Review
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Chunli Wei, Jingyi Zhao, Jue Ni, Jiang Li
Summary: This study examined the impact of open peer review (OPR) on the usage and citations of scientific articles using a dataset of 6441 articles published in six Public Library of Science (PLoS) journals in 2020-2021. OPR was found to have a positive association with higher article page views, saving, sharing, and HTML to PDF conversion rate; however, OPR articles had a lower PDF to citations conversion rate compared to non-OPR articles. The effects of OPR on citations varied across different citation databases. These findings provide compelling evidence to promote the adoption of OPR in scientific publishing and highlight the importance of careful selection of bibliographic databases when assessing its impact on article citations.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Misha Teplitskiy, Hao Peng, Andrea Blasco, Karim R. Lakhani
Summary: This study investigates the association between novelty and manuscript acceptance, finding that higher novelty is consistently associated with higher acceptance. Disagreement among peer reviewers was not related to novelty or conventionality, and editors tend to select manuscripts with higher novelty. This challenges the perception that peer review is inherently resistant to novelty.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria Reinius, Pamela Mazzocato, Sara Riggare, Ami Bylund, Hanna Jansson, John Ovretveit, Carl Savage, Carolina Wannheden, Henna Hasson
Summary: The number of peer-reviewed publications on patient-driven innovations is increasing, with a focus on high-income countries. The "Do-It-Yourself Artificial Pancreas System" and the online health network "PatientsLikeMe" are popular topics of research. There is an important opportunity for researchers and clinicians to support patient innovators' research, while being mindful of not taking over their work.
Review
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Caoimhe Madden, Roisin O'Malley, Paul O'Connor, Emily O'Dowd, Dara Byrne, Sinead Lydon
Summary: Gender bias has been observed in the authorship and editorship of academic literature in various medical specialties. However, there has been positive progress towards gender parity in leading medical education journals, with an increase in the proportion of women authors and editors. Further research and efforts are needed to ensure the continued participation and highlighting of women in medical education scholarship.
Editorial Material
Ecology
Charles W. Fox, Jennifer Meyer
Summary: According to the research results from six ecology journals, the pandemic has not negatively impacted submissions and peer review processes. There is also no evidence indicating disproportionate impacts on female authors and reviewers compared to male counterparts.
FUNCTIONAL ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bo Maxwell Stevens, Randi Reppen, Mark Linhart, Kara Gibson, Adrah Parafiniuk, Aradhana Roberts, Robert Sanford, Nancy Collins Johnson
Summary: Social, political, and economic forces can unintentionally influence the stance of scientific literature, particularly in controversial topics like genetically modified crops. Research found that 40% of articles on GM crops had a positive or negative stance, with various factors affecting the proportion of positive and negative stances. Articles with a negative stance were more common in certain countries and at the beginning of the millennium.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Maya B. Mathur, Tyler J. VanderWeele
Summary: This study analyzed publication bias in 63 meta-analyses and found that significant results in the expected direction were not significantly more likely to be published than non-significant results or those in the unexpected direction. There was no indication of more publication bias in higher-tier journals compared to lower-tier journals, or in earlier studies compared to later studies.
RESEARCH SYNTHESIS METHODS
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Ivan Kodvanj, Jan Homolak, Davor Virag, Vladimir Trkulja
Summary: COVID-19-related articles are processed and published more quickly in peer-reviewed journals compared to non-related articles. The study also found that COVID-19-related preprints are more likely to be published and that COVID-19 articles are overrepresented in retracted articles.
Article
Nursing
Susan E. Cortez, Sandra K. Allen, Park S. Balevre, Juanita Emily Rass, Susan M. Wechter
Summary: The research shows a significant increase in the number of scholarly publications by DNP authors from 2012 to 2018. These academic works not only expand the dissemination of knowledge, but also offer a pathway to improve health outcomes nationally and globally.
Review
Nursing
Hui-Hui Liu, Chun-Xiang Su, Zhang-Qi Li, Shu-Jin Yue, Shu-Han Cheng, Di Peng
Summary: This study assessed the consistency between registrations and publications of RCTs in nursing journals and found a relatively low level of consistency regarding the primary outcomes and other data, with discrepancies favoring statistically significant results. Additionally, 40% of the studies were prospectively registered.
WORLDVIEWS ON EVIDENCE-BASED NURSING
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Yu Zhang, Min Wang, Michael Zipperle, Alireza Abbasi, Massimiliano Tani
Summary: Hiring appropriate editors, chairs, and committee members for academic journals and conferences is challenging. This paper proposes a relevance-based author ranking algorithm to measure the significance of authors to individual venues. The algorithm is able to identify both high profile scholars and those who are particularly significant for individual venues.
