Person: Apablaza, Mauricio
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Apablaza
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Mauricio
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Publication “As if it were home”: An exploratory study of the role of homesickness among migrant entrepreneurs(2023) Poblete, Carlos; Mandakovic, Vesna; Apablaza, MauricioA common pattern observed in the psychological literature on migrants is homesickness, yet there is a lack of research examining if this phenomenon has any effect in the entrepreneurship sphere. This study begins to fill this gap with an inductive approach examining the Venezuelan migratory wave in Chile. Methodologically, we conduct an oral history analysis of 18 Venezuelan entrepreneurs’ narratives to explore the reasons they built their entrepreneurial ventures and the mechanisms underlying this process. Based on our findings, we show that homesickness can become an enabler that links entrepreneurs with a (latent unsatisfied) demand by facilitating the entrepreneurial ideation process. This phenomenon occurs because the engagement between individuals is heightened when they experience homesickness. On the one hand, we notice that homesick entrepreneurs enhance three resources that contribute to the entrepreneurial ideation process: (1) rhetorical skills, (2) affective empathy, and (3) adaptive attitude. On the other hand, two features also facilitate interaction from the demand side: (1) customer persona and (2) cohesive community identity. Thus, our results suggest that migrant entrepreneurs gain trusted partners based on shared homesickness. Consequently, a more efficient and effective entrepreneurial ideation process is generated.Publication Factors influencing neutralizing antibody response to the original SARS-CoV-2 virus and the Omicron variant in a high vaccination coverage country, a population-based study(2023) Hormazabal, Juan; Nuñez-Franz, Loreto; Rubilar, Paola; Apablaza, Mauricio; Vial Cox, María Cecilia; Cortes Salinas, Lina Jimena; González, Natalia; Vial, Pablo; Said, Macarena; Gonzalez Wiedmaier, Claudia; Olivares, Kathya; Aguilera, Ximena; Ramírez-Santana, MurielThe study compared immunity to the original SARS-CoV-2 virus (Wuhan) and the Omicron variant using neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), that provide a good approximation of protective immunity. The results might help determine immunization strategies. Design and methods: Unlike previous studies, we analyzed NAbs in a random sample of 110 IgG positive sera from individuals who participated in a population-based seroprevalence transversal study, carried out in May 2022 in two Chilean cities, a country with high vaccination coverage. Results: Our findings indicate that 98.2% of individuals had NAbs against Wuhan, 65.5% against Omicron, and 32.7% tested positive for Wuhan but not Omicron. Factors influencing protective immunity included a prior natural infection and the number of vaccines received. NAbs titers against the original virus were high, demonstrating vaccine effectiveness in the population. However, the level of antibodies decreased when measuring NAbs against Omicron, particularly among older individuals, indicating a decline in vaccine protection. Previous COVID-19 episodes acted as a natural booster, increasing NAbs titers against both virus strains. Conclusions: Protective immunity against the original Wuhan SARS-CoV-2 virus is reduced when compared to Omicron variant. Updating vaccine to target emerging variants and continued monitoring of effectiveness at the population level are necessary.Publication Overcoming Health Inequities: Spatial Analysis of Seroprevalence and Vaccination Against COVID-19 in Chile(2024) Muriel Ramírez-Santana , Juan Hormazábal, Luis Canales, Pablo Vial, and Ximena Aguilera; Correa, Juan; Núñez Franz, Loreto; Apablaza, Mauricio; Rubilar, Paola; Vial Cox, María Cecilia; Cortes, Lina Jimena; Hormazabal, Juan; Canales, Luis; Vial, Pablo; Aguilera, XimenaBackground: In unequal economies, the spread of the first waves of the COVID-19 was usually associated withlow socioeconomic status of individuals and their families. Chile exemplified this. By mid-2020, Chile had one ofthe highest SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in the world predominantly in poorer areas. A year later, the countrylaunched a universal vaccination campaign based on the national strategy of immunization established in1975. By 2022, Chile presented one of the highest COVID-19 vaccination coverages globally, reaching 94.3%of the population with the primary scheme by the end of 2022.Objective: This study analyzes the spatial distribution of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at the beginning of the pan-demic (2020) compared with the seroprevalence after 2 years of ongoing epidemic and COVID-19 vaccinationcampaigns (2022).Methods: Two population-based random samples of individuals aged 7 years and older from two Chilean citieswere studied. Utilizing an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test, IgG antibodies were measured in serum of1061 participants in 2020, and 853 in 2022.Results: Using the Global Moran’s Index, the seroprevalence