Publications

22 pages, 677 KB

Open AccessReview

Research on Diamond Open Access in the Long Shadow of Science Policy

by Niels Taubert

Publications 2026, 14(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010020 - 19 Mar 2026

Viewed by 852

This review paper reviews research literature on Diamond Open Access (DOA) journals—sometimes also called Platinum Open Access—that was produced after this journal segment started to become a priority in European research policy around 2020. It contextualizes the current science policy debate, critically examines [...] Read more.

This review paper reviews research literature on Diamond Open Access (DOA) journals—sometimes also called Platinum Open Access—that was produced after this journal segment started to become a priority in European research policy around 2020. It contextualizes the current science policy debate, critically examines different understandings of DOA, and reviews studies on the role of such journals in scholarly communication. Most existing research consists of quantitative studies focusing on aspects such as the number of DOA journals, their publication output, the diversity of the landscape in terms of subject areas, languages, publishing entities, indexing in major databases, awareness and perception among scholars, cost analyses, as well as insights into the internal operations of DOA journals. The review shows that research on DOA journals is partly influenced by the science policy discourse in at least two ways: first, through the normativity inherent in that discourse, and second, through the temporality of policy-driven research of practical relevance, which leaves important aspects of the phenomenon understudied. Moreover, research on the DOA journal landscape has implications beyond understanding this particular journal segment, as it also challenges established views of the global system of scholarly communication. Full article

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

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24 pages, 2081 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research on Large Language Model-Based Bibliographic Cataloging Agent in the CNMARC Context

by Zhuoxi Tan, Xin Yang, Qinyu Chen and Tao Chen

Publications 2026, 14(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010019 - 18 Mar 2026

Viewed by 866

Abstract

To address the efficiency and cost limitations of traditional manual cataloging, this study proposes a large language model-driven automated cataloging workflow in which the Metadata Extraction Agent (MEA), Description Cataloging Agent (DCA), Subject Analysis & Indexing Agent (SAIA), and Quality Control Agent (QCA) [...] Read more.

To address the efficiency and cost limitations of traditional manual cataloging, this study proposes a large language model-driven automated cataloging workflow in which the Metadata Extraction Agent (MEA), Description Cataloging Agent (DCA), Subject Analysis & Indexing Agent (SAIA), and Quality Control Agent (QCA) collaborate to perform cataloging tasks. Experiments are conducted using a dataset of over 33,000 CNMARC bibliographic records from a University Library, together with data from the Chinese Library Classification (5th edition). Meanwhile, the agent-based workflow framework directly employs large language models without additional enhancement techniques, thereby providing a useful experimental benchmark for evaluating future AI-assisted cataloging systems. The results show that the framework performs well in metadata recognition, bibliographic description, and macro-level classification tasks, and can relatively stably generate standardized records. However, limitations remain in fine-grained semantic indexing and the interpretation of complex contexts. Therefore, in light of the capability limitations revealed by the experimental results, the study argues that fully automated end-to-end cataloging relying solely on generative AI is not yet entirely feasible. Future improvements should integrate techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation, supervised fine-tuning, and structured reasoning prompts, while establishing traceable mechanisms to enhance the reliability of intelligent cataloging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Overview on Today’s AI Tools for Authors)

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18 pages, 1029 KB

Open AccessArticle

Research with Epistemology: Are We Really Following the Scientific Method?

by Diego Lara-Haro, Alexander Haro-Sarango, Patricia López-Fraga and Angel Esquivel-Valverde

Publications 2026, 14(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010018 - 7 Mar 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

Epistemology underpins the scientific method by clarifying what counts as knowledge, which forms of evidence are admissible, and how procedures can legitimately support conclusions. Under accelerated publishing conditions, these assumptions are often left implicit, which can weaken the inferential coherence of peer-reviewed manuscripts. [...] Read more.

