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14 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Personal Characteristics in Shaping Gender-Biased Job Losses during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Case of South Africa

by Lumengo Bonga-Bonga, Thabiso Molemohi and Frederich Kirsten

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6933; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086933 - 20 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1810

Abstract

This paper contributes to the literature on the effects of adverse economic conditions on gender differences in the labour market by assessing how COVID-19, a global trigger for a critical adverse condition, impacted gender differences in the labour market in a country with [...] Read more.

This paper contributes to the literature on the effects of adverse economic conditions on gender differences in the labour market by assessing how COVID-19, a global trigger for a critical adverse condition, impacted gender differences in the labour market in a country with pronounced discrimination and inequality in the labour market. In fact, the paper investigates how the personal characteristics of women and men affected their likelihood of losing jobs during and before COVID-19 in South Africa. Using the database of the National Income Dynamics Study-Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey (NIDS-CRAM) and NIDS wave 5 dataset and based on logit regression, the paper finds that personal characteristics such as tertiary education had a negative effect on job losses among females. Moreover, the results show that, compared to male workers, female workers were the most affected by the pandemic due to the lockdown regulation that affected many households’ behaviour. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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25 pages, 9782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Antioxidant Power of Extracts of the Red vs. Yellow Nephelium lappaceum Variety

by Mariana Diaz Rojas, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Alejandra Eugenia Loáiciga González, Eduardo Arguedas Chaverri, Lissette Rodríguez Yebra, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2023, 15(6), 5188; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065188 - 15 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1892

Abstract

Nephelium lappaceum L., also known as “Chinese mamon” (mamon chino) or “rambutan”, is an exotic fruit of tropical climate with a sweet flavor and aroma, which can be found in the territory of Costa Rica in the Brunca and Huetar Atlántica regions. For [...] Read more.

Nephelium lappaceum L., also known as “Chinese mamon” (mamon chino) or “rambutan”, is an exotic fruit of tropical climate with a sweet flavor and aroma, which can be found in the territory of Costa Rica in the Brunca and Huetar Atlántica regions. For the comparison of antioxidants, different electronic tests were carried out with the red peel and the yellow peel of Nephelium lappaceum, taking ascorbic acid as a base. In addition, Nephelium lappaceum peels, due to their antioxidant properties, allowed the identification of the active components and their antioxidant activity by thin layer chromatography and DPPH tests. The results of these tests show the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, glycosides, and carotenoids, which are the primary metabolites of Nephelium lappaceum peels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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14 pages, 1118 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Mortality in Patients with COVID-19 from a Hospital in Northern Peru

by Mario J. Valladares-Garrido, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Luis E. Vasquez-Elera, Christopher G. Valdiviezo-Morales, Raisa N. Martinez-Rivera, Annel L. Cruz-Zapata, César Johan Pereira-Victorio, Elian Garcia-Peña, Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Neal M. Davies and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2023, 15(5), 4049; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15054049 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2292

Abstract

We aimed to identify the factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 from the hospitalization service of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital, Piura, Peru, from May to June 2020. A prospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 [...] Read more.

We aimed to identify the factors associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19 from the hospitalization service of the Cayetano Heredia Hospital, Piura, Peru, from May to June 2020. A prospective study was conducted in hospitalized patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 through serological and/or molecular reactive testing. The dependent variable was death due to COVID-19, and the independent variables were the epidemiological, clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patient. The chi-square test and the non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test were used, with a significance level of 5%. Of 301 patients with COVID-19, the majority of them were male (66.1%), and the mean age was 58.63 years. Of the patients analyzed, 41.3% of them died, 40.2% of them were obese and 59.8% of them had hepatic steatosis. The three most frequent signs/symptoms were dyspnea (90.03%), fatigue (90.03%) and a cough (84.72%). Being an older adult (p = 0.011), being hospitalized in the ICU (p = 0.001), overweight (p = 0.016), obese (p = 0.021) and having compromised consciousness (p = 0.039) and thrombocytopenia (p = 0.024) were associated with mortality due to COVID-19. Overall, the mortality rate due to COVID-19 was 41.3%. Having an older age, being hospitalized in the ICU, overweight, obese and having compromised consciousness and thrombocytopenia were positively associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19. These findings highlight the need to establish an adequate system of surveillance and epidemiological education in hospitals and communities in the event of new outbreaks, especially in rural and northern Peru. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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14 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Environmental Contamination by Toxic Elements in Agricultural Soils and Their Health Risks in the City of Arequipa, Peru

