Categories
en Uncategorized

See the Top Reads of November 2023

As we approach the end of 2023, this blog explores November’s insightful top reads featuring research papers from various areas of study such as psychology, political media, law, cancer research and technology within justice systems. 

  1. The Art of Remembering

This article discusses how our memory can be strengthened in this printing and note-making era, through the “loci method”. This method involves constructing visual images of objects and mentally placing them in a familiar space, to recall the memory you would need to simply retrace your steps back to where you mentally placed the item. 

Learn more here: Psychology: The Art of Remembering

  1. Post-mining Policies in The Eastern USA Coal Region

This journal article discusses the development of mining laws in the US. Since 1977, mine operators are required to conduct a pre-mining analysis and designate a usage for the land once mining and extraction has concluded. Accepted post-mining use of land are: prime farmland, hay land and pasture, biofuel crops, forestry, wildlife habitat and building site development. This article emphasises that post-mining conditions should provide ecosystem services and lands capable of handling future societal needs. 

Learn more here: Post-mining policies and practices in the Eastern USA coal region

  1. Integrative Approach to Cancer Research

This article states that precision oncology has progressed cancer treatment focused on actionable gene mutation, however the majority of cancers don’t have druggable oncogene mutations. The paper proposes that for precision oncology to progress, it has to consider more than just genetics; therefore suggesting researchers should focus on immunotherapy which is a treatment used to help the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells. Furthermore, the paper urges medical professionals to take advantage of research across numerous fields as patient care is not one universal approach. 

Learn more here: Integrative approaches to cancer research

  1. Political Public Relations: Media and Information Management

This article argues that information in political PR is disseminated by manipulating the material, which is commonly known as “communication spin”. It explores how governments assign communications specialists to execute these spins since media and information management are the most important aspects of political PR. The paper goes on to assess and analyse various spin techniques used in political PR that governments deem “acceptable.” 

Learn more here: Political Public Relations − Media and Information Management

  1. Algorithms in Swiss Criminal Justice System

The Swiss justice system is shaped by algorithms which were implemented due to demands for efficiency and political advancement. This paper calls for a critical evaluation and research-based optimisation of these algorithms as the societal implications and legal foundations on the usage of such technology is loosely considered. Furthermore, the paper suggests that potential racial disparity and decline in user responsibility have been criticised widely. 

Learn more here: Smart criminal justice: exploring the use of algorithms in the Swiss criminal justice system

Discover millions of e-books, journal articles, proceedings and more on Zendy now.

Categories
en Uncategorized

Zendy’s Head of Technology, Rodrigo Pinto, presents at F.O.R.M 2023.

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 28 November 2023 – Our head of technology, Rodrigo Pinto Mendez, presented his paper titled: “Leveraging Big Data and Machine Learning to Enhance Open Data Quality: Insights for Developing Regions” at the Forum for Open Research panel that tackled “Open Data and Open Source: Benefits and Case Studies.”

The presentation addresses the need for accurate and reliable open data, focusing on developing regions that can accelerate their social and economic progress through data-driven insights. It explores the relationship between big data and machine learning in enhancing the quality of open data while also observing how open data can be extracted, transformed, and unified. The talk also assesses how machine learning can be used to detect anomalies within datasets.

About F.O.R.M. 2023

The 2023 Annual Forum featured panels addressing key themes related to the advancement of Open Science policies and practices in research institutions and communities throughout the Arab world. This 2023 conference theme was: Democratizing Knowledge: The evolution of open science ecosystems and communities in the Arab World. 

Categories
en Uncategorized

What is Research Design? A Comprehensive Guide to Design Types, Components and Challenges

Zendy - What is research design?

Research design is the strategy that tackles collection, interpretation and discussion of data, it determines how research will be carried out. A well-planned research design ensures that the methods correspond with research objectives, quality data is collected and analysis is done appropriately. Research design is essentially the blueprint that guides the research writing process, shaping the questions, methods, and conclusions. In this blog, we explore the key components of research design, discuss different approaches and methodologies, and provide insights into how to create a robust design that yields valuable insights.

