An author published a paper in Journal A that looked extremely similar to one already published as guidelines in Journal B. Of 48 paragraphs of text, 41 were almost identical. It has since transpired that several authors who were involved in the writing of the article published in Journal B have not been acknowledged. Prior publication elsewhere had not been acknowledged in the Journal A paper. The editor wrote to the authors requesting an explanation. He informed them that the journal takes a strong line on duplicate publication and disclosure of related publications, and that there should also be an appropriate acknowledgement of the contribution of other authors. The editor also wrote to the editor of Journal A asking him to look at both of the papers and to give him his views. Has enough been done?
_ This is a clear cut case of duplicate publication. _ Publish a notice of duplication in both journals. _ The editors of both journals should also write to the head of the authors’ institution, informing them of this indiscretion. _ Inform the authors that this course of action is to be taken before writing to the institution.
The author of the Journal A article contacted the editor of Journal B, stating that it was an error of omission and not a deliberate attempt to deceive. The editor accepted this explanation, but intends to contact head of the author’s institution, and the authors have been informed of this. No reply has been received from the editor of Journal A, but the editor of Journal B will attempt to find some agreed form of wording that both journals can publish. The author involved has apologised to all of the individuals involved.