Business Analysis improves the sense of doing business. It can be defined as a set of activities which can be carried out in order to analyze business situations. A business analyst can identify prob… [Author: Sophia Madison – July 19, 2012]
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Scientists depend on the proper evaluation of research that creates the foundation for future work, and the public expects curated scientific content to be trustworthy. All forms of peer review, whether for ethical, technical and sound science criteria or for additional novelty, significance and perceived impact help ensure rigor in scientific research.
There is, however, community and public skepticism regarding the quality, trustworthiness and authenticity of the review process, from the initial stage of evaluation before reviewer assignment to the final editorial decision. Making peer review more transparent, at any stage, has the potential to revitalize the process and restore trust in the system.
Efforts to increase transparency in peer review should address challenges that include:
Change is already happening as the scientific community develops variations on themes of open and transparent, and as publishers provide more peer review offerings that range from community participation to open but anonymous, to fully open and signed reviews. While not yet functioning at scale, experiments incorporating more transparent ways to discuss and assess papers over the entire lifecycle of the research are inching their way into practice. This way, the publication of an article isn’t the single defining event in its life; it is just one chapter of its story. Many of the arguments in favor of increased transparency in peer review also hold true in the discussion of benefits of preprint submissions. According to researchers working with neuroimaging, as stated in their PLOS Biology Community Page, “preprints allow the wider community to give feedback to the authors about the manuscript and potentially improve it, which is beneficial for both the authors as well as the journal the paper will be submitted to. For example, the present paper received useful comments from three individuals in addition to the appointed peer reviewers.”
At PLOS, we’ve looked at one slice of transparency in peer review—signed reviews made available exclusively to the authors. In a research project that used a survey mechanism to collect experiences and opinions, our Publishing Operations team underwent an assessment of reviews from 2013-2016 in three of the PLOS journals (PLOS ONE, PLOS Medicine and PLOS Computational Biology).
“Our reviewer community is particularly engaged, and that’s what makes working at PLOS on this issue so exciting. Together we will be able to create solutions, both incremental and substantial, that bring constructive feedback to authors and transparency to the review process.” Helen Atkins, PLOS Director of Publishing Operations
Some of what we learned is that reviewers who were not in the habit of signing reviews simply had never been asked, or were not sure of the benefits. But it’s not as easy as just educating in these areas. These scientists also indicated that not signing allows them to be more honest and safe from retribution. We also discovered that signing can improve reviewer accountability and constructiveness, and help authors learn of a reviewer’s area of expertise. Authors who favored receiving signed reviews valued having this additional information as it provides potential for more open communication, moving research forward. The full results of this project, presented by Elizabeth Seiver, PLOS Researcher and Helen Atkins are part of the Editorial and Peer-Review Process Innovations Session on Tuesday, September 12 during the International Congress on Peer Review and Scientific Publication.
In the PLOS ONE article “Peer Review Quality and Transparency of the Peer-Review Process in Open Access and Subscription Journals,” the focus is a general aspect of transparency in peer review—how academic journals (and/or publishers) present their peer-review process to the public. According to the authors of this study, a transparent peer review system “conveys to readers and potential contributors how the peer review is implemented and how articles are selected for publication.” The researchers found that “author’s ratings of peer-review transparency predicted their assessment of the quality of peer-review at that journal.” Even small changes in practices and on publisher websites can help in this area. In addition, guidelines from the Committee on Publication Ethics, “Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing,” stating that all journal content apart from editorial material should be subject to peer review from outside experts must be met.
Many ECRs do not get appropriate training on how to prepare or review manuscripts. Improved transparency in peer review would not only satisfy mid-to senior-level scientists, but in providing some form of open dialogue or open accountability it enables these scientists to lead by example and provide mentorship to the next generation of reviewers.
Young and upcoming scientists have plenty of ideas when it comes to improving transparency in peer review. At PLOS, we received over 150 essays on how to revamp peer review from Early Career Researchers applying for our ECR Travel Award Program. These creative young scientists described what they consider to be characteristics of the optimal peer review process and how they might build this process either from scratch or using aspects of existing practice.
Their ideas, edited for brevity, include:
Solutions that will help peer review achieve its scholarly ideal are not untenable; the challenge lies in that they must satisfy a diverse researcher and stakeholder community. While some improvements are easier to implement than others, even small slices that expedite and enrich the process of assessment in fundamentally new ways contribute to advancing science and discovery for the broader scientific community.
