Busan Presbyterian University, also known as Busan Jangsin University, is a private Christian university in Gimhae City, South Gyeongsang province, in southeastern South Korea. It provides undergraduate training in theology, social welfare, and special education, as well as graduate training in theology and pastoral research..
The consumption of dairy yoghurt as functional food leads to the accumulation of beneficial microbes that aid in general physiological processes in the human body. However, a significant sect of the world’s populace (including the aged, strict vegans, diabetic and lactose-intolerant individuals) are disadvantaged in consuming it. This study was undertaken to evaluate the suitability of plant-based tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) yoghurts fortified with fresh Moringa oleifera leaf tea as functional foods. The yoghurts were formulated to constitute a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with 4 replications as: non-fortified symbiotic (control), prebiotic, probiotic, and a fortified symbiotic. For sensory analysis and general acceptance, fresh samples containing inulin (garlic extract) smelt and tasted better but the smell become unbearable with the passing of days due to the strong phenols emitted by the garlic extract. Fortified probiotic samples recorded the highest concentrations for: Fat (2.68
Healthcare organizations experience difficult challenges as a result of nursing staff turnover. This is because it not only interrupts continuity of service but also its financial implications. The purpose of the study was to find out the effects of work engagement on nurses' intentions to leave their jobs while considering resilience as a mediating factor. The study used a descriptive-analytical design using a survey questionnaire on nurses working in different healthcare settings. The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Turnover Intention Scale were among the validated scales that were employed. The hypothesized relations were tested using descriptive and mediation analyses at a significance of <0.05. Though the turnover intention (n = 3.83 ± 1.42) and the level of work engagement (n = 4.03 ± 1.32) among nurses were high, their level of resilience of nurses was average (n = 2.48, SD: 0.63). Resilience had a negative association with turnover intention (β = − 0.5699, p < .0001), and there was also a significant negative association between work engagement and turnover intentions among nurses with resilience mediating the relationship (β = -0.0367, p < .05). Disengaged nurses are more likely to leave their jobs. Moreover, resilience acts as a mechanism through which work engagement influences turnover intentions. The study emphasizes the need to encourage work engagement among nurses to lessen intentions to leave the profession. Among factors that can improve work engagement and resilience to reduce turnover include conducting regular engagement assessments, fostering positive workplace cultures, employing flexible scheduling practices, and offering resources for personal and professional development.
Waiting times in outpatient departments (OPDs) significantly affect patient satisfaction, service utilisation, and healthcare outcomes. This study examined the determinants of waiting times and their implications for patients accessing OPD services at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 274 adult patients attending selected outpatient departments (OPDs) of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra, Ghana. A multistage sampling technique was used: three OPD clinics were purposively selected, patient sessions were randomly chosen, and participants were systematically sampled from each session. Data were collected using a structured, pretested questionnaire administered by trained research assistants. The questionnaire captured sociodemographic characteristics, waiting times, factors contributing to delays, and the effects of long waits on service utilisation. Data were analyzed using Stata 17. Descriptive statistics summarised participants’ characteristics and waiting times, while chi-square tests examined associations among categorical variables. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify determinants of waiting time, controlling for potential confounders. Model fit was assessed using standard diagnostic tests, and results were presented with coefficients and 95
This study examined the technology accessibility and the confidence level of Basic School teachers in using ICT tools in the Awutu Senya District of Ghana. The study further sought to find the differences in public and private schools in terms of technology accessibility and teacher confidence in using ICT tools for teaching. A two-stage sampling was used to select 350 Primary and Junior High School teachers for the study. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The data was gathered by the administration of questionnaires and subjected to analysis using statistical measures such as means, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test. The results showed that there is low technology accessibility in most of the schools. That notwithstanding, the confidence level of most teachers in the use of ICT tools for teaching was moderate. A significant difference was found between public and private schools in terms of technology accessibility but not in the confidence of teachers to use ICT tools. The study recommended that teachers should employ various strategies including the use of “one-computer classroom” strategy to integrate ICTs into their teaching in spite of the lack of resources. Additionally, more ICT integration workshops must be organized in a bid to increase the confidence level of teachers in using ICT tools. On the provision of ICT resources, it is necessary for education authorities to prioritize and allocate more funding for ICT infrastructure in schools. Finally, a public-private partnership between public sector, private sector and non-governmental organizations can supplement resources and expertise in ICT integration.
With approximately 25,000 active mining companies operating in 140 countries, the mining industry significantly contributes to global economic growth but also poses severe environmental and social challenges. This review examines the implications of mining on human health, food security, and biodiversity conservation, drawing insights from case studies and the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) initiative. The extraction and processing of minerals such as coal, gold, silver, copper, and zinc release hazardous materials, including arsenic, mercury, lead, and radioactive substances, leading to soil contamination, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. Mining-related emissions have been linked to respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and increased mortality rates in affected communities. In agriculture, land degradation and competition for resources reduce crop productivity, with nearly 90% of food insecurity hotspots in Africa coinciding with mining sites. Biodiversity loss results from habitat destruction, soil contamination, and the introduction of invasive species, disrupting ecological balance. The study highlights regulatory frameworks and sustainable mining approaches, such as mercury-free gold mining in Ghana and corporate responsibility programs in Canada, Finland, and Spain. Future directions emphasize the need for innovative technologies, stricter environmental policies, and increased stakeholder engagement to mitigate mining’s adverse effects while ensuring resource sustainability.
