Abstract
Complex optimization problems are often associated to large search spaces and consequent prohibitive execution times in finding the optimal results. This is especially relevant when dealing with dynamic real problems, such as those in the field of power and energy systems. Solving this type of problems requires new models that are able to find near-optimal solutions in acceptable times, such as metaheuristic optimization algorithms. The performance of these algorithms is, however, hugely dependent on their correct tuning, including their configuration and parametrization. This is an arduous task, usually done through exhaustive experimentation. This paper contributes to overcome this challenge by proposing the application of sequential model algorithm configuration using Bayesian optimization with Gaussian process and Monte Carlo Markov Chain for the automatic configuration of a genetic algorithm. Results from the application of this model to an electricity market participation optimization problem show that the genetic algorithm automatic configuration enables identifying the ideal tuning of the model, reaching better results when compared to a manual configuration, in similar execution times.

Abstract
Real Estate Agents perform the tedious job of selecting and filtering pictures of houses manually on a daily basis, in order to choose the most suitable ones for their websites and provide a better description of the properties they are selling. However, this process consumes a lot of time, causing delays in the advertisement of homes and reception of proposals. In order to expedite and automate this task, Computer Vision solutions can be employed. Deep Learning, which is a subfield of Machine Learning, has been highly successful in solving image recognition problems, making it a promising solution for this particular context. Therefore, this paper proposes the application of Vision Transformers to indoor room classification. The study compares various image classification architectures, ranging from traditional Convolutional Neural Networks to the latest Vision Transformer architecture. Using a dataset based on well-known scene classification datasets, their performance is analyzed. The results demonstrate that Vision Transformers are one of the most effective architectures for indoor classification, with highly favorable outcomes in automating image recognition and selection in the Real Estate industry.

Abstract
This paper presents a teaching/learning experiment running in the laboratorial curricular unit Project I of the 4th year of the Integrated Master in Industrial Electronics and Computers Engineering at the University of Minho. Project specifications were defined by the three teachers involved in the experience and students were encouraged to look on different solutions for a real-word problem. In a concurrent way, students designed, developed and implemented didactic rigs to control a gantry crane system. The control was performed in open-loop, based on the Posicast feedforward technique, and in closed-loop, using a two-degrees of freedom configuration. The experiment procedure and the project outcomes of two solutions proposed by the students are presented.

Abstract
Electricity consumption has increased all around the world in the last decades. This has caused a rise in the use of fossil fuels and in the harming of the environment. In the past years the use of renewable energies and reduction of consumption has growth in order to deal with that problem. The change in the production paradigm led to an increasing search of ways to shorten consumption and adapt to the production. One of the solutions for this problem is to use Demand Response systems. Lighting systems have a major role in electricity consumption, so they are very suitable to be applied in a Demand Response system, optimizing their use. This optimization can be made in different ways being one of them by using a heuristic algorithm. This paper focuses on the use of Fish School Search algorithm to optimize a lighting system, in order to understand its capability of dealing with a problem of this nature and compare it with other algorithms to evaluate its performance.

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel hybrid particle swarm optimization methodology to solve the problem of optimal participation in multiple electricity markets. The decision time is usually very important when planning the participation in electricity markets. This environment is characterized by the time available to take action, since different electricity markets have specific rules, which requires participants to be able to adapt and plan their decisions in a short time. Using metaheuristic optimization, participants' time problems can be resolved, because these methods enable problems to be solved in a short time and with good results. This paper proposes a hybrid resolution method, which is based on the particle swarm optimization metaheuristic. An exact mathematical method, which solves a simplified, linearized, version of the problem, is used to generate the initial solution for the metaheuristic approach, with the objective of improving the quality of results without representing a significant increase of the execution time.

Abstract
Electrical energy consumption forecasting is, nowadays, essential in order to deal with the new paradigm of consumers' active participation in the power and energy system. The uncertainty related to the variability of consumption is associated to numerous factors, such as consumers' habits, the environmental temperature, luminosity, etc. Current forecasting methods are not suitable to deal with such a combination of input variables, with often highly variable influence on the outcomes of the actual energy consumption. This paper presents a study on the application of five different methods based on fuzzy rule-based systems. This type of method is able to find associations between the distinct input variables, thus creating rules that support and improve the actual forecasting process. A case study is presented, showing the results of applying these five methods to predict the consumption of a real building: the Thales TRT building, in France.