scholarly journals R and K strategies and the proliferation of scientific papers.

2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sue Briggs

R and K selection strategies are about tradeoffs between between quantity of offspring (productivity = numbers of offspring) and quality of offspring (efficiency = a few very fit offspring) (Pianka 1970). R strategists produce as many offspring as possible with low investment in each offspring. K strategists invest considerable resources in a few, very fit offspring (Pianka 1970). Scientific papers can be seen as the offspring of scientists. Scientists with an r selected publication strategy publish lots of papers, with relatively little investment in each, whereas scientists following a K selected publication strategy publish fewer papers with more investment in each paper. The number of scientific papers being published is increasing, per scientist and overall, due to pressure on scientists to publish and the proliferation of journals from commercial publishing houses (Wagner 2011, Fischer et al. 2012). Publishing scientific papers is now big business for publishers (Beverungen et al. 2012, Recher 2013, Van Noorden 2013). The number of scientists has increased over time, along with the greater number of papers published per scientist, but the latter is greater (Wagner 2011). This editorial focuses on impacts of the increasing pressure to publish lots of papers on the publication strategies of individual scientists.

Author(s):  
Elīna Peina

Unified and precise terminology in any field of specialization ensures the scientific quality of the text. Dictionaries should be considered a particularly significant source of terminology due to having authority criterion. The present research examines 450 Latvian terminological dictionaries that have been published between 1990 and 2020. The article intends to highlight the path of Latvian terminography by giving insight into publishing practice; for this article, three publishing houses have been selected – Zinātne, Avots, Zvaigzne ABC. The interview of three editors provides an insight into several questions that have emerged over time, during the study of terminological dictionaries. The article’s main goal is to reveal several practical aspects of publishing terminological dictionaries in Latvia – marketing policy of dictionary publishing, lack of dictionary users’ feedback and review deficiency, the relevance of officially approved terminological dictionaries, etc. The conclusion of the research is that regularly issued official terminological dictionaries and updated terminological databases should provide a milestone for fields’ specialists and other dictionary users. It would greatly facilitate the work of translators and specialists in the field and reduce the publishing of low-quality resources.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bastianina Contena ◽  
Stefano Taddei

Abstract. Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF) refers to a global IQ ranging from 71 to 84, and it represents a condition of clinical attention for its association with other disorders and its influence on the outcomes of treatments and, in general, quality of life and adaptation. Furthermore, its definition has changed over time causing a relevant clinical impact. For this reason, a systematic review of the literature on this topic can promote an understanding of what has been studied, and can differentiate what is currently attributable to BIF from that which cannot be associated with this kind of intellectual functioning. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria, we have conducted a review of the literature about BIF. The results suggest that this condition is still associated with mental retardation, and only a few studies have focused specifically on this condition.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
K Thöne ◽  
N Obi ◽  
A Jung ◽  
M Schmidt ◽  
J Chang-Claude ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
pp. 141-149
Author(s):  
S.V. Yershov ◽  
◽  
R.М. Ponomarenko ◽  

Parallel tiered and dynamic models of the fuzzy inference in expert-diagnostic software systems are considered, which knowledge bases are based on fuzzy rules. Tiered parallel and dynamic fuzzy inference procedures are developed that allow speed up of computations in the software system for evaluating the quality of scientific papers. Evaluations of the effectiveness of parallel tiered and dynamic schemes of computations are constructed with complex dependency graph between blocks of fuzzy Takagi – Sugeno rules. Comparative characteristic of the efficacy of parallel-stacked and dynamic models is carried out.


2005 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 255-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
András Simonovits

According to the dominant view, the quality of individual scientific papers can be evaluated by the standard of the journal in which they are published. This paper attempts to demonstrate the limits of this view in the field of economics. According to our main findings, a publication frequently serves as a signal of high professional standards rather than as a source of information; referees and editors frequently reject good papers and accept bad ones; citation indices only partially balance the distortions deriving from the selection process; there are essential “entry costs” to the publication process. Moreover, financial interests of publishers may contradict scientific interests. As long as leading economists do not give voice to their dissatisfaction, there is no hope for any reform of the selection process.


