| Abstract (english) | Imagine an action sequence before the opening credits, a combination of an action thriller and a sword-and-sorcery movie:It is raining outside. That and the fog make this day just another one in a long line of days one should forget as soon as possible. Our righteous “hero”, ie, the Research Integrity Editor, is in his tent, ie, the offices of the Croatian Medical Journal (CMJ). By a signal fire he’s been warned of another foe (a reviewer/co-editor has red-flagged a manuscript, instantly turning it into a “case”). A foe gaining in strength and number (hopefully not), a dark Lord whose forces are in the valley below, hidden by the fog and the rain (obfuscation of actual author contributions). But the hero has lit his torch, ie, computers with access to the journal’s databases and PubMed (1), WAME (2), ORI (3), and COPE (4) websites, sharpened his sword (gathered what little wit he has), and is ready to overcome (well, at least investigate, process, and advise) another foe, another arch-enemy (a possible case of research/publication misconduct). Ah, what a feat! It seems another skirmish is ahead. But greater things are at stake.Is our hero going to make it? Will righteousness prevail? Will he win the battle? Can it be won? Is there a battle at all? Why is he fighting? For whom? Does he need the fight? Does anyone? Not likely questions for our hero. He pushes on. Relentlessly. Or until the opening credits start. Which is right about … now. |
