This work presents the fabrication and characterization of a triple-layered biomimetic muscle constituted by polypyrrole (PPy)-dodecylbenzenesulfonate (DBS)/adhesive tape/PPy-DBS demonstrating simultaneous sensing and actuation capabilities. The muscle was controlled by a neurobiologically inspired cortical neural network sending agonist and antagonist signals to the conducting polymeric layers. Experiments consisted of controlled voluntary movements of the free end of the muscle at angles of ±20°, ±30°, and ±40° while monitoring the muscle’s potential response. Results show the muscle’s potential varies linearly with applied current amplitude during actuation, enabling current sensing. A linear dependence between muscle potential and temperature enabled temperature sensing. Electrolyte concentration changes also induced exponential variations in the muscle’s potential, allowing for concentration sensing. Additionally, the influence of the electric current density on the angular velocity, the electric charge density, and the desired angle was studied. Overall, the conducting polymer-based soft biomimetic muscle replicates properties of natural muscles, permitting simultaneous motion control, current, temperature, and concentration sensing. The integrated neural control system exhibits key features of biological motion regulation. This muscle actuator with its integrated sensing and control represents an advance for soft robotics, prosthetics, and biomedical devices requiring biomimetic multifunctionality.

The possibilities of obtaining efficient building thermal control by means of colored envelopes while maintaining broad aesthetic options have been evaluated. The use of colored bilayers, where the inner layer presents strong solar absorbent or reflectance properties, while the outer layer provides visible coloration, represents a feasible way. A representative set of twenty bilayers spanning a broad color palette has been studied in two configurations, static and dynamic. The dynamic configuration allows for the switching of the inner layer between absorptive and reflective states. Simulations have been carried out in a total of nineteen locations around the world, representing the main habitable climates according to Köppen–Geiger climate classification. Comparative results between climate zones where this approach may have a significant impact have been obtained, and identification of feasible climate zones has been carried out. The use of the simpler static configuration is recommended for tropical climates, whereas the dynamic configuration could be effective in moderate climate locations (within arid or temperate climate classification). Possible savings for cold climates are negligible.

Garantizar una educación de calidad, inclusiva y equitativa es uno de los principales objetivos que establece el Ministerio de Derechos Sociales y Agenda 2030 en España, con el fin de promover adecuadas oportunidades de aprendizaje. Este estudio trata de contribuir con la participación de 160 estudiantes durante el curso académico 2019-2020, siguiendo sus parámetros de lectura mediante la Plataforma PLIA, una herramienta basada en el portfolio del Marco Común Europeo de Referencia de las Lenguas. Durante los tres meses del período de prueba se recogieron los datos que han permitido concluir que PLIA permite sistematizar el trabajo lector y reducir el esfuerzo de los docentes que contribuya al fomento de la calidad del proceso educativo gracias a la innovación digital que ofrece mediante diferentes recursos didácticos desde una plataforma única.