Types of Research Design

Before beginning the research process, it is imperative to determine the type of research design that will comprehensively answer or prove the research question or statement. 

Research DesignDefinition
ExploratoryExplores the gaps in research, which are areas that have not been explored in depth.
DescriptiveFocuses on everything besides the “why”. Descriptive research aims to obtain sufficient information to describe a phenomenon. 
ExplanatorySpecifically investigates the “why”. Sets out to equip reader with further knowledge on the subject area and predict developmental trajectory. 
ExperimentalThis is the process of carrying out research in a controlled and objective manner to produce credible results that align with a thesis statement. 
Cross-sectionalThis is an observational study that measures both the outcome and exposure of certain stimuli
LongitudinalThese are repetitive cross-sectional studies where participants are observed over a long period of time. 
Case studyThis is an in-depth study conducted over a period of time to observe the development of a situation or a person. 

Components of Research Design

Design components are the building blocks of constructing an effective research design. To yield objective findings, the research design should be set up in a way that every relevant contributing factor is either a variable or a control to influence the experiment appropriately. 

Design ComponentRelevance and Definition
Research question The research question is what the research or project is designed to answer, formulating and phrasing the research question dictates the data collection and analysis methods.
HypothesisThis is a proposed explanation that is based off of the limited research and evidence, it is the starting point of further research and investigation.
VariablesThese are measurable factors. There are 2 kinds of variables; independent and dependent and they are used to observe cause and effect relationships.
Data collection methodsThese are the ways in which primary research can be conducted and the most common ones are surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations etc. 
Sampling techniquesThese are strategies to select participants based on relevant factors. The most common techniques are snowball, cluster, stratified, systematic, randomised, quota and convenience. 
Data analysisThis is the most crucial stage of research as it summarises the data in an analytical manner to establish patterns, trends or relations. 

What Are The Objectives Of Research Design?

The objectives of research design play a key role in guiding a study’s methods and making sure its results are valid and reliable. These objectives include:

  • Clarity of Research Objectives: 

A good research design gives you a clear vision for your study. It helps you know what you want to do and what you hope to find out.

  • Increased Validity and Reliability:

How you design your research makes a big difference in the accuracy and trustworthiness of your results. It helps reduce bias and keeps outside factors in check, leading to dependable findings.

  • Improved Data Collection:

When you have a strong research setup, you can make sure you collect data in an orderly and consistent way. This organised approach cuts down on mistakes and makes sure you’re getting the most useful information for your study.

  • Better Data Analysis:

Well-designed research sets you up to analyse data. By making sure you gather data in a way that makes sense, you’ll be able to draw meaningful conclusions from your work. 

  • Better Communication:

One of the main objectives of research design is to make it easier for your team and professor to talk to each other. When you present your findings, people grasp them more. This helps your work to have a stronger effect. 

To sum up, the objectives of research design act as a roadmap for carrying out research in an orderly way and achieving solid, worthwhile results.

Creating Effective Research Design

For a research design to be effective, all the components must align with one another. To ensure this alignment, the researcher should determine whether the data needs to be qualitative or quantitative while also considering the scope of the research question and the answer the study derives. To avoid misalignment of components, refer to the order below: 

• Your research objectives must be consistent with the “gap” that your research is addressing. 

• Your research questions must be aligned with research objectives. 

• Your hypotheses must be aligned with your research questions. 

• Your research method must be appropriate to research objectives and research questions. 

• Your research design must be consistent with your research method. 

• Your research methodology must be consistent with research design.

Zendy - Steps to creating effective research design

Common Challenges & Tackling Them

  1. Participant and sample collection

The most efficient way to attract participants is to have incentives and learn to “sell” your research project to potential participants, this would make them more willing to partake in the study. 

  1. Finding research collaborators

The first place to look for collaborators is within your own professional network. However, if you’ve struggled to find them, then you can look into expanding your network by attending academic conferences. Another tip is to look for collaborators that challenge you to see your research through different aspects. 

