1. Objective and Scope ⇲
2. Originality ⇲
3. Publication Criteria and Authorship ⇲
4. Competing Interests ⇲
5. Ethical Policies ⇲
6. Inappropriate Image Manipulation ⇲
7. Registration of Trials and Systematic Reviews ⇲
8. Standards of Reporting ⇲
9. Data and Software Availability ⇲
10. Copyright and License Policy ⇲
11. Permanency of Content ⇲
12. Allegations of Misconduct ⇲
13. Appeals and Complaints ⇲
14. The Peer Review Model ⇲
15. Editors and Advisory Board Code of Conduct ⇲
16. Publication Charge Policy ⇲
17. Privacy Policy ⇲
18. Conflict of Interests Policy ⇲
19. Advertisement Policy ⇲
20. Accessibility Policy and Open Access Statement ⇲
21. Implementation & Compliance ⇲

1. Objective and Scope

The objective and scope of Visionary Publication’s policies is to set forth the overarching goals and focus of the journals in terms of content, ethical standards, and their contribution to the academic community. The objective of this policy is to ensure consistent and clear procedures in the operation of Visionary Publication. This policy is applicable for all Visionary Publication’s Editorial Teams, Editorial Board, Advisory Board, Review Board, Visionary Publication Team, Authors, and Readers.

2. Originality

We place a strong emphasis on the value of originality in order to uphold the integrity of the research published in Visionary Publication. All submitted articles must be the author’s original work and should not have been previously published or simultaneously submitted anywhere else for publication. Authors are encouraged to correctly attribute and cite any existing work that has contributed to their research. Any instances of plagiarism or inadequate citation will be treated seriously and may result in the rejection of the submission. To ensure the originality of submitted manuscripts, we employ advanced tools, including Turnitin, as part of our rigorous evaluation process.

Ensuring the originality of submitted research is a fundamental principle at Visionary Publication, aligned with the guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Upholding the integrity of academic publishing is paramount, and originality is the cornerstone of credible and valuable research. Our policies on originality, guided by COPE's best practices, are designed to foster ethical research practices and maintain the highest standards of scholarly publishing.

2.1 Plagiarism:

Plagiarism involves presenting someone else's ideas, words, or work as one's own without proper attribution. Visionary Publication strictly prohibits plagiarism in any form. Authors must provide accurate citations and references for all sources they use in their work, including text, data, figures, and ideas. Plagiarism detection tools may be employed to identify instances of plagiarism during the submission process. Visionary Publication will strictly follow the Higher Education Commission (HEC)'s Plagiarism Policy.

2.2 Self-Plagiarism:

Authors are expected to submit original work that has yet to be published elsewhere. Self-plagiarism, or duplicate publication, occurs when authors reuse substantial portions of their previously published work without proper citation. Authors must adequately refer and disclose any previous work being reused in their new submission. Repeated or redundant publication of the same or similar position is discouraged and may result in rejection.

2.3 Self-Citation:

While self-citation is allowed and even encouraged when appropriate, excessive self-citation solely to increase an author's citation count or promote their work is discouraged. Self-citations should be relevant and add value to the context of the research being presented. Authors should cite their work transparently and judiciously, adhering to the same citation standards as they would for other researchers' work.

2.4 Copyright:

Authors retain the copyright to their work while granting Visionary Publication the right to publish the article under a specified license. This allows authors to maintain control over their intellectual property. Proper attribution and citation of sources, including authors' work, are crucial to respect the rights of creators and maintain the accuracy of scholarly communication.

2.5 AI Tools

Authors are expected to submit work that is entirely their own and has not been published elsewhere. Any work that has influenced or contributed to the research must be appropriately attributed and cited. In cases where AI-generated content is used, authors should indicate the involvement of AI tools and provide details about the tools used. Transparency about the extent of AI involvement ensures that the contribution of human researchers is accurately represented. Visionary Publication recognizes the educational value of AI tools in research. Articles that provide insights into the use of AI in research methodologies are encouraged.

See more: Authorship and AI tools by COPE

2.5.1 Responsiveness:

The responsible use of AI tools is encouraged to enhance research efficiency and outcomes. Authors must clearly explain their methodology using AI tools, including the specific algorithms or models employed, the training data, and any pre-processing steps.

2.5.2 Transparency:

Authors using AI tools should transparently describe how the AI contributes to their research, clarifying whether the AI's role is in data analysis, content generation, or other aspects of the research process.

2.5.3 Plagiarism and AI-generated Text:

Authors must exercise caution to prevent AI-generated text from being used to plagiarize existing work. Plagiarism detection tools should be utilized to verify the originality of AI-generated content.

Visionary Publication employs plagiarism detection tools and thorough editorial review processes to identify and address originality-related issues, including plagiarism and self-plagiarism. Submissions with significant plagiarism or copyright infringement instances will be rejected or retracted. Authors must carefully review and revise their work to ensure originality before submitting it to Visionary Publication.

