Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement
PUBLICATION ETHICS AND MALPRACTICE
STATEMENT
The IJPPR adheres to the highest ethical standards in publishing and follows the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). This statement outlines the responsibilities of editors, reviewers, authors, and publishers to ensure integrity in academic publishing.
DUTIES OF EDITORS
Editorial Independence and Fair Play
Editors evaluate submitted manuscripts based on their academic merit—importance, originality, validity, and clarity—and relevance to the journal’s scope. The authors’ race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, citizenship, religious beliefs, political views, or institutional affiliations do not influence editorial decisions. External policies from government agencies or organizations do not affect the editorial process. The Editor-in-Chief holds full authority over the journal’s editorial content and publication schedule.
Confidentiality
Editors and editorial staff will not disclose any information about submitted manuscripts to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisors, or the publisher when necessary.
Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Editors and editorial board members must not use unpublished materials from submitted manuscripts for personal research without the author’s explicit written consent. They will also refrain from handling manuscripts in cases where conflicts of interest exist due to competitive, collaborative, or other relationships with the authors, companies, or institutions involved.
Publication Decisions
All manuscripts considered for publication undergo peer review by at least two experts. The Editor-in-Chief determines which manuscripts will be published, considering their academic validity, significance, reviewer feedback, and compliance with legal and ethical standards (e.g., plagiarism, copyright infringement, libel).
Investigations and Ethical Oversight
If ethical concerns arise regarding a submitted or published manuscript, the editorial team will investigate in collaboration with the publisher and relevant institutions. Cases of unethical behavior will be addressed following COPE guidelines, which may result in corrections, retractions, or other necessary actions.
DUTIES OF REVIEWERS
Contribution to Editorial Decisions
Peer reviewers assist editors in making publication decisions and help authors improve their manuscripts. Reviewers play a crucial role in upholding scientific integrity and transparency.
Promptness
Reviewers who feel unqualified to assess a manuscript or unable to provide a timely review should notify the editors immediately and decline the review.
Confidentiality
Manuscripts under review are confidential documents and must not be shared or discussed with others unless authorized
by the Editor-in-Chief. This policy also applies to reviewers who decline an invitation to review.
Objectivity and Constructive Feedback
Reviews should be conducted objectively. Criticism should be directed at the manuscript’s content, clarity, and methodology rather than the authors. Reviewers should provide clear, constructive, and evidence-based feedback to help authors improve their work.
cknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers should identify any relevant published work that the authors have not cited. They must also report any substantial similarities or overlaps with other works known to them.
Conflicts of Interest
Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest—such as professional, financial, or personal connections to the authors, institutions, or companies involved—and decline the review if necessary.
DUTIES OF AUTHORS
Reporting Standards
Authors must provide an accurate, complete, and objective account of their research, ensuring that results are represented truthfully. Editorial or opinion-based articles should be clearly identified as such. Fabrication, falsification, or deliberate misrepresentation is unethical and unacceptable.
Data Access and Retention
Authors may be asked to provide raw data for editorial review and should be prepared to make such data publicly available. Data should be retained for at least 10 years after publication, with confidentiality and legal considerations upheld.
Originality and Plagiarism
Authors must ensure that their submissions are entirely original and that any borrowed ideas, text, or data are properly
cited. Plagiarism in any form is unethical and will not be tolerated.
Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Submissions
Manuscripts should not be submitted to more than one journal at the same time. Redundant publication (publishing the same research in multiple places) is unethical unless explicitly justified and agreed upon by the editors of all involved journals.
Authorship
Only individuals who have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, data analysis, or manuscript preparation should be listed as authors. Those who have contributed in other capacities (e.g., technical assistance, writing support) should be acknowledged separately with their consent.
Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence the research or its interpretation. All
sources of funding must be explicitly mentioned, including relevant grant numbers.
Acknowledgment of Sources
Authors should properly credit all sources that have influenced their research. Privately obtained information (e.g.,
conversations, personal correspondence) should not be used without explicit permission from the source.
Ethical Considerations for Human and Animal Research
Authors must ensure compliance with relevant ethical guidelines when conducting studies involving human participants or animals. Manuscripts must include statements confirming that ethical approval was obtained and that informed consent was secured for human subjects. Researchers should disclose any potential hazards related to the study.
Peer Review Participation
Authors must engage actively in the peer review process, responding to editor and reviewer comments in a timely and
systematic manner.
Correction of Errors
If authors discover significant errors in their published work, they are responsible for promptly notifying the journal to issue a correction or retraction. If a third party reports errors, authors must provide evidence confirming or refuting the claim.
DUTIES OF THE PUBLISHER
Handling of Unethical Publishing Behavior
In cases of scientific misconduct, fraudulent publication, or plagiarism, the publisher will collaborate with editors to investigate and take appropriate corrective action, such as issuing corrections, retractions, or explanations.
The publisher works with editors to prevent unethical research and publication practices, ensuring the integrity of the scientific record.
