(IMOA) Open Access: Sometimes Gray is not only Gray

  

(IMOA) Imagine Pacific Original Article 

Open Access: Sometimes Gray is not only Gray 

By James E. Faumuina, MBA, MPA 

Editor, Imagine Pacific Pulse    

7/24/2024

Access to current research is crucial for academic inquiry, with peer review as a hallmark of scholarly rigor. However, it's essential to acknowledge Ph.D. students and academics' challenges in navigating the vast and diverse landscape of literature sources. This discussion aims to shed light on these challenges and explore the roles of peer-reviewed journals, scholarly books, open-source materials, and gray literature in shaping research practices and information dissemination in academia. It leads us to question: is gray literature indeed as gray as its name suggests?

The peer review process equips professional academics with access to current research. However, Ph.D. students face limitations due to barriers to literature access (Marsh, 2015). Acknowledging that journal articles are the foundation for scholarly writing(Kaiser & Presmeg, 2019), articles that have gone through peer review should be utilized (Kelly et al., 2014). This is primarily because academic journals endure the rigor of the peer review process (DePoy & Gitlin, 2020). Lindgren (2014) provides an added benefit of peer review regarding the reliability of information, ensuring that what is taken from the peer-reviewed article is not subject to becoming vapor theory.

Much like the reliability gained by peer-reviewed articles, an added merit and dimension of scholarly books is what Paul & Elder (2004) described as depth. Currently, search tools such as Wikipedia (Lindgren, 2014) provide what Harris (2022) would consider superficial. Books tend to deliver consistency for readership, which Harris (2022) calls flowing. Though Harris attests that the peer review process is less rigorous for books, Paul and Elder provide an additional strength in that books provide structure and systems (Paul & Elder, 2004).

Though open-source and widespread press availability appeal, students risk compromising validity by relying on them for research (Depoy & Gitlin, 2020). Therefore, while it is recommended to use open source during the brainstorming and mapping process (Queirós et al., 2017), limiting its use to peer-reviewed books and chapters might restrict access to new and topical information.

Concerning gray literature, Marsh (2015) offers several examples of formats that can be considered. In the pursuit of a universal definition, these examples provided by Marsh could be described as non-traditional resources, as they do not undergo peer review. These types of literature include research reports, government white papers, and studies. If there is a prevailing benefit of gray literature, it provides additional value to institutional repositories. The promise of open access lies in how it enhances the value of institutional repositories, to the extent that it might even complement or eventually replace the mechanism of peer reviews.

To advocate for access in all forms, open access offers the benefit of serving as what Marsh considers a single source for students, faculty, and academic staff (Marsh, 2015). The drawback of institutional repositories is the reluctance of creators to contribute to the body of literature, potentially diluting the field's most current concerns and contributions.

From the perspective of research into the field of Global Resilience, gray literature holds significance in developing a current body of literature, with work conducted on the Sendai Framework, Economic Inclusion, and Disaster Risk Reduction(Aspen, 2021; United Nations, 2015; Valavanidis, 2023). Open-access articles provide more timely currency in innovation, aligning with what Paul and Elder (2004) would consider an essential exercise of the tenet of relevancy.

In conclusion, the debate surrounding literature access in academic research reveals the critical role of peer-reviewed journals as pillars of reliability and rigor. While scholarly books offer depth and consistency, open-source and gray literature provide valuable supplementary insights but require cautious validation. The advent of open access presents promising opportunities to significantly enhance the accessibility and relevance of research across institutional repositories, potentially reshaping scholarly communication dynamics. As academia navigates these diverse resources, it remains imperative to uphold standards of rigor and integrity, ensuring that research continues to evolve with the highest standards of scholarly practice.

Reference:

Aspen Instute, T. (2021). Building as Inclusive Financial System: A Global Economic & Social Imperative for this Decade. Aspen Institute.

DePoy, E., & Gitlin, L. N. (2020). Introduction to Research (6th ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences.

Harris, S. R. (2022). How to Critique Journal Articles in the Social Sciences. SAGE Publications, Inc. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071878743

Kaiser, G., & Presmeg, N. (Eds.). (2019). Compendium for Early Career Researchers in Mathematics Education. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15636-7

Kelly, J., Sadeghieh, T., & Adeli, K. (2014). Peer review in scientific publications: Benefits, critiques, & a survival guide. The Journal of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, 25(3), 227–243.

