Advances in Science and Technology Vol. 132

Abstract: The paper presents an integral project management model based on organizational maintenance applied to all its functions. The motivation of the paper is to fill the existing gap in literature to enhance the function of maintenance as a driver for sustainability as it identifies improvement potentials and secures its efficient deployment and operation during any asset lifecycle. For that purpose, the key factor mediating and enabling it, is the quality function that allows the management and measurement of asset performance. As a result, a quality toolbox is the core set of tools to design, manage, and control any project and their related aspects. Moreover, the project management approach is oriented towards the sustainability goals of the organization and based on them, the selection of projects and activities are defined. Therefore, the approach enables to convert the maintenance function to a holistic function and basis for organizational viability thanks to tailored-made plans for organizational development.

Abstract: This paper targets the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework to microbiological diagnosis processes performed in a clinical microbiology laboratory of a tertiary level Spanish hospital.The increase in clinical samples and diagnostic requests during the COVID-19 pandemic led many microbiology laboratories to optimize their processes. Blood culture samples are one of the most critical cultures because a blood infection may endanger the individual's life. Not only the speed and quality of the diagnosis is important, but also the efficiency in the sample’s supply chain to the laboratory and its preservation conditions. To this end, the supply circuits of blood culture samples to the microbiology laboratory play a major role in the process, being the samples from intensive care units (ICUs) among the most critical. The work presents the analysis and optimization of the ordering and supply process of blood culture samples from an intensive care unit to a microbiology laboratory using LSS methodology and tools. The process starts with the blood culture’s order generation from the intensive care unit specialist and ends with the final reception of the blood culture sample in the pre-analytical area of the microbiology laboratory. The project is structured considering DMAIC problem-solving methodology. Main lean tools used for the supply process analysis and optimization were Gemba Walk, Value Stream Analysis (VSA) and mistake proofing. After project results validation with ICU and microbiology specialists, the next steps are the pilot implementation of the process improvement measures and their impact evaluation on the key performance indicators. The development of a lean concept, eliminating the waste and increasing the added-value of the blood culture samples ordering and supply process, improves the efficiency of the blood culture diagnosis process reducing the lead-time and impacting directly on the patient.

Abstract: In recent years, the general population has become increasingly aware of the importance of adopting more sustainable lifestyles. For companies, the implementation of sustainable systems is essential. This study aims to examine the contribution of simulation in combination with artificial intelligence (AI) to the sustainability of production lines. Simulation plays a crucial role for managers, as it allows them to predict future scenarios based on past experiences, allowing for more informed with the rise of digitization in the industry, it is now possible to manage resources such as energy and water in a more efficient manner. This is achieved through the use of techniques such as data scanning, communication with intelligent industrial sensors, known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and the application of optimization and AI-based solutions to tackle complex problems, both in terms of efficiency and sustainability. This analysis has confirmed the significance of simulation when partnered with AI in improving the sustainability of production lines. This is because they offer the means to improve resource management from an economic, environmental, and social perspective.

Abstract: A large vessel, such as a container ship or an oil tanker, requires painting processes that include not only application, but also cleaning, substrate preparation and corrosion treatment. Moreover, these processes take place during construction (both in the construction of blocks in the workshop and in the assembly at the dock) and also during the operation phase of its life cycle, as part of its maintenance. This research analyzes the advantages of the implementation of key enabling technologies in painting processes versus the proposal of preventive measures, collective and individual protection, and training of workers in traditional manual processes. Using the Fine-Kinney method, which assesses potential hazards and associated risks, the degree of danger of the different tasks present in the current painting processes of large vessels is measured. These risk scores is compared with those of the new activities resulting from the simulation and automation of the associated processes, analyzing their justification by confronting their level of correctness (risk mitigation) with the cost factors of their implementation. The results show that, from a health and safety point of view, the proposal of these measures is fully justified. Therefore, it can be concluded that the inclusion of key enabling technologies in the painting processes of a ship throughout its life cycle drastically reduces risk levels, improving the safety and health conditions of the workers involved, without prejudice to an increase in the cost of services or in the delivery deadlines to the client, which confirms their reliability.

Abstract: Professional diving is an occupation that includes a wide spectrum of different activities, but with the same common denominator: its performance underwater. It is carried out in both fresh and salt waters and encompasses such disparate tasks that professional diving is currently present in numerous productive sectors: hydrocarbon extraction, offshore platforms, port maintenance, public works, civil engineering, infrastructure hydraulic, power plants (hydroelectric, thermal and nuclear), shipbuilding, underwater construction, aquaculture, ship and boat salvage, NDT filming and reporting, teaching and training, and scientific research (geological, biological, archaeological, etc.). It is also characterized by being one of the most dangerous professions and presenting very specific risks, derived from the workplace in a hyperbaric environment, combined with to other hazards of the work activity similar to those of the ground workers. The objective of this study is to analyse procedural models based on the UNE_EN_ISO 45001:2018 Standard, applied to the execution of thermal cutting and underwater welding works. In order to carry out this work safely and in the most effective way, it must be systematically analysed, generating procedures and work instructions based on the tasks considered critical, and essential knowledge for all personnel who perform them. Such procedures and instructions should be based on a systematic analysis of the steps taken to perform each task, including the risks involved and the safety measures to be taken to control, reduce or, where appropriate, eliminate them.

