Corrections, Retractions and Expressions of Concern Policy

Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences is committed to maintaining editorial independence and ensuring that personal, institutional, or commercial interests do not influence decisions related to scholarly publishing.

This policy regulates the relationship between authors, the publisher, and the editorial team, ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are managed transparently and fairly according to international publication ethics standards.

1. Definition of Author–Publisher Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest occurs when any relationship or interest may influence, or may reasonably be perceived to influence, decisions related to manuscript submission, review, acceptance, or publication.

Potential conflicts may include:

  • Financial or commercial relationships between authors and the publisher that may affect publication decisions.
  • External influence on editorial or scientific decisions.
  • Personal or institutional interests affecting manuscript evaluation.
  • Use of the journal or publisher’s name for non-scientific benefits.

2. Editorial Independence

Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences confirms that manuscript acceptance or rejection decisions are based solely on:

  • Scientific quality.
  • Originality of the research.
  • Importance of findings.
  • Soundness of methodology.
  • Compliance with research and publication ethics.

Editorial decisions are not influenced by non-scientific factors, including:

  • Personal relationships.
  • Institutional affiliations.
  • Financial interests.
  • Commercial or political considerations.

3. Authors’ Responsibilities

Authors must:

  • Disclose any relationships or interests that may affect the research or publication process.
  • Provide accurate and transparent information regarding funding and research support.
  • Avoid attempting to influence editors’ or reviewers’ decisions through inappropriate means.
  • Follow the journal’s policies regarding authorship, peer review, and research ethics.

4. Responsibilities of the Publisher and Editorial Board

The publisher and editorial board must:

  • Ensure editorial decisions remain independent from commercial or institutional interests.
  • Avoid using unpublished information for personal or institutional benefit.
  • Treat all authors fairly and according to consistent standards.
  • Ensure that publication fees or financial considerations do not influence acceptance or rejection decisions.
  • Maintain confidentiality of manuscripts, authors’ information, and reviewers’ identities.

5. Management of Conflicts of Interest

When a conflict of interest between authors, the publisher, or any party involved in the publication process is identified, the journal will take appropriate actions, which may include:

  • Disclosure and transparent management of the conflict.
  • Assigning an independent editor to handle the manuscript.
  • Reconsidering editorial decisions when necessary.
  • Taking corrective actions according to COPE guidelines.

6. Compliance with International Standards

Albahit Journal of Applied Sciences follows this policy in accordance with:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) Guidelines
  • DOAJ Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing.