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Publications

Publications is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on scholarly publishing, published quarterly online by MDPI.

Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), RePEc, dblp, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Information Science and Library Science) / CiteScore - Q1 (Communication)
Open Peer-Review: authors have the option for all reviewer comments and editorial decisions to be published along with the final paper. For more, see: Editorial, Paper with Review Comments.
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 22.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.

Impact Factor: 2.5 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.7 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2304-6775

Latest Articles

17 pages, 9391 KB

Open AccessArticle

Evolution of Inter-University Research Collaboration in the Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle (2005–2024): A Biblio-Metric Perspective

by Tao Zhang, Prachuab Tongsri and Chakrit Ponathong

Publications 2025, 13(4), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040056 - 3 Nov 2025

The Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) represents a key regional development initiative in China. University research collaboration plays a vital role in advancing its innovation ecosystem and supporting sustainable growth. This study examines inter-university collaboration among 47 public universities in the CCEC based on [...] Read more.

The Chengdu–Chongqing Economic Circle (CCEC) represents a key regional development initiative in China. University research collaboration plays a vital role in advancing its innovation ecosystem and supporting sustainable growth. This study examines inter-university collaboration among 47 public universities in the CCEC based on 53,968 co-authored publications from 2005 to 2024. Using bibliometric and visualization techniques in CiteSpace 6.4.R2, it explores the structure and evolution of collaboration from institutional, thematic, and author perspectives. The results reveal a steady expansion of collaborative activities driven by national innovation strategies. Leading institutions such as Sichuan University, UESTC, and Chongqing University act as central hubs connecting diverse research communities. Collaboration has diversified from traditional fields toward interdisciplinary areas including materials, environmental science, and applied mathematics. Author networks are becoming more cohesive, reflecting stronger knowledge integration across universities. The study highlights how policy-driven collaboration fosters regional innovation capacity and provides evidence-based insights for strengthening university networks and advancing the CCEC’s role as a science and technology innovation hub in western China. Full article

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37 pages, 6437 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Methodology for Identifying the Top 1% Scientists Using a Composite Performance Index

by Alexey Remizov, Shazim Ali Memon and Saule Sadykova

Publications 2025, 13(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040055 - 2 Nov 2025

There is a growing need for comprehensive and transparent frameworks in bibliometric evaluation that support fairer assessments and capture the multifaceted nature of research performance. This study proposes a novel methodology for identifying top-performing researchers based on a composite performance index (CPI). Unlike [...] Read more.

There is a growing need for comprehensive and transparent frameworks in bibliometric evaluation that support fairer assessments and capture the multifaceted nature of research performance. This study proposes a novel methodology for identifying top-performing researchers based on a composite performance index (CPI). Unlike existing rankings, this framework presents a multidimensional approach by integrating sixteen weighted bibliometrics metrics, spanning research productivity, citation, publications in top journal percentiles, authorship roles, and international collaboration, into a single CPI, enabling a more nuanced and equitable evaluation of researcher performance. Data were retrieved from SciVal for 1996–2025. Two ranking exercises were conducted with Kazakhstan as the analytical unit. Subject-specific rankings identified the top 1% authors within different research areas, while subject-independent rankings highlighted the overall top 1%. CPI distributions varied markedly across disciplines. A comparative analysis with the Stanford/Elsevier global top 2% list was conducted as additional benchmarking. The results highlight that academic excellence depends on a broad spectrum of strengths beyond just productivity, particularly in competitive disciplines. The CPI provides a consistent and adaptable tool for assessing and recognizing research performance; however, future refinements should enhance data coverage, improve representation of early-career researchers, and integrate qualitative aspects. Full article

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3 pages, 134 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Editorial: 10th Anniversary Special Issue “PUBMET2023 Conference on Scholarly Communication in the Context of Open Science”

by Nikolina Peša Pavlović, Jadranka Stojanovski and Iva Grabarić Andonovski

Publications 2025, 13(4), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040054 - 2 Nov 2025

Over the past decade, the Open Science movement has profoundly transformed the way research is conducted, communicated, and assessed [...] Full article

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

13 pages, 3108 KB

Open AccessArticle

No Fees, No Barriers—But What Standards? Considerations on the DIAMAS Diamond OA Standard Applied to a Public Health Journal

by Annarita Barbaro, Maria Cristina Barbaro and Federica Napolitani

Publications 2025, 13(4), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040053 - 21 Oct 2025

The Diamond Open Access (OA) model—characterized by the absence of fees for both authors and readers—has gained increasing attention in recent years. A wide range of scholarly journals are using this model, as emerged while mapping the Diamond OA landscape worldwide; however, some [...] Read more.

