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Electronic waste (e-waste) contains toxic elements causing an important impact on environmental and human health. However, the presence of valuable metals, such as copper or gold, among others, make recycling a necessity for obtaining an alternative source of raw materials. Conventional metal recovery methods are environmentally unsound, prompting the exploration of greener alternatives like bioleaching, which utilizes the activity of microorganisms for a more sustainable recovery. However, the mechanisms involved in the process and the conditions to optimize the metabolic paths are still not completely known. Monitorization and automatization of the different stages composing the global process are crucial for advancing in the implementation of this novel technology at an industrial scale. For the first time, an open-source industrial IoT system is designed to enhance and regulate bioleaching by implementing real-time monitoring and control within the plant's infrastructure. This system includes an Android app that displays real-time plant data from sensors and a robust server featuring a flexible application programming interface (API) for future applications. The app caters to specific needs such as remote sensor reading, actuator control, and real-time bioleaching alerts, ensuring secure access and proactive event management. By utilizing collected data, it minimizes downtime, equipment failures, and supply chain disruptions. The server maintains seamless communication with the plant controller, enabling efficient pump activation and sensor data transmission. A telegram bot demonstrates the API's flexibility by forwarding plant alerts to users. During validation with concurrent remote user access, the application demonstrated its ability to prevent irreversible plant failures through an advanced alarm system. Ultimately, this IIoT system amplifies plant performance, safety, and efficiency by optimizing processes and decision-making capabilities. It emerges as a pivotal open-source tool, securing remote oversight and management of large-scale bioleaching plants, promising adaptability for future enhancements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new learning approach in collaborative lcarning-by doing, real-world team-based project in two ICT courses: Digital Systems and Computing Engineering, conducted at Universität Politècnica de Catalunya. Data collected included: background information on students; course evaluations; measures of the knowledge and cross-knowledge of both disciplines taken before and after our SimulAVR project. SimulAVR integrates interdisciplinary knowledge by simulating via software a microcontroller and its implementation in VHDL. Our study is based on the analysis of the results of running the project for 3 years. After taking the simulAVR project, the students rated the interest in both courses higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new learning approach in science and technology through the Qui-Bot H2O project: a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary project developed with the main objective of inclusively increasing interest in computer science engineering among children and young people, breaking stereotypes and invisible social and gender barriers. The project highlights the social aspect of robotics applied to chemistry, at early ages. We successfully tested the project activities on girls between 3 to 13 years old. After taking part in the project, the users rated their interest in science and technology to be higher than before. Data collected during experiences included background information on students, measurements of the project's impact and students' interest in it, and an evaluation of student satisfaction of this STEM activity. The Qui-Bot H2O project is supported by the actions of territorial public administrations towards gender equality and the contributions of humanistic and technological universities and entities which specialize in education and business. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a new learning approach in collaborative learning-by doing, real-world team-based project in two ICT courses: Digital Systems and Computing Engineering, conducted at Univcrsitat Politecnica de Catalunya. Data collected included: background information on students; course evaluations; measures of the knowledge and cross-knowledge of both disciplines taken before and after our SimulA VR project. SimulAVR integrates interdisciplinary knowledge by simulating via software a microcontroller and its implementation in VH DL. Our study is based on the analysis of the results of running the project for 3 years. After taking the simulAVR project, the students rated the interest in both courses higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]