Publishing in hijacked Web of Science journals: Analytical and legal study

Abstract

This study aimed at a legal and scientific analysis of the plagiarized journals within the Web of Science system, in a time when the phenomenon of plagiarism and piracy spread to the titles of scientific and humanities magazines. Researchers sought to analyze the concept of plagiarism of international scientific journals based on its definition in scientific publishing, its dimensions and danger at the academic level of the researcher, and the academic and institutional level of the university. It also analyzed the types of plagiarism that include cloning, copying, substitution, mixing, and repetition as well as the scientific publishing of forged magazines that are no less dangerous and effective than the spoofed magazines. The study obtained several results, the most important of which is the risk for researchers to lose academic promotion and face direct penalties that hinder their path when appropriating funds through unaccredited scientific publications. The study has also reached specific criteria that the researcher must adhere to when seeking publication, the most important of which is the use of accredited websites of scientific journals and international publishers.