The welding of dissimilar metals was carried out using a pulsed Nd: YAG laser to join DP1000 steel and an aluminum alloy 1050 H111. Two sheets of each metal, with 30 × 14 × 1 mm³, were lap welded, since butt welding proved to be nearly impossible due to the huge thermal conductivity differences and melting temperature differences of these materials. The aim of this research was to find the optimal laser welding parameters based on the mechanical and microstructure investigations. Thus, the welded samples were then subjected to tensile testing to evaluate the quality of the joining operation. The best set of welding parameters was replicated, and the welding joint obtained using these proper parameters was carefully analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopes. Despite the predicted difficulties of welding two distinct metals, good quality welded joints were achieved. Additionally, some samples performed satisfactorily well in the mechanical tests, reaching tensile strengths close to the original 1050 aluminum alloy.

Sustainable Total Productive Maintenance (STPM) arose in 2021 as a promising, new concept to fill the lack of sustainability in Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and allow companies to overcome its implementation barriers. It revolves around increasing the understanding of the systems approach and contributing to setting contemporary companies’ sustainable ideology by supporting orientation toward sustainability from a sustainable maintenance perspective. However, STPM is still in its infancy and is viewed as a complement to the traditional TPM approach and is based on its pillars. Moreover, there is still a dearth of literature discussing STPM. This study aims to present STPM as a novel substitute for TPM while building its unique mechanism based on re-engineered fourth generation management (R4thGM). To pursue such a goal, 94 papers from Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases published in 2008–2023 were reviewed. This study’s novelty comes from presenting STPM as the best-suited lean manufacturing and sustainability strategy for enhancing sustainable maintenance, encouraging contemporary maintenance (i.e., Industry 4.0 technology-based sustainable maintenance), and supporting second-era contemporary companies’ orientation toward sustainability. Furthermore, based on recent studies, propositions are formulated to achieve STPM. Finally, research implications and future directions are presented.

This study investigates the integration of circular economy (CE) and lean management (LM) as a strategic approach for enhancing corporate efficiency and sustainability. While CE emphasizes resource circularity, LM focuses on waste elimination and value maximization in production processes. Through the analysis of multiple cross‐sector case studies in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and technology, this research identifies the operational, environmental, and financial impacts of integrating these practices. Notably, companies like Toyota and Renault achieved cost reductions of up to 30% and a significant decrease in carbon emissions through the combined application of CE and LM principles. However, challenges such as organizational resistance, insufficient reverse logistics infrastructure, and skill gaps persist. This article proposes a theoretical framework to support companies in successfully implementing CE‐LM practices. This framework emphasizes process mapping, circularity opportunities, lean principles adoption, and reverse logistics development, underpinned by continuous employee engagement and technological innovation. The findings highlight that integrating CE and LM not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens competitive advantage by aligning with consumer and regulatory demands for sustainable practices. The study gives actionable recommendations for managers and policymakers, emphasizing the transformative potential of CE‐LM synergy for advancing sustainable business models in diverse industrial contexts.

This study examines the contribution of ERASMUS+ Key Action 2 (KA2) projects, funded between 2014 and 2020, to the dissemination and promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A predominantly quantitative content analysis was conducted based on metadata extracted from the official European Commission database, focusing on the presence of SDG-related keywords within the titles, topics, and abstracts of the projects. In total, 24,838 KA2 projects were examined. The findings reveal a growing alignment between funded projects and certain SDGs, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). In contrast, goals such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) are scarcely represented. Overall, the results demonstrate an increasing commitment to sustainability themes over time and also highlight notable gaps in the promotion of several SDGs. This analysis offers valuable insights into the strategic alignment of ERASMUS+ funding with the 2030 Agenda and identifies opportunities for strengthening its future contributions to sustainable development.

This article analyzes the role of biotechnologies in supporting the circular economy in various productive sectors. It highlights innovative approaches that contribute to sustainability, resource regeneration, waste recovery, and reduced dependence on fossil fuels. The text brings together relevant examples of biotechnological applications aimed at the production of bioplastics, bioenergy, bioproducts, and bioremediation solutions, among others of interest. In addition, it highlights the potential of using agro-industrial waste as raw material in biotechnological processes, promoting more efficient production chains with less environmental impact. The methodology was based on a comprehensive review of recent advances in industrial biotechnology. The main results reveal successful applications in the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) from food waste, in the microbial bioleaching of metals from electronic waste, and in the bioconversion of agricultural byproducts into functional materials, among others. The article also discusses the regulatory and social factors that influence the integration of these solutions into circular value chains. It concludes that biotechnology is a key element for the circular bioeconomy, offering scalable and environmentally efficient alternatives to conventional linear models, although its large-scale adoption depends on overcoming technological and market challenges.

Background: Rapid urbanization has intensified the challenges of freight transport, particularly in last-mile (LM) delivery, leading to rising costs and environmental externalities. Autonomous vehicles (AVs) have emerged as a promising innovation to address these issues. While much of the existing literature emphasizes business and operational perspectives, this study focuses on the acceptance of AVs from the standpoint of e-consumers—individuals who make purchases via digital platforms—in an emerging market context. Methods: Grounded in an extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2), which is specifically suited to consumer-focused technology adoption research, this study incorporates five constructs tailored to AV adoption. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was applied to survey data collected from 304 e-consumers in Northeast Brazil. Results: The findings reveal that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, and environmental awareness exert significant positive effects on acceptance and intention to use AVs for LM delivery. Social influence shows a weaker, yet still positive, impact. Importantly, price sensitivity exhibits a minimal effect, suggesting that while consumers are generally cost-conscious, perceived value may outweigh price concerns in early adoption stages. Conclusions: These results offer valuable insights for policymakers and logistics providers aiming to implement consumer-oriented, cost-effective AV solutions in LM delivery, particularly in emerging economies. The findings emphasize the need for strategies that highlight the practical, emotional, and environmental benefits of AVs to foster market acceptance.