## 4 Framework Components
### Internet of Things (IoT)  
The Internet of Things or IoT is a network of low-power-consuming, small-farm-factored, low-processing-powered devices. A typical IoT system technology logically spreads across four or fewer layers. Figure 1 depicts the layers of a typical IoT system below. * Sensing Layer Every IoT system will invariably contain \"sensors\" or conduits that interact with the physical world. These sensors are pieces of hardware that capture characteristics of the environment like temperature, humidity, pressure, light, etc., in real time and can record the data continuously. Specialized sensors can capture the proximity (distance) of an object from it, acceleration, inclination, vibration, magnetic fields, etc. These sensors are not intelligent but need a controller that can read the data that is being generated to interpret them. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{p{14.2 pt} p{142.3 pt} p{142.3 pt}} \hline \hline \# & **Component** & **Purpose It Serves** \\ \hline
1 & IoT & Facilitates real-time data generation and automates the integration of data acquisition \\ \hline
2 & Blockchain & Addresses non-repudiation/traceability concerns \\ \hline
3 & Big Data & To aggregate and process the 4V data generated out of numerous data sources and support the 5 th V = value \\ \hline
4 & Artificial Intelligence & To add the value dimension to the 4V of big data, process the data in near-real time using “ML” algorithms, and make effective decisions swiftly \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: IBBA (IoT, blockchain, big data, and AI) components and purpose. Figure 1: Layers of IoT. Networking Layer  
While sensors capture data continuously, the attached controllers can store or process the data. However, the controllers are typically scarce in terms of processing power or storage; they need to communicate with more powerful processors to collect, collage, and aggregate the data for further processing. Sensors use multiple technologies/protocols like 5G, WLAN, LAN, etc., to communicate with the central controller or among themselves. * Processing Layer The processing layer in an IoT system contains the core functionality that can process the sensor-generated data further, for example, by applying ML/DL (machine learning/deep learning) algorithms, aggregating to a storage location on cloud service providers, etc. Typically, this layer is powered by SBCs (single-board computers) or personal computers/VMs (virtual machines) depending upon the need/requirements. This layer hosts the edge computing capabilities to aggregate the data from multiple IoT systems, apply ML/DL algorithms, interact with the blockchain, and upload the processed data to big data systems on the cloud. Some of the processing layer features can also be implemented on SBCs attached to the sensor as needed. * Interfacing Layer The interfacing layer provides an IoT system with either a graphical view using UI/UX (User Interface/User eXperience) components or APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or both, which general users or other components interact with. Also, this layer hosts the hardware-specific APIs/libraries required for the processing layer to interact with the sensors. Typically, the manufacturer provides the required libraries that are needed by the sensors and different OSs (Operating Systems). [PERSON] et al. [20] explored monitoring the food quality by measuring the external elements such as pH, temperature, humidity, etc., using IoT sensors. The sensor data are processed by applying machine learning algorithms to determine the food quality. [PERSON] et al. [21] leveraged IoT sensors to enhance vegetable preservation by predicting potential spoilage. [PERSON] et al. designed a mechanism [22] that uses GS1 standard tagging to identify and track the food products right from the field-deployed IoT devices and ensure traceability. indirectly supporting the process of ensuring food safety. The IoT systems generate real-time data across all phases of food processing using the sensors deployed on board.