1. Robustness and reliability: Ensuring that AI systems perform as intended under various conditions and do not exhibit unexpected or harmful behavior.
2. Ethical considerations: Addressing issues related to fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy in AI systems to prevent harm or discrimination against individuals or groups.
3. Value alignment: Aligning the goals and values of AI systems with those of human users and society at large to prevent conflicts or unintended consequences.
4. Risk mitigation: Developing strategies and mechanisms to identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks associated with the development and deployment of AI technologies, such as unintended side effects, misuse, or unintended consequences.
5. Long-term impacts: Anticipating and planning for the long-term societal, economic, and existential impacts of AI technologies, including issues related to employment, inequality, and the potential for AI to surpass human capabilities.

Overall, the goal of AI safety is to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed in a way that maximizes their benefits while minimizing their risks and potential for harm to individuals, society, and the broader environment.

AI safety research is still an emerging field, and new questions and concerns about safety can arise almost daily. However, with increasing use of AI in different aspects of academia, it’s important for stakeholders to understand key issues in AI safety.

Data Poisoning

Data poisoning is a type of cyber attack or manipulation aimed at corrupting the training data used to develop or fine-tune machine learning models. In data poisoning attacks, adversaries strategically inject malicious or misleading data into the training dataset with the goal of undermining the performance or integrity of the machine learning model.

Data poisoning attacks can take various forms, including

1. Label Flipping: Adversaries manipulate the labels or annotations associated with data points to mislead the model during training. For example, they may change the label of a cat image to “dog” to confuse the model.
2. Feature Tampering: Attackers modify certain features or attributes of the data to introduce biases or distortions that can mislead the model’s learning process. This can involve altering pixel values in images or modifying text to include misleading information.
3. Data Injection: Adversaries inject entirely fabricated or malicious data points into the training dataset to skew the model’s decision boundaries or induce specific behaviors. These injected data points can be carefully crafted to exploit vulnerabilities in the model’s learning algorithms.
4. Data Manipulation: Attackers may manipulate the distribution of the training data by selectively adding or removing samples to bias the model’s predictions in favor of certain outcomes or classes.

Deepfakes

Deepfakes are synthetic media, typically videos, that are created using deep learning techniques, particularly generative adversarial networks (GANs) and deep neural networks (DNNs). These technologies allow for the manipulation of visual and audio content to produce highly realistic forgeries that are often difficult to distinguish from genuine footage.

Deepfakes have garnered significant attention due to their potential for misuse, including

1. Misinformation and Fake News: Deepfakes can be used to create convincing but entirely fabricated videos of public figures, politicians, or celebrities saying or doing things they never actually did. This poses a significant risk for spreading misinformation and undermining trust in media and public figures.
2. Privacy Concerns: Deepfake technology can be used to create non-consensual pornography or to fabricate compromising videos of individuals without their consent, leading to privacy violations and potential harm to victims.
3. Fraud and Social Engineering: Deepfakes could be employed for fraudulent purposes, such as impersonating individuals in video calls or creating fake audio messages to deceive people into believing they are communicating with someone they trust.

Transparency and Bias

Many AI systems, particularly those based on complex deep learning models, operate as “black boxes,” making it difficult to understand how they arrive at their decisions. Ensuring transparency and explainability in AI is essential for building trust, enabling accountability, and facilitating human oversight in critical applications where the consequences of errors or failures can be significant.

Moreover, bias in AI systems can lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes, particularly when these systems are used in high-stakes decision-making processes such as hiring, lending, and criminal justice. Addressing bias and promoting fairness in AI requires careful consideration of the data used to train models, as well as the design and evaluation of algorithms to mitigate biased outcomes.

The post AI Safety Aspects That Universities, Publishers, and Journals Need to Understand appeared first on CACTUS.

The recent Barcelona Declaration, on the other hand, advocates for such research information to be open, that is, freely available to all users and without restrictions on how such data can be used.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the main questions universities, publishers, and researchers have around the Barcelona Declaration.

What is the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information?

The Barcelona Declaration is a call for the scientific community to make the following 4 commitments:

1. To make openness the default for the research information they use and produce
2. To use services and systems that support and enable open research information
3. To support the sustainability of infrastructures for open research information
4. support collective action to accelerate the transition to openness of research information

Who prepared it?

Over 25 research information experts, from organizations involved in conducting, funding, and evaluating research, as well as those providing research information infrastructures, collaborated to prepare the Barcelona Declaration on Open Research Information. They convened in Barcelona in November 2023 for a workshop hosted by the SIRIS Foundation.

When was it released?

April 16, 2024.

Who supports it?

The Barcelona Declaration already has an impressive list of signatories, ranging from prominent funders like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to organizations like the UK Reproducibility Network and Science Europe. cOAlitionS, Crossref, DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals), and Europe PMC are also in support of this declaration.

