Technology Platform Research Articles

Clay-polymer nanocomposites for effective water treatment: opportunities, challenges, and future prospects.

The metal intoxication and its associated adverse effects to humans have led to the research for development of water treatment technologies from pollution hazards. Therefore, development of cheaper water remediation technologies is more urgent than ever. Clays and clay minerals are naturally occurring, inexpensive, non-toxic materials possessing interesting chemical and physical properties. As a result of interesting surface properties, these have been developed as efficient absorbent in water remediation. Recently, clay-polymer nanocomposites have provided a cost-effective technological platform for removing contaminants from water. Covering research advancements from past 25years, this review highlights the developments in clay-polymer nanocomposites and their advanced technical applications are evaluated with respect to the background and issues in remediation of toxic metals and organic compounds from water. The extensive analysis of literature survey of more than two decades suggests that future work need to highlight on advancement of green and cost-effective technologies. The development of understanding of the interaction and exchange between toxin and clay-polymer composites would provide new assembly methods of nanocomposites with functional molecules or nanomaterials need to be extended to increase the detection and extraction limit to parts per trillion.

Value-Based Healthcare: A Primer for the Dermatologist.

Value-based healthcare (VBHC) is an increasingly employed strategy to transform healthcare organizations into economically sustainable systems that deliver high-value care. In dermatology, the need for VBHC is evident as chronic skin diseases require long-term, often expensive treatments. This narrative review aims to introduce dermatologists to the principles and implementation of VBHC. VBHC emphasizes maximizing outcomes that are directly relevant to patients. Key components of VBHC include a systematic assessment of standardized patient-relevant outcomes by using core outcome sets and measurement of healthcare cost for the individual patient. Systematic reporting and comparing of risk-adjusted outcomes across the full cycle of care for a specific condition provide benchmarked feedback and actionable insights to promote high-value care and reduce low-value care. VBHC aims to organize care around the patient in condition-specific and team-based integrated practice units with multidisciplinary collaboration, utilize information technology platforms to enable digital data monitoring, reduce cost, and eventually reform payment systems to support bundled payments for the overall care cycle. VBHC implementation in practice necessitates the establishment of a systematic framework for outcome-based quality improvement, the incorporation of value and outcomes in shared decision-making practices, and the cultivation of a value-centric culture among healthcare professionals through continuous training. Dermatologists can benefit from implementing VBHC principles in their practice. An essential step toward value-driven dermatological care is to start measuring outcomes relevant for patients for each patient, which is lacking partly due to the absence of core outcome sets developed for clinical practice. By reducing low-value care and emphasizing optimal patient-centered outcomes, VBHC has the potential to improve the quality of care and ensure cost containment. Efforts are needed to enhance the development and uptake of VBHC in dermatological clinical practice to realize these benefits.

Simultaneous high throughput genotyping of 36 blood group systems using NGS based on probe capture technology

Human blood group antigen has important biological functions, and transfusion of incompatible blood can cause alloimmunization and may lead to serious hemolytic reactions. Currently, serological methods are most commonly used in blood group typing. However, this technique has certain limitations and cannot fully meet the increasing demand for the identification of blood group antigens. This study describes a next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology platform based on exon and flanking region capture probes to detect full coding exon and flanking intron regions of the 36 blood group systems, providing a new high-throughput method for the identification of blood group antigens. The 871 capture probes were designed for the exon and flanking intron sequences of 36 blood group system genes, and synchronization analysis for 36 blood groups was developed. The library for NGS was tested using the MiSeq Sequencing Reagent Kit (v2, 300 cycles) by Illumina NovaSeq, and the data were analyzed by the CLC Genomics Workbench 21.0 software. A total of 199 blood specimens have been sequenced for the 41 genes from 36 blood groups. Among them, heterozygote genotypes were found in the ABO, Rh, MNS, Lewis, Duffy, Kidd, Diego, Gerbich, Dombrock, Globoside, JR, LAN, and Landsteiner-Wiene blood group systems. Only the homozygous genotype was found in the remaining 22 blood group systems. The obtained data in the NGS method shows a good correlation (99.98 %) with those of the polymerase chain reaction-sequence-based typing. An NGS technology platform for 36 blood group systems genotyping was successfully established, which has the characteristics of high accuracy, high throughput, and wide coverage.

