Publication Ethics

At the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT), we are dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and professionalism in academic publishing. This ethics policy serves as a foundation for fostering trust, accountability, and excellence within the scholarly community.

Our commitment to ethical publishing ensures that authors, reviewers, and editors adhere to recognized guidelines and principles. This policy outlines key responsibilities and expectations for all participants involved in the publishing process.

 

 

General Principles

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) strictly adheres to the ethical guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm their compliance with these principles, ensuring that all content adheres to the journal's standards and policies.

BJIoT emphasizes transparency, integrity, and academic excellence, fostering a robust environment for scholarly collaboration and trust.

 

Affiliations

Authors submitting manuscripts to the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) are required to provide a comprehensive list of affiliations. This ensures that all institutions or organizations associated with the research are appropriately acknowledged.

  • Research Articles: Authors must list the institutions involved in approving, funding, or conducting the research.
  • Non-Research Articles: Authors should include their current institutional affiliations.
  • Changed Affiliation: If an author has changed institutions before publication, they must include the affiliation related to the research and their current affiliation.
  • Independent Researchers: Authors without institutional affiliations must clearly state their independent status.

Accurate and transparent affiliations are critical for maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record and recognizing the contributions of all parties involved.

 

Appeals and Complaints

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) follows the ethical guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) for handling appeals and complaints. Authors may appeal editorial decisions by providing substantial evidence or new data addressing reviewer and editor feedback.

Complaints regarding the editorial process, including peer review and publication ethics, are taken seriously. Authors, reviewers, and other parties can raise concerns with the editorial office. For appeals, please email appeals@mesopotamian.press.

 

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments must appropriately credit individuals or organizations that contributed to the development of the manuscript but do not meet the criteria for authorship. This includes recognizing contributions in areas such as funding, technical support, and editorial assistance.

All authors are encouraged to clearly identify any assistance received from colleagues, mentors, or institutions that supported the research.

  • Financial Support: Include specific details of funding sources and grants.
  • Editorial and Technical Assistance: Recognize contributions such as language editing, data analysis, or equipment access.

Accurate acknowledgment reflects transparency and integrity in scholarly work.

 

Authorship

Authorship in the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) reflects significant contributions to the conceptualization, execution, and preparation of the research and manuscript. It serves as a public acknowledgment of individual roles while ensuring accountability for the work's content and quality.

General Guidelines

To qualify as an author, individuals must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Substantial Contributions: Made significant contributions to the study's conceptualization, methodology, data analysis, or interpretation of results.
  • Drafting and Revising: Participated in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for intellectual content.
  • Final Approval: Reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript, including any revisions.
  • Accountability: Agreed to take responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of the research, addressing any issues that may arise.

Individuals who do not meet these criteria should not be listed as authors but may be acknowledged for their contributions in the acknowledgment section.

Authorship Order

The order of authorship should accurately reflect the relative contributions of each individual to the research. Any disputes regarding the order must be resolved by the authors before submission. Changes to authorship order after submission require approval from all listed authors.

Changes to Authorship

Changes to the authorship list after submission, such as adding or removing authors, require a detailed explanation and agreement from all listed authors, including those being added or removed. These requests must include:

  • Justification: A detailed explanation for the change.
  • Consent: Written consent from all authors, including those affected by the change.

Authors must also complete the Change of Authorship Form and submit it along with their request. The journal reserves the right to decline changes that are not adequately justified or lack proper consent.

For changes made after publication, corrections will be issued via post-publication notifications. All requests for authorship modifications must comply with the journal’s authorship guidelines. Significant alterations to authorship after acceptance may be denied unless supported by strong justifications and evidence of the contributions made by the authors involved.

Responsibilities of the Corresponding Author

The corresponding author plays a pivotal role in the submission, review, and publication processes. They are responsible for:

  • Communication: Serving as the primary contact between the journal and all co-authors, ensuring that all authors are informed about the manuscript's progress.
  • Approval: Ensuring that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the manuscript before submission.
  • Compliance: Verifying that the manuscript complies with the journal's submission guidelines and ethical standards.

The corresponding author must also address any disputes related to authorship or contributions during the review process. In cases where authorship disagreements lead to manuscript withdrawal, the corresponding author must submit a completed Manuscript Withdrawal Form to disputes@mesopotamian.press with consent from all co-authors.

