In the academic world, choosing the right journal is crucial to ensuring that research is respected, widely available, and holds up to academic standards. Unfortunately, not all publishers prioritize quality or integrity. Recently, Global Scientific and Academic Research Publishers (GSAR), formally known as GSAR Publishers, has been scrutinised for questionable practices. We’ll explore why researchers should think twice before engaging with GSAR Publishers, based on clear indicators of predatory behavior.
Evidence of Predatory Practices by GSAR Publishers
We have not included articles with less than 50% plagiarism in this report, even though they also contain elements of plagiarism. Additionally, the cost of producing this report became quite high, leading us to limit our scope. The summarized results are shown in the table below:
Journal 1: Global Journal of Arts Humanity and Social Sciences.
Website: https://gsarpublishers.com/journal-gjahss-home/
Journal 2: Global Scientific and Academic Research Journal of Economics, Business and Management
Website: https://gsarpublishers.com/journals-gsarjebm-home/
Other Predatory journals published by GSAR Publishers
- Global Journal of Engineering and Technology – ISSN: 2583-3359
- Global Scientific and Academic Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies – ISSN: 2583-4088
- Global Scientific and Academic Research Journal of Education and literature – ISSN: 2583-7966
- Global Journal of Clinical Medicine and Medical Research – ISSN: 2583-987X
- GSAR Journal of Applied Medical Sciences – ISSN: 2584-2323
- Global Scientific and Academic Research Journal of Dentistry and Oral Medicine – ISSN: 2584-2382
Important points for selecting GSAR Publishers as a Predatory Publisher
- High Levels of AI-Generated Content Without Disclosure
One of the most concerning findings in GSAR’s journals is the extensive use of AI-generated text in articles. After some published articles, we found that Turnitin reports flagged up to 100% of the content in some as AI-generated and plagiarism. This level of AI use, especially without disclosure, seriously undermines the originality and credibility of the research. Academic journals should be places where innovative, rigorous ideas are shared—not filled with unverified, machine-generated text. - Lack of Thorough Peer Review
A robust peer review process is essential for maintaining quality in academic publishing. However, the significant presence of AI-generated content in Global Journals suggests that GSAR Publishers has not conducted thorough or meaningful reviews. If an effective review system were in place, such content would likely be flagged and removed. Instead, this indicates a publishing model that potentially values quantity and profit over quality, putting the journal’s credibility—and that of its authors—at risk. - High Publication Frequency, Likely to Maximize Profit
GSAR’s journal publishes on a monthly basis, a frequency that may indicate a “pay-to-publish” model. Many predatory publishers adopt high-frequency schedules to maximize revenue from article processing fees, but this often comes at the cost of quality. Publishing this frequently makes it challenging to maintain rigorous peer review, especially for complex or research-heavy articles. For GSAR’s journal, the focus appears to be on generating content quickly rather than carefully. - Minimal Transparency Around Standards and Editorial Oversight
Transparency is a fundamental aspect of any reputable journal, including providing accessible information about editorial standards, peer review, and the qualifications of editorial board members. While GSAR lists we do not get direct emails of the editors to contact them. This lack of transparency can make it difficult for authors to know whether they are submitting to a reputable journal. - Questionable Article Processing Fees (APCs) Without Clear Value
Predatory publishers often charge high article processing fees (APCs) without offering corresponding benefits to authors. GSAR’s fee structure isn’t always clear upfront, and authors have reported additional hidden fees. Given the quality issues in published articles and the absence of robust editorial support, it seems GSAR prioritizes revenue over quality, offering little to no value in exchange for its fees.
Protecting Yourself as a Researcher
- Check the Journal’s Reputation and Listings
Reputable journals are often listed in directories like the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ). If a journal is flagged on lists like predatorylist.com, it’s a clear sign to proceed with caution or avoid it altogether. - Review Editorial and Peer Review Standards
Before submitting to a journal, take time to verify its editorial policies and peer review process. Reputable journals typically provide details on their editorial team’s qualifications and clearly explain how submissions are reviewed. - Examine Published Articles for Quality
Looking at previously published articles can reveal a lot about a journal’s standards. A high presence of AI-generated or poorly substantiated articles should raise red flags, as it suggests the journal doesn’t enforce quality controls. - Seek Advice from the Academic Community
Your peers or academic forums can provide invaluable insights into journals they’ve had positive or negative experiences with. This can be especially helpful when evaluating new or lesser-known journals.
Conclusion
The findings related to GSAR Publishers and its journals reveal serious issues that researchers should avoid. The high frequency of AI-generated content, lack of transparency, and questionable peer review practices are all red flags that indicate predatory publishing.
For academics, especially early-career researchers, engaging with GSAR Publishers could put their reputation at risk. Instead, it’s wise to prioritize journals that demonstrate a clear commitment to quality, transparency, and scholarly integrity. Being vigilant against predatory practices is essential for protecting both individual careers and the credibility of academic publishing as a whole.