La influencia de la responsabilidad social empresarial en el comportamiento de compra de los consumidores de hamburguesas en Lima Metropolitana – hombres de 18 a 24 años de edad

Tras una serie de investigaciones realizadas, la responsabilidad social ha venido ganando relevancia a nivel internacional. En el Perú, ya existen estudios que tratan de conocer su impacto en el consumidor. De manera que esta investigación busca determinar la influencia que la responsabilidad social empresarial tiene en el comportamiento de compra de los consumidores de hamburguesas hombres de 18 a 24 años de edad, en Lima Metropolitana. Así, se desarrolló un cuasi-experimento bajo la metodología de los modelos de elección discreta con el objetivo de poder cuantificar la intención de compra y la disposición a pagar por las acciones de responsabilidad social desarrolladas por las empresas. El cuasiexperimento se llevó a cabo utilizando una muestra por conveniencia de 132 consumidores. Además, la investigación brinda evidencia empírica de la relación positiva que existe entre la responsabilidad social empresarial y el comportamiento de compra de la muestra. Los resultados del estudio indican que el efecto de la responsabilidad social empresarial en su conjunto es ligeramente superior al de las competencias corporativas. Esta tesis es una ampliación del alcance de la investigación doctoral del profesor Percy Samoel Marquina Feldman, La Influencia de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en el Comportamiento de Compra de los Consumidores Peruanos (Marquina, 2009). Esta tesis de maestría busca validar si la relación identificada originalmente por el profesor Marquina también se presenta en la categoría de los consumidores de hamburguesas, en Lima Metropolitana, hombres de 18 a 24 años, tal como lo sugirió el autor en sus recomendaciones finales. Con la autorización de este, se han utilizado partes de su tesis, particularmente en lo concerniente a la revisión de la literatura y el método.After a series of studies on the matter, corporate social responsibility has been gaining relevance at an international level. In Peru, there are studies that show its effect on the consumer. This study seeks to determine the influence that corporate social responsibility has on the purchasing behavior of male hamburger consumers of between 18 and 24 years and in Metropolitan Lima. An experiment was therefore carried out under the methodology of discrete choice models with the objective of being able to quantify the purchasing intention and the disposition to pay for the corporate responsibility actions developed by companies. The experiment was carried out using a convenience sample of 132 consumers. In addition, the study provides empirical evidence of the positive relationship that exists between corporate social responsibility and the purchasing behavior of the sample. The results of the study indicate that, as a whole, the effect of corporate social responsibility is slightly better than that of corporate competencies. The present study is an extension of the scope of the doctoral investigation of Professor Percy Marquina Feldman, known as The Influence of the Corporate Social Responsibility in the Purchasing Behavior of Peruvian Consumers (Marquina, 2009). This study looks to validate if the relationship originally identified by the author is also present in the category of male hamburger consumers in Metropolitan Lima Peru and whose ages ranged from 18 to 24 years just as the author suggested in his final recommendations. With his authorization a part of his thesis has been used especially that concerning the revision of the literature and the methodology.Tesi

La influencia de la responsabilidad social empresarial en el comportamiento de compra de los consumidores de hamburguesas en Lima Metropolitana - Hombres de 18 a 24 años de edad

Tras una serie de investigaciones realizadas, la responsabilidad social ha venido ganando relevancia a nivel internacional. En el Perú, ya existen estudios que tratan de conocer su impacto en el consumidor. De manera que esta investigación busca determinar la influencia que la responsabilidad social empresarial tiene en el comportamiento de compra de los consumidores de hamburguesas hombres de 18 a 24 años de edad, en Lima Metropolitana. Así, se desarrolló un cuasi-experimento bajo la metodología de los modelos de elección discreta con el objetivo de poder cuantificar la intención de compra y la disposición a pagar por las acciones de responsabilidad social desarrolladas por las empresas. El cuasiexperimento se llevó a cabo utilizando una muestra por conveniencia de 132 consumidores. Además, la investigación brinda evidencia empírica de la relación positiva que existe entre la responsabilidad social empresarial y el comportamiento de compra de la muestra. Los resultados del estudio indican que el efecto de la responsabilidad social empresarial en su conjunto es ligeramente superior al de las competencias corporativas. Esta tesis es una ampliación del alcance de la investigación doctoral del profesor Percy Samoel Marquina Feldman, La Influencia de la Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en el Comportamiento de Compra de los Consumidores Peruanos (Marquina, 2009). Esta tesis de maestría busca validar si la relación identificada originalmente por el profesor Marquina también se presenta en la categoría de los consumidores de hamburguesas, en Lima Metropolitana, hombres de 18 a 24 años, tal como lo sugirió el autor en sus recomendaciones finales. Con la autorización de este, se han utilizado partes de su tesis, particularmente en lo concerniente a la revisión de la literatura y el métodoAfter a series of studies on the matter, corporate social responsibility has been gaining relevance at an international level. In Peru, there are studies that show its effect on the consumer. This study seeks to determine the influence that corporate social responsibility has on the purchasing behavior of male hamburger consumers of between 18 and 24 years and in Metropolitan Lima. An experiment was therefore carried out under the methodology of discrete choice models with the objective of being able to quantify the purchasing intention and the disposition to pay for the corporate responsibility actions developed by companies. The experiment was carried out using a convenience sample of 132 consumers. In addition, the study provides empirical evidence of the positive relationship that exists between corporate social responsibility and the purchasing behavior of the sample. The results of the study indicate that, as a whole, the effect of corporate social responsibility is slightly better than that of corporate competencies. The present study is an extension of the scope of the doctoral investigation of Professor Percy Marquina Feldman, known as The Influence of the Corporate Social Responsibility in the Purchasing Behavior of Peruvian Consumers (Marquina, 2009). This study looks to validate if the relationship originally identified by the author is also present in the category of male hamburger consumers in Metropolitan Lima Peru and whose ages ranged from 18 to 24 years just as the author suggested in his final recommendations. With his authorization a part of his thesis has been used especially that concerning the revision of the literature and the methodologyTesi