Abstract: The combination of automation and workforce must be properly analyzed during design to ensure coupled control coordination. Otherwise, we find challenges that end increasing the losses or the cost. The flexibility of the process is based on the combinations in which the parts of the system can interact and work collaboratively. This seemingly heuristic approach in current sorting lines is the basis for time efficiency. This research presents a systematic analysis of a three lines conveyor for manual sorting with a shared and segregated information system. This system uses a central information display which provides the workers the direction and location guidance for the operation. The layout is based on a real packing and sorting line from commercial transportation. This is an upgrade to the hand scanner system where the worker could advance the allocation information instead of retaining in mind the current mapping to asset the task quickly, thus this causes irregular utilization between workers, being this an uncontrollable variable. The results show how the communication between systems and the access to information in real time improve the performance of the worker and, in turn, the process time is reduced. In addition to the increase of production output, the overall quality performance improves as the learning curve of operator evolves without retention in task repetition.

Abstract: Nowadays, the energy consumption of machines is becoming increasingly important in production areas. This is mainly due to rising energy costs, but sustainability and energy savings also play an important role. This article aims to carry out a study on the energy efficiency of machine tools through the acquisition of energy data in real time. The proposed methodology is based on Patterson's definition of energy efficiency to analyse the energy consumption of the tools and evaluate its possible improvement through the development of productive, economic and environmental indicators. As a result of this study, the methodology developed is implemented in a machine tool for which the visualisation of these indicators is obtained in real time so that they can be used to help in decision-making to improve the energy efficiency of the tool. In short, this research seeks to provide a solution to one of the great challenges facing industry today due to the increase in energy costs, which is directly reflected in the cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: Human needs and motivations depend on the person, on different generations, and on the life cycle period with its past experiences and future expectations. Moreover, the technological development goes along the organizational and human factor development leading to changes in the way of working of past and actual environments. Therefore, how the technologies of the fourth industrial revolution are impacting the human needs and the organizational development is a challenging research and practical gap. Therefore, the research question is how to integrate the human factor in the future organizational environment of the fifth industrial revolution. The paper presents an analysis of different areas impacting the challenge such as: human needs theories, management and leadership development, organizational development along the industrial revolutions, as well as the evolution of the different human generations towards a preliminary evolutionary model based on human needs. Moreover, other factors are analyzed such as the needs of human beings in the environment of influence of the organization as well as the life cycle of the human factor. Furthermore, the paper analyzes the human-machine interaction in different horizons from strategic to operative associated with Industry 4.0 technologies impacting the organizational sustainability and human well-being. For that purpose, a Human Digital Twin (HDT) model is developed with different levels influencing the human decision-making process with the goal to serve the human being to open new ways of working. To sum-up, the analysis and conceptual model presented serve as basis to derive future course of actions at the individual as well as in the organizational level based on the prediction and analysis of potential scenarios with their own risks and opportunities considering the human factor as an active element within the organization supporting new ways of working by considering the dynamic needs and motivations of the interacting agents.

Abstract: Industrial Engineering is present in all social and economic areas, and it is one of the essential pillars to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proposed by the UN (United Nations).

Abstract: The grinding processes of shaping materials are one of the oldest known. However, the first grinding machine tool did not appear until the beginning of the 19^th century. Industries as important as the automobile would not have been possible without its invention. One of the machine tools that made this development possible was the universal grinding machine patented by Joseph R. Brown in 1877. Unfortunately, none of these early machine tools have been preserved and only the patent remains. Therefore, in this work, a virtual model of this first universal grinding machine has been developed by applying reverse engineering techniques. For this purpose, the existing data in the patent and in some machine treatises of that time have been used. Based on this information, the functionality of each of its components have been interpreted and analyzed. Starting from a set of hypotheses, a scaled and parameterized functional 3D model has been developed. Additionally, a kinematic study of the grinding wheel drive system has been carried out. Hence, this digital model ensures the durability of an important piece of the universal industrial heritage. Furthermore, it can be used as a teaching tool for engineering students, showing the operation of a machine tool belonging to a historical context different from the current one, which does not differ substantially in its architecture of modern universal grinding machines.