Publication Ethics and Publication Malpractice Statement

(based on Elsevier recommendations and COPE's Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors)

Ethical guidelines for journal publication

As per the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines, the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) is committed to ensuring the highest ethical standards in research and scholarly publishing. We expect all parties involved in the publishing process: the authors, the journal editors, and the peer reviewers, to adhere to these standards.

Duties of Editor:

• Publication Decisions: The editor-in-chief will be responsible for deciding which of the papers submitted to the journal should be published.
• Fair Play: The editors should evaluate manuscripts solely based on their academic merit and relevance to the journal's scope, without regard to the authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy.
• Confidentiality: The editors and editorial staff should not disclose any information about a submitted manuscript to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisers, and the publisher, as appropriate.
• Conflict of Interest: The editors should require all contributors to disclose relevant competing interests and publish corrections if competing interests are revealed after publication.

Duties of Reviewers:

• Contribution to Editorial Decision: The peer-review process assists the editors in making editorial decisions, and, through the editorial communications with the author, may also assist the author in improving the paper.
• Confidentiality: Any manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. They must not be shown to, or discussed with, others except if authorized by the editor.
• Standards of Objectivity: Reviews should be conducted objectively. Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate.
• Disclosure and Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should not review manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships or connections with any of the authors, companies, or institutions connected to the papers.

Duties of Authors:

• Reporting Standards: Authors of reports of original research should present an accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its significance.
• Data Access and Retention: Authors may be asked to provide the raw data in connection with a paper for editorial review and should be prepared to provide public access to such data.
• Originality and Plagiarism: Authors should ensure that they have written entirely original works.
• Multiple, Redundant, or Concurrent Publication: An author should not in general publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal or primary publication.
• Acknowledgement of Sources: Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must always be given.
• Authorship of the Paper: Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study.

Allegations of Misconduct:

IJCMAS takes any allegations of misconduct pre-publication and post-publication seriously and will deal with cases according to COPE guidelines. If proven, such misconduct may lead to a variety of corrective actions, including the retraction of articles.

Publication Ethics:

IJCMAS ensures that advertising, reprint, or other commercial revenue has no impact on editorial decisions.

These guidelines are intended to ensure the highest ethical publishing standards and clarify our expectations for all parties involved in the publication process. We are committed to transparency and will review and update these guidelines as needed. Detailed policies on individual aspects of publishing are given under the policies section for the benefit of users.

Authorship Policy

IJCMAS adheres to a strict authorship policy that aligns with the COPE guidelines, as well as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) recommendations. We define an author as someone who has made significant intellectual contributions to the research and the manuscript. To ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability, the following criteria must be met:

1. Substantial Contributions: To be listed as an author, individuals must have made substantial contributions to one or more of the following aspects of the research:
   • The conception or design of the work; or
   • The acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data for the work; or
   • The creation of new software used in the work; or
   • Have drafted the work or substantively revised it.
2. Approval of the Final Manuscript: All those listed as authors should approve the final version of the manuscript before it is published. They should be able to identify which parts of the paper they have contributed to and be able to detail their contribution.
3. Agreement to be Accountable: Each author should be able to identify which co-authors are responsible for specific parts of the work and should ideally be confident in the integrity of the contributions of their co-authors. All authors should have confidence in the accuracy and integrity of the work of the other authors.
4. Acknowledgment of Contributions: Contributors who do not meet all the above criteria for authorship should be listed in an "Acknowledgments" section. Examples of those who might be acknowledged include a person who provided purely technical help, writing assistance, or a department chair who provided only general support.
5. Changes to Authorship: Post submission changes to authorship, or the order of the authors, must be approved by all authors, including any who have been removed from the list. The corresponding author should act as a point of contact between the publisher and the other authors and should keep co-authors informed and involve them in major decisions about the publication.

We strongly discourage honorary or gift authorship. We encourage our community to consider these guidelines when assigning authorship to ensure fair and transparent recognition of work.

Failure to adhere to this policy, as well as any disputes or disagreements about authorship, will be investigated by the IJCMAS and may result in action, including but not limited to the retraction of articles and notifications to institutions.

Citations Policy for Authors:

Accurate and appropriate citation practices are essential for maintaining academic integrity, acknowledging the contributions of other researchers, and providing a reliable foundation for scholarly discourse. To ensure consistency and adherence to ethical citation practices, the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) has established the following guidelines for authors, in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines:

1. Citation Accuracy:
   • Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of their citations. All sources used in the research and referenced in the manuscript should be cited accurately and comprehensively.
   • Authors should cross-check their citations against the original sources to verify accuracy, including titles, authors' names, publication dates, page numbers, and any other relevant details.
2. Appropriate Citation Style:
   • Authors should follow the prescribed citation style specified by IJCMAS.
   • Consistency in the use of citation style throughout the manuscript is important for readability and ease of reference.
3. Citation of Prior Work:
   • Authors should appropriately cite and acknowledge prior work that has directly influenced the research or has been relied upon in the manuscript.
   • This includes citing relevant and significant publications, research papers, datasets, conference proceedings, or any other sources that have contributed to the development of the research.
4. Avoidance of Plagiarism:
   • Authors must avoid any form of plagiarism, including verbatim copying, paraphrasing, or summarizing without proper attribution.
   • When using the work or ideas of others, authors should provide appropriate citations and clearly distinguish between their own contributions and those of others.
5. Self-Citation and Cross-Referencing:
   • Self-citation should be used judiciously, focusing on its relevance to the current research and not for the sole purpose of artificially inflating the author's citation count.
   • Cross-referencing within the manuscript should be clear and precise, guiding readers to the relevant sections or supporting materials.
6. Citation of Unpublished or Personal Communications:
   • Authors should obtain proper permission and citation information before citing any unpublished or personal communications, including unpublished data, manuscripts in preparation, or personal correspondence.

Adhering to these citation guidelines promotes academic integrity, acknowledges the contributions of other researchers, and enhances the credibility and impact of your research. Authors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the specific citation requirements provided by IJCMAS and to consult relevant style guides for further guidance.

Plagiarism Policy

Originality and Plagiarism Guidelines of IJCMAS

IJCMAS places a strong emphasis on the originality of all submitted manuscripts. Our goal is to promote original scientific research and discourse. This policy is guided by the COPE guidelines for scholarly publishing.

1. Originality:
   • Authors must ensure that they submit completely original works. The use of another's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit is considered plagiarism.
   • Authors should cite all influences on their research and state explicitly where they have used the work and/or words of others. Overlapping or redundant publication without acknowledgement of the original source is also considered as unethical behaviour and is unacceptable.
2. Plagiarism:
   • All sources should be disclosed, and if a significant amount of other people's written or illustrative material is to be used, permission must be sought by the authors from the copyright holder and credited appropriately.
   • Manuscripts will be reviewed for possible plagiarism by software. If evidence of plagiarism is detected before/after acceptance or after publication, the editor may take action as per the COPE guidelines, including but not limited to: issuing a correction or retraction of the paper, notifying the authors' institution and recommending disciplinary action.
   • Self-plagiarism, also known as text-recycling, is unacceptable. Authors should not use portions of their previous works or duplicate the same content across multiple papers without proper citation.
3. Fabrication and Falsification:
   • Fabrication (making up research data) and falsification (manipulating existing research data, tables, or images) are strictly prohibited. Manuscripts found to have fabricated or falsified data, at any point (before or after acceptance), will be retracted, and appropriate sanctions will be applied.

By adhering to these guidelines, authors maintain the integrity of the scientific record, promote honest and transparent communication, and foster mutual respect for their peers in the scientific community.

Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in sanctions, including but not limited to the rejection of the manuscript, retraction of a published article, and the prohibition on submitting future manuscripts to IJCMAS.

