Acceptance and Use of E-Learning Based on Cloud Computing: The Role of Consumer Innovativeness

Cloud computing and E-learning are the inevitable trend of computational science in general, and information systems and technologies in specific.However, there are not many studies on the adoption of cloud-based E-learning systems. Moreover, while there are many papers on information system adoption as well as customer innovativeness, the innovativeness and adoption in the same model seems to be rare in the literature. The study combines the extended Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) and consumer innovativeness on the adoption of E-learning systems based on cloud computing. A survey was conducted among 282 cloud-based E-learning participants and analyzed by structural equation modeling (SEM). The findings indicate that the adoption of cloud-based E-learning is influenced by performance expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and habit. Interestingly, although innovativeness is not significant to use intention, it has a positive effect on E-learning usage which is relatively new in Vietnam

Reassessing the effect of colour on attitude and behavioural intentions in promotional activities: The moderating role of mood and involvement

The present research examines the effect of background colour on attitude and behavioural intentions in various promotional activities taking into consideration the moderating role of mood and involvement. Three experiments reflecting different promotional activities (window display, consumer trade show, guerrilla marketing) were conducted for this purpose. Overall, findings indicate that cool background colours, in contrast to warm colours, induce more positive attitudes and behavioural intentions mainly in positive mood, and low involvement conditions. Implications are also discussed

Estudo comparativo dos métodos de ultra-sonografia, tomografia computadorizada e ressonância magnética no estadiamento e invasão das estruturas adjacentes por tumores renais A comparative study of ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in the staging and invasion of adjacent structures by renal tumors

OBJETIVO: Comparamos os exames de ultra-som (US), tomografia computadorizada (TC) e ressonância magnética (RM) no estadiamento dos tumores renais, estudando as diferenças entre estes exames em relação a sua capacidade de detecção de adenomegalias, invasão vascular, metástases intra-abdominais à distância e particularmente invasão dos órgãos adjacentes. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados prospectivamente 31 pacientes portadores de massas renais sólidas ou complexas através dos exames de US, TC e RM. As discordâncias entre os resultados observados foram estudadas através do Teste G de Cochran e Teste de McNemar, além de se calcular a sensibilidade e especificidade de cada método diagnóstico utilizado, considerando-se como "regra de ouro" os achados cirúrgico e anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: Destes 31 pacientes, 28 eram portadores de massas malignas e três de lesões benignas. Quanto à detecção de adenomegalia, o US mostrou sensibilidade de 63,6%, enquanto a TC e RM tiveram sensibilidade de 90,9%. Em relação à invasão vascular, o US mostrou sensibilidade de 42,8% enquanto que a TC e a RM tiveram a sensibilidade de 85,7%. Em relação à invasão de órgãos adjacentes, a sensibilidade foi respectivamente 28,5% (US), 85,7% (TC) e 71,4% (RM). São critérios que sugerem a invasão das estruturas adjacentes: quando estas se encontram envolvidas/englobadas pelo tumor; a extensão do tumor para o seu interior com superfície de contato irregular; alterações na forma, tamanho e densidade da estrutura adjacente. Somente a perda do plano de gordura e o íntimo contato do tumor com a estrutura adjacente não indicam invasão. CONCLUSÕES: Houve diferenças significantes na capacidade de detecção do US em relação à TC e RM. Estas duas últimas não diferiram entre si. Somente em relação às metástases abdominais à distância todos os métodos se mostraram altamente sensíveis e específicos. Além da acurácia dos métodos, tanto para o diagnóstico como no estadiamento, devem ser considerados aspectos relativos à invasibilidade, riscos e preço na ponderação dos custos e benefícios dos diversos exames de diagnóstico por imagem.<br>BACKGROUND: Ultrasonography (US), Computed Tomography (CT), and Magnetic Resonance imaging (MR) were compared for the staging of renal tumors. The differences between these imaging techniques were also studied for their ability to detect adenopathies, vascular invasion, distant intra-abdominal metastases, and particularly adjacent organ invasion. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with solid or complex renal masses were prospectively studied using US, CT, and MR. Differences between the results obtained were studied using the COCHRAN G test and the Mc NEMAR test. The sensitivity and specificity of each diagnostic technique were compared against a "gold standard" of the surgical and histopathological findings. RESULTS: The following sensitivities were obtained: For the detection of adenopathy, US 63.6%, CT and MR 90.9%. For vascular invasion, US 42.8%, CT and MR 85.7%. For the adjacent organ invasion, US 28.5%, CT 85.7%, and MR 71.4%. Some of the criteria that suggest invasion of adjacent structures include: the envelopment of the adjacent structures by the tumor, tumor extension into the adjacent structures with an irregular appearance, and alterations in shape, size, and density of adjacent structures. Loss of fat planes between the tumor and adjacent structures is not a sign of tumor invasion. CONCLUSIONS: Significant differences were found in the detection capacity of US in relation to CT and MR, which were similar. All three techniques were highly sensitive and specific only in the detection of distant abdominal metastases. In addition to the accuracy of these diagnostic modalities for the detection and staging of tumors, invasiveness, risks and cost should be considered in relation to relative costs and benefits