by Marcela Huerta Alata, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Lucia Suni Torres, Karina Moran, Denis Pilares, Gregory Carling, Betty Paredes, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2023, 15(4), 3829; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15043829 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2104

Abstract

This study evaluated the concentration of toxic elements in soil samples from agricultural fields in the districts of Sachaca, Socabaya, Hunter, Quequeña, Yarabamba, Characato and Tiabaya in the city of Arequipa, Peru. The ecological risk, enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (I_geo) [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the concentration of toxic elements in soil samples from agricultural fields in the districts of Sachaca, Socabaya, Hunter, Quequeña, Yarabamba, Characato and Tiabaya in the city of Arequipa, Peru. The ecological risk, enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and integrated ecological risk index (RI) were estimated, while the health risk was determined with hazard coefficient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values. Seven soil samples were collected in July 2019 and 17 toxic elements were analyzed in an accredited laboratory using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) methodology. The results were compared with environmental samples where no element exceeded what is established in the standard. The enrichment factor (EF), according to the background of Wedepohl, indicated that As (12.26 ± 3.66) presented a severe enrichment (high) in agricultural soils, while Cd (6.87 ± 3.25) presented moderate values. As, Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn (2.85 ± 0.85; 3.53 ± 1.67; 2.71 ± 1.25; 3.83 ± 0.81; 2.55 ± 0.79) presented low to moderate enrichment in agricultural soils, while Cr did not present enrichment in soils. The I_geo for As in Sachaca, Socabaya, Quequeña and Characato showed moderate contamination, Cu also showed moderate contamination in all the districts evaluated, and Cd showed the same contamination in the districts of Sachaca, Hunter, Quequeña and Tiabaya. The ecological risk in the districts evaluated showed a low degree of risk due to contamination by toxic elements. Finally, the health hazard index for toxic elements present in agricultural soils was evaluated, where the HQ values were negligible and the HI was less than 0.1 (H1 < 0.1) for children and adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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13 pages, 452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with Perceived Change in Weight, Physical Activity, and Food Consumption during the COVID-19 Lockdown in Latin America

by Christian R. Mejia, Bertha Farfán, Jorge A. Figueroa-Tarrillo, Kely Palomino, César Johan Pereira-Victorio, Virgilio E. Failoc-Rojas and Mario J. Valladares-Garrido

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2382; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032382 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2269

Abstract

Quarantine and the restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have generated problems in nutrition and physical condition around the world. We aimed to determine factors associated with changes in perceived weight and lifestyle factors during the COVID-19 quarantine in Latin America, conducting a [...] Read more.

Quarantine and the restrictions necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic have generated problems in nutrition and physical condition around the world. We aimed to determine factors associated with changes in perceived weight and lifestyle factors during the COVID-19 quarantine in Latin America, conducting a cross-sectional study based on a survey administered in more than a dozen countries during June–August 2020. Perceptions of weight changes and alterations in other habits were investigated and were associated with social factors and self-reported diseases. Of 8800 respondents, the majority perceived that they had gained weight and had been less physically active. Being female, living in Bolivia, obesity, and stress were factors associated with a higher perception of weight gain. A higher perception of physical activity was also associated with living in Chile, being of older age, being female, having diabetes, obesity, and stress. When living in Paraguay and Mexico, being female, obesity, anxiety, and stress were associated with a higher perception of unhealthy food consumption. When living in Bolivia, women, obesity, and stress were associated with a higher perception of consuming larger food portions. In conclusion, the perceived changes in weight and lifestyle during the pandemic were more evident in women, people with comorbidities, and those with emotional distress. Differences in the perception of weight changes were minimal among Latin American countries. This information suggests the possible metabolic implications in at-risk individuals that should be further addressed by researchers for timely intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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18 pages, 462 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stress, Depression and/or Anxiety According to the Death by COVID-19 of a Family Member or Friend in Health Sciences Students in Latin America during the First Wave

by Christian R. Mejia, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Yaniré M. Mejía, Susan C. Quispe, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Victor Serna-Alarcón, Martín A. Vilela-Estrada, Jose Armada and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 15515; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142315515 - 22 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3152

