A heuristic method for RCPSP with fuzzy activity times

In this paper, we propose a heuristic method for resource constrained project scheduling problem with fuzzy activity times. This method is based on priority rule for parallel schedule generation scheme. Calculation of critical path in this case requires comparison of fuzzy numbers. Distance based ranking of fuzzy number is used for finding the critical path length and concept of shifting criticality is proposed for some of the special cases. We also propose a measure for finding the non-integer power of a fuzzy number. We discuss some properties of the proposed method. We use an example to illustrate the method.Project scheduling Time Critical path Fuzzy number

Somatostatin receptor targeted liposomes with Diacerein inhibit IL-6 for breast cancer therapy

Selective targeting to the tumor niche remains a major challenge in successful cancer therapy. Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is overexpressed in breast cancer cells thus making this receptor an attractive target for selective guidance of ligand-conjugated drug liposomes to the tumor site. In this study, a Synthetic Somatostatin analogue (SST) was used as SSTR2 targeting agent and Diacerein was employed as therapeutic molecule. Diacerein Loaded Liposomes (DNL) were prepared and they were further decorated with the Synthetic and Stable analogue of somatostatin (SST-DNL). Fabricated liposomes were nano-size in range and biocompatible. SST-DNL displayed significantly better anti-tumor efficacy as compared to free Diacerein (DN) and DNL in breast cancer models. Enhanced apoptosis in breast cancer cells was detected in SST-DNL treated groups as monitored by cell cycle analysis and changes in expression level of apoptotic/anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved Caspase 3 and PARP. SST-DNL more effectively inhibited the oncogenic IL-6/IL-6R/STAT3/MAPK/Akt signalling pathways as compared to DN or DNL in cancer cells. In addition, SST-DNL effectively suppressed angiogenesis and cancer cell invasion. In vivo tumor growth in a MDA-MB-231 mouse xenograft model was significantly suppressed following SST-DNL treatment. In xenograft model, immunohistochemistry of Ki-67 and CD-31 indicated that SST-DNL improved the anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic impacts of Diacerein. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies in rats showed enhanced circulation time in the DNL or SST-DNL treated groups as compared to free DN. Considering all of these findings, we conclude that SST-DNL provides a novel strategy with better efficacy for breast cancer therapy