ETHICAL GUIDELINES FOR AUTHORS
The following ethical guidelines are mandatory for all authors submitting manuscripts to the Journal of Biomolecules, Pathogenesis and Therapeutics (JBPT). Any violation of these guidelines may result in editorial action, including but not limited to manuscript rejection, suspension, or revocation of publishing privileges.
1. Reporting Standards
Authors are responsible for ensuring that their research findings and data are reported accurately, clearly, and in sufficient detail to allow others to understand, evaluate, and replicate the work where applicable. All sources of information used must be properly cited, and appropriate references must be provided. Any form of fraudulent, fabricated, or knowingly inaccurate statements constitutes unethical behavior and is strictly unacceptable.
2. Originality and Plagiarism
Authors must ensure that the submitted manuscript is entirely original and that all ideas, data, or words derived from the work of others are appropriately cited. Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism, is unethical and will not be tolerated. Any material reproduced verbatim from previously published work, whether authored by the submitting authors or others, must be clearly identified using quotation marks and proper citation.
3. Declaration
Authors must submit a signed declaration confirming that the manuscript represents original work and is not under consideration for publication elsewhere in any form. Manuscripts previously published in abstract form, such as conference proceedings or annual meetings, or in limited-circulation reports, including governmental or university publications, may be considered. For multi-authored manuscripts, the declaration must confirm that all listed authors have made substantial contributions to the work. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all eligible contributors are included as authors, that the authorship order is mutually agreed upon, and that all authors approve the final version of the manuscript prior to submission.
4. Multiple, Redundant, and Concurrent Publication
Authors must not submit the same or substantially similar manuscripts to more than one journal simultaneously. Previously published research may be resubmitted only if it has been substantially revised, corrected, or expanded through additional data or analysis. Any approved secondary publication must receive consent from both journals, clearly reference the original publication, and present the same data and interpretation. Concurrent submission is considered unethical publishing behavior and is strictly prohibited.
5. Acknowledgment of Sources
All sources of information, data, and ideas used in the manuscript must be appropriately acknowledged, except for information considered common knowledge. Contributions from individuals, institutions, or organizations that do not meet authorship criteria—such as technical assistance, writing support, or financial sponsorship—must be properly recognized in the Acknowledgments section. Authors are responsible for conducting a thorough literature review and citing all relevant and closely related studies.
6. Authorship Credit
Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, data analysis, or writing of the manuscript. The corresponding author must ensure that only qualifying contributors are listed as co-authors. All authors must review and approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission. Contributors who do not meet authorship criteria should be appropriately acknowledged.
7. Privacy of Participants
Authors must respect the privacy, confidentiality, and dignity of research participants. Personal or identifiable information must not be disclosed without informed consent, and only information relevant to scientific understanding should be included. Where disclosure of identity is scientifically necessary, explicit informed consent must be obtained. In the event of a participant’s death, consent must be obtained from the participant’s legal heirs or family members.
8. Data Access and Retention
Authors must be prepared to provide raw data to the Editor if questions arise regarding the accuracy, validity, or integrity of the research during the review process. Data should be retained for a reasonable period after publication, in accordance with institutional, regulatory, or funding-body requirements.
9. Images
Authors must ensure that all images, figures, and graphical data are free from inappropriate manipulation. Any image processing or enhancement must be clearly described, and the methods used to generate or modify images must be accurately reported to maintain scientific transparency.
10. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
All authors must disclose any financial, personal, professional, or other interests that could influence the research or its interpretation. Potential conflicts of interest should be declared at the earliest possible stage and may include employment, consultancies, honoraria, patents, grants, or other funding sources. All financial support must be disclosed, along with a brief description of the role of the funding body in the study, if any.
11. Copyright
Authors may be required to sign a copyright agreement granting the journal the right to publish, distribute, and reproduce the article and any derivative works, including translations, in accordance with the journal’s licensing policy.
12. Manuscript Acceptance and Rejection
The review process may take one to two months or longer, during which authors may contact the Editor for status updates. Upon completion of the review, authors will be informed of the editorial decision, which may include acceptance, rejection, or a request for revision. In cases of rejection, authors retain the right to submit the manuscript to another journal. For revised submissions, authors must provide a detailed response to reviewers’ comments, and the revised manuscript may undergo further evaluation. Authors may appeal editorial decisions by formally contacting the Editor.
