Conflicts of Interest

Transparency regarding competing interests is essential for evaluating the potential for bias.

Author Disclosure Obligations

Authors must disclose any entity that could be perceived as influencing their work. This includes:

• Financial Interests: Research grants, fellowships, salaries, consulting fees, stock ownership, patents, and travel grants.
• Non-Financial Interests: Personal relationships, academic affiliations, political or religious beliefs, and membership in relevant advocacy groups.

These disclosures are published as an integral part of the accepted article.

Reviewer and Editor Recusal Criteria

Reviewers must conduct a rigorous self-assessment before accepting a review assignment. If there is any doubt regarding their impartiality, they must decline immediately.

Editors must not handle manuscripts where they have a competing interest, ensuring the editorial decision-making process remains beyond reproach.