Publications

9 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Drivers Behind Retractions in Tuberculosis Research

by Franko O. Garcia-Solorzano, Shirley M. De la Cruz Anticona, Mario Pezua-Espinoza, Fernando A. Chuquispuma Jesus, Karen D. Sanabria-Pinilla, Christopher Chavez Veliz, Vladimir A. Huayta-Alarcón, Percy Mayta-Tristan and Leonid Lecca

Publications 2025, 13(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13010004 - 14 Jan 2025

Abstract

Tuberculosis research plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to the necessities of people with this disease, yet the integrity of this research is compromised by frequent retractions. Identifying and analyzing the main reasons for retraction of tuberculosis articles is essential for [...] Read more.

Tuberculosis research plays a crucial role in understanding and responding to the necessities of people with this disease, yet the integrity of this research is compromised by frequent retractions. Identifying and analyzing the main reasons for retraction of tuberculosis articles is essential for improving research practices and ensuring reliable scientific output. In this study, we conducted an advanced systematic literature review of retracted original articles on Tuberculosis, utilizing databases such as Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, PubMed, LILACS, and the Retraction Watch Database webpage. We found that falsification and plagiarism were the most frequent reasons for retraction, although 16% of the retracted articles did not declare the drivers behind the retraction. Almost half of the retracted studies received external funding, affecting not only those specific studies but future funding opportunities for this research field. Stronger measures of research integrity are needed to prevent misconduct in this vulnerable population. Full article

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8 pages, 591 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Output-Normalized Score (OnS) for Ranking Researchers Based on Number of Publications, Citations, Coauthors, and Author Position

by Antonije Onjia

Publications 2025, 13(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13010003 - 4 Jan 2025

Abstract

This article discusses current methods for ranking researchers and proposes a new metric, the output-normalized score (OnS), which considers the number of publications, citations, coauthors, and the author’s position within each publication. The proposed OnS offers a balanced approach to evaluating a researcher’s [...] Read more.

This article discusses current methods for ranking researchers and proposes a new metric, the output-normalized score (OnS), which considers the number of publications, citations, coauthors, and the author’s position within each publication. The proposed OnS offers a balanced approach to evaluating a researcher’s scientific contributions while addressing the limitations of widely used metrics such as the h-index and its modifications. It favors publications with fewer coauthors while giving significant weight to both the author’s position in the publication and the total number of citations. Full article

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12 pages, 888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practicing Meta-Analytics with Rectification

by Ramalingam Shanmugam and Karan P. Singh

Publications 2025, 13(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13010002 - 2 Jan 2025

Abstract

This article demonstrates the necessity of assessing homogeneity in meta-analyses using the Higgins method. The researchers realize the importance of assessing homogeneity in meta-analytic work. However, a significant issue with the Higgins method has been identified. In this article, we explain the nature [...] Read more.

This article demonstrates the necessity of assessing homogeneity in meta-analyses using the Higgins method. The researchers realize the importance of assessing homogeneity in meta-analytic work. However, a significant issue with the Higgins method has been identified. In this article, we explain the nature of this problem and propose solutions to address it. Our narrative in this article is to point out the problem, analyze it, and present it well. A prerequisite to check the consistency of findings in comparable studies in meta-analyses is that the studies should be homogeneous, not heterogeneous. The Higgins

I^{2}

score, a version of the Cochran Q value, is commonly used to assess heterogeneity. The Higgins score is an improvement in the Q value. However, there is a problem with Higgins score statistically. The Higgins score is supposed to follow a Chi-squared distribution, but it does not do so because the Chi-squared distribution becomes invalid once the Q score is less than the degrees of freedom. This problem was recently rectified using an alternative method (

S^{2}

score). Using this method, we examined 14 published articles representing 133 datasets and observed that many studies declared homogeneous by the Higgins method were, in fact, heterogeneous. This article urges the research community to be cautious in making inferences using the Higgins method. Full article

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11 pages, 235 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Exploring the Need to Use “Plagiarism” Detection Software Rationally

by Petar Milovanovic, Tatjana Pekmezovic and Marija Djuric

Publications 2025, 13(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13010001 - 2 Jan 2025

Abstract

Universities and journals increasingly rely on software tools for detecting textual overlap of a scientific text with the previously published literature to detect potential plagiarism. Although software outputs need to be carefully reviewed by competent humans to verify the existence of plagiarism, university [...] Read more.

