The Journal of Computer and Data Science (JCODA) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against publication malpractice. The journal follows the ethical principles and best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and expects all parties involved in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers, to adhere to these standards.

Definition of Publication Malpractice

Publication malpractice refers to any unethical behavior that compromises the integrity, reliability, and credibility of scholarly research and academic publishing. Such misconduct is unacceptable and will be addressed appropriately by the Editorial Board.

Examples of publication malpractice include, but are not limited to:

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for ensuring that:

• Submitted manuscripts are original and have not been published elsewhere.
• Research findings and data are reported accurately and honestly.
• All sources are properly cited and acknowledged.
• Authorship accurately reflects individual contributions.
• Conflicts of interest are fully disclosed.
• Ethical approvals and participant consents have been obtained when required.
• AI-assisted technologies are disclosed according to journal policies.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

• Conduct reviews objectively, fairly, and confidentially.
• Provide constructive and evidence-based evaluations.
• Avoid conflicts of interest.
• Report suspected plagiarism or ethical concerns to the editor.
• Refrain from using unpublished information for personal benefit.

Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for:

• Making publication decisions based solely on scholarly merit.
• Ensuring a fair, transparent, and unbiased peer-review process.
• Maintaining confidentiality throughout the editorial process.
• Investigating allegations of misconduct.
• Taking appropriate corrective actions when ethical violations occur.

Investigation of Misconduct

When allegations of publication malpractice arise, the Editorial Board will undertake a structured and impartial investigation process.

Investigations will be conducted fairly, confidentially, objectively, and without prejudice.

Corrective Actions

Depending on the severity and nature of the misconduct, Journal of Computer and Data Science (JCODA)may take one or more corrective actions.

Prior to Publication

• Request corrections or revisions.
• Suspend the review process.
• Reject the manuscript.
• Prohibit resubmission for a specified period.

After Publication

• Publish a correction notice.
• Publish an expression of concern.
• Retract the article.
• Remove the article when legally necessary.
• Notify institutions, funding agencies, or relevant authorities.

Retraction Policy

An article may be retracted under the following circumstances:

• Clear evidence of unreliable findings resulting from misconduct or serious error.
• Confirmed plagiarism or self-plagiarism.
• Duplicate publication without proper disclosure.
• Serious violations of ethical standards.
• Discovery of fabricated, falsified, or manipulated data.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a written explanation together with supporting evidence to the Editorial Office.

Appeals will be reviewed independently and objectively. The final decision of the Editor-in-Chief shall be considered binding.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing