The Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of research integrity and publication ethics. The journal follows the recommendations and COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) Flowcharts for handling allegations of research misconduct in a fair, transparent, and confidential manner. All authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to comply with the journal's ethical policies throughout the publication process.

Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes any practice that compromises the integrity or reliability of scientific research. Allegations of misconduct are investigated carefully, impartially, and confidentially in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Examples of Research Misconduct

The journal considers the following as research misconduct:

• Plagiarism and self-plagiarism.

• Data fabrication or falsification.

• Duplicate or redundant publication.

• Image manipulation or data misrepresentation.

• Improper authorship or authorship disputes.

• Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

• Ethical approval or informed consent violations.

• Citation manipulation or peer-review manipulation.

Investigation Process

When an allegation of research misconduct is received, the editorial office will conduct a preliminary assessment. If necessary, the matter will be investigated following the COPE Flowcharts and established ethical procedures. Authors may be asked to provide original data, ethical approval documents, or additional explanations during the investigation.

Editorial Actions

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the journal may:

• Request clarification or corrections from the authors.

• Reject the manuscript.

• Publish a correction or erratum.

• Issue an Expression of Concern.

• Retract the published article.

• Notify the authors' institution or relevant authorities when appropriate.

Author Responsibilities

Authors must:

• Carefully read the journal's Author Instructions and Ethical Policies before submission.

• Submit only original and authentic research.

• Maintain accurate research records and supporting data.

• Cooperate fully with editorial investigations if concerns arise.

• Promptly inform the journal if significant errors are discovered after publication.

Editorial Commitment

The journal handles all allegations of research misconduct confidentially, fairly, and without bias. Every case is evaluated individually while protecting the rights of all parties involved and maintaining the integrity of the scientific record.

Conclusion

By following the COPE Flowcharts and international publication ethics standards, the journal ensures that allegations of research misconduct are managed responsibly, transparently, and consistently. Authors are strongly encouraged to review the journal's author instructions and ethical policies carefully before submitting their manuscripts.