This paper presents a systematic model, two-phase optimization algorithms (TPOA), for Mastermind. TPOA is not only able to efficiently obtain approximate results but also effectively discover results that are getting closer to the optima. This systematic approach could be regarded as a general improver for heuristics. That is, given a constructive heuristic, TPOA has a higher chance to obtain results better than those obtained by the heuristic. Moreover, it sometimes can achieve optimal results that are difficult to find by the given heuristic. Experimental results show that (i) TPOA with parameter setting (k, d) 5 (1, 1) is able to obtain the optimal result for the game in the worst case, where k is the branching factor and d is the exploration depth of the search space. (ii) Using a simple heuristic, TPOA achieves the optimal result for the game in the expected case with (k, d) 5 (180, 2). This is the first approximate approach to achieve the optimal result in the expected case.
Indoor environment monitor and control are important aspects of reducing building energy consumption and maintaining occupants' visual and thermal comforts. Previous research showed that the lots of buildings were not able to provide designed service level in the daily operation and the feedback from occupants showed that the predetermined service level sometimes did not match occupants' desire. However, most of existing buildings and residential buildings did not have building management systems that can systematically monitor the indoor environment, collect occupants' feedback, and fine-tune built-in control logic when the occupants' needs could not be met. An easy-to-build and easy-to-use build management system can help researchers, engineers, and occupants themselves to identify the issue. The goal of this study was to develop a building management platform with the functions of indoor environment data collection (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, etc.), remote control (air conditioner, window, shading), occupants' feedback collection (set point, status of building components, etc.), and user interface for retrieving the data and modifying control logic. The platform was developed using Arduino-based and Raspberry Pi-based microcontroller board, low-cost sensors, 3D printing technology, and cloud computing technology. The stored data can serve for personal behavior/comfort analysis, components efficiency analysis, and advanced control logic development. This last part of this paper demonstrated the ability of the developed platform and exhibited the potential application. In the end, we provided further discussion about the potential challenges we might face when developing building management systems in other existing spaces/buildings.
Modern economic activities rely on logistics to support the flow of goods, but the logistics activities consume a lot of resources, and cause much pollution. Green logistics is therefore an inevitable trend in the development of the logistics industry and can even minimize the logistic costs. One of the top Taiwan manufacturers of TFT-LCD panels in the world with a market share of 15.2% in large-sized panels would like to adjust its supply chain processes, and attempt to recycle the packaging materials from its customers, The manufacturer intends to change the past process, "resources -products -waste discharge", into the green supply-chain model, "resources -productsrecycling resources,". It finally subcontracts business-related logistic operations to a fourth-party logistics (4PL) provider, T.H.I. Logistics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as THI) by taking advantage of this new model. THI utilizes its multinational -corporation team and the efficient collaboration with a number of third-party logistics (3PL) partners to provide one-stop services, integrated forward and reverse logistics services, to transport TFT-LCD panels from Taiwan to any place in the world. The logistics system makes the use of information systems to monitor the location of panels and the inventory of the warehouse; especially in controlling the recycling process of packaging materials. On the other hand, THI helps the manufacturer check and store these packaging materials. Meanwhile, the THI's information system manages these packaging materials and provides early-warning mechanism of inventory management to assist this manufacturer to develop the production schedule. The recycled packaging materials can be reused in order to reduce the costs of purchasing new ones. THI's service model not only helps the panel manufacturer restructure its supply chain process, but also can be regarded as a benchmark of green logistic services.
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