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Investigation of Solid and Liquid State Milk Protein-Carbohydrate Interactions in Tea Blends
No full textThe development of stable and functional milk-tea powders presents a complex formulation challenge, primarily due to the component interactions among milk proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and polyphenolic compounds. These interactions depend heavily on the formulation and are highly sensitive to processing steps such as pasteurisation, concentration, drying, and storage. Each stage can disrupt the structural stability of the systems and reduce its functional performance. As a result, conventional milk-tea products often experience poor phenolic retention and powder instability, which shorten the shelf life and lower antioxidant capacity. To address these limitations, this research systematically investigated how varying the lactose-to-maltodextrin (L:M) and casein-to-whey (C:W) protein ratios, along with tea infusion concentration, influenced the physicochemical and structural behaviours of fat-filled (FM-T) and skim (SM-T) milk-tea systems across liquid, concentrated, and powder states. The primary goal was to optimise compositional balance and reveal the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for stabilisation, with the ultimate aim of developing shelf-stable milk-tea powders with enhanced functional quality.
The study first examined the effect of L:M variation on the physicochemical and structural properties of FM-T and SM-T during pasteurisation and concentration (Chapter 3). Optimal L:M ratios (90:10 and 75:25 for FM-T; 90:10 and 80:20 for SM-T) were selected based on their capacity to enhance total phenolic content (TPC), reduce particle size, improve zeta potential, and control lactose crystallisation. In FM-T, these formulations achieved up to 160 % improvement in TPC, attributed to the formation of protective fat-carbohydrate-polyphenol matrices and stable electrostatic environments. Although SM-T demonstrated improved dispersion stability and structural properties at similar L:M ratios, phenolic retention remained comparatively lower due to the absence of fat, which otherwise provides a hydrophobic microenvironment essential for polyphenol entrapment. These findings indicated that while maltodextrin contributes to improved matrix characteristics, the synergistic presence of fat is critical for optimal phenolic protection.
To support the matrix and protein-polyphenol complexation, the formulations were further optimised by adjusting the C:W ratio (Chapter 4). The inclusion of whey protein (up to 30 %) significantly enhanced the surface charge and TPC retention, particularly in SM-T, where whey balanced for the lack of fat by forming disulfide-stabilised and hydrogen-bonded polyphenol complexes. In FM-T, the synergy among fat, maltodextrin, and whey protein promoted a denser protein–polyphenol network, further stabilised by β-sheet structures as revealed by FTIR and SDS-PAGE. Native PAGE also confirmed increased protein aggregation in FM-T, supporting the hypothesis that optimising L:M and C:W ratios can be used to modulate protein interactions and enhance phenolic retention under heat stress.
Building upon these optimised L:M and C:W combinations, tea concentration was increased from 1 % to 5 % to evaluate the modifications of the systems under elevated polyphenol load (Chapter 5). Both FM-T and SM-T exhibited tea concentration-dependent increases in zeta potential after pasteurisation, attributed to hydrogen bonding and proton release from polyphenols. However, following concentration, a decline in zeta potential was observed, particularly in SM-T, due to polyphenol oversaturation leading to excessive protein-polyphenol aggregation. FM-T benefited from fat-mediated hydrophobic interactions that preserved secondary structure and limited disulfide bonding, while SM-T showed increased aggregation, disulfide cross-linking, and larger particle sizes, especially in high-casein systems. Volatile analysis further indicated that FM-T retained a more complex aroma profile dominated by lipid oxidation and Maillard products, while SM-T exhibited a simpler aldehyde- and alcohol-based profile. These results emphasised that while tea enrichment can enhance antioxidant capacity, it also introduces destabilisation risks, especially in fat-free systems lacking adequate protein-polyphenol protecting mechanisms.
Chapter 6 focused on spray-dried powders and their performance during storage under varying relative humidity (RH) and temperatures. Distinct stabilisation mechanisms emerged depending on composition. In FM-T, fat-driven lipid migration during spray drying contributed to surface oxidation but improved dispersibility and hydrophobic barrier formation. Increasing maltodextrin (75:25 L:M) enhanced carbohydrate–lipid interactions and steric hindrance, stabilising the amorphous phase and increasing thermal resistance. However, fat still hindered strong protein–polyphenol cross-linking, which limited network rigidity. In SM-T, polyphenol–protein interactions dominated. A 90:10 L:M and 80:20 C:W formulation promoted disulfide-linked whey protein networks with high thermal stability but poor dispersibility. In contrast, SM-T with 80:20 L:M and 70:30 C:W formed highly rigid, protein–carbohydrate–polyphenol matrices with excellent oxidation resistance.
