Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS)

ISSN: 3007-2956

ABOUT THE JOURNAL

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal published by Health and Research Insights. Established in January 2023, the journal is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, scientific rigor, and interdisciplinary scholarship across the life and social sciences. The journal provides a high-quality platform for researchers, academics, and practitioners to disseminate original research that addresses complex issues at the intersection of biological systems, human behavior, and societal development.

IJLSS is committed to the highest standards of editorial integrity and ethical publishing. All manuscripts undergo a transparent and rigorous double-blind peer review process, ensuring that research published in the journal meets global benchmarks of methodological soundness, originality, and scholarly significance.

Since its inception, the journal has expanded its academic reach and readership by prioritizing real-world challenges, evidence-based scholarship, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Recognizing the increasingly interconnected nature of scientific inquiry, IJLSS bridges traditional disciplinary boundaries to encourage innovative research that contributes to global knowledge, policy formulation, and community development.

From 2023 onward, the journal has continuously aligned its editorial standards with international publishing frameworks including COPE Ethical Guidelines, the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI), Creative Commons Licensing, Vancouver referencing style (ICMJE), and best practices in academic transparency, peer review, and research integrity. This commitment enhances the journal’s academic credibility and ensures global accessibility of its publications.

IJLSS welcomes submissions from both emerging and established scholars. The journal’s objective is not merely to publish research but to strengthen academic discourse, encourage critical inquiry, and contribute to societal wellbeing through knowledge dissemination. By maintaining rigorous editorial oversight, robust quality assurance mechanisms, and continuous improvement in scholarly standards, IJLSS aspires to become a leading publication in multidisciplinary research within the life and social sciences.

The journal is fully open access, ensuring that all published work is freely available to readers worldwide without subscription barriers. This promotes knowledge democratization and supports the global dissemination of research outcomes. IJLSS also adopts a transparent publication fee structure to support editorial processes, peer review honorariums, digital archiving, indexing, and journal sustainability.

 

 

 

AIMS AND SCOPE

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) aims to advance high-quality scholarship by publishing original research, systematic reviews, evidence-based analyses, methodological advancements, and theoretical contributions across a broad range of life and social science disciplines. The journal serves as an intellectually inclusive forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, fostering the integration of scientific, biological, environmental, behavioral, cultural, and socio-economic perspectives.

Primary Aim

The core aim of IJLSS is to disseminate research that enhances understanding of the biological foundations of life as well as the social, cultural, political, and economic systems that shape human experiences. The journal prioritizes research with real-world relevance, policy implications, and global significance.

Scope of Disciplines

1. Life Sciences

• Biology & Biochemistry: Molecular biology, cellular function, genetics, microbiology, developmental biology, biochemical pathways, and translational sciences.
• Environmental Sciences: Climate change, ecology, environmental policy, sustainability, pollution control, conservation biology, and human–environment interactions.

2. Social Sciences

• Core Social Sciences: Sociology, psychology, anthropology, criminology, political science, geography, history, gender studies, and demography.
• Economic & Policy Studies: Economics, development studies, social policy, governance, and resource management.
• Law & Linguistics: Legal analyses, human rights, linguistics, communication, and language-based social inquiry.

3. Education and Pedagogy
   Research on curriculum design, educational psychology, instructional methodologies, learning outcomes, teacher training, and higher education development.
4. Public Health and Social Well-Being

• Health systems research, epidemiology, community health, healthcare policy, determinants of health, and interdisciplinary research linking biological and social factors.

5. Interdisciplinary and Cross-Sectoral Research
   IJLSS strongly encourages submissions that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, including:

• Bio-social interactions
• Environmental sociology
• Computational social science
• Behavioral biology
• Forensic studies
• Digital society and emerging technologies
• Human ecology and sustainable development

Research Criteria

All manuscripts must demonstrate:

• Scientific rigor
• Clear methodology and reproducibility
• Ethical compliance
• Contribution to knowledge
• Relevance to global or regional issues
• Adherence to international research and publication standards

By maintaining an inclusive scope while ensuring scholarly rigor, IJLSS supports the advancement of multidisciplinary science and contributes to the collective understanding of complex global challenges.

Subject Areas Covered

IJLSS covers an extensive and multidisciplinary range of fields, ensuring inclusivity across social, life, and applied sciences. The broader list includes:

• Humanities
• Business Studies
• Communication Studies
• Corporate Governance
• Cross-cultural Studies
• Demography
• Development Studies
• Ethics
• Information Science
• International Relations
• Library Science
• Industrial Relations
• Media Studies
• Methodology
• Philosophy
• Population Studies
• Public Administration
• Social Welfare
• Paralegal Studies
• Visual Arts
• Women Studies
• Performing Arts (Music, Theatre, Dance)
• Religious Studies

This strengthened disciplinary scope allows IJLSS to serve as a comprehensive scholarly platform for diverse academic communities.

 

FREQUENCY OF JOURNAL

(Biannual in 2023–2024 | Monthly from 2025 onward)

IJLSS initiated its publication cycle with a biannual frequency to ensure quality control, editorial consistency, and the establishment of a strong peer review structure. As the journal expanded its contributor base, reviewer pool, and editorial capacity, the publication frequency was increased to accommodate rising submission demands.

2023 – 2024: Biannual Frequency

During its foundational years, IJLSS published two issues per year:

• June Issue
• December Issue

This schedule supported the development of:

• Editorial workflows
• Reviewer panels
• Ethical compliance systems
• Digital infrastructure
• Standard operating procedures for peer review and publication

The biannual structure allowed the journal to evaluate research rigorously and establish a reputation for publishing scientifically robust and ethically sound manuscripts.

2025 Onward: Monthly Frequency

Beginning January 2025, IJLSS transitioned to a monthly publication model in alignment with international scholarly publishing trends and increased manuscript submissions.

The monthly frequency provides several advantages:

• Faster dissemination of research
• Greater visibility and citation potential
• Expanded thematic coverage
• Enhanced opportunities for special issues
• Continuous academic engagement
• Improved indexing compatibility
• Strengthened compliance with global standards of timely scholarly communication

Each monthly issue undergoes the full editorial workflow, including:

• Initial manuscript screening
• Plagiarism assessment
• Double-blind peer review
• Technical and language editing
• Final quality assurance
• DOI assignment and digital archiving

This consistent cycle supports the journal’s commitment to timely, reliable, and high-quality academic publishing.

 

TIMELINES OF PUBLICATION OF ISSUES

(Biannual in 2023–2024 | Monthly at the end of each month from 2025)

IJLSS adheres to a transparent, predictable, and internationally compliant publication timeline. These timelines are designed to ensure authors’ expectations are met, reviewers have sufficient time for high-quality evaluation, and readers receive consistent, timely access to new research.

