17 May 2024
Open publishing of public health research in Africa: an exploratory investigation of the barriers and solutions
Authors: Pasipanodya Ian Machingura Ruredzo, Dominic Dankwah Agyei, Modibo Sangare, Richard F. Heller
Abstract
A previous survey of African medical journals identified the need to assist journals and public health researchers to make publications more openly accessible. This article reports a subsequent survey to describe knowledge of, barriers to and interest in capacity building for open publishing of public health research in Africa. An online questionnaire collected information from 91 respondents in 16 African countries. The respondents were authors (75%) or reviewers (53%) of research articles, journal editors (40%) or journal publishers (19%), with overlap between them, and experience with both traditional and open access publications. Fewer than half of the respondents appreciated benefits of ready availability, added citations and transparency of open publishing. Some respondents chose incorrect answers. There was interest in open publishing using preprints and open reviews, and a majority would like access to free online courses and mentoring opportunities. This study notes a huge potential for equipping researchers in Africa with the skills to understand and use online publishing and provides guidance for future capacity building via access to online resources and mentoring. This is relevant for any discipline, such as public health, where local solutions based on local research findings are important.
Year: 2024 Volume 37 DOI: 10.1629/uksg.635
Digital cultural heritage in the crossfire of conflict: cyber threats and cybersecurity perspectives
Author: Christina Dinh Nguyen
Abstract
In the digital age, the preservation of digital cultural heritage faces unforeseen vulnerabilities during conflicts. This article dismantles the illusion of invulnerability in digital repositories and digital archives, revealing their susceptibility to warfare through historical examples and contemporary challenges. The Second World War serves as an example of physical assault on cultural heritage, prompting concerns about potential digital cultural genocide. The recent digital attacks on St. Louis Public Library and France’s TV5MONDE serve as examples of malicious assaults on digital cultural heritage. Information warfare, nation-state conflicts, ethnic and cultural suppression and other reasons emerge as potential threats to these digital infrastructures and resources. Beyond vulnerabilities, cybersecurity threats and digital inequality pose significant challenges. Conflict zones also face their own infrastructural challenges. Strategies for resilience are reviewed and suggestions for amendments follow, advocating for a holistic approach that integrates digital and tangible preservation methods, responsible technological advancements, community involvement and international collaboration. The article concludes by emphasizing that a nuanced and comprehensive approach to cultural heritage preservation is required during conflicts. Libraries are positioned as stewards of knowledge, advocating for the protection of our shared cultural legacy amidst fragility and times of conflict.
Year: 2024 Volume 37 DOI: 10.1629/uksg.647