Abstract
Hospitalization has been identified as stress-inducing event that potentially contributes to depression and anxiety among children, particularly when the duration of hospital stay is prolonged. This scoping review seeks to identify the role of videogames and other interactive technology in reducing stress and promoting well-being, exploring the specific considerations for developing videogames for in- patient children and focusing on understanding various outcomes with different types of interactive technologies. The databases used in this research were ACM, PubMed, Wiley Library, yielding a total of 90 articles. Following the application of exclusion criteria 7 articles were selected for analysis. It is noteworthy that many of the included articles exhibit limitations, such as restricted study durations and a small number of participants. Addressing these limitations is crucial for establishing the long-term efficacy of interactive technology and videogames in promoting the well-being of in-patient children.

Abstract
In the field of engineering education, hands-on experiences in laboratories are essential for effective learning. However, traditional laboratories face challenges such as cost and infrastructure, hindering access. And virtual laboratories are believed to have significant potential to offer efficient and cost-effective solutions for practical lab work compared to traditional labs. Moreover, currently there is a growing implementation of these solutions in various educational and professional areas where practical knowledge is crucial, especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the current research focuses on the design and development of a 3D virtual laboratory for computer hardware classes aiming to provide a solution to the problem of the lack of physical equipment for conducting practical IT laboratory activities. Additionally, to develop the virtual laboratory, tools such as Blender, Sculptris, and ZBrush were used for modelling, and the Unity Game Engine was used for programming and rendering. This simulated environment allows interactions with digital computer hardware components and circuits, promoting accessibility, scalability, and cost savings. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2024.

Abstract
Nowadays, decision making is one of the most important and influential aspects of everyday life, and the application of metaheuristics and heuristics facilitates the process. Thus, this paper presents a performance analysis of the combination of constructive heuristics used to generate initial solutions for metaheuristics applied to scheduling problems. Namely, Nawaz, Enscore, and Ham Heuristic (NEH), Palmer Heuristic and Campbell, Dudek, and Smith Heuristic (CDS) with Cuckoo Search, Firefly Algorithm and Simulated Annealing. The aim is to compare the performance of these combinations to analyse the efficiency, effectiveness and robustness of each. All combinations were analysed in an in-depth computational study and then subjected to a statistical study to support an accurate analysis of the results. The results of the analysis show that the Firefly Algorithm associated with NEH, despite having a high runtime, performs better than the other combinations. However, the best effectiveness-efficiency ratio corresponds to SA-Palmer and SA-CDS. © 2024, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
The increase in renewable generation of a distributed nature has brought significant new challenges to power and energy system management and operation. Self-consumption in buildings is widespread, and with it rises the need for novel, adaptive and intelligent building energy management systems. Although there is already extensive research and development work regarding building energy management solutions, the capabilities for adaptation and contextualization of decisions are still limited. Consequently, this paper proposes a novel contextual rule-based system for energy management in buildings, which incorporates a contextual dimension that enables the adaptability of the system according to diverse contextual situations and the presence of multiple users with different preferences. Results of a case study based on real data show that the contextualization of the energy management process can maintain energy costs as low as possible, while respecting user preferences and guaranteeing their comfort.

Abstract
Local electricity markets are emerging as a viable solution to overcome the challenges brought by the large penetration of distributed renewable generation and the need to put consumers as central players in the system, with an active and dynamic role. Although there is significant literature addressing the topic of local electricity markets, this is still a rather new and emerging topic. Hence, this study provides an overall view of this domain and a perspective on future needs and challenges that must be addressed. This review introduces the most important concepts in the local electricity market domain, provides an analysis on the different policy and regulatory framework, exposes the most relevant worldwide initiatives related to the field implementation, and scrutinizes the alternative local market models proposed in the literature. The discussion puts forth the main benefits and barriers of the currently proposed local market models, and the expected impact of their widespread implementation. The review is concluded with the wrap-up and discussion on the most relevant paths for future research and development in this field of study.

Abstract
Agriculture being an essential activity sector for the survival and prosperity of humanity, it is fundamental to use sustainable technologies in this field. With this in mind, some statistical data are analyzed regarding the food price rise and sustainable development indicators, with a special focus on the Portugal region. It is determined that one of the main factors that influences agriculture's success is the soil's characteristics, namely in terms of moisture and nutrients. In this regard, irrigation processes have become indispensable, and their technological management brings countless economic advantages. Like other branches of agriculture, the wine sector needs an adequate concentration of nutrients and moisture in the soil to provide the most efficient results, considering the appropriate and intelligent use of available water and energy resources. Given these facts, the use of renewable energies is a very important aspect of this study, which also synthesizes the main irrigation methods and examines the importance of evaluating the evapotranspiration of crops. Furthermore, the control of irrigation processes and the implementation of optimization and resource management models are of utmost importance to allow maximum efficiency and sustainability in this field.