Search

This article considers the problem of scheduling n jobs on m identical parallel processors where an optimal schedule is defined as one that produces minimum makespan (the completion time of the last job) and total tardiness among the set of schedules. Such a problem is known as identical parallel processor makespan and total tardiness problem. In order to minimize makespan and total tardiness of identical parallel processors, improved versions of particle swarm optimization and harmony search algorithm are proposed to enhance scheduling performance with less computational burden. The major drawback of particle swarm optimization in terms of premature convergence at initial stage of iterations is avoided through the use of mutation, a commonly used operator in genetic algorithm, by introducing diversity in the solution. The proposed algorithm is termed as particle swarm optimization with mutation. The convergence rate of harmony search algorithm is improved by fine tuning of parameters such as pitch adjusting rate and bandwidth for improving the solution. The performance of the schedules is evaluated in terms of makespan and total tardiness. The results are analyzed in terms of percentage deviation of the solution from the lower bound on makespan. The results indicate that particle swarm optimization with mutation produces better solutions when compared with genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization in terms of average percentage deviation. However, harmony search algorithm outperforms genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization, and particle swarm optimization with mutation in terms of average percentage deviation. In certain instances, the solution obtained by harmony search algorithm outperforms existing clonal selection particle swarm optimization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corona virus pandemic outbreak in 2019-2020 has almost touched everyone's life and is affecting every sector. The daily routine life has come to a standstill, many sector including businesses, finance, transport and many more critical industries has come to a halt. Only essential sectors like healthcare have been permitted to operate. Many G20 countries-imposed curfew, mandatory stay-in-home orders and lockdown of cities and countries. Among all these close down scenarios and locked down industries, utility companies and energy distribution sector were operational 24/7 round the clock providing uninterrupted power supply for a comfortable lockdown "stay in home". The success of Fighting COVID-19 and shutdowns is highly dependent upon uninterrupted power supply and power consumption by the building residents. This paper reviews the various actions taken by G20 member countries towards electricity consumption while in COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. This research work is an analysis of actions taken by governments under their jurisdictions towards building energy consumers. The outcome of this paper are energy policy recommendations that are based on the different governments responses and actions taken towards energy consumption in buildings., (© 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the International Conference on Advances in Materials Research ? 2019.)