The Editorial Office of our journal faces a critical decision regarding a paper published in 2022. Concerns have been raised about its similarity to the authors' prior work from 2019, prompting an internal audit and a reevaluation of the peer-review process.
During the initial review, one reviewer and an associate recommended rejecting the paper, yet the Editor-in-Chief ultimately approved its publication. Upon revisiting the manuscript, a board member noted similarities to the 2019 version and advised against publication.
Now, the editorial team must assess the 2022 article's originality. Is it a genuine contribution, or does it fall into the realms of duplication or salami slicing, both deemed unethical? This evaluation extends beyond a mere change in editorial opinion; it delves into the integrity of the decision-making process.
Should the 2022 paper merely replicate content without introducing new insights, retraction becomes necessary. Alternatively, if the concern lies with salami slicing and both articles reside in our journal, authors may be encouraged to revise the 2022 work as a letter citing their earlier publication.
Additionally, the Editor-in-Chief must verify if permissions were obtained for any material reproduced from the 2019 article. Furthermore, the presence of conflicts of interest between authors and editors/reviewers warrants investigation.
In summary, the journal faces a pivotal juncture, demanding a thorough assessment of the 2022 paper's merit and ethical standing.