Publications

18 pages, 3269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Open Science Alternatives to Scopus and the Web of Science: A Case Study in Regional Resilience

by Irina D. Turgel and Olga A. Chernova

Publications 2024, 12(4), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040043 - 26 Nov 2024

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The recent years have seen increasing support for open science in academic circles. However, the large number of scientometric databases calls into question the comparability of the search and analysis tools they provide. Using the subject area of regional resilience as an example, [...] Read more.

The recent years have seen increasing support for open science in academic circles. However, the large number of scientometric databases calls into question the comparability of the search and analysis tools they provide. Using the subject area of regional resilience as an example, in this study, the aim was to analyze the capabilities of widely used databases to serve as alternatives to Scopus and Web of Science in solving research problems. As alternatives, in the present article, the following open, free scientometric databases were considered: AMiner, Wizdom.ai, the Lens, Dimensions, and OpenAlex. Their capabilities were demonstrated for the subject area under study, and the obtained results were compared. The study results showed that alternative databases provide essential data on trends in scientific development. It is noteworthy that they largely replicate the provided data, supplementing and expanding them by using different types of data sources. However, open databases do not guarantee a high quality of materials and exhibit a relatively low level of metadata. Thus, it is premature to abandon the use of Scopus and Web of Science in research activities. Since scientometric databases were developed in different contexts, they are characterized by structural and functional heterogeneity, which complicates their comparison. Therefore, a selective approach should be adopted for the choice of scientometric databases, taking into account financial and other constraints, as well as the specifics of research problems. Full article

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22 pages, 2618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is This the End of Anthropology as We Know It? Some Implication of FAIR Principles on Tales in Ethnological and Anthropological Qualitative Research

by Olga Orlić

Publications 2024, 12(4), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040042 - 12 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Open science, accessibility and knowledge sharing, especially of articles and monographs stemming from publicly funded research, seem to be moving in quite a positive direction toward scientific development and have received almost unanimous approval from the scientific community. However, when it comes to [...] Read more.

Open science, accessibility and knowledge sharing, especially of articles and monographs stemming from publicly funded research, seem to be moving in quite a positive direction toward scientific development and have received almost unanimous approval from the scientific community. However, when it comes to data sharing, the existing practice reveals a different picture, and not exclusively a discipline-dependent one. FAIR principles are developed and promoted as guiding tools for creating contextualized standards. The fact that data obtained by a qualitative methodology deserve special attention and treatment regarding the accessibility principle is recognized. Although FAIR principles provide ways to anonymize the data and interlocutors, individuals coming from smaller communities or even communities of practice can sometimes be easily recognized by members of the same community if data are openly accessed. Sometimes the interlocutors might agree with these terms, but sometimes they do not. According to the disciplinary code of ethics, a researcher is obliged to thoroughly describe the ways of the raw data management and usage, and in the case of mandatory raw data sharing (e.g., for receiving funding), it can inevitably impact the narratives collected. The prerogative to make all data open inevitably leads to autocensorship among interlocutors, i.e., resulting in a kind of FAIRy tale being collected. The article discusses the results obtained from the survey carried out among Croatian ethnologists and cultural anthropologists about the currently practiced data sharing, their attitudes about data sharing and their perceived behavior in hypothetical situations connected with data sharing. The results show mixed opinions about data sharing and a desire to follow the disciplinary code of ethics first, i.e., to follow the interlocutors’ wishes in the case of data management and usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary Special Issue "PUBMET2023 Conference on Scholarly Communication in the Context of Open Science")

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6 pages, 432 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

The Positive Impact of the Open Access Scientific Publishing in Chile

by Miguel Segovia, Felipe M. Galleguillos Madrid, Carlos Portillo, Ezequiel Martínez Rojas, Sandra Gallegos, Jonathan Castillo, Iván Salazar, Gonzalo R. Quezada and Norman Toro

Publications 2024, 12(4), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040041 - 11 Nov 2024