 

Citations

Proper citation practices are essential to maintain academic integrity and credibility in scholarly publishing. The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) requires authors to provide accurate and appropriate citations for all sources referenced in their manuscripts.

General Citation Guidelines

All claims, data, or arguments presented in a manuscript must be supported by references to credible, relevant, and up-to-date sources. Authors are encouraged to use peer-reviewed literature and avoid citing unreliable or unverifiable materials.

  • Accuracy: Ensure all citations are correctly formatted and refer to the appropriate source.
  • Balance: Provide a balanced overview of existing literature, avoiding overemphasis on a single author, group, or publication.
  • Self-Citation: Refrain from excessive self-citation that could artificially inflate personal or institutional metrics.

Non-Research Articles

For non-research articles, such as reviews or opinion pieces, authors must ensure citations provide a comprehensive and unbiased overview of the topic. Authors should avoid selective citation practices that may misrepresent the breadth or depth of the field.

Citation Manipulation

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) strictly prohibits citation manipulation, including the intentional inclusion of citations to boost metrics or benefit specific individuals or journals without valid academic reasons.

Examples of citation manipulation include:

  • Excessive self-citation to inflate individual metrics.
  • Mutual agreements among authors or groups to cite each other's work inappropriately.
  • Adding irrelevant citations that do not directly contribute to the manuscript.

Any detected citation manipulation will be investigated, and manuscripts found to engage in such practices may be rejected or retracted.

Uncertain Sources

Authors uncertain about the validity or relevance of a source should consult the journal’s editorial office before including it in their manuscript. This ensures that all citations contribute meaningfully to the research and adhere to ethical standards.

 

Conflicts of Interest

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in scholarly publishing. Authors, reviewers, and editors are required to disclose any conflicts of interest that might influence their work or decisions.

Disclosure by Authors

Authors must disclose all potential conflicts of interest, including financial, personal, or professional relationships that could impact the research or its interpretation. Examples include:

  • Financial Support: Grants, sponsorships, or any funding related to the research or manuscript preparation.
  • Institutional Relationships: Affiliations with organizations that may benefit from the publication.
  • Competing Interests: Any interests that could affect the objectivity of the research.

Authors are required to complete the Conflict of Interest Form and submit it during the manuscript submission process.

Disclosure by Reviewers

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect their ability to provide an impartial and objective review. Common examples include:

  • Collaborative or personal relationships with the authors.
  • Financial interests tied to the manuscript's findings.
  • Any professional associations that could lead to bias.

Reviewers are encouraged to decline the review assignment and inform the editorial office if any conflicts are identified.

Disclosure by Editors

Editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their decision-making. This includes:

  • Relationships with authors, reviewers, or their institutions.
  • Financial or professional interests in the manuscript's content or outcomes.

In situations where bias may arise, editors are expected to delegate decision-making to another qualified member of the editorial board.

By enforcing these policies, BJIoT aims to safeguard the integrity, objectivity, and credibility of its publication processes.

 

Corrections, Expressions of Concern, and Retractions

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) is committed to ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the scholarly record. The journal follows established guidelines to address significant errors, concerns, and cases of research misconduct through corrections, expressions of concern, and retractions.

Corrections

A correction notice is issued when errors or omissions in a published article could affect its interpretation but do not compromise its scholarly integrity. Examples of errors include:

  • Minor inaccuracies in graphical representations.
  • Missing details regarding funding or acknowledgments.
  • Undisclosed conflicts of interest.

The following types of correction notices may be issued:

  • Corrigendum: Issued to correct errors made by the authors.
  • Erratum: Issued to correct errors introduced by the publisher.

Retractions

A retraction notice is issued when significant issues, such as major flaws in methodology or data, render the findings of an article invalid. Retractions are also issued in cases of serious research misconduct, including:

  • Ethical violations, such as conducting research without proper approvals.
  • Data fabrication or falsification.
  • Plagiarism.
  • Duplicate or redundant publication.

Retractions are conducted in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. Requests for retractions may be initiated by the authors, editors, or institutions involved in the research.