Lindgren, S. (2014). Crowdsourcing Knowledge Interdiscursive Flows from Wikipedia into Scholarly Research. Culture Unbound, 6(3), 609–627. https://doi.org/10.3384/cu.2000.1525.146609

Marsh, R. M. (2015). The role of institutional repositories in developing the communication of scholarly research. OCLC Systems & Services: International Digital Library Perspectives, 31(4), 163–195. https://doi.org/10.1108/OCLC-04-2014-0022

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2004). And the Art of Close Reading, Part III. Journal of Developmental Education, 28(1), 36–37.

Queirós, A., Faria, D., & Almeida, F. (2017). Strengths And Limitations Of Qualitative And Quantitative Research Methods. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.887089

United Nations. (2015). Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015—2030.

Valavanidis, A. (2023). World Bank Report: Extreme Poverty is Rising Again. Scientific Reviews.

James is the owner of Imagine Pacific Enterprises and the Editor of Imagine Pacific Pulse (IMPULSE). He is a retired Lt Col, Hawaii Air National Guard. Former medical administrator, planner, program manager, and operations officer. Graduated from the USAF Air War College and is currently a Ph.D. student in the in Troy Global Leadership Program. He can be contacted at jfaumuina@troy.edu 

⚙️ IMSPARK: Innovation's Tide: Navigating the Future of Pacific R&D ⚙️

⚙️ Imagine... Innovation's Tide: Navigating the Future of Pacific R&D ⚙️

💡 Imagined Endstate:

A Pacific community that thrives on cutting-edge research and development, fostering sustainable growth and technological sovereignty. 

🔗 Link: 

Evolving Federal R&D

📚 Source: 

McKinsey & Company. (2024, April 26). Evolving Federal R&D to Meet the Challenges of Tomorrow. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal:

The evolution of federal research and development (R&D) is a critical topic for the Pacific community🌊, as it directly impacts the region's ability to respond to environmental challenges, health crises, and technological advancements. The recent increase in federal R&D spending signifies a commitment to innovation that could greatly benefit the Pacific islands, which are often at the forefront of climate change effects and unique .

The Pacific islands are on the front lines of climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events threatening their very existence. The commitment to R&D is crucial in developing sustainable solutions to these challenges🌱, such as renewable energy technologies and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Moreover, the Pacific’s geographical isolation makes technological advancement and self-sufficiency vital for its economic and social development. Federal R&D can support the creation of local industries and improve connectivity, healthcare🏥, and education across the islands.

The McKinsey report suggests that the private sector has been leading the way in R&D spending, accounting for 73 percent of overall R&D spending in the country in 2020. This trend underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in the Pacific🤝, where collaboration can lead to innovative solutions tailored to the region’s needs.

In conclusion, the big deal about evolving federal R&D for the Pacific is that it represents a proactive approach to addressing the region’s challenges. It’s about harnessing the power of innovation🔋 to create a sustainable and self-reliant future for the Pacific community, ensuring that they not only survive but thrive in the face of global changes.

#Research, #R&D, #PacificInnovation,#ClimateChange,#ClimateResilience,#selfsufficiency, #Public-private,#GlobalLeadership,

(IMPRES) Imagine Pacific Presentation: 🎬 Voyage into the Unknown: Discovery in Literature Review 🎬

🎬 Voyage into the Unknown: Discovery in Literature Review 🎬

Welcome to my presentation on the path to discovery through the literary review process. I'm excited to share my journey with you in this presentation titled 

"Voyage into the Unknown: Discovery in Literature Review.

🐋  – Simple Sailor

Join me as I embark on a complex, arduous, and hazardous endeavor, much like a simple sailor pursuing the white whale. The Literature Review is the first step of my voyage, leading to my destination—the dissertation.

⚓ – Purpose

In this exploration, I pursue a thesis topic, research, and, eventually, a dissertation. My first principle is to remain a 'simple sailor,' keeping things simple in anticipation of the complexities ahead. I envision my research contributing to social change.

🌐 The Why - Exercising Locus of Control

Navigating the structure and boundaries of academia can be daunting. Learn how I exercised control over my voyage, combating imposter syndrome and steering toward my chosen destination. Discover how I found agency in situations where control seemed elusive. Drawing inspiration from Frankl's concept of the locus of control, I share how self-empowerment can guide one through challenging times.

🌍 The Where

Uncover the universe of research as I delve into existing information, realizing that my voyage is not the first of its kind.

🧭 Criteria – Where to Look

Explore the criteria I employed to navigate the sea of information, distinguishing valid sources and choosing what aligns with my narrative.

🔄 Organizing and Applying Systems Thinking

Witness the application of a systems approach to bring order to the scattered and fragmented seas of information. Simple Systems for the ‘Simple Sailor” Resilience Repository Workflow. Learn about the procedural steps I established to create a resilient repository, ensuring organized and accessible information.

