Last Updated: Sunday 19 July 2026 18:19:41 PM

Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Policy

Safeguarding Excellence, Integrity and Trust in Scholarly Publishing

1. Policy Statement

Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre is committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, editorial independence, and responsible scholarly publishing. We believe that the credibility of scholarly communication depends upon honesty, transparency, accountability, fairness, and respect throughout the research and publication process.

This Publication Ethics and Research Integrity Policy establishes the ethical principles governing all manuscripts submitted to journals published by Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre. It applies to authors, reviewers, editors, editorial board members, guest editors, editorial staff, and all other individuals involved in the publication process.

Our objective is to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record, promote responsible research practices, protect the rights of authors and reviewers, and maintain public confidence in published research.

2. Guiding Principles

Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre conducts all publishing activities in accordance with the following principles:

  • -Academic integrity.
  • -Honesty in research and reporting.
  • -Editorial independence.
  • -Fairness and impartiality.
  • -Transparency throughout the publication process.
  • -Confidentiality.
  • -Accountability.
  • -Respect for intellectual property.
  • -Professionalism.
  • -Continuous improvement in scholarly publishing.

These principles guide every editorial decision and apply equally to all participants in the publication process.

3. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to every manuscript submitted to any journal published by Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre, irrespective of subject area or article type.

It governs:

  • -manuscript submission;
  • -peer review;
  • -editorial decision-making;
  • -publication;
  • -post-publication corrections;
  • -investigations of alleged misconduct; and
  • -preservation of the scholarly record.

The policy remains applicable after publication where ethical concerns arise.

4. Commitment to Research Integrity

Research integrity is fundamental to scholarly publishing. Authors are expected to conduct, report, and communicate research honestly, accurately, transparently, and responsibly.

Submitted manuscripts must represent genuine scholarly work that has been conducted ethically, analysed objectively, and reported truthfully. Authors must not fabricate, falsify, manipulate, or selectively report research findings.

Editors, reviewers, and editorial staff are equally expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity in performing their respective responsibilities.

5. Ethical Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre are expected to:

  • -submit original scholarly work;
  • -ensure that submitted manuscripts have not been published previously and are not under consideration elsewhere;
  • -present research findings honestly and accurately;
  • -retain and provide original research data where requested;
  • -appropriately acknowledge the work of other researchers;
  • -obtain all necessary ethical approvals before conducting research involving humans or animals;
  • -disclose funding sources and conflicts of interest;
  • -ensure that all listed authors satisfy the publisher's authorship criteria;
  • -promptly notify the journal if significant errors are identified after submission or publication; and
  • -cooperate fully during any investigation concerning alleged research misconduct.

Authors remain responsible for the integrity of their work even after publication.

6. Ethical Responsibilities of Reviewers

Peer reviewers play an essential role in maintaining the quality and credibility of scholarly publishing.

Reviewers are expected to:

  • -evaluate manuscripts objectively and constructively;
  • -maintain strict confidentiality throughout the review process;
  • -declare any conflicts of interest before accepting review assignments;
  • -review manuscripts only within their area of expertise;
  • -complete reviews within the agreed timeframe;
  • -identify relevant published work not cited by the authors where appropriate;
  • -report suspected plagiarism, duplicate publication, image manipulation, or other ethical concerns to the editor; and
  • -avoid using unpublished information obtained during peer review for personal or professional advantage.

Reviewers should base their recommendations solely on scholarly merit.

7. Ethical Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for ensuring the integrity, fairness, and quality of the editorial process.

Editors shall:

  • -evaluate manuscripts without discrimination;
  • -maintain editorial independence;
  • -protect the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts;
  • -appoint suitably qualified reviewers;
  • -make decisions based solely on scholarly merit;
  • -avoid conflicts of interest;
  • -investigate allegations of publication misconduct fairly and objectively;
  • -issue corrections or retractions where necessary; and
  • -preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Editorial decisions shall never be influenced by commercial interests, institutional affiliations, or personal relationships.

8. Responsibilities of the Publisher

Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre is committed to:

  • -maintaining transparent editorial policies;
  • -supporting editorial independence;
  • -providing secure manuscript management systems;
  • -preserving published scholarly content;
  • -protecting confidential information;
  • -responding appropriately to allegations of misconduct;
  • -promoting ethical publishing practices; and
  • -continuously improving editorial quality and publishing standards.

The publisher shall not interfere with legitimate editorial decisions.

9. Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

  • -plagiarism;
  • -self-plagiarism;
  • -duplicate publication;
  • -redundant publication;
  • -fabrication of data;
  • -falsification of data;
  • -image manipulation intended to mislead;
  • -citation manipulation;
  • -inappropriate authorship practices;
  • -undisclosed conflicts of interest;
  • -unethical research involving human participants or animals; and
  • -deliberate misrepresentation of research findings.