The following standards apply to retractions:

  • The retraction notice will be linked to the original article and vice versa.
  • The article will be clearly marked as "Retracted" in both HTML and PDF formats.
  • The reasons for retraction will be clearly outlined.
  • The individual or organization requesting the retraction will be identified.

Retractions are intended to correct the scholarly record and maintain its integrity, not to penalize the authors.

Expressions of Concern

An expression of concern is issued when there are significant doubts or unresolved issues regarding a published article, but conclusive evidence is unavailable or the investigation is ongoing. Examples include:

  • Suspected research misconduct under investigation.
  • Ethical concerns requiring complex review processes.

Once the investigation is complete, the expression of concern may be followed by a correction or retraction notice. Both will remain part of the permanent record of the article.

Removals

In exceptional circumstances, a removal notice may be issued if the content of an article is deemed defamatory, violates legal rights, or is subject to a court order. A removal notice will be published in place of the removed content, providing a summary of the reasons for its removal.

 

Consent for Publication

In the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT), obtaining written informed consent is mandatory when including personal information, images, or any other identifying material related to individuals. Authors must adhere to the following guidelines:

Requirements for Consent

Authors are required to secure explicit written consent from individuals or their legal guardians before including personal information or identifiable materials in their manuscripts. The consent should cover publication under the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0, ensuring free and open accessibility online.

  • For minors under the age of 18, consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
  • In cases involving deceased individuals, consent should be secured from the next of kin.
  • Manuscripts must include a statement confirming that informed consent was obtained for publication.

Consent Documentation

Authors should use a standard consent form or one provided by their institution to secure permission. The form must explicitly state that the provided information or images will be publicly available on the internet. It should include:

  • Acknowledgment of unrestricted public access to the published materials.
  • Details about the publication license.

Authors are responsible for retaining the signed consent forms and should be prepared to submit them to the editorial office if requested. These forms will be handled with confidentiality and not be shared publicly.

Responsibility for Consent

The responsibility for obtaining, storing, and providing consent lies solely with the authors. The journal and publisher will not accept consent forms submitted alongside manuscripts or sent to their offices via email. Instead, authors must ensure that all consent-related documentation is securely archived.

This policy upholds the ethical standards of publication while respecting the privacy and rights of individuals featured in scholarly work.

 

Confidentiality

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) adheres to strict confidentiality protocols to ensure the integrity and privacy of the publication process. The following guidelines outline our approach to maintaining confidentiality:

Manuscript Confidentiality

All submitted manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Access is restricted to individuals directly involved in the editorial and review process, including the editorial team, reviewers, and necessary administrative staff.

The content of submitted manuscripts must not be shared, discussed, or disclosed to any unauthorized individuals without explicit permission from the Editor-in-Chief.

Reviewer Obligations

Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the confidentiality of the peer-review process. They are required to:

  • Refrain from sharing or discussing manuscript content with anyone outside the review process.
  • Ensure that unpublished information, ideas, or interpretations obtained during the review process are not used for personal or professional advantage.

Breaches of confidentiality by reviewers will be investigated and may result in disqualification from future review assignments.

Ethical Misconduct Investigations

In cases of suspected ethical misconduct, manuscript content may be shared with relevant institutions, organizations, or ethics committees to facilitate investigations. Such actions will comply with the guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The journal is committed to upholding the confidentiality of all parties involved during these investigations, ensuring a fair and unbiased process.

 

Data Falsification/Fabrication

Data falsification and fabrication are considered severe breaches of ethical conduct. These actions include intentionally altering or inventing data or findings with the intent to mislead. Such practices undermine the credibility and reliability of academic research and have long-term detrimental impacts on the scholarly record.

Authors submitting to the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) must ensure that all data included in their manuscripts accurately reflect the research conducted. Any fabrication or falsification of data will result in the immediate rejection of the manuscript or retraction of a published article.

To uphold transparency, authors are required to retain all raw data for a minimum period of time after publication. Upon request, authors must provide access to the original data to support the peer review and editorial processes. Failure to comply may lead to the rejection of the manuscript or withdrawal of the published work.

The BJIoT maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any instances of data falsification or fabrication, as such misconduct compromises the integrity of scientific research and the journal's reputation.

