Introduction

Pierre Online Publications upholds the highest ethical publishing standards. We anticipate editors, authors, and reviewers adhering to ethical standards in order to prevent any form of publication misconduct. This statement clarifies the scope of responsibility and rights for all participants in the peer review and publication process and the consequences of misconduct.

1. Editorial Responsibilities

1. Fair and Impartial Decisions
   • The Editor-in-Chief and editorial board evaluate manuscripts based on their academic merit—originality, clarity, and validity of research findings—without discrimination regarding the authors’ personal backgrounds or opinions.
2. Confidentiality
   • Manuscripts under review must remain confidential; only the corresponding author, reviewers, and editorial advisors are informed about the submission’s details, and solely as required.
3. Conflict of Interest

• Editors recuse themselves from manuscript decisions if there exists any potential conflict of interest (personal relationship, collaborative work, or competitive relationship with any author).
• In such circumstances, reassignment of another editor takes place in order to ensure unbiased analysis.

1. Handling of Misconduct
   • Allegations of misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, unethical research) trigger thorough and fair investigations. Detailed info available here.
   • Confirmed violations may result in retractions, corrections, or notifications to relevant institutions.

2. Reviewer Responsibilities

1. Contribution to Editorial Decisions
   • Reviewers assist editors in determining the quality and integrity of submissions by providing timely, constructive comments and suggestions.
2. Promptness and Confidentiality
   • Invited reviewers who cannot provide a prompt review should inform the editorial office immediately.
   • Manuscripts and review discussions must be kept strictly confidential.
3. Objectivity and Acknowledgment of Sources
   • Reviewers must ensure their assessments focus on the manuscript’s scholarly contribution, avoiding personal criticism.
   • They should cite significant published work that the authors have not referenced and note suspected duplication with other published work.
4. Conflict of Interest
   • Reviewers must decline participation if conflicts of interest exist (e.g., close collaboration with an author).
   • Unpublished data gained through peer review must not be used for personal benefit.

3. Author Responsibilities

1. Originality and Plagiarism
   • Authors must ensure that their work is entirely original.
   • If authors have used the work and/or words of others, they must appropriately cite or quote them.
2. Data Integrity and Accuracy
   • Authors should present accurate data reflecting a genuine account of the performed research.
   • Fabricated or fraudulent statements are unacceptable.
3. Multiple or Concurrent Submissions
   • Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously is unethical and unacceptable.
   • When referencing earlier findings, authors must clearly acknowledge previous publications.
4. Authorship Criteria
   • Only individuals who have significantly contributed to the research should be listed as co-authors.
   • All co-authors should review and approve the final manuscript, as well as its submission.
5. Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest
   • Authors should reveal any financial or other conflicts of interest that could influence the findings or interpretation of their manuscript.
   • All financial support for the research project must be disclosed.
6. Fundamental Errors
   • Author finding any major mistake or inaccuracy in the published work must immediately report the same to the editorial office or the publisher.
   • Authors need to work together with the editorial team in publishing corrections or retractions.

7. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools

1. • Authors must disclose any use of AI-assisted writing, data analysis, or image-generation tools during the preparation of their manuscripts.
   • When AI is employed, authors remain fully responsible for the originality, accuracy, and validity of the content.
   • Factual inaccuracies or fabricated references arising from AI use are treated as serious misconduct.
   • Authors must carefully verify all information generated by AI-based tools and ensure that no plagiarism or uncredited use of source material has occurred.
   • AI tools cannot be listed as authors.

4. Consequences of Misconduct

If misconduct is suspected or confirmed at any point—prior to, during, or after publication—Pierre Online Publications will:

1. Conduct a Thorough Investigation
   • The editorial team investigates allegations carefully, allowing the accused a fair opportunity to respond.
2. Enforce Appropriate Measures
   • Depending on the severity and type of misconduct, responses may include the rejection or retraction of the manuscript, correction notices, and informing relevant institutions.
3. Maintain Transparency
   • Necessary corrections or notices of retraction will be published and made publicly accessible to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

5. Compliance with Ethical Standards

Pierre Online Publications subscribes to international ethical practices such as the ones recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). All the stakeholders involved in the publishing process—editors, authors, and reviewers—have the responsibility for maintaining ethics and professionalism.