  1. Finding research funding

To find research funding, try to branch out to international sources as well. Look for online sources and apply, this can help put you in touch with international researchers which also fosters collaboration and inclusivity within your research. 

In conclusion, research design is the compass that guides the expedition into the realm of knowledge. It is a meticulous process that, when executed effectively, paves the way for discovery, innovation, and progress. As we highlighted the key components of research design, this blog uncovered its multifaceted nature. From the types of research design, each with its unique purpose and methodology, to the essential components that form the building blocks of an effective design, it is clear that a well-planned approach is essential. 

FAQs

What is the role of research design in research study?

The purpose of research design is to dictate the effective plan to carry out the study. It is the approach with which a study is executed, it ensures that all variables within the study are carefully planned for and accurately measured. 

How does the choice of design impact data collection?

The chosen research design ensures that all relevant factors within the research study can be analyzed to provide clear insights. The design determines whether the data collected will be qualitative, quantitative or a mix of both. 

What are the key differences between exploratory and experimental research designs?

The main difference is that experimental research is done in a controlled environment and  exploratory research seeks to answer a question or address a phenomenon or statement.

How can a strong research design enhance the validity of study results?

The strongest research designs avoid far-fetched correlations, rigorously test the hypothesis, and ensure that the results are generalisable.

Categories
en Uncategorized

Zendy Announces a New Global Subscription Plan at Frankfurt Book Fair 2023

Frankfurt, Germany – October 19 2023Zendy, the AI-powered research library, announced the launch of its global subscription plan at the 75th annual Frankfurt Book Fair event in Germany. This launch enables students, researchers, and professionals around the world to access leading journals, e-books, and research papers on one intuitive platform. 

Founded in 2019, Zendy has introduced an ‘affordable access’ model and is committed to fostering a more affordable and inclusive ecosystem for individuals to read and download scholarly material. 

Despite progress with open science initiatives, the majority of published scientific findings — and the vast majority of prestigious new research is hidden behind paywalls. Given the global disparity in current access models, affordable and accessible solutions are required to facilitate the future of research. 

This global subscription plan gives individuals unlimited access to paywalled research for the monthly price of a single research paper. Zendy also offers a free Open Access plan. Both plans come with a host of features including AI summarisation and keyphrase highlighting and more. 

“Research should be accessible to everyone and it must be affordable. The only way we can address these issues is to shift our perspective on the economics of the publishing industry. Our affordable access solution with Zendy Plus helps publishers increase visibility and proceeds in emerging markets, and most importantly, gives individuals an affordable alternative. It’s taken us years of conversations and collaboration to reach this milestone so we thank our community for their unwavering support,” said Zendy co-founder Kamran Kardan. 

Zendy partners with leading providers and publishers including Bristol University Press, De Gruyter, EBSCO, Emerald Publishing, IEEE, Taylor & Francis, Wiley, and more. 

To find out more, visit: www.zendy.io

About Zendy

Zendy is a product of Knowledge E. Since its inception in 2019, Zendy has introduced over 350,000 users to a better way to  research. Zendy’s intuitive AI-powered research library features millions of journals, articles, e-books, and more; allowing users to access unlimited content for an affordable monthly subscription. Zendy also offers a free open access plan. 

Press contact:
Monica Chinsami
Head of Marketing

Categories
en Uncategorized

Open Access Week 2023: Interview With Kamran Kardan and Sara Crowley Vigneau

Imagine a world driven and progressing through the dissemination of objective research. This is the vision that introduced Open Access week. What begun in 2007 as Open Access day through the partnership of student volunteers and SPARC, has since become a globally recognised movement and event that stands to disseminate quality academic research without paywalls and restrictions so that global societies are free to make informed decisions towards progress; the Open Access movement has also assisted in creating more inclusive and collaborative research communities. 

