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Editorial Policies

The Journal follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for the publication of scholarly work in journals. By submitting a manuscript to this journal, you agree that all authors have reviewed and approved its content, and that it adheres to the journal's policies.

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Affiliations

Authors must disclose all pertinent affiliations to demonstrate approval, sponsorship, or involvement in the research process. For articles that are not related to research, authors should indicate their current institutional affiliation. If the authors meet the authorship criteria, a change in affiliation does not require their removal from the publication.

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Appeals and complaints

If you encounter issues related to peer review or authorship of an article, report them to the Editors-in-Chief. These may include concerns raised after publication. The Editors-in-Chief will investigate these matters by first gathering information from all parties involved and then taking appropriate action in accordance with academic ethical guidelines provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The review or publication process may be temporarily paused while the matter is being addressed. In cases where the complaint involves the Editor-in-Chief, the Editorial Board will take charge of the investigation, with the most senior member leading the process and proposing appropriate measures.

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Acknowledgment

The Acknowledgment section recognizes individuals or organizations that contributed to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship. Proper acknowledgment ensures transparency and gives credit to those who assisted in the study.

Authorship

Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the research, including the conception or design of the study, data collection, analysis, or interpretation. All authors must have participated in drafting or revising the manuscript and approved the final version for publication.

Individuals who do not meet authorship criteria but contributed in other ways, such as providing technical support or funding, should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgment section.

Any changes in authorship, including additions, removals, or order modifications, must be justified and approved by all authors before submission or after acceptance, with a formal request to the editorial office. The journal follows ethical guidelines to prevent ghost, guest, or honorary authorship.

Disputes over authorship will be addressed in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

Any changes to the authorship of a paper, whether before or after publication, require the consent of all authors. This includes adding or removing authors from the list. The corresponding author is responsible for obtaining confirmation from all co-authors and explaining the reason for the change in detail. If a change to the authorship becomes necessary after the paper has been published, a post-publication notice will be issued to correct the error. Any changes must adhere to the established criteria for authorship. Requests for significant changes to the author list after acceptance may be denied if there are no compelling reasons or clear evidence of the contributions of each author.

Authorship Criteria

To qualify as an author, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Substantial Contribution – The author must have made significant contributions to the conception or design of the work, data collection, analysis, or interpretation.
  • Manuscript Drafting or Revision – The author must have been involved in drafting the manuscript or critically revising it for intellectual content.
  • Final Approval – The author must have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript before submission.
  • Accountability – The author must agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring its accuracy and integrity.

Contributors who do not meet these criteria should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgment section. The journal strictly adheres to ethical authorship practices to prevent ghost, guest, or honorary authorship.

The order of authorship should correspond to the individual contributions to the research and manuscript preparation. Changes to the order of authors can only be made with the consent of all authors.

The journal has a maximum limit on the number of authors that can be included in a manuscript. This limit is determined by factors such as the type, scope, and level of involvement of the institution. If the number of authors in a manuscript exceeds this limit, justification is required.

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Contribution Details

Contributors must provide a detailed description of their specific contributions to the manuscript. These contributions can be categorized into relevant areas, such as conceptualization, study design, intellectual content definition, literature review, clinical or experimental studies, data collection, analysis, statistical evaluation, manuscript drafting, editing, and reviewing.

The individual contributions of each author will be clearly documented alongside the published article. Additionally, at least one author should take overall responsibility for the integrity of the work through all stages of development and publication, acting as the designated "guarantor".

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Authors Responsibilities

  • Originality and Ethical Conduct – Authors must ensure that their work is original, free from plagiarism, and does not infringe on any copyrights. Proper citation of sources is required.
  • Accuracy and Integrity – Authors are responsible for presenting accurate data and ensuring that their findings are valid. Fabrication, falsification, or selective reporting of data is strictly prohibited.
  • Authorship Transparency – All listed authors must meet the journal’s authorship criteria. Any changes to the authorship list (addition, removal, or order changes) must be justified and approved by all co-authors.
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure – Authors must disclose any financial, institutional, or personal conflicts of interest that could influence the research or its interpretation.
  • Ethical Approval and Consent – For studies involving human or animal subjects, authors must obtain necessary ethical approvals and informed consent, following relevant guidelines.
  • Data Availability – Authors should be prepared to provide raw data, methodologies, or supplementary materials upon request for verification purposes.
  • Corrections and Retractions – If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy after publication, they must promptly notify the journal to issue a correction or retraction if necessary.

