Ethical & Malpractice Policies

Ethical Guidelines and Malpractice Statement for the Publication of Research Articles

The Editor-in-chief and editorial board members of journals published by our publisher provide a comprehensive set of ethical guidelines for individuals engaged in the publication of research articles. This set of guidelines is especially pertinent for editors, authors, and manuscript reviewers. The ethical standards outlined in this document were meticulously developed by the Editors of the journals and are regularly revised to ensure ongoing clarity and relevance. The latest revision came from the Publications Division of our publisher in July 2018, emphasizing our commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in academic publishing.

The publisher's Ethical Guidelines stem from the belief that adherence to stringent ethical standards is vital to the entire scientific enterprise. Clear definitions of these standards must be communicated to all parties involved in research publishing. It is crucial to establish an agreement on what constitutes expected ethical behavior within the publishing landscape.

Key Statement: “Breaking the publishing ethics rules can badly damage your reputation as a researcher.”

Preface: All journals play a pivotal role in advancing academic discourse on a wide variety of topics—ranging from religious and gender-based issues to environmental, ethical, political, and other contentious subjects. The Ethics and Malpractice Statement binds all parties to meet and maintain standards of ethical conduct throughout the review and publication processes.

To uphold these standards, our publishers serve the scientific community across various fields, including Science, Engineering, Arts, and Sports, by disseminating journals that showcase the latest findings from scientific research. Each editor associated with our publications holds the responsibility of fostering a coherent and respected network of knowledge by adhering to the ethical guidelines for selecting, reviewing, and accepting research articles. This ethical commitment reflects both the quality of the authors' work and the journal's overall standards, which are derived from the editors’ perceptions of quality in scientific scholarship and its presentation.

In line with this commitment, our editorial boards present a detailed set of ethical guidelines for everyone involved in the publication of research articles. These guidelines serve as invaluable resources, especially for those who are relatively new to the research landscape.

Summary of Ethical Obligations: Definitions and Expectations

The following outlines our key expectations for authors, editors, and peer reviewers:

Guidelines for Ethical Obligations of Authors of Scientific Journals

“The ethical guidelines embodied in this series provide you with the support and advice you need to ensure your manuscript and actions are ethically sound.”

Manuscript Submission:
- Authors should submit their manuscripts adhering to the specific format outlined in the "Instructions to Authors."
Original Work Certification:
- Authors must certify that their manuscripts are original and duly attribute any borrowed work or ideas through appropriate citations. All data presented in the manuscripts should be authentic and verifiable.
Authorship Criteria:
- All authors listed in the manuscript must have made significant contributions to the research. Authorship should be reserved for those who have played a crucial role in the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all relevant co-authors are included and that all co-authors have agreed to the paper's final version and its submission for publication.
Source Identification:
- Authors are expected to identify all sources referenced in their manuscripts clearly. Proper credit must be given to influential works and seminal research that shaped their findings.
Ethical Compliance in Research:
- When involving human or animal subjects in research, authors must comply with national, local, and institutional regulations (such as the WMA Declaration of Helsinki and NIH Policy on Use of Laboratory Animals). Authors must ensure that all necessary approvals have been obtained and respect the confidentiality and privacy of human subjects involved in their research.
Consequences of Non-compliance:
- It is imperative to observe existing ethical guidelines, as failure to do so can lead to serious consequences for individuals and may compromise the integrity of the broader scientific community. We will explore these consequences in depth.
Clarification on Authorship and Plagiarism:
- Our guidelines delineate important rules concerning authorship and the ethical implications of plagiarism. Understanding these concepts is vital for maintaining ethical standards.
Rights and Permissions:
- Lastly, we clarify the rights of authors regarding their work and the process for obtaining permissions to use content from copyrighted publications, ensuring that all ethical bases are covered.

The essential framework laid out in our Ethical Guidelines and Malpractice Statements not only positions our publications as leaders in ethical research dissemination but also fosters an environment of integrity and respect within the scientific community. Following these established principles can enhance the quality and credibility of research while protecting the reputations of all stakeholders involved.

