Allegations of Misconduct

 

Al-Nahrain Journal for Engineering Sciences (NJES) takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. We are committed to upholding the integrity of the scientific record and ensuring that all allegations are investigated thoroughly, fairly, and confidentially.

1. Reporting Misconduct We encourage reviewers, readers, and fellow researchers to report any suspicion of misconduct or breach of publishing ethics.

  • Whistleblowing: Please contact the managing editorial members immediately if a potential case of publishing misconduct arises.

  • Contact Channels: Allegations should be directed to:

    • Managing Editor: m_editor@nahje.com

    • Journal Email: jourengnah@gmail.com

    • Editor-in-Chief: e_in_cheif@nahje.com

2. Investigation Process To avoid misjudgment, NJES follows a strict protocol when handling allegations:

  • Confidentiality: All involved parties must maintain confidentiality and remain neutral throughout the process.

  • Documentation: All communications, evidence, complaints, and allegations will be recorded.

  • Fairness: Issues will be raised with the accused author(s) with care and in a timely manner to allow for a response.

  • Legal Coordination: All legal questioning and cases are handled in coordination with the Legal Department of the College of Engineering at Al-Nahrain University, which serves as the official legal advisor to NJES.

3. Distinguishing Error from Fraud The investigation aims to distinguish between honest errors and intentional misconduct:

  • Honest Errors: Negligence, statistical errors, or miscalculations are often unintentional. These are treated with care to avoid jeopardizing scientific careers unnecessarily. These are typically resolved through a Correction notice.

  • Scientific Fraud: This includes fabrication, falsification, and intentional plagiarism. These cases are treated severely and may result in retraction and sanctions.

4. Outcomes and Actions Based on the findings of the investigation, the Editorial Board may take the following actions:

  • Correction: If the issue is a genuine error (e.g., typos or miscalculations) that does not invalidate the study, a correction will be published.

  • Expression of Concern: If evidence of misconduct is inconclusive, biased, or the investigation is ongoing, an Expression of Concern may be issued to alert readers.

  • Retraction: If there is clear evidence of plagiarism, data fabrication, or unethical research, the manuscript will be retracted.

  • Sanctions: In cases of repeated offenses, abusive behavior, or severe fraud, NJES retains the right to refuse future submissions from the authors. In severe cases (e.g., stolen data), the author’s institution may be notified to assist in the investigation.

5. Specific Examples of Misconduct

  • Data Fabrication: Intentional manipulation of data (removing outliers, adding/omitting data) to create false impressions.

  • Image Manipulation: While adjusting brightness or contrast for the entire image is acceptable for readability, obscuring, deleting, or adding elements to an image is considered malpractice.

  • Salami Slicing: Splitting a study into multiple parts to increase publication count without justification.

  • Plagiarism: Copying text, data, or ideas without permission or citation. NJES uses Turnitin to detect such cases.