The final phase (Chapter 7) provided a molecular-level understanding of the mechanisms underlying the powder behaviour and stability across formulations with different L:M and C:W ratios. Using a comprehensive set of analytical techniques, key structural and functional differences between FM-T and SM-T were revealed. X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed that spray drying led to distinct surface compositions where FM-T powders exhibited fat-enriched surfaces due to lipid migration, while SM-T showed protein-enriched surfaces. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) identified differences in protein secondary structures and cross-linking patterns, with FM-T displaying more extensive lipid–protein–carbohydrate associations and SM-T showing stronger polyphenol–protein interactions. PAGE (native and SDS-PAGE) demonstrated that SM-T had higher disulfide-linked aggregation of β-Lg, BSA, and IgG, indicating enhanced protein–polyphenol binding in the absence of fat. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that SM-T had higher glass transition temperatures (Tg), attributed to its higher protein content and lower plasticizer load, while X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed that lactose remained largely amorphous. Finally, Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) showed that FM-T possessed looser micellar arrangements due to fat-induced disruptions, whereas SM-T maintained compact casein networks stabilized by calcium–phosphate interactions. Collectively, these findings illustrated that compositional differences govern the internal microstructure, interfacial behaviour, and thermal strength of milk-tea powders.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the structural and functional stability of milk-tea powders can be finely controlled through rational optimisation of L:M and C:W ratios. The synergistic effects of fat, maltodextrin, and whey proteins allowed for the design of modified matrices that withstand thermal and storage stresses while preserving antioxidant functionality. FM-T formulations offered superior dispersion, flavour complexity, and polyphenol protection under thermal stress, while SM-T achieved higher glass transition temperatures and microstructural stability through protein–polyphenol cross-linking. However, SM-T remained more vulnerable to phenolic overload, emphasizing the importance of balancing tea concentration and matrix design. This study provides a mechanistic framework for designing next-generation milk-tea powders with extended shelf life, improved rehydration behaviour, and optimised health-promoting attributes.</p
The Impact of Blockchain Technology on Hospital Supply Chains: A Case of Saudi Arabia
No full textRising demand in the healthcare sector has made it increasingly critical to enhance hospital system performance by ensuring high levels of security, privacy and quality. Implementing innovative technologies is one way to improve the quality of healthcare services. Blockchain technology is one such technology that offers several benefits, including immutability, security, and transparency, which can help address key challenges in the healthcare supply chain. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of blockchain technology use on the performance of hospital supply chains in Saudi Arabia.
Task–technology fit (TTF) theory was employed to construct a comprehensive conceptual framework for blockchain technology use and to assess its impact on hospital performance. A quantitative methodology was adopted to explore the relationships among key constructs and to confirm the validity of the proposed research model. Data were collected through surveys administered to 311 managers and information technology professionals employed in hospitals across Saudi Arabia.
Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the conceptual framework and test the proposed hypotheses. In addition, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) approach was employed to identify various configurations of blockchain utilisation. By uncovering alternative strategies for enhancing blockchain adoption in hospital supply chain systems, the fsQCA analysis complemented the findings derived from SEM.
From the SEM analysis, the hypothesis testing findings revealed that task characteristics, blockchain characteristics, individual characteristics and blockchain were significantly and positively associated with TTF in enhancing hospital performance. Further, TTF was found to have a positive influence on both blockchain utilisation and hospital performance.
The results from the fsQCA revealed that task characteristics, blockchain characteristics, individual characteristics and TTF are necessary conditions for enhancing hospital performance. Moreover, the fsQCA results for high outcomes indicated that a combination of task characteristics, blockchain characteristics, task–technology fit characteristics and blockchain utilisation contribute to enhanced hospital performance. Moreover, a configuration characterised by the absence of task and individual characteristics, combined with the presence of TTF and blockchain utilisation, also resulted in high hospital performance. A comparison of the SEM and fsQCA results regarding the impact of blockchain utilisation on hospital performance confirms that high hospital performance in Saudi Arabia depends on the configurational effects of multiple variables.
