Publishing Ethics

Publication Ethics of Arabic Journal for Dry Environments (AAE)

The Arab Journal of Arid Environments (AAE) is a scientific refereed periodical (Twice a year), which is published by the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid zones and Dry lands (ACSAD) that is concerned with creative, original researches and studies of biodiversity, desertification, rangeland management, stresses and different agricultural sciences related to arid and semi-arid environments. The journal accepts scientific researches and original results put in short application studies.

ACSAD is a regional center for research and studies on the development of the arid and semi-arid areas of the Arab World. ACSAD’s activities include research, training programs, organizing scientific meetings, providing technical advice and assistance and establishing technical cooperation with Arab and international organizations.

Ethical Standards

Publication of an article in our journal serves several functions, one of which is to validate and preserve the “minutes” of research. It is therefore of immense importance that these “minutes” are accurate and trustworthy. The act of publishing involves many parties, each of which plays an important role in achieving these aims. It therefore follows that the author, the journal editor, the peer-reviewer, the publisher and have responsibilities to meet expected ethical standards at all stages in their involvement from submission to publication of an article.

Arabic journal for dry environments is committed to meet and uphold standards of ethical behavior at all stages of the publication process. We follow closely the recommendations of many associations, such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) that set standards and provide guidelines for best practices in order to meet these requirements. Below is a summary of ethical expectations of editors, peer-reviewers and authors.

1. ETHICAL EXPECTATIONS

Editors’ responsibilities

• To act in a balance, objective and fair way while carrying out their expected duties, without discrimination on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, religious or political beliefs, ethnic or geographical origin of the authors.
• To handle submissions for sponsored supplements or special issues in the same way as other submissions, so that articles are considered and accepted solely on their academic merit and without commercial influence.
• To give authors a reasonable opportunity to respond to any complaints. All complaints should be investigated no matter when the original publication was approved. Documentation associated with any such complaints should be retained.

Reviewers‘ responsibilities

• To contribute to the decision-making process, and to assist in improving the quality of the published paper by reviewing the manuscript objectively, in a timely manner.
• To maintain the confidentiality of any information supplied by the editor or author. To not retain or copy the manuscript.
• To alert the editor to any published or submitted content that is substantially similar to that under review.
• To be aware of any potential conflicts of interest (financial, institutional, collaborative or other relationships between the reviewer and author) and to alert the editor to these, if necessary withdrawing their services for that manuscript.

Authors‘ responsibilities

• To maintain accurate records of data associated with their submitted manuscript, and to supply or provide access to these data, on reasonable request. Where appropriate and where allowed by employer, funding body and others who might have an interest, to deposit data in a suitable repository or storage location, for sharing and further use by others.
• To assert that the manuscript as submitted is not under consideration or accepted for publication elsewhere. Where portions of the content overlap with published or submitted content, to acknowledge and cite those sources. Additionally, to provide the editor with a copy of any submitted manuscript that might contain overlapping or closely related content.
• To confirm that all the work in the submitted manuscript is original and to acknowledge and cite content reproduced from other sources. To obtain permission to reproduce any content from other sources.
• To declare any potential conflicts of interest (e.g. where the author has a competing interest (real or apparent) that could be considered or viewed as exerting an undue influence on his or her duties at any stage during the publication process).
• To notify promptly the journal editor or publisher if a significant error in their publication is identified. To cooperate with the editor and publisher to publish an erratum, addendum, corrigendum notice, or to retract the paper, where this is deemed necessary.

Publisher or Society responsibilities:

Both Arabic journal for dry environments and ACSAD -on behalf of which it publishes- shall ensure that good practice is maintained to the standards outlined above.

Procedures for dealing with unethical behaviour

Identification of unethical behavior:

• Misconduct and unethical behavior may be identified and brought to the attention of the editor and publisher (ACSAD) at any time, by anyone.
• Whoever informs the editor or publisher of such misconduct should provide sufficient information and evidence in order for an investigation to be initiated. All allegations should be taken seriously and treated in the same way, until a successful decision or conclusion is reached.

Investigation:

• An initial decision should be taken by the editor, who should consult with or seek advice from the publisher, if appropriate.
• Evidence should be gathered, while avoiding spreading any allegations beyond those who need to know.

Managing Editor 

Dr. Naser Edin Obeid