The journal recognizes the importance of protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all parties involved in the editorial and publication process. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to handle all submitted materials and related communications with the highest level of discretion and professionalism.
Manuscript Confidentiality
All manuscripts submitted to the journal are treated as confidential documents. Editors and reviewers must not share, discuss, or disclose any details about a submission—including its content, data, or identity of contributors—with anyone outside the peer-review process. Manuscripts, reviews, and editorial communications must not be used for personal research or advantage.
Information obtained during the review process may not be used to discredit or compete with the authors’ work. Reviewers and editors are required to delete or destroy all manuscript files once the review or editorial process is complete.
Reviewer and Author Anonymity
The journal operates under a double-blind peer-review system, which means that the identities of authors and reviewers remain confidential to each other throughout the review process. Editors must ensure that all correspondence and file management uphold this anonymity.
Data Protection and Personal Information
The Editorial Office collects and stores personal data—such as names, affiliations, contact details, and ORCID identifiers—solely for the purposes of editorial management and publication. This information is processed in compliance with applicable data protection laws and is never shared with third parties without explicit consent, except where legally required.
Users of the journal’s website may provide personal data through submission systems, subscriptions, or contact forms. Such information is handled securely and used only for communication related to journal operations. The journal’s website does not collect unnecessary personal data and does not share user information for marketing or commercial purposes.
Ethical Handling of Sensitive Data
Authors must ensure that any research involving human participants, medical records, or other sensitive information complies with ethical and legal standards of privacy protection. Identifiable information (e.g., names, images, or personal data) may only be published with the explicit written consent of the individuals involved or their legal guardians.
Retention and Access to Records
Editorial and review records are retained securely by the Editorial Office for audit and transparency purposes. Access to these records is restricted to authorized personnel. Upon request, relevant materials may be shared with oversight bodies or institutions in cases of alleged research misconduct, in accordance with COPE guidelines.
By enforcing strict privacy and confidentiality practices, the journal ensures trust, integrity, and respect across all stages of the publication process, safeguarding the rights and reputations of all contributors to the scholarly community.