Adhering to these policies, authors promote original research, the ethical use of sources, and advancing knowledge in their respective fields. Visionary Publication is committed to upholding the principles of originality, transparency, and responsible scholarly communication to benefit both authors and the broader academic community.

3. Publication Criteria and Authorship

The Visionary Publication platform is a valuable tool for scholars to share their research and engage in academic discourse swiftly. The validity assessment is carried out by subject Editors who are well-versed in the relevant field, while the authors assume ultimate responsibility for their work, which experts then review.

Publication criteria for research outputs presenting original data and results:

Authors must be formally affiliated with an accredited institution or recognized organization.
Author affiliation is verified through institutional/organizational email address AND institutional/organizational website profile (or other means).
All the authors on the article (who should have made a key contribution to the article) must meet these key criteria for it to be suitable for publication in Visionary Publication.
Editorials are published by invitation only.
If authors do not believe they meet the publication criteria, don't hesitate to contact the editorial office (journals@visionarypublication.com) to discuss further.

In case of authorship disputes, the journal's editor-in-chief/editor will mediate the discussion between the involved parties. The decision on authorship will be based on adherence to the criteria mentioned in this policy, fair assessment of contributions, and consultation with appropriate experts when necessary.

Any changes in authorship, including additions, deletions, or rearrangements, after the article has been submitted for publication require the written consent of all affected authors. Such changes should be communicated to the journal's editorial office promptly and accompanied by a clear rationale for the modification. Such changes, if necessary, will be displayed before the start of the peer review process.

3.1 CRediT

Ensuring all authors have made a clear and meaningful contribution to the published article is essential. To achieve this, we follow authorship criteria developed by The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) and request that authors detail their specific roles and contributions through the CRediT system on the submission form. We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining clear and transparent authorship standards.

We are committed to publishing articles that contribute significantly to their respective fields and provide valuable insights to readers. Submissions will be evaluated based on their scientific significance, relevance, methodology, and the clarity of their presentation. Authors are expected to accurately represent the contributions of all individuals involved in the research. The authorship order should reflect the level of assistance, and all listed authors must have participated in the study and consented to the submission and publication of the article.

Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research study. All authors should meet the following criteria:

Substantial contributions to the conception or design of the work or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.
Drafting or critically revising the article for intellectual content.
Final approval of the version to be published.
Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work to ensure its accuracy and integrity.

4. Competing Interests

Transparency is crucial in scholarly publishing. Authors must disclose any potential competing interests that could influence the interpretation of their work. Competing interests may include financial, personal, or professional affiliations that could affect the objectivity and credibility of the research. By disclosing such information, authors uphold the journal's commitment to providing accurate and unbiased information to readers.

Visionary Publication is committed to transparency and integrity in scholarly publishing. Authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to disclose potential competing interests that could influence the research's objectivity, credibility, impartiality, and publication process.

4.1 Definition of Competing Interests:

Competing interests encompass financial, professional, personal, or any other associations that may compromise the impartiality or integrity of the research or publication.

4.2 Authors' Responsibility:

Authors must clearly state any competing interests when submitting their manuscripts. This includes both financial and non-financial interests that could be perceived as affecting the interpretation of the work.

4.3 Reviewer and Editorial Responsibility:

Reviewers are asked to identify any potential competing interests that may objectively affect their manuscript assessment. Editors must know potential competing interests among authors, reviewers, and themselves to ensure unbiased and fair decision-making.

4.4 Declaration of Competing Interests:

Authors, reviewers, and editors must declare competing interests in the appropriate section of the manuscript, review report, or decision letter, respectively. If no competing interests exist, a statement to this effect should still be included to ensure transparency.

4.5 Managing Competing Interests:

Declared competing interests will be evaluated by editors in the context of the manuscript or the review process. Editors may request additional information from authors about competing claims to make informed decisions.

4.6 Mitigation of Competing Interests:

In cases where competing interests are identified, the journal may take measures to mitigate their potential impact. These measures may include disclosing competing interests to readers or recusing individuals with significant conflicts from the review process.

Adhering to rigorous standards for disclosing competing interests, Visionary Publication ensures the credibility and transparency of published research. This practice safeguards the integrity of the scholarly community and maintains the trust of readers, authors, reviewers, and the broader academic audience.

5. Ethical Policies

Visionary Publication upholds a strong commitment to ethical standards in research and publication. Our ethical policies ensure the integrity, transparency, and responsible conduct of research, promoting the highest standards of scholarly communication. Visionary Publication follows the ethical oversight guidelines set by COPE.

5.1 Research Involving Humans

Research involving human participants must adhere to the highest ethical standards. Authors conducting such research must obtain informed consent from contributors, ensuring they understand the study’s nature and potential pros and cons. Studies involving human subjects should receive approval from an appropriate Institutional Review Board (IRB) or ethics committee. Authors should provide detailed information about their manuscripts' ethical considerations, consent process, and approval.

