Plasma thermal gasification can be one of the most relevant and environmentally friendly technologies for waste treatment and has gained interest for its use in thethermos-conversion of biomass. In this perspective, the objective of this study is to evaluate the gasification of sugarcane bagasse by studying the effective areas of operation of this process and to establish a comparison with conventional autothermal gasification. A thermochemical equilibrium model was used to calculate the indicators that characterize the performance of the process on its own and integrated with a combined cycle. As a result, it was obtained that plasma and gasification of bagasse is technically feasible for the specific net electrical production of 4 MJ with 30 % electrical efficiency, producing a gas with higher calorific value than autothermal gasification. The operating points where the electrical energy production and the cold gas efficiency reach their highest values were determined; then the effects of the operational parameters on these performance indicators were analyzed.

Based on the population change data of 2005–2009, 2010–2014, 2015–2019 and 2005–2019, the shrinking cities in Northeast China are determined to analyze their spatial distribution pattern. And the influencing factors and effects of shrinking cities in Northeast China are explored by using multiple linear regression method and random forest regression method. The results show that: 1) In space, the shrinking cities in Northeast China are mainly distributed in the “land edge” areas represented by Changbai Mountain, Sanjiang Plain, Xiaoxing’an Mountain and Daxing’an Mountain. In terms of time, the contraction center shows an obvious trend of moving northward, while the opposite expansion center shows a trend of moving southward, and the shrinking cities gather further; 2) in the study of influencing factors, the results of multiple linear regression and random forest regression show that socio-economic factors play a major role in the formation of shrinking cities; 3) the precision of random forest regression is higher than that of multiple linear regression. The results show that per capita GDP has the greatest impact on the contraction intensity, followed by the unemployment rate, science and education expenses and the average wage of on-the-job workers. Among the four influencing factors, only the unemployment rate promotes the contraction, and the other three influencing factors inhibit the formation of shrinking cities to various degrees.

Purpose: This paper articulates a model that maximizes the use of e-HRM to achieve sustainable competitive advantage. It examines the indirect effects of e-HRM use on sustainable competitive advantage, through job satisfaction, employee performance, and perceived organizational politics. Design/methodology/approach: A survey approach was used to collect data from 30 organizations. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the study sample. The SPSS PROCESS Macro for running mediation analysis was used to analyze data. Findings: The findings show the indirect effect of e-HRM on sustainable competitive advantage through job satisfaction, employee performance, and perceived organizational politics. Job satisfaction has the biggest effect on achieving strategic outcomes. For organizational excellence, e-HRM use should complement other HRM practices. Practical implications: Management should pay attention to employee outcomes during the implementation of e-HRM. This study broadens the scope of the interaction between e-HRM use and sustainable competitive advantage. This study was conducted in a developing economy and demonstrated that the effects of e-HRM use on sustainable competitive advantage are not limited to developed economies. Originality/value: This study is one of the pioneering efforts to develop a model that maximizes organizational outcomes in developing countries. In addition, this study contributes to the understanding of intervening variables necessary to enhance information technology’s potential within the HR function.

The article discusses the actual problems of practical training in the tourism and hospitality industries in Russia and identifies the main problems of training specialists at Russian specialized universities. The main focus is on building partnerships between universities and employer organizations in order to train highly qualified specialists. Purpose: The research is aimed at creating an effective model of practical training based on the interaction of the university with employer organizations within the framework of the training of specialists in the tourism and hospitality industries. Design/Methodology/Approach: The work is based on scientific publications devoted to evaluating the effectiveness of the existing system of personnel training for the tourism and hospitality industries, studying its features, building models of vocational education, and using practice-oriented programs in the training of specialists. To study the problems of practical training of personnel for tourism and hospitality, systematic and structural approaches were used as a methodological basis, as well as methods of analysis and synthesis, the study of models of cooperation between universities and employers, and methods of monitoring and evaluating the quality of training specialists. To obtain empirical data, an analysis of the needs of the labor market for specialists in the hospitality industry was carried out, as was the study of models of cooperation between universities and employers. Results: In the course of the work, the author has formed a model of practical training for specialists in the tourism and hospitality industries, including the purpose and objectives, process requirements, organization conditions, and requirements for the results of the process. The innovative nature of the proposals lies in the development of new models of practical training based on gamification technology. The direction of further research may include the development of a methodology for the organization of the university’s interaction with employer organizations in the framework of practical training. Conclusion: The results of the study can be used by professional educational organizations to organize the process of practical training of students, which will effectively solve the problem of training personnel for tourism and hospitality. The social consequences of organizing the process of practical training for students will include increasing the competitiveness of graduates in the labor market, improving the quality of tourist and hotel services, introducing innovations into the tourism and hospitality industries, and developing startups.

The rapid growth of e-commerce in South Africa has increased the demand for efficient last-mile delivery. Motorcycle delivery drivers play a crucial role in the last-mile delivery process to bridge the gap between retailers and consumers. However, these drivers face significant challenges that impact both logistical efficiency and their socio-economic well-being. This study critically analyzes media narratives on the safety and working conditions of motorcycle delivery drivers in the e-commerce sector in South Africa. The thematic analysis of newspaper articles identified recurring themes. This study reveals critical safety and labor vulnerabilities affecting motorcycle delivery drivers in South Africa’s e-commerce sector. Key findings include heightened risks of violence, hijackings, and road accidents, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and safety gear. Coupled with low wages, job insecurity, and limited benefits, these conditions expose drivers to significant precarity. Policy interventions are urgently needed for driver safety and sustainable logistics. By integrating insights from multiple disciplines, this study offers a comprehensive understanding of the complex challenges within this rapidly growing sector.