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic generated high mortality in various countries, which may have had an impact on the mental health of young people. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether the death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19 [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic generated high mortality in various countries, which may have had an impact on the mental health of young people. The objective of the study was to evaluate whether the death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19 generated a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, or moderate/severe stress in university health sciences students in Latin America. This is an analytical cross-sectional study, with secondary data; depression, anxiety, and stress were measured with a validated survey. In addition, data were obtained on the deaths by COVID-19 of family members or close friends, illness and other socio-economic variables. Descriptive and analytical statistics were obtained. It was found that, of the 3304 students, 5.9% (190) had a close relative who had died, 11.2% (363) a distant relative, and 19.8% (641) a friend. According to the multivariate analysis, those students who had a close family member who had died had greater depression (RPa: 1.48; CI 95%: 1.20–1.84; value p < 0.001) and stress (RPa: 1.41; CI 95%: 1.11–1.79; p value = 0.005), in addition, those who had a friend who died had higher levels of anxiety (RPa: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.06–1.36; p value =0.005); also, the respondents who suffered from COVID-19 had greater depression (RPa: 1.49; CI 95%: 1.05–2.11; value p = 0.024) and stress (RPa: 1.55; CI 95%: 1.05–2.28, p-value = 0.028). An association was found between suffering from depression, anxiety, or stress, and having suffered the death of a family member or close friend from COVID-19. This finding is an important one for places of education to consider, suggesting a need to generate psychological support programs for students who have lost a loved one during the pandemic, since this could have academic and social repercussions. An association was found between the three mental illnesses studied and the death of a family member or close friend from COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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25 pages, 13903 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Systematic Review of Earned Value Management Methods for Monitoring and Control of Project Schedule Performance: An AHP Approach

by Luis Mayo-Alvarez, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, M. Chandra Sekar and Jaime A. Yañez

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 15259; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142215259 - 17 Nov 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8178

Abstract

Successful project management depends on ensuring the project’s objectives. Within these objectives, technical success is associated with achieving the expectations of the project baseline. The baseline of the project is made up of the definition of the scope (WBS), time (schedule) and costs [...] Read more.

Successful project management depends on ensuring the project’s objectives. Within these objectives, technical success is associated with achieving the expectations of the project baseline. The baseline of the project is made up of the definition of the scope (WBS), time (schedule) and costs (S curve) of the project. Directly, the project is expected to be technically successful if it manages to deliver its full scope on schedule and without associated cost overruns. Baseline performance management is how project managers track and control the progress of deliverables, timelines and associated costs. In a traditional approach, for waterfall-type projects that use the critical path paradigm, the baseline performance management tool par excellence is earned value management (EVM). Earned value management, in practice, works well when project costs are monitored and controlled; however, applying this approach to measure the status of the schedule presents serious inconsistencies. Over the last several decades, different variations of the original earned value have been developed to overcome some of these inconsistencies when used to measure project schedule status. Within these variations, we have the critical path earned value; the work in progress earned value; the critical path earned value and the work in progress; the earned schedule; and the critical path earned schedule. Each of these proposals tries to address some weakness of the original earned value management applied to time monitoring and control, for example, considering critical tasks as a focus on monitoring the progress of the schedule, solving the problem of task recognition late finishers, reporting schedule variances in time units and measuring adherence to the project’s schedule (P factor). Due to the exposed situation, it is necessary to determine which alternative of the versions of the original earned value is the most appropriate for the management of the project schedule, considering that there are several evaluation criteria that must be considered. In the present research, a systematic review and comparison of EVM and its variations for measuring project baseline schedule performance are performed to determine the most suitable methods for monitoring and controlling the project baseline schedule. For this purpose, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is used, and five comparison criteria are considered: schedule variation focused on critical tasks, recognition and measurement of the delay of tasks that finish late, schedule variation in time units, measurement of schedule adherence (P factor) and software support and development. The result of the AHP performed for comparing the methods shows that the best method for monitoring and controlling the project baseline schedule is the critical path earned schedule because it behaves adequately in comparison with the other methods for the evaluated comparison categories. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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14 pages, 315 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quality of Life, Anxiety, and Depression in Peruvian Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome

