(based on Elsevier recommendations and COPE’s Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors)
The International Research Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences (IRJOYAS) is deeply committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. In our pursuit of excellence, we recognize that the credibility of our journal is contingent on upholding integrity throughout the publication process. To ensure that we provide our readers with a high-quality academic journal, IRJOYAS adheres to the following core principles:
Editorial Responsibilities
The editorial team, as representatives of NGM College Research and Publications, holds the pivotal responsibility of determining which submitted articles are deemed suitable for publication. This decision-making process is driven by a commitment to intellectual rigor and originality. The editors prioritize the quality and relevance of the content over any external factors while assessing submissions. They are dedicated to establishing a fair and objective evaluation process that solely focuses on the intellectual merit of the work, free from personal biases or relationships.
In the pursuit of adherence to legal and ethical standards, editorial decisions must also take into account potential issues of libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. Editors have an obligation to uphold the integrity of the academic community by evaluating submissions rigorously and ensuring that all content is legally compliant and ethically sound. Moreover, the confidentiality of submitted works is of paramount importance. Editors are expected to safeguard this confidentiality until the manuscript has been published, with the sole exception being cases of suspected double submission where appropriate action is necessary.
In instances where the editorial team decides not to publish a manuscript, it is imperative that the authors’ work remains protected. The manuscript may not be utilized for any other purposes without obtaining explicit written consent from the author(s). This policy reinforces our commitment to respecting the intellectual property rights of all contributors.
Anonymity and Impartiality in the Review Process
The editor’s objectivity is reinforced by the stipulation that they must not have any financial or personal stake in the authors of the submitted manuscripts. This guideline is crucial for maintaining the impartiality of the editorial process, as it prevents the potential for bias in decision-making. To facilitate this process, the journal employs a rigorous peer-review system, where reviewers play a critical role in assisting the editors with their evaluations.
Reviewers are obligated to treat every manuscript received for peer review with the utmost confidentiality. This means that they must refrain from discussing the manuscript with anyone outside the review process and cannot use the information obtained through peer review for personal or professional gain. Furthermore, reviewers are required to disclose any conflicts of interest they may have with the authors or with the institutions associated with the submitted work. This transparency is essential in preserving the integrity of the peer-review process.
Authorial Responsibilities
Authors bear a significant responsibility in ensuring that their submitted manuscripts are entirely original works. In instances where previous research or materials are referenced or utilized, appropriate citations must be provided to acknowledge the sources. This not only gives credit to the original authors but also enriches the academic discourse by situating new research within the context of existing literature.
Plagiarism, in any form, is regarded as a serious violation of the ethical standards we uphold at IRJOYAS. Any instance of plagiarism will result in the immediate rejection of the submitted manuscript, as we seek to maintain a culture of responsibility and respect for intellectual property within the academic community.
Moreover, authors are discouraged from submitting the same work to multiple journals concurrently. Such practices constitute unethical publishing behaviour and can severely undermine the credibility of the research community. Authors should only disseminate their findings through one channel unless specific arrangements have been made with each journal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the International Research Journal of Yoga and Allied Sciences is dedicated to fostering an ethical publishing environment that upholds the highest standards of scholarly integrity. Through the collective commitment of our editors, reviewers, and authors to engage in ethical practices, we aim to ensure that the research published in our journal is original, impactful, and conducted with the utmost respect for intellectual properties and academic integrity. The guidelines articulated above not only guide our editorial and review processes but are also vital in shaping the conduct of authors contributing to our journal. Together, we can uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and excellence that form the foundation of our publication’s mission.