Epistemology underpins the scientific method by clarifying what counts as knowledge, which forms of evidence are admissible, and how procedures can legitimately support conclusions. Under accelerated publishing conditions, these assumptions are often left implicit, which can weaken the inferential coherence of peer-reviewed manuscripts. This study aimed to model reviewers’ perceived epistemological deficiencies as a multidimensional construct with an overarching global component. A 14-item instrument covering four latent domains was administered to 183 peer reviewers from a Latin American academic network. A second-order structural equation model was estimated using SEM with DWLS (lavaan). The model showed excellent fit (CFI ≈ 1.00; RMSEA = 0.000; SRMR = 0.033) and strong factor loadings, indicating a coherent global factor alongside distinct domain-specific components. Reviewers’ accumulated experience was positively associated with the global factor (β = 0.047; p = 0.013), whereas the recent volume of reviews was not statistically significant (p = 0.254). These results suggest that epistemological scrutiny may reflect more stable evaluative competencies than short-term reviewing activity. The instrument can inform editorial rubrics and reviewer training aimed at strengthening problem–theory–method coherence and reflexive methodological justification. Because the measure captures perceptions within a single regional network, further validation across disciplines and cultural contexts is recommended. Full article

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20 pages, 602 KB

Open AccessArticle

Policies and Guidelines for the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Latin American Journals Indexed in Scopus and Classified According to the Scimago Journal Rank (SJR)

by Cristian Zahn-Muñoz, Patricio Viancos-González, Nancy Alarcón-Henríquez, Bastián Aravena-Niño and Ezequiel Martínez-Rojas

Publications 2026, 14(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010017 - 6 Mar 2026

Viewed by 936

Abstract

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools in scientific production is generating significant challenges for scientific integrity and editorial governance, prompting journals and publishers to develop normative guidelines for their use. This study analyzes the current state of guideline implementation among Latin American journals [...] Read more.

The emergence of artificial intelligence tools in scientific production is generating significant challenges for scientific integrity and editorial governance, prompting journals and publishers to develop normative guidelines for their use. This study analyzes the current state of guideline implementation among Latin American journals indexed in Scopus and classified according to the Scimago Journal Rank (SJR). A quantitative approach was adopted, complemented by a descriptive documentary analysis based on a detailed review of the websites of 1119 journals from 17 Latin American countries. The collected data were systematized using Excel and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results indicate that only 27.2% of journals have explicit guidelines on the use of artificial intelligence, with a predominantly regulatory rather than punitive orientation that prioritizes technical support while restricting practices that compromise human intellectual control. Additionally, statistically significant differences were identified according to quality indicators, showing that journals with higher quality levels are more likely to have such guidelines. Overall, the findings reveal an incipient and heterogeneous regulatory development, underscoring the need to strengthen and harmonize editorial guidelines on artificial intelligence in order to safeguard transparency, clarify the responsibilities of the actors involved in the production and publication process, and protect the integrity of scientific communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Academic Metrics and Impact Analysis)

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19 pages, 494 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Open Data Research in Spain Published via the Diamond Route: A Systematic Review

by Ricardo Curto-Rodríguez, Alberto Leal-Matilla, Daniel Ferrández and Rafael Marcos-Sánchez

Publications 2026, 14(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010016 - 3 Mar 2026

Viewed by 845

Abstract

In the information society, open data is an important resource for creating economic value. This study conducts a systematic review, following the PRISMA methodology, of articles published between 2000 and 2025 in Scopus and Web of Science that include the terms Open Data [...] Read more.

In the information society, open data is an important resource for creating economic value. This study conducts a systematic review, following the PRISMA methodology, of articles published between 2000 and 2025 in Scopus and Web of Science that include the terms Open Data and Spain (in Spanish or English) in their title and/or abstract, with the aim of assessing how Law 37/2007 on the reuse of public sector information has influenced the publications analyzed. After identifying 240 articles in Scopus and 109 in Web of Science and applying the exclusion criteria, we observe that 37 studies use the Diamond Open-Access publishing route. The results are organized into four categories corresponding to the research questions, which represent a meaningful theoretical contribution and enhance current knowledge on open data research in Spain. The identification of obstacles to the effective use of open data—such as the lack of standardization, poor information quality, and the vague definition of reuse conditions—entails practical implications of significant value for managers of open data portals seeking to improve their initiatives. Full article

