Author Policies

Data Sharing Policy
Check List
Withdrawal Policy
Open Access Policy
Rights and Grants to the Author
Digital Preservation
Article Processing Charge
English Language Editing
Copyright Policy
Errata, Retractions, and Corrigenda Policy
Licensing Policy
Author’s Agreement Form
Plagiarism Policy
Manuscript Preparation
Participant/Patient Privacy and Informed Consent
Submission of Manuscript
Sample Paper
APC Waiver Policy
Complaints Policy
Human and Animal Rights Policy

1. Data Sharing Policy

The Data Sharing Policy ensures that authors provide access to the raw data used in their research to promote transparency and reproducibility in scientific research. By making research data publicly available, the policy enhances the credibility and integrity of the study, allowing other researchers to verify results and build upon previous work. Authors are encouraged to deposit data in established repositories, such as GenBank, Dryad, or institutional data archives, and must clearly state the conditions under which data can be accessed. The policy also emphasizes that data should be anonymized when necessary to protect personal or sensitive information, particularly in human and animal studies. In some cases, authors may be required to provide metadata or a data availability statement in the published article. This policy supports open science practices, ensuring that data is accessible for further scientific inquiry and fosters collaboration across the research community.

2. Check List

The Check List policy provides a clear list of requirements for authors before submitting their manuscript to the journal. This checklist is designed to help authors ensure their manuscript adheres to the journal's submission guidelines, which include formatting, style, and ethical compliance. Authors must verify that all necessary sections of the manuscript are included, such as the title, abstract, keywords, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. The checklist also asks authors to confirm that all figures, tables, and supplementary materials are properly labeled and formatted according to the journal's guidelines. Additional elements such as ethical approval for animal or human studies, conflicts of interest declarations, and copyright permissions are also covered. By following the checklist, authors can help facilitate the peer review process, minimize delays in publication, and ensure that their submission meets all journal requirements.

3. Withdrawal Policy

The Withdrawal Policy outlines the conditions under which an author can withdraw their manuscript from the journal during the submission or peer review process. Manuscripts can typically be withdrawn at any stage before formal acceptance, but authors must notify the journal’s editorial office promptly if they wish to withdraw their manuscript. The policy may require a written request, stating the reasons for withdrawal, such as errors in the data, ethical concerns, or submission to another journal. If the manuscript has already undergone peer review, the journal may request clarification on the reasons for withdrawal to ensure transparency. The withdrawal policy is designed to maintain academic integrity and avoid misleading readers or reviewers about the status of a manuscript. After a manuscript is accepted for publication, it can only be withdrawn under exceptional circumstances, with approval from the editorial board.

4. Open Access Policy

The Open Access Policy ensures that all articles published in the journal are freely accessible to readers worldwide, without any subscription or payment barriers. This policy promotes the broad dissemination of scientific knowledge, which enhances the visibility and impact of published research. Authors are typically required to pay an Article Processing Charge (APC) to cover the costs of publication, including peer review, editing, and hosting. The journal may also offer the option for authors to choose between different licensing models, such as Creative Commons licenses, which allow for different levels of reuse and adaptation of the content. Open access publishing is essential for accelerating scientific progress, as it makes high-quality research available to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in both developed and developing countries. This policy reflects the journal’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and global collaboration.

5. Rights and Grants to the Author

The Rights and Grants to the Author policy defines the intellectual property rights that authors retain after publication of their manuscript. Authors usually retain the copyright to their work, but they grant the journal a license to publish and distribute the article in various forms, including print and digital formats. The policy may specify that authors can reuse portions of their article in future works or presentations, provided they give proper attribution. The policy may also outline the procedure for requesting permissions for third-party content used in the article, such as images or data from other publications. By clearly establishing the rights of the author and the licensing terms granted to the journal, this policy helps protect the intellectual property of authors while ensuring their work is widely disseminated and accessible.

