Publication Ethics

At MEDAAD (Peninsula Publishing Press), We are dedicated to upholding the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in the realm of academic publishing. This ethics policy lays the groundwork for cultivating trust, accountability, and excellence within the scholarly community.

Our pledge to ethical publishing guarantees that authors, reviewers, and editors comply with established guidelines and principles. This policy delineates the essential responsibilities and expectations for everyone participating in the publication process.

General Principles

MEDAAD strictly follows the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors who submit their manuscripts agree to adhere to these ethical standards, ensuring their work aligns with the journal’s guidelines and policies.

MEDAAD is committed to promoting academic integrity, transparency, and excellence, fostering an atmosphere that supports scholarly collaboration and builds mutual trust within the academic community.

Affiliations

Authors submitting manuscripts to MEDAAD must thoroughly detail their affiliations to properly acknowledge all institutions or organizations related to the research.

  • Research Articles:
    Authors need to identify the institutions that approved, funded, or conducted the research.

  • Non-Research Articles:
    Authors should state their current institutional affiliations.

  • Changed Affiliation:
    If an author changes institutions before publication, both the research-related and current affiliations must be listed.

  • Independent Researchers:
    Authors without institutional affiliations should clearly indicate their independent status.

Accurate and transparent affiliation information is essential for maintaining the integrity of the academic record and ensuring that all contributors receive proper recognition.

Appeals and Complaints

MEDAAD adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for handling appeals and complaints. Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions by providing substantial evidence or new data that directly addresses the feedback received from reviewers and editors.

Complaints regarding the editorial process, including peer review and publication ethics, are treated with the utmost seriousness. Authors, reviewers, and other stakeholders are encouraged to raise their concerns with the editorial office. For appeals, please contact us at appeals@peninsula-press.ae.

Acknowledgments

In MEDAAD, acknowledgments should suitably credit individuals or organizations that contributed to the manuscript's development but do not qualify for authorship. This includes recognizing assistance in areas like funding, technical help, and editorial input.

Authors are advised to clearly outline any support received from colleagues, mentors, or institutions that aided the research.

  • Financial Support:

    • Offer detailed information regarding funding sources, including grant numbers and sponsors.

  • Editorial and Technical Assistance:

    • Recognize contributions such as language editing, data analysis, or access to specialized equipment.

Providing accurate acknowledgments enhances transparency and maintains the integrity of scholarly work.

Authorship

In MEDAAD, authorship signifies a major role in the planning, carrying out, and writing of research and the manuscript. It acts as formal recognition of each person's role, ensuring they are accountable for the work's accuracy and quality.

General Guidelines

To be considered an author, individuals must satisfy all the following conditions:

  • Substantial Contributions:

    • Active participation in the study's design, methodology, data analysis, or interpretation of findings.

  • Drafting and Revising:

    • Involvement in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for its intellectual content.

  • Final Approval:

    • Reviewing and approving the final version of the manuscript, including any later revisions.

  • Accountability:

    • Accepting responsibility for the research's integrity and accuracy, with a commitment to address any arising concerns.

Those who do not meet these criteria should not be named as authors but can be acknowledged in the acknowledgments section.

Order of Authorship

The sequence of authors should reflect the level of contribution each person made to the research. Any disagreements about the order of authorship need to be settled by the authors before submitting the work.

  • Alterations After Submission:

  • Any changes to the authorship sequence post-submission necessitate written consent from all authors involved.

  • Adjustments After Publication:

  • If warranted, requests for changes in authorship following publication will lead to an official correction notice.

For any issues related to authorship, please reach out contact@peninsula-press.ae.

Modifications to Authorship

If you need to alter the list of authors after submission, such as adding or removing authors, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

  • Justification:

    • A detailed explanation of the reasons for the change.

  • Consent:

    • Written agreement from all authors, including those being added or removed.

  • Documentation:

The journal reserves the right to reject changes that lack sufficient justification or proper consent from the authors. Major changes to authorship after acceptance may be refused unless there is compelling evidence of contributions. For further questions, please contact contact@peninsula-press.ae.

Duties of the Corresponding Author

The corresponding author holds a vital position throughout the stages of submission, review, and publication, with the following primary duties:

  • Communication:

    • Acting as the main liaison between the journal and all co-authors, making sure each author is kept up-to-date on the manuscript’s status.

  • Approval:

    • Verifying that all co-authors have reviewed and consented to the final version of the manuscript before it is submitted.

  • Compliance:

    • Guaranteeing that the manuscript meets MEDAAD's submission guidelines and ethical standards.

Moreover, the corresponding author is tasked with resolving any disputes related to authorship that might occur during the review process.

Citations

Upholding academic integrity and credibility in scholarly publishing requires proper citation practices. MEDAAD mandates that authors include precise and suitable references for all sources mentioned in their manuscripts, promoting transparency and acknowledging prior research appropriately.

General Citation Guidelines

Every claim, piece of data, and argument in a manuscript should be backed by credible, pertinent, and current sources. Authors should reference peer-reviewed literature and avoid citing sources that are unreliable or unverifiable.

  • Accuracy:

    • Ensure that all citations are correctly formatted and accurately linked to their respective sources.

  • Balance:

    • Offer a comprehensive overview of existing literature, steering clear of excessive reliance on a single author, group, or publication.

  • Self-Citation:

    • Limit self-citation to prevent artificially boosting personal, institutional, or journal metrics.

Non-Research Articles

For non-research pieces like reviews or opinion articles, authors should include citations that offer an extensive and impartial overview of the subject. It's essential to avoid selective citation practices that could misrepresent the breadth or depth of the field, ensuring both academic integrity and accuracy.

Citation Manipulation

MEDAAD strictly forbids citation manipulation, which refers to adding references merely to inflate citation metrics or to benefit specific individuals, institutions, or journals without legitimate academic reasons.