This study has significant theoretical, methodological and practical contributions in developing a model for the implementation of blockchain technology in hospital supply chains. The study’s contribution to the theory includes developing a robust framework to investigate the effect of blockchain technology on hospital supply chain systems and analysing its impact on hospital performance. Methodologically, this study is the first of its kind to use fsQCA combined with SEM to examine the impact of blockchain utilisation on hospital performance. From a practical perspective, the study findings are wide-ranging and diverse, given that the sample includes both public and private hospitals in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the study can guide managers to develop a step-by-step procedure for implementing blockchain technology to improve hospital supply chain performance. Moreover, this research findings can help managers and decision- makers to establish best practices for improving healthcare performance and developing a system for improving hospital performance through blockchain technology implementation to achieve a high level of privacy, safety and transparency in hospital systems. The model proposed in this study could be applied to developing countries similar to Saudi Arabia.
Although this study has certain limitations, they offer valuable opportunities for further research. The data were collected exclusively from Saudi Arabia, and the findings may differ in countries whose hospital systems differ. Moreover, this study relied on cross-sectional data rather than longitudinal data, which may not adequately capture the evolution of blockchain technology. Future research could evaluate the applicability of the proposed model in other developing countries that have similar contexts to Saudi Arabia, such as those in the Gulf Cooperation Council. A longitudinal approach could provide deeper insights into the evolution of blockchain technology. In addition, it is recommended to examine other factors that may influence the adoption and integration of blockchain technology to enhance understanding of its broader implications.
Keywords: blockchain technology, fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis, hospital supply chain, Saudi Arabia, task–technology fit theory</p
Harm in the name of safety: Victorian family violence workers’ experiences of family violence policing
No full textHarm in the Name of Safety is a damning research report into the harms enacted in the course of family violence policing, released today by the Beyond Survival Project, Flat Out and RMIT University.
The research documents evidence from 225 Victorian frontline workers about their experiences of police responses to family violence. It finds that harmful family violence policing practices are extremely frequent and widespread across the state, and that alternative community-based response pathways for victim-survivors are urgently needed.
The report details extensive examples of police minimising and dismissing family violence, engaging in racially targeted, sexist and discriminatory police practices, colluding with perpetrators in ways that extend violence and abuse, and misidentifying victim-survivors as perpetrators. It also shows that many workers have witnessed cases of police-perpetrated family violence as well as widespread institutional protection of, and collusion with, offices who are abusive.</p
Working abroad: Stressors and coping strategies of low-skilled migrant workers
No full textLow-skilled migrant workers make up a significant portion of the workforce in many countries, yet their well-being remains underexplored in mainstream human resource literature, particularly in relation to stress and coping mechanisms. This study examines how low-skilled migrant workers navigate stress while working and living overseas, identifying key stressors and coping strategies. Focussing on Bangladeshi male migrant workers in Malaysia, a country shaped by migration, the study responds to calls for a more inclusive perspective in human resource management research. Drawing on 44 semi-structured interviews, our findings indicate that low-skilled migrants predominantly rely on support-seeking strategies, particularly from family, peers, and faith. This is followed by problem-solving and accommodation strategies. Additionally, religion emerges to be a key personal resource in their coping efforts. These insights offer implications for human resource management practices and government policies aimed at enhancing the well-being of foreign semi-skilled and unskilled workers.</p
Feeling Moved: A Critical Meditation on Fashion as Embodied Sensory Knowledge
No full textThe fashion industry is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, driven by neoliberal consumption and production methods, which often leads to the exploitation of people and the planet. Western-centric paradigms function and thrive through a visual dominance framework that drives fast fashion and mass consumption. In response to these harsh realities, Moving Garments Meditations provides a counter-narrative emphasising emotional durability and sensory connection by using somaesthetics, humour and introspective practices, such as yoga and meditation as artistic practice research tools, to pause and critically reflect on these issues. This paper demonstrates how embodied practices can foster deeper personal connection with clothing and have the potential to inspire more sustainable and ethical consumption and production practices at individual, collective and industry levels. ‘Feeling Moved: A Critical Meditation on Fashion as Embodied Sensory Knowledge’ contributes to the discourse on fashion’s practices of care by highlighting the sensory, emotional and introspective dialogue between the fashion industry, our bodies and the natural and built environments that fashion readily exploits.</p
Enhancing water conservation behavior: the role of knowledge, attitude and environmental concerns