Universities and journals increasingly rely on software tools for detecting textual overlap of a scientific text with the previously published literature to detect potential plagiarism. Although software outputs need to be carefully reviewed by competent humans to verify the existence of plagiarism, university and journal staff, for various reasons, often erroneously interpret the degree of plagiarism based on the percentage of textual overlap shown in the similarity report. This is often accompanied by explicit recommendations to the author(s) to paraphrase the text to achieve an “acceptable” percentage of overlap. Here, based on the available literature and real-world examples from similarity reports, we provide a classification with extensive examples of phrases that falsely inflate the similarity index and argue the futility and dangers of rephrasing such statements just for the sake of reducing the similarity index. The examples provided in this paper call for a more reasonable assessment of text similarity. To fully endorse the principles of academic integrity and prevent loss of clarity of the scientific literature, we believe it is important to shift from pure bureaucratic and quantificational view on the originality of scientific texts to human-centered qualitative assessment of the manuscripts, including the software outputs. Full article

17 pages, 1030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research Metrics in Architecture: An Analysis of the Current Challenges Compared to Engineering Disciplines

by Omar S. Asfour and Jamal Al-Qawasmi

Publications 2024, 12(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040050 - 19 Dec 2024

Abstract

The Hirsch index (‘h-index’) is a widely recognized metric for assessing researchers’ impact, considering both the quantity and quality of their research work. Despite its global acceptance, the h-index has created some uncertainty about appropriate benchmark values across different disciplines. [...] Read more.

The Hirsch index (‘h-index’) is a widely recognized metric for assessing researchers’ impact, considering both the quantity and quality of their research work. Despite its global acceptance, the h-index has created some uncertainty about appropriate benchmark values across different disciplines. One such area of concern is architecture, which is often at a disadvantage compared to the fields of science and engineering. To examine this disparity, this study compared the citation count and h-index in architecture with those of other engineering disciplines. Data were collected extensively from Scopus database, focusing on the top 50 universities. The analysis revealed that architecture consistently recorded lower citation counts and h-index values than the selected engineering fields. Specifically, the average h-index for faculty members at the associate and full professor ranks was found to be 7.0 in architecture, compared to 22.8 in civil engineering and 25.6 in mechanical engineering. The findings highlight that a universal h-index benchmark is impractical, as research areas significantly vary in terms of research opportunities, challenges, and performance expectations. Thus, this study proposes the adoption of an additional relative h-index metric, ‘h_r-index’, which accounts for the deviation of individual researchers from the average h-index value within their fields of knowledge. This metric can serve as a complement to the standard h-index, providing a more equitable and accurate assessment of researchers’ performance and impact within their areas of expertise. Full article

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16 pages, 4030 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Methodology for AI-Based Search Strategy of Scientific Papers: Exemplary Search for Hybrid and Battery Electric Vehicles in the Semantic Scholar Database

by Florian Wätzold, Bartosz Popiela and Jonas Mayer

Publications 2024, 12(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040049 - 14 Dec 2024

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced productivity, particularly in repetitive tasks. In the scientific domain, literature review stands out as a key area where AI-based tools can be effectively applied. This study presents a methodology for developing a search [...] Read more.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced productivity, particularly in repetitive tasks. In the scientific domain, literature review stands out as a key area where AI-based tools can be effectively applied. This study presents a methodology for developing a search strategy for systematic reviews using AI tools. The Semantic Scholar database served as the foundation for the search process. The methodology was tested by searching for scientific papers related to batteries and hydrogen vehicles with the aim of enabling an evaluation for their potential applications. An extensive list of vehicles and their operational environments based on international standards and literature reviews was defined and used as the main input for the exemplary search. The AI-supported search yielded approximately 60,000 results, which were subjected to an initial relevance assessment. For the relevant papers, a neighbourhood analysis based on citation and reference networks was conducted. The final selection of papers, covering the period from 2013 to 2023, included 713 papers assessed after the initial review. An extensive discussion of the results is provided, including their categorisation based on search terms, publication years, and cluster analysis of powertrains, as well as operational environments of the vehicles involved. This case study illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed methodology and serves as a starting point for future research. The results demonstrate the potential of AI-based tools to enhance productivity when searching for scientific papers. Full article

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21 pages, 4262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Time-Weighted PageRank Method with Citation Intensity for Assessing the Recent Publication Productivity and Partners Selection in R&D Collaboration

by Andrii Biloshchytskyi, Oleksandr Kuchanskyi, Aidos Mukhatayev, Yurii Andrashko, Sapar Toxanov, Adil Faizullin and Khanat Kassenov

Publications 2024, 12(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040048 - 13 Dec 2024

Abstract

This article considers the problem of assessing the recent publication productivity of scientists based on PageRank class methods and proposes to use these assessments to solve the problem of selecting scientific partners for R&D projects. The methods of PageRank, Time-Weighted PageRank, and the [...] Read more.

