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[v4] Implement predatory journal flagging #7

@cpitzi

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@cpitzi

Summary

Identify references citing journals classified as predatory or questionable by established assessment methodologies.

See roadmap/v4-features.md (Priority 3) for full specification.

Open Questions

  • Data source: Cabells Predatory Reports is the gold standard but is commercial. Is API access feasible? Cost?
  • Alternative sources: Beall's List (archived, not maintained), community lists, DOAJ membership as positive signal
  • Classification language: "Predatory" is contentious. Should the auditor use "potentially predatory," "not indexed in DOAJ," or another framing?

Implementation Approach

  1. Check journal against known predatory journal databases/lists via web search
  2. Check DOAJ membership as a positive legitimacy signal
  3. Check Scopus/PubMed indexing as additional legitimacy signals
  4. Flag journals that appear on predatory lists or lack any recognized indexing

Acceptance Criteria

  • Identifies journals on known predatory lists
  • Distinguishes "confirmed predatory" from "potentially predatory"
  • Does not flag journals removed from predatory lists after improvement
  • Handles journal name variations (predatory journals frequently rename)
  • Classified as Elevated risk (not High — the cited paper may still be legitimate research)

Dependencies

  • Requires resolution of the data source question before implementation

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    heuristicForensic heuristic developmentprompt-engineeringPrompt design and optimizationv4Planned for v4

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