Effects Of Age Factors Research Articles

Investigation of Degradation of Solar Photovoltaics: A Review of Aging Factors, Impacts, and Future Directions toward Sustainable Energy Management

The degradation of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules is caused by a number of factors that have an impact on their effectiveness, performance, and lifetime. One of the reasons contributing to the decline in solar PV performance is the aging issue. This study comprehensively examines the effects and difficulties associated with aging and degradation in solar PV applications. In light of this, this article examines and analyzes many aging factors, including temperature, humidity, dust, discoloration, cracks, and delamination. Additionally, the effects of aging factors on solar PV performance, including the lifetime, efficiency, material degradation, overheating, and mismatching, are critically investigated. Furthermore, the main drawbacks, issues, and challenges associated with solar PV aging are addressed to identify any unfulfilled research needs. Finally, this paper provides new directions for future research, best practices, and recommendations to overcome aging issues and achieve the sustainable management and operation of solar energy systems. For PV engineers, manufacturers, and industrialists, this review’s critical analysis, evaluation, and future research directions will be useful in paving the way for conducting additional research and development on aging issues to increase the lifespan and efficiency of solar PV.

Micro- and nanoplastics released from biodegradable and conventional plastics during degradation: Formation, aging factors, and toxicity

The use of biodegradable plastics may solve the pollution caused by conventional plastics in the future. However, microplastics and nanoplastics are produced during the aging process of biodegradable plastics. This work evaluated the formation of secondary microplastics and nanoplastics and the effects of aging factors (UV radiation and mechanical forces) during the degradation processes of various biodegradable plastics (poly(butylene adipate co-terephtalate) (PBAT), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and polylactic acid (PLA)) and conventional plastics (polyethylene (PE), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC)). This study also assessed the combined toxicity of secondary microplastics and Triclosan (TCS) on Tigriopus japonicas. The results showed that PLA and PBS could produce many microplastics. Most secondary microplastics were smaller than 50 μm. Primary pellets were more likely to generate microplastics through mechanical degradation than via photooxidation. In contrast, PBAT/PLA and PE bags were more likely to form microplastics through photooxidation than mechanical degradation. The secondary microplastics did not affect the survival of T. japonicas and the toxicity of TCS. This study highlights that risk assessment of biodegradable plastics, especially secondary microplastics, and nanoplastics, should be assessed in future studies.

The Effects of Age Factor on Learning English: A Case Study of Learning English in an Online Chinese School

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of age on EFL learning in an Online English school based in China for the students of Chinese nationality. The importance of the early start is larger especially when the structure and the origin of their native language is greatly different from the foreign language they aim to learn. The populations of the study are primary and middle school Chinese students and English language teachers of different backgrounds and nations. This study found that the age factor has an important effect on the learner’s acquisition. The results confirm that the early start of learning L2/FL intensifies the process of developing the learner’s language skills. The aim of this study is to encourage parents and students to start learning English, or another foreign language, as early as possible, as this will enhance their chances of a high level of fluency and proficiency in the target language.

Factors Affecting Customers' Acceptance of Wahda Bank E-Service in Libya

This study aims to identify and analyze factors that are affecting customers’ acceptance of Wahda online banking services in Libya. The study group sample was 250 of E-banking users, who were chosen randomly by the authors of this research. The study concluded that there was a considerable effect of Age Factor, E-Service Quality, E-Service Complexity, E-Service Skills and E-Reliability on the adoption of E-Banking services. Age Group Factor was the most effecting element on Libyan Wahda Bank Online Customers’, while E-Security issues were surprisingly the least influential factor. This study proved the importance and effectiveness of the of the following E-Service quality dimensions: E-Banking Ease of Use, E-Efficiency, E-Design, E-Cost Effectiveness, E-System Failure and denied the existence of the effect of E-Data Protection concerns on Customers’ adoption of E-banking services

The Impact of Employees’ Gender and Age on Organizational Citizenship Behavior Using a Fuzzy Approach

Organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) is vital for continuous organizational growth and development. OCB also plays an evident role in advancing the quality of health care services and practicing OCB in hospitals can be useful. Although OCBs’ contributing factors have been studied in Jordan in earlier researches, the utilization of OCB in health sector is still a new topic. Therefore, this article aimed to investigate the impact of employees’ gender and age on OCB at Jordanian governmental hospitals using a fuzzy approach. A convenient sample of 126 employees working in three main governmental hospitals in the north of Jordan has been taken. The collected data include linguistic terms that suffer from uncertainty which, in turn, cannot be dealt with traditional numerical values. This study indicates that gender impact on OCB has statistically significant differences at α = .05 in favor of males with the total score of 0.011% as far as altruism, courtesy, and civic virtue are concerned. Similarly, the effect of age factor on OCB is statistically significant differences at α = .05 in relation to courtesy, sportsmanship, and civic virtue with the total score of 0.27%. Finally, the results provide baseline data for further studies that may pay more attention toward employees’ demographics in OCB. This study can support mangers and leaders holding dominant positions in public sector health care organizations.

3D Network exploration and visualisation for lifespan data

BackgroundThe Ageing Factor Database AgeFactDB contains a large number of lifespan observations for ageing-related factors like genes, chemical compounds, and other factors such as dietary restriction in different organisms. These data provide quantitative information on the effect of ageing factors from genetic interventions or manipulations of lifespan. Analysis strategies beyond common static database queries are highly desirable for the inspection of complex relationships between AgeFactDB data sets. 3D visualisation can be extremely valuable for advanced data exploration.ResultsDifferent types of networks and visualisation strategies are proposed, ranging from basic networks of individual ageing factors for a single species to complex multi-species networks. The augmentation of lifespan observation networks by annotation nodes, like gene ontology terms, is shown to facilitate and speed up data analysis. We developed a new Javascript 3D network viewer JANet that provides the proposed visualisation strategies and has a customised interface for AgeFactDB data. It enables the analysis of gene lists in combination with AgeFactDB data and the interactive visualisation of the results.ConclusionInteractive 3D network visualisation allows to supplement complex database queries by a visually guided exploration process. The JANet interface allows gaining deeper insights into lifespan data patterns not accessible by common database queries alone. These concepts can be utilised in many other research fields.

Effect of age factors on health-related quality of life in patients with lower rectal cancer after sphincter-saving surgery: A 1-year longitudinal study

PurposeTo examine age-related factors influencing health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) among patients with lower rectal cancer during the 12-month period after sphincter-saving surgery (SSS). Material and methodsIn this 1-year longitudinal study, 137 patients (120 patients completed, and 82 aged ≥60 years) answered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer questionnaire (EORTC-C30/CR38) assessing their HR-QOL and related factors during the 12 months after SSS. ResultsNo significant differences in HR-QOL were found before surgery. Only among those aged ≥60 years, global health status/QOL and cognitive functioning showed a significant decrease one month after surgery. At one month after SSS, the role functioning of groups <60 years old (which is negatively related to defecation problems, insomnia, and financial difficulties) was lower compared to those aged ≥60 years; and role functioning was significantly related to global health status/QOL. Six months after SSS, the global health status/QOL had recovered. In both groups, global health status/QOL was related to role and social functioning. Among participants aged <60 years, global health status/QOL was significantly related to emotional functioning, which is related to future perspective. Among participants aged ≥60 years only, global health status/QOL was significantly related to cognitive functioning; pain, financial difficulties, and defecation problems negatively influenced HR-QOL. Symptoms specific after SSS: defecation problems (in both group), micturition problems (only ≥60 years), and sexual problems (only<60 years) influenced HR-QOL. ConclusionHealth care providers should assess the influence of age-related factors during the early post-operative period after SSS to improve HR-QOL.

The effect of age factor on telomerase reverse transcriptase activity in pulmonary fibrosis model in mice