Citations

Research articles should include references to relevant, up-to-date and verified literature. Authors should prioritize peer-reviewed sources wherever possible to support their claims. It is important to avoid excessive or inappropriate self-citation and collaborative agreements between groups that artificially cite each other's work. These practices may constitute citation manipulation, which is a form of academic misconduct.

For further guidance, authors can refer to the COPE guidelines on citation manipulation (https://doi.org/10.24318/cope.2019.3.1). For non-research articles such as reviews or opinions, it is essential to ensure that cited references are relevant and provide a balanced overview of the current research or scholarly discourse on a topic. Authors must not show undue preference for any specific research group, organization or journal. If in doubt about whether a source should be cited, it is advised to consult with the journal's editorial team for clarification.

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Conflicts of Interest/ Competing interests

All authors must disclose any financial, professional, or personal relationships that could influence or be perceived to influence the research, analysis, or interpretation of their work. Potential conflicts of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Financial support (grants, funding, employment, royalties, stock ownership, or consulting fees)
  • Personal or professional relationships with organizations or individuals that could bias the study
  • Intellectual property rights or patent applications related to the research

Authors must provide a Conflict of Interest Statement at the time of submission, declaring any relevant competing interests. If there are no conflicts, a statement such as "The authors declare no conflicts of interest" should be included.

The journal reserves the right to request additional information or clarification on disclosed conflicts and may take appropriate actions if undisclosed competing interests are later identified.

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Sponsorship of clinical trials

Conflicts of interest (COIs) arise when external factors have the potential to affect the impartiality or objectivity of research or its assessment. It is crucial for authors to disclose any potential conflicts, even if they did not influence the work, to ensure informed decision-making.

Disclosing potential conflicts does not necessarily prevent publication or participation in the review process. However, in cases of doubt, authors should disclose potential conflicts or consult the editorial team to ensure transparency.

Failing to declare conflicts can result in consequences, such as the rejection of a submission if undisclosed conflicts are later discovered. This may require issuing a correction, re-evaluation of the work, or even retracting the publication in more severe cases.

Conflicts of Interest encompass:

    Conflicts of interest (COIs) arise when personal, financial, or professional relationships could influence or appear to influence an author's research, analysis, or publication. These include, but are not limited to:

    • Financial Interests – Grants, funding, employment, stock ownership, honoraria, royalties, or consulting fees from entities that may benefit from the research outcomes.
    • Personal and Professional Relationships – Any close personal relationships or affiliations with individuals, institutions, or organizations that could bias the study.
    • Institutional or Political Influence – Involvement with organizations, policy groups, or regulatory bodies that have a vested interest in the study’s findings.
    • Intellectual Property and Patents – Ownership of patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights related to the research topic.
    • Editorial and Peer Review Bias – Serving as an editor, reviewer, or board member for a competing journal or having a conflict with reviewers or decision-makers in the publication process.

    Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose all potential conflicts to ensure transparency and integrity in scholarly publishing. If no conflicts exist, authors should state: "The authors declare no conflicts of interest."

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    Corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions

    The journal is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record. If errors, ethical concerns, or research misconduct are identified post-publication, appropriate corrective actions will be taken based on the following principles:

    • Corrections – Minor errors (e.g., typographical mistakes, formatting issues, or minor data inconsistencies) that do not affect the study's results, conclusions, or integrity will be corrected through an official Correction Notice linked to the original article.
    • Expressions of Concern – If serious concerns arise about the integrity, validity, or ethical aspects of a published article, but a conclusive investigation is pending, the journal may issue an Expression of Concern. This notifies readers of potential issues while further review is conducted.
    • Retractions – Articles may be retracted if they contain significant errors, plagiarism, fabricated or falsified data, unethical research practices, or undisclosed conflicts of interest. Retractions will follow COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and will be accompanied by a Retraction Notice explaining the reasons. The original article will remain accessible with a clear retraction statement.

    Authors and readers are encouraged to report errors or concerns to the editorial office. The journal reserves the right to investigate and take necessary actions to uphold publication ethics and transparency.

    In certain instances, articles may need to be withdrawn in accordance with the COPE guidelines (https://doi.org/10.24318/cope.2019.1.4) to uphold the accuracy of the scholarly record.

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    For manuscripts that include information or images related to an individual, written consent for publication must be obtained directly from the individual or, if they are under 18 years of age, from their parent or legal guardian. This consent must explicitly authorize the publication of the individual's details under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, which makes the information freely accessible online.

    If the individual is deceased, consent must be acquired from their next of kin. The manuscript should include a statement confirming that written informed consent for publication has been obtained. Authors may use consent forms provided by their institution or region, where applicable, as long as the forms clearly state that the details or images will be publicly accessible online.

