The editor is responsible for ensuring that the peer review process is fair, unbiased, and timely. All research articles undergo a double-blind peer review process. When necessary, the editor may seek additional expert opinions to ensure the quality and integrity of the review.
Reviewers are selected based on their expertise in the relevant field, and the editor must follow best practices to avoid the use of fraudulent or unqualified reviewers. The editor also reviews all disclosures of potential conflicts of interest and any suggestions for self-citation made by reviewers to assess possible bias.
If a conflict of interest arises concerning a specific manuscript, another Editorial Board member will be assigned to oversee the peer review process independently. Reviewer identities are kept strictly confidential, and the pre-publication history of articles is not made publicly available.
Providing false or misleading information—such as fake author or reviewer names or email addresses—will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript and may lead to further action under the publisher’s misconduct policy.
Guest editorials submitted by authors are reviewed internally by the Editor-in-Chief or Editor and then externally by an independent guest editor for the final decision.
Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Technologies in the Peer Review Process
Crosslinks International Publishers upholds the highest standards of integrity and confidentiality in the peer review process. Manuscripts sent for review are strictly confidential documents and must not be shared, uploaded, or processed using generative AI or AI-assisted tools. Doing so may compromise the confidentiality and proprietary rights of authors, and, in cases involving personal data, may also breach data privacy regulations.
This confidentiality requirement also applies to peer review reports, which may include sensitive or identifiable information. Reviewers should therefore not use AI tools—even for tasks such as improving language or readability—when preparing their review reports.
Peer review is a human-driven process that requires independent judgment, critical evaluation, and subject expertise. Generative AI or AI-assisted technologies must not be used to perform or assist in the scientific evaluation of manuscripts. Such technologies lack the nuanced reasoning and accountability expected of human reviewers and may introduce errors, bias, or incomplete analysis.
The reviewer remains fully responsible and accountable for the content and integrity of their review report.

All articles published in journals under the umbrella of Crosslinks International Publishers are made freely accessible online to readers worldwide. We are committed to the principles of open access, ensuring that scholarly content is available without subscription or paywall barriers.
All published content is released under the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided that the original authors and source are properly credited.
This licensing model reflects our dedication to global knowledge dissemination and supports the free exchange of scientific research across disciplines and borders.

Crosslinks International Publishers is dedicated to the long-term preservation and accessibility of all published research. To ensure permanent availability, we regularly convert and upgrade digital file formats in line with evolving technology standards.
We also collaborate with trusted archiving organizations to safeguard scholarly content. Our journals use the PKP Private LOCKSS network, which stores copies of journal content across a network of participating libraries. This system ensures that permanent, secure files are maintained and can be restored if necessary.
Additionally, each published article is assigned a unique DOI (Digital Object Identifier) to ensure consistent accessibility and reliable citation over time.

As part of our commitment to maintaining the integrity and transparency of the scholarly record, Crosslinks International Publishers ensures that all articles published across its journals are assigned a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) and are permanently archived, regardless of the outcome of post-publication peer review.
We support version control through the CrossMark initiative, a multi-publisher program that enables readers to easily identify the current version of a published article. Once published, each version of an article becomes a permanent part of the scholarly record and cannot be altered or withdrawn. Authors may submit updated versions, which are added to the article’s version history and clearly marked on the journal’s website.
By implementing CrossMark, we affirm our responsibility to maintain the accuracy of published content and to notify readers of any updates or corrections as they arise.
Post-Publication Updates
Addendum
If essential findings were unintentionally omitted from the original article, authors may submit an Addendum. This will be published in the current issue and hyperlinked to the original article, without modifying the original version.
Erratum
An Erratum is issued for significant formatting issues or errors in the author/contributor list. Minor typographical or grammatical mistakes that do not affect the article’s meaning or readability do not qualify. Authors are encouraged to carefully proofread their final manuscripts before publication.
Corrections

1. Authors requesting a name change post-publication may contact the Editorial Office. The article will be updated and republished, and metadata will be revised accordingly. To protect author privacy, no Erratum will be issued and co-authors will not be notified.
2. Scientifically relevant errors that do not alter the article’s conclusions—such as missing methodological details or clarifications—may be addressed through a Correction notice. These are reviewed by academic editors and published as separate updates. The original article will be updated, and a note will be added to the Article Version Notes and abstract page.

