Publications

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

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

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

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

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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6 pages, 164 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Format-Free Submissions in Psychology-Related Journals

by Geoff G. Cole, Ellie Benfield and Steven Samuel

Publications 2024, 12(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030029 - 19 Sep 2024

Abstract

Scientists have a duty to spend their time, and hence public money, in an efficient manner. One particularly wasteful task concerns the formatting of articles submitted to academic journals. Around a decade or so ago some academics began to challenge this inefficiency and [...] Read more.

Scientists have a duty to spend their time, and hence public money, in an efficient manner. One particularly wasteful task concerns the formatting of articles submitted to academic journals. Around a decade or so ago some academics began to challenge this inefficiency and a small number of articles have been published advocating for change. There has, however, been little progress, particularly within psychology. In the present article, we advocate for what is sometimes referred to as the Format-Free Submission. In order to quantify progression, we also examined a sample (n = 500) of psychology-related journals to determine which offer this. Results showed that only 73 (i.e., 14.6%) have formatting requirements that are relatively flexible for initial submissions. We suggest that the current system within psychology publishing is unethical, in that it wastes a huge amount of taxpayers’ money, and that change is needed. Full article

13 pages, 852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Policy Efficacy in Higher Education: A Synthetic Control Analysis of Ecuador’s Higher Education Law on Research Productivity

by Patricio Álvarez-Munoz, Marco Faytong-Haro, Dennis Alfredo Peralta Gamboa, Angelo Marcos Aviles Valenzuela and Fernando Pacheco-Olea

Publications 2024, 12(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030028 - 15 Sep 2024

Abstract

Background: This paper investigates the impact of Ecuador’s Ley Orgánica de Educación Superior (LOES), enacted in 2010, which mandated comprehensive reforms in higher education. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether the implementation of the LOES has led to a [...] Read more.

Background: This paper investigates the impact of Ecuador’s Ley Orgánica de Educación Superior (LOES), enacted in 2010, which mandated comprehensive reforms in higher education. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine whether the implementation of the LOES has led to a significant increase in academic publications in Ecuador, thereby contributing to sustainable educational practices and aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this context, sustainability refers to the ongoing capacity of higher education institutions to generate research that contributes to the long-term development of knowledge, aligns with global sustainability goals, and ensures educational practices that are responsive to societal needs. Methods: Using a synthetic control method, this study evaluates the impact of the LOES on the number of academic publications recorded in Scopus. A synthetic control consisting of data from countries with similar educational and economic profiles serves as a counterfactual to Ecuador’s situation. Results: Before the LOES, the average annual number of publications was stable at 253.4 per year. Post-2010, this number surged, reaching an average of 3645.84 publications per year, representing a 358.41% increase. By 2023, the actual number of publications in Ecuador rose to approximately 6584, significantly surpassing the synthetic control estimate of 1431 publications. Conclusions: The findings confirm that the LOES has been effective in increasing research output and advancing educational sustainability in Ecuador. This analysis not only contributes to the literature on the impact of educational policies but also demonstrates the utility of synthetic control methods in assessing policy effectiveness, underscoring the potential of targeted interventions to promote academic excellence and sustainability in education. Full article

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20 pages, 4425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

ISO Standards in Healthcare Organizations: Research Evolution and Trends from a Bibliometric Analysis

by Jazmín Eliana Villa-Gallón, Jorge Alberto Valencia-Bernal and Yeison Alberto Garcés-Gómez

Publications 2024, 12(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030027 - 9 Sep 2024

Abstract

This study provides an overview of trends and evolution in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) implementation in healthcare over the past three decades, useful for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the sector. As an additional contribution, we propose the NU-index, which allows the [...] Read more.

This study provides an overview of trends and evolution in International Organization for Standardization (ISO) implementation in healthcare over the past three decades, useful for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in the sector. As an additional contribution, we propose the NU-index, which allows the evaluation of authors’ scientific output in a comprehensive way that will be valuable for researchers, institutions, and funding agencies seeking to assess researcher performance more accurately and understandably. A bibliometric analysis of 476 scientific articles from the Scopus Database was conducted, examining the scientific output, key authors, high-impact journals, and frequent keywords using VOSviewer, Bibliometrix library, and statistical analysis. Results reveal a significant increase in publications on ISO standards in healthcare since 2009, particularly in areas such as telemedicine, artificial intelligence, and information security. The emergence of ISO 11073 (health informatics) and ISO 13606 (electronic health records) highlights a growing trend towards information and communication technologies. Despite reported implementation barriers, such as lack of top management commitment and associated costs, adoption of these standards is increasing due to the demand for high-quality healthcare services and the need to comply with regulatory requirements. Full article

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8 pages, 1283 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

FAIR as a Journey: Lessons Learned from Building the GoTriple Discovery Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities

by Luca De Santis

Publications 2024, 12(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030026 - 29 Aug 2024

Abstract

This report describes the experience in implementing the FAIR principles for the GoTriple Discovery Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). It shows how adherence to FAIR should be considered as a continuous process throughout the entire lifespan of any information management system, [...] Read more.