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Abstract

The letter represents the authors’ opinion on the positive impact that allowing open access to scientific publications has on doctoral programmes, the careers of young researchers and the overall quality of university education in Chile. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diamond Open Access)

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19 pages, 1466 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Blockchain and Its Application in the Peer Review of Scientific Works: A Systematic Review

by Cristian Hugo Morales-Alarcón, Elba Bodero-Poveda, Henry Mauricio Villa-Yánez and Pamela Alexandra Buñay-Guisñan

Publications 2024, 12(4), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040040 - 8 Nov 2024

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Abstract

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that ensures the security and transparency of data, guaranteeing that they cannot be altered. Its application in the peer review of scientific papers can contribute to improving the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the process, mitigating issues [...] Read more.

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that ensures the security and transparency of data, guaranteeing that they cannot be altered. Its application in the peer review of scientific papers can contribute to improving the integrity, transparency, and efficiency of the process, mitigating issues of manipulation and fraud. This work analyzes the contributions of various research studies that address the use of blockchain technology in peer review. The study is a systematic literature review (SLR) in which the PRISMA methodology was applied. Fifty primary studies were identified through searches in databases such as Scopus, Science Direct, IEEE Xplore, and ACM. The analyzed research reveals innovative approaches, such as decentralized solutions, smart contracts, and token economy, to address challenges like biases, transparency, and speed in the review process. It is concluded that the use of blockchain in peer review processes is still emerging and has not yet been widely adopted globally. However, studies addressing this topic focus on its potential to improve transparency and trust in the process, offer incentives and rewards to reviewers and authors, enhance the quality and fairness of evaluations, and strengthen the security and privacy of the data involved. Full article

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14 pages, 1413 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing Data Sharing Policies in Library and Information Science: Journal Metrics, Open Access Status, and Publisher Volume

by Eungi Kim, Kristine Joy Tabogoc and Jang Won Chae

Publications 2024, 12(4), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040039 - 5 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1399

Abstract

The objective of this study is to explore the prevalence and characteristics of data sharing policies in library and information science (LIS) journals, focusing on their relationship with journal metrics, publisher volume (number of journals managed by the publisher), and open access (OA) [...] Read more.

The objective of this study is to explore the prevalence and characteristics of data sharing policies in library and information science (LIS) journals, focusing on their relationship with journal metrics, publisher volume (number of journals managed by the publisher), and open access (OA) status. The study examined the link between data sharing policies and journal metrics in LIS journals indexed in Scopus. Using secondary data from the SJR portal and qualitative data from author guidelines, the study revealed several key findings: First, a positive relationship existed between publisher volume and the presence of data sharing policies, with high-volume publishers consistently implementing such policies. Second, 50.2% of LIS journals lacked data sharing guidelines, indicating a significant gap. Third, journals that encouraged or required data sharing under certain conditions tended to perform better in metrics such as quartiles, h-index, and citation impact. Fourth, data sharing policies were more common in higher-ranked journals and were linked to better journal metrics. Fifth, higher-ranked journals were more likely to include details on data statements, DOIs, and repositories than lower-ranked journals. Lastly, non-OA journals were more likely to encourage practices such as including data repositories and supplementary files in submissions, compared to OA journals, revealing unexpected disparities. In conclusion, data sharing policies in LIS journals showed associations with journal ranking and publisher volume, with non-OA journals showing higher presence of certain data sharing practices. Full article

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4 pages, 135 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Planning for Academic Publishing After Retirement: Some Results and Observations

by Stephen Kenneth Donovan

Publications 2024, 12(4), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040038 - 4 Nov 2024

Viewed by 666

Abstract

In 2018, before I retired, I speculated on how I might continue to publish as a former academic, identifying five key behaviours for me to pursue. Now, four years after I retired, I confirm that these activities have been successful. I have no [...] Read more.