Author(s):  
Georgina E. Sellyn ◽  
Alan R. Tang ◽  
Shilin Zhao ◽  
Madeleine Sherburn ◽  
Rachel Pellegrino ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVEThe authors’ previously published work validated the Chiari Health Index for Pediatrics (CHIP), a new instrument for measuring health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for pediatric Chiari malformation type I (CM-I) patients. In this study, the authors further evaluated the CHIP to assess HRQOL changes over time and correlate changes in HRQOL to changes in symptomatology and radiological factors in CM-I patients who undergo surgical intervention. Strong HRQOL evaluation instruments are currently lacking for pediatric CM-I patients, creating the need for a standardized HRQOL instrument for this patient population. This study serves as the first analysis of the CHIP instrument’s effectiveness in measuring short-term HRQOL changes in pediatric CM-I patients and can be a useful tool in future CM-I HRQOL studies.METHODSThe authors evaluated prospectively collected CHIP scores and clinical factors of surgical intervention in patients younger than 18 years. To be included, patients completed a baseline CHIP captured during the preoperative visit, and at least 1 follow-up CHIP administered postoperatively. CHIP has 2 domains (physical and psychosocial) comprising 4 components, the 3 physical components of pain frequency, pain severity, and nonpain symptoms, and a single psychosocial component. Each CHIP category is scored on a scale, with 0 indicating absent and 1 indicating present, with higher scores indicating better HRQOL. Wilcoxon paired tests, Spearman correlations, and linear regression models were used to evaluate and correlate HRQOL, symptomatology, and radiographic factors.RESULTSSixty-three patients made up the analysis cohort (92% Caucasian, 52% female, mean age 11.8 years, average follow-up time 15.4 months). Dural augmentation was performed in 92% of patients. Of the 63 patients, 48 reported preoperative symptoms and 42 had a preoperative syrinx. From baseline, overall CHIP scores significantly improved over time (from 0.71 to 0.78, p < 0.001). Significant improvement in CHIP scores was seen in patients presenting at baseline with neck/back pain (p = 0.015) and headaches (p < 0.001) and in patients with extremity numbness trending at p = 0.064. Patients with syringomyelia were found to have improvement in CHIP scores over time (0.75 to 0.82, p < 0.001), as well as significant improvement in all 4 components. Additionally, improved CHIP scores were found to be significantly associated with age in patients with cervical (p = 0.009) or thoracic (p = 0.011) syrinxes.CONCLUSIONSThe study data show that the CHIP is an effective instrument for measuring HRQOL over time. Additionally, the CHIP was found to be significantly correlated to changes in symptomatology, a finding indicating that this instrument is a clinically valuable tool for the management of CM-I.


2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1109-1123
Author(s):  
Jonas da Silva Santos ◽  
Joel Jones Junior ◽  
Flavia M. da Silva

Background: We present here the synthesis of 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one (1) and its functionalised analogues, such as the classical isosteres, glitazone (1,3-thiazolidine-2,4-dione) (2), rhodanine (2-thioxo-1,3- thiazolidin-4-one) (3) and pseudothiohydantoin (2-imino-1,3-thiazolidin-4-one) (4) started in the midnineteenth century to the present day (1865-2018). Objective: The review focuses on the differences in the representation of the molecular structures discussed here over time since the first discussions about the structural theory by Kekulé, Couper and Butlerov. Moreover, advanced synthesis methodologies have been developed for obtaining these functional group, including green chemistry. We discuss about its structure and stability and we show the great biological potential. Conclusion: The 1,3-thiazolidin-4-one nucleus and functionalised analogues such as glitazones (1,3- thiazolidine-2,4-diones), rhodanines (2-thioxo-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones) and pseudothiohydantoins (2-imino-1,3- thiazolidine-2-4-ones) have great pharmacological importance, and they are already found in commercial pharmaceuticals. Studies indicate a promising future in the area of medicinal chemistry with potential activities against different diseases. The synthesis of these nuclei started in the mid-nineteenth century (1865), with the first discussions about the structural theory by Kekulé, Couper and Butlerov. The present study has demonstrated the differences in the representations of the molecular structures discussed here over time. Since then, various synthetic methodologies have been developed for obtaining these nuclei, and several studies on their structural and biological properties have been performed. Different studies with regards to the green synthesis of these compounds were also presented here. This is the result of the process of environmental awareness. Additionally, the planet Earth is already showing clear signs of depletion, which is currently decreasing the quality of life.


