Fractional calculus to control transport phenomena in food engineering: A systematic review of barriers and data agenda

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a systematic review of the literature through bibliometrics and content analysis to raise barriers, data agenda, and a framework to support academics and practitioners of fractional calculus in transport phenomena from the perspectives of food engineering. The structure of the methodological procedure is a selection of studies in the research area, statistical analysis of the data, and content analysis. The Bibliometrix package of software R was used in the bibliometric analysis, being fundamental for the organization of the discussions. Finally, the food engineering area researchers can use the questions, barriers, and research agenda in fractional calculus to solve problems in the studied clusters' processes. Based on the previous knowledge of the researcher, a path was provided to follow the data agenda and the proposed framework, identify insights, and solve a specific problem. As the main contribution, this study presents several applications and the most significant barriers and presents bibliometrics quantifying the theoretical and empirical studies in the area. Nonetheless, this study places the research field of fractional calculus for Food Engineering, Science, and Technology, presenting several applications and the most significant barriers quantifying the theoretical and empirical studies in the area. As a practical contribution, this study presents a research agenda and a framework that can contribute to practitioners applying fractional calculus in process control.

Mathematical modelling of wheat drying by fractional order and assessment of transport properties

“…Additionally, fractional calculus models can be used to optimize the drying process, leading to improved efficiency and control of the drying process. [11][12][13] Despite the potential benefits of fractional calculus in drying technology, it is not widely used because it is a relatively new field of research, and there is still limited knowledge and understanding of its applications. Additionally, the use of fractional calculus models in drying technology requires specialized knowledge and expertise in both drying technology and fractional calculus, which may be a barrier to its widespread adoption.…”

“…Additionally, the use of fractional calculus models in drying technology requires specialized knowledge and expertise in both drying technology and fractional calculus, which may be a barrier to its widespread adoption. [11][12][13] Moreover, there are still some technical challenges associated with the use of fractional calculus models in drying technology, such as the difficulty in obtaining accurate parameters for the models and the computational complexity of solving the models. These challenges require further research and development to overcome.…”

“…These challenges require further research and development to overcome. [11][12][13] For drying process modelling, some factors must be considered, such as the drying conditions and the parameters of the model that will be considered for simulation. The parameters that may influence the drying rates are the temperature and humidity of the drying air, the thickness of the material, and its initial moisture content.…”

“…Additionally, fractional calculus models can be used to optimize the drying process, leading to improved efficiency and control of the drying process. [ 11–13 ]…”

“…Additionally, the use of fractional calculus models in drying technology requires specialized knowledge and expertise in both drying technology and fractional calculus, which may be a barrier to its widespread adoption. [ 11–13 ]…”