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MDPI Encyclopedia is an open access academic knowledge-sharing platform that enables researchers to share and disseminate scholarly knowledge. The platform features three main content formats—Encyclopedia Entries, Images, and Videos—offering different ways to communicate academic knowledge. We welcome contributions from scholars and subject experts across all academic disciplines to help expand and enrich this open access knowledge resource. Ready to contribute? Create an Encyclopedia Entry and share your knowledge with the academic community. 1. What Is an Encyclopedia Entry? Encyclopedia offers two main types of entries—Topic Reviews and Biographies—providing scholars with opportunities to share their knowledge and make academic information accessible to a wider audience. Topic Reviews Topic Reviews provide a structured and accessible overview of a specific academic topic, concept, method, or research field. They bring together key concepts, established knowledge, recent developments, practical applications, and relevant references to help readers gain a comprehensive understanding of a subject. Topic Reviews focus on organizing and explaining existing knowledge. Authors can draw on their expertise and the relevant literature to introduce important topics and make specialized knowledge easier to understand and explore. When preparing a Topic Review, authors are encouraged to follow the guidelines below: Title: Keep the title concise, specific, and informative, preferably within eight words. Description: Provide a brief overview of the topic and its key points. Length: At least 1,000 words is recommended for a topic review. Structure and Content: Provide a clear, comprehensive, and well-organized overview of the topic. Depending on the subject, the content may cover its origin and history, key concepts and principles, theoretical foundations, structure and components, mechanisms and functions, classifications and types, research developments and milestones, methods and approaches, applications and practical implications, current status, challenges and limitations, and future directions. Authors may select and organize relevant sections according to the nature and scope of their topics. Topic Reviews should present reliable, objective, and established knowledge rather than original research findings or unverified hypotheses. Keywords: Include 3–10 relevant keywords. References: Cite reliable and relevant sources to support the discussion and facilitate further reading. For reference, please see the following entry: Venous Thromboembolism in the Cardiometabolic Patient. Biographies Biographies introduce researchers' academic backgrounds, careers, and major contributions to their respective fields, highlighting their achievements and influence on the development of their disciplines. 2. Why Create an Encyclopedia Entry? Contributing an encyclopedia entry offers several benefits to scholars: Share Your Knowledge: Share your academic knowledge and insights with the wider research community, including researchers, students, and readers from other disciplines. Encyclopedia may also feature your entry on its social media channels to further promote your contribution. Enhance the Visibility of Your Contribution: Add DOIs and links to your publications to help readers discover and cite your original research. Support Knowledge Sharing: Help readers understand key concepts, explore important topics, and discover the relevant literature for further learning and research. Keep Your Entry Up to Date: Update your entry at any time to share the latest developments in your research field. Contribute Free of Charge: Create, access, and share entries on MDPI Encyclopedia at no cost. Gain Credits for MDPI Vouchers: All users can earn credits by contributing entries, which can then be redeemed for MDPI vouchers for deducting article processing charge (APC). See the Encyclopedia Credit System for details. 3. How to Create an Encyclopedia Entry If you would like to create entries, please click https://encyclopedia.pub/user/entry/create Once submitted, the entry can be published online immediately and updated at any time. 4. Contact Us If you have any questions about creating an encyclopedia entry, please contact us at office@encyclopedia.pub.
