Introduction

The editorial guidelines of Afri Publishing embody our commitment to fostering a scholarly environment characterized by integrity, transparency, and excellence. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework for authors, reviewers, and editors, ensuring that published research meets the highest standards of academic rigor and ethical conduct.

At Afri Publishing, we believe that scholarly publishing is a collaborative endeavor that demands the utmost dedication to quality. These guidelines delineate the principles and procedures that underpin our editorial process, encompassing peer review, ethical considerations, authorship, data integrity, and compliance with open access policies.

Through these guidelines, we aim to:

1. Elevate the Standard of Scholarly Work

Our commitment to a stringent peer review process is designed to uphold the quality of published research. By subjecting submissions to rigorous evaluation by experts in the field, we endeavor to ensure that only work of the highest caliber is disseminated.

Peer Review Process Details:

• URL: For a detailed overview of our peer review process, please visit Afri Publishing Peer Review Process.
• Transparency: Our peer review process is transparent and collaborative. Authors can expect timely feedback from our dedicated reviewers who are experts in the respective field. Reviewers are selected based on their expertise and adherence to our ethical guidelines.
• Double-Blind Review: Afri Publishing primarily employs a double-blind peer review process. This ensures that both the reviewer and the author(s) remain anonymous to each other, promoting impartiality.
• Peer Review Criteria: Reviewers evaluate submissions based on originality, methodological rigor, clarity of presentation, and contribution to the field. Our reviewers are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to help authors improve their work.
• Editorial Oversight: Our experienced editorial team oversees the peer review process, ensuring that it is fair, thorough, and consistent.
• Timeliness: We are committed to timely peer review, aiming to provide authors with constructive feedback within a reasonable timeframe.

By embracing a robust peer review process, Afri Publishing endeavors to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence in all the research we publish.

2. Safeguard Ethical Conduct

Ethical considerations are paramount in research. Authors, reviewers, and editors alike are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards, encompassing issues of plagiarism, conflicts of interest, and transparent reporting.

3. Foster Transparency and Openness

We champion the principles of open science. Authors are encouraged to provide access to raw data and transparent methodologies, while adhering to Afri Publishing's open access policies. This commitment to transparency extends to the publication of corrections and retractions when necessary.

4. Promote Collaboration and Authorship Integrity

Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the research endeavor. We advocate for clear and justifiable authorship criteria, ensuring that all contributors are duly recognized for their work.

5. Respect Intellectual Property

Authors retain the copyright to their work, while readers are provided with the freedom to use, share, and adapt content under the applicable Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA 4.0).

These editorial guidelines serve as a compass for all stakeholders involved in the publishing process at Afri Publishing. They reflect our unwavering dedication to advancing scholarly knowledge and upholding the highest standards of integrity in research dissemination.

By adhering to these guidelines, we endeavor to create a collaborative, transparent, and impactful scholarly publishing environment that benefits the global research community. We thank all authors, reviewers, and editors for their commitment to these shared principles. Together, we contribute to the advancement of knowledge and the betterment of society.

 

2. Ethical Guidelines

2.1. Adherence to Ethical Standards

All stakeholders, including authors, reviewers, and editors, are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards in research and publication. This encompasses proper attribution, avoidance of plagiarism, and accurate reporting of findings.

2.2. Plagiarism Prevention

Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited. Authors must ensure that their work is entirely original, and any use of others' work is appropriately cited. Afri Publishing employs plagiarism detection software to scrutinize submissions.

2.3. Confidentiality and Anonymity

Editors and reviewers are required to maintain strict confidentiality regarding the content of submitted manuscripts. The identities of both authors and reviewers are safeguarded throughout the review process, ensuring impartial evaluations.

2.4. Conflict of Interest Declaration

All parties involved in the publication process must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. Authors should include a statement detailing any financial, personal, or professional connections that may influence the research. Editors and reviewers are also expected to declare any conflicts and, if necessary, recuse themselves from the review process.

