Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Harki Himawan Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Author-Name: Muhammad Dzakky Alghifari Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Author-Name: Rut Juniar Nainggolan Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Author-Name: Mochamad Bagus Hermanto Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Author-Name: Nazmi Mat Nawi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia Author-Name: Ken Abamba Omwange Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA, USA Author-Name: Dimas Firmanda Al Riza Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya, Malang, Indonesia Title: Comparative study of portable Vis-NIR spectrometers for corn moisture content prediction using machine learning Abstract: The non-destructive estimation of the corn kernel moisture content is essential for determining the optimal harvest period. Although various spectrometer sensors are currently available, their predictive performance differs due to variations in the spectral resolution and wavelength coverage. This study compared the performance of several portable spectrometer sensors with different wavelength ranges for predicting the corn moisture content. Spectral data and reference moisture content were used to develop the prediction models using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and an artificial neural network (ANN). Based on the PLSR modelling, the AS7265X and C12880MA sensors produced the best performance, with coefficients of determination (R2) for training and testing reaching up to 0.90. Furthermore, the ANN modelling yielded improved predictive accuracy, with the highest R2 value of 0.95 obtained using the same sensor combination. These results demonstrate that portable spectrometers show strong potential for the non-destructive field-based prediction of the corn moisture content and can serve as a reliable indicator for determining the optimal harvest timing. Keywords: chemometrics, grain quality, non-destructive, optical sensors, spectroscopy Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 132-141 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/88/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/88/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:88-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Randy Amuaku Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana Author-Name: Eric Amoah Asante Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Author-Name: Emmanuel Y.H Bobobee Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana Author-Name: Jerry Oppong Adutwum Author-Workplace-Name: Wood Physics and Drying Laboratory, CSIR-Forestry Research Institute, Kumasi, Ghana Author-Name: Godwin Amanor Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana Title: Effect of maturity and the colour parameters on the cocoa opening force using the existing mechanical system Abstract: The study assessed the mechanical and colorimetric properties of cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) pods at various maturity stages to improve the mechanised pod-opening efficiency. Thirty pods, each replicated three times, underwent compressive loading and colour analysis using the CIE Lab* colour space to correlate the colour attributes with mechanical resistance. The pod maturity significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the opening force and compressive strength: unripe pods required the highest mean force (1 222 N) and strength (0.316 N.mm-2), while aged pods needed only 346 N and 0.094 N.mm-2. The longitudinal orientation yielded higher and more consistent force  response than the transverse orientation, with the ANOVA confirming significant differences (P < 0.05). The colour parameters, especially yellowness (b*) and hue angle (H°), were strongly and negatively correlated with the mechanical properties (r ≥ -0.99, P ≤ 0.05), making them reliable non-destructive indicators of maturity. The Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) models validated the predictive power of the combined colour and mechanical data, with the longitudinal orientation producing the highest model accuracy across all the maturity levels. Combining the colour-based maturity assessment with mechanical testing provides a robust framework for designing automated, maturity-sensitive cocoa pod-opening systems that optimise the efficiency and reduce bean damage during post-harvest handling. The research approach provided an outstanding quantitative assessment. Keywords: colour space analysis, compressive strength, orientation effects, postharvest mechanisation, ripeness indicators Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 142-153 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/149/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/149/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:149-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Wan Khaima Azira Wan mat khalir Author-Workplace-Name: East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Design, Innovative and Technology, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia Author-Name: Azimah Ismail Author-Workplace-Name: East Coast Environmental Research Institute, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Design, Innovative and Technology, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia Author-Name: Nur Maizatul Akma Abdul Aziz Author-Workplace-Name: Faculty of Design, Innovative and Technology, Sultan Zainal Abidin University (UniSZA), Gong Badak Campus, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia Title: The Auto Sprinkler Rover: An innovative fertiliser applicator for sustainable agriculture Abstract: Fertilisers are essential to agriculture since they provide crucial nutrients that stimulate crop growth, increase the yield and improve the yield quality. However, this practice requires the use of manual labour, which consumes energy and time as well as limits the effectiveness of fertilisation methods and is environmentally harmful. These factors have led to the development of an innovative product based on the Internet of Things (IoT) called the Auto Sprinkler Rover, which is a remote-controlled machine that operates automatically. It contains a 12 L water barrel that serves as a storage tank for a liquid fertiliser. This study designed a liquid sensor and light emitting diode to alert th-e user to the amount of liquid in the tank. The water pump facilitates the smooth spraying of liquid fertiliser from the pipe's nozzle. The Auto Sprinkler Rover differs from conventional methods because it integrates real-time monitoring via Wi-Fi, an automatic liquid level sensor as well as an automatic spraying system and an ergonomic design that is manually operated. The Auto Sprinkler Rover was designed to be a cutting-edge technology that benefits sustainable crop cultivation for households, communities and the global agriculture industry. Keywords: conceptual design, ergonomic, Finite Element Analysis, IOT technology, SolidWorks software Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 95-108 