INFORMATION PROCESSING & MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mark Lynas, Benjamin Z. Houlton, Simon Perry
Summary: Through a study of a large number of relevant literature, it is concluded with high statistical confidence that the scientific consensus on human-caused contemporary climate change exceeds 99% in the peer reviewed scientific literature.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Ethics
David Johann
Summary: Based on data collected by the Zurich Survey of Academics, this paper replicates and expands the analysis of researchers' perceptions of scientific authorship. The findings suggest that academics in Switzerland have a more lenient interpretation of scientific authorship compared to their colleagues in Germany and Austria. Additionally, it was found that as perceived publication pressure increases, researchers are more likely to believe that any type of contribution justifies co-authorship, even if it goes against most authorship guidelines. Overall, this study highlights the need for harmonizing regulations for scientific authorship and improving the research culture.
SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Dima Itani, Ghena Lababidi, Rola Itani, Tala El Ghoul, Lama Hamade, Ayat R. A. Hijazi, Joanne Khabsa, Elie A. Akl
Summary: The reporting of funding and conflicts of interest showed improvements in peer-reviewed versions compared to preprint versions, but a significant percentage of studies still added authors, funders, and COI disclosures in their peer-reviewed versions without justifying these changes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Edson Melo de Souza, Jose Eduardo Storopoli, Wonder Alexandre Luz Alves
Summary: This study analyzes scientific contributions in articles published in three mainstream medical journals and proposes a systematic classification of these contributions into two groups: theory and methodology/logistics. The findings suggest that major contributions are related to the theoretical argument of the articles, indicating the experience of the authors. Methodology and logistics are essential for the application and support of theoretical concepts, representing substantial contributions.
Letter
Biodiversity Conservation
R. Rocha, S. A. Aziz, C. E. Brook, W. D. Carvalho, R. Cooper-Bohannon, W. F. Frick, J. C. -C. Huang, T. Kingston, A. Lopez-Baucells, B. Maas, F. Mathews, R. A. Medellin, K. J. Olival, A. J. Peel, R. K. Plowright, O. Razgour, H. Rebelo, L. Rodrigues, S. J. Rossiter, D. Russo, T. M. Straka, E. C. Teeling, T. Treuer, C. C. Voigt, P. W. Webala
ANIMAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Bea Maas, Jean P. Castro-Namuche, Evert Thomas, Justine Vansynghel, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Teja Tscharntke
Summary: The study highlights the importance of cacao agroforests as alternative habitats for insectivorous birds and bats in tropical dry forest landscapes, especially during the dry season. Cacao agroforests provide valuable resources for these species when resources are scarce in forests, creating win-win situations for conservation and ecosystem services.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Jose A. Siles, Marta Diaz-Lopez, Alfonso Vera, Nico Eisenhauer, Carlos A. Guerra, Linnea C. Smith, Francois Buscot, Thomas Reitz, Claudia Breitkreuz, Johan van den Hoogen, Thomas W. Crowther, Alberto Orgiazzi, Yakov Kuzyakov, Manuel Delgado-Baquerizo, Felipe Bastida
Summary: Land use is a critical factor in soil carbon cycling and content changes. The priming effect, which refers to CO2 emissions resulting from the decomposition of fresh carbon inputs, is unpredictable but important in nutrient mobilization. This study, conducted across 22 European countries, revealed that priming effects were generally negative in both seminatural and cropland soils. The magnitude of priming effects was influenced by land use, with seminatural ecosystems showing higher levels compared to croplands. Additionally, the type of crop did not significantly impact the priming effects.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Raja Hussain, Manuela Brandl, Bea Maas, Bernhard Krautzer, Thomas Frank, Dietmar Moser
Summary: The establishment of semi-natural grasslands is a valuable approach for conserving threatened grassland biodiversity. However, it takes longer than 3 years to restore the plant and arthropod communities to resemble old semi-natural grasslands.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
M. Brandl, R. Hussain, B. Maas, D. Rabl, B. Pachinger, W. Holzinger, B. Krautzer, D. Moser, T. Frank
Summary: To counteract biodiversity declines, European countries have implemented agri-environment schemes such as ecological focus areas. A study in Lower Austria found that newly established grasslands with a diverse seed mixture benefited solitary bees, bumblebees, and syrphids the most, while butterflies favored old grasslands. True bugs were particularly attracted to these newly established grasslands. Cicadas did not show a preference. The distinctiveness of sites was more important for overall diversity than local diversity.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Romy Zeiss, Nico Eisenhauer, Alberto Orgiazzi, Matthias Rillig, Francois Buscot, Arwyn Jones, Anika Lehmann, Thomas Reitz, Linnea Smith, Carlos A. Guerra
Summary: Soil biodiversity and ecosystem functions are neglected in biodiversity assessments and conservation actions, especially in Europe. Current nature conservation measures have not shown positive effects on soil ecosystem functioning. German conservation management only considers limited aspects of soils.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Hayat Mahdjoub, Bea Maas, Martin A. Nunez, Rassim Khelifa
Summary: The lack of diversity in editorial boards hinders diverse perspectives in fields such as ecology, evolution, and conservation. To promote equity, diversity, and inclusion, we outline ten key actions that editorial boards can take, which benefit the journal by attracting a wider readership, enhancing diversity among authors, and overcoming biases in editorial decisions.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Teja Tscharntke, Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Justine Vansynghel, Blanca Ivanez-Ballesteros, Pablo Aycart, Lily Rodriguez, Marleni Ramirez, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Bea Maas, Evert Thomas
Summary: Combining food security with biodiversity conservation remains a major challenge in tropical regions. In the western Amazon region, there is growing interest in converting high-yielding bulk-quality cacao to native fine-flavor varieties, which can help adapt to regional climate and enhance ecosystem services. However, this conversion may also increase susceptibility to diseases. Successful conversion experiences, such as selecting disease-resistant native fine-flavor cacao genotypes and organizing cooperatives, offer promising socio-ecological perspectives.
