Corporate social responsibility, branding and financial value: a dual analysis from managers and consumers in an emerging economy

Programa de Doctorado en Administración y Dirección de EmpresasLínea de Investigación: Innovación, Emprendimiento y Empresa FamiliarClave Programa: DAECódigo Línea: 104En las últimas décadas la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa (RSC) se ha convertido en un elemento fundamental para los consumidores y el éxito empresarial (López-Pérez et al., 2017, Martínez, et al., 2016; Ferri et al., 2016; Goyal and Kumar et al., 2016). La sociedad está tomando conciencia de la importancia de los recursos del planeta para las generaciones futuras. Por lo que, las empresas están asumiendo su responsabilidad para garantizar la sostenibilidad económica, social y medioambiental de su actividad (Block & Wagner, 2014; Eweje & Sakaki, 2015). Existen expectativas de que las empresas, los gobiernos y los actores de la sociedad civil serán igualmente responsables de avanzar en un camino más sostenible hacia el futuro. El tratamiento de los ODS ofrece potencialmente una nueva forma de avanzar hacia la política y la práctica del desarrollo, con un énfasis en una amplia gama de objetivos y metas globales que el mundo debe alcanzar para el 2030 (Scheyvens et al., 2016). Las empresas buscan legitimar sus actividades y la RSC ofrece un enfoque que contribuye con estas prácticas (Sidhoum y Serra, 2018) por ser considerada como una ventaja competitiva sostenible (Ramesh et al., 2019). Es decir, la RSC fomenta prácticas de sostenibilidad que incluyen valores de transparencia, buen gobierno corporativo, establecimiento y gestión de relaciones respetuosas con proveedores, clientes y comunidades locales. Asimismo, puede contribuir a reforzar el posicionamiento de las empresas (Schmidt et al., 2018). El objetivo de la investigación es Analizar la RSC en el contexto de las economías emergentes. Identificar desde un enfoque cuantitativo las principales variables relacionadas desde la perspectiva de los gerentes y consumidores. En los últimos años, los gerentes y la comunidad académica han tomado conciencia en reconocer las diferencias entre los consumidores, cultura y empresas. Aspectos como el tamaño, el sector, el tipo de economía, la sociedad, entre otros factores nacionales, permiten determinar la utilidad de la RSC para un determinado contexto. En ese sentido, debido a la poca atención en investigación que se les ha dado a los países emergentes, este estudio se ha enfocado en el caso peruano. No hay evidencia de estudios que hayan abordado explícitamente posibles vínculos entre RSC, consumidores, reputación, imagen de marca, engagement, valor financiero en el contexto de economías emergentes. Para el logro de los objetivos de esta investigación se ha caracterizado a las empresas, gerentes y consumidores. Para el primer grupo se consideró variables como sector, tamaño; para los gerentes se examinó su formación y experiencia; y para los consumidores se evaluaron sus percepciones. Estos datos permitieron conocer la presencia de la RSC en las empresas peruanas. Se realizaron tres estudios cuantitativos que ayudaron a conocer las percepciones de los managers y consumidores: En el primer estudio de investigación se analizó los vínculos potenciales entre la RSC y el valor financiero en contextos de economías emergentes. El objetivo fue analizar el impacto de la RSC en el valor financiero en contextos de economías emergentes, desde la perspectiva de los gerentes, ya que están a cargo de la operación y administración efectiva de las empresas. Asimismo, se evaluó hasta qué punto la reputación y la imagen de marca impactan en la relación RSC-valor financiero, ya que estos factores pueden tener un valor intangible clave para las empresas. En segundo lugar, se determinó si el grado de desarrollo económico o la existencia de factores transculturales tienen un impacto en las relaciones propuestas. En suma, se analizó el potencial papel moderador de factores como el tamaño de la empresa, el sector y la formación. En la segunda investigación se analizó en qué medida la RSC, afectó el vínculo entre consumidores y marcas en los mercados emergentes. Además, se determinó el efecto de la conexión con la marca tanto en la lealtad del consumidor como en la voluntad de recomendar los productos de la empresa: el boca a boca (WOM). Por último, se analizó la influencia potencial de las variables sociodemográficas: ingresos y educación, en los patrones. Es decir, se estudió el rol de los consumidores como corresponsables del desarrollo sostenible en las economías emergentes. Finalmente, en la tercera investigación se respondió a dos importantes interrogantes en el contexto de las economías emergentes, ¿Las actividades de RSC percibidas por los clientes repercuten en la reputación y la imagen de marca? ¿Influye la marca en la satisfacción percibida de los clientes y en el comportamiento posterior a la compra? Esta investigación profundizó en evaluar cómo los principios de sostenibilidad (medidos en RSC) tienen un impacto en la reputación y la imagen de marca; y cómo estos factores afectan los niveles percibidos de satisfacción de los consumidores. Asimismo, analizó el impacto en la predisposición de los consumidores a emitir opiniones favorables sobre productos/marcas y determinó los patrones de consumo en las economías emergentes. La investigación contribuye al conocimiento académico en el sector empresarial, abordando variables relevantes para la gestión en nuevos tiempos y desafíos. Cuantitativamente se analizó los vínculos entre RSC y lealtad, boca a boca, emotional Brand engagement, self-brand connection, valor financiero, imagen de marca y reputación de las empresas en mercados emergentes, específicamente el mercado peruano. Los resultados obtenidos de esta investigación no solo competen al ámbito académico, sino que son de interés para las esferas empresariales, institucionales y de la administración pública. Creemos que la presencia de la RSC es un aspecto crucial para comprender a la sociedad y a la empresa armónicamente. Las organizaciones por un lado cumpliendo su visión, misión y valores para buscar el bienestar de la sociedad. Ambas esferas deben estar en equilibrio.Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla. Escuela de Doctorad