Retractions
Retractions are issued when an article is found to compromise the integrity of the scientific record, due to issues such as:

1. Ethical violations
2. Data fabrication or falsification
3. Plagiarism
4. Major unintentional errors

Crosslinks International Publishers adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines for retractions. Investigations are conducted by the Editorial Office in consultation with the Editorial Board, with final approval from the Editor-in-Chief.
Retracted articles remain accessible on the journal’s website, clearly marked with a “RETRACTED” watermark, and should not be cited or used in future research. Retraction notices are published in the current issue, listing the same authorship and affiliations, and assigned page numbers. In cases where only part of the article is compromised, a partial retraction may be issued.
Complete removal of an article is rare and only considered when content is deemed illegal or poses significant harm.

At Crosslinks International Publishers, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. The following guidelines apply to all journals under our umbrella and are aligned with international best practices, including those set forth by the ICMJE and COPE.

Authorship Disputes & Acknowledgements

We strongly advocate for the ethical recognition of all individuals who contribute to scholarly work. Contributions that do not meet authorship criteria should be acknowledged appropriately.

1. Individuals who provided technical support, data collection, writing assistance, or departmental oversight should be credited in the Acknowledgements section.
2. Contributions must be described in accordance with ICMJE authorship criteria.
3. All acknowledged individuals must be informed of their inclusion.
4. Funding sources and access to specialized equipment or facilities must also be acknowledged.

Informed Consent & Participant Confidentiality

To protect the rights and privacy of research participants, authors must adhere to the following principles:

1. Prior authorization must be obtained before including identifiable personal data, case details, or images, in compliance with local and international privacy laws.
2. Written informed consent is required from individuals (or their legal guardians) featured in any identifiable form—photographs, videos, case reports, or illustrations—along with full disclosure of intended use.
3. Consent must comply fully with applicable data protection regulations. Special care is required when involving minors, individuals with special needs, or when publishing facial images or personal identifiers.
4. If a parent or guardian objects to the use of a child’s image, it must not be published. Only images of children in appropriate attire should be considered for publication.
5. Even with consent, content must be presented respectfully and without disparagement.
6. Authors must confirm that informed consent to participate was obtained from all adult subjects or legal guardians of minors.
7. Identifiable information such as names, initials, ID numbers, or birth dates must not be included.
8. Images of patients or participants should only be published when scientifically necessary and with explicit written consent. Editors may request submission of consent documentation.
9. If anonymity cannot be guaranteed, informed consent is mandatory.
10. Authors must ensure that editorial decisions do not misrepresent the scientific intent of the work.
11. Fully anonymized images (e.g., X-rays, pathology slides) do not require consent if they contain no identifying marks or accompanying text that could reveal identity.
12. Eye bars or facial blurring are not sufficient substitutes for consent.
13. Authors must follow the CARE guidelines when submitting case reports.

Conflicts of Interest, Grant Support & Financial Disclosure

Transparency regarding potential conflicts of interest is essential to maintaining trust in the publication process.

1. All authors must disclose any financial or personal relationships that could influence their work.
2. Financial conflicts may include, but are not limited to: consultancies, stock ownership, honoraria, paid expert testimony, patents, or travel grants received within three years of the submitted work.
3. If no conflicts exist, authors must explicitly state “no conflict of interest.”
4. Authors of funded studies must submit a signed declaration confirming:
   • Full access to all data
   • Responsibility for data accuracy
   • Integrity of data analysis
5. Reviewers are also required to disclose any potential conflicts related to the manuscripts they are assigned.
6. All conflict-of-interest statements, funding sources, and financial disclosures are published alongside the article.