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

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20 pages, 2134 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Trajectories of the Global Innovation Index and Its Bibliometric Footprint: From the Global Level to Ecuador and Peru

by Alexander Haro-Sarango, Silvia Cachay-Salcedo, Julián Coronel-Reyes, Jessica Saavedra-Vasconez, Elizabeth Proaño-Altamirano and Rosa Salcedo-Dávalos

Publications 2026, 14(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010015 - 24 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1364

Abstract

This article examines how the Global Innovation Index (GII) has become the dominant technical language for assessing and legitimizing countries’ innovation performance, and what this implies for middle-income economies such as Ecuador and Peru. We conduct a systematic review of 89 Scopus-indexed studies, [...] Read more.

This article examines how the Global Innovation Index (GII) has become the dominant technical language for assessing and legitimizing countries’ innovation performance, and what this implies for middle-income economies such as Ecuador and Peru. We conduct a systematic review of 89 Scopus-indexed studies, combining bibliometrics with natural language processing of abstracts. The results reveal a largely optimistic discourse that frames innovation as a national, systemic construct—structured around institutions, human capital, infrastructure, market and business sophistication—while relying heavily on standardized GII metrics. Topic modeling and sentiment analysis show limited critical scrutiny of the index itself. The comparative analysis of Ecuador and Peru highlights persistent gaps between innovation inputs and outputs, with Peru leading in human capital and markets but lagging in business sophistication, and Ecuador constrained by institutional and market weaknesses. We argue that the GII should be used as a diagnostic and reform tool, not merely as a reputational ranking. Full article

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20 pages, 877 KB

Open AccessArticle

Legal Literacy and Institutional Barriers to the Digital Transformation of Libraries in Kazakhstan: A Comparative Study of Academic and Public Libraries

by Danakul Seitimbetova, Kalima Tuyenbayeva, Darukhan Karzhaubayeva, Naim Ürkmez and Galiya Ibrayeva

Publications 2026, 14(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010014 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1015

Abstract

Digital transformation of libraries is a key driver of the development of scholarly communication, open access, and knowledge management; however, its sustainability largely depends on institutional and legal conditions. This study examines the level of legal literacy among library professionals and the institutional [...] Read more.

Digital transformation of libraries is a key driver of the development of scholarly communication, open access, and knowledge management; however, its sustainability largely depends on institutional and legal conditions. This study examines the level of legal literacy among library professionals and the institutional barriers affecting the digital transformation of academic and public libraries in the Republic of Kazakhstan. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining a quantitative online survey of library professionals with a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses provided by library managers. The findings indicate that, despite a relatively high level of basic digital skills, legal literacy related to copyright, licensing, and open access remains insufficiently institutionalized. Significant differences were identified between academic and public libraries, reflecting variations in their institutional missions and managerial priorities. Based on the interpretation of empirical results and their comparison with international literature, the study proposes a conceptual model of digital–legal transformation of libraries that integrates digital competencies, legal literacy, and institutional support mechanisms. Additionally, a phased roadmap is developed to support the sustainable implementation of open-access practices and the development of institutional repositories within a nascent open science ecosystem. The study’s results inform the development of institutional digital strategies for libraries and contribute to the design of professional development programs for library staff. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic Libraries in Supporting Research)

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26 pages, 1219 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

A Systematic Review of Arts Practice-Based Research Abstracts from Small and/or Specialist Institutions

by Samantha Broadhead, Henry Gonnet and Marianna Tsionki

Publications 2026, 14(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010013 - 12 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1259

Abstract

Through this qualitative systematic review, the authors ask the following: To what extent is the 300-word abstract fit for purpose in representing art and design practice-based research outputs on small and/or specialist institutional repositories? The abstract is an important part of the metadata [...] Read more.