5.2 Research Involving Animals

The ethical treatment of animals in research is paramount. Authors conducting research that involves animals should adhere to established guidelines for animal welfare and fair treatment. Animals should be treated with the least possible stress or harm during studies, and the procedures used to ensure their welfare must be described by the authors. Such research requires the approval of an institutional animal ethics committee or an equivalent body.

5.3 Research Involving Plants

When conducting research on plants, it is essential for authors to uphold conservation ethics and consider the ecological impact of their methods. This includes utilizing sustainable collection and cultivation techniques and carefully considering the effects on plant populations and the surrounding ecosystems.

6. Inappropriate Image Manipulation

Maintaining the integrity of visual representations in research is essential. Authors should use caution when editing or enhancing images. Any manipulation for clarity, presentation, or emphasis should be described in the figure caption. Misleading or deceptive image manipulation is considered a breach of ethical standards and could lead to the article being rejected or retracted.

At Visionary Publication, we place great importance on ensuring the accuracy and reliability of all visual representations in our published articles. This is a fundamental aspect of our commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity in all of our publications. Proper presentation of research findings is essential for accurate communication and transparency. Inappropriate image manipulation compromises the credibility of scientific work and undermines readers’ trust. To uphold ethical standards and ensure accurate representation of research outcomes, the following guidelines regarding image manipulation are enforced:

6.1 Image Integrity:

Authors should ensure that images accurately represent the research findings and are not misleading or deceptive. Image manipulation to enhance clarity, contrast, or presentation is acceptable, provided that it does not misrepresent the original data.

6.2 Manipulation Limits:

Authors should exercise caution in image manipulation, avoiding alterations that could distort the scientific message or lead to misinterpretation. Manipulations that obscure, delete, or introduce elements do not present in the original data are strictly prohibited.

6.3 The Authenticity of Data:

Images should accurately represent the original data and not mislead readers about the research outcomes. Authors should retain the authentic, unprocessed images as part of their research records, available upon request for verification.

6.4 Appropriate Use of Labels and Annotations:

Authors are encouraged to use labels, arrows, and annotations to clarify image components. However, these additions should not alter the underlying data or the image’s meaning.

6.5 Consequences of Inappropriate Image Manipulation:

Articles found to contain misleading or inappropriate image manipulation may be subject to rejection, correction, or retraction, depending on the severity of the manipulation. Authors are encouraged to promptly cooperate with editors and reviewers to address concerns related to image manipulation.

An article in the Journal of Cell Biology (Rossner & Yamada, 2004) describes examples of inappropriate image manipulation published by the Rockefeller University Press.

7. Registration of Trials and Systematic Reviews

Visionary Publication recognizes the significance of research transparency, accountability, and comprehensive reporting. To promote these principles and enhance the quality of published work, Visionary Publication requires the registration of clinical trials and systematic reviews in recognized public databases.

7.1 Trial Registration

To enhance transparency and reduce bias in clinical research, authors of clinical trials must register their problems in a recognized public database before enrolling participants. Registration information, including the trial protocol and primary outcomes, should be provided within the manuscript.

Clinical trials must be registered in public, accessible trial registries recognized by organizations such as WHO's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) or clinicaltrials.gov. Clinical trials conducted in Pakistan must adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and other relevant regulatory bodies.

7.2 Systematic Reviews Registration

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses play a crucial role in evidence-based research. Authors conducting these studies should register them in an appropriate database to promote transparency and prevent duplication of effort. This registration should clearly outline the study's objectives and methodology.

Systematic reviews should be registered in specialized systematic review registries, such as PROSPERO or similar platforms.

7.3 Data Sharing

In addition to registration, authors are encouraged to make the trial or review data available to enhance reproducibility and collaboration.

7.4 Commitment to Open Science

Requiring registration aligns with Visionary Publication's commitment to open science, ensuring that research processes and outcomes are accessible and transparent to the academic community and beyond.

Requiring the registration of clinical trials and systematic reviews, Visionary Publication promotes transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of research methodology. This practice contributes to advancing knowledge and publishing research's credibility within the scientific community.

8. Standards of Reporting

Clear and comprehensive reporting ensures that research findings can be understood and replicated. Authors must adhere to recognized reporting guidelines specific to their study type. For instance, clinical trials should follow the CONSORT guidelines, while systematic reviews should adhere to PRISMA standards. Adherence to these guidelines enhances the rigor and reproducibility of research.

Visionary Publication promotes clarity, transparency, and accurate communication of research findings. Adhering to established reporting guidelines is crucial for ensuring that research articles provide comprehensive and replicable information. To uphold the highest standards of reporting, Visionary Publication enforces the following guidelines:

8.1 Adherence to Reporting Guidelines

Authors should be familiar with and follow the relevant reporting guidelines specific to their research type (e.g., CONSORT for clinical trials, STROBE for observational studies, and PRISMA for systematic reviews). Following these guidelines ensures that key methodological and result details are adequately reported. The authors should clearly describe the research design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis used in the study. Transparent reporting of methods allows readers to assess the validity and reliability of the research.