Announcement 15 Oct 2026
When exploring an unfamiliar research topic, it can be difficult to know where to start. Research papers often focus on specific questions, while gaining a broader understanding of a field may require consulting multiple publications. A clear, well-organized overview can help readers understand the background of a topic and identify relevant literature for further reading. Academic encyclopedia entries offer one way to get started. They bring together existing knowledge on a particular subject, summarize key information and research developments, and point readers toward relevant references. Encyclopedia (https://encyclopedia.pub/) is an open access academic knowledge-sharing platform featuring contributions from researchers and subject experts across a wide range of disciplines. Its content includes encyclopedia entries, images, and videos, providing different ways to explore scientific knowledge. What Can an Entry Offer? An encyclopedia entry provides a structured introduction to a specific topic. Depending on the subject, it may cover background information, theories, methods, technologies, applications, or research developments. References, DOIs, and links to related academic resources help readers locate published research and explore a topic in greater depth. For students and readers new to a subject, an entry can serve as a useful starting point. Researchers may also consult entries to review background information or become familiar with topics beyond their immediate areas of expertise. Encyclopedia entries complement research papers and other primary sources rather than replace them. Why Contribute an Entry? Writing an encyclopedia entry gives researchers an opportunity to share their expertise in a format that readers from different backgrounds can access and use. Contributions offer several benefits: Organize and consolidate your knowledge Preparing an entry involves selecting relevant information, identifying key findings, and presenting them in a clear, logical structure. This process can help authors review the literature and bring related knowledge together in a concise overview. Reach readers beyond your research community Entries can introduce specialized topics to students, early-career researchers, and scholars from other disciplines. By explaining a subject clearly and providing relevant references, contributors can make their expertise accessible to a wider audience. A doi or publication link can be inserted below the entry title. Make your contribution visible Researchers can create new entries or improve existing ones within their areas of expertise. Contributor recognition, in accordance with the platform's authorship and contribution policies, helps acknowledge their role in developing shared academic resources. A Collaborative Approach to Knowledge Sharing Academic knowledge evolves as new research emerges, making it important to review and update existing resources. Encyclopedia enables users to create new entries and contribute to the improvement of published content. Open Edit: Users can update information, add relevant material, and refine explanations in existing entries. Discussion and Feedback: Readers and contributors can raise questions and suggest revisions, helping identify content that may need clarification or further development. Advisory Board Member Check: Advisory Board Members can examine entries within their areas of expertise and provide feedback on their accuracy, completeness, and presentation. References and DOI Links: Entries can include references and links to related academic resources, helping readers locate original publications and explore the evidence behind the information presented. Together, these features support the ongoing development of entries and encourage participation in academic knowledge sharing. When investigating a topic in depth, readers can consult the cited publications to examine the original research. How to Contribute Researchers interested in sharing their expertise can begin with a topic they know well, such as a theory, method, technology, application, or another subject relevant to their field. A useful entry should have a clear focus, present information objectively, and draw on relevant academic literature. Authors can organize the content around the key aspects of the topic and include references to guide further reading.  Create your entry here: https://encyclopedia.pub/user/entry/create Researchers can also contribute by updating existing entries, adding relevant information, or suggesting improvements. Share Your Knowledge We welcome researchers and subject experts to create new entries and improve existing ones, helping make academic knowledge more accessible to readers across disciplines.
Blog 22 Oct 2026
Encyclopedia MDPI is thrilled to announce significant enhancements to its Academic Video Service, which aim to improve its quality, accessibility, and functionality. Since its launch, our video service has enabled numerous scholars to present their research in a dynamic and visually engaging format, greatly enhancing its visibility and impact. Due to the overwhelmingly positive reception this service has received, we have reached a point where the number of orders we are receiving exceeds our current capacity. In order to maintain the quality of these videos and continue optimizing the service, we have made the decision to introduce a fee. However, to ensure that this service is still a cost-effective option, we have set our prices significantly below the market average. 1. Highlights of the Upgrades to the Service Although the service will now be fee-based, we are committed to providing even more professional and comprehensive support, including the following: One-on-one video production guidance Personalized assistance to ensure your needs are fully met. Scriptwriting and English editing Expertly crafted narratives and professional English editing to ensure your research is presented clearly, accurately, and with impact. High-quality animations Visually engaging animations are created to simplify complex research and captivate your audience. Whiteboard Animations: Clean and minimalist, using hand-drawn illustrations to explain ideas step-by-step. Motion Graphics (MG) Animations: Cartoon Style: Bright, colorful, and approachable, ideal for making technical or scientific content more accessible and engaging. Hand-Drawn Style: Unique and artistic, adding a personal touch to your research while maintaining clarity and professionalism. Customized infographics (optional) We can also create tailored infographics to visually summarize key data or findings, enhancing the clarity and appeal of your video. Native voiceover Native speakers provide voiceovers to enhance the accessibility and reach of your research. Multiple rounds of revision To ensure your video accurately represents your work. Social media promotion Expanding your research's visibility and impact. 