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Encyclopedia User Research Invitation: Share Your Insights on Academic Encyclopedias
Encyclopedia MDPI is conducting a targeted survey to identify the specific barriers hindering efficient research. We invite you to spend 3 minutes defining the priorities for our next generation of structured knowledge tools: 2026 Academic Encyclopedia Survey What This Study Explores As scholars’ approaches to accessing and engaging with knowledge evolve, we seek to better understand the role of structured resources in research and learning. Through this study, we aim to explore: What challenges scholars encounter when using structured knowledge entries; Where existing knowledge platforms may fall short of expectations; How structured knowledge resources can better support academic needs. The insights gained will help guide improvements to Encyclopedia MDPI. Contact Us If you have any questions or would like to participate in, please feel free to contact us at office@encyclopedia.pub. Kind regards,Encyclopedia Editorial Office  
Announcement 19 Mar 2026
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AI, Job Anxiety, and ESG: Insights from the Banking Sector
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly visible in the banking sector, including in activities related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. As financial institutions explore new ways to use AI in decision support, reporting, and operational processes, attention is also turning to how employees respond to these technological changes. While AI is often discussed in terms of efficiency and innovation, its growing presence in the workplace has also raised concerns about job security, changing work responsibilities, and future career prospects. A recent study published in Sustainability, titled "AI-Induced Job Anxiety and the Perceived Effectiveness of AI-Enabled ESG Initiatives: Evidence from Bank Employees", examines this human dimension of AI adoption. Rather than focusing on technological performance alone, the study investigates how AI-related job anxiety influences employees’ perceptions of AI-enabled ESG initiatives and explores the roles of motivation and knowledge development in this process. Figure 1. AI-Induced Job Anxiety and the Perceived Effectiveness of AI-Enabled ESG Initiatives: Evidence from Bank Employees. Produced by MDPI Academic Video Service (Source: https://encyclopedia.pub/video/1820). 1. AI Adoption and Employee Concerns As banks continue to invest in digital technologies, AI is increasingly being considered as a tool that can support ESG-related activities. At the same time, the expansion of AI in the workplace has generated concerns among employees regarding automation, changing job requirements, and the possibility of workforce displacement. These concerns have attracted growing attention from researchers, particularly as organizations seek to balance technological transformation with employee engagement and workforce development. Understanding how employees perceive AI-related change is becoming an important part of successful digital transformation strategies. 2. Can Job Anxiety Influence Perceptions? Job anxiety is often viewed as a negative consequence of technological change. Employees who worry about the impact of AI on their careers may be expected to resist new technologies or view organizational initiatives less favorably. However, the authors of this study propose a more nuanced perspective. Drawing on Challenge–Hindrance Stressor Theory and cognitive appraisal theory, they suggest that AI-related anxiety may not always function solely as a barrier. Under certain circumstances, anxiety may also influence how employees interpret and evaluate organizational initiatives associated with technological change. To explore this possibility, the researchers surveyed 858 employees from a major commercial bank. Using structural equation modeling, they examined the relationships among AI-induced job anxiety, employee motivation, AI knowledge, ESG knowledge, and perceptions of the effectiveness of AI-enabled ESG initiatives. 3. What the Study Found The results revealed an interesting pattern. Employees who reported higher levels of AI-related job anxiety tended to perceive AI-enabled ESG initiatives as more effective. This finding suggests that anxiety does not necessarily translate into negative evaluations of organizational innovation. Instead, employees who are more concerned about the impact of AI may pay closer attention to AI-related developments and their potential role within the organization. At the same time, the study found that AI-induced job anxiety did not significantly increase employee motivation, nor did it contribute directly to greater AI knowledge or ESG knowledge. In other words, concern about AI alone did not encourage employees to learn more about the technology or become more engaged in sustainability-related topics. 