Non-traditional Sources Research Articles

Effects of Edible Grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS) Leaf Powder on Growth Performance, Antioxidant Properties, Cecal Short-Chain Fatty Acids, and Microbial Community Levels in Broilers

The hybrid plant edible grass (Rumex patientia L. × Rumex tianschanicus A. LOS), a member of the Rumex genus, presents a novel food source with a protein content of approximately 30–40%. By incorporating non-traditional feed sources, such as edible grass leaf powder (EGLP), into broiler production, costs could be reduced. The experimental subjects of this study were Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. A total of 300 newly hatched broilers were randomly divided into to five groups, with each group consisting of six cages, housing 10 birds per cage. The control group was fed a basal diet composed of maize and soybean meal. In the experimental groups, varying percentages (3%, 6%, 9%, and 12%) of EGLP were substituted for the corn–soybean meal in the basal diet. In the diet, for days 1–21, the corn content was reduced from 1.90% to 8.20%, and the soybean meal content was lowered from 1.50% to 6.00%. Similarly, in the diet, for days 22–42, the corn content was decreased from 1.17% to 7.00%, while the soybean meal content was reduced by 1.50% to 6.00%. The experiment lasted 42 days and was divided into two phases: the brooding phase (days 1 to 21) and the finishing phase (days 22 to 42). The results show that substituting 3% and 6% EGLP for corn and soybean meal significantly increased the average daily gain (ADG) during the brooding period compared to the control group (p < 0.01). Additionally, the group with a 3% substitution rate exhibited a significant increase in the average daily feed intake (ADFI) during the brooding phase (p < 0.01). Throughout the 42-day experiment, substituting 3% and 6% of EGLP for maize and soybean meal did not significantly affect the overall growth performance of broilers (p > 0.05). However, a 6% supplementation notably reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.01). Both the 3% (EG3) EGLP and 6% (EG6) EGLP replacement meals significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens, as indicated by the increased levels of the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) (p < 0.01). Additionally, broilers supplemented with 3–12% showed a marked increase in cecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The 3% EGLP replacement diet also significantly boosted the prevalence of Lactobacillus in the cecum (p < 0.01). Furthermore, after EGLP supplementation, there was a higher abundance of SCFA-metabolizing bacteria, particularly Alistipes and Christensenellaceae_R-7, compared to pre-treatment (p < 0.05). The prevalence of Clostridium was significantly greater in the groups receiving 9% and 12% EGLP (p < 0.05), while Butyrivibrio levels were notably higher after supplementation with 12% EGLP (p < 0.05).

A Review of Literature to Derive Best Practices for Big-Data Audits in Saudi Context

In 2014, leading scholars in the field of big data auditing outlined a research agenda to explore these impacts, setting the foundation for further investigation. This paper explores the impact of big data on audit evidence, particularly in the context of Saudi Arabia’s transition to a more diversified economy under Vision 2030. This paper also seeks to synthesize current research and establish best practices for auditors in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the importance of adapting audit processes to a growing economy that increasingly generates vast amounts of data. In recent decades, auditing practices have undergone substantial transformation by broadening the scope of audit goals and incorporating diverse, non-traditional sources of evidence, such as unstructured data from social media or IoT devices. These new data sources, while increasing audit accuracy and depth, pose challenges regarding data reliability and integrity. Over the past decade, many of these research questions have been addressed, particularly in relation to how big data enhances auditors' abilities to detect fraud, improve audit quality, and provide more accurate risk assessments. By implementing AI algorithms and advanced analytics, auditors can gain deeper insights while also addressing key concerns such as data veracity, compliance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), and the guidelines set by the Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants (SOCPA). As Saudi Arabia's economy diversifies and becomes more data-driven, understanding and integrating big data into audit practices will be essential for maintaining high audit standards and supporting economic growth.