Examining the dynamics of risk associated with green investment in India: a study on fintech and green bonds for clean energy production

PurposeThe research investigates how green bonds and Fintech contribute to advancing sustainable energy adoption in India while addressing the intricate investment risks associated with green initiatives.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs a stringent approach, conducting an extensive examination of data to analyze the interplay among green bonds, Fintech, and the renewable energy industry in India.FindingsThe study unveils Fintech’s capacity to optimize financing for renewable projects in India by leveraging blockchain technology and digital platforms, enhancing accessibility and investor confidence. Additionally, it underscores the role of green bonds in fostering the development of eco-friendly energy sources.Originality/valueThis research offers novel insights into the dynamic relationship among green bonds, Fintech, and India’s renewable energy sector. It emphasizes the importance of adaptable regulatory frameworks in facilitating sustainability efforts and provides valuable guidance for stakeholders navigating environmental initiatives.

ISLAMIC FINTECH LENDING DETERMINANTS USING ISLAMIC FINANCIAL LITERACY AS A MODERATION VARIABLE

This study aims to determine the financial literacy of MSME actors in Morotai Island Regency as well as their erceptions in utilizing islamic fintech lending as an alternative business funding. Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA) with SPSS version 25 is the analysis approach used. 108 MSME units in six randomly chosen sub-districts received questionnaires with slovin technique, which was applied with a 0.05 margin of error and predetermined criteria. The study's findings demonstrate that the usage of islamic fintech lending is highly influenced by the perceived usefulness and ease of use of fintech. In addition, this study discovered that the impact of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use on the frequency with which MSMEs use islamic fintech lending is not moderated by islamic financial literacy. The study's practical contribution is the realization that islamic financial literacy apart cannot be as a criteria for evaluating how MSME utilize islamic fintech lending to obtain funding for company expansion. Further research is necessary on digital literacy, which refers to MSME actors' ability in utilizing technology and digital platforms to obtain fintech funding. In addition, it's essential to focus on external factors like the availability of Islamic financial technology funding education and training for MSME.

LONG-TERM EQUILIBRIUM RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE STOCK AND CRYPTOCURRENCIES MARKETS

This study investigates the long-term equilibrium relationships between the stock market, represented by the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and a comprehensive range of 401 cryptocurrencies traded on Binance. Employing Johansen cointegration tests on data from January 2018 to May 2024, we examine pairwise relationships between 30 DJIA components and cryptocurrencies across various categories. Our findings reveal varying degrees of integration, with some stocks like Visa and Walt Disney Company showing strong cointegration with numerous cryptocurrencies. Sector-specific patterns emerge, such as significant links between technology stocks and platform tokens, and between financial services and DeFi tokens. Platform tokens exhibit the highest overall integration with stocks, followed by DeFi and NFT/Gaming domains. Notably, some cryptocurrencies, including major ones like Ethereum and Bitcoin, show high levels of cointegration, while others display independence. Stablecoins demonstrate strong cointegration with all stock prices. These results provide nuanced insights into the complex interactions between traditional and digital finance, contributing to our understanding of market integration, diversification strategies, and the evolving financial ecosystem.

Preparation of μ-HMX/C-Based Composite Energy Composite Microspheres by Microdroplet Technology.

Taking μ-HMX particles as the main research subject, a set of microdroplet sphericalization coating technology platforms was designed and constructed to realize the preparation of composite microspheres by sphericalization coating of μ-HMX. The suspension stability of μ-HMX particles and the mechanism of droplet formation were investigated, and the application effect of nanocarbon materials was also analyzed. The results showed that the prepared sample microspheres all showed a better spherical morphology, as well as good dispersibility; the samples with micron-sized particles for spherical coating had a lower thermal decomposition temperature, a higher energy release efficiency, lower mechanical sensibility, and better combustion performance; the incorporation of CNFs changed the combustion mode of the system, which resulted in the microsphere system of μ-HMX having a good safety performance. The stability and feasibility of uniform spheronization when the dispersed phase is a low-concentration particle suspension system in the spheronization encapsulation process by microdroplet technology were verified.

Antibody-Driven Assembly of Plasmonic Core-Satellites to Increase the Sensitivity of a SERS Vertical Flow Immunoassay.

