The iConclusions publishing house is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethics and integrity in scholarly publishing. Our Ethics and Policies are designed to ensure the transparency, fairness, and credibility of the research published across all our journals. By adhering to these guidelines, we aim to foster a trustworthy academic environment that promotes rigorous scientific inquiry and responsible conduct.
Authorship:
All authors listed on a manuscript must have made significant contributions to the research. The order of authorship should be agreed upon by all authors before submission. Authors should ensure that all individuals who made substantial contributions are appropriately credited.
Originality and Plagiarism:
Manuscripts submitted to iConclusions journals must be original and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Plagiarism in any form, including the use of another’s work without proper citation, is unacceptable. All manuscripts will be screened for plagiarism using appropriate tools.
Data Integrity:
Authors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the data presented in their research. Manipulation or fabrication of data is strictly prohibited. Authors should retain raw data and be prepared to provide it upon request during the review process.
Conflicts of Interest:
Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, whether financial, personal, or professional, that could influence the research or its interpretation. Reviewers and editors are also required to disclose any conflicts that might affect their objectivity.
Double-Blind Review:
iConclusions journals operate a double-blind peer review process, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This ensures an impartial and unbiased evaluation of the manuscript.
Reviewer Responsibilities:
Reviewers must provide objective and constructive feedback, avoid personal criticism, and respect the confidentiality of the review process. They should decline to review manuscripts where there is a conflict of interest.
Editorial Decisions:
The final decision to accept or reject a manuscript rests with the journal’s editor-in-chief, who considers the reviewers’ reports, the quality of the research, and its relevance to the journal’s scope.
Human and Animal Rights:
Research involving human participants must comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and obtain informed consent from participants. Studies involving animals must adhere to ethical guidelines and receive approval from an institutional animal care and use committee.
Compliance with Standards:
Authors must ensure their research complies with all relevant national and international standards and regulations, including those related to safety, data protection, and bioethics.
Open Access:
All articles published in iConclusions journals are freely accessible to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This ensures maximum visibility and dissemination of the research.
Retractions and Corrections:
iConclusions is committed to correcting the scholarly record when necessary. If a significant error or misconduct is identified post-publication, the journal will issue a correction, retraction, or expression of concern as appropriate.
Archiving and Preservation:
iConclusions ensures the long-term preservation of published articles through partnerships with digital preservation services. This guarantees that research remains accessible and citable for future generations.
Handling Allegations:
iConclusions takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. If misconduct is suspected, the editorial team will conduct a thorough investigation following COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines. Depending on the findings, appropriate action will be taken, which may include retracting the article, notifying the authors’ institutions, or banning the authors from future submissions.
Appeals:
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals must be submitted in writing, outlining the grounds for the appeal. The editor-in-chief will review the appeal in consultation with other editorial board members and provide a final decision.
Authors:
Authors must ensure their research is conducted ethically and responsibly. They should provide accurate and complete information in their manuscripts and disclose any potential conflicts of interest.
Reviewers:
Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of research published in iConclusions journals. They should provide fair, unbiased, and timely reviews while respecting the confidentiality of the process.
Editors:
Editors are responsible for overseeing the peer review process, making editorial decisions, and ensuring that published content adheres to the journal’s ethical standards. They must act impartially and uphold the integrity of the scholarly record.
