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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.
calendarSep 19, 2023  |clock10 Mins Read
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See the Top Reads of August 2023
Sep 12, 20237 Mins ReadTop reads

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. 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 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 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 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 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.

Zendy signs global licensing agreement with Bristol University Press
Aug 14, 20234 Mins ReadNews

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.

See the Top Reads of July 2023
Aug 11, 20236 Mins ReadTop reads

See the Top Reads of July 2023

As we embark on a journey through the pages of knowledge, we are thrilled to present the themes in academic research that have ignited the minds of readers in the past month. From the realms of science to sustainable proposals, our curated selection brings you the most-read, thought-provoking, and insightful research articles that have graced our digital shelves. Join us as we unveil the top-read research that has captured the attention and curiosity of scholars and enthusiasts alike. Racial Differences in the Impact of Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure on Stroke Risk This study dissects the assumption that between the ages of 45 and 65, incident strokes are more common in black people than in white people; traditional symptoms or risk factors cannot prove this. The experiment assessed over 27,000 black and white participants between 2003 and 2007; with a follow-up in 2011. The main focus of the research was to navigate geographical limitations and how these link to racial differences in terms of healthcare. Read more: Racial Differences in the Impact of Elevated Systolic Blood Pressure on Stroke Risk Power Laws and Statistics This insightful article discusses appropriate data portrayal methods in Physics. Establishing that not all data can be considered conclusive, the piece takes examples from the laws of physics and how they have been proven through the appropriate presentation of hard data. Read more: Laws, Power Laws and Statistics Skin Cancer Knowledge & Self-examinations This research paper studies the rate of melanoma within the Hispanic population of North Carolina. It proposes that Melanoma presents itself at a more advanced rate in Hispanics than in other ethnic groups while highlighting the benefits of comprehensive self-examinations due to skin cancer showing lesser symptoms in the Hispanic population. The study determined the percentage of Hispanic patients that undergo skin examinations conducted by a physician or resort to regular self-examinations. Read more: Skin Cancer Knowledge and Skin Self-examinations in the Hispanic Population of North Carolina: The Patient's Perspective Sustainable Transportation in Practice This research paper is a quantitative review of case studies within transportation. The paper urges researchers to navigate sustainable alternatives and practices to improve transportation. As this will benefit the general public and government. It will result in reduced traffic accidents, increased usage of renewable energy, higher quality of transport infrastructure, responsible consumption and production and a significant decrease in the usage of fossil fuels. Read more: Sustainable Transportation in Practice: A Systematic Quantitative Review of Case Studies Ant Colonies and Their Density This research study manipulated the density within the carpenter ant colonies by significantly multiplying nest space and manually tracking over 6.9 million ant locations. The researchers assessed over 3,200 interactions to understand the relation between density, spatial organisation and interaction rates. The results highlight the organisational resilience in ant colonies to change density and allow them to sustain basic colony functions. Read more: Ant colonies maintain social homeostasis in the face of decreased density Discover millions of e-books, journal articles, proceedings and more on Zendy now.