The Diamond Open Access (OA) model—characterized by the absence of fees for both authors and readers—has gained increasing attention in recent years. A wide range of scholarly journals are using this model, as emerged while mapping the Diamond OA landscape worldwide; however, some still depend on hybrid revenue streams such as print sales, subscriptions, and marginal APCs. A number of recent initiatives underlined the need to increase quality assurance, sustainability, and cooperation within the Diamond OA ecosystem. Among them, the Diamond OA Standard (DOAS), a framework comprising detailed guidelines and a self-assessment tool to facilitate Diamond OA publishing practices, was created by the DIAMAS project, sponsored by the European Commission. Annali dell’Istituto Superiore di Sanità, the official journal of the Italian leading public health research institution, is a Diamond OA journal. To improve transparency and quality, the editorial team used the DOAS self-assessment tool to evaluate its compliance with the standards proposed by DIAMAS and to identify potential areas for improvement. This article presents the process and findings of the DOAS self-assessment tool conducted on Annali ISS, with the aim of sharing insights and support with other journals seeking to align with the DOAS framework. Full article

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

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17 pages, 1283 KB

Open AccessArticle

Determinants of Scientific Article Publication Among Peruvian Physicians and Orthopedic Residents

by Rodrigo Alejandro-Salinas, Diego A. Maticorena-Quevedo, Alfonso Barnechea-Rey, Percy Herrera-Añazco and Vicente A. Benites-Zapata

Publications 2025, 13(4), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040052 - 10 Oct 2025

Background: Orthopedic scientific publications play an important role worldwide. Because of the limited evidence in the Latin American literature, we aimed to evaluate the determinants of scientific publication among Peruvian orthopedics as an approach to the Latin American context. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. [...] Read more.

Background: Orthopedic scientific publications play an important role worldwide. Because of the limited evidence in the Latin American literature, we aimed to evaluate the determinants of scientific publication among Peruvian orthopedics as an approach to the Latin American context. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. Orthopedic specialists and residents were enrolled during the 52nd Peruvian National Congress of Orthopedics and Traumatology. A form validated by experts was applied to collect variables. The crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated using bivariate and multivariate regression with 95% confidence intervals. Results: A total of 310 participants were included in our study. The prevalence of the scientific orthopedic publication was 34.84%. Multivariate regression showed that, working in a private hospitals, having an interest in tumors and pediatric orthopedics, being involved in teaching activity, belonging to a scientific society other than the Peruvian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, having more than one research project, having an international rotation, and active participation in meetings were factors associated with publishing orthopedic scientific articles, while coming from a university in the highlands as an undergraduate and having more than ten shifts per month was associated with publishing fewer scientific articles. Among residents, having had an international rotation was associated with publishing scientific articles. Conclusions: The determinants of scientific production described will serve to increase scientific production in different contexts considering the orthopedist’s training stage. Full article

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12 pages, 258 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Research Visibility: A Comparative Study on the Implementation of CRIS Systems at Universidad Católica de Santa María and Its Contrast with Other Universities

by Javier Fernando Angulo-Osorio, César Daniel Valdivia-Portugal and Karina Rosas-Paredes

Publications 2025, 13(4), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040051 - 5 Oct 2025

Research visibility has become a critical issue for universities, yet the institutional conditions that shape it remain underexplored. While Current Research Information Systems (CRISs) provide essential infrastructure for managing publications and researcher profiles, their impact depends on broader governance and cultural factors. This [...] Read more.

