BP algorithm is the most widely used supervised training algorithms for multi-layered feedforward neural net works. However, BP takes long time to converge and quite sensitive to the initial weights of a network. In this paper, a modified cuckoo search algorithm is used to get the optimal set of initial weights that will be used by BP algorithm. And changing the value of BP learning rate to improve the error convergence. The performance of the proposed hybrid algorithm is compared with the stan dard BP using simple data sets. The simulation result show that the proposed algorithm has improved the BP training in terms of quick convergence of the solution depending on the slope of the error graph.

A d.c. magnetron sputtering system was designed and fabricated. The chamber of this system is consisted from two copper coaxial cylinders. The inner one used as the cathode and the outer one used as anode with magnetic coil located on the outer cylinder (anode). The axial behavior of the magnetic field strength along the cathode surface for various coil current (from 2A to 14A) are shown. The results of this work are investigated by three cylindrical Langmuir probes that have different diameters that are 2.2mm, 1mm, and 0.45mm. The results of these probes show that, there are two Maxwellian electron groups appear in the central region. As well as, the density of electron and ion decreases with increases of magnetic field strengths.

The settlement rate and pore water pressure dissipation rate are mainly controlled by the permeability of soil. Both laboratory and field tests show that the permeability is varied during the loading and consolidation process. It is known that consolidation process is accompanied by decrease in void ratio which leads to decrease in the coefficient of permeability. The importance of the decrease of the coefficient of permeability on the time rate of settlement and pore water pressure needs to be investigated.
This paper takes into account the change in coefficient of permeability during consolidation and studies its effect on consolidation characteristics of a clay layer. The finite element method is used in the analysis and the packag

Among several separation processes, the air flotation distinguish as remarkably high potential separation process related to its high separation efficiency and throughput, energy-efficient, simple process, cost-effective, applicable to a wide range of oily wastewater and no by-products. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the type and concentration of surfactant on the stability of oil-water emulsion and efficiency of the separation process. For this purpose, three types of surfactant where used (anionic SDS, mixed nonionic Span 85/Tween 80, and cationic CTAB). The results demonstrated that the Span 85/Tween 80 surfactant has the best stability, and it increases with the surfactant concentration augmentation. The removal ef