How can I learn more about it?

A webinar in English will be held on April 23 1.00-2.30pm CEST, to officially launch the Barcelona Declaration in English. Attendees can learn about the text of the Barcelona Declaration and its aims. They can also interact with members of signatory organizations and find out the next steps for community coordination. 

Organizations that would like to know more about the Declaration or that would like to sign the Declaration can email contact@barcelona-declaration.org.

The post A Step Towards Open Research Information: FAQs about the Barcelona Declaration appeared first on CACTUS.

Online Threats in Academia & Scientific Publishing

The academic and scientific communities are not immune to the cyber risks that afflict the entire digital world. Phishing attacks, in which people are duped into supplying sensitive information, are growing more sophisticated, frequently targeting researchers with the promise of publishing chances or access to special databases. Data breaches represent another important concern, including cases where unauthorised access to research data has resulted in intellectual property theft or scientific findings manipulation, weakening the credibility of research outputs.

Furthermore, the academic community must address the dissemination of misinformation and academic dishonesty. The emergence of predatory publications, which profit from the open-access paradigm while providing no valid peer review, reduces the quality of scientific debate. Furthermore, the issue of cyber espionage, in which state-sponsored or competing interests seek early access to cutting-edge research, should not be underestimated, emphasising the importance of strong cybersecurity measures in preserving intellectual developments.

The Role of Research Societies in Ensuring Online Safety

Research societies are ideally positioned to advocate for internet safety in the academic and scientific communities. By cultivating an educational and awareness environment, these societies may provide their members with the knowledge and skills they need to efficiently manage online hazards. This includes not only providing information about common cyber risks, but also exchanging best practices for digital hygiene and data security.

Developing and implementing comprehensive internet safety policies is another crucial area in which research societies can have a significant impact. These regulations should address the unique issues and threats that academia faces, while also offering a framework for members to engage in responsible online activity. Furthermore, the implementation of support systems, such as reporting procedures for security issues, guarantees that members have options in the case of an online security breach.

Collaboration with cybersecurity specialists provides another opportunity for research societies to improve their digital safety protocols. By collaborating with IT security businesses or specialists, societies can stay up to date on the newest cybersecurity threats and defences, ensuring that their members are protected from developing online risks.

Best Practices for Webinars & Online Events

The shift to online events and webinars has expanded opportunities for academic collaboration and learning. However, it has introduced new vulnerabilities. Secure platforms are the backbone of safe online events, and research societies are increasingly using systems known for their strong security features to hold webinars and conferences. These platforms provide end-to-end encryption, secure authentication techniques, and limited access to ensure that only registered users can participate.

Implementing secure registration and authentication methods is critical for preventing unauthorised access and protecting participant information. Data protection measures, such as anonymizing participant information and providing secure communication routes, are critical for preserving confidentiality and integrity during these events.

Practical examples from different research societies

In the realm of academic and scientific discourse, research societies are taking decisive steps to fortify internet safety through practical, innovative examples. The Royal Society, recognizing the need for secure digital communication, upgraded its webinar platform to incorporate advanced encryption protocols. This strategic move ensures that online lectures and discussions are conducted on a platform safeguarding participants against data breaches and unauthorized access.

Similarly, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) has initiated cybersecurity workshops for its members. These sessions, led by cybersecurity experts, aim to educate participants on navigating common online threats and securing sensitive information, thereby enhancing their digital resilience.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) adopted a robust two-factor authentication (2FA) system for its annual conference access. This security layer requires attendees to verify their identity through a secondary method, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and ensuring that only verified participants can engage in the conference’s online sessions.

Nature Research, a pioneer in scientific publishing, introduced a secure online portal for its peer review process. Designed with top-tier security measures, this portal safeguards the confidentiality of manuscripts and the anonymity of reviewers, with stringent access controls and data encryption ensuring the integrity of the peer review process.

These examples from the Royal Society, IEEE, ACS, and Nature Research exemplify the commitment of research societies to implementing cutting-edge security measures. By prioritizing internet safety, these organizations not only protect their members and participants but also uphold the sanctity of scientific research and collaboration in the digital age.

As the digital landscape changes, so do the difficulties of internet safety in academia and scientific publishing. Research societies are at the frontline of this battle, with the obligation of protecting their members from online risks while also creating a culture of responsible and secure online activity. Research societies can safeguard the integrity of scientific research and their members’ personal safety in the digital era by implementing best practices for digital safety, formulating thorough policies, and cultivating an environment of awareness and education. The journey to perfect online safety is ongoing, requiring vigilance, adaptability, and a collaborative effort from the entire academic community.