8.2 Completeness of Reporting

Authors should report all primary and secondary outcomes, even if the results are inconclusive or not statistically significant. Selective reporting of effects can lead to bias and misrepresentation of the research. The authors should discuss the study’s limitations, acknowledging potential preferences, constraints, and uncertainties. Interpretations of the results should be grounded in the study's findings and limitations.

8.3 Clear Presentation of Data

Graphs, figures, and tables should accurately represent the data, providing a visual aid for readers' understanding. Labels, units, and axes should be appropriately labeled for accurate interpretation. Authors should provide information about data availability, indicating how readers can access the raw data for verification and further analysis.

8.4 Reproducibility

Authors are encouraged to share their research data, analysis code, and supplemental materials to facilitate reproducibility and transparency. Adhering to reporting guidelines enhances research rigor and improves the chances of the study being reproduced and validated by other researchers.

8.5 Peer Review and Editorial Considerations

Peer reviewers evaluate the adherence to reporting guidelines to assess the manuscript's quality and credibility. Editors consider the completeness and transparency of reporting when making decisions on manuscript acceptance. Visionary Publication's commitment to reporting standards aims to promote best practices in research and scholarly communication.

Adhering to rigorous reporting standards, authors contribute to the clarity and credibility of their research, enhancing the overall quality of scholarly discourse. Visionary Publication emphasizes the importance of transparent reporting in promoting scientific rigor and fostering a culture of openness within the academic community.

9. Data and Software Availability

Promoting open science, authors are encouraged to make their research data and software code available to the scientific community. The availability of data allows for validation, replication, and further analysis. Authors should provide clear information on where the data can be accessed and how it can be used. Data availability statements should be included in the manuscript.

Visionary Publication recognizes the significance of transparency, reproducibility, and open science in advancing scholarly knowledge. Ensuring the availability of research data and software code enhances the credibility of published work and allows for independent validation and further research. To promote these principles, Visionary Publication enforces the following guidelines:

9.1 Data Availability

Authors are encouraged to share their research data associated with the manuscript. This includes raw data, processed data, and any supplementary materials.

Authors should provide transparent information about where the data can be accessed, whether through institutional repositories, public data archives, or other suitable platforms. Proper data citation is essential for crediting the original researchers and facilitating traceability. Authors should provide the necessary citation information in the manuscript.

9.2 Software Availability

Authors should make their software code available to enable the reproducibility of the analyses and findings reported in the manuscript. Authors should provide details about the repository where the code is hosted. This can include platforms like GitHub, GitLab, or institutional repositories. Authors should ensure that the provided code is well-documented, making it understandable and usable for other researchers.

9.3 Reproducibility and Verification

By making data and code available, authors enable other researchers to independently validate and verify the results, enhancing the robustness of the research findings. Transparent sharing of data and code fosters a culture of reproducibility, promoting the credibility of research and building trust within the scientific community.

9.4 Peer Review and Editorial Considerations

Reviewers may evaluate the availability and quality of the shared data and code as part of their manuscript assessment. Editors consider the availability of data and code when making decisions on manuscript acceptance, as it enhances the transparency and rigor of the research.

9.5 Ethical Considerations

Authors should be cautious when sharing data that contains sensitive or confidential information, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards. If sharing sensitive data, authors should take steps to anonymize the data to protect the individual’s privacy. Visionary Publication's commitment to data and software availability aligns with the principles of open science, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Adhering to data and software availability guidelines, authors contribute to the openness and transparency of their research. This practice promotes the reproducibility of findings, facilitates collaborative research, and upholds the highest standards of scholarly communication within the academic community.

10. Copyright and License Policy

Visionary Publication is dedicated to fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and responsible use of published content. To facilitate these principles, Visionary Publication publishes articles under specific licenses that define how readers, researchers, and the broader community can use, share, and build upon the published work. Authors retain the copyright of their work while allowing others to use, share, and build upon the content with proper attribution. This approach encourages the dissemination of knowledge and supports scholarly communication. The following guidelines outline the licensing policies implemented by Visionary Publication:

10.1 Copyright

10.2 Creative Commons Licenses

Visionary Publication publishes articles under Creative Commons (CC) licenses, embracing the open-access philosophy that promotes unrestricted access to scholarly content. Authors retain the copyright of their work while granting Visionary Publication a non-exclusive license to publish and distribute the article.

10.3 Type of CC Licenses

The most permissive license, CC BY 4.0, allows others to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work, even for commercial purposes, provided proper attribution is given to the original authors.

