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Editorial Policies

Content

The journal adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The act of submitting a manuscript to a journal signifies that all authors have thoroughly reviewed and consented to its content and that the work adheres to the policies set forth by the journal.

Affiliations

All authors must provide a complete list of affiliations to acknowledge the institutions or organizations that approved, funded, and/or conducted the research or academic activity.

  • For non-research articles, authors should include their current institutional affiliation.
  • If an author has moved to a new institution before the publication of the article, they should list the affiliation where the research was conducted and note their current affiliation.
  • Authors without a current institutional affiliation should clearly state their independent status.

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Appeals and complaints

The journal follows Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines on appeals to journal editor decisions and complaints about a journal’s editorial management of the peer review process. We welcome genuine appeals to editor decisions. However, you will need to provide strong evidence or new data/information in response to the editor’s and reviewers’ comments.

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Acknowledgments

Acknowledgment should be given to individuals who contributed to the creation of a manuscript but do not meet the criteria for authorship. It is imperative to recognize the contributions of organizations that have offered financial assistance and/or other valuable resources.

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Authorship

Including the names of authors in an article serves as a crucial means of acknowledging individuals who have made substantial contributions to the research. Additionally, it guarantees transparency for individuals tasked with upholding the integrity of the content.

In order to be included in the list of authors for an article, individuals must satisfy each of the following criteria:

  • The individual has made a substantial contribution to the research project, encompassing several aspects such as conceptualization, study design, execution, data collecting, analysis, and interpretation.
  • The individual has engaged in the process of drafting or writing, making significant revisions, or conducting a critical evaluation of the piece.
  • The selection of the journal to which the article will be submitted has been finalized.
  • The article underwent a thorough review process, during which all versions were carefully examined and approved before submission. Throughout the revision process, the final version that was ultimately accepted for publication was closely scrutinized, and any noteworthy modifications were made at the proofreading stage.
  • The author agrees to assume responsibility and be held accountable for the content of the article, as well as to collaborate in addressing any inquiries regarding the accuracy or integrity of the published work.

In order to modify the authorship of a publication, whether prior to or subsequent to its release, it is imperative that unanimous consent is obtained from all authors involved, including those who are being added or deleted. The corresponding author bears the responsibility of acquiring confirmation from all co-authors and delivering a comprehensive rationale for the necessity of the modification. In the event that a modification in authorship becomes necessary subsequent to the publication of the article, it will be rectified by means of a post-publication notification. All modifications to the authorship must adhere to our established standards for authorship. If there are substantial alterations to the list of authors after the article has been accepted, such requests may be declined unless compelling justifications and substantiating proof regarding the contributions of the authors are supplied.

Authorship Criteria

The allocation of authorship credit should be contingent solely upon significant contributions made to each of the three aforementioned components.

  • The first aspect involves the conceptualization and design of the study, as well as the collection and analysis of data.
  • The second aspect entails the initial composition of the article or its critical revision to ensure the inclusion of significant intellectual contributions.
  • Lastly, the third aspect involves granting final approval for the publication of the article in its current form.

Authorship cannot be justified purely based on participation in funding procurement or data collecting. Merely providing general oversight to a research group does not meet the criteria for authorship. It is imperative that every individual involved in the project has made substantial contributions to warrant their public accountability for the relevant sections of the document. The sequencing of authorship should be determined by the respective contributions made by each individual towards the research and composition of the work. The order, once submitted, is immutable until all authors provide explicit agreement for any modifications. The maximum number of authors for papers is determined by the journal, taking into consideration factors such as the type of manuscript, its breadth, and the number of universities involved. If the number of writers exceeds the specified boundaries, the authors should provide an explanation.

Contribution Details

The individuals involved in the project are expected to furnish a comprehensive account of their respective contributions to the document. The description should be organized into the following categories, as appropriate: concept, design, intellectual content definition, literature review, clinical studies, experimental studies, data collection, data analysis, statistical analysis, manuscript writing, manuscript editing, and manuscript review. The writers' contributions will be included in the publication of the article. The responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the work as a whole, from its genesis to the publication of the piece, should be assigned to one or more authors who will be designated as "guarantors."

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Citations

In order to substantiate any assertions put forth in research and non-research pieces, it is imperative to include suitable citations to pertinent, up-to-date, and authenticated literature, with preference given to peer-reviewed sources.