A brief history of open access 

While the movement began taking form in the late 2000s, the first few open access journals appeared between the late 80s and early 90s and were disseminated through emails, newsgroups and volunteer labor. Due to this emerging trend, an online repository known as e-prints was founded by American physicist, Paul Ginsparg in 1991. This database was then renamed ArXiv.org in 1999 which encouraged the publishing industry to establish other open access databases like SciELO, BioMed Central, PubMed Central and more.

Zendy’s open access journey

Zendy is one such digital library that was inspired by the Open Access movement. Zendy offers affordable access and open access research content on one platform. Open Access week is significant to Zendy as we stand to create knowledgeable global communities by disseminating quality academic research from leading publishers. Our co-founder, Kamran Kardan says “I have been involved in the Open Access movement since its earliest days. I had also done my thesis around it. Since then, I have been concerned about what triggers the movement. I believe the biggest motivator of the movement is affordability; as access to journals was paid for with taxpayer money, to access research that was also funded through taxpayer money. This overlapping cost drives the movement.” 

He went on to express, “Looking at the challenges faced by pirated access and given the vast content that is still paywalled, it leaves room to explore a different business model known as affordable access. It’s not something that’s new, as this is present in the entertainment industry as many of us have Netflix and Spotify subscriptions. Zendy has taken that and applied it to scholarly research.”

The 2023 Open Access Week marks 16 years since its inception. The theme for this year is “community over commercialisation” which encourages open conversation around open access initiatives that serve communities and those that engage in commercialising academia, essentially this year’s theme places open access initiatives under a microscope. It also sets out to highlight the importance of freely available scholarly materials to teachers, researchers, and lifelong learners. Open access week provides academics with the perfect opportunity to learn of and spread open access initiatives to help widen the conversation and normalise open access alternatives across the world of publishing. 

Driving change with the SDGs

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) place great emphasis on the open access movement. Opening academic research to the wider public not only helps individuals make informed decisions but also contributes to creating more inclusive scientific communities while accelerating global collaboration on interdisciplinary research. Broadening opportunities in education and increasing global literacy rates directly supports SDG-4 (Ensuring Quality Education). 

Zendy’s Partnerships Relations Manager, Sara Crowley Vigneau says, “Open access reduces inequalities in access to content that is directly relevant to the SDGs, promoting a more equitable and inclusive publishing system. From the start of 2023, Zendy’s readership has seen an increase of professionals outside of academia and essentially, this is what open access does, it increases the societal relevance of academic research.” 

She went on to express, “The role of open access in supporting the SDGs is to broaden scientific and policy related conversations by ensuring researchers from all regions can contribute to research regardless of funding. This also opens the door to academic research being published in local languages, thereby eliminating language barriers and allowing for research to be region-specific to increase its relevance rather than just following the leading, benchmark research from developed regions.” 

As we observe Open Access week in 2023, it is imperative to recognise the collaborative progress made by the ecosystem of open access stakeholders, including researchers, institutions, publishers, and providers. Publishing open access benefits readers and researchers alike, as it increases the visibility of research. While there is still significant progress to be made, the world of academia has seen an influx of initiatives to empower research communities and create stronger and more inclusive collaborative ecosystems. 

Discover millions of open access research papers across an array of disciplines on Zendy now. 

Categories
en Uncategorized

Utilise these online tools to improve your academic writing skill

In the current digital age, academic writing has undoubtedly been transformed from what it once was. The internet has brought a new era of convenience and efficiency for students and scholars alike. Academic writing is a writing style that demands a clear tone and formal language, finding the balance between the two can be challenging. As a result, online academic writing tools have emerged, offering resources and assistance to streamline the writing and citation processes. In this blog, we explore online tools that can help you conquer academic writing challenges, boost your productivity, and elevate the quality of your scholarly work. 

Writing Tools

The chosen writing platform can impact the quality of an academic essay, however, this is dependent on personal preferences. A well-known universally adopted writing platform is Microsoft Word, which is very versatile and caters to a variety of writing projects. Platforms specifically geared towards academic writing usually host citation managers and other formatting specialities. Listed below are a few writing platforms that Zendy recommends. 