by Marco R. Furlong-Millones, Katherin Mostacero-Becerra, Edwin Aguirre-Milachay, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Andrés Garcia Guerra, Neal M. Davies, Jaime A. Yañez and Mario J. Valladares-Garrido

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14970; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214970 - 12 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2014

Abstract

The current study aims to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at hospital discharge from a Peruvian health center. Patients at discharge from the cardiology hospitalization service between November 2019 and December 2020 were [...] Read more.

The current study aims to identify the factors associated with anxiety and depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) at hospital discharge from a Peruvian health center. Patients at discharge from the cardiology hospitalization service between November 2019 and December 2020 were evaluated using a cross-sectional study. The median time elapsed from the ACS event to the interview date was 10 months. A total of 34.1% of the population presented mild depression and 78.8% had mild anxiety. All three of our analyses indicated that patients who had attended university had significantly lower levels of both depression and anxiety, and patients with diabetes had significantly higher levels of anxiety. The lower-low socioeconomic group had 1.5 times the frequency of depression (p-value = 0.002) and 3.12 times the frequency of anxiety (p-value = 0.050). Interestingly, while a good quality of life was associated with lower levels of depression, it was also associated with higher levels of moderate/severe anxiety (p-value = 0.035). A multiple regression analysis found that hypertension was also associated with higher levels of anxiety, and patients who have had COVID-19 had 21.05 times the level of moderate/severe anxiety (p-value = 0.000). Cases of ACS are more frequent in patients with an age greater than or equal to 60 years, as well as in males. Isolation was a common feature that may have a negative impact on their quality of life and mental health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

15 pages, 975 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Job Insecurity According to the Mental Health of Workers in 25 Peruvian Cities during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Nataly Palomino-Ruiz, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Jeanet Guzman-Loayza, Oscar Mamani-Benito, Martín A. Vilela-Estrada, Víctor Serna-Alarcón, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Jaime A. Yáñez and Christian R. Mejia

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14799; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214799 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2883

Abstract

The pandemic brought various problems among workers, one of them being job insecurity, since many lost their jobs and others had the possibility of being fired, which could influence their mental health. The aim of this analytical cross-sectional study was to determine the [...] Read more.

The pandemic brought various problems among workers, one of them being job insecurity, since many lost their jobs and others had the possibility of being fired, which could influence their mental health. The aim of this analytical cross-sectional study was to determine the relationship between job insecurity and mental health among workers in 25 Peruvian cities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previously validated surveys were used to inquire about job insecurity and three mental health disorders (depression, anxiety, and stress) as well as other variables. Of the 1855 workers, 14% had moderate or higher levels of stress, 30% had anxiety, and 16% had depression. Having had job insecurity was associated with moderate or higher levels of depression (RPa: 1.71; 95% CI: 1.51–1.94; p-value < 0.001), anxiety (RPa: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.25–1.64; p-value < 0.001), and stress (RPa: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.41–2.22; p-value < 0.001). Depression was also associated with having been fired during the pandemic and associated with eight professions. Anxiety was associated with being a man and having been fired, while stress was associated with three professions. There is a clear association between having job insecurity and suffering from the three mental pathologies evaluated, which highlights the importance of assessing the mental impact. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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15 pages, 333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 Positivity in Patients Treated at the Lambayeque Regional Hospital, Peru during a Pandemic Period

by Mario J. Valladares-Garrido, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Annel B. Rojas-Alvarado, José A. Zuniga-Cáceres, Naylamp A. Estrella Izarra, Christopher Ichiro Peralta, David Astudillo, Cristian Díaz-Vélez, Virgilio E. Failoc Rojas, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Neal M. Davies, Andrés Garcia Guerra and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14785; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214785 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1961

