Conflict of Interest Policy

In accordance with the guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence or bias their decisions or assessments regarding the manuscript.

A conflict of interest exists when personal, financial, academic, or professional relationships may affect the impartiality and objectivity of the research or review process. Conflicts of interest must be transparently disclosed to maintain the integrity of the publication process and ensure that all parties involved act ethically.

1. For Authors

Authors are required to disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could be perceived as influencing the research process or results. This includes but is not limited to:

  • Funding sources or financial support (e.g., research grants, sponsorships, etc.).
  • Personal relationships (e.g., collaborations, employment relationships with organizations that could benefit from the research outcomes).
  • Any other relevant affiliations or relationships that may be viewed as a potential conflict.

Failure to disclose conflicts of interest may result in the rejection or retraction of the manuscript, as non-disclosure can undermine the credibility of the research.

2. For Reviewers

Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their ability to evaluate the manuscript objectively. This includes:

  • Prior professional or personal relationships with the author(s).
  • Financial or professional interests that may be affected by the publication of the article.
  • Any other factors that may lead to bias in their review.

If a reviewer has a conflict of interest, they should recuse themselves from reviewing the manuscript and inform the editorial board immediately.

3. For Editors

Editors must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their decision-making process. Editors are responsible for ensuring a fair and impartial review process, and conflicts of interest must be avoided at all stages of the editorial process.

In the case of a conflict of interest, the editor should recuse themselves from making decisions regarding the manuscript and, where necessary, assign the manuscript to another editor to ensure fairness and transparency.