Examples of Citation Manipulation:

  • Excessive Self-Citation:

    • Over-referencing one’s own work to artificially increase citation numbers.

  • Citation Cartels:

    • Agreements between authors or groups to cite each other's work improperly.

  • Irrelevant Citations:

    • Including references that do not contribute directly to the manuscript's content.

Manuscripts found engaging in citation manipulation will be investigated and may face rejection, retraction, or other corrective measures. For issues related to citation ethics, please contact dispute@peninsula-press.ae.

Unreliable Sources

When authors are unsure about the validity or importance of a source, they should reach out to MEDAAD's editorial office before adding it to their manuscript. This helps ensure that all references significantly contribute to the research and adhere to ethical citation standards.

Conflicts of Interest

MEDAAD is dedicated to ensuring transparency and accountability in scholarly publishing. To preserve the integrity of the publication process, it is essential for all authors, reviewers, and editors to reveal any potential conflicts of interest that might affect their work or decisions.

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Disclosure by Authors

Authors are required to report any potential conflicts of interest, which may include financial, personal, or professional connections that could impact the research or its interpretation. Examples include:

  • Financial Support:

    • Grants, sponsorships, or funding connected to the research or the preparation of the manuscript.

  • Institutional Relationships:

    • Affiliations with entities that could gain from the publication.

  • Competing Interests:

    • Any interests that might compromise the research's objectivity.

Authors must fill out the Conflict of Interest Form for Authors and Reviewers and submit it when they submit their manuscript.

Reviewer Disclosure Requirements

Reviewers are required to reveal any potential conflicts of interest that could impact their ability to conduct an unbiased and fair review. Typical examples include:

  • Personal or Professional Connections:

    • Working relationships or affiliations with the authors.

  • Financial Interests:

    • Investments or monetary connections tied to the manuscript's conclusions.

  • Professional Bias:

    • Memberships or positions that might sway the review process.

If a conflict is detected, reviewers are advised to refuse the review assignment and inform the editorial board. When necessary, reviewers should fill out the Conflict of Interest Form for Authors and Reviewers.

Editors' Disclosure

Editors are required to reveal any possible conflicts of interest that might impact their editorial choices, such as:

  • Connections with Authors or Reviewers:

    • Personal, professional, or institutional relationships.

  • Financial or Professional Stakes:

    • Interests linked to the manuscript's subject matter or results.

When there is potential for bias, editors should pass the decision-making responsibilities to another competent member of the editorial board. Editors must complete the Conflict of Interest Form for Editorial Board Members.

Related Forms

By enforcing these policies, MEDAAD aims to uphold the objectivity, credibility, and ethical standards of its publication process.

Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retractions

Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Actions

MEDAAD is dedicated to maintaining the accuracy and integrity of scholarly records. The journal adheres to established protocols to address significant errors, concerns, and instances of research misconduct through corrections, expressions of concern, retractions, and, in rare instances, removals.

Corrections

A correction notice is released when errors or omissions in a published article may influence its interpretation but do not undermine the overall scholarly integrity of the work. Examples include:

  • Minor Inaccuracies:

    • Errors in graphs, figures, or tables.

  • Omissions:

    • Missing information regarding funding sources or acknowledgments.

  • Undisclosed Conflicts:

    • Conflicts of interest not disclosed at the time of publication.

Types of Correction Notices:

  • Corrigendum:

    • Issued to correct errors made by the authors.

  • Erratum:

    • Issued to correct errors introduced by the journal during the publication process.

Retractions

A retraction notice is released when an article is found to have significant problems that undermine its conclusions, like serious methodological errors, incorrect data, or research misconduct. Retractions are justified in situations such as:

  • Ethical Violations:

    • Conducting research without required approvals or ethical consent.

  • Data Issues:

    • Data fabrication, falsification, or manipulation.

  • Plagiarism:

    • Using someone else's work without proper attribution.

  • Redundant Publication:

    • Publishing the same work multiple times without appropriate citation or reason.

Retractions are handled following the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Requests for retractions may be initiated by authors, editors, or affiliated institutions.

Retraction Procedures:

  • A retraction notice will be directly connected to the original article, with the article also linking back to the notice.

  • The article will be distinctly labeled as “Retracted” in both its HTML and PDF formats.

  • The reasons for retraction will be clearly outlined.

  • The party requesting the retraction (author, editor, or institution) will be acknowledged.

Retractions are carried out to amend the scholarly record and maintain research integrity, rather than to penalize authors.

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern is issued when there are substantial doubts about an article's reliability, but definitive proof is unavailable, or an investigation is still in progress. Examples include:

  • Suspected Misconduct: Potential research misconduct that is under investigation.

  • Ethical Concerns: Complex ethical issues that require detailed review.

After an investigation, an expression of concern may result in a correction, retraction, or no further action. Both the expression of concern and any subsequent notices will remain as part of the article’s permanent record.

Article Removals

In exceptional and uncommon circumstances, an article may be taken down if its content is:

  • Legally Sensitive:

    • Defamatory or violating legal rights.

  • Court-Ordered:

    • Mandated by a legal decision for removal.

  • Severe Ethical Breaches:

    • Contains content with serious ethical violations that cannot be corrected or retracted.

When an article is removed, a removal notice will be published in its place, clearly stating the reason for removal while safeguarding the privacy and legal interests of all parties involved.

MEDAAD is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, ensuring that all corrections, retractions, and editorial actions are performed with transparency and fairness.

Consent for Publication

In MEDAAD, obtaining written informed consent is essential when personal information, images, or any other identifying material related to individuals are included in a manuscript. This policy ensures compliance with ethical standards while respecting individuals' privacy and rights.

Requirements for Consent

Authors must secure explicit written consent from individuals or their legal guardians before incorporating identifiable information in their work. The consent must permit publication under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, ensuring open and unrestricted online accessibility.