Access Policies

Data Access, Retention and Sharing Guidelines:

Ensuring accessibility and retention of data is essential to transparency, reproducibility, and the validation of results in scientific research. The following guidelines are in accordance with COPE and other international research ethics standards:

1. Data Access:
   • Authors may be asked to provide the raw data of their study together with the manuscript for editorial review and should be prepared to make the data publicly available if practicable. Authors should ensure accessibility of such data to other competent professionals for at least ten years after publication (preferably via an institutional or subject-based data repository or other data center), provided that the confidentiality of the participants can be protected and legal rights concerning proprietary data do not preclude their release.
   • If the study is based on publicly available data, authors must include a statement on where and how the data can be accessed.
2. Data Retention:
   • Authors should keep their raw data related to their submitted paper, and it is important to prepare data storage before the research has begun.
   • All data, even if not published, should be kept for a reasonable period, for instance, ten years after publication of the original article, unless legal requirements or ethical considerations require a longer or shorter period.
   • Authors should also be prepared to send relevant documentation or data in order to verify the validity of the results during the review process. This could be in the form of raw data, samples, records, etc.
3. Data Sharing:
   • Authors should, as far as possible, be prepared to share their raw, unprocessed data with other researchers when reasonable requests are made.
   • Any restrictions on the availability of data or information must be disclosed to the editors at the time of submission.

Failure to comply with IJCMAS's data access and retention policy may result in manuscript rejection or retraction of a published article.

Multiple, Redundant or Concurrent Publication Guidelines of the IJCMAS

IJCMAS follows a rigorous policy regarding multiple, redundant, or concurrent publications in line with COPE guidelines to ensure the integrity of the academic record.

1. Multiple or Redundant Publication:
   • Authors must ensure that they do not submit the same research in more than one manuscript, and an author should not submit for consideration a previously published paper.
   • Redundant publication, also known as 'self-plagiarism', where an author reuses substantial parts of their own published work without providing the appropriate references, is not acceptable.
   • Manuscripts under consideration by IJCMAS should not be currently under consideration by any other journal.
2. Concurrent Publication:
   • Authors must notify IJCMAS and the editors of other involved journals if they plan to submit a manuscript with similar or overlapping content that is previously published, or soon-to-be-published, to multiple journals concurrently.
   • Concurrent submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals is unethical and unacceptable.
3. Cross-Referencing:
   • If authors have used their work and/or words in another publication, they should cite the previous work and highlight how their submitted manuscript differs from their previous publications.
4. Exceptions:
   • Certain types of articles, such as clinical guidelines, translations, and some types of articles published for a different group of readers, may be published in more than one journal. In such cases, authors and editors of the journals concerned must agree to the secondary publication, which must reflect the same data and interpretation of the primary document.

Breaching these guidelines may result in a range of sanctions, including but not limited to manuscript rejection, retraction of a published article, and a prohibition against future submissions to IJCMAS.

Acknowledgement of Sources:

Citing sources correctly and appropriately is a cornerstone of ethical scientific publishing. IJCMAS insists on thoroughness and accuracy in acknowledging the sources used in research and writing. The following guidelines, aligned with COPE's principles, should be observed:

1. Citation and Reference:
   • Authors should ensure that they have properly cited or credited the work and words of others as per the journal’s format. Information obtained privately, as in conversation, correspondence, or discussion with third parties, must not be used or reported without explicit, written permission from the source.
   • All sources must be disclosed, and if significant amounts of other people's written or illustrative material are to be used, permission must be sought by the authors from the copyright holder and credited appropriately.
2. Acknowledgement of Funding Sources:
   • All sources of funding for the research should be disclosed in the 'Acknowledgements' section. This should include the name of the funding body/grant number.
3. Acknowledgement of Personal and Technical Assistance:
   • Personal assistance: Individuals who have contributed to the research or the preparation of the manuscript but who do not meet the authorship criteria should be acknowledged in the manuscript, usually in an 'Acknowledgements' section.
   • Technical assistance: It is appropriate to acknowledge those who have provided technical help during the research (e.g., data collection, laboratory procedures).
4. Acknowledgement of Previous Publications:
   • Work submitted for publication must not duplicate previously published work in full or in part without acknowledgement and permission.

The expectation for authors to correctly acknowledge their sources extends to all materials and platforms, including but not limited to text, data, images, and software.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may lead to sanctions, including but not limited to manuscript rejection, retraction of a published article, and a prohibition against future submissions to IJCMAS.

Preprint Sharing Policy:

Preprints have become an important avenue for the rapid dissemination of research findings and fostering collaboration within the scientific community. At the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS), we recognize the value of preprints as a means of sharing research in a timely manner. To facilitate this, we have developed the following Preprint Sharing Policy:

1. Encouragement of Preprint Sharing:
   • IJCMAS encourages authors to share their research findings as preprints in recognized preprint servers or repositories before formal peer review.
   • Preprints can facilitate early access to research results, allow for timely feedback, and promote collaboration among researchers.
2. Acceptance of Preprints:
   • The submission of a manuscript as a preprint will not preclude its consideration for publication in IJCMAS. Authors are welcome to submit their work to the journal even if it has been previously shared as a preprint.
   • Preprints will be considered distinct from the formal peer-reviewed version published in IJCMAS.
3. Preprint Citation and Identification:
   • Authors are required to disclose any preprints associated with their manuscript during the submission process. This includes providing information on the preprint server, DOI, and any relevant version details.
   • Proper citation and identification of the preprint should be included in the published article once it undergoes peer review and is accepted for publication in IJCMAS.
4. Responsible Preprint Sharing:
   • Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the preprint content. They should follow ethical guidelines, including providing appropriate citations and acknowledgments for the work of others.
   • Preprints should not violate copyright laws, ethical guidelines, or include any inappropriate or defamatory content.
5. Version Control and Updates:
   • If an updated version of a preprint is made available during the peer review process or after the publication of the final article, authors are encouraged to provide a link to the updated version to ensure accurate dissemination of the research.

By embracing preprint sharing, IJCMAS aims to facilitate open and transparent communication of research findings, encouraging scientific discourse and collaboration. We value the contributions of preprints to the scholarly community and believe that they can enhance the research dissemination process.

Predatory Journals and References Policy:

IJCMAS is committed to upholding the highest standards of quality, integrity, and ethical publishing practices. As part of this commitment, we have developed the following Predatory Journals and References Policy in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines:

1. Identification of Predatory Journals:
   • IJCMAS discourages authors from citing or referencing articles published in predatory journals. Predatory journals are those that engage in deceptive practices, such as poor or non-existent peer review, false claims of indexing, or excessive publication fees without providing the expected publishing services.
   • Authors are encouraged to exercise due diligence and carefully assess the credibility and reputation of journals before citing or referencing them.
2. Avoidance of Predatory Publishing Practices:
   • Authors are strongly advised against submitting their manuscripts to predatory journals or engaging in any form of collaboration with such journals.
   • It is important for authors to conduct thorough research, evaluate journal quality indicators (such as indexing, peer review process, editorial board, and impact factor), and choose reputable journals for publication.
3. Appropriate Reference Selection:
   • Authors should prioritize referencing high-quality, peer-reviewed articles from reputable journals that have undergone a rigorous editorial process and maintain ethical publishing standards.
   • References should be selected based on their relevance, scientific validity, and credibility to support the arguments, findings, or claims made in the manuscript.
4. Vetting References:
   • IJCMAS editors and reviewers may assess the references provided in a manuscript to ensure they meet the journal's standards of quality and integrity.
   • In cases where references from predatory journals are identified, authors may be requested to replace them with appropriate references from reputable sources.
5. Transparency and Disclosure:
   • Authors should transparently disclose any conflicts of interest or relationships with predatory journals that may potentially influence their research or publication decisions.
   • Authors should declare any funding or financial support received from organizations associated with predatory publishing practices.