Stakeholder Influences on the Design of Firms’ Environmental Practices

While prior literature has emphasized that stakeholders can influence a firm's decision to adopt environmental practices that lead to competitive advantage, most scholarship has assumed that stakeholders influence the design of firms' environmental practices similarly. We challenge this notion and suggest that stakeholders affect not only the decision to adopt environmental practices, but also managerial decisions about the design of these practices. We consider the case of firms' strategic decisions about the design of their environmental practices, and in particular their degree of comprehensiveness and visibility. We then develop a classification of four design strategies: movers and shakers, backroom operators, wannabes, and passivists. Using multinomial regression techniques for a sample of more than 1700 firms worldwide, our research shows that while stakeholders exert pressures on firms, managers' perceptions of these pressures vary, and these variations appear to influence the design of their environmental practices. These findings offer important evidence that the scope of stakeholders' influence appears more far reaching (and nuanced) than previously considered. Managers who respond to these influences may therefore be in a better position to satisfy stakeholder expectations, thus enhancing their organization's overall credibility

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

COVID19 Disease Map, a computational knowledge repository of virus-host interaction mechanisms.

Funder: Bundesministerium für Bildung und ForschungFunder: Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF)We need to effectively combine the knowledge from surging literature with complex datasets to propose mechanistic models of SARS-CoV-2 infection, improving data interpretation and predicting key targets of intervention. Here, we describe a large-scale community effort to build an open access, interoperable and computable repository of COVID-19 molecular mechanisms. The COVID-19 Disease Map (C19DMap) is a graphical, interactive representation of disease-relevant molecular mechanisms linking many knowledge sources. Notably, it is a computational resource for graph-based analyses and disease modelling. To this end, we established a framework of tools, platforms and guidelines necessary for a multifaceted community of biocurators, domain experts, bioinformaticians and computational biologists. The diagrams of the C19DMap, curated from the literature, are integrated with relevant interaction and text mining databases. We demonstrate the application of network analysis and modelling approaches by concrete examples to highlight new testable hypotheses. This framework helps to find signatures of SARS-CoV-2 predisposition, treatment response or prioritisation of drug candidates. Such an approach may help deal with new waves of COVID-19 or similar pandemics in the long-term perspective

Canagliflozin and renal outcomes in type 2 diabetes and nephropathy

BACKGROUND Type 2 diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure worldwide, but few effective long-term treatments are available. In cardiovascular trials of inhibitors of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2), exploratory results have suggested that such drugs may improve renal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS In this double-blind, randomized trial, we assigned patients with type 2 diabetes and albuminuric chronic kidney disease to receive canagliflozin, an oral SGLT2 inhibitor, at a dose of 100 mg daily or placebo. All the patients had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of 30 to <90 ml per minute per 1.73 m2 of body-surface area and albuminuria (ratio of albumin [mg] to creatinine [g], >300 to 5000) and were treated with renin–angiotensin system blockade. The primary outcome was a composite of end-stage kidney disease (dialysis, transplantation, or a sustained estimated GFR of <15 ml per minute per 1.73 m2), a doubling of the serum creatinine level, or death from renal or cardiovascular causes. Prespecified secondary outcomes were tested hierarchically. RESULTS The trial was stopped early after a planned interim analysis on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring committee. At that time, 4401 patients had undergone randomization, with a median follow-up of 2.62 years. The relative risk of the primary outcome was 30% lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group, with event rates of 43.2 and 61.2 per 1000 patient-years, respectively (hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.59 to 0.82; P=0.00001). The relative risk of the renal-specific composite of end-stage kidney disease, a doubling of the creatinine level, or death from renal causes was lower by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.81; P<0.001), and the relative risk of end-stage kidney disease was lower by 32% (hazard ratio, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.86; P=0.002). The canagliflozin group also had a lower risk of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.67 to 0.95; P=0.01) and hospitalization for heart failure (hazard ratio, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.47 to 0.80; P<0.001). There were no significant differences in rates of amputation or fracture. CONCLUSIONS In patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, the risk of kidney failure and cardiovascular events was lower in the canagliflozin group than in the placebo group at a median follow-up of 2.62 years