Publishers have an opportunity to improve both speed and efficiencies: to improve review forms that may be cumbersome or insufficient to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback to authors and to provide training for reviewers and editors that mitigate potential bias. Additional possibilities include direct or facilitated mentoring of early career researchers to improve their understanding of the principles of peer review and how it is practiced within the scientific community. Imagine the impact of a global editorial and reviewer contributor community, appropriately trained, recognized and incentivized.
Image Credit:
Etsy; FuzzyButtFarm
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Natural Component of Apple Peels Found To Help Prevent Muscle Weakening In search of an effective method to prevent muscle wasting that comes with illness and aging, researchers have located a natur… [Author: Michael Clonts – July 20, 2012]
New Apple Ingredient Discovery Keeps Muscles Strong! Read More »
Day care centers are places where children can play, learn and grow, and the environment in a daycare classroom should be relaxing and inviting for kids. In order to get this kind of fun environment, many teachers in elementary schools and day care cen…
How Bean Bag Chairs Benefit Day Care Centers Read More »
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World of Warcraft Gold Sellers have increased their numbers as the third game expansion is about to come. More and more players are leveling alt characters and are planning to gear them up for raiding more than twice a week with different characters. Using Google on research about where to buy cheap wow gold, below is an overview of the top 5 results of sites offering WoW gold services from the search where to buy cheap WoW gold:
• WoW GoldStore
This site offers different trade modes like face to face by meeting in a certain in-game area, send by email and put into account which offers additional 5% bonus gold free in all WoW US Servers. Payment methods can either be by credit card or wire transfer.
• TopMmoGolds
TopMmoGolds offer special discounts on US and EU WoW Servers. They claim to have large stock of WoW gold to cater every player’s needs of the in-game currency. Trade mode is face to face.
• WoW-Gold-Team
This site offers gold services on both EU and US WoW Servers. There are customer feedbacks on their site which can be used as a reference if you wanted to avail their service. According to them, you can have the enough gold to power level in-game items. They can also check the gold stock in a specific server before you decide on availing their gold offer,
• Ugamegold
Ugamegold caters WoW gold selling services on both EU and US WoW servers. Other than World of Warcraft, they also have other game’s currency for sale. One part of the payment process is live chat which will give you the option to ask all the questions you have about the service.
• WoW.Igxe
This WoW gold selling site offers 24/7 gold delivery service in North American WoW servers. According to them, the gold their offer is directly from game deliverers and not from resellers. They also offer customer service for those who have after sales concerns.
To buy cheap wow gold online is an easy task, but choosing which service you want to avail may be a different thing. At first earning WoW gold either for functional or vanity in-game items seem to be impossible. Now that different World of Warcraft gold sellers are listed, you have more than one option which gold services you wanted to avail.
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I think a fundamental question faced by men in the pursuit of attracting women is: Can attracting women be learned? Is it a result of genetics – of having been gifted with prominent cheekbones, lean muscularity or a sizable organ? Or perhaps having a prominent checkbook and the right surname? Is it about having a naturally outgoing personality, charisma, and sharp wit? Or perhaps possession of influence and personal power?
As complex as women are, there is no one answer to explain their preferences. As individuals, they, like we, are different – with different genetics, different experiences, and therefore, different tastes. And it’s been said – there’s no accounting for taste. So, it may be true that to some women, height and good looks matter a lot. Some schools of thought say that women value financial security more. Others say that personality, masculinity, sense of humor, or any of a variety of different criteria matters most.
And so, the questions must of necessity be: Is it possible to attract women, and if so, can any man do it? And will it work with ANY woman specifically? The answer is yes, and no.
Yes, in the sense that it is possible to attract the kind of women that you like, and who would like you in return, but whom you need to actively attract to you. This requires you to learn the techniques for attracting women, and actively engaging in the pursuit. Sitting at home simply won’t do; you have to go out and approach them. Attracting women involves the application of learned skills in a consistent and persistent fashion. Just like any skill, it’s all about practice and playing the probabilities. You simply have to keep approaching women.
When you play the numbers, however, remember that your chances of winning can be enhanced by other things besides the application of the techniques. Some of your strengths can be emphasized, and your weaknesses downplayed. For example, age differential, or shortness, or obesity may hinder you to some extent, but should not stop you. Instead, play to your strengths, and remember that women’s preferences are not all the same. If you persist, you WILL succeed in attracting women.
However, it is not possible to attract all women, or just any specific one. If there were a specific woman that you wanted to attract, but who is simply not interested or attracted to you, no skill or technique or persistence is guaranteed to work. History is replete with stories of unrequited love – of men who thought that they can make a woman want them. If they had simply tried to attract other women instead, and kept persisting, they would have been met with success.