The post <strong>Why Research Societies Should Care About Internet Safety</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

See also: What Academic Publishers Need to Know About STM’s SDG Roadmap: A Handy Infographic

SDG 4: Quality Education

Academic publishing plays a pivotal role in advancing SDG 4 by disseminating knowledge. Openly publishing SDG 4-related research not only increases citation and usage but also fosters public engagement and accelerates impact. As mentioned by Springer Nature, “SDG 4 is essential for sustainable development. Education is a fundamental human right and essential for economic growth, social development, and environmental protection. Achieving SDG 4 means creating a world where everyone can reach their full potential.” As with all research, SDG 4-related research is also helpful for the public when published with open access. This ensures that the paper is accessible to people from around the globe without paying any fees. This greatly benefits individuals in low- to middle-income countries.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

Research communication serves as a bridge, connecting academic efforts with sustainability. This goal calls for futuristic infrastructure and sustainable and equitable industrialization for all. Infrastructure forms the foundation of academic research, which, in turn, is the basis for scholarly publications. Promoting an inclusive and sustainable infrastructure creates more opportunities for the future through industrialization and gives birth to innovation and creativity.

See also: 7 Ways Research Societies Can Support Science for Peace and Development

SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

Scholarly publishing contributes to reducing inequalities by ensuring that research from diverse regions is accessible. Academic research often suffers from visibility issues, especially in specific geographical areas. Researchers from the countries in the Global South face such challenges regularly. This can lead to research from these countries not getting into the top journals in specific fields. Just as open access research articles allow readers to access them without any fees, a particular type of open access also lets researchers publish their research without paying the hefty article processing charges, leading to further benefits in addressing inequalities. SDG 10 aims to reduce this North-South divide by emphasizing the importance of fair representation in academic literature.

See also: Science for Peace and Development: How Research Societies Can Leverage Content in Advocacy Efforts

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

SDG 17 underscores the significance of collaboration. With its global reach, academic publishing fosters partnerships by disseminating research findings, facilitating knowledge exchange, and supporting international cooperation. Without collaboration and transparent networks worldwide, sustainable development is impossible. Research is not confined to a group of people, organizations, or even countries — it is meant to cross boundaries and reach the masses. The commitment to collaboration echoes through the core tenets of SDGs 4, 9, 10, and especially 17.

See also: The Impact of the UN SDGs on University Funding

The UN SDG Publishers Compact

The UN SDG Publishers Compact was introduced to formalize the publishing industry’s commitment to the SDGs. This initiative encourages publishers to align their practices with the SDGs by 2030, promoting responsible research communication. They framed a set of the following ten commitments as mentioned:

1. Committing to the SDGs.

2. Actively promoting and acquiring content.

3. Annually reporting on progress towards achieving SDGs.

4. Nominating a person who will promote SDG progress

5. Raising awareness and promoting the SDGs among staff.

6. Raising awareness and promoting the SDGs among suppliers.

7. Becoming an advocate to customers and stakeholders.

8. Collaborating across cities, countries, and continents.

9. Dedicating budget and other resources towards accelerating progress.

10. Taking action on at least one SDG goal.

By endorsing this compact, publishers, publishing associations, and others commit to these ten points. They aim to promote progress toward achieving the SDGs by 2030 and publish material to create awareness and ingenuity to prosper in this direction.

See also: 5 Action Points for Publishers to Improve Environmental Sustainability

Conclusion

In leadership roles within academic publishing and university administration, embracing the connection between the UN SDGs and scholarly publishing is not merely an opportunity but a responsibility. Upholding the principles of integrity and aligning publishing practices with the SDGs contribute significantly to a more sustainable and equitable global future. Academic publishers play a pivotal role in achieving the United Nations’ vision for a better world by fostering collaboration, reducing inequalities, and advancing quality education.

The post Ink to Impact: Unveiling the Intersection of SDGs and Academic Publishing appeared first on CACTUS.

See also: How Culture Shapes Academia in China: A Guide for Western Publishers and Journals

Why Western Publishers & Societies Are Interested in China

China’s scientific research output has been growing rapidly in recent years, making it an important market for Western publishers and societies. According to the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the country’s research output has increased by more than 20% annually since 2016, with Chinese researchers now contributing more than one-tenth of all scientific papers published globally. In addition to its research output, China also has a large and rapidly growing market for academic publications. With a population of over 1.4 billion people and a strong focus on education and research, China represents a significant opportunity for Western publishers and societies looking to expand their reach and impact.

See also: The Digital Development of China’s Academic Publishing Industry

Weibo and Its Key Characteristics

Weibo is a Chinese microblogging platform similar to X (formerly Twitter), with over 500 million active users. It allows users to post short messages, share photos and videos, and follow other users. Weibo is highly interactive, with features such as hashtags, comments, and direct messaging allowing users to engage with each other and share content quickly and easily.

