CODE OF PUBLICATION ETHICS
Overview
These guidelines reflect COPE principles and the IIUM JLLS commitment to transparent, ethical publication. They govern authors, reviewers, and editors throughout the editorial process—from submission to publication and any post-publication matters.
Authors’ Responsibilities
Originality and Integrity
- Submit work that is original, properly cited, and free from plagiarism. Fabrication or misrepresentation of data is unethical.
- Report research honestly, including clear accounts of methods and findings. Provide enough detail to support replication and verification.
Data Access and Transparency
- Provide access to the data underpinning conclusions when feasible, to promote transparency and reproducibility.
Publication Ethics
- Do not submit the same or substantially similar work to multiple journals. Concurrent submissions are unethical, and redundant publication should be avoided.
Acknowledgment of Sources
- Acknowledge all data sources, prior publications, and influences that contribute to the work.
Authorship and Contributions
- Authorship should reflect substantial contributions to conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research.
- Include all individuals who meet the authorship criteria; acknowledge others who contributed in meaningful but non-authorial ways.
Conflict of Interest
- Disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts that could influence the work’s results or interpretation.
Copyright and Permissions
- Obtain permissions for copyrighted material and provide evidence of consent where requir
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
- If AI or AI-assisted tools are used for writing or editing, disclose their use. Use such tools to improve readability; ensure that results remain reproducible and attributable.
Funding Disclosure
- Transparently disclose all funding sources and grant numbers supporting the research.
Reviewers’ Responsibilities
Contributing to Editorial Decisions
- Provide constructive, manuscript-specific feedback to improve quality and assist editors in decision-making.
Confidentiality
- Treat unpublished materials as confidential. Do not use information obtained through the review process for personal gain; do not disclose or share manuscript content outside the review context.
AI and Peer Review
- Do not upload or input a submitted manuscript into generative AI tools, as this may breach confidentiality and data privacy.
Objectivity and Timeliness
- Conduct reviews impartially, focusing on scholarly merit. Support opinions with clear, evidence-based arguments.
- Complete reviews within agreed timelines; communicate promptly if delays arise.
Invitations and Conflicts of Interest
- Respond promptly to review invitations. If unable to complete a review or if a conflict exists, inform the editor and, if possible, decline or request an extension.
Ethical Issues and Misconduct
- Highlight ethical concerns, potential misconduct, or inadequacies in methodology, consent procedures, or data handling. Be vigilant for redundancy or plagiarism.
Editors’ Responsibilities
Competing Interests
- Editors must recuse themselves from decisions where they have a conflict of interest or close personal/professional relationships with authors or products/services involved.
Fairness, Confidentiality, and Independence
- Assess manuscripts solely on intellectual merit, without regard to authors’ personal attributes. Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscript content.
Editorial Decision-Making
- The Editorial Committee decides publication based on scholarly significance, methodological rigor, and alignment with journal policies and legal obligations (e.g., libel, copyright).
Review Process Integrity
- Ensure a fair, unbiased, and timely peer-review process. Typically, manuscripts are evaluated by at least two external reviewers, with additional opinions sought as needed.
Reviewer Selection
- Select reviewers with appropriate expertise and strive for diverse, inclusive representation.
Anonymity in Peer Review
- Uphold a double-blind system where applicable, protecting the identities of both authors and reviewers.
Corresponding Author and Responsibilities
Primary Point of Contact
- The corresponding author coordinates submission, review, and publication communications. They ensure all authors approve the submission and revisions.
Availability and Responsiveness
- Remain accessible throughout the process, promptly addressing editorial queries and supplying data or materials upon request, including after publication if questions arise.
Co-Author Communication
- Keep all co-authors informed about revisions, proofs, and final approvals.
Unethical Behavior,Sanctions, and Human Subjects
Investigation and Sanctions
- Allegations of unethical conduct (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, undisclosed conflicts of interest) are investigated promptly and impartially. Sanctions may include erratum, retraction, or institutional notification.
Human Subjects and Ethical Compliance
- Research involving human subjects must comply with established ethical standards, including informed consent and privacy protections.
Privacy and Informed Consent for Publication
Privacy Protections
- Respect participants’ privacy and confidentiality. Do not disclose identifying information without explicit consent.
Informed Consent and Ethics Approval
- For studies involving human participants, provide evidence of informed consent and ethics approval where applicable.
Format and Compliance
House Style and Formatting
- The journal uses a consistent structure with clear section headings, bullet lists for readability, and citations in the journal’s preferred style.
- Authors are encouraged to follow standard reporting guidelines relevant to their discipline (e.g., CONSORT, PRISMA, or other appropriate guidelines).
Post-Publication and Appeals
Corrections and Retractions
- When errors are identified, the journal will issue appropriate corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions in line with COPE guidelines and legal requirements.
Appeals
- Authors may appeal editorial decisions following the journal’s formal appeals process, outlined in the editorial policies.
Contact and Queries
- For questions about these guidelines or specific situations, contact the editorial office via the journal’s designated channels.
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