This article considers the problem of assessing the recent publication productivity of scientists based on PageRank class methods and proposes to use these assessments to solve the problem of selecting scientific partners for R&D projects. The methods of PageRank, Time-Weighted PageRank, and the Time-Weighted PageRank method with Citation Intensity (TWPR-CI) were used as a basis for calculating the publication productivity of individual subjects or scientists. For verification, we used the Citation Network Dataset (Ver. 14) of more than 5 million STEM publications with 36 million citations. The dataset is based on data from ACM, DBLP, and Microsoft Academic Graph databases. Only those individual subjects who published at least two articles after 2000, with at least one of these articles cited at least once before 2023 year, were analyzed. Thus, the number of individual subjects was reduced to 1,042,122, and the number of scientific publications was reduced to 2,422,326. For each of the methods, a range of estimates of productivity is indicated, which are obtained as a result and possible options for making decisions on the selection of potential individual subjects as performers of R&D projects. One of the key advantages of the TWPR-CI method is that it gives priority to those researchers who have recently published and been cited frequently in their respective research areas. This ensures that the best potential R&D project executors are selected, which should minimize the impact of subjective factors on this choice. We believe that the proposed concept for selecting potential R&D project partners could help to reduce the risks associated with these projects and facilitate the involvement of the most suitable specialists in the relevant area of knowledge. Full article

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16 pages, 1840 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Transformative Patent Landscape in Saudi Arabia Since the Saudi Vision 2030 Announcement

by Mohammed Abdulfasi

Publications 2024, 12(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040047 - 6 Dec 2024

Abstract

This study analyzes the patent landscape of Saudi Arabia from the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 in late April 2016 to September 2024, utilizing the Patsnap database to evaluate patent grants across various organizations. The findings reveal a gradual increase in patent registrations, [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the patent landscape of Saudi Arabia from the announcement of Saudi Vision 2030 in late April 2016 to September 2024, utilizing the Patsnap database to evaluate patent grants across various organizations. The findings reveal a gradual increase in patent registrations, with Saudi Aramco leading in patent grants, followed by King Faisal University (KFU), King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), and King Abdulaziz University (KAU). SABIC, a prominent industry player in Saudi Arabia, has registered most of its patents using its European Head Office address and holds extensive collaborations with international partners, generating numerous patents. The analysis identifies the top patent offices where KSA organizations seek protection, including the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP), European Patent Office (EPO), the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), and the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. However, the limited number of registrations at the SAIP highlights a need for improvement. The primary application domains encompass borehole/well accessories, measurement devices, organic chemistry, computing, and chemical/physical processes. The landscape reveals that Saudi Aramco and KFUPM focus predominantly on upstream and downstream technologies, while KAU, KFU, and KAUST concentrate on life sciences. Key findings indicate a significant increase in patent activity since the vision announcement, suggesting a growing focus on innovation within Saudi Arabia. However, the concentration of patents among a few major players (Saudi Aramco and SABIC) and the underrepresentation of patents filed with the Saudi Authority of Intellectual Property (SAIP) highlight areas for improvement. This study emphasizes the necessity to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and healthcare research institutions to foster broader participation in innovation and protect novel technologies. This research contributes valuable insights into the current state of patenting activities in Saudi Arabia and outlines opportunities for enhancing the country’s innovation ecosystem. Full article

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17 pages, 581 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactions of Publication Volume, Journal Impact, and Article Processing Charges: Comparative Study of China and Global Practices in Nature Portfolio

by Xinyi Chen

Publications 2024, 12(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040046 - 5 Dec 2024

Abstract

In the commercial realm, the annual publication volume (PUB) significantly influences the business models of article processing charge (APC)-based open access (OA) journals, though it may negatively impact journal reputation. Despite this, the interactions among APC, PUB, and the Journal Citation Indicator (JCI)—a [...] Read more.