Publication Timeline for 2023–2024 (Biannual Schedule)

Issue 1 — June

• Call for Papers: January
• Submission Window: January – April
• Peer Review Process: April – May
• Editorial Decisions (Acceptance/Rejection): Late May
• Publication: June

Issue 2 — December

• Call for Papers: July
• Submission Window: July – October
• Peer Review Process: October – November
• Editorial Decisions: Late November
• Publication: December

This structured cycle ensured rigorous peer review, editorial accuracy, and efficient communication between authors, reviewers, and the editorial office.

 

Publication Timeline for 2025 Onward (Monthly Schedule)

Beginning in 2025, IJLSS publishes one issue every month, released at the end of each month.

Monthly Timeline

• Call for Papers: Continuous, rolling
• Submission Window: Open all year
• Initial Screening (Scope, Formatting, Plagiarism): Within 3–7 days of submission
• Double-Blind Peer Review: 2–3 weeks
• Author Revision Period: 7–14 days
• Final Acceptance: Continuous
• Publication: Last week of every month

This monthly cycle aligns with international editorial best practices for rapid but rigorous scholarly communication. It ensures:

• Faster turnaround times
• High-quality reviews
• Standardized decision timelines
• Reliable publication schedules
• Enhanced author experience
• Increased journal visibility

Special Issues

IJLSS may publish additional thematic or special issues in alignment with:

• Emerging global challenges
• Requests from academic societies
• Collaborative research initiatives
• International conferences

Special issues follow the same rigorous review and ethical standards as regular issues.

PEER REVIEW POLICY & PROCESS

(Clear, Transparent, and Internationally Compliant)

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) employs a rigorous, transparent, and ethically governed double-blind peer review system designed to uphold the highest standards of scholarly integrity, scientific validity, and editorial quality. The journal’s peer-review framework aligns with international best practices recommended by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), OASPA, and ICMJE.

The objective of the IJLSS peer-review system is to ensure that all published work meets the highest benchmarks of methodological rigor, intellectual contribution, ethical credibility, and relevance to the broader academic community.

 

1. Principles Underpinning the Peer Review System

The peer review process at IJLSS is guided by the following core principles:

1.1 Integrity and Impartiality

Manuscripts are reviewed solely based on their academic merit, without consideration of the authors’ gender, ethnicity, nationality, institutional affiliation, religion, political orientation, or personal background.

1.2 Double-Blind Anonymity

Both the authors and reviewers remain anonymized throughout the evaluation process to ensure impartial judgment and eliminate conflicts of interest.

1.3 Scientific and Methodological Rigor

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts for:

• Clarity and originality of research questions
• Appropriateness of study design and methodology
• Accuracy and reproducibility of results
• Validity of interpretations
• Relevance and contribution to existing knowledge

1.4 Constructive Academic Feedback

Reviewers are encouraged to provide detailed, respectful, and constructive comments aimed at improving the quality of the manuscript.

1.5 Accountability and Transparency

Editorial decisions are based on reviewer input, adherence to journal policies, and the manuscript’s alignment with the journal’s aims and scope.

 

2. Stages of the Peer Review Process

IJLSS follows an eight-step, fully transparent peer review workflow. Each step is essential for ensuring the scientific credibility and integrity of published work.

 

STEP 1: Submission and Initial Quality Assessment

Upon receipt of a manuscript through the journal’s online submission portal:

• The Managing Editor evaluates whether the manuscript fits the Aims and Scope of IJLSS.
• The manuscript is screened for structural completeness, clarity of language, and compliance with author guidelines.
• All manuscripts undergo a Turnitin similarity check to ensure compliance with the journal’s originality policy.

Outcome:
Manuscripts that do not meet minimum standards are desk-rejected with editorial feedback to help authors improve future submissions.

 

STEP 2: Assignment to an Academic Editor

Submissions that pass initial checks are assigned to a qualified Academic Editor or Section Editor with expertise in the manuscript’s domain. The editor evaluates:

• The manuscript’s relevance
• The clarity of research questions
• Ethical requirements (IRB approval where applicable)
• Suitability for external peer review

Outcome:
The editor decides whether the manuscript proceeds to external review or requires revision before review.

 

STEP 3: Selection of Peer Reviewers

IJLSS employs a carefully curated reviewer pool composed of:

• Senior academics
• Subject specialists
• International reviewers
• Methodologists
• Experts familiar with the manuscript’s disciplinary standards

Reviewers must affirm:

• No conflict of interest
• Sufficient expertise
• Commitment to reviewing ethically and within deadlines

A minimum of two reviewers is required; a third reviewer may be added when recommendations conflict.

 

STEP 4: Double-Blind Peer Review

Reviewers receive the anonymized manuscript and a structured evaluation form.
They assess:

1. Technical Quality

• Research design and methodology
• Data integrity
• Statistical analysis
• Ethical compliance

1. Academic Contribution

• Innovation
• Relevance to discipline
• Originality of insight

1. Clarity & Presentation

• Writing quality
• Logical coherence
• Strength of argumentation

1. Citation Accuracy & Literature Integration

• Proper use of Vancouver style
• Comprehensiveness of referenced work

1. Ethical Integrity

• Appropriateness of data collection
• Conflict of interest statements
• Accuracy and honesty in reporting

 

STEP 5: Reviewer Recommendations

Reviewers submit one of the following recommendations:

1. Accept without revisions
2. Minor revision
3. Major revision
4. Resubmit for review
5. Reject

Every recommendation must be supported by detailed comments and evidence-based academic justifications.

 

STEP 6: Decision and Communication to Authors

The Academic Editor synthesizes reviewer reports and makes an informed editorial decision. Authors receive:

• Reviewer comments
• Editorial notes
• Revision requirements
• Clear deadlines based on the complexity of revisions

Authors must respond to each reviewer comment in a point-by-point revision document.

 

STEP 7: Second Round Review (If Needed)

Revised manuscripts may be:

• Re-evaluated by initial reviewers
• Reviewed by new reviewers (if required)
• Assessed solely by the Editor (for minor revisions)

The objective is to verify that authors have addressed all concerns satisfactorily.

 

STEP 8: Final Decision and Publication

Once all academic and ethical criteria are met, the Editor issues a final acceptance.
Before publication, manuscripts undergo:

• Technical editing
• Formatting and layout preparation
• Final proofreading
• DOI assignment
• XML/HTML/PDF generation
• Archiving and indexing preparation

This ensures that published articles adhere to international publishing and archiving standards.

 

STANDARD REVIEWER’S GUIDELINES

(Comprehensive and Internationally Compliant Framework)

Reviewers play a central role in safeguarding scholarly integrity. IJLSS provides a structured reviewer guideline framework aligned with COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers, ensuring fairness, professionalism, and scientific rigor.

 

1. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers must:

1.1 Evaluate Manuscripts Objectively

Reviews should be based purely on academic quality. Personal biases, competitive interests, or ideological disagreements must not influence judgment.

