Umm Al-Qura University (UQU) journals are committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity and academic honesty. Plagiarism, data fabrication, data falsification, and illicit image manipulation are considered grave forms of unethical conduct that violate the core principles of scholarly publishing.
This policy is aligned with internationally recognized standards, including the guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is defined as presenting the work, ideas, or words of another person as one's own without proper attribution. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following:
Copying text, tables, or illustrations from published sources—whether verbatim or paraphrased—without citation.
Using substantial portions of previously published work without proper attribution.
Self-plagiarism (republishing one's own previously published work without explicit disclosure or proper citation).
Plagiarism Detection
Umm Al-Qura University journals screen all submitted manuscripts using iThenticate, a dedicated plagiarism detection platform.
If a manuscript exhibits a similarity index that exceeds acceptable thresholds without adequate citation, it is referred to the Editorial Board for evaluation.
In cases of minor overlap, the author may be requested to revise the manuscript.
In cases of evident plagiarism, the manuscript will be rejected, or a formal inquiry will be initiated.
Author Responsibilities
Cite all sources and references with utmost accuracy.
Adhere strictly to academic citation and referencing standards when utilizing the words or ideas of others.
Refrain from reusing previously published work without proper disclosure and citation.
Data Fabrication and Falsification
Data fabrication refers to the invention of data or research findings and presenting them as authentic. Data falsification refers to manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or data to present misleading outcomes. Examples include:
Inventing or distorting data points.
Omitting significant data to misrepresent findings.
Manipulating figures, graphical displays, or study outcomes.
Editorial Actions Regarding Data Fabrication and Falsification
Where data fabrication or falsification is suspected:
The manuscript will be rejected during the peer-review process or retracted if already published.
The matter may be referred to the author's affiliated institution for formal investigation.
Authors found to have engaged in misconduct may face sanctions, including a ban on future submissions.
Image Manipulation
Unauthorized manipulation of images compromises the authenticity and integrity of scientific research.
Acceptable Adjustments:
Minor, uniform adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance, provided they do not obscure, eliminate, or misrepresent the scientific content of the image.
Unacceptable Adjustments:
Selective enhancement or modification of specific regions of an image without scientific justification.
Duplicating or reusing images across different experiments without full disclosure.
Fabricating images or misrepresenting the original data.
Author Responsibilities
Retain original, unprocessed image files and provide them upon request.
Disclose and detail all image processing or adjustments in the figure legends.
Clearly delineate the borders of individual panels or groupings when composite images are used.
Editorial Actions Regarding Image Manipulation
When image manipulation is suspected:
Authors will be required to submit raw, unprocessed data for verification.
The manuscript may be rejected, or retracted if published and manipulation is substantiated.
Investigation Procedures
All suspected violations are handled in accordance with the following principles:
Authors are formally notified of the allegations and afforded an opportunity to respond.
Inquiries are conducted confidentially, expeditiously, and impartially.
Umm Al-Qura University journals adhere to COPE guidelines when investigating allegations of publication misconduct.
Outcomes may include manuscript rejection, formal retraction of published work, or reporting the findings to the relevant authorities at the author’s institution.
Appeals
Authors subject to adverse decisions regarding alleged misconduct have the right to lodge an appeal.
Appeals must be submitted in writing within thirty (30) days of receiving the decision.
The appeal must contain clear justifications accompanied by supporting documentary evidence.
The request will be evaluated by an Editorial Board member who was not involved in the initial investigation.
Decisions rendered upon appeal are final and not subject to further reconsideration.
Retraction and Correction Notices
When an article must be retracted due to substantiated misconduct:
A formal Retraction Notice is published, bi-directionally linked to the original article, clearly detailing the rationale for the retraction.
The original article remains accessible on the platform, marked with a prominent "RETRACTED" watermark to preserve the historical academic record.
Retraction notices are freely accessible to the public and explicitly state whether the action stemmed from honest scientific error or academic misconduct.
Commitment to Research Integrity
Umm Al-Qura University journals reaffirm their steadfast dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the scholarly record, protecting researchers and the wider academic community from misleading content, and fostering a transparent, ethical publishing ecosystem.