scholarly journals Defining predatory journals and responding to the threat they pose: a modified Delphi consensus process

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Cukier ◽  
Manoj M. Lalu ◽  
Gregory L. Bryson ◽  
Kelly D. Cobey ◽  
Agnes Grudniewicz ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTBackgroundPosing as legitimate open access outlets, predatory journals and publishers threaten the integrity of academic publishing by not following publication best practices. Currently, there is no agreed upon definition of predatory journals, making it difficult for funders and academic institutions to generate practical guidance or policy to ensure their members do not publish in these channels.MethodsWe conducted a modified three-round Delphi survey of an international group of academics, funders, policy makers, journal editors, publishers and others, to generate a consensus definition of predatory journals and suggested ways the research community should respond to the problem.ResultsA total of 45 participants completed the survey on predatory journals and publishers. We reached consensus on 18 items out of a total of 33, to be included in a consensus definition of predatory journals and publishers. We came to consensus on educational outreach and policy initiatives on which to focus, including the development of a single checklist to detect predatory journals and publishers, and public funding to support research in this general area. We identified technological solutions to address the problem: a ‘one-stop-shop’ website to consolidate information on the topic and a ‘predatory journal research observatory’ to identify ongoing research and analysis about predatory journals/publishers.ConclusionsIn bringing together an international group of diverse stakeholders, we were able to use a modified Delphi process to inform the development of a definition of predatory journals and publishers. This definition will help institutions, funders and other stakeholders generate practical guidance on avoiding predatory journals and publishers.

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. e035561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samantha Cukier ◽  
Manoj Lalu ◽  
Gregory L Bryson ◽  
Kelly D Cobey ◽  
Agnes Grudniewicz ◽  
...  

ObjectiveTo conduct a Delphi survey informing a consensus definition of predatory journals and publishers.DesignThis is a modified three-round Delphi survey delivered online for the first two rounds and in-person for the third round. Questions encompassed three themes: (1) predatory journal definition; (2) educational outreach and policy initiatives on predatory publishing; and (3) developing technological solutions to stop submissions to predatory journals and other low-quality journals.ParticipantsThrough snowball and purposive sampling of targeted experts, we identified 45 noted experts in predatory journals and journalology. The international group included funders, academics and representatives of academic institutions, librarians and information scientists, policy makers, journal editors, publishers, researchers involved in studying predatory journals and legitimate journals, and patient partners. In addition, 198 authors of articles discussing predatory journals were invited to participate in round 1.ResultsA total of 115 individuals (107 in round 1 and 45 in rounds 2 and 3) completed the survey on predatory journals and publishers. We reached consensus on 18 items out of a total of 33 to be included in a consensus definition of predatory journals and publishers. We came to consensus on educational outreach and policy initiatives on which to focus, including the development of a single checklist to detect predatory journals and publishers, and public funding to support research in this general area. We identified technological solutions to address the problem: a ‘one-stop-shop’ website to consolidate information on the topic and a ‘predatory journal research observatory’ to identify ongoing research and analysis about predatory journals/publishers.ConclusionsIn bringing together an international group of diverse stakeholders, we were able to use a modified Delphi process to inform the development of a definition of predatory journals and publishers. This definition will help institutions, funders and other stakeholders generate practical guidance on avoiding predatory journals and publishers.


Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Seza Özen ◽  
Erdal Sag ◽  
Eldad Ben-Chetrit ◽  
Marco Gattorno ◽  
Ahmet Gül ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Colchicine is the main treatment for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). Although a number of individuals with FMF are intolerant/resistant to colchicine, there is no standard definition of colchicine resistance/intolerance. We developed a set of evidence-based core statements defining colchicine resistance/intolerance in patients with FMF that may serve as a guide for clinicians and health authorities. Methods A set of statements was identified using a modified-Delphi consensus-based approach. The process involved development of an initial colchicine resistance/intolerance-related questionnaire derived from a systematic literature review. The questionnaire, which was completed by an international panel of 11 adult and pediatric rheumatologists with expertise in FMF, was analysed anonymously. The results informed draft consensus statements that were discussed by a round-table expert panel, using a nominal group technique to agree on the selection and wording of the final statements. Results Consensus among the panel was achieved on 8 core statements defining colchicine resistance/intolerance in patients with FMF. A definition of resistance was agreed upon that included recurrent clinical attacks (average one or more attacks per month over a 3-month period), or persistent laboratory inflammation in between attacks. Other core statements recognize the importance of assessing treatment adherence, and the impact of active disease and intolerance to colchicine on quality of life. Conclusion Based on expert opinion, a set of evidence-based core statements defining colchicine resistance/intolerance in patients with FMF were identified to help guide clinicians and health authorities in the management of patients with FMF.


