Abstract
A new algorithm based on the ant colony optimization (ACO) method for the multiple traveling salesman problem (mTSP) is presented and defined as ACO-BmTSP. This paper addresses the problem of solving the mTSP while considering several salesmen and keeping both the total travel cost at the minimum and the tours balanced. Eleven different problems with several variants were analyzed to validate the method. The 20 variants considered three to twenty salesmen regarding 11 to 783 cities. The results were compared with best-known solutions (BKSs) in the literature. Computational experiments showed that a total of eight final results were better than those of the BKSs, and the others were quite promising, showing that with few adaptations, it will be possible to obtain better results than those of the BKSs. Although the ACO metaheuristic does not guarantee that the best solution will be found, it is essential in problems with non-deterministic polynomial time complexity resolution or when used as an initial bound solution in an integer programming formulation. Computational experiments on a wide range of benchmark problems within an acceptable time limit showed that compared with four existing algorithms, the proposed algorithm presented better results for several problems than the other algorithms did.

Abstract
Teaching and learning are processes that must accompany the digital transition, which is one of the biggest challenges we currently face, along with the green transition. The digital transition in education is a process with several challenges that must count on the involvement and collaboration of all stakeholders, contributing to the schools of the future. For this, technology plays a decisive role, and must be integrated into classes as a relevant tool to develop and implement different types of experiments, motivating the students towards STEM areas. In this context, a project financed by IFAC made it possible to use pocket laboratories in different high schools, encouraging teachers to prepare activities supported by this equipment, stimulating students to be interested in engineering topics. This article presents the approach followed in one high school and discusses the results obtained, highlighting the usefulness and opportunity of using pocket labs, and low-cost equipment in general, in school activities, which can promote the STEM areas and, in particular, the engineering courses.

Abstract
This paper deliberates some of the motivations for contemplating Kits in the theoretical-practical class of a Curricular Unit of Process Control to first year students of a Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering, alongside their purpose. Also, the perceptions of these students about the use of these kits in their learning process are discussed based on an online questionnaire developed for that purpose. According to students' feedback, gathered by an anonymous online questionnaire, it was possible to investigate the effectiveness of the use of didactics kits in the learning of Process Control topics. The obtained results from the students perception are clearly positive and motivating to further uses of this type kit as portable laboratories. © 2023 IEEE.

Abstract

Abstract
Low-cost, small-sized portable laboratories, or take-home laboratories, have been increasing in popularity worldwide. One example of such a successful Arduino-based kit is the Temperature Control Laboratory (TCLab), originally proposed by [1]. This kit has been used in Portugal for control engineering education since 2018. This paper proposes a TCLab demo session, reflecting the use of this kit in Portugal across different educational contexts. © 2023 IEEE.

Abstract
The recent release of ChatGPT-3 by OpenAI may have been a major disruptive mark in terms of Artificial Intelligence based tools. The testing and rapid user adoption rate of ChatGPT-3 was massive with a worldwide impact. Despite its recent public release ChatGPT-3 is already eliciting a mix of positive reactions revealing outstanding positive aspects as well as some negative ones. A short evaluation of ChatGPT-3 is presented, using the context of genetic algorithms, a topic lectured in introductory artificial intelligence courses. Examples outlining potential advantages of adopting ChatGPT and disadvantages which raise ethical issues and may limit its use are presented. © 2023 IEEE.