6. Digital Preservation

The Digital Preservation policy ensures the long-term accessibility and availability of published content. This policy outlines the journal's commitment to preserving the integrity of articles and ensuring that they remain accessible even in the event of technical issues or the discontinuation of the journal. The journal may partner with trusted digital repositories or archiving services, such as Portico or LOCKSS, to securely store and preserve published content. Additionally, the policy may detail how the journal ensures the consistent and accurate migration of content to new formats or platforms as technologies evolve. Authors and readers can be assured that articles published in the journal will remain accessible for future generations, enhancing the long-term impact of the research.

7. Article Processing Charge (APC)

The Article Processing Charge (APC) policy outlines the fees associated with publishing an article in the journal. APCs are typically required to cover the costs of editorial processes, peer review, production, and dissemination of the article. The policy specifies the amount of the charge, which may vary depending on factors such as article length, the type of article (e.g., original research or review), or the author’s affiliation. In some cases, the journal may offer discounts or waivers to authors from low-income countries or those facing financial hardship. The APC policy is designed to support the journal's open access model and ensure that all articles are freely available to the public. This system allows authors to publish their work without facing subscription fees and provides broad access to the scientific community.

8. English Language Editing

The English Language Editing policy supports authors who are non-native English speakers by offering services to improve the clarity, grammar, and style of their manuscript. The policy encourages authors to submit well-written and polished manuscripts, as language quality is crucial for clear communication of scientific findings. If necessary, authors may be required to use professional English editing services to ensure that their manuscript meets the journal’s language standards before submission. Some journals may provide in-house language editing or refer authors to third-party editing services. The goal of this policy is to help authors present their research in the most professional manner, ensuring that language does not hinder the acceptance and impact of their work.

9. Copyright Policy

The Copyright Policy governs the ownership of the intellectual property in a published manuscript. In most cases, authors retain the copyright to their work but grant the journal a license to publish and distribute the article. The policy may specify that authors allow the journal to use their work in multiple formats, including digital, print, and online platforms. Authors may also be required to transfer certain rights to the journal, such as the exclusive right to distribute the article. The policy also clarifies how authors can reuse their work, including the ability to post preprints or share articles on institutional repositories, provided they adhere to the licensing terms established by the journal. By outlining the distribution and reuse rights, the copyright policy helps protect the intellectual property of authors while ensuring that the journal can disseminate articles to a broad audience.

10. Errata, Retractions, and Corrigenda Policy

The Errata, Retractions, and Corrigenda Policy addresses the procedures for correcting errors or retracting articles after publication. If an article contains a significant error that affects its conclusions, an erratum or corrigendum may be issued. This policy ensures that corrections are clearly communicated to readers. In cases of more severe issues, such as plagiarism, falsification of data, or ethical violations, the article may be retracted. The policy establishes the process for retracting articles, which typically involves a public notice on the journal’s website and within the article itself. This helps maintain the scientific record's accuracy and integrity. Authors, editors, and reviewers are encouraged to act transparently and promptly in reporting any issues, ensuring that the journal upholds high academic standards.

11. Licensing Policy

The Licensing Policy defines how the intellectual property of published articles is licensed for reuse and distribution. Authors may retain copyright over their work but are required to grant the journal a license to publish and distribute it. The journal typically uses open access licenses, such as Creative Commons (CC) licenses, which allow users to freely use, share, and adapt the content, with proper attribution. The policy specifies the type of license chosen, ranging from more permissive options (e.g., CC BY) to more restrictive ones (e.g., CC BY-NC). Licensing ensures that authors have control over how their work is used while enabling broader dissemination and reuse in academic, educational, and public contexts.

12. Author’s Agreement Form

The Author’s Agreement Form is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions for submitting a manuscript to the journal. By signing the agreement, authors confirm that the manuscript is their original work, not under consideration elsewhere, and that all co-authors have agreed to the submission. The form may also include a copyright transfer or licensing agreement, specifying how the journal can use and distribute the article once accepted for publication. It may require authors to disclose conflicts of interest, funding sources, and ethical approvals for any research involving human or animal subjects. This agreement ensures that both the authors and the journal have a mutual understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

13. Plagiarism Policy

The Plagiarism Policy is designed to ensure that all articles submitted to the journal are original and free from any form of plagiarism. The policy outlines the journal’s procedures for detecting plagiarism using various software tools, such as Turnitin or iThenticate. Authors are required to confirm that their work has not been plagiarized and that they have properly cited all sources of information, including direct quotations, paraphrased ideas, and data. The policy also details the consequences of submitting plagiarized content, including manuscript rejection, retraction, or a ban on future submissions. This policy is essential for maintaining the integrity of the journal and ensuring that all published work is ethically sound.