There are some key differences between Weibo and X:

1. User Base: Weibo is primarily used by Chinese speakers, while X is more popular among English speakers. This means that the user base, content, and discussions on these platforms can vary greatly.
2. Content Limit: X limits users to 280 characters per tweet, while Weibo allows users to post longer messages up to 2,000 characters. This gives Weibo users more room to express themselves and share detailed information.
3. Multimedia: Weibo places a stronger emphasis on multimedia content such as photos, videos, and live streaming. Users can share multiple images or videos in a single post, which is not the case with X.
4. Hashtags: Both platforms use hashtags to categorize and promote content, but Weibo has a more extensive and complex hashtag system. Hashtags on Weibo are often used to reflect trends, topics, and discussions that are specific to China.
5. Censorship: Due to strict internet regulations in China, Weibo is subject to heavier censorship than X. This means that certain topics or keywords may be restricted or blocked on Weibo, while they may be freely discussed on X.
6. Integration with other platforms: Weibo is deeply integrated with other Chinese social media platforms such as WeChat and Douyin (Chinese version of TikTok), allowing content to be easily shared across multiple platforms. X does not currently offer such integration but instead operates fairly independently from other social media platforms.

See also: Building an Academic Brand in China: The Importance of Baidu

Using Weibo for B2B & B2C Brand Building in China

Weibo is a crucial platform for Western publishers for B2B and B2C brand building in China because of its massive user base and significant influence in the country’s digital landscape. With over 500 million monthly active users, Weibo offers a vast potential audience for publishers to engage with and share their content. Weibo allows publishers to distribute their content effectively. The platform’s built-in sharing features enable users to easily repost and share content, which can significantly increase the visibility and reach of a publisher’s brand. For example, a publisher specializing in medical research can leverage Weibo’s sharing capabilities to have their content circulated among relevant communities and attract new followers. Finally, Weibo provides Western publishers with an opportunity to gain valuable insights into the Chinese market and consumer preferences. By analyzing user engagement and feedback on Weibo, publishers can gain a better understanding of what resonates with Chinese audiences and adjust their content strategy accordingly. This market intelligence can help publishers tailor their brand messaging and content to better suit the local market, ultimately leading to increased relevance and appeal among Chinese researchers.

See also: WeChat’s Business Version WeCom: An Introduction for Societies, Journals, and Publishers Entering China

Tips for Creating Content for Weibo

1. Understand your audience: Learn about the demographics, interests, and online behaviors of Weibo users. This information will help you tailor your content strategy to better engage with your target audience.
2. Localize your content: Ensure that your content is relevant and accessible to a Chinese audience. Translate your content into Chinese and adapt images, videos, and other media to resonate with local tastes and preferences.
3. Utilize multimedia: Weibo is a multimedia platform, so take advantage of images, videos, live streaming, and other formats to make your content more engaging and shareable.
4. Keep it concise: Weibo has a character limit for each post, so make sure to get your message across clearly and concisely. This will help grab users’ attention and make your content easier to digest.
5. Interact in real-time: Weibo is a real-time platform, so be responsive and engage with your audience as much as possible. Answer questions, participate in discussions, and respond to feedback promptly.
6. Collaborate with influencers: Identify thought leaders and influencers in your niche and collaborate with them to amplify your content’s reach and impact.
7. Use hashtags: Hashtags are a popular way to categorize and discover content on Weibo. Use relevant hashtags to increase your content’s visibility and attract users interested in specific topics.
8. Analyze and optimize: Regularly review your content performance data to see what’s working and what’s not. Use this information to refine your content strategy and improve engagement metrics over time.
9. Follow platform rules: Ensure that all your content complies with Weibo’s community rules and guidelines. Violating these can result in penalties such as reduced visibility or account suspension.
10. Foster consistency and habit-forming: Aim to publish content on a consistent schedule and at optimal times to encourage audience engagement and build habits. Consistency helps build trust and keeps your audience coming back for more.

See also: Creating and Promoting Relevant and Powerful Content on WeChat: A Comprehensive Guide for Research Publishers and Societies Trying to Build a Presence in China

China represents a significant opportunity for Western publishers and societies looking to expand their impact and reach. Weibo, with its focus on user-generated content and integration with other Chinese social media platforms, can be an effective tool for building your brand and engaging with Chinese audiences. By following the tips outlined in this article and tailoring your content to your target audience, you can successfully navigate the Chinese social media landscape and build a strong presence in this important market.

The post Using Weibo to Build Your Presence in China: An Introduction for Research Societies, Publishers, and Universities appeared first on CACTUS.