This report describes the experience in implementing the FAIR principles for the GoTriple Discovery Platform for Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH). It shows how adherence to FAIR should be considered as a continuous process throughout the entire lifespan of any information management system, including GoTriple, rather than a static goal with decisions only made at the design time. This report presents an introduction highlighting the importance of the FAIR principles, indicating how they can be assessed in data management systems. Then, the GoTriple case is presented, with a general overview of this discovery platform before describing some of the implemented practices in support of FAIR. The Discussion Section shows, on the one hand, some virtuous reuse of GoTriple data, together with one major pitfall in the platform’s FAIR implementation. In this sense, this report serves as a case study that can offer insights and actionable advice for those implementing information systems aligned, from the very outset, with the FAIR principles. 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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18 pages, 3467 KiB

Open AccessReview

Beyond Keywords: Effective Strategies for Building Consistent Reference Lists in Scientific Research

by Hisham Abusaada and Abeer Elshater

Publications 2024, 12(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030025 - 27 Aug 2024

Abstract

Critical to navigating research literature is ensuring the inclusion of relevant sources while filtering out irrelevant ones. Selecting suitable references demands careful attention and methodological rigor. This review article presents a systematic approach consisting of 11 sequential steps for constructing a reference list, [...] Read more.

Critical to navigating research literature is ensuring the inclusion of relevant sources while filtering out irrelevant ones. Selecting suitable references demands careful attention and methodological rigor. This review article presents a systematic approach consisting of 11 sequential steps for constructing a reference list, ranging from broad initial searches to excluding irrelevant references. It emphasizes refining methodologies to develop a coherent list of references aligned with the study’s scope, bolstering the knowledge base, and facilitating subsequent analyses. Urban planners and designers can apply these steps in database searches to create robust reference lists, thereby enhancing the quality and reliability of their research and ensuring future adaptability. Full article

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10 pages, 476 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

It Takes a Village! Editorship, Advocacy, and Research in Running an Open Access Data Journal

by Mandy Wigdorowitz, Marton Ribary, Andrea Farina, Eleonora Lima, Daniele Borkowski, Paola Marongiu, Amanda H. Sorensen, Christelle Timis and Barbara McGillivray

Publications 2024, 12(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030024 - 13 Aug 2024

Abstract

Partaking in the editorial process of an academic journal is both a challenging and rewarding experience. It takes a village of dedicated individuals with a vested interest in the dissemination and sharing of high-quality research outputs. As members of the editorial team of [...] Read more.

Partaking in the editorial process of an academic journal is both a challenging and rewarding experience. It takes a village of dedicated individuals with a vested interest in the dissemination and sharing of high-quality research outputs. As members of the editorial team of an open access data journal, we reflect on the emergence of data-driven open research, a new journal genre (data paper), and a new journal type (data journal) in the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (AHSS). Access to data—the currency of empirical research—is valuable to the research community, crucial to scientific integrity, and leads to cumulative advancements in knowledge. It therefore requires significant investment and appropriate venues for dissemination. We illustrate the necessity of raising awareness about data-driven open research and best practices in data-driven publishing. We discuss how it involves building a community of authors and readers, establishing a company of editors, reviewers, and support staff, and passing on the practice, which has been challenging the status quo in research and publishing. Potential future directions are considered, including data peer review and reward, recognition, and funding structures for data sharing. Full article

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11 pages, 408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Trials Gone Missing—A Potential Source for Publication Bias in Dentistry

by Justin Tomack, Kathleen Mascardo, Chia-Yu Chen, Tony Chen, Xihao Li, David M. Kim and Eli E. Machtei

Publications 2024, 12(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030023 - 30 Jul 2024

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to examine publication bias associated with a failure to report research results of studies that were initially posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and to examine factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: A search was conducted in [...] Read more.