10.4 Ethical Considerations

Proper attribution and citation of the original work are essential when using content published under a CC license. Authors should be acknowledged for their contributions. When creating derivative works based on CC-licensed content, authors should ensure compliance with the license terms, including appropriate licensing and attribution.

10.5 Promoting Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

By publishing under CC licenses, authors contribute to disseminating knowledge, allowing others to access, reuse, and build upon their work freely. Visionary Publication's commitment to CC licenses aligns with the principles of open science, encouraging collaboration, innovation, and the advancement of scholarship.

Adopting Creative Commons licenses, Visionary Publication provides a framework that promotes collaboration, encourages knowledge sharing, and supports responsible use of published content. These licenses enable authors to retain ownership of their work while contributing to the broader academic community's access to and engagement with scholarly research.

11. Permanency of Content

Visionary Publication is dedicated to maintaining published content's integrity, availability, and reliability over time. Ensuring the permanency of content is essential for preserving the scholarly record and facilitating ongoing access to research findings. All articles published in Visionary Publication receive a DOI and are permanently posted. All versions of all articles that have passed after peer review and publication will be archived in LOCKSS, Internet Archive, and self-archived by Visionary Publication on PKP Preservation Network (PN). The following guidelines outline Visionary Publication's commitment to preserving the permanency of published articles:

11.1 Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs)

Each published article is assigned a unique DOI. This alphanumeric string provides a permanent and unchanging link to the specific version of the article. DOIs enable consistent and reliable linking to articles across various platforms, even if the article's location changes. DOIs ensure that citations to published articles remain accurate and retrievable over time.

11.2 Archival Practices

Published articles and associated metadata are archived in reputable digital repositories and preservation systems such as LOCKSS, Internet Archive, and PKP Preservation Network (PN). Articles are stored in formats that ensure readability and accessibility, and accompanying metadata are preserved to maintain contextual information. Archiving practices are designed to provide content availability for the foreseeable future, guarding against technological changes and obsolescence.

11.3 Correction

In the interest of accuracy, Visionary Publication will promptly address factual errors identified in published articles. Corrections will be issued with explicit annotations indicating the nature of the correction and its impact on the article.

11.4 Retraction

The journal’s credibility is maintained through swift action against significant errors, ethical violations, or research misconduct. If an article is found to contain substantial flaws or ethical breaches, it will be retracted from publication. A detailed explanation of the reasons for retraction will be provided.

11.5 Editorial Note

In cases where clarification or context is needed but the article content is not fundamentally compromised, an editorial note will accompany the article. This ensures that readers have the most accurate and complete understanding of the research.

11.6 Expression of Concern

Should there be uncertainty about the integrity of an article, an expression of concern may be issued? This transparent approach makes the scientific community aware of ongoing investigations or problems related to published content.

Incorporating DOI assignment and archiving practices, Visionary Publication establishes a strong foundation for the permanency of published content. These practices safeguard the accessibility, integrity, and long-term impact of research articles, contributing to advancing knowledge within the academic community and beyond.

12. Allegations of Misconduct

Visionary Publication is committed to upholding the highest research integrity and ethical conduct standards. Misconduct allegations are taken seriously to ensure the credibility of published research and maintain the trust of the scholarly community. Any such allegations will be thoroughly investigated following established procedures. If misconduct is substantiated, appropriate action will be taken, including retraction of the article and reporting to relevant authorities. The following guidelines outline Visionary Publication's approach to addressing allegations of research misconduct:

12.1 Handling Allegations

Visionary Publication promptly initiates thorough investigations in response to allegations of research misconduct, including plagiarism, data fabrication, falsification, and ethical violations. Allegations are assessed objectively and impartially, considering all available evidence and engaging relevant experts when necessary. Confidentiality is maintained throughout the investigation to protect the parties involved and ensure a fair process.

12.2 Potential Outcomes

If allegations are substantiated, appropriate actions are taken. These actions may include retraction, correction, or reporting to relevant institutions and authorities. If allegations are not supported by sufficient evidence, the journal will inform the appropriate parties and take no further action.

12.3 Transparency and Communication

Authors accused of misconduct can respond to the allegations and provide their perspectives. Visionary Publication will transparently communicate the investigation outcomes to the scholarly community, readers, and relevant institutions, ensuring accountability and maintaining trust.

12.4 Protecting Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers who report misconduct allegations are protected, and their identity is kept confidential whenever possible. Visionary Publication ensures that individuals who report wrongdoing are not subjected to any form of retaliation.

12.5 Prevention and Education

Visionary Publication promotes ethics education and awareness among authors, reviewers, and the editorial team to prevent misconduct. Visionary Publication actively addresses allegations of misconduct. Visionary Publication contributes to promoting a culture of responsible and ethical research conduct.

12.6 Publication Malpractices

We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing and maintaining the integrity of research literature. The following guidelines outline Visionary Publication's approach to handling allegations of publication malpractices:

12.6.1 Plagiarism:

Any form of plagiarism, including copying content without proper attribution, is considered a serious breach of publication ethics.

