Abstract: The possibility of measuring neutral-current coherent elastic neutrino nucleus scattering (CENNS) at the TEXONO experiment has opened high expectations towards probing exotic neutrino properties. Focusing on low threshold Germanium-based targets with kg-scale mass, we find a remarkable efficiency not only for detecting CENNS events due to the weak interaction, but also for probing novel electromagnetic neutrino interactions. Specifically, we demonstrate that such experiments are complementary in performing precision Standard Model tests as well as in shedding light on sub-leading effects due to neutrino magnetic moment and neutrino charge radius. This work employs realistic nuclear structure calculations based on the quasi-particle random phase approximation (QRPA) and takes into consideration the crucial quenching effect corrections. Such a treatment, in conjunction with a simple statistical analysis, shows that the attainable sensitivities are improved by one order of magnitude as compared to previous studies.

Abstract: We investigate the decay of f(1) (1285) > pi K (K) over bar with the assumption that the f(1) (1285) is dynamically generated from the K*(K) over bar – cc interaction. In addition to the tree level diagrams that proceed via f(1)(1285) -> K*(K) over bar – cc -> pi K (K) over bar, we take into account also the final state interactions of K (K) over bar -> K (K) over bar and pi K -> pi K. The partial decay width and mass distributions of f(1) (1285) -> pi K (K) over bar are evaluated. We get a value for the partial decay width which, within errors, is in fair agreement with the experimental result. The contribution from the tree level diagrams is dominant, but the final state interactions have effects in the mass distributions. The predicted mass distributions are significantly different from phase space and tied to the K*(K) over bar – cc nature of the f(1) (1285) state.

Abstract: Pasteurization of eggs has adverse effects on nutrient composition and functionality of egg proteins. UV processing is an alternative technology with potentially fewer adverse effects as it is less intrusive. Egg white, whole egg and egg yolk vitamins (A, B-2, B-5, C and E), minerals (P, Cl, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn) and main secondary metabolites (lutein and zeaxanthin) were examined after exposure to UV in a coiled tube UV-C reactor at doses known to achieve microbiologically stable egg fractions. The studied nutrients were fairly stable to a treatment with UVC light with the exception of retinal, vitamin C and carotenoids, which showed loses up to 80%, 66% and 61%, respectively. Moreover, the functional properties of ultraviolet-treated eggs were investigated. Results showed a positive impact on the foam ability and foam stability, and an increase on the emulsifying activity index above 20% versus pasteurized samples. Processing with UV can maintain most of the egg nutritive properties, and retain or even improve the technological properties of foaming and emulsification in eggs. Industrial relevance:: This novel UV-C system can be applied successfully to the Food Industry. UV-C does not impair nutritional damage to egg-treated products, and even improve egg functional properties.