For Authors

Reporting Standards: Authors are expected to provide an accurate account of their original research and objectively discuss its importance. Researchers should present their findings transparently, avoiding fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. Manuscripts should include sufficient details and references to enable others to replicate the study. Dishonest or knowingly inaccurate statements are considered unethical and unacceptable. Authors must adhere to the journal's submission guidelines.

Originality and Plagiarism: Authors are responsible for ensuring the complete originality of their work. The manuscript should only be simultaneously submitted to multiple publications if the editors have approved co-publication. Proper acknowledgement and referencing of relevant previous work, whether by other researchers or authors, are essential. Primary sources should be cited whenever possible. Directly quoted content from other researchers' publications must be enclosed in quotation marks with the appropriate citations.

Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publications: Authors should generally not submit the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously. Authors are also expected not to publish redundant or identical research in multiple journals. Submitting identical manuscripts to multiple journals concurrently is considered unethical publishing behaviour and is not acceptable. Any multiple publications arising from a single research project should be clearly identified as such, with proper reference to the primary publication.

Acknowledgement of Sources: Authors must acknowledge all data sources used in their research and adequately cite publications that have influenced their work. Adequate recognition of the contributions of others is essential.

Authorship of the Paper: Authorship of research publications should accurately reflect the individual's contributions to the research and its reporting. Authorship should be restricted to those who have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. Individuals who have made substantial contributions must be listed as co-authors, while those with less substantial or purely technical contributions should be acknowledged separately. Authors should ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and agreed to the submitted manuscript.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Authors should transparently disclose any financial or substantial conflicts of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript. All sources of financial support for the research project should be disclosed.

Fundamental Errors in Published Works: If authors discover significant errors or inaccuracies in their submitted manuscript, they should promptly inform the journal editor or publisher and collaborate to retract or correct the paper.

Hazards and Involvement of Human or Animal Subjects: Authors should indicate in the manuscript if the research involves chemicals, procedures, or equipment with inherent unusual hazards.

 

For Editor

Publication Decisions: The editor's decision on a manuscript can be acceptance, rejection, or a request for revisions based on the review report from the editorial board. These decisions are primarily driven by validating the research's quality and its significance to researchers and readers. The editor's choices should adhere to the journal's editorial board policies and comply with legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism currently in force. Collaboration with other editors or reviewers may guide the decision-making process. Editors are responsible for all content they publish and should have established procedures and policies to maintain material quality and uphold the integrity of the published record.

Review of Manuscripts: Editors must ensure that each manuscript undergoes an initial evaluation for originality. They should manage and employ peer review fairly and judiciously. Editors should clarify their peer review procedures in the author guidelines and specify which journal sections undergo peer review. When considering papers for publication, editors should select appropriate peer reviewers who possess sufficient expertise and avoid those with conflicts of interest.

Fair Play: Editors must ensure that every manuscript received by the journal is assessed solely for its intellectual content, without any regard for the authors' gender, race, religion, citizenship, etc. Upholding editorial independence and integrity is a crucial aspect of the responsibility to make unbiased and equitable decisions. As decision-makers in the publication process, editors must prioritize fairness and impartiality.

Confidentiality: Editors are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of information related to submitted manuscripts. They should carefully evaluate potential breaches of data protection and patient confidentiality. Includes ensuring proper informed consent for the research presented and consent for publication when applicable.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Editors of the journal should not use unpublished materials disclosed in submitted manuscripts for their research without obtaining written consent from the author. Editors should avoid making decisions about papers when they have a conflict of interest.

 

For Reviewers

Confidentiality: Information about authors' submitted manuscripts should be confidential and treated as privileged data. It should not be disclosed or discussed with unauthorized individuals unless expressly permitted by the editor.

Acknowledgement of Sources: Reviewers are responsible for ensuring that authors have appropriately acknowledged all data sources used in their research. Reviewers should also identify any relevant published work that the authors have not cited. When reviewers encounter instances where an observation, derivation, or argument has been previously reported, they should provide the relevant citation. Suppose reviewers encounter any irregularities, ethical concerns, substantial similarities between the manuscript and other submissions or published articles, or suspect misconduct in the research or manuscript submission process. In that case, they should promptly inform the journal. However, reviewers should maintain confidentiality and refrain from conducting their investigations unless requested by the journal.

Standards of Objectivity: The review process for submitted manuscripts should be conducted objectively. Reviewers should express their opinions clearly, providing supporting arguments. Reviewers should adhere to the journal's guidelines regarding the specific feedback required and provide constructive feedback that assists authors in enhancing their manuscripts. Reviewers should distinguish between essential additional investigations needed to support claims and those that would strengthen or extend the work.

Disclosure and Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should maintain the confidentiality of privileged information or ideas obtained during peer review and should not exploit them for personal benefit. Reviewers should decline to review manuscripts in cases where they have conflicts of interest arising from competitive, collaborative, or other affiliations with the authors, companies, or institutions associated with the papers. In double-blind review cases, if reviewers suspect the author's identity and this knowledge raises potential conflicts of interest, they should promptly inform the journal.

Promptness: Reviewers should respond within a reasonable timeframe. Reviewers should only agree to review a manuscript if they are reasonably confident they can provide a review within the proposed or mutually agreed-upon timeframe. If reviewers require an extension, they should promptly inform the journal. Suppose a reviewer believes they cannot complete the review within the stipulated time. In that case, they should communicate this to the editor, allowing the journal to assign the manuscript to another reviewer.