Differential Advantage Research Articles

Research Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is a malignant tumor. It has high morbidity and mortality rates and is prone to metastasis and recurrence. At present, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are mainly used in clinical practice, but these methods are more damaging to the patient's body and are prone to toxic side effects. In recent years, with the continuous progress of precision treatment, traditional Chinese medicine has gradually emerged as an important approach in the management of breast cancer. This article is to review the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of breast cancer in recent years, including its treatment methods, mechanism of action, and clinical trial efficacy. Research has shown that traditional Chinese medicine has its unique advantages in treating cancer. Specifically, it can combine its advantages in disease differentiation, syndrome differentiation, and staged treatment with the individualized treatment needs of modern medicine. It can improve the clinical symptoms of patients, enhance the immune function of the body, and delay or prevent the development of diseases.

Advantages of Cell Proliferation and Immune Regulation in CD146+NESTIN+ HUMSCs: Insights from Single-Cell RNA Sequencing.

The heterogeneity of stem cells is a significant factor inhibiting their clinical application, as different cell subpopulations may exhibit substantial differences in biological functions. We performed single-cell sequencing on HUMSCs from three donors of different gestational ages (22+5 weeks, 28 weeks, 39 weeks). We also compared the data with single-cell sequencing data from BMSCs from two public databases. The content of CD146+Nestin+ MSCs in preterm HUMSCs (22+5W: 30.2%, 28W: 25.8%) was higher than that in full-term HUMSCs (39W: 0.5%) and BMSCs (BMSC1: 0, BMSC2: 0.9%). Cell cycle analysis indicated a higher proportion of cells in the proliferative G2M phase in CD146+Nestin+ MSCs (40.8%) compared to CD146+Nestin- MSCs (20%) and CD146-Nestin- MSCs (12.5%). Degree of differentiation assessment suggested that CD146+Nestin+ MSCs exhibited lower differentiation than other cell subpopulations. Differential gene analysis revealed that CD146+Nestin+ MSCs overexpressed immune regulation-related factors. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis of modules identified by WGCNA suggested enrichment in pathways related to cellular immune regulation, antimicrobial activity, and proliferation. Immune-related gene analysis indicated that CD146+Nestin+ MSCs exhibited expression of multiple immune-related genes associated with "Antimicrobials," "Cytokines," and "Cytokine Receptors." Gene regulatory network analysis revealed high expression of immune-related regulators RELB, GAPB1, and EHF in CD146+Nestin+ MSCs.Our study provides a single-cell atlas of preterm HUMSCs, demonstrating the expression of CD146+Nestin+ MSCs across different tissues and confirming their advantages in cellular proliferation, antimicrobial activity, immune regulation, and low differentiation at the RNA level. This contributes valuable insights for the clinical application of HUMSCs.

Competence Level of Graduates on Procurement Strategies for Digital Supply Chains in Tanzania

Strategic procurement enables companies to develop and enhance their advantage over its competitors –both by cost advantage or differentiation advantage. Accordingly, modern and future procurement is highly strategic in comparison to traditional and e-procurement practices. However, the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains is scarcely known in Tanzania. In other words, very little is known on the competence level of graduates on digital supply chain management. Therefore, this study evaluated the competence level of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. It specifically determined the level of awareness of graduates on procurement strategies for digital supply chains; the extent to which the graduates are prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains while at educational institutions studying, and ranking of skills on digital supply chains acquired by the graduates in relation to hard and soft supply chain skills. This study used quantitative approach with descriptive cross-sectional survey design. The data were collected from 500 graduates of Procurement and Supply in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, Mwanza and Dodoma who were sampled using multi-stage sampling techniques. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings reveal that, majority of the graduates had low level of awareness on procurement strategies for digital supply chains. In addition, the majority of graduates were prepared on procurement strategies for digital supply chains to the very small extent. Moreover, skills on digital and soft supply chains were ranked thirdly/low in acquisition when at the education institutions compare to hard supply chain skills. The graduates acquired digital and soft supply chain skills in lower rate (rank) compare to hard supply chain skills acquired in moderate rate. It is generally concluded that, the graduates had low level of competence on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania. This study advocates for serious engagement of both private and public stakeholders in collaborating with colleges/institutes in training on procurement strategies for digital supply chains in Tanzania in order to produce competent labour force for the digital world of work.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment in Functional Dyspepsia

Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by complex etiology and diverse pathogenesis, with various treatment methods available. As the core concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapy, syndrome differentiation and treatment has shown significant efficacy in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. This paper aims to explore the application effects and mechanisms of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment in functional dyspepsia. By systematically reviewing TCM pharmacology and modern medical research, analyzing the TCM etiology and pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia, and combining typical case studies, the study summarizes treatment protocols for different syndromes and highlights the advantages of TCM syndrome differentiation in clinical practice and its role in improving patients' quality of life.

Impact of Marketing Strategies on Strengthening the Image of Public Universities in Ecuador

This article analyzes how marketing strategies impact the strengthening of public universities' images in Ecuador. In a systematic literature review, it shows that the main problems affecting institutional reputation are found in the lack of qualified personnel in their communication departments, as well as administrative management deficiencies. Then, it introduces some of the emerging relational tools, like artificial intelligence and neuromarketing, whose effectiveness has been already tested with a view to improving institutional perception. The competitiveness theory will provide insights for understanding how universities can acquire differential advantages within an increasingly globalized and competitive market for educational services. It follows that effective marketing strategies, digital marketing, and personalized contents help in increasing visibility, thereby attracting more students and enabling international collaborations. The article concluded that what public universities need to do is integrate such strategies coherently with their institutional objectives for effective positioning and improved public perception.

A Study on the Sustainable Development Strategy for Cultural Brands from the Perspective of All Media

The era of all media, as a new cognitive background connecting together everything, provides a new perspective for the operation and communication of cultural brands. Taking the connection between all media and cultural brands as the entry point, this paper discusses how to operate cultural brands in a reasonable and efficient manner. On the one hand, the task is on the construction and communication of cultural brands themselves, focusing on the cultural connotations of their brands and the integration of their marketing with multimedia resources; on the other hand, the operation strategy needs to be further improved, such as the innovation of operation concept, balance of brand layout and creation of brand differentiation advantages. In the context of the era of all-media integration, cultural brands create a more comprehensive and three-dimensional communication mode in a more diversified form. Choosing cross-media and multimedia for brand planning and operation is an inevitable choice.

Oligoelectrolyte-mediated, pH-triggered release of hydrophobic drugs from non-responsive micelles: Influence of oligo(2-vinyl pyridine)-loading on drug-loading, release and cytotoxicity

pH-responsive polymeric micelles have been extensively studied for nanomedicine and take advantage of pH differentials in tissues for the delivery of large doses of cytotoxic drugs at specific target sites. Despite significant advances in this area, there is a lack of versatile and adaptable strategies to render micelles pH-responsive that could be widely applied to different payloads and applications. To address this deficiency, we introduce the concept of oligoelectrolyte-mediated, pH-triggered release of hydrophobic drugs from non-responsive polymeric micelles as a highly effective approach with broad scope. Herein, we investigate the influence of the oligoelectrolyte, oligo(2-vinyl pyridine) (OVP), loading and polymer molecular weight on the pH-sensitivity, drug loading/release and cytotoxicity of poly(ethylene glycol-b-ε-caprolactone) (PEG-b-PCL) micelles using copolymers with either short or long hydrophobic blocks (PEG4PCL4 and PEG10PCL10, respectively). The micelles were characterized as a function of pH (7.4 to 3.5). Dynamic light scattering (DLS) revealed narrow particle size distributions (PSDs) for both the blank and OVP-loaded micelles at pH 7.4. While OVP encapsulation resulted in an increase in the hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) (cf. blank micelles), a decrease in the pH below 6.5 led to a decrease in the Dh consistent with the ionization and release of OVP and core collapse, which were further supported by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and UV–visible (UV–vis) spectrophotometry. The change in zeta potential (ζ) with pH for the OVP-loaded PEG4PCL4 and PEG10PCL10 micelles was different, suggesting that the location/distribution of OVP in the micelles is influenced by the polymer molecular weight. In general, co-encapsulation of drugs (doxorubicin (DOX), gossypol (GP), paclitaxel (PX) or 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN38)) and OVP in the micelles proceeded efficiently with high encapsulation efficiency percentages (EE%). In vitro release studies revealed the rapid, pH-triggered release of drugs from OVP-loaded PEG10PCL10 micelles within hours, with higher OVP loadings providing faster and more complete release. In comparison, no triggered release was observed for the OVP-loaded PEG4PCL4 micelles, implying a strong molecular weight dependency. In metabolic assays the drug- and OVP-loaded PEG10PCL10 micelles were found to result in significant enhancement of the cytotoxicity compared to drug-loaded micelles (no OVP) or other controls. Importantly, micelles with low OVP loadings were found to be nearly as effective as those with high OVP loadings. These results provide key insights into the tunability of the oligoelectrolyte-mediated approach for the effective formulation of pH-responsive micelles and pH-triggered drug release.