IJCMAS is committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in publishing and aims to safeguard the academic community from predatory publishing practices. By adhering to this policy, we promote the dissemination of reliable and trustworthy research to our readership.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest Guidelines of the IJCMAS:

In line with COPE guidelines, IJCMAS insists on full transparency from all parties involved in the publishing process. Ensuring complete and timely disclosures helps maintain the integrity and impartiality of the research and its evaluation.

1. Disclosure:
   • Authors: All authors must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence (bias) their work. Examples of potential conflicts of interest include employment, consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patent applications/registrations, and grants or other funding.
   • Reviewers: Potential conflicts of interest must also be declared by reviewers, and any situation that could be perceived as a potential conflict should be disclosed to the editor when replying to the invitation to review.
   • Editors: Editors should also disclose any conflicts of interest that could influence their decisions and should recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where they have a conflict of interest.
2. Conflicts of Interest:
   • Conflicts of interest (COIs) can arise when authors, reviewers, or editors have interests that could make it difficult to carry out their duties fairly.
   • If a COI is identified after publication, corrections, retractions, or other post-publication edits and public notifications may be required.
3. Management of Conflicts of Interest:
   • IJCMAS will manage any declared conflicts of interest in accordance with COPE guidelines. We reserve the right to reject any submission that has a conflict of interest that inappropriately influences the proposed content.
4. Reporting:
   • All authors are required to complete and submit a standard form (e.g., ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest) disclosing all potential conflicts of interest relevant to their submitted manuscript.

The integrity of academic research is founded on the principle of transparency. IJCMAS is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity in the content it publishes.

Non-disclosure of conflicts of interest by authors at the time of submission may result in immediate rejection of the manuscript. For a published article, failure to disclose conflicts of interest may result in sanctions, including retraction and a prohibition on submitting future manuscripts to IJCMAS.

Guidelines of the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) on Fundamental Errors in Published Works:

The IJCMAS is committed to uphold the integrity of the scientific record. It is a fundamental ethical responsibility to correct errors once they are identified in published work. We adhere to COPE guidelines in this matter:

1. Corrections and Retractions:
   • When an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their own published work, it is the author's obligation to promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate with them to retract or correct the paper.
   • If a reader or third party discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in a published work, they are encouraged to contact the journal editor or publisher. The journal will then engage in a review process, and if the claim is found valid, a correction or retraction will be published.
2. Editor's Responsibilities:
   • Editors, upon receiving such notifications, should correct the work promptly.
   • This may be done via an erratum for minor errors or a retraction or expression of concern for more significant errors or allegations of misconduct.
3. Form of Corrections:
   • Corrections should be linked to the original article wherever possible (e.g., in all online versions) and should clearly indicate the nature of the correction and the reason it was made.
   • If a retraction is necessary, the original article should remain available, with a watermark or other notice indicating it has been retracted.
4. Retractions and Expressions of Concern:
   • If there is clear evidence that the findings are unreliable, either as a result of misconduct (e.g., data fabrication) or honest error (e.g., miscalculation or experimental error), a retraction should be issued.
   • If the evidence is suggestive but not definitive, an expression of concern may be appropriate, stating that the validity of the work is uncertain and why.

Our commitment to correcting the record means that we will not hesitate to correct errors when these are identified, as truth and transparency are crucial in scientific publishing.

Failure to notify the journal of errors, or refusal to cooperate with correction or retraction, may lead to consequences, including notification to authors' institutions, funders, or other bodies.

Guidelines of the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) on Reporting Standards

1. Research Reporting:
   • Authors should present an accurate account of the work performed, provide sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work, and provide data that supports the results of the article.
   • The manuscript must contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behaviour and are unacceptable.
2. Data Reporting:
   • Authors may be asked to provide the raw data supporting their study for editorial review and should be prepared to make the data publicly available if practicable. The data should be represented accurately in the manuscript.
   • Authors should ensure that data do not contain any information that could lead to the identification of a participant unless the participant has given explicit consent.
3. Adherence to Relevant Reporting Guidelines:
   • Depending on the nature of the research, authors should consider using common guidelines for reporting research. These guidelines provide a framework to ensure all relevant aspects of the study are reported.
   • For example, randomized controlled trials should follow CONSORT, observational epidemiology should follow STROBE, diagnostic accuracy studies should follow STARD, systematic reviews and meta-analyses should follow PRISMA, and studies of animal preclinical studies should follow ARRIVE.
4. Negative Results:
   • Negative results should be reported as they provide useful information. Authors should strive to describe the study in enough detail for others to replicate and understand the reasons for the negative results.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines may lead to sanctions, including but not limited to manuscript rejection, retraction of a published article, and a prohibition against future submissions to IJCMAS.

Hazardous Procedures and Human or Animal Subjects Guidelines of IJCMAS

IJCMAS places the utmost importance on the ethical considerations surrounding the use of human and animal subjects in research. The following guidelines, in accordance with COPE and other international research ethics standards, should be adhered to:

1. Hazards:
   • If the work involves chemicals, procedures, or equipment that have any unusual hazards inherent in their use, the authors must clearly identify these hazards in the manuscript.
2. Human Subjects:
   • Research involving human participants must ensure the protection of their rights, safety, well-being, and dignity. This includes obtaining informed consent, maintaining privacy, and considering vulnerable groups.
   • Authors should declare that the studies involving human participants have been reviewed and approved by the appropriate ethics committee or institutional review board.
   • Manuscripts should include a statement confirming that informed consent was obtained from all participants or their legal guardians.
3. Animal Subjects:
   • Research involving animals should be carried out based on national or international guidelines and must have been approved by an appropriate ethics committee.
   • Authors should provide sufficient detail in the methodology to allow replication, including details about housing, feeding, and environmental enrichment.
   • Manuscripts should include a statement in the methodology section indicating the care and use of animal procedures followed the guidelines of the institution or the relevant national or international regulatory body.

IJCMAS advocates for the responsible use of animals in research and for the consideration of alternatives to animal research. Any evidence of unethical treatment of humans or animals may lead to the rejection of the manuscript, and appropriate agencies may be notified.

Non-compliance with these guidelines may result in consequences such as manuscript rejection, retraction of a published article, and a prohibition against future submissions to IJCMAS.

Consent For Identifying Information

Guidelines for Use of Patient Images or Case Details:

In adherence to the COPE guidelines and to respect the privacy rights of individuals, IJCMAS has formulated the following guidelines for the use of patient images or case details:

1. Informed Consent:
   • For the publication of case details, photographs, and other potentially identifying or sensitive patient information, authors must obtain explicit, written, informed consent from the individual (or their legal guardian).
   • The consent form should clearly state that the patient details will be published in a way that they will be freely available on the internet and may be seen by the general public. The individual should be made aware of what will be published, including pictures, videos, and text.
2. Anonymization of Data:
   • Authors should make efforts to anonymize data as much as possible, including text, images, and videos.
   • Identifying details (such as names, dates of birth, or specific locations) must be omitted from the manuscript unless they are essential for scientific purposes and the individual (or parent or guardian) has given explicit written consent for publication.
3. Ethical Approval:
   • Research involving patient data should have been approved by an appropriate ethics committee or institutional review board.
4. Verification:
   • Editors reserve the right to ask authors to provide consent forms or other documentation related to ethical approval, anonymization, or data collection.

Failure to obtain informed consent for the publication of patient details will result in the immediate rejection of the manuscript. If a violation of this policy is discovered after publication, the paper may be retracted, and appropriate notifications will be sent to the authors' institutions and/or professional regulatory bodies.

