Abstract
The permutation flow shop scheduling problem is one of the most studied operations research related problems. Literally, hundreds of exact and approximate algorithms have been proposed to optimise several objective functions. In this paper we address the total tardiness criterion, which is aimed towards the satisfaction of customers in a make-to-order scenario. Although several approximate algorithms have been proposed for this problem in the literature, recent contributions for related problems suggest that there is room for improving the current available algorithms. Thus, our contribution is twofold: First, we propose a fast beam-search-based constructive heuristic that estimates the quality of partial sequences without a complete evaluation of their objective function. Second, using this constructive heuristic as initial solution, eight variations of an iterated-greedy-based algorithm are proposed. A comprehensive computational evaluation is performed to establish the efficiency of our proposals against the existing heuristics and metaheuristics for the problem.

Abstract

Abstract
The use of videos is a valuable and powerful tool which may significantly contribute to change and improve teaching and learning methods. Lecturers can made their own videos addressing specific topics suitable to fulfill their student's needs. These videos can address control engineering syllabus as well as complementary topics. This paper proposes using video as a tool to introduce the particle swarm optimization algorithm to students within a digital PID control simulation experiment. The experience preliminary results and feedback received from students are quite positive.

Abstract

Abstract
Production scheduling in the presence of real-time events is of great importance for the successful implementation of real-world scheduling systems. Most manufacturing systems operate in dynamic environments vulnerable to various stochastic real-time events which continuously forces reconsideration and revision of pre-established schedules. In an uncertain environment, efficient ways to adapt current solutions to unexpected events, are preferable to solutions that soon become obsolete. This reality motivated us to develop a tool that attempts to start filling the gap between scheduling theory and practice. The developed prototype is connected to the MRP software and uses meta heuristics to generate a predictive schedule. Then, whenever disruptions happen, like arrival of new tasks or cancelation of others, the tool starts rescheduling through a dynamic-event module that combines dispatching rules that best fit the performance measures pre-classified by Kano’s model. The proposed tool was tested in an in-depth computational study with dynamic task releases and stochastic execution time. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the model. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
Augmented Reality (AR) has been widely used in areas such as medicine, education, entertainment and cultural heritage to enhance activities that include (but are not limited to) teaching, training and amusement, through the completion of the real world with viewable and usually interactive virtual data (e.g. 3D models, geo-markers and labels). Despite the already confirmed AR benefits in the referred areas, many of the existing AR systems rely on heavy and obsolete hardware bundles composed of several devices and numerous cables that usually culminate in considerably expensive solutions. This issue is about to be tackled through the recent technological developments which currently enable the production of small-sized boards with remarkable capabilities - such as processing, visualization and storage - at relatively low prices. Following this line of reasoning, this paper proposes and compares five different multi-purpose AR mobile units, running Windows or Android operating systems, having in mind low-cost and lightweight requirements and different levels of immersion: a laptop computer, two tablets, a smartphone and smartglasses. A set of tests was carried out to evaluate the proposed unit performance. Moreover, a set of users' assessments was also conducted, highlighting an overall acceptance regarding the use of the proposed units in AR applications. This paper is an extension of a previous work (Pádua et al., 2015) in which a conceptual architecture for mobile units - complying with AR requirements (including visualization, processing, location and communication) for indoor or outdoor utilization - was presented, along with a shorter set of lightweight and cost-effective AR mobile units and respective performance tests. © 2018, IGI Global.