Objective To explore the effect of age factor on the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and on the change in telomerase reverse transcriptase(TERT)activity in mice. Methods A total of 80 healthy male C57BL/6 mice aged 20-weeks were randomized into 4 groups: a young pulmonary fibrosis model group(n=20), a young control group(n=20), a senile pulmonary fibrosis model group(n=20), and an elderly control group(n=20). Two model groups were induced by an intratracheally injected bleomycin in 5 mg/kg, and two control groups by an intratracheally injected normal saline.The elderly were defined as 26 weeks old mice.Five mouse pulmonary fibrosis models and five mouse controls in four groups were randomly selected and killed at 7, 14, 21, 28 days.Lung tissue specimens were stained with hematoxylin eosin(HE)and Masson trichrome(Masson)method, and then pathological changes were observed.In addition, immunohisto-chemical staining was used to observe the expression levels of epithelial cell marker protein E-cadherin(E-cad), stromal cell marker protein Vimentin, and alpha smooth muscle actin(α-SMA). Finally, the expression level of telomerase reverse transcriptase(TERT)protein was detected by Western blotting. Results A bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice model was successfully prepared.The degree of pulmonary fibrosis was more severe in old mice than in young mice.Compared with the young pulmonary fibrosis model group, the expression level of E-Cad was decreased in the senile pulmonary fibrosis model group(P<0.05). Compared with the young control group and the elderly control group, the expression levels of E-Cad in the young pulmonary fibrosis model group and the senile pulmonary fibrosis model group were decreased(P<0.05), and decreased along with the prolongation of the modeling time.Compared with the young pulmonary fibrosis model group, the expression levels of alpha-SMA and vimentin were increased in the senile pulmonary fibrosis model group(P<0.05). The expression levels of alpha-SMA and vimentin were increased in the young pulmonary fibrosis model group and the senile pulmonary fibrosis model group, as compared to the young control group and the elderly control group(P<0.05), and increased along with the prolongation of the modeling time.The activity of TERT in lung tissue of mice was increased at first and then decreased.Compared with the young pulmonary fibrosis model group, the activity of TERT in the senile pulmonary fibrosis model group significantly fluctuated(P<0.05). Conclusions Age factor can affect the severity of pulmonary fibrosis by affecting the activity of telomerase reverse transcriptase in mouse models of pulmonary fibrosis. Key words: Age factors; Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; Telomerase reverse transcriptase

Effect of age factor on sedative efficacy of propofol given by closed-loop infusion in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery

Objective To evaluate the effect of age factor on the sedative efficacy of propofol given by closed-loop infusion in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods A total of 100 patients, weighing 55-75 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠor Ⅱ, scheduled for elective gynecological laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia, were divided into 2 groups (n=50 each) according to age: middle-aged group (45-64 yr) and elderly group (65-75 yr). Propofol was given by closed-loop infusion, and the target plasma concentration was automatically regulated to maintain bispectral index (BIS) value within the target range of 45-55.Remifentanil was given by target-controlled infusion at a target plasma concentration of 2-6 ng/ml to maintain anesthesia, and cisatracurium was injected intermittently to maintain muscle relaxation.The total consumption of propofol and remifentanil, regulating frequency of propofol, time ratio of BIS40-60, global score reflecting performance of closed-loop infusion system, emergence time and extubation time were recorded. Results Compared with middle-aged group, the time ratio of BIS40-60 was significantly increased, global score was decreased, the total consumption of propofol and remifentanil was significantly decreased, the regulating frequency of propofol was increased (P 0.05). Conclusion The sedative efficacy of propofol given by closed-loop infusion is influenced by age factors when used for gynecologic laparoscopic surgery, and the stability in elderly patients is superior to that in middle-aged patients. Key words: Propofol; Drug delivery systems; Age factors; Aged

Role of macrophage polarization in repair of nervous system injury

As one of the most important immune cells in the body, macrophage not only eliminates the foreign matter and accelerates wound healing, but also polarizes itself to the M1 or M2 phenotype as a result of local microenvironment effect. The M1 phenotype macrophage exacerbates nervous system injury, while the M2 phenotype promotes regeneration of nerve system structure and function after injury. In order to better understand the role of macrophage polarization in the course of nervous system injury, this review attempts to explore macrophage from the four aspects: the source of macrophage and its polarization, role of macrophage polarization in nerve injury repair, effect of age factor in macrophage polarization in the nerve injury repair and effect of artificial regulation on macrophage polarization in nerve injury repair. Key words: Nervous system; Macrophages; Repair

Employee Commitment toward Organization and their Career during the Merger of Bishwa Bikas Bank and Fewa Finance