2.5. Research Involving Humans and Animals

Authors conducting research involving human subjects or animals must adhere to ethical guidelines and obtain the necessary approvals and informed consent. Relevant institutional review boards or ethics committees should oversee this process.

2.6. Informed Consent and Participant Anonymity

For research involving human subjects, authors must ensure that participants provide informed consent and understand the implications of their participation. Additionally, measures should be taken to safeguard participant anonymity, unless explicit consent for identification is obtained.

2.7. Treatment of Sensitive Data

Authors are expected to handle sensitive data with the utmost care and consideration for privacy. Any identifiable information should be anonymized or removed, unless explicit consent has been obtained.

2.8. Correction of Errors and Misconduct

If errors or misconduct are identified after publication, Afri Publishing is committed to rectifying the situation promptly. Corrections or retractions will be issued in accordance with established best practices.

2.9. Protection of Intellectual Property

Authors retain the copyright to their work. Readers are granted the freedom to use, share, and adapt content under the applicable Creative Commons license (CC BY-SA 4.0).

For more detailed information on our ethical guidelines, please refer to our Ethical Guidelines Document.

Afri Publishing is dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in research publishing. We appreciate the collective efforts of all stakeholders in upholding these principles, ensuring the integrity and impact of published work.

 

3. Authorship and Contributorship

3.1. Criteria for Authorship

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

• Substantial contribution to the conception or design of the work, or the acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data.
• Drafting and revising the manuscript critically for intellectual content.
• Final approval of the version to be published.
• Agreement to be accountable for all aspects of the work, ensuring that questions related to accuracy or integrity are appropriately investigated and resolved.

3.2. Contributorship

Contributors who do not meet the criteria for authorship but have made substantial contributions to the research or manuscript should be acknowledged appropriately in the acknowledgment section. This may include individuals who provided technical support, valuable insights, or administrative assistance.

3.3. Authorship Disputes

Authorship disputes, if they arise, will be addressed in accordance with established procedures. All authors are encouraged to discuss and agree upon authorship order and contributions prior to manuscript submission.

3.4. Corresponding Author

The corresponding author is responsible for submitting the manuscript, communicating with the editorial office, and ensuring that all authors have reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript. They serve as the primary point of contact for the manuscript throughout the review and publication process.

3.5. ORCID iDs

Authors are encouraged to provide their ORCID iDs during the submission process. ORCID iDs help ensure proper attribution of work and reduce authorship ambiguity.

3.6. Author Contributions Statement

Authors will be required to provide a detailed statement outlining the specific contributions of each author to the research. This statement will be published with the article, providing transparency about individual contributions.

For more detailed information on authorship guidelines, please refer to Afri Publishing's Authorship and Contributorship Guidelines.

Adherence to these authorship and contributorship guidelines is essential for maintaining transparency and fairness in assigning credit for scholarly work. Authors are encouraged to communicate openly and collaboratively regarding their contributions to ensure proper recognition and attribution.

 

 

4. Originality and Plagiarism

4.1. Originality of Work

Authors submitting manuscripts to Afri Publishing affirm that their work is original and has not been published elsewhere. This includes not only complete manuscripts but also substantial parts of previously published work. Any prior use of material must be appropriately cited.

4.2. Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism, in any form, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, verbatim copying of text, ideas, data, or images from other sources without proper attribution. Authors are responsible for ensuring that their work is free from any form of academic misconduct.

4.3. Citation and Attribution

Authors must provide proper citations for all sources used in their work. This includes both direct quotations and paraphrased content. Citations should accurately and comprehensively acknowledge the contributions of others to the research.

4.4. Self-Plagiarism

Authors should be cautious about reusing their own previously published work. If authors choose to include excerpts from their earlier work, they must properly cite and reference it. Over-reliance on self-citation, particularly to inflate the perceived importance of a manuscript, is discouraged.