    Upon request, the consent form must be submitted to the Editor and will be treated with confidentiality.

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    Confidentiality

    The journal upholds strict confidentiality standards throughout the peer review and publication process to protect the integrity of research and ensure fairness. The following confidentiality guidelines apply:

    • Peer Review Process – Editors, reviewers, and journal staff must keep all submitted manuscripts and related communications confidential. Reviewers are prohibited from sharing, discussing, or using manuscript content for personal or professional gain.
    • Author and Reviewer Anonymity – In double-blind peer review, the identities of authors and reviewers are kept confidential to ensure unbiased evaluation. If the journal follows an open peer review process, disclosure policies will be clearly stated.
    • Editorial Communications – Any correspondence between authors, reviewers, and editors is confidential and should not be shared without explicit permission.
    • Data Protection – Personal information of authors, reviewers, and editors will be handled in compliance with data privacy regulations and will not be shared with third parties without consent.
    • Misconduct and Investigations – If ethical concerns arise regarding a manuscript, confidentiality will be maintained during investigations. However, relevant information may be disclosed to institutions or regulatory bodies if required.

    Authors, reviewers, and editors must respect these confidentiality guidelines to maintain trust and integrity in the publication process.

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    Who Can Submit?

    Anyone with the legal right to do so, or with permission from the copyright holder(s), may submit an original manuscript for potential publication in the Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials. In academia, authors typically retain copyright ownership before publication, unless they have contractually transferred their rights to their employer as part of their employment agreement.

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    User Rights

    Eurasian Journal of Physics and Functional Materials is an Open Access journal. Users have the right to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles under the following conditions: CC BY 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Copyright statement stated here and embedded in each published article.

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    Open Access Policy

    The journal operates as an Open Access publication. This allows users to freely read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full text of articles, provided they comply with the terms outlined under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. This license allows users to copy, distribute, and share the Contribution, modify, transform, or build on it, and use it for commercial purposes, as long as the author and source are acknowledged. Specifically, the original creator(s) of the work and the source should be properly credited.

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    Author Rights

    Authors transfer ownership of their work to L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, in addition to granting them the rights to publish and distribute it.

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    Data falsification/fabrication

    Deliberate efforts to alter or fabricate information are a grave form of misconduct, intended to deceive others and undermine the credibility of scientific inquiry. Such actions can have far-reaching and lasting effects.

    Publishing editors expect authors to guarantee the precision of the information they present in their submissions and to furnish original data upon request. This is to enable reviewers to evaluate the quality of the work and to uphold the integrity of the publishing process. Failing to provide original data may result in the rejection or withdrawal of a submission.

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    Research Data Policy and Data Availability

    Research Data Policy

    The Journal encourages the sharing of research data to promote transparency, reproducibility, and the advancement of knowledge within the academic community. We recognize the importance of making data accessible to other researchers while respecting ethical and legal considerations. To this end, we have established the following guidelines for the inclusion of research data statements in submitted manuscripts:

    Data Sharing Expectations:

    Authors are encouraged to make their data available to the public whenever possible, except where privacy, confidentiality, or legal constraints apply. Data should be shared in a manner that allows verification of results and the reuse of data for further research.

    Data Availability Statements

    Authors are required to include a Data Availability Statement in their manuscripts. This statement should clearly outline where the data supporting the findings of the study can be accessed, or explain why the data cannot be shared. Below are examples of acceptable Data Availability Statements:

    1. Data Available in a Public Repository:

      When submitting a manuscript, authors must include a data availability statement specifying:

      • The name of the repository where the data is stored
      • A direct link or DOI to access the data
      • Any access restrictions, if applicable
      • This practice promotes transparency, reproducibility, and wider dissemination of research findings.
    2. Data Available on Request:

      The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

    3. No Data Available: No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

    Desk rejection policy

    1. The subject and scope of the research do not align with the journal's field of expertise.
    2. There are concerns regarding the publication ethics, non-compliance with international standards, and plagiarism (as indicated by a similarity index exceeding 10%).
    3. The topic appears to have limited impact or novelty in the field.
    4. The study design is flawed.
    5. The purpose of the research is unclear.
    6. There are issues with the structure of the research, and some elements are missing.
    7. The writing contains grammatical errors or stylistic inconsistencies.
    8. The manuscript does not meet the submission requirements of the journal.

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    Duplicate submission/publication

    Authors must confirm at the time of submission that their manuscript has not been previously submitted or published elsewhere. Duplicate submissions or publications are considered unethical and unacceptable. This includes articles that have been published in a different language.

    For permissible forms of secondary publications, such as translations of articles into English, authors must follow the guidelines set by the COPE (https://publicationethics.org/case/duplicate-submission).

