Publication Ethics

1. Purpose The Eco AgriTech Frontiers Journal (EATFJ) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of ethical behavior in the publication process. This Publication Ethics Policy outlines the responsibilities of authors, reviewers, and editors to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in the peer review and publication process.

2. Ethical Guidelines for Authors

  • Originality: Authors must submit original work that has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration for publication in other journals. Authors should not engage in self-plagiarism, and any reuse of their prior work must be properly cited.
  • Authorship: Only individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, analysis, or interpretation of the research should be listed as authors. All authors must approve the final manuscript and its submission for publication.
  • Acknowledgment of Sources: Proper acknowledgment must be given to all sources of data and ideas used in the manuscript, including published works, funding sources, and any individuals or institutions that contributed to the research.
  • Research Integrity: Authors must ensure that the data and results presented in their manuscripts are truthful and accurate. Any errors discovered after submission must be promptly communicated to the editorial team.
  • Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional conflicts of interest that may have influenced the research or manuscript. If no conflicts exist, this must also be stated.
  • Ethical Approval: Research involving human or animal subjects must adhere to relevant ethical guidelines and be approved by an appropriate ethics committee. Authors must provide evidence of such approval when applicable.

3. Ethical Guidelines for Reviewers

  • Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents. Manuscripts must not be shared or discussed with others without prior authorization from the editorial team.
  • Impartiality: Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on the scientific merit and quality of the research. Personal biases or conflicts of interest should not affect the review process.
  • Constructive Feedback: Reviewers are encouraged to provide detailed and constructive feedback to authors, helping to improve the quality and clarity of the manuscript.
  • Timeliness: Reviewers must complete their reviews in a timely manner, adhering to the journal’s deadlines. If unable to do so, they should notify the editorial team and withdraw from the review process.
  • Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that may influence their evaluation of the manuscript, including any financial, personal, or professional relationships with the authors or the subject matter of the manuscript.

4. Ethical Guidelines for Editors

  • Fairness and Impartiality: Editors must make editorial decisions based on the quality and relevance of the research, ensuring that all submissions are treated equally and impartially. Editors should avoid any bias or favoritism.
  • Confidentiality: Editors must maintain confidentiality throughout the editorial process. Manuscripts and associated materials must not be disclosed to unauthorized individuals.
  • Conflict of Interest: Editors must declare any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have a personal, professional, or financial interest.
  • Publication Decision: Editors are responsible for ensuring that all published content meets the journal’s standards of quality, originality, and relevance. Editors must ensure that the peer review process is fair, transparent, and unbiased.
  • Handling of Complaints: Editors must handle any complaints or appeals regarding manuscripts or published articles in a fair and transparent manner, providing authors with the opportunity to address any concerns raised.

5. Plagiarism and Research Misconduct

  • Plagiarism: EATFJ takes plagiarism very seriously. Any manuscript found to contain plagiarism or other forms of research misconduct (e.g., data fabrication or falsification) will be rejected or retracted, and the author may be banned from submitting future work.
  • Investigation of Misconduct: If evidence of misconduct (such as plagiarism, falsified data, or unethical behavior) is identified at any stage of the publication process, the editorial board will investigate the matter thoroughly, involving relevant institutions if necessary.
  • Retraction and Correction: If a published article is found to contain significant errors or ethical violations (e.g., plagiarism, falsification of data), the editorial board will take appropriate action, which may include issuing a retraction or correction.

6. Open Access and Transparency

  • Open Access: EATFJ adheres to an open-access publishing model, ensuring that all articles are freely available to the public. The journal encourages the dissemination of knowledge and research that benefits the global academic community and society.
  • Transparency in the Peer Review Process: EATFJ follows a triple-blind peer review process to ensure fairness, impartiality, and confidentiality. The journal may also implement open peer review practices in the future.

7. Ethical Guidelines for Publishers

  • Commitment to Integrity: The publisher of EATFJ is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in the publication process. The publisher supports the editorial team in enforcing ethical guidelines and ensuring the transparency and quality of the journal.
  • Adherence to Best Practices: The publisher follows best practices for publishing, including compliance with industry standards, ethical guidelines, and legal regulations. This includes ensuring that articles are accessible, reproducible, and comply with copyright laws.

8. Appeals and Complaints

  • Author Appeals: If authors believe they have been unfairly treated during the review or publication process, they have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal should be submitted in writing, with clear reasons for the request. The editorial board will review the appeal and make a final decision.
  • Handling Complaints: Any complaints from authors, reviewers, or readers regarding ethical violations, the peer review process, or other concerns should be submitted to the editorial team. The journal is committed to addressing all complaints fairly and transparently.

9. Commitment to Ethical Publishing

At Eco AgriTech Frontiers Journal, we are committed to upholding ethical practices in every aspect of the publication process. We encourage all authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to these guidelines and contribute to the journal's mission of advancing high-quality, ethically conducted, and impactful research in the fields of agricultural technology and ecological sustainability.