4. The Importance of Motivation and Knowledge While anxiety showed limited influence on learning outcomes, motivation emerged as a more important factor. The study found that motivated employees were more likely to develop knowledge related to both AI and ESG. In turn, knowledge development contributed positively to perceptions of the effectiveness of AI-enabled ESG initiatives. These findings suggest that organizations seeking to support AI adoption should focus not only on technological implementation but also on creating opportunities for employee learning and professional development. Building AI literacy and ESG-related knowledge may help employees better understand and engage with organizational initiatives involving emerging technologies. 5. Implications for Banks and Organizations The findings highlight the importance of considering employee experiences during digital transformation. AI adoption is often discussed from a technological or strategic perspective, yet employee perceptions can play a significant role in determining how organizational initiatives are received. For financial institutions pursuing AI-enabled ESG strategies, the study suggests that employee concerns should not automatically be interpreted as resistance. While anxiety may increase attention to technological change, it does not necessarily lead to the acquisition of new knowledge or skills. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into organizational processes, workforce development, communication, and training may become increasingly important components of successful implementation strategies. 6. Conclusion The study provides an interesting perspective on the relationship between technological change and employee perceptions. Rather than acting solely as an obstacle, AI-related job anxiety was associated with more positive evaluations of the effectiveness of AI-enabled ESG initiatives. However, anxiety alone did not enhance motivation or promote greater knowledge of AI and ESG topics. The findings suggest that successful AI adoption depends not only on technological capability but also on employee learning, engagement, and organizational support. As financial institutions continue to integrate AI into ESG-related activities, understanding these human factors may become increasingly important for achieving long-term organizational goals.
Blog 10 Jun 2026
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Encyclopedia Journal Receives Its First CiteScore of 10.1
We are pleased to share that Encyclopedia has been assigned its first CiteScore of 10.1 in June 2026, following its inclusion in Scopus (Elsevier) in 2025. The CiteScore ranks the journal 20 out of 223 titles (Q1) in Multidisciplinary area, an impressive achievement for a journal running in Volume 6. You can find more statistics on our website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/encyclopedia/stats. The current CiteScores measure the average number of citations within a journal over a four-year window (2022–2025). The Scopus database provides a comprehensive suite of metrics that support informed publishing strategies, research evaluation and enable benchmarking of journal performance. This achievement reflects the collective efforts of our authors, reviewers, and editors. Together we will continue to track the progress of Encyclopedia and its growing impact in multidisciplinary research.
Announcement 04 Jun 2026
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MDPI Academic Video Service: Advancing Visual Scholarly Communication
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
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Best Video Abstract Awards
The Encyclopedia platform, together with the journals Biology and Nutrients, launches the Best Video Abstract Awards to increase the visibility and reach of published research and to inspire researchers to explore the power of visual storytelling. Video abstracts have become an increasingly important medium for scientific communication. By integrating narration, visualizations, animations, and experimental footage, they make complex research more accessible, engaging, and memorable. This initiative recognizes video abstracts that are not only scientifically rigorous but also creatively compelling and educational, thereby promoting broader dissemination and deeper community engagement. To learn more about the awards or to participate directly, please visit the event page via the links provided below. https://encyclopedia.pub/best-video-abstract-award 1. Event Duration 9 February 2026 – 2 February 2027 2. Awards Biology Best Video Abstract AwardOpen to video abstracts based on papers published in Biology between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025. This award will be granted to two video abstracts based on the evaluation of the Award Evaluation Committee. Nutrients Best Video Abstract AwardOpen to video abstracts based on papers published in Nutrients between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2025. This award will be granted to two video abstracts based on the evaluation of the Award Evaluation Committee. Prize For each journal award, the winner will receive: CHF 500 A voucher waiving the Article Processing Charges (APCs) for one journal submission (subject to peer review, valid for one year) A free Academic Video Service production (no matter where the paper is published), valid for one year. An electronic certificate Participant Incentive All participants will receive a CHF 100 discount voucher for the Encyclopedia Academic Video Service. 