Sustainability, brand image, reputation and financial value: manager perceptions in an emerging economy context

Sustainability has become a fundamental concern in today' world—one which firms can no longer remain oblivious to. Through CSR, companies can shore up financial sustainability by acting in responsible, socially and environmentally sustainable ways. Yet the vast majority of literature addressing this phenomenon to date has focused almost exclusively on developed economies. The objective of the present study, therefore, is to contribute to filling this gap by analyzing the potential impact of CSR on sustainable financial value in the context of an emerging economy, Peru. To this end, we used the PLS technique to carry out quantitative analysis of data from a sample of over 200 managers at Peruvian companies. Our model is based on the premises of Social Capital Theory and Theory of Resources. Specifically, we analyze the extent to which CSR impacts corporate reputation, brand image and financial value in the context of an emerging economy. Our data indicate that—unlike more developed economies—in emerging economy contexts, direct relationships linking CSR and company financial value are lacking, though may occur by way of the path CSR > reputation > brand image > financial value. We also find that size moderates this path, while the sector of activity does not moderate the causal model. Hence, we suggest that both the cross-cultural component and differing degrees of economic development and market maturity affect the perceived impact of CSR on financial value. The present study is pioneering in that it analyzes the impact of sustainability on financial value from the perspective of managers in an emerging economy context. Key theoretical and practical implications of our findings are provided in the final section of the paper

CSR and branding in emerging economies: The effect of incomes and education

Sustainable development is a fundamental objective for guaranteeing the future of the planet. Taking into account the impact of emerging economies on the global economy and the scarcity of papers that have considered the effect of CSR initiatives on consumer behavior on those economies, it seems that further research on this issue is necessary. In particular, we analyze the extent to which CSR affects the connection and links of the consumer to the brand (i.e., self–brand connection, brand engagement). The main contribution of the paper to the field is the analysis of the interaction between CSR and branding in the context of an emerging economy. To that aim, and also in a novel way, we use the Stimuli–Organism–Response (SOR) model for a sample of more than 400 food and beverage consumers in Metropolitan Lima, Peru. Our results show that CSR effectively acts as a stimulus for consumers to identify and link to brands and that, in addition, these links generate buy-back (i.e., loyalty) and recommendation behaviors (i.e., WOM) which, in turn, create a great commercial value for companies. This research also analyses how incomes and educational levels moderate the intensity of such links. For practical implications, global trends in managing CSR and branding may be useful, although some cross-cultural and context-specific adaptations are necessary

Aromatic amination of refined rice bran oil previously epoxidized with Novozym 435

