Publication Ethics Policy

Journal: Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP)

Policy Version: 1.0

Effective Date: June 2026

1. Introduction

Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, and academic transparency.

The journal follows internationally recognized principles of scholarly publishing and publication ethics, including guidance issued by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

All authors, reviewers, editors, and Editorial Board members are expected to comply with this policy.

2. Research Integrity

Submitted manuscripts must present original, accurate, and reliable research.

Authors must ensure that:

• research findings are reported honestly;
• data are not fabricated, falsified, or manipulated;
• methods and results are described accurately;
• appropriate references are provided;
• conclusions are supported by evidence.

Any attempt to misrepresent research findings is considered a serious breach of publication ethics.

3. Plagiarism

Definition

Plagiarism includes:

• copying text without proper citation;
• presenting another person's ideas as original work;
• using figures, tables, or data without permission or attribution;
• translation plagiarism;
• inappropriate reuse of previously published material.

Self-plagiarism and excessive text recycling are also discouraged.

Screening

All submissions may be screened using plagiarism detection software before peer review.

Manuscripts containing substantial unattributed material may be:

• returned for revision;
• rejected without review;
• investigated further where necessary.

4. Duplicate Submission and Redundant Publication

Authors must not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously.

Manuscripts submitted to JCP must not be under consideration elsewhere.

Publication of substantially similar content in multiple journals without disclosure is prohibited.

Exceptions

The journal permits:

• preprint posting on recognized servers;
• substantially revised and expanded versions of conference papers, provided prior publication is disclosed.

5. Fabrication and Falsification

The journal maintains a zero-tolerance approach to research misconduct.

Fabrication

Fabrication includes:

• inventing data;
• creating false experimental results;
• reporting work that was never conducted.

Falsification

Falsification includes:

• manipulating research data;
• selective reporting of results;
• inappropriate image modification;
• misleading presentation of findings.

Authors may be required to provide raw data or supporting materials during editorial assessment.

6. Authorship

Authorship should reflect meaningful intellectual contributions to the research.

All listed authors should:

• contribute substantially to the work;
• participate in manuscript preparation or revision;
• approve the final version;
• accept responsibility for the integrity of the publication.

Unacceptable Practices

The following are prohibited:

• ghost authorship;
• guest authorship;
• gift authorship;
• AI authorship.

Artificial intelligence systems cannot be listed as authors.

Further information is available in the journal's AI Policy.

7. Changes to Authorship

Requests to add, remove, or reorder authors after submission must:

• be explained in writing;
• receive approval from all affected authors;
• be reviewed by the Editorial Office.

Changes after acceptance will only be considered in exceptional circumstances.

8. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any relationships or interests that could influence the evaluation, interpretation, or publication of research.

Potential conflicts may include:

• financial interests;
• employment relationships;
• research funding;
• personal or professional relationships.

Relevant disclosures should be made at the time of submission or review.

9. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors are responsible for:

• ensuring the originality of submitted work;
• obtaining permission for copyrighted materials;
• accurately reporting methods and results;
• retaining research data where appropriate;
• responding promptly to editorial requests.

Authors should cooperate fully with investigations into possible ethical concerns.

10. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers are expected to:

• maintain confidentiality;
• provide objective and constructive assessments;
• disclose conflicts of interest;
• avoid using unpublished information for personal advantage.

Reviewer responsibilities are described in detail in the journal's Peer Review Policy.

11. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for:

• ensuring fair and unbiased editorial decisions;
• maintaining confidentiality;
• managing conflicts of interest;
• safeguarding research integrity;
• addressing ethical concerns promptly and appropriately.

Editorial decisions are based on scientific merit and journal scope rather than commercial considerations.

12. Ethical Concerns and Investigations

The journal will investigate credible concerns regarding:

• plagiarism;
• duplicate publication;
• authorship disputes;
• fabrication or falsification of data;
• image manipulation;
• undisclosed conflicts of interest;
• other forms of research misconduct.

Investigations will be conducted fairly, confidentially, and in accordance with recognized publication ethics practices.

The journal may request:

• explanations from authors;
• raw data;
• supporting documentation;
• institutional clarification where appropriate.

13. Corrections and Retractions

Where necessary, the journal may publish:

Correction

For honest errors that do not invalidate the overall findings.

Retraction

For serious ethical breaches or unreliable research.

Expression of Concern

Where investigations remain ongoing and concerns cannot yet be resolved.

Post-publication actions will follow accepted publication ethics principles and will remain permanently linked to the published article.

14. Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions when they believe a significant factual or procedural error has occurred.

Appeals should be submitted in writing to the Editorial Office within 30 days of the decision.

The Editor-in-Chief will review appeals and communicate the final decision.

15. Compliance

Failure to comply with this policy may result in:

• manuscript rejection;
• withdrawal of accepted manuscripts;
• publication corrections;
• article retraction;
• temporary or permanent submission restrictions.

The severity of any action will be determined according to the nature and seriousness of the violation.

16. Policy Review

This policy may be updated periodically to reflect developments in publication ethics, research integrity standards, and scholarly publishing practices.

The most current version will be maintained on the journal website.

17. Contact

Questions regarding publication ethics may be directed to:

Editorial Office

Joining and Corrosion Protection (JCP)

Email: jcp@sunlitpub.com