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    Editors Responsibilities

    The journal and its editorial staff strictly follow and uphold the guidelines and standards set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE; https://publicationethics.org/).

    The editorial team is responsible for determining whether submitted articles meet the journal's standards and are suitable for publication. In making these decisions, they consider reviewers’ recommendations while adhering to legal standards regarding defamation, copyright, and plagiarism. Editorial decisions are made impartially, without consideration of the author’s nationality, ethnicity, political views, race, or religion.

    Confidentiality is a top priority; the identities of authors and the details of submissions and reviews are kept private unless disclosure is required by law or with the author’s consent. Editors must work to eliminate conflicts of interest to ensure that their decisions are free from bias and based solely on the scientific merit of the manuscript. All editors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest before making decisions about a submission.

    Editors must maintain strict confidentiality throughout the entire review process and share manuscript details only with the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, and editorial advisors. They are prohibited from using unpublished content in submitted manuscripts in their own or others’ research without the explicit permission of the author. Additionally, editors are expected to uphold a standard of integrity and transparency, ensuring that all communications are clear and professional.

    It is crucial that funding sources for research are disclosed, whether the funding body participated in the research, and if so, the nature of that involvement. Editors must verify that any funding sources do not unduly influence the research and that all disclosures of funding are made transparently.

    The journal strives to ensure a fair and timely peer review process. Editors handle submissions from their colleagues impartially, ensuring that all decisions are based on the quality of the research, not the reputation or status of the author. Authors are given clear criteria for determining authorship, as outlined in the submission guidelines. The editorial team is responsible for ensuring that authorship reflects those who have contributed significantly to the research and manuscript preparation.

    To preserve fairness, reviewers are expected to be objective and not influenced by outside factors such as the author's reputation or personal relationships. They are expected to offer constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement. Reviewers are also encouraged to report any ethical issues they may encounter, including research misconduct, data manipulation, or plagiarism, and to be vigilant for duplicate publications. Review feedback is shared with authors, except where the feedback contains inappropriate or unprofessional language that may compromise the integrity of the review process.

    The journal values the contributions of reviewers and editors but discontinues the use of those who consistently provide low-quality, rude, or delayed reviews. Reviews should be timely, respectful, and constructive in nature. Editors have the responsibility to ensure that the peer review process remains high quality, fair, and efficient, and they are empowered to take corrective action if necessary.

    Editors are responsible for ensuring the quality of the published content. They must verify that all research has been approved by the relevant ethical review boards and are vigilant about intellectual property rights. Any errors, inaccuracies, or misleading information identified in the published content must be corrected promptly and transparently. Editors must also address any ethical issues or complaints raised by readers or authors after publication, ensuring that the integrity of the research is upheld.

    Funding

    Authors must disclose all sources of financial support received for conducting their research and preparing the manuscript. The funding statement should include:

    1. Grant or Project Information – The full name of the funding agency, grant number, and project title (if applicable).
    2. Institutional or Organizational Support – Any financial assistance provided by universities, research institutes, or other organizations.
    3. No Funding Declaration – If no external funding was received, authors should state: “This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.”

    Full transparency in funding disclosure helps ensure research integrity and allows readers to assess potential influences on the study.

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    Images and figures

    Incorporate images and diagrams into your article only if they significantly contribute to the content and enhance the comprehension of the work presented. Avoid using images or diagrams solely for decorative or illustrative purposes, as they do not add value to the scholarly contribution of your article.

    It is crucial to obtain written permission from the copyright holder before using any copyrighted material in your article, including text, illustrations, tables, data, audio, video, still images, screenshots, musical notation, or any other supplementary materials. This requirement applies regardless of whether the material is owned by a third party or your own institution.

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    Misconduct

    The journal adheres to a strict policy against all forms of misconduct and will take appropriate action to safeguard the integrity of its scholarly record, in line with COPE guidelines.

    Examples of misconduct that the journal considers include:

    • Misrepresenting affiliations
    • Infringing copyright or using third-party materials without permission
    • Manipulating citations
    • Submitting or publishing duplicate work
    • Engaging in "ethics dumping"
    • Altering images or data or fabricating them
    • Manipulating peer review
    • Plagiarizing
    • Recycling or self-plagiarizing text
    • Failing to disclose competing interests
    • Engaging in unethical research practices

    Duplicate Submission

    Manuscripts that have been previously published or are currently undergoing review in another publication will not be considered for publication in our journal. If an author relies on previously published work or work that is currently under review, they must clearly cite the original source and explain how their new manuscript adds something new and original beyond the previous work.