  • Minors (Under 18): Consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

  • Deceased Individuals: Consent should be secured from the next of kin.

  • Manuscript Statement: Authors must include a declaration within the manuscript confirming that informed consent was obtained for publication.

Consent Documentation

Authors are advised to utilize a standard consent form—either supplied by their institution or created independently—to secure consent. The form must explicitly mention that the information or images will be publicly available online and should contain:

  • Public Access Acknowledgment: A statement confirming the individual’s understanding of the unrestricted public availability of the published materials.

  • Publication License Details: Information regarding publication under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0.

Authors are tasked with keeping signed consent forms and must be ready to provide them to the editorial office if requested. These forms will be handled confidentially and will not be made public.

Consent Responsibility

Authors alone are accountable for obtaining, managing, and securely storing consent forms.

  • No Direct Submission:

    • The journal will not accept consent forms submitted with manuscripts or via email.

  • Secure Archiving:

    • Authors must securely archive all consent-related documents and ensure they are available for verification if needed.

This policy underscores MEDAAD’s dedication to ethical publishing practices, protecting the privacy and rights of individuals featured in academic publications.

Confidentiality

MEDAAD is dedicated to upholding strict confidentiality protocols to protect the integrity and privacy of the publication process. The following guidelines describe the journal’s approach to safeguarding confidential information.

Manuscript Confidentiality

All manuscripts submitted to MEDAAD are treated as confidential documents. Access is restricted to those directly involved in the editorial and peer-review process, including:

  • Editorial Team:

    • Editors handling the manuscript.

  • Peer Reviewers:

    • Reviewers assigned to evaluate the submission.

  • Administrative Staff:

    • Only those necessary to facilitate the editorial workflow.

The content of submitted manuscripts must not be shared, discussed, or disclosed to unauthorized individuals without the explicit permission of the Editor-in-Chief.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers have a vital role in upholding the confidentiality of the peer-review process. Their responsibilities include:

  • Uphold Confidentiality:

    • Avoid sharing, discussing, or distributing the manuscript's content with anyone not involved in the review process.

  • Honor Intellectual Property:

    • Ensure that any unpublished information, ideas, or interpretations gained during the review are not used for personal or professional benefit.

Any breaches of confidentiality by reviewers will be rigorously investigated. Verified violations may lead to disqualification from future review assignments and possible reporting to relevant institutions.

Investigating Ethical Misconduct

When ethical misconduct is suspected, the content of a manuscript may be shared with appropriate institutions, organizations, or ethics committees to aid in formal investigations. These disclosures will adhere to the best practices established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

MEDAAD is committed to maintaining the confidentiality of everyone involved in these investigations, ensuring the process is equitable, impartial, and respectful of privacy.

This policy underscores MEDAAD's dedication to ethical publishing standards and the careful management of sensitive information during the editorial and review stages. For any concerns related to confidentiality, please contact admin@peninsula-press.ae.

Author Rights on Copyright

Authors retain complete copyright over their works published in MEDAAD, ensuring they maintain ownership and control of their intellectual property. They are free to use their work for academic, educational, and non-commercial purposes without any restrictions.

Publishing Rights

Once a work is accepted, MEDAAD is granted non-exclusive rights to publish, reproduce, and distribute it in various formats. This setup guarantees the broadest possible dissemination of the research while safeguarding the author’s copyright and ownership.

Open Access Policy

MEDAAD adheres to an open-access model, offering free and unrestricted access to all published articles. Users are allowed to:

  • Read, Download, and Share:

    • Access full-text articles at no cost.

  • Copy and Print:

    • Utilize the content for academic, research, and educational purposes.

  • Link to Articles:

    • Share and link to the published content without any limitations.

All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC BY 4.0), allowing both commercial and non-commercial use, provided proper credit is given to the original authors and source.

User Rights

The CC BY 4.0 License provides users with these rights:

  • Distribute and Copy:

    • Share the work in any medium or format.

  • Adapt and Modify:

    • Remix, modify, and build upon the material for any purpose, including commercial uses.

  • Attribution Requirement:

    • Users must give proper credit to the original authors and MEDAAD, include a link to the license, and note any changes made.

This open-access framework ensures that authors’ research contributions reach the widest audience and have the greatest impact both within and outside the academic community.

Eligibility for Submission

Authors can submit their work to MEDAAD if they:

  • Hold Copyright:

    • Own the copyright to the content being submitted.

  • Have Permission:

    • Have obtained explicit permission from the original copyright holder(s) when including third-party content.

Submissions that use third-party materials must provide documentation verifying permission for use, ensuring adherence to copyright laws and ethical publishing standards.

MEDAAD’s copyright and open-access policies are crafted to enhance transparency, accessibility, and academic freedom, while protecting authors’ rights and promoting the global exchange of knowledge.

Data Falsification/Fabrication

Data falsification and fabrication represent serious violations of ethical research standards. These unethical actions involve deliberately manipulating, altering, or creating data or research findings to deceive readers, reviewers, and the academic community. Such misconduct undermines the credibility, reliability, and integrity of scholarly research, causing long-term harm to the academic record.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors submitting manuscripts to MEDAAD must ensure that all data presented in their work accurately reflect their research. This entails:

  • Ensuring accuracy by presenting data that is truthful, complete, and unaltered to avoid misrepresenting research results.

  • Maintaining transparency by clearly detailing research methodologies, data collection processes, and analytical techniques to validate findings.

Zero-Tolerance Policy

MEDAAD enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy on data falsification and fabrication. Any detected misconduct will lead to the following actions:

  • Manuscripts with fabricated or falsified data will be immediately rejected and not considered for further review.

  • If misconduct is discovered post-publication, the article will be formally retracted, accompanied by a retraction notice.

Data Retention and Availability

To ensure transparency and uphold research integrity, authors must follow these data retention guidelines:

  • Authors must retain all raw data related to their research for a designated period after publication.