It is imperative to refrain from engaging in excessive and inappropriate self-citation or engaging in prearrangements among author groups with the intention of inappropriately citing each other's work. Such practices can be seen as a kind of misconduct known as citation manipulation. Please familiarize yourself with the guidelines provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) on the manipulation of citations.

If one assumes the role of an author for a non-research article, such as a Review or Opinion piece, it is imperative to ensure that the references included are pertinent and offer an impartial and comprehensive summary of the existing body of research or scholarly work pertaining to the subject matter. It is imperative to ensure that one's references exhibit fairness and avoid any undue prejudice towards a specific research group, organization, or journal.

In cases of uncertainty on the necessity of citing a source, it is advisable to seek guidance from the journal editorial office.

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Conflicts of Interest

It is imperative for authors of papers to fully disclose any conflicts of interest they may possess in relation to the publishing of the manuscript, as well as any affiliations with institutions or products referenced in the manuscript that could significantly influence the study's findings. It is imperative for authors to disclose any conflicts of interest they may have with products that are in competition with those listed in their work.

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Corrections, Expressions of Concern, Retractions

Occasionally, subsequent to the publication of an article, it may become imperative to effect modifications to its ultimate edited iteration. The Editor will undertake this task following a thorough evaluation, with the cooperation of the journal team, to ensure that any required modifications adhere to the guidelines provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Any required modifications will be accompanied by a permanent post-publication notification that will be permanently linked to the original article. The several forms of rectifying an academic publication include a Correction notice (Corrigendum or Erratum), an Expression of Concern, a Retraction, or, in exceptional cases, a Removal. The primary objective of implementing this method, which facilitates the establishment of permanent and visible modifications, is to uphold the integrity of the scholarly record.

A Correction notice will be published in instances where it is deemed necessary to rectify an error or omission that has the potential to affect the interpretation of the article while ensuring that the scholarly integrity of the article remains unharmed. Instances of errors in scientific publications can manifest in several forms, such as the misidentification of a graphical representation, the omission of pertinent details regarding financial support, or potential conflicts of interest among the authors. The journal employs two distinct forms of correction notice. A Corrigendum is often employed to rectify errors that have been introduced by the authors themselves, while an Erratum is typically utilized to address problems that have been introduced by the publisher.

A notice of retraction will be issued in cases where a significant error, such as in the analysis or methods, renders the conclusions of the article invalid. Additionally, retraction notices will be issued in instances of research misconduct or publication misconduct, such as conducting research without obtaining necessary ethical approvals, fabricating data, manipulating images, engaging in plagiarism, or publishing duplicate content. The determination to publish a retraction for an article will be conducted in accordance with the rules established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). In the event that the reasons provided by authors and institutions align with the established grounds for retraction, they may also seek to request the retraction of their papers.

All retractions published in the journal will adhere to the following guidelines: - The retraction and the original article will be linked in both directions. - The retracted article will be clearly identified. - The original HTML version of the article will be retained, with both the HTML and PDF versions digitally marked as 'Retracted'. - A comprehensive explanation, detailing the reason for the retraction, will be provided. - The individual(s) responsible for requesting the retraction, such as the authors and/or the Editor, will be clearly indicated.

The goal of a retraction, as acknowledged by the journal, is to rectify the existing literature and uphold the integrity of the published record. The primary purpose of these measures is not to serve as a punitive tool against authors.

Typically, authorship disputes are not resolved through the issuance of retractions. The recommended course of action in this particular scenario is to issue a corrigendum. The change in authorship can be justified, provided that the authors can obtain support from their respective institutions.

In order to mitigate the consequences of inaccurate or deceptive publications, utmost endeavors will be exerted to promptly issue retractions.

In certain instances, the issuance of an Expression of Concern notification may be deemed appropriate when significant concerns, such as instances of severe research or publication misconduct, have been raised. This measure is typically taken when the investigation's findings are inconclusive or when the investigation is expected to require a substantial amount of time due to various complexities. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, it is possible that a Retraction or Correction notice will be issued subsequent to the Expression of Concern. These notices, along with the original article, will continue to be included in the enduring public record.

In exceptional cases, a Removal notice may be issued when the issues at hand cannot be effectively resolved through the utilization of a Retraction or Correction notice. Instances may arise in which the material contained within the article is deemed defamatory, infringing upon legal rights, or subject to a court-issued directive. In the event that an article is withdrawn from the journal Online, a notification of removal will be published in its stead.

