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Ranking predatory journals in dermatology: distinguishing the bad from the ugly
Author(s) -
Tosti Antonella,
Maddy Austin J.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
international journal of dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.677
H-Index - 93
eISSN - 1365-4632
pISSN - 0011-9059
DOI - 10.1111/ijd.13644
Subject(s) - pseudoscience , publishing , medicine , ranking (information retrieval) , journal ranking , alternative medicine , library science , computer science , law , political science , information retrieval , pathology , citation
Background The scientific community depends on high‐quality peer‐reviewed research, which is being polluted with pseudoscience published in fake journals that have exploited the open‐access model. This “predatory publishing” has made its way into the field of dermatology. In a recent study, we identified and listed these journals. Methods The “predatory rate” was calculated for 76 journals in order to rank the journals based on specific criteria associated with unethical publishing. Results Of the 76 journals, 89.5% were classified as predatory journals and the remaining as journals involved in predatory practices. Conclusion The field of dermatology is not immune to predatory publishers. This study validates Beall's list as well as other previous studies. Strategies to a solution include spreading awareness throughout academic institutions and dermatology departments as well as avoiding publishers that are involved in predatory practices. However, some journals may be able to make necessary adjustments and become legitimate contributors to the field.