1.2 Maintain Confidentiality

Manuscripts, data, and reviewer comments must remain confidential. Reviewers may not:

• Share manuscripts
• Use manuscript content for personal research
• Disclose information without editorial permission

1.3 Provide Constructive and Detailed Feedback

Comments must:

• Be evidence-based
• Address strengths and weaknesses
• Suggest improvements
• Avoid derogatory or dismissive language

 

1.4 Identify Ethical Issues

Reviewers must report:

• Plagiarism
• Redundant or duplicate publication
• Data manipulation or fabrication
• Ethical oversights such as missing IRB approval
• Unethical research involving human or animal subjects

1.5 Recognize Conflicts of Interest

Reviewers must decline review if they have:

• Personal or professional relationship with the authors
• Direct competition
• Financial or institutional conflicts
• Inability to review the manuscript objectively

 

2. Criteria for Evaluation

Reviewers should assess the following:

1. Originality & Significance

• Does the manuscript address an important research question?
• Does it add new knowledge or insight?
• Is the research innovative or impactful?

1. Scientific Rigor

• Is the methodology appropriate and replicable?
• Are data analyses valid and transparent?
• Are conclusions supported by findings?

1. Ethical Compliance

• Does the manuscript include necessary ethical approvals?
• Is informed consent discussed when relevant?

1. Clarity & Organization

• Is the paper logically structured?
• Is the writing clear, concise, and scientifically precise?

1. Literature Integration

• Are references relevant, recent, and adequate?
• Are citations appropriately formatted in Vancouver style?

1. Presentation Quality

• Quality of tables, figures, diagrams
• Correct use of terminology and scientific language

 

3. Reviewer Conduct and Professionalism

Reviewers must adhere to:

• Respectful communication
• Evidence-based critique
• Timely submission of reviews
• Transparency in reporting ethical concerns

Reviewers are discouraged from:

• Making personal remarks about authors
• Requesting citation of their own work unless relevant
• Influencing outcomes through biased recommendations

 

ORIGINALITY AND PLAGIARISM POLICY

(Aligned with COPE, ICMJE, and International Publishing Ethics)

IJLSS maintains a strict and uncompromising policy on originality, requiring all submitted work to be wholly original, ethically sound, and free from academic misconduct.

To uphold research integrity, the journal follows the COPE Core Practices, Turnitin similarity standards, and international citation and attribution guidelines.

 

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Direct copying of another’s work without attribution
• Paraphrasing without proper citation
• Self-plagiarism or duplicate publication
• Recycling significant portions of previously published work
• Using data, figures, or tables without permission
• Submitting work produced through AI without disclosure

The journal considers any similarity index above 15% (excluding references and quoted text) as requiring editorial investigation.

 

2. Screening Procedure
3. Pre-Review Screening

Every manuscript is screened through Turnitin, generating a similarity report that is reviewed by the editorial office.

1. Post-Revision Screening

Revised manuscripts are re-checked to ensure no new plagiarism was introduced during revision.

1. Editor Evaluation

Similarity reports are assessed not only numerically but qualitatively.

The following are considered red flags:

• Overlapping text with published articles
• Reuse of literature review sections
• Common methodology phrased identically
• Unattributed paraphrasing

 

3. Actions for Violations

Minor Similarity

Authors are asked to revise and properly attribute sources.

Major Plagiarism (Intentional or Extensive)

• Immediate rejection
• Notification to authors’ institution (if necessary)
• Blacklisting for future submissions

Post-Publication Discovery

• Issuance of correction or retraction
• Public disclosure of plagiarism findings as per COPE guidelines

 

SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS

(Open Access, Licensing, and Access Policy)

IJLSS is committed to knowledge accessibility, adhering fully to the Open Access principles of the Budapest Open Access Initiative (BOAI) and global academic transparency standards.

 

1. Open Access Model

IJLSS operates under a Gold Open Access Model, which ensures:

• Immediate free access to all articles
• No subscription fees for individuals or institutions
• Global dissemination of research findings
• Increased citations and academic visibility

 

2. Licensing Framework

All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0), allowing:

• Free distribution
• Unrestricted use
• Adaptation and reproduction
• Provided proper attribution to authors and the journal

This license supports academic sharing while preserving author rights and citation integrity.

 

3. Digital Archiving & Indexing Preparedness

IJLSS ensures long-term accessibility through:

• Digital archiving
• DOI assignment
• XML/HTML/PDF versions
• Adherence to metadata standards required by indexing agencies

 

4. Institutional Access

Although access is free, institutions may:

• Register as partner libraries
• Include IJLSS in catalogues
• Integrate metadata into digital repositories

This promotes academic visibility and supports wider global engagement.

 

5. Fees and Charges

• No subscription fees
• No submission fees
• Article Processing Charges (APC) apply only after acceptance
• Waivers available for eligible authors

This transparent financial model ensures fairness and accessibility while sustaining editorial operations.

 

6. Author and Reader Rights

Readers may:

• Read, share, print, and download articles without restrictions
• Use content for academic and educational purposes

Authors retain:

• Copyright
• Rights to reuse content
• Rights to deposit published versions in repositories

 

It follows global standards such as COPE, ICMJE, WAME, DOAJ, OASPA, JATS-compliant publishing, and ISO scholarly communication principles.

 

JOURNAL OPERATIONS

(Aligned with International Standards for Editorial Quality, Scientific Rigor, and Ethical Publishing)

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) operates through a structured, transparent, and globally compliant editorial and publishing framework designed to maintain academic integrity, ensure operational efficiency, and deliver a seamless experience for authors, reviewers, and readers. The journal’s operational model is grounded in international scholarly publishing standards, with a focus on scientific rigor, editorial excellence, ethical accountability, and open-access dissemination.

1. Editorial Structure and Governance

IJLSS is overseen by a multifaceted editorial system that ensures fair, objective, and scientifically grounded decision-making. The governance structure includes:

1.1 Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for:

• Upholding the journal’s editorial mission
• Ensuring scholarly integrity
• Supervising editorial decisions
• Managing ethical concerns
• Approving final manuscripts for publication

1.2 Managing Editor

The Managing Editor oversees the operational workflow:

• Manuscript screening
• Reviewer allocation
• Communication with authors
• Process tracking
• Implementing editorial policies

1.3 Associate/Section Editors

These editors evaluate manuscripts within their disciplinary expertise and ensure:

• Scientific suitability
• Methodological soundness
• Ethical compliance
• Alignment with the journal’s scope

1.4 Editorial Board

The Editorial Board comprises academics, research professionals, and domain specialists who:

• Support policy formation
• Promote the journal globally
• Provide expert opinions for complex submissions
• Assist in reviewer selection

1.5 International Advisory Board

This board enhances credibility and international reach by:

• Advising on global scholarly trends
• Guiding long-term strategic direction
• Enhancing cross-border collaboration

 

2. Manuscript Workflow and Operations

IJLSS follows a standardized workflow that maintains scientific and editorial quality:

2.1 Submission

• Exclusively online via the journal’s submission portal
• Accompanied by cover letter, authorship statements, IRB approval (where required), disclosure forms

2.2 Initial Administrative Check

• Document completeness verification
• Format evaluation (Times New Roman, 12-point, Vancouver style)
• Turnitin plagiarism screening