12.6.2 Data Fabrication and Falsification:

Falsifying or fabricating data, graphs, images, or other research elements is a violation of ethical research and publication practices.

12.6.3 Duplicate or Redundant Publication:

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals or republishing previously published content without proper disclosure is not permissible.

12.6.4 Authorship Manipulation:

Unjustified inclusion or exclusion of authors, as well as guest authorship or ghostwriting, are considered unethical practices.

12.6.5 Misleading Citations:

Manipulating citations to promote certain authors or works or citing irrelevant sources to increase a manuscript's perceived significance, is unethical.

Responding promptly and transparently to misconduct allegations, Visionary Publication upholds research integrity principles and maintain published content's credibility. These guidelines ensure fairness, accountability, and the protection of the scholarly community's interests while fostering a culture of ethical research within the academic community. The authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to adhere strictly to the publication ethics set forth by International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

13. Appeals and Complaints

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions through a well-defined process. The journal will objectively review appeals and take corrective measures if necessary. Complaints regarding the editorial process will be addressed promptly and transparently.

13.1 Appeals Process

Authors who disagree with an editorial decision have the right to appeal. Appeals should be submitted in writing, clearly outlining the reasons for the appeal and any supporting evidence.
An independent editorial committee reviews appeals. The committee considers the original decision, reviewer comments, and the appeal itself to determine if the decision should be reconsidered.

The outcome of the appeal is communicated to the author. If the appeal results in a decision change, the author will be informed of the revised decision and the necessary steps to proceed.

13.2 Complaints Handling

Reviewers or authors with concerns about the editorial process, conflicts of interest, or other issues can submit a formal complaint. Complaints should be detailed, providing specific information about the concern and any relevant documentation or evidence. An impartial committee reviews complaint. The committee investigates the complaint, gathers relevant information, and works toward a resolution. The complainant will be informed of the outcome of the investigation and any actions taken to address the concern.

13.3 Continuous Improvement

Appeals and complaints contribute to improving Visionary Publication's editorial processes and policies. Visionary Publication periodically evaluates the appeals and complaints process to ensure effectiveness and fairness. Visionary Publication upholds the fairness and transparency principle in scholarly publishing by addressing appeals and complaints.

Through an established appeals and complaints process, Visionary Publication demonstrates their commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the concerns of authors, reviewers, and readers. This framework ensures that problems are addressed promptly, somewhat, and in a manner that upholds the integrity of the editorial process and the reputation of the journals.

14. The Peer Review Model

The peer review process is a foundation stone of scholarly publishing, ensuring the quality, validity, and reliability of research articles published in Visionary Publication. We have adopted a double-blind peer review model to maintain objectivity, minimize bias, and uphold the highest standards of academic integrity.

In the double-blind peer review process, both the authors and the reviewers remain anonymous to each other. This approach prevents potential biases from knowing the authors' identities or affiliations. Here's how the process works:

14.1 Submission and Initial Screening:

Authors submit their manuscripts to Visionary Publication. The editorial team conducts an initial screening to ensure the submission adheres to the journal's scope, guidelines, and ethical standards.

14.2 Reviewer Assignment:

Once the submission passes the initial screening, the editorial team assigns independent expert reviewers knowledgeable in the relevant field. Reviewers are selected based on expertise, ensuring a thorough and accurate manuscript assessment.

14.3 Anonymous Peer Review:

The authors and the reviewers remain anonymous during the review process. This anonymity minimizes potential biases that could arise from the authors' identities or affiliations. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript's methodology, significance, originality, clarity, and adherence to ethical and reporting standards. Reviewers provide constructive feedback, suggestions for improvements, and recommendations for acceptance, revision, or rejection.

14.4 Editorial Decision:

Based on the reviewers' feedback, the editorial team makes an informed decision on the manuscript. Authors receive a decision letter containing the reviewers' comments and the editorial decision, whether acceptance, revision, or rejection.

14.5 Author Revisions:

If revisions are requested, authors make appropriate revisions to address the reviewers' comments and concerns. Revised manuscripts are re-evaluated by the same reviewers or, in some cases, additional reviewers to ensure the necessary changes have been made.

14.6 Final Decision:

The final decision is made based on the revised manuscript and the reviewers' assessment of the revisions. If the manuscript is accepted, it proceeds to the publication process; if rejected, authors are provided with constructive feedback to assist in future submissions.

Adopting the double-blind peer review model, Visionary Publication ensures a rigorous and unbiased evaluation process that maintains the quality and credibility of published research. This approach encourages objective assessment, encourages diverse perspectives, and promotes a fair and transparent review process that benefits authors, reviewers, and readers alike.