14. Manuscript Preparation

The Manuscript Preparation policy provides authors with guidelines for formatting and structuring their articles according to the journal's standards. Authors are expected to prepare their manuscripts in a clear and consistent format, including specific instructions on font size, line spacing, and referencing style. The policy also specifies the required sections, such as the title, abstract, keywords, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, and references. Authors must also ensure that all tables, figures, and supplementary materials are correctly labeled and referenced. Following the manuscript preparation guidelines helps streamline the editorial and peer review process and ensures that articles meet the journal's publishing standards.

15. Participant/Patient Privacy and Informed Consent

The Participant/Patient Privacy and Informed Consent policy ensures that research involving human subjects complies with ethical standards regarding privacy and consent. Authors are required to obtain informed consent from all participants or patients involved in the study, ensuring they understand the nature of the research and their rights. The policy also emphasizes the importance of maintaining confidentiality and safeguarding participants' personal information. Any identifiable data must be anonymized or de-identified to protect privacy. Authors must include a statement in their manuscript confirming that informed consent was obtained and that the research adheres to ethical guidelines, such as those outlined by institutional review boards (IRBs) or ethics committees.

16. Submission of Manuscript

The Submission of Manuscript policy provides detailed instructions on how to submit a manuscript to the journal, including the preferred submission system (e.g., online submission portal). It outlines the documents required for submission, such as the manuscript file, cover letter, copyright transfer agreement, and any supplementary materials. Authors are encouraged to submit their work electronically to streamline the submission process and reduce the environmental impact. The policy also includes information on submission deadlines, manuscript tracking, and how authors will be notified of the editorial decision. Adherence to submission guidelines helps ensure a smooth and efficient review process.

17. Sample Paper

The Sample Paper policy provides authors with an example of a previously published article that follows the journal's formatting and submission guidelines. The sample paper serves as a model for authors to ensure their manuscripts adhere to the journal’s standards in terms of structure, style, and presentation. It typically includes guidelines on how to format sections like the abstract, introduction, methods, results, and conclusion, as well as the proper citation and referencing style. Authors can use the sample paper as a reference to help them prepare their own submission correctly.

18. APC Waiver Policy

The APC Waiver Policy outlines the conditions under which authors may be exempted from paying the Article Processing Charge (APC). Waivers are typically granted based on financial need, geographic location (e.g., for authors from low-income countries), or other special circumstances. The policy ensures that authors facing financial hardship can still publish their research in an open access format. Waivers may be granted in full or partial, depending on the specific criteria outlined in the policy. The aim is to promote inclusivity and make research accessible to a broader global audience, regardless of the author’s financial resources.

19. Complaints Policy

The Complaints Policy provides a procedure for addressing complaints or disputes related to the publication process. This could include issues with peer review, editorial decisions, publication ethics, or interactions with journal staff. The policy outlines the steps authors, reviewers, and readers can take to raise concerns in a respectful and formal manner. Complaints are typically handled by the editorial board, and the policy ensures that all issues are investigated thoroughly and addressed transparently. The goal of this policy is to maintain the journal’s integrity and to provide a fair process for resolving disputes.

20. Human and Animal Rights Policy

The Human and Animal Rights Policy ensures that all research involving human participants or animals complies with ethical standards and legal requirements. For human studies, authors must obtain ethical approval from a recognized institutional review board (IRB) and obtain informed consent from participants. For animal research, authors must follow guidelines such as those set by the Animal Welfare Act or the 3Rs principle (Replacement, Reduction, and Refinement) to ensure humane treatment. The policy emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct in research and requires authors to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or violations of ethical standards in their research.