No full textPurpose Water resources are fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Households play a critical role in global water conservation efforts, directly supporting the attainment of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study expands the knowledge–attitude–behavior (KAB) model to explore how knowledge about water conservation, environmental concern and concern about water scarcity influence residents’ attitudes and their water-saving behavior. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected through an interviewer-administered survey of 503 respondents in Vietnam and analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Findings The findings reveal that concern about water scarcity significantly shapes attitude and water conservation behavior, whereas general environmental concern has no significant effect. Additionally, knowledge about water conservation positively influences attitude, which drives water-saving behavior. Moreover, the research results provide evidence for the mediating effect of attitude toward water conservation on the relationships between knowledge about water conservation and water conservation behavior, as well as between concern about water scarcity and water conservation behavior. Originality/value These results enrich the literature on pro-environmental behavior and water conservation, particularly in emerging markets, and offer practical insights for policymakers, environmental organizations, and utility companies to design targeted communication strategies and campaigns to encourage water conservation.</p
Cardioprotective Chinese herbs and antiretroviral drug metabolism: a systematic review of in vitro evidence
No full textIntroduction: There is considerable potential for using Chinese Herbal Medicine to manage inflammatory co-morbidities, including cardiovascular disease, in people with HIV. However, any use would require understanding herb–drug interactions with antiretroviral (ARV) drugs to ensure safety. We evaluate evidence for the effect of selected cardioprotective Chinese herbs on the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes that metabolise ARV drugs.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of six Chinese herbs commonly found in Chinese herbal formulas for treating cardiovascular conditions. We examined the effects of their extracts and reference bioactive molecules on CYP expression and enzymatic activity. The review focused on evidence from in vitro laboratory studies. The included herbs were Dan Shen, Huang Qi, Bai Zhu, Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, and Gan Cao. Study quality was assessed using the SciRAP 2.1 risk of bias tool, and results were grouped according to experimental methodology.Results: 426 articles were identified of which 24 met the inclusion criteria. Overall risk of bias was low. Dan Shen and Gan Cao were the most frequently studied herbs. The most common outcome reported was no significant effect on enzyme activity, occurring in 61% of assays for Dan Shen, 37% for Gan Cao, 47% for Dang Gui, and 67% for Huang Qi. Aqueous extracts, representing the most clinically relevant preparation, of Dan Shen had minimal impact on CYP activity, while those of Gan Cao indicated potential for enzyme inhibition. In contrast, aqueous extracts of the other herbs showed a tendency toward enzyme induction.Discussion: These findings suggest that there is great potential for use of Chinese herbal medicine in managing inflammatory co-morbidities in people with HIV, but that careful consideration of herb-ARV drug interaction is warranted. While Dan Shen appears relatively safe to use in individuals receiving ARV therapy, caution is warranted for other herbs. We highlight the importance of clinically relevant extraction methods in herb–drug interaction studies. Since individual herbs may have opposing effects on ARV drug metabolism, studies conducted using whole formulae are critical.</p
Whalefall
No full textBackground The rich history of acoustic ecology is being critiqued and extended by a variety of work in sound studies and practice. Sonic geographers and ethnographers are researching the complex multispecies relationships that exist through sound around the world, as Max Ritts (2024) demonstrates with his work on the North West Coast of Canada. This in turn supports inventive multispecies kin making as Donna Haraway (2016) has called for. Composers and artists are developing and articulating methods and frameworks for such kin making. For example, Petri Kuljuntausta (2021) in his method of ‘acoustic nichephony’ for music performance, and Jonathan Gilmurray’s (2021) articulation of ‘ecological sonic art’. Contribution Whalefall is an audio piece I created with Miyuki Jokiranta. It listens to the stories of leviathans, mythic and real, connecting the social, political, and ecological challenges humankind now faces globally with the place of whales, in both our world and imagination. The piece includes archival material, interviews, field recordings, modular synthesis, and other sound design, using techniques such as ‘sonic bridges’, blurring whale song into the sound of modern synthesizers to create vital and material multispecies relationships for listeners. Through this it contributes methodologies and methods for sonic art to foster ecological engagement. Significance Whalefall was commissioned and premiered by Elizabeth Zimmerman for Austrian broadcaster ORF 1’s Kunst zum Hören program. Zimmerman is a highly respected curator and producer of audio art and the program is a key publishing platform in the field. The piece was aired and published in the program’s podcast in February 2025. I have further presented the work in ambisonic surround sound as part of the Design and Sonic Practice research group’s Listening Practice series at RMIT and have been invited by Professor Chris Speed to restage the work as part of Regenerative Futures public programs in 2026.</p