In 2018, before I retired, I speculated on how I might continue to publish as a former academic, identifying five key behaviours for me to pursue. Now, four years after I retired, I confirm that these activities have been successful. I have no affiliation with any institution, museum or university, and am thriving in my independence. My production is maintained, even flourishing. Some papers have been published under a new iteration of my name, S. Kenneth Donovan, which I trust confuses unwanted software. I publish more in the journals that I read and less in those that, formerly, were favoured by management. I am now a more efficient reviewer of research papers, identifying them as a priority rather than a nuisance. Full article

5 pages, 200 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

On the Thorny Issue of Single Submission

by Josephat U. Izunobi

Publications 2024, 12(4), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040037 - 17 Oct 2024

Viewed by 585

Abstract

This Opinion highlights varying viewpoints on the single-submission policy in scientific publishing, which has recently come under attack. The rule permits the sequential, rather than simultaneous, submission of a manuscript to more than one journal and dictates that an author(s) must wait for [...] Read more.

This Opinion highlights varying viewpoints on the single-submission policy in scientific publishing, which has recently come under attack. The rule permits the sequential, rather than simultaneous, submission of a manuscript to more than one journal and dictates that an author(s) must wait for a response from one journal before resubmitting the same work to another for consideration. A corollary is that legitimising multiple submissions would create more problems than it could solve. This article is, therefore, in favour of maintaining the status quo. Full article

17 pages, 4103 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Evolution of Bradford Curves in Academic Library Contexts

by Haobai Xue

Publications 2024, 12(4), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040036 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 503

Abstract

Bradford’s law of bibliographic scattering is a fundamental principle in bibliometrics, offering valuable guidance for academic libraries in literature search and procurement. However, Bradford curves can exhibit various shapes over time, and predicting these shapes remains a challenge due to a lack of [...] Read more.

Bradford’s law of bibliographic scattering is a fundamental principle in bibliometrics, offering valuable guidance for academic libraries in literature search and procurement. However, Bradford curves can exhibit various shapes over time, and predicting these shapes remains a challenge due to a lack of causal explanation. This paper attributes the deviations from the theoretical J-shape to integer constraints on the number of journals and articles, extending Leimkuhler’s function to encompass highly productive core journals, where the theoretical journal number falls below one. Using the Simon–Yule model, key parameters of the extended formulas are identified and analyzed. The paper explains the reasons for the Groos droop and examines the critical points for shape changes. The proposed formulas are validated with empirical data from the literature, demonstrating that this method can effectively predict the evolution of Bradford curves, providing academic libraries with a valuable tool for evaluating journal coverage, optimizing resource allocation, and refining Collection Development Policies (CDP). Full article

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10 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Citation Count a Legitimate Indicator of Scientific Impact? A Case Study of Upper (1974) “The Unsuccessful Self-Treatment of a Case of Writer’s Block” and Its Derivatives

by Andy Wai Kan Yeung

Publications 2024, 12(4), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040035 - 15 Oct 2024

Viewed by 838

Abstract

The work by Upper (1974) was a blank paper. Multiple replication studies were published. This work examined the number of citations received by these papers, and manually checked the citing papers to determine why they made the citations. The Dimensions literature database was [...] Read more.

The work by Upper (1974) was a blank paper. Multiple replication studies were published. This work examined the number of citations received by these papers, and manually checked the citing papers to determine why they made the citations. The Dimensions literature database was queried with the search string: (unsuccessful treatment writer’s block). The search yielded 14 articles, two of which were irrelevant and excluded. The 12 papers remained after screening included the original study by Upper (1974), nine replication studies, one review, and one meta-analysis. The original work received 43 citations, but related works had fewer than 10 citations each. One fourth of citations of Upper (1974) were being satiric on “nothing” or “precise” from papers dealing with unrelated concepts, and five citations were deemed erroneous/digressed. One citation was made to acknowledge the reviewer’s comments to Upper (1974), which did not involve Upper’s own ideas. This work exposed a scenario where there were limitations of using citation count as the only metric to gauge scientific impact of journal articles. Full article

