The impact of better access to scientific journals on the quality of research work: The case of a small university

2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (2) ◽  
pp. 205-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petruša Miholič ◽  
Primož Južnič

Linking a publication with scientific research results and the use of information resources is a key component of the collection, development and assessment of an academic library. Librarians often use quantitative data, but it is not easy to come by. Directly connecting library and information services to the impact they have can be quite difficult. Focusing on the 2010–2014 period, we have linked the quality and quantity of published papers to usage statistics for the newly acquired consortia access to scholarly journals in three international publisher databases: ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and WileyOnline. We found that the share of scholarly journals from the ScienceDirect, SpringerLink and WileyOnline consortia cited by University of Primorska researchers’ in their scholarly papers has gradually increased every year, ranging from 13.5% in 2010 up to 24.8% in 2014. The share of scholarly papers published by University of Primorska researchers’ in scholarly journals with the highest impact (measured in Web of Science and Scopus) has also increased substantially, from 18.03% in 2011 to 31.55% in 2014. Study shows that better access to quality information resources for scientific researchers lead to an increase in its use and results in higher quality research shown by the gradual increase of publications of research results in higher impact scholarly journals.

2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. e237-e237
Author(s):  
Abdulhakeem Al Rawahi ◽  
Sathiya Murthi Panchatcharam ◽  
Sachin Jose

Objectives: To date, the quantity and the quality of research publications conducted within the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) have not been assessed. In this review, we sought to assess the quantity and quality of research publications affiliated with the OMSB. Methods: We retrieved data systematically from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. We searched all publications published until December 2018. Results: A total of 133 published articles affiliated with the OMSB were retrieved. Half of the publications were original studies, and 30.8% were case reports or series. Reviews and editorials represented 6.8% and 8.3%, respectively. Among the original studies, 79.4% were cross sectionals and 50.0% were retrospective in nature. Among the prospective studies, 58.8% were questionnaire-based surveys. The impact factors of the journals ranged between 0.82 and 4.40, except for one journal with an impact factor of 15.10. Conclusions: The quantity and quality of the publications from the OMSB is still low. However, training and policy change in the residency curriculum is key to improve the status.


2020 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 98-106
Author(s):  
L. M. Shablysta

The article is devoted to the problems of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of research work. These problems are being actualized under the globalization influence of the formation of an innovative economy, which requires adequate financial support for research, education and other innovative factors. The quality of scientific activity has become one of the criteria for success in the modern world. Finding criteria for determining effective domestic research, taking into account the needs of national economic development in the face of increasing challenges of global competition, is extremely relevant. Improving the reliability of the quality of research results will stimulate innovation, creative search and productive use of its results. The article analyzes and generalizes the advantages and disadvantages of approaches to assessing the quality of research results. The advantages of scientometric evaluation (citation index, Hirsch index, impact factor) of scientific activity, productivity and progress include ease of use, low cost of assessment, as well as the ability to conduct it at the level of individual researchers, teams, organizations, countries and regions. It is proved that in order to activate innovative processes in the economy and to make full use of the potential of science in the process of technological modernization of the Ukrainian economy, it is necessary to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches to assessment. Applying only quantitative (scientometric) estimates will not produce the expected results. The problem of objective assessment of the quality of work of a researcher goes beyond the simplified formal scientometric indicators. This approach does not allow for high objectivity to evaluate the scientific result. Therefore, to evaluate the performance of researchers, it is proposed to use the dynamics of the quantity and quality of the content of the scientific result (innovation, generalization, validation and durability of the results) and expert judgment (the level of solving the research problem, or the usefulness of the obtained scientific results). Proposed changes to the provisions of the Concept of reforming the system of financing and management of scientific and technical activities and a plan of measures for its implementation. It is concluded that a comprehensive and targeted approach will help to create appropriate prerequisites for state support and ensure the development of innovative factors for the growth of the national economy.


Author(s):  
Nazir Ahmad Bhat

The study has been conducted with an objective to assess the impact of e-resources on seven aspects of research. Seven agricultural universities of North India were surveyed while using questionnaire as a data collection tool. The majority of respondents are of the opinion that due to advent of e-resources and in view of the ICT developments, they ‘feel much comfortable and competent to search information' and the changed scenario has enabled them to ‘generate new research ideas'. The quantity as well as quality of research has improved. A majority of the respondents are also of the opinion that their ‘research output finds more citations'. A majority of users are of the opinion that the problem of ‘duplication of research' has diminished while in contrast the menace of ‘plagiarism has increased'. A majority of the users agree that advent of e-resources has laid a positive impact except for the fact that ‘plagiarism' has enhanced.


RMD Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. e001635
Author(s):  
Emma Swärdh ◽  
Christina Opava ◽  
Nina Brodin

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a cornerstone in the treatment. To highlight aspects involved in supporting a positive PA behaviour, it is important to understand the patients’ perceptions of the phenomenon.ObjectiveThe aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to explore and synthesise patient perceptions of PA in RA.MethodsA purposeful search was conducted across three online databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised, and data were extracted and analysed using an interpretive inductive thematic synthesis.ResultsFifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. PA was identified as an agile lifelong behaviour, with one main theme: The disease as a persistent catalyst for or against PA illustrating how the constant presence of the disease itself underlies the entire process of a life with or without regular PA. Seven subthemes: ‘considering aggravated symptoms’, ‘acknowledging the impact on health’, ‘becoming empowered and taking action’, ‘keeping informed to increase awareness’, ‘creating body awareness’, ‘dealing with social support’ and ‘feeling satisfied with circumstances and achievements’ were interpreted as facilitators and/or challenges.ConclusionThis synthesis has identified PA as an agile lifelong behaviour in which the disease pervades all aspects of an individuals’ perception of PA. Placed in a theoretical context, our findings outline a model for tailoring PA support to the drivers and determinants of a certain individual, which will improve clinical practice for the benefit of both health professionals and patients with RA.


