An Empirical Assessment of Energy Management Information System Success Using Structural Equation Modeling

The Energy Industry utilizes Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS) smart meters to monitor utility consumers’ energy consumption, communicate energy consumption information to consumers, and to collect a plethora of energy consumption data about consumer usage. The EMIS energy consumption information is typically presented to utility consumers via a smart meter web portal. The hope is that EMIS web portal use will aid utility consumers in managing their energy consumption by helping them make effective decisions regarding their energy usage. However, little research exists that evaluates the effectiveness or success of an EMIS smart meter web portal from a utility consumer perspective. The research goal was to measure EMIS smart meter web portal success based on the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model. The objective of the study was to investigate the success constructs system quality, information quality, service quality, use, and user satisfaction, and determine their contribution to EMIS success, which was measured as net benefits. The research model used in this study employed Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) based on Partial Least Squares (PLS) to determine the validity and reliability of the measurement model and to evaluate the hypothetical relationships in the structural model. The significant validity and reliability measures obtained in this study indicate that the DeLone and McLean Information Success Model (2003) has the potential for use in future EMIS studies. The determinants responsible for explaining the variance in net benefits were EMIS use and user satisfaction. Based on the research findings, several implications and future research are stated and proposed

A Survey Study of Neuropsychiatric Complaints in Patients with Graves’ Disease: A Reassessment of Self-Reported Symptoms and Current Practice 20 Years Later: Graves‘ Disease and Thyroid Foundation [Kindle Edition]

It has been estimated that 1 in 200 people or 1.6 million individuals suffer from Graves\u27 disease in the United States alone. Despite this, the United States Preventative Services Task Force concluded that there is insufficient evidence to support for regular screening for thyroid dysfunction in non-pregnant, asymptomatic adults. The task force specifically cited a lack of prospective research in their decision making. However, a number of investigation, including a study conducted by Stern and colleagues in 1996, suggest that symptoms associated with Graves disease are multidimensional and may include neuropsychiatric, as well as somatic symptoms that may be difficult to detect, but may be life threatening. The present investigation represents an extensive twenty-year follow-up to the Stern et al. survey study conducted over 20 years ago. In addition to examining the neuropsychiatric complaints of Graves’ disease patients, the current investigation also examined issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Research conducted by our group suggests that Graves\u27 disease continues to be misdiagnosed at an alarming rate and that access to healthcare and health information, as well as inadequate routine screening, may play a role in misdiagnosis and a delay in treatment