2. Why Choose Us? The Proven Impact of Video Abstracts Research shows that a well-crafted video abstract can significantly enhance the visibility and impact of your work. It has been shown to do the following: Increase paper views by 120% (Source: 10.1007/ s11192-019-03108-w) Boost citations by 20% (Source: Wiley Online Library) Improve journal rankings by 33% (Source: Research Square) Raise Altmetrics scores by 140% (Source: Research Square) Our Expertise in Academic Research Backed by MDPI, our experienced production team combines deep academic knowledge with creative excellence. We understand the nuances of scholarly communication and ensure that every frame accurately conveys the value of your research, meeting the highest standards of quality and precision. Collaborations with SCI Journals We have partnered with over 60 SCI journals to create exclusive video series, enhancing the dissemination and impact of published research. For example, our collaborations with Entropy, Remote Sensing, Nanomaterials , Animals , Nutrients, Foods , Sustainability, Cancers, etc., have helped authors achieve greater visibility and recognition for their work. Global visibility The videos are linked to your paper's DOI for maximum exposure. Available Video Services and Their Pricing Video Abstract (up to 5 minutes long): Summarizes the key findings, methodology, and significance of your research paper. Regular Price: 600 CHF Short Take (up to 2 minutes long): Uses original animations to explain the specific aspects of your research. Regular Price: 500 CHF Scholar Interview: A face-to-face discussion offering deeper insights into your publication. Regular Price: 400 CHF Scholar Profile: A brief overview of a scholar’s career, highlighting education, research focus, and key achievements. Regular Price: 500 CHF 3. Video Production Service If you want to see some examples of our videos, please visit https://encyclopedia.pub/video. If you would like to apply for the video service, please click https://encyclopedia.pub/video_service. 4. Others If you have any other questions, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub.
Announcement 14 Apr 2026
Academic publishing continues to evolve with the advancement of open science and digital technologies. While journal articles remain a fundamental format for communicating individual research findings, academic books provide researchers with opportunities to explore topics in greater depth, integrate broader perspectives, and present comprehensive knowledge within a dedicated publication format. To support diverse forms of scholarly communication, MDPI has developed MDPI Books, an open access academic book publishing program that enables researchers, editors, and academic communities to share extensive research contributions and educational resources with a global audience. MDPI Books supports MDPI’s mission to foster open scientific exchange, with open access as a key approach for sharing knowledge. The program includes two main publication outputs: Open Access Books and Reprints. Since the publication of the first Reprint in 2013 and the first original Open Access Book in 2017, MDPI Books has continued to expand its publishing portfolio, contributing to the advancement of open access publishing and the dissemination of scholarly knowledge across diverse disciplines. For more information about MDPI Books and available publishing opportunities, please visit https://www.mdpi.com/books/. 1. What Is MDPI Books? MDPI Books publishes academic books across a wide range of disciplines, providing researchers, editors, and academic communities with flexible publishing options for sharing scientific knowledge. The program includes two complementary publication categories: Open Access Books are original academic publications that present comprehensive research studies, educational resources, and specialized knowledge collections. By adopting an open access publishing model, these books enable broader access to scholarly content and support the dissemination of knowledge worldwide. Reprints compile previously published research articles into dedicated book formats. By organizing related studies into structured collections, Reprints provide additional opportunities to increase the visibility and accessibility of published research. Together, Open Access Books and Reprints provide researchers with different approaches to create, share, and preserve scholarly knowledge. 2. Open Access Books Open Access Books published by MDPI Books contain original academic content and provide researchers with opportunities to present comprehensive studies, educational resources, and specialized knowledge collections in a book format. Compared with individual journal articles, academic books allow authors to explore research topics in greater depth, present broader perspectives, and provide more comprehensive discussions of scientific developments. 