I noticed recently that many on-line publishers are publishing articles with high plagiarisms that can reach sometimes more than 40 %. In addition, authors tend to ignore previous similar work which means that they do not cite them. What should the research community do about it? is there legal responsibility on the publisher?
With today's tools, ignorance of prior art can no longer be used as excuse. Ignoring previous similar reports is a sin against Science, because it means we are wasting money, time and resources on re-inventing the proverbial wheel.
It seems two issues are at stake in this question; namely, presenting someone else's work as if one's own (plagiarism) and ignoring the work of someone who had worked in a field before oneself; treating the work as if it never existed. There are known measures foot addressing plagiarism. I do not know widespread is the later. However, I do know that it real and it is a familiar experience of authors who write on controversial issues that might be regarded as no go areas. People read their works; take their ideas and would credit their source. They might cite other authors they consider less controversial. I do not knthe way forward.
No action as on date: Moreover, Ph D Degree was awarded from Osmania University on this case history paper.
Most urgent
Dated: 20-05-2016
Prof. B.Mahabaleswar
Editor
JournalGeological Society of India
No.63, 12th Cross, Basappa Layout
Bangalore - 560 019
Email: [email protected],
Dear Prof. B.Mahabaleswar,
Kindly refer your email dated 9th Feb, 2016 stating that “I have sent your comments to the author for his reply”, the editor’s reply dated April 28, 2016 stating “Your comments on the article is that an extended abstract was published at a conference proceedings in 2010 and later this was communicated to our journal as a full paper. When the corresponding author signs a copyright agreement, he does so with the concurrence of all the authors and we do not have any control on it. We take strong objection to the fact that if a similar paper had been communicated to two journals at the same time. Your observation that the extended abstract reference was not made in the published paper is very well taken and it is the responsibility of the author to cite all the relevant information. We will be more careful in future on this aspect” unquote.
Kindly refer my email dated 30-04-2016 and my present communication on the above subject. Based on material evidence, this published manuscript should be retracted on the grounds of plagiarism and fraud, as per my comments/objections as given below:
Letter to the Editor: Query related to publication titled “The Role of GIS in Spatial Modeling of Multi-disciplinary Geoscientific Data for Uranium Exploration over the Kunjar-Darjing Basin, Odisha” by Chaturvedi, Anand Kumar, Ramesh Babu Veldi , Markandeyulu Amulotu, R.Pavanaguru and Anjan Chaki published in Journal Geological Society of India, Vol.,85,June 2015, pp.657-672
D.P.S.RATHORE*
Former Senior Scientist, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, 150/8, Shipra Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur-302020 ( Rajasthan)
*Email: [email protected]
I have read the paper (Chaturvedi etal., 2015) and cited references very carefully. This is a case-study paper, in which RAMESH BABU, VELDI ( second author) is the corresponding author. On thorough search on google/google scholar/scopus/research gate and other searches, it has been found that this publication is based on his earlier conference paper( Ramesh Babu, 2010) presentation in 2010 as follows:
Page. 78 PREVIEW AUGUST 2010 ASEG-PESA 2010 Conference Handbook
ABSTRACTS
ASEG-PESA 2010 Conference Handbook AUGUST 2010
SPATIAL MODELLING OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY GEOSCIENTIFIC DATA FOR URANIUM EXPLORATION OVER THE KUNJAR-DARJING BASIN, ORISSA – A GIS
APPROACH
V. Ramesh Babu*, A. K. Chaturvedi, A. Markandeyulu, P. K. Srivastava and A. Chaki
Airborne Survey and Remote Sensing Group, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Hyderabad, India
Application of Geographical Information System (GIS) for identifying the spatial locations of target areas for uranium exploration using multi-disciplinary geoscientific data is presented in this paper. The data sets used in this study are Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometric (AGRS), Aeromagnetic (AM),Satellite images, regional ground gravity and geochemical surveys over one of the promising mobile Proterozoic Kunjar-Darjing basins to the west of Singhbum Uranium Province (SUP), Orissa, India. All these data sets are processed and interpreted independently in terms of geology based on characteristics such as intensity, frequency and texture of the images generated. Various ratio maps generated from AGRS data were used as training points for spatial modeling by building relationships (topology) with the structures and geology interpreted from the magnetic and gravity datasets. This study shows that integrating the geological, geophysical, geochemical and other geodata in a GIS environment provides valuable guidelines for geological mapping as well as identifying target areas for uranium exploration.
Note: This paper was presented in international conference with official permission as per official records .
Objection No1: The name of the co-author: P.K.Srivastava (from AMD) has been removed and the name of another co-author: R. Pavanaguru( other than AMD: Emeritus Professor, Department of Geology, Osmania University, Hyderabad ) has been added and sequence of co-authors( V. Ramesh Babu and A. K. Chaturvedi) changed. The co-author-Anjan Chaki is Ex-Director, AMD and Raja Rammna Fellow of DAE. Such addition or deletion of co-authorship without any scientific contribution is violation of ethics for scientific publication and its publication in Journal Geological Society of India, Vol.,85,June 2015, pp.657-672
In both these papers, V. Ramesh Babu is the corresponding author. Moreover, there is no reference of conference paper cited in this publication. It is clearly a case of plagiarism and fraud.
Objection No2: On further careful search on google/google scholar/scopus/research gate and other searches, it has been found that this is the only paper originated from the Ph.D.Thesis of Mr.Anand Kumar Chaturvedi under the Guidance of Prof. R.Pavanaguru ( Retd. Professor) in the thesis titled:
“Integrated Geological, Geochemical, Geophysical, Remote Sensing, and GIS Studies on the Controls of uranium Mineralisation in the Proterozoic Kunjar - Darjing Basin in Odisha, India” for the award of Ph.D. degree in Geology, Department of Geology, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 2013”.( Of course, this is not under your control).