Any allegation of misconduct is taken seriously and investigated fairly, confidentially, and impartially.

10. Investigating Ethical Concerns

Where concerns are raised before or after publication, the Editorial Office shall conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether further investigation is warranted.

Depending on the nature of the allegation, the journal may:

  • -request clarification from the authors;
  • -seek additional supporting documentation;
  • -consult independent experts;
  • -communicate with the authors' institution;
  • -suspend editorial processing while investigations continue; or
  • -take appropriate editorial action.

All investigations shall respect confidentiality and the principles of procedural fairness.

11. Editorial Actions

Where ethical concerns are substantiated, Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre may take one or more of the following actions:

  • -request corrections;
  • -require manuscript revision;
  • -reject the manuscript;
  • -publish a correction notice;
  • -publish an expression of concern;
  • -retract the published article;
  • -notify relevant institutions or funding bodies where appropriate; and
  • -restrict future submissions from individuals found to have engaged in serious or repeated misconduct.

The nature of the action will be proportionate to the severity of the ethical breach.

12. Corrections and Retractions

Maintaining the accuracy of the scholarly record is a core responsibility of the publisher.

Where honest errors are identified, corrections may be published promptly.

Where published findings are shown to be unreliable due to misconduct or significant error, articles may be retracted in accordance with the publisher's Retraction Policy.

Retraction notices shall remain permanently linked to the original article to preserve the transparency and integrity of the scholarly record.

13. Appeals and Complaints

Authors who disagree with editorial decisions may submit a formal appeal in accordance with the publisher's Appeals Policy.

Complaints concerning editorial conduct, peer review, publication ethics, or alleged misconduct shall be investigated objectively and resolved fairly, transparently, and without unnecessary delay.

No author shall be disadvantaged for raising a legitimate concern in good faith.

14. Continuous Improvement

Scholarly publishing continues to evolve in response to developments in research practices, technology, and ethical standards. Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre is committed to periodically reviewing and updating this policy to ensure continued alignment with internationally recognised principles of responsible scholarly publishing and research integrity.

15. Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee (PEIC)

The Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee (PEIC) is an independent advisory committee established by Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre to promote the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, editorial accountability, and responsible scholarly publishing.

The Committee serves as the publisher's principal advisory body on complex ethical matters arising during manuscript submission, peer review, publication, and post-publication activities. Its role is to support fair, transparent, consistent, and evidence-based decision-making while preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.

The establishment of the Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee reflects Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre's commitment to international best practices in scholarly publishing and reinforces public confidence in the independence and credibility of its journals.

Purpose

The Committee exists to:

  • -promote ethical scholarly publishing;
  • -strengthen research integrity across all journals;
  • -advise on complex publication ethics cases;
  • -support consistent editorial decision-making;
  • -safeguard editorial independence;
  • -promote transparency and accountability;
  • -preserve the integrity of the scholarly record; and
  • -recommend improvements to publisher policies and editorial practices.

The Committee functions in an advisory capacity and does not replace the editorial responsibilities of Editors-in-Chief or Editorial Boards.

Guiding Principles

The Committee performs its responsibilities in accordance with the principles of:

  • -integrity;
  • -independence;
  • -impartiality;
  • -confidentiality;
  • -fairness;
  • -transparency;
  • -accountability;
  • -respect for due process;
  • -evidence-based decision-making; and
  • -academic freedom.

Every matter considered by the Committee shall be evaluated objectively and without discrimination.

Functions of the Committee

The Committee may provide advice on matters including, but not limited to:

Publication Ethics

  • -plagiarism;
  • -self-plagiarism;
  • -duplicate publication;
  • -salami publication;
  • -citation manipulation;
  • -image manipulation;
  • -copyright concerns;
  • -research misconduct.

Research Integrity

  • -fabrication of data;
  • -falsification of findings;
  • -inappropriate reporting;
  • -research transparency;
  • -reproducibility concerns;
  • -ethical approval issues.

Authorship

  • -authorship disputes;
  • -ghost authorship;
  • -gift authorship;
  • -honorary authorship;
  • -contributorship disagreements;
  • -requests for changes in authorship.

Peer Review

  • -reviewer misconduct;
  • -reviewer conflicts of interest;
  • -peer-review manipulation;
  • -breaches of confidentiality;
  • -inappropriate reviewer behaviour.

Editorial Matters

  • -editorial conflicts of interest;
  • -editorial independence;
  • -appeals against editorial decisions;
  • -complaints involving editors;
  • -ethical questions arising during editorial decision-making.