2.1. Types of Open Access Books MDPI Books supports different types of Open Access Books to accommodate diverse scholarly communication needs. Monograph A monograph is a comprehensive/in-depth contribution to a single scholarly subject, or an aspect of a subject, written by a single or small group of authors. Both short-form (70–110 pages) or full-length monographs are accepted. This also includes PhD monographs based on doctoral theses from all fields. Edited Books Edited books contain chapters usually written by different authors who are experts in their field. The chapters in an edited volume are original works (not republished works). One or more editors are responsible for the book as a whole. Edited volumes present different viewpoints and experiences on a common theme. Textbooks A textbook contains a comprehensive compilation of content in a branch of study with the intention of explaining this branch or a particular sub-branch. It contains detailed information about a subject for people studying that subject. Project Reports A project report is the formalized recording of project progress and project results. PhD Thesis / Dissertations PhD theses can be published open access with MDPI Books, allowing the research to reach a wider audience while maintaining their original academic integrity. They are usually structured into multiple chapters and include a comprehensive literature review, methodology, results, and discussion. They do not undergo traditional external peer review, as they have already been formally evaluated and approved by the author's academic institution as part of the doctoral degree requirements and are clearly declared as PhD theses. Book Series Book series are series of original Open Access Books covering the same subject area. 2.2. Benefits of Open Access Books Open Access Books provide authors and readers with advantages in accessibility, knowledge sharing, and publishing support. Enhanced Accessibility and Discoverability Open access publishing allows scholarly books to reach broader audiences by improving accessibility and removing barriers to knowledge sharing. Through online libraries, indexing services, and metadata dissemination, Open Access Books can achieve greater discoverability and long-term visibility. Published books are available through the MDPI Books Online Library and are indexed through platforms including Google Books, CrossRef, EBSCO, WorldCat, and Scilit. Eligible titles are also submitted to the Web of Science Book Citation Index (BKCI). Comprehensive Knowledge Sharing Academic books provide space for systematic analyses, interdisciplinary discussions, and extensive reviews that may go beyond the scope of individual research articles. By presenting broader perspectives and integrated knowledge, Open Access Books contribute to long-term scientific communication and knowledge development. Author Rights and Publishing Support Authors retain copyright of their work through Creative Commons licensing options. MDPI Books provides support throughout the publication process, including editorial coordination, production services, DOI and ISBN assignment, marketing support, and print-on-demand options. 2.3. Publication Process MDPI Books provides comprehensive support throughout the Open Access Book publishing process, from manuscript submission and initial quality checks to peer review, revision, production, and publication. Following submission, manuscripts undergo an initial assessment, including checks for plagiarism, data integrity, figure permissions, and authorship information. The Editorial Office coordinates peer review and revision processes before accepted manuscripts proceed through professional editing, formatting, typesetting, and proofreading. Published books are freely available online and can also be accessed in print formats through print-on-demand and distribution channels. A complete publication process can typically be completed within approximately 6–12 months, depending on manuscript preparation and review requirements. 3. Reprints In addition to original Open Access Books, MDPI Books provides Reprints, which compile previously published research articles into dedicated book formats. Unlike Open Access Books, which contain original book-length content, Reprints focus on collecting and presenting existing research content. They allow researchers and editors to bring together related articles into thematic collections, extending the reach and visibility of published research beyond the traditional journal format. 3.1. Types of Reprints To facilitate the collection and dissemination of published research, MDPI Books provides several Reprint formats. Journal Collection Reprints Journal Collection Reprints compile articles from MDPI journals, including Special Issues, Topical Collections, Topics, and Proceedings. These collections provide a dedicated book format for completed research collections and are available as digital publications and physical books through print-on-demand services. Custom Selection Reprints Custom Selection Reprints allow tailored collections of published articles to be created according to specific requirements. They can support various purposes, including thematic research collections, teaching resources, institutional publications, conference and academic meeting materials. Article Reprints Article Reprints are professionally produced copies of individual journal articles. They preserve the original layout and typography of published research papers and provide a tangible format for sharing academic achievements. They can support research communication, institutional events, academic promotion, and other professional activities. 3.2. Benefits of Reprints Reprints provide additional opportunities to increase research visibility, organize published studies into focused collections, and support academic communication. Extending Research Visibility By bringing related research articles together into dedicated volumes, Reprints help increase awareness of specific research topics, Special Issues, Topical Collections, and conference contributions. Creating Structured Research Collections Reprints provide a convenient way to organize published studies into cohesive collections, allowing readers to discover related research more efficiently. Supporting Authors, Editors, and Institutions For authors and editors, Reprints provide a lasting representation of research achievements and editorial contributions. For institutions, customized collections can support educational activities, conferences, and academic outreach. 4. Contact For Open Access Books, researchers interested in editing a book volume or book series or in submitting a monograph proposal, can submit a Proposal Form and refer to the Information for Authors for further details. For Reprints, authors, editors, and institutions interested in creating Reprints can contact articlereprints@mdpi.com for further information and support.