    The journal will adhere to the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE guidelines) to uphold the integrity of the publication process and maintain the highest standards of academic honesty.

    Citation Manipulation

    Citation manipulation refers to unethical practices aimed at artificially inflating citation counts or influencing impact metrics. The journal strictly prohibits the following forms of citation manipulation:

    1. Coercive Citation – Requiring authors to add unnecessary citations to boost the journal’s or an individual’s citation metrics.
    2. Self-Citation Abuse – Excessive self-citation that does not contribute to the scholarly discussion but serves only to increase an author’s citation count.
    3. Citation Cartels – Agreements between authors, editors, or journals to systematically cite each other’s work to manipulate impact scores.
    4. Unjustified Citations – Adding irrelevant or excessive citations that do not directly support the research findings.

    Authors, reviewers, and editors must ensure citations are included based solely on their relevance and contribution to the research. The journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines to prevent citation manipulation, and any detected misconduct may lead to manuscript rejection, editorial action, or retraction of published articles.

    Data Fabrication and Falsification:

    The journal strictly prohibits data fabrication and falsification, as these practices violate research integrity and undermine scientific credibility.

    All authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of their data. If any concerns regarding data authenticity arise during peer review or after publication, the journal may request raw data for verification. Proven cases of fabrication or falsification will result in manuscript rejection, retraction of published articles, and potential reporting to relevant institutions or funding agencies.

    The journal adheres to COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and takes all allegations of data misconduct seriously.

    Improper Author Contribution or Attribution:

    Redundant publication, also known as duplicate or overlapping publication, occurs when an author submits or publishes substantially the same research findings in multiple journals without proper disclosure or justification. This practice is unethical and undermines the integrity of academic publishing.

    Authors must clearly disclose any prior publication of similar work, including conference proceedings or preprints, and obtain permission when reusing previously published material. The journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines and may take corrective actions, such as manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification of ethical breaches to institutions and funding agencies.

    Redundant Publications:

    Redundant publication, also known as duplicate or overlapping publication, occurs when an author submits or publishes substantially the same research findings in multiple journals without proper disclosure. This practice is unethical as it misuses editorial resources, inflates academic contributions, and misleads the scientific community.

    Authors must disclose any prior or overlapping publications and ensure that submitted work is original and unpublished. If prior dissemination (e.g., in conference proceedings or preprint servers) exists, it must be transparently stated in the submission. The journal adheres to COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines, and violations may result in manuscript rejection, retraction of published work, or reporting of ethical breaches to relevant institutions.

    Image Manipulation:

    When images are intentionally altered or fabricated, this constitutes a serious breach of conduct that seeks to deceive others and undermine the credibility of scientific records. This can have far-reaching and long-lasting effects. The journal requires that all images included in manuscripts be accurate and unaltered. Any modifications to images, such as enhancements, obfuscations, movements, deletions, or additions, must be clearly disclosed. Adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance are permitted as long as they do not obscure or eliminate the original information. Combining images from different sources, such as gels, western blots, or microscope images, must be clearly indicated in the figure caption or legend. Failure to provide the original, unedited images upon request may result in the rejection or withdrawal of the manuscript.

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    Peer Review Process

    All manuscript submissions undergo a rigorous peer review process designed to maintain the highest academic standards. Upon receiving a submission, the editor conducts an initial review to assess its relevance, quality, and compliance with the journal's scope and guidelines. If the manuscript is deemed suitable, it is then sent out for review by independent experts in the relevant field. The peer review follows a double-blind process, ensuring that both the identities of the authors and reviewers are kept confidential. This helps to eliminate bias and promote an objective evaluation of the manuscript.

    The reviewers' feedback plays a crucial role in determining whether a manuscript should be accepted, revised, or rejected. The editorial board considers the reviewers' recommendations alongside the manuscript's scientific merit, clarity, originality, and adherence to the journal’s standards. The final decision on whether the manuscript will be published rests with the editorial board, which acts impartially to ensure the integrity and quality of the journal’s content.

    For manuscripts that involve sensitive issues such as ethical concerns, societal impact, or security-related matters, the research integrity team may seek additional guidance. This could involve consulting with external experts, engaging other members of the editorial board, or recruiting specialized reviewers with expertise in the relevant areas. This step ensures that manuscripts addressing complex issues are rigorously evaluated from multiple perspectives.

