The editorial policies of the Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (JMID) are meticulously crafted to uphold the highest standards of scholarly publishing, fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment for the dissemination of cutting-edge research in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. This comprehensive overview delves into the core principles that guide our editorial decision-making, ethical considerations, peer review processes, and commitment to transparency.
1. Editorial
Decision-Making
1.1. Editorial
Independence
JMID is committed to maintaining editorial
independence, ensuring that decisions regarding manuscript acceptance,
rejection, or revision are based solely on academic merit. Editorial autonomy
is upheld to preserve the integrity of the peer review process and editorial
judgments.
1.2. Fair and Unbiased
Evaluation
All submissions undergo a fair, unbiased, and rigorous
evaluation process. Our editors strive to consider the scientific quality,
originality, and significance of each manuscript, regardless of authors'
affiliations, backgrounds, or other non-scientific factors.
2. Peer Review Process
2.1. Rigorous Peer Review
JMID adheres to a rigorous peer review process,
employing experts in the respective fields of microbiology and infectious
diseases to evaluate manuscript submissions. This process ensures that
published articles meet high scientific standards and contribute valuable insights
to the scholarly community.
2.2. Single-Blind Peer Review Policy
The Journal of Microbiology and Infectious
Diseases (JMID) adheres to the single-blind peer review. In this model, the
reviewers are aware of the identities of the authors, providing transparency in
the review process. However, authors are not informed of the identities of the
reviewers, preserving the confidentiality of the peer review process..
2.3. Timely Review
Process
Efficiency is paramount in our peer review process.
JMID is dedicated to providing authors with timely and constructive feedback,
minimizing the duration between submission and final editorial decisions. This
commitment is aligned with our goal to support researchers in the timely dissemination
of their findings.
3. Ethical Considerations
3.1. Research Integrity
Authors are expected to uphold the highest standards
of research integrity. JMID follows established ethical guidelines and
encourages the responsible conduct of research, including proper citation of
sources, avoidance of plagiarism, and accurate reporting of methodologies and
results.
3.2. Authorship and
Contributorship
Authorship should be based on substantial
contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the
research. JMID emphasizes the importance of transparent authorship and
contributorship, requiring all listed authors to have made significant intellectual
contributions to the work.
3.3. Conflict of Interest
JMID is committed to transparency regarding potential
conflicts of interest. Authors are required to disclose any financial or
personal relationships that may influence the interpretation of their research
findings. Editors and reviewers are also expected to declare any conflicts of
interest that may compromise impartial decision-making.
3.4. Plagiarism Detection
JMID employs advanced plagiarism detection tools to
ensure the originality of submitted manuscripts. Authors are responsible for
submitting work that is free from plagiarism, and any instances of misconduct
are treated with the utmost seriousness.
4. Author Guidelines
4.1. Manuscript
Preparation
Authors submitting to JMID are provided with clear and
comprehensive guidelines for manuscript preparation. These guidelines cover
formatting, referencing, and other essential elements to facilitate a
standardized and streamlined publication process.
4.2. Ethical Approval and
Informed Consent
Authors conducting research involving human subjects
or animals must provide evidence of ethical approval and informed consent in
their submissions. This commitment to ethical research practices underscores
JMID's dedication to the welfare of research participants.
5. Transparency and Open
Science
5.1. Data Sharing and
Reproducibility
JMID encourages authors to share data, code, and other
relevant materials to promote transparency and reproducibility. Open science
practices contribute to the robustness and credibility of scientific research,
aligning with our commitment to advancing knowledge.
5.2. Post-Publication
Discussions
JMID supports post-publication discussions and
welcomes constructive criticism as a means of promoting scientific discourse.
Authors, readers, and the wider scholarly community are encouraged to engage in
discussions that contribute to the refinement and advancement of published
research.
6. Continuous Improvement
6.1. Editorial Board
Evaluation
The JMID Editorial Board regularly evaluates and
refines editorial policies to adapt to evolving standards and best practices in
scholarly publishing. Feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers is actively
sought to inform continuous improvement initiatives.
6.2. Collaborative
Initiatives
JMID collaborates with other journals, institutions,
and organizations to foster innovation and uphold the highest standards in
scholarly publishing. Joint initiatives contribute to the advancement of
editorial practices and support a global community of researchers.
The editorial policies of JMID serve as a foundation for fostering a scholarly environment characterized by integrity, transparency, and excellence. By adhering to these policies, JMID remains dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge, promoting ethical research practices, and contributing to the ongoing dialogue in the fields of microbiology and infectious diseases. As we continually strive for excellence, the collaborative efforts of authors, reviewers, and the editorial team ensure that JMID remains a trusted platform for disseminating impactful and high-quality research.