See also: The Digital Development of China’s Academic Publishing Industry

Educational Emphasis and Research Commitment

China’s unwavering commitment to education is evident in its prioritization of research and development. The government’s consistent focus on building a knowledge-based society has led to a proliferation of universities and research institutions across the nation. This emphasis creates a robust demand for cutting-edge academic materials, providing Western publishers with an eager and intellectually curious audience.

See also: What Is PubScholar, China’s New Academic Database? An Introduction for Western Research Publishers, Societies, and Universities

Growth of Higher Education Institutions

The number of universities in China has been steadily increasing, reflecting the country’s dedication to fostering a highly educated workforce. This surge in higher education institutions translates into a substantial market for Western academic publishers. Collaborations with Chinese universities can facilitate the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both parties.

Global Knowledge Exchange

China’s integration into the global academic community has been accelerating. International collaborations and partnerships with Western institutions have become increasingly common. Western publishers entering the Chinese market not only tap into a vast consumer base but also contribute to the cross-cultural exchange of knowledge, fostering a more interconnected global academic landscape.

See also: How Culture Shapes Academia in China: A Guide for Western Publishers and Journals

Digital Transformation and E-Learning Trends

The rapid digitalization of education in China aligns with global trends, opening up avenues for Western publishers to provide e-learning solutions and digital resources. Embracing technology allows publishers to meet the evolving needs of Chinese researchers, educators, and students, offering dynamic and interactive content that enhances the learning experience.

See also: Five Key Digital Marketing Trends in China That Western Academic Publishers Need to Know

Conclusion

In 2024, China’s role as a pivotal market for Western academic publishers is undeniable. The confluence of a commitment to education, a growing number of higher education institutions, an expanding middle class, and the embrace of digital learning creates a fertile ground for publishers to thrive. By understanding and tapping into the unique opportunities presented by China, Western academic publishers can not only expand their market share but also contribute to the global dissemination of knowledge in this dynamic era of research.

The post Unlocking Opportunities: China’s Significance for Academic Publishers in 2024 appeared first on CACTUS.

Here are some ways by which OA publishing can promote human rights.

Documentation of human rights abuses

Proper documentation of what constitutes human rights abuse and how to prevent it ensures that practitioners have access to pertinent examples, rules, and regulations. Documentation can also prevent researchers from intentionally or unwittingly participating in human rights violations. Organizations and societies play a key role in this direction, e.g., the World Medical Association prevents physicians from taking part in human rights violations.

Research provides evidence-based recommendations for effective policies and practices, and OA can help research percolate out of academic circles to inform these efforts.

Role in supporting advocacy efforts

Human rights advocacy aims to create or implement human rights norms, law, or policy. At the heart of human rights and social justice change lies the effective use of information. Publishers can facilitate the dissemination of information related to human rights issues, making this critical information accessible to a wide audience. By providing access to such content, they can amplify the voices of activists, researchers, and human rights organizations, helping to raise awareness and gather support for the protection and promotion of human rights.

Disseminating policy implications of research

Publishers and scholarly societies can leverage their wealth of peer-reviewed research to engage with stakeholders and influence critical issues related to their respective fields. They can develop and utilize new ways of presenting and sharing information to inform policy changes and contribute to global transformation in areas like public health, the economy, and sustainability. Journals on human rights issues can make their research more visible, discoverable, and accessible in a number of ways, e.g., making research available in regional languages and sharing research findings in plain, accessible language.

Access to such research is vital to stimulate further dialog and research on policy, as well as encourage diplomatic efforts, economic or political sanctions, and mediation and conflict resolution.

Impact of OA research on social justice movements

OA research can have a significant impact on social justice movements. The democratization of scholarly knowledge, which is a key aspect of the OA movement, ensures that work is available for anyone to read, usually via the Internet. Research on social movements can advance current understanding of policy from a global perspective and strengthen relevant frameworks. Global movements to challenge inequalities and mobilize for greater justice and progressive policy changes can be ushered in with various campaigns rooted in access to information. Take for example HURIDOCS, which establishes online, user-friendly libraries for access to human rights information for improving advocacy and litigation efforts. It also offers a directory of publicly available and reliable sources of human rights information.

To overcome language barriers limiting access to human rights information, volunteers from the UN Human Rights Office, Wikimedia Foundation, and Wikipedia launched a #WikiForHumanRights campaign to create multilingual content on human rights. More than 700 articles on various human rights topics were edited in over 12 languages, and articles dedicated to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were made available in nine additional languages.

Scholarly publishers in this space can spearhead similar initiatives to meaningfully contribute to social justice movements.

OA and its impact on grassroots movements

Grassroots movements are collaborative efforts of regular individuals working together to initiate change. This type of activism can occur on a global, regional, or community level. Focusing on building power from the ground up can be a powerful and effective approach for safeguarding and promoting human rights. Grassroots movements address a wide spectrum of issues, including environmental conservation, social justice, rural development, women’s empowerment, and more. OA research has the power to amplify grassroots efforts. By opening access to information and research, OA can help motivate grassroots movements for positive change.