Cabbage and fermented vegetables : From death rate heterogeneity in countries to candidates for mitigation strategies of severe COVID-19

Large differences in COVID-19 death rates exist between countries and between regions of the same country. Some very low death rate countries such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, or the Balkans have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods. Although biases exist when examining ecological studies, fermented vegetables or cabbage have been associated with low death rates in European countries. SARS-CoV-2 binds to its receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). As a result of SARS-CoV-2 binding, ACE2 downregulation enhances the angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT(1)R) axis associated with oxidative stress. This leads to insulin resistance as well as lung and endothelial damage, two severe outcomes of COVID-19. The nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) is the most potent antioxidant in humans and can block in particular the AT(1)R axis. Cabbage contains precursors of sulforaphane, the most active natural activator of Nrf2. Fermented vegetables contain many lactobacilli, which are also potent Nrf2 activators. Three examples are: kimchi in Korea, westernized foods, and the slum paradox. It is proposed that fermented cabbage is a proof-of-concept of dietary manipulations that may enhance Nrf2-associated antioxidant effects, helpful in mitigating COVID-19 severity.Peer reviewe

Albiglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (Harmony Outcomes): a double-blind, randomised placebo-controlled trial

Background: Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists differ in chemical structure, duration of action, and in their effects on clinical outcomes. The cardiovascular effects of once-weekly albiglutide in type 2 diabetes are unknown. We aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of albiglutide in preventing cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke. Methods: We did a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial in 610 sites across 28 countries. We randomly assigned patients aged 40 years and older with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (at a 1:1 ratio) to groups that either received a subcutaneous injection of albiglutide (30–50 mg, based on glycaemic response and tolerability) or of a matched volume of placebo once a week, in addition to their standard care. Investigators used an interactive voice or web response system to obtain treatment assignment, and patients and all study investigators were masked to their treatment allocation. We hypothesised that albiglutide would be non-inferior to placebo for the primary outcome of the first occurrence of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke, which was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. If non-inferiority was confirmed by an upper limit of the 95% CI for a hazard ratio of less than 1·30, closed testing for superiority was prespecified. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02465515. Findings: Patients were screened between July 1, 2015, and Nov 24, 2016. 10 793 patients were screened and 9463 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to groups: 4731 patients were assigned to receive albiglutide and 4732 patients to receive placebo. On Nov 8, 2017, it was determined that 611 primary endpoints and a median follow-up of at least 1·5 years had accrued, and participants returned for a final visit and discontinuation from study treatment; the last patient visit was on March 12, 2018. These 9463 patients, the intention-to-treat population, were evaluated for a median duration of 1·6 years and were assessed for the primary outcome. The primary composite outcome occurred in 338 (7%) of 4731 patients at an incidence rate of 4·6 events per 100 person-years in the albiglutide group and in 428 (9%) of 4732 patients at an incidence rate of 5·9 events per 100 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio 0·78, 95% CI 0·68–0·90), which indicated that albiglutide was superior to placebo (p<0·0001 for non-inferiority; p=0·0006 for superiority). The incidence of acute pancreatitis (ten patients in the albiglutide group and seven patients in the placebo group), pancreatic cancer (six patients in the albiglutide group and five patients in the placebo group), medullary thyroid carcinoma (zero patients in both groups), and other serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. There were three (<1%) deaths in the placebo group that were assessed by investigators, who were masked to study drug assignment, to be treatment-related and two (<1%) deaths in the albiglutide group. Interpretation: In patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide was superior to placebo with respect to major adverse cardiovascular events. Evidence-based glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists should therefore be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes. Funding: GlaxoSmithKline

Nrf2-interacting nutrients and COVID-19 : time for research to develop adaptation strategies

There are large between- and within-country variations in COVID-19 death rates. Some very low death rate settings such as Eastern Asia, Central Europe, the Balkans and Africa have a common feature of eating large quantities of fermented foods whose intake is associated with the activation of the Nrf2 (Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2) anti-oxidant transcription factor. There are many Nrf2-interacting nutrients (berberine, curcumin, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, quercetin, resveratrol, sulforaphane) that all act similarly to reduce insulin resistance, endothelial damage, lung injury and cytokine storm. They also act on the same mechanisms (mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin, PPAR gamma:Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor, NF kappa B: Nuclear factor kappa B, ERK: Extracellular signal-regulated kinases and eIF2 alpha:Elongation initiation factor 2 alpha). They may as a result be important in mitigating the severity of COVID-19, acting through the endoplasmic reticulum stress or ACE-Angiotensin-II-AT(1)R axis (AT(1)R) pathway. Many Nrf2-interacting nutrients are also interacting with TRPA1 and/or TRPV1. Interestingly, geographical areas with very low COVID-19 mortality are those with the lowest prevalence of obesity (Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia). It is tempting to propose that Nrf2-interacting foods and nutrients can re-balance insulin resistance and have a significant effect on COVID-19 severity. It is therefore possible that the intake of these foods may restore an optimal natural balance for the Nrf2 pathway and may be of interest in the mitigation of COVID-19 severity