Announcement 16 Jul 2026
Journal Encyclopedia
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Peer Reviewed
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(10), 227; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6100227

Background/Objectives: Ghosting is an emerging phenomenon in technology-mediated relationships; the lack of theoretical cohesion surrounding it justifies systematizing the available evidence to propose an explanatory model for this form of relating. The primary objective of this systematic review was to propose an explanatory model to articulately understand the phenomenon of ghosting within the context of digital communication. Methods: The PRISMA statement was used to formulate the criteria for selecting the 21 articles analyzed, which were sourced from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The elements considered were: study period, area of study, document type, article language, keyword, publication stage, and open access. The only exclusion criterion was that, although the article included the keyword, it did not demonstrate psychological content related to ghosting. The included studies were evaluated by three reviewers, who worked independently using respective matrices in Microsoft Excel. To present and synthesize the results, a flow diagram of the selection process and a table of the articles included in the study were used. Results: The analysis identified four elements upon which the study was developed: (i) unilateral relationship dissolution and communication avoidance; (ii) communicative bond and digital relationship; (iii) relational exclusion and loss of belonging; and (iv) social isolation and psychological threat. The main limitation was that, although the term “ghosting” has been used since 2006, the number of related studies remains limited. Conclusions: Based on a review and systematization of the evidence, an explanatory model of the ghosting phenomenon within the context of digital communication was developed, termed the ‘silent relationship dissolution model’.

Peer Reviewed
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(10), 209; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6100209

Generative artificial intelligence is increasingly being adopted in doctoral education to support writing, literature synthesis, translation, feedback, research planning, and administrative work. While emerging scholarship has examined generative AI in higher education, academic integrity, and student writing, its specific implications for doctoral supervision remain comparatively underexplored. This review argues that generative AI should not be understood merely as a technical aid, but as a socio-technical force that may reshape ethical boundaries, feedback practices, doctoral student agency, and supervisory relationships. Drawing on literature from doctoral education, supervision studies, academic writing, feedback literacy, and AI-mediated learning, the review examines three interrelated thematic areas of AI-augmented doctoral supervision. First, it considers ethical issues related to authorship, originality, academic integrity, transparency, privacy, confidentiality, bias, data protection, and overdependence. Second, it analyses how generative AI may influence feedback preparation, interpretation, timing, and dialogic use in doctoral writing and research development. Third, it explores implications for supervisory relationships, particularly trust, power, responsibility, emotional support, and autonomy. The review also discusses institutional implications, including AI literacy, supervisor development, doctoral policy, and responsible use guidelines, and positions generative AI as a human-centred support mechanism rather than a substitute for supervisory judgement, ethical responsibility, or relational mentoring.

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Shlomi Agmon
Encyclopedia Video provides potential readers with a tool to quickly understand what the work is about. That is important for casualreaders, whose time is thus spared, and for investedreaders, for whom it makes the decision to say "yes, I want to read the paper" much simpler.
School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
Ignacio Cea
For the video abstracts, the papers and authors could gain more visibility and increase citations. Also, it means a more diverse and interesting way of communicating research, which is something valuable in itself.
Center for Research, Innovation and Creation, and Faculty of Religious Sciences and Philosophy, Temuco Catholic University
Melvin R. Pete Hayden
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University of Missouri School of Medicine, United States
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