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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. Receive an Encyclopedia Certificate: Users who have made substantial contributions to MDPI Encyclopedia through entries, videos, or images may apply for the Encyclopedia Outstanding Content Contribution Certificate in recognition of their efforts. 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
An encyclopedia entry brings together relevant knowledge to help readers understand a particular topic. Whether it covers a scientific concept, a research method, or a broader field of study, a good entry should explain the subject accurately, organize information in a logical way, and draw on reliable sources. How can authors turn existing knowledge into a clear and informative encyclopedia entry? 1. Entry Title The title identifies the subject and gives readers an immediate idea of what the entry covers. When choosing a title: Use a clear and recognizable term. Prefer the established name of a concept, method, theory, or phenomenon used in the relevant field. Keep it concise. Avoid unnecessary words or overly complicated phrasing. Match the scope of the entry. Make sure the title reflects the actual subject and focus of the content. Distinguish related concepts where necessary. If a term has several meanings, clarify which subject the entry addresses. For example, if an entry provides a general explanation of reinforcement learning, a title focused exclusively on recent developments may not accurately represent its scope. Original title: Recent Advances and Future Opportunities in Reinforcement Learning Revised title: Reinforcement Learning The revised title is more suitable for an entry covering the concept's basic principles, methods, and applications. The original title would be more appropriate for an article specifically discussing recent advances and future directions. 2. Description The description provides a brief introduction to the topic and gives readers an overview of the entry before they explore the main text. A good description should: Introduce the central concept. Explain what the topic is rather than simply repeating the title. Highlight its defining features or purpose. Include the information needed to distinguish it from related concepts. Indicate the main focus. Briefly mention the principal aspects or applications covered in the entry, where relevant. Keep it concise. Leave detailed explanations, examples, and background information for the main text. For example, a description of Reinforcement Learning could explain that it is a machine learning approach in which an agent learns to make decisions through interaction with an environment and feedback in the form of rewards. It could also mention applications such as robotics and game playing. The description should give readers an accurate overview of the entry without introducing topics that are not addressed in the main text. 3. Content The main text develops the topic in greater depth. Its scope and organization should reflect the subject rather than follow a fixed template. What to Include Depending on the topic, an entry may cover: Fundamental principles: Explain the central concept, its defining characteristics, and the principles on which it is based. Background and development: Describe the origins of the concept and significant developments in its understanding. Structure or mechanisms: Explain how something is organized, how its components relate to one another, or how a process works. Types and classifications: Introduce major categories or approaches and explain their differences. Methods and applications: Describe relevant techniques and explain how the concept is used in research or practice. Advantages and limitations: Discuss important strengths, constraints, or conditions affecting its use. Current developments: For topics in active research, outline significant advances or unresolved questions where relevant. Not every entry needs to cover all these aspects. Authors should select and organize the information most relevant to the subject and its intended scope. For example, an entry on a biological process may focus on its mechanisms and regulation, while one on an educational strategy may discuss its underlying principles, implementation, and effectiveness. Throughout the entry, use precise and objective language, keep terminology consistent, and distinguish established knowledge from findings that remain uncertain or debated. Avoid repetition and details that do not contribute to understanding the topic. 4. Figures and Tables Figures and tables can help explain complex concepts, illustrate processes, and summarize comparisons. When preparing figures and tables: Ensure clarity and relevance. Each figure or table should contribute to the explanation, with legible labels and an informative caption. Connect visuals to the text. Refer to each figure or table in the main text and explain its relevance to the topic. Provide appropriate attribution. Cite the original source for reproduced or adapted material and check the applicable permission requirements. 5. References References support the information presented in an encyclopedia entry and allow readers to explore the topic further. When preparing references: Choose reliable sources. Use relevant peer-reviewed research papers, review articles, scholarly books, or authoritative sources appropriate to the topic. Include DOI links for publications where available. Support claims with citations. Place citations near the statements they support and ensure that the cited sources provide evidence for the information presented. Represent the literature fairly. When a topic involves different interpretations or ongoing developments, consult relevant sources that reflect the main perspectives. Share Your Expertise Ready to share your expertise? Create an entry on the Encyclopedia platform to contribute your knowledge and make it accessible to the wider academic community. https://encyclopedia.pub/user/entry/create
Blog 04 Nov 2026
We are pleased to announce that the Best Video Abstract Award has now entered its second stage. The submitted video abstracts have been published and public voting is now open; we invite scholars and readers to support their favorite entries. This edition of the award is brought to you in collaboration with two partner journals, Biology and Nutrients, and entries from both journals will be featured in the award showcase. About the Award The Best Video Abstract Award recognizes authors who present their research clearly, creatively, and effectively through short video abstracts. Submissions from Biology and Nutrients can be viewed on their respective award pages: Biology: https://encyclopedia.pub/best-video-abstract-award/biology Nutrients: https://encyclopedia.pub/best-video-abstract-award/nutrients Award overview: https://encyclopedia.pub/best-video-abstract-award All video abstracts have been assessed for editorial suitability and quality by the editorial team prior to publication. Voting Rules Each user has 3 votes per day that can be used to support different entries. The voting period opens on 1 November 2026 and closes on 31 December 2026. We encourage readers to view a range of entries across both journals before casting their votes, which can be done directly on the award pages. Evaluation and Results The final ranking is determined using three weighted components: video performance data (10%), public voting via the official survey (20%), and Award Committee evaluation (70%). The Award Committee will review all submitted videos in January 2027, and the final results will be announced on 2 February 2027. A Special Offer for Voters Voters are also invited to explore MDPI’s video production service, which supports researchers in presenting their work through professionally produced academic videos, including video abstracts and short research-focused videos. As a token of appreciation, participants can enjoy a 15% discount on video production orders with the code APW2026, valid from 12 May 2026 to 12 May 2027. The code can be entered at checkout when placing an order via https://www.mdpi.com/authors/services, subject to the applicable service terms. We appreciate your participation in supporting excellence in science communication, and we wish all participants the best of luck!
Announcement 03 Nov 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), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6100236