Through this qualitative systematic review, the authors ask the following: To what extent is the 300-word abstract fit for purpose in representing art and design practice-based research outputs on small and/or specialist institutional repositories? The abstract is an important part of the metadata when an Arts Practice-Based Output (APBO) is deposited on a repository. APBOs are non-traditional item types resulting from creative/artistic research processes. Examples include exhibitions, artefacts and digital videos. Little is known about how effectively these abstracts communicate research processes and insights across the art and design sector. This study aims to investigate how well the abstract communicates information about the arts practice-based research through a systematic review of APBOs. The eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review were as follows: APBOs must be from the date range January 2019 to January 2024, be an item type where the 300-word abstract is required, the abstract must be part of the publicly available metadata for the item, and outputs must be practice-based and from the art and design field. The date range (2019–2024) was employed because, during this time, APBOs had gained recognition in the wider research environment. APBOs from the reviewers’ institutional repository were not included in this study to avoid bias that could skew the results of the review. The data repositories from small and/or specialist Higher Education Institutions in the United Kingdom were searched for outputs which appeared to meet the eligibility criteria. These types of institution prioritise and produce more of these output types. A quality tool appropriate for creative/artistic research was applied to the identified dataset of APBOs. The resulting 27 APBOs’ 300-word abstracts were analysed using a thematic approach. Findings suggest that the 300-word abstracts contained information about the quality indicators such as whether the project got funding, the identities of prestigious collaborators and/or dissemination vehicles, and the international recognition of the research. Other identified themes were methodologies, contribution to knowledge, subject matter and item type. Full article

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28 pages, 2193 KB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping One Health and Sustainability from 2007 to 2024: Multi-Period Evolution with Bibliometric and Content Insights from Türkiye’s Oldest Veterinary Journal

by Suzan Yalçın and Sıddika Songül Yalçın

Publications 2026, 14(1), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010012 - 11 Feb 2026

Viewed by 878

Abstract

Background: The One Health framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and is closely linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study conducted a longitudinal bibliometric analysis of the Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi to assess how [...] Read more.

Background: The One Health framework emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health and is closely linked with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study conducted a longitudinal bibliometric analysis of the Ankara Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Dergisi to assess how its scientific output from 2007 to 2024 reflects evolving One Health and sustainability-related research priorities. Methods: A total of 978 records covering the journal’s entire SCI-indexed period were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS). Bibliometric analyses were conducted in R Studio (v4.5.1) using the Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny package. Keyword standardization, synonym harmonization, and clustering were applied to generate keyword co-occurrence networks, thematic maps, and multi-period thematic evolution analyses (2007–2013; 2014–2019; 2020–2024). WoS–SDG tagging was integrated and manually validated to evaluate alignment with sustainability and One Health domains. Results: The analysis revealed a clear thematic transition over time. Early publications focused on classical veterinary and production-oriented topics such as reproduction, physiology, nutrition, and livestock performance. During the mid-period, increasing emphasis was placed on epidemiology, pathogen detection, and antimicrobial resistance. In the most recent period, molecular diagnostics, infectious disease ecology, and environmental health emerged as central clusters. SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) remained dominant but declined from approximately 79% of publications in 2007–2014 to 69% in 2020–2024, while SDG 13 (Climate Action) increased markedly after 2019, reaching mean values around 10%, indicating diversification toward environmental sustainability. The growing integration of diagnostic terms such as Polymerase Chain Reaction, cytokines, and histopathology reflects increasing research capacity and methodological modernization consistent with One Health priorities. Conclusions: The journal has undergone a substantial evolution from a predominantly traditional veterinary focus toward a more integrative, interdisciplinary, and sustainability-oriented research agenda aligned with One Health and SDG frameworks. Full article

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12 pages, 740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Publication Patterns in Engineering: A Quantitative Comparison of Open Access and Subscription-Based Journals

by Luís Eduardo Pilatti, Luiz Alberto Pilatti, Gustavo Dambiski Gomes de Carvalho and Luis Mauricio Martins de Resende

Publications 2026, 14(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010011 - 10 Feb 2026

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Abstract

We compare the publication performance of open-access (OA) and subscription-based (SB) journals in Engineering using journal-level indicators from Scopus (CiteScore 2023 view; data collected on 2 December 2024). We analysed 3013 active Engineering journals with an assigned CiteScore quartile (Q1–Q4, where Q1 denotes [...] Read more.

