Latest Impact Factor (IIF): 6.74

Journal Impact Factor (JIF or IIF)

The Impact Factor (IF) of a journal is a critical metric often used by scientists, researchers, and subject matter experts to evaluate where to publish their valuable scientific content. A higher Impact Factor is generally perceived as an indicator of a journal's influence and reputation within the scientific community.

What is Journal Impact Factor?

The Journal Impact Factor (JIF) is traditionally defined as the average number of times an article from a journal is cited over a specific period, typically the last two years. It is calculated by dividing the number of citations received by the total number of articles published in the journal during that period.

• Formula: $\text{Impact} \text{Factor}=\frac{\text{Number} \text{of} \text{Citations} \text{in} \text{the} \text{Last} \text{Two} \text{Years}}{\text{Total} \text{Number} \text{of} \text{Articles} \text{Published} \text{in} \text{the} \text{Last} \text{Two} \text{Year}s}$

This metric provides a quantitative measure of a journal's impact and reach, reflecting the frequency with which its published articles are cited in subsequent research.

Understanding Internal Impact Factor (IIF)

In our journal, we use the term Internal Impact Factor (IIF) to denote a similar metric that is calculated based on the citations our published articles receive across various platforms such as Google Scholar, CrossRef, and ResearchGate. The IIF is an internally generated measure that reflects the real-world impact of our journal within the scientific community.

• How IIF is Calculated:

  $\text{IIF}=\frac{\text{Citations} \text{from} \text{Google} \text{Scholar}, \text{CrossRef}, \text{and} \text{ResearchGate}}{\text{Total} \text{Articles} \text{Published} \text{in} \text{the} \text{Last} \text{Two} \text{Years}}$

  This approach ensures that we account for a broader range of citation sources, beyond those traditionally used in calculating the standard Impact Factor.

Significance of the Impact Factor

The Impact Factor, whether it is the traditional JIF or our internally calculated IIF, serves several important functions:

1. Author Decision-Making: The Impact Factor is often a deciding factor for authors when choosing where to submit their manuscripts. A higher IF suggests that a journal's articles are frequently cited and widely read, making it an attractive option for authors aiming to maximize the visibility and impact of their work.

2. Journal Productivity and Quality: The IF is also a key metric for evaluating the productivity and quality of a journal. It helps to determine the journal's influence in its field and its ability to attract high-quality submissions.

3. Database Inclusion: Many academic and research databases use the Impact Factor as a criterion for including journals in their archives. A strong IF can help a journal gain entry into prestigious indexing services, further enhancing its visibility and reputation.

4. Considerations for New and Niche Journals: The IF is influenced by several factors, including the age of the journal and the breadth of its subject area. Newer journals may take time to build a substantial Impact Factor, while journals that focus on niche subjects may have lower IFs due to a more specialized readership. It is important to consider these factors when evaluating a journal's IF.

5. Potential for Manipulation: In some cases, the IF can be influenced by the type of articles published. For example, review articles often receive more citations than research articles, which can artificially inflate a journal's IF. Therefore, while the IF is a useful metric, it should not be the sole criterion for judging a journal's quality.

Conclusion

While the Impact Factor is a valuable tool for assessing a journal's influence, it is important to consider it alongside other factors such as the journal's scope, audience, and editorial practices. The Internal Impact Factor (IIF) used by our journal provides a comprehensive and realistic measure of our journal's impact, taking into account a wide range of citation sources. We are committed to maintaining high standards of quality and relevance, and we believe that our IIF accurately reflects the value and impact of the research we publish.