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In order to include any specific information or visuals pertaining to an individual in a manuscript, it is imperative to have written informed consent from this individual. In the case of minors under the age of 18, consent must be sought from their parent or legal guardian. In order to publish their details under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, it is imperative to obtain their authorization, ensuring that their information will be freely accessible on the internet. In the event of an individual's demise, it is imperative to secure approval from their closest living relative for the purpose of publication. It is imperative that the text incorporates a declaration indicating that written informed consent for publishing was procured.

Authors have the option to utilize a consent form in order to acquire consent for publishing. Alternatively, they may choose to employ a consent form provided by their respective institution or location, if deemed suitable. The consent form should explicitly indicate that the specific facts and photographs will be made accessible on the internet without any restrictions, allowing them to be viewed by individuals in the general public. The consent form should be sent to the Editor upon request and will be handled in a confidential manner.

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Confidentiality

A manuscript that has been submitted is regarded as possessing a confidential nature. Academic journals maintain stringent confidentiality protocols to safeguard the privacy of submitted papers, limiting access solely to individuals involved in the manuscript's processing and preparation for future publication. The individuals included in this category comprise the editorial team, corresponding authors, potential reviewers, actual reviewers, and editors. However, in cases where misconduct is suspected, it is feasible for a manuscript to be shared with the ethical committees of Academic Journals and pertinent institutions or organizations for the purpose of investigating the claimed misconduct. It is expected that academic journals will conform to the applicable COPE flowcharts as necessary. The topic of discussion pertains to the policy around copyright.

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Who is eligible to submit?

Individuals have the opportunity to submit an authentic manuscript for potential publishing in the Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics, on the condition that they possess the copyright to the submitted work or have obtained authorization from the copyright owner(s) to do so.

User Rights

The Iraqi Journal for Computer Science and Mathematics is an open-access journal. Users have the right to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles under the following conditions: [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

Copyright statement stated here and embedded in each published article

Open Access Policy

The journal is an Open Access journal. Users have the right to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of articles under the following conditions: [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/] (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

This license allows readers to copy, distribute, and transmit, to alter, transform, or build upon the Contribution, and to use the article for commercial purposes as long as it is attributed back to the author and the source, i.e., the original author(s) and the source is given appropriate credit.

Author Rights

Authors will retain copyright alongside scholarly usage rights, and the Publisher will be granted non-exclusive publishing and distribution rights.

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Data Falsification/Fabrication

Instances where intentional measures have been employed to inappropriately manipulate or manufacture data. Engaging in such behavior is seen as a grave instance of misconduct, as it is specifically intended to deceive others and undermine the credibility of the academic body of knowledge, resulting in significant and enduring ramifications.

Authors are required to verify the accuracy and fidelity of all data presented in their publication before submitting it to the journal, ensuring that it faithfully represents their research. In order to facilitate the evaluation process of the journal, authors are required to maintain all original data that is included in their papers.

If the primary data cannot be provided upon request, the acceptance of a manuscript or published work may be refused or withdrawn.

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Desk Rejection Policy

  1. The topic/scope of the study is not relevant to the field of the Journal.
  2. There are publication ethics problems, non-adherence to international standard guidelines, and plagiarism (set at a similarity index of higher than 20 percent).
  3. The topic does not have a sufficient impact, nor does it sufficiently contribute new knowledge to the field.
  4. There are flaws in the study design.
  5. The objective of the study is not clearly stated.
  6. The study of the organization is problematic and/or certain components are missing.
  7. There are problems in writing or series infelicities in the style of grammar.
  8. The manuscript does not follow the submission guidelines of the Journal.

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Duplicate Submission/publication

Authors are obligated to disclose during the submission process that their article is not concurrently being considered for publication elsewhere. Consequently, the identification of a duplicate submission or publication is often regarded as an intentional action. This encompasses articles that have been previously published in a different language. In compliance with the guidelines set forth by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), authors are required to obtain permission from the publisher and copyright holder of the original article for secondary submissions or publications, such as an article translated into English. Additionally, authors must inform the Editor of the receiving journal regarding the provenance of the original article. It is imperative to explicitly indicate to readers that the piece in question is a translated rendition, accompanied by a proper citation referencing the original source.

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Funding

Authors are obliged by the journal to disclose all sources of funding, including any financial assistance, in their work. The authors ought to include a comprehensive account of the involvement of any sponsor(s), if applicable, throughout the many stages of study design up until the submission of the manuscript for publication. It is imperative to include a statement indicating whether the sponsor(s) had no role in the matter. Please ensure that the information provided is accurate and aligns with the guidelines set forth by your funding organization.