Guidelines Ethical Obligations of Editors of Scientific Journals

The realm of scientific publishing is governed by a complex set of ethical guidelines that mandate integrity, transparency, and respect for the contributions of authors and reviewers alike. Editors of scientific journals bear a significant responsibility in maintaining these standards. Their role is pivotal to the preservation of trust in research, serving as gatekeepers of knowledge. Below are the key ethical obligations of editors:

Fair Evaluation: Editors must evaluate manuscripts solely on their intellectual content, ensuring that their judgement is independent of the author's race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy.
Confidentiality: It is crucial for editors to safeguard the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts. Information should only be disclosed to the authors, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisers, and the publisher when appropriate.
Objective Diligence: Editors are expected to conduct reviews and evaluations in a balanced and objective manner, free from discrimination based on any personal attributes of the authors.
Reviewer Assignment: It is the responsibility of the editor to ensure that manuscripts are reviewed by at least two qualified reviewers. The assignment of papers should follow a "first-come, first-served" principle.
Handling Complaints: Editors should follow fair procedures in dealing with ethical complaints or conflicts. Any complaint raised should be documented, and the author given a reasonable opportunity to respond.
Decision Authority: The editor has the ultimate authority to accept or reject manuscripts, based on the evaluations and comments provided by the reviewers.
Publication Oversight: Responsibility for the overall quality and content of the journal lies with the editor. They must ensure that each publication adheres to ethical standards.
Addressing Misconduct: Editors are obliged to investigate any suspected misconduct, whether related to unpublished or published work, persistently seeking a resolution.
Conflict of Interest Management: It is essential that editors manage conflicts of interest among staff, authors, reviewers, and board members to uphold the integrity of the editorial process.
Respect for Unpublished Materials: Editors must not leverage unpublished content from submitted manuscripts for their own research without obtaining explicit consent from the authors.
Error Correction: If compelling evidence suggests that a published paper contains inaccuracies in its main substance or conclusions, the editor should facilitate the publication of a corrective notice.

Guidelines Ethical Obligations of Reviewers of Scientific Journals

Reviewers play a crucial role in the editorial process of scientific journals by providing constructive feedback that enhances the quality of submitted manuscripts. Their ethical obligations include:

Thorough Contribution: Reviewers are expected to engage comprehensively in the review process, providing constructive critiques that can help improve the quality of the manuscript within the stipulated timeframe.
Confidentiality: Maintaining the confidentiality of any information provided by the editor or author is imperative. Reviewers must refrain from discussing the content with unauthorized individuals.
Prohibition on Retention: Reviewers should not retain copies of the manuscripts they review, ensuring that the integrity of the material is preserved.
Disclosure of Similarities: Reviewers have a duty to notify the editor if they encounter any published or submitted works that are substantially similar to the manuscript under review.
Conflict of Interest Awareness: Reviewers must be cognizant of any potential conflicts of interest—be they financial, institutional, or collaborative—and disclose these to the editor if necessary, even considering withdrawal from the review process if the conflict is significant.

Identification of Ethical Violations and Misconduct

The presence of unethical behavior in scientific publishing undermines the integrity of the entire field. Therefore, it is essential to establish clear protocols for identifying and reporting such misconduct:

Reporting Mechanisms: Ethical violations can be reported to the editor in chief and publisher through any communication method, underscoring the importance of vigilance in the scholarly community.
Scope of Misconduct: Misconduct can encompass a broad range of behaviors, including, but not limited to, those previously mentioned in the guidelines.
Evidence Provisioning: Whistleblowers should provide sufficient information and evidence for an investigation to be initiated, with all allegations treated seriously until a conclusion is reached.

Investigation Process

An organized approach to investigating alleged misconduct is vital for ensuring fair treatment of all parties involved. The investigation process typically includes:

Initial Decision Making: The editor in chief must make an initial decision on how to proceed with the allegations, often consulting with the publisher for further guidance.
Evidence Gathering: Careful collection of evidence is critical, with efforts made to limit the dissemination of allegations to only those who need to be informed.
Breach Response: Minor infractions may be addressed without broader consultation, while more serious violations might necessitate notifying the accused's employer.

