Weak-neutral-current effects in e-+e+ → q+q-bar → (Λ,Σ,Λ/sub c/,Σ/sub c/,...)+X and e-+e+ → q+q-bar → (rho,K*,D*,...)+X

The forward-backward asymmetry A/sub B/ and longitudinal polarization P/sub B/ of a spin-1/2 baryon in the process e-+e+ → B+X are calculated in terms of the vector (a/sub q/) and axial-vector (b/sub q/) weak-neutral-current couplings of the quarks composing B, their electric charges Q/sub q/, and their (q → B) fragmentation probabilities. Using a theoretical argument for baryons composed of one heavy c,b,..., quark and two light u,d quarks, and SU(3) symmetry for baryons composed of light u,d,s quarks, A/sub B/ is expressed in terms of b/sub q/ and Q/sub q/ only. In similar fashion, some relations between the various P/sub B/, independent of the fragmentation probabilities, are obtained. The results are discussed in detail for the strange and charmed baryons. The corresponding weak-neutral--electromagnetic interference effects for the vector mesons are also briefly discussed