PlatformBenefits
Microsoft WordA versatile tool that is user-friendly, provides formatting options, collaboration and sharing tools, citation features, templates, spell and grammar check, and auto-save.
LaTeXMost used by academics as the platform is designed to smoothly manage heavy files including data in the form of text, visuals and equations. Provides writers with professional typesetting tools to easily meet institutional or journal requirements easily. 
LibreOfficeLibreOffice Writer provides an array of writing tools ranging from advanced formatting options to spell-checking, in terms of academic writing, this can be a good platform to conduct final touches on an academic paper. 
ScrivenerFor academic writers, Scrivener is best used as a note-making tool as it efficiently stores and organizes all the notes, sources and citations. 
Google DocsGoogle Docs works best for researchers who are collaborating on an academic paper, it conveniently tracks everybody’s contributions ensuring equal participation and smooth workflow. 
Dropbox PaperDropbox paper can be considered a slightly advanced version of Google Docs as the platform is designed to assign tasks, organize documents and create to-do lists to ensure researchers collaborate efficiently. 

Citation Management Tools

In academic writing, referencing and citations are arguably the most time-consuming tasks. Online citation tools are designed to generate accurate citations and curate specifically formatted referencing lists to ensure productivity in research. Citation managers generate both in-text citations and list versions to ensure the source is being used correctly to avoid plagiarism, furthermore, some citation tools also evaluate sources and rule out or alert the writer about the non-academic ones. Listed below are a few citation management tools that Zendy recommends. 

PlatformBenefits
ZoteroZotero is an efficient citation management tool that generates citations by dragging the link of the source to a dropbox. A unique feature is that Zotero also allows academic writers to annotate PDFs on the app to highlight key concepts within a research paper. 
Mendeleygenerates citations and bibliographies of multiple mediums and allows users to collaborate with other researchers online. 
EndNoteEndNote is a great way to organise citations by research paper. It hosts interesting features such as PDF annotation and allows users to generate citations from over 7000 referencing styles. This platform also allows researchers to share reference lists with other authorised collaborators. 
PaperpilePaperpile allows users to access their libraries across multiple devices and also functions as a plug-in to collaborate on Google Docs. It also secures bibliographies as it is a cloud-based reference manager.
RefWorksRefWorks allows users to simply share citations and documents with other collaborators and efficiently manages multiple formats, including webpages. 

Grammar and Spell-Check Tools

In academic writing, it is important to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors and that all sentences are structured in a formal and objective manner. The core of academic writing is to clearly and accurately convey information and findings, any grammatical or spelling errors have the potential to misinform readers. Listed below are a few grammar and spell-check tools that Zendy recommends. 

PlatformBenefits
GrammarlyGrammarly is a universal plug-in that enhances clarity and readability while also highlighting errors. This platform can be optimized to cater to any writing platform and tone. Allowing researchers to work on different projects error-free
ProWritingAidThis tool assesses an array of writing mistakes like sentences that interrupt the flow, word choices, consistency of tense usage, and readability. 
MS Word Spelling and Grammar CheckerEfficient for writers who primarily utilise MS Word, as it is an efficient tool that saves time in the proofreading stage. 

Plagiarism Detecting Tools

To be a credible academic, your record must be free of plagiarism as it can quickly taint your career and reputation. Plagiarism detectors ensure that all the content in a research paper is original and cited correctly, some detectors also evaluate how credible a source is and if it can be utilised in an academic paper and then highlight the problem areas. Regularly using plagiarism detectors helps researchers adhere to ethical guidelines to disseminate credible academic research. Listed below are two plagiarism detectors that Zendy recommends.

Platform Benefits
TurnitinThis platform educates students on identifying and crediting other authors’ works, using appropriate referencing techniques, and detecting plagiarised parts for students to efficiently paraphrase. 
CopyscapeCopyscape helps identify plagiarism and the exact source from where content has been plagiarised, this helps students understand the context of the information while correcting the plagiarism. 

