energy properties is essential for optimizing its use as an alternative fuel. In this study, 200 biomass samples were used to determine higher heating value (HHV) and 120 biomass samples for analyzing ultimate analysis parameters using near-infrared spectroscopy within the full wavenumber range of 12489.48 - 3594.87 cm-1. The samples were grounded, and five different types of partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed using traditional preprocessing, multi-preprocessing (MP) with 5 range, MP with 3 range, genetic algorithm, and successive projection algorithm. Limit of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) were calculated using the best-performing model among five different PLSR models for HHV in kJ/kg, as well as the weight percentage (wt.%) of carbon (C), oxygen (O), hydrogen (H), and nitrogen (N). The LOD and LOQ for HHV were calculated as 622.42 kJ/kg and 1886.13 kJ/kg, respectively. Additionally, LOD and LOQ for ultimate analysis parameters, including C, O, H, and N were calculated as: 3.24 weight percentage (wt.%) and 9.81 wt.% for C, 2.04 wt.% and 6.18 wt.% for O, 0.35 wt.% and 1.05 wt.% for H, and 0.22 wt.% and 0.68 wt.% for N. The LOD and LOQ values for HHV, C, O, and H were lower than the minimum reference values used for model development, demonstrating the models' high sensitivity and potential to reliably detect and precisely quantify these parameters. However, the LOD and LOQ values exceeded the minimum reference value used during model development for the N, indicating that the selected models have certain limitations in assessing the N content in biomass. The sample range should be expanded for wt.% of N to enhance the model's performance, surpassing the LOD and LOQ values. This will improve the overall sensitivity of the model for reliable detection and quantification of N content in biomass samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to classify the geographical origin of durians (cv. Monthong) based on geographical identification (GI) and regions (R) using near infrared (NIR). The samples were scanned with an FT-NIR spectrometer (12,500 to 4000 cm−1). The NIR absorbance differences among samples that were collected from different parts of the fruit, including intact peel with thorns (I-form), cut-thorn peel (C-form), stem (S-form), and the applied synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE), were also investigated. Models were developed across several classification algorithms by the classification learner app in MATLAB. The models were optimized using a featured wavenumber selected by a genetic algorithm (GA). An effective model based on GI was developed using SMOTE-I-spectra with a neural network; accuracy was provided as 95.60% and 95.00% in cross-validation and training sets. The test model was provided with a testing set value of %accuracy, and 94.70% by the testing set was obtained. Likewise, the model based on the regions was developed from SMOTE-ICS-form spectra, with the ensemble classifier showing the best result. The best result, 88.00FF% accuracy by cross validation, 86.50% by training set, and 64.90% by testing set, indicates the classification model of East (E-region), Northeast (NE-region), and South (S-region) regions could be applied for rough screening. In summary, NIR spectroscopy could be used as a rapid and nondestructive method for the accurate GI classification of durians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were developed using no preprocessing, traditional preprocessing, multi-preprocessing 5-range, multi-preprocessing 3-range, a genetic algorithm (GA), and a successive projection algorithm (SPA) to assess the higher heating value (HHV) and ultimate analysis of grounded biomass for energy usage by employing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. A novel approach was utilized based on the assumption that using multiple pretreatment methods across different sections in the entire NIR wavenumber range would enhance the performance of the model. The performance of the model obtained from 200 biomass samples for HHV and 120 samples for ultimate analysis were compared, and the best model was selected based on the coefficient of determination of the validation set, root mean square error of prediction, and the ratio of prediction to deviation values. Based on the model performance results, the proposed HHV model from GA-PLSR and the N models from the multi-preprocessing PLSR 5-range could be used for most applications, including research, whereas the C and H models from GA-PLSR and the O model from the multi-preprocessing PLSR 5 range method 5-range air performance and are applicable only for rough screening. The overall findings highlight that the multi-preprocessing 5-range method, which was attempted as a novel approach in this study to develop the PLSR model, demonstrated better accuracy for HHV, C, N, and O, improving these models by 4.1839%, 8.1842%, 3.7587%, and 4.0085%, respectively. Therefore, this method can be considered a reliable and non-destructive alternative method for rapidly assessing biomass properties for energy usage and can also be used effectively in biomass trading. However, due to the smaller number of samples used in the model development, more samples are needed to update the model for robust application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the performance of multivariate classification algorithms, specifically Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) and machine learning algorithms, in the classification of Monthong durian pulp based on its dry matter content (DMC) and soluble solid content (SSC), using the inline acquisition of near-infrared (NIR) spectra. A total of 415 durian pulp samples were collected and analyzed. Raw spectra were preprocessed using five different combinations of spectral preprocessing techniques: Moving Average with Standard Normal Variate (MA+SNV), Savitzky–Golay Smoothing with Standard Normal Variate (SG+SNV), Mean Normalization (SG+MN), Baseline Correction (SG+BC), and Multiplicative Scatter Correction (SG+MSC). The results revealed that the SG+SNV preprocessing technique produced the best performance with both the PLS-DA and machine learning algorithms. The optimized wide neural network algorithm of machine learning achieved the highest overall classification accuracy of 85.3%, outperforming the PLS-DA model, with overall classification accuracy of 81.4%. Additionally, evaluation metrics such as recall, precision, specificity, F1-score, AUC ROC, and kappa were calculated and compared between the two models. The findings of this study demonstrate the potential of machine learning algorithms to provide similar or better performance compared to PLS-DA in classifying Monthong durian pulp based on DMC and SSC using NIR spectroscopy, and they can be applied in the quality control and management of durian pulp production and storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research proposes an artificial neural network (ANN)-based repair and maintenance (R&M) cost estimation model for agricultural machinery. The proposed ANN model can achieve high estimation accuracy with small data requirement. In the study, the proposed ANN model is implemented to estimate the R&M costs using a sample of locally-made rice combine harvesters. The model inputs are geographical regions, harvest area, and curve fitting coefficients related to historical cost data; and the ANN output is the estimated R&M cost. Multilayer feed-forward is adopted as the processing algorithm and LevenbergMarquardt backpropagation learning as the training algorithm. The R&M costs are estimated using the ANN-based model, and results are compared with those of conventional mathematical estimation model. The results reveal that the percentage error between the conventional and ANN-based estimation models is below 1%, indicating the proposed ANN model’s high predictive accuracy. The proposed ANN-based model is useful for setting the service rates of agricultural machinery, given the significance of R&M cost in profitability. The novelty of this research lies in the use of curve-fitting coefficients in the ANNbased estimation model to improve estimation accuracy. Besides, the proposed ANN model could be further developed into web-based applications using a programming language to enable ease of use and greater user accessibility. Moreover, with minor modifications, the ANN estimation model is also applicable to other geographical areas and tractors or combine harvesters of different countries of origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The higher heating value (HHV) plays a significant role in determining of the energy potential of biomass. The method to receive this value using a bomb calorimeter takes a long time approximately of 15 minutes. The implementation of near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) technique by generating a prediction model can be replaced the former method in order to reduce time into 2 minutes. Therefore, the precision of both techniques have to be concerned in order to get the reliable values. The repeatability and reproducibility processes were carried out to evaluate the precision of both methods. It was found that the percentage difference of standard deviation (SD) from the mean of repeatability for the NIR was less than 5 % and for reproducibility was slightly over 5 % (but not over than 10%). The SD of repeatability and reproducibility of the bomb calorimeter were 54.6 J/g (0.3 % difference of average HHV value) and 81.3 J/g (0.5 % difference of average HHV value) respectively. The average HHV from the bomb calorimeter was 18,166.77±236.29 J/g. Both techniques showed very low percentage difference of the SD from the mean that revealed very high reliability and precision of measurements.

