Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

The Open Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology is a peer-reviewed international journal published both in print and electronic formats. Open Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. To maintain the quality and credibility of our journal, we adhere to the following principles of publication ethics and malpractice prevention. Any article found to violate these principles will be withdrawn or retracted, even after publication.

All manuscripts submitted to Open Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology undergo a single-blind peer-review process, in which reviewers are aware of the authors’ identities, while authors remain unaware of the reviewers’ identities. The journal employs iThenticate software to screen all submissions for plagiarism, duplication, fabrication, falsification, and unethical use of research data. Any detected misconduct will be addressed in accordance with COPE guidelines.

1. Ethical Standards in Scholarly Publishing

The publication of an article in a peer-reviewed journal represents a crucial element in the development of a respected and coherent body of scientific knowledge. It reflects the quality of the authors’ work and the institutions that support them. Peer review serves as a cornerstone of the scientific method. Therefore, maintaining integrity, transparency, and accountability among all parties—authors, editors, reviewers, and publishers—is essential.

Open Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology strictly prohibits all forms of publication malpractice and is committed to ensuring that every stakeholder adheres to the highest ethical standards.

2. Responsibilities of Authors

• Originality and Integrity: Authors must ensure that all submitted manuscripts are original works that have not been published elsewhere, in part or in whole. Proper acknowledgment and citation must be given to all sources used.

• Authorship: Authorship should accurately reflect individuals’ contributions to the conception, design, data collection, analysis, and writing of the manuscript. “Gifted” or “ghost” authorship is not acceptable.

• Simultaneous Submission: Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously constitutes unethical publishing behavior and is strictly prohibited.

• Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: All authors must disclose any financial, personal, or institutional relationships that might influence their research or its interpretation.

• Data Accuracy and Fabrication: Authors are responsible for the accuracy of the data presented. Fabrication, falsification, or manipulation of data, images, or tables is unacceptable.

• Error Correction: If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, they must promptly notify the Editor-in-Chief and cooperate in issuing a correction or retraction.

• Language and Quality: All manuscripts must be submitted in English and prepared according to the journal’s format and ethical requirements.

• Licensing: Authors must agree to the journal’s license terms prior to publication.

3. Responsibilities of Editors

• Fair Peer Review: Editors are responsible for ensuring a fair and unbiased review of all submitted manuscripts. Editorial decisions are based solely on the manuscript’s academic merit, originality, and relevance.

• Confidentiality: Editors must maintain confidentiality regarding all submitted manuscripts and associated communications prior to publication.

• Conflict of Interest: Editors must avoid any conflicts of interest with respect to manuscripts under consideration and should recuse themselves from handling papers where such conflicts exist.

• Integrity of the Review Process: Editors are responsible for preventing any form of unethical influence and for ensuring that editorial decisions are free from commercial or personal bias.

• Handling Misconduct: Editors must act promptly and transparently in response to any allegations of misconduct, following COPE guidelines.

• Coordination: The Editor-in-Chief oversees and coordinates the responsibilities of section editors and the editorial board to maintain consistent ethical practices.

4. Responsibilities of Reviewers

• Objectivity: Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts solely on their academic content, providing constructive feedback without personal criticism.

• Confidentiality: All manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents and must not be shared or discussed with others without authorization.

• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must decline to review manuscripts where potential conflicts of interest exist, whether due to personal, professional, or financial relationships with any of the authors or institutions.

• Timeliness: Reviewers who cannot complete their review within the allotted time should promptly notify the Editor-in-Chief.

• Reporting Misconduct: Reviewers are expected to inform the editorial office if they suspect any ethical violations, plagiarism, or data manipulation.

5. Ethical Guidelines for Editors and Editorial Board Members

Scope of Application

These ethical standards apply to all members of the editorial board, including the Editor-in-Chief, section editors, and editorial advisors. Upholding these principles ensures a credible and transparent scholarly publishing environment.

Integrity and Objectivity

• Editorial Board Members must act impartially, basing decisions solely on scholarly merit and relevance.

• All discussions, manuscripts, and review details must remain confidential.

• Any form of harassment, discrimination, or unprofessional conduct is strictly prohibited.

• Potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed to the Editor-in-Chief immediately.

Manuscript Handling

• Reviews must be fair, balanced, and constructive.

• Editorial decisions should be communicated clearly, with justifications and recommendations for improvement.

• Timely completion of reviews is essential to maintain efficiency and transparency.

Authorship and Contributorship

• Editors must verify that authorship aligns with recognized standards and reflects genuine contributions.

• In cases of disputes, the editorial board will work toward equitable resolution.

Ethical Oversight

• Editors must ensure that all studies involving human or animal participants meet ethical approval requirements.

• Allegations of misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data falsification) must be promptly investigated in accordance with COPE procedures.

Conflict Management

• Editors and reviewers must recuse themselves from evaluating manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest.

• When necessary, alternate reviewers or editors will be assigned.

Appeals and Complaints

• Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals will be handled fairly, confidentially, and without bias.

• Complaints regarding ethical conduct or editorial procedures are investigated transparently by the Editor-in-Chief.

6. Continuous Professional Development

Open Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology encourages all editorial members and reviewers to remain informed about evolving standards in publication ethics through ongoing training, workshops, and professional development initiatives. Regular updates to the journal’s ethical policies ensure alignment with current best practices.

7. Commitment to Ethical Excellence

Adherence to these ethical principles is essential to maintaining the Physiology’s reputation as a credible and respected scientific journal. All parties involved—authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher—share responsibility for upholding the integrity, transparency, and ethical excellence of the publication process.