ISSN 2756-3421
Publication Ethics for African Journal of Dentistry
African Journal of Dentistry is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics. The journal follows the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and expects all authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to these ethical principles. The aim is to ensure the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the research published in the journal.
1. Authorship and Originality:
Authors should ensure that their work is original and has not been published elsewhere. They should acknowledge and cite any sources that have influenced their work. All individuals who have made significant contributions to the research should be listed as co-authors. It is important to obtain permission from all co-authors before submitting a manuscript for publication.
2. Plagiarism:
Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, is strictly prohibited. Authors should ensure that their work is free from any form of plagiarism, including copying text or ideas from other sources without proper attribution. Proper citation and referencing should be used to acknowledge the original sources.
3. Data Integrity and Reproducibility:
Authors should present accurate and reliable data in their manuscripts. They should provide sufficient details about the methods used to collect and analyze the data, enabling others to reproduce the results. Any manipulation or fabrication of data is considered unethical and unacceptable.
4. Conflict of Interest:
Authors should disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their research or its interpretation. These conflicts could include financial interests, personal relationships, or affiliations that may affect objectivity or bias in reporting the research findings.
5. Informed Consent:
Authors should ensure that they have obtained informed consent from human subjects involved in their research studies. This includes obtaining consent for participation, data collection, and publication of identifiable information.
6. Animal Welfare:
Authors conducting research involving animals should comply with relevant ethical guidelines and regulations. They should ensure that the welfare of animals is prioritized and that appropriate measures are taken to minimize any potential harm or suffering.
7. Review Process:
The journal follows a rigorous peer-review process to ensure the quality and validity of the published research. Reviewers should provide unbiased and constructive feedback to authors. They should maintain confidentiality and not use any information obtained during the review process for personal gain.
8. Editorial Independence:
Editors should make decisions based on the scientific merit of the manuscripts, without any influence from commercial or personal interests. They should handle manuscripts objectively, ensuring fairness and transparency throughout the editorial process.
9. Corrections and Retractions:
If errors or inaccuracies are identified in published articles, authors should promptly notify the journal's editor and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions as necessary. This ensures that the scientific record remains accurate and reliable.
10. Ethical Oversight:
The journal's editorial board is responsible for monitoring and upholding ethical standards in publishing. They should address any ethical concerns raised by authors, reviewers, or readers promptly and appropriately.
In conclusion, African Journal of Dentistry is committed to promoting ethical conduct in research and publication. By adhering to these publication ethics guidelines, authors can contribute to the integrity and credibility of the scientific community.