CONSERVATION LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Manuel Toledo-Hernandez, Felipe Libran-Embid, Dolors Armenteras, Justine Vansynghel, Estelle Raveloaritiana, Isabelle Arimond, Andres Angulo-Rubiano, Teja Tscharntke, Valeria Ramirez-Castaneda, Annemarie Wurz, Gabriel Marcacci, Mina Anders, J. Nicolas Urbina-Cardona, Asha de Vos, Soubadra Devy, Catrin Westphal, Anne Toomey, Yolanda Sheherazade, Yolanda Chirango, Bea Maas
Summary: Strengthening the participation of Global South researchers in tropical ecology and conservation is a target of the scientific community. Ten key actions are proposed to foster equitable international collaborations in tropical ecology, considering the unique challenges and contexts of the Global South.
PERSPECTIVES IN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Claudia Zaccari, Romano De Vivo, Lukas Pawera, Celine Termote, Danny Hunter, Teresa Borelli, Christopher J. Kettle, Bea Maas, Ivan Novotny, Thomas Cherico Wanger, Ehsan Dulloo, Carlo Fadda, Eliot Gee
Summary: Building sustainable, equitable, and resilient food systems requires rethinking consumption, production, and conservation of agrobiodiversity. The Congress brought together scientists, Indigenous Peoples, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to share research, solutions, and policies that can transform food systems. The messages from the Congress align with the goals of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit to achieve sustainable development by 2030.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Diogo F. Ferreira, Crinan Jarrett, Alain Christel Wandji, Patrick Jules Atagana, Hugo Rebelo, Bea Maas, Luke L. Powell
Summary: Central/West Africa is biodiverse, produces most of the world's chocolate, and suffers significant losses from cacao pests and diseases. This study highlights the role of flying vertebrates in suppressing pests in cacao plantations and shows that their effectiveness depends on shade tree management.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Justine Vansynghel, Denise Bertleff, Bea Maas, Nils Schumacher, Carlos Ulloque-Samatelo, Fredy F. Yovera, Evert Thomas, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter, Teja Tscharntke
Summary: The presence of birds and bats in shaded agroforestry systems of native cacao varieties in Peru increased cacao yield by 118% and reduced predation on arthropods, while ants increased the abundance of sap-sucking insects and had negative impacts on cacao yield. The study emphasizes the importance of arthropod predation by birds and bats for increasing cacao yield and suggests the need for further research on their trophic interactions. Managing shade trees and adjacent forests can help maximize the benefits of birds and bats and minimize negative impacts in cacao agroforests.
ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Georgia M. Daykin, Marcelo A. Aizen, Luke G. Barrett, Lewis J. Bartlett, Peter Batary, Lucas A. Garibaldi, Ali Guncan, Sridhar Gutam, Bea Maas, Jayalakshmi Mitnala, Flavia Montano-Centellas, Tarirai Muoni, Erik Ockinger, Ode Okechalu, Richard Ostler, Simon G. Potts, David C. Rose, Cairistiona F. E. Topp, Hope O. Usieta, Obaiya G. Utoblo, Christine Watson, Yi Zou, William J. Sutherland, Amelia S. C. Hood
Summary: Many publications lack sufficient background information, hindering scientific progress and the application of science to practice. Reporting guidelines, such as checklists, can improve reporting standards. This study develops a reporting checklist (AgroEcoList 1.0) for ecological and agricultural research through a community-centred approach. The checklist is well-received by the agroecological community, indicating the need for improved reporting standards in these fields. AgroEcoList 1.0 consists of 42 variables and can serve as a guide to enhance reporting standards.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Justine Vansynghel, Evert Thomas, Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Bea Maas, Carlos Ulloque-Samatelo, Dapeng Zhang, Teja Tscharntke, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
Summary: The cacao tree is a valuable crop species, but its yields are limited by pollination deficits. Manual pollen supplementation with different genotypes can improve both yield quantity and quality of the fruits. However, this method is labor-intensive and costly to implement.
AGRICULTURE ECOSYSTEMS & ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Justine Vansynghel, Carolina Ocampo-Ariza, Bea Maas, Emily A. Martin, Evert Thomas, Tara Hanf-Dressler, Nils-Christian Schumacher, Carlos Ulloque-Samatelo, Teja Tscharntke, Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter
Summary: Pollination services of cacao are crucial for chocolate production, but there is limited research on this in the regions of origin. This study in Peru aimed to improve understanding of cacao pollination and found that both naturally and manually pollinated flowers had low fruit set rates. Other unaddressed factors may be limiting cacao fruit production.
ECOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS AND EVIDENCE
(2022)