2021 ◽  
pp. 00399-2021
Author(s):  
Letizia Traversi ◽  
Marc Miravitlles ◽  
Miguel Angel Martinez-Garcia ◽  
Michal Shteinberg ◽  
Apostolos Bossios ◽  
...  

IntroductionThe coexistence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and bronchiectasis (BE) seems to be common and associated with a worse prognosis than for either disease individually. However, no definition of this association exists to guide researchers and clinicians.MethodsWe conducted a Delphi survey involving expert pulmonologists and radiologists from Europe, Turkey and Israel in order to define the “COPD-BE association”.A panel of 16 experts from EMBARC selected 35 statements for the survey after reviewing scientific literature. Invited participants, selected on the basis of expertise, geographical and gender distribution, were asked to express agreement on the statements. Consensus was defined as a score of ≥6 points (scale 0 to 9) in ≥70% of answers across two scoring rounds.ResultsA-hundred-and-two (72.3%) out of 141 invited experts participated the first round. Their response rate in the second round was 81%. The final consensus definition of “COPD-BE association” was: “The coexistence of (1) specific radiological findings (abnormal bronchial dilatation, airways visible within 1 cm of pleura and/or lack of tapering sign in ≥1 pulmonary segment and in >1 lobe) with (2) an obstructive pattern on spirometry (FEV1/FVC<0.7), (3) at least two characteristic symptoms (cough, expectoration, dyspnoea, fatigue, frequent infections) and (4) current or past exposure to smoke (≥10 pack-years) or other toxic agents (biomass, etc.)”. These criteria form the acronym “ROSE” (Radiology, Obstruction, Symptoms, Exposure).ConclusionsThe Delphi process formulated a European consensus definition of “COPD-BE association”. We hope this definition will have broad applicability across clinical practice and research in the future.


Author(s):  
David R. Bell ◽  
Traci Snedden ◽  
Kevin Biese ◽  
Evan Nelson ◽  
Andrew Watson ◽  
...  

Context: A single, widely accepted definition of sport specialization does not exist. A consensus definition is necessary to guide youth sport stakeholders on issues associated with sport specialization. Objective: The aim of this study was to develop a consensus definition of youth sport specialization and to identify elements that support the construct of specialization. Design: Delphi Study Setting: Directed Surveys Patients or Other Participants: A consensus panel of 17 experts was created to provide a broad multidisciplinary perspective on sport specialization in youth athletes. Data Collection and Analysis: The final definition was developed per an iterative process that involved four rounds of review. A comprehensive review of literature and expert input supported our initial proposed umbrella definition that included six additional elements. The study team reviewed the results after each round and changes were made to the definition based on panel feedback. Main Outcome Measure(s): Panel members were provided with the definition and six elements and then asked to rate each specific to importance, relevance, and clarity using a 4-point Likert scale. Results: In four Delphi consensus rounds, 17 experts reviewed the umbrella definition and six elements before consensus was reached. The umbrella definition and three of the initial six elements achieved &gt;80% agreement for importance, relevance, and clarity after the fourth round of review. The remaining 3 components did not reach &gt;80% agreement even after iterative edits and were removed. The process resulted in a final consensus definition: Sport specialization is intentional and focused participation in a single sport for a majority of the year that restricts opportunities for engagement in other sports and activities. Conclusions: A consensus-based conceptual definition for sport specialization has been developed using a Delphi method. This definition has important implications for clinicians and sports medicine professionals who support youth athletes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Swedo ◽  
David M. Baguley ◽  
Damiaan Denys ◽  
Laura J. Dixon ◽  
Mercede Erfanian ◽  
...  