Final notes

By bridging knowledge gaps, OA can reduce disparities in access to information, address inequality, and facilitate global collaboration. OA research can have a transformative impact on advocacy, social justice movements, and grassroots movements in shaping the future of human rights across the globe. The promotion of OA to human rights information will pave the way for advancing the field of human rights in both public and private sectors and empower local communities to further human rights causes.

The post <strong>The Potential of Open Access in Promoting Human Rights</strong> appeared first on CACTUS.

Here, we will explore some best practices that publishers can adopt to streamline the OA publication process, with examples of how publishers are implementing innovative solutions to enhance author services.

See also: Five Ways Academic Journals and Publishers Can Improve Author Experience

1. Give clear submission and pre-submission guidelines

Dealing with multiple, conflicting requirements from journals can be difficult. Publishers should provide clear, concise, and consistent guidelines that cover all aspects of the submission process, such as manuscript formatting, referencing style, data availability, ethical compliance, and conflict of interest disclosure. Offering template files in common formats, such as Word and LaTeX, with comments on how to prepare the file is a simple way to facilitate submissions. MDPI offers branded templates with plenty of guidance for each of their journals.

Some authors prefer to leave journal formatting to an editing service. Publishers such as Elsevier are offering in-house or outsourced pre-submission services, such as language editing, plagiarism checking, and technical support to help authors prepare their manuscripts for submission.

2. Appropriately communicate about the peer review timeline and process

Peer review is a crucial component of academic publishing. However, it is also a source of anxiety and uncertainty for authors, who may not know how long it will take, what criteria will be used, or how to respond to reviewers’ comments.

To address these concerns, publishers can clearly explain the peer review process, by informing authors upfront about the expected duration of peer review, the number and qualifications of reviewers, peer review style (e.g., single-blind, double-blind, or open), and the possible outcomes (e.g., accept, reject, or revise). Publishers can also use technology to facilitate peer review, including online submission systems like ScholarOne, which can help both reviewers and authors communicate in a timely, hassle-free manner.

See also: Using ChatGPT for Peer Review: A Snapshot of Views

3. Establish quick communication channels for authors

Authors may have questions on their submission status, peer review feedback, publication fees, or post-publication issues. It is important that authors can easily contact the editorial team and receive timely and helpful responses, including through web forms and direct email.

While they are unlikely to replace humans in high-level decision-making, AI chatbots are becoming a useful way of answering simple requests and routing complex queries to the appropriate team.

See also: Five Components Every Publisher Should Include in Their Peer Reviewer Training Models

4. Be transparent about publication fees and funding options

Publication fees are a common barrier for authors who want to publish in OA journals, especially those from low- and middle-income countries. Authors may not be aware of the fees involved or may not be able to afford them. Moreover, some journals may have hidden or variable fees that can surprise or discourage authors. This can lead to authors seeking out alternatives, including non-OA publishing.

Thus, publishers need to disclose all publication fees upfront and make them consistent with comparable journals. Publishers can also offer waivers or discounts for authors who cannot pay or who belong to underrepresented groups. As one example, Oxford University Press offers both developing country waivers and discretionary waivers across all their OA publications. Additionally, publishers can provide guidance on how to find and apply for funding sources for OA publishing, such as grants, institutional memberships, or sponsorships.

See also: Converting Subscription-Based Journals to Open Access: A Handy Guide to the “Subscribe To Open” Model

5. Offer rapid online-first publication

Online-first publication means that accepted articles are published online with a unique digital object identifier (DOI) before they are assigned to a journal issue or volume. This allows authors to disseminate their work faster and reach a wider audience. Online-first publication also benefits publishers by increasing their citation rates and visibility.

To implement online-first publication, publishers can optimize their production workflow to reduce the time between acceptance and online publication. This means ensuring that articles are automatically properly indexed and searchable by major databases with persistent links.

6. Make copyright and licensing management easy

Copyright and licensing are essential aspects of OA publishing, as they determine how authors and users can share and reuse the work. However, navigating these legal topics can be confusing for authors, who may not know their rights and responsibilities or how to choose the best option for their work.

To simplify this process, publishers can offer clear and standardized copyright and licensing policies that allow authors to retain ownership and easily grant users permission to use the contents under certain conditions. Creative Commons licenses are well recognized and make it easy for publishers and authors to choose the most appropriate license. Finally, publishers can display the license information prominently on each article. The OA giant Frontiers includes a license statement with explanations of what it implies with each article.

7. Author-Focused Promotion and Visibility

Promotion and visibility are vital for OA articles, which have to compete for attention in an increasingly crowded landscape. However, this can be challenging for authors, who may lack the time, skills, or resources to market their work effectively.