Plagiarism Policy

Guidelines of the IJCMAS on Plagiarism Detection

Plagiarism is a severe violation of academic integrity and is not tolerated by IJCMAS. To maintain the highest standards of scientific publishing, IJCMAS adheres to COPE guidelines and employs stringent policies to prevent and address plagiarism:

1. Definition of Plagiarism:
   • Plagiarism, as defined by COPE, involves using someone else's words, ideas, or results without giving proper credit. This includes copying text, replicating someone else's experiment or results, or reusing or modifying figures without permission and acknowledgement.
2. Plagiarism Detection Software:
   • All submitted manuscripts will be checked for plagiarism using reliable plagiarism detection software. This software compares the content of the manuscript with a vast database of academic content.
   • The aim is to identify instances of overlapping or identical text. Any manuscript found to contain significant similarities with previously published work will be scrutinized for plagiarism.
3. Handling Suspected Plagiarism:
   • If potential plagiarism is detected at the submission stage, the manuscript may be returned to the author for revision or may be rejected outright.
   • If plagiarism is detected after publication, IJCMAS will follow the COPE guidelines on post-publication plagiarism. This can result in a correction or retraction of the article, and the author's institution may be notified.
4. Author Responsibility:
   • It is the responsibility of the authors to ensure their work is entirely original, and if the authors have used the work and/or words of others, this has been appropriately cited or quoted.
   • Paraphrasing material or directly quoting text from other sources must be properly acknowledged with appropriate references.

IJCMAS takes all forms of plagiarism seriously and will take necessary actions to preserve the integrity of the academic record.

Guidelines on Reviewer Bias or Competitive Harmful Acts by Reviewers:

Peer review is fundamental to the scientific publishing process, helping to maintain the integrity and quality of published research. However, IJCMAS acknowledges that issues such as reviewer bias or competitive harmful acts can occur, potentially compromising this process. We are committed to addressing these issues promptly and follow COPE guidelines in such instances.

1. Definition of Reviewer Bias or Competitive Harmful Acts:
   • Reviewer bias refers to a situation where a reviewer's judgment is influenced by personal or professional relationships, conflicts of interest, or personal beliefs.
   • Competitive harmful acts refer to instances where a reviewer may intentionally delay the review process or misuse confidential information for personal or professional gain.
2. Handling Allegations:
   • If an editor is notified or suspects potential reviewer bias or competitive harmful acts, they will initiate an investigation following COPE guidelines. This may involve contacting the reviewer for clarification or seeking a secondary review of the manuscript.
   • In cases where the allegations are found to be valid, the reviewer may be removed from the reviewer pool, and their actions may be reported to their institution.
3. Prevention:
   • IJCMAS has implemented a rigorous reviewer selection process to minimize the likelihood of bias or competitive harmful acts. This includes avoiding reviewers with potential conflicts of interest with the authors and maintaining a diverse pool of reviewers to prevent overreliance on any single expert.
   • Reviewers are expected to adhere to IJCMAS's code of conduct for reviewers, which outlines expectations for integrity, objectivity, and confidentiality in the review process.

IJCMAS is committed to ensuring a fair and robust peer review process. We believe in the critical role that peer reviewers play in maintaining the quality and integrity of the research we publish, and we take any instances of reviewer bias or competitive harmful acts seriously.

Ethical Expectations

Ethical Expectations:

The International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. To ensure the integrity, transparency, and credibility of our journal, we expect all stakeholders, including the Editor-in-Chief, Editorial Board, Reviewers, Authors, and Publisher, to adhere to the following ethical guidelines as per the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE):

1. Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board:
   • Ensure unbiased and fair editorial decisions based on the scientific merit of the manuscripts, without any discrimination or personal bias.
   • Foster a transparent and rigorous peer review process by selecting appropriate reviewers, handling conflicts of interest, and maintaining the confidentiality of manuscripts.
   • Strive to prevent any potential conflicts of interest that may compromise the objectivity and fairness of editorial decisions.
   • Promote and support responsible research and publication practices, including adherence to ethical guidelines, data integrity, and research misconduct policies.
   • Avoid any actions that may lead to the manipulation of citation metrics, such as coercive citation practices.
2. Reviewers:
   • Conduct the review process objectively, providing fair and constructive feedback to improve the quality of the manuscripts.
   • Disclose any conflicts of interest and recuse themselves from reviewing if they have a personal or professional relationship with the authors or if they are unable to provide an impartial evaluation.
   • Maintain the confidentiality of the reviewed manuscripts and refrain from using the information for personal gain or unauthorized purposes.
   • Avoid personal criticism or any form of discriminatory or unethical comments in the review process.
   • Promptly communicate any ethical concerns, suspected research misconduct, or violations of publication ethics to the Editor-in-Chief.
3. Authors:
   • Ensure that the submitted work is original, free from plagiarism, and properly acknowledges the contributions of others.
   • Provide accurate and reliable data, methodology, and interpretation of results in their manuscripts.
   • Obtain necessary permissions and approvals for the use of copyrighted material or personal identifiable information.
   • Clearly disclose any conflicts of interest, funding sources, or other potential biases that could influence the interpretation of the research.
   • Promptly notify the journal if errors or significant inaccuracies are identified after publication and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions if necessary.
4. Publisher:
   • Ensure the publication process is conducted with integrity, transparency, and adherence to ethical standards.
   • Support the editorial team in maintaining a rigorous peer review process and avoiding any undue influence or interference in editorial decisions.
   • Promote open access policies, copyright compliance, and responsible data sharing practices.
   • Monitor and address potential conflicts of interest, research misconduct, ethical concerns, and any allegations of publication misconduct promptly and appropriately.

IJCMAS is dedicated to fostering a culture of ethical publishing and scholarly integrity. By following these ethical expectations, we uphold the values of transparency, fairness, and responsible conduct in scientific research and publication.

Manuscript Withdrawal Policy

Manuscript Withdrawal Policy per COPE Guidelines:

At the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS), we understand that circumstances may arise in which authors may need to withdraw their submitted manuscripts. To ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the publication process, we have established the following guidelines for manuscript withdrawal, in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE):

1. Author Responsibilities:
   • Authors who wish to withdraw their manuscripts must notify the Editor-in-Chief or the editorial office in writing, clearly stating their reasons for withdrawal. The notification should come from the corresponding author or a designated representative of all co-authors.
   • If a manuscript has multiple authors, the consent of all authors is required for withdrawal. It is the responsibility of the corresponding author to ensure that all co-authors are in agreement with the withdrawal.
   • Withdrawal requests should be submitted as soon as possible after the decision to withdraw has been made, preferably before the formal peer review process has begun.
2. Editorial Review Stage:
   • If a manuscript is withdrawn during the editorial review stage, after it has been assigned to reviewers, the editor will consider the request for withdrawal. The withdrawal request will be evaluated in consultation with the reviewers and editorial board members, taking into account the reasons provided by the authors.
   • If the withdrawal request is approved, the manuscript will be withdrawn from further consideration and will not be published in IJCMAS. The withdrawal will be recorded internally for administrative purposes.
3. Publication Stage:
   • Once a manuscript has been accepted and is in the publication stage, the withdrawal process becomes more complex. In such cases, the authors are required to provide a strong justification for withdrawal, as it may affect the credibility and reputation of the journal.
   • If a manuscript is withdrawn after acceptance but before publication, the authors must provide a written explanation to the Editor-in-Chief. The decision to allow withdrawal will be at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief, considering the reasons provided, potential impact on the journal's content, and any contractual obligations.

It is important to note that the withdrawal of a manuscript does not absolve authors from complying with ethical responsibilities regarding confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and potential conflicts of interest associated with the submitted work.

