Technology

Global Journal Observatory: Better Understanding the Research Ecosystem

Published

2 years ago

March 4, 2024

International academic journals are an important platform for publishing scientific research results. They disseminate information on innovation and development, and preserve the human civilization. China has always attached great importance to openness and collaboration, stressing that sci-tech development should align with frontier domains and explore the mysteries of the universe for the good of humanity.

Science and Technology Daily has launched a new column, Global Journal Observatory, with the National Science Library of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Esteemed editors-in-chief of renowned academic journals and experienced professionals in the field are invited to share how their journal was established, its development prospects, and their insights into the discipline construction to promote scientific exchanges and sharing of research results.

BEIJING, March 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Ronald Rousseau, the Co-Editor-in-Chief of the JDIS, shared his insights as follow:

As the UNESCO states, science is mankind’s greatest collective endeavor. The public, scientists and governments are all direct or indirect participants in the scientific enterprise. Their understanding and perception of science collectively influence whether science effectively responds to societal realities.

As a participant in the scientific endeavor, the Journal of Data and Information Science (JDIS) focuses on the science of science from a data and quantitative perspective, aiming to enhance stakeholders’ understanding of interactions within the scientific community and the dynamics between science and society.

In recent years, sustained exposure to academic misconduct worldwide has damaged the public’s trust in science and reduced the confidence of researchers. For the sake of better science, the JDIS has initiated a series of activities to respond to and reverse this situation.

The evolution of research prestige

Historically, scientists and scientific institutions held prestige among peers and society. As scientific research evolved into a state-sponsored enterprise, the 19th-century efforts to measure scientific prestige, like Alphonse de Candolle’s, who counted foreign members of scientific societies and academies, laid the groundwork.

In the 20th century, the advent of indicators such as the journal impact factor (which measures how frequently the average article in a journal has been cited in a particular year) became proxies for assessing prestige and quality. Despite early warnings against using such indicators for individual assessments, the “publish or perish” mentality took hold, impacting research topics, publication decisions and career advancement.

Although early bibliometricians such as Anthony van Raan (Leiden University, the Netherlands) warned not to use such indicators for the assessment of individuals, calling such a practice a mortal sin, past events led to the exact opposite. Recall Jorge E. Hirsch’s h-index, which was introduced by Hirsch in 2005, and is calculated based on the number of papers a researcher has published and the number of times their papers have been cited. For example, if 107 of a scholar’s 900 publications are cited more than 107 times, his h-index is 107.

The increased reliance on bibliometric indicators resulted in a culture of “playing the indicators,” influencing scientists to prioritize quantity over quality. Research evaluations, often based solely on indicators, determined career trajectories.

The dark side: fraud and paper mills

In this environment, fraudulent practices, including data and image fabrication, became no exceptions anymore. Unscrupulous companies, known as paper mills, emerged, offering ready-made publications for sale. Some successfully infiltrated prestigious journals, leading to retractions and damaged reputations.

Retractions, while essential for maintaining scholarly integrity, pose challenges for publishers. While acknowledging that mistakes can occur, retractions due to fraudulent behavior damage the reputation of authors, editors and publishers alike. Fraudulent practices, including the use of paper mills, have posed a significant threat to the credibility of published research.

The JDIS aggregates and disseminates research that uses interdisciplinary approaches and large data sets to reveal the mechanisms underlying scientific research activities, thereby helping the public understand how science drives social progress, helping scientists improve their own work, helping governments develop more beneficial policies, and ultimately contributing to promoting better science.

Combating scientific fraud and ensuring research integrity

In 2023, the JDIS issued a special call for papers on research integrity. The call aimed to encourage policymakers, scientometricians, publishers, institutions and researchers to delve into research strategies for countering academic misconduct.

The JDIS’s commitment extends beyond publishing; it actively organizes symposia on crucial issues like research integrity, fostering engagement with the editorial board and the broader scientific community.

In conjunction with the publication of the Research Integrity special issue, the JDIS, in collaboration with Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai in Guangdong province, south China, organized a symposium in Zhuhai in 2023 addressing “research integrity.” The symposium attracted representatives from leading international publishers, including Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, Sage Publications, Elsevier, Frontiers, IOP Publishing, PLoS, IMR Press, and other organizations such as COPE, Crossref, China Educational Publications Import & Export Corporation, the China Hospital Research Integrity Alliance, and the Charlesworth Group.

During the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed, signaling the collaborative effort required to safeguard the integrity of scientific research.

Going forward, the JDIS will continue supporting policymakers and the public in understanding evolving patterns in scientific development and scientific growth. This includes promoting the prudent use of scientific evaluation tools and collaboratively creating a supportive environment for research and innovation. All of these initiatives serve our ultimate goal, that is, enabling researchers to publish the best possible scientific research to create a better life.

