Ecosocial Studies: Banking, Finance and Cybersecurity Journal

Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement

The Ecosocial Studies: Banking, Finance and Cybersecurity Journal (E-ISSN: 3081-0671) is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. The journal adheres to the principles and guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE Core Practices) and expects all parties involved in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, editors, and the publisher—to comply with these standards.

1. Editorial Responsibilities

Editorial Decision-Making

The Editor-in-Chief holds full responsibility for determining the suitability of submitted manuscripts for publication. Decisions are based exclusively on the manuscript’s academic merit, originality, methodological rigor, relevance to the journal’s scope, and adherence to ethical standards. Allegations of plagiarism, defamation, or research misconduct are handled with strict scrutiny and may involve consultation with independent experts.

Fair and Unbiased Evaluation

All manuscripts are evaluated objectively, without discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, nationality, or political orientation.

Confidentiality

Editors and editorial staff must treat all submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. Information regarding submissions may only be disclosed to the corresponding author, reviewers, or editorial advisors when necessary.

Conflicts of Interest

Editors must not use unpublished materials disclosed in submitted manuscripts for personal research without explicit written consent from the author(s). In cases of conflict of interest, editors must recuse themselves and delegate the editorial responsibility to another qualified member.

2. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Contribution to Editorial Decisions

Reviewers play a critical role in supporting editorial decisions and improving the quality of manuscripts through constructive, evidence-based feedback.

Competence and Timeliness

Reviewers should decline assignments if they lack the necessary expertise or are unable to complete the review within the designated timeframe.

Confidentiality

Manuscripts under review must be treated as confidential and must not be shared or discussed without permission from the editorial office.

Objectivity and Academic Integrity

Reviews must be conducted objectively and respectfully. Personal criticism of authors is inappropriate; all comments should be supported by clear and scholarly arguments.

Acknowledgment of Sources

Reviewers should identify relevant literature not cited by the authors and report any concerns regarding plagiarism, duplication, or ethical misconduct.

Conflict of Interest

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest and abstain from reviewing manuscripts where such conflicts exist.

3. Responsibilities of Authors

Reporting Standards

Authors must present their research in an accurate, transparent, and reproducible manner. Fabrication, falsification, or misrepresentation of data is strictly prohibited.

Data Availability and Retention

Authors should be prepared to provide access to underlying data when requested and retain such data for a reasonable period following publication.

Originality and Plagiarism

Submissions must be original works. Proper citation and acknowledgment of prior research are mandatory. All forms of plagiarism are unacceptable.

Multiple Submissions

Authors must not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously. Redundant or duplicate publication is considered unethical.

Authorship Criteria

Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made significant contributions to the research. All co-authors must approve the final manuscript and consent to its submission.

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial or non-financial conflicts of interest that could influence the interpretation of the results.

Correction of Errors

Authors are obligated to promptly notify the editorial office of any significant errors discovered post-publication and cooperate in issuing corrections or retractions.

4. Responsibilities of the Publisher

The publisher, Ecosocial Studies Ltd., ensures that ethical publishing standards are maintained throughout all stages of the editorial process. The publisher collaborates with editors, reviewers, and authors to:

• Prevent and detect publication misconduct
• Promote transparency and ethical research practices
• Maintain the integrity of the academic record

In confirmed cases of misconduct, appropriate actions—such as retraction, correction, or expression of concern—will be taken in accordance with COPE guidelines.

5. Handling of Ethical Misconduct

Investigation Procedures

All allegations of misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, and duplicate publication, are investigated following COPE-recommended procedures.

Corrective Actions

Where misconduct is confirmed, the journal will implement corrective measures, including retractions, corrections, or editorial notices. Relevant institutions or funding bodies may be notified when necessary.

6. Editorial Integrity and Oversight

Editors are responsible for safeguarding the academic quality and ethical integrity of published content. This includes:

• Ensuring adherence to ethical and scientific standards
• Protecting authors’ academic freedom within scholarly norms
• Issuing corrections, retractions, or clarifications when required
• Maintaining a fair, transparent, and timely peer-review process

7. Ethical Standards for Research Involving Humans and Animals

Human Subjects

Research involving human participants must comply with internationally recognized ethical standards, including the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki. Authors must confirm that ethical approval was obtained from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee.

Informed Consent and Data Protection

Authors must ensure that informed consent has been obtained from all participants and that personal data is handled in compliance with applicable data protection regulations, including GDPR.

Vulnerable Populations

Special ethical considerations must be applied when research involves vulnerable populations. Authors must demonstrate that appropriate safeguards have been implemented.

Animal Research

Research involving animals must adhere to institutional and international ethical guidelines. Authors must provide statements confirming compliance with relevant regulations.