Far Eastern University

This study examined nuanced preferences and unmet needs for bereavement care of mothers who experienced stillbirth or neonatal death. Cross-sectional survey. The Philippines. A total of 169 bereaved mothers aged 18 years or older who had experienced stillbirth or neonatal death on or after 30 January 2020 in the Philippines. Response patterns to nine self-administered questions about desired bereavement care and the care they received were analysed using latent class analysis. Measurement invariance was assessed across participant types and urbanicity. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine the associations between latent classes, demographics and perinatal loss information. Desired type of bereavement care and unmet need for bereavement care. We identified three mutually exclusive stable latent classes related to desired care and unmet needs. For desired bereavement care, one class was characterised by a strong preference for seeing, holding, spending time with, and naming the baby, but low desire in memory making (25.1%). This preference was more common among mothers from urban areas (aOR = 3.04) and those who experienced stillbirth (aOR = 3.07), compared to those from rural areas and who experienced neonatal death, respectively. Regarding unmet need for bereavement care, one class reported unmet needs for memory making (28.3%), with preterm mothers (aOR = 3.11) three times more likely to belong to this class than those who delivered full-term. This study offers novel insights into the complex bereavement care preferences and needs of mothers who experienced perinatal loss. The findings can inform future frameworks and guide the development of culturally appropriate, context-specific interventions for mothers and families.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has reshaped various aspects of human lives, particularly through its capabilities to address complex sustainability challenges. Despite the rapid expansion of AI applications, their contribution to cleaner production and sustainable development remains underexplored, especially in developing nations. In Southeast Asia (SEA), where AI adoption has grown substantially across environmental, economic, and social dimensions, research that examines its role in cleaner production outcomes remains fragmented. In view of this gap, this study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) of AI applications related to cleaner production and sustainable development by examining relevant themes, application areas, and sustainability dimensions addressed by AI, while evaluating the maturity of AI methodologies, alignment with cleaner production outcomes, and integration with circular economy and resource efficiency goals. Moreover, it investigates the barriers and challenges that constrain AI application and offers future research directions to advance AI deployment for cleaner production and sustainable development across SEA countries.

ABSTRACTPotato virus X (PVX), a filamentous, positive‐sense RNA plant virus, has been engineered into a molecular tool for diverse biotechnological applications, including cancer cell targeting. Here, we present the production and functional characterization of genetically‐encoded PVX‐derived nanoparticles decorated with nanobodies targeting two common receptors in human cancer cells, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). We first generated a series of PVX‐derived nanoparticles displaying distinct nanobodies against EGFR and HER2 in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. Self‐assembly and structural integrity of the recombinant nanoparticles were confirmed by immunogold electron microscopy. We next characterized in vitro the cancer‐cell binding capacity of the different recombinant viral nanoparticles (VNPs) by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Select VNPs were further assayed in a pilot in vivo study using tumor‐bearing mice. Preliminary results showed that nanobody decoration can increase retention time and myeloid cell recruitment in the tumor microenvironment in HER2+ mouse tumor models in vivo. Nanobody‐displaying PVX‐derived nanoparticles may constitute a new plant‐produced biotechnological product for cancer immunotherapy.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial drivers of Bangladesh’s economy. This sector has been pivotal in ensuring economic growth, rapid industrialization, poverty eradication, employment generation, and GDP growth. Bangladesh Bank Report (2019) indicated that there are 7.8 million micro, small, and medium enterprises in Bangladesh, accounting for 25% of the GDP. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) country report (2012) highlighted that SMEs in Bangladesh were responsible for 99% of the private sector industrial establishments, and SMEs have created employment opportunities for 70%-80% of the nonagricultural labor force. Proper accounting practices are immensely significant for a successful and sustainable business. The study aims to determine the attitude of small and medium enterprise (SME) managers regarding improper accounting practices. This empirical study used purposive sampling techniques and a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data. A five-point Likert Scale analyzed the data, Cronbach’s Alpha, correlation, factor analysis, and SPSS.22. The findings revealed that respondents have a positive attitude with the reasons of Lack of Training, Lack of Interest, Lack of Accounting Knowledge, Unnecessary, Requiring more staff, Exposing the Financial Position, and Lack of Guidelines for SMEs. Besides, respondents have a neutral attitude toward the reason for the high cost of hiring qualified accountant records, difficulty in understanding, and lack of time. Moreover, respondents have a positive attitude about the effects of poor record management, improper calculation, and Failure to ascertain the financial position and customer and supplier account balances. Failure to forecast the future, get a loan, and have a neutral attitude affect Poor decision-making and low collection of account balances. FENI UNIVERSITY JOURNAL, 2024, 3(1), ISSN [2518-3869], PP. (83-102)

Botanical field surveys performed in the largest terrestrial protected area in the Philippines, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), led to the discovery of three new species of Etlingera ( Zingiberaceae ) herein described. Etlingera cinnabarina sp. nov. can easily be distinguished by its red orange flowers, at least among Philippine species. Etlingera funakoshii sp. nov. was first identified and recorded in the Philippines as Etlingera brevilabrum , but the absence of black patches in the ligule, absence of reddish cloudy patches in the laminae, and 1-2 flowers per flowering shoot makes it a unique species. Etlingera rigida sp. nov. is closely resembling Etlingera pilosa but unique by the sessile leaves, purplish to reddish abaxial side of the lamina and rigid young fertile bracts. Each new species is provided with a detailed description, colour plate, and information on distribution, phenology, and habitat. Etlingera cinnabarina matches the criteria of the IUCN red list as Endangered (EN), whereas E. funakoshii and E. rigida as Critically Endangered (CN), since all three species have narrow distributions and threats in their respective habitats. A key to the Etlingera of Samar Island is also provided.