Author(s):  
Elliot Friedman ◽  
Beth LeBreton ◽  
Lindsay Fuzzell ◽  
Elizabeth Wehrpsann

By many estimates the majority of adults over age 65 have two or more chronic medical conditions (multimorbidity) and are consequently at increased risk of adverse functional outcomes. Nonetheless, many older adults with multimorbidity are able to maintain high levels of function and retain good quality of life. Research presented here is designed to understand the influences that help ensure better functional outcomes in these older adults. This chapter presents findings that draw on data from the Midlife in the United States study. The independent and interactive contributions of diverse factors to multimorbidity and changes in multimorbidity over time are reviewed. The degree that multimorbidity increases risk of cognitive impairment and disability is examined. The role of inflammation as a mediator is considered. Multimorbidity is increasingly the norm for older adults, so better understanding of factors contributing to variability in multimorbidity-related outcomes can lead to improved quality of life.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Smith ◽  
Bishma Saqib ◽  
Rebecca Lee ◽  
Wendy Thomson ◽  
Lis Cordingley

Abstract Background Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a heterogeneous group of arthritic conditions presenting in children and young people, in which physical limitations and associated complications can have detrimental effects on physical and psychosocial wellbeing. This study aims to investigate the impact of living with JIA on different aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and to explore how this changes over time, using data from the Childhood Arthritis Prospective Study (CAPS). Methods Longitudinal data collected as part of CAPS were analysed. HRQoL was assessed at baseline, 1 year and 3 years’ post-diagnosis using the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ), a parent-completed form for children from 5 years of age. The CHQ measures physical, emotional and social components of child health status. Raw domain scores were transformed via algorithm into values ranging from 0-100, with higher scores indicating better health status. Mean (standard deviation) and median (interquartile range) for each domain were determined, both for the full cohort and by gender. Differences between median scores at baseline and 3 years were assessed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Mean scores of each domain were visually compared with a reference population sample of healthy children from the United States. Results 184 participants completed the questionnaire at all 3 time points. At baseline, compared to the reference population, children with JIA scored lower in every domain although scores were closer between the 2 groups at 3 years. Median scores improved over time, the exception being the general health perceptions domain which decreased after baseline. Domains with the greatest improvement were physical functioning,“bodily pain and social-physical. The largest changes occurred from baseline to 1 year. Statistically significant differences between baseline and 3-year scores were found for all domains. Domain scores for male and female participants were very similar at baseline, though scores for male participants indicated slightly better health at 1 and 3 years for both physical and psychosocial domains. Conclusion JIA has significant impact on HRQoL, which improves within 3 years of diagnosis with the greatest improvement occurring within the first year. Physical health domains show greater improvement over time than psychosocial domains, although psychosocial scores were generally higher throughout the study. Male participants tend to score slightly higher than female participants in both physical and psychosocial domains after baseline. Further research should explore measurable patient, age or disease-related drivers of HRQoL. Disclosures A. Smith None. B. Saqib None. R. Lee None. W. Thomson None. L. Cordingley None.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-147
Author(s):  
Wieteke Conen ◽  
Karin Schulze Buschoff

In a number of European countries there is a clear trend towards increased multiple jobholding. As things stand, however, little is known about the structure and the potential consequences of this increase, notably in terms of quality of work and social protection. This special issue focuses on contemporary forms of multiple jobholding in Europe. Have the structure, nature and dynamics of multiple jobholding changed over time? What are the roles of labour market flexibility, technological change and work fragmentation in the development of multiple jobholding? And do multiple jobholders benefit from similar and adequate employment terms, conditions and protections compared with single jobholders, or are they worse off as a consequence of their (fragmented) employment situation? What implications do these findings have for unions, policy-makers and the regulation of work? The collection of articles in this special issue adds to the literature on emerging forms of employment in the digital age and challenges for social protection, also in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. This introduction initiates a discussion of central debates on multiple jobholding and presents a synopsis of the articles in this issue.


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