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Images and Figures

In order to incorporate photographs, video, or audio recordings that may disclose the identity of patients or research participants, it is imperative to obtain Consent to Publish from the individuals themselves or from their next of kin in the case of deceased participants, or from parents or guardians if the participants are minors or regarded to be vulnerable.

It is imperative for authors to possess an understanding of cultural sensitivities and constraints pertaining to the inclusion of photographs inside their manuscripts. In certain cultural contexts, the display or depiction of human remains or deceased individuals is subject to restrictions. It is imperative to observe acceptable ethical protocols by taking into account the perspectives and approval procedures of the associated groups.

Experimental photographic photographs, particularly those obtained using microscopy, should strive to faithfully represent the original image. It is imperative to include a comprehensive explanation within the manuscript and figure legend when images have been altered or improved in any manner. This is necessary to ensure that readers are not misled regarding the content depicted in the photographs. It is expected that authors possess the readiness to provide the journal editorial office with the original, unaltered, unannotated, and unprocessed photographs if requested.

It is important to acknowledge that any alterations made should be limited in scope and uniformly applied over the entire image. In accordance with academic conventions, it is imperative for authors to include comprehensive information regarding the methods employed for image acquisition, as well as any alterations made to the photographs, including specific details about the software utilized, along with its corresponding version number. Any alterations that have the potential to change the scientific interpretation of the image are strictly prohibited.

The utilization of images or figures sourced from previously published materials is contingent upon the writers securing proper authorization from the copyright owner for their re-use. It is imperative to incorporate a remark affirming this fact within the legend of the figure. It is imperative to provide proper citation for the original source of a picture, regardless of whether the image is copyrighted or if its re-use is permitted under a license that allows unrestricted re-use.

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Misconduct

The journal takes all forms of misconduct seriously and will take all necessary action, in accordance with COPE guidelines, to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

Examples of misconduct include (but are not limited to):

  • Affiliation misrepresentation
  • Breaches in copyright/use of third-party material without appropriate permissions
  • Citation manipulation
  • Duplicate submission/publication
  • “Ethics dumping”
  • Image or data manipulation/fabrication
  • Peer review manipulation
  • Plagiarism
  • Text-recycling/self-plagiarism
  • Undisclosed competing interests
  • Unethical research

Duplicate Submission

Manuscripts that are discovered to have been previously published or are now under review elsewhere will be subject to penalties for duplicate submission and publication. In the event that authors incorporate their own previously published work or work that is presently undergoing review into a submitted paper, it is imperative for them to appropriately acknowledge and cite the aforementioned work. Furthermore, authors must explicitly elucidate the unique contributions that their submitted manuscript brings forward, surpassing those of the previous work.

Citation Manipulation

Manuscripts that are discovered to contain citations primarily intended to artificially inflate the citation count of a certain author's work or papers published in a specific journal will be subject to penalties for citation manipulation.

Data Fabrication and Falsification

Manuscripts that are discovered to contain faked or falsified experimental results, such as the modification of photographs, will be subject to sanctions for data fabrication and falsification.

Improper Author Contribution or Attribution

It is imperative that all authors mentioned in the publication have made substantial scientific contributions to the research and have provided their approval for all claims made within the document. In order to ensure comprehensive recognition of key scientific contributions, it is imperative to include all those involved, including students and laboratory personnel.

Redundant Publications

Redundant publications involve the inappropriate division of study outcomes into several articles.

Image manipulation

Misconduct refers to actions that contravene the editorial policy, journal policies, publishing ethics, or any relevant guidelines/rules outlined by COPE, WAME, ICMJE, and STM. Any further activities that pose a risk to or undermine the integrity of the research and publication process can be considered as potential instances of misconduct. Alleged instances of wrongdoing will be subject to investigation in accordance with established protocols. COPE guidelines

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Publication Ethics

The journal and its editorial board fully adhere to and comply with the policies and principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Duties of Editors

Publication Decisions

The responsibility of determining the papers to be published in the journal lies with the editorial board. The decision-making process of the board involves conferring and consulting reviewer recommendations while adhering to legal obligations pertaining to libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. The origins of a manuscript, including the nationality, ethnicity, political opinions, race, or religion of the authors, do not influence editorial judgments.

