Lorestan University

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND STRATEGIC VISION

Lorestan University demonstrates a generally positive scientific integrity profile, reflected in an overall score of 0.186. This performance is characterized by significant strengths in managing authorship practices and maintaining scientific independence, particularly in its low rates of hyper-authored output, hyperprolific authors, and output in institutional journals. However, this solid foundation is contrasted by critical vulnerabilities, most notably a significant rate of retracted output and medium-risk levels for institutional self-citation and publication in discontinued journals. According to SCImago Institutions Rankings data, the university's research strengths are concentrated in areas such as Veterinary, Psychology, Physics and Astronomy, and Engineering. The identified integrity risks, especially concerning retractions and questionable publication venues, directly challenge the principles of excellence and social responsibility that underpin any academic mission. These practices can undermine the credibility of its strong research outputs and erode public trust. To secure its reputation and build upon its thematic strengths, it is recommended that the university prioritizes a qualitative review of its pre-publication quality control mechanisms and enhances researcher training on selecting high-integrity dissemination channels.

ANALYSIS BY INDICATOR

Rate of Multiple Affiliations

Lorestan University presents a Z-score of -0.610, a value that is statistically aligned with the national average for Iran (-0.615). This alignment suggests that the institution's researcher affiliation patterns are normal and consistent with the prevailing collaborative and mobility dynamics within the country. The risk level is as expected for its context, indicating no unusual activity. While multiple affiliations can sometimes be used to inflate institutional credit, the current data for the university reflects standard and legitimate practices, such as researcher mobility or partnerships, which are in sync with the national scientific ecosystem.

Rate of Retracted Output

The university shows a Z-score of 1.160 in this indicator, a figure significantly higher than Iran's national average of 0.777. This suggests that the institution not only reflects but also amplifies a vulnerability present in the national system, pointing to internal factors that may be exacerbating the issue. Retractions are complex events, and while some signify responsible supervision, a high Z-score like this is a critical alert. It suggests that quality control mechanisms prior to publication may be failing systemically, indicating possible recurring malpractice or a lack of methodological rigor that requires immediate qualitative verification by management to protect the institution's integrity culture.

Rate of Institutional Self-Citation

With a Z-score of 0.065, Lorestan University's rate of institutional self-citation is notably higher than the national average of -0.262. This moderate deviation indicates that the institution is more sensitive to this risk factor than its national peers. A certain level of self-citation is natural and reflects the continuity of research lines. However, this elevated rate can signal concerning scientific isolation or 'echo chambers.' It warns of a potential risk of endogamous impact inflation, suggesting that the institution's academic influence may be disproportionately shaped by internal dynamics rather than broader recognition from the global scientific community.

Rate of Output in Discontinued Journals

The institution's Z-score for publications in discontinued journals is 0.389, which, while in the same risk category as the national average (0.094), is considerably higher. This indicates a high level of exposure, suggesting the university is more prone to this risk than its peers. This pattern is a critical alert regarding due diligence in selecting dissemination channels. A high Z-score indicates that a significant portion of its scientific production is being channeled through media that do not meet international ethical or quality standards, exposing the institution to severe reputational risks and suggesting an urgent need for information literacy to avoid wasting resources on 'predatory' or low-quality practices.

Rate of Hyper-Authored Output

Lorestan University exhibits a Z-score of -1.223, which is well below the national average of -0.952. This demonstrates a low-profile consistency, where the complete absence of risk signals in this area aligns with the already low-risk standard observed nationally. This result indicates that the institution's authorship practices are transparent and accountable, successfully distinguishing between necessary massive collaboration and potentially problematic 'honorary' or political authorship practices that can dilute individual responsibility.

Gap between Impact of total output and the impact of output with leadership

The university has a Z-score of -0.040, starkly contrasting with the national average of 0.445. This demonstrates significant institutional resilience, as control mechanisms appear to be successfully mitigating a systemic risk prevalent in the country. A wide positive gap often signals that scientific prestige is dependent on external partners rather than internal capacity. The university's score, however, indicates a healthy balance, suggesting that its scientific prestige is structural and results from genuine internal capabilities, with its researchers exercising intellectual leadership in their collaborations.

Rate of Hyperprolific Authors

With a Z-score of -0.736, the university maintains a more prudent profile than the national standard (-0.247). This indicates that its processes are managed with greater rigor, effectively controlling the risks associated with extreme individual publication volumes. While high productivity can be legitimate, this low score suggests the institution fosters a healthy balance between quantity and quality, successfully avoiding potential issues like coercive authorship or the assignment of authorship without real participation, thereby prioritizing the integrity of the scientific record.

Rate of Output in Institutional Journals

Lorestan University's Z-score of -0.268 is exceptionally low, especially when compared to the national average of 1.432. This demonstrates a clear preventive isolation, where the institution actively avoids the risk dynamics observed elsewhere in its environment. In-house journals can create conflicts of interest and academic endogamy. The university's very low reliance on such channels indicates a strong commitment to independent external peer review, enhancing the global visibility and competitive validation of its research output.

Rate of Redundant Output

The institution's Z-score for redundant output is -0.371, which is almost identical to the national average of -0.390. This reflects a state of statistical normality, where the risk level is precisely as expected for its context. The data suggests that the university's practices regarding bibliographic overlap are aligned with national standards. This indicates that researchers are appropriately building upon previous work for cumulative knowledge, without engaging in data fragmentation or 'salami slicing' to artificially inflate productivity metrics.