Objective: To synthesize aromatically aminated rice bran oil (APA) using a chemo-enzymatic epoxidation based on Novozym 435 followed by p-xylenediamine insertion. Design/methodology/approach: Refined APA was epoxidized using H2O2/Novozym 435. The resulting epoxidized rice bran oil (eAPA) was functionalized with the aromatic diamine p-xylylenediamine via epoxy ring cleavage (X-eAPA), using ZnCl2 as catalyst. Iodine value (IY), saponification value (IS) and oxirane oxygen content (COO) were determined to evaluate structural changes of the oils. APA, eAPA and X-eAPA were identified using FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR. Results: IY, IS and COO values suggested that the synthesis of eAPA and X-eAPA were effective. The increase in molecular weight in eAPA indicates formation of ~6 epoxy rings per original triglyceride. The COO value of X-eAPA was reduced by 22% compared to that of eAPA, implying that an effective aromatic amination was achieved. FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy studies confirmed the epoxidation and amination of APA. Limitations on study/implications: X-eAPA may be a feasible precursor to obtain high added-value products, as polymers or corrosion inhibitors. Findings/conclusions: Refined rice bran oil partially aromatic aminated was synthesized in two steps, under mild conditions. Epoxidized rice bran oil was obtained using H2O2/Novozym 435, to be immediately functionalized with the aromatic diamine p-xylylenediamine. Keywords: Epoxidation, amination, agro-industrial by-products.Objective: To aromatically aminate refined rice bran oil (RBO), a by-product of the rice agro-industry,through a chemical-enzymatic epoxidation based on Novozym 435 and p-xylylenediamine insertion.Design/Methodology/Approach: Refined RBO was epoxidized with H2O2/Novozym 435. The resultingepoxidized rice bran oil (eRBO) was functionalized with the p-xylylenediamine aromatic diamine via epoxyring-opening (X-eRBO), using ZnCl2 as catalyst. Iodine value (IV), saponification value (SV), and oxiraneoxygen content (OOC) were determined to evaluate structural changes in oils. The RBO, the eRBO, and theX-eRBO were identified using FTIR, 1H, and 13C NMR.Results: The IV, the SV, and the OOC suggest that the synthesis of eRBO and X-eRBO were effective. Theincrease of molecular weight in eRBO point to the formation of 6 epoxy rings per original triglyceride. TheOOC value of X-eRBO was 22% lower than the OOC value of eRBO, implying that an effective aromaticamination was achieved. The FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy analysis confirmed the epoxidation andamination of the RBO.Study Limitations/Implications: X-eRBO may be a feasible precursor for value-added products, such ascrosslinked polymers or corrosion inhibitors.Findings/Conclusions: Refined rice bran oil was aromatically aminated after two stages under mild thermal conditions. This result was achieved with an epoxidation sequence with H2O2/Novozym 435, followed byfunctionalization with p-xylylenediamine

Rainfed improved maize varieties derived from native varieties drought tolerant

In 2005 a research process began in 27 collections of native rainfed corn from Zacatecas, in order to generate improved varieties. In 2005 and 2006, the collections were tested in field under drought and non-drought conditions to select the most tolerant to drought; chosen collection numbers were: 5, 7 and 23. In 2007-2009, morphological characteristics from these collections were identified, physiological studies were made, stomatal density was quantified and subjected to individual selection of inbred plants with full competition; six compounds with different precocity were formed. In 2010 and 2011, the compounds underwent genetic recombination to achieve stability and in 2012 and 2013 were tested under drought conditions in Zacatecas, Zacatecas and under rainfed conditions in Valparaiso, Zacatecas. Two early compounds exceeded on average the three tests to the original varieties between 9.6% and 12.9% in grain yield and between 7.6% and 9.6% in stubble yield; as well as early check between 9.6% and 16.5% in grain yield and between 9.6% and 18.8% yield stubble. A semi-early compound exceeded the original variety 6.8% in grain yield, although it did not outperform stubble yield; semi-early check outperformed those 5.5% in grain yield and 8.8% in stubble yield.En el año 2005 se comenzó un proceso de investigación en 27 colectas de maíz de secano nativas del estado de Zacatecas, con el objetivo de generar variedades mejoradas. En 2005 y 2006, las colectas se probaron en campo bajo condiciones de sequía y sin sequía, para seleccionar las más tolerantes al estrés por sequía; se escogieron las colectas número: 5, 7 y 23. De 2007 a 2009, se determinaron las características morfológicas de estas colectas, se hicieron estudios de tipo fisiológico, se cuantificó la densidad estomática y se sometieron a selección individual de plantas autofecundadas con competencia completa; se formaron seis compuestos de diferente precocidad. En 2010 y 2011, los compuestos se sometieron a recombinación genética para lograr su estabilidad y en 2012 y 2013 se probaron bajo condiciones de sequía en Zacatecas, Zacatecas y bajo condiciones de secano en Valparaíso, Zacatecas. Dos compuestos precoces superaron en promedio de las tres pruebas a las variedades originales entre 9.6% y 12.9% en rendimiento de grano y entre 7.6% y 9.6% en rendimiento de rastrojo; así como al testigo precoz entre 9.6% y 16.5% en rendimiento de grano y entre 9.6% y 18.8% en rendimiento de rastrojo. Un compuesto semiprecoz superó a la variedad original 6.8% en rendimiento de grano, aunque no lo superó en rendimiento de rastrojo; al testigo semiprecoz los superó 5.5% en rendimiento de grano y 8.8% en rendimiento de rastrojo