Association of urinary 90 kDa angiotensin- converting enzyme with family history of hypertension and endothelial function in normotensive individuals

We described angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE) isoforms with molecular masses of 190, 90, and 65 kDa in the urine of normotensive offspring of hypertensive subjects. Since they did not appear in equal amounts, we suggested that 90 kDa ACE might be a marker for hypertension. We evaluated the endothelial response in normotensive offspring with or without family history of hypertension and its association with the 90 kDa ACE in urine. Thirty-five normotensive subjects with a known family history of hypertension and 20 subjects without a family history of hypertension, matched for age, sex, body weight, and blood pressure, were included in the study. Endothelial function was assessed by ultrasound and a sample of urine was collected for determination of ACE isoforms. In the presence of a family history of hypertension and detection of 90 kDa ACE, we noted a maximal flow mediated dilation of 12.1 ± 5.0 vs 16.1 ± 6.0% in those without a previous history of hypertension and lacking urinary 90 kDa ACE (P < 0.05). In subjects with a family history of hypertension and presenting 90 kDa ACE, there were lower levels of HDL-cholesterol (P < 0.05) and higher levels of triglycerides (P < 0.05). Subjects with 90 kDa ACE irrespective of hypertensive history presented a trend for higher levels of triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol (P = 0.06) compared to subjects without 90 kDa ACE. Our data suggest that the 90 kDa ACE may be a marker for hypertension which may be related to the development of early atherosclerotic changes

Changing professional practice in tuberculosis care: an educational intervention.

AIM: This paper describes the development and implementation of an experiential, participatory in-service education programme focusing on patient-centeredness, problem-solving and critical reflection for primary providers delivering care to tuberculosis patients in South Africa. BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis is a major contributor to the disease burden in developing countries. In South Africa, approximately 90% of tuberculosis patients are managed by nurses at the primary level. Despite efforts to improve quality of care for these patients, many fail to complete their treatment as prescribed. Poor rapport between health care providers and patients with tuberculosis is a major reason for non-adherence to treatment. Methods of improving the quality of care delivery and communication between health care providers and patients with tuberculosis is therefore a priority. DISCUSSION: The paper outlines the stages of developing and implementing the education programme and reflects on this process. Data is drawn from an in-depth qualitative evaluation of the delivery and impacts of the intervention. The approach was acceptable to health care providers and adaptable to the needs of specific clinics. Participants evaluated the educational intervention positively, noting that it facilitated critical reflection on their work; encouraged problem-solving; and heightened their awareness of communication with patients and with colleagues. However, important structural barriers to practice change were identified, including conditions of service, relations with colleagues and support from management. CONCLUSIONS: Experiential, participatory in-service education can be implemented on a large scale in primary care settings. However, the process is resource intensive and the impacts of such education may be limited by barriers at other levels of the health system

Mum or bub? Which influences breastfeeding loyalty

The need for social marketing research in the area of breastfeeding is highlighted by the failure of campaigns to increase breastfeeding rates over the past two decades in developed countries. This is despite evidence of the health benefits of longer breastfeeding duration to both baby and mother, and the high levels of expenditure on these campaigns. Whilst past campaign approaches typically focus on baby-oriented factors, breastfeeding is a complex behaviour that for many women involves barriers that influence their commitment to continued breastfeeding. Using social marketing, this research investigates the role of mother-centred factors on loyalty to breastfeeding. A sample of 405 Australian women completed an online survey. The data were analysed using structural equation modelling, which revealed that mother-oriented, rather than baby-oriented, factors influence attitudinal and behavioural loyalty to breastfeeding

Health implications of body size perception and weight tolerance in older adults

Obesity is a well-recognized risk factor for Type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this study a high percentage of older adults were either overweight or obese. The aims were to assess older adults\u27 tolerance for excess weight, and to compare self-perceptions of an acceptable weight with national guidelines. Participants were 76 males and females aged between 65 and 97 years. Results indicated that 60 per cent accurately identified their own body size. Further, participants were more tolerant of excess weight in males compared to females, regardless of age. It was concluded that this cohort remains vulnerable to weight-related illnesses.<br /