    Plagiarism Policy

    1. Definition of Plagiarism

      Plagiarism refers to the use of another person’s ideas, language, or work without proper acknowledgment. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

      • Copying text, images, data, or findings from another source without citation.
      • Paraphrasing someone else's work too closely without proper attribution.
      • Submitting the same work to multiple publications without disclosure.
      • Using previously published materials in a manuscript without permission or acknowledgment.
    2. Plagiarism Detection

      All submitted manuscripts undergo plagiarism checks using professional plagiarism detection software. The software will identify any similarities with previously published works, including those available in public repositories and preprint servers. Any manuscript found to contain significant instances of plagiarism, including verbatim copying or insufficient paraphrasing, will be rejected outright.

    3. Self-Plagiarism

      Self-plagiarism, also known as text recycling, occurs when an author reuses significant portions of their previously published work without proper citation or acknowledgment. While authors may build upon their prior research, excessive reuse of text, data, or ideas without transparency is considered unethical and can mislead readers and distort academic contributions.

    4. Ethical and Legal Consequences

      The journal takes plagiarism very seriously, as it undermines the academic community's trust and the credibility of research. Any manuscript found to have committed plagiarism will be rejected. If plagiarism is discovered after publication, the journal may retract the article and issue a formal notice. In addition, the authors involved may face disciplinary action from their academic institutions or research organizations.

    5. Role of the Corresponding Author

      The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors are aware of and comply with the plagiarism policy. It is their responsibility to ensure that the submitted manuscript is free from any form of plagiarism and that all sources of information, including previous publications, are appropriately cited.

    6. Reproducibility and Transparency

      The journal encourages authors to provide full transparency in their work by clearly attributing the sources of all data, text, and ideas used in their manuscript. The research must be reproducible, and authors are encouraged to submit raw data, methodologies, and sources upon request for validation.

    7. Handling Allegations of Plagiarism

      If an allegation of plagiarism arises, the journal will investigate the matter thoroughly. The editor will request an explanation from the authors and may consult with external experts if necessary. Depending on the findings, appropriate actions will be taken, which may include rejection of the manuscript, retraction of the article, or reporting to the authors’ institutions.

    8. Encouraging Proper Citations

      To avoid any unintentional plagiarism, the journal strongly encourages authors to use proper citation practices, including accurate referencing of all sources, whether they are academic papers, books, or online resources. Authors should ensure that they follow the correct citation style required by the journal and include all relevant information for readers to verify the sources.

    The journal is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record and to fostering a culture of honesty and transparency in research. Plagiarism, in any form, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

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    Preprints policy

    The journal supports the dissemination of research through preprints and recognizes their value in accelerating the exchange of scientific knowledge. Authors are encouraged to upload their manuscripts to preprint servers prior to formal peer review and publication. Preprints provide an opportunity for immediate visibility and feedback from the academic community, which can enhance the quality of the research and foster collaborative discussions.

    1. Encouragement of Preprint Submission

      Authors are encouraged to share their research as preprints at any stage of the writing process, even before peer review. Uploading preprints allows researchers to receive early feedback from peers, gain recognition for their work, and demonstrate their commitment to scientific transparency. The journal acknowledges the importance of preprints in fostering open science and enabling rapid knowledge exchange.

    2. Preprints and Journal Submission

      Submission of a manuscript to the journal is not restricted by prior dissemination as a preprint. Authors may submit their preprints for formal peer review and potential publication in the journal. There are no embargo periods or restrictions on preprints, and they will not be considered as prior publication, provided they meet the journal’s other submission criteria. Manuscripts that have been uploaded as preprints may undergo the same peer review process as those submitted directly to the journal.

    3. Linking Preprints to Published Versions

      In the case of a preprint being accepted for publication, authors are encouraged to include a link to the final published version of their article, along with the DOI, in the preprint record. This ensures that readers can track the progress and final results of the research. Authors may also update their preprints on the preprint server with the final version of the manuscript after publication, clearly indicating any revisions or corrections made during the peer review process.

    4. Version Control and Updates

      If a preprint undergoes significant revisions, authors are encouraged to upload the updated version to the preprint server and include information about the changes made. This ensures that the most accurate and up-to-date version of the research is available to the public. Authors should also clarify if the preprint has been revised based on reviewer feedback, including providing a summary of the changes.

    5. Copyright and Licensing

      When submitting a preprint, authors retain full copyright over their work. The journal recommends that authors choose open-access licenses for preprints to maximize their accessibility and visibility. Authors should be aware of the copyright terms and licensing policies of the preprint server they use. Additionally, the journal requires that the final published version adheres to its licensing agreements and open-access policies, as applicable.

    6. Ethical Considerations

      Authors must ensure that their preprints adhere to ethical standards, including the proper handling of sensitive data, the protection of intellectual property, and compliance with ethical review board requirements. Any ethical issues identified during the review process of the manuscript will be handled according to the journal’s ethical guidelines, regardless of whether the paper has been uploaded as a preprint.

