For Authors:

1. Originality:

• Original Research: Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are original works, not previously published, and free from plagiarism. BJFN requires that all submissions have a less than 10% similarity index to ensure originality. Proper citation of all sources is mandatory, and self-plagiarism must be avoided.
• Attribution: Authors must appropriately acknowledge the work and ideas of others that have influenced their research, ensuring accurate and proper attribution. Any reused content must be indicated and properly cited.

1. Accurate Reporting:

• Data Integrity: Authors are responsible for the accuracy of their data. They should present their findings truthfully without data fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate manipulation.
• Methodological Transparency: The research methodology should be clearly described, allowing others to replicate the study if desired. All methods, including statistical analyses, should be presented in sufficient detail.

1. Authorship and Contribution:

• Criteria for Authorship: Only individuals who have made significant contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research should be listed as authors. Those who do not meet these criteria should be acknowledged separately.
• Collective Responsibility: All authors should agree to the final version of the manuscript and take public responsibility for the content. Authors should ensure that their contributions are clearly defined.

1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• Transparency: Authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could be viewed as influencing their research. This includes funding sources and any affiliations that might present a conflict of interest.
• Declaration: All conflicts of interest, including potential biases, should be clearly stated in the manuscript.

1. Ethical Standards:

• Human and Animal Research: Authors conducting research involving human participants or animals must adhere to ethical standards, including obtaining informed consent and institutional review board (IRB) approval.
• Compliance: Research must comply with the ethical guidelines relevant to the field, including proper reporting and documentation of all procedures and ethical considerations.

1. Corrections and Retractions:

• Responsibility: If authors discover significant errors or inaccuracies in their published work, they must notify the journal editor promptly. Authors must cooperate with the journal to issue corrections, retractions, or clarifications as needed.

 

For Reviewers:

1. Objective and Constructive Feedback:

• Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers should assess manuscripts based on their scientific merit, originality, clarity, and contribution to the field. Feedback should be constructive and aimed at improving the manuscript.
• Timeliness: Reviews should be completed within the agreed timeframe to avoid delaying publication. If a reviewer is unable to meet the deadline, they should notify the editor promptly.

1. Confidentiality:

• Anonymity: Reviewers must treat the manuscripts as confidential documents. They should not discuss the manuscript with others or use the information for personal gain.
• No Unauthorized Sharing: Manuscripts under review should not be shown to or discussed with others except with the editor’s permission.

1. Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

• Transparency: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest affecting their impartiality. This includes personal, financial, or professional relationships with the authors.
• Recusal: If a reviewer believes they cannot provide an unbiased review, they should recuse themselves.

1. Ensuring Research Integrity:

• Ethical Compliance: Reviewers should ensure that the research complies with ethical standards, especially in human or animal studies.

1. Recommendation and Feedback:

• Guidance for Improvement: Reviewers should provide specific suggestions for improving the manuscript, including clarity, methodology, and relevance. They should also recommend whether the manuscript should be accepted, revised, or rejected based on their assessment.

 

For Publishers:

1. Support for Editorial Integrity:

• Independence: Publishers must support the independence of editorial decisions, ensuring that these are based solely on academic merit and not influenced by commercial or political factors.
• Resources and Training: Publishers should provide resources and training to editors, authors, and reviewers to uphold ethical standards in publication.

1. Maintaining Ethical Standards:

• Plagiarism Prevention: Publishers should implement robust systems to detect plagiarism and other academic misconduct before publication. BJFN mandates that all manuscripts have a similarity index of less than 10% to ensure originality and avoid plagiarism.
• Misconduct Handling: Clear procedures must be in place for addressing misconduct allegations, including corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern when necessary.

1. Confidentiality and Data Security:

• Data Protection: Publishers are responsible for ensuring the confidentiality and security of all submissions, reviews, and related communications.
• Transparent Processes: Publishers should maintain transparency in all aspects of the publication process, providing clear guidelines and open communication with authors, editors, and reviewers.

1. Post-Publication Responsibilities:

• Correction of the Record: Publishers must ensure that post-publication issues, such as errors or ethical breaches, are promptly addressed through appropriate channels like corrections, retractions, or updates.
• Archiving and Access: Publishers should guarantee that published content is securely archived and remains accessible to the scientific community, preserving the journal’s contributions to the field.