Comment

I see the JDIS as boosting the transition of China from playing a minor role in the information science field 20 years ago to being a major contributor today.

Twenty years ago, in Western information science journals there seemed to be few articles written by Chinese scholars based in China. After this, there was an increase in submissions to Western journals from China-based scholars but these tended to be very quantitative-focused and methods-focused with a lack of theory, so the findings were not very useful or impactful.

Today, there are many important research groups and scholars in China in the field of information science that are looked up to in the West. I think this has occurred due to efforts like the JDIS, which has bridged and facilitated academic dialogue between China and the world. It has also served as a flagship to promote the idea of disseminating Chinese scholarships outside of China.

I am hoping that the future will see China introduce new approaches and topics in the field of information science, leading the world in what is researched and how it is researched in the field. This is perhaps the next stage and the JDIS would be the perfect venue to host this transformation.

——Mike Thelwall, the commentator, is a professor at the Information School, University of Sheffield, the UK.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-journal-observatory-better-understanding-the-research-ecosystem-302078169.html

SOURCE Science and Technology Daily

Technology

Robinson Nuclear Plant receives approval from U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to continue operating until 2050

Published

29 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

License extension supports growing energy demand, helps keep customer costs as low as possibleExtended operation provides significant economic benefits for Pee Dee region

Editor’s note: Visit the Duke Energy News Center for downloadable B-roll and high-resolution images of Robinson Nuclear Plant.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has renewed the operating license for Duke Energy’s Robinson Nuclear Plant for an additional 20 years, extending the plant’s ability to deliver reliable energy until 2050.

Robinson, located in Hartsville, S.C., provides enough energy to power 570,000 homes and plays an important role in protecting reliability and affordability for customers as regional electricity demand continues to grow.

What they’re saying

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster: “South Carolina’s energy needs continue to rise, and extending Robinson Nuclear Plant’s operating license preserves a reliable, affordable source of nuclear energy our state depends on. This plant ensures we have the power needed to support jobs and strengthen communities across the Pee Dee region.”Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07): “For 50 years, Robinson Nuclear Plant has been the backbone of South Carolina’s nuclear fleet. The extension of its license is monumental for the Pee Dee and allows Duke Energy to continue providing affordable, reliable electricity to homes and businesses in the region. This renewal is a win for families in the Pee Dee, Robinson Nuclear Plant’s employees and Darlington County as a whole.”Steven Capps, chief nuclear officer for Duke Energy: “Extending the operating life of this proven asset helps us deliver low-cost, always-on electricity for customers while supporting jobs and energy security for the region. Robinson’s subsequent license renewal reflects the strength of our safety culture and the rigorous work our teams do every day to support our communities.”

Why it matters

Duke Energy’s nuclear fleet provides about 51% of customers’ energy needs in the Carolinas, making nuclear energy an essential component of the company’s diverse generation portfolio.License renewal extends the use of cost-effective generation, resulting in significant savings for customers over time.Extended operation sustains significant economic benefits for Darlington County and the broader Pee Dee region.

Robinson by the numbers

Delivers 759 megawatts (MW) of electricity, powering nearly 570,000 homes.Nearly 500 high-paying jobs supported.$1.7 billion in equipment upgrades completed.Approximately $28 million in annual local tax contributions.

Go deeper

U.S. nuclear facilities are licensed by the NRC. The process to renew a license requires a comprehensive analysis and evaluation to ensure the plant can safely be operated for the period of extended operation.Robinson’s original 40-year operating license was granted by the NRC in 1970, making it one of the first commercial nuclear power plants in the Southeast. Robinson’s initial license was renewed for an additional 20 years of operation until 2030, and the subsequent license renewal allows for continued operations until 2050.Robinson is the second Duke Energy nuclear facility to receive approval for subsequent license renewal, following Oconee Nuclear Station in 2025. Duke Energy plans to seek subsequent license renewal for all 11 operating units across its nuclear fleet.For more background and updates on the subsequent license renewal process, visit Duke Energy’s subsequent license renewal webpage.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America’s largest energy holding companies. The company’s electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

Contact: Mikayla Kreuzberger
24-Hour: 800.559.3853

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/robinson-nuclear-plant-receives-approval-from-us-nuclear-regulatory-commission-to-continue-operating-until-2050-302752297.html

SOURCE Duke Energy

Technology

Cin7 Appoints Sheldon Cummings as Chief Executive Officer

Published

29 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

Seasoned SMB technology leader joins to drive AI-powered growth for inventory and commerce platform

DENVER, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Cin7, a leading inventory management and connected commerce platform for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the appointment of Sheldon Cummings as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 20th. Sheldon succeeds Ajoy Krishnamoorthy, who is stepping down after leading the company through a significant period of product investment, global expansion, and customer growth.