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide additional data on mortality from COVID-19 with particular attention to the factors associated with the positivity of patients admitted to the Lambayeque Hospital in Peru. A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out to determine the [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to provide additional data on mortality from COVID-19 with particular attention to the factors associated with the positivity of patients admitted to the Lambayeque Hospital in Peru. A retrospective cohort analysis was carried out to determine the clinical-epidemiological factors associated with positivity for SARS-CoV-2 in patients treated at the Lambayeque Regional Hospital during the health emergency period in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was observed that, as the demographic age group increased, the percentage of seropositivity increased, with 66.8% of elderly adults testing positive, compared to 37.4% of children (p < 0.001). More seropositive men than women were evident (61.1% vs. 54.1%; p < 0.001). The most frequent symptom of patients with suspected COVID-19 was cough (65.0%). However, the symptoms with the greatest frequency of seropositive patients were ageusia (78.6%) and fever (77.6%); cough was one of the symptoms with the lowest (63.9%) (p-value < 0.001). The comorbidities with the most seropositive patients were obesity (80.7%) and diabetes mellitus (73.6%) (p-value < 0.001), different from the top comorbidity of heart disease (12.7%) in suspected COVID-19 patients. In terms of disease signs, abnormal findings on MRI (98.11%) and dyspnea (28.7%) were the most common in suspected COVID-19 patients, similar to those in seropositive patients, which were dyspnea (81.4%) and abnormal tomography findings (75.3%) (p-value < 0.001). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

15 pages, 1419 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RETRACTED: Prediction of Consumption of Local Wine in Italian Consumers Based on Theory of Planned Behavior

by Nicole Campos-Arteaga, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Alexandra Gonzales-Vásquez, Fabrizio Rios-La-Torre, Jaasiel Melillo-Espinoza-Chueca, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Christian R. Mejia and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14769; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214769 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3274 | Retraction

Abstract

The consumption of local wine positively influences a country’s economy by providing jobs while preserving the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of complementary factors, based on an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior, in consumer [...] Read more.

The consumption of local wine positively influences a country’s economy by providing jobs while preserving the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of complementary factors, based on an extended model of the Theory of Planned Behavior, in consumer behavior toward local wine by evaluating the antecedents of Italian local wine consumption. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. For the study, a survey was sent to a total sample of 404 people residing in Italy. The results showed a relationship between purchase intention and perceived behavioral control. In addition, ethnocentric personality was found to have a positive influence, and cosmopolitan personality was found to have a negative influence. It was also confirmed that personal norms and place identity were related to attitudes toward this behavior. This study contributes to the literature in a way that adds constructs to the theory relevant to local wine consumption. Similarly, for those involved in the internal and external marketing of local products, it addresses and provides implications that can be considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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16 pages, 1234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Consumer Patterns of Sustainable Clothing Based on Theory of Reasoned Action: Evidence from Ecuador

by Luigi Leclercq-Machado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Verónica García-Ibarra, Sharon Esquerre-Botton, Flavio Morales-Ríos, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Neal M. Davies and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(22), 14737; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142214737 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4186

Abstract

Corporations need to understand the factors that influence purchase intention. The current study aimed to understand sustainable clothing patterns in Ecuador. A total of 343 Ecuadorian consumers completed an online survey; the results were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). [...] Read more.