Genetic and environmental factors related to the development of myopic maculopathy in Spanish patients

High myopia and the subsequent degenerative changes of the retina, choroid, and sclera, known as myopic maculopathy (MM), are a serious visual problem in many Asian countries, and are beginning to be so in the south of Europe, especially in the Mediterranean. It is therefore necessary to carry out genetic and environmental studies to determine the possible causes of this disease. This study aims to verify if the genetic factors that have been most related to Asian populations are also associated in two Spanish cohorts. Eight SNPs from six genes (PAX6,SCO2,CCDC102B,BLID,chromosome 15q14, andCOL8A1) along with demographic, ophthalmic and environmental factors were analysed in two cohorts from a total of 365 highly myopic subjects and 177 control subjects. The genetic analysis showed thatCOL8A1SNP rs13095226 was associated with the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and also seems to play an important role in the increase of axial length. The SNP rs634990 ofchromosome 15q14also showed a significant association with MM, although this was lost after the Bonferroni correction. Additional demographic and environmental factors, namely age, sex, smoking status, and pregnancy history, were also found to be associated with MM and CNV in this population

Heterologous hyperimmune polyclonal antibodies against SARS-COV-2: A broad coverage, affordable, and scalable potential immunotherapy for Covid-19

The emergence and dissemination of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting COVID-19 pandemic triggered a global public health crisis. Although several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines have been developed, demand far exceeds supply, access to them is inequitable, and thus, populations in low- and middle-income countries are unlikely to be protected soon (1). Furthermore, there are no specific therapies available, which is a challenge for COVID-19 patient care (2). Thus, the appearance of SARS-CoV-2 variants and reports of reinfections associated with immune escape (3, 4) highlight the urgent need for effective and broad coverage COVID-19 therapeutics. Intravenous administration of human or heterologous antibodies is a therapy successfully used in patients with viral respiratory diseases (5). Accordingly, formulations containing SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies are an attractive therapeutic option for COVID-19 patients (6). SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies could limit infection by direct virion neutralization and/or by targeting infected cells for elimination via complement or antibody-mediated cytotoxicity (6). Specific SARS-CoV-2 antibody-based therapeutics include convalescent plasma (CP), monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), human polyclonal IgG formulations purified from CP or transgenic animals, and heterologous hyperimmune polyclonal antibodies (pAbs) (6). Although the window for using antibody-based therapeutics varies, clinical data show that they are mainly effective if administered early after symptoms onset (6).Universidad de Costa Rica/[741-C0-198]/UCR/Costa RicaCaja Costarricense del Seguro Social/[]/CCSS/Costa RicaBanco Centroamericano de Integración Económica/[]/BCIE/Costa RicaGerman academic exchange services/[57592642]/DAAD/AlemaniaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Instituto Clodomiro Picado (ICP)UCR::Vicerrectoría de Docencia::Salud::Facultad de Medicina::Escuela de MedicinaUCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias de la Salud::Centro de Investigación en Enfermedades Tropicales (CIET

Colecciones de referencia y oferta multimedia para la práctica arqueológica.

