Editorial Responsibilities | Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiology

Foreword

Welcome to the Editors Portal of the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiology. As a leading publication dedicated to the advancement of cardiovascular science, we are committed to disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research that contributes significantly to the global medical community. Our journal serves as a platform for researchers, clinicians, and academicians to share their findings, promote collaborative efforts, and drive innovation in cardiovascular medicine.

The integrity and success of our journal are built upon the collective efforts of our editors, reviewers, and authors. Each role is pivotal in upholding the standards of excellence that our readers expect. This comprehensive guide outlines the responsibilities and ethical guidelines that must be adhered to by all parties involved in the publication process. By following these protocols, we ensure that our journal remains compliant with the rigorous standards set by major indexing databases and regulatory bodies.

We are dedicated to fostering a transparent, ethical, and efficient publication environment. This commitment not only enhances the credibility of the research we publish but also facilitates wider dissemination and accessibility through indexing in reputable databases. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the following guidelines to contribute effectively to our mission of advancing cardiovascular medicine.

For Editors

1. Manuscript Evaluation

Editors play a critical role in maintaining the quality and integrity of the journal. Their primary responsibility is to assess submitted manuscripts for their scientific merit, originality, and relevance to the journal's scope.

Objective Assessment: Editors must evaluate manuscripts without bias, focusing solely on the content's academic value. Personal beliefs, nationality, ethnicity, political views, or any other subjective factors should not influence the decision-making process. This objectivity aligns with the ethical standards required by indexing databases such as Web of Science and Scopus.
Fair Review Process: It is imperative to ensure a fair and unbiased peer-review process. Editors should select reviewers who possess the appropriate expertise and are free from potential conflicts of interest. The selection should be based on the reviewers' credentials and experience in the relevant field.
Timeliness: Prompt handling of manuscripts is crucial. Editors should strive to minimize delays in the review process by setting reasonable deadlines for reviewers and following up as necessary. Timely publication enhances the journal's reputation and meets the expectations of authors and readers.
Editorial Independence: Editors have full authority over the editorial content and timing of publication. They should make decisions independently and transparently, free from commercial or political influences. This independence is essential for compliance with standards set by bodies like the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Ethical Oversight

Maintaining high ethical standards is essential for the credibility of the journal and compliance with indexing databases.

Adherence to Ethical Standards: Editors must ensure that all published research complies with ethical guidelines concerning research involving humans or animals. They should verify that authors have obtained necessary ethical approvals and informed consent.
Addressing Misconduct: In cases of suspected misconduct, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, editors are responsible for initiating a thorough and confidential investigation. They should follow protocols outlined by COPE and other regulatory bodies to resolve such issues appropriately.
Retractions and Corrections: If errors or misconduct are confirmed post-publication, editors should facilitate the publication of corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern as needed. This action preserves the integrity of the scientific record.

3. Confidentiality

Editors must uphold the confidentiality of all submissions to protect the interests of authors and maintain trust in the publication process.

Privacy Protection: All manuscript details, including data and personal information, should be treated as confidential. Editors should not disclose any information to anyone outside the editorial and review process without explicit permission from the authors.
Limited Disclosure: Information should only be shared with individuals directly involved in the evaluation process, such as selected reviewers. This practice complies with data protection regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Anonymity in Peer Review: In double-blind peer review systems, editors should ensure that the identities of authors and reviewers are kept confidential to promote unbiased evaluations.

4. Conflict of Interest

Transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest is crucial for maintaining trust and objectivity.

Disclosure: Editors must disclose any personal, financial, or professional conflicts that could influence their editorial decisions. This includes relationships with authors, affiliations, or financial interests in the subject matter.
Recusal: If a conflict of interest exists, editors should recuse themselves from handling the manuscript. They should delegate the editorial responsibility to another qualified editor to ensure an unbiased review process.
Policy Compliance: Editors should adhere to the journal's policies on conflicts of interest, which align with guidelines from indexing databases and ethical committees.

