• Editorial Policies

    1. Editorial Independence

    Science, Education and Innovations in the Context of Modern Problems (SEI) guarantees full editorial independence in all aspects of the publication process.

    Editorial decisions are made exclusively on the basis of scholarly merit, originality, methodological rigor, and relevance to the journal’s scope. The Editor-in-Chief and the Editorial Board operate independently of the publisher, sponsors, and any external institutions or stakeholders.

    The journal strictly prohibits any form of commercial, political, or institutional influence on editorial decision-making. All editorial activities are conducted in accordance with internationally recognized principles of transparency, fairness, objectivity, and academic integrity.

    Further details on editorial responsibilities and governance are available in the journal’s policy framework and related sections.

    2. Peer Review Process

    SEI employs a rigorous and structured double-blind peer review process to ensure the quality, reliability, and academic integrity of published research.

    All manuscripts undergo an initial editorial assessment and are subsequently evaluated by at least two independent reviewers with relevant academic expertise and no conflicts of interest. The identities of both authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process to ensure impartiality and objectivity.

    Reviewers assess submissions based on:

    • originality and novelty
    • methodological rigor and validity
    • clarity and coherence of presentation
    • relevance to the journal’s scope

    Based on the reviewers’ reports and editorial evaluation, the Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision (accept, minor revision, major revision, or reject).

    The peer review process is conducted in accordance with the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

    🔗 For a detailed description of the review workflow, see:
    https://imcra-az.org/for-authors/peer-review/

    3. Initial Editorial Screening

    All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial editorial screening before being sent for peer review.

    This stage ensures that submissions:

    • fall within the journal’s scope
    • comply with author guidelines
    • meet basic academic and structural standards
    • adhere to ethical requirements

    Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be rejected or returned to authors for revision prior to peer review.

    🔗 Submission requirements and formatting standards are available at:
    https://imcra-az.org/for-authors/author-guidelines/

    4. Authorship and Contributorship

    Authorship is strictly limited to individuals who have made a substantial intellectual contribution to the research.

    All listed authors must have participated in at least one of the following:

    • conception and design of the study
    • data collection, analysis, or interpretation
    • drafting or critical revision of the manuscript

    The journal does not accept guest, gift, or ghost authorship under any circumstances.

    Any changes to authorship after submission require written consent from all authors and approval by the editorial office. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and proper communication of the manuscript.

    5. Publication Ethics and Malpractice

    SEI adheres to the Core Practices of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and follows internationally recognized standards of publication ethics.

    The journal strictly prohibits:

    • plagiarism
    • data fabrication or falsification
    • duplicate or redundant publication
    • unethical research practices

    All submissions must comply with accepted academic and ethical standards.

    Allegations of misconduct are handled through a fair, transparent, and evidence-based process in accordance with COPE guidelines.

    🔗 Full ethical policy is available at:
    https://imcra-az.org/journal/publication-ethics/

    6. Handling of Research Misconduct

    The journal takes all allegations of research misconduct seriously and follows a structured and consistent procedure.

    Upon receiving a complaint, the editorial office conducts a preliminary assessment. If necessary, a formal investigation is initiated, during which authors may be required to provide explanations or supporting documentation.

    Based on the outcome of the investigation, the Editor-in-Chief may take appropriate actions, including:

    • rejection of the manuscript
    • publication of corrections
    • retraction of the article
    • notification of relevant institutions

    All decisions are communicated transparently to ensure the integrity of the scholarly record.

    7. Conflict of Interest

    All participants in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, and editors—are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence the evaluation, interpretation, or presentation of research.

    Conflicts of interest may arise from, but are not limited to:

    • financial relationships
    • institutional affiliations
    • personal or professional connections
    • academic competition

    Authors must include a clear and complete conflict of interest statement within their manuscripts at the time of submission.

    Reviewers and editors must recuse themselves from handling any manuscript in which a conflict of interest exists.

    Failure to disclose conflicts may result in editorial actions, including rejection, correction, or retraction.