Outcomes of Investigations

A transparent and fair outcome of investigation is essential for restoring integrity and trust in the scientific community. Possible actions include:

Educational Measures: Informing or educating the author or reviewer about standard practices can resolve misunderstandings.
Formal Warnings: More serious letters can be sent to authors or reviewers who commit misconduct, serving as warnings for future conduct.
Formal Notice Publication: In severe cases, a formal notice might be published to inform the community about the misconduct.
Department Involvement: Formal letters could be sent to the head of the author's or reviewer's department or funding agency.
Retraction of Publication: In cases of egregious misconduct, a formal retraction of the publication may occur, and affected parties (including indexing services and readership) should be informed.
Embargo Imposition: A formal embargo may be placed on future contributions by individuals found to have committed severe infractions.
Reporting to Higher Authorities: Finally, the case may be reported to a professional organization or a higher authority for further action.

Important Definition: Conflict of Interest

Definition and Obligation: A conflict of interest occurs when authors submitting a paper fail to declare any potential financial, non-financial, professional, or personal conflicts that could unduly influence their work.
Impact on Integrity: Such conflicts need to be clearly understood and addressed to maintain the integrity of the scientific publication process, emphasizing the critical importance of transparency in research.

The ethical obligations outlined for editors and reviewers in scientific journals are integral to fostering a culture of integrity and accountability in research. By adhering to these guidelines, professionals in the scientific community can help ensure the credibility and quality of the published literature. The responsibility extends beyond mere compliance; it is a commitment to uphold the values that underpin scientific inquiry and progress.

Plagiarism Detection: The Role of iThenticate in Upholding Publishing Ethics

Plagiarism detection plays an essential role in the integrity of academic publishing. The necessity to uphold stringent ethical guidelines is paramount in ensuring that all published works are original and contribute authentically to the collective body of knowledge. To facilitate this process, publishers are increasingly adopting comprehensive resources and software solutions that help identify potential instances of plagiarism. One such notable initiative is the collaboration between publishers and the CrossRef Association, which has led to the implementation of Crossref Similarity Check powered by iThenticate.

Overview of the Initiative

Collaboration with CrossRef:
- The CrossRef Association is a pivotal organization that connects publishers and researchers through the assignment of digital object identifiers (DOIs).
- Through its partnership with iThenticate, Crossref aims to foster a more transparent and reliable publishing ecosystem.
Purpose of Crossref Similarity Check:
- To assist publishers in detecting plagiarism in submitted manuscripts, ensuring the authenticity of scholarly works.
- Provides a robust platform for checking the originality of content against a vast database of academic publications.
Integration with Publishing Ethics:
- Aligns with the broader mission of promoting ethical standards in academic publishing.
- Supports the education of authors and researchers on the importance of originality and proper attribution.

Features of iThenticate

Advanced Similarity Detection:
- Utilizes sophisticated algorithms to compare submitted manuscripts with an extensive repository of published works and web content.
- Enhances accuracy in identifying similarities, making it easier for editors to review submissions critically.
User-Friendly Interface:
- Designed for ease of use, allowing publishers and researchers to quickly navigate the platform.
- Provides clear and actionable reports on potential plagiarism, making it simple to address any issues.
Regular Updates:
- Continually updated database ensures that users have access to the most current publications and online resources.
- Adaptive technology responds to emerging research trends and publication standards.

Impact on Academic Publishing

Promoting Research Integrity:
- By actively detecting and addressing plagiarism, publishers uphold the credibility of academic research.
- Encourages a culture of integrity among researchers, thus contributing to the overall improvement of scholarly publishing.
Educating Authors:
- Through the use of plagiarism detection software, authors are taught the value of originality and proper citation practices.
- Resources and tutorials related to plagiarism prevention and ethical writing are often included as part of the service, fostering responsible research habits.
Enhancing Review Processes:
- Streamlines editorial workflows by automatically flagging discrepancies for review, allowing for a more efficient settlement of ethical concerns.
- Enables editors to focus on the substantive review of manuscripts rather than spending excessive time on verification of originality.

Plagiarism detection, particularly through initiatives like Crossref Similarity Check powered by iThenticate, is vital for maintaining the integrity of the publication process. This collaborative effort not only strengthens the ethical foundations of academic publishing but also empowers authors and researchers to produce original work with confidence. As the academic landscape evolves, the importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, for they play a significant role in fostering a culture of honesty and transparency within the scholarly community. Ultimately, the move towards rigorous plagiarism detection is a step towards ensuring that scholarly contributions are genuine, credible, and worthy of dissemination.