Here, we describe a SERS-based vertical flow assay as a platform technology suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostic testing. A capture substrate is constructed from filter paper embedded with spherical gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and functionalized with an appropriate capture antibody. The capture substrate is loaded into a filtration device and connected to a syringe to rapidly and repeatedly pass the sample through the sensor for efficient antigen binding. The antigen is then labeled with a SERS-active detection probe. We show that only a few Raman reporter molecules, exclusively located adjacent to the plasmonic capture substrate, generate detectible signals. To maximize the signal from underutilized Raman reporter molecules, we employ a secondary signal enhancing probe that undergoes antibody-directed assembly to form plasmonic core-satellites. This facile enhancement step provides a 3.5-fold increase in the signal and a detection limit of 0.23 ng/mL (1.6 pM) for human IgG. This work highlights the potential to rationally design plasmonic architectures using widely available and reproducible spherical AuNPs to achieve large SERS enhancements for highly sensitive POC diagnostics.

In-situ co-immobilization of lipase, lipoxygenase and L-cysteine within a metal-amino acid framework for conversion of soybean oil into higher-value products

We propose a co-immobilized chemo-enzyme cascade system to mitigate random intermediate diffusion from the mixture of individual immobilized catalysts and achieve a one-pot reaction of multi-enzyme and reductant. Catalyzed by lipase and lipoxygenase, unsaturated lipid hydroperoxides (HPOs) were synthesized. 13(S)-hydroperoxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic acid (13-HPODE), one compound of HPOs, was subsequently reduced to 13(S)-hydroxy-9Z, 11E-octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) by cysteine. Upon the optimized conditions, 75.28 mg of 13-HPODE and 4.01 mg of 13-HODE were produced from per milliliter of oil. The co-immobilized catalysts exhibited improved yield compared to the mixture of individually immobilized catalysts. Moreover, it demonstrated satisfactory durability and recyclability, maintaining a relative HPOs yield of 78.5% after 5 cycles. This work has achieved the co-immobilization of lipase, lipoxygenase and the reductant cysteine for the first time, successfully applying it to the conversion of soybean oil into 13-HODE. It offers a technological platform for transforming various oils into high-value products.

A novel and cost-effective real-time RT-PCR targeting 24 nucleotides deletion to differentiate PEDV wild-type and classical attenuated vaccine strains

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) poses a significant threat to the swine industry, causing severe disease and resulting in substantial economic losses. Despite China’s implementation of a large-scale vaccine immunization strategy in recent years, various strains of PEDV, including classical attenuated vaccine strains, continue to emerge in immunized pig herds. Here, we established a one-step real-time fluorescent reverse transcription PCR (one-step real-time RT-PCR) assay targeting a 24-nucleotide deletion in the ORF1 region of three PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains, derived from classical strains. This assay effectively distinguishes between PEDV classical attenuated vaccine strains and wild-type strains, and we also explore the causes of this discriminatory target deficiency of this method through phylogenetic and recombination analysis. We found that these three classical attenuated vaccine strains exhibit closer phylogenetic relationships and higher sequence similarity with five cell-adapted strains. Recombination analysis revealed that although recombination is widespread in the PEDV genome, the 24-nucleotide deletion site remains stable without undergoing recombination and can be utilized as a target for identification. Further analysis revealed there are no enzyme cleavage sites near the 24-nucleotide site, suggesting that this deletion may have been lost during the process of culturing these viral strains in cells.The detection method we have established exhibits high specificity and sensitivity to PEDV, without cross-reactivity with other viruses causing diarrheal diseases. A total of 117 swine fecal samples were analyzed using this established one-step real-time reverse transcription PCR assay, indicating the presence of classical attenuated vaccine strains in pig herds in Gansu province, China. Additionally, the designed primer pairs and two probes can be placed in a single reaction tube to differentiate between these two types of strains, effectively reducing detection costs. These findings offer an efficient and cost-effective technological platform for clinical rapid identification testing of both wild-type and classical attenuated vaccine strains of PEDV, as well as for precise investigation of clinical data on natural infections and vaccine immunity in pig herds.

Optical Fiber-Assisted Printing: A Platform Technology for Straightforward Photopolymer Resins Patterning and Freeform 3D Printing.

Light-based 3D printing techniques represent powerful tools, enabling the precise fabrication of intricate objects with high resolution and control. An innovative addition to this set of printing techniques is Optical Fiber-Assisted Printing (OFAP) introduced in this article. OFAP is a platform utilizing an LED-coupled optical fiber (LOF) that selectively crosslinks photopolymer resins. It allows change of parameters like light intensity and LOF velocity during fabrication, facilitating the creation of structures with progressive features and multi-material constructs layer-by-layer. An optimized formulation based on allyl-modified gelatin (gelAGE) with food dyes as photoabsorbers is introduced. Additionally, a novel gelatin-based biomaterial, alkyne-modified gelatin (gelGPE), featuring alkyne moieties, demonstrates near-visible light absorption thus fitting OFAP needs, paving the way for multifunctional hydrogels through thiol-yne click chemistry. Besides 2D patterning, OFAP is transferred to embedded 3D printing within a resin bath demonstrating the proof-of-concept as a novel printing technology with potential applications in tissue engineering and biomimetic scaffold fabrication, offering rapid and precise freeform printing capabilities.