    8. Copyright and Licensing

    Authors retain copyright of their work.

    All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0).

    🔗 Open access and licensing details:
    https://imcra-az.org/journal/open-access/

    9. Open Access Policy

    SEI operates under a gold open access model, ensuring that all published content is freely available without subscription or access restrictions.

    Articles are made immediately available upon publication without embargo, supporting the global dissemination of knowledge and equitable access to research.

    🔗 Full policy:
    https://imcra-az.org/journal/open-access/

    10. Archiving and Digital Preservation

    The journal ensures the long-term preservation and accessibility of published content through recognized digital archiving practices.

    This includes:

    • DOI registration via Crossref
    • storage in institutional repositories
    • preservation through systems such as LOCKSS and CLOCKSS

    These measures ensure the permanence, integrity, and accessibility of the scholarly record.

    🔗 Published content archive:
    https://imcra-az.org/issues/archive/

    11. Data Availability and Transparency

    SEI promotes transparency and reproducibility in research.

    Authors are encouraged to:

    • provide access to underlying data
    • cite relevant data repositories
    • clearly describe research methodologies

    Where data cannot be shared, authors must provide a valid and justified explanation.

    12. Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Updates

    The journal is committed to maintaining the accuracy and reliability of the scholarly record.

    Where necessary, SEI may issue:

    • corrections (errata or corrigenda)
    • expressions of concern
    • retractions

    All post-publication actions are clearly identified, transparently communicated, and permanently linked to the original publication.

    13. Complaints and Appeals

    The journal provides a formal mechanism for handling complaints and appeals.

    Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a reasoned and evidence-based explanation. All complaints are handled confidentially, fairly, and in a timely manner.

    14. Publication Frequency and Model

    SEI is published on a monthly basis, issuing 12 issues per year.

    Publication Model: Continuous Publication

    The journal follows a continuous publication model. Articles are published online immediately after acceptance, peer review, and final production.

    Accepted manuscripts are not required to wait for issue completion.

    Issue Assignment and Structure

    Articles are assigned to the current issue and added progressively throughout the publication cycle.

    15. Special Issues

    The journal may publish thematic or special issues focusing on emerging research areas and academic collaborations.

    All submissions are evaluated under the same peer review and ethical standards.

    16. Editorial Workflow

    The editorial workflow includes:

    1. Submission

    2. Initial screening

    3. Peer review

    4. Editorial decision

    5. Production

    6. Publication

    🔗 Full workflow:
    https://imcra-az.org/for-authors/peer-review/

    17. Language Policy

    The primary language of publication is English.

    In exceptional cases, submissions in other languages, including French, may be considered, provided that English titles, abstracts, and keywords are included.

    18. Author Responsibilities

    Authors must ensure that submissions are original, ethically compliant, accurately referenced, and clearly written.

    🔗 Detailed guidelines:
    https://imcra-az.org/for-authors/author-guidelines/

    19. Transparency and Accessibility

    The journal ensures that all editorial policies, ethical standards, and publication procedures are clearly and publicly available.

    20. Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

    All submissions are screened using recognized plagiarism detection tools.

    Misconduct may result in rejection or retraction.

    21. Ethical Standards for Research Involving Human Participants

    Research involving human participants must comply with the Declaration of Helsinki.

    Authors must provide ethical approval and informed consent.

    22. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

    AI tools may be used for assistance but must not be listed as authors.

    Authors must disclose AI use and remain fully responsible for the content.

    23. Advertising and Commercial Independence

    The journal does not accept advertising or commercial sponsorship.

    24. Author Rights and Licensing

    Authors retain the right to share and reuse their work with proper attribution.

    🔗 Publication fee and policy:
    https://imcra-az.org/publication-fee.html

    25. References and International Standards

    SEI aligns its editorial and ethical policies with internationally recognized standards and organizations, including:

    The journal continuously updates its policies to reflect evolving best practices in scholarly publishing.