14 pages, 4464 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution and Trends in Digital Wallet Research: A Bibliometric Analysis in Scopus and Web of Science

by Nieves del Pilar Pizzan-Tomanguillo, Tony Venancio Pereyra-Gonzales, Segundo Victor León-Ramírez, Jhon Bautista-Fasabi, Carlos Daniel Rosales-Bardalez, Roel Dante Gómez-Apaza and Sandra Lucero Pizzán-Tomanguillo

Publications 2024, 12(4), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040034 - 11 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1760

Abstract

Digital wallets have become a driving force in the global economy, with 2.4 billion users worldwide in 2020, a figure projected to reach 3.6 billion by 2026. This study conducts an in-depth bibliometric analysis to evaluate the current state and future trends of [...] Read more.

Digital wallets have become a driving force in the global economy, with 2.4 billion users worldwide in 2020, a figure projected to reach 3.6 billion by 2026. This study conducts an in-depth bibliometric analysis to evaluate the current state and future trends of digital wallet research using scientific databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. A scoping review methodology was applied, in which we analyzed 778 documents, following an eligibility process with the following search terms: “digital wallet”, “mobile wallet”, and “e-wallet”. Results show that India, the United States, and China are leading research efforts in this field. Key factors influencing the adoption of digital wallets include data security, ease of use, and integration with traditional payment systems. While much research has focused on technological innovation and adoption, significant gaps remain in areas such as blockchain integration and AI-driven solutions. This article provides the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis of digital wallets, offering crucial insights into emerging trends such as “blockchain”, “electronic commerce”, and “digital payments” and their role in shaping the future of financial technology. Full article

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5 pages, 173 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Measuring Open Access Uptake: Methods and Metrics to Assess a Market Transformation

by Ahmad Yaman Abdin and Francesco De Pretis

Publications 2024, 12(4), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040033 - 4 Oct 2024

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Abstract

In this editorial, we will introduce the contributions to the Special Issue entitled “Measuring Open Access Uptake: Databases, Metrics, and International Comparisons.” The contributions to this Special Issue explore the methods and metrics that are used to assess open access (OA) [...] Read more.

In this editorial, we will introduce the contributions to the Special Issue entitled “Measuring Open Access Uptake: Databases, Metrics, and International Comparisons.” The contributions to this Special Issue explore the methods and metrics that are used to assess open access (OA) uptake across disciplines and regions, a crucial topic considering the growing push by several research institutions worldwide to achieve 100% OA. We will discuss the impact of OA on scholarly publishing, focusing on how economic factors and discipline-specific practices shape its adoption. Additionally, we will examine the transformation of OA models, the citation benefits of a hybrid OA model, and regional perspectives. Our analysis identifies key challenges and disparities in OA adoption and suggests future directions for achieving sustainable and equitable access to research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Measuring Open Access Uptake: Databases, Metrics, and International Comparisons)

23 pages, 371 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finding Free OER Textbooks Online: Untangling the Web

by William H. Walters

Publications 2024, 12(4), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040032 - 4 Oct 2024

Viewed by 6051

Abstract

Although Open Educational Resources (OERs) can help reduce costs and maximize access to instructional materials, academics face significant problems in identifying good OER textbooks. This can be traced, in part, to the low quality of many OER directories. This study evaluated more than [...] Read more.