 

Desk Rejection Policy

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) employs a desk rejection policy to ensure the quality and relevance of submissions. A manuscript may be rejected without undergoing peer review for the following reasons:

  • Misalignment with Scope: The topic or content of the manuscript does not align with the journal's focus or field of interest.
  • Ethical Concerns: The manuscript fails to comply with international ethical standards, exhibits plagiarism exceeding a 20% similarity index, or involves other ethical issues.
  • Insufficient Impact: The manuscript lacks significant contributions, fails to provide meaningful insights, or does not advance knowledge in the field.
  • Flawed Study Design: The study's design contains fundamental flaws that compromise the validity of its findings.
  • Unclear Objectives: The objectives of the study are not explicitly stated or lack coherence.
  • Poor Presentation: The manuscript is poorly organized, missing essential components, or lacks clarity in writing.
  • Grammar and Language Issues: The manuscript contains significant grammatical errors, stylistic issues, or lacks overall readability.
  • Non-Compliance with Guidelines: The manuscript does not adhere to the journal's submission requirements.

This policy ensures that only manuscripts meeting the journal's quality standards proceed to the peer review process. Authors are encouraged to carefully review the Author Guidelines to improve their chances of acceptance.

 

Duplicate Submission/Publication

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) upholds strict ethical standards regarding duplicate submissions and publications. Authors are required to confirm during the submission process that their manuscript is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Failure to disclose such information constitutes a serious ethical violation.

Instances of duplicate submission or publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Multiple Submissions: Manuscripts submitted simultaneously to BJIoT and another journal.
  • Redundant Publications: Manuscripts that duplicate previously published research without providing substantial new insights.
  • Translation of Published Work: Manuscripts that have been previously published in another language without proper disclosure.

In accordance with the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines, authors seeking to submit a secondary publication (e.g., a translated version) must:

  • Obtain explicit permission from the publisher and copyright holder of the original article.
  • Clearly inform the Editor of BJIoT about the prior publication.

To ensure transparency, any secondary publication must clearly indicate its origin by including a citation and reference to the original article. This approach guarantees proper acknowledgment of the original research while preventing ethical violations.

 

Funding

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) emphasizes the importance of transparency regarding financial support for research. Authors are required to disclose all sources of funding, including grants, sponsorships, or other forms of financial assistance related to the research and publication process.

Specific guidelines for funding disclosures include:

  • Detailed Disclosure: Authors must provide a complete account of all funding sources, including the name of the funding organization, grant numbers, and the specific roles of funders in the research process.
  • Sponsor Involvement: If applicable, authors must detail the sponsor’s involvement in the study’s design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or publication. If no involvement occurred, this should be explicitly stated.

To comply with these requirements, authors must complete the Financial Disclosure Form and submit it with their manuscript. This ensures clarity and adherence to ethical publishing practices.

Transparent funding declarations enhance the integrity and credibility of published research by providing readers with a clear understanding of potential influences on the study.

 

Images and Figures

When including images, videos, or audio recordings in manuscripts submitted to the Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT), it is essential to adhere to ethical standards. Authors must ensure that identifying information about individuals, such as photographs or medical data, is only included with explicit written consent from the subjects involved.

In cases where the research subjects are deceased, authors are required to obtain consent from their legal representatives. For vulnerable populations, including minors, consent must be obtained from parents or legal guardians.

Experimental Photographs

Photographic images, particularly those obtained through microscopy, must accurately reflect the original data. Any alterations to images must be disclosed in the manuscript, including detailed information about the software, methods, and extent of modifications applied.

Authors are required to:

  • Ensure alterations are minimal and consistently applied across all images.
  • Provide unaltered original images to the editorial office upon request.
  • Avoid modifications that mislead the interpretation of scientific results.

Reuse of Published Images

Authors wishing to use images or figures from previously published works must obtain permission from the copyright holders. A statement confirming permission must be included in the figure legend, along with a proper citation of the original source.

For images published under licenses that allow unrestricted use, such as Creative Commons, authors must still provide proper attribution to the original source.

 

Misconduct

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity and is committed to addressing all forms of research misconduct. The journal strictly adheres to the ethical guidelines established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Reports of misconduct are taken seriously and thoroughly investigated following COPE protocols.

Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to:

  • Plagiarism: Reproducing another’s work or ideas without proper citation.
  • Fabrication: Making up data or results and recording them as if they were real.
  • Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes to misrepresent the research.
  • Duplicate Submission: Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously.
  • Misrepresentation: Falsely attributing authorship or affiliations.
  • Image Manipulation: Altering images in a way that could mislead readers.