The JMU-SalVac-System: A Novel, Versatile Approach to Oral Live Vaccine Development.

Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhi Ty21a (Ty21a) is the only licensed oral vaccine against typhoid fever. Due to its excellent safety profile, it has been used as a promising vector strain for the expression of heterologous antigens for mucosal immunization. As the efficacy of any bacterial live vector vaccine correlates with its ability to express and present sufficient antigen, the genes for antigen expression are traditionally located on plasmids with antibiotic resistance genes for stabilization. However, for use in humans, antibiotic selection of plasmids is not applicable, leading to segregational loss of the antigen-producing plasmid. Therefore, we developed an oral Ty21a-based vaccine platform technology, the JMU-SalVac-system (Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg) in which the antigen delivery plasmids (pSalVac-plasmid-series) are stabilized by a ΔtyrS/tyrS+-based balanced-lethal system (BLS). The system is made up of the chromosomal knockout of the essential tyrosyl-tRNA-synthetase gene (tyrS) and the in trans complementation of tyrS on the pSalVac-plasmid. Further novel functional features of the pSalVac-plasmids are the presence of two different expression cassettes for the expression of protein antigens. In this study, we present the construction of vaccine strains with BLS plasmids for antigen expression. The expression of cytosolic and secreted mRFP and cholera toxin subunit B (CTB) proteins as model antigens is used to demonstrate the versatility of the approach. As proof of concept, we show the induction of previously described in vivo inducible promoters cloned into pSalVac-plasmids during infection of primary macrophages and demonstrate the expression of model vaccine antigens in these relevant human target cells. Therefore, antigen delivery strains developed with the JMU-SalVac technology are promising, safe and stable vaccine strains to be used against mucosal infections in humans.

A platform technology for ultra-long acting intratumoral therapy

Intratumoral (IT) therapy is a powerful method of controlling tumor growth, but a major unsolved problem is the rapidity that injected drugs exit tumors, limiting on-target exposure and efficacy. We have developed a generic long acting IT delivery system in which a drug is covalently tethered to hydrogel microspheres (MS) by a cleavable linker; upon injection the conjugate forms a depot that slowly releases the drug and “bathes” the tumor for long periods. We established technology to measure tissue pharmacokinetics and studied MSs attached to SN-38, a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor. When MS ~ SN-38 was injected locally, tissues showed high levels of SN-38 with a long half-life of ~ 1 week. IT MS ~ SN-38 was ~ tenfold more efficacious as an anti-tumor agent than systemic SN-38. We also propose and provide an example that long-acting IT therapy might enable safe use of two drugs with overlapping toxicities. Here, long-acting IT MS ~ SN-38 is delivered with concurrent systemic PARP inhibitor. The tumor is exposed to both drugs whereas other tissues are exposed only to the systemic drug; synergistic anti-tumor activity supported the validity of this approach. We propose use of this approach to increase efficacy and reduce toxicities of combinations of immune checkpoint inhibitors such as αCTLA-4 and αPD-1.

The K-pop industry: competitiveness and sustainability

ABSTRACT This study examines the competitiveness of the K-pop industry using the Diamond Model. By implementing creative strategies for talent development and marketing, such as in-house training, global auditions, and the promotion of groups as their own brand, the industry has expanded their fan base on a global scale. The industry’s competitiveness has been further enhanced by the strategic interactions between the major players, which may involve both competitive and cooperative efforts. The utilisation of platform technology has facilitated direct interaction between artists and their fans, resulting in the development of a vibrant fandom culture. Additionally, the demand for K-pop has benefited from the positive externalities generated by other K-Wave (Hallyu) contents. To ensure the industry’s sustainability, this study proposes improvements of corporate governance, the modernisation of the label system to meet timely and diverse demand, and strategic partnership with platform/IT conglomerates to leverage the platform technology effectively.