IJCMAS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and transparency in the publication process. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of authors in adhering to these guidelines for manuscript withdrawal.

Appeal Policy Against Editorial Decision

Policy on Appeal Against Editorial Decision as per COPE Guidelines:

At the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS), we are committed to maintaining a fair and transparent editorial process. We recognize that authors may occasionally have concerns or disagreements regarding editorial decisions. To address such situations, we have developed the following guidelines for authors who wish to lodge an appeal against an editorial decision, in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE):

1. Grounds for Appeal:
   • Authors may lodge an appeal if they believe that the editorial decision was based on factual errors, misinterpretation of their research, or if they have identified significant issues with the editorial process that may have impacted the decision.
   • Appeals should be based on substantial concerns and should not be used as a means to challenge a decision solely because authors disagree with the outcome.
2. Appeal Process:
   • Authors should submit a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief or the editorial office within 30 daysof receiving the decision letter, clearly outlining the reasons for the appeal.
   • The appeal should provide a detailed response to the specific concerns raised by the editorial decision and include supporting evidence or documentation, if applicable.
   • Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief, who will carefully consider the original decision, the concerns raised in the appeal, and any additional information provided.
   • The Editor-in-Chief may consult with relevant members of the editorial board or seek external expert opinions to ensure an impartial evaluation of the appeal.
3. Appeal Outcome:
   • Following a thorough review, the Editor-in-Chief will make a final decision regarding the appeal and communicate it to the authors.
   • The appeal decision may result in upholding the original decision, overturning the decision, or requesting further revisions or clarifications from the authors.
   • The appeal decision is final and no further appeals will be considered.
4. Maintaining Professional Conduct:
   • Throughout the appeal process, authors are expected to maintain a professional and respectful demeanour in their communications with the journal's editorial office and staff.
   • Any form of misconduct, including personal attacks or harassment, will not be tolerated and may result in the dismissal of the appeal.

We strive to ensure a fair and transparent editorial process at IJCMAS. While we recognize authors' right to appeal, we emphasize that the appeal process is designed to address specific concerns or factual errors, rather than being a means to challenge decisions based on differences of opinion.

Copyright policy

Copyright Policy:

The International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) is committed to promoting the open dissemination of research to foster innovation and collaboration. As part of our commitment to openness and accessibility, we have adopted the following Copyright Policy, in alignment with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines and utilizing Creative Commons licensing:

1. Author Retention of Copyright: Authors retain the copyright of their published work in IJCMAS. This means that authors have the right to reproduce, distribute, publicly display, and create derivative works based on their published articles.
2. Creative Commons License: All articles published in IJCMAS are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to freely distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the published work, provided they give appropriate credit to the original authors and the journal.
3. Attribution: In accordance with the CC BY license, proper attribution must be given to the original authors and the journal when using or distributing any part of the published work. Attribution should include the article title, authors' names, the journal name (International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences), volume/issue number, year of publication, and a link to the original article.
4. Third-Party Content: If the published work includes any third-party content, such as images, figures, or tables, authors are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions and ensuring compliance with copyright laws. Proper attribution should be given to the original source of third-party content.
5. Archiving and Repository Deposit: IJCMAS encourages authors to deposit their accepted manuscripts or published articles in institutional or subject repositories, preprint servers, or other recognized open-access platforms. Archiving and sharing of research outputs contribute to the wider dissemination and accessibility of scholarly work.
6. Ethical Considerations: Authors are expected to comply with ethical guidelines, including avoiding plagiarism, falsification, or fabrication of data. Any ethical concerns or violations should be reported promptly to the editorial office.

IJCMAS is committed to respecting authors' intellectual property rights while promoting open access to scholarly research. The adoption of Creative Commons licensing and our Copyright Policy allows for widespread dissemination, collaboration, and innovation within the scientific community.

Policy on Publishing Ethics for Editors

Editors at IJCMAS play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the journal's integrity and academic reputation. To provide a framework for this responsibility, the following guidelines aligned with COPE have been established:

1. Fair Play and Impartiality:
   • Editors should evaluate manuscripts based on their intellectual content without discrimination on grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, religious belief, ethnic origin, citizenship, or political philosophy of the authors.
2. Confidentiality:
   • Editors and editorial staff should maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and not disclose any information regarding manuscripts to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, other editorial advisers, and the publisher.
3. Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest:
   • Editors should not use unpublished information disclosed in a submitted manuscript for their own research purposes without the authors’ explicit written consent.
   • Editors should recuse themselves from handling manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships or connections with any of the authors, companies, or institutions connected to the papers.
4. Decisions and Appeals:
   • Editors should take all reasonable steps to ensure the quality of the material they publish.
   • Editors should work with authors, reviewers, and the publisher to handle appeals against decisions and complaints about the journal’s handling of their work in a balanced, fair, and respectful manner.
5. Encouraging Ethical Research:
   • Editors should encourage authors to adhere to ethical research standards, ensure all research involving humans or animals has been approved by an appropriate body, and where applicable, that informed consent has been given.
6. Dealing with Misconduct:
   • Editors should act in a balanced, objective, and fair way while carrying out their duties, without discrimination.
   • Upon suspicions or allegations of research or publishing misconduct, editors should follow the COPE guidelines on how to handle such issues and retract or correct articles when needed.

These guidelines are a living document and will be reviewed and updated regularly to continue guiding ethical publishing practices.

Guidelines of the IJCMAS on Corrections to the Record

In line with the commitment to upholding the integrity of the scientific record, IJCMAS adheres to COPE guidelines regarding corrections to the record. The following guidelines detail how corrections, errata, retractions, and expressions of concern about published articles are handled:

1. Corrections and Errata:
   • When errors are identified in published articles that do not affect the validity of the scientific content, a correction or erratum will be published.
   • Corrections will be linked to the original article and will include the date of the correction, a reference to the original article, and the reason for the correction.
2. Retractions:
   • If serious errors or scientific misconduct occur, such as data fabrication, falsification or plagiarism, the paper may be retracted.
   • A retraction notice will be published and linked to the retracted article. The retraction notice will specify the reason for the retraction and who is retracting the article.
   • The retracted article will remain on the website, marked as retracted, to maintain the scholarly record.
3. Expressions of Concern:
   • If there are serious doubts about the integrity or validity of the work, an expression of concern may be published while the matter is investigated.
   • If the outcome of the investigation determines that there is a serious error or scientific misconduct, the article may be retracted.
4. Editorial Decisions:
   • The decision to correct, retract, or express concern about an article will be made by the editorial team, sometimes in consultation with the authors and often after an investigation by an appropriate body.
   • Retractions, corrections, and expressions of concern are not a punishment; they are mechanisms to correct the scientific record.

Failure to comply with these policies may result in consequences such as manuscript rejection, retraction of a published article, and a prohibition against future submissions to IJCMAS.

Complaints Policy

Guidelines for Editors Regarding Authorship Complaints:

IJCMAS adheres to the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency in the authorship of scholarly articles in line with the COPE guidelines. We recognize that disputes may arise regarding authorship, and we have established the following policies to address such issues:

1. Defining Authorship:
   • As defined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), an author should meet all four criteria: substantial contribution to the conception or design of the work or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; drafting the work or revising it critically for important intellectual content; final approval of the version to be published; agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
   • Individuals who do not meet all criteria should be acknowledged in the "Acknowledgments" section.
2. Pre-Submission Authorship Confirmation:
   • Before manuscript submission, it is crucial that all authors agree on the author list and the order of authorship.
3. Authorship Changes Post-Submission:
   • Any changes to the author list after submission, including additions, deletions, or change in order, must be approved by all authors. This includes the authors being added or removed and those who continue to be listed as authors. The corresponding author must send the editor a request for authorship change explaining the reason for the change. This request must be accompanied by written confirmation (email is acceptable) from all authors that they agree with the addition, removal, or rearrangement.
4. Handling Authorship Disputes:
   • In cases where an authorship dispute cannot be resolved amongst the authors, the matter will be escalated to the institution(s) where the work was carried out.
   • If the dispute cannot be resolved at the institutional level, it may be necessary for the authors to seek mediation or legal guidance.