Research visibility has become a critical issue for universities, yet the institutional conditions that shape it remain underexplored. While Current Research Information Systems (CRISs) provide essential infrastructure for managing publications and researcher profiles, their impact depends on broader governance and cultural factors. This study compares four universities—two in Peru, one in Chile, and one in Spain—that have adopted the Pure CRIS platform. Data were manually extracted from institutional portals and analyzed descriptively, using normalized indicators such as publications per researcher, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) alignment, and collaboration networks. Although based on a limited sample, the analysis highlights substantial contrasts: European institutions show consolidated integration of CRIS into national evaluation systems, while Latin American universities remain at earlier stages of adoption, with fragmented policies and limited international reach. The findings suggest that technological platforms alone are insufficient; institutional commitment, coherent policies, and academic cultures that value dissemination are decisive. These insights contribute a comparative framework to guide universities, particularly in Latin America, seeking to strengthen their global research visibility. Full article

32 pages, 6224 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Decade of Deepfake Research in the Generative AI Era, 2014–2024: A Bibliometric Analysis

by Btissam Acim, Mohamed Boukhlif, Hamid Ouhnni, Nassim Kharmoum and Soumia Ziti

Publications 2025, 13(4), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040050 - 2 Oct 2025

The recent growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has brought new possibilities and revolutionary applications in many fields. It has also, however, created important ethical and security issues, especially with the abusive use of deepfakes, which are artificial media that can propagate very [...] Read more.

The recent growth of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has brought new possibilities and revolutionary applications in many fields. It has also, however, created important ethical and security issues, especially with the abusive use of deepfakes, which are artificial media that can propagate very realistic but false information. This paper provides an extensive bibliometric, statistical, and trend analysis of deepfake research in the age of generative AI. Utilizing the Web of Science (WoS) database for the years 2014–2024, the research identifies key authors, influential publications, collaboration networks, and leading institutions. Biblioshiny (Bibliometrix R package, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy) and VOSviewer (version 1.6.20, Centre for Science and Technology Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands) are utilized in the research for mapping the science production, theme development, and geographical distribution. The cutoff point of ten keyword frequencies by occurrence was applied to the data for relevance. This study aims to provide a comprehensive snapshot of the research status, identify gaps in the knowledge, and direct upcoming studies in the creation, detection, and mitigation of deepfakes. The study is intended to help researchers, developers, and policymakers understand the trajectory and impact of deepfake technology, supporting innovation and governance strategies. The findings highlight a strong average annual growth rate of 61.94% in publications between 2014 and 2024, with China, the United States, and India as leading contributors, IEEE Access among the most influential sources, and three dominant clusters emerging around disinformation, generative models, and detection methods. Full article

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

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14 pages, 1218 KB

Open AccessArticle

Geographic Variation in LLM DOI Fabrication: Cross-Country Analysis of Citation Accuracy Across Four Large Language Models

by Eungi Kim, Frankline Kipchumba and Sein Min

Publications 2025, 13(4), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040049 - 1 Oct 2025

This study evaluates digital object identifier (DOI) hallucination in large language model (LLM)-generated scholarly citations, with a focus on systematic geographic disparities. To conduct this study, we systematically evaluated four LLMs (GPT-4o-mini, Claude-3-haiku, Gemini-2.0-flash-lite, and DeepSeek V3) using standardized information behavior prompts across [...] Read more.

This study evaluates digital object identifier (DOI) hallucination in large language model (LLM)-generated scholarly citations, with a focus on systematic geographic disparities. To conduct this study, we systematically evaluated four LLMs (GPT-4o-mini, Claude-3-haiku, Gemini-2.0-flash-lite, and DeepSeek V3) using standardized information behavior prompts across ten countries with diverse income levels. The models generated 3451 citations, which we validated using the CrossRef API. The results showed that DOI hallucination follows systematic patterns influenced by model choice, geographic context, and publication recency. Hallucination rates exceeded 80% in lower-income countries and increased sharply for publications from the 2020s across all regions. Fabricated citations—citations that appear structurally complete but contain invalid DOIs—were especially prevalent in countries such as India and Bangladesh. Model-specific factors showed the strongest association with hallucination, followed by income level and publication period. These findings raise concerns about the epistemic reliability of LLM-generated scholarly references and underscore the need for region-aware training, real-time DOI validation, and robust verification protocols in academic contexts. Full article

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8 pages, 219 KB

Open AccessOpinion

Beyond the Review: The Editorial Duty to Uphold Professional Conduct

by Stephen A. Bustin

Publications 2025, 13(4), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040048 - 1 Oct 2025

Peer review fails when it is delivered without fairness, accountability, or respect. When unprofessional reviews are communicated without editorial intervention, they undermine trust, distort scientific dialogue, and disproportionately harm early-career and underrepresented researchers. This article combines a detailed case study with evidence from [...] Read more.