Although Open Educational Resources (OERs) can help reduce costs and maximize access to instructional materials, academics face significant problems in identifying good OER textbooks. This can be traced, in part, to the low quality of many OER directories. This study evaluated more than 350 potentially relevant resources, identifying 95 multidisciplinary and 23 subject-limited OER directories that include a relatively high proportion of free textbooks rather than other OERs (syllabi, assessment materials, etc.). Comparative information is presented for each of the 118 directories, with special attention to those with high recall, high precision, explicit and meaningful selection criteria, and consistently good textbook quality. The results focus on the characteristics of the OER directories, the extent to which they support the discovery of textbooks, the particular directories that are likely to be most useful, and the ways in which the most useful directories are systematically different from the others. There are at least 24 high-quality OER directories, but three—the Open Textbook Library, the B.C. Open Collection, and LibreTexts Commons—are especially useful. By devoting more attention to directories such as these, we can overcome the greatest barrier to the adoption of OER textbooks—the difficulty of identifying titles that can replace conventional texts. Full article

14 pages, 1436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Scientific Production in Family Medicine in Mexico

by Indira R. Mendiola-Pastrana, Eduardo López-Ortiz, Rubí G. Hernández-López, Luisa F. Romero-Henríquez, Rocío Dávila-Mendoza and Geovani López-Ortiz

Publications 2024, 12(4), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040031 - 27 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of scientific production in family medicine in Mexico and identify gaps in the development of research in this medical discipline. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed original articles, reviews, case reports, and editorials published from Mexico, [...] Read more.

Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the quality of scientific production in family medicine in Mexico and identify gaps in the development of research in this medical discipline. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed original articles, reviews, case reports, and editorials published from Mexico, from the year 2014 to 2023, in the three family medicine journals edited in the country. Several bibliometric indicators were evaluated. Attributes that confer validity in original articles were analyzed, and through random sampling, 10% were selected to determine their quality using checklists. Results: A total of 627 articles were analyzed; among these, 57.89% were original, 19.61% reviews, 17.06% editorials, and 5.42% case reports. Our analysis revealed significant disparities in research activity across regions in Mexico. Productivity, transience, and isolation indices were 2.79, 78.58%, and 54.05%, respectively, while the Price index was 42.74%. A small percentage of articles received funding and followed guidelines for medical research reporting (0.47% and 0.63%, respectively). The analysis of validity attributes in original articles revealed that 92.83% were observational, 88.98% were unicentric, in 47.38%, no sample size calculation was performed or specified, while in 12.12%, sampling was probabilistic. In the evaluation of the original articles, more than 60% showed limitations that compromised their quality. Conclusions: The number of published articles, along with their bibliometric, validity, and quality attributes, reflect significant gaps in the generation and dissemination of knowledge in family medicine in Mexico. This shows a transgenerational problem, identified in many countries, where the advancement of family medicine as a specialty is limited by low research productivity and methodological weaknesses in reporting. Full article

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14 pages, 3422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Papers in and Papers out of the Spotlight: Comparative Bibliometric and Altmetrics Analysis of Biomedical Reports with and without News Media Stories

by Artemis Chaleplioglou

Publications 2024, 12(4), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040030 - 27 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1853

Abstract

For decades, the discoverability and visibility of a paper relied on the readership of the academic journal where the publication was issued. As public interest in biomedicine has grown, the news media have taken on an important role in spreading scientific findings. This [...] Read more.

For decades, the discoverability and visibility of a paper relied on the readership of the academic journal where the publication was issued. As public interest in biomedicine has grown, the news media have taken on an important role in spreading scientific findings. This investigation explores the potential impact of news media stories on the citations and altmetrics of a paper. A total of 2020 open-access biomedical research papers, all published in the same year, 2015, and in journals with an impact factor between 10 and 14, were investigated. The papers were split into two groups based on the sole criterion of receiving or not receiving news media coverage. Papers with news media coverage accounted for 44% of the total. They received, on average, 60% more citations, 104% more blogs, 150% more X posts, 106% more Facebook reports, 40% more Wikipedia references, 85% more videos, and 51% more Mendeley readers than papers without news media coverage. The correlation between news media outlets and increased citations and altmetrics is evident. However, the broader societal impact of news media coverage, in terms of bringing scientific matters or discoveries to the public eye, appears to be more robust when compared to the reactions of the scientific community. Full article

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