2015 ◽  
Vol 62 (4) ◽  
pp. 1137-1146
Author(s):  
Gordana Vukelic ◽  
Slobodan Stanojevic ◽  
Zorica Andjelic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yen Thi Tran ◽  
Nguyen Phong Nguyen ◽  
Trang Cam Hoang

Purpose By drawing on the institutional theory and contingency theory, this study aims to examine the effects of leadership and accounting capacity on the quality of financial reporting and accountability of public organisations in Vietnam. Furthermore, this paper is to determine the impact of financial reporting quality on accountability. Design/methodology/approach The research model and hypotheses have been tested by partial least squares structural equation modeling, with 177 survey samples obtained from accountants and managers working in the public sector in Vietnam. Findings The research results indicate that leadership and accounting capacity have a positive effect on financial reporting quality; leadership and accounting capacity positively influence accountability; and the quality of financial reporting has a positive impact on accountability. Research limitations/implications The research results provide empirical evidence of the direct impact of leadership and accounting capacity on financial reporting quality and accountability of public organisations in a developing country. Moreover, the current work also provides important evidence for the impact of financial reporting quality on accountability. Practical implications Public sector organisations must realise that leadership and accounting capacity play a vital role in the accounting reform process. Public institutions likewise need to pay attention to develop accounting capacity and promote leadership. Moreover, the results respond to the continuing call for increased citizen trust in public organisations. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to examine the chain from leadership, accounting capacity, financial reporting quality and accountability in the context of public sector organisations in an Asian transition market.


2020 ◽  
Vol 150 ◽  
pp. 01001
Author(s):  
M. Lahmar ◽  
N. El Khodrani ◽  
S. Omrania ◽  
H. Dakak ◽  
R. Moussadek ◽  
...  

The Gharb plain is the largest agricultural area in Morocco. It is characterized by fertile soils and the availability of water either from surface or groundwater which allowed intensive agriculture. The aim of this research work is to study the impact of this land management on the quality of water and soil. The study was done for the irrigated perimeter of Sidi Yahya belonging to the province of Sidi Slimane, Gharb (Morocco). Depth of water table and water pH were measured in situ while water and soil samples were collected and brought to the laboratory for their physico-chemical analyses. Sampling of 33water wells and soil samples, from six different zones, was done between May and October 2018. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to check if mean water and soil parameters differed between zones. The results showed that the minimal and maximal water table depth were 6 and 96 m, respectively. Also, slightly more than half of the wells (51.5%) were inadequate for irrigation since they were either highly or extremely saline. Furthermore, soils were poor to moderately poor in organic matter but very rich in potassium and the phosphorus content was highly variable. Based on the statistical analysis, it is clear that the six zones had significantly different means for CaCO3, pH, OM, and exchangeable sodium percentage. Soil degradation like pollution and salinization may occur in this region if poor quality water is used for irrigation and if land is mismanaged. This research work can be considered as a first step towards a program for monitoring the quality of soil and water for adapting the land management with the final objective of securing high productivity and sustainable use of soil and water resources.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (18) ◽  
pp. 6265
Author(s):  
Vasiliki Kamperidou ◽  
Efstratios Aidinidis ◽  
Ioannis Barboutis

The surface roughness constitutes one of the most critical properties of wood and wood veneers for their extended utilization, affecting the bonding ability of the veneers with one another in the manufacturing of wood composites, the finishing, coating and preservation processes, and the appearance and texture of the material surface. In this research work, logs of five significant European hardwood species (oak, chestnut, ash, poplar, cherry) of Balkan origin were sliced into decorative veneers. Their surface roughness was examined by applying a stylus tracing method, on typical wood structure areas of each wood species, as well as around the areas of wood defects (knots, decay, annual rings irregularities, etc.), to compare them and assess the impact of the defects on the surface quality of veneers. The chestnut veneers presented the smoothest surfaces, while ash veneers, despite the higher density, recorded the highest roughness. In most of the cases, the roughness was found to be significantly lower around the defects, compared to the typical structure surfaces, probably due to lower porosity, higher density and the presence of tensile wood. The results reveal that the presence of defects does not affect the roughness of the veneers and increases neither the processing requirements of the veneer sheets before finishing, nor the respective production cost of veneers and the veneer-based wood panels. The high utilization prospects of the examined wood species in veneer production, even those bearing various defects, is highlighted.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7(25) (3-4) ◽  
pp. 57-81
Author(s):  
Łukasz Laszko

The paper describes an evaluation of the application of selected similarity functions in the task of keyword spotting. Experiments were carried out in the Polish language. The research results can be used to improve already existing keyword spotting methods, or to develop new ones.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document