We compare the publication performance of open-access (OA) and subscription-based (SB) journals in Engineering using journal-level indicators from Scopus (CiteScore 2023 view; data collected on 2 December 2024). We analysed 3013 active Engineering journals with an assigned CiteScore quartile (Q1–Q4, where Q1 denotes the highest CiteScore quartile), of which 770 are labelled OA in Scopus; the remaining journals in each stratum were classified as SB. We stratified journals by CiteScore quartile and by the top 10% CiteScore percentile. We examined four indicators for 2020–2023: CiteScore 2023, total citations, number of published documents, and the percentage of cited articles. Because citation and publication counts are strongly right-skewed, we report medians and use Mann–Whitney tests with effect sizes (Cliff’s delta) and false discovery rate correction; Welch tests on log-transformed counts are used as sensitivity analyses. SB journals exhibit substantially higher citation and document medians across all quartiles and in the top 10% stratum, whereas CiteScore medians are very similar between access models. OA journals represent about one quarter of Engineering journals in Scopus, but remain underrepresented in the top 10% segment (125 of 484). Overall, OA provides a competitive level of impact, while SB titles still dominate accumulated visibility and editorial scale in Engineering. Full article

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16 pages, 891 KB

Open AccessArticle

Supporting the University Research Enterprise via Open Access Publishing: Case Study from a Carnegie Research 2 University

by Rachel Elizabeth Scott

Publications 2026, 14(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010010 - 5 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1222

Abstract

Academic libraries support the mission and vision of their institution; in the case of most universities, this means providing a variety of services and resources in support of the research enterprise. This case study documents one library’s support for open access publishing to [...] Read more.

Academic libraries support the mission and vision of their institution; in the case of most universities, this means providing a variety of services and resources in support of the research enterprise. This case study documents one library’s support for open access publishing to explore how it directly supports the research mission of a Carnegie Research 2 university. By leveraging relationships and investing existing collections resources and workflows—the sequence of decisions and labor through which librarians make scholarly and artistic works discoverable, accessible, and support their preservation—in open access publishing, the library has materially increased the visibility of locally produced scholarship and become a more visible campus collaborator. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic Libraries in Supporting Research)

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9 pages, 176 KB

Open AccessEssay

Interpreting Bibliometric Indicators as the “Blood Tests” of Research Systems

by Tindaro Cicero

Publications 2026, 14(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010009 - 28 Jan 2026

Viewed by 740

Abstract

The increasing emphasis on responsible research assessment has renewed the need for conceptual tools that help communicate the complementary roles of quantitative and qualitative evaluation. This essay proposes an interpretative metaphor that frames bibliometric indicators as the “blood tests” of research systems—heuristic devices [...] Read more.

The increasing emphasis on responsible research assessment has renewed the need for conceptual tools that help communicate the complementary roles of quantitative and qualitative evaluation. This essay proposes an interpretative metaphor that frames bibliometric indicators as the “blood tests” of research systems—heuristic devices that reveal multidimensional aspects of system vitality, balance, and dysfunction. The metaphor, grounded in standard categories of clinical diagnostics (hematological, hepatic, renal, lipidic, and cardiovascular panels), provides an accessible language for scholars and policymakers in research. Each bibliometric technique—ranging from publication and citation counts to patent analysis, altmetrics, and topic modelling—is associated with a diagnostic function such as screening, monitoring, or early risk detection. By linking established principles of responsible metrics (DORA, Leiden Manifesto, Metric Tide, CoARA) with the professionalization of evaluators, the essay situates the metaphor within current debates on bibliometric literacy and the ethical interpretation of indicators. Rather than prescribing metrics or decision rules, the contribution invites reflection on how evaluators can interpret bibliometric signals diagnostically—as contextual evidence for institutional learning, strategic decision-making, and the cultivation of healthy, adaptive research systems. Consistent with the essay format, this contribution does not propose a new evaluative methodology nor empirical validation. Instead, it advances a heuristic and communicative framework intended to emphasize the holistic, contextual, and professionally informed interpretation of quantitative indicators in the evaluation of research activity. Full article