Confidentiality, Disclosure, and Conflicts of Interest

During the process of article review, it is imperative for editors to maintain strict confidentiality by refraining from sharing any information pertaining to the submitted manuscript with individuals other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, and other editorial advisers. The utilization of unpublished materials, which are revealed in a manuscript that has been submitted, is strictly prohibited in the research endeavors of an editor, reviewer, or any other reader unless explicit written permission is obtained from the author. It is imperative to provide readers with comprehensive information regarding the funding sources for research or scholarly work, including any potential involvement of the funders in the study process and publishing.

Author Relations

The editors make efforts to guarantee that the peer review process conducted at the journal is characterized by fairness, lack of bias, and promptness. The magazine has implemented specific protocols to manage submissions from members of the editorial board, thereby ensuring an impartial review process. The guidelines provided by the author's instructions offer direction for the criteria that determine authorship.

Reviewer Relations

The Journal strongly encourages reviewers to provide feedback on ethical concerns and potential misconduct that may arise from submitted manuscripts, such as unethical research design and inappropriate manipulation of data. Additionally, reviewers are expected to remain vigilant in identifying instances of repetitive publication and plagiarism. The complete reviewers' comments should be transmitted to the writers unless they include offensive or defamatory statements. The journal continuously recognizes the contributions made by reviewers and discontinues the utilization of reviewers who consistently provide evaluations that are discourteous, of poor quality, or submitted after the designated deadline.

Quality Assurance

It is vital for editors to undertake appropriate measures in order to uphold the caliber of the content they disseminate while acknowledging that distinct sections may possess varying objectives and criteria. It is imperative for editors to ensure that the study they publish has obtained approval from a suitable governing authority, such as a research ethics committee or institutional review board, if applicable. It is imperative for editors to remain vigilant on matters pertaining to intellectual property and collaborate closely with their publishers in order to effectively address any potential violations of legal and ethical standards. It is imperative to swiftly rectify any errors, inaccuracies, or misleading remarks, ensuring that they are given appropriate prominence.

Duties of Reviewers

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Reviewers play a crucial role in aiding the editorial board in the process of making editorial choices. The process of conducting reviews should adhere to principles of objectivity, ensuring that observations are expressed in a clear manner and accompanied by supporting arguments. This approach enables writers to utilize the feedback provided to enhance the quality of their articles. It is deemed unacceptable to engage in personal criticism of the author.

Qualification of Reviewers

If any chosen referee deems themselves inadequately equipped to assess the research presented in a submission or anticipates being unable to conduct a timely assessment, it is expected that they inform the editor and withdraw from the review process. It is imperative that reviewers refrain from evaluating manuscripts in which they own conflicts of interest arising from competing, collaborative, or other affiliations or associations with any of the authors, companies, or institutions associated with the respective articles.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts that are submitted for evaluation must be regarded as confidential materials. It is imperative to maintain the confidentiality of privileged information or ideas acquired through the process of peer review, refraining from utilizing them for personal gain.

Acknowledgment of Sources

It is imperative for reviewers to ascertain pertinent scholarly literature that has not been referenced by the authors. It is imperative to provide appropriate citations when referring to the concepts or thoughts of other individuals. In addition, it is imperative for a reviewer to notify the editor of any significant resemblance or duplication between the article being evaluated and any other previously published work that they possess firsthand knowledge of.

Duties of Authors

Reporting Standards

The authors of research reports are expected to provide a precise depiction of the conducted work, together with an impartial analysis of its importance. It is imperative to ensure a correct representation of the underlying data in the article. It is expected that authors possess the readiness to offer public accessibility to unprocessed data in relation to a scholarly article and maintain said data for a minimum duration of two years following its publication. Engaging in fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements is considered unethical and falls under the category of undesirable behavior.

Originality, Plagiarism, and Concurrent Publication

It is imperative for authors to guarantee that their work is completely original and that they have duly recognized any borrowed work or words from others. Plagiarism, in its various manifestations, represents a sort of unethical conduct in the realm of publication and is deemed unacceptable. Engaging in the simultaneous submission of an identical manuscript to multiple journals is considered unethical conduct in the realm of publishing and is deemed inappropriate.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest

It is imperative for writers to provide a comprehensive disclosure of any financial or substantive conflicts of interest in their manuscript, as these conflicts have the potential to impact the outcomes or interpretation of their work. It is imperative to declare all sources of financial assistance for the project.