In the fast-paced world of academia, where the pursuit of excellence is paramount, these online tools have proven to be indispensable for students and scholars alike. From harnessing the power of plagiarism detection to ensuring impeccable grammar and streamlining the tedious task of citation management, these digital aids have transformed our approach to academic writing. As we conclude our exploration of these tools, it’s worth noting that while they provide invaluable assistance, they are no substitute for the core skills of critical thinking, research, and writing. Instead, they serve as enablers, freeing up time and mental bandwidth, and allowing us to focus on the true essence of scholarship: the pursuit of knowledge and the articulation of innovative ideas. 


Use Zendy to conduct your research through quality scholarly papers and easily consume the content with our AI-based summarisation and keyphrase highlighting features.

Categories
en Uncategorized

See the Top Reads of September 2023

In a world of boundless knowledge, we remain steadfast in our commitment to be your guide through scholarly research. This past month we witnessed a vast collection of exceptional works spanning the disciplines of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Healthcare, Education, and Sustainability. Whether you are a dedicated scholar, an inquisitive student, or an inquiring mind with a thirst for knowledge, our list of premier reads for the month promises to illuminate your mind. Join us as we showcase the contributions from the academic realm for the month of September.

 

  1. Future Regulation of AI

As the current workforce landscape invests significantly in AI, it brings about the concern of how this advanced technology can be regulated. This journal article proposes the role of AI regulators that would ensure contextual responses are generated, risks are mitigated while innovation is supported. The article touches on the UKs AI regulations that are guided on the following principles: safety, security and robustness, transparency, fairness, accountability, and contestability. Furthermore, the paper identifies the legal risks in AI usage like breaches of the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998 as potential bias in algorithmic decision-making can be rooted in autonomy and adaptivity of AI. 

Read more: Future Regulation of AI and Employment Law Regulations

 

  1. Towards Sustainable Fashion Consumption

This journal article explores consumer behavior in a developing country. Set in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, the study aims to determine whether consumer behavior is a significant factor in promoting sustainable fashion. The results were derived using qualitative thematic analysis of 16 semi-structured interviews and found that there are critical barriers to adopting sustainable fashion practices in the region due to factors like over-shopping and the general analysis of quality, price and design. 

Read more: Towards Sustainable Fashion Consumption: Exploratory Study of Consumer Behavior in a Developing Country

 

  1. Recent Advances in Breast Cancer Research

Breast cancer affects 1 in 3 women. This special issue highlights 12 research articles that cover cell biology, animal and human studies in the field of breast cancer. Several of these papers focused on potential biomarkers that can predict disease progression or therapeutic response, a few others highlighted tumor microenvironment and infiltration of immune cells and other human studies covered the usage of modern biotechnology to combat breast cancer. 

Read more: Recent Advances in Breast Cancer Research

 

  1. The Fine Art of School Engagement

This journal article highlights the importance of art in education. The author states that art instills a foundation of human expression, provides ways of learning and exposes an individual to different perspectives; they also describe an education without arts is insufficient. The article studies the positioning of arts throughout school years and finds that schools in America have a steady decline in music and art resources, the authors suggest that the very expansion of arts affects learning, behavior and social-emotionla growth while also improving empathy, engagement and discipline. 

Read more: The Fine Art of School Engagement

 

  1. Introducing Accessible Design to Computer Science Students

People with disabilities rely on accessible technology to interact with the world. This study introduces accessible design courses to computer science students to help them design and evelop inclusive applications that align with the needs of people with disabilities. The aim of the study is to increase student knowledge on accessibility in the digital world and analysed student feedback on the course. 
Read more: Introducing Accessible Design to Students in Computer Science

Discover millions of e-books, journal articles, proceedings and more on Zendy now.

Categories
en Uncategorized

Dissecting the Key Ethical Considerations in Academic Research

Within the ever-evolving sphere of academic and scientific research, ethical considerations play an imperative role. Research ethics are a set of principles that guide research, study, or experiment design and process; they serve as a code of conduct for scientists and researchers to abide by when collecting data from people. Transparently communicating how a study followed ethical guidelines is beneficial for both the researcher and participant; the guidelines ensure the participant’s right to privacy is protected, while also enhancing research validity and maintaining scientific integrity.