4.5. Plagiarism Detection

Afri Publishing employs plagiarism detection software to screen submitted manuscripts for potential instances of plagiarism. Authors are encouraged to use plagiarism-checking tools before submitting their work to ensure its originality.

4.6. Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected in a submitted manuscript, appropriate action will be taken. This may include rejection of the manuscript, notification of the author's institution, and temporary or permanent suspension of the author's ability to submit to Afri Publishing.

4.7. Educational Resources on Plagiarism

Authors are encouraged to refer to educational resources on plagiarism and academic integrity. The Council of Science Editors (CSE) and the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) provide valuable guidelines on ethical publishing practices.

4.8. Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement

Plagiarism can also lead to legal consequences, as it may constitute copyright infringement. Authors are responsible for obtaining the necessary permissions for any material used in their work that is not their own.

4.9. Ensuring Originality in Collaborative Work

In collaborative research, it is crucial for all authors to confirm the originality of their contributions and ensure that proper attribution is given to all sources, including the work of other contributors.

Adherence to these guidelines on originality and plagiarism is essential for maintaining the integrity and credibility of research published by Afri Publishing. Authors are expected to conduct their research with the highest level of academic honesty and transparency.

 

 

5. Conflict of Interest

5.1. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when individuals involved in the publication process have personal, financial, or professional interests that could potentially influence their objectivity or decision-making. This includes, but is not limited to, financial relationships, employment affiliations, and personal connections that may compromise their impartiality.

5.2. Disclosure Requirements

Authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to the research or the publication process. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Financial interests, including funding sources and financial relationships with organizations relevant to the research.
• Employment or affiliations that may influence the research or editorial decisions.
• Personal relationships or connections with individuals or organizations with a vested interest in the research.

5.3. Handling Conflicts of Interest

If a conflict of interest is disclosed, Afri Publishing will assess the situation and take appropriate steps to manage or mitigate the conflict. This may include:

• Transparently acknowledging the conflict of interest in the published work.
• Assigning an independent reviewer or editor to handle the manuscript.
• Recusing individuals with conflicts from the review or editorial process.

5.4. Reviewer and Editor Conflicts

Reviewers and editors should declare any conflicts of interest related to a submitted manuscript. If a reviewer or editor has a personal or professional connection to the authors, funding sources, or competing organizations, they should disclose this information to the editorial team.

5.5. Author Conflicts

Authors should disclose any conflicts of interest in their cover letter or in a dedicated section of the manuscript. This information will be considered during the review process and may be published alongside the article.

5.6. Transparency in Reporting

Afri Publishing is committed to transparency in reporting conflicts of interest. All published articles will include a statement indicating whether any conflicts of interest were disclosed by the authors, reviewers, or editors.

5.7. Educational Resources on Conflict of Interest

For further information on conflict of interest and best practices, please refer to our Conflict of Interest Guidelines.

5.8. Continuous Education and Training

Authors, reviewers, and editors are encouraged to stay informed about best practices in disclosing and managing conflicts of interest. Regular training and educational resources will be provided to support this endeavor.

Adherence to these conflict of interest guidelines is crucial for upholding the transparency and integrity of research publishing at Afri Publishing. It ensures that potential biases are identified and managed appropriately, maintaining the highest ethical standards in the publication process.

 

 

6. Data and Reproducibility

6.1. Data Integrity and Transparency

Authors are responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and transparency of their data. Raw data, including supplementary materials and code, should be securely stored and made available upon request. This promotes transparency, allows for independent verification, and facilitates future research and collaborations.

6.2. Data Sharing Policy

Afri Publishing encourages authors to share their data in recognized repositories or platforms. Authors should provide a Data Availability Statement in their manuscripts, indicating where the data can be accessed. If data cannot be shared due to ethical or legal restrictions, authors must provide a justification.