Study on hormone induction of the male parent and embryonic development, gonad differentiation, and growth of “All-female No.1” Culteralburnus

Female Culter alburnus was faster in growth rate than males. In this study, the gynogenetic G2 and the pseudo-male G2' were used as the female and male parents, respectively, to breed a new national variety “All-female No.1” C. alburnus (AFC). Hormone induction, embryonic development, gonadal differentiation, and growth of AFC were studied. The results showed induction with low concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in a indoor-net cage culture was not effective. Under the stimulation of 17α-methyltestosterone, some gonads had a tendency to transform into testis, but not completely. There were three types of gonads in 5-month-old and four types of gonads in 12-month-old fishes, however, they all differentiated into ovaries in 15-month-old fishes. Testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction had a good effect resulting in ①a functional pseudo-male with normal testis development that could successfully extrude semen during the breeding period, ②a pseudo-male with normal testis development, but could not extrude semen, and ③the appearance of intersexual glands. The second experiment revealed that with common fish, all-female fish embryo had normal embryonic development. The development time and morphological characteristics of each stage were similar, but the development of the all-female embryo was slightly slower than the common embryos. The gonad differentiation of the all-female embryo were normal and none differentiated into testis, which indicated that all-female could ensure the female sex without affecting the normal gonad differentiation. The correlation between body weight, length, and month-age of all-female and common fish was strong. The all-female had faster growth rate and more uniform growth specification than the common fish. Therefore, the use of testosterone propionate and high concentrations of 17α-methyltestosterone in pond culture induction could avoid complete degeneration of gonads into ovaries. The all-female embryo had the advantages of normal embryonic development and gonadal differentiation, faster growth, and uniform growth specification.

Modeling Klebsiella pneumonia infections and antibiotic resistance dynamics with fractional differential equations: insights from real data in North Cyprus

This study presents an enhanced fractional-order mathematical model for analyzing the dynamics of Klebsiella pneumonia infections and antibiotic resistance over time. The model incorporates fractional Caputo derivative operators and kernel, to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex temporal dynamics. The model consists of three groups: Susceptible (S), Infected (I), and Resistant (R) individuals, each controlled by a fractional differential equation. The model represents the interaction between infection, recovery from infection, and the possible development of antibiotic resistance in susceptible individuals. The existence, uniqueness, stability, and alignment of the model’s prediction to the observed data were analyzed and buttressed with numerical simulations. The results show that imipenem has the highest efficacy compared with ertapenem and meropenem category drugs. The estimated reproduction number and reproduction coefficient illustrate the potential impact of this model in improving treatment strategies, while the memory effects highlight the advantages of fractional differentiation. The model predicts an increased possibility of antibiotic resistance despite effective treatment, suggesting a new treatment approach.