5. Editorial Decisions

Making informed and fair decisions on manuscript acceptance is a core responsibility of editors.

Informed Judgement: Decisions should be based on the manuscript's scientific merit, originality, clarity, and relevance to the journal's scope. Editors should consider reviewers' recommendations and their own expertise.
Constructive Feedback: Regardless of the decision, editors should provide authors with detailed and constructive feedback. This approach helps authors improve their work and contributes to the overall quality of published research.
Consistency: Editors should apply editorial policies consistently across all manuscripts to ensure fairness and uphold the journal's standards.

For Reviewers

1. Expertise and Objectivity

Reviewers contribute to the integrity and quality of the journal through their expert evaluations.

Appropriate Evaluation: Reviewers should accept assignments only if they have the necessary expertise to provide an informed assessment of the manuscript. This ensures that the review is valuable and relevant.
Unbiased Review: Personal biases or relationships should not influence the review. Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on the content's scientific rigor and contribution to the field.
Ethical Considerations: Reviewers should be aware of and comply with ethical guidelines, including those related to human or animal research, and report any concerns to the editor.

2. Timeliness

Prompt reviews are essential for the efficient operation of the journal.

Prompt Response: Reviewers should complete their evaluations within the agreed-upon timeframe. Delays can hinder the publication process and affect the journal's reputation.
Notification of Delays: If circumstances prevent timely completion, reviewers should inform the editor immediately. This allows the editor to make alternative arrangements if necessary.

3. Confidentiality

Maintaining confidentiality is critical to protect the integrity of the review process.

Secure Handling: Manuscripts and supplementary materials should be treated as confidential documents. Reviewers should not share or discuss the content with anyone outside the review process.
Anonymity: In double-blind review systems, reviewers should ensure that their comments do not reveal their identity, preserving the integrity of the blind review.

4. Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must be transparent about any potential conflicts that could affect their impartiality.

Disclosure: Before accepting a review assignment, reviewers should disclose any conflicts of interest, such as personal relationships or financial interests related to the manuscript.
Declining Reviews: If a significant conflict exists, reviewers should decline the assignment to maintain the integrity of the review process.

5. Feedback Quality

High-quality feedback enhances the value of the peer-review process.

Constructive Criticism: Reviews should be thorough, providing clear and constructive comments that help authors improve their work. Criticism should be professional and focused on the manuscript, not the authors.
Reference Support: Reviewers should support their critiques with relevant citations or evidence, guiding authors toward specific areas that require attention.
Ethical Compliance: Any ethical concerns, such as suspected plagiarism or data manipulation, should be reported confidentially to the editor.

For Authors

1. Originality and Plagiarism

Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality and integrity of their work.

Authentic Work: Manuscripts submitted should be original contributions and not under consideration elsewhere. Duplicate submissions are unethical and violate publication standards.
Proper Citation: All sources and influences must be appropriately cited. Authors should avoid plagiarism in all forms, including self-plagiarism, to maintain the integrity of the scientific record.
Use of Third-Party Material: Authors should obtain necessary permissions for any third-party material included in their work, such as images or lengthy quotations.

2. Authorship Criteria

Clear authorship attribution is essential for acknowledging contributions accurately.

Significant Contribution: Only individuals who have made substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research should be listed as authors.
Consent and Approval: All listed authors must agree to the submission and approve the final version of the manuscript. Changes to authorship after submission require written consent from all involved parties.
Acknowledgments: Contributions that do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately, with consent from the individuals mentioned.

3. Data Integrity

The accuracy and reliability of data are fundamental to scientific research.

Accurate Reporting: Authors must present data truthfully, without fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate data manipulation. Results should be reported honestly, and methodologies should be described in sufficient detail for replication.
Data Availability: Authors should be prepared to provide raw data for editorial review and comply with open data requirements when applicable. This transparency supports the reproducibility of research findings.
Data Retention: Authors should retain data for a reasonable period after publication, following guidelines from funding agencies or institutional policies.

