Allegations of Research Misconduct

Allegations of Research Misconduct

JKKI is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity and publication ethics. The journal’s procedures for handling allegations of research misconduct are aligned with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), as well as the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.

All authors are required to carefully review and comply with the journal’s author guidelines and ethical policies prior to submission. Submission of a manuscript implies adherence to these standards.

Allegations of research misconduct may relate to manuscripts under review or to articles already published. Misconduct may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, image manipulation, unethical research practices, inappropriate authorship, undisclosed conflicts of interest, or manipulation of the peer-review process.

Reporting of Concerns

Concerns regarding potential research misconduct should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief via official journal communication channels.

The complainant must clearly describe the nature of the alleged misconduct and provide supporting evidence where possible. For example, in cases of suspected plagiarism, the overlapping text should be clearly identified and appropriate references to the original and suspected sources must be provided.

Anonymous complaints will be considered if sufficient evidence is presented.

Investigation Process

All allegations are handled confidentially, impartially, and with due process. The journal will proceed with sensitivity, fairness, and respect for all parties involved.

1. Initial Assessment
   The Editor-in-Chief conducts a preliminary evaluation to determine whether the allegation has sufficient merit and evidence to warrant further investigation.
2. Communication with Authors
   If warranted, the corresponding author(s) will be contacted and asked to provide a detailed explanation, supporting documentation, and any relevant data within a specified timeframe.
3. Editorial Review
   The Editor-in-Chief may consult Section Editors, Associate Editors, Advisory Editors, or independent experts to assist in evaluating the allegation.
4. Institutional Involvement
   In cases involving serious or complex allegations (e.g., fabrication, falsification, or unethical research), the journal may refer the matter to the relevant author’s institution or appropriate regulatory authority for formal investigation.

Outcomes

The course of action depends on the findings of the investigation:

• If misconduct is confirmed in a published article:
  The journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction, depending on the severity and impact on the validity of the findings.
• If misconduct is identified during peer review:
  The manuscript may be rejected, and the authors’ institutions may be notified when appropriate.
• If the authors provide a satisfactory explanation:
  The review or publication process may proceed, potentially with necessary revisions.
• If authors fail to respond within the stipulated timeframe or provide an unsatisfactory explanation:
  The manuscript may be rejected or the published article may be retracted. Institutional authorities may be informed where appropriate.

The complainant will be notified once the matter has been resolved, provided contact details are available.

Confidentiality and Fairness

Throughout the process, JKKI ensures:

• Confidential handling of all allegations.
• Protection of whistleblowers acting in good faith.
• Fair opportunity for authors to respond.
• Objective, evidence-based decision-making.
• Documentation and archiving of all communications and decisions within the journal management system.

Commitment to Ethical Standards

JKKI adheres to internationally recognized standards of publication ethics and is committed to continuous improvement in ethical governance. The journal aligns its practices with COPE recommendations and regularly updates its policies to reflect evolving best practices in scholarly publishing.

Through these procedures, JKKI reinforces its responsibility to safeguard the integrity of the scientific record and maintain public trust in academic publishing.