This study develops a pH-responsive label by incorporating anthocyanin from Clitoria ternatea into a bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) film derived from acid whey fermentation. The labels were designed to display two distinct colors—pink and purple—by adjusting the pH of anthocyanin and were integrated into beef mince packaging to monitor quality changes over a 15-day storage period at 4 °C. Color variations were assessed using a chroma meter and visual inspection, with both label types exhibiting a shift to blue in response to a deterioration in freshness. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total color difference (∆E) were observed across data collection days. The pink label showed an ∆E of 14.19 between day 0 and day 8, increasing to 27.39 by day 15. The purple label exhibited an ∆E of 12.94 by day 8 and 27.86 by day 15. A Total Volatile Basic Nitrogen (TVBN) analysis and microbial evaluations confirmed a degradation in the quality of the beef mince, with strong correlations between ∆E and ∆TVBN (r = 0.956 for pink, r = 0.993 for purple). Additionally, good correlations were recorded between label total color differences and coliform counts (r = 0.933 for pink, r = 0.875 for purple), as well as Total Plate Counts (TPCs) (r = 0.982 for pink, r = 0.950 for purple). These results highlight the potential of acid whey-derived nanocellulose films as real-time quality indicators for intelligent food packaging systems.

Purpose: The objective of this paper is to examine whether accounting students foster changing attitudes and broader critical thinking when a new and transformative subject comprising sustainability, the environment, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is included as part of their master's course. Methodology/approach: To determine these perceived transformative outcomes, this study relies on qualitative data derived through the written reflections of students. Reflective journals provide the voice of students, and the rich data were analysed the-matically through the NVIVO software. Findings: The reflections show that new and transformative student outcomes emerge that can stimulate meaningful action. These outcomes included changing attitudes, self-efficacy to bring about positive change, developing critical thinking, and a greater understanding of how business practices can impact the environment. Most students also noted that they would prefer to work for a business that does not harm the environment. Originality/value: There has been limited research on the attitudes of accounting students when contemporary issues such as sustainability, the environment, and the SDGs are presented in an accounting degree. The findings have added student opinions to the previous research that calls for developing a definition of accounting beyond its technical practice.

Background and Aims: High stress is associated with adverse mental health outcomes, yet the relationship between stress— measured via workload—and mental health in academics remains underexplored. This study investigated workload, mental health, and healthcare among academics in Australian higher education (HE) institutions. Methods: In a cross‐sectional study of 626 academics, we collected data on workload, mental health (GAD‐7 and PHQ‐9), and healthcare utilization between February 2022 and August 2022. Associations between excess workload and mental health outcomes were analyzed using both regression and G‐methods. Results: Academics reported an average annual workload of 3256 h, significantly exceeding the standard 1824 h. Approximately 25% experienced moderate to severe anxiety or depression, substantially higher than estimates in the general population. Mental health service utilization was much higher among academics, yet 30% did not seek help. Each additional 100 h worked beyond 1824 h was associated with 0.10 higher anxiety and depression scores ( β = 0.10) and 1%–2% increased odds of moderate to severe anxiety and depression. G‐method analyses supported these findings, showing a 2–3 point and a 13%–15% increase in respective scores and likelihood among those working excessive hours. Conclusion: The findings underscore the significant association between excessive workload and poor mental health among academics in Australian HE institutions. Addressing workload imbalances and improving healthcare services may be associated with better mental health in this population.