Peer review fails when it is delivered without fairness, accountability, or respect. When unprofessional reviews are communicated without editorial intervention, they undermine trust, distort scientific dialogue, and disproportionately harm early-career and underrepresented researchers. This article combines a detailed case study with evidence from the literature to illustrate how reviewer misconduct can escalate into editorial failure, and why such outcomes are avoidable. Mechanisms already exist to prevent them, including pre-screening, structured review forms, training, appeals processes, and reviewer tracking, but require consistent application. The central problem is not the absence of guidance, but the lack of enforcement. Restoring credibility in peer review depends on editors treating oversight as a duty of stewardship, ensuring that critique remains rigorous, constructive, and respectful. Full article

12 pages, 584 KB

Open AccessArticle

Is Tuberculosis Scientific Research Aligned with National Research Priorities? A Bibliometric Analysis of Peruvian Scientific Production

by Franko O. Garcia-Solorzano, Yolanda Angulo-Bazán, Sofia Soriano-Martinez, Olenka Farfan-Zapata and Leonid Lecca

Publications 2025, 13(4), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040047 - 1 Oct 2025

Background: Focusing scientific research on the health needs of the population could ensure the development of context-specific solutions. In Peru, prioritization has been proposed as a strategy to address this issue. However, the alignment of Peruvian scientific production on tuberculosis (TB) with the [...] Read more.

Background: Focusing scientific research on the health needs of the population could ensure the development of context-specific solutions. In Peru, prioritization has been proposed as a strategy to address this issue. However, the alignment of Peruvian scientific production on tuberculosis (TB) with the national TB research priorities (TBprios) has not been evaluated. Methods: We conducted a bibliometric analysis in Web of Science, Scopus, LILACS, SciELO, and PubMed to identify original articles focused on TB, with at least one author with Peruvian affiliation. Then, we reviewed the general objectives of each study included and verified their alignment with any TBprios. Results: We found that 73% of Peruvian scientific articles were aligned with some of the national research priorities on TB, especially those related to epidemiology and diagnostics, although no increased trends in alignment were identified across the study period. In addition, in an exploratory analysis we found that fewer than 20% of aligned studies reported receiving national funding. Conclusion: Substantial alignment was observed between the research outputs identified and TBprios. Nonetheless, this high level of alignment could also reflect the significance of TB within the social and public health agenda of Peru. Full article

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27 pages, 1722 KB

Open AccessArticle

Same Coin, Different Value: A Multi-Year Comparative Analysis of Financial Performance of Open Access and Legacy Publishers

by George Peppas, Leonidas Papachristopoulos and Giannis Tsakonas

Publications 2025, 13(4), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13040046 - 24 Sep 2025

We are living in an era where the demand for Open Access to knowledge is growing and the need for transparency in scientific publishing is becoming imperative. The question that arises at this stage is whether openness in knowledge constitutes the Achilles heel [...] Read more.

We are living in an era where the demand for Open Access to knowledge is growing and the need for transparency in scientific publishing is becoming imperative. The question that arises at this stage is whether openness in knowledge constitutes the Achilles heel of the once profitable legacy publishing industry or whether it is the Trojan horse of the latter for increasing its revenues. At the same time, the question of whether Open Access publishers can ensure their sustainability through this model remains unanswered. This study implements a multi-year analysis (2019–2023) comparing the performance of Open Access and legacy publishers. Using a set of financial ratios—grouped by profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and solvency, as well as data on firm size (revenues, assets, and employee counts), we assess their financial performance. The results indicate that legacy publishers have enormous scale, stable profitability, and high leverage, but low liquidity and return on equity. On the other hand, OA publishers, although smaller, have higher returns, better liquidity, and almost zero borrowing, but with greater annual volatility. The study discusses that OA publishers, despite their small size, can be as profitable as or even more profitable than traditional publishers, thanks to flexible structures and fast cash flows, but remain vulnerable due to limited resources and the risk of acquisition. Furthermore, legacy publishers maintain their dominance by leveraging their scale, strong brands, and investment capacity while adopting or acquiring OA models, creating a competitive environment where scale and strategic differentiation are decisive. Full article

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21 pages, 2415 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reframing Government Science Communication in the Digital Era: A Multi-Model Study of BRIN (Indonesia)

by Yutainten, Engkus Kuswarno, Uud Wahyudin and Ira Mirawati

Publications 2025, 13(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030045 - 19 Sep 2025

In governmental agencies, science communication often focuses on one-way knowledge transfer, even on digital platforms designed for interaction and engagement. This study examines the strategies used by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) across four science communication models—deficit, dialogue, participatory, and scientific [...] Read more.