15. Editors and Advisory Board Code of Conduct

Editors and advisory board members are crucial in maintaining the journal's standards. They are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, avoid conflicts of interest, and provide objective and constructive feedback. Their contributions should enhance the journal's reputation and the quality of published work. Visionary Publication values the contributions of guest editors and advisory board members in maintaining the quality and integrity of posted content. To ensure professionalism, fairness, and ethical conduct, Visionary Publication have established a comprehensive code of conduct for guest editors and advisory board members:

Visionary Publication is a Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) member. All Visionary Publication is expected to operate within COPE guidelines and work within all relevant legal and ethical frameworks. Visionary Publication has legal and moral responsibility for all submitted works to ensure that papers are dealt with fairly.

To achieve this, we ask that editors and guest advisors work within a Code of Conduct as follows:

Follow COPE core practices and guidelines as per the oversight.
Ensure Visionary Publication maintains a reputation for ethical standards and fair processes.
Ensure that intellectual property is respected, and research integrity maintained.
Declare any competing interests that may influence, or may be perceived to influence, decisions made as a guest advisor.
Alert Visionary Publication to any concerns about articles in the collection/gateway immediately.
Work with Visionary Publication to maintain the integrity of the peer review process.
Collaborate with Visionary Publication’s editorial office staff to resolve issues or queries regarding submissions or published articles, using COPE guidance where appropriate.
Advocate for Visionary Publication publishing model, maintaining and improving Visionary Publication’s reputation.

These comprehensive policies underscore our commitment to disseminating ethical, rigorous, and transparent research. By upholding these principles, Visionary Publication contributes to the advancement of knowledge while ensuring the integrity and credibility of the scientific community.

16. Publication Charge Policy

Visionary Publication is committed to maintaining a sustainable and transparent publishing model that supports the dissemination of high-quality research while ensuring the integrity of the double-blind peer-review process. To achieve this, Visionary Publication have established a publication charge policy that outlines in the Journal's authors guidelines section of the website (go to Journals Website ➔ Make a Submission).

Visionary Publication's publication charge policy reflects our commitment to open access, ethical publishing, and disseminating high-quality research. This policy allows us to maintain the highest editorial standards while allowing authors to showcase their work to a global audience.

17. Privacy Policy

Visionary Publication is committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of all individuals involved in the publication process, including authors, reviewers, and readers. Our privacy policy outlines how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information to ensure compliance with privacy regulations and to maintain a secure and trustworthy environment for all users:

17.1 Data Collection and Usage

Personal information provided voluntarily during the manuscript submission, peer review, and publication processes is collected and used solely to facilitate the editorial and publication activities. We collect only the minimum personal data required to conduct our editorial and publication processes effectively.

17.2 Consent and Control

Authors, reviewers, and other users provide their informed consent for collecting and processing their personal information. Users have the right to access, update, and request the deletion of their data. Requests can be made through the appropriate channels.

17.3 Data Security

Personal information is stored in secure databases with access restricted to authorized personnel involved in the publication process. Sensitive data, such as passwords and payment information, are encrypted to ensure confidentiality and protection from unauthorized access.

17.4 Data Sharing

Personal information is shared only with individuals directly involved in the editorial and publication processes, such as editors, reviewers, and production staff. Visionary Publication may share personal data with trusted third-party service providers who assist with publication-related activities. These providers are selected based on their commitment to data privacy.

17.5 Cookies and Analytics

Our websites may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience and gather non-personal information about website usage. We use web analytics tools to compile aggregated data about website traffic, helping us improve the website's functionality and content.

17.6 Compliance with Regulations

Visionary Publication adheres to applicable privacy laws and regulations, ensuring that personal information is handled following the relevant legal standards.

17.7 Communication and Transparency

A clear and comprehensive privacy notice is provided on our websites, detailing the types of data collected, the purposes of data processing, and users' rights. Users can contact us through designated channels to inquire about their personal data, request modifications, or address privacy concerns.

17.8 Continuous Improvement

Visionary Publication periodically review and update the privacy policy to ensure its relevance and alignment with evolving privacy practices and regulations. By adhering to strong data protection practices, Visionary Publication demonstrates our commitment to respecting individuals' privacy and maintaining the security of personal information.

Visionary Publication's privacy policy ensures that personal information is handled responsibly, ethically, and following the highest data protection standards. This policy reflects our dedication to maintaining a trustworthy and secure environment for all users involved in the scholarly publication process.

18. Conflict of Interests Policy

Visionary Publication is dedicated to upholding the integrity, transparency, and credibility of the scholarly publishing process. To manage potential conflicts of interest and ensure unbiased editorial decisions, Visionary Publication have established a comprehensive conflict of interest policy that applies to all individuals involved in the publication process:

18.1 Disclosure of Conflicts

Authors are required to disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could be perceived as influencing their research or conclusions.
Reviewers must declare any conflicts of interest affecting their impartiality when evaluating manuscripts.
Editorial team members, including editors and guest editors, are expected to disclose any conflicts of interest that could affect their objectivity in decision-making.

