Authors' Responsibilities

Reporting Standards

Authors must present a precise and accurate account of their original research and provide an objective discussion of its significance. Data should be accurately represented in the paper, which must include sufficient detail and references to allow others to replicate the work. Misrepresentation of data or fraudulent statements are considered unethical and are strictly prohibited.

Both review articles and professional publications should maintain high standards of accuracy and objectivity. Editorial opinions should be clearly identified as such.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors must ensure their submissions are original works. If the work or words of others are used, they must be properly cited or quoted, with permissions obtained where necessary. Proper acknowledgment of others' work must always be given. Plagiarism, including passing off another’s work as one's own or copying substantial parts without attribution, is unethical and unacceptable.

Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publication

Authors should not submit manuscripts describing essentially the same research to more than one journal simultaneously. Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals is unethical. Previously published work should not be submitted to another journal except in specific circumstances (e.g., abstracts, lectures, academic theses, or preprints).

Data Access and Retention

Authors may be required to provide the research data supporting their paper for editorial review or to comply with the journal's open data policies. Authors should be prepared to make such data publicly accessible and retain it for a reasonable period after publication. Refer to the journal’s Guide for Authors for more details.

Authorship and Contributions

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. All significant contributors should be listed as co-authors. Others who participated in specific aspects of the research (e.g., language editing, medical writing) should be acknowledged.

The corresponding author must ensure that all co-authors have approved the final version of the paper and agreed to its submission. Changes to authorship after submission are rare and must be approved by the Editor, with agreement from all authors.

Authors are collectively responsible for the work. Each author must ensure the accuracy and integrity of any part of the work and address any questions related to it.

Use of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies should only be used to enhance readability and language, under human oversight. Authors must disclose the use of AI tools in the manuscript. AI tools cannot be credited as authors. Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality and accuracy of the work, and they must comply with the journal’s ethical guidelines.

Use of AI in Figures and Artwork

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create or alter images in manuscripts is not allowed, except when AI tools are part of the research design or methods. Such use must be described in the methods section, with details on the AI tools used and proper attribution. The use of AI in creating graphical abstracts or cover art requires prior permission from the journal editor and publisher.

Confidentiality

Information obtained during confidential services, such as manuscript or grant application reviews, must not be used without explicit written permission from the author of the work involved.

Responsibilities and Ethical Compliance

Authors are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and ethical conduct. They must ensure their work is original, accurately reported, and properly cited. Authors must avoid plagiarism and redundant publication, maintain data transparency, and ensure all co-authors are properly credited. Adhering to these ethical guidelines ensures the integrity of their work and the trust of the academic community.