I’m thrilled to be joining Cin7 at such a defining moment for both the company and the future of commerce.

“Leading Cin7 over these past few years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Ajoy. “I am proud of the work that we’ve done to improve the product, unite our global team, and deepen our connection with our customers. I’m confident that Sheldon is the right leader for Cin7’s next phase and I look forward to watching this team take the business to the next level.”

Sheldon brings more than 25 years of experience scaling technology businesses that serve small and mid-sized businesses. He most recently served as President and General Manager of the Corporate Business Unit at Smarsh. Prior to Smarsh, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Mailchimp, leading revenue, strategy, and operations across one of the world’s most widely used SaaS platforms for small businesses. He has also held senior leadership roles at Intuit, including Vice President of Sales, where he contributed to scaling go-to-market engines for SMB and Mid-Market focused products.

Sheldon joins Cin7 at a pivotal moment as AI reshapes how businesses manage inventory, fulfill orders, and connect their commerce operations. Already deeply invested in AI, Cin7 is positioned to lead the transformation by delivering smarter, faster, and more connected capabilities to its customers around the world.

“I am thrilled to be joining Cin7 at such a defining moment,” said Sheldon Cummings. “Cin7 has built something genuinely valuable. It has real product depth, a passionate global team, and a large market still full of opportunity. There is a compelling opportunity to become the intelligent commerce platform for SMB and Mid-Market product sellers across the globe. To be the one that harnesses the power of AI to help businesses operate better and grow faster. I am excited to partner with this team to chase that opportunity and to continue delivering the innovation our customers deserve.”

Cin7 serves thousands of businesses worldwide, helping them manage inventory, streamline operations, and connect their sales channels through a single, powerful platform. With teams in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, the United Arab Emirates, India, and the Czech Republic, Cin7 operates as a truly global business with a local commitment to every market it serves.

About Cin7

Cin7 is the leading inventory management and connected commerce platform for small and mid-sized product businesses. Cin7 helps growing brands manage inventory, automate workflows, and connect their sales channels, from e-commerce to wholesale to retail, in one powerful, easy-to-use platform. With over 8,500+ customers in over 100 countries processing over 125 million orders annually, Cin7 is a global business on a mission to make commerce simpler, smarter, and more connected for product sellers everywhere. For more information, visit www.cin7.com.

Media Contact

Karla Fleege, Cin7, 1 509-413-0025, pr@cin7.com, www.cin7.com

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/cin7-appoints-sheldon-cummings-as-chief-executive-officer-302752187.html

SOURCE Cin7

Technology

ShareRing, TKC and Transformational Launch Thailand’s First National Trust Infrastructure for Verifiable Credentials, with Production Rollout Starting June 2026

Published

29 minutes ago

April 23, 2026

A three-party alliance between ShareRing, publicly listed digital infrastructure provider TKC, and Thailand digital transformation firm Transformational will deliver the country’s first integrated Verifiable Credential and Digital Document Wallet infrastructure, anchored on ShareRing’s Privacy KYC technology.

BANGKOK, April 23, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Turnkey Communication Services PCL (TKC), in partnership with Transformational and ShareRing, today announced a strategic alliance to launch Thailand’s first integrated Verifiable Credential and Digital Document Wallet infrastructure, bridging the trust gap between government and private sector transactions.

We are building the trust layer that the whole country runs on.

“This partnership is about establishing a ‘National Trust Infrastructure,’ which is a critical national policy direction,” said Mr. Sayam Tiewtranon, CEO of TKC. “TKC’s role is to merge our existing infrastructure with global technology standards to drive widespread adoption in alignment with MDES and ETDA. We aim to reduce costs and increase transparency without burdening existing systems, while ensuring future international connectivity.”

Thailand’s Digital Paradox: Connectivity vs. Physical Friction

Despite a 95 percent internet penetration rate, the transactions that matter most, proving where you live, verifying a professional qualification, or applying for a loan, still require a physical visit and photocopies. “In 2026, citizens are still taking half-days off work to manage paperwork at service counters that close at 3 PM,” said Khun Ariya Banomyong, CEO of Transformational, and former Country Head of Google Thailand and Managing Director of LINE Thailand. “What Thailand lacks is a shared infrastructure layer connecting verified documents to real transactions.”

The High Cost of Unverifiable Documents

Reliance on paper documents leaves citizens and businesses vulnerable. “Paper documents are the ‘weakest link’ in the trust chain; easy to forge and impossible to verify,” Mr. Ariya added. “Once data is on paper, you lose control. For businesses, scanned affidavits prove nothing without independent verification, exposing them to massive risks, from unauthorized directorship changes to fraudulent contracts. Nationally, the cost is measured in hundreds of billions of baht in untraceable educational loan portfolios and public services.”

