Abstract

Abstract
Metaheuristic optimization algorithms are increasingly used to reach near-optimal solutions for complex and large-scale problems that cannot be solved in due time by exact methods. Metaheuristics’ performance is, however, deeply dependent on their effective configuration and fine-tuning to align the algorithm’s search process with the specific characteristics of the problem that is being solved. Although the literature already offers some solutions for automatic algorithm configuration, these are usually either algorithm-specific or problem-specific, thus lacking the capability of being used for diverse metaheuristic models or diverse optimization problems. This work proposes a new approach for the automatic optimization of metaheuristic algorithms’ parameters based on a multi-agent system approach. The proposed model includes an automated fine-tuning process, which is used to optimize a given function in an algorithm- and problem-agnostic manner. Results show that the proposed model is able to achieve better optimization results than standard metaheuristic algorithms, with a negligible increase in the required execution time. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The share of renewable generation is growing worldwide, increasing the complexity of the grids operation to maintain its stability and balance. This leads to an increased need for designing new electricity markets (EMs) suited to this new reality. Simulation tools are widely used to experiment and analyze the potential impacts of new solutions, such as novel EM designs and power flow analysis and validation. This work introduces two web services for EMs' simulation and study, in addition to power flow evaluation and validation, namely the Elec-tricity Market Service (EMS) and Power Flow Service (PFS). EMS enables the simulation of two auction-based algorithms and the execution of three wholesale EMs. PFS creates and evaluates electrical grids from the transmission to distribution grids. Being published as web services facilitates their integration with other ser-vices, systems, or software agents. Combining them allows for the simulation of EMs from wholesale to local markets and testing if the results are compatible with a specific grid. This article presents a detailed description of each service and a case study of an electricity trading community participating in the MIBEL day-ahead market through an aggregator to reduce their energy bills. The results demonstrate the accuracy and usefulness of the proposed services.

Abstract
New challenges arise with the upsurge of a Big Data era. Huge volumes of data, from the most varied natures, gathered from different sources, collected in different timings, often with high associated uncertainty, make the decision-making process a harsher task. Current methods are not ready to deal with characteristics of the new problems. This paper proposes a novel data selection methodology that filters big volumes of data, so that only the most correlated information is used in the decision-making process in each given context. The proposed methodology uses a clustering algorithm, which creates sub-groups of data according to their correlation. These groups are then used to feed a forecasting process that uses the relevant data for each situation, while discarding data that is not expected to contribute to improving the forecasting results. In this way, a faster, less computationally demanding, and effective forecasting is enabled. A case study is presented, considering the application of the proposed methodology to the filtering of electricity market data used by forecasting approaches. Results show that the data selection increases the forecasting effectiveness of forecasting methods, as well as the computational efficiency of the forecasts, by using less yet more adequate data. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
Over the years, industrial evolution has proved to be a complex process, since there are several aspects that need to be considered to achieve highly functional processes and differentiated quality products. To date, four industrial revolutions have been implemented. Thus, the paradigm of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) was born, a concept that aims to improve the efficiency, productivity, automation, and safety of industrial processes, but which also considers the operator’s relevance and centrality in these processes. Besides these four revolutions one more concept is emerging, called Industry 5.0 (I5.0). In recent years, and with the advance of scientific research, the implementation of wearables has proven to be the ideal solution to move towards the digitisation of Industrial sector. In this sense, the aim of this work is to provide a systematic review on the currently available knowledge about wearable technology and its applicability within I4.0. Through these technologies, both processes and operators can be monitored in real time, actively contributing to the identification of limitations and to the implementation of improvements. On the other hand, studies on the acceptance of these devices have shown a certain apprehension by users regarding the security and privacy of collected data. Therefore, studies should be conducted to analyse in depth these limitations, to raise users’ confidence and contribute, in a broader perspective, to the success of industrial processes. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The trends of the 21st century are challenging the traditional production process due to the reduction in the life cycle of products and the demand for more complex products in greater quantities. Industry 4.0 (I4.0) was introduced in 2011 and it is recognized as the fourth industrial revolution, with the aim of improving manufacturing processes and increasing the competitiveness of industry. I4.0 uses technological concepts such as Cyber-Physical Systems, Internet of Things and Cloud Computing to create services, reduce costs and increase productivity. In addition, concepts such as Smart Factories are emerging, which use context awareness to assist people and optimize tasks based on data from the physical and virtual world. This article explores and applies the capabilities of context-aware applications in industry, with a focus on production lines. In specific, this paper proposes a context-aware application based on a microservices approach, intended for integration into a context-aware information system, with specific application in the area of manufacturing. The manuscript presents a detailed architecture for structuring the application, explaining components, functions and contributions. The discussion covers development technologies, integration and communication between the application and other services, as well as experimental findings, which demonstrate the applicability and advantages of the proposed solution.