Publication Ethics Policy

1. Scope and Standards

This policy applies to all journals, books, and proceedings published by NeucitePress and to everyone involved in the publishing process. Our practices are guided by COPE’s Core Practices and, where relevant, the recommendations of the ICMJE and WAME.

2. Authorship and Contributorship

• Authorship should be limited to those who made a substantial contribution to the work and who approve the final version.
• All listed authors are accountable for the integrity of the work; all who qualify should be listed.
• Honorary, guest, and ghost authorship are not permitted.
• Any change to authorship after submission requires the written agreement of all authors.
• The use of AI tools is governed by our AI Use Policy; AI cannot be an author.

3. Originality, Plagiarism, and Redundant Publication

• Submissions must be original and not under consideration elsewhere.
• Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism and text recycling, is unacceptable. Submissions may be screened with similarity-detection tools.
• Redundant or duplicate publication of the same research is not permitted.
• All sources must be properly cited and permission obtained for reused material.

4. Research Integrity and Data

• Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or images is serious misconduct.
• Research involving humans or animals must have appropriate ethical approval and, where required, informed consent.
• Authors should be prepared to provide underlying data and to retain it for a reasonable period.
• Image manipulation that misrepresents findings is prohibited.

5. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial or non-financial interests that could be perceived to influence the work or its assessment. Funding sources must be acknowledged. Editors and reviewers must recuse themselves where a conflict exists.

6. Peer Review Integrity

• Submissions are assessed fairly on their scholarly merit, without discrimination.
• Reviewers must keep manuscripts confidential and provide objective, constructive assessments.
• Reviewers must declare conflicts of interest and must not use unpublished material for personal advantage.
• Use of AI in review is governed by our AI Use Policy.

7. Editorial Responsibilities

Editors are responsible for deciding which submissions are published, based on validity and importance, free from commercial or personal influence. Editors safeguard the confidentiality of submissions, act on credible concerns about misconduct, and ensure a fair, timely process.

8. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

When errors or integrity issues are identified after publication, we act promptly and follow COPE guidance. Depending on the situation we may issue a correction, an expression of concern, or a retraction. The original record is preserved and clearly linked to the notice, so the scholarly record remains transparent.

9. Handling Misconduct and Complaints

Allegations of misconduct — including plagiarism, data fabrication, undisclosed conflicts, or authorship disputes — are investigated fairly and confidentially, following COPE flowcharts. We give those involved an opportunity to respond and may contact institutions where appropriate. Complaints about our processes can be raised with us directly using the contact details below.

10. Complaints and Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions or raise complaints by writing to us. Appeals should explain the grounds clearly and will be considered by an editor not previously involved where possible. We aim to acknowledge complaints promptly and resolve them fairly.

11. Contact Us