The paper aims to investigate the influence of the characteristics of the strands on the properties of oriented strand boards (OSB). To solve this objective, some global synthetic characteristics of the strands (the slenderness ratio, the characteristics of thinness, and the specific surface) of four wood species currently used in this technology (spruce and pine for softwood, and poplar and willow for hardwood) were first studied. The characteristics of the OSB obtained from each species separately were also determined, and finally the correlations analysis was made between the characteristics of the strands and those of the corresponding OSB boards. The working methodology used the European tests regarding the physical and mechanical properties of the boards, but also algorithms for forecasting and evaluating the quality of the strands and boards. The conclusions regarding the characteristics of the strands have highlighted the role of the specific surface of the strand and the characteristics of the thickness; respectively, the conclusions regarding the characteristics of the boards showed that the fast-growing species of willow and poplar lead to obtaining higher quality OSB boards. The general conclusion of the paper is that the characteristics of the strands have a significant influence on the physical–mechanical properties of the OSB board.

Purpose. This paper focuses on detailed studies regarding the analysis of occupational risk factors on health and occupational disease, namely the influence of noise, hand-arm vibration (HAV), Wet Bulb Globe Temperature index (WBGT) and exposure to particulates. Methods. In this study were measured: the equivalent acoustic level LAeq (dB(A)), A(8) (m/s²), WBGT index (°C), particulate concentration in the respirable area of the worker (mg/m³). The inferential analysis consisted in the application of specific statistical methods: probability plot with 95% confidence interval, Anderson-Darling statistic and the 87²⁰⁸ percentile estimation. A sample of 107 chainsaw operators was medically evaluated, out of which 30 workers’ were suspected of having professional pathologies and hospitalized in the university clinic. Results. The measurements highlight: exceeding the legal limit for noise exposure, 13% of cases exceed the limit of 2.5 m/s² for HAV, dust exposure is generally within legal limits, and WBGT shows the thermal stress of the workers. Following the medical evaluation, osteo-musculoskeletal disorders (25.23%), Raynaud's Syndrome (0.93%) and bilateral hearing loss (3.74%) were identified. Conclusions. The analysis of the levels of exposure to the risk factors, the typology and the incidence of occupational diseases require the need to adopt new preventive measures.

The paper aims to compare the oriented strand boards (OSBs) made in the laboratory from a mixture of softwood species to those made from hardwood species, followed by their comparison to European and industry standards. In this regard, the main properties of the panels made in the laboratory were determined, including density, absorption, and swelling in thickness, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond. The analysis of the properties of swelling (24 h) and absorption (24 h) revealed that the mixture of softwood species was slightly better thanthe hardwood one. It was also shown that the panels manufactured from the mixture of hardwood species had better mechanical properties than those made of the softwood mixture (modulus of rupture (MOR) = 43.48 N/mm², modulus of elasticity (MOE) = 7253 N/mm, and internal bond (IB) = 1.57 N/mm²). Additionally, the comparative analysis of properties indicates that the density is highly significant in determining the MOE values of the OSBs. This will allow softwood speciestobe replaced with other species of soft and fast-growing deciduous trees such as willow, birch, and poplar in the manufacture of oriented strand boards.

Meeting the demands for advanced technology and superior quality in the automotive industry has become essential. Continuous evolution requires a rigorous analysis of every step taken. Customers demand high performance in the technology, design, and digitalization, as well as, of course, quality at a competitive price. To meet these expectations, engineers ensure transparency and trust at every stage of the project, guaranteeing flawless execution. This paper aims to highlight a clear and transparent approach to the 8D analysis method, demonstrating its effectiveness in identifying and solving engineering problems. Furthermore, quality planning and 8D analysis are fundamental pillars of quality management in the automotive industry. To ensure a comprehensive and well-founded approach, this paper combines several research methods: a review of the specialized literature, a hypothetical case study approach, and comparative analysis. The proposed methodology allows for a deep understanding of the concepts addressed, facilitating their applicability in real situations. The main conclusions drawn from this research are that quality planning in an automotive buckle development project has proven to be an essential and complex process, directly influencing the success of the project, the safety of end users, and their satisfaction. The analysis of the implementation of the quality planning process, as previously described, has highlighted several fundamental aspects that must be considered to ensure the success and performance of such a project.