Abstract
This paper proposes an innovative framework based on optimisation techniques that can support decision-making in water services. The proposed models estimate a Best-Practice frontier recurring to a ‘Benefit-of-the-Doubt’ formulation that enables benchmarking performance across decision-making units. We propose an innovative estimation of a pseudo-Malmquist index to compare the performance of groups. The framework’s relevance is illustrated using data of the Brazilian water and sanitation regulator, collected at the municipality level for the year 2019. The groups compared correspond to three Brazilian macro-regions. The results obtained show that the Southeast exhibits the best overall performance. The Northeast has a few municipalities with the best practices at a national level, but this macro-region has significant heterogeneity in performance levels. The South has a more homogeneous performance, but the best-performing municipalities in this macro-region are still far from Brazil’s best practices. © 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants constitute an essential part of the sewage system. They have the role of removing pollutants from wastewater to enable the safe disposal of the treated effluent in the natural environment. This research seeks to evaluate plants' efficiency and effectiveness, which involves minimizing energy consumption while obtaining a quality level of the treated water aligned with legislation requirements. We explore two policy scenarios regarding the measurement of effluent quality. The first assumes that pollutants' emission quotas (EQs) are fixed at each plant. The second assumes that quotas are set for the receiving waters (e.g., river or watercourse in the natural environment) so that trade-offs in EQs among plants sharing the same discharge site are possible. This latter scenario requires a system-wide analysis to identify optimal targets for pollutants removal at each plant that allow fulfilling the expected average quality levels of the effluent discharged. This paper develops a methodology to fully realize the potential for energy savings based on an innovative mixed-integer linear programming model. This model follows the data envelopment analysis axioms to estimate the frontier of the production possibility set. The approach proposed is tested in a real-world context using the plants of a Portuguese water company. The results show that the two scenarios combining efficiency and effectiveness perspectives have advantages in terms of energy savings compared to the conventional situation focused only on efficiency gains. The saving potential is slightly higher in the scenario allowing reallocation of EQs among plants.

Abstract
This paper describes the development of a mechanism to deal with time windows constraints. To the best of our knowledge, the time windows constraints are difficult to be fulfilled even for state-of-the-art methods. Therefore, the main contribution of this paper is to propose a new computational technique to deal with such constraints to ensure the algorithm convergence. We test such technique in two metaheuristics to solve the discrete and dynamic Berth Allocation Problem. A data set generator was created, resulting in a diversity of problems in terms of time windows constraints. A detailed computational analysis was carried out to compare the performance for each metaheuristic.

Abstract
This paper focuses on the comprehensive assessment of regional performance in attaining the 2030 Strategic Framework for Education and Training (ET2030) established by the European Union. To this end, we propose a composite indicator framework based on robust Benefit-of-the-doubt models empirically validated through an extensive analysis of data spanning 32 countries and 101 NUTS-I level regions for 2019. We integrate contextual variables into a robust conditional model to ensure an equitable evaluation among regions grappling with distinct circumstances. Specifically, the unemployment rate and the percentage of the population holding national citizenship are considered. Moreover, the research identifies best practices from high-performing regions that can serve as benchmarks for underperforming areas. Analyzing regional-level data is crucial for understanding disparities between European regions and within countries.

Abstract
The efficient management of assets delivers value and is essential for achieving service objectives, managing risks, and reducing costs. This paper proposes decision-support methods to help capital-intensive industries manage their assets and optimise their life cycle. Optimisation approaches were developed to support longterm investment planning by maximising the value created and minimising the budget used. Also, the trade-off for both objectives was analysed. Using the proposed models will lead to efficient management of available capital and excellent service delivery. Thus, water companies will fulfil the regulator's requirements and present well-founded decision-making. This study was applied to a Portuguese water utility.

Abstract