The journal reserves the right to take appropriate action in cases of misconduct, including retraction of published articles, issuing corrections, or reporting the incident to relevant authorities.

Addressing Misconduct

When misconduct is suspected, the journal follows a structured process aligned with COPE guidelines to investigate and resolve the issue:

  • Initial Assessment: The editorial team reviews the allegations and supporting evidence.
  • Investigation: A thorough inquiry is conducted, which may involve consultation with the author(s), reviewers, or external experts.
  • Outcome: Depending on the findings, appropriate actions may include rejection of the manuscript, withdrawal of the publication, or notification of relevant authorities.

The goal is to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness throughout the process.

Consequences of Misconduct

Depending on the severity of the misconduct, the journal may take the following actions:

  • Rejection of the manuscript during the submission process.
  • Retraction of published articles with an explanatory statement.
  • Notification of the authors' institutions or funding agencies.
  • Imposition of a submission ban for the involved authors.

These measures aim to protect the integrity of the scholarly record and uphold ethical standards.

 

Publication Ethics

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) is firmly committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. Our policies are guided by the principles outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), ensuring a fair, transparent, and responsible publication process.

Duties of Editors

·

    • Publication Decisions: The editorial board is responsible for deciding which manuscripts will be published. This decision-making process is based on reviewer recommendations and adherence to legal and ethical considerations, including issues related to libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism.
    • Confidentiality, Disclosure, and Conflicts of Interest: Editors must maintain strict confidentiality during the review process, sharing manuscript details only with the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, and editorial advisers. Additionally, editors are required to complete the Conflict of Interest Form for Editorial Board Members to ensure transparency and adherence to ethical publishing standards.
      • Unpublished materials disclosed in submitted manuscripts must not be used in the research of editors, reviewers, or readers without explicit written consent from the author.
      • Comprehensive information about funding sources and their involvement in the study process or publication must be transparently disclosed to readers.
    • Author Relations: Editors should foster fair and respectful communication with authors, providing clear and constructive feedback to guide revisions and ensure the quality and integrity of published work.

Duties of Reviewers

·

    • Contribution to Editorial Decisions: Reviewers play a vital role in assisting the editorial board with decisions on manuscript acceptance. Reviews must adhere to principles of objectivity, with feedback presented clearly and supported by logical arguments.
    • Qualification of Reviewers: Reviewers should only accept assignments for which they are adequately qualified. If a reviewer feels unable to assess a manuscript’s content or anticipates delays in completing the review, they must promptly notify the editor and withdraw.
    • Confidentiality: Manuscripts submitted for review must be treated as confidential. Privileged information or ideas obtained through the peer review process must not be used for personal advantage or shared with unauthorized individuals.
    • Acknowledgment of Sources: Reviewers are responsible for identifying relevant scholarly works that the authors may have overlooked and suggesting appropriate citations for unreferenced concepts or ideas.
    • Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest by completing the Conflict of Interest Form for Reviewers to ensure transparency and maintain ethical standards.

Duties of Authors

·

    • Reporting Standards: Authors are responsible for providing an accurate account of the research conducted, along with an objective discussion of its significance.
    • Originality, Plagiarism, and Concurrent Publication: Authors must ensure their work is entirely original and properly cite any ideas or words borrowed from others.
    • Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any financial or substantive conflicts of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of their work. To ensure transparency, authors are required to complete the Conflict of Interest Form and submit it along with their manuscript.
    • Authorship of the Paper: The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring the manuscript includes all appropriate co-authors and excludes any inappropriate individuals.
    • Fundamental Errors in Published Works: If an author identifies a significant error or inaccuracy in their published work, they must promptly notify the journal editor and collaborate to correct or retract the publication.

 

Peer Review Process

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) adheres to a rigorous peer review process to ensure the integrity and quality of published research. The peer review process is guided by ethical principles to promote fairness, transparency, and scholarly excellence.

Initial Assessment

All manuscripts undergo an initial review by the editorial team to determine their relevance to the journal's scope, originality, and adherence to submission guidelines. Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria are desk-rejected without proceeding to peer review.