Soft TQM for competitive advantage in the transportation sector: investigating green human resource management and stakeholder integration

PurposeRecent trends in total quality management (TQM) argue in favor of incorporating environmental concerns into TQM and considering external stakeholders. The aim of this study is to bring environmental consciousness in the soft TQM dimension of human resource management (HRM) and assess its interrelationship with stakeholder integration towards achieving a competitive advantage.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study was conducted in the transportation sector, specifically targeting managers in Greek shipping companies involved in global cargo transport and vessel operations. A structured questionnaire was administered, yielding 109 responses. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling.FindingsThe findings reveal the positive effect of both green HRM (GHRM) and stakeholder integration on the innovation differentiation advantage and market differentiation advantage of shipping companies. Results confirm the complementary (partial) mediating effect of GHRM in the relationship between stakeholder integration and both types of competitive advantage.Research limitations/implicationsThe primary limitation resides in data collection exclusively from shipping companies in Greece. A longitudinal approach would be beneficial for examining how the relationship between variables changes over time.Practical implicationsThe findings of the study could assist shipping managers in their decisions to allocate resources for developing GHRM practices and for involving stakeholders in organizational practices to overcome competition.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the discourse on TQM by empirically investigating the combined impact of GHRM and stakeholder integration on competitive advantage – an aspect that has been relatively overlooked in existing literature.

Korg: Fitting, Model Atmosphere Interpolation, and Brackett Lines

We describe several updates to Korg, a package for 1D LTE spectral synthesis of FGKM stars. Built-in functions to fit observed spectra via synthesis or equivalent widths make it easy to take advantage of Korg's automatic differentiation. Comparison to a past analysis of 18 Sco shows that we obtain significantly reduced line-to-line abundance scatter with Korg. Fitting and synthesis are facilitated by a rigorously tested model atmosphere interpolation method, which introduces negligible error to synthesized spectra for stars with T eff ≳ 4000 K. For cooler stars, atmosphere interpolation is complicated by the presence of molecules, though we demonstrate an adequate method for cool dwarfs. The chemical equilibrium solver has been extended to include polyatomic and charged molecules, extending Korg's regime of applicability to M stars. We also discuss a common oversight regarding the synthesis of hydrogen lines in the infrared, and show that Korg's Brackett line profiles are a much closer match to observations than others available. Documentation, installation instructions, and tutorials are available at https://github.com/ajwheeler/Korg.jl.

Systematic Literature Review of Health Tourism Innovation

Innovation is an important issue for any business and especially vital concept for the establishment and growth of a successful health tourism businesses for gaining business improvement and differential advantage in competition. Purpose of this study is to figure out gaps in the innovation in health tourism entrepreneurship literature, show the comprehensive whole situation, areas where the related areas focused on and indicate the related promising areas for research in health tourism innovation. Thus, the significance of this study lies in 2 sub topics as; 1) providing a brief literature review on health tourism innovation 2) indicate the research gaps in health tourism innovation. Results indicate that there is a serious research gap in the innovation studies in spa and wellness tourism, since studies are concentrated on health and medical tourism. Moreover, it is understood that qualitative research is preferred by the majority of the authors followed by the mixed methods which leads to a research gap for quantitative studies in the area. Hence, most researched areas consist of determinants of innovativeness, impact on costs, innovation’s relationship with sustainability, innovation drivers, collaboration, aspects of innovation on success, innovation types’ effectiveness on health tourism establishments and successful innovation applications.

Crafting Enviropreneurial Marketing Through Green Innovation: A Natural Resource-Based View

Being green is widely recognized as a proactive strategy to create economic value hand in hand with environmental sustainability in a new competitive landscape. Taking environment as commitment, righteousness, and opportunity, enviropreneurial marketing (EM) gives rise to environment-specific values and behaviors and is paving a way to achieve differential advantages over competitors by fulfilling responsibilities. Building on the tenets of the natural-resource-based view, we offer a deeper understanding of the framework by which EM could promote firm performance through green innovation. Empirical evidence, based on a survey from manufacturing firms in China, supports the developed theoretical framework with a moderated mediation analysis. Specifically, the adoption of EM is more likely to bring about better green innovation, in turn, improves firm performance. Moreover, it is observed that the closure mechanism acts as a negative moderator. When it is high, the development of green innovation capabilities is seriously constrained. These findings highlight that EM is jointly driven by executives and employees within the firm, rather than by external pressures.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE ANALYSIS: A VALUE CHAIN MODEL IN THE JEMBER CARNIVAL INDUSTRY