Background: The aim of this study was to examine publication bias associated with a failure to report research results of studies that were initially posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov registry and to examine factors associated with this phenomenon. Methods: A search was conducted in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry using six dental-related topics. Corresponding publications for trials completed between 2016 and 2019 were then searched using PUBMED, EMBASE and Google Scholar. For studies lacking matching publications, we emailed the primary investigator and received some additional data. For included studies, we recorded additional variables: industry funding, site setting (academic, private research facilities or private practice), design (single or multi-center), geographical location and commencement date vis a vis registration and publication dates. Results: A total of 744 entries were found, of which 7 duplicates were removed; an additional 67 entries just recently completed were removed. An additional 7 studies were in different fields and thus removed. Thus, 663 trials were included; of these, only 337 studies (50.8%) were published. The mean registration to publication interval was 29.01 ± 25.7 months, ranging from +142 to −34 months (post factum registration). Less than 1/3 of the studies were posted prior to commencement, of which much smaller proportions were published (37.3%). Studies that were posted after commencement (n = 462) had a much higher publication rate (56.7%), p < 0.001. Multi-center studies and those conducted in commercial facilities had much higher, though non-significant, publication rates (56.5% and 58.3%, respectively). Conclusions: With only half of the studies registered being published, a major source for publication bias is imminent. Full article

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11 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bibliometric Analysis of Papers Dealing with Dental Videos on YouTube

by Andy Wai Kan Yeung, Maima Matin, Michel Edwar Mickael, Sybille Behrens, Dalibor Hrg, Michał Ławiński, Fabian Peter Hammerle and Atanas G. Atanasov

Publications 2024, 12(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030022 - 25 Jul 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis to discover what topics of dental YouTube videos have been investigated by the scientific literature, and evaluate how video characteristics were related to citation count. The Scopus electronic literature database was accessed [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis to discover what topics of dental YouTube videos have been investigated by the scientific literature, and evaluate how video characteristics were related to citation count. The Scopus electronic literature database was accessed to identify relevant papers. After screening, a total of 128 papers entered the analysis. The bibliographic data were provided by Scopus, whereas content evaluations were manually performed. Most papers evaluated videos recorded in English (85.9%). Each of the 128 papers analyzed a mean (±SD) of 79.2 ± 61.6 videos. Mean journal impact factor was 1.8 ± 1.4, and mean citation count was 13.0 ± 22.4. The preference for publication of papers was inclined towards dental journals (80.5%), with the majority (54.7%) being published without open access. Papers dealing with videos targeting patients/public had higher citations than those targeting dental professionals only (14.1 ± 23.4 vs. 4.0 ± 6.3, p < 0.001). The most represented as well as the most highly cited specialty of the dental YouTube publications was oral and maxillofacial surgery/oral medicine. Some twin or triplet studies published in the same year covering the same topic were identified, but they often covered a different number of videos. Full article

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13 pages, 251 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Exploratory Comparative Analysis of Librarians’ Views on AI Support for Learning Experiences, Lifelong Learning, and Digital Literacy in Malaysia and Indonesia

by Fitri Mutia, Mohamad Noorman Masrek, Mohammad Fazli Baharuddin, Shamila Mohamed Shuhidan, Tri Soesantari, Helmy Prasetyo Yuwinanto and Ragil Tri Atmi

Publications 2024, 12(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030021 - 19 Jul 2024

Abstract

Various articles suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries can enhance the learning experience, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen digital literacy. However, it is unclear if practicing librarians agree with these benefits. Malaysia and Indonesia, neighboring countries with similar library practices, may have [...] Read more.

Various articles suggest that artificial intelligence (AI) in libraries can enhance the learning experience, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen digital literacy. However, it is unclear if practicing librarians agree with these benefits. Malaysia and Indonesia, neighboring countries with similar library practices, may have differing or similar views on AI support for learning, lifelong learning, and digital literacy. To this effect, this study was conducted with the aim of assessing librarian perspectives on the support provided by AI in enhancing learning experiences, fostering lifelong learning, and advancing digital literacy initiatives. Additionally, it seeks to compare these perspectives between Malaysia and Indonesia. Using a survey research methodology and an online questionnaire as the data collection technique, the results of the analysis showed that librarians assessed the AI support for learning experiences, lifelong learning, and digital literacy favorably. It was also found that there was no significant difference in the assessments of librarians from these two countries. The contribution of this study is that it has provided empirical evidence regarding AI support in libraries, and developed a scale or measurement for assessing AI support for learning experiences, lifelong learning, and digital literacy. This instrument can be used as a guide when it comes to investing in AI technologies for libraries. Full article

29 pages, 826 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Practices and Attitudes of the Research and Teaching Staff at the University of Split about the Online Encyclopedia Wikipedia

by Mirko Duić

Publications 2024, 12(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030020 - 11 Jul 2024

Abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the practices and attitudes of the research and teaching staff at the University of Split (Croatia) about the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. The method of a questionnaire-based survey was used to gain insights related to this [...] Read more.