2.3 Technical Review

• Evaluation of structure
• Checking word count, tables, figures
• Reference accuracy

2.4 Editorial Review

• Assessment by Editor/Section Editor for relevance, novelty, and scientific merit
• Decision on whether to proceed to peer review

2.5 Peer Review Process

• Double-blind peer review with two or more reviewers
• Structured reviewer evaluation
• Reviewer report consolidation by handling editor

2.6 Revision & Resubmission

Authors submit:

• Revised manuscript
• Point-by-point response to reviewers
• Updated ethical declarations if required

2.7 Final Decision

The Editor-in-Chief or designated editor evaluates:

• Reviewer recommendations
• Revision quality
• Ethical compliance

2.8 Production

After acceptance, manuscripts undergo:

• Copyediting
• Proofreading
• Typesetting
• Conversion into PDF, HTML, XML
• DOI assignment

2.9 Publication

Articles are published:

• Biannually (2023–2024)
• Monthly (2025 onward)

Each article is assigned:

• DOI
• Citation metadata
• Archiving tags

 

3. Quality Control Mechanisms

To maintain alignment with international publishing excellence, IJLSS employs:

3.1 Editorial Quality Checks

All manuscripts are reviewed for:

• Structural coherence
• Scientific validity
• Relevance and contribution

3.2 Ethical Oversight

• COPE-compliant case handling
• IRB verification
• Author consent screening

3.3 Anti-Plagiarism Enforcement

• Mandatory Turnitin screening
• 15% similarity threshold
• Manual review of flagged content

3.4 Data Integrity Checks

• Verification of statistical analysis
• Evaluation of research reproducibility
• Assessment of methodological soundness

3.5 Post-Publication Monitoring

• Correction and retraction policy
• Handling reader feedback
• Post-publication peer review where necessary

 

4. Digital and Technical Operations

To ensure accessibility and discoverability:

4.1 Digital Archiving

The journal uses secure digital repositories to preserve:

• Manuscripts
• Metadata
• Supplementary files

4.2 DOI Assignment

Each article is assigned a globally citable DOI to maintain:

• Digital permanence
• Citation traceability

4.3 Metadata Standards

IJLSS adheres to:

• Dublin Core
• Crossref Metadata Schema
• JATS XML

4.4 Website Operations

The website follows:

• Secure hosting protocols
• OJS/OJS-inspired interface structures
• ADA accessibility standards
• Mobile-friendly architecture

 

5. Author and Reviewer Support

5.1 Editorial Support

Authors receive:

• Clear guidelines
• Revision support
• Timely communication

Reviewers receive:

• Access to a structured review form
• Recognition (certificate upon request)
• Guidelines aligned with COPE standards

 

ETHICS STATEMENT – ETHICAL CONSENT, GUIDELINES & MALPRACTICE STATEMENT

IJLSS maintains responsibility toward the global research community by upholding ethical conduct, transparency, and academic integrity. The journal strictly adheres to guidelines established by COPE, ICMJE, and international best practices for ethical scholarly publishing.

 

1. Ethical Consent Requirements

1.1 Human Subjects Research

When a manuscript involves human participants:

• Ethical approval from a recognized IRB/ERC/ERB is mandatory
• Informed consent must be obtained
• Confidentiality and anonymity must be ensured
• Vulnerable populations require additional safeguards

1.2 Animal Research

Studies involving animals must:

• Follow institutional and international animal care guidelines
• Provide ethics approval from an accredited committee

1.3 Data Protection

Authors must ensure:

• No identifiable personal data is shared
• Data management complies with security and confidentiality standards

1.4 Permissions and Rights

When using:

• Images
• Datasets
• Figures
• Third-party materials
  Authors must provide proof of permission.

 

2. Ethical Guidelines for Authors

Authors must:

• Submit only original, unpublished work
• Ensure accuracy and integrity in data reporting
• Disclose all funding and conflicts of interest
• Acknowledge all contributors appropriately
• Follow Vancouver referencing style
• Provide ethical approval documents when required

Authors may not:

• Fabricate or manipulate data
• Engage in plagiarism or self-plagiarism
• Submit to multiple journals simultaneously
• Add or remove authorship post-submission without justification

 

3. Ethical Guidelines for Editors

Editors must:

• Make unbiased decisions
• Treat manuscripts confidentially
• Avoid handling papers where conflicts of interest exist
• Follow COPE flowcharts for ethical cases
• Ensure fair reviewer selection
• Provide authors with transparent communication

 

4. Ethical Guidelines for Reviewers

Reviewers must:

• Maintain confidentiality
• Provide objective and evidence-based feedback
• Report suspected ethical misconduct
• Avoid reviewing if conflicts of interest exist

 

5. Publication Malpractice Statement

Publication malpractice threatens scholarly integrity. IJLSS strictly prohibits and takes action against:

5.1 Fabrication & Falsification

Manipulation of:

• Data
• Results
• Images
• Statistical analyses

5.2 Plagiarism

Including:

• Verbatim copying
• Paraphrasing without citation
• Self-plagiarism

5.3 Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest

Financial or personal relationships that may influence the manuscript.

5.4 Authorship Misconduct

• Ghost authorship
• Gift authorship
• Unapproved authorship changes

5.5 Ethical Non-Compliance

• Lack of IRB approval
• Missing participant consent
• Unethical human/animal research

5.6 Simultaneous Submissions

Submitting the same paper to multiple journals concurrently.

 

6. Handling of Misconduct

IJLSS follows COPE-approved practices:

6.1 Before Publication

If misconduct is detected:

• Manuscript is rejected
• Authors are notified
• Institutions may be informed

6.2 After Publication

Corrective actions include:

• Correction notices
• Editor’s note
• Statement of concern
• Retraction

Retraction notices:

• Remain on record
• Are linked to the original article
• Explain reasons transparently

 

PRIVACY STATEMENT

(Confidentiality, Data Protection, and Responsible Use of Information)

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) strictly protects the privacy and personal data of authors, reviewers, readers, and contributors. The journal adheres to internationally recognized privacy standards including:

• GDPR compliance principles
• ICMJE confidentiality guidelines
• COPE ethical practices for data privacy

 

1. Information Collected

IJLSS collects minimal personal information necessary for journal operations:

• Name
• Email address
• Institutional affiliation
• Manuscript details
• ORCID (optional)

We do not collect unnecessary sensitive information.

 

2. How Information is Used

Personal data is used exclusively for:

• Editorial communication
• Peer review
• Publication metadata
• Authorship verification
• Indexing and DOI registration

IJLSS does not share, sell, or distribute data to third parties unrelated to journal operations.

 

3. Reviewer Privacy

Reviewer identities remain confidential permanently unless:

• Reviewer opts for open review
• Required by legal processes

 

4. Data Security

The journal employs:

• Secure servers
• Encrypted data transmission
• Password-protected access
• Regular data backups

 

5. Author Rights

Authors may request:

• Data correction
• Removal of personal profiles
• Citation updates

 

6. Cookies & Web Tracking

Only essential cookies are used for:

• Site functionality
• User login
• Manuscript tracking

No cookies are used for advertising or third-party analytics.