  • Upon request, authors must provide access to original data to support editorial review, peer review, or post-publication verification.

Failure to comply with data retention or availability requests may result in manuscript rejection or the withdrawal of a previously published article.

Commitment to Research Integrity

MEDAAD is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. Allegations of data falsification or fabrication will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate measures will be taken following the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

By implementing this policy, MEDAAD aims to safeguard the integrity of scientific research, protect the scholarly record, and uphold the trust of the academic community.

Desk Rejection Policy

MEDAAD enforces a desk rejection policy to uphold the quality, relevance, and academic integrity of manuscripts submitted to the journal. Submissions may be rejected without peer review if they do not meet the journal’s basic criteria.

Reasons for Desk Rejection

  • Misalignment with Scope:

    • The manuscript's topic does not fit within MEDAAD's focus or areas of interest.

    • Submissions unrelated to the journal’s disciplines will not advance to peer review.

  • Ethical Concerns:

    • Failure to comply with international ethical publishing standards.

    • Plagiarism over a 20% similarity index or any academic misconduct.

    • Ethical issues concerning data integrity, authorship disputes, or research conduct.

  • Insufficient Impact:

    • The manuscript does not offer a significant contribution to the field.

    • Lacks originality, meaningful insights, or advancements in knowledge.

  • Flawed Study Design:

    • Serious methodological flaws affecting research validity and reliability.

    • Weak theoretical frameworks or inadequate experimental setups.

  • Unclear Objectives:

    • The research objectives are vague or lack logical coherence.

    • Ambiguity in research goals makes it hard to assess the manuscript’s purpose.

  • Poor Presentation:

    • The manuscript is missing essential sections (e.g., abstract, methodology, references) or is poorly structured.

    • Inconsistent formatting, unclear explanations, or lack of logical flow hinder readability.

  • Grammar and Language Issues:

    • Excessive grammatical and stylistic errors that impact readability.

    • Lack of clarity or inadequate academic writing style.

  • Non-Compliance with Submission Guidelines:

    • Failure to comply with MEDAAD's submission requirements, including formatting rules and citation styles.

    • Missing mandatory components such as author declarations, ethical approval statements, or conflict of interest disclosures.

Purpose of the Policy

This policy ensures that only manuscripts meeting MEDAAD's quality standards proceed to peer review, preserving the journal’s academic rigor and efficiency.

Recommendations for Authors

To enhance the likelihood of acceptance:

  • Thoroughly review the Author Guidelines before submission.

  • Ensure the manuscript aligns with the journal’s scope and meets ethical standards.

  • Proofread carefully for language clarity, coherence, and formatting consistency.

By following these guidelines, authors can significantly improve their submissions and lower the chance of a desk rejection.

Duplicate Submission/Publication

MEDAAD adheres to strict ethical guidelines regarding duplicate submissions and publications. Authors are required to assure, during the submission process, that their manuscript is not being considered for publication by another outlet. Failing to provide such information is a serious ethical violation and could lead to rejection or retraction of the manuscript.

Examples of Duplicate Submission and Publication

Duplicate submission and publication occur when identical or largely similar content is submitted to multiple journals without proper disclosure. This includes:

  • Multiple Submissions:

    • Submitting the same manuscript simultaneously to MEDAAD and another journal.

  • Redundant Publications:

    • Republishing content that has already appeared elsewhere without providing significant new insights, data, or analyses.

  • Translation of Published Work:

    • Submitting a manuscript previously published in another language without proper disclosure or permission.

Guidelines for Secondary Publications

Following the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines, authors intending to submit a secondary publication (e.g., a translated version or republished work) must adhere to the following requirements:

  • Permission: Obtain explicit permission from the publisher and copyright holder of the original article.

  • Disclosure: Clearly inform MEDAAD’s editorial office about any prior publication and provide full details of the original work.

  • Transparency: The secondary publication must explicitly acknowledge the original source, including a citation and reference to the original article.

This ensures proper recognition of the original research while maintaining the integrity of the academic record.

Consequences of Violations

Not adhering to MEDAAD’s duplicate submission and publication policy can lead to:

  • Immediate Rejection:

    • Manuscripts submitted elsewhere without disclosure will be rejected.

  • Retraction:

    • Published articles found in violation of this policy may be retracted with a formal notice.

  • Author Sanctions:

    • Authors in breach may face a ban on future submissions to the journal.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

MEDAAD is committed to fostering ethical research practices. Authors are advised to reach out to the editorial office if they have any questions about duplicate submissions or secondary publications. Transparency and integrity are crucial for upholding the credibility of scholarly communication.

Funding

MEDAAD emphasizes transparency in financial backing for research. Authors are required to disclose all sources of funding, including grants, sponsorships, or any other financial support related to their research and the publication process.

Funding Disclosure Guidelines

  • Comprehensive Disclosure:

    • Authors must thoroughly detail all funding sources, including the name of the funding entity, grant numbers, and the specific roles of funders in the research process.

  • Sponsor Participation:

    • When relevant, authors must describe the degree of the sponsor’s involvement in the study’s design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or publication. If there was no involvement, this must be clearly stated.

To ensure compliance, authors must complete the Financial Disclosure Form and submit it along with their manuscript.

Transparent funding declarations enhance research integrity and credibility by providing readers with a clear understanding of potential influences on the study.

Images and Figures

When submitting manuscripts to MEDAAD that contain images, videos, or audio recordings, authors must follow ethical guidelines to ensure the responsible and transparent use of multimedia content.

Consent for Identifiable Content

Authors need to obtain explicit written consent before including any identifiable information about individuals, such as photographs, medical data, or personal details.

  • If the research subjects are deceased, consent must be obtained from their legal representatives.

  • For vulnerable groups, including minors, consent must be provided by a parent or legal guardian.