The goal of this study was to investigate the practices and attitudes of the research and teaching staff at the University of Split (Croatia) about the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. The method of a questionnaire-based survey was used to gain insights related to this topic. During February 2024, the survey was completed by 226 respondents. The results show that almost all respondents read Wikipedia articles and believe that the level of their accuracy is quite high. Almost half of the respondents strongly agree with the statement that it would be desirable for faculty staff to write Wikipedia articles with the aim of spreading knowledge about topics from their professional fields. However, a very small number of respondents participated in writing articles for Wikipedia. Also, the respondents answered that to them, the greatest motivations to write articles on Wikipedia would be if this activity were evaluated for the advancement to a higher work position and the correction of errors in Wikipedia articles. It was also found that most respondents are not very familiar with how Wikipedia works or how to add new content to it. These and other insights from this study can be used to conceive and initiate various activities that can contribute to greater participation of scientific and teaching staff of higher education institutions in writing quality content on Wikipedia, as well as activities that can contribute to a better familiarization with the principles and procedures to write and enhance its content. Other research methods, such as interviews with scientific and teaching staff of higher education institutions, could be used to acquire further, more detailed answers related to this topic. 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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7 pages, 747 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Towards an All-Ireland Diamond Open Access Publishing Platform: The PublishOA.ie Project—2022–2024

by Jane Mahony

Publications 2024, 12(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12030019 - 24 Jun 2024

Abstract

The Government of Ireland has set a target of achieving 100% open access to publicly funded scholarly publications by 2030. As a key element of achieving this objective, the PublishOA.ie project was established to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an all-island [Republic of [...] Read more.

The Government of Ireland has set a target of achieving 100% open access to publicly funded scholarly publications by 2030. As a key element of achieving this objective, the PublishOA.ie project was established to evaluate the feasibility of establishing an all-island [Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland] digital publishing platform for Diamond Open Access journals and monographs designed to advance best practice and meet the needs of authors, readers, publishers, and research funding organisations in Irish scholarly publishing. It should be noted in this context that there is substantial ‘north–south’ cooperation between public bodies in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom, some of whom operate on what is commonly termed an ‘all-island’ basis. The project commenced in November 2022 and will run until November 2024, with the submission of a Final Report. This article originated as an interim project report presented in September 2023 at the PubMet2023 conference in Zadar, Croatia. The project is unique in its mandate to report on the feasibility of a shared platform that will encompass scholarly publishing across the two jurisdictions on the island of Ireland, which are now, post-Brexit, inside and outside the European Union (EU): the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland in the United Kingdom. The project is co-led by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA), Ireland’s leading body of experts in the Sciences and Humanities, and the Trinity Long Room Hub Arts & Humanities Research Institute of Trinity College Dublin. There are sixteen partners and affiliates from universities and organisations from the island of Ireland. The feasibility study will be based on a review of the publishing practices in the island of Ireland, with gap analysis on standards, technology, processes, copyright practices, and funding models for Diamond OA, benchmarking against other national platforms, and specifications of the requirements, leading to the delivery of a pilot national publishing platform. A set of demonstrator journals and monographs will be published using the platform, which will be actively trialled by the partner publishers and authors. PublishOA.ie aims to deliver an evidence-based understanding of Irish scholarly publishing and of the requirements of publishers to transition in whole or in part to Diamond OA. This paper provides an interim report on progress on the project as of September 2023, ten months after its commencement. 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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11 pages, 816 KiB

Open AccessArticle

GFsa (GF “Scientific Age”) Index Application for Assessment of 1020 Highly Cited Researchers in Dentistry: A Pilot Study Comparing GFsa Index and H-Index

by Gustavo Vicentis Oliveira Fernandes and Juliana Campos Hasse Fernandes

Publications 2024, 12(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020018 - 10 Jun 2024

Abstract

Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to present a new index system (GFsa©) based on two variables, the total citations and “scientific age”, to evaluate the best-ranked researchers in dentistry. Methods: All researchers included were cited in the AD Scientific Index [...] Read more.