Single-Blind Peer Review

The journal employs a single-blind peer review process, where reviewers remain anonymous while authors' identities are disclosed. This process ensures impartiality and provides reviewers the freedom to give unbiased feedback.

Each manuscript is typically reviewed by at least two experts in the relevant field, who evaluate the manuscript's quality, originality, methodology, and significance. Reviewers are expected to provide constructive comments and recommendations for improvement.

Editorial Decision

Based on reviewers' comments, the editor makes one of the following decisions:

  • Accept: The manuscript is accepted as is or with minor revisions.
  • Revise: The manuscript requires major or minor revisions before further consideration.
  • Reject: The manuscript is deemed unsuitable for publication in the journal.

The editorial team communicates the decision and reviewer comments to the corresponding author, ensuring transparency throughout the process.

Appeals Process

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions by submitting a detailed response addressing reviewer comments or providing additional evidence to support their claims. Appeals are reviewed by the editorial board or additional experts, and the final decision is communicated to the author.

For appeals, please email appeals@mesopotamian.press.

 

Plagiarism Policy

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) upholds a zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism in all forms. Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to, the unauthorized use of another individual's work, ideas, or language without proper acknowledgment. This also extends to self-plagiarism and redundant publication.

Plagiarism Detection

All submissions to BJIoT are subjected to a comprehensive plagiarism check using advanced detection tools such as Turnitin. Any manuscript exhibiting significant overlap with existing literature or previously published work will be rejected outright.

Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their work prior to submission. Proper citations and references are mandatory to avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Types of Plagiarism

  • Full Plagiarism: Copying another's work verbatim without citation or acknowledgment.
  • Partial Plagiarism: Paraphrasing or altering sections of another's work without proper attribution.
  • Self-Plagiarism: Republishing one's own previously published work without proper disclosure or citation.
  • Text Recycling: Reusing parts of previously published text across multiple works without acknowledgment.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Manuscripts found to contain plagiarism, either before or after publication, will face serious repercussions, including:

  • Immediate rejection or retraction of the manuscript.
  • Notification to the author's affiliated institutions or funding bodies.
  • Blacklisting the authors from future submissions to BJIoT.

The journal follows the ethical guidelines outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when dealing with cases of plagiarism.

 

Preprint Policy

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) supports the sharing of research findings via preprint repositories. Authors may upload their manuscripts to recognized preprint platforms, such as arXiv or RePEc, at any time prior to formal submission to the journal.

Linking Preprints to Published Articles

Once a manuscript is accepted and published by BJIoT, authors are encouraged to link the preprint version to the formal publication using its Digital Object Identifier (DOI). This helps readers access the most authoritative version of the work while preserving the preprint's accessibility.

Authors may also update the preprint to include the accepted version of the manuscript, provided that proper acknowledgment of the journal's publication is included.

Transparency and Integrity

By allowing preprints, BJIoT promotes early dissemination of research findings while maintaining the integrity of the formal publication process. Authors must ensure that the preprint accurately reflects the research and complies with ethical guidelines.

Preprints must not mislead readers or misrepresent the study's findings. Any significant changes or updates should be promptly communicated in the preprint repository.

This policy ensures that authors have the flexibility to share their research openly while preserving the credibility and trustworthiness of their work during the peer review and publication processes.

 

Patient Identifying Information

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) emphasizes the importance of protecting patient privacy and confidentiality. Identifiable information, including textual descriptions, images, videos, sonograms, or pedigrees, should only be included in a manuscript if it is scientifically essential and written informed consent has been obtained.

Consent Requirements

Written informed consent must be obtained from the patient or their legal guardian if the patient is a minor or unable to provide consent. In the case of deceased individuals, consent must be obtained from the closest living relative or legal representative.

Authors must ensure that patient identifiers such as names, initials, or hospital numbers are excluded from the manuscript and images, unless absolutely necessary and consented to.

Anonymity and Ethical Compliance

When including patient-related content, authors must comply with the ethical guidelines outlined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Manuscripts must include a statement confirming that informed consent was obtained and all ethical requirements were fulfilled.

Efforts should be made to anonymize images or data whenever possible, ensuring that the patient’s identity remains protected without compromising the scientific value of the content.