Authorship of the Paper

It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to ensure that the manuscript includes all suitable co-authors and excludes any inappropriate co-authors. Furthermore, the corresponding author must ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and given their approval for the final version of the paper, as well as agreed to its submission for publication. It is imperative to acknowledge and include those individuals who have made substantial contributions by listing them as co-authors. It is imperative to acknowledge or include individuals who have actively participated in certain substantive components of the study endeavor as contributions.

Fundamental Errors in Published Works

When an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in the published work, it is the author’s obligation to promptly notify the journal editor and work with the editor to retract or correct the paper.

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Peer Review Process

The manuscript is initially subjected to an editorial review. The assessment of the document will take place within the confines of the office, with the aim of determining its compatibility with our specific focus and scope, as well as identifying any significant methodological deficiencies. The manuscript will undergo a Single Blind Review process, where it will be evaluated by a minimum of two anonymous reviewers. The comments provided by reviewers are thereafter forwarded to the author responsible for the manuscript, who is expected to take appropriate actions and provide responses accordingly. The proposed choice will undergo evaluation during an editorial board meeting. Subsequently, the editor will provide the ultimate determination to the author who is responsible for the associated submission.

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Plagiarism

TThe journal maintains a stringent policy against plagiarism, wherein the journal unequivocally disapproves of the utilization of others' concepts, language, or labor without proper attribution. Any submissions that include plagiarism, whether it is in its entirety or partially, duplicate and repetitive publication, or self-plagiarism in the same or other language, will not be accepted.

The Preprint archive will not be seen as a redundant publication. The primary author assumes responsibility for the work throughout the evaluation and publication process and is authorized to act on behalf of all co-authors. Professional plagiarism-checking software is utilized to examine all manuscripts that are submitted. Manuscripts that exhibit an unacceptable similarity index due to plagiarism are promptly rejected.

Preprints Policy

Authors can share their preprint anywhere at any time. If accepted for publication, we encourage authors to link from the preprint to their formal publication via its Digital Object Identifier (DOI). Authors can update their preprints on arXiv or RePEc, etc. with their accepted manuscript.

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Preprint Policy

The publishing of identifying information, including as textual descriptions, pictures, sonograms, CT scans, and pedigrees, should generally be avoided unless it is necessary for scientific purposes and the patient (or their parent or guardian, if applicable) has provided informed consent for publication. It is recommended that authors exclude patients' names from figures unless they have gotten explicit informed consent from these patients. The journal adheres to the rules set forth by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

In order to ensure ethical publication practices, it is the responsibility of authors, rather than the journals or publishers, to secure patient consent forms prior to publication and to appropriately archive these forms. The consent forms should not be included in the cover letter or transmitted by email to the editorial or publisher offices.

If the manuscript includes patient photos that make it impossible to maintain anonymity or a description that clearly reveals the patient's identity, it is necessary to include a statement in the paper acknowledging that informed consent was obtained from the patient.

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Research ethics and consent

Studies in Humans, Animals, and Plants

In order to adhere to ethical guidelines, it is imperative that all research papers pertaining to studies involving human subjects, animals, plants, biological materials, protected or non-public databases, collections, or sites, incorporate a written statement inside an Ethics Approval section. This statement should encompass the following elements:

    The identities of the ethics committee(s) or institutional review board(s) engaged in the study are requested.
  • The identification number or code assigned to the ethics approval(s). The research adheres to ethical guidelines by ensuring that human subjects have obtained informed consent prior to their involvement in the study. Research with animals must comply with ethical guidelines pertaining to the well-being and treatment of animals. It is imperative that all research publications involving animals adhere to international, national, and institutional criteria pertaining to the ethical and compassionate care of animals.
  • Obtain endorsement from the ethics review committee affiliated with the institution or establishment where the research was carried out, and furnish comprehensive information regarding the approval procedure, identities of the ethics committee(s) or institutional review board(s) involved, and the corresponding ethics approval number or identification in the Ethics Approval section.
  • Offer a rationale for the utilization of animals and the specific species chosen. This report aims to present comprehensive details regarding housing, feeding, and environmental enrichment practices, as well as the measures implemented to mitigate suffering. Please include information regarding the mode of anesthetic and euthanasia. Any research that fails to comply with the specified criteria on ethical approval and animal care will be declined.

Research Involving Humans

In cases where the research entails the involvement of human participants, it is imperative for the author to ascertain that the study has been conducted in adherence to the ethical guidelines outlined in The Code of Ethics of the World Medical Association (Declaration of Helsinki) pertaining to experiments involving human beings. The paper ought to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. It should also strive to incorporate diverse human populations that are representative in terms of sex, age, and ethnicity, as suggested by the aforementioned recommendations. It is imperative to employ the terms "sex" and "gender" accurately.