18 pages, 1651 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Penetration of Digital Methods into Historical Scholarship: A Text-Mining Analysis of Russian Publications

by Zinaida Sokova, Valery Kruzhinov and Anna Glazkova

Publications 2026, 14(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010008 - 20 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1098

Abstract

The integration of digital technologies into historical research is a global trend; however, its manifestation varies across national academic traditions. This study investigates the explicit articulation and terminological adoption of digital methods in Russian historical science by analyzing the prevalence and dynamics of [...] Read more.

The integration of digital technologies into historical research is a global trend; however, its manifestation varies across national academic traditions. This study investigates the explicit articulation and terminological adoption of digital methods in Russian historical science by analyzing the prevalence and dynamics of specific technological terms in a large corpus of publications. We first constructed a controlled thesaurus of 166 digital technologies by manually curating keyphrases from Russia’s primary specialized journal in the field (“Istoricheskaya Informatika”, Historical Informatics). This vocabulary was then used to perform text-mining on two distinct corpora: a broad sample of 95K Russian-language history articles from various journals (2004–2024) and a focused sample of publications on the Great Patriotic War History from the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI, 2014–2023). Our quantitative analysis reveals the frequency, trends, and thematic context of digital method mentions. The findings highlight a significant disparity between the specialized discourse of “Istoricheskaya Informatika” and the mainstream historical publications, while also identifying specific areas (such as archaeological studies) where certain technologies have gained traction. This research offers a novel, data-driven perspective on the “digital turn” in Russian historiography and contributes to the comparative study of digital humanities’ global development. Full article

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7 pages, 307 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Seeds Not Trophies: Reflections on a Scholarly Life of Publications

by Chee Kong Yap

Publications 2026, 14(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010007 - 9 Jan 2026

Viewed by 592

Abstract

In 2003, as a young lecturer, I saw research as a craft to be learned, not a tally to be scored [...] Full article

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13 pages, 275 KB

Open AccessEssay

Reviewing Crowdsourcing and Community Engagement in Museums

by Paul Longley Arthur, Lydia Hearn and Isabel Smith

Publications 2026, 14(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010006 - 5 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1218

Abstract

Over the past two decades, museums have increasingly experimented with digital technologies to connect with broader contemporary culture. This review article investigates the role crowdsourcing can play in transforming museums into more engaged environments, raising visibility and inclusivity, and involving diverse voices and [...] Read more.

Over the past two decades, museums have increasingly experimented with digital technologies to connect with broader contemporary culture. This review article investigates the role crowdsourcing can play in transforming museums into more engaged environments, raising visibility and inclusivity, and involving diverse voices and populations in knowledge-creation processes. Its contribution is to provide an overview of the history, definitions and concepts of crowdsourcing, and examples of crowdsourcing policies and practices that have been adopted by museums. Participation in crowdsourcing has been influenced by gender, education, and socio-economic and cultural background. In the past, historical structures and traditions and infrastructural complexities have stood in the way of wider diversity and inclusivity. As museums move increasingly online, the circulation of information outside the museum’s walls is just as important as the specialist knowledge held within. Museums can play a leading role in public communication by reaching those who constitute the ‘crowd’. This paper explores how museums, through strong collaboration and various forms of crowdsourcing, such as citizen science and participatory engagement, can offer more wide-ranging open access for the sharing and democratisation of knowledge. Full article

32 pages, 2901 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Hybrid BWM-GRA-PROMETHEE Framework for Ranking Universities Based on Scientometric Indicators

by Dedy Kurniadi, Rahmat Gernowo and Bayu Surarso

Publications 2026, 14(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010005 - 4 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1382

Abstract

University rankings based on scientometric indicators frequently rely on compensatory aggregation models that allow extreme values to dominate the evaluation, while also remaining sensitive to outliers and unstable weighting procedures. These issues reduce the reliability and interpretability of the resulting rankings. This study [...] Read more.