Nanoconfined catalytic membranes assembled by cobalt-loaded carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide for highly efficient water decontamination

This study presents a catalytic membrane based on cobalt-loaded carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide (Co@CNT-GO). Cobalt, serving as the active center, efficiently activates peroxymonosulfate for the degradation of organic compounds in transmembrane water. The uniform dispersion and firm loading of Co on CNT prevent the aggregation and leakage issues typically associated with conventional catalysts. The two-dimensional channels formed by the vacuum-assisted self-assembly of CNT and GO enhance the probability of contact between organic compounds and Co and prolong the contact duration thereby ensuring catalytic efficiency while maintaining a low water permeability resistance. The water flux of the catalytic membrane is 90 L/m2/h, and the atrazine removal efficiency is more than 92%, maintaining high stability even after continuous operation for 72 h. The generated active free radicals, including sulfate radicals, hydroxyl radicals, and singlet oxygen, synergistically facilitate the mineralization of organic compounds. Furthermore, the presence of oxygen vacancies on CNT accelerates the redox cycle of ≡ Co(II)/≡Co(III), sustaining the catalytically active center. Compared to the precursor catalytic membrane, Co@CNT-GO catalytic membrane possesses the characteristics of high removal efficiency and high flux, holding promise as a platform technology for the rapid and precise treatment of organic pollutants in contaminated water.

An Efficient Method for Vault Nanoparticle Conjugation with Finely Adjustable Amounts of Antibodies and Small Molecules.

Vaults are eukaryotic ribonucleoproteins consisting of 78 copies of the major vault protein (MVP), which assemble into a nanoparticle with an about 60 nm volume-based size, enclosing other proteins and RNAs. Regardless of their physiological role(s), vaults represent ideal, natural hollow nanoparticles, which are produced by the assembly of the sole MVP. Here, we have expressed in Komagataella phaffi and purified an MVP variant carrying a C-terminal Z peptide (vault-Z), which can tightly bind an antibody's Fc portion, in view of targeted delivery. Via surface plasmon resonance analysis, we could determine a 2.5 nM affinity to the monoclonal antibody Trastuzumab (Tz)/vault-Z 1:1 interaction. Then, we characterized the in-solution interaction via co-incubation, ultracentrifugation, and analysis of the pelleted proteins. This showed virtually irreversible binding up to an at least 10:1 Tz/vault-Z ratio. As a proof of concept, we labeled the Fc portion of Tz with a fluorophore and conjugated it with the nanoparticle, along with either Tz or Cetuximab, another monoclonal antibody. Thus, we could demonstrate antibody-dependent, selective uptake by the SKBR3 and MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cell lines. These investigations provide a novel, flexible technological platform that significantly extends vault-Z's applications, in that it can be stably conjugated with finely adjusted amounts of antibodies as well as of other molecules, such as fluorophores, cell-targeting peptides, or drugs, using the Fc portion as a scaffold.

Combating Fraudulent Participation in Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Virtual Health Research: Protocol for Increasing Data Integrity in Online Research (PRIOR).

While the advantages of using the internet and social media for research recruitment are well documented, the evolving online environment also enhances motivations for misrepresentation to receive incentives or to "troll" research studies. Such fraudulent assaults can compromise data integrity, with substantial losses in project time; money; and especially for vulnerable populations, research trust. With the rapid advent of new technology and ever-evolving social media platforms, it has become easier for misrepresentation to occur within online data collection. This perpetuation can occur by bots or individuals with malintent, but careful planning can help aid in filtering out fraudulent data. Using an example with urban American Indian and Alaska Native young women, this paper aims to describe PRIOR (Protocol for Increasing Data Integrity in Online Research), which is a 2-step integration protocol for combating fraudulent participation in online survey research. From February 2019 to August 2020, we recruited participants for formative research preparatory to an online randomized control trial of a preconceptual health program. First, we described our initial protocol for preventing fraudulent participation, which proved to be unsuccessful. Then, we described modifications we made in May 2020 to improve the protocol performance and the creation of PRIOR. Changes included transferring data collection platforms, collecting embedded geospatial variables, enabling timing features within the screening survey, creating URL links for each method or platform of data collection, and manually confirming potentially eligible participants' identifying information. Before the implementation of PRIOR, the project experienced substantial fraudulent attempts at study enrollment, with less than 1% (n=6) of 1300 screened participants being identified as truly eligible. With the modified protocol, of the 461 individuals who completed a screening survey, 381 did not meet the eligibility criteria assessed on the survey. Of the 80 that did, 25 (31%) were identified as ineligible via PRIOR. A total of 55 (69%) were identified as eligible and verified in the protocol and were enrolled in the formative study. Fraudulent surveys compromise study integrity, validity of the data, and trust among participant populations. They also deplete scarce research resources including respondent compensation and personnel time. Our approach of PRIOR to prevent online misrepresentation in data was successful. This paper reviews key elements regarding fraudulent data participation in online research and demonstrates why enhanced protocols to prevent fraudulent data collection are crucial for building trust with vulnerable populations. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04376346; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04376346. DERR1-10.2196/52281.