The maize cob biomass is one of important biomass crops in Thailand. Nowadays, the use of the biomass as renewable resource is increasing, especially residue agriculture waste. As we know that the biomass properties impact combustion, in order to achieve boiler efficiency, its energy characteristics of biomass was required immediately before burning. This work uses the FT-near infrared spectroscopy to estimate gross calorific value (GCV) of maize cob as the rapid method. Each sample was scanned using diffuse reflectance mode at a wavenumber range between 12500-3600 cm-1. The scanning was done with a resolution of 8 cm-1 and completed 32 scans per sample, then averaged to be one spectrum. The results showed that this technique could decrease a processing time to 1-2 minutes per sample to determine GCV whereas alternatively the current method used a processing time of 25-30 minutes per sample. The capacity of the model gave root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) of 91.1 Jg-1, which was low. Hence, the model was acceptable and cloud be used for screening.

The aim of this study was to use the near infrared spectroscopy for predicting the gross calorific value (GCV) and ash content (AC) of recycled sawdust from mushroom cultivation. The wavenumber was in range of 12500-4000 cm-1 with the diffuse reflection mode was used. The NIR models was established using partial least square regression (PLSR) and was validated via using full cross validation. GCV model provided the coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV), ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD), and bias of 0.90, 445 J/g, 3.19 and 4 J/g, respectively. The AC model gave the R2, RMSECV, RPD and bias of 0.83, 1.7000 %wt, 2.44 and 0.0059 %wt, respectively. For prediction of unknow samples, GCV model provided the standard error of prediction (SEP) and bias of 670 J/g and -654 J/g, respectively. The AC model gave the SEP and bias of 1.84 %wt and 0.912 %wt, respectively. The result represented that the GCV and AC model probably used as the rapid method and non-destructive method.

The use of an unmanned aerial system (UAS) equipped with multispectral cameras is a potential approach to acquire canopy reflectance to make various correlations with desired crop parameters. However, the acquired reflectance data are mixed with unwanted data, such as reflectance from soil, which significantly affects some commonly used vegetation indices, such as the NDVI. This study compares the performance of three methods for detecting the canopy area of 3-month-old sugarcane crops. These methods extract the canopy areas using 5 NDVI thresholds (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 0.6), a principal component analysis (PCA) threshold, and a digital surface model (DSM) threshold. The performance assessment will deliberately consider the quality percentage (QP) of each method to correctly detect the canopy area of short sugarcane crops in 10 selected images. The results show that filtration by the PCA threshold method provides the best result with a QP of 65.89-78.72%. The NDVI threshold method at levels of 0.3 and 0.4 follow with QPs of 58.42-68.81% and 40.80-70.81%, respectively, and the lowest accuracy is obtained by the DSM threshold method, which has QPs of 14.80-30.78%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to propose an online system based on multispectral images for the real-time estimation of the moisture content (MC) of sugarcane bagasse. The system consisted of a conveyor belt, four halogen bulbs, and a multispectral camera. The MC models were developed using machine learning algorithms, i.e., multiple linear regression (MLR), principal component regression (PCR), artificial neural network (ANN), PCA-ANN, Gaussian process regression (GPR), PCA-GPR, random forest regression (RFR), and PCA-GPR. The models were developed using 150 samples (calibration set) meanwhile the remaining 50 samples were applied as a validation set. The comparison of all developed models showed that the PCA-RFR model achieved better detection with a higher accuracy of MC prediction. The PCA-RFR model showed the best results which were a coefficient of determination of prediction (r2) of 0.72, root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 11.82 wt%, and a ratio of the standard error of prediction to standard deviation (RPD) of 1.85. The results show that this technique was very useful for MC rapid screening of the sugarcane bagasse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]