Thus, publishers need to offer guidance for authors on how to promote their research, such as using Mendeley, academic profiles, or conventional social networking sites to drive traffic. Elsevier provides a good, concise page with many links to appropriate tools and articles. Additionally, publishers can offer social media posts, podcasts, or videos to highlight the key findings and implications of articles, which can make a publisher more attractive as an option.

See also: Making Research Both Available and Accessible: Going Beyond Open Access

8. Provide post-publication support

Post-publication support comprises the various services that publishers can offer after their work is published.

Citation metrics are useful for authors who wish to understand the impact of their work. Several companies, such as CrossRef and Altmetric, offer metrics including citation numbers and more holistic bibliography to measure research impact. There are also regional and national initiatives, such as the Korean Citation Index, which offers a suite of analytical tools used by several publishers.

Publishers should also have clear and consistent policies and procedures for handling corrections or retractions, and inform authors of any changes to their articles through automated email systems.

Publishers may also wish to enable and moderate the comments or feedback section on articles and encourage authors to engage with their readers, which has been implemented by PLOS.

9. Welcome feedback

Author feedback can help publishers improve their services and meet the needs of their authors. Soliciting feedback can also foster trust and loyalty between publishers and authors, aiding the credibility of OA journals.

Publishers can conduct regular surveys using various free and paid services such as Microsoft Forms or SurveyMonkey to streamline the feedback and analysis processes. Naturally, publishers need to analyze and act on their feedback and communicate the results and actions taken to the authors.

 See also: Working with Researchers for Open Access Publishing: Industry Experts from Brill Share Their Experiences

Conclusion

Streamlining OA publication can help make it more attractive to authors, aiding the growth of your journal. By adopting these best practices, publishers can provide a seamless and satisfying OA publication experience for authors, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and science.

The post Streamlining the Open Access Publication Process: 9 Ways Research Publishers Can Support Authors appeared first on CACTUS.

China, the new battleground for Western publishers

The 2023 Nature Index annual list, released on June 15, reveals that Chinese research institutions have taken the lead in the natural sciences, surpassing the United States. In fact, the Chinese Academy of Sciences has maintained its top spot for 11 consecutive years, with an impressive 2022 score of 2,054, outshining second-placed Harvard University at 813. China’s emergence as a global research powerhouse is impossible to overlook.

CNKI, The Chinese Counterpart to Web of Science

CNKI stands for China National Knowledge Infrastructure, was launched back in 1999 Tsing Hua University and Tongfang Co., Ltd. In China, CNKI holds a position just as vital as global databases like Web of Science. When it comes to conducting review studies in China, CNKI is a staple alongside other international databases. Among Chinese academic databases, including China Science and Technology Journal Database, Wanfang Data, Paperpass and paperfree, CNKI stands out as the go-to choice and the most authoritative anti-plagiarism platform. CNKI even offers a commercial plagiarism check service: any content submitted to this service is automatically included in its database for future plagiarism checks. This service is commonly used by public Chinese universities for checking student dissertations.

CNKI’s Mission

CNKI’s specific objectives are as follows:

• Facilitating the large-scale integration of knowledge and information resources to enhance their comprehensive value.
• Building a knowledge resource internet dissemination platform to promote resource sharing, digital learning, and knowledge innovation for society.
• Developing a platform for deep knowledge resource utilization to offer knowledge management and services to various sectors.
• Creating a market environment and business mechanism for internet publishing and distribution of knowledge resources to modernize cultural publishing endeavors.

Key Characteristics of CNKI

CNKI offers comprehensive coverage across diverse research fields, spanning science, technology, humanities, social sciences, and more. The CNKI web version includes features like literature search, knowledge meta-search, and citation search. It boasts a wide array of search resources, including academic journals, theses, conferences, newspapers, yearbooks, patents, standards, results, books, laws and regulations, government documents, and much more. Beyond this, it offers industry knowledge services through various platforms for research, learning, publishing, and evaluation.

The Significance of CNKI for Journals and Publishers

CNKI serves as a vital resource for journals and publishers, not just in China, but around the world. For starters, it provides access to a vast network of researchers and scholars in China through its 8,000+ indexed journals. This presents an excellent opportunity for journals and publishers to connect with a broad audience of potential readers and collaborators. Additionally, being indexed by CNKI can significantly boost a journal’s visibility due to its dominant position in China. Enhanced visibility can lead to more subscribers. Lastly, CNKI aids in disseminating research outputs within the Chinese research community.