Editorial Board Member Removal Policy
The
Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (JMID) is dedicated to
advancing microbiology and infectious diseases knowledge through high-quality,
peer-reviewed research. This Editorial Board Member Removal Policy aims to
provide a transparent and fair framework for addressing instances that may
necessitate the removal of an Editorial Board member, recognizing the pivotal
role they play in upholding the journal's standards.
Purpose of the Editorial
Board Member Removal Policy
The
primary purpose of this policy is to outline procedures and criteria for
potential removal, ensuring actions are taken with careful consideration and
adherence to ethical and professional standards. This policy addresses various
grounds for removal, including ethical misconduct, non-performance,
professional misconduct, and involvement with predatory journals and
publishers.
Grounds for Removal
Ethical Misconduct
Plagiarism: Any
proven instance of plagiarism by an Editorial Board member undermines the
integrity of the journal and academic community, warranting immediate removal.
Conflict of Interest: Failure
to disclose and manage conflicts of interest may result in removal to safeguard
the journal’s objectivity.
Breach of Confidentiality: Unauthorized
disclosure of confidential information may lead to removal, emphasizing the
importance of maintaining the integrity of the peer-review process.
Non-Performance
Failure to Fulfill Responsibilities: Persistent
failure to contribute to the manuscript review process and editorial
decision-making may be grounds for removal to maintain the efficiency and
quality of the editorial process.
Violation of Journal Policies: Repeated
violation of the journal’s policies may result in removal, ensuring adherence
to established standards.
Professional Misconduct
Unprofessional Behavior: Conduct
unbecoming of an Editorial Board member may result in removal, fostering a
professional and respectful editorial environment.
Misuse of Position: Any
misuse of the editorial position for personal gain may lead to removal,
ensuring editorial roles are exercised in the best interests of the journal and
scientific community.
Involvement with Predatory Journals and Publishers
Definition and Rationale: Involvement
with predatory entities poses a significant risk to scholarly publishing
integrity, leading to potential removal.
Criteria for Assessment: Editorial
Board members will be evaluated for affiliation, collaboration, or association
with known predatory journals or publishers.
Implications and Consequences: Involvement
with predatory entities may lead to removal, rooted in the commitment to
maintaining ethical publishing standards.
Removal Procedures
Initial Investigation
Complaint Submission: Formal
complaints against an Editorial Board member may be submitted to the
Editor-in-Chief by any concerned party for prompt addressal.
Preliminary Assessment: The
Editor-in-Chief conducts a preliminary assessment to filter out frivolous
complaints and determine the merit of credible concerns.
Formal Investigation
Appointment of Investigation Committee: An
impartial Investigation Committee is appointed to conduct a thorough
investigation, ensuring objectivity and fairness.
Opportunity to Respond: The
accused member is provided a fair opportunity to respond and present evidence
in their defense for due process.
Evidence Gathering: The
Investigation Committee collects and reviews all relevant evidence for a
comprehensive decision-making process.
Decision-Making
Committee Deliberation: The
Investigation Committee deliberates on the evidence and makes a recommendation
to the Editor-in-Chief for a well-rounded assessment.
Editor-in-Chief Decision: The
Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on the committee’s
recommendation, involving disciplinary actions, corrective measures, or
removal, depending on the violation's severity.
Notification and Appeals
Notification of Decision: The
accused member is promptly notified of the decision for transparency,
accountability, and trust in the editorial process.
Appeals Process: An
appeals process is established to allow the accused party to appeal the
decision if they believe it was unjust, ensuring reconsideration and fairness.
Repercussions and
Replacements
Repercussions
Immediate Actions: Depending
on the violation's severity, removal may be effective immediately to mitigate
harm to the journal’s reputation.
Publication of Misconduct: Instances
of removal related to ethical or professional misconduct may be publicly
disclosed to maintain transparency and accountability.
Replacement Procedures
Interim Appointments: In
case of removal, an interim appointment may be made to ensure continuity in the
editorial process, based on expertise, diversity, and alignment with journal
goals.
Permanent Replacement: The
permanent replacement follows a rigorous nomination and selection process
outlined in the Editorial Recruitment Policy to maintain high standards.
Continuous Improvement
Regular Review: Regular
reviews of this policy ensure its effectiveness and relevance, considering
changes in the scholarly publishing landscape and emerging best practices.
Stakeholder Feedback: Feedback
from stakeholders, including Editorial Board members, authors, and readers, is
actively sought during policy reviews to reflect evolving needs and
expectations.
This
Editorial Board Member Removal Policy underscores JMID’s commitment to
maintaining the highest standards of integrity and professionalism within its
editorial processes.