It is worth to be stated here that Mr. Anand Kumar Chaturvedi is holding Senior position: Additional Director ( Research & Development), Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, Hyderabad.
Based on material evidence, It is clearly a case of plagiarism and fraud.
Based on material evidences, It is requested to the Editor, Journal Geological Society of India, to take appropriate strong action such as asking the authors to withdraw the paper with warning that the journal would ban the publication of any paper from any of the authors and the matter would be reported to their employer(s) for suitable action, etc.
References
CHATURVEDI, ANAND KUMAR, RAMESH BABU VELDI , MARKANDEYULU AMULOTU, R.PAVANAGURU and CHAKI ANJAN (2015) The Role of GIS in Spatial Modeling of Multi-disciplinary Geoscientific Data for Uranium Exploration over the Kunjar-Darjing Basin, Odisha, Jour. Geol. Soc. India, vol., 85, pp.657-672
RAMESH BABU VELDI , CHATURVEDI, ANAND KUMAR, MARKANDEYULU AMULOTU, SRIVASTAVA, P.K. and CHAKI ANJAN (2010) SPATIAL MODELLING OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY GEOSCIENTIFIC DATA FOR URANIUM EXPLORATION OVER THE KUNJAR-DARJING BASIN, ORISSA – A GIS APPROACH,
ASEG-PESA 2010 Conference Handbook AUGUST 2010, Abstract. p.78
This is for your most urgent kind necessary action at your end. Kindly acknowledge the final action.
Regards,
Dr.D.P.S.RATHORE , M.Sc., M.Phil., Ph.D., FRSC
Retd. Senior Scientist,
Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research,
150/8, SHIPRAPATH, MANSAROVAR, JAIPUR-302020
email: [email protected]
Working Paper Letter to the Editor: Query related to publication titled “T...
Firstly, I completely agree with Prof. Ian.
I think, we as a academicians have to create a highly qualified of researchers (postgraduate students) by explaining all ethics of researching and investigation process including the main parameter using plagiarism detection methods, so let us start from now on to save money, time, and efforts as our beloved Prof. Ian said.
Regards, Emad
https://veriguide4.cse.cuhk.edu.hk/vg_report/app/report_error.jsp
My dear colleagues
I think the important things in the paper is the methodology and results and discussions and those parts shouldn't have any plagiarism and for introduction I think all of us can have similar words even if we tried to avoid it. But at least introduction can have up to 25% of plagiarism not more.
This what Iam trying to do.
Also I think we need more scientific training to learn how to avoid this and how to write scientific paper and not to copy and paste.
This could be done as topics during. College for students
Regards
Plagiarism is defined as “any passing off of another’s ideas, words, or work as one’s own.” It is a form of cheating and a violation of academic integrity, and is taken seriously by reputable universities such as Alliant. Most students are honest, ethical, and hard-working, but a few take shortcuts in their coursework and some commit plagiarism inadvertently because they do not understand what it is. This is unfair to
those who exercise due diligence to avoid plagiarizing. Ignorance is not a legitimate excuse. Students should take the responsibility to become familiar with the specifics of plagiarism. When in doubt, check with your instructor and ask for clarification.
so you can see more on http://library.alliant.edu/screens/plagiarism.pdf
What should we do about plagiarism and the ignorance of previous research work?
One of the dangers of plagiarism is it can "bite" its perpetrator at the most unexpected smooth sailing of his / her career. There were prominent politicians, researchers, scholars etc. faced this humiliation after many years of hidden undisclosed plagiarism. But once this is surfaced, they regretted that they need to pay for a high price for such a small mistake. If we want to sleep soundly at night for many years, we should never plagiarize.
Very important subject. Ignorance can no longer be an excuse. The punishments should be severe.
If we do not agree, publishers, authors, reviewers and, in general, every relevant person, on certain issues against plagiarism and ignorance of similar previous research work, we will discuss and only discuss without a satisfactory result. Unfortunately, the way seems too long...
Regards
Dear Rosy,
The problem is not only ignorance of previous publications, workers are desperate to take credit for other peoples work hoping that they will not be caught. All one needs to do is to overlook the citation of the original. I have had an experience.
The universities that insist on thorough peer-reviewed journals for promotion of their staff need be commended. Besides, the speed of the publication of some online journal will not allow any serious reviewer to search for the original publisher.
Don't forget the case of the speech of the American First Lady copied from that of her predecessor.
Regards.
Obianuju P. Umeji
To remedy plagiarism, the paper should be withdrawn from the journal and be widely publicized to readers as so , but that depends on how soon it is discovered.
Obianuju P. Umeji
i agree with today's tool, ignorance of the prior work and plagiarism can no longer be used as an excuse by publishers. I think this problem can be solved by rejecting the works for promotion purposes that were published by not recognized local and international journals.
Librarians can help with this problem as well. Proper information literacy training can help researchers create search strategies that will identify relevant prior work. Software tools can help prevent and detect plagiarism. In the end, it is the author's responsibility. Publishers should have strong policies and enforce them when necessary.
SAY NO TO PLAGIARISM
Even a 0% is not acceptable.
The best way is to study deeply the state of the art and ask experts in that particular field about the idea that comes to your mind, after a hard work.
I fully agree with Beth, and as a librarian in my information literacy courses, from the very first training sessions, the students were highly warned and trained to avoid plagiarism
In developing countries, researchers, they do not actually know english editing, adequate knowledge of phrasal verbs, sentence patterns and structures and extract information from the paper. So, they copy a sentence, 2-3 sentences even more some times. They just neglect and the ultimate result is plagiarism, which has drawn huge attention in scientific community. I suggest to introduce more openware courses on scientific writing and literature reviews, and publications.
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