9 Best Alternatives to Z Library: Consume Research Seamlessly on These Platforms
Aug 8, 20239 Mins ReadDiscover

9 Best Alternatives to Z Library: Consume Research Seamlessly on These Platforms

Z-library is an e-book and journal database that has sparked controversy, conversation, and reform since its launch in 2009. After countless lawsuits and domain seizures, the rise and fall of Z-library have allowed many non-pirated alternative digital libraries to emerge and provide students and researchers with legal content gateways. The steady increase of these non-restricted alternatives has elevated the dissemination of quality research globally for students, researchers and lifelong learners to benefit from. In this blog, we uncover legal and safe academic platforms that are great alternatives to Z library. These platforms do not violate copyright or privacy laws and offer a far better navigation experience with advanced features to aid research consumption and comprehension. Websites like Z-Library Project Gutenberg This project initially started as a volunteer-driven effort to organise and digitise the literary content, it features more historic books for which US copyright laws have expired. Since its establishment, it has grown to offer over 60,000 literature and academic resources from an array of subjects and areas of study. The platform is completely free of cost and offers the available material in different formats to ease research consumption and dissemination. The Open Library Established in 2008, this library is a partnership between California State Library and Kahle-Austin Foundation and is an initiative overseen by Internet Archive. The Open Library specialises in e-books and offers over 20 million academic and literary sources to browse through and download without any restrictions or paywalls. The main goal of this library is to “create one web page for every book ever published” in an effort to make all library material accessible by anybody, anywhere. Libby - Overdrive Overdrive is one of the leading digital reading platforms globally, the organisation disseminates reading material within 88,000 libraries and schools in 109 countries. It is a very secure method of downloading and utilising ebooks and requires a student ID or public library pass to access. The platform houses everything from academic essays, university press books and freshly released novels. Overdrive also operates Libby, which is a new app under their umbrella that allows readers to borrow ebooks, audiobooks and magazines from local libraries, it stands to be accessible for all ages and offers a very wide range of reading material to encourage reading from a young age. Zendy Launched in 2019, Zendy offers unrestricted academic research across all mediums like ebooks, journals, articles, case studies and much more. The platform was launched with the intention to bring diversity and global collaboration across various fields of scientific research; to ease research discoverability and consumption Zendy also hosts AI-powered features, advanced search and filtering options, personalized lists, and automatic citations. LibreTexts This is an organisation that is run by the University of California, Davis. The platform hosts free courses and textbooks in an effort to make academia accessible worldwide, LibreTexts is centred around the value of providing open education resources in an ethical and legal way. Arguably, the best offering of this platform is the interactive visuals that can be enabled when reading a piece of research; this feature was launched to ease comprehension and aid visual learners. Standard Ebooks This digital library offers free ebooks that have been thoroughly and professionally typeset and designed. It features a user-friendly browsing and reading experience and offers a wide range of content; everything from novels to academic research. Standard Ebooks is a volunteer-based project that formats, typesets, proofreads and corrects reading material and creates new editions that are compatible with e-reader technology. The website is not only widely accessible but also easy to use. Open Textbook Library Run by the University of Minnesota and supported by Open Education Network, this platform covers public domain and open access textbooks. It allows users to download, edit and disseminate textbooks at no cost. With a current offering of over 1,200 textbooks across several areas of study, Open Textbook Library has been gathering academic content for over 10 years in the industry and is a well-reputed resource. HathiTrust Founded in 2008, HathiTrust is an esteemed collaboration between research libraries and academics worldwide. The platform offers over 17 million digitised academic materials and access to some of the most prestigious libraries globally, like the Bodleian Library in Oxford and original digitised collections from the Harvard University Library. It is a valuable academic platform that houses research content across an array of disciplines without paywalls and restrictions. SciHub Launched in 2011, SciHub is a resource that provides free access to scientific and academic research papers. It was established with the goal to eliminate all barriers in science to foster global collaboration, promote open access practices and provide academic research to individuals regardless of their institutional affiliations, financial situations and geographic location. The website hosts over 80 million academic research papers across an array of disciplines. ul, ol { margin-top: 5px !important; margin-bottom: 5px !important; } p, ul, li, h1, h2, h4 { word-break: normal !important; }

Understanding the Growth of Digital Libraries: Benefits, Challenges & Trajectory
Aug 4, 202310 Mins ReadDiscover

