Abstract
The particle swarm optimization (PSO), one of the most successful natural inspired algorithms, is revisited in the context of a proposal for a new teaching experiment. The problem considered is the open-loop step identification procedure, which is studied as an optimization problem. The PSO canonical algorithm main issues addressed within the proposed open-loop step identification experience are: the swarm random initialization methodology, the population size variation, and the inertia weight selection. The teaching experience learning outcomes are stated, simulation results presented, and feedback results from students analyzed. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:227-237, 2014; View this article online at ; DOI

Abstract
Multi-objective optimization inspired on genetic algorithms are population based search methods. The population elements, chromosomes, evolve using inheritance, mutation, selection and crossover mechanisms. The aim of these algorithms is to obtain a representative non-dominated Pareto front from a given problem. Several approaches to study the convergence and performance of algorithm variants have been proposed, particularly by accessing the final population. In this work, a novel approach by analyzing multi-objective algorithm dynamics during the algorithm execution is considered. The results indicate that Shannon entropy can be used as an algorithm indicator of diversity and convergence.

Abstract
This work presents an automatic tuning method for the discontinuous component of the Sliding Mode Generalized Predictive Controller (SMGPC) subject to constraints. The strategy employs Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to minimize a second aggregated cost function. The continuous component is obtained by the standard procedure, by Quadratic Programming (QP), thus yielding an online dual optimization scheme. Simulations and performance indexes for common process models in industry, such as nonminimum phase and time delayed systems, result in a better performance, improving robustness and tracking accuracy.

Abstract
The paper addresses new perspective of the PSO including a fractional block. The local gain is replaced by one of fractional order considering several previous positions of the PSO particles. The algorithm is evaluated for several well known test functions and the relationship between the fractional order and the convergence of the algorithm is observed. The fractional order influences directly the algorithm convergencerate demonstrating a large potential for developments. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2014.

Abstract
This paper presents the first phase of the redevelopment of the Electric Vehicle Scenario Simulator (EVeSSi) tool. A new methodology to generate traffic demand scenarios for the Simulation of Urban MObility (SUMO) tool for urban traffic simulation is described. This methodology is based on a Portugal census database to generate a synthetic population for a given area under study. A realistic case study of a Portuguese city, Vila Real, is assessed. For this area the road network was created along with a synthetic population and public transport. The traffic results were obtained and an electric buses fleet was evaluated assuming that the actual fleet would be replaced in a near future. The energy requirements to charge the electric fleet overnight were estimated in order to evaluate the impacts that it would cause in the local electricity network.

Abstract
Electrical power quality (PQ) is a crucial competitive and developing factor to all economic activities. The economic impact resulting from a bad PQ would be drastic on all consumers. Computers, uninterruptible and switched power supplies (UPS), and fluorescent lamps/tubes are examples of nonlinear loads that have the consumption of a nonsinusoidal current, which cause disturbances in the power supply system (that may be severe or not). This study discusses residential generic power circuitry analysis and simulation, under nonlinear loads, in connection with undergraduate electrical engineering education. It briefly reviews some of the basic techniques, and presents a software tool that has been found to be very useful in the context. The tool has an easy-to-use, friendly interface, and can be used to teach design techniques or as a laboratory support to study the applicability of known methods to real situations. The students can perform simulations with their own data on Microsoft (TM) Windows (R)-based platforms. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:340-348, 2014; View this article online at ; DOI