3. Participation The event will be conducted in three stages. Submission Stage 9 February 2026 – 31 August 2026 Independent Submission Authors may create and submit video abstracts independently using their own tools and creative approach. Professional Support Option Authors who do not currently have a video abstract but intend to apply for the award may opt for the Academic Video Service, which offers a one-stop, end-to-end solution covering script development, animation, voiceover recording, and editing. Please submit your video abstract here: https://encyclopedia.pub/user/video_add?activity=b57ab0910b456a5e4eebd960867ce205 Or place your video service order here: https://encyclopedia.pub/user/video_service_order All video abstracts will be assessed by the editorial team for editorial suitability and overall quality. Submissions that meet the guidelines will be assessed equally. Voting Stage 1 November 2026 – 31 December 2026 Public voting will be conducted during this period. Voting results and video performance metrics, including views, likes, shares, and collections, will contribute to the final evaluation. Winner Announcement 2 February 2027 Final winners will be determined based on a combined assessment of public voting results and a comprehensive evaluation by the Award Evaluation Committee, which carries the primary weight in the final decision. Winners will be announced on the Encyclopedia platform and journal websites. 4. Others If you have any other questions, please contact office@encyclopedia.pub
Announcement 09 Feb 2026
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Peer Reviewed
The Social Study of Science: The Resurgence of Historical Materialism
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(5), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6050109

The Social Study of Science (SSS) constitutes an interdisciplinary domain dedicated to examining the profound influence of social, political, and cultural factors on the development of scientific research and practice. Rejecting conceptions of science as an autonomous, self-directed enterprise, SSS posits that scientific knowledge is fundamentally a social product, deeply embedded within specific historical and cultural contexts. This field employs analytical frameworks from sociology, history, philosophy, and anthropology to elucidate the practices, institutions, history, and intellectual content of science. The scrutiny of science’s social dimensions has fundamentally reconfigured understandings of scientific work and methodology. During the 1960s and 1970s, the field was significantly shaped by contemporaneous protest movements, with historical materialism emerging as a critical framework for sociologists and historians of science seeking to critique power structures and alienation inherent in scientific practices. However, a subsequent intellectual shift witnessed a movement away from this materialist approach towards postmodern and constructivist analyses. Recently, a resurgence of interest in Marxian historical materialism has become evident. This is marked by a renewed engagement with pre-World War II Marxist theorists such as Boris Hessen and Edgar Zilsel, whose works are being republished and re-evaluated in light of the ongoing technological revolution in automation and machine intelligence. This paper delineates this development within SSS, highlighting the contributions of these foundational Marxist thinkers to the critical assessment and understanding of the social ramifications of the new technological revolution.

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Peer Reviewed
A Systematic Review of Internal and External Brand Management: Unveiling the Enigma of Employee Brand Equity Formation
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6050113

This study explores how internal and external brand management synergistically construct employee brand equity in contemporary organizations. Drawing on social identity theory, brand equity theory, and relationship quality theory, we conducted a systematic literature review of research published from 2019 to 2024 to analyze the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral mechanisms underlying this process. Our findings reveal that internal brand management activities (brand-oriented HR practices, brand communication) and external initiatives (CSR, marketing strategies) jointly shape employees’ brand cognition, while brand relationship quality mediates emotional connections through brand commitment, trust, and advocacy. These elements ultimately manifest in behavioral expressions including brand citizenship behavior, loyalty, retention intention, and positive word-of-mouth. This research provides organizations with an integrated framework for strategically aligning internal and external brand activities to enhance employee brand support, thereby strengthening competitive advantage through consistent brand delivery across all stakeholder touchpoints.

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See what people are saying about us
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
Thank the video production crew for making such a wonderful video. The narrations have been significantly added to the video! Congratulations on such an outstanding job of Encyclopedia Video team.
University of Missouri School of Medicine, United States
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