Abstract
Hill climbing and simulated annealing are two fundamental search techniques integrating most artificial intelligence and machine learning courses curricula. These techniques serve as introduction to stochastic and probabilistic based metaheuristics. Simulated annealing can be considered a hill-climbing variant with a probabilistic decision. While simulated annealing is conceptually a simple algorithm, in practice it can be difficult to parameterize. In order to promote a good simulated annealing algorithm perception by students, a simulation experiment is reported here. Key implementation issues are addressed, both for minimization and maximization problems. Simulation results are presented.

Abstract
This paper proposes the recently introduced Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA) to tune a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) applied on the temperature control of a grains drying system. The problem of maintaining the temperature precisely adjusted inside a silo is relevant to avoid thermal damage and spoilage losses, and thus guarantee the right conditions for storage. The objectives of setpoint tracking and disturbance rejection are incorporated into the minimization of the integral of the time-weighted absolute error. Simulation results are presented and compared with PID and with SMC tuned by Particle SwarmOptimization (PSO) and by earlier proposed tuning equations. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017.

Abstract
This paper describes a set of models and algorithms used under a Tourism Recommendation System based in Users and Points-of-Interest (POI) profiles. This work aims to propose a recommendation system that considers user's functionality levels regarding physical and psychological issues. This proposal considers also in a different way to classify (POI) including their accessibility levels mapped with similar physical and psychological issues.

Abstract
New times demand new teaching and learning methodologies. A partial flipped classroom methodology was tested in a modelling and feedback control course for undergraduate biomedical engineering. A semester course was divided in two parts: the first half using a flipped approach and the second one using a classical approach. The experience results are reported, presenting the methodology ups and downs. The use of videos as student's primer study supporting element to prepare classes in advance was explored. Using part of the class time to perform quiz group activities proved to be a major enabler to actively involve students in the learning process. The results achieved in the flipped part strongly confirm a much higher engagement and participation level from students in theoretical classes. Moreover, the flipping approach promotes students to continuously study along the semester.

Abstract
This paper describes a proposal to develop a Tourism Recommendation System based in Users and Points-of-Interest (POI) profiles The main focus of this work is to evaluate if gathered user’s physical and psychological functionality levels will return more accurate recommendation results. This work also aims to contribute with a different way to classify (POI) considering their capacity measured in accessibility levels to receive tourists with certain levels of physical and psychological issues that will be described in this paper sections. © Springer International Publishing AG 2017.

Abstract
The paper presents a tuning method for PID controllers which substantially improves closed-loop disturbance rejection performance while keeping the tracking performance. The tuning method is based on the internal disturbance compensator which parameters are calculated according to the Magnitude Optimum criterion. The results of experiments show that the proposed model-based approach gives superior disturbance-rejection response and lower controller activity when compared to Disturbance Rejection Magnitude Optimum tuning method. © Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2017.