AbstractMisophonia is a disorder of decreased tolerance to specific sounds or their associated stimuli that has been characterized using different language and methodologies. The absence of a common understanding or foundational definition of misophonia hinders progress in research to understand the disorder and develop effective treatments for individuals suffering from misophonia. From June 2020 through January 2021, a project was conducted to determine whether a committee of experts with diverse expertise related to misophonia could develop a consensus definition of misophonia. An expert committee used a modified Delphi method to evaluate candidate definitional statements that were identified through a systematic review of the published literature. Over four rounds of iterative voting, revision, and exclusion, the committee made decisions to include, exclude, or revise these statements in the definition based on the currently available scientific and clinical evidence. A definitional statement was included in the final definition only after reaching consensus at 80% or more of the committee agreeing with its premise and phrasing. The results of this rigorous consensus-building process were compiled into a final definition of misophonia that is presented here. This definition will serve as an important step to bring cohesion to the growing field of researchers and clinicians who seek to better understand and support individuals experiencing misophonia.


Author(s):  
J. Cummings

The International Psychogeriatric Association (IPA) recently formed an Agitation Definition Working Group (ADWG) to craft a consensus definition of agitation in order to advance basic and clinical research. The provisional definition created by this international group of experts on the neuropsychiatric aspects of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) defines agitation as a clinical syndrome distinct from other conditions such as psychosis or depression. Patients must meet criteria for cognitive impairment and exhibit behaviors such as excessive activity and verbal or physical aggression severe enough to produce disability in social, or interpersonal functions, or activities of daily living. These symptoms should not be attributable to other psychiatric or medical disorders, suboptimal environment, or drug effects. Future validation studies are needed to confirm or revise the definition. This definition will facilitate clinical trials and other types of clinical and translational research.


2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 00147-2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane S. Lucas ◽  
Florian Gahleitner ◽  
Adelina Amorim ◽  
Mieke Boon ◽  
Philippa Brown ◽  
...  

Pulmonary exacerbations are a cause of significant morbidity in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and are frequently used as an outcome measure in clinical research into chronic lung diseases. So far, there has been no consensus on the definition of pulmonary exacerbations in PCD.30 multidisciplinary experts and patients developed a consensus definition for children and adults with PCD. Following a systematic review, the panel used a modified Delphi process with a combination of face-to-face meetings and e-surveys to develop a definition that can be used in research settings for children and adults with PCD.A pulmonary exacerbation was defined by the presence of three or more of the following seven items: 1) increased cough, 2) change in sputum volume and/or colour, 3) increased shortness of breath perceived by the patient or parent, 4) decision to start or change antibiotic treatment because of perceived pulmonary symptoms, 5) malaise, tiredness, fatigue or lethargy, 6) new or increased haemoptysis, and 7) temperature >38°C.The consensus panel proposed that the definition should be used for future clinical trials. The definition should be validated and the usability assessed during these studies.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cody Fullerton

For years, the gold-standard in academic publishing has been the peer-review process, and for the most part, peer-review remains a safeguard to authors publishing intentionally biased, misleading, and inaccurate information. Its purpose is to hold researchers accountable to the publishing standards of that field, including proper methodology, accurate literature reviews, etc. This presentation will establish the core tenants of peer-review, discuss if certain types of publications should be able to qualify as such, offer possible solutions, and discuss how this affects a librarian's reference interactions.


2021 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlo Fusco ◽  
◽  
Vincenzo Leuzzi ◽  
Pasquale Striano ◽  
Roberta Battini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) deficiency is a rare and underdiagnosed neurometabolic disorder resulting in a complex neurological and non-neurological phenotype, posing diagnostic challenges resulting in diagnostic delay. Due to the low number of patients, gathering high-quality scientific evidence on diagnosis and treatment is difficult. Additionally, based on the estimated prevalence, the number of undiagnosed patients is likely to be high. Methods Italian experts in AADC deficiency formed a steering committee to engage clinicians in a modified Delphi consensus to promote discussion, and support research, dissemination and awareness on this disorder. Five experts in the field elaborated six main topics, each subdivided into 4 statements and invited 13 clinicians to give their anonymous feedback. Results 100% of the statements were answered and a consensus was reached at the first round. This enabled the steering committee to acknowledge high rates of agreement between experts on clinical presentation, phenotypes, diagnostic work-up and treatment strategies. A research gap was identified in the lack of standardized cognitive and motor outcome data. The need for setting up an Italian working group and a patients’ association, together with the dissemination of knowledge inside and outside scientific societies in multiple medical disciplines were recognized as critical lines of intervention. Conclusions The panel expressed consensus with high rates of agreement on a series of statements paving the way to disseminate clear messages concerning disease presentation, diagnosis and treatment and strategic interventions to disseminate knowledge at different levels. Future lines of research were also identified.


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