Publication Ethics

The Asia Technology Research Institute (ATRI) is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity and quality in its publications. This policy outlines the foundational ethical obligations for all authors, reviewers, editors, and journal staff, ensuring transparent, objective, and unbiased scholarly discourse. ATRI follows the best practices defined by organizations such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Topic/Role	Detailed Ethical Requirements and Guidelines
Plagiarism and Research Misconduct	Definition: Plagiarism includes direct copying, unauthorized use of ideas, data, images, or figures without attribution, and self-plagiarism (redundant publication) where an author reuses substantial portions of their own published work without acknowledgment or permission. All submissions must be original and not concurrently submitted elsewhere. Screening: All manuscripts are rigorously screened using plagiarism detection software, such as "Turnitin." High similarity will lead to a manual investigation. Post-Publication: Misconduct discovered after publication may lead to the issuance of a Correction, Expression of Concern, or full Retraction, following COPE guidelines.
Data Fabrication and Falsification	Prohibition: Data Fabrication (making up data or results) and Data Falsification (manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing/omitting data/results). Data Access: Authors should be prepared to provide raw data for editorial review or public access (where feasible and ethical) to support their published findings. Research data should be retained for a reasonable period after publication.
Authorship and Contributor Roles	Criteria: Authorship must be limited to those who have made a significant scientific contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study. Verification: All listed authors must have reviewed and approved the final manuscript and agree to its submission. The corresponding author serves as the primary contact responsible for communication. Acknowledgment: Individuals who assisted with the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship (e.g., technical help, language editing) must be acknowledged by name.
Conflicts of Interest (COI) and Funding	Mandatory Disclosure: Any potential conflict of interest—financial (e.g., funding, employment) or non-financial (e.g., academic, personal relationships)—must be disclosed by all parties (authors, reviewers, editors) upon submission or engagement. Funding sources for the research must be fully disclosed. Misuse of Information: Unpublished information or ideas obtained through the review process must not be exploited for personal gain.
Ethical Oversight (Human/Animal)	Requirement: Ethical approval must be obtained from the relevant institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee and clearly stated in the manuscript. Human Studies: Requires fully informed consent from participants. Data must be kept confidential and secure. Authors must obtain explicit permission to publish identifiable case details. Animal Studies: Animals must be treated humanely, with respect for welfare, and must not be subjected to unnecessary pain or cruel experiments, adhering to institutional and national guidelines.
Editor Responsibilities	Editors have full authority to reject or accept a manuscript based on compliance with ethics and scientific merit. They must: ensure a fair, unbiased, and confidential peer-review process; excuse themselves where COIs arise; and investigate all allegations of misconduct.
Peer-Reviewer Responsibilities	Must maintain the confidentiality of the manuscript and provide timely, constructive, and objective feedback. Must immediately notify the editor of any potential COI or suspicion of misconduct (e.g., data manipulation, redundant publication).