Understanding the Growth of Digital Libraries: Benefits, Challenges & Trajectory

In the age of boundless information and technological advancement, the landscape of academia has seen a significant emergence of digital libraries. As the digital frontier expands, so does the potential of these databases to cater to the evolving requirements of scholars, researchers, and students worldwide. In this blog post, we explore the remarkable growth and purpose behind digital research libraries, unearthing how they are reshaping the way we access, curate, and interact with information in our pursuit of wisdom and understanding. By definition, digital libraries provide readers with online access to a wide range of resources; these platforms are often utilised by researchers and students to track the latest breakthroughs, discoveries and developments within their respective disciplines. The true appeal of digitised libraries is their ever-evolving nature, from multimedia content to data visualisation tools; digitised information and research have significantly advanced content consumption in the sphere of academia. Benefits of Digital Libraries Accessibility Digital research libraries can provide access to rare and out-of-print materials paired with features that are designed for user convenience such as advanced search filters, AI-powered tools and generated citations. Furthermore, the range of resources is not only limited to books but expands to journal articles, magazine & newspaper articles, case studies, reports and much more. Digital libraries expand the reach of academic research because accessibility is not limited to specific locations, unlike traditional libraries. Preservation of Materials Digitising older academic research ensures the preservation of fragile and rare materials. Traditional libraries hold materials that are vulnerable to physical deterioration and digitised libraries allow these materials to be protected from handling and environmental damage over time. Personalisation Digital libraries are engineered with intelligent algorithms that recommend and filter content tailored to your research consumption patterns, search history and discipline. This allows for easier navigation across vast databases to find academic research relevant to your study area. Collaborative Learning Some digital library databases are designed with social media-like features that allow researchers to review research papers and join communities. The integration of these features allows for collaboration between researchers which demonstrates their information literacy, and digital skills while also expanding researcher network and impact. Single Sign In Digital libraries provide access to a wide range of scholarly literature through a single pair of credentials rather than searching and accessing them separately within traditional libraries. Impact of Digital Research Libraries on Research & Education Digital research libraries have had a significant impact on advancing research culture in higher education as these databases aid in understanding intellectual growth, research productivity, planning and identification of research that could be in demand; allowing students and researchers to bridge the gaps quickly. Furthermore, The fast access to resources accompanied by powerful research tools will enable researchers to be efficient and thorough with their secondary research. The digitisation of educational materials has also increased technological literacy through immersive and interactive learning modules. Through this digitisation, students and researchers have been at the forefront of these platforms’ development; the aspect of increased accessibility comes from not only worldwide access but also student and institutional discounts. Digital research libraries have had an imperative impact on the open-access movement in the academic realm due to the way in which they have escalated accessibility, inclusivity and affordability. Challenges of Digital Research Libraries Copyright agreements - this is a long and expensive process that requires technological libraries to navigate complex legal issues and it can result in the library not obtaining all the required resources. Resource management - a digitised library has to ensure that the content available on its website has adequate discoverability and organisational structure that is both intuitive and user-friendly. Technological infrastructure - these technological libraries have to invest significantly to establish accurate and standardised metadata which requires skilled staff Quality Control - to digitise and disseminate academic research, the library would have to also invest in a team of experts to ensure the accuracy of digitally translated research. Future of Digital Research Libraries In 2013, Emerald Insights predicted digital research libraries will offer access to large databases. As of 2023, there has been significant growth in the number of digital libraries and their evolving offerings. Moving forward, academia and digitised libraries are expected to technologically evolve by integrating AI automation to ease the consumption of information. Moreover, there may be a rise in the integration of AR & VR methods to enable immersive learning and provide interactive content to better aid visual learners and researchers. Furthermore, with the current growth of online learning platforms, the realm of research may witness an increase in partnerships between digital libraries and online learning tools to provide an array of resources seamlessly. Additionally, open access resources will play an essential role, because libraries that offer open access alternatives usually generate more traffic and disseminate content on a larger scale. The most crucial role digitised libraries may arguably play in the future is enhancing global collaboration and interoperability, allowing research communities to share resources and insights on a global scale, potentially bringing institutions together. Frequently Asked Questions What are the advantages of Digital Libraries for students? The main advantage of digital libraries from a student’s perspective is not being tied down to one specific library or location. Students can access academic research from anywhere in the world through a few clicks, this also eases the process of researching by developing content discoverability; students can find resources much quicker. Furthermore, digital libraries aid students’ technological literacy. What is the primary purpose of Digital Libraries? The primary purpose of digital libraries is to disseminate content faster and easier, while also providing global access to rare and out-of-print materials. The digitisation of academic research has allowed the general global population and research communities to collaborate and share scientific research easily. Discover an array of academic resources now on Zendy where you can research worry-free.