Chemical composition, physical properties, and sensory evaluation of wheat-based cookies enriched with different proportions of corn silk

Incorporating dried corn silk powder (CSP) into food products is considered beneficial for health and suitable for individuals of all ages. Thus, our study is designed to evaluate the effects of adding CSP to prepared cookies as a nontraditional source of dietary fiber and natural antioxidants, focusing on the chemical composition, physical properties, color attributes, antioxidant activity, and sensory properties of fortified cookies. Different CSP proportions (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%) replaced wheat flour (WF) with a 72% extraction rate. The results revealed that CSP had significant levels of total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC), measuring 86.42 mg GAE/g and 112.68 mg QE/g, respectively. CSP contained higher quantities of protein and fiber than WF, with values of 14.81 g and 15.21 g per 100 g of flour weight basis, respectively. The amounts of phenolic compounds in cookie samples increased proportionally with the increasing substitution of CSP, while total carbohydrates decreased. Adding CSP at concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% resulted in corresponding increases in crude fiber of 0.52, 1.2, 2.04, and 2.7 times compared to the control cookie samples. As the amount of CSP supplementation increased (0–20%), TPC and TFC in the cookies increased to 3.06 and 4.08 mg GAE/g and 0.02 to 1.28 mg QE/g, respectively. Increasing CSP proportions led to a significant decrease in diameter, thickness, spread factor, volume, and density of fortified cookies. Furthermore, the L* value exhibited a substantial decline from 65.48 to 51.12 as the amount of CSP substitution increased from 5% to 20%. The sensory evaluation characteristics of the cookie samples indicated that the sample with 15% CSP had the highest overall acceptability score. Therefore, this study demonstrates that adding 15% CSP can effectively yield functional cookies without compromising their sensory acceptability.

Fusing remote and social sensing data for flood impact mapping

AbstractThe absence of comprehensive situational awareness information poses a significant challenge for humanitarian organizations during their response efforts. We present Flood Insights, an end‐to‐end system, that ingests data from multiple nontraditional data sources such as remote sensing, social sensing, and geospatial data. We employ state‐of‐the‐art natural language processing and computer vision models to identify flood exposure, ground‐level damage and flood reports, and most importantly, urgent needs of affected people. We deploy and test the system during a recent real‐world catastrophe, the 2022 Pakistan floods, to surface critical situational and damage information at the district level. We validated the system's effectiveness through various statistical analyses using official ground‐truth data, showcasing its strong performance and explanatory power of integrating multiple data sources. Moreover, the system was commended by the United Nations Development Programme stationed in Pakistan, as well as local authorities, for pinpointing hard‐hit districts and enhancing disaster response.

Leveraging social media and community science data for environmental niche models: A case study with native Australian bees

Museum occurrence records are popular sources of information for creating Environmental Niche Models (ENMs), which allow the mapping of the potential niche ranges of species. Occurrence data is often downloaded en masse from established databases. However, the use of non-traditional data sources, such as occurrence records from community/citizen science outreach and social media, is increasing in use and abundance. Data from non-traditional data sources are potentially valuable records of information, particularly for species where museum occurrence records may be comparatively scarce. In the current study, we aimed to determine the impact of adding occurrence data from non-traditional databases to ENMs that were originally created using traditional databases with a group of comparatively understudied species, native Australian bees. We used the Maxent algorithm to model the potential environmental niches of eight species. We created three models for each species: 1) one consisting of only location data from museum specimen collection records from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) (a traditional database), 2) one combining ALA and geo-tagged social media (Flickr) data, and 3) a model combining ALA and geo-tagged community science data from iNaturalist. This resulted in 24 different models. By comparing the models produced from each of the augmented data sets with the traditional species data set (ALA vs. ALA & Flickr; ALA vs. ALA & iNaturalist) we showed that there were significant differences, not only in predicted ranges, but also in the weighting of environmental variables used by the models to predict the environmental niche. Differences were more greatly influenced by the geographic location of the extra occurrences rather than the number of additional occurrence points. We demonstrate the potential value and risks of including social media and community science geo-tagged image data in supplementing knowledge of species distributions, particularly for relatively under-sampled species such as native bees.

Green Hydrogen Production From Non-Traditional Water Sources: A Sustainable Energy Solution With Hydrogen Storage and Distribution.