Failure to obtain the necessary permissions or comply with ethical standards may result in the rejection of the manuscript or removal of the patient-identifying content during the editorial process.

 

Research Ethics and Consent

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) is committed to ensuring that all research published adheres to the highest ethical standards. This includes obtaining appropriate ethical approvals for studies involving human participants, animals, or plants.

Research Involving Humans

All research involving human participants must comply with ethical principles such as those outlined in the Declaration of Helsinki. Authors are required to obtain approval from an institutional review board (IRB) or an equivalent ethics committee before initiating the study.

Manuscripts must include a detailed description of the approval process, including the name of the institution, the ethics committee, and the approval reference number. Retrospective approval is generally not acceptable.

Additionally, authors must confirm that informed consent was obtained from all participants, and measures were taken to protect their privacy and confidentiality.

Research Involving Animals

Studies involving animals must adhere to relevant ethical guidelines, such as those set forth by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). Authors must obtain ethical approval from a recognized body, such as an animal ethics committee.

The manuscript should include information about the approval institution, the committee, the reference number, and any measures taken to minimize animal suffering. The justification for using animals in the study should also be provided.

Research Involving Plants

Research involving plants must comply with institutional, national, and international regulations. Authors must confirm adherence to principles outlined in the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

The manuscript should detail permissions or licenses obtained for the research, ensuring transparency and compliance with ethical standards.

Failure to comply with ethical guidelines or provide sufficient evidence of ethical approval may result in the rejection of the manuscript.

 

Special Issues

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) periodically organizes special issues to address emerging topics and specific themes in the field. These issues are curated to promote innovative research and encourage collaboration among scholars.

Appointment of Guest Editors

Guest editors for special issues are chosen based on their expertise, academic reputation, and prior editorial experience. Nominations can be made by the editorial board, existing editors, or through self-nomination.

All nominations are reviewed and approved by the Editor-in-Chief to ensure the highest standards of scholarship and integrity are maintained.

Guest editors are responsible for:

  • Defining the scope and objectives of the special issue.
  • Preparing and promoting the call for papers.
  • Overseeing the manuscript submission and review process.
  • Ensuring the quality and originality of selected manuscripts.
  • Collaborating with the Editor-in-Chief for final decisions on publication.

Setup of Special Issues

To initiate a special issue, a detailed proposal must be submitted to the editorial board. The proposal should include:

  • The proposed theme and objectives of the special issue.
  • The target audience and significance of the theme.
  • The names and qualifications of potential guest editors.
  • A proposed timeline for submissions, reviews, and publication.

Once approved by the editorial board and the Editor-in-Chief, the call for papers is disseminated through various channels to encourage submissions. The editorial team collaborates closely with guest editors to ensure the issue adheres to the journal's publication schedule and quality standards.

Special issues are a vital platform for advancing knowledge and addressing timely, relevant topics in the Internet of Things domain. BJIoT remains committed to supporting these initiatives while maintaining rigorous editorial and ethical standards.

 

Standards of Reporting

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) emphasizes the importance of clear, detailed, and transparent reporting to ensure the reproducibility and verification of published research. Authors are expected to adhere to high reporting standards to facilitate a robust academic discourse.

  • Rationale: A comprehensive explanation of the purpose and significance of the study must be included, clearly stating the research questions and objectives.
  • Research Protocol: The methodology, including experimental or observational procedures, must be described in sufficient detail to enable replication by other researchers.
  • Tools and Techniques: Authors should provide a thorough description of the tools, techniques, and software used in their study, along with relevant version numbers where applicable.
  • Data Analysis: The process of data collection, processing, and interpretation must be clearly outlined to maintain transparency and credibility.
  • Results and Interpretation: Findings should be presented in a manner that accurately reflects the data, avoiding overgeneralizations or misleading conclusions.

Adherence to these standards ensures that the research published in BJIoT contributes meaningfully to the academic community by fostering reproducibility, transparency, and trust in the scholarly record.

 

Use of Third-Party Material

Authors intending to incorporate third-party material into their submissions must ensure compliance with all applicable copyright and licensing requirements. Third-party material includes text, images, tables, datasets, audio clips, video footage, and other forms of intellectual property not created by the authors themselves.