In governmental agencies, science communication often focuses on one-way knowledge transfer, even on digital platforms designed for interaction and engagement. This study examines the strategies used by Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) across four science communication models—deficit, dialogue, participatory, and scientific agency—to identify shortcomings and opportunities for more inclusive public engagement. Using a qualitative case study approach, we analyzed digital content produced by BRIN, conducted 25 semi-structured interviews, held focus group discussions, and observed digital data. The data were thematically coded using NVivo software 12. Our findings show that BRIN mainly adopts the deficit model, using digital platforms primarily for broadcasting rather than genuine engagement. While some dialogue occurs, it often takes the form of “Controlled Dialogue”—a performative use of interactive tools limited by institutional and bureaucratic obstacles. These barriers impede genuine participation. We recommend a strategic hybrid model that aligns communication methods with specific objectives, offering actionable strategies for public research institutions in the Global South to enhance meaningful public engagement. Full article

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21 pages, 1162 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scientific Production in Central America (1996–2023): Bibliometric Analysis of Regional Trends, Collaboration, and Research Impact

by Marta Irene Flores Polanco and Carlos Alberto Echeverría Mayorga

Publications 2025, 13(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030044 - 8 Sep 2025

This article presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific production in Central America between 1996 and 2023, based on data indexed in the Scopus database. The study frames the investigation within the broader context of scientific visibility and regional development, aiming to evaluate [...] Read more.

This article presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of scientific production in Central America between 1996 and 2023, based on data indexed in the Scopus database. The study frames the investigation within the broader context of scientific visibility and regional development, aiming to evaluate trends in research productivity, thematic specialization, and patterns of scientific collaboration across Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. A total of 35,146 articles authored by researchers affiliated with institutions in Central America were analyzed using indicators such as publication volume, subject areas, journal impact and co-authorship data provided by Scopus. The findings reveal a consistent annual growth rate of 7%, yet with marked disparities among countries. Costa Rica, Panama, and Guatemala account for 82% of the total scientific output, while the remaining countries contribute only 18%. Research activity is primarily concentrated in the medical, agricultural, biological, and environmental sciences. Over 80% of publications involve international collaboration, predominantly with the United States, Spain, and Mexico, whereas intraregional cooperation remains limited. The analysis underscores the region’s reliance on global research networks and reveals persistent internal asymmetries in scientific development. The results suggest the need for increased investment in national research systems, stronger regional collaboration, and targeted strategies to balance scientific production across countries. Full article

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15 pages, 568 KB

Open AccessArticle

From Knowledge Keeper to Intelligent Collaborator: The Role Reinvention and Value Reconstruction of Librarians in the AI-Enabled Era

by Jiwei Zhang and Jiafu Liu

Publications 2025, 13(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030043 - 6 Sep 2025

AI technology is reshaping the knowledge ecosystem, bringing both challenges and opportunities to libraries. This article examines the transformation of librarians from “knowledge guardians” to “intelligent collaborators.” It discusses the professional challenges and practical dilemmas introduced by AI through the lenses of value [...] Read more.

AI technology is reshaping the knowledge ecosystem, bringing both challenges and opportunities to libraries. This article examines the transformation of librarians from “knowledge guardians” to “intelligent collaborators.” It discusses the professional challenges and practical dilemmas introduced by AI through the lenses of value reorientation and paradigm shift. The paper argues that librarians should actively adopt new technologies, engage in ongoing learning, and develop more resilient knowledge service systems, while also identifying their key roles and potential pathways for transformation within smart library frameworks. Full article

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

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18 pages, 2889 KB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Quality: Predicting Citation Impact in Business Research Using Data Science

by Reyner Pérez-Campdesuñer, Alexander Sánchez-Rodríguez, Rodobaldo Martínez-Vivar, Margarita De Miguel-Guzmán and Gelmar García-Vidal

Publications 2025, 13(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030042 - 5 Sep 2025

The volume of scientific publications has increased exponentially over the past decades across virtually all academic disciplines. In this landscape of information overload, objective criteria are needed to identify high-impact research. Citation counts have traditionally served as a primary indicator of scientific relevance; [...] Read more.