Post-Publication Issues

  • -corrections;
  • -expressions of concern;
  • -retractions;
  • -article withdrawals;
  • -post-publication ethical concerns.

Composition

The Committee shall comprise individuals with recognised expertise in scholarly publishing, research ethics, academic research, and editorial practice.

Membership may include:

  • -the Publisher or designated representative;
  • -senior Editors-in-Chief;
  • -experienced journal editors;
  • -research ethics specialists;
  • -legal or intellectual property advisors where appropriate;
  • -subject-matter experts;
  • -experienced researchers from diverse disciplines; and
  • -external independent members where specialised expertise is required.

Membership should reflect diversity in academic discipline, institutional affiliation, gender, geographical representation, and professional experience.

Independence

The Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee operates independently in providing ethical advice.

Members shall disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest before participating in the consideration of any matter.

Where a conflict exists, the affected member shall recuse themselves from discussions and recommendations relating to that matter.

Editorial recommendations shall be based solely on evidence, ethical principles, and publisher policies.

Referral of Cases

Cases may be referred to the Committee by:

  • -the Publisher;
  • -the Editor-in-Chief;
  • -Associate Editors;
  • -Editorial Boards;
  • -the Editorial Office; or
  • -other authorised officials of Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre.

In exceptional circumstances, concerns raised by authors, reviewers, readers, institutions, or members of the public may also be referred where they involve significant issues of publication ethics or research integrity.

Review Process

When reviewing a matter, the Committee may:

  • -examine relevant documentation;
  • -request clarification from the parties involved;
  • -consult subject experts;
  • -seek additional evidence;
  • -review applicable publisher policies;
  • -consider institutional findings where available; and
  • -deliberate collectively before making recommendations.

All deliberations shall be conducted confidentially and in accordance with the principles of procedural fairness.

Individuals whose interests may be affected shall ordinarily be given an opportunity to respond before recommendations are finalised.

Recommendations

Following its review, the Committee may recommend actions including:

  • -no further action;
  • -editorial clarification;
  • -manuscript revision;
  • -correction of the published record;
  • -publication of an Expression of Concern;
  • -retraction;
  • -rejection of a manuscript;
  • -referral to the relevant institution;
  • -policy revision;
  • -reviewer or editor training;
  • -improvements to editorial procedures; or
  • -other appropriate measures consistent with publisher policies.

Recommendations are advisory and intended to assist responsible editorial decision-making.

Confidentiality

The Committee shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all matters under consideration.

Information obtained during investigations shall be used solely for legitimate editorial and ethical purposes.

Confidential information shall not be disclosed except where required by law or where disclosure is necessary to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record.

Annual Review and Reporting

The Committee shall periodically review trends in publication ethics and research integrity across journals published by Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre.

Without disclosing confidential information, the Committee may prepare an annual report summarising:

  • -publication ethics activities;
  • -emerging ethical issues;
  • -policy developments;
  • -recommendations for quality improvement;
  • -educational initiatives; and
  • -statistics on appeals, complaints, corrections, retractions, and other integrity-related matters.

These reports will support continuous improvement and demonstrate the publisher's commitment to transparency and accountability.

Policy Development and Advisory Role

The Committee advises the Publisher on the development, implementation, and periodic review of policies relating to:

  • -publication ethics;
  • -research integrity;
  • -peer review;
  • -artificial intelligence;
  • -authorship;
  • -conflicts of interest;
  • -editorial governance;
  • -open science;
  • -research data;
  • -copyright and licensing; and
  • -other matters affecting scholarly publishing.

The Committee also contributes to strengthening ethical awareness through educational initiatives, guidance documents, and professional development programmes.

Relationship with Editorial Independence

The Committee respects the editorial independence of every journal published by Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre.

Its role is to provide independent ethical advice and recommendations. Final editorial decisions remain the responsibility of the relevant Editor-in-Chief, except where publisher-level intervention is required under established policies.

This balance preserves both editorial autonomy and institutional accountability.

Continuous Improvement

The Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee shall periodically evaluate its own effectiveness and recommend improvements to strengthen ethical governance, editorial quality, and responsible scholarly publishing across all journals.

The Committee will remain responsive to developments in publication ethics, research integrity, emerging technologies, and international best practices.

Conclusion

The Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee represents Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre's enduring commitment to ethical leadership, responsible scholarship, and editorial excellence.

By providing independent advice on complex ethical matters, supporting transparent decision-making, and promoting continuous improvement, the Committee helps safeguard the credibility of the scholarly record and reinforces trust among authors, reviewers, editors, institutions, and readers.

Through the work of the Publishing Ethics and Integrity Committee, Datamine Publishing and Consulting Centre affirms that integrity is not merely a policy, it is the foundation upon which every journal, every article, and every editorial decision is built.