Competitive electrochemical aptasensor for high sensitivity detection of liver cancer marker GP73 based on rGO-Fc-PANi nanocomposites

Golgi protein 73 (GP73) is a novel tumor marker in the early diagnosis and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Herein, a competitive electrochemical aptasensor for detecting GP73 was constructed using reduced graphene oxide-ferrocene-polyaniline nanocomposite (rGO-Fc-PANi) as the biosensing platform. The rGO-Fc-PANi had larger specific surface area, excellent conductivity and outstanding electroactive performance, which served as nanocarrier for GP73 aptamer (GP73Apt) binding and as redox nanoprobe for record electrical signal. Then, a complementary chain (cDNA) was fixed to the electrode by hybridization with GP73Apt. When GP73 was present, a competitive process happened among cDNA, GP73Apt and GP73, formed the GP73-GP73Apt stable chemical structure and made cDNA detach from the sensing electrode, resulting in enhancement of electrical signal. The difference in the corresponding peak current before and after the competition can be used to indicate the quantitative of GP73. Under optimal conditions, the DPV current response showed a good log-linear relationship with GP73 concentrations (0.001 ∼ 100.0 ng/mL) with a detection limit of 0.15 pg/mL (S/N = 3). It was successfully used for GP73 detection in human serum with RSDs ranging from 1.08 % to 6.96 %. Therefore, the aptasensor could provide an innovative technology platform and hold a great potential in clinical application.

NEEDS ANALYSIS: DEVELOPING AN ESP SPEAKING MOOC MODEL IN HIGER EDUCATION CONTEXT

This study aims to investigate the needs and learning requirements of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students in the context of developing a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) model for ESP speaking skills. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing Comprehensive Needs Analysis (CNA) techniques. Data was collected through document analysis, Forum Group Discussions (FGDs) with students, interviews with lecturers, and meetings with experts. Data analysis followed qualitative methodologies, including data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing. The study reveals significant insights into students' backgrounds, English proficiency levels, and experiences with MOOCs. Participants primarily perceive their English proficiency as intermediate. While MOOCs are viewed as valuable supplementary resources, students desire more diversity and interactivity in their online learning experiences. Furthermore, the research highlights students' desires for comprehensive speaking skills development, integrated learning experiences, supportive learning environments, and user-friendly technology platforms. This study fills a gap in the literature by investigating the specific needs and learning requirements of ESP students for developing an ESP Speaking MOOC model, particularly in Indonesian context. The findings suggest the importance of prioritizing speaking skills, integrating various language skills, fostering supportive learning environments, and leveraging user-friendly technology platforms in the development of ESP Speaking MOOC models. Addressing these needs is crucial for maximizing learning outcomes and student engagement in online language learning environments.

Pendampingan UMKM: Meningkatkan Daya Saing Dan Inovasi di Era Digital Pada UMKM Bintang Emas di Desa Kasengan, Kecamatan Manding, Kabupaten Sumenep

The SME assistance program entitled "SME Assistance: Enhancing Competitiveness and Innovation in the Digital Era for Bintang Emas SMEs in Kasengan Village, Manding Subdistrict, Sumenep Regency" was implemented from March 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024. This program aims to enhance digital capacity, product innovation, and modern marketing strategies for Bintang Emas SMEs. Through digital marketing training, product innovation workshops, and technical assistance, participants learn to utilize digital technology and e-commerce platforms to enhance the visibility and sales of their products, including the flagship product of cassava chips. The results showed a 25% increase in sales in the first three months, an improvement in product variety and quality, as well as an enhancement in business and financial management skills. This program also successfully fostered a spirit of mutual cooperation and collaboration in the local community and strengthened the relationship between SMEs and the surrounding community. With these achievements, it is hoped that Bintang Emas SMEs will continue to innovate and adapt to market changes, providing sustainable benefits to the local economy and the welfare of the local community.