📝 Ready to Write

Discover the final product—a reliable repository, customized to my research plan, and the simple yet effective process behind it.

🙏  Thank You for Joining the Journey!

🌿IMSPARK: Deriving Therapeutic Solutions from Toxin🌿

 🌿Imagine… Deriving Therapeutic Solutions from Toxin🌿

💡 Imagined Endstate: 

A world where a natural poison becomes a source of healing and protection for humans, animals, and plants.

🔗 Link:

Ref Here

📚 Source: 

Hart, S., & Chung, D. (2023, December 20). Taming a plant-derived toxin. Scripps Research. 

💥 What’s the Big Deal: 

Picrotoxinin is a powerful toxin that can cause seizures and death by blocking certain brain receptors. However, scientists at Scripps Research have found a way to transform this toxin into a potential medicine.🧪By modifying its chemical structure, they made it more stable, safer, and easier to produce and manipulate.🌾They also discovered that it can selectively target different types of receptors, opening up new possibilities for treating neurological disorders such as epilepsy, anxiety, and addiction.🧠Moreover, picrotoxinin could also be used as a pesticide or an anti-parasite agent, as it can kill or repel harmful organisms that threaten crops and livestock. Picrotoxinin is an example of how nature’s deadliest substances can be turned into life-saving solutions. 

#Picrotoxinin, #Toxin, #Research, #Innovation, #NaturalHealing,#Healthcare,#PTSD,#MentalHealth,#IMSPARK, 

🔍 IMSPARK: Empowering Vulnerable Communities with Data 🔍

 🔍 Imagine No Longer Being "Driven into Debt" 🔍

💡 Imagined Endstate:

Envision a future where equitable access to parking ticket data empowers vulnerable communities nationwide, breaking the cycle of debt caused by traffic violations.

🔗 Link:

https://www.propublica.org/article/the-ticket-trap-how-people-are-using-our-chicago-parking-ticket-data

📚 Source:

Coryne, H. (2019, November 29). The Ticket Trap: How People Are Using Our Chicago Parking Ticket Data in Their Research.

What's the Big Deal:

ProPublica's groundbreaking "DRIVEN INTO DEBT" series exposed the disproportionate impact of traffic enforcement systems on vulnerable communities nationwide. In pursuit of transparency, ProPublica made parking ticket data accessible, attracting over 1,300 users from diverse backgrounds. 🚗Students, professionals, and researchers delved into the data, unearthing valuable insights beyond initial analysis. Supported by institutions, in-depth research explored fines' consequences and revenue strategies. Despite challenges, data accessibility fueled advocacy for government reform. Empowered by information, individuals are driving change, and ProPublica's commitment to transparency continues to fuel impactful investigations and constructive dialogue. 🔍

#SocialJustice, #Data, #IMSPARK, #Advocacy

 

🌊 IMSPARK: Communities Combat Climate Crisis 🌊

 

Imagine... Collaboratively Empowering Communities to Combat Climate Crisis.

💡Imagined Endstate:

The Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory (KASL) presents a groundbreaking vision for combating the climate crisis. Led by a diverse team of scientists, educators, and policymakers, KASL aims to address the pressing challenges faced by vulnerable populations in the Pacific.

🔗 Link:

https://doi.org/10.1109/GHTC55712.2022.9911040

📚Source:

Rasmussen, Eric & Nakano, Gregg & Kabua, Senator & Hatoum, Alex. (2022). Climate-Focused Field Research within the Kwajalein Atoll Sustainability Laboratory. 465-468.

💥What's the Big Deal:

KASL's holistic approach incorporates integrative design principles and sustainability frameworks. 💪 Its unique focus on Ebeye Island, within the Republic of the Marshall Islands, addresses urgent climate change impacts in low-elevation coastal zones.

Through collaboration between indigenous Marshallese and international experts, KASL embodies radical inclusion, combining local knowledge with cutting-edge research. "The purpose of the laboratory would be to test, in a site led by the Marshallese, those ideas that might help ensure the physical, cultural, linguistic, and economic survival of the Marshallese and other atoll nations throughout the Pacific Basin (KASL, 2022)."

By developing climate-resilient solutions for Ebeye and sharing findings with Pacific Island Nations, KASL can create a model for climate adaptation that harnesses the organic assets of Pacific Communities. 🌍

#KASL, #ClimateAdaptation, #PacificCommunities, #Research #Sustainability, #CommunityEmpowerment, #IMSPARK