4. Ethical Compliance

Compliance with ethical standards is mandatory for responsible research.

Regulatory Adherence: Research involving human participants, animals, or hazardous materials must comply with all relevant laws and institutional guidelines. Authors should provide evidence of ethical approvals from appropriate committees.
Informed Consent: When applicable, authors must obtain informed consent from participants and ensure confidentiality. Details of consent procedures should be included in the manuscript.
Clinical Trial Registration: Clinical trials should be registered in a publicly accessible database before participant enrollment, and the registration number should be provided in the manuscript.

5. Conflict of Interest and Funding

Transparency about financial and personal interests enhances trust in the research.

Full Disclosure: Authors must disclose any financial support or personal relationships that could influence the research outcomes. This includes funding sources, grants, or any other form of financial assistance.
Funding Acknowledgment: All sources of funding should be clearly stated in the manuscript, including grant numbers and the names of funding agencies.
Role of Sponsors: Authors should disclose the role of the funding source in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and publication decisions.

6. Manuscript Corrections

Authors have an ongoing responsibility to ensure the accuracy of their published work.

Error Notification: If significant errors or inaccuracies are identified post-publication, authors must promptly inform the editor. This proactive approach maintains the integrity of the scientific record.
Cooperation: Authors should work collaboratively with the editorial team to publish corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern when necessary. Failure to address errors may result in sanctions or retractions.

General Policies

1. Data Protection and Privacy

Protecting personal data and complying with privacy laws are essential for ethical publishing.

Legal Compliance: All parties must adhere to data protection regulations, such as the GDPR and other applicable laws. This compliance ensures the lawful processing of personal data.
Personal Information: Any personal data collected during the research or publication process must be handled confidentially. Consent must be obtained for the use of personal information, and data should be anonymized when possible.
Privacy Statements: The journal's privacy policy should be transparent, outlining how personal data is collected, used, and protected.

2. Publication Ethics

Adherence to ethical guidelines is fundamental for maintaining the journal's credibility.

Ethical Standards: All participants in the publication process must comply with ethical guidelines established by organizations such as COPE. This includes practices related to authorship, peer review, and handling of misconduct.
Misconduct Handling: Any allegations of unethical behavior or misconduct should be taken seriously. The journal will investigate such claims thoroughly and impartially, following established procedures.
Plagiarism Detection: The journal employs plagiarism detection tools to ensure the originality of submitted manuscripts. Authors are encouraged to check their work for plagiarism before submission.

3. Appeals and Complaints

A fair and transparent process for handling disputes is essential.

Right to Appeal: Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals should be based on specific concerns or misunderstandings and must be submitted in writing with supporting evidence.
Fair Resolution: The journal will consider appeals objectively, without prejudice. A different editor may be assigned to handle the appeal to ensure impartiality.
Complaint Procedures: Complaints regarding the editorial process, ethics, or other concerns should be directed to the editor-in-chief. The journal is committed to addressing complaints promptly and effectively.

4. Accessibility and Dissemination

Enhancing the accessibility and impact of research is a key objective.

Open Access: The journal supports open access policies, making research freely available to the public. This approach promotes wider dissemination and complies with mandates from funding agencies.
Quality Standards: Maintaining high editorial and production standards is essential for inclusion in major indexing databases. The journal adheres to best practices in editing, formatting, and metadata provision.
Digital Archiving: The journal ensures long-term preservation of published content through digital archiving solutions. This guarantees that research remains accessible over time.

By adhering to these comprehensive responsibilities and guidelines, we collectively ensure that the Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiology maintains its reputation as a trusted and authoritative source of scientific knowledge. Our commitment to ethical publishing, rigorous peer review, and compliance with international standards facilitates indexing in leading databases, thereby amplifying the reach and impact of the research we publish.