Abstract
Over the past decades, underwater robotics has enjoyed growing popularity and relevance. While performing a mission, one crucial task for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) is bottom tracking, which should keep a constant distance from the seabed. Since static obstacles like walls, rocks, or shipwrecks can lie on the sea bottom, bottom tracking needs to be extended with obstacle avoidance. As AUVs face a wide range of uncertainties, implementing these essential operations is still challenging. A simple rule-based control method has been proposed in [7] to realize obstacle avoidance. In this work, we propose an alternative AI-based control method using a Long Short-Term Memory network. We compare the performance of both methods using real-world data as well as via a simulator. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The modern manufacturing environment has adjusted to technological improvements. With Virtual Reality applications geared for factory training are becoming increasingly common. The industry is seeking ways to lower downtimes, resource component waste, risk of possible work accidents and decrease expenses, which can be achieved by engaging in new techniques of training professionals. This article evaluates a VR training application developed within the scope of the R&D project, aimed at training personnel in vehicle antenna production lines. We included the following variables: previous experience with VR technology, cybersickness, immersive tendencies, presence, system usability and satisfaction. Both the system usability scores and satisfaction were considered acceptable. We also found positive correlations between several variables, highlighting the possible influence of attention and familiarity with VR technology on the user experience. In contrast, a negative correlation raised questions about participants' expectations regarding VR technology and their resulting experience.

Abstract
Proper waste management has been recognized as a tool for the green transition towards a more sustainable economy. For instance, most studies dealing with municipal solid wastes in the literature focus on environmental aspects, proposing new routes for recycling, composting and landfilling. However, there are other aspects to be improved in the systems that deal with municipal solid waste, especially in the transportation sector. Scholars have been exploring alternatives to improve the performance in waste collection tasks since the late 50s, for example, considering the waste collection problem as static. The transition from a static approach to a dynamic is necessary to increase the feasibility of the solution, requiring faster algorithms. Here we explore the improvement in the performance of the guided local search metaheuristic available in OR-Tools upon different execution times lower than 10 seconds to solve the capacitated waste collection problem. We show that increasing the execution time from 1 to 10 seconds can overcome savings of up to 1.5 km in the proposed system. Considering application in dynamic scenarios, the 9 s increase in execution time (from 1 to 10 s) would not hinder the algorithm's feasibility. Additionally, the assessment of the relation between performance in different execution times with the dataset's tightness revealed a correlation to be explored in more detail in future studies. The work done here is the first step towards a shift of paradigm from static scenarios in waste collection to dynamic route planning, with the execution time established according to the conclusions achieved in this study. © 2023 ITMA.

Abstract
The relevance of the tourism industry to the overall sustainability of rural territories grows along with the demand for rural tourism destinations. Likewise, as the digital transition of rural tour operators takes place, their marketing initiatives also evolve towards a digital nature, which is why it is crucial to comprehend how the overall calibre of these activities might affect the perception of rural places, while also motivating tourists' travel intentions and, as a result, promoting the general sustainability of the destination. Thus, in this paper, we propose a novel conceptual model based on Delone and McLean's representative model of Information Systems Success Model, on Tan and Wu's arguments on tourism destinations' image relationship with tourists' visit intentions, and also on Verma's tourism destination brand equity concept. To validate the proposed model, an online focus group was developed involving several specialists whose opinions and perspectives corroborated the potential adequacy of the proposed artefact and, consequently, assumed its contribution and value. From this validation process, it was possible to highlight that digital marketing initiatives' overall quality influences both rural destinations' image and tourists' intention to visit these territories, that a positive image will trigger tourists' visit behaviour, and that these behaviours represent a valuable asset to rural destinations' global sustainability.

Abstract
This work exploits the nexus of agricultural activities, water, and electrical and thermal energies to propose a framework to develop efficient circular renewable energy communities for the agricultural sector, by analyzing and optimizing the resources and the energy flows among them, profiting from the energy sources available. In this framework, local industries and agricultural facilities can invest in solar PV plants, livestock residues digestors to produce biogas, and cogeneration plants to supply the thermal and electrical energy needs. A simplified case study is presented, based on using biomass residues from livestock processed in an anaerobic digestor to produce biogas for a cogeneration plant. Their optimal capacities are computed considering the optimal supply of thermal and electrical energy needs and the supply from the public electricity and gas grids.

Abstract
This scientific paper delves into the effects of water stress on grapevines, specifically focusing on gene expression and polyphenol production. We conducted a controlled greenhouse experiment with three hydric conditions and analyzed the expression of genes related to polyphenol biosynthesis. Our results revealed significant differences in the expression of ABCC1, a gene linked to anthocyanin metabolism, under different irrigation treatments. These findings highlight the importance of anthocyanins in grapevine responses to abiotic stresses. By integrating genomics, metabolomics, and systems biology, this study contributes to our understanding of grapevine physiology under water stress conditions and offers insights into developing sensor technologies for real-world applications in viticulture. © 2023 by the authors.