Research and Publication Misconduct
Research and Publication Misconduct Policy
Applied Health Research, Innovation & Education (AHRIE) is committed to identifying, assessing, and responding fairly and confidentially to potential misconduct involving submitted manuscripts or published articles.
The journal draws on recognized international best practices, including guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), without representing itself as a member of that organization.
Conduct Covered by This Policy
Research or publication misconduct may include, but is not limited to:
• Fabrication, falsification, omission, or inappropriate manipulation of data, images, results, or methods.
• Plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication.
• Manipulation of peer review, use of false identities, or recommendation of nonexistent reviewers.
• Improper attribution, omission, or alteration of authorship.
• Failure to disclose relevant conflicts of interest.
• Manipulation of citations or references for purposes unrelated to their scientific relevance.
• Failure to comply with ethical requirements applicable to research involving humans, animals, or sensitive information.
• Simultaneous submission of the same manuscript to more than one journal.
• Unjustified alteration or destruction of information required to verify a study.
• Retaliation against whistleblowers, participants, authors, reviewers, or members of the editorial team.
• Any other practice intended to mislead the journal, its readers, or the scientific community.
Reporting Suspected Misconduct
Anyone may report a substantiated concern regarding potential misconduct by contacting editorial@ahriejournal.org.
The communication should identify the manuscript or article involved and provide verifiable information or evidence whenever possible.
Anonymous reports may be assessed when they contain sufficiently specific and verifiable information. AHRIE will not dismiss a report solely because of the identity, affiliation, or academic status of the person submitting it.
Initial Assessment
The Editor-in-Chief, or an independent editor without conflicts of interest, will conduct a preliminary assessment to determine whether the concern is specific, relevant, and supported by sufficient information.
When an allegation concerns the Editor-in-Chief, the publisher will appoint an independent person to manage the case.
The existence of an allegation will not be treated as proof of wrongdoing. The individuals concerned will be given an opportunity to understand the relevant allegations and provide explanations, documents, original data, or other evidence.
Manuscripts Under Evaluation
When a concern involves an unpublished manuscript, AHRIE may temporarily suspend the editorial process while seeking clarification.
Depending on the findings, the journal may continue the evaluation, request corrections, reject the manuscript, terminate its processing, or refer the matter to the relevant institution, ethics committee, funder, or competent authority.
Published Articles
If the concern affects a published article, AHRIE may request additional information, consult independent specialists, and contact the institutions or organizations responsible for conducting formal investigations.
Based on the available evidence, the journal may publish a correction, editorial expression of concern, retraction, or other appropriate notice.
These measures will follow AHRIE’s corrections and retractions policy while preserving the identification and traceability of the scholarly record.
Cases Involving Editors or Reviewers
Allegations involving editors, reviewers, or members of the editorial team will be assessed by a person who is not involved in the matter.
Those concerned will not participate in the investigation or related decisions.
Confidentiality and Due Process
Information will be shared only with the individuals and institutions necessary to assess the case.
AHRIE will seek to protect confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, document its actions, and provide an impartial process.
The journal does not conduct institutional investigations or impose employment or academic sanctions. When appropriate, it will refer information to the relevant institutions, ethics committees, funders, or competent authorities.
Decisions and Appeals
Editorial decisions will be based on the available evidence, the seriousness of the matter, and the need to protect the integrity of the scientific record.
Directly affected individuals may submit an appeal in accordance with AHRIE’s complaints and appeals policy.
