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.

The adsorption of hexavalent chromium by preparing activated carbon from date seeds with zinc chloride as chemical activator and granular date seeds was studied in a batch system. The characteristics of date seeds and prepared activated carbon (ZAC) were determined and found to have a surface area 500.01 m²/g and 1050.01  m²/g , respectively and  iodine number of 485.78 mg/g and 1012.91  mg/g, respectively. The effects of PH value (2-12), initial sorbate concentration(50-450mg/L), adsorbent weight (0.004-0.036g) and contact time (30-150 min) on the adsorption process were studied . For Cr(VI) adsorption on ZAC, at 120 min time contact, pH solution 2 and 0.02  adsorbent  weight  will ach

This study was carried out in order to determine the toxic, mutagenic and antimutagenic effects for Mallow (Malva parviflora) in comparison to its mutagenic effect of Ultraviolet (UV) because it is consider physical mutagen by using parameters for the extract pri , with , post UV exposure by using bacterial system (G-system). The used system consisted of three isolates G3 Bacillus spp., G12 Arthrobacter spp. and G27 Brevibacterium spp.. The study depended on recording survival fraction (Sx) for studying the effects and induction of Streptomycin and Refampicin resistance mutants as a genetic markers.Water Extract was prepared from fresh and dry mallow leaves, stems, flowers and roots, in optimum concentration equal to (125µg/ml) which is

Rates of zinc consumption during cathodic protection of a copper pipeline carrying saline water were measured by the loss in weight technique. The study of sacrificial anode cathodic protection of short copper tube using zinc strip extended axially in the pipe revealed that : (i) The increase of zinc consumption with time of exposure (1-3 h's) at different flow rates (turbulent flow) (300-600 l/hr) while the temperature , solution concentration and the pH were fixed at 20ºC, 3.5%wt NaCl, and pH=8 respectively in absence and presence of bacteria.(ii)Increase of zinc consumption with flow rates (300-600 l/hr) at different temperatures (10-40ºC) while solution concentration and time of exposure were fixed at 3.5 %wt NaCl and 3hr's respective

Highway embankments stability during its service period represents an important factor for the safety of highway users and vehicles. Consequently, the cost of construction of these embankments should be adequate to maintain the safety and durability during this period through proper estimation of the loading on asphalt pavement, slope stability, horizontal and vertical deformation, etc. Slope stability of the embankment mainly depends on the shear strength of the soil layers materials; this shear strength is affected by the water table level through the contribution of the capillary water. Negative pore water pressure above the water table level evolves matric suction in the unsaturated zone above water table; this matric suction increases

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of salinity of irrigation water on seeds quality and seedling growth characters for three oat cultivars (Shifaa, Hamel and Pimula) . It was carried oat in seed technology laboratory, field crops department, College of Agriculture, Baghdad University of Aljadiriya for period of tow years. Seeds of three oat cultivars (Shifaa, Hamel and Pimula) taken from a field experiment conducted during 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 irrigated with three salinity water levels (3, 6 and 9 dS.m-1 ) in addition to river water with salinity level of 1.164 dS.m-1 as control. Seeds were tested in laboratory experiments to estimate their quality, and completely randomized design with three replicates was used. Statistic

Rates of zinc consumption during cathodic protection of a copper pipeline carrying saline water were measured by the loss in weight technique. The study of sacrificial anode cathodic protection of short copper tube using zinc strip extended axially in the pipe revealed that : (i) The increase of zinc consumption with time of exposure (1-3 h's) at different flow rates (turbulent flow) (300-600 l/hr) while the temperature , solution concentration and the pH were fixed at 20ºC, 3.5%wt NaCl, and pH=8 respectively in absence and presence of bacteria.(ii)Increase of zinc consumption with flow rates (300-600 l/hr) at different temperatures (10-40ºC) while solution concentration and time of exposure were fixed at 3.5 %wt NaCl and 3hr's respect