    7. No Duplicate Publication

      The journal strictly prohibits duplicate publication, which occurs when an author submits or publishes the same research findings in multiple journals without proper disclosure or justification. This practice is unethical as it misuses editorial resources, distorts the academic record, and can lead to copyright violations.

    8. Impact on Peer Review

      The submission of a preprint does not impact the peer review process. Reviewers are expected to evaluate the manuscript based on its scientific merit, regardless of its preprint status. The existence of a preprint may provide reviewers with additional context or data, but it does not alter the review standards or expectations for the manuscript.

    The journal values the role of preprints in advancing open science and enhancing the visibility of research. By encouraging preprints, we aim to foster transparency, accelerate research dissemination, and support a more collaborative scientific community.

    Research Ethics and Consent

    Research involving human, animal, plant, or biological subjects, as well as protected or confidential data, must comply with strict ethical guidelines. Authors must ensure that their research adheres to the following standards:

    • Ethical Review and Approval: Research must be approved by an ethics committee, and authors must provide evidence of this approval, including the name of the committee, approval IDs, and the date of approval. This applies to all research, regardless of its nature (human, animal, plant, or biological subjects) or setting.
    • Informed Consent: If human participants are involved, the authors must confirm that informed consent was obtained from each participant. This consent must include information about the nature of the research, potential risks, and how their data will be used.
    • Animal Welfare: For studies involving animals, authors must outline the measures taken to minimize pain, distress, and suffering. The choice of animal species and the number of animals used must be justified. Researchers should follow relevant guidelines such as the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) to ensure ethical treatment.
    • Protection of Confidential Data: The journal is committed to ensuring the ethical handling and protection of confidential data in all submitted manuscripts. The journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines to uphold confidentiality standards and research integrity.

    Research that does not meet these ethical requirements, or fails to provide the necessary documentation of ethical approval, will be rejected. The ethical integrity of the research is paramount, and the editors reserve the right to request further documentation or reject submissions that lack appropriate ethical oversight.

    Reviewers Responsibilities

    Reviewers must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential and refrain from sharing any details or content with anyone outside the review process. All manuscripts under review are considered confidential documents, and reviewers are obligated to ensure that no information from the manuscript is disclosed to third parties. This includes sharing content with colleagues, friends, or any individual not directly involved in the review process, unless explicitly authorized by the author. The confidentiality of the manuscript must be respected at all stages, from the initial submission to the final decision.

    Reviewers are prohibited from using the manuscript for their own research, publication, or personal benefit without obtaining explicit consent from the author. The reviewer must not incorporate or reference any ideas, data, or content from the manuscript into their own work or research projects before the manuscript has been published, unless the author provides permission. Any personal gain derived from the review process, including using insights gained from reviewing unpublished research, is considered unethical.

    In the course of their review, reviewers are expected to examine the manuscript for any relevant studies that have not been cited by the author and suggest appropriate references where necessary. It is crucial that reviewers ensure all external ideas, theories, and data are properly acknowledged in the manuscript. If the reviewer identifies significant similarities or overlaps between the submitted manuscript and existing published works, they must promptly notify the editor of these potential issues. The reviewer should not make any assumptions or accusations but provide clear observations so the editor can address them in accordance with ethical publishing standards.

    Reviewers should evaluate the manuscript solely based on its scientific merit, relevance, and adherence to the journal’s guidelines. They must refrain from introducing bias related to the author’s identity, background, or affiliations. In cases where the reviewer has a conflict of interest (e.g., personal, professional, or financial relationships with the author), they are obligated to declare this conflict to the editor and, if necessary, decline the review assignment.

    Furthermore, reviewers should report any ethical concerns they encounter during the review process, including potential research misconduct such as data manipulation, plagiarism, or duplicate publication. In cases where ethical violations are suspected, reviewers are expected to follow the journal’s procedures for reporting these concerns, ensuring that the review process maintains high standards of integrity.

    Reviewers are encouraged to provide constructive, actionable feedback that can help authors improve their work. Feedback should be respectful, clear, and specific, highlighting strengths and suggesting improvements. Any review that is unprofessional, overly harsh, or lacks sufficient detail may be disregarded. Reviewers who fail to meet these standards, or who consistently submit late or low-quality reviews, may be removed from the journal’s reviewer list.