Green hydrogen development plays an essential role in creating a sustainable and environmentally conscious society while reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysers (PEMWEs), are sensitive to water quality, with various impurities impacting their efficiency, the quality of the hydrogen produced, and the device's lifespan. High-purity water is required for PEM electrolyzers; Type II water, which is required for commercial electrolyzers, must have a resistivity greater than 1 MΩ cm, sodium, and chloride concentrations less than 5 μg/L, and total organic carbon (TOC) content less than 50 parts per billion. The majority of electrolyzers operate on freshwater, or total dissolved solids (TDS) <0.5 g/kg, whereas brackish, rainwater, wastewater, and seawater have TDSs of 1-35 g/kg, 0.01-0.15 g/kg, 0.5-2 g/kg, and 35-45 g/kg, respectively. This critical review offers, for the first time, a comprehensive overview of relevant impurities in operating electrolyzers and their impact. The findings of this study indicate that electrolysis-based H2 processes are promising options that contribute to the H2 production capacity but require improvements to produce larger competitive volumes. In addition, the main challenges and opportunities for generating, storing, transporting, and distributing hydrogen, as well as large-scale adoption are discussed.

Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Human Health: A Review

Probiotics and prebiotics are essential components in maintaining and enhancing human health, primarily through their beneficial effects on gut microbiota. Probiotics, which are live microorganisms, and prebiotics, which are non-digestible food components, work synergistically to improve digestive health, enhance immune function, and support metabolic health. The historical evolution of probiotics and prebiotics has demonstrated their wide-ranging health benefits, from preventing gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) to managing metabolic disorders like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Clinical applications highlight their role in reducing antibiotic-associated diarrhea, enhancing insulin sensitivity, and mitigating symptoms of allergies and autoimmune diseases. However, the field faces significant challenges, including the need for standardization and quality control, addressing individual variability in response, and ensuring safety and efficacy. The lack of uniform regulatory oversight further complicates the assurance of product reliability and effectiveness. Despite these challenges, emerging trends and innovations, such as next-generation probiotics and prebiotics, personalized nutrition based on microbiome profiles, and advances in biotechnology and bioinformatics, offer promising solutions. These advancements are poised to enhance the specificity and effectiveness of probiotic and prebiotic interventions. For example, genetically engineered probiotics and novel prebiotics derived from non-traditional sources are being explored for their unique health benefits. Personalized approaches can optimize dietary recommendations and supplement formulations based on individual gut microbiome compositions. Future research directions should focus on mechanistic studies to elucidate the specific pathways through which probiotics and prebiotics exert their effects, conducting robust and diverse clinical trials, and developing new strains and compounds from diverse sources. Regulatory frameworks need to be established to ensure the safety, efficacy, and quality of these products. By addressing these challenges and leveraging innovative approaches, probiotics and prebiotics can be optimized to provide personalized and effective health solutions, significantly impacting public health. Integrating these functional foods into daily dietary practices holds the potential for a new era of preventive and therapeutic nutrition, enhancing overall health and well-being.

Contrast in Secondary Organic Aerosols between the Present Day and the Preindustrial Period: The Importance of Nontraditional Sources and the Changed Atmospheric Oxidation Capability

Contrast in Secondary Organic Aerosols between the Present Day and the Preindustrial Period: The Importance of Nontraditional Sources and the Changed Atmospheric Oxidation Capability

Characterization of Fibers Prepared by Centrifugal Spinning from Biotechnologically Derived Chicken Gelatin.

The application of biopolymer-based materials is increasing due to better sustainability and environmental protection properties. Gelatin fibers have a specific surface and high porosity, which is why their use in medicine and the food industry is being researched. This article explores the potential of centrifugal spinning to produce gelatin fibers. Gelatin for fiber preparation was obtained from a non-traditional source of collagen (chicken by-products) using a unique enzymatic process. The fiber quality was compared with those prepared from gelatins produced from traditional collagen tissues (porcine, bovine). The results showed that fibers cross-linked with glutaraldehyde vapor preserved their structure even in contact with water. Using a cross-linker controlled swelling ability and solubility while maintaining the fiber structure. On the contrary, uncross-linked gelatin fibers were water soluble due to a high surface-to-volume ratio, facilitating water penetration and dissolution. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) provided a clearer picture of the morphology of gelatin fibers obtained by centrifugal spinning. Differences in the amount of bonding depending on the raw material used and the presence of a cross-linker were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The overall results showed that chicken gelatin is a suitable alternative to gelatins from traditional sources and can be used for preparing food and pharmaceutical packaging and coatings, fibers, or bioprinting of 3D matrices.

