Muscat: The innovative research project titled ‘Banana Fruit Bruise Detection Using Fractal Dimension-Based Image Processing’ has been recognized as one of the winning entries at the 11th National Research Award, organized by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
Dr. Mai Khalfan Salim Al Dairi, a Research Assistant at Sultan Qaboos University, received accolades in the Information and Communication Technologies category within the Young Researcher’s segment.
In discussing her research, Dr. Mai Al Dairi highlighted that bananas are prone to mechanical damage from bruising, which often results from improper handling and inadequate storage conditions.
The research team conducted a simulated drop impact test to assess the extent of mechanical damage through fractal dimension analysis, utilizing a machine vision system to evaluate bruise intensity and banana quality under varying impact energies and storage temperatures.
Dr. Mai Al Dairi explained that to assess the bruise area, they measured the fractal dimension, browning index, grayscale value, and total color difference 48 hours post-impact using image processing techniques. Additionally, traditional analyses of bruise area, size, and susceptibility were conducted. The study also examined how drop heights, ball weights, and storage temperatures influenced key quality parameters, including weight, firmness, color, sugar content, and acidity.
Dr. Mai Al Dairi noted that the findings demonstrated that fractal dimension analysis offers a high level of accuracy in characterizing banana bruises, paving the way for enhanced quality control during transportation and storage.
The research revealed a significant quality issue, indicating that storing damaged bananas at inappropriate temperatures exacerbates the problem, resulting in weight loss, decreased firmness, and notable alterations in sugar and acidity, ultimately diminishing the fruit's appeal to consumers.
In this study, Dr. Mai Al Dairi advocated for the adoption of advanced technologies, including fractal analysis, to accurately evaluate the extent of bruises and the severity of damage. She also emphasized the use of machine vision technologies to enhance banana quality control throughout the supply chain, along with selecting suitable storage temperatures to minimize damage and preserve both the nutritional and visual quality of bananas.
Dr. Al Dairi asserted that these initiatives play a crucial role in delivering superior products to consumers while also mitigating economic losses for farmers and traders.
This research was published in the journal Food Chemistry, which has an impact factor of 8.5. The research team included Dr. Mai Al Dairi, Dr. Pankaj B. Pathare, Prof. Rashid Abdullah Al Yahyai, Dr. Hemanatha Jayasuriya, and Dr. Zahir Humaid Al Attabi.
In response to her award, Dr. Mai Al Dairi remarked, “Receiving the National Research Award is a significant acknowledgment of my commitment to tackling real-world challenges through research. It represents not just a personal milestone but also highlights the contributions of myself and our Postharvest and Value Addition Research Team in advancing knowledge and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. This recognition further inspires me to continue my dedication to impactful research that benefits both local and global communities, encouraging others to strive for excellence in their respective fields.”
