Ethics and Malpractice Statement

Key components

Authors: Must present original work, cite sources appropriately, and ensure that data is not fabricated or manipulated. They are responsible for the accuracy of their research, the appropriate attribution of all contributors, and declaring any conflicts of interest.

Reviewers: Must treat manuscripts confidentially, point out relevant published work that has not been cited, and refrain from using privileged information from the review for their own advantage.

Editors: Are responsible for processing manuscripts without bias and for taking steps to prevent the publication of misconduct. They must also handle allegations of misconduct appropriately and take action if a significant error is discovered in a published work.

Publishers: Work with editors to investigate and address misconduct. They have a duty to take appropriate measures, such as publishing an erratum, clarification, or retraction, to correct the scientific record when necessary.

Journal’s responsibility: To have clear guidelines for handling misconduct and to ensure that all parties involved adhere to ethical practices throughout the publication process.

Handling misconduct: In cases of proven misconduct, actions may include rejection of the manuscript, and editors may alert appropriate bodies like employers or regulatory authorities. Authors have the right to respond to allegations, and investigations must be carried out with due diligence.

Authors/Professionals

Originality and Plagiarism: Ensuring all work is original and properly attributes the work and words of others through citation. Plagiarism, data fabrication, and falsification are considered serious misconduct.

Accuracy and Reporting Standards: Presenting research and data honestly and accurately, with sufficient detail to allow peers to replicate the work.

Authorship and Contribution: Ensuring all listed authors made a significant contribution to the work and have approved the final version; those who provided less substantial help should be listed in the acknowledgments.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Declaring any financial or personal affiliations that could be seen as influencing the results or interpretation of the work.

Ethical Oversight: Providing statements of approval from relevant ethics committees (e.g., for research involving human subjects or animals) and ensuring confidentiality and informed consent were maintained.

Avoiding Redundant Publication: Not submitting the same work to multiple venues simultaneously or publishing the same significant results in multiple papers (salami publication).

Error Correction: Promptly notifying editors or relevant parties if a significant error is discovered in a submitted or published work.

Editors/Reviewers/Organizations

Fair Play and Objectivity: Evaluating manuscripts or professional cases based purely on their merits, without bias toward race, gender, origin, or personal opinions.

Confidentiality: Treating all submitted materials and the peer-review process as confidential.

Conflict of Interest Management: Recusing themselves from the process if a conflict of interest arises with authors, companies, or institutions involved.

Handling Misconduct: Taking reasonable steps to identify and prevent misconduct and dealing with allegations appropriately, often following guidelines from bodies like the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Accountability: Taking responsibility for the content published or the services provided and issuing corrections, clarifications, or retractions when needed.