The Solution: Digital Document Wallet plus Verifiable Credential

The alliance introduces a Digital Document Wallet infrastructure, acting as a “Digital Twin” for critical documentation. Powered by ShareRing’s blockchain technology, already deployed in multiple international markets, the platform supports a wide array of Verifiable Credentials. It is designed to accommodate professional licences, employment certifications, company affidavits, academic transcripts and other identity documents as they transition into the ecosystem.

A Three-Party Architecture

The alliance is designed around three complementary roles. TKC provides the national infrastructure footprint and institutional reach into Thai state-owned enterprises. Transformational leads enterprise and government delivery, translating national policy direction into operational rollout. ShareRing contributes the production Privacy KYC technology stack, already live in multiple international markets. ShareRing also holds a strategic equity stake in Transformational, aligning commercial incentives across delivery and technology beyond a standard vendor relationship.

What Institutions Actually Buy: Sovereign Issuance

The commercial offering at the core of the alliance is what ShareRing calls Sovereign Issuance. A government agency, university, regulator or large enterprise issues its own verifiable digital documents, from its own infrastructure, under its own seal. The end user holds the document on a personal device, gives explicit consent before anything is shared, and reveals only what the verifier requires through Zero-Knowledge Proofs. Verification happens in real time, cryptographically, without the verifier ever needing to contact the issuer. Trust stays with the real authority, the issuer, rather than with a centralised intermediary.

Compliant with Global Security Standards (Private and Secure by Design)

The platform is built on privacy-first global standards, with User Consent at its core. It is W3C Verifiable Credential compliant, DIATF certified and ISO 27001:2022 accredited, and aligned with GDPR, Thailand’s PDPA and the Australian Privacy Act. Implementation is being tracked against the emerging OpenID for Verifiable Credentials (OID4VC) interoperability layer being shaped by ETDA.

“By utilizing Zero-Knowledge Proof (ZKP) and Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI), we ensure users verify information without exposing sensitive data,” said Mr. Tim Bos, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of ShareRing. “No information is accessed without explicit user consent, ensuring only the owner holds the access keys to their digital identity.”

From Policy to Implementation

The alliance focuses on providing enterprise-ready solutions to bridge the gap between policy and execution:

Seamless connectivity via SDKs and APIs for immediate integration into existing legacy systems.Sovereign issuance infrastructure enabling organisations to securely issue their own verifiable digital documents.Real-time verification to eliminate manual delays and fraudulent documentation risks.

“We are building the trust layer that the whole country runs on,” said Mr. Rohan Le Page, Founder and Co-CEO of ShareRing. “By deploying W3C-compliant and ISO-accredited technology, we are providing Thailand with an infrastructure built for global interoperability and international business expansion.”

Implementation Roadmap

“We are already in execution,” said Mr. Piya Jirapapongsa, Deputy Managing Director (Operations) at TKC. “Our first deployment goes live with a major state-owned enterprise in June 2026, followed by digital credential issuance for a network of Thai universities in August 2026, with active discussions underway across financial services, hospitality, and public administration.”

A Blueprint for the Region

Thailand is the first national-scale deployment of the alliance’s model. The partners intend the same architecture, a national infrastructure anchor, a locally credible delivery partner, and a W3C compliant identity and credential stack, to serve as a template for broader South East Asian rollout, with regional conversations already active.

For further project enquiries, please contact Mr. Ekkapol Promratanapong, Digital Product Director, TKC, who leads this initiative.

About Turnkey Communication Services PCL (TKC)

TKC is Thailand’s full-service digital infrastructure provider, covering telecommunications, cybersecurity, and digital solutions for government and large enterprises. Led by CEO Sayam Tiewtranon, the company focuses on building infrastructure that is resilient, secure, and compatible with international standards, supporting the country’s transition to a digital economy.

About Transformational Co., Ltd.

Digital transformation consultancy, working with corporate clients and state-owned enterprises, specialising in digital document trust infrastructure and verifiable credential solutions. Led by CEO Ariya Banomyong.

About ShareRing

ShareRing is a Privacy KYC and Verifiable Credential platform operating across multiple international markets. W3C Verifiable Credential compliant, DIATF certified, and ISO 27001:2022 accredited, ShareRing’s infrastructure is built for institutional scale. The company operates ShareLedger, a Cosmos-based Layer 1 calibrated for identity workloads, and ships the ShareRing Me consumer wallet and ShareRing Link enterprise SDK. ShareRing holds a strategic equity stake in Transformational Co., Ltd.

Media Contact

Rohan Le Page, ShareRing, 61 438094075, marketing@sharering.network, https://www.sharering.network

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sharering-tkc-and-transformational-launch-thailands-first-national-trust-infrastructure-for-verifiable-credentials-with-production-rollout-starting-june-2026-302752315.html

SOURCE ShareRing