Integral model of maintenance management based on TPM and RCM principles to increase machine availability in a manufacturing company

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado.One of the main problems existing in manufacturing companies is the high frequency of machine breakdowns and their high repair time. Therefore, over time, various maintenance strategies seeking to more efficiently manage the scheduled jobs have been presented. However, these are not always as effective as expected, because they are not properly applied, the resources are not available, or the strategy is not aimed at directly solving the problem. Based on the aforementioned, this paper proposes an integral model of maintenance management based on the principles of total productive maintenance and reliability-centered maintenance methodologies in order to increase machine availability in a company in the manufacturing sector. To validate this proposal, a pilot project will be developed to measure the impact that is being sought

Development of a Preliminary Framework for the Reduction of Plastics in Packaging

Plastic packaging causes much waste, and its sustainability is receiving increasing attention. Companies have made efforts to mitigate the environmental impacts of packaging; however, plastic waste from packaging remains a big issue. This study builds a framework of factors that are important in helping companies reduce the amount of plastic in their packaging. The framework is based on findings from a literature review and five interviews with practitioners. The study found that to achieve a reduction of plastic in packaging, seven factors are imperative in the fuzzy-end stage of packaging design and development

A global perspective on the influence of environmental exposures on the nervous system

Economic and social transitions in the era of globalization warrant a fresh look at the neurological risks associated with environmental change. These are driven by industrial expansion, transfer and mobility of goods, climate change and population growth. In these contexts, risk of both infectious and non-infectious diseases are shared across geographical boundaries. In low- and middle-income countries, the risk of environmentally mediated brain disease is augmented several-fold by lack of infrastructure, poor health and safety regulations, and limited measures for environmental protection. Neurological disorders may occur as a result of direct exposure to chemical and/or non-chemical stressors such as ultrafine particulate matters. Individual susceptibilities to exposure-related diseases are modified by genetic, epigenetic and metagenomic factors. The existence of several uniquely exposed populations, including those in the areas surrounding the Niger Delta or north western Amazon oil operations; those working in poorly regulated environments, such as artisanal mining industries; or those, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa, relying on cassava as a staple food, offers invaluable opportunities to advance the current understanding of brain responses to environmental challenges. Increased awareness of the brain disorders that are prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and investments in capacity for further environmental health-related research are positive steps towards improving human health