The volume of scientific publications has increased exponentially over the past decades across virtually all academic disciplines. In this landscape of information overload, objective criteria are needed to identify high-impact research. Citation counts have traditionally served as a primary indicator of scientific relevance; however, questions remain as to whether they truly reflect the intrinsic quality of a publication. This study investigates the relationship between citation frequency and a wide range of editorial, authorship, and contextual variables. A dataset of 339,609 articles indexed in Scopus was analyzed, retrieved using the search query TITLE-ABS-KEY (management) AND LIMIT-TO (subarea, “Busi”). The research employed a descriptive analysis followed by two predictive modeling approaches: a Random Forest algorithm to assess variable importance, and a binary logistic regression to estimate the probability of a paper being cited. Results indicate that factors such as journal quartile, country of affiliation, number of authors, open access availability, and keyword usage significantly influence citation outcomes. The Random Forest model explained 94.9% of the variance, while the logistic model achieved an AUC of 0.669, allowing the formulation of a predictive citation equation. Findings suggest that multiple determinants beyond content quality drive citation behavior, and that citation probability can be predicted with reasonable accuracy, though inherent model limitations must be acknowledged. Full article

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28 pages, 644 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reckoning with Retractions in Research Funding Reviews: The Case of China

by Shaoxiong Brian Xu and Guangwei Hu

Publications 2025, 13(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030041 - 4 Sep 2025

Cited by 1

China’s retraction crisis has raised concerns about research integrity and accountability within its scientific community and beyond. To address this issue, we proposed in an earlier publication that Chinese research funders incorporate retraction records into the evaluation of research funding applications by establishing [...] Read more.

China’s retraction crisis has raised concerns about research integrity and accountability within its scientific community and beyond. To address this issue, we proposed in an earlier publication that Chinese research funders incorporate retraction records into the evaluation of research funding applications by establishing a retraction-based review system. This review system would debar researchers with retraction records from applying for funding for a specified period. However, our earlier proposal lacked practical guidance on how to operationalize such a review system. In this article, we expand on our proposal by fleshing out the proposed ten debarment determinants and offering a framework for quantifying the duration of funding ineligibility. Additionally, we outline the critical steps for implementing the retraction-based review system, address the major challenges to its effective and sustainable adoption, and propose viable solutions to these challenges. Finally, we discuss the benefits of implementing the review system, emphasizing its potential to strengthen research integrity and foster a culture of accountability in the Chinese academic community. Full article

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32 pages, 725 KB

Open AccessReview

Mapping the Use of Bibliometric Software and Methodological Transparency in Literature Review Studies: A Comparative Analysis of China-Affiliated and Non-China-Affiliated Research Communities (2015–2024)

by Altyeb Ali Abaker Omer and Yajie Dong

Publications 2025, 13(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030040 - 3 Sep 2025

The growing use of bibliometric methods in literature reviews has intensified concerns about methodological transparency and consistency. This study compares English-language reviews authored by China-affiliated and non-China-affiliated researchers between 2015 and 2024. Through bibliometric content analysis and co-word network mapping, it evaluates the [...] Read more.

The growing use of bibliometric methods in literature reviews has intensified concerns about methodological transparency and consistency. This study compares English-language reviews authored by China-affiliated and non-China-affiliated researchers between 2015 and 2024. Through bibliometric content analysis and co-word network mapping, it evaluates the following: (1) the use and purposes of bibliometric software; (2) the clarity of methodological reporting, including software versions, threshold settings, data preprocessing, and database selection; (3) the extent to which limitations are acknowledged and recommendations proposed; and (4) the dominant conceptual themes shaping research practices. The analysis covers 50 highly cited reviews (25 per group) and 4000 additional papers for thematic mapping. Findings show both convergence and divergence: while tools such as VOSviewer, CiteSpace, Gephi, and Bibliometrix are widely adopted, non-China-affiliated studies exhibit greater transparency and reflexivity, whereas China-affiliated research often emphasizes output metrics and underreports methodological challenges. These contrasts reflect broader epistemological norms and research cultures. This study underscores the need for unified reporting standards and contributes to meta-research by offering practical guidance to improve the transparency, comparability, and rigor of bibliometric-supported literature reviews. Full article

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23 pages, 1195 KB

Open AccessArticle

Editorial Policy and the Dissemination of Scientific Knowledge on Open Access—Case Study: Science Communication Journals in Latin America

by Fernando Sánchez-Pita, Mario Benito-Cabello and Belén Puebla-Martínez

Publications 2025, 13(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030039 - 28 Aug 2025

The editorial policies of science journals have an impact on access to scientific knowledge. One of the most effective ways to share knowledge with the entire society is to offer it free of charge. Considering the international recognition of Scopus and Web of [...] Read more.

