A hybrid heuristic algorithm adopting both Boltzmann function and mutation operator for manufacturing cell formation problems

This study proposes a hybrid heuristic algorithm employing both the Boltzmann function from simulated annealing and the mutation operator from the genetic algorithm to explore the unvisited solution region and expedite the solution searching process for the cell formation problem, so that grouping efficacy is maximized. Test problems drawn from the literature are used to test the performance of the proposed heuristic algorithm. The comparative study shows that the proposed algorithm improves the best results found in the literature for 36% of the test problems in the case when singletons solutions are allowed.Cell formation problem Boltzmann function Mutation operator Hybrid heuristic

Status for clinically complete remission rectal cancer after concomitant chemo-radiotherapy in Taiwan

Summary: Treatment for Rectal cancer changed after the induction of concomitant chemo-radiotherapy, CCRT. Complete remission of the tumor leads to debate of the necessity of surgical intervention. We evaluate the treatment outcome to know if operation is beneficial to these patients. Patients received long course concomitant chemo-radiotherapy for advanced rectal cancer between 2004 and 2013 in Taiwan were enrolled. Total 2780 patients diagnosed advanced rectal cancer were enrolled. In these patients, 2578 received surgical intervention and 202 were in wait and see for complete remission tumor. Higher local recurrence rate was found with wait and see group (8.9% vs. 2.7%). Also, better overall survival, disease free survival and local recurrence free survival were seen with the surgical intervention group. Surgical intervention may be benefit for some misdiagnosed completed response to CCRT. Keywords: Rectal cancer, Complete remission, Long course CCRT, Watch and wai