Intro

These policies describe the minimum standards that apply across all Open Meridian Press journals. Journal-specific requirements may add details, but they do not replace these publisher-wide standards.

1. Publication Ethics and Malpractice
   We are committed to ethical publishing and the integrity of the scholarly record. We investigate concerns about plagiarism, data fabrication/falsification, image manipulation, unethical research, undisclosed conflicts of interest, and inappropriate authorship practices using a fair, evidence-based process. When needed, we issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern to keep the scholarly record accurate.
2. Peer Review Policy
   Peer review is conducted under editorial oversight. Editors evaluate submissions for scope and basic quality, then invite qualified independent reviewers. Reviewers are expected to provide confidential, constructive feedback. Editors make final decisions based on scientific merit, clarity, and compliance with journal and publisher policies.
3. Authorship and Contributorship
   Authorship must reflect substantial contribution and accountability. All authors must approve the submitted and final versions. Any authorship changes after submission require a written explanation and confirmation from all authors, subject to editorial approval.
4. Conflicts of Interest
   Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose relationships or interests that could be perceived to influence the work. Disclosures do not automatically disqualify a submission, but failure to disclose may lead to rejection or post-publication action.
5. Plagiarism and Redundant Publication
   We do not accept plagiarism or duplicate submission. Submissions may be screened using similarity-checking tools. When overlap is detected, we may request clarification, require revision with appropriate citation, reject the manuscript, or take post-publication action depending on severity.
6. Data Availability and Research Transparency
   Where appropriate, authors should provide a data availability statement describing where data, code, and materials can be accessed, or why access is restricted (e.g., privacy or ethical limitations).
7. AI and Automated Tools Policy
   Authors must disclose any use of AI or automated tools that materially contributed to writing, analysis, or content creation, according to journal requirements. Authors remain fully responsible for accuracy, originality, proper citation, and ethical compliance. AI tools must not be listed as authors. Confidential or unpublished content must not be uploaded to tools that retain or reuse the content.
8. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern
   If a published article contains an error that affects interpretation, a correction may be issued. If findings are unreliable due to major error or misconduct, the article may be retracted. If an investigation is ongoing and readers should be alerted, an expression of concern may be issued. Notices are linked to the original article and state the reason as transparently as possible.
9. Complaints and Appeals
   Authors may appeal editorial decisions by providing a clear rationale and supporting evidence. Complaints about editorial process, reviewer conduct, or ethics concerns are investigated promptly. To submit a complaint or appeal, email [email protected] with the subject line “Appeal” or “Complaint” and include manuscript/article details.
10. Open Access, Copyright, and Licensing
    Articles are published Open Access under CC BY 4.0. Authors must ensure they have permission to reuse third-party content and must provide appropriate attribution. Licensing information should be visible prior to submission and on the published article.
11. ISSN and DOI
    ISSN (Online): Pending. DOIs: Planned starting Vol 1, Issue 1.