IJCMAS expects all authors to resolve authorship disputes in a professional manner respecting the principles of courtesy, integrity, and transparency.

Research Results Misappropriation Guidelines:

The misappropriation of research results, including the unauthorized use of unpublished work or data, is a serious ethical violation. IJCMAS is committed to upholding the integrity of the academic record and strictly adheres to the COPE guidelines regarding this issue.

1. Definition of Misappropriation:
   • Misappropriation in a research context typically refers to the unauthorized use of another's unpublished research data or results, or the inappropriate use of privileged information obtained through processes such as peer review.
2. Author Responsibility:
   • Authors are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions to use data or results from other researchers. Authors should provide acknowledgements and proper citations to all sources that have contributed significantly to the research.
3. Reviewer Responsibility:
   • Reviewers must maintain the confidentiality of any information or data associated with the manuscripts they review. The unauthorized use of such data or information is strictly forbidden.
4. Handling Suspected Misappropriation:
   • If potential misappropriation is identified, the editors of IJCMAS will conduct an initial investigation following COPE guidelines. If a case of misappropriation is suspected, the authors will be contacted for clarification.
   • If misappropriation is confirmed, actions may include the rejection of the manuscript, the publication of a notice of misappropriation, and the reporting of the case to the authors' institutions.
5. Prevention and Training:
   • IJCMAS encourages all researchers to understand and adhere to best practices for research ethics and integrity. Proper training and mentorship in ethical research practices can help prevent instances of misappropriation.

IJCMAS is committed to fostering an ethical publishing environment and encourages a collaborative approach to build and maintain trust in scientific research.

Guidelines for Editors on Allegations of Research Errors, Falsification, and Fabrication:

IJCMAS is committed to ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the research it publishes. It is a severe breach of research ethics to present false or misleading data, and IJCMAS follows the COPE guidelines when dealing with allegations of research errors, falsification, and fabrication.

1. Definition of Research Errors, Falsification, and Fabrication:
   • Research errors refer to unintentional mistakes in the collection, interpretation, or reporting of data.
   • Falsification refers to the intentional misrepresentation or distortion of research data.
   • Fabrication refers to the creation and reporting of fictitious data or results.
2. Handling Allegations:
   • If an editor is notified or discovers possible research errors, falsification, or fabrication, they will initiate an investigation following the COPE guidelines. This may involve contacting the authors for clarification or seeking expert opinions.
   • If the investigation reveals that the issue is likely to be a result of research error, the authors will be asked to correct their data, possibly leading to a corrigendum or a retraction.
   • If falsification or fabrication is suspected, the matter may be escalated to the authors' institution(s) for further investigation.
3. Editorial Decisions:
   • Decisions on how to correct the scholarly record will depend on the nature of the issue. This can range from minor corrections, publishing an erratum, an expression of concern, or retracting the paper in severe cases.
   • Retraction notices will specify the reason for the retraction and will be linked to the retracted article.
4. Prevention:
   • Editors play an active role in ensuring the research they publish is of the highest integrity. This includes carefully reviewing and considering all data and images presented in a manuscript, consulting with peer reviewers, and utilizing available tools and resources for detecting potential data manipulation.

IJCMAS takes all allegations of research errors, falsification, and fabrication seriously and will take necessary steps to correct the scientific record and maintain the trust of the scientific community.

Guidelines for Editors on Allegations of Image Duplication or Manipulation:

IJCMAS recognizes the critical role of graphical representations such as images and figures in conveying research findings. As such, we take allegations of image duplication or manipulation seriously and are committed to upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity as per the COPE guidelines.

1. Definition of Image Duplication and Manipulation:
   • Image duplication refers to the reuse of images or figures from previously published work or the same manuscript without proper acknowledgement and justification.
   • Image manipulation refers to altering or modifying an image to misrepresent the original data.
2. Handling Allegations:
   • If an editor is notified or discovers potential image duplication or manipulation, they will initiate an investigation following the COPE guidelines. This may involve contacting the authors for clarification or seeking expert opinions.
   • Authors may be requested to provide the raw, unprocessed data for comparison with the published image.
3. Editorial Decisions:
   • If the investigation reveals that image duplication or manipulation has occurred, decisions will be made according to the severity of the issue. For minor cases, this may lead to a correction or erratum. For more serious cases, this can result in an expression of concern or retraction.
   • In cases of image manipulation, the editors will follow COPE's guidelines on dealing with suspected manipulation in submitted or published images.
4. Prevention:
   • Editors play an active role in ensuring the integrity of published images. This includes careful review of all images in a manuscript, consulting with peer reviewers, and using available tools and resources for detecting potential image duplication or manipulation.

IJCMAS is committed to maintaining the integrity of the scientific record and takes all allegations of image duplication or manipulation seriously. We encourage a responsible use of images in scientific research and will take necessary steps to correct the scientific record.

Ethical violations

Guidelines for Editors on Research Standards Violations:

IJCMAS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and quality in the research it publishes. This requires adherence to rigorous scientific and ethical standards. Therefore, we have zero tolerance for violations of research standards and follow COPE's guidelines when handling such cases.

1. Definition of Research Standards Violations:
   • Research standards violations can take various forms, including but not limited to, plagiarism, data fabrication or falsification, unethical research practices, failure to declare conflicts of interest, inappropriate authorship credit, and failure to comply with research ethics guidelines relating to human or animal subjects.
2. Handling Allegations:
   • If an editor is notified or identifies potential research standards violations, they will initiate an investigation following COPE guidelines. This may involve contacting the authors for clarification, consulting with peer reviewers, or seeking expert opinions.
   • More serious allegations or those that the editor cannot resolve may be escalated to the authors' institutions, regulatory authorities, or other relevant organizations for further investigation.
3. Editorial Decisions:
   • Decisions on how to address the violation will depend on the nature and severity of the issue. Actions can range from requiring the authors to correct their manuscript, to publishing an erratum, expression of concern, or, in severe cases, retracting the paper.
   • Retraction notices will specify the reason for the retraction and will be linked to the retracted article.
4. Prevention:
   • IJCMAS promotes a culture of integrity and ethical behavior in research. We encourage authors, reviewers, and editors to familiarize themselves with and adhere to the standards and guidelines of responsible research and publishing.

IJCMAS takes all allegations of research standards violations seriously and is committed to preserving the integrity of the scientific record. We encourage all stakeholders to report suspected violations so that they can be properly investigated and addressed.

Guidelines for Reviewers and Editors on Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest:

Conflicts of interest can potentially influence the objectivity, integrity, or perceived value of published research. Therefore, IJCMAS places great importance on the full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest and adheres to the guidelines set forth by COPE in handling such cases.

1. Definition of Conflicts of Interest:
   • A conflict of interest can be any situation that has the potential to bias the design, implementation, or interpretation of research. This includes, but is not limited to, financial interests (grants, employment, investments, patents, copyrights), personal relationships, academic competition, and intellectual passion.
2. Author Responsibility:
   • Authors are required to disclose all potential conflicts of interest during the submission process. This includes financial, personal, or other relationships that could influence (or could be perceived to influence) their work.
3. Reviewer and Editor Responsibility:
   • Reviewers and editors must also disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could bias their opinions of the manuscript and recuse themselves from the review process if a conflict exists.
4. Handling Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest:
   • If an undisclosed conflict of interest comes to light after publication, IJCMAS will take action following COPE guidelines. The published article may be corrected or retracted, and an announcement explaining the situation will be published.
   • If the conflict of interest is identified before publication, the manuscript may be returned to the authors for revision, or the review process may be halted until the issue is resolved.