El Grado de Arqueología ha permitido introducir métodos pedagógicos de mayor calidad y herramientas multimedia. Este proyecto tiene por objetivo suministrar a los estudiantes del Grado de Arqueología las competencias básicas para entender y manejar los datos arqueológicos, a través de métodos de aprendizaje interactivos multimedia, reproducciones de artefactos antiguos y colecciones de referencia que integren la información usual de la investigación real en el campo arqueológic

Compromising between European and US allergen immunotherapy schools: Discussions from GUIMIT, the Mexican immunotherapy guidelines

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) has a longstanding history and still remains the only disease-changing treatment for allergic rhinitis and asthma. Over the years 2 different schools have developed their strategies: the United States (US) and the European. Allergen extracts available in these regions are adapted to local practice. In other parts of the world, extracts from both regions and local ones are commercialized, as in Mexico. Here, local experts developed a national AIT guideline (GUIMIT 2019) searching for compromises between both schools. Methods: Using ADAPTE methodology for transculturizing guidelines and AGREE-II for evaluating guideline quality, GUIMIT selected 3 high-quality Main Reference Guidelines (MRGs): the European Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (EAACI) guideines, the S2k guideline of various German-speaking medical societies (2014), and the US Practice Parameters on Allergen Immunotherapy 2011. We formulated clinical questions and based responses on the fused evidence available in the MRGs, combined with local possibilities, patient's preference, and costs. We came across several issues on which the MRGs disagreed. These are presented here along with arguments of GUIMIT members to resolve them. GUIMIT (for a complete English version, see Supplementary data) concluded the following: Results: Related to the diagnosis of IgE-mediated respiratory allergy, apart from skin prick testing complementary tests (challenges, in vitro testing and molecular such as species-specific allergens) might be useful in selected cases to inform AIT composition. AIT is indicated in allergic rhinitis and suggested in allergic asthma (once controlled) and IgE-mediated atopic dermatitis. Concerning the correct subcutaneous AIT dose for compounding vials according to the US school: dosing tables and formula are given; up to 4 non-related allergens can be mixed, refraining from mixing high with low protease extracts. When using European extracts: the manufacturer's indications should be followed; in multi-allergic patients 2 simultaneous injections can be given (100% consensus); mixing is discouraged. In Mexico only allergoid tablets are available; based on doses used in all sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) publications referenced in MRGs, GUIMIT suggests a probable effective dose related to subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) might be: 50–200% of the monthly SCIT dose given daily, maximum mixing 4 allergens. Also, a table with practical suggestions on non-evidence-existing issues, developed with a simplified Delphi method, is added. Finally, dissemination and implementation of guidelines is briefly discussed, explaining how we used online tools for this in Mexico. Conclusions: Countries where European and American AIT extracts are available should adjust AIT according to which school is followed

Multicentre, randomised, single-blind, parallel group trial to compare the effectiveness of a Holter for Parkinson's symptoms against other clinical monitoring methods: study protocol

Introduction In recent years, multiple studies have aimed to develop and validate portable technological devices capable of monitoring the motor complications of Parkinson's disease patients (Parkinson's Holter). The effectiveness of these monitoring devices for improving clinical control is not known. Methods and analysis This is a single-blind, cluster-randomised controlled clinical trial. Neurologists from Spanish health centres will be randomly assigned to one of three study arms (1:1:1): (a) therapeutic adjustment using information from a Parkinson?s Holter that will be worn by their patients for 7 days, (b) therapeutic adjustment using information from a diary of motor fluctuations that will be completed by their patients for 7 days and (c) therapeutic adjustment using clinical information collected during consultation. It is expected that 162 consecutive patients will be included over a period of 6 months. The primary outcome is the efficiency of the Parkinson?s Holter compared with traditional clinical practice in terms of Off time reduction with respect to the baseline (recorded through a diary of motor fluctuations, which will be completed by all patients). As secondary outcomes, changes in variables related to other motor complications (dyskinesia and freezing of gait), quality of life, autonomy in activities of daily living, adherence to the monitoring system and number of doctor?patient contacts will be analysed. The noninferiority of the Parkinson's Holter against the diary of motor fluctuations in terms of Off time reduction will be studied as the exploratory objective. Ethics and dissemination approval for this study has been obtained from the Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge Ethics Committee. The results of this study will inform the practical utility of the objective information provided by a Parkinson's Holter and, therefore, the convenience of adopting this technology in clinical practice and in future clinical trials. We expect public dissemination of the results in 2022.Funding This work is supported by AbbVie S.L.U, the Instituto de Salud Carlos III [DTS17/00195] and the European Fund for Regional Development, 'A way to make Europe'