A Biogeography-Based Optimization with a Greedy Randomized Adaptive Search Procedure and the 2-Opt Algorithm for the Traveling Salesman Problem

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

This paper proposed a compact and efficient technique to improve biogeography-based optimization algorithm. The topic is interesting. However, the contributions compared with the existing works are not significant. Below are some comments that may help improve the presentation:

1. The nomenclature should be included to help the reader to follow the paper conveniently.

2. The introduction can be improved by addressing the main feature of the work; more explanation on the cited references with a highlight on the differences. Moreover, the reference body needs to be updated by considering some recent results, e.g., 10.1109/TII.2022.3146165; 10.1109/TSG.2020.3005179，10.1109/TII.2018.2862436.

3. Some brief discussions on the motivations of using the greedy randomized adaptive search can be added to the revision. The contributions of this paper need to be further improved in Introduction.

4. Section 2.3, Tables I need more explanation on how to get those values (in this section).

5. Section 3 needs more description.

6. The format of references is not uniform.

7. There are some grammatical errors that must be corrected, and some sentences that should be improved from a language viewpoint. A proof reading is highly recommended.

Author Response

Author Response To Reviewer1 Comments, please see attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comment 1.

In the Eq. 4 - is there any benefit in considering this expression in a more general form - like a linear combination of the first and the second term? Would the possible improvement be mostly quantitative, or, are there qualitative benefits to be obtained following this suggestion?

Comment 2. 

In Fig. 1 - it feels like the flow chart could be formatted better (more clearly)?

Comment 3. 

What was the reason for 5 cities only? I don't mean to say it is bad or good, but, with modern computers, a larger number of cities is not a serious obstacle, I'd say?

Comment 4.

The migration rate is a factor of 10 bigger than the mutation rate, in the example the authors provide. I understand why is "much higher", but is there a specific reason why is it 10?

Author Response

Author Response To Reviewer2 Comments, please see attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

In this paper, the authors present an improved biogeography optimization algorithm for the pragmatic solution of the traveling salesman problem. The BBO algorithm is modified, in order to improve it, using the following strategies: firstly, the use of random greedy initialization, secondly, the reformation of the random permutation probability and, finally, the addition of the 2 opt algorithm. All these methods, by combining them, increase the convergence speed of the algorithm and improve the search for the best solution of the BBO algorithm. The novelty of this approach is found in the implementation of this algorithm in logistics, transport and the solution strategy for the shortest travel route.

The work is well written, with a logical reasoning of the development of the topic addressed.

Remarks:

-The introduction is short. Many references are not taken into account. It must be completed.

-Desenele nu sunt clare. Necesita refacere.

Author Response

Author Response To Reviewer3 Comments, please see attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

This manuscript aims to develop a compact and efficient technique to improve BBO allowing effective avoidance of local minimum values by applying the methods of greedy randomized adaptive search and the 2-opt algorithm to respectively optimize initial values and modify iterative paths. Adequate revisions to the following points should be undertaken to justify the recommendation for publication.

Ø  The abstract section is fragile. Please re-write an abstract section, explain an obtained result and contribution, improve a proposed method, etc. Please delete unnecessary information.

Ø  This paper has more than spelling and grammatical errors. Please fix all of them.

Ø  The authors should clearly state the limitations of the proposed method in other applications.

Ø  The related work section is missing; please add this section.

Ø  Please add a flowchart of the proposed method.

Ø  Please write a contribution to your paper in the Introduction section.  

Ø  Please change the title of the end section (Conclusion) to (Conclusion and Future Works), and write some future works.

Ø  Please use a new comparison algorithm, such as the Farmland fertility algorithm, African Vultures Optimization Algorithm, Mountain Gazelle Optimizer, and Artificial Gorilla Troops Optimizer.

Ø  Expand the critical results in the conclusion. Focus on the main developments in the finale. Also, write the main contributions in the conclusion.

Ø  Numerical results are good enough, but more explanations are required to analyze each figure presented.

Ø  All figures have low quality, and please improve all of them.

Ø  Please use a newly published method for solving TSP, and compare your result with them.

Good luck 

Author Response

Author Response To Reviewer4 Comments, please see attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors have addressed the comments.

Reviewer 3 Report

In this paper, the authors present an improved biogeography optimization algorithm for the pragmatic solution of the traveling salesman problem. The BBO algorithm is modified, in order to improve it, using the following strategies: firstly, the use of random greedy initialization, secondly, the reformation of the random permutation probability and, finally, the addition of the 2 opt algorithm. All these methods, by combining them, increase the convergence speed of the algorithm and improve the search for the best solution of the BBO algorithm. The novelty of this approach is found in the implementation of this algorithm in logistics, transport and the solution strategy for the shortest travel route.

In this last form, the presentation is well written, with a logical reasoning of the development of the topic addressed.

Conclusions have been improved.

Bibliographic references as well.

It is an improved version of the work in the initial version.

Rezultatele traducerii

Rezultatul traducerii

Reviewer 4 Report

The authors have completely addressed all my concerns, and I, therefore, recommend accepting this paper for publication.