The subsector of performing arts studied in this research is in carnival performance art. The pandemic era has made the performance of all business entities decline, including in the creative industry of the performing arts subsector (Carnival). The research method used is qualitative research, namely by describing and exploring the application of value chains and culture in the creative industry of the carnival performing arts subsector in the Jember region. The data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis. The study concludes with the identification of the value chain sustainability model event in Jember, comprising five key elements. These elements include creation, production, dissemination, exhibition, and consumption, indicating the presence of a comprehensive value chain within the Jember Regency carnival event. Jember Carnival's one-of-a-kind creative vision woven through the entire elements, from creation to consumption, gives it a major differentiation advantage compared to standardized carnival offerings. The uniqueness provides lasting value and competitive edge. A potential chain that can be used as a source of competitive advantage for the sustainability of the Jember carnival event is to have a different creation from other carnivals.

Product Packaging and Sales, in Competition with Consumers’ Psychology of Choice

The appearance of consumer products creates a particular impression that compels a consumer to make his choice of a product leading to sales. Product design is an opportunity for differential advantage in the market place. From secondary sources, information were collected and analysed on the roles that product appearance plays on the mind of consumers before choice is made. A number of companies successfully focus on product design appearance as a competitive tool, and several studies indicate the influence of good product design packaging on commercial success. This, the ceramist in product development must queue into for the patronage of his wares by the consumer as a direction for advancement. Consumer preferences and consumer buying behaviour are the major issues that should be taken into account when designing new wares apart from just self-expression. The study found out that in spite of new technologies and materials, consumer's choices and desires constitute the most important elements that drive the marketing process. Therefore, the ceramic designer must put the customer in the fore front not himself when it comes to product appearance. The designer must also look into brand personality, the five (5) bran personality dimensions, deliberate feedback etc. as added issues to the six roles of product packaging to compel the psychology of consumers’’ choice and sales. Thus, the postmodernist philosophy of self-projection in our productive endeavours at the expense of consumer choice must be discouraged at this stage of development of ceramic if wares will compel their commercial values and retain customers’ loyalty beyond the five life cycle of a product. Keywords: Appearance, choice, comparative advantage, consumer, product.

Big data analytics capability for competitive advantage and firm performance in Malaysian manufacturing firms

PurposeThis study investigated the relationships among big data analytics capability (BDAC), low-cost advantage, differentiation advantage, market and operational performance underpinning the resource-based view (RBV) and the entanglement view of sociomaterialism (EVS) theories.Design/methodology/approachA total of 191 responses from members of the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers were analysed using a structural equation modelling approach.FindingsThis study has conclusively demonstrated that BDAC is indeed a resource bundle comprising human skills, tangible and intangible resources. This study found that BDAC positively influences competitive advantage and firm performance. The differentiation advantage was found to be a key factor in explaining market performance. Theoretically, both RBV and EVS could be used to link BDAC, differentiation advantage and market performance to explain superior firm performance.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the sample is restricted to the manufacturers in Malaysia. Second, a single independent variable, BDAC, is used as a higher-order capability to influence competitive advantage, and thus, superior firm performance. Third, this study uses a self-reported survey, which means that only one respondent from each firm answered the questions. Fourth, this study excludes the focused strategy as it aims to investigate the competitive strategy used in the broader industry environment, rather than in a specific segment pursuing a focused strategy.Practical implicationsFirst, BDAC is a valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable tool for manufacturers to enhance their firm performance. Second, BDAC is crucial for manufacturing firms to reduce costs and differentiate themselves. Third, a low-cost advantage may not help manufacturers achieve greater market and operational performance.Originality/valueThe relationship among BDAC, low-cost advantage, differentiation advantage, market and operational performance within manufacturing industry is empirically tested.

