Journal of Medical Library and Information Science

The retraction of flawed or questionable studies is crucial for maintaining the integrity and reliability of scientific literature. However, many retracted papers continue to be cited, often without explicit acknowledgement of their retracted status. Continued citations of retracted publications can disseminate unreliable results and distort citation-based indicators, such as the Journal Impact Factor. To address these concerns, Clarivate announced in May 2025 that citations to and from retracted papers made after the official retraction date will be excluded from Journal Impact Factor calculations. This commentary addresses the issue of post-retraction citations, Clarivate’s rationale for the change, and its expected benefits and potential impacts. It argues that although the policy enhances research integrity, it may also discourage journals from pursuing and disclosing retractions due to the possible negative impact on their metrics.

Introduction:
The extensive use of social media has become a significant aspect of student life. While engaging with social media can lead to an increased likelihood of high-risk behaviors, self-control might play a key role in moderating this relationship. This study aims to explore how social media usage impacts high-risk behaviors, focusing on the moderating influence of self-control among students at Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.

Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024. The statistical population included 6,145 students, of whom 364 were selected using Morgan’s table and stratified sampling. Data collection tools included standard questionnaires: Virtual Social Media Addiction, Iranian Youth Risk-Taking Scale, and Tangney’s Self-Control Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 24 and Smart PLS 3 software with correlation and path analysis tests.

Results:
The mean scores for social media use (2.81), risky behaviors (unsafe driving = 2.55, violence = 2.34, smoking = 2.55, alcohol, drug, and psychotropic use = 2.50, suicidal= 2.61, and unsafe sexual behavior = 2.48), and self-control (2.85) were below average (P < 0.001). Social media use was positively associated with all risky behaviors, including unsafe driving, violence, smoking, alcohol, drug, and psychotropic use, suicidal tendencies, and unsafe sexual behaviors (P < 0.05). Self-control significantly reduced the effect of social media use on all risky behaviors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Social media usage can heighten the chances of engaging in risky behaviors. However, bolstering self-control can lessen this impact. By strengthening self-control skills, we can effectively reduce risky behaviors among active social media students.

Introduction: Electronic book (e-book) reader programs providing rapid access to books. These programs encounter significant challenges in Iran, particularly in the medical field. This study aims to explore the obstacles publishers face in the electronic publishing industry, and evaluate the current state of Persian-language book reader programs from the publishers’ viewpoint.

Methods: This study utilized a qualitative approach, gathering data through semi-structured interviews, engaging publishers with at least 10% of their catalog dedicated to medical books, and collaborating with Persian book-reading programs. The questions focused on the challenges of electronic publishing, the economic aspects of digital publishing, and the future prospects of this industry in Iran. The present study initially selected 30 publishers through purposive sampling, followed by a snowball sampling. The data were coded, categorized, and analyzed.

Results: The study’s results revealed that publishers face several challenges, such as technical difficulties in preparing e-books, copyright issues, collaboration challenges between publishers and e-readers, and financial challenges. Furthermore, medical publishers face specific problems, such as the difficulty of organizing resources in the original language and the lack of a suitable market for specialized medical books in the digital space.

Conclusion: E-book reader applications in Iran are hindered by various challenges that reflect limitations in technical, economic, cultural, and social fields. These challenges affect publishers’ collaboration with the e-book reader app, and reduce user satisfaction. The analysis emphasizes the critical need for improved interaction between publishers and designers and suggest a pressing need to reevaluate the design and management of these applications.