 

COPYRIGHTS STATEMENT

(Open Access, Author Rights, and Licensing Framework)

IJLSS adheres to a transparent and globally recognized copyright policy consistent with Creative Commons licensing, open-access publishing, and author rights protection.

 

1. Copyright Ownership

Authors retain full copyright of their work.

Upon publication, authors grant the journal a non-exclusive license to:

• Publish
• Archive
• Distribute
• Index
• Reproduce in electronic or print formats

 

2. Licensing Terms (CC BY 4.0)

All IJLSS articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

This allows others to:

• Share
• Adapt
• Transform
• Build upon the work

As long as:

• Proper attribution is given
• A link to the license is provided
• No suggestion is made of endorsement

This aligns with global open-access practices and increases research visibility.

 

3. Author Rights

Authors may:

• Deposit preprints and postprints in institutional repositories
• Share articles on academic platforms
• Reuse figures and data for future work
• Incorporate parts of the article into books or thesis
• Use content for teaching or presentations

 

4. Third-Party Rights

When authors include third-party material, they must ensure:

• Permissions are secured
• copyrights are respected
• Proper acknowledgments are provided

 

5. Reproduction Rights

The journal may:

• Create metadata
• Distribute through indexing services
• Include articles in archives, repositories, databases

 

6. Copyright Violations

If infringement is detected:

• Investigation is conducted
• Article may be corrected or retracted
• Copyright notices are updated

 

DISCLOSURE AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST

(Aligned with COPE, ICMJE, WAME, and Global Transparency Standards)

Transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest is an essential element of ethical scholarly publishing. The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) is committed to ensuring that all research published in the journal is free from influence—real, perceived, or potential—that may hinder objectivity, integrity, or scientific credibility. To uphold this standard, IJLSS mandates a clear, comprehensive, and internationally compliant Conflict of Interest (COI) Disclosure Policy for authors, reviewers, and editors.

This policy ensures transparency and supports readers in evaluating the credibility of published research.

 

1. Definition of Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest arises when a secondary interest (such as financial, personal, academic, political, or ideological considerations) may influence—or appear to influence—a professional’s judgment, integrity, or objectivity in conducting, reviewing, or publishing scholarly work.

COIs may be:

1.1 Financial Conflicts of Interest

Examples include:

• Funding from organizations with vested interests
• Salary, consultancy, or employment relationships
• Stock ownership or investments
• Patents or patent applications
• Honoraria or paid expert testimony
• Direct or indirect financial incentives

1.2 Non-Financial Conflicts of Interest

These include:

• Personal relationships
• Academic rivalry
• Intellectual bias
• Professional competition
• Strong personal beliefs related to research outcomes
• Affiliations with advocacy groups
• Political or ideological positions

1.3 Institutional Conflicts

When the author’s or reviewer’s institution has:

• Commercial interests
• Policy ties
• Organizational influences

1.4 Editorial Conflicts

Editors must not:

• Handle manuscripts in which they have personal or professional ties
• Allow professional gain to impact editorial decisions

 

2. Disclosure Requirements for Authors

All submitting authors must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form clearly stating:

2.1 Funding Sources

Authors must disclose:

• Grants
• Institutional funding
• External funding bodies
• Project affiliations
• Sponsored equipment or resources

2.2 Financial Relationships

Authors must declare:

• Employment or consultancy
• Paid expertise
• Royalties
• Commercial agreements

2.3 Non-Financial Relationships

Authors should disclose:

• Personal connections
• Academic competition
• Strong beliefs affecting neutrality
• Memberships in organizations with positions related to the study

2.4 Role of Funders

Authors must clarify:

• Whether funders influenced study design
• Data collection or analysis
• Interpretation of results
• Manuscript preparation

2.5 Authorship Responsibility

All authors must affirm:

• Full access to data
• Control over publication decisions
• Responsibility for accuracy
• Approval of the final manuscript

Failure to disclose conflicts—even unintentionally—may result in:

• Manuscript rejection
• Manuscript correction
• Article retraction
• Institutional notification

 

3. Reviewer Conflict of Interest Policy

Reviewers play a critical role in maintaining scientific integrity; therefore, they must uphold strict ethical standards.

Reviewers must decline review if they:

• Have worked with the authors in the last 3 years
• Have personal relationships with authors
• Are direct competitors in the same research line
• Are associated with organizations linked to study outcomes
• Cannot review impartially

If uncertain, reviewers must consult the editor.

Reviewers must not:

• Use unpublished data for personal benefit
• Share manuscripts with third parties
• Request citation of their own work unless scientifically justified

 

4. Editor Conflict of Interest Policy

Editors must:

• Recuse themselves from decisions on manuscripts where a conflict exists
• Maintain transparency
• Follow COPE guidelines for handling conflicts

When conflicts arise, an alternative editor or advisory board member is assigned.

 

5. Post-Publication COI Discovery

If a COI is discovered post-publication:

• A correction or editorial note will be issued
• In severe cases, a retraction may occur
• Misconduct investigations may be conducted
• Institutional authorities may be notified

Transparency remains the highest priority.

 

CORRECTION AND RETRACTION OF RESEARCH ARTICLES

(Aligned with COPE Retraction Guidelines, ICMJE Standards, and International Best Practices)

IJLSS is committed to maintaining an accurate academic record. While the journal strives for editorial and scientific accuracy at every stage, errors or ethical issues may occasionally arise. The Correction and Retraction Policy ensures that the published record remains reliable, transparent, and trustworthy.

This policy applies equally to:

• Authors
• Editors
• Reviewers
• Readers

The journal adheres to COPE’s “Retraction Guidelines” and “Guidelines for Handling Errors”, ensuring fair and standardized decision-making.

 

1. Types of Post-Publication Amendments

1.1 Corrections (Errata/Corrigenda)

Corrections address unintentional errors that do not compromise the scientific integrity of the article.

Examples include:

• Typographical or formatting errors
• Minor author affiliation mistakes
• Mislabelled tables/figures
• Minor inaccuracies in data presentation
• Errors introduced during production

Corrections:

• Are linked to the original published article
• Clearly describe changes made
• Are freely accessible

1.2 Editorial Notes

Issued when:

• Clarifications are needed
• Minor concerns arise
• Investigations are pending

Editorial notes remain attached until issues are resolved.

1.3 Addenda

Added when crucial supplementary information becomes available to the authors after publication but does not alter the article’s core findings.