Authors must confirm in their manuscript that all necessary consents have been obtained and are responsible for securely storing consent documentation for verification if required.

Ethical Guidelines for Experimental Photographs

Photographic images, particularly those acquired through microscopy or imaging techniques, must accurately reflect the original data. Any modifications should be clearly disclosed in the manuscript. Authors must:

  • Ensure that modifications are minimal, consistently applied, and do not misrepresent the data.

  • Provide unedited, original images if requested by the editorial office.

  • Avoid making alterations that could mislead readers or distort scientific interpretation.

  • Specify the software used, methods applied, and extent of alterations when modifications are made.

Reuse of Published Images

Authors intending to reuse images or figures from previously published materials must obtain permission from the copyright holders. The following guidelines apply:

  • A statement confirming permission must be included in the figure legend, along with proper citation of the original source.

  • If an image is published under an open license such as Creative Commons, proper attribution to the original source is still required.

By adhering to these policies, MEDAAD ensures ethical publishing standards while maintaining scientific transparency and credibility. For further inquiries, please contact contact@peninsula-press.ae.

Misconduct

MEDAAD upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and is committed to addressing all forms of research misconduct. The journal strictly follows the ethical principles outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), ensuring that all reports of misconduct are treated seriously and investigated thoroughly in accordance with COPE guidelines.

Instances of Research Misconduct

Misconduct encompasses, but is not limited to:

  • Plagiarism:

    • Using someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit.

  • Fabrication:

    • Inventing data or results and claiming they are authentic.

  • Falsification:

    • Altering research materials, methods, or data to distort the findings.

  • Duplicate Submission:

    • Submitting the same paper to more than one journal at the same time.

  • Misrepresentation:

    • Falsely attributing authorship or organizational affiliations.

  • Image Manipulation:

    • Changing images in a manner that misleads readers about the research results.

MEDAAD retains the authority to take necessary measures in cases of confirmed misconduct, such as retracting published articles, issuing corrections, or alerting the relevant institutions or funding entities.

Handling Misconduct

When allegations of misconduct surface, MEDAAD adheres to a defined process in line with COPE guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent investigation:

  1. Initial Review:

    • The editorial team examines the complaint and assesses the supporting evidence to verify its validity.

  2. Investigation:

    • A thorough inquiry is conducted, possibly involving direct communication with the author(s), reviewers, or consultation with independent experts.

  3. Resolution:

    • Depending on the findings, actions may include rejecting the manuscript, withdrawing a published article, or notifying the appropriate authorities or institutions.

This process is designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness for all parties concerned.

Repercussions of Misconduct

Based on the gravity of the misconduct, MEDAAD may enforce the following actions:

  • Rejection of the manuscript during the review process.

  • Retraction of published articles, accompanied by a formal retraction notice.

  • Notification to the authors' affiliated institutions or funding organizations.

  • Prohibition on future submissions from individuals involved in the misconduct.

These actions aim to preserve the integrity of the scholarly record and reinforce ethical publishing standards.

For any concerns regarding research misconduct, please contact dispute@peninsula-press.ae.

Publication Ethics

MEDAAD is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in academic publishing. Our guidelines align with the principles set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) to ensure a publication process that is fair, transparent, and responsible.

Duties of Editors

  • Publication Decisions:
    The editorial board is tasked with deciding which manuscripts are accepted for publication, based on recommendations from peer reviewers and considerations of legal and ethical issues, including libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.

  • Confidentiality, Disclosure, and Conflicts of Interest:
    Editors are required to maintain strict confidentiality during the review process, sharing manuscript details only with authorized individuals (such as authors, reviewers, potential reviewers, and editorial advisers). Editors must complete the Conflict of Interest Form for Editorial Board Members to ensure transparency. Any unpublished materials revealed in submitted manuscripts must not be used in the research of editors, reviewers, or others without the author's explicit written consent.

  • Author Relations:
    Editors must engage in fair, professional, and respectful communication with authors, providing constructive feedback that supports revisions and improves the quality and integrity of the published work.

Responsibilities of Reviewers

  • Assisting Editorial Decisions:

    • Reviewers have a vital role in advising the editorial board, ensuring their reviews are objective, well-reasoned, and clearly articulated.

  • Reviewer Qualifications:

    • Reviewers should accept tasks only if they are qualified to assess the manuscript’s content. If they are unqualified or expect delays, they must promptly inform the editor and step down.

  • Confidentiality:

    • Manuscripts under review should be treated as confidential documents. Information or ideas obtained through peer review must not be disclosed or used for personal benefit.

  • Source Acknowledgment:

    • Reviewers are responsible for identifying important scholarly works that authors may have missed, recommending citations to enhance academic rigor.

  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure:

    • Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest by completing the Conflict of Interest Form for Reviewers to uphold ethical standards.

Responsibilities of Authors

  • Reporting Standards:

    • Authors must present an accurate, comprehensive, and objective account of their research, including a critical discussion of its importance.

  • Originality, Plagiarism, and Concurrent Submission:

    • Authors must ensure their work is entirely original, citing sources correctly when using others’ ideas, data, or words. Manuscripts must not be submitted to multiple journals simultaneously or contain duplicate publications.

  • Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest:

    • Authors must disclose any financial or substantive conflicts of interest that could affect their research. They are required to complete and submit the Conflict of Interest Form with their manuscript.

  • Authorship of the Paper:

    • The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring all contributors deserving authorship are included and that no inappropriate individuals are listed as co-authors.

  • Addressing Errors in Published Works:

    • If an author discovers a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, they must promptly notify the journal’s editorial office. Authors are expected to work cooperatively with the editorial team to correct or retract the publication if needed.

Peer Review Process

MEDAAD implements a stringent peer review process to guarantee the integrity and quality of its published research. This process is grounded in ethical standards that encourage fairness, transparency, and scholarly excellence.

