Communities in PRCR
Select a community to browse its collections.
- Colecciones de la Albizu University
- Colecciones digitales de Atenas College
- Colecciones de los Centros Sor Isolina Ferré
- Materiales utilizados para la certificación.
Recent Submissions
Lifecycle Management and Technology Modernization of a Legacy Control System
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Rivera Albarrán, Yomaira E.; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.
This article shows a practical modernization of a legacy blender control system in a regulated pharmaceutical setting. The project replaced an Allen-Bradley SLC-500 with a CompactLogix 5380 (Studio 5000), migrated HMI/SCADA to FactoryTalk View SE on Windows Server 2022, and reused field wiring via 1492 conversion kits to limit disruption. A risk-based computer System Validation (IQ/OQ, PQ as applicable) confirmed functional equivalence, data integrity (ALCOA+), and core cybersecurity controls. SCADA and historian paths were rebound, backups were validated, and Quality authorized Return-to-Service within the planned window. Compared with complete replacement, the approach reduced capital cost, downtime, and retraining while improving supportability. The work documents method, results, and limits (e.g., targeted manual refactoring and legacy drive diagnostics) and offers a practical template for similar upgrades seeking GMP compliance, lifecycle support, and readiness for ISA-95/Industry 4.0 integration. Keywords ⎯ CompactLogix, Industry 4.0, LCM, PLC Retrofit, SLC 500, Upgrading Legacy System.
Process Improvement: Removal of the Second Alkaline Cleaning Step in Dual‑Anodized Products
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Rosado Santana, Myleiska M.; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.
This study addresses the removal of the second Alkaline Cleaning step in the dual-anodized process for titanium medical device components, which currently involves Color Anodize followed by Type II Anodize. Repetition of this cleaning step exposes silicone masking plugs to elevated temperatures, weakening their integrity and increasing the risk of cosmetic or functional defects. In addition, the redundant operation extends cycle time by 8–10 minutes per lot and reduces equipment availability. A structured validation methodology was applied, including risk and impact assessments, baseline scrap data review, confirmation runs, and operator readiness activities. Results demonstrated a significant and sustained reduction in scrap levels after eliminating the second cleaning step, with
stability observed for multiple consecutive months. Process parameters remained within compliance, and throughput efficiency improved without compromising inspection rigor or product quality. The improvement aligns with lean manufacturing principles by eliminating non-value-added activities and strengthening process reliability. Keywords ⎯ Alkaline Cleaning, Anodize Process, Lean Manufacturing, Scrap Reduction.
Systematic Implementation of Validation Protocols and Lean Six Sigma Methodologies in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing to Enhance Operational Excellence and Ensure Regulatory Compliance
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Soto Vázquez, Ángel; Nieves Castro, Rafael A.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing operates within a complex and highly regulated environment, where the dual imperatives of maintaining product quality and optimizing operational efficiency often present significant challenges. This study explores the integration of validation protocols with Lean Six Sigma
methodologies as a strategic approach to address these challenges. Through a mixed-methods research design encompassing literature review, case study analysis, and quantitative data evaluation, this work aims to develop a comprehensive framework that enhances process efficiency, ensures regulatory compliance, and fosters consistent product quality. The research identifies best practices from industry applications and regulatory standards, offering a structured pathway for pharmaceutical manufacturers to reduce waste, minimize defects, and improve customer satisfaction. By bridging theoretical
insights with practical implementation, the study contributes to academic discourse, supports industry innovation, and provides actionable guidance for
quality operations professionals. Ultimately, this work aspires to empower pharmaceutical organizations to achieve operational excellence and sustainable competitive advantage in an increasingly demanding global landscape. Keywords — Compliance, Lean Six Sigma, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Validation.
KU Alignment with PUPR’s Program of Study
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Luna Rivera, Rose A.; Cruz, Alfredo
Academic institutions have the chance to become recognized as a Center of Academic Excellence (CAE). This recognition demonstrates that the institution meets the standards for cybersecurity curriculum. The requirements for receiving the CAE recognition are regularly updated. The most recent update was from January 2025. As part of the recognition process, the academic institution must align the degree's courses with a certain number of Knowledge Units (KUs). Additionally, the institution must choose between two categories: technical core and nontechnical core. This project mapped and aligned PUPR's Master of Science in Computer Science with a specialization in Cybersecurity with these designation requirements, specifically the KUs. The process was carried out by using the courses of the said program, their syllabuses, the textbooks used in each course, and the KUs’ learning outcomes and their corresponding topics. This project aimed to align the educational program with the two categories: technical core and non-technical core. The result reflected favorably for the academic institution. Key Terms – CAE-CD, Cybersecurity Curriculum, Knowledge Units, Mapping.
Aerodynamic Enhancements due to the Use of Distributed Electric Propulsion
(Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, 2025) Castro Burgos, Javier I.; Pertierra García, José R.
To reduce the carbon emissions and noise produced by airplanes, aircraft manufacturers are looking at new technologies to comply with regulations and to improve performance. One alternative is using DEP (Distributed Electric Propulsion), which significantly enhances aircraft performance by coupling propulsion and air dynamics by distributing adequately designed propellers along a lifting surface. The benefit of this system is that electric motor and energy storage technologies have improved in power-to-weight ratio and increased in electric engine efficiencies and battery density over the past 30 years, resulting in an extremely quiet system and zero vehicle emissions. This study aims to produce a valid method to predict the effects of utilizing CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) on the design of DEP in aircraft to design a more efficient and improved aircraft performance by analyzing two geometries, one with DEP with the propellers modelled as actuator disks, and the other without DEP, using steady CFD. The exploration and examination of DEP will change the aerodynamics of an aircraft by knowing how they respond to lift and drag, which are vital factors when flying. Keywords ⎯ Angle of Attack (AOA), Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP), Drag Coefficient (CD), Lift Coefficient (CL).