  • Permissions: Authors must obtain explicit written permission from the copyright holder for any third-party material used, unless the material qualifies as fair use or is in the public domain.
  • Fair Use: Short excerpts used for critique, commentary, or educational purposes may be permissible under fair use provisions, provided proper attribution is given.
  • Attribution: All third-party materials, including those used under licenses such as Creative Commons, must be properly cited and credited to their original source.

Authors must clearly document any permissions obtained and retain copies of these permissions for their records. Upon request, these permissions may need to be submitted to the journal’s editorial office.

Adherence to these guidelines ensures compliance with intellectual property laws and promotes ethical publishing practices.

 

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in Writing

This section addresses the use of generative AI and AI-assisted technologies specifically in the writing process. It does not cover the use of such tools for analyzing data or deriving research insights during the research process.

  • Purpose: Authors may use AI tools to improve the readability and language quality of their manuscripts. However, these tools must not replace essential authorial tasks, such as generating scientific insights, drawing conclusions, or making clinical recommendations.
  • Supervision: The use of AI technologies must always remain under human oversight. Authors are responsible for thoroughly reviewing and editing all AI-generated content to ensure its accuracy and integrity.
  • Accountability: Authors retain full accountability for the content of their manuscripts, regardless of whether AI tools were used in the writing process.

Disclosure and Transparency

Authors must disclose their use of AI and AI-assisted technologies in the manuscript submission. The disclosure will be included in the published work to maintain transparency and foster trust among all stakeholders, including readers, reviewers, and editors.

Additionally, this disclosure ensures compliance with the terms of use for the AI tools employed.

Authorship Responsibilities

Generative AI and AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors. Authorship implies responsibilities that only human contributors can fulfill, including:

  • Addressing questions related to the accuracy or integrity of the work.
  • Approving the final version of the manuscript for submission.
  • Ensuring the originality of the content and its compliance with ethical standards.

Authors must ensure that the manuscript meets all criteria for originality, accuracy, and intellectual contribution, regardless of AI involvement in the writing process.

 

Use of AI in Peer Review

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) acknowledges the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of academic publishing. However, the peer review process requires critical human judgment, which AI cannot replace. The following guidelines govern the use of AI in the peer review process:

Human Responsibility

Peer review requires a level of critical analysis, nuanced assessment, and decision-making that only human reviewers and editors can provide. AI tools must not replace human involvement in the evaluation of manuscripts.

Confidentiality

Reviewers and editors must not upload any part of a manuscript into AI tools. Such actions may violate confidentiality, data privacy, and proprietary rights, as well as the terms of use of the AI tool.

Peer Review Reports

The confidentiality of peer review extends to peer review reports, decision letters, and other related communications. These documents must not be processed through AI tools, even for purposes such as improving language and readability.

AI in Decision-Making

AI tools must not be used in making decisions about the quality, validity, or impact of a manuscript. The evaluation process must remain under the exclusive purview of qualified human reviewers and editors.

Ethical Use of AI

The journal supports the ethical use of AI in initial editorial processes such as plagiarism detection and identifying potential reviewers. These uses must comply with ethical standards and maintain confidentiality.

 

Acknowledgment of Ethical Standards

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) upholds the highest ethical standards in scholarly publishing. All participants—authors, reviewers, and editors—are expected to align with established ethical principles set forth by recognized organizations, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

By submitting a manuscript, authors affirm their adherence to these ethical principles, ensuring the originality, accuracy, and integrity of their work. Reviewers and editors, in turn, are tasked with maintaining objectivity, confidentiality, and fairness throughout the editorial process.

In cases of suspected ethical misconduct, BJIoT follows rigorous protocols to investigate and resolve any allegations in alignment with COPE guidelines. This collective commitment fosters trust, accountability, and excellence in academic publishing.

 

Closing Statements

The Babylonian Journal of Internet of Things (BJIoT) is committed to ensuring the integrity, transparency, and ethical standards of the publishing process. By adhering to globally recognized ethical guidelines, the journal strives to foster a culture of trust and accountability within the academic community.

We encourage all contributors, including authors, reviewers, and editors, to actively participate in maintaining these standards. By upholding principles of fairness, honesty, and rigor, the scholarly community can continue to advance knowledge responsibly.

These ethics policies provide a robust foundation for ensuring excellence in academic publishing and safeguarding the rights and responsibilities of all involved parties.