Corporations need to understand the factors that influence purchase intention. The current study aimed to understand sustainable clothing patterns in Ecuador. A total of 343 Ecuadorian consumers completed an online survey; the results were analyzed with partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). As the outcome, attitude was predicted by perceived environmental knowledge (PEK) and environmental concern (EC). PEK and EC are positively correlated to attitudes towards purchasing sustainable clothing. Additionally, attitude mediated the relationship between these two variables and purchase intention. As measured by PEK, attitude is the most critical factor in determining purchase intention, based on importance performance map analysis (IPMA). The research findings may support firms’ marketing and selling strategies to demonstrate that their brands are environmentally green and generate greater consumer interest in current and future customers. The novelty of these findings is supported by the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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16 pages, 525 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors of the Revisit Intention of Patients in the Primary Health Care System in Argentina

by Massimo Pighin, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales, Mercedes Rojas-Osorio and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(20), 13021; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142013021 - 12 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3370

Abstract

The Argentine health system has three subsectors: private, social works, and public. It is essential to consider the user’s perceptions through studies that measure the intention to revisit, through self-perceived care quality, to obtain results from the health care process and adjust the [...] Read more.

The Argentine health system has three subsectors: private, social works, and public. It is essential to consider the user’s perceptions through studies that measure the intention to revisit, through self-perceived care quality, to obtain results from the health care process and adjust the services provided accordingly. A correlational, cross-sectional, and non-experimental study has been carried out. A total of 407 people were surveyed using a self-administered questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The model considered four variables: quality of the use of health programs, satisfaction, confidence, and revisit intention. Second-generation statistics were adopted through multivariate evaluation using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to calculate the correlation values between the study variables. The direct route between the quality of health services and satisfaction was not statistically significant, while the direct routes traced between the other constructs were statistically significant. This study contributes significantly to understanding how users determine the intention to re-choose a health service, explaining the indirect routes through which the quality of care relates to the intention to revisit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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8 pages, 547 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adaptation and Validation of a Monkeypox Concern Instrument in Peruvian Adults

by Oscar Mamani-Benito, Renzo Felipe Carranza Esteban, Juan Pichen Fernández, Edison Effer Apaza Tarqui, Christian R. Mejia, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12354; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912354 - 28 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2580

Abstract

Monkeypox is causing great concern in society because of its great infective power and the possibility that it could become a new pandemic. This study aimed to adapt and validate the monkeypox concern scale in the Peruvian adult population (EP-VIR-MONK). An instrumental cross-sectional [...] Read more.

Monkeypox is causing great concern in society because of its great infective power and the possibility that it could become a new pandemic. This study aimed to adapt and validate the monkeypox concern scale in the Peruvian adult population (EP-VIR-MONK). An instrumental cross-sectional study was carried out under a non-probabilistic convenience sampling with 779 adults from the three regions of Peru (coast, highlands, and jungle). The instrument was adapted based on an instrument previously validated related to the concern caused by COVID-19 in Peru. Content-based validity was calculated with Aiken’s V coefficient, internal structure with confirmatory factor analysis, and reliability with the omega coefficient. The first evidence of validity of EP-VIR-MONK based on its content, internal structure, and reliability in a sample of Peruvian adults is presented here. Accordingly, it can be helpful for the management of the prevention of mental health alterations resulting from the proliferation of monkeypox in Peru. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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21 pages, 1153 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Product Innovation, Market Intelligence and Pricing Capability as a Competitive Advantage in the International Performance of Startups: Case of Peru

by Romina Gómez-Prado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Berdy Briggitte Cuya-Velásquez, Marián Arias-Meza, Nilda Campos-Dávalos, Luis Juarez-Rojas, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(17), 10703; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141710703 - 28 Aug 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6444 | Correction

Abstract

Since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, various options have been created to export products, with the creation and development of startups becoming a viable and significant option. Previous research has described the influence of competitive business advantage on international performance. However, the novelty of [...] Read more.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, various options have been created to export products, with the creation and development of startups becoming a viable and significant option. Previous research has described the influence of competitive business advantage on international performance. However, the novelty of the current research was to evaluate the influence of the company’s capabilities, through the competitive advantage of the company as a mediator in international performance. The study was based on the responses of 200 active startups in Peru. The PLS-SEM technique was utilized with the company’s capabilities linked to internationalization processes as independent variables, as well as market intelligence, product innovation, and pricing. The mediating variable was competitive advantage, and the dependent variable was international performance. It was found that all three capabilities influenced competitive advantage and, ultimately, international performance. It was concluded that competitive advantage does not act as a mediator between pricing capabilities and the international performance of startups. Moreover, it was determined that competitive advantage acts as a mediator between two of the three assessed capabilities: market intelligence capabilities and product innovation capabilities. The results were supported by the reflective and formative evaluation of the results obtained through the applied technique. These results could help create better programs to promote startups interested in internationalizing and exporting products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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18 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sustainable Fashion and Consumption Patterns in Peru: An Environmental-Attitude-Intention-Behavior Analysis