Plant-Derived and ZnO-Based Coatings to Control Degradation and Bacterial Infection on Biomedical Mg Alloys
No full textMagnesium (Mg) and its alloys are gaining recognition as promising biomaterials for temporary biomedical implants due to their mechanical compatibility with bone, bioactivity, and biodegradability. Unlike conventional implant materials such as stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chromium alloys, Mg-based materials possess a modulus and density similar to cortical bone, reducing stress shielding effects and eliminating the need for secondary removal surgeries. Furthermore, Mg ions play essential roles in bone regeneration and enzymatic processes. However, despite these advantages, the rapid and uncontrolled degradation of Mg in physiological environments, coupled with the risk of implant-associated bacterial infections, remains a significant clinical limitation.The corrosion of Mg alloys in vivo leads to hydrogen gas evolution, elevated local pH, and loss of mechanical integrity, which can interfere with bone healing. Simultaneously, the colonisation of implant surfaces by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli results in biofilm formation, impairing osseointegration and increasing the risk of chronic infection. Although Mg corrosion by products (e.g., elevated pH) can exhibit antibacterial effects in vitro, their effectiveness in vivo is limited due to physiological buffering systems. Therefore, there is a pressing need for implant surface modifications that simultaneously regulate degradation rates and enhance antibacterial performance.Current antibacterial strategies often rely on coatings containing silver (Ag) or copper (Cu), which are effective but may cause cytotoxicity and long-term health risks. To overcome these drawbacks, this research explores a novel coating system combining biodegradable Mg-Zn alloys with plant-derived antibacterial agents. Zn is known to improve the corrosion resistance of Mg through passive film formation (ZnO), and it also enhances mechanical strength and provides antibacterial effects. Meanwhile, plant-based compounds offer a natural, eco-friendly, and non-toxic approach to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These phytochemicals also exhibit antioxidant and osteogenic properties, which are beneficial for tissue regeneration.The aim of this PhD research is to develop a multifunctional antibacterial coating for Mg-based implants to control degradation behavior and inhibit bacterial adhesion. The approach involves two primary components: (1) alloying Mg with Zn to improve corrosion resistance and mechanical properties, and (2) incorporating herbal plant extracts with proven antibacterial activity into the coating matrix. The selected plant extracts include those from Acalypha indica, Terminalia chebula, Terminalia arjuna and Hemidesmus indicus, all of which possess bioactive phytochemicals capable of disrupting biofilm formation and promoting biocompatibility.The coating strategy involves a two-step process: First, a primary Mg(OH)₂ layer is formed on the Mg to reduce corrosion kinetics. Second, ZnO and plant-derived antibacterial agents are integrated into the surface through eco-friendly synthesis routes. The coatings are evaluated in vitro for chemical composition, surface morphology, degradation behavior in simulated body fluids, antibacterial effectiveness against E. coli and S. aureus, and biocompatibility with human dermal fibroblast cells.Initial results demonstrate that the dual-layer coating effectively reduces Mg corrosion, maintains pH balance in the surrounding environment, and prevents early-stage bacterial adhesion. The antibacterial function is sustained over time through the controlled release of Zn²⁺ ions and plant-derived compounds. Importantly, the coatings do not exhibit cytotoxicity and allow for favorable cell adhesion and proliferation, indicating their potential for clinical use. Sequential surface modification of Mg—comprising an Mg(OH)₂ passivation layer followed by PVA nanofibres loaded with herbal NPs—produces a coating system capable of simultaneously addressing rapid degradation and infection risk while supporting cytocompatibility. Its multifunctional benefits arise from the synergistic effects of physical barrier protection, controlled release of bioactive phytochemicals and the structural features of the nanofibrous matrix. Among the tested plant agents, T. chebula emerged as the most effective, providing superior corrosion protection, antibacterial efficacy and cell viability enhancement.This thesis provides a foundation for future in vivo studies and presents a new paradigm in multifunctional coating design, where sustainable, non-toxic, and biologically active materials can be combined with biodegradable metals to solve long-standing issues in orthopaedic and biomedical implant technologies. The findings contribute to the ongoing development of next-generation implants that are simultaneously corrosion-resistant, antibacterial, and bone-regenerative.</p
50 Years of Research in Real Estate Brokerage: A Semi-Systematic Literature Review
No full textIntermediaries are central to complex transactions. In housing markets, real estate brokers coordinate information flows, reduce search costs, and guide lay buyers and sellers through legal and financial steps. Despite this importance, scholarship on brokerage is dispersed across disciplines and methods. This paper presents a semi-systematic review of peer-reviewed articles published between 1970 and 2021. We map (i) study characteristics (country of origin and field), (ii) the distribution of units of analysis (individual, firm/organization, market), and (iii) the most frequently examined topics. Our synthesis indicates steadily rising academic interest but a fragmented knowledge base. We conclude by highlighting gaps—especially the scarcity of cross-country comparisons and the relative lack of qualitative and mixed-method studies on brokers’ practices and experiences.</p