The Need for a Sustainable Research Database Business Model

While CNKI plays a pivotal role in the Chinese research landscape, there have been concerns about its business practices. In 2022, the Chinese Academy of Sciences reduced its use of CNKI due to high subscription costs. Over the years, other universities have also questioned CNKI’s pricing policies. For instance, in 2016, Wuhan University of Technology suspended its use of CNKI, and Peking University considered a similar move. In December 2022, the State Administration of Market Regulation imposed penalties on CNKI for market dominance abuse. In response, CNKI accepted the penalties and announced 15 rectification measures. In September 2023, China National Knowledge Network launched an author service platform to better support authors’ rights and interests.

Conclusion

In summary, recognizing CNKI’s significance in China’s research landscape is vital for Western publishers and academic societies aiming to expand their presence in the Chinese market. By collaborating with Chinese journals or tapping into CNKI’s resources, these organizations can increase their visibility, outreach, and impact within the Chinese research community, laying the foundation for potential partnerships and business prospects down the road.

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1. How popular at present are AI-powered tools to complement the manuscript evaluation process, and what are the primary motivations for their adoption?

Response: AI-powered manuscript review tools are in early to mid stages but gaining fast traction both in pre-submission (author-facing) and post-submission (publisher-facing) use cases. The primary motivators are efficiency benefits for publishers through time and cost savings. Adoption levels vary across journals and publishers, with many seeing meaningful impact in time to publication.

2. How does AI complement the expertise of human reviewers, and how do you strike the right balance between automated assessments and human judgment?

Response: By providing initial screening and recommendations, AI can reduce the time and effort spent by human reviewers. The right balance of AI and human judgement depends on the journal’s specific needs and resources – AI can filter out clearly poor quality or “risky” manuscripts, but final accept/reject decisions in fuzzy cases would require human judgment for nuance and context.

3. What are the typical challenges that a journal or publisher may encounter while integrating AI into the manuscript evaluation system, and how can they be addressed?

Response: The integration of advanced AI tools into manuscript evaluation systems offers the promise of streamlining editorial processes and enhancing the quality, TAT (Turn Around Time) and speed of the published work. While many publishers have already integrated the tools into their workflow, it’s still a long road ahead for AI to be adopted to become the base assistive layer across the industry.

Some of the typical challenges the publishers face are:

1. Data Quality and deep understanding of the industry: AI systems require high-quality, unbiased training data for accurate evaluations. The integrity and effectiveness of any AI system heavily rely on the quality of the data used in training. The adage “garbage in, garbage out” holds especially true for machine learning models; subpar or skewed training data can result in a model that is inaccurate or, worse, biased. In the context of manuscript evaluation, data quality becomes an even more sensitive issue, as publishing decisions have far-reaching implications for academic careers and the advancement of knowledge.
2. Expectations from AI: Publishers often desire a near-perfect system with minimal t to zero false positives. It is important to understand that AI tools are assistive and they can work until a certain extent, while its important to expect speed and efficiency from the tools, its still too early to expect complete takeover of all publication processes with AI.
3. System Compatibility: Manuscript Submission Systems like Editorial Manager and ScholarOne are often not owned by the publishers so integrating AI becomes a complex task that involves multiple stakeholders.

One solution to all the challenges above is to use tools which are built for the industry and have gone through multiple iterations and have been perfected. Paperpal Preflight is one such tool that is built by CACTUS, who have been in the academia industry for over 21 years and are the frontrunners in AI and Machine Learning powered products.

4. What measures can be taken to protect the integrity of the manuscript evaluation process, ensuring that AI does not introduce any biases or distort the evaluation outcomes?

Response: Measures to reduce biases include the use of diverse training data, auditing techniques, and regular human quality evaluations, which all contribute to maintaining integrity of the process. Although several straightforward decisions can be automated in the case of high AI confidence, critical decisions that require nuance and context should be handled by humans.

5. What role do you see AI playing in the future landscape of peer review, and how do you anticipate it will evolve to address emerging challenges in scholarly publishing?

Response: AI has a lot of potential to help out in the peer review process for scientific articles. But it’s not all smooth sailing. One big issue is that AI could help spread false or incorrect information. Since we rely on good science to build new discoveries, it’s crucial to make sure AI gets it right. People are also generally skeptical about trusting AI in this area, especially if it makes mistakes.

As AI gets better, it will do more things like initial checks of submitted articles, flagging sketchy submissions, suggesting who could review the article, and catching errors that human editors might miss. However, the better AI gets, the better it also becomes at creating fake or fraudulent articles. So it’s like a cat-and-mouse game where the AI has to keep improving to catch these issues.

Going forward, AI tools will need to keep getting better and smarter to keep up with new challenges. Even with all this tech, humans are still crucial for making fair and ethical choices in what gets published. The best way ahead is to let AI do what it’s good at, but always have people involved to make the final decisions and catch anything the machines miss. This means being open to trying new things but doing so carefully and responsibly.

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