Procedure for Handling Ethical Complaints

The Editorial Board adjudicates complaints regarding breaches of ethical standards in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), specifically adhering to the relevant COPE flowcharts. To ensure objectivity and impartiality, the Editorial Board may convene an ad hoc committee comprising independent experts.

1. Grounds for Complaint

A formal complaint may be submitted to the Editorial Board regarding the following violations:

  • Academic Misconduct: plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and the falsification or fabrication of data.
  • Procedural Violations: biased, unethical, or unqualified peer review; editorial misuse of power; or breaches of confidentiality.
  • Ethical Conflicts: Undisclosed conflicts of interest, breaches of research integrity standards, or inappropriate conduct by members of the Editorial Board.

2. Submission Requirements

  • Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Editorial Board’s official email address.
  • Submissions must be concise and evidence-based, containing factual documentation (e.g., comparison tables for plagiarism allegations or specific references to contested sources).
  • The Editorial Board will not consider: anonymous submissions, communications containing threats or offensive language, or matters outside the scope of academic integrity (e.g., labor disputes or personal grievances).

3. Timeline and Disciplinary Measures

The standard timeframe for investigating a submission is 30 working days. Depending on the findings, the Editorial Board will issue one of the following determinations:

  • Correction: Implementing formal amendments to a manuscript or a published article via an erratum or corrigendum.
  • Expression of Concern: Issuing a formal notice if evidence of misconduct is significant but a final conclusion has not yet been formed.
  • Rejection or Retraction: Declining a manuscript or formally withdrawing a published article.
  • Sanctions: Imposing a temporary moratorium on the author’s ability to submit new manuscripts.
  • Dismissal: Rejecting the complaint if it is deemed baseless.

For complex investigations, the review period may be extended, and the complainant will be notified accordingly.

4. Appeals

Authors or complainants are entitled to one appeal against the Editorial Board’s decision. An appeal will only be considered if it presents substantial new evidence or arguments not previously reviewed. Repeated appeals in the absence of new information will be summarily dismissed.