Editorial Responsibilities
The editors of the Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation (JNPR) play a vital role in safeguarding academic integrity, ensuring ethical publication practices, and maintaining the scientific rigor of published articles. These responsibilities are consistent with global best practices outlined by COPE, ICMJE, and OASPA.
Decision-Making Responsibilities
- Editors must make impartial decisions based solely on the manuscript’s scholarly merit, originality, clarity, and relevance to physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
- Editors should not be influenced by race, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation of authors.
- Commercial considerations must never compromise editorial independence.
Fair Peer Review
Editors oversee a double-blind peer review process, ensuring that submissions are reviewed confidentially, fairly, and within a reasonable timeframe. They must select reviewers with relevant expertise and monitor the quality and timeliness of reviews.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Editors must treat submitted manuscripts as confidential documents. No information should be shared beyond the editorial staff, reviewers, and publisher without the author’s consent.
Addressing Research Misconduct
When allegations of misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, data falsification, unethical research practices) are raised, editors must investigate thoroughly and follow COPE flowcharts for resolution. Sanctions may include rejection, retraction, or notifying relevant institutions.
Conflicts of Interest
Editors must declare personal or professional conflicts of interest. If an editor has a conflict, responsibility for the manuscript must be delegated to another editor to preserve impartiality.
Transparency in Communication
Editors must communicate decisions clearly, providing authors with constructive feedback, whether the manuscript is accepted, revised, or rejected. Respectful, professional communication with authors and reviewers is expected at all times.
Correction and Retraction
Editors must ensure the publication of corrections, errata, or retractions when errors are identified in published work. Retractions should remain linked to the original article with a clear explanation of the reasons.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity
Editors are encouraged to promote inclusivity in reviewer and author selection, ensuring representation across geographic regions, genders, and academic backgrounds.
Editorial Board Contributions
- Advising on journal policy and scope.
- Promoting the journal within their academic networks.
- Supporting the recruitment of competent reviewers.
- Upholding journal standards for ethical publishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can editors submit their own work to JNPR?
Yes, but their submissions must undergo standard peer review and be handled by an independent editor to prevent bias.
How do editors manage conflicting reviewer recommendations?
Editors may seek an additional review or make a decision based on the balance of evidence and expert judgment.
What if an editor suspects undisclosed conflicts of interest?
The editor must request clarification from the author or reviewer and take appropriate corrective actions if undisclosed conflicts are found.
How often should editors review journal policies?
Editorial policies should be reviewed periodically to ensure compliance with evolving global publishing standards.