1.4 Retractions

Retractions occur when the article’s validity is compromised due to:

• Plagiarism
• Data fabrication
• Data falsification
• Ethical misconduct
• Undisclosed conflicts of interest
• Duplicate publication
• Unethical research practices
• Major methodological flaws discovered post-publication

Retractions:

• State the reason clearly
• Name the responsible party (author, reviewer, editor)
• Remain permanently accessible
• Do not remove the original article but label it as “RETRACTED”
• Follow COPE’s retraction protocols

1.5 Withdrawal (Pre-Publication)

Manuscripts may be withdrawn before publication if:

• Authors request withdrawal with valid justification
• Ethical issues arise
• Serious methodological errors are discovered
• Authors fail to respond to revisions

1.6 Removal (Extremely Rare)

Articles may be removed only in cases involving:

• Legal issues
• Court orders
• Severe ethical violations
• Risk to public health or safety

A removal notice is permanently attached in such cases.

 

2. Retraction Decision-Making Process

IJLSS follows a structured COPE-approved workflow:

Step 1: Issue Identification

Concerns may arise through:

• Reviewer reports
• Editorial observations
• Reader notifications
• Institutional investigations

Step 2: Preliminary Assessment

Editorial team determines whether:

• Claims are valid
• Further investigation is needed

Step 3: Author Notification

Authors are informed and asked to respond in writing.

Step 4: Investigation

The journal may:

• Verify data
• Consult external experts
• Request raw datasets
• Review ethical documents

Step 5: Editorial Decision

Based on evidence, the journal decides whether to:

• Issue a correction
• Add an editorial note
• Retract the article
• Remove the article (rare cases)

Step 6: Publication of Notice

Retraction/correction notices:

• Provide transparent reasoning
• Are directly linked to the article
• Remain open access
• Cannot be removed or altered

Step 7: Archival Updates

Indexing services (Crossref, indexing partners) are notified.

 

3. Principles Guiding Corrections & Retractions

IJLSS adheres to the following principles:

• Transparency: All notices must be clear and accessible.
• Integrity: Ensure reliability of scientific literature.
• Fairness: Authors are given opportunities to respond.
• Neutrality: Decisions are evidence-based, not punitive.
• Permanence: The scholarly record must remain traceable.

 

ADHERENCE TO COMMUNITY STANDARDS

(Aligned with COPE, DOAJ, OASPA, ICMJE, and Global Scholarly Best Practices)

As an international scientific journal, IJLSS upholds community-established standards of scholarly communication, research ethics, and editorial responsibility. These standards ensure trustworthiness, reproducibility, transparency, and accountability in all published work.

The journal actively aligns with global frameworks that govern:

• Ethical research conduct
• Scholarly communication
• Publication transparency
• Research integrity
• Peer review standards
• Community engagement

 

1. Alignment with International Publishing Standards

IJLSS follows recognized global standards, including:

1.1 Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE)

Adherence to:

• Ethical authorship practices
• Peer review integrity
• Misconduct handling
• Retraction guidelines
• Editorial independence

1.2 International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)

Compliance with:

• Authorship standards
• Clinical research reporting
• Data transparency
• Conflict of interest disclosure

1.3 World Association of Medical Editors (WAME)

Observance of:

• Editorial independence
• Ethical review policies
• Transparent operations

1.4 Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

Alignment with:

• Open access best practices
• Licensing transparency
• Editorial quality
• Anti-plagiarism measures
• Ethical publishing

1.5 OASPA (Open Access Scholarly Publishers Association)

Compliance with:

• Publishing ethics
• Transparent APC policies
• High-quality editorial processes

1.6 FAIR Principles (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, Reusability)

IJLSS ensures:

• Metadata consistency
• DOI permanence
• Open access standards
• Data availability policies

 

2. Standards for Scientific Rigor

2.1 Methodological Transparency

Authors must:

• Provide clear study design descriptions
• Report tools, instruments, and protocols
• Provide reproducible methods

2.2 Data Transparency

IJLSS encourages:

• Availability of datasets
• Clear reporting of data analysis
• Disclosure of limitations
• Pre-registration (where applicable)

2.3 Statistical Integrity

Authors must uphold:

• Accurate analysis
• Avoidance of p-hacking
• Transparent reporting
• Use of recognized statistical methods

 

3. Adherence to Research Ethics Standards

3.1 Human Research Protection

Studies must:

• Have IRB approval
• Include informed consent
• Follow ethical guidelines for vulnerable groups

3.2 Animal Research Compliance

Must follow established humane research principles.

3.3 Ethical Reporting

Authors must report:

• Funding
• Conflicts
• Methodological limitations

 

4. Standards for Scholarly Communication

IJLSS upholds the following norms:

4.1 Transparency

• Clear APC policies
• Editorial independence
• Peer review details

4.2 Open Science Support

• Open access
• Open peer review options (when appropriate)
• Data sharing policies

4.3 Accountability

Editors are accountable for:

• Ensuring quality
• Addressing complaints
• Maintaining standards

 

5. Community Engagement & Responsibility

5.1 Inclusivity

IJLSS welcomes submissions from:

• All regions
• All career stages
• Diverse disciplines

5.2 Global Representation

The journal aims for:

• International editorial board members
• Global reviewer participation
• Diverse author representation

5.3 Professional Conduct

Authors, reviewers, and editors must:

• Communicate respectfully
• Follow ethical guidelines
• Support collaborative academic culture

 

6. Handling Complaints & Appeals

IJLSS follows COPE guidance for:

• Appeals of editorial decisions
• Complaints regarding peer review
• Ethical misconduct reports
• Authorship disputes

The process ensures:

• Fair hearing
• Confidentiality
• Transparency
• Evidence-based resolution

 

7. Continuous Improvement

IJLSS is committed to ongoing enhancement of:

• Editorial quality
• Ethical policies
• Review systems
• Technological infrastructure
• Accessibility

Annual reviews ensure policies remain aligned with global publishing advancements.

 

EDITOR SELECTION POLICY

(Aligned with COPE Core Practices, WAME Editorial Independence Standards, and International Publishing Governance Models)

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) maintains a transparent, merit-based, and ethically grounded Editor Selection Policy to ensure that its editorial processes uphold the highest standards of academic rigor, ethical responsibility, and scholarly independence. Editors play a critical role in safeguarding scientific integrity, and therefore the journal follows a structured, accountable, and internationally aligned protocol for the recruitment, evaluation, and appointment of editors at all levels.

This policy safeguards editorial independence and ensures that editorial decisions are free from commercial, political, institutional, ideological, or personal influence.

 

1. Editorial Roles within IJLSS

IJLSS operates through a multi-layered editorial structure:

1. Editor-in-Chief
2. Managing Editor
3. Associate Editors / Section Editors
4. Editorial Board Members
5. Advisory Board Members
6. Guest Editors (for special issues)

Each role requires specific qualifications, responsibilities, and performance standards to maintain the journal’s academic excellence.

 

2. Principles Guiding Editor Selection

Editor selection is guided by the following internationally recognized principles:

2.1 Editorial Independence

Recruitment is free from:

• Commercial influence
• Pressure from authors or organizations
• Sponsorship or funding biases
• Institutional favoritism

The Editor-in-Chief has full independence in editorial decisions and the appointment of editorial staff.

