Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

 

1. Introduction

The Journal is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. All parties involved in the publication process—including editors, reviewers, authors, and the publisher—are required to adhere to internationally recognized ethical principles.

This policy aligns with globally accepted frameworks, including:

• Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE): https://publicationethics.org/
• Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing: https://www.oaspa.org/resources/principles-of-transparency-and-best-practice-in-scholarly-publishing/
• International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE): https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/
• Elsevier Publishing Ethics Guidelines: https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies-and-standards/publishing-ethics

These standards support transparency, accountability, fairness, and the integrity of the scholarly record.

2. Core Principles of Ethical Publishing

The Journal promotes ethical publishing practices to ensure that all published work is:

2.1 Original and Reliable

Submissions must be based on authentic research, accurate data, and sound methodologies.

2.2 Transparent and Accountable

Authors must disclose funding sources, contributions, and potential conflicts of interest (see ICMJE disclosure guidance: https://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/).

2.3 Respectful of Intellectual Property

All sources must be properly cited, and permissions obtained for third-party materials.

2.4 Fair and Unbiased

Editorial decisions are made solely on scholarly merit without discrimination.

2.5 Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions must remain independent of commercial, institutional, or personal influence (Scopus policy: https://www.elsevier.com/products/scopus/content/content-policy-and-selection).

3. Unethical Publication Practices

The Journal strictly prohibits the following:

3.1 Data Fabrication and Falsification

Fabrication involves creating false data; falsification involves manipulating research processes or data.

3.2 Plagiarism and Self-Plagiarism

All forms of plagiarism, including reuse of one’s own work without proper citation, are prohibited (COPE guidance: https://publicationethics.org/guidance).

3.3 Multiple or Concurrent Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously is unethical.

3.4 Redundant Publication and Salami Slicing

Fragmentation of research findings into multiple publications without justification is not acceptable.

3.5 Copyright Infringement

Unauthorized use of copyrighted materials is prohibited.

The Journal may use plagiarism-detection tools and editorial screening procedures to identify misconduct.

4. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors and the Editorial Board are responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of publications. They must:

4.1 Make decisions based solely on academic merit, originality, and relevance.
4.2 Ensure a fair, objective, and timely peer-review process.
4.3 Maintain confidentiality of all submissions.
4.4 Provide clear guidance to authors and reviewers.
4.5 Address ethical issues, including corrections and retractions when necessary (COPE Retraction Guidelines: https://publicationethics.org/retraction-guidelines).
4.6 Ensure transparency in editorial procedures.
4.7 Provide mechanisms for appeals and complaints.

5. Peer Review Ethics

The Journal employs a double-blind peer-review process. Reviewers must:

5.1 Evaluate manuscripts objectively and constructively.
5.2 Maintain strict confidentiality.
5.3 Declare conflicts of interest and decline review when necessary.
5.4 Provide respectful, evidence-based feedback.
5.5 Complete reviews within agreed timelines.

(See COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers: https://publicationethics.org/guidance/guideline/ethical-guidelines-peer-reviewers)

6. Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure compliance with ethical standards:

6.1 Originality and Citation

All submissions must be original and properly referenced.

6.2 Authorship and Contributions

Authorship must reflect significant contributions, and all authors must approve the final manuscript.

6.3 Exclusive Submission

Manuscripts must not be under consideration elsewhere.

6.4 Copyright and Permissions

Authors must obtain permission for third-party materials.

6.5 Funding and Conflict of Interest Disclosure

All funding sources and conflicts must be disclosed (ICMJE: https://www.icmje.org/disclosure-of-interest/).

7. Research Ethics and Integrity

For research involving human participants or sensitive data:

7.1 Ethical approval must be obtained from an appropriate body.
7.2 Informed consent must be secured where applicable.
7.3 Authors must ensure data integrity and availability for verification.

(See Declaration of Helsinki: https://www.wma.net/what-we-do/medical-ethics/declaration-of-helsinki/)

8. Conflicts of Interest and Transparency

All participants must disclose any financial, personal, or institutional relationships that may influence their work. Transparency is essential to maintain trust in scholarly communication (OASPA principles: https://www.oaspa.org/resources/principles-of-transparency-and-best-practice-in-scholarly-publishing/).

9. Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Actions

When issues arise, the Journal will take appropriate actions, including:

9.1 Requesting clarification from authors
9.2 Publishing corrections or errata
9.3 Issuing expressions of concern
9.4 Retraction of articles when necessary
9.5 Notifying relevant institutions

All actions will follow COPE guidelines (https://publicationethics.org/retraction-guidelines).

10. Appeals and Complaints

The Journal provides a transparent process for appeals and complaints regarding editorial decisions or ethical concerns. All cases will be handled fairly, objectively, and without bias.

11. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The use of AI tools must be transparent and responsible:

11.1 AI tools cannot be listed as authors.
11.2 Authors must disclose significant AI usage.
11.3 Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscripts into AI systems.

(See ICMJE AI recommendations: https://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf)

12. Handling of Ethical Misconduct

The Journal reserves the right to investigate all allegations of misconduct in accordance with international standards. Actions may include rejection, correction, retraction, or institutional notification. All investigations will be conducted confidentially and fairly.