Destination brand brilliance as a differential advantage for a tourist destination

The purpose of this article is to investigate the formation of tourist-based destination brand brilliance as a differential advantage for a destination according to Alderson’s differential theory. This will be done via content generated on social media sites by both destination management organizations and tourists, and through the mediating role of three dimensions of Aaker’s brand equity model: awareness, image and perceived quality. Alderson’s differential theory in a tourism context, and investigating the brilliance aspect of a brand, are both new research areas. Data was collected by electronically distributing questionnaires to 398 WhatsApp and Telegram users in Iran. This study confirms the relationship between tourist-generated content and destination brand brilliance through the mediating roles of awareness, image and perceived quality, but the content generated by the destination management organization to make a destination brand brilliant is only possible through the mediating roles of image and perceived quality. There is also a significant positive relationship between the perceived quality of a destination and the formation of destination brand brilliance. The findings of this research will help destination management organizations to better think about, and better manage, content generated on social media sites by organizations and tourists to form brilliance for their destination brand.

Local demand and firms’ upgrading in global value chains: Evidence from China

We investigate the impacts of local-demand quantity and quality on firms’ position in global value chains, using the microdata of Chinese enterprises from 2000 to 2014. The analysis finds that both the quantity and quality of local demand can significantly promote the position of enterprises in global value chains. The quantity of local demand affects firms’ upgrading in global value chains through economies of scale, economies of scope, and the technology spill-over effect. Enterprises with the advantages of differentiation, localization, internalization, and higher capital intensity are more capable of improving their positions in global value chains through the quality of local demand. Comparing across different stages, types, and standardized regression coefficients, we find that quality rather than the quantity of local demand is more conducive to firms’ upgrading in global value chains. Furthermore, the quantity and quality of local demand have a mutually reinforcing and complementary relationship in promoting firms’ upgrading in global value chains.

Gli1 marks a sentinel muscle stem cell population for muscle regeneration.

Adult skeletal muscle regeneration is mainly driven by muscle stem cells (MuSCs), which are highly heterogeneous. Although recent studies have started to characterize the heterogeneity of MuSCs, whether a subset of cells with distinct exists within MuSCs remains unanswered. Here, we find that a population of MuSCs, marked by Gli1 expression, is required for muscle regeneration. The Gli1+ MuSC population displays advantages in proliferation and differentiation both in vitro and in vivo. Depletion of this population leads to delayed muscle regeneration, while transplanted Gli1+ MuSCs support muscle regeneration more effectively than Gli1- MuSCs. Further analysis reveals that even in the uninjured muscle, Gli1+ MuSCs have elevated mTOR signaling activity, increased cell size and mitochondrial numbers compared to Gli1- MuSCs, indicating Gli1+ MuSCs are displaying the features of primed MuSCs. Moreover, Gli1+ MuSCs greatly contribute to the formation of GAlert cells after muscle injury. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that Gli1+ MuSCs represents a distinct MuSC population which is more active in the homeostatic muscle and enters the cell cycle shortly after injury. This population functions as the tissue-resident sentinel that rapidly responds to injury and initiates muscle regeneration.

The Impact of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SMEs’ Performance in a Transitional Economy: The Mediating Role of Differentiation Advantages and Innovation Capability

EO literature suggests that the effects of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on performance is affected by studying context. There is a lack of study executed in transitional economies. In addition, the mediating role of differentiation advantages (DA) and innovation capability (IC) on the relationship between EO and performance remains underexplored. Thus, drawing upon resource-based view and contingency theory, this study examines the mediating effects of DA and IC on this relationship in the contexts of manufacturing SMEs located in Vietnam. A sample of 176 manufacturing SMEs currently operating in Vietnam was analyzed. Partial least square structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that DA and IC fully mediate the relationship between EO and performance. These findings permit four theoretical contributions to the literature. First, this study contributes to the EO literature by examining the effects of EO in a transitional economy as Vietnam. Second, this study also overcomes prior EO studies in term of the operationalization of the performance. Third, this study introduces to EO literature two novel mediators such as DA and IC. Last but not least, this study it also contributes to contingency theory in EO study by addressing mediating rather moderating effects. Regarding to practical implications, managers of manufacturing SMEs should aware that adopting EO is only beneficial to the performance when EO can be used to develop DA and IC.