Characterization and Techno-Functional Properties of High Protein Walnut Flour from an Oil by-Product.

A high protein walnut flour (HPWF) was obtained by defatting walnut flour (WF), which is a by-product of the oil industry. The objective of this study was the chemical and techno-functional characterization of HPWF. Composition, amino acid content, protein secondary structure, protein solubility and thermal transitions were measured. Besides, the techno-functional properties, emulsion activity and stability, and water holding and oil absorption capacities, of HPWF were evaluated. Also, the molecular mass of proteins under denaturing conditions and the microstructure of HPWF were evaluated by electrophoresis and confocal scanning laser microscopy, respectively. HPWF had 55.4% protein content and 21.5% total dietary fibre. In terms of HPWF amino acid composition, the limiting amino acids were the sulphurated cysteine and methionine. By FTIR analysis, the main secondary structures were β-sheet (49%) followed by α-helix (24%); both structures are considered to be ordered. Likewise, HPWF soluble proteins increased at basic pH and HPWF proteins were separated in 11 bands with molecular masses ranging from 97 kDa to 18kDa by electrophoresis. With respect to techno-functional properties, HPWF presented good emulsion activity (51%) and high thermal emulsion stability (46%). In addition, HPWF retained 571% and 242% of water and oil by weight, respectively. Finally, the micrograph showed the predominance of protein structures and fibre fragments, and the presence of few lipids mostly trapped. These results showed that HPWF is an interesting source of plant-based proteins and walnut flour can be used to obtain high protein ingredients from non-traditional sources.

Electrochemically-Driven Reversible Catch and Release of Rare Earth Elements

The sustainable recovery of critical materials, such as rare earth elements (REEs), from dilute and non-traditional sources is pivotal for securing a reliable domestic supply. Using environmentally friendly methods is necessary to maximize the economic and sustainability benefits. One of the most promising approaches is the electrochemically controlled recovery of REEs, which becomes even more compelling when integrated with renewable energy sources. We developed a groundbreaking electroactive material with an exceptional affinity for REEs in their trivalent state. This material demonstrates a remarkable ability for highly reversible binding and release of REEs, controlled by the redox state of the material. We will present the REE recovery system's design principles and performance characteristics, mainly focusing on its efficacy in extracting REEs from dilute sources and structure-property relationships.

How position level, hotel classification and brand category affect attitudes toward disabled colleagues

PurposeDue to the global labor shortage, the labor-heavy and high turnover hospitality industry is now recruiting from nontraditional sources. This study aims to investigate the views of people in the hotel industry to better understand how people with disabilities can obtain jobs in the hotel industry and how they are treated.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a constructivist approach to grounded theory. Interviews were conducted with senior managers, middle managers and line-level employees at both internationally branded and locally branded hotels and who worked at upscale and midscale hotels to tell their perspectives about recruiting and working with people with disabilities.FindingsSenior managers showed positive attitudes toward hiring people with disabilities but lacked pragmatic considerations about their integration into teams. Middle managers were the most hesitant, primarily due to practical concerns about accommodating their workplace needs. Line-level staff at midscale hotels were more open to working with colleagues with disabilities compared to those at high-end properties.Originality/valueLimited research has been conducted on the broad perspectives regarding workers with disabilities in the hospitality industry. The study reveals not only the impact of managerial level on managers’ perspectives, but also how hotel class influenced the views of the coworkers and potential coworkers of people with disabilities. These distinctions not only help to advance our theoretical understanding of careers and hospitality labor markets but also inform operators on how to best integrate and recruit people with disabilities.

AI-driven financial risk management systems: Enhancing predictive capabilities and operational efficiency

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial risk management systems has revolutionized traditional approaches, providing enhanced predictive capabilities and operational efficiency. This paper explores the various applications of AI in credit risk assessment, market risk analysis, operational risk management, and regulatory compliance. AI-driven systems leverage advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze vast datasets, including real-time market data and non-traditional sources, improving risk predictions and enabling proactive risk management. Scenario simulations, predictive modeling, real-time data analysis, and automated decision-making are discussed as core components of AI-driven systems. The paper also highlights the benefits of AI in automating routine tasks, enhancing data analytics, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By continuously learning and adapting to new data, AI systems offer dynamic risk management solutions that address evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how AI-driven financial risk management systems can significantly reduce the incidence of loan defaults, enhance portfolio quality, and improve the overall resilience of financial institutions.