2.2 Scientific Excellence

Editors must demonstrate:

• Strong publication record
• Expertise in relevant fields
• Experience with peer review
• Familiarity with research methodologies
• Active engagement in scholarly activities

2.3 Diversity and Inclusivity

The journal strives for:

• Global representation
• Gender diversity
• Disciplinary balance
• Inclusion of emerging and senior scholars

2.4 Ethical Integrity

Editors must strictly follow:

• COPE Code of Conduct
• ICMJE guidelines
• WAME standards
• IJLSS Ethics and Transparency Policies

 

3. Eligibility Criteria for Editors

To qualify for editorial appointment, candidates must demonstrate:

3.1 Academic Qualifications

• A PhD or equivalent research degree
• Substantial scholarly contributions in relevant fields
• Strong publication history in reputable journals

3.2 Professional Competence

• Proven experience in research supervision, peer review, and academic writing
• Ability to evaluate diverse methodologies
• Familiarity with ethical issues in research and publishing

3.3 Editorial Skills

• Ability to provide balanced, fair editorial decisions
• Strong written communication skills
• Professionalism, confidentiality, and attention to detail

3.4 Conflict of Interest Transparency

All potential editors must:

• Declare conflicts of interest
• Refrain from editorial decisions involving their collaborators or institutions

 

4. Recruitment Process

4.1 Nomination

Candidates may be:

• Nominated by senior editors
• Recommended by the Editorial Board
• Invited directly by the Editor-in-Chief
• Self-nominated through a formal application

4.2 Evaluation

Candidates undergo review of:

• Publication record
• Editorial experience
• Ethical compliance history
• Conflicts of interest
• Professional standing

4.3 Approval

Final approval rests with:

• Editor-in-Chief
• Managing Editor
• Advisory Board (for senior roles)

4.4 Appointment

Upon selection:

• Editors receive a formal appointment letter
• A clear set of responsibilities and expectations
• Full access to editor training resources
• COPE guidance documents and editorial handbook

 

5. Term Length and Performance Evaluation

5.1 Appointment Duration

• Standard term: 3 years, renewable
• Guest editors: Issue-specific appointments

5.2 Annual Performance Review

Editors are evaluated on:

• Timeliness of handling manuscripts
• Quality of editorial decisions
• Adherence to journal policies
• Conflict of interest transparency
• Contribution to journal development

5.3 Removal or Resignation

Editors may be removed for:

• Ethical misconduct
• Persistent delays
• Conflicts of interest violations
• Lack of engagement
• Breach of confidentiality

They may also resign voluntarily with notice.

 

6. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are expected to:

• Ensure fair, unbiased peer review
• Identify and manage conflicts of interest
• Maintain confidentiality
• Oversee ethical concerns
• Facilitate constructive communication
• Uphold editorial independence
• Promote the journal in relevant communities

 

DATA SHARING POLICY

(Aligned with FAIR Principles, ICMJE Data Transparency Guidelines, UNESCO Open Science Recommendations, and Global Open Research Data Standards)

IJLSS recognizes that transparent, accessible, and reproducible research forms the foundation of scientific progress. Therefore, the journal adopts a comprehensive Data Sharing Policy consistent with global expectations for responsible research data management.

This policy promotes FAIR principles:

• Findable
• Accessible
• Interoperable
• Reusable

 

1. Scope of Data Sharing

1.1 Types of Data Covered

Authors are encouraged (and in some cases required) to make available:

• Raw datasets
• Processed data
• Statistical code
• Study protocols
• Instruments and questionnaires
• Software used for analysis (if custom-developed)
• Metadata
• Audio/video files (when ethically permissible)
• Supplementary materials

1.2 Sensitive Data

Data cannot be shared if it violates:

• Participant privacy
• Confidentiality agreements
• Ethical restrictions
• Legal frameworks

In such cases, authors must explain restrictions.

 

2. Data Availability Statement (Mandatory)

All submissions must include a Data Availability Statement, describing:

• Whether data are available
• Where data are stored
• Access conditions
• Ethical restrictions
• Repository DOI or link

Examples:

• “Data are available in Open Science Framework at DOI…”
• “Due to privacy restrictions, data cannot be publicly shared.”

 

3. Recommended Repositories

IJLSS recommends the use of:

General Repositories

• Zenodo
• Figshare
• Dryad
• OSF

Discipline-Specific Repositories

• GenBank
• PLOS Dataverse
• ICPSR (for social sciences)
• Ecology Data Repository
• Mendeley Data

All repositories must:

• Provide persistent identifiers (DOI)
• Use open formats when possible

 

4. Ethical and Legal Compliance

Data sharing must comply with:

• GDPR (when applicable)
• Local data protection laws
• Institutional data governance
• IRB/ethics committee approvals

Authors must anonymize sensitive data before sharing.

 

5. Data Citation Requirements

Datasets must be cited as:

• Authors
• Year
• Title
• Repository name
• DOI

Data citations must appear in references.

 

6. Embargo Periods

Authors may request embargo periods (up to 12 months) if data are part of ongoing research. Requests must justify:

• Intellectual property concerns
• Ongoing analysis
• Competitive disadvantages

 

7. Peer Review of Data

Reviewers may:

• Request access to data for validation
• Assess methodology and reproducibility

Editors may reject papers with insufficient data transparency.

 

8. Data Misconduct

Data-related misconduct includes:

• Fabrication
• Falsification
• Data deletion to hide results
• Selective reporting
• Unavailable data without justification

Violations may lead to:

• Manuscript rejection
• Retraction
• Institutional notification

 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY

(Aligned with COPE AI Position Statements, Nature & Science Policy Guidelines, UNESCO AI Ethics Framework, and International Standards for AI-Assisted Research)

Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and language models (LLMs) are increasingly influencing the research and publishing landscape. IJLSS acknowledges the benefits of AI while safeguarding against ethical, scientific, and integrity risks.

The journal provides a comprehensive AI Use and Disclosure Policy to regulate the responsible use of AI tools in research, writing, data analysis, and peer review.

 

1. Acceptable Uses of AI in Research and Writing

Authors may use AI for:

• Grammar refinement
• Language polishing
• Data visualization assistance
• Preliminary exploratory analysis
• Coding or software support
• Statistical automation (with verification)

However:
AI tools must NOT replace critical reasoning, scientific interpretation, or original scholarly work.

AI cannot:

• Generate unpublished data
• Fabricate literature
• Infer conclusions
• Provide unverifiable facts

 

2. Mandatory AI Disclosure

Authors must explicitly disclose:

• Type of AI tool used
• Purpose of use
• Extent of involvement
• Version or model (e.g., GPT-5.1)

Example disclosure:

“We used ChatGPT-5.1 for language editing only. All scientific reasoning, data analysis, and conclusions are the authors’ own.”

Failure to disclose AI use constitutes academic misconduct.

