To ensure the authenticity, reproducibility and transparency of academic research, to practice research integrity, and to standardize the use and management of data related to manuscripts, this data policy is formulated in light of the characteristics and publication practices of this journal. It applies to all authors, reviewers and publishers who submit to this journal.
1.Data Ethics Requirements for Authors
(1)Ensure that all data in the manuscript are true, complete and accurate, and that the sources are legal and compliant. It is strictly prohibited to forge, tamper with or selectively report data, to fabricate experimental data, charts and statistical results, and to conceal key data that contradicts the research conclusion.
(2)Properly retain the original data, experimental records, data processing codes, analysis processes and related supporting materials related to the research.
(3)For data from others or public data used in the manuscript, the source must be clearly marked (including database name, DOI, author, publication year, etc.), and can only be used after obtaining authorization. It is strictly prohibited to use others' data without authorization.
(4)For data involving confidential information, personal privacy or business secrets, the author must submit a desensitization certificate and confidentiality approval document issued by the author's institution when submitting the manuscript, clearly stating the scope and restrictions of used data to avoid illegal disclosure of information. Such data can apply for exemption from public disclosure, but must cooperate with the editorial office's verification work.
2.Data Ethics Requirements for Reviewers
(1)During the review process, the authenticity, rationality and completeness of the data in the manuscript must be verified, with a focus on the reliability of the data source, the applicability of the statistical method, and the consistency between the data and the conclusion.
(2)If any issues such as data forgery, tampering, unclear source, repeated use without marking are found, the editorial office must be informed in a timely manner, and relevant verification basis must be provided. It is strictly prohibited to conceal any clues of academic misconduct.
(3)Reviewers must keep the author's original data and unpublished data confidential, and must not use, disseminate or disclose them without authorization, nor use the author's data for their own research or other purposes.
3.Data Ethics Requirements for Publishers
(1)The editorial office has the right to request authors to provide original data, experimental records and other supporting materials during the review and editing process to verify the authenticity of the data and the reproducibility of the research. Authors must cooperate actively.
(2)Strictly protect the privacy and intellectual property rights of authors' data, and must not disclose the authors' unpublished original data or research results without authorization, nor use the authors' data for purposes other than publication.
(3)For academic misconduct related to data (such as data forgery, tampering, theft, etc.), the editorial office will strictly enforce the journal's regulations on handling academic misconduct, promptly conduct investigations and verifications, take measures such as rejection or retraction, and hold relevant personnel accountable.
(4)Encourage authors to share publicly available data, assist authors in standardizing data storage and annotation formats, and promote the reuse and exchange of academic data.