In the commercial realm, the annual publication volume (PUB) significantly influences the business models of article processing charge (APC)-based open access (OA) journals, though it may negatively impact journal reputation. Despite this, the interactions among APC, PUB, and the Journal Citation Indicator (JCI)—a key marker of journal reputation—have not been thoroughly examined. The objective of this study is to reveal the interactions among APC, PUB, and JCI, determine if there are differences between the interactions inside and outside of China, and uncover the possible mechanisms enabling dominant publishers to set APC prices without compromising their market position. Through cross-correlation and linear regression analyses, our findings reveal distinct APC business models between China and the rest of the international OA journal landscape. Specifically, while both cases demonstrate a proportional relationship between APC and JCI, China exhibits an inverse relationship between APC and PUB, contrasting with the global trend. This suggests that the business model in China sets an “optimized” PUB for Chinese APC-based OA journals, which would pose challenges for journal management and the expansion of the domestic APC-based OA market volume. In the rest of the international context, by contrast, the business model supports a proactive annual increase in APC list prices driven by the proportional relationships between APC and PUB. These insights underscore the need for more nuanced APC business models that can adapt to regional variations in funder requirements and policy expectations. Full article

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21 pages, 6523 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Race Against Time for the Enhancement of African National Strategic Plans in the Neuroblastoma Research Heterogeneity

by Mmei Cheryl Motshudi, Clarissa Marcelle Naidoo and Nqobile Monate Mkolo

Publications 2024, 12(4), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040045 - 3 Dec 2024

Abstract

The valuation of neuroblastoma research heterogeneity at African country level is unspecified. Therefore, the study assesses the heterogeneity of neuroblastoma research in 54 African countries and develops recommendations for national cancer-control plans. Metadata of peer-reviewed scientific publications allied to African neuroblastoma research were [...] Read more.

The valuation of neuroblastoma research heterogeneity at African country level is unspecified. Therefore, the study assesses the heterogeneity of neuroblastoma research in 54 African countries and develops recommendations for national cancer-control plans. Metadata of peer-reviewed scientific publications allied to African neuroblastoma research were retrieved from the Web of Science™ Core Collection Database for bibliometric analysis. Comprehensive science mapping analysis and statistical analyses were performed with bibliometric online platform² and GraphPad Prism v. 10.2.3. This study revealed that African countries focused the neuroblastoma research publications mainly on the sustainable development goal of good health and well-being. The dominating research area in Africa is oncology followed by pharmacology. Only 26 of 54 African countries were accountable for total neuroblastoma research in Africa, with South Africa and Egypt contributing 61% of the whole continent’s neuroblastoma research. Egypt, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, and Nigeria are the five most active African countries, and they are funded by different funding agencies internationally and domestically. The collected analysed data of this study draws special attention to heterogeneity and enduring upward correlating trajectory of Africa’s neuroblastoma publication numbers, their citations, acquired funds, and countries’ cooperation. Furthermore, this heterogeneity finding flags the necessity of developing a comprehensive strategic plan and implementation to cultivate neuroblastoma research as a fundamental part of each African country’s national cancer control plans. Full article

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14 pages, 267 KiB

Open AccessArticle

When Policy Meets Practice: Evaluating Breaking Five-Only Policy Through Academic Production in China

by Yang Gao and Xiaochen Wang

Publications 2024, 12(4), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12040044 - 2 Dec 2024

Abstract

Tensions between policies and practices have long been studied. When the Breaking Five-Only Policy was issued in October 2020 in China, it was a cause for controversy and debate among scholars and educators. Take the publications-only or S/SCI paper supremacy policy, for example; [...] Read more.

Tensions between policies and practices have long been studied. When the Breaking Five-Only Policy was issued in October 2020 in China, it was a cause for controversy and debate among scholars and educators. Take the publications-only or S/SCI paper supremacy policy, for example; the proposed policy encourages scholars and educators to publish their papers in domestic journals instead of international or S/SCI-indexed journals. However, scholars and educators have reported that it is even more challenging to publish in domestic journals for various reasons. We thus examined this dilemma by comparing journal metrics of 12 Chinese journals and 12 English ones in the same field. Specifically, we studied how academic publications had been measured in terms of statistics and parameters, including the title ranks, funds, and university ranks of the authors, typically in the Chinese context. We set up different hypotheses, analyzed the data, reported the quantitative findings, and tested the proposed hypotheses. Then, we discussed our results and argued that coercive and authoritarian accountability, quantity over quality, and ever-increased involution are major forces that drive the audit culture with regard to academic performance in the Chinese context. We concluded the paper with hidden tensions between the policy and reality and advocated for continued efforts for policy implementation and reform. Full article

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

Cited by 1

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

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

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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