University rankings based on scientometric indicators frequently rely on compensatory aggregation models that allow extreme values to dominate the evaluation, while also remaining sensitive to outliers and unstable weighting procedures. These issues reduce the reliability and interpretability of the resulting rankings. This study proposes a hybrid BWM–GRA–PROMETHEE (BGP) framework that combines judgement-based weighting Best-Worst Method (BWM), outlier-resistant normalization Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), and a non-compensatory outranking method Preference Ranking Organization Methods for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE II). The framework is applied to an expert-validated set of scientometric indicators to generate more stable and behaviorally grounded rankings. The results show that the proposed method maintains stability under weight and threshold variations and preserves ranking consistency even under outlier-contaminated scenarios. Comparative experiments further demonstrate that BGP is more robust than Additive Ratio Assesment (ARAS), Multi-Attributive Border Approximation Area Comparison (MABAC), and The Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), achieving the highest Spearman. This study contributes a unified evaluation framework that jointly addresses three major methodological challenges in scientometric ranking, outlier sensitivity, compensatory effects, and instability from data-dependent weighting. By resolving these issues within a single integrated model, the proposed BGP approach offers a more reliable and methodologically rigorous foundation for researchers and policymakers seeking to evaluate and enhance research performance. Full article

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9 pages, 374 KB

Open AccessCommentary

The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for Assessing the Quality of Studies in Systematic Reviews

by Emanuela Gualdi-Russo and Luciana Zaccagni

Publications 2026, 14(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010004 - 1 Jan 2026

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 17516

Abstract

Secondary research is a cornerstone of health sciences, with substantial implications for clinical practice and health policy. Within the systematic review process, a key step is assessing study quality and risk of bias. Among the tools available for evaluating observational studies, the Newcastle–Ottawa [...] Read more.

Secondary research is a cornerstone of health sciences, with substantial implications for clinical practice and health policy. Within the systematic review process, a key step is assessing study quality and risk of bias. Among the tools available for evaluating observational studies, the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS) holds a prominent position and is widely applied in medical research. However, ambiguities and excessive subjectivity have been noted in its application. In this commentary, we discuss the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale guidelines, providing illustrative examples and practical recommendations for completing its items. Improving the accuracy of risk-of-bias assessment is crucial for enhancing the reliability of data synthesis and interpretation in the health sciences. Full article

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17 pages, 2690 KB

Open AccessArticle

Academic Libraries as Partners in Data Literacy Education—An Explorative Case Study

by Simone Fühles-Ubach, Elisabeth Kaliva and Martina Echtenbruck

Publications 2026, 14(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010003 - 1 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1121

Abstract

The concept of the ‘teaching library’, which originated in the Anglo-American world, describes all activities of libraries in the field of promoting information, media, and data literacy, as well as other skills in dealing with analog and digital media. Although data literacy is [...] Read more.

The concept of the ‘teaching library’, which originated in the Anglo-American world, describes all activities of libraries in the field of promoting information, media, and data literacy, as well as other skills in dealing with analog and digital media. Although data literacy is explicitly mentioned in this definition, many training courses in academic libraries seem to focus more on promoting library use, information, and media literacy. Given that the creation of data management plans, along with the indexing, storage, and reuse of research data, have become standard elements of the research process, this article discusses the growing importance of academic libraries in teaching data literacy. It presents a modular course framework, developed in exchange with the university library, as a reusable model for data literacy education. The primary objective is to introduce this framework and illustrate its application; preliminary, exploratory insights from a self-assessment survey are provided to support this presentation. The limited participant count in the pre- and post-evaluations restricts the statistical generalizability of the findings but provides a solid empirical impression of the effectiveness of the course format. Results indicate substantial learning progress in fields where academic libraries have proven expertise. The main conclusion is that such library-integrated interdisciplinary courses provide a valuable framework for data literacy education and highlight strategic areas for library involvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Academic Libraries in Supporting Research)