Protection of Research Participants

Approval of Ethical Committee/ Use of humans and animals/ Helsinki Declaration

1. We presume that all authors adhere to the values of responsible research conduct, including objectivity, honesty, openness, fairness, and stewardship.
2. All submitted manuscripts must demonstrate compliance with COPE standards https://publicationethics.org/case/ethical-standards-animal-research, and any allegations of misconduct will be handled in accordance with these guidelines.
3. Authors are required to submit ethical approval certificates for any research involving human participants or animals at the time of manuscript submission.
4. Studies involving human subjects must reference and comply with the latest version of the Declaration of Helsinki.
5. We follow the ICMJE Recommendations  and the World Medical Association’s ethical principles medical research involving human participants.
6. If any aspect of a study deviates from the Helsinki Declaration, authors must provide justification and evidence of institutional review board approval for those components.

Animal Research Ethics

1. Authors must comply with the WMA  declaration on animal use in biomedical research, the International Association of Veterinary Editors’ guidelines, and the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
2. A written certification confirming adherence to all legal and ethical standards for animal welfare is required.
3. The Methods section must detail procedures used to minimize pain or discomfort, along with information on animal care.

The 3Rs Principle

We encourage researchers to apply the 3Rs principle in studies involving human and animal subjects:

1. Replacement: Use alternative methods that avoid or replace the use of animals.
2. Reduction: Minimize the number of animals used without compromising scientific validity.
3. Refinement: Modify procedures to reduce suffering and enhance animal welfare.

Research Ethics Policies for Studies Involving Clinical Trials (CT) Registration

Crosslinks International Publishers adheres to the ethical standards outlined by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) for all studies involving clinical trials submitted to journals under its umbrella.

Definition of Clinical Trials

According to ICMJE guidelines, a clinical trial is defined as any research study that prospectively assigns human participants to intervention or comparison groups to evaluate the causal relationship between a medical intervention and a health outcome. Studies with alternative objectives—such as pharmacokinetic assessments or toxicity evaluations (e.g., Phase I trials)—are generally exempt from this definition.

Trial Registration Requirements

Although the ICMJE does not endorse a specific registry, authors submitting clinical trial manuscripts must register their studies in an international trial registry that meets the following criteria:

1. Publicly accessible and free of charge
2. Open to all registrants
3. Managed by a recognized organization
4. Electronically searchable
5. Validated registration data

Minimum Registry Information

To ensure transparency and accountability, the registry must include the following core details:

1. Unique trial identification number
2. Description of interventions and comparison groups
3. Clear study hypothesis
4. Defined primary and secondary outcome measures
5. Eligibility criteria for participants
6. Key trial dates: registration, anticipated or actual start, last follow-up, closure to data entry, and completion
7. Expected sample size
8. Funding source
9. Principal investigator contact information

Ethical Transparency and Participant Rights

1. Trial registration is a critical component of ethical research conduct and public accountability. Participants must be informed that their contribution to clinical research will help generate knowledge that is freely accessible and used to guide healthcare decisions.
2. The Clinical Trial Registration number must be clearly stated in the manuscript at the time of submission.

Crosslinks International Publishers maintains a zero-tolerance stance on plagiarism across all journals under its umbrella. Plagiarism is defined as the misrepresentation of another author’s language, ideas, expressions, or intellectual output as one’s own original work. This includes self-plagiarism, such as:

1. Duplicate or redundant publication
2. Content recycling
3. Salami slicing (fragmenting research into multiple publications)

We strictly adhere to the ethical standards and recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) , the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE),

Consequences of Plagiarism

1. Before publication: Proven plagiarism results in immediate rejection, and authors may be barred from future submissions for a period of one or more years.
2. After publication: The article will be retracted, and authors may face temporary or permanent bans. The parent institution may be notified for disciplinary action.

Plagiarism is considered a serious breach of academic integrity and will