In order to assure compliance with national and international criteria, it was necessary to get approval from the author's institutional or other applicable ethics commission (such as an Institutional Review Board, IRB) for all protocols. The submission of an article necessitates the inclusion of specific details pertaining to the approval process, such as the institution's name, the review board's designation, and the relevant permission number(s). It is imperative to seek ethics approval prior to conducting the research, as retrospective approval is typically unattainable and may hinder the possibility of publishing the findings.

It is imperative for authors to incorporate a declaration inside the publication affirming that informed permission was acquired prior to conducting experiments involving human subjects. It is imperative to consistently uphold the privacy rights of human subjects.

Research Involving Animals

In instances when the research entails the involvement of human participants, it is imperative for the author to ascertain that the reported study has been conducted in adherence to the Code of Ethics established by the World Medical Association (as outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki) for studies involving human beings. The paper should adhere to the guidelines outlined in the criteria for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly Work in Medical Journals. It should also strive to incorporate diverse human populations, including individuals of different sexes, ages, and ethnicities, in accordance with the aforementioned criteria. It is imperative to employ the terms "sex" and "gender" accurately.

In order to assure compliance with national and international criteria, it is imperative that the authors have gotten approval from their institutional or other pertinent ethical committee, such as the Institutional Review Board (IRB), for all protocols utilized in their study. The submission of an article necessitates the inclusion of specific details pertaining to the approval process, such as the name of the institution, the review board's designation, and the permission number(s). It is imperative to secure ethics approval prior to commencing the research endeavor. In most cases, obtaining retrospective approval is not feasible, potentially impeding the ability to disseminate the study findings through publication.

It is imperative for authors to incorporate a declaration inside the publication affirming that informed permission was gained prior to conducting experiments involving human subjects. It is imperative to consistently uphold the privacy rights of human subjects.

It is imperative that all experiments involving animals adhere to the ARRIVE guidelines and are conducted in accordance with the U.K. Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act, 1986, and its associated guidelines, EU Directive 2010/63/EU for animal experiments, or the National Research Council's Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals. Additionally, authors must explicitly state in their manuscript that they have followed these guidelines. It is imperative to specify the gender of animals under investigation, and when relevant, acknowledge the impact or correlation of gender on the study outcomes.

Experiments involving vertebrates or regulated invertebrates must be conducted in accordance with the ethical norms established by the authors' institution and the applicable national or international regulations. When appropriate, it is necessary to include a statement indicating the granting of ethics authorization or animal licensing. In every instance, it is imperative to assert that comprehensive measures were undertaken to mitigate any distress experienced by animals, accompanied by a thorough account of the specific strategies employed to accomplish this objective.

Research involving plants

Research conducted on plants should adhere to the guidelines established by the authors' institution as well as any relevant national or international regulations. In instances when it is appropriate, it is advisable to incorporate a declaration specifying the rights granted or licenses obtained. It is imperative for authors to adhere to the guidelines set forth by t he Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

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Special Issues

Special Issues

Special Issue topics are determined by the editorial team of IJCSM. Special Issue submissions follow the same process and author guidelines as any issue submission. Potential authors are encouraged to review all submission guidelines and follow the process as outlined. Special issue topics are determined by the editorial team, and a call for submissions for special issues is typically included in the current year's special issue release.

Appointment of Guest Editors

Guest Editors for special issues are selected based on their expertise, academic reputation, and previous editorial experience. Potential Guest Editors can be nominated by the journal’s editorial board, existing editors, or through self-nomination. Nominations are reviewed by the journal’s editorial board and approved by the Editor-in-Chief. Guest Editors are responsible for defining the scope of the special issue, drafting the call for papers, managing manuscript submissions, overseeing the peer review process, ensuring quality and originality, and making final decisions on manuscript acceptance in consultation with the Editor-in-Chief.

Setup of Special Issues

To initiate a special issue, a detailed proposal must be submitted, including the theme, objectives, target audience, potential Guest Editors, and a timeline. The proposal is reviewed and approved by the journal’s editorial board and the Editor-in-Chief. Once approved, a call for papers is announced and promoted through various channels. A clear timeline is established for manuscript submission, peer review, and publication to ensure the special issue aligns with the journal’s regular publication schedule.

