Ethical Statements

The publisher/journal is firmly committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the content that we publish. We achieve this by adhering to the Core Practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). We expect all editors, reviewers, and authors to comply with COPE’s guidelines on ethical behavior, which represent the best practices in scholarly publishing. In an effort to ensure that everyone is on the same page, we have outlined some of the key points below. Please take these guidelines seriously and adhere to them in all aspects of your work.

Publisher and Editors

As scholarly journal publisher and editors, we believe in upholding the highest ethical standards in all our practices. We are committed to maintaining the integrity of the research that we publish, as well as the privacy and confidentiality of our authors, reviewers, and readers. To fulfill this commitment, we pledge to adhere to the following ethical statements:

>> Editorial independence: We maintain editorial independence and will not allow any external influences to compromise the quality, objectivity, or accuracy of the research that we publish.

>> Peer review: We ensure that all research that we publish undergoes rigorous peer review by qualified experts in the relevant fields. We strive to maintain the confidentiality of our reviewers and to protect their anonymity if requested.

>> Authorship: We require that all authors of research submitted to us meet the criteria for authorship, as defined by international guidelines. We also require that all authors disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their research.

>> Plagiarism and fraud: We are committed to preventing plagiarism and fraud in all forms. We require that all research submitted to us be original and not previously published or under review elsewhere. We also require that authors acknowledge all sources of funding for their research.

>> Transparency: We are committed to being transparent in our practices and policies. We make our policies regarding peer review, editorial decisions, and publishing procedures readily available to our authors, reviewers, and readers.

>> Diversity and inclusion: We are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our publishing practices. We welcome submissions from researchers of all backgrounds and strive to ensure that our editorial and review processes are free from bias and discrimination.

>> Correction and retraction: We acknowledge that errors and mistakes can occur in research, and we are committed to correcting them promptly and transparently. If errors or mistakes are discovered after publication, we will issue corrections or retractions as appropriate.

We believe that upholding these ethical statements is essential to maintaining the trust of our authors, reviewers, and readers. We will continue to review and update our policies and practices to ensure that we meet the highest ethical standards in all our publishing endeavors.

Reviewers

Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of academic research. Reviewers shall recognize the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in their work and pledge to adhere to the following ethical statements:

>> Confidentiality: Reviewers shall respect the confidentiality of the peer review process and the manuscripts that they handle. Reviewers will not disclose any information related to the manuscripts or the review process, unless authorized by the relevant parties or required by law.

>> Objectivity and impartiality: Reviewers shall strive to evaluate manuscripts based solely on their academic merit, without regard to factors such as authors’ race, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation. Reviewers shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence the review and recuse from handling manuscripts if necessary.

>> Timeliness: Reviewers shall recognize the importance of timely review and strive to complete the reviews within the agreed>> upon timeframe. If reviewers are unable to meet the deadline, they shall inform the editors promptly and provide an estimated timeline for completion.

>> Constructive feedback: Reviewers shall provide constructive feedback to the authors that is helpful in improving the quality of the manuscript. Reviewers refrain from making personal attacks or derogatory comments.

>> Originality and plagiarism: Reviewers shall ensure that the manuscripts they handle are original and not previously published or under review elsewhere. Reviewers shall report any suspected cases of plagiarism or fraud to the editors promptly.

>> Professionalism: Reviewers shall conduct themselves professionally in all aspects of work as reviewers. Reviewers shall treat the authors and their work with respect and provide feedback that is both constructive and objective.

Authors

Authors shall be dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in all aspects of their research. Authors recognize that their work has a significant impact on the academic community and society as a whole. Therefore, authors shall pledge to adhere to the following ethical statements:

>> Originality and authenticity: Authors shall ensure that their work is original and authentic, and that authors have acknowledged all sources used in their research. Authors do not engage in plagiarism or any other forms of academic misconduct.

>> Accuracy and integrity: Authors shall strive to ensure the accuracy and integrity of their research. Authors present their findings honestly and accurately and do not manipulate data or results to support their hypotheses or arguments.

>> Consent and ethical considerations: Authors shall obtain appropriate ethical approval and informed consent for their research involving human subjects, animals, or any other sensitive topics. Authors shall ensure that their research is conducted in accordance with relevant guidelines and regulations.

>> Acknowledgment and attribution: Authors shall acknowledge and attribute the contributions of all individuals and organizations that have contributed to their research. Authors do not misrepresent the contributions of others or claim credit for work that is not their own.

>> Conflict of interest: Authors shall disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their research. Authors do not accept funding or other forms of support that may compromise their academic integrity or independence.

>> Responsiveness and cooperation: Authors shall respond promptly and cooperatively to requests for information or clarification related to their research. Authors shall acknowledge and address any errors or mistakes in their work promptly and transparently.

>> Social Responsibility: Authors shall consider the potential impact of their research on society, and take steps to ensure that their findings are communicated clearly and effectively to the public.

>> Respect and professionalism: Authors shall treat editorial colleagues, reviewers, and editors with respect and professionalism in all aspects of their interactions. Authors shall provide constructive feedback and engage in scholarly discourse that is both respectful and constructive.

For authors in the areas of biology and medical science, the ethical statements below should be included:

>> Informed consent: Authors shall obtain informed consent from human participants, ensuring that they fully understand the nature and purpose of the research, as well as any potential risks and benefits.

>> Animal welfare: Authors shall ensure that animal research is conducted humanely and with the minimum amount of suffering necessary to achieve scientific goals. They should adhere to animal welfare guidelines and regulations, and use alternatives to animal research whenever possible.

>> Respect for diversity: Authors shall ensure that their research does not discriminate against individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics.

COPE’s Practices

>> Allegations of Misconduct

>> Authorship and Contributorship

>> Complaints and Appeals

>> Conflicts of Interest / Competing Interests

>> Data and Reproducibility

>> Ethical Oversight

>> Intellectual Property

>> Journal Management

>> Peer Review Processes

>> Post-publication Discussions and Corrections