Ethical Oversight
The journal’s policies for ethical oversight are based on the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). According to the COPE, “ethical oversight should include, but is not limited to, policies on consent to publication, publication on vulnerable populations, ethical conduct of research using animals, ethical conduct of research using human subjects, handling confidential data and ethical business/marketing practices.” Based on this, the journal‘s policies can be explained as follow:
Consent to Publication
The journal’s submission has consisted of information that the authors checklist, including their consent to publish, copyright and license, and others. Thus, any submission received should be considered based on the authors’ consent.
Publication on Vulnerable Populations
The journal recognizes the importance of research on vulnerable populations and the need to shed light on their unique challenges and experiences. We welcome scholarly contributions in this area, provided that all ethical considerations and guidelines are rigorously followed throughout the research process. It is crucial to ensure that studies involving vulnerable populations are conducted with the utmost care, respect, and protection of the rights and well-being of the individuals involved. Researchers must obtain appropriate informed consent, maintain confidentiality, and address any potential risks or harm that may arise from their research. The journal expects authors to adhere to the highest ethical standards and follow established guidelines when conducting studies on vulnerable populations.
In instances where the Editor-in-Chief believes that a publication on vulnerable populations may have legal implications, the matter will be carefully reviewed. The Editor-in-Chief, in consultation with the authors and advisory editor, may discuss the potential legal aspects and determine the best course of action. Depending on the scope and nature of the article, the Editor-in-Chief may also engage with official government bodies at the national or international level to ensure compliance with legal requirements and protect the rights of the vulnerable populations under study.
The journal remains committed to promoting responsible research practices and addressing the needs and concerns of vulnerable populations. By maintaining a rigorous ethical framework, we aim to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the well-being of these populations, while upholding the principles of integrity, dignity, and social responsibility.
Ethical Conduct of Research Using Animals
The journal recognizes the importance of ethical conduct in research involving animals and is committed to promoting the responsible and humane use of animals in scientific studies. As part of our commitment to upholding ethical standards, we require authors to provide information about the appropriate institutional review board (IRB) or animal care and use committee (IACUC) approval in their submissions or within the article itself. The journal recommends the Public Health Service (PHS) Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
For studies involving animals, authors should include details about the approval obtained from the relevant institutional or ethical review board responsible for overseeing animal research. This information should demonstrate that the study adhered to established guidelines for the ethical treatment of animals, such as the principles outlined in the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
By requiring this information, we aim to ensure that research published in the journal meets the highest ethical standards in animal welfare. We recognize the importance of respecting the rights and well-being of animals used in scientific research and expect authors to uphold these principles in their work. Transparency and accountability in reporting the ethical aspects of animal research contribute to the advancement of knowledge while promoting responsible conduct in the scientific community.
Ethical Conduct of Research Using Human Subjects
The journal recognizes the paramount importance of ethical conduct in research involving human subjects. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and promoting the well-being, rights, and privacy of individuals participating in research studies. In line with this commitment, we require authors to provide institutional review board (IRB) approval and a thorough explanation of how informed consent was obtained from all participants in their research involving human subjects.
Informed consent is a fundamental ethical principle in research involving human subjects. Authors should ensure that participants are fully informed about the purpose, procedures, risks, and potential benefits of the study and that they voluntarily provide their consent to participate. If there is any reasonable possibility that complete anonymity cannot be maintained, informed consent should be obtained from participants.
Respecting the privacy and confidentiality of human subjects is of utmost importance. Authors should never violate the privacy of individuals without prior informed consent. When reporting study data, identifying information should be excluded unless it is essential for the purposes of the study and the subject (or their legal representative) has given prior written informed consent.
In cases where informed consent has been obtained, it is crucial for authors to include documentation of this consent in their articles. By adhering to these ethical guidelines, we aim to ensure the protection and welfare of human subjects involved in research studies and maintain the integrity of scientific research.
Handling Confidential Data
The journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and protecting the confidentiality of data. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to handle confidential data with utmost care and in compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines. Confidential data should be securely stored and transmitted, accessible only to authorized individuals involved in the peer-review process. Any potential conflicts of interest related to the handling of confidential data must be disclosed. In case of concerns regarding data privacy or breaches, the journal will initiate appropriate investigations and take necessary actions to safeguard confidentiality and ensure integrity in research and publication.
Ethical Business/Marketing Practices
The journal is committed to upholding ethical standards in all aspects of its operations, including the publication process. The journal firmly believes in fostering a fair and transparent environment that promotes scholarly excellence and discourages any practices that may exploit authors or compromise the integrity of academic research. As part of its commitment to ethical business and marketing practices, the journal does not engage in any activities that attract authors to publish their work at high costs or under misleading circumstances. The journal maintains a clear and equitable publishing process that is free from undue influence or financial exploitation.
It is important for authors to be aware that the journal takes no responsibility for any offers or solicitations from individuals or entities claiming to represent them and engaging in such unethical practices. If any author is approached with such offers, the journal strongly encourages them to consult the Editor-in-Chief to verify the authenticity of the offer and seek guidance on how to proceed.
By prioritizing ethical conduct and integrity, thee strive to maintain the credibility and reputation of the academic community at large. The journal is dedicated to ensuring that the publication process remains fair, unbiased, and free from any practices that compromise the principles of academic integrity and responsible research dissemination.