Change is indispensible for the survival of the firm. Managing change become more challenging when it includes massive human involvement. This research paper aims to investigate employee commitment towards organization and own career during the merger. For this hypothesis were set to test under some constraints. The study applied empirical approach in which a survey questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and other statistical techniques like Chi square test, Pearson correlation was applied and conclude that there is no effect of age factor in the determination of employee commitment towards the organization. Moreover the employee commitment towards their career has relative influence to employee commitment towards organization.Janapriya Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies, Vol. 5 (December 2016), page: 44-55

Effect of age factor on analgesic efficacy of morphine during recovery from remifentanil-based anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery

Objective To evaluate the effect of age factor on the analgesic efficacy of morphine during recovery from remifentanil-based anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery. Methods Fifty pediatric patients of both sexes, aged 3-10 yr, with body mass index ≤30 kg/m2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰor Ⅱ, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy, were divided into preschool group (3-5 yr, n=30) and school-age group (6-10 yr, n=20) according to age.Anesthesia was induced by inhaling 8% sevoflurane and IV morphine 0.1 mg/kg.Pediatric patients were mechanically ventilated after tracheal intubation, and end-tidal pressure of carbon dioxide was maintained between 35-45 mmHg.Anesthesia was maintained by inhalation of 2%-3% sevoflurane and IV infusion of remifentanil 0.2 μg·kg-1·min-1.Pain was evaluated using Faces Pain Scale (FPS) and Face Legs Activity Cry Consolability (FLACC) scale during the recovery period in the postanesthesia care unit.When FPS or FLACC scores ≥4, morphine 0.05 mg/kg was intravenously injected.When pain was still unrelieved after morphine was given for 2 times (time interval 5 min), fentanyl 1 μg/kg was intravenously injected until FPS and FLACC scores <4.The requirement for analgesics and consumption of analgesics (fentanyl consumption was converted into morphine consumption) were recorded.The development of nausea and vomiting, pruritus and respiratory depression was also recorded. Results Compared with preschool group, the requirement for analgesics and consumption of analgesics were significantly decreased during recovery from anesthesia (P 0.05). No pruritus or respiratory depression was found in two groups. Conclusion The analgesic efficacy of morphine is affected by age factors during recovery from remifentanil-based anesthesia in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery, and morphine produces better analgesic efficacy in school-age pediatric patients than in preschool pediatric patients. Key words: Age factors; Morphine; Piperidines; Child; Analgesia

Effects of age factors on hypothermia-induced reduction of ischemia-reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

Objective To evaluate the effects of age factors on hypothermia-induced reduction of ischemia-reperfusion(I/R)injury in isolated rat hearts. Methods Pathogen-free healthy aged male Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 18-20 months, weighing 400-600 g, and young rats, aged 4-6 months, weighing 280-350 g, were used in the study.After the animals were anesthetized with intraperitoneal chloral hydrate and heparinized, their hearts were excised and perfused with K-H solution in a Langendorff apparatus.Twenty-four isolated hearts of aged rats were assigned into 2 groups(n=12 each)using a random number table: I/R group(group AI/R)and hypothermia group(group AH). Twenty-four isolated hearts of young rats were assigned into 2 groups(n=12 each)using a random number table: I/R group(group YI/R)and hypothermia group(group YH). Perfusion was suspended for 30 min followed by 120 min reperfusion to establish the model of I/R.The temperature was maintained at 37 ℃ during the whole process in AI/R and YI/R groups.The hearts were perfused with 34 ℃ K-H solution until 120 min of reperfusion starting from onset of reperfusion in AH and YH groups.At 30 min of equilibration(T0)and 15, 30, 60 and 120 min of reperfusion(T1-4), heart rate(HR), left ventricular developed pressure(LVDP), the maximum rate of increase in left ventricular pressure(+ dp/dtmax), and the minimum rate of increase in left ventricular pressure(+ dp/dtmin)were recorded.Six hearts from each group were randomly selected at T4, and myocardial specimens were obtained for determination of ATP, superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)levels and myocardial infarct size(IS). Results Compared with group YI/R, HR was significantly decreased at T1-4, ATP and SOD levels were increased, and the MDA content and myocardial IS were decreased in group YH, and the HR, LVDP, + dp/dtmax and + dp/dtmin at T0 and ATP and SOD levels at T4 were significantly decreased, and the MDA content and myocardial IS were increased in group AI/R(P<0.05). Compared with group YH, HR, LVDP, + dp/dtmax and + dp/dtmin at T0 and ATP and SOD levels at T4 were significantly decreased, and the MDA content and myocardial IS were increased in group AH(P<0.05). Compared with group AH, the levels of ATP and SOD were significantly decreased, and the MDA content and myocardial IS were increased in group AI/R(P<0.05). Conclusion Age factors affect the efficacy of hypothermia in reducing I/R injury in isolated rat hearts, and hypothermia provides better cardioprotection for young rats than for aged rats. Key words: Age factors; Hypothermia, induced; Myocardial reperfusion injury