IJCMAS is committed to a fair and unbiased publication process, free from influence by conflicts of interest. By requiring full disclosure, we aim to maintain the integrity of our publication record and uphold the trust of our readers and the scientific community.

Ethical Guidelines for Being a Reviewer as per COPE:

Peer review is a cornerstone of scholarly publishing and is vital for maintaining the quality and integrity of published research. As a reviewer for IJCMAS, you have significant responsibilities, and your contributions are greatly appreciated. The following guidelines are based on COPE's best practice guidelines for reviewers:

1. Promptness: If you have been invited to review a manuscript but you cannot complete the review in the proposed timeframe, please inform the editorial office as soon as possible so alternative reviewers can be considered.
2. Confidentiality: Manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents and must not be shown to or discussed with others without authorization from the editor.
3. Objectivity: Reviews should be conducted objectively. Personal criticism of the author is inappropriate. Referees should express their views clearly, with supporting arguments.
4. Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers should disclose conflicts of interest resulting from direct competitive, collaborative, or other relationships with any of the authors and remove oneself from cases in which such conflicts preclude an objective review.
5. Anonymity: Unless the journal uses open peer review, reviewers should respect the confidentiality of the peer review process and not reveal their identities to the authors, either directly or indirectly.
6. Acknowledgement of Sources: Reviewers should identify relevant published work that has not been cited by the authors. Any statement that an observation, derivation, or argument had been previously reported should be accompanied by the relevant citation.
7. Completeness and Timeliness: You should complete your review within the agreed-upon timeframe. Please provide a comprehensive, evidenced-based, and constructive critique of the submitted manuscript.
8. Report Suspected Ethical Problems: If you suspect any ethical issues with the manuscript (e.g., data fabrication, plagiarism), you should report this to the editor with as much detail and evidence as possible.

By agreeing to review for IJCMAS, you commit to adhere to these guidelines, which are designed to ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and quality of our peer-review process. Your contribution is crucial to the quality of the research that IJCMAS publishes and we thank you for your time and expertise.

Guidelines for Reviewers on Conducting a Review as per COPE:

Conducting a peer review requires critical evaluation of a manuscript’s content while adhering to ethical standards and maintaining objectivity. As a reviewer for IJCMAS, we request you to follow the subsequent guidelines, based on COPE's best practice guidelines:

1. Assess the Manuscript: Read the manuscript thoroughly and assess its quality. Check if the study is well-designed and the results are clearly presented. Evaluate the novelty, relevance, and impact of the study in the field of microbiology and applied sciences.
2. Check for Adequate Referencing: Ensure that the authors have appropriately cited previous related work. Inform the editor if you notice any significant omission of other work in the field.
3. Evaluate the Methodology: Check whether the methods are adequately detailed to allow replication of the work. Comment on any ethical concerns raised by the study.
4. Examine the Data: Ensure the data supports the conclusions. Check for any flaws in the study’s data or its interpretation.
5. Objectivity: Reviews should be unbiased and objective. Personal criticism of the authors is inappropriate. Views should be expressed clearly with supporting arguments.
6. Provide Constructive Feedback: Provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback that will help the authors improve their manuscript. Highlight the strengths as well as weaknesses of the manuscript.
7. Maintain Confidentiality: Reviewers should maintain confidentiality about the manuscript and the review process. They should not disclose or use the information in the reviewed paper for their advantage.
8. Report Ethical Concerns: Any suspicion of ethical misconduct such as plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission should be reported to the editor, with the provision of any necessary evidence.
9. Recommendation: Provide a recommendation to the editor about the suitability of the manuscript for publication in IJCMAS.

By conducting the review in accordance with these guidelines, you help to ensure the integrity and quality of published research in IJCMAS. We appreciate your contribution to upholding these standards and thank you for your time and expertise.

Guidelines for Reviewers on Preparing a Report as per COPE:

The review report provides valuable input to the editorial decision-making process and can greatly assist authors in improving their manuscript. As a reviewer for IJCMAS, please adhere to the following guidelines when preparing your review report, based on COPE's best practice guidelines:

1. Structure your Report: Start with a brief summary of the manuscript, describing its main contributions and overall strengths and weaknesses. Then provide a detailed critique of different manuscript sections: introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.
2. Provide Constructive Criticism: When pointing out shortcomings or errors, always explain your reasoning and, if possible, suggest how the authors can address the issue. Avoid personal comments or criticism.
3. Evaluate the Manuscript as a Whole: Consider the originality and significance of the research, the quality of the data and its presentation, the soundness of the methodology and analysis, the referencing of previous work, and the clarity and style of writing.
4. Confidential Comments to the Editor: Use this section for comments about potential ethical issues, suspicions of plagiarism, redundant or duplicate publication, undisclosed conflicts of interest, or any other issues that should not be shared with the authors.
5. Final Recommendation: Clearly state your recommendation to the editor regarding the manuscript’s suitability for publication. If you believe that the manuscript can be improved, indicate whether you would be willing to review a revised version.
6. Ethical Considerations: Maintain confidentiality and do not share, discuss, or use the content of the manuscript or your review for personal advantage.

By following these guidelines, you ensure your report's effectiveness in assisting both the authors in improving their work and the editor in making the publication decision. Your time, expertise, and commitment to maintaining high-quality, ethical scholarly communication are greatly appreciated.

Guidelines for Reviewers on What to Consider After Peer Review:

The peer review process doesn't end once you've submitted your report. Following the review, there are a number of points to consider in order to maintain the confidentiality and integrity of the process. Below are the COPE guidelines regarding this:

1. Maintaining Confidentiality: As a reviewer, you should continue to respect the confidentiality of the review process and not reveal any details of the manuscript or its review, during or after the peer-review process, beyond those that are released by the journal.
2. Avoid Contact with Authors: Direct contact with authors is inappropriate before or after the review process. All communication should go through the relevant editor or the journal's editorial office.
3. Citing the Manuscript: The reviewed manuscript should not be used or cited in your work until it has been published and the public citation details are available.
4. Avoid Using Knowledge Gained from the Review: Information obtained through the peer review process should not be used for your own research or in discussions with colleagues, unless you have the explicit permission of the authors.
5. Responding to Further Queries: There may be instances when you're asked to comment on revisions to the manuscript or to provide additional advice on the manuscript, especially if new reviewers are brought into the process. Please respond to these requests promptly and courteously.

By adhering to these guidelines, you uphold the integrity and confidentiality of the peer-review process, which is of paramount importance to the quality and reputation of the IJCMAS. Your diligence, professionalism, and dedication to the standards of peer review are greatly appreciated.

Guidelines for Reviewers on Peer Review Training and Mentoring:

Peer review is a skill that is developed with experience and training. IJCMAS acknowledges the importance of peer review training and mentoring for reviewers to ensure the integrity and quality of the review process. The following guidelines, based on COPE's best practices, have been developed:

1. Training Opportunities: Reviewers should seek training opportunities to enhance their reviewing skills. This could be through workshops, online courses, or guidance documents provided by scholarly societies or publishers.
2. Mentoring: New reviewers are encouraged to seek mentoring from experienced reviewers. A mentor can provide advice on conducting the review, writing the report, and navigating ethical issues.
3. Practice: Reviewers can develop their skills by starting with reviewing preprints, participating in peer review mentoring programs, or co-reviewing with a more experienced reviewer.
4. Feedback: Reviewers should seek and be receptive to feedback on their reviews. This can be from editors or from authors.
5. Stay Updated: Reviewers should stay updated on the latest developments in peer review and ethical guidelines, such as those provided by COPE.
6. Reviewer Recognition: IJCMAS will acknowledge the contributions of reviewers and will explore options for reviewer recognition.

