The journal seeks to ensure transparency and impartiality in the scholarly publication process. For this reason, all participants in the editorial process—authors, reviewers, and editors—are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest. This policy is intended to prevent personal, financial, or professional factors from influencing research outcomes or editorial decisions regarding publication.
Conflicts of interest on the part of authors
When submitting a manuscript, authors must disclose any circumstances that may be regarded as a potential conflict of interest. These may include financial relationships (for example, employment, receipt of honoraria, participation in the activities of companies, ownership of patents) as well as non-financial factors, including personal relationships, academic competition, ideological views, or religious beliefs.
This information enables readers to assess the possible influence of such factors on the results of the research. At the end of each article, a statement titled “Conflict of Interest” is published. If the authors declare no such circumstances, the statement “None declared” is indicated.
Conflicts of interest on the part of reviewers
Reviewers must inform the editorial office of any circumstances that could compromise their impartiality in evaluating a manuscript. In particular, this applies to situations where:
• financial or personal relationships exist with the authors or with institutions involved in the research;
• the subject of the manuscript directly overlaps with the reviewer’s own research and may create a situation of academic competition;
• personal relationships exist (for example, collaboration, friendship, or conflict) that could affect the objectivity of the review.
In such cases, the reviewer should decline to review the manuscript.
Conflicts of interest on the part of editors
Editors must also declare potential conflicts of interest and refrain from participating in the consideration of manuscripts in situations where their impartiality may be questioned. This includes cases where the editor:
• has financial, professional, or personal relationships with the authors or with institutions related to the research;
• is a co-author of the submitted work or works in the same organization as the authors;
• could be perceived as an interested party in the decision-making process.
In such situations, the manuscript is reassigned to another editor or to an independent expert.
The journal ensures transparency in matters related to conflicts of interest by publishing the relevant information at the end of each article. Compliance with this policy is mandatory for all participants in the publication process and supports the integrity and objectivity of scholarly communication.
