Policy Statement

The Journal of Astronomy and Sharia Applications (JASA) takes all allegations of research misconduct seriously and is committed to addressing such matters fairly, confidentially, transparently, and promptly. This policy applies to allegations concerning manuscripts under editorial consideration as well as articles that have already been published.

The journal’s procedures for handling allegations of research misconduct are guided by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and follow internationally recognized best practices in publication ethics.

Identification and Prevention

The journal implements reasonable and proactive measures to identify and prevent the submission or publication of manuscripts involving research misconduct. These measures include editorial screening, similarity checks, ethical evaluation during peer review, and post-publication monitoring.

Under no circumstances shall the journal, its editors, reviewers, or publisher encourage, facilitate, or knowingly permit research misconduct. Any concerns identified at any stage of the editorial or publication process will be addressed promptly in accordance with the journal’s ethical policies.

Scope of Allegations

Research misconduct may include, but is not limited to, plagiarism, redundant or duplicate publication, citation manipulation, data fabrication or falsification, undisclosed conflicts of interest, unethical research practices, and serious breaches of authorship standards.

Allegations may be raised by readers, reviewers, editors, institutions, or other third parties and may concern either a manuscript under editorial consideration or a published article.

Reporting and Assessment

Allegations of research misconduct should be submitted in writing to the Editor-in-Chief through the journal’s official contact channel. Anonymous allegations may be considered at the Editor-in-Chief’s discretion, provided that they are supported by credible and verifiable evidence.

Upon receiving an allegation, the Editor-in-Chief will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the matter falls within the scope of research misconduct and whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant further investigation. All parties involved will be treated with discretion, and confidentiality will be maintained to the greatest extent reasonably possible.

Investigation and Outcomes

When an allegation is considered credible, the Editor-in-Chief will initiate an investigation, which may include consultation with relevant editors or members of the editorial team. The corresponding author(s) will be informed of the allegation and given a reasonable opportunity to respond.

Based on the outcome of the investigation, the journal may take appropriate editorial action, including but not limited to: taking no action where allegations are unsubstantiated; requesting clarification or correction; rejecting a manuscript; publishing a correction, expression of concern, or retraction; and, where appropriate, notifying the author(s)’ affiliated institutions.

If an author fails to respond or provides an unsatisfactory explanation within the stipulated time frame, the journal reserves the right to proceed with appropriate editorial action based on the available evidence.

Communication and Closure

Authors will be formally informed of the final decision and any editorial actions taken. Complainants will be informed of the resolution of the case in accordance with applicable confidentiality requirements.

A case is considered closed once all necessary editorial actions have been completed. Records relating to the case will be securely maintained by the Editorial Office for internal reference, accountability, and documentation purposes.

Relationship to Other Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the journal’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement, Retraction and Correction Policy, and Withdrawal of Manuscript Policy. Together, these policies establish a coherent framework for upholding publication ethics and preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.