6.3. Reproducibility

Authors should provide detailed and clear descriptions of methodologies, procedures, and analyses to facilitate reproducibility. This includes information on study design, data collection, data preprocessing, statistical analyses, and any software or code used. Transparent reporting ensures that others can replicate the study's findings.

6.4. Code and Software

Authors are encouraged to share any custom code or software developed for the research. Providing access to code allows others to understand and replicate the analyses. Authors should include sufficient documentation to facilitate its use.

6.5. Data Licensing

Authors should specify the license under which data is shared. Open and accessible licenses (e.g., CC BY, SA 4) are recommended to promote reuse and collaboration. If specific restrictions apply, authors must clearly communicate these.

6.6. Sensitive Data and Ethics

When working with sensitive or confidential data, authors must ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards for data protection and privacy. Any necessary approvals or consent from relevant authorities or participants should be obtained.

6.7. Data Citation

Data should be treated as a citable source, and authors should provide appropriate references to datasets used in their research. Persistent identifiers (e.g., DOIs) for datasets should be included whenever possible.

6.8. Data Archiving

Authors are encouraged to archive their data in reputable and recognized repositories. The use of discipline-specific repositories is recommended, and authors should provide the relevant URLs in their manuscripts.

6.9. Data Availability Statement

A Data Availability Statement should be included in the manuscript, indicating where the data can be accessed. If data is not available, authors should provide a clear explanation.

6.10. Data Management Plan (DMP)

Authors are encouraged to develop a Data Management Plan outlining how data will be collected, stored, and shared throughout the research process. This plan can help ensure that data is managed effectively and ethically.

 

Adherence to these data and reproducibility guidelines is essential for promoting transparency, facilitating collaboration, and advancing scientific knowledge. It ensures that research conducted and published by Afri Publishing is robust, reliable, and capable of withstanding independent scrutiny and verification.

 

 

7. Corrections and Retractions

7.1. Correction of Errors

If significant errors, inaccuracies, or omissions are identified in a published article, Afri Publishing is committed to promptly addressing and correcting them. Authors are encouraged to contact the editorial team with details of the error.

7.2. Types of Corrections

Corrections may take various forms, including but not limited to:

• Errata: These are minor corrections to the published article, such as typographical errors, incorrect figures, or minor factual inaccuracies. Errata are published with a note explaining the correction.
• Corrigenda: These are more substantial corrections that may affect the interpretation or validity of the research. Corrigenda include explanations of the correction and any impact it may have on the conclusions of the original article.

7.3. Process for Corrections

Authors should submit a detailed request for correction to the editorial team, specifying the nature of the error and providing supporting evidence. The editorial team will review the request and, if deemed necessary, publish a correction.

7.4. Retraction Policy

In cases of serious ethical violations or fundamental errors that significantly impact the validity or integrity of a published article, Afri Publishing may consider a retraction. Retractions are accompanied by a formal statement explaining the reasons for the retraction.

7.5. Grounds for Retraction

Grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:

• Plagiarism or duplication of content without proper attribution.
• Fabrication or falsification of data.
• Serious ethical violations, including research misconduct.
• Severe methodological flaws that invalidate the study's conclusions.

7.6. Notification of Retraction

When a retraction is issued, the published article will be clearly marked as retracted, with a prominent notice explaining the reason for the retraction. The retraction notice will also include a link to the original article.

7.7. Maintaining the Scientific Record

Retracted articles will remain accessible on the Afri Publishing website for transparency and to maintain the scientific record. However, they will be clearly labeled as retracted, and their availability will be accompanied by an explanation of the retraction.

7.8. Appeals Process

Authors have the right to appeal a decision for correction or retraction if they believe there was a procedural error or substantial misunderstanding. Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent, qualified expert not previously involved in the decision.

 

Adherence to these corrections and retractions guidelines is essential for upholding the integrity and credibility of the scientific record. It ensures that errors are promptly addressed, and serious ethical violations are appropriately rectified, maintaining trust in the research published by Afri Publishing.