The editorial policies of science journals have an impact on access to scientific knowledge. One of the most effective ways to share knowledge with the entire society is to offer it free of charge. Considering the international recognition of Scopus and Web of Science, this study analyses 28 scientific journals in the field of communication that are indexed under the “Communication” category in both databases in order to review their editorial decisions regarding the dissemination of articles they publish. By taking a descriptive approach, the authors have examined the inner workings and design, as well as aspects related to ethics and transparency, as key components of this policy. The findings indicate that most journals are influenced by digital publishing platforms and that various features examined in this study are offered by these platforms by default. This is especially true in terms of design, which simultaneously enables yet influences each journal’s editorial policy. Together with the need for financial support and adequate human resources, this situation makes it difficult to implement an editorial policy free of external encroachment. This article concludes by emphasising the importance of establishing editorial policies that promote open access as a standard practice, thereby reinforcing the democratisation of access to scientific knowledge. It is recommended to strengthen institutional support for journals operating under the diamond model, promote their visibility and thematic specialisation, enhance technical and visual aspects, and clearly articulate ethical commitments within their editorial policies. In short, this analysis provides a comprehensive overview of both strengths and areas of improvement, offering recommendations to help these journals optimise their contribution to the global academic ecosystem. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Open Science: Developments and Disinformation Regarding Scientific Information)

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18 pages, 3005 KB

Open AccessArticle

How Scholars Collaborate on Data Assets Research: A Systematic Comparative Analysis of Chinese and International Publications

by Yaqin Li, Jinyuan Shi and Yuequan Yang

Publications 2025, 13(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030038 - 16 Aug 2025

In the era of data elements, it is extremely necessary and practically important to analyze network characteristics and evolutionary trends in academic research collaboration in the field of data assets research, which can provide valuable insights for promoting deep cooperation of scholars and [...] Read more.

In the era of data elements, it is extremely necessary and practically important to analyze network characteristics and evolutionary trends in academic research collaboration in the field of data assets research, which can provide valuable insights for promoting deep cooperation of scholars and enhancing their collaborative efficiency. However, existing studies on data assets research rarely delve into key differentiating characteristics and core thematic priorities between Chinese and international samples of collaboration networks. Based on bibliometric methods and social network analysis, a systematic comparative analysis between Chinese collaboration networks and international collaboration networks is conducted via CiteSpace software by using core literature from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science Core Collection, developed by Clarivate Analytics (WoS). Through observation, we find that the number of publications in this field has reached a preliminary scale with distinct differences in research focus and collaborative features between cooperation networks in China (CNCs) and international cooperation networks (ICNs). In recent years, Chinese samples have primarily focused upon research themes related to data value realization, such as data rights confirmation, data assets accounting, and data trusts. The overall connectivity of CNCs seems relatively weak, and a stable core author group has not formed, while collaborations in CNCs are predominantly localized and short-term. In contrast, international samples in recent years have mainly addressed the contextual application of data assets, exhibiting a collaboration network characterized by multi-center, interdisciplinary, and cross-institutional synergy, while core authors in ICNs are closely interconnected and their connectivity and structure are generally stronger than those of CNCs. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Academic Library with Generative AI: From Passive Information Providers to Proactive Knowledge Facilitators

by Junic Kim

Publications 2025, 13(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/publications13030037 - 15 Aug 2025

Cited by 1

This study investigates how generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping academic libraries from passive information providers into proactive knowledge facilitators. Drawing on the qualitative case study of a South Korean university library that implemented an AI-powered chatbot, the study examines its impact on [...] Read more.

This study investigates how generative artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping academic libraries from passive information providers into proactive knowledge facilitators. Drawing on the qualitative case study of a South Korean university library that implemented an AI-powered chatbot, the study examines its impact on service personalization, user engagement, and research efficiency. The thematic analysis of interviews with users and staff reveals how AI integration transforms the user experience and redefines professional roles. Findings contribute to scholarly discussions on library innovation, demonstrating how generative AI enables adaptive, anticipatory knowledge services in academic environments shaped by digital transformation. Full article

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

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