Initial Assessment

Every submitted manuscript goes through an initial evaluation by the editorial team to determine its relevance to the journal’s scope, originality, and adherence to submission guidelines. Manuscripts not meeting these standards are subject to desk rejection and do not advance to the peer review stage.

Single-Blind Peer Review

MEDAAD utilizes a single-blind peer review system, where reviewers remain anonymous, but the authors' identities are revealed. This method ensures impartiality and enables reviewers to offer unbiased, objective feedback.

Typically, each manuscript is reviewed by at least two experts in the relevant field. Reviewers evaluate:

  • The quality and originality of the research.

  • The methodological soundness and validity of the research.

  • The significance of the findings within the field.

Reviewers are expected to provide constructive comments and suggestions to assist authors in enhancing their manuscripts.

Editorial Decision

After considering the reviewers' feedback, the editor chooses one of the following options:

  • Accept: The manuscript is accepted with little to no changes needed.

  • Revise: The manuscript needs substantial or minor revisions before it can be reconsidered.

  • Reject: The manuscript is considered unsuitable for publication.

The editorial team informs the corresponding author of the decision, along with detailed reviewer comments, ensuring transparency throughout the review process.

Appeals Process

Authors are entitled to appeal editorial decisions if they feel their manuscript was assessed unfairly. To begin an appeal, authors must:

  • Submit a

    • detailed response

    • addressing the reviewer comments.

  • Provide

    • additional evidence

    • to support their position.

Appeals are assessed by the editorial board or additional subject matter experts, depending on the specifics of the appeal.

For appeals, please contact appeals@peninsula-press.ae.

Plagiarism Policy

MEDAAD enforces a zero-tolerance stance on all forms of plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered the unauthorized appropriation of another person’s work, ideas, or language without proper citation. This includes self-plagiarism and redundant publishing, as these actions undermine the integrity of academic research.

Plagiarism Detection

Every manuscript submitted to MEDAAD is subject to thorough plagiarism screening using advanced detection software like Turnitin. Submissions with considerable overlap with existing publications or previously published work will be promptly rejected.

Authors are fully responsible for ensuring their work is original before submitting it. Proper citation and referencing are crucial to prevent both deliberate and accidental plagiarism.

Types of Plagiarism

  • Full Plagiarism: Copying someone else’s work word for word without citation.

  • Partial Plagiarism: Altering or paraphrasing parts of someone else’s work without appropriate credit.

  • Self-Plagiarism: Republishing one’s own past work without proper disclosure or citation.

  • Text Recycling: Reusing sections of previously published text in multiple works without proper acknowledgment.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Manuscripts found to contain plagiarism—whether discovered before or after publication—will face serious repercussions, including:

  • Immediate Rejection or Retraction: Submissions with confirmed plagiarism will be rejected during review or retracted if already published.

  • Notification to Institutions: The author’s affiliated institutions or funding bodies will be notified of the misconduct.

  • Blacklisting: Authors found guilty of plagiarism may be banned from submitting future work to MEDAAD.

Commitment to Ethical Standards

MEDAAD adheres to the ethical guidelines set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when dealing with plagiarism cases, ensuring a fair, transparent, and consistent approach to handling misconduct.

Preprint Policy

MEDAAD endorses the open sharing of research findings through preprint repositories. Authors may upload their manuscripts to recognized preprint platforms, such as arXiv or RePEc, at any point before formal submission to the journal.

Linking Preprints to Published Articles

After a manuscript is accepted and published by MEDAAD, authors are encouraged to:

  • Link the preprint version to the final publication using its Digital Object Identifier (DOI), allowing readers access to the most authoritative version while maintaining preprint visibility.

  • Update the preprint to include the accepted manuscript version, ensuring proper acknowledgment of MEDAAD's publication for transparency and accurate citation.

Transparency and Integrity

By allowing preprints, MEDAAD supports the early sharing of research while maintaining the integrity of the formal publication process. Authors must ensure that:

  • The preprint accurately reflects the research and adheres to ethical standards.

  • Preprints do not mislead readers or distort study findings.

  • Any major updates or changes to the research are promptly reflected in the preprint repository to ensure accuracy.

This policy provides authors the flexibility to share their work openly, fostering the swift exchange of knowledge while preserving the credibility and reliability of research throughout the peer review and publication processes.

Patient Identifying Information

MEDAAD places a strong emphasis on safeguarding patient privacy and upholding strict confidentiality. Identifiable information—such as textual descriptions, images, videos, sonograms, or pedigrees—should only be included in a manuscript if it is scientifically necessary and written informed consent has been obtained.

Consent Requirements

  • Written informed consent must be secured from the patient or their legal guardian if the patient is a minor or unable to provide consent.

  • For deceased individuals, consent should be obtained from the closest living relative or legal representative.

  • Authors must ensure that patient identifiers (e.g., names, initials, hospital numbers, or other personal details) are excluded from the manuscript and accompanying images unless absolutely necessary for the research and explicitly consented to.

Anonymity and Ethical Compliance

  • When patient-related content is included, authors must comply with the ethical guidelines outlined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

  • Manuscripts must contain a clear statement confirming that informed consent was obtained and that all ethical requirements have been met.

  • Authors should make every effort to anonymize patient-related images or data wherever possible, ensuring that scientific integrity is maintained without compromising patient confidentiality.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

  • Not securing the required permissions or failing to follow ethical guidelines can lead to

  • rejection of the manuscript

  • or the

  • extraction of patient-identifying information

  • during the editorial review.

MEDAAD is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical principles in academic publishing to protect the privacy, dignity, and rights of everyone participating in research.

Research Ethics and Consent

MEDAAD is dedicated to upholding the utmost ethical standards in all research publications. This commitment involves making sure that studies involving humans, animals, or plants obtain the necessary ethical approvals and adhere to globally acknowledged ethical guidelines.

