Publication Ethics

Publication Ethics Statement

This journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against publication malpractice. This policy is aligned with the standards and best practice guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

All parties involved in the publication process—authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher—are expected to adhere to ethical principles and responsible research practices.

1. Responsibilities of Authors


Reporting Standards

Authors should present an accurate and objective account of the research performed, along with a clear discussion of its significance. Data must be represented truthfully. A manuscript should contain sufficient detail and references to allow replication. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior.

Data Access and Retention

Authors may be asked to provide raw data for editorial review and should be prepared to make such data publicly available where feasible. Data should be retained for a reasonable period after publication.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure their work is entirely original. If others' work or words are used, proper citation is required. Plagiarism in any form is unethical and unacceptable.

Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publication

Manuscripts describing essentially the same research should not be published in more than one journal. Simultaneous submission to multiple journals is unethical.

Acknowledgement of Sources

Authors must properly acknowledge the work of others and cite influential publications.

Authorship

Authorship should be limited to those who made significant contributions to the study. All co-authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to submission. Contributors who do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged.

Hazards and Human or Animal Subjects

Research involving hazardous materials must clearly state associated risks. Studies involving humans or animals must comply with ethical standards and include approval from relevant ethics committees.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

All authors must disclose any financial or other substantive conflicts of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of the manuscript. All sources of financial support must be clearly stated.

Fundamental Errors in Published Works

If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, it is their responsibility to promptly notify the journal editor and cooperate in correcting or retracting the article as necessary.

2. Responsibilities of Editors


Editorial Decisions

Editors are responsible for deciding which submitted manuscripts should be published. Decisions are based on academic merit, originality, clarity, and relevance to the journal's scope. Editors may consult reviewers and editorial board members and must comply with applicable legal requirements concerning libel, copyright, and plagiarism.

Fair Play

Editors evaluate manuscripts without discrimination based on personal characteristics or beliefs.

Confidentiality

Editors must treat manuscripts as confidential documents not disclose information except as necessary for the review and publication process.

Conflicts of Interest

Editors must not use unpublished material for personal research and must recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where conflicts of interest exist.

3. Responsibilities of Reviewers


Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Peer review assists editors in making informed editorial decisions and helps authors improve their manuscripts through constructive feedback.

Promptness

Reviewers should decline invitations if unqualified or unable to review in a timely manner.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents and must not be shared or discussed without authorization.

Standards of Objectivity

Reviews should be conducted objectively and professionally. Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate. Reviewers should provide clear, evidence-based evaluations.

Acknowledgement of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors and inform the editor of any substantial similarity or overlap with other known works.

Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers must not use confidential information for personal advantage and should decline reviews where conflicts exist.

4. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools


AI Use by Authors

AI may assist with language editing or analysis, but authors remain fully responsible for the manuscript. AI tools must not be listed as authors. Any substantial AI assistance must be disclosed. AI must not be used to fabricate data or generate undisclosed content.

AI Use by Reviewers

Reviewers must not upload confidential manuscript content into AI systems. AI may be used for language assistance only if confidentiality is maintained. AI must not replace independent scholarly judgment.

AI Use by Editors

Editors must not submit confidential manuscripts or reviews to AI tools. AI may assist with administrative tasks but must not replace editorial judgment or peer review.

Confidentiality and Accountability

AI tools must not compromise confidentiality. Responsibility for ethical conduct remains with human participants.

5. Handling of Misconduct


The journal will investigate suspected ethical misconduct following COPE guidelines. Actions may include manuscript rejection, publication of corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, or notification of relevant institutions, depending on the severity of the case.

6. Post-Publication Responsibilities


Corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern are handled according to the journal's Retraction and Correction Policy, which is also aligned with COPE standards.