ADDRESSING UNETHICAL DUAL SUBMISSION PRACTICES
The Editorial Boards of Journals A and B have reviewed the concerning situation involving the dual submission of the same paper to both journals. The behavior exhibited by the authors raises ethical concerns related to the simultaneous submission of identical manuscripts to multiple journals.
Upon receiving a written declaration from the authors affirming that the paper was submitted exclusively to each respective journal, the Editorial Boards sought clarification on the inexplicable submission pattern. The response from the authors, while poorly written, hinted at the submissions being "interlaced," with a plea to continue the review process at both journals.
In light of this, the Editorial Boards have decided to uphold the principles outlined in the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) Guidelines on Good Publication Practice. The authors will be provided with a letter addressing the ethical concerns surrounding dual submission practices. This letter will include advice on proper submission procedures, emphasizing the importance of transparent communication and ethical conduct in the publication process.
Additionally, the editors plan to communicate with the first author's institution to bring attention to the unusual submission behavior. The suspected affiliation of the other authors with a commercial enterprise adds complexity to the situation, prompting further investigation into the potential dissemination of the paper to other journals.
Considering the subpar quality of the manuscript and the questionable submission practices, the Editorial Boards acknowledge the unlikely acceptance by reputable journals. However, the need to address and rectify the authors' ethical lapses remains paramount.
This decision aligns with the commitment of Journals A and B to uphold the highest standards of publication ethics and maintain the integrity of the academic publishing process. The Editorial Boards appreciate the understanding of the broader academic community as they navigate this situation with transparency and ethical diligence.