Research Involving Humans

All research involving human participants must adhere to ethical principles, such as those outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Authors must obtain approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or an equivalent ethics committee before commencing the study.

Manuscripts must include:

  • A detailed description of the ethical approval process, including the name of the institution, the ethics committee, and the approval reference number.

  • Confirmation that informed consent was obtained from all participants.

  • A statement detailing the measures taken to protect participants’ privacy and maintain confidentiality.

  • Retrospective approval after the study’s completion is generally not acceptable.

Research Involving Animals

Studies involving animals must adhere to relevant ethical guidelines, such as those established by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Authors must obtain ethical approval from a recognized animal ethics committee before conducting the study.

Manuscripts should include:

  • Information about the approving institution, the ethics committee, and the approval reference number.

  • A description of the measures taken to minimize animal suffering.

  • A clear justification for the use of animals in the study, emphasizing its scientific relevance and necessity.

Research Involving Plants

Research involving plants must comply with institutional, national, and international regulations. Authors must confirm adherence to ethical principles outlined in:

Manuscripts should include:

  • Details of any permissions, licenses, or approvals obtained to conduct the research.

  • A description of compliance with relevant biodiversity and conservation regulations.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with ethical guidelines or provide sufficient documentation of ethical approval may result in the rejection of the manuscript.

MEDAAD is committed to upholding the highest standards of research integrity, ensuring that all published work reflects responsible and ethical scientific practices.

Special Issues

MEDAAD occasionally organizes special issues to delve into new topics and specialized themes within its domain. These issues encourage innovative research, academic partnerships, and the spread of advanced knowledge.

Appointment of Guest Editors

Guest editors for special issues are chosen based on their expertise in the subject, academic standing, and previous editorial experience. Nominations can be submitted by:

  • Editorial board members

  • Current editors

  • Self-nominations

All nominations undergo a thorough review and need approval from the Editor-in-Chief to ensure high academic standards and editorial integrity.

Guest editors are tasked with:

  • Defining the scope and goals of the special issue.

  • Creating and promoting the call for papers to attract high-quality submissions.

  • Overseeing the manuscript submission and peer review process alongside the editorial team.

  • Ensuring the originality, relevance, and academic rigor of the selected manuscripts.

  • Collaborating with the Editor-in-Chief to make final publication decisions.

Setup of Special Issues

To launch a special issue, a detailed proposal must be submitted to the editorial board, including:

  • The proposed theme and objectives of the special issue.

  • The target audience and the importance of the topic.

  • The names, qualifications, and affiliations of potential guest editors.

  • A proposed timeline, outlining submission deadlines, review processes, and publication dates.

Once approved by the editorial board and Editor-in-Chief, the call for papers is distributed via academic and professional channels to attract a wide array of submissions. The editorial team works with guest editors to ensure the special issue fits the journal’s publication schedule and upholds the highest quality standards.

Commitment to Quality

Special issues provide a dynamic platform for:

  • Advancing knowledge in new areas.

  • Tackling current challenges in the field.

  • Showcasing major developments in research.

MEDAAD is dedicated to supporting special issues while upholding strict editorial and ethical standards.

Standards of Reporting

MEDAAD prioritizes clear, detailed, and transparent reporting to guarantee the reproducibility and verification of published research. Authors must follow stringent reporting standards to promote robust academic dialogue and bolster the credibility of their work.

Rationale

Authors should provide a comprehensive explanation of their study's purpose and significance. This involves:

  • Clearly defined research questions and objectives.

  • The study’s relevance and contribution to the field.

Research Protocol

The methodology should be detailed enough to allow replication by other researchers. Authors need to specify:

  • Study design, including experimental, observational, or analytical procedures.

  • Materials and data collection methods employed in the research.

  • Any protocols followed during the study.

Tools and Techniques

Authors must include detailed descriptions of:

  • Tools, techniques, and software used in the research.

  • Specific version numbers of software, where applicable, to ensure clarity and reproducibility.

Data Analysis

The processes of data collection, processing, and analysis must be thoroughly documented. Authors should:

  • Explain how data were handled and analyzed.

  • Specify the statistical methods used.

  • Mention any software employed for data analysis, ensuring transparency and reproducibility.

Results and Interpretation

Research findings should be presented accurately, without distortion or overgeneralization. Authors must:

  • Avoid unsupported claims or conclusions that exceed the data scope.

  • Offer objective interpretations of results.

  • Recognize study limitations when applicable.

Commitment to Research Integrity

Adhering to these reporting standards ensures that research published in MEDAAD:

  • Contributes meaningfully to the academic community.

  • Fosters reproducibility, transparency, and trust in scholarly records.

  • Supports the advancement of knowledge and upholds scientific integrity.

Use of Third-Party Material

Authors intending to include third-party material in their submissions to MEDAAD must comply with applicable copyright and licensing regulations. Third-party material covers any content not created by the authors, such as text, images, tables, datasets, audio, video, and other intellectual property.

Permissions

Authors are responsible for obtaining explicit written permission from the copyright holder for any third-party material in their manuscript, unless it qualifies under fair use provisions or is in the public domain. This applies to both published and unpublished content.

Fair Use

Some materials may be used under fair use provisions, especially when brief excerpts are included for critique, commentary, or educational analysis. Even under fair use, proper attribution must be given to acknowledge the original source.

Attribution

All third-party materials, including those under open licenses like Creative Commons, must be appropriately cited and credited to their original source. Authors must comply with specific license terms, especially concerning modifications, commercial use, and sharing permissions.

Documentation of Permissions

Authors must keep clear documentation of any permissions obtained for using third-party material and retain copies for their records. These permissions might be required by the journal’s editorial office as part of the publication process.

Compliance with Intellectual Property Laws

Following these guidelines ensures compliance with intellectual property regulations, promotes ethical publishing practices, and protects both authors and the journal from potential legal issues related to copyright infringement. MEDAAD is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and responsible scholarship.