 

3. Prohibited Uses of AI

AI tools must NOT be used to:

3.1 Generate Research Content

AI cannot write:

• Literature reviews
• Results
• Methodology
• Data interpretations
• Abstracts summarizing non-author content

3.2 Fabricate Data

AI-generated:

• Datasets
• Surveys
• Statistical outputs
• Experimental results

are prohibited.

3.3 Replace Human Authorship

AI is not an author.

AI cannot:

• Be listed in author contributions
• Approve manuscripts
• Accept responsibility

3.4 Conduct Peer Review

AI-generated reviewer reports are prohibited due to:

• Confidentiality breaches
• Risk of hallucinations
• Inaccurate evaluations

Reviewers must provide fully human-evaluated critiques.

 

4. AI and Image/Graph Generation

AI-assisted image or graph generation is allowed only if:

• It does not manipulate scientific results
• It accurately reflects empirical data
• It includes a disclosure
• It avoids misleading visual representation

Authors must state:

• Whether original images were modified
• How AI tools were used
• Whether graphic adjustments altered interpretation

 

5. Plagiarism Risks with AI

AI outputs may inadvertently reproduce:

• Copyrighted content
• Existing academic text
• Non-cited ideas

Authors must ensure:

• Full originality
• Proper attribution
• Compliance with anti-plagiarism standards

 

6. Data Privacy and AI Tools

Authors must not input:

• Confidential data
• Raw patient information
• Sensitive or proprietary content

into AI systems that store user data.

 

7. Accountability

Authors remain fully accountable for:

• Accuracy
• Validity
• Ethical compliance
• Conclusions
• Data integrity

AI cannot be cited as responsible for errors.

 

8. Editorial and Peer Review Use of AI

Editors and reviewers may NOT use AI tools to:

• Evaluate manuscripts
• Analyze confidential text
• Interpret sensitive data
• Draft reviewer reports

However, AI may be used for:

• Grammar checks of editorial communication
• Scheduling
• Similarity report assistance

Confidential content must never be uploaded to third-party AI systems.

 

9. AI-Generated Research Misconduct

AI misuse includes:

• Hallucinated references
• Fake literature
• Fabricated citations
• AI-generated manuscripts
• Misleading AI-generated data

Consequences include:

• Immediate rejection
• Retraction
• Reporting to institutions

 

10. Future Adaptation

Given the rapidly evolving AI landscape, IJLSS regularly updates its AI policy to align with global standards from:

• COPE
• UNESCO
• WAME
• ICMJE
• OECD
• International AI governance bodies

 

Aligned with COPE Core Practices, ICMJE Funding Transparency Guidelines, DOAJ Best Practices, OASPA Principles, UNESCO Research Ethics Standards, and global expectations for scholarly publishers.

 

GRANT SUPPORT

(Aligned with International Funding Transparency Standards, ICMJE Recommendations, and COPE Best Practices)

The Insights–Journal of Life and Social Sciences (IJLSS) recognizes the critical importance of financial transparency in scholarly publishing. Funding sources influence research design, data interpretation, and overall study integrity; therefore, clear disclosure of grant support promotes accountability, strengthens ethical compliance, and enhances trust among readers, reviewers, and the wider academic community.

The journal follows globally established guidelines—such as the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) funding disclosure requirements, COPE transparency principles, WAME editorial best practices, and UNESCO research ethics frameworks—to ensure that all financial contributions supporting published work are openly declared, accurately represented, and ethically safeguarded.

 

1. Purpose of Grant Support Disclosure

Grant support disclosure ensures that:

• Readers understand the financial context of the research
• Potential biases or conflicts are recognized and evaluated
• Editorial decisions remain fair, objective, and un-influenced
• The journal maintains full compliance with international ethical norms
• Transparency is upheld throughout the scholarly communication process

Financial support does not inherently compromise the quality or neutrality of research; however, undisclosed funding sources may raise concerns about credibility. The journal therefore mandates full transparency.

 

2. What Must Be Disclosed

2.1 Direct Funding

Any funds used specifically for the research project, including:

• Research grants
• Institutional or departmental funding
• NGO or foundation support
• Government-funded projects
• International development grants
• Clinical or laboratory funding

2.2 Indirect Funding

Includes contributions that assisted the research indirectly:

• Provision of equipment
• Transportation and fieldwork support
• Software licenses
• Research assistants or staff support
• Access to laboratories and research facilities

2.3 Commercial and Industrial Sponsorship

Studies funded by:

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biomedical firms
• Private corporations
• Contract research organizations
  require clear disclosure, including:
• Sponsor name
• Nature of involvement
• Influence over data analysis, interpretation, or publication

2.4 Personal or Institutional Financial Assistance

Examples include:

• Graduate research fellowships
• Doctoral or postdoctoral scholarships
• University research incentive grants
• Teaching relief grants

 

3. Mandatory Funding Statement in Manuscripts

Every manuscript submitted to IJLSS must include a funding statement, even if no external support was received.

 

Funding Received:

“This research was supported by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan under Grant No. HEC-RG-2025-41.”

No External Funding:

“This study received no external funding. All research activities were conducted independently by the authors.”

Multiple Funding Sources:

“This work was funded by the Pakistan Science Foundation (Project 2024-PSF-62) and partially supported by the University Research Support Program.”

The funding statement should appear:

• At the end of the manuscript
• Before the Conflict of Interest declaration
• In the cover letter
• In submission metadata

 

4. Role of Funders in the Research Process

IJLSS requires all authors to clearly describe:

• Whether funders influenced study design
• Whether they participated in data collection or analysis
• Whether they had access to raw data
• Whether they approved or edited the manuscript
• Whether they controlled the decision to publish

Unacceptable Conditions

Studies where funders:

• Require suppression of negative results
• Demand approval of final manuscripts
• Restrict data sharing
• Exert influence on methodology

Such studies may be rejected due to ethical non-compliance.

 

5. Editorial Independence and Funding

The journal maintains strict editorial independence:

• Funding agencies cannot influence editorial decisions
• Sponsorship does not guarantee acceptance
• Reviewers are blinded to funding details during review

This separation protects scientific credibility.

 

6. Post-Publication Funding Concerns

If funding concerns arise after publication:

• A correction may be issued
• Missing funding declarations will be added
• In cases of deliberate concealment, retraction may occur
• Institutions may be notified if misconduct is confirmed

IJLSS prioritizes transparency to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record.

 

7. Journal Funding and Sustainability

IJLSS itself is sustained through:

• Publication house revenues
• Article processing charges
• Consultation services
• Research seminar fees
• Educational program revenues

The journal does not permit:

• Commercial advertising influence
• Biased sponsorship
• Sponsored editorial decisions

The goal is to maintain independence, quality, and integrity.

 

Indexing & Abstracting

IJLSS is indexed in:

• Google Scholar
• ResearchGate
• Academia.edu
• OpenAlex
• Semantic Scholar

Planned applications include:

• DOAJ
• Scopus
• ESCI (Web of Science)

The journal continues to enhance metadata, citation standards, and digital infrastructure to support wider indexation.