With growing recognition of mentoring as a critical means of supporting teacher learning and professional growth, concerns have emerged about traditional mentoring approaches that position mentees primarily as recipients of guidance and resources who emulate their mentors, rather than as active constructors of knowledge for teaching. Educative mentoring (EM) has emerged as an alternative approach that supports mentees’ development of student-centered, reform-oriented instruction by aligning mentoring with the constructivist principles underlying such teaching. However, despite growing interest in EM, its conceptualization remains fragmented across studies and its defining features insufficiently specified, limiting its application in research and practice. This review conceptualizes EM by synthesizing extant definitions and identifying its defining features in contrast to traditional mentoring approaches. Drawing on a broad corpus of studies across teacher education and professional development contexts, the review identifies five key components of EM: collaborative learning, situated inquiry, bifocal vision, reflective discourse, and a focus on student thinking. For each component, it further delineates six observable indicators that characterize how EM may be enacted in mentoring practices. By consolidating existing conceptualizations of EM into a coherent framework and operationalizing its components through practice-based indicators, this review offers a conceptual and methodological foundation for future research and evaluation of EM, as well as practical guidance for mentoring practice across educational contexts.

Peer Reviewed
Encyclopedia 2026, 6(11), 240; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia6110240

This review examines how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics are used to prevent and detect corporate financial misconduct, and whether that capability translates into organizational control. Following the PRISMA 2020 protocol, 53 publications issued between 2015 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect and coded along four dimensions: technology family, governance mechanism, misconduct focus, and empirical setting. The corpus is analyzed with an explicit quantitative apparatus. Within this corpus, a log-linear count model places annual growth at 60.8% ( β ^ 1 = 0.475 , z = 6.64 ), a doubling time of 1.46 years; 64.2% of the corpus appeared in 2024 and 2025, and the estimate is reported as a pattern in the selected corpus rather than a growth rate of the field. Machine learning dominates the technology side (43.4%, 95% Wilson interval 31.0–56.7), while audit and forensic accounting is the most frequent governance mechanism (45.3%). A descriptive screen of the technology by mechanism matrix, using lift and standardized residuals, flags 7 of 45 cells as departing from the independence baseline, among them machine learning with board governance ( r = + 2.59 ) and data analytics with compliance ( r = − 2.49 ). Because the coding is non-exclusive, these residuals locate where attention has concentrated and are not hypothesis tests or evidence of a causal relation; under a minimum-frequency criterion, only the data analytics with audit coupling is robust, so the association analysis is exploratory. Financial statement fraud absorbs 83.0% of the outcome coding, which confines the review’s firmer conclusions to that category. The misconduct dimension is the least even of the three coded dimensions (Pielou J = 0.62 against 0.94 for technology). A detection-theoretic argument then shows why detection performance alone is a poor guide to control: under a low base rate, precision collapses, and the share of misconduct that reaches remediation is the product of the detection rate and the pass-through probabilities of escalation, investigation, and remediation. We formalize this as a control yield parameter and embed it in an integrative model. The model and its four propositions are conceptual constructions derived from the synthesis, offered for empirical testing rather than established by the review, and each is paired with the parameter a future study would estimate. We set out a research agenda built around field validation, human and machine decision making, and the governance of model risk.

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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
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University of Missouri School of Medicine, United States
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