Abstract
This paper explores the problem of sectorization of a parcel delivery service that wants to assign an action region to each of its teams, regarding the number of deliveries scheduled for each zone, so that there is a balanced service amongst sectors, covering contiguous zones, and considering limited capacities for the teams. Besides being relatively easy to model, the available optimization tools and software provide poor results when dimension increases in these types of problems, with computational capacity exceeding. In this paper an integer programming model, combined with an heuristic to return a faster solution, was implemented to solve a sectorization problem in two different situations. The main advantage of the strategy proposed, compared to previous ones, is its simplicity and easy implementation while still returning an optimal solution. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

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Nowadays, Automated Guides Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots are equipped with electromagnetic or optical automatic guiding devices and can navigate, interact, perform path planning and avoid obstacles. It is crucial to develop applications to support the teaching by real and/or simulated robots. In this paper the authors propose a simulation of an AGV system, that uses localization based on mounted cameras for positioning and control by a central system. Also, a real robot prototype is proposed. The mobile robot should reach the destination point precisely and kept inside the desired margins, avoiding collisions. The presented results show the developed system in operation. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Abstract
This paper presents an experimental investigation of sigma-delta modulation (SDM) as a means of improving the performance of underwater optical communication systems. The study considers the impact of the key parameters of SDM, including oversampling ratio, the system's signal-to-noise ratio, bandwidth, and optical link distance. The results of this study provide insights into the design and optimization of SDM-based underwater optical communication systems, paving the way for future research in this field. A fully digital solution, albeit operating at a lower bit rate than previously published OFDM counterparts, provides immunity against nonlinearities of the system and robustness to noise, which is relevant in harsh environments. Moreover, the proposed solution based on a first-order bandpass SDM architecture avoids the employment of a DAC at the receiver, simplifying its operation and reducing costs. An experimental investigation is carried out for the transmission of 16-QAM over SDM, and a transmission distance of 4.8 m over the underwater channel is achieved with a maximum transmission rate of 400 Mbit/s with an MER of 28 dB.

Abstract
Electrical distribution companies have been investing in modernizing their structures, especially operation automation. The integration of information technologies and communications makes fast power restoration during fault events, providing better profit to companies and a more reliable and safe distribution network for customers. A self-healing strategy can be implemented for protection and control devices to work cooperatively, achieving the global purpose of automatic distribution system restoration. Thus, this work proposes a methodology for short-circuit fault detection, isolation of the faulted section, and restoration of downstream sections using neighbor feeders. The protection devices use standardized IEC and ANSI/IEEE functions to sensitize faults in the system and to promote adequate isolation, allowing the consequent restorative process. A genetic algorithm optimizes the devices’ parameters used in the protection scheme, making fastest the isolation process and ensuring the protection system coordination and selectivity. Results obtained using Simulink® allows for verifying the proposed methodology’s behavior and efficiency.

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Fostering Pedagogy Through Micro and Adaptive Learning in Higher Education: Trends, Tools, and Applications is a timely and groundbreaking book that addresses the challenges of engaging the digital generations in the teaching-learning process, intensified by the pandemic. Written by Ricardo Queirós, a renowned researcher in e-learning interoperability and programming languages, the book offers a unique perspective on using micro and adaptive learning approaches to create immersive and personalized environments that cater to the learning styles and paces of diverse students. The book covers innovative trends, tools, and applications that enable educators to implement pedagogical practices that enhance the teaching-learning experience. It explores topics such as artificial intelligence in education, adaptive hypermedia, differentiated instruction, and micro-gamification design, providing readers with practical tools to create personalized and immersive learning environments. This book is a valuable resource for professors of any domain, practitioners, and students pursuing education, as well as research scholars looking to expand their understanding of e-learning and pedagogical innovation. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of education and how digital technologies can be leveraged to create engaging and immersive learning environments. © 2023 by IGI Global. All rights reserved.

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