PurposeDuring the challenging time of lockdown and isolation due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), contact-tracing apps have played a critical role in health communication and preventive healthcare. This study proposed and tested an extended technology acceptance model (TAM) with key health factors (i.e. health risk perception from COVID-19, health information orientation to COVID-19 and health consciousness) to understand individuals' adoption of COVID-19 contact-tracing apps.Design/methodology/approachA two-stage online survey was conducted to collect data on US individuals’ intention and actual use of COVID-19 contact-tracing apps. The sample comprises 288 valid responses. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy set/qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) were employed as the complementary approaches.FindingsThe findings from PLS-SEM revealed that health risk perception, health information orientation and perceived usefulness have positive net effects on behavioral intention, which, in turn, affects actual use. The results from fsQCA highlighted the explanatory power of the extended TAM to COVID-19 contact-tracing app adoption.Originality/valueAlthough TAM is considerably effective in measuring technology acceptance, the phenomenon is highly context-driven. How technological and health factors simultaneously motivate the use of contact-tracing apps has not been well documented. The present study offers some implications for practitioners concerned about fostering the adoption of mobile health services in the time of COVID-19. Methodologically, this study is among the first to blend PLS-SEM and fsQCA to measure the explanatory power of a structural model.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, contact-tracing apps have emerged as reliable tools for public health communication and the promotion of preventative health. However, to function properly, contact-tracing apps require users to provide sensitive information, which has raised concerns about data disclosure, misuse and social surveillance. Little is known about how different types of risk perception simultaneously hinder and motivate individuals' engagement in mobile health apps, particularly in the context of a pandemic. Based on the privacy calculus theory and the risk-risk tradeoff concept, this study examined the risk-risk tradeoff model to enhance the understanding of COVID-19 contact-tracing app users’ decision from the perspective of risk minimization. Findings from PLS-SEM and fsQCA revealed that users engage in health risk-privacy risk tradeoff when evaluating and deciding to use the apps. The focal study therefore contributes to the research on privacy calculus theory and calls for a balanced managerial solution to mitigate this tradeoff dilemma.

New sesquiterpene backbones are accessible after biotransformation of presilphiperfolan-8β-ol synthase (BcBOT2), a fungal sesquiterpene synthase, with non-natural farnesyldiphosphates in which methyl groups are shifted by one position toward the diphosphate terminus. One of the macrocycles formed, a new germacrene A derivative, undergoes a Cope rearrangement to iso-β-elemene. Three of the new terpenoids show olfactoric properties that range from an intense peppery note to a citrus, ozone-like, and fruity scent.

Purpose Corporate governance plays a critical role in solving agency problems. However, previous findings on how governance mechanisms lead to high firm performance are inconclusive. Additionally, this relationship has not been well addressed in the context of transitional countries where governance systems and mechanisms are weak, leaving a gap for research. Hence, this study aims to shed light on the effects of four key governance components, namely, ownership concentration, chief executive officer duality, board size and gender diversity, on firm performance. Design/methodology/approach This study reports on the econometric panel data analysis and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) of 1,424 firm-year observations from listed companies in Vietnam covering the period of 2010–2017. Findings The econometric panel data analysis confirmed the net effects of single solitary governance components. FsQCA revealed equifinal configurations of components that explain high firm market- and accounting-based performance. Practical implications These findings are relevant for firms in transitional and emerging markets, aiming to adopt the most suitable internal mechanisms to pursue their performance objectives and for regulators interested in enhancing the advantages of the capital market. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence that firm performance can be improved when the appropriate corporate governance mechanisms are selected. As there are equifinal paths leading to the desired outcome of high performance, firms from different industrial and national contexts should mindfully apply any uniform corporate governance code.

Purpose Innovation allows firms to gain or maintain their competitive advantages in both domestic and international markets. However, the findings on the association between innovation and export vary depending on countries, samples, time, variables and methods used for empirical analysis. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of different types of innovation on export in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in a developing economy in the context of global integration. Design/methodology/approach For empirical analysis, the authors use a sample of manufacturing SMEs in Vietnam in 2013 and 2015. Because the firms do not engage in innovation at random in the research sample, the authors use propensity score matching to account for self-selection bias. The authors also use different matching estimators to ensure robust results. Findings Innovation activities are found to be positively associated with the probability of engaging in export activities. The effects are mainly contributed by the adoption of new technology or process. Practical implications This research underscores the importance of public interventions and policies designed to promote innovation and export in the SMEs. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is one of the early attempts to examine the association between different types of innovation and export in SMEs in a developing economy.