distribution pattern for the year 2020 showed clus-tering in the two cities. Conversely, seroprevalence and vaccinations were homogeneously distributed in 2022.These results show the success of the vaccination campaign in Chile, not only in coverage but also because itwidely reached all individuals.Conclusions: The uptake of this preventive measure is high, regardless of the social and economic factors,achieving broad population immunity. The extensive deployment of the primary health care network contrib-uted to reducing health inequities and promoting to universal health access.Publication Preventive behaviors for COVID-19 in Chile: Lessons from a population follow-up for 2021 and 2022(2024) Rubilar, Paola; Núñez-Franz, Loreto; Apablaza, Mauricio; Ramírez-Santana, Muriel; Molina, Xaviera; Canales, LuisINTRODUCTION The rapid emergence of COVID-19 urged policy responses worldwide, focusing on vaccination and mobility restrictions. Chile represents a unique scenario for analyzing personal preventive measures amid intensive communication and vaccination campaigns. This study aims to explore changes in population adherence to non-pharmacological preventive measures during the pandemic and the factors that explain this adherence each year. METHODS 386 individuals who participated in two population-based studies (2021 and 2022) were considered. An interview was conducted to measure adherence to self-care practices, and case and contact tracing by the health authorities. The Wilcoxon signedrank test was performed to measure change between 2021 and 2022, bivariate analysis, and a linear regression model for each year were performed. RESULTS Mask-wearing in public places was the most commonly used measure (95.9% in 2021, 89.9% in 2022). Follow-up of cases and cases contacts by the health authority had high coverage in 2021 (94.3% and 83% respectively). A greater decrease was observed in contact tracing in 2022 totaling 33.3%. An increase in the score of adherence to preventive practices was observed in 2022 (p < 0.00). The regression model showed in 2021 that women were more likely to adopt preventive behaviors (95% confidence interval: 0.27 to 1.13) and the overweight/obese had higher adherence compared to normal body mass index (95% confidence interval: 0.06 to 0.98). In 2022 being a young adult (30 to 49 years) predicted the adoption of behavioral precautions (95% confidence interval: 0.00 to 1.32). CONCLUSIONS Adherence to preventive measures increased even with high vaccination coverage, likely due to the epidemiological situation with the Omicron variant circulating in 2022.Publication Shielded by business ownership? The role of senior entrepreneurship as a defense mechanism against ageism(2025) Poblete, Carlos; Mandakovic, Vesna; Apablaza, MauricioPurpose — This paper examines the role of entrepreneurship in mitigating age-based discrimination. It investigates whether entrepreneurship among older adults can serve as a protective mechanism against ageism. Design/methodology/approach — Using Chilean data between 2015 and 2022 comprising nearly 3,500 elderly individuals, we analyze the relationship between senior entrepreneurship and perceptions of age-based discrimination. We assess how participation in entrepreneurial activities affects older adults' experiences of ageism compared to traditional employment settings. Findings — The results reveal that older adults engaged in entrepreneurial activities are significantly less likely to perceive age-based discrimination. This indicates a negative association between senior entrepreneurship and ageism, suggesting that self-employment may act as a buffer against the negative stereotypes and prejudices faced by older individuals in the labor market. However, entrepreneurship’s protective effects are contingent on the absence of hierarchical dynamics of team leadership that reintroduce age as a salient and stigmatized identity. Research limitations/Implications — Discrimination against the elderly undermines their economic opportunities, societal contributions, and, most importantly, their dignity. Although the study is centered on Chile, its findings offer broader insights into ageism in workforce globally, specially in emerging economis. This highlights the need for further research to explore the impact of senior entrepreneurship in other contexts and economies. Originality/Value — This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the potential of senior entrepreneurship as a strategy to combat age discrimination. Unlike previous research, this paper provides insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by older adults in an emerging economy characterized by extensive informal markets, weaker institutional frameworks and accelerated aiging. Practical implications — The research advocates for a paradigm shift in societal perceptions of aging and labor market participation. It underscores the importance of supporting senior entrepreneurship through targeted policies and programs. By creating an entrepreneurial ecosystem that meets the specific needs of older adults, policymakers can enhance their economic and social contributions, promoting a more inclusive and equitable labor market.