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/165/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/165/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:165-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Kanya Kosum Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand Title: Harvester service life impact on sugarcane field losses and product contamination Abstract: Mechanical sugarcane harvesting generates substantial material losses that are associated with the equipment age. This study evaluated the relationship between the harvester service life and the operational efficiency by analysing field losses and product contamination across machines with varying operational histories (1, 14, 16, and 17 years) in Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand, using a randomised complete block design. The results indicate that the 17-year-old machines exhibited 54% higher total losses (241.93 kg.ha-1) compared to the newer equipment (156.90 kg.ha-1). The field losses were attributed primarily to base cutting operations (36%) and roller mechanisms (34%), collectively accounting for 70% of the total losses. The contamination analysis revealed sugarcane tops as the predominant impurity source (57% The revenue loss analysis indicates excessive field losses from ageing equipment reducing the farm profitability by 12-18%. The non-linear relationship between the equipment age and performance demonstrates that maintenance practices significantly influence degradation patterns, providing critical insights for optimising mechanical harvesting systems. Keywords: agricultural machinery, harvesting efficiency, equipment maintenance, sugarcane, mechanical degradation, revenue losses Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 109-120 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/168/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/168/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:168-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Arina Fatharani Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Name: Yuwana Yuwana Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Name: Faulina Maissy Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia Author-Name: Firmansyah Firmansyah Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Name: Hilda Maya Sintia Dewi Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia Author-Name: Ulfah Anis Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Author-Name: Fitri Yuwita Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Bengkulu, Bengkulu, Indonesia Title: Thin-layer drying kinetics and quality assessment of octopus (Octopus sp.) using mixed and open solar dryers Abstract: Octopus (Octopus sp.) is highly perishable marine species for which efficient drying is essential to extend shelf life in tropical climates. The anatomical heterogeneity of the octopus complicates consistent drying. This study systematically evaluated the performance of a mixed solar dryer (MSD) and open solar drying (OSD) across distinct anatomical regions (head, mantle, and tentacles), with emphasis on drying kinetics and quality attributes. Five thin-layer models were applied to characterize moisture reduction, and product quality was assessed by measuring browning, protein, fat, and ash content. The MSD achieved a 20% higher temperature and 29% lower humidity, resulting in a 74% increase in drying rate relative to OSD. The Hasibuan and Daud model exhibited the highest predictive accuracy (coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.9965; root mean square error (RMSE) = 0.0168; sum of squared errors (SSE) = 0.0058). Significant interaction effects between anatomical region and drying method were observed for browning and ash content (P < 0.05), whereas protein and fat content were primarily influenced by anatomical characteristics. Overall, the MSD produced products with reduced browning and enhanced nutrient retention. These results support the implementation of MSD technology by small-scale processors to improve both drying efficiency and product quality in octopus preservation. Keywords: anatomical variation, mixed-mode solar dryer, quality parameters, thin-layer modelling, cephalopod, tropical processing Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 81-94 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/199/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/199/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:199-2025-RAE Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Tran Huu Duy Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Nguyen Doan Kim Dang Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Dang Nguyen Gia Han Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Pham Tran Thanh Vy Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Tran Ngoc Giau Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Hong Van Hao Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Nguyen Minh Thuy Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Food and Biotechnology, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Vo Quang Minh Author-Workplace-Name: College of Environment and Natural Resources, Can Tho University, Can Tho city, Vietnam Author-Name: Ngo Van Tai Author-Workplace-Name: School of Food Industry, King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang, Bangkok, Thailand Title: Investigation of the drying kinetics of a residual nut mixture using mathematical models and artificialneural networks Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential for the sustainable reuse and the value of the residual nut mixture (RNM) by-products (cashew nut, peanut, and soybean) after extraction. To investigate the drying kinetics, the RNM was dried at various temperatures (50 to 80 °C). The Balbay and Şahin model, which had a high coefficient of determination (R2) of 99.62-99.96%, a low root mean square error of 0.007-0.021, and χ2 of 0.001-0.005, was the one that best fit the experimental data out of the eight mathematical models that were used. Artificial neural networks showed higher and faster prediction capacity than the mathematical models. The effective moisture diffusion coefficient (Deff) increased gradually with the temperature, with an activation energy (Ea) of 13.67 kJ∙mol-1. The RNM powder produced by the optimal drying process (60 °C for 3.75 h) has a bright colour, high polyphenol content (2.68 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)∙g-1) and antioxidant activity, low moisture content (4.9%) and relatively high nutritional value, especially protein (27.27%), lipid (40.19%), and fibre (4.2%). Under these conditions, not only is efficient drying and preservation achieved, but the quality of the by-product powder is also maintained. Keywords: nuts by-products, drying temperatures, moisture diffusion, activation energy, statistical metrics Journal: Research in Agricultural Engineering Pages: 121-131 Volume: 72 Issue: 2 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/218/2025-RAE File-URL: http://rae.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/218/2025-RAE.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/rae-202602-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlrae:v:72:y:2026:i:2:id:218-2025-RAE