Peranan Faktor Usia Dalam Memoderasi Pengaruh Pemberian Insentif Terhadap Motivasi Kerja Karyawan Kantor Direksi PT. PG. Rajawali I Surabaya

One of the company's efforts made in motivating employees is by giving rewards, such rewards are in the form of incentives. In order that these incentives can motivate employees, incentives given to companies can be either Monetary Incentive or Non-Monetary Incentives depending on how the appeal or the importance of the incentives for employees. But there are a few things to note companies, particularly with regard to the granting of incentives to boost employee motivation. Because in providing various forms of incentives to employees, the company needs to know the demographic characteristics of the employees as factors that can strengthen or weaken the relationship between incentives and employee motivation. One of the demographic characteristics of the form factor is the age of an employee, an employee who has a younger age it might be more motivated if the company gives incentives rather than a more senior employee. This is because a person's motivation in working for tend to be changed along with the increase of age. Employees with a younger age will likely pursue the monetary in the work, while employees who have senior will be more likely pursue the achievement of the monetary. Population and sample which became the object of this research is the 36 employees of PT. PG. Rajawali I. The results of the study prove that Monetary Incentives and Non Monetary Incentives give significant effects either simultaneously or partial employee motivation of PT. PG. Rajawali I. Whereas the moderation effect of age factor is not significantly strengthen the impact of influence the granting of providing Monetary Incentives and Non Monetary Incentives of employee motivation PT. PG. Rajawali I.

Effects of age factors on pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine during combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block

Objective To evaluate the effects of age factors on the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine during combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block in patients. Methods Twenty patients of both sexes, aged ≥18 yr, weighing 50-75 kg, of American Society of Anesthesiology physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective lower extremity surgery, were divided into 2 groups (n=10 each) according to age: young and middle-aged group (18-59 yr) and elderly group (≥ 60 yr). Combined lumbar plexus-sciatic never block was performed using an ultrasonic instrument and a nerve stimulator.Lumbar plexus block was performed with 0.5% ropivacaine 30 ml.Sciatic never block was performed with 2% lidocaine 10 ml plus 0.75% ropivacaine 10 ml.Before administration and at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180 and 360 min after administration, blood samples were collected from the radial artery for determination of the blood concentration of ropivacaine by high-performance liquid chromatography.The area under the concentration-time curve, maximum concentration (Cmax), time to Cmax, terminal elimination half-life and clearance were calculated. Results Compared with young and middle-aged group, the blood concentration of ropivacaine was significantly decreased at 5-45 min after administration, the Cmax was significantly decreased, terminal elimination half-life was significantly prolonged (P 0.05). Conclusion Age factors can affect the pharmacokinetics of ropivacaine during combined lumbar plexus-sciatic nerve block, and both absorption and metabolism of ropivacaine are slower in elderly patients than in young and middle-aged patients. Key words: Age factor; Amides; Pharmacokinetics; Lumbosacral plexus; Sciatic nerve; Neuromuscular blockade

Effects of Age Factors and Similarity of Elements in Packaging on Evaluation of Designs

Effects of Age Factors and Similarity of Elements in Packaging on Evaluation of Designs

Age-Dependent Factors Affecting Thoracic Response: A Finite Element Study Focused on Japanese Elderly Occupants

