Cloud Computing As a Tool for Enhancing Ecological Goals?

Cloud computing has been introduced as a promising information technology (IT) that embodies not only economic advantages in terms of increased efficiency but also ecological gains through saving energy. The latter has become particularly important in view of the rising energy costs of IT. The present study analyzes whether necessary preconditions for accepting cloud computing as a new infrastructure, such as awareness and perceived net value, exist on the part of the users. The analysis is based on a combined research framework of the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) in a cloud computing setting. Two consumer surveys, the one to elicit beliefs and the second to gain insight into the ranking of the variables, are employed. This study uses structural equation modeling (SEM) to evaluate the hypotheses. The results indicate support for the proposed research framework. Surprisingly however, the ecological factor does not play a role in forming cloud computing intentions, regardless of prior knowledge or experience. Empirical evidence of this study suggests increasing efforts for informing actual and potential users, particularly in respect to possible ecological advantages through applying the new IT infrastructure

Cárie dentária em população ribeirinha do Estado de Rondônia, Região Amazônica, Brasil, 2005/2006 Dental caries in a riverine community in Rondônia State, Amazon Region, Brazil, 2005-2006

O objetivo foi analisar experiência de cárie dentária na população ribeirinha residente às margens dos rios Machado e Preto (Rondônia, Brasil), em 2005 e 2006. Foram examinados 469 indivíduos com formulário preconizado pela Organização Mundial da Saúde, sob luz natural e utilização de espátulas de madeira e sonda CPI. Na faixa etária de 4-5 anos de idade, ceod = 4,30 e 19,64% livres de cárie; 6-10 anos, CPOD = 1,04, ceod = 3,52, 17,05% livres de cárie; aos 12 anos, CPOD = 2,65 e 30,76% livres de cárie; aos 18 anos, CPOD = 5,41 e 19,51% livres de cárie; 35-44 anos, CPOD = 17,74 e 2,98% livres de cárie; 65-74 anos, CPOD = 21,56 e 4,34% livres de cárie. Na análise por componentes, constatou-se que o componente cariado tem maior prevalência nas idades de 0-3, 4-5, 6-10, 12 e 18 anos. Em adultos e idosos, o componente que mais contribui é o perdido. Conclui-se que a população apresenta índices de cárie dentária elevados, sendo necessária a atuação em âmbito educativo, preventivo e curativo.<br>This study aimed to analyze dental caries patterns among riverine people from Rondônia State, Brazil (Machado and Preto rivers) in 2005 and 2006. A total of 469 subjects were examined, using the World Health Organization form, under natural light, using a wooden tongue depressor and CPI probe in cases of doubts about the presence of dental caries. The results were: 4-5-year age bracket, dmtf = 4.30 and 19.64% caries-free; 6-10 years, DMTF = 1.04, dmtf = 3.52 and 17.05% caries-free; 12 years, DMTF = 2.65 and 30.76% caries-free; 18 years, DMTF = 5.41 and 19.51% caries-free; 35-44 years, DMTF = 17.74 and 2.98% caries-free; 65-74 years, DMTF = 21.56 and 4.34% caries-free. When each component was analyzed separately in the dmtf and DMTF indices, decay was most prevalent in the 0-3, 4-5, 6-10, 12, and 18-year brackets. However, in young and older adults, the most prevalent component was missing teeth. In conclusion, the study population showed a high dental caries index, thus highlighting the need for educational, preventive, and curative measures