Publication Ethics

Integrity and Originality in Authorship

Authors are responsible for ensuring that their submitted manuscripts are original and have not been previously published or under consideration elsewhere. Any form of plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical research practices must be strictly avoided. Proper citation of relevant sources is required to acknowledge prior work and provide context for new research. Additionally, authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, sources of funding, and affiliations that may influence the objectivity of their work. They should also be prepared to revise their manuscripts based on feedback from editors and reviewers to enhance the quality and clarity of their research.

Editorial Responsibilities and Objectivity

Editors play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and ethical standards of published work. They must evaluate manuscripts based solely on their academic merit, without discrimination based on the author’s race, gender, religion, nationality, or institutional affiliation. The editorial team is responsible for ensuring the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts, preventing unauthorised use or disclosure of information before publication. Furthermore, in cases of suspected ethical violations, such as plagiarism or data manipulation, editors must take appropriate action, including investigating allegations and liaising with relevant institutions to uphold academic integrity.

Reviewer Conduct and Confidentiality

Peer reviewers are integral to the scholarly publication process and are expected to conduct their reviews objectively and professionally. They must assess manuscripts fairly, providing constructive feedback to improve the quality of the research while maintaining confidentiality throughout the review process. Reviewers must not disclose or misuse any information contained within the manuscripts they evaluate. Moreover, they should decline to review a manuscript if they have a conflict of interest with the authors or their affiliated institutions, ensuring impartiality and fairness in the peer-review process.

Ethical Responsibilities of the Publisher

The publisher is responsible for overseeing the ethical management of the journal and ensuring that all publication processes adhere to the highest academic and ethical standards. This includes providing clear guidelines on publication ethics for authors, editors, and reviewers. The publisher must also take decisive action in cases of ethical misconduct, such as retracting articles found to be in violation of ethical principles or addressing complaints of unethical behaviour in a fair and transparent manner.

Addressing Ethical Misconduct

When ethical violations are suspected, a thorough investigation will be conducted by the editorial team in accordance with established procedures. If misconduct, such as plagiarism or data falsification, is confirmed, appropriate corrective actions will be taken. These may include rejecting the manuscript, issuing a retraction of a published article, or reporting the misconduct to the relevant academic institution or regulatory body. The journal is committed to maintaining ethical integrity by working collaboratively with institutions and stakeholders to handle ethical breaches responsibly and transparently.

By adhering to these ethical principles, the journal ensures the credibility, fairness, and integrity of its publication process, fostering trust within the academic community.