Background and Aim: The addition of solar tracking systems (trackers) allows for an increase in photovoltaic energy production under tropical climates, as demonstrated in Conakry. However, this performance increase comes with increased mechanical and electronic complexity. Method: This article presents a comparative techno-economic analysis between a fixed system and a single-axis tracker system (60 Wp), integrating capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational and maintenance costs (OPEX), as well as the parasitic consumption of the tracking system. Results: Experimental results show a gross production gain of 40.2%, which reduces to a net real gain of 31.2% once parasitic consumption is deducted. Economically, for a micro-generation application, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in an off-grid site is 0.25 USD/kWh for the fixed system compared to 0.45 USD/kWh for the tracker, with a payback period for the latter exceeding 21 years. These results reveal that while the tracker is technically superior, it is only economically viable for installations with a capacity greater than one kilowatt-peak (kWp), due to the incompressible fixed cost of control electronics at a small scale. Conclusion: The study concludes with a recommendation against using trackers for small solar lamps or domestic kits, but advocates for their deployment in rural mini-grids and industrial installations.
Food science has evolved from indigenous culinary wisdom and ancient preservation methods into a complex interdisciplinary field that integrates modern technological advancements, systems biology, and data analytics. This transformation reflects a continuous interplay between traditional knowledge systems and cutting-edge scientific innovation aimed at addressing contemporary global challenges including nutrition security, public health, and environmental sustainability. This chapter comprehensively examines the historical foundations of food science, its scientific milestones, and contemporary innovations such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, and personalized nutrition. Further, it highlights integrative approaches that meld traditional practices with novel technologies, supported by illustrative case studies. Ethical considerations surrounding intellectual property and cultural stewardship are discussed alongside future directions emphasizing systems thinking, resilience, and equity. This synthesis articulates a pathway toward sustainable, ethical, and health-promoting food systems at the nexus of tradition and innovation. Keywords: food science, traditional knowledge, food innovation, biotechnology, functional foods, nutrigenomics, sustainability, food safety, culinary heritage
Employment is an important dimension of adult life, providing opportunities for economic participation, social interaction, independence, personal identity, and community inclusion. However, persons with intellectual disability (ID) continue to experience substantial barriers to obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Successful employment depends not only on job-specific vocational competencies but also on vocational work behaviour and transferable employability skills. This comprehensive review examines vocational work behaviour and employability skills among persons with intellectual disability, with particular emphasis on workplace readiness and employment outcomes. The review synthesizes conceptual and empirical literature concerning vocational preparation, workplace behaviour, supported employment, job coaching, work-based learning, and employment sustainability. Key employability domains identified across the literature include punctuality, regular attendance, following instructions, task completion, work persistence, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, self-management, workplace safety, appropriate social interaction, and self-advocacy. Research by Agran et al. (2016) indicates that employment-related social skills, including seeking clarification, responding appropriately to feedback, requesting assistance, punctuality, and appropriate customer interaction, are highly valued in workplace settings. Gilson et al. (2017) demonstrated that employment skills can be systematically taught using diverse instructional approaches. Nevala et al. (2019) found evidence supporting supported employment, work experience, personal support, job coaching, family involvement, and supportive workplace environments. Carlson et al. (2020) further highlighted the importance of workplace supports for maintaining employment. Overall, the literature suggests that workplace readiness is multidimensional and emerges from the interaction between individual competencies and environmental supports. The review recommends integrated vocational programmes combining technical skills, employability training, authentic work experience, self-determination, employer engagement, individualized support, and post-placement assistance to promote sustainable and inclusive employment for persons with intellectual disability. Keywords: Intellectual disability, vocational work behaviour, employability skills, workplace readiness, supported employment, vocational rehabilitation, employment outcomes, workplace inclusion.
Uncertainty in seasonal patterns and marine conditions requires small-scale fishers to understand climate information and adjust their fishing activities. This study aimed to analyze the effects of sociodemographic characteristics on climate change literacy, the effect of literacy on adaptation strategies, the direct effect of sociodemographic characteristics on adaptation, and the mediating role of literacy. A survey of 100 small-scale fishers was conducted in Takisung District, Tanah Laut Regency, South Kalimantan, from January to June 2026. Respondent eligibility criteria were established purposively, while participants were recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using questionnaires, structured interviews, observation, and documentation, and analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Sociodemographic characteristics were modeled as a formative construct, while literacy and adaptation were modeled as reflective constructs. Literacy had a positive and significant effect on adaptation strategies (β = 0.366; t = 4.128; p < 0.001). The effects of sociodemographic characteristics on literacy (β = 0.273; p = 0.297) and adaptation (β = 0.386; p = 0.183) were not significant. The indirect effect through literacy was also not significant (β = 0.100; p = 0.317). The model explained 7.5% of the variance in literacy and 36.0% of the variance in adaptation. Following respecification, adaptation was represented by fishing gear modification and changes in fishing locations. Climate literacy was a direct predictor of operational adaptation in the model, but its role as a mediator of the effect of sociodemographic characteristics was not established. These findings support the development of climate education linked to fishing decisions, while accounting for measurement limitations and the nonprobability sample. Keywords: sociodemographic characteristics; climate change literacy; adaptation strategies; small-scale fishers; PLS-SEM.
Background : Tension type headache (TTH) is the most prevalent headache disorders and is commonly associated with increased stress, reduced functional ability, and impaired quality of life. Non- pharmacology interventions targeting mind-body connection, such as hypnotherapy and mindfulness meditation, have gained attention as effective management strategies. however, limited research directly compares their effectiveness in individuals with TTH. Objective: to compare the effect of hypnotherapy versus mindfulness meditation on headache outcomes and stress using headache diary, HIT-6 and PSS-10 in adults with tension type headache. Method: according to purposive sampling 40 individuals meeting inclusion exclusion criteria were enrolled and randomly divided in group A and B. Results: Paired T-test was used for within and unpaired T-test for between group analysis, showed significance difference in. Conclusion: Both interventions showed significant reduction in all parameters; however, hypnotherapy had out performed mindfulness meditation showing more pronounced therapeutic benefits. Keywords: Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness meditation, Tension-type Headache, Mind-body intervention, Stress