By improving your skills as a reviewer, you can make significant contributions to the scientific community and maintain the quality and integrity of the research published in IJCMAS. We appreciate your time and expertise and are committed to supporting you in your role as a reviewer.

Peer Reviewer Selection Policy:

At the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS), we recognize the crucial role that peer reviewers play in ensuring the quality and integrity of scholarly publications. To maintain a rigorous and fair peer review process, we have developed the following Peer Reviewer Selection Policy in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines:

1. Expertise and Qualifications:
   • Peer reviewers for IJCMAS are selected based on their expertise, qualifications, and experience in the specific subject area relevant to the manuscript under review.
   • Reviewers should have a strong publication record and possess in-depth knowledge of the research field, methodologies, and ethical considerations.
2. Unbiased and Independent Selection:
   • Reviewers are selected impartially and independently, free from any conflicts of interest or personal biases that may compromise the integrity of the review process.
   • Editors and the editorial board take into consideration any conflicts of interest disclosed by potential reviewers and ensure that reviewers with competing interests are excluded from the review process.
3. Maintaining Confidentiality:
   • IJCMAS ensures the confidentiality of the peer review process. Reviewers must respect the confidentiality of the manuscripts they review and refrain from disclosing or discussing the content with any unauthorized individuals.
4. Diverse and Inclusive Selection:
   • IJCMAS promotes diversity and inclusivity in reviewer selection, considering factors such as gender, geographic location, institutional affiliation, and underrepresented groups to foster a broader representation in the peer review process.
   • We strive to avoid any biases or discrimination in the selection of reviewers and welcome reviewers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
5. Regular Evaluation and Feedback:
   • The performance and quality of peer reviewers are regularly assessed by the Editor-in-Chief and editorial board.
   • Reviewers are provided with constructive feedback on their reviews to help them enhance their skills and maintain the highest standards of the peer review process.
6. Continued Professional Development:
   • IJCMAS encourages reviewers to engage in continuous professional development activities, such as attending workshops, webinars, or conferences related to peer review, research ethics, and publication practices.
7. Reviewer Recognition:
   • IJCMAS acknowledges the invaluable contributions of peer reviewers by providing them with due recognition for their efforts. This may include acknowledgement in published articles, certificates of appreciation, or inclusion in the reviewer database.

By adhering to this Peer Reviewer Selection Policy, IJCMAS aims to maintain a robust and objective peer review process that upholds the highest standards of scholarly publishing.

Guidance on Editorial Board Participation:

The editorial board plays a vital role in shaping the direction and quality of the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS). To ensure a consistent and high standard of editorial board participation, the following guidelines have been established:

1. Commitment and Availability: Editorial board members are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the journal's mission and objectives. They should be available and responsive to communication from the editor-in-chief and other board members.
2. Expertise and Knowledge: Board members should possess expertise and knowledge in the field of microbiology and applied sciences that align with the scope of IJCMAS. This expertise enables them to make informed decisions on manuscript selection, reviewer assignments, and strategic journal development.
3. Reviewing and Decision-making: Editorial board members may be called upon to review manuscripts within their area of expertise. Reviews should be timely, thorough, and objective. Board members should also contribute to editorial decisions, including recommendations on manuscript acceptance, revisions, or rejection.
4. Conflicts of Interest: Editorial board members must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could compromise their objectivity in the review and decision-making processes. This includes personal, professional, or financial relationships with authors, institutions, or organizations related to the manuscript.
5. Promotion and Visibility: Editorial board members are encouraged to promote IJCMAS within their professional networks and actively contribute to the visibility and reputation of the journal. This can include participating in conferences, promoting call for papers, and engaging in scholarly discussions related to the journal's scope.
6. Confidentiality and Ethical Conduct: Board members must maintain the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts and respect the privacy of authors and peer reviewers. They should adhere to ethical guidelines, including avoiding any form of misconduct, such as plagiarism or inappropriate use of privileged information.
7. Term Limits and Continual Evaluation: Editorial board members may serve for a specified term, typically renewable, to ensure fresh perspectives and expertise. The performance and contributions of board members may be periodically evaluated to ensure their continued suitability for the role.

IJCMAS values the contributions of its editorial board members and recognizes their crucial role in the success of the journal. By adhering to these guidelines, board members contribute to maintaining the integrity, quality, and reputation of IJCMAS.

Editorial Review Policy

Editorial Review Policy

The International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of editorial review to ensure the quality, integrity, and impact of the research we publish. Our editorial review process adheres to the guidelines provided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to promote ethical and transparent publishing practices. The following guidelines outline our editorial review policy:

1. Editorial Independence: The IJCMAS editorial team operates independently, free from any undue influence or interference, including those from the journal's publisher or any external parties. The editorial decisions are based solely on the scientific merit, validity, and relevance of the submitted manuscripts.
2. Peer Review Process: All manuscripts submitted to IJCMAS undergo rigorous peer review by experts in the relevant field. The peer review process is conducted in a double-blind manner, ensuring that the identities of both the authors and reviewers are kept confidential.
3. Reviewer Selection: Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, knowledge, and experience in the subject area of the manuscript. IJCMAS aims to ensure that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the authors or their work.
4. Confidentiality: Reviewers are required to maintain the confidentiality of the manuscripts they review. They must not disclose, share, or use the information obtained through the review process for personal gain or unauthorized purposes.
5. Objective and Constructive Feedback: Reviewers are expected to provide unbiased, objective, and constructive feedback on the manuscripts they review. They should identify strengths and weaknesses, offer suggestions for improvement, and comment on the scientific validity, methodology, data analysis, and ethical considerations of the research.
6. Editorial Decision-making: The editorial team, based on the reviewers' feedback, evaluates the manuscripts and makes informed decisions regarding their acceptance, revision, or rejection. The final decision is communicated to the authors along with reviewers' comments, ensuring transparency and accountability in the decision-making process.
7. Timeliness and Efficiency: IJCMAS is committed to ensuring timely and efficient editorial review. We strive to provide prompt feedback to authors and complete the review process within a reasonable timeframe.
8. Continuous Improvement: IJCMAS continually seeks to improve its editorial review process by soliciting feedback from authors, reviewers, and the scientific community. We value suggestions for enhancing the quality and efficiency of our publication procedures.

By adhering to these editorial review guidelines, IJCMAS aims to maintain the highest standards of quality, transparency, and integrity in the publication of research. We appreciate the valuable contributions of our reviewers, authors, and the scientific community in upholding these standards.

Advertising Policies

Advertising Policies:

Commercials or any sort of advertisements are not supported by The IJCMAS Journal. The Journal does not contain any further advertising, product or event promotion.

ABOUT COPE

The Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) is a global not-for-profit organization established in 1997 with the primary aim to provide guidance to editors, publishers, and researchers on publication ethics.

COPE provides invaluable resources, including guidelines, flowcharts, eLearning, and discussion documents, that promote integrity in research and its publication. It helps editors handle cases of research and publication misconduct and supports greater transparency and accountability in scientific research.

As a member of COPE, the International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences (IJCMAS) commits to uphold the highest ethical standards in scientific publishing, adhering to COPE's principles and guidelines. Our ethical publishing policies are informed and shaped by COPE's resources and consultations. We encourage all our authors, reviewers, and editors to familiarize themselves with COPE's guidelines and apply these principles in their roles.

By adhering to COPE's principles, IJCMAS strives to ensure all articles published in the journal are robust, reliable, and meet the highest standards of scientific integrity.

For more details about COPE, you can visit their official website: https://publicationethics.org/.