Predicting the Inelastic Response of Base Isolated Structures Utilizing Regression Analysis and Artificial Neural Network

Indeed, utilizing a base isolation system in RC structures can remarkably minimize the possibility of failure, particularly in seismic-prone countries. Despite that, the design of these structures is a long procedure that consists of choosing the appropriate isolator to optimize the nonlinear behavior of the superstructure. Moreover, the numerical simulations require huge computational effort when high accuracy is required. In recent decades, scientists and engineers have applied numerous estimation approaches such as multiple linear regression and artificial neural networks to decrease the required cost and time for daily design problems. Thus, this study's main objective is to solve the difficulty of rapid response prediction by using soft-computing techniques. Additionally, it aims to study the capability of multiple linear regression and artificial neural networks in estimating the seismic performance of base-isolated RC structures under earthquakes. A nonlinear response history analysis of four different lead rubber-bearing isolated RC structures will be performed in order to determine the responses of these structures. Subsequently, the prediction models will be developed using the responses of the structures as inputs for multiple linear regression and artificial neural networks. Lastly, the reliability of both estimation approaches in terms of the response of base-isolated structures will be investigated by comparing the prediction models' capability. In general, the results of the study show that artificial neural networks provide considerably better accuracy in estimating base-isolated structures compared to multiple linear regression, and their performance results in reliable prediction. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-06-07 Full Text: PD

Electronic Financial Crimes: The Required Skills, Education and Qualifications for Forensic Accountants to Predict and Prevent

The main objective of this study is to explore the essential requirements that are required for accountants to perform their duties as forensic accountants (FAs) from the perspectives of two key stakeholders (professional accountants and lawyers) —including the main skills, level of education, area of specialisation and forensic accounting credentials that FAs should possess to practice forensic accounting services effectively and efficiently. A semi-structured interviews were conducted to the target population who are the user of forensic services. The NVivo software was used to assist the raw data in a systematic method process. The findings identified the master’s degree as the appropriate level of education for FAs. The results also indicated the importance of numerous skills that accountants should possess such as communication skills, presentation skills, simplify accounting information, analytical skills and objectivity

Performance of Mortar Incorporating Heat-Treated Drinking Water Treatment Sludge as a Silica-Sand Replacement

This paper examines the possibility of using water purification wastes in the production of mortar. Within the study context, XRD and XRF analyses were performed to obtain the chemical composition of sludge. Moreover, heat-treated sludge at a temperature of 900ºC was used in the preparation of mortar mixes as a partial sand replacement (5, 10, 15, and 20% by sand weight) with a w/c of 0.48. Fresh mortars were tested for workability, and mortar samples with 7, 28, and 90 days curing ages were tested for dry density, absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and compressive and flexural strengths. Besides, some regression modeling was conducted for each of the measured parameters. In general, the results showed that the use of up to 10% incinerated sludge by sand weight leads to a slight decrease in the workability and density of the mixture and a 10% increase in its strength. Nevertheless, mortars with sludge content of over 10% showed a significant increase in water absorption and a decrease in strength and other properties. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-08-08 Full Text: PD

Causes of death and survival analysis for patients with retinoblastoma in Jordan

PurposeTo analyze causes and prognostic factors for death among Retinoblastoma (Rb) patients treated at a single specialized tertiary cancer center in Jordan.MethodsWe reviewed the mortality causes for all Rb patients who have been treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center between 2003 and 2019 and were followed for at least 3 years after diagnosis. The main outcome measures included demographics, laterality, tumor stage, treatment modalities, metastasis, survival, and causes of death.ResultsTwenty-four (5%) of the 478 patients died from retinoblastoma and 5-year survival was 94%. The mean age at diagnosis was 15 months (median, 18 months; range, 4–38 months); eight (33%) received diagnoses within the first year of life. Eleven (46%) were boys, 16 (67%) had bilateral disease, and 3 (13%) had a positive family history. The stage for the worst eye was C for 1 (4%) patient, D in 6 (25%) patients, and E (T3) in 15 (63%) patients. Two patients had extraocular Rb at diagnosis, and four of the patients who had intraocular Rb at diagnosis refused treatment and then came back with extraocular Rb. In total, extraocular disease was encountered in six eyes (six patients). After a 120-month median follow-up period, 24 patients (5%) died of second neoplasms (n = 3) or metastases (n = 21). Significant predictive factors for metastasis and death included advanced IIRC tumor stage (p < 0.0001), the presence of high-risk pathological features in the enucleated eyes (p = 0.013), parental refusal of the recommended primary treatment plan (p < 0.0001), and extraocular extension (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThe 5-year survival rates of Rb patients in Jordan are as high as those in high-income countries. However, 5% are still dying from metastatic disease, prompting the need for awareness campaigns to educate the public about the high cure rates and to prevent treatment abandonment

Management outcome(s) in eyes with retinoblastoma previously inadequately treated with systemic chemotherapy alone without focal therapy

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of management in eyes with intraocular retinoblastoma (RB) that had received inadequate initial therapy (chemotherapy without focal therapy) before eventually receiving necessary consolidation therapy at a tertiary referral center. METHODS: A retrospective observational case series of 30 eyes from 26 RB patients who had initially received systemic chemotherapy as a sole therapy. The main outcome measures were demographics, laterality, International Classification of RB (ICRB), treatments, tumor control, and survival. RESULTS: The median age at diagnosis was 24 months and the median delay between time at diagnosis and time at referral to a tertiary center that has adequate focal therapy for RB was 9.5 months (range 5–20 months). Sixteen (62%) patients were monocular from enucleation of the contralateral eye. Features of ICRB Group A tumors were seen in 3 (10%) eyes, Group B in 7 (23%) eyes, Group C in 2 (7%) eyes, Group D in 16 (53%) eyes, and Group E in 2 (7%) eyes. Eighteen (69%) patients required more systemic chemotherapy (median, 4.4 cycles; range, 2–8 cycles), and 8 (26%) eyes received local chemotherapy (subtenon, intravitreal, or intra-arterial). All treated eyes received consolidation therapy as transpupillary thermotherapy and/or cryotherapy. Radioactive plaque therapy was used in 1 (3%) eye and external beam radiation therapy in 3 (10%) eyes. At a mean follow-up of 13 months (median, 11.5 months; range, 9–27 months), enucleation was avoided in 25 (83%) eyes. Two (7%) eyes were enucleated initially, and 3 (10%) were enucleated after failure of additional therapy. Twenty-three (77%) eyes did not show any viable tumor after a median of 11.5 months of follow-up after the last treatment, and 2 (7%) eyes still have residual tumor recurrences that need more consolidation focal therapy. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy alone cannot eradicate RB cells in effected eyes without combination with consolidation therapy by a multidisciplinary team to salvage the affected eye as well as its vision. Nonetheless, chemotherapy can be initiated (to keep the tumor at a less invasive stage) for patients from centers or countries where combination therapy is not available until they gain access to adequate management of RB