Objective: The goal of this pilot study was to present a new index system (GFsa©) based on two variables, the total citations and “scientific age”, to evaluate the best-ranked researchers in dentistry. Methods: All researchers included were cited in the AD Scientific Index (2024, dentistry field) and had their Google Scholar page accessible for a manual consultation. Two authors retrieved this information. A dataset was prepared (name, H-index, i10 index, and publications). The formula applied was GFsa = (total number of citations)/(“scientific age”)². The Pearson correlation statistically evaluated the data obtained; the confidence interval was 95%. Results: A total of 1020 were included. The mean “scientific age” was 34.18 ± 13.34. The GFsa© index was calculated, presenting a minimum value of 0.2186 and a maximum of 154.8. The data were organized and sorted following the ranking obtained. The Pearson correlation showed that the H-index had a weakly positive association with the researcher’s “scientific age”; thus, the H-index increased according to the increase in “scientific age”. By contrast, a moderately negative correlation between GFsa and “scientific age” was demonstrated. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between both indexes. Conclusions: The variable reported (“Scientific age”) provided a better evaluation among the researchers in dentistry. Full article

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6 pages, 176 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Book Reviews in Medical History Journals

by Ka-wai Fan

Publications 2024, 12(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020017 - 22 May 2024

Abstract

This study explores the realm of book reviews within medical history journals, an area often overlooked in the existing literature. By scrutinizing four prominent journals over a five-year period, encompassing 780 book reviews, this research elucidates prevalent trends and patterns. Findings reveal disparities [...] Read more.

This study explores the realm of book reviews within medical history journals, an area often overlooked in the existing literature. By scrutinizing four prominent journals over a five-year period, encompassing 780 book reviews, this research elucidates prevalent trends and patterns. Findings reveal disparities in review volume and author demographics, underscored by English-language dominance. Challenges such as limited word counts and evaluation dynamics emerge as impediments to review quality. Proposed enhancements include relaxing word limits, conducting reader surveys, and fostering access to non-English literature. These strategies aim to invigorate scholarly discourse, enriching the landscape of medical history research. Full article

19 pages, 539 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research Data Management in the Croatian Academic Community: A Research Study

by Radovan Vrana

Publications 2024, 12(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020016 - 15 May 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an empirical research study of Croatian scientists’ use and management of research data. This research study was carried out from 28 June 2023 until 31 August 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. The answers [...] Read more.

This paper presents the results of an empirical research study of Croatian scientists’ use and management of research data. This research study was carried out from 28 June 2023 until 31 August 2023 using an online questionnaire consisting of 28 questions. The answers of 584 respondents working in science were filtered out for further analysis. About three-quarters of the respondents used the research data of other scientists successfully. Research data were mostly acquired from colleagues from the same department or institution. Roughly half of the respondents did not ask other scientists directly for their research data. Research data are important to the respondents mostly for raising the quality of research. Repeating someone else’s research by using their research data is still a problem. Less than one-third of the respondents provided full access to their research data mostly due to their fear of misuse. The benefits of research data sharing were recognized but few of the respondents received any reward for it. Archiving research data is a significant problem for the respondents as they dominantly use their own computers prone to failure for that activity and do not think about long-term preservation. Finally, the respondents lacked deeper knowledge of research data management. 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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15 pages, 1634 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fostering Open Data Practices in Research-Performing Organizations

by Claire Jean-Quartier, Harald Kleinberger-Pierer, Barbara Zach, Ilire Hasani-Mavriqi, Lea Pešec and Clara Schmikl-Reiter

Publications 2024, 12(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications12020015 - 8 May 2024

Abstract

Open data provide the scientific community and other stakeholders with unrestricted access to data. Open data serve as a foundation for reproducing research findings, while also facilitating collaboration and enabling novel discoveries. However, open data practices are still not commonly applied. To contribute [...] Read more.

Open data provide the scientific community and other stakeholders with unrestricted access to data. Open data serve as a foundation for reproducing research findings, while also facilitating collaboration and enabling novel discoveries. However, open data practices are still not commonly applied. To contribute to the implementation of open data strategy in academia in Austria and beyond, a collection of local strategies from regional universities and higher education institutions in the Austrian provinces of Styria and Carinthia was compiled through workshop-based discussions between participants from research support service units at research-performing organizations. The collection was further organized into categories based on application time scenarios, target groups, and involved parties, as well as corresponding thematic focus. A strategic guide consisting of various measures has been developed to encourage the adoption of open data practices from an organizational standpoint. Designed for adaptability, it aims to be applicable and modifiable by all interested research and higher education institutions, regardless of their priorities and resources. Our guideline aids research organizations in crafting a tailored strategy to enhance their data dissemination practices, thereby increasing their research visibility and impact. Full article

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