18.2 Evaluation and Management

Conflicts of interest are considered during editorial decision-making to ensure that the process remains unbiased and objective. Efforts are made to avoid assigning reviewers to manuscripts where potential conflicts of interest could compromise impartial evaluations. If a conflict of interest is identified, the concerned individual may recuse themselves from the process, and alternative reviewers or editors are assigned.

18.3 Editorial Board Conflicts

Members of the advisory board and guest editors are required to disclose potential conflicts of interest related to their roles. In cases where conflicts of interest are identified, advisory board members and guest editors may be excluded from decisions about manuscripts that pose conflicts.

18.4 Financial Conflicts

Authors must disclose research funding sources and financial support to ensure transparency. Financial conflicts of interest are disclosed to readers to allow them to assess the potential impact on the interpretation of the research.

18.5 Editorial Transparency

Relevant conflicts of interest disclosed by authors, reviewers, and editors are published alongside the article, ensuring transparency. Editors may provide declarations of conflicts of interest to maintain the integrity of editorial decisions.

18.6 Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

Visionary Publication periodically review and update the conflict-of-interest policy to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with industry best practices. To manage conflicts of interest, Visionary Publication upholds the principles of fairness, transparency, and the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing.

Visionary Publication's conflict of interest policy underscores our commitment to maintaining the credibility and integrity of the scholarly publication process. This policy ensures that potential conflicts are disclosed, managed, and addressed in a manner that upholds the trust of the academic community and readers.

19. Advertisement Policy

Visionary Publication maintains a clear stance on advertisements within our publication platforms. We do not accept or publish advertisements on the journal's websites. This policy is upheld to ensure the integrity, focus, and credibility of our content, promoting a scholarly and unbiased environment for readers, authors, and the academic community:

19.1 Editorial Independence

By refraining from publishing advertisements, Visionary Publication maintains editorial independence and prevent any influence that commercial interests might have on scholarly content—the absence of advertisements safeguards against potential conflicts of interest that could arise from associations with commercial entities.

19.2 Scholarly Integrity

The absence of advertisements maintains the primary focus on scholarly research, enhancing the clarity and credibility of the content. Readers can engage with the content without interruptions or distractions, ensuring a seamless reading experience.

19.3 Ethical Considerations

The absence of advertisements reinforces the ethical principles of unbiased reporting, promoting research accuracy and transparency. Without ads, there is no potential for misleading or conflicting information that might arise from commercial interests.

19.4 Promoting Scholarly Exchange

By refraining from advertisements, Visionary Publication creates an environment conducive to scholarly exchange and engagement. Readers can engage with research content without distractions, encouraging in-depth analysis and discussions.

19.5 Dedicated to Academic Excellence

By upholding a policy that excludes advertisements, Visionary Publication enhances their reputation as platforms dedicated to academic excellence and research dissemination. Maintaining a publication environment free from commercial influences reinforces our commitment to scholarly discourse.

Adhering to a strict no-advertisement policy, Visionary Publication is committed to providing a trustworthy, credible, and focused platform for disseminating high-quality research. This policy ensures that our content remains dedicated to scholarly excellence and contributes to advancing knowledge within the academic community.

20. Accessibility Policy and Open Access Statement

Visionary Publication ensures that our content is accessible to all readers, regardless of their abilities or circumstances. Our accessibility policy and open access statement reflect our commitment to providing an inclusive publishing platform that promotes equal access to research and knowledge:

20.1 Accessibility Policy

Visionary Publication is committed to making our content accessible to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they can engage with research articles, reviews, and other scholarly materials. Our websites adhere to recognized web accessibility standards, including WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines), to provide a user-friendly experience for all visitors. Whenever possible, we provide alternative formats for our content, such as accessible PDFs and HTML, to accommodate different reading preferences and assistive technologies. We welcome feedback from users regarding accessibility concerns. This feedback helps us identify areas for improvement and enhance the accessibility of our platforms.

20.2 Open Access Statement

Visionary Publication is committed to the principles of open access, which promote the unrestricted availability of research articles to readers worldwide. Open access ensures that research findings are accessible to researchers, educators, policymakers, and the public, regardless of geographical location or institutional affiliation. By using Creative Commons licenses, we allow authors to retain copyright and provide flexible permissions to reuse, adapt, and distribute their work. Open access enhances the impact of research by enabling rapid dissemination and increasing the potential for citations and collaboration.
Our open-access policy is transparently communicated to authors, reviewers, and readers, contributing to the ethical dissemination of knowledge.

Visionary Publication's accessibility policy and open access statement reflect our dedication to making research accessible, inclusive, and impactful. By adhering to these principles, we advance knowledge and empower all individuals who engage with scholarly content.

21. Implementation & Compliance

Visionary Publication and Chief-in-Editors/Editors of Visionary Publication's Journals, are responsible for the implementation and compliance of the policy.

Editorial Policies