So, in sum, yes, attracting women can be learned. Will it always work? No. But if it allows you to attract the women you want, and who want you in return, isn’t it worth it to try?
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Buy and Sell Antiques with the Help of Online Portals
by: Nicolas Philipps.
Having and collecting old and used antiques is a passion for many. An antique is considered as one of the most important and sought after items. They are found in every house or office. Old antiques are crafted with precision and care. It is impossible to find any fault with these items and accessories. They offer grandeur because of their classic magnificence. They are designed with patterns that bring life to the old era and age. In today’s modern world, it is just impossible to find true and authentic antiques. They are not easily available in normal furniture stores. Are you on the lookout to buy or sell antiques for your house? In case, your answer is yes, it is strongly recommended to try visiting various online portals.
Buying or selling antiques is not an easy task in this modern world. However, with the help of online portals you can now buy and sell antiques from the comfort of your home. Every person is more concerned about new and improved furniture and accessories that helps in adding beauty to their home. However, antiques are unique and add beauty to the house in the most exclusive way possible. They are not easy to be found. They are rare and having them in your house is a great advantage. Antiques could be furniture, glassware, porcelain, pottery, collectibles, antiques and arts, antique jewels and watch and more. The best and great way to buy or sell antiques is through online portals. With the help of antique classified ads you will be able to get information about every antique that you are trying to get hold of.
These online classified advertisements help in informing where you can find or sell your desired and loved antique pieces. Earlier, buying and selling antiques was considered as a lucrative business. People used to earn loads of money as antique pieces are rare to find. The person to bid at the highest rate was given the accessory. It was done in the auction halls. However, with the new technological development you can do so online. These online portals are an easy way to auction, buy and sell antiques effectively. They are absolutely free and you can post your belongings there. If you have problems in or need a description or estimate you can seek help from professional art appraiser online. They have immense knowledge in this field and offer the right price to sell antiques. The art appraisers have worked with renowned and famous collectors and antique buyers and hence know the tricks and techniques of the auction world. The professional team has years of experience in buying, selling, and appraising which make them best in consultation, skill, and expense. It helps in connecting with the global market.
Online portals and classified ads are known as the right place to buy and sell your precious antiques. To buy and sell antiques you can browse through their various plans such as bronze plan, silver plan, gold plan, and platinum plan. All of the products are categories into art, collection, furniture, home decoration and jewelry, and watches which makes your buying and selling process easier. For more information, take a quick look at the website.
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Children with Aspergers need certain things in order to receive a proper Aspergers education. Their behavior is hard to understand for some parents, but once they gain a better understanding of children with Aspergers, they can begin to help their children the way that they need help. Here are a few suggestions that can help parents help their students with Aspergers.
· Don’t expect eye contact. Their lack of eye contact has nothing to do with disrespect, but it has everything to do with their Aspergers. Use probing questions to make sure they understand what is expected of them instead of using eye contact as an indicator in their Aspergers education.
· Every child is different from others. Parents should take the time to get to know their children with Aspergers so they understand how they think and operate. Do not put them in a category with your other children or educational failures will occur.
· Use visual cues when at all possible. Children with Aspergers are usually visual learners and they depend on these cues in their Aspergers education. They have difficulty processing oral language so hands-on, visual cues are a tremendous help.
· Do not ask them to show their work on math problems. Children with Aspergers have the ability to come up with answers by processing the information in their heads. They may not even understand why you want them to show their work. A better solution is to ask them to explain the process to you. Do not waste time trying to get them to do something that will result in an unnecessary argument and nothing more.
· Parents should allow frequent breaks. Children with Aspergers may need to take breaks as a part of their Aspergers education. Sometimes they have problems with focusing on tasks so allowing a break when they need it is a tremendous help.
· Always try to minimize sensory distractions as much as possible. Ticking clocks, tapping pens, crumbling paper, and other things can be a huge distraction for children with Aspergers. It is impossible to control all sensory distractions, but when at all possible, minimize these distractions.
· Use the IEP as the model for their Aspergers Education. This is their individualized plan for educational success so parents should take advantage of using the IEP.
· Minimize change as much as possible. Allow some transition time before asking a child to do something that is out of their normal routine. Parents should always plan for change as far in advance as possible.
Parents can help their children receive a proper Aspergers education by using a few simple strategies to ensure the success of their children. When in doubt, refer to the IEP or speak to a special education staff member for guidance.
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For anybody who is fed up with the inadequate overall performance of their shared web server but not yet in a position to step up to a costly dedicated server than the most suitable option available for you would be a Virtual Private Server (VPS).The t…
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