by Luigi Leclercq-Machado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Romina Gómez-Prado, Berdy Briggitte Cuya-Velásquez, Sharon Esquerre-Botton, Flavio Morales-Ríos, Camila Almanza-Cruz, Sarahit Castillo-Benancio, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9965; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169965 - 12 Aug 2022

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 9128

Abstract

This study aims to outline the influence of Environmental Attitude (EA) in Purchase Intention (PI) and Purchase Behavior (PB). The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) was extended by adding Environmental Concern (EC) and Perceived Environmental Knowledge (PEK) as EA predictors. A total of [...] Read more.

This study aims to outline the influence of Environmental Attitude (EA) in Purchase Intention (PI) and Purchase Behavior (PB). The Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) was extended by adding Environmental Concern (EC) and Perceived Environmental Knowledge (PEK) as EA predictors. A total of 396 responses from Peru were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). In the findings, Environmental Attitude acts as a mediator between Environmental Concern and Perceived Environmental Knowledge, and Purchase Intention. Additionally, this actual interrelationship results in a positive relationship with Purchase Behavior. Subjective Norms were not an essential predictor of Purchase Intention, which validates previous studies. Our findings suggest that Peruvian consumers prefer sustainable clothing because they are concerned with and aware of current environmental issues. Consequently, their attitude is shaped based on environmental concern and perceived environmental knowledge, resulting in an increasing intention to buy sustainable clothes, which are aimed at reducing environmental impact. The research findings may support the marketing and selling strategies of firms to show that their brands are green and can generate more interest in current and future customers. The novelty is based on using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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17 pages, 941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Consumer Satisfaction and Consumer Loyalty of Private Banking Companies in Peru

by Luigi Leclercq-Machado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Sharon Esquerre-Botton, Camila Almanza-Cruz, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9078; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159078 - 25 Jul 2022

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 10663

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer satisfaction and loyalty in the Peruvian private banking sector. A total of 390 bank consumers fulfilled an online survey. It evaluated the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR), customer [...] Read more.

This study aimed to determine the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on consumer satisfaction and loyalty in the Peruvian private banking sector. A total of 390 bank consumers fulfilled an online survey. It evaluated the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR), customer satisfaction (CS), and customer trust (CT) on customer loyalty. The results suggest that CSR and customer satisfaction, through customer trust, have a positive effect on customer loyalty. The model explained 63.6% of customer loyalty. Outcomes of the bootstrapping test showed that the path coefficients were significant. The research findings may help bank managers to understand customers’ satisfaction and trust, which can create a preference and loyalty for their firms. The study’s novelty is based on the use of the partial least square structural equation modeling technique (PLS-SEM) to evaluate CSR in the financial sector in Peru. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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2 pages, 192 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Gómez-Prado et al. Product Innovation, Market Intelligence and Pricing Capability as a Competitive Advantage in the International Performance of Startups: Case of Peru. Sustainability 2022, 14, 10703

by Romina Gómez-Prado, Aldo Alvarez-Risco, Berdy Briggitte Cuya-Velásquez, Marián Arias-Meza, Nilda Campos-Dávalos, Luis Juarez-Rojas, Maria de las Mercedes Anderson-Seminario, Shyla Del-Aguila-Arcentales and Jaime A. Yáñez

Sustainability 2023, 15(11), 8992; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15118992 - 2 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1340

Abstract

The authors would like to make the following corrections to the published paper [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Achieving Sustainable Development Goals in COVID-19 Pandemic Times)

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