Fragmentation of water-coal fuel droplets in the air flow

Relevance. An analysis of the current state of the global energy agenda shows that the problem of anthropogenic impact on the planet’s atmosphere by thermal energy facilities is one of the most important for humanity. At the same time, the growth in electricity consumption stimulates the introduction of ever new power generating capacities. For a long time, it was believed that the solution to this problem was the large-scale introduction of non-traditional renewable energy sources (wind generators and solar panels) into the overall balance of electricity generation. However, it is now becoming obvious that renewable energy sources cannot fully cover all electricity needs. The latter creates incentives for the commissioning of new thermal power plants, usually operating on coal fuel. But the main problem of coal energy – its anthropogenic impact – still remains unresolved. This situation creates the prerequisites for the development of new “clean” coal technologies with a full cycle of sequestration of combustion products. One of the most promising technologies for burning coal with low emissions is the combustion of coal in the composition of coal-water fuel. However, coal-water fuel technology has a number of disadvantages. One of the most significant is the high ignition delays of typical (with a characteristic size of 3–5 mm) droplets of coal-water fuel. One of the most promising methods for solving this problem is spraying coal-water fuel in an ultra-fine state (with a characteristic droplet size of 0.1–1 mm). Aim. Experimental study of the conditions and characteristics of crushing droplets of coal-water fuel in a high-speed air flow. Object. Coal-water fuel prepared on the basis of lean coal. Method. Special experimental stand to establish the main characteristics and conditions of dispersion of coal-water fuel droplets. Results. The results of experimental studies show that for stable fragmentation of typical droplets of coal-water fuel, the speed of the latter (during the spraying process) must be at least 40 m/s.

Study of the Stability of a Hybrid Electric Power Complex with Non-Traditional and Renewable Energy Sources of Various Types with a Change in Load Power

Study of the Stability of a Hybrid Electric Power Complex with Non-Traditional and Renewable Energy Sources of Various Types with a Change in Load Power

The Formation Conditions of the Volga Basin Oil Shales in Relation to Their Metallogeny on Rhenium and Other Valuable Elements

The Volga oil shales are located on the Russian platform and represent a potential non-traditional and promising source of rhenium and other valuable metals. Concentrations of rhenium at the level of industrial types of ores have been identified at the Perelyubskoe and Kotsebinskoe deposits. The complex of lithological and geochemical studies suggests that the metallogeny of the Volga oil shales is associated with the influence of volcanism and anoxic conditions during the sedimentation period. The main criteria have been identified by which high concentrations of rhenium in the Volga oil shales can be predicted: the content of organic carbon, molybdenum, and the DOPr indicator. Based on the analyzed data, promising layers have been identified for the Perelyubskoe and Kotsebinskoe deposits to detect industrial concentrations of rhenium.

Enzymatic-Assisted Extraction, Physicochemical Characteristics Evaluation and Structural Elucidation of Antioxidative Protein-Polysaccharides Gum from Durio zibethinus Murray Seeds

Durio zibethinus Murray or durian is an exotic tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia. Durian seeds (DS) which mainly composed of mucilage and fibers are generally discarded as agricultural waste post-consumption, yet have promising characteristics as innovative food ingredients with high economic value. Enzymatic-assisted extraction of protein-polysaccharide gum (E-PG) from DS improved the yield efficiency by 4.36-fold with 3.0% celullase, and moisture content in the range of 4-6% (dry weight). Proximate composition for the total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, sugar and crude protein were found at 74.4, 24.0, 4.0 and 10.1 g/100 g of sample. E-PG recorded higher water-holding and oil-holding capacities, and solubility percentage as compared with non-enzymatically extract of protein-polysaccharide gum (N-PG) and DS flour. Physicochemical characteristics revealed E-PG was 2.52-fold lower than xanthan gum (XG AD). Validation on E-PG2.52-fold revealed that the viscosity matched the quality of XG AD. Characterization with HPLC-RID, FT-IR and 1N-NMR highlighted typical distribution of polysaccharides and protein, thus confirming the presence of protein/polysaccharides-based components in E-PG and N-PG. Antioxidant evaluation revealed that E-PG and E-PGslurry scavenged ABTS•+-radicals at an IC50 of 5.759±0.719 and 6.083±0.131 mg/mL, and ORAC values of 57867±2873 and 70191±6291 µM TE/g, respectively, whereas ORAC activity for XG AD was not detected. The recovery of water-soluble protein-polysaccharides gum from non-traditional source like DS via deployment of enzymatic-assisted extraction protocol has improved the extraction yield and enhanced antioxidative capacity of the gum, greater than commercial gums. Findings may significantly influence the food and/or nutraceutical industries on the utilization of value-added and innovative food ingredients in their product formulation.

