Abstract
The GRMODGRASP, a new algorithm for the container-loading problem (CLP) based on the greedy randomized adaptive search procedure (GRASP) approach, is discussed. Based on a wall-building, constructive heuristic, it can achieve high levels of cargo stability without compromising the container's volume use. The algorithm builds a solution, and then it improves the solution with a local-search algorithm. If it finds a better solution, this new solution replaces the old and a new neighborhood is built around it. The algorithm uses a first better strategy when more than one better solution exists.

Abstract
Ranking problems arise from the knowledge of several binary relations defined on a set of alternatives, which we intend to rank. In a previous work, the authors introduced a tool to confirm the solutions of multi-attribute ranking problems as linear extensions of a weighted sum of preference relations. An extension of this technique allows the recognition of critical preference pairs of alternatives, which are often caused by inconsistencies. Herein, a confirmation procedure is introduced and applied to confirm the results obtained by a multi-attribute decision methodology on a tender for the supply of buses to the Porto Public Transport Operator.

Abstract
Purpose: The subjective evaluation of aesthetic results in conservative breast cancer treatment has largely been used without questioning the observer's skills. The aim of this study was to evaluate interobserver agreement of the aesthetic results of breast cancer conservative treatment in three groups of observers with different levels of experience. Methods and Materials: Photographs were taken of 55 women who had undergone conservative unilateral breast cancer treatment and 5 control women with no breast disease. The images were then distributed to 13 observers who were divided into three groups according to their experience in breast cancer treatment: experienced, medium experienced, and inexperienced. They were first asked to distinguish the patients from the controls and for the patients to identify the operated side. Subsequently, they were asked to classify the aesthetic result as excellent, good, fair, or poor. The accuracy in identifying controls, patients, and side of treatment was calculated individually for all observers. The interobserver agreement for the aesthetic result was calculated using observed agreement and multiple K statistic (K) in each of the three groups. Results: Inexperienced observers performed significantly worse than experienced observers in identifying controls, patients, and the side of treatment. Agreement of the aesthetic result was significantly greater in the group of experienced observers (kappa = 0.59) than in the medium experienced (kappa = 0.35) and inexperienced (kappa= 0.33) observers. Conclusion: Previous experience in breast cancer conservative treatment should be considered a prerequisite for the evaluation of the aesthetic results. (C) 2005 Elsevier Inc.

Abstract
This paper presents a hybrid genetic algorithm, also known as Memetic Algorithm (MA), applied to the design of combinational logic circuits. In view of the fact that hybrid algorithms have shown to be very effective in solving many hard combinatorial optimization problems, the proposed MA combines a Genetic Algorithm (GA) for digital circuit design with the gate type local search (GTLS). The combination of a global and a local search is a strategy adopted by recent hybrid optimization approaches. The main idea is to apply a local refinement to an Evolutionary Algorithm (EA) in order to improve the fitness of the individuals in the population. The results show an improvement of the final fitness function followed by a reduction of the average number of generations required to reach the solutions and its standard deviation, for all the tested circuits.

Abstract

Abstract
A low voltage distribution network with large amounts of small sized dispersed generation can be operated as an isolated system in certain conditions. This paper presents the control strategies to be used in such a system to deal with islanded operation and to exploit the local generation resources as a way to help in power system restoration after a general blackout. A sequence of actions for the black start procedure is identified and it is expected to be an advantage for power system operation in terms of reliability as a result from the presence of a very large amount of dispersed generation.