Why are ethics important in research?

Research ethics are established to ensure that the rights and welfare of research participants are appropriately protected, and all research designs involving living beings are reviewed by an ethics committee prior to the execution; this is done to ensure all ethical standards are met. 

Following ethics shows objectivity in research studies and experiments, the absence of harm combined with efficient result transparency gives the study credibility as well. Moreover, ethical research models and experiment designs attract more funding because research integrity and transparency are essential in gaining support to execute research. Finally, the standard ethics in research are also put in place to increase collaborative work across disciplines and institutions. 

Infographic depicting ethical concerns in academic research

 

  1. Voluntary Participation

When scouting and briefing volunteers for a research study, it is imperative to clarify that there are no negative consequences of withdrawing from the study. Voluntary participation is an ethical principle protected by international law and many scientific codes of conduct. 

 

  1. Informed Consent

All potential participants should receive and comprehend all the information about the study or experiment. The participant debriefing should include the following:

  • What is the study about?
  • Risks and benefits of participating
  • Timeline of study or experiment
  • Contact information and institutional approval number of the research supervisor
  • Right to withdraw at any given point in the study
  • The information withdrawal procedure

All of this information should be clearly mentioned and explained in a debriefing document which the participants should sign. It is important for all this information to be thoroughly comprehended by participants hence the material should be translated for those with limited English. 

 

  1. Anonymity

In a research study, anonymity can only be guaranteed by not collecting any personally identifiable information. An alternative to anonymising data is to generate data pseudonyms and replace personal information with these pseudonym identifiers instead. 

 

  1. Confidentiality

Participant confidentiality has to be maintained properly before, during and after the study. The information has to be stored safely during collection, analysis and utilisation. For example, all digitised files must be password protected and only approved researchers can access these databases. For cases in which confidentiality cannot be guaranteed, this must be thoroughly communicated in the debriefing phase. 

 

  1. Potential Harm

Any kind of harm during a study should be minimised. However, the researcher would need to consider all aspects of liability to debrief participants appropriately. 

  • Psychological harm: sensitive questions or tasks that can trigger negative emotions such as anxiety or shame
  • Social harm: participation can involve social risks, public humiliation or stigma
  • Physical harm: any pain or injury that can result from study procedures
  • Legal harm: reporting sensitive data could lead to legal risks and potential breaches of privacy

 

  1. Result Communication

Researchers should remember that good scientific research is honest and credible, as this keeps results as transparent as possible. There are 2 issues that can come from inaccurate result analysis and communication:

  • Plagiarism: the researcher should be vigilant to not commit plagiarism or self-plagiarism as this can benefit the researcher from presenting these findings and concepts as “new” 
  • Research misconduct: falsifying or fabricating data which is considered academic fraud

In conclusion, ethical considerations in academia contribute to responsible research. Embracing principles such as honesty, integrity, transparency, fairness, and respect not only ensures the credibility of academic work but also fosters a culture of trust and collaboration within the scholarly community. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of academia, it is imperative to remain vigilant in upholding these ethical standards. By doing so, we not only contribute to the advancement of knowledge but also serve as ethical role models for the next generation of scholars, shaping a brighter and more ethically grounded future for academia.

Categories
en Uncategorized

See the Top Reads of August 2023

In the evolving landscape of academia, scholarly works and intellectual breakthroughs are paramount. This past August, our virtual shelves have been enriched with an array of thought-provoking publications. These carefully selected papers represent academic literature, spanning disciplines and shedding light on research and insights. Whether you’re a student, educator, or simply an inquisitive mind, join us on this exploration of the most compelling texts that have graced our research library in the past month.

 

  1. AI in healthcare

This paper discusses how artificial intelligence, specifically in nursing, can improve the quality and efficiency of delivering personalised treatment. The research highlights that AI will equip healthcare professionals with top medical research and intelligent analytical technology. The research paper navigates the current foundation of AI in healthcare and the challenges that hinder complete implementation. 

