Ethics and Malpractice Statement
Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement
Integral Research operates under a rigorous Double-Blind Peer Review system, ensuring the anonymity of both reviewers and authors throughout the evaluation process. Submissions first undergo editorial screening to ascertain alignment with the journal's standards and scope; those failing this stage are declined promptly with author notification. Manuscripts meeting initial criteria are then evaluated in detail by two or more independent reviewers. In cases of reviewer disagreement, the Chief Editor adjudicates.
All published materials must properly attribute authorship. The corresponding author, who initiates the submission process, bears the responsibility of ensuring full adherence to publication ethics guidelines. This encompasses:
- Confirming the authenticity of the submitted manuscript.
- Ensuring awareness among all co-authors regarding the submission.
- Obtaining permission from all co-authors prior to publication.
- Appropriately acknowledging the contributions of every author.
- Acknowledging contributions from individuals or entities adding value to the work.
- Ensuring timely submission of Conflict of Interest documentation.
Changes in Authorship
Requests for alterations to authorship must be communicated to the Chief Editor. Such requests are approved only where valid justification exists and unanimous agreement among all authors is confirmed. Any post-publication alterations may be publicly notified.
Authors submitting manuscripts must adhere strictly to the journal's guidelines. Action may be taken against the following prohibited practices:
- Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to other publication outlets.
- Plagiarism in any form; all sources require proper acknowledgement and permissions.
- Inclusion of defamatory, promotional, or commercially biased content.
- Gender, racial, or cultural biases in the content or framing of submissions.
Editorial Decisions
Publication decisions rest with the journal's editors, informed by reviewers' reports and guided by the journal's policies and legal requirements regarding libel, copyright, and plagiarism.
Fair Play
All manuscripts are evaluated solely on intellectual merit, without regard to the author's age, gender, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or political philosophy.
Confidentiality
Manuscripts under peer review are treated as strictly confidential. Editorial staff are prohibited from disclosing submission content except to authorised individuals such as the corresponding author and assigned reviewers.
Conflict of Interest
Authors, editors, and reviewers are expected to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Transparency in publication is upheld through the avoidance of undisclosed conflicts by all parties.
SAFE may undertake the following actions in response to confirmed unethical practices, guided by COPE guidelines and recommendations:
- Retraction of published content with formal public notification.
- Publication of a correction or modified version with full justification.
- Blacklisting and barring the author(s) from future submissions to SAFE journals.
- Communication of misconduct evidence to the author's institution or relevant authorities.
Significant errors or inaccuracies discovered in published works prompt collaboration between journal editors and the author(s) to retract or correct the paper as necessary. The journal reserves the right to correct published material and issue dated errata where appropriate. Integral Research adheres to the COPE Retraction Guidelines in all retraction decisions.
Advertising Policy
Integral Research does not endorse any product or service. Editorial content remains fully independent of commercial or advertiser interests at all times.
Direct Marketing Policy
The journal does not engage in direct mail, telemarketing, or direct response advertising to authors. Publication integrity is upheld through the peer-review process alone.