Objectives: The ultimate goal of this research is to reduce thoracic injuries due to traffic crashes, especially in the elderly. The specific objective is to develop and validate a full-body finite element model under 2 distinct settings that account for factors relevant for thoracic fragility of elderly: one setting representative of an average size male and one representative of an average size Japanese elderly male.Methods: A new thorax finite element model was developed from medical images of a 71-year-old average Japanese male elderly size (161cm, 60 kg) postmortem human subject (PMHS). The model was validated at component and assembled levels against original series of published test data obtained from the same elderly specimen. The model was completed with extremities and head of a model previously developed. The rib cage and the thoracic flesh materials were assigned age-dependent properties and the model geometry was scaled up to simulate a 50th percentile male. Thereafter, the model was validated against existing biomechanical data for younger and elderly subjects, including hub-to-thorax impacts and frontal impact sled PMHS test data. Finally, a parametric study was conducted with the new models to understand the effect of size and aging factors on thoracic response and risk of rib fractures.Results: The model behaved in agreement with tabletop test experiments in intact, denuded, and eviscerated tissue conditions. In frontal impact sled conditions, the model showed good 3-dimensional head and spine kinematics, as well as rib cage multipoint deflections. When properties representative of an aging person were simulated, both the rib cage deformation and the predicted number of rib fractures increased. The effects of age factors such as rib cortical thickness, mechanical properties, and failure thresholds on the model responses were consistent with the literature. Aged and thereby softened flesh reduced load transfer between ribs; the coupling of the rib cage was reduced. Aged costal cartilage increased the severity of the diagonal belt loading sustained by the lower loaded rib cage.Conclusions: When age-specific parameters were implemented in a finite element (FE) model of the thorax, the rib cage kinematics and thorax injury risk increased. When the effect of size was isolated, 2 factors, in addition to rib material properties, were found to be important: flesh and costal cartilage properties. These 2 were identified to affect rib cage deformation mechanisms and may potentially increase the risk of rib fractures.

Effect of age factor on the clinical characteristics of Cushing's disease: a related research

Objective To investigate the effect of age factor on clinical and biological characteristics and its complications in patients with Cushing's disease. Methods A total of 169 patients with Cushing's disease admitted to Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from September 2005 to October 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Using the age of 30 as a standard, they were divided into either a ≤30-year group (n=51) or a >30-year group (n=118). The differences in clinical symptoms, complications, various endocrine hormone levels, and other biochemical indicators of both groups were analyzed. Results The incidences of hypertension, muscle atrophy, ecchymosis, and impaired glucose tolerance of the ≤30-year group were significantly lower than those of the >30-year group (all P 30-year group (all P 30-year group (P 30-year group were significantly higher than those of the ≤30-year group (all P 30-year group were significantly higher than those of the ≤30-year group (all P<0.05); and the levels of TT3, TT4, FT4, and albumin were negatively correlated with age (r= -0.310, -0.191, -0.216, and -0.257; all P<0.05), and the levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were positively correlated with age (r=0.211, 0.243; all P<0.05). Conclusion The clinical and biological characteristics of patients with Cushing's disease are closely associated with age. Key words: Cushing's disease; Age factors; Symptoms and signs

Effects of aging factors on thoracic injury risk under blunt impact loading

Thoracic injury from blunt loading is the principle causative factor of death in automotive crashes, which has been shown to be particularly significant for the elderly. The purpose of this study is to characterize the effect of aging factors, such as morphological changes in the rib cage and material property changes in the biological structures, on the injury level under a blunt loading condition. To achieve this objective, a detailed finite element model of the thorax, including the internal organs for the adult (base) model (Model I), was developed. Age-related morphological changes in the rib cage (Model II) and material property changes in the biological structure (Models III and IV) were also developed. The developed rib and adult thorax models were validated using previously reported experimental test data. The simulation results showed that the age-related morphological changes in the rib cage decreased the thoracic injury tolerance in the case of a frontal impact, but a reverse effect was produced in the case of lateral impact loading. However, material property changes in the biological structure decreased the thoracic injury tolerance irrespective of the impact direction. The possible aorta injury site also matched well with previous observations; however, the peak maximum principal stress in the aorta was generated at different sites according to the impact direction.

The Effects of Age Factor on Learning English: A Case Study of Learning English in Saudi Schools, Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of age on learning English in Saudi Arabia. It aims at encouraging the learning of English as a foreign language at an early age in KSA. The populations of the study are English language teachers and Saudi students in elementary schools compared with intermediate school students in Dawadmi town. The study found out that age affects EFL learning because early exposure to language instructions constantly results in better performance. The results show that start learning English at an earlier age is an important factor in enhancing the skills of English language learners.