Read more: Artificial intelligence in healthcare

 

  1. Examination of the relationship between tourism, environment and economy

This research paper deeply analyses the correlation between the tourism industry, ecological environment and regional economy in the Shandong province in China. Utilising the coupling coordination evaluation system, the 3 aspects of each city within the region were monitored from 2010-2017. The study concluded that tourism and the economy are highly correlated and that the ecological environment adapts to the changes, indicating that all 3 aspects generally develop in coordination. 

Read more: Examination and Forecast of Relationship among Tourism, Environment, and Economy: A Case Study in Shandong Province, China

 

  1. Impact of the industrial revolution on food machinery

This article proposes that with the rise of food manufacturing and processing machinery, the industry should focus on acquiring skilled engineers to oversee operations. The paper highlights how analytical and scientific equipment in the food industry has impacted various aspects of production. Furthermore, the research provides a comprehensive history of the implementation of technology in the food industry dating back to the 17th century. 

Read more: Impact of Industrial Revolutions on Food Machinery

 

  1. Music and mathematics in Iranian architecture

This paper closely examines the role of music in architecture as the researcher found conceptual and fundamental connections between music and traditional Iranian architecture. By analysing parameters like rhythm, high low, hierarchy, numbers, symbolism, and geometry, the study found compatibility with physics and mathematics. 

Read more: Music, Architecture and Mathematics in Traditional Iranian Architecture

 

  1. Sustainable practices in the hospitality industry

 

This article assesses how hotels in Poland progress towards SDGs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers conducted a case study on one hotel and surveyed 102 different hotels across Poland, the data was analysed descriptively and interpreted the market situation of hotels in Poland while examining the practices hotels would engage in before and during the pandemic and comparing these to each of the 17 SDGs

Read more: Sustainability in the hospitality industry in the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study of the hospitality industry in Poland

Discover millions of e-books, journal articles, proceedings and more on Zendy now.

Categories
en Uncategorized

Zendy signs global licensing agreement with Bristol University Press

[Dubai, 14 August 2023] – Zendy has signed a global licensing agreement with Bristol University Press, an academic publisher known for its commitment to advancing research and knowledge dissemination. The agreement will allow Zendy users to access academic resources from Bristol University Press across social sciences and aligned disciplines. 

Bristol University Press has built a reputation for publishing world-class research that addresses pressing global challenges and contributes to the advancement of social sciences. Their dedication to inclusive knowledge aligns seamlessly with Zendy’s mission to make quality academic content accessible to individuals, researchers, and students regardless of geographical boundaries.

“We are excited to partner with Bristol University Press to offer our users a more diverse selection of research on our platform,” said Zendy Co-founder Kamran Kardan. “This collaboration underlines our commitment to connecting researchers, students, and knowledge enthusiasts with top-tier academic content, fostering collaboration and learning on a global scale.”

This announcement comes as Zendy continues to forge partnerships with prominent academic publishers to expand its content library and cater to diverse user interests. Zendy recently announced a series of new partnerships with IntechOpen, IEEE, IT Governance Publishing, and IGI Global

The partnership with Bristol University Press reinforces Zendy’s dedication to nurturing a global academic community and making scholarly resources accessible to all. 

About Zendy: Zendy is a product of Knowledge E. Since its inception in 2019, Zendy has connected over 200,000 users to academic journals, proceedings, articles, e-books, and more. Zendy is on a mission to make academic literature more affordable and accessible for students, researchers, and professionals worldwide. Zendy was awarded Best Startup – Education at the Middle East Technology Excellence Awards 2022. To learn more, visit www.zendy.io.

About Bristol University Press: Bristol University Press is an academic publisher committed to publishing high-quality research that addresses global challenges and contributes to various disciplines. The press is known for its commitment to open access and the dissemination of knowledge for the betterment of society. To learn more visit, bristoluniversitypress.co.uk.