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Writing

This section defines the policy governing the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript writing process. It does not extend to the application of such tools for data analysis or deriving research insights during the research process.

Purpose

Authors may employ AI tools to improve the readability and language quality of their manuscripts. However, these tools must not replace fundamental authorial responsibilities, such as generating scientific insights, drawing conclusions, or making clinical recommendations.

Supervision

The use of AI technologies in manuscript preparation must always be under human supervision. Authors are responsible for thoroughly reviewing, editing, and verifying the accuracy and integrity of any AI-generated content before submission.

Accountability

Regardless of AI involvement, authors retain full accountability for their manuscript's content. This includes ensuring that the work meets MEDAAD’s standards for:

  • Originality

  • Scientific accuracy

  • Ethical compliance

Disclosure and Transparency

Authors must disclose the use of AI and AI-assisted technologies when submitting their manuscripts. This disclosure will be included in the published article to promote transparency and maintain trust among readers, reviewers, and editors. Additionally, this requirement ensures compliance with the terms of use of the AI tools utilized.

Authorship Responsibilities

Generative AI and AI-assisted tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors. Authorship implies responsibilities that can only be fulfilled by human contributors, including:

  • Addressing inquiries related to the accuracy, integrity, or originality of the work.

  • Approving the final version of the manuscript for submission.

  • Ensuring the manuscript complies with ethical and publication standards.

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

Authors must ensure that their manuscript meets all criteria for originality, accuracy, and intellectual contribution, regardless of AI assistance in the writing process. This policy reinforces MEDAAD’s commitment to ethical publishing practices and the integrity of scholarly research.

Use of AI in Peer Review

MEDAAD acknowledges the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic publishing. However, the peer review process relies fundamentally on critical human judgment, which AI cannot replicate. The following guidelines outline the appropriate use of AI in peer review to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards in scholarly evaluation.

Human Responsibility

Peer review requires critical thinking, nuanced assessment, and informed decision-making, all of which are inherently human capabilities. AI tools must not replace human reviewers or editors in evaluating manuscripts. The responsibility for assessing quality, rigor, and significance remains solely with qualified human reviewers and editorial board members.

Confidentiality

Maintaining the confidentiality of submitted manuscripts is a fundamental principle of peer review. Reviewers and editors must not upload any portion of a manuscript—including text, data, figures, or supplementary materials—into AI tools. Such actions could:

  • Breach confidentiality agreements

  • Violate data privacy and proprietary rights

  • Conflict with AI platforms' terms of service

Peer Review Reports

The confidentiality obligation extends beyond the manuscript to include:

  • Peer review reports

  • Editorial decision letters

  • Related correspondence

These documents must not be processed through AI tools for any purpose, including language enhancement or readability improvements. Human reviewers and editors bear full responsibility for the originality, integrity, and confidentiality of their reports.

AI in Decision-Making

AI tools must not be used to assess manuscript quality, validity, or impact. The evaluation of scientific content requires human expertise, critical judgment, and ethical considerations, which cannot be delegated to AI systems. The authority to accept, revise, or reject manuscripts remains exclusively with human reviewers and editors.

Ethical Use of AI

MEDAAD supports the ethical application of AI in specific editorial functions that do not compromise peer review integrity. Acceptable uses include:

  • Plagiarism Detection: Using AI-based tools to identify potential plagiarism, while ensuring compliance with privacy standards.

  • Reviewer Identification: Employing AI to suggest potential reviewers based on subject matter expertise and publication history, under human supervision.

These applications must adhere to strict ethical guidelines, ensuring that confidentiality, data protection, and academic integrity are preserved.

By enforcing these guidelines, MEDAAD upholds the highest standards of peer review, fostering a trustworthy, transparent, and ethically responsible publishing environment.

Acknowledgment of Ethical Standards

MEDAAD is dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. All participants in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, and editors—are expected to comply with established ethical principles outlined by globally recognized organizations, including:

Responsibilities of Authors

By submitting a manuscript, authors affirm their adherence to these ethical guidelines, ensuring:

  • Originality, accuracy, and integrity in their work.

  • Honest data presentation, avoiding data fabrication or falsification.

  • Proper citation practices to acknowledge prior research.

  • Avoidance of plagiarism, redundant publication, or any form of academic misconduct.

Responsibilities of Reviewers and Editors

Reviewers and editors play a vital role in maintaining ethical standards within MEDAAD.

  • Reviewers must provide unbiased, constructive feedback and uphold confidentiality throughout the peer review process.

  • Editors are responsible for making publication decisions based solely on academic merit, ensuring that the process remains free from conflicts of interest.

Handling Ethical Misconduct

In cases of suspected ethical misconduct, MEDAAD follows a rigorous investigation process in accordance with COPE guidelines. This may involve:

  • Consultations with authors, reviewers, affiliated institutions, or ethics committees.

  • A thorough and fair resolution process to address ethical concerns appropriately.

Commitment to Integrity and Excellence

Through this collective commitment to ethical publishing, MEDAAD fosters trust, accountability, and academic excellence, reinforcing its dedication to scholarly integrity.

Closing Statements

MEDAAD is committed to maintaining the integrity, transparency, and ethical standards of the publishing process. By adhering to globally recognized ethical guidelines, the journal fosters a culture of trust, accountability, and academic excellence within the scholarly community.

We encourage all contributors—including authors, reviewers, and editors—to actively engage in upholding ethical standards. By embracing principles of fairness, honesty, and academic rigor, the scholarly community can responsibly advance knowledge while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

These ethics policies serve as a strong foundation for promoting excellence in academic publishing while ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of all individuals in the publication process are safeguarded. MEDAAD’s commitment to these principles preserves the integrity of the scholarly record, contributing to the growth and credibility of the global academic community.