Communities in PRCR
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- Colecciones de la Albizu University
- Colecciones digitales de Atenas College
- Colecciones de los Centros Sor Isolina Ferré
- Materiales utilizados para la certificación.
Recent Submissions
Artificial Pancreas Systems for Type 1 Diabetes
(Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico, 2026) Marco Class, Mariana Isabel; Vargas Rivera, Alexandra Victoria; Rondón Contreras, Jairo J.
Type 1 Diabetes is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Artificial pancreas systems were
developed to automate glucose monitoring and insulin delivery using a closedloop control mechanism. By integrating a continuous glucose monitor, an insulin pump, and a control algorithm, these systems improve blood sugar stability and reduce episodes of hypoglycemia. Although some technical limitations remain, artificial pancreas technology represents an important advancement in biomedical engineering and diabetes management.
Modifications of Polymers: Hydrophobicity and Hydrophilicity
(Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico, 2026) Duchesne, Ian; Urrutia, Ginger; Rondón Contreras, Jairo J.
This study evaluates the effect of non-thermal plasma treatment on the surface properties of two polymers commonly used in biomedical applications: polylactic acid (PLA) and polycarbonate (PC). Polymer samples were fabricated using 3D printing and exposed to plasma for different time intervals. After treatment, the samples were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) to evaluate surface changes. Surface modifications were analyzed using microscopy and surface characterization techniques. The results suggest that plasma exposure increases surface roughness and hydrophilicity, which may enhance protein adsorption and cell adhesion, making these materials more suitable for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.
Reduction of Material Variance for the Top Offender in Terumo
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Alicea Negrón, Sebastián J.; Cruzado Vélez, Héctor J.
Material variance associated with
Suture Bondex Plus was identified as a significant cost opportunity in the final assembly process of the Angio-Seal® vascular closure device at Terumo
Puerto Rico. This project applied the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology to investigate and reduce over-consumption while maintaining product quality and regulatory compliance. Financial variance reports and process-level review were used to establish baseline performance and confirm that scrap was not a primary contributor. Root cause analysis tools, including a Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagram and targeted “Why” questioning, determined that the absence of a
standardized method to store and manage usable suture between shifts was the main contributor to material loss. A designated and standardized suture
storage method was implemented, supported by updated work instructions and associate training. Weekly material variance decreased from $2,830 in
a high-variance week to $1,809 during implementation and to $1,467 in the following week. These results confirmed improved material control and reduced variance without compromising product quality or compliance. Key Terms ⎯ Lean Manufacturing, Process Optimization, Root Cause Analysis, Standardized
Work.
Optimization of a Portable Passivation Skid in Manufacturing Operations
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Alicea Perez, Ryan A.; Cruzado Vélez, Héctor J.
The limited internal utilization of a portable passivation skid in a biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility resulted in reliance on outsourced passivation services, increasing operating costs. This project applied a structured Define – Measure – Analyze – Improve - Control methodology to quantify the economic and operational impact of contractor executed passivation and to evaluate internal execution alternatives within a three-month project window. Baseline analysis demonstrated that contractor executed passivation events incurred significantly higher costs than internally executed activities, even when internal support labor was considered. Cost–benefit evaluation by passivation type identified recurring heat exchangers and a 500-liter tank as high impact candidates for internal execution. Results showed that internal passivation reduced per event costs by approximately 80% for the heat exchangers and by more than 70% for the tank. The primary constraint limiting internal passivation was economic dependence on external contractors rather than technical capability. Key Terms ⎯ cost-benefit analysis, outsourcing reduction, preventive maintenance strategy, process standardization.
Development of a Centralized Digital Platform to Improve Visibility of Local Service Providers in Puerto Rico
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Vélez Rodríguez, Ronald J.; Cruzado Vélez, Héctor J.
Independent local service providers in Puerto Rico rely heavily on informal digital channels, such as social media groups and personal referrals, to promote their services. These channels lack structure, consistency, and effective search capabilities, creating challenges for provider visibility and customer access to reliable service information. This project developed a managerial planning and feasibility framework for a centralized digital platform intended to improve
visibility for independent service providers and enhance customer access to organized service information. The project applied a structured DMAIC-based methodology focused on analysis and planning rather than system implementation. Secondary data sources and documented observations were used to establish baseline service discovery conditions and identify gaps related to information organization, search efficiency, and user confidence. The results
demonstrated that fragmented and informal discovery practices limited effective service matching and provider exposure. The conclusions supported the feasibility of a centralized managerial framework as a foundation for future platform development and implementation efforts within the Puerto Rican service market. Key Terms ⎯ Centralized digital platform, managerial planning framework, service discovery, service provider visibility.