Editorial and Review Process

Manuscripts for special issues are submitted through the journal’s online submission system and undergo an initial screening by the Guest Editors to ensure they fit the scope and meet basic quality standards. The manuscripts then undergo a double-blind peer review process, with reviewers selected based on their expertise. Authors revise their manuscripts based on Publication Timing & Review Process

Submissions to IJCSM are accepted on an ongoing basis and should follow the requested submission types and adhere to the full author guidelines outlined here. IJCSM publishes 4 times annually with general issues in March, June, September, and December. Submissions are considered for publication in a pending issue once deemed ready for publication, not necessarily based on date of submission. All issues of IJCSM, including the special issues, follow the same editorial and review process and adhere to the guidelines included here. We encourage and welcome your submission.

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Standards of reporting

Research should be communicated in a way that supports verification and reproducibility, and as such, we encourage authors to provide comprehensive descriptions of their research rationale, protocol, methodology, and analysis.

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Use of third-party material

Use of Third-Party Material

It is imperative to acquire the essential authorization for the utilization of third-party content in your scholarly manuscript. The items encompassed in this category may consist of various forms, such as text, illustrations, photographs, tables, data, audio recordings, video footage, film stills, screenshots, or musical notation.

The utilization of brief excerpts of textual content and some other forms of material is generally acceptable, but with restrictions, for the intention of critique and evaluation, without necessitating formal authorization. In the event that you intend to incorporate any content in your work that is not subject to your copyright ownership and falls outside the scope of this informal agreement, it is imperative that you secure written consent from the copyright holder before submitting this material.

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Use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in writing

Please note the policy only refers to the writing process, and not to the use of AI tools to analyze and draw insights from data as part of the research process.

Authors who incorporate AI and AI-assisted technologies into their writing process should do so with the intention of enhancing readability and language, rather than substituting essential authoring tasks such as generating scientific, pedagogic, or medical insights, drawing scientific conclusions, or offering clinical recommendations. The application of this technology should always be under human oversight and control, and all work should be subjected to careful review and editing. AI has the potential to produce content that sounds authoritative but may be incorrect, incomplete, or biased. Ultimately, authors bear the responsibility and accountability for the content they produce.

Authors must openly disclose their use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in their manuscripts, and a statement to this effect will be included in the published work. Such transparency fosters trust among authors, readers, reviewers, editors, and contributors and ensures compliance with the terms of use for the relevant tools or technologies.

Authors should refrain from attributing authorship to AI or listing AI as a co-author. Authorship entails responsibilities and tasks that can only be fulfilled by humans. Each author is responsible for addressing inquiries regarding the accuracy or integrity of any part of the work and for approving the final version of the work and consenting to its submission. The authors also have a duty to ensure the originality of the work, that the stated authors meet the criteria for authorship, and that the work does not infringe upon the rights of third parties.

Use of AI in Peer Review

Our journal recognizes the evolving role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of scholarly publishing. However, we maintain that the responsibilities involved in reviewing a scientific paper require human judgment, critical thinking, and assessment. As such, the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the peer-review process is subject to the following policy:

Human Responsibility: The peer-review process demands a level of critical thinking and nuanced evaluation that is beyond the capabilities of generative AI technologies. Therefore, the responsibility for reviewing scientific papers lies solely with human reviewers and editors.

Confidentiality: Reviewers and editors must not upload the manuscript or any part of it into a generative AI tool. These tools cannot guarantee the confidentiality, security, or privacy of the materials, which could lead to unauthorized access, storage, or misuse of the manuscript's content. Such actions could violate the confidentiality, proprietary rights, and data privacy rights of the authors, as well as the terms of use of the AI tool.

Peer Review Report: The confidentiality requirement extends to the peer review report and any related communications, including notification or decision letters. These documents may contain sensitive information about the manuscript and the authors, and should not be uploaded into a generative AI tool for any purpose, including language improvement or readability enhancement.

AI in Decision-Making: Generative AI should not be utilized to assist in the review, evaluation, or decision-making process of a manuscript. The final judgment regarding the quality, validity, and impact of a submitted manuscript must be made by qualified human reviewers and editors.

Ethical AI Use: Our journal embraces AI technologies that support the editorial process, provided they adhere to ethical standards. These technologies may be used during initial screening processes, such as for plagiarism checks, completeness verification, and identifying potential reviewers. These AI tools must conform to identity-protected technologies and respect the confidentiality, proprietary rights, and data privacy rights of all involved parties.

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