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16 pages, 604 KB

Open AccessArticle

Editorial Predictors of the Discontinuation of Open Access Scientific Journals in Scopus: An Analysis from DOAJ

by Jean Paul Simon Castillo-Nuñez, Carlos Alberto Minchon-Medina, Angie Clemente-Vega, Nohelia Rosa Vallenas-Aroni, Marile Lozano-Lozano and Myriam Báez-Sepúlveda

Publications 2026, 14(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010002 - 1 Jan 2026

Viewed by 1610

Abstract

Open access (OA) has expanded scholarly publishing, yet concerns remain about the sustainability of journals indexed in selective databases. This study analyzes editorial predictors of discontinuation among 8730 journals simultaneously registered in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and indexed in Scopus, [...] Read more.

Open access (OA) has expanded scholarly publishing, yet concerns remain about the sustainability of journals indexed in selective databases. This study analyzes editorial predictors of discontinuation among 8730 journals simultaneously registered in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and indexed in Scopus, including 58 (0.66%) discontinued titles as of June 2025 (latest available update at the time of data extraction). The analyses revealed that a journal’s history of prior discontinuation was the strongest and most consistent predictor of future instability, confirming that discontinuation follows a path-dependent pattern rather than isolated events. Financial structure also played a decisive role: journals applying other editorial fees beyond standard article processing charges (APCs) were nearly four times more likely to experience discontinuation (IRR = 3.877, p = 0.048), while those following standardized APC models showed a protective but non-significant tendency (IRR = 0.378, p = 0.084). Journal age exhibited a modest yet significant positive effect (IRR = 1.032, p = 0.031), suggesting that older titles face a gradual accumulation of risk over time. By contrast, editorial practices such as plagiarism detection, waiver policies, and turnaround time showed no significant association. Overall, the findings indicate that discontinuation in Scopus-indexed OA journals is statistically associated with historical trajectories, financial transparency, and governance capacity, rather than by routine editorial procedures. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Human–AI Complementarity in Peer Review: Empirical Analysis of PeerJ Data and Design of an Efficient Collaborative Review Framework

by Zhihe Yang, Xiaoyu Zhou, Yuxin Jiang, Xinjie Zhang, Qihui Gao, Yanzhu Lu and Anqi Yang

Publications 2026, 14(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications14010001 - 19 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2142

Abstract

In response to the persistent imbalance between the rapid expansion of scholarly publishing and the constrained availability of qualified reviewers, an empirical investigation was conducted to examine the feasibility and boundary conditions of employing Large Language Models (LLMs) in journal peer review. A [...] Read more.

In response to the persistent imbalance between the rapid expansion of scholarly publishing and the constrained availability of qualified reviewers, an empirical investigation was conducted to examine the feasibility and boundary conditions of employing Large Language Models (LLMs) in journal peer review. A parallel corpus of 493 pairs of human expert reviews and GPT-4o-generated reviews was constructed from the open peer-review platform PeerJ Computer Science. Analytical techniques, including keyword co-occurrence analysis, sentiment and subjectivity assessment, syntactic complexity measurement, and n-gram distributional entropy analysis, were applied to compare cognitive patterns, evaluative tendencies, and thematic coverage between human and AI reviewers. The results indicate that human and AI reviews exhibit complementary functional orientations. Human reviewers were observed to provide integrative and socially contextualized evaluations, while AI reviews emphasized structural verification and internal consistency, especially regarding the correspondence between abstracts and main texts. Contrary to the assumption of excessive leniency, GPT-4o-generated reviews demonstrated higher critical density and functional rigor, maintaining substantial topical alignment with human feedback. Based on these findings, a collaborative human–AI review framework is proposed, in which AI systems are positioned as analytical assistants that conduct structured verification prior to expert evaluation. Such integration is expected to enhance the efficiency, consistency, and transparency of the peer-review process and to promote the sustainable development of scholarly communication. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AI in Academic Metrics and Impact Analysis)

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