Researchers are expected to conduct their work, from initial proposal to publication, in accordance with best practices and ethical standards established by relevant professional organizations and/or national and international regulatory bodies. In certain cases, ethical concerns or misconduct may arise during the submission process.

This journal is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record. As a member of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the journal follows COPE guidelines in handling potential cases of publication misconduct.

Authors must avoid misrepresenting research results, as such actions may undermine trust in the journal, compromise the professionalism of scientific authorship, and negatively impact the advancement of science. Integrity in research and its presentation should be maintained by adhering to good scientific practice, including:

• Manuscripts must not be submitted to more than one journal simultaneously.
• A single study should not be fragmented into multiple submissions (salami publishing).
• Secondary or concurrent publication is only acceptable under specific conditions, such as translations or targeting different audiences.
• Results must be presented clearly, honestly, and without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation.
• Plagiarism in any form is unacceptable. Proper acknowledgment of all sources must be provided, including direct quotations, summaries, and paraphrasing.

Important note: The journal may use plagiarism detection software.

• Authors must ensure they have proper permissions for the use of software, instruments, or surveys.
• Authors should avoid defamatory or inaccurate statements about individuals or organizations.
• Research that may be misused to threaten public health or security must be clearly identified in the manuscript.
• Authorship, including order and corresponding author, must be finalized upon submission. Changes after review are highly restricted and not permitted after acceptance.

Authors must respect third-party rights, including copyright and moral rights.

Upon request, authors should provide supporting data or documentation to verify the validity of their findings, except for confidential or proprietary data.

In cases of suspected misconduct, the journal will conduct an investigation in accordance with COPE guidelines. If misconduct is confirmed, actions may include:

• Rejection of the manuscript (if under review)
• Publication of a correction (erratum)
• Issuance of an expression of concern
• Retraction of the article in severe cases

Retracted articles will remain accessible online with a “retracted” watermark and an explanation. The author’s institution may also be notified.

Authors are responsible for correcting significant errors in their published work.

Authors may suggest or exclude reviewers, provided they are independent and free from conflicts of interest. It is recommended to suggest reviewers from diverse institutions and countries, with verifiable identities.