Integrating artificial intelligence in financial services: Enhancements, applications, and future directions

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the financial services sector has catalyzed profound transformations, significantly enhancing the accuracy, efficiency, and capabilities of financial operations. This paper meticulously examines the pivotal role of AI in revolutionizing risk assessment processes through advanced deep learning and machine learning techniques. These methodologies harness extensive and diverse datasets, which include both traditional financial indicators and non-traditional sources like social media activities, to provide a more nuanced and comprehensive analysis of risk. Additionally, the paper emphasizes the critical role of AI in personalizing customer experiences and elevating fraud detection mechanisms to levels of unprecedented precision. Through detailed quantitative analyses and illustrative case studies, this study assesses the impact of AI on operational efficiency and decision-making accuracy within financial institutions. It explores advanced AI techniquesdeep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processingand their significant implications for financial forecasting, algorithmic trading, and regulatory compliance. By integrating empirical evidence with theoretical insights, this paper offers a thorough understanding of AI's transformative influence on the financial sector, highlighting potential future innovations that may redefine industry standards and enhance operational methodologies. This comprehensive examination not only illuminates the current benefits and applications of AI in financial services but also projects its future trajectories in reshaping the financial landscape.

Extraction of chitin from flammulina velutipes waste: A low-concentration acid pretreatment and aspergillus Niger fermentation approach

In recent years, with the booming of the edible mushroom industry, chitin production has become increasingly dependent on fungi and other non-traditional sources. Fungal chitin has advantages including superior performance, simpler separation processes, abundant raw materials, and the absence of shellfish allergens. As a kind of edible mushroom, flammulina velutipes (F. velutipes) also has the advantages of wide source and large annual yield. This provided the possibility for the extraction of chitin. Here, a procedure to extract chitin from F. velutipes waste be presented. This method comprises low-concentration acid pretreatment coupled with consolidated bioprocessing with Aspergillus niger. Characterization by SEM, FTIR, XRD, NMR, and TGA confirmed that the extracted chitin was β-chitin. To achieve optimal fermentation of F. velutipes waste (80 g/L), ammonium sulfate and glucose were selected as nitrogen and carbon sources (5 g/L), with a fermentation time of 5 days. The extracted chitin could be further deacetylated and purified to obtain high-purity chitosan (99.2 % ± 1.07 %). This chitosan exhibited a wide degree of deacetylation (50.0 % ± 1.33 % – 92.1 % ± 0.97 %) and a molecular weight distribution of 92–192 kDa. Notably, the yield of chitosan extracted in this study was increased by 56.3 % ± 0.47 % compared to the traditional chemical extraction method.

Food price inflation nowcasting and monitoring

Rising food prices may rapidly push vulnerable populations into food insecurity, especially in developing economies and in low-income countries, where a substantial share of the financial resources available to the poorest households is spent on food. To capture soaring food prices and help in designing mitigating measures, we developed two complementary products: a nowcasting model that estimates official food consumer price inflation up to the current month and a daily food price monitor that checks whether the growth rate of a few basic food commodities exceeds a statistical threshold. Both products were designed with the consideration that the rapid acquisition of data and the automated extraction of insights are indispensable tools for policymakers, particularly in times of crisis. Our framework is characterized by three key aspects. Firstly, we leverage two non-traditional data sources to emphasize the importance of real-time information: a crowdsourced repository of daily food prices and textual insights obtained from newspapers articles. Secondly, our framework offers a global perspective, encompassing 225 countries and territories, which enables the monitoring of food prices dynamics on a global scale. Thirdly, results are made accessible daily via an intuitive and user-friendly interactive dashboard.