    Standards for Reporting

    To maintain the credibility of scientific research and to facilitate the reproducibility of studies, authors must present their research in a clear, transparent, and comprehensive manner. The following standards should be adhered to:

    • Detailed Methodology: Authors must provide a clear and detailed description of their research methodology, including how data were collected, analyzed, and interpreted. This should allow other researchers to replicate the study, if desired, and should include any statistical methods used.
    • Transparency of Results: The presentation of results should be unbiased and reflect all data collected, even if the results do not support the hypothesis. Authors should include both positive and negative findings and provide a full statistical analysis where appropriate.
    • Clear Objective Statement: Authors should clearly state the aims and objectives of their research, ensuring that the purpose of the study is well-defined and aligned with the methodology used. This will help readers understand the context and relevance of the research.
    • Reproducibility and Data Sharing: To support the replication of the study, authors are encouraged to share raw data, codes, or any supplementary materials that may assist in verifying or replicating the research outcomes. Authors should also adhere to any data-sharing policies required by their institutions or funding bodies.

    Use of Third-Party Material

    Authors must be diligent in ensuring that all third-party content used in their work is properly attributed and used within the confines of copyright laws. This includes any text, images, tables, figures, audio, video, or any other media that were not created by the authors. The following steps are required:

    • Permission from Copyright Holders: Authors must obtain explicit written permission from the copyright holders for any third-party content included in their manuscript. This is necessary for all content not covered by fair use or similar exceptions. Authors should keep copies of all permissions and provide them to the editorial team upon request.
    • Correct Attribution: Even with permission, proper attribution is required for all third-party content. This includes providing full citation details for any works or materials borrowed, such as the source, author(s), publisher, and publication date.
    • No Infringement of Rights: Authors are prohibited from using content that infringes on the intellectual property rights of others. Infringement cases will lead to the rejection of the manuscript and may lead to further action if required.

    Authors should note that using third-party material without proper permission or adequate citation can lead to significant legal consequences, including the retraction of the manuscript or article. Therefore, it is critical that authors comply with these requirements prior to manuscript submission.

    Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Writing

    As the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI-assisted technologies becomes increasingly prevalent in academic and professional writing, the journal upholds the importance of maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that AI tools are used responsibly and ethically in the writing and research process.

    1. Transparency and Disclosure:

      Authors who use generative AI tools or AI-assisted technologies to assist in writing or data analysis must disclose the specific AI tools and their functions within the manuscript. This includes any AI-generated text, data analysis, or content produced by AI platforms, such as language models or text generators. Full transparency is required in the methods section of the paper, ensuring that readers and reviewers understand the extent of AI involvement in the writing process.

    2. Authorship and Accountability:

      The use of AI should not replace the author's intellectual contribution to the work. Authors are still responsible for the integrity, accuracy, and originality of the research, and AI-generated content cannot be claimed as a substitute for human intellectual effort. AI-assisted technologies must not be used to create or alter substantial portions of the manuscript without clear human oversight. The final responsibility for ensuring the quality and originality of the content rests with the authors.

    3. Accuracy and Ethical Use:

      Authors, reviewers, and editors must ensure the highest standards of accuracy and ethical conduct in research and publication. The journal follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines to uphold research integrity and ethical publishing practices.

    4. Plagiarism and AI-Generated Content:

      Generative AI tools can potentially lead to the unintentional reproduction of existing content, especially when trained on large datasets that include publicly available or copyrighted works. Authors must ensure that AI-generated content does not contain plagiarized material or closely mimic the work of others without proper citation. AI-generated text must be original, and any content sourced from external works must be properly attributed according to the journal’s citation standards.

    5. Data Integrity and AI-Generated Results:

      In research papers where AI-assisted technologies are used for data analysis or result generation, authors must ensure that AI-generated data or results are validated and reproducible. Results produced through AI must undergo the same scrutiny and verification as any other part of the research. This includes making AI algorithms and code available for review, if applicable, and providing sufficient methodological detail to allow replication of the study.

    6. Ethical Considerations and Human Oversight:

      The journal emphasizes that AI tools should not replace human judgment, particularly in areas such as ethical decision-making, qualitative analysis, or areas requiring human subjectivity. AI should serve as an aid to enhance the research process, but not as a replacement for critical thinking, intellectual insight, and human responsibility. Authors must ensure that any AI-generated content or analysis complies with ethical standards, including considerations for privacy, bias, and fairness.

    7. Review and Monitoring of AI Use:

      The editorial team reserves the right to assess the use of AI in submissions and may request further clarification from authors regarding the extent of AI involvement in the manuscript. Authors may also be asked to submit additional documentation or evidence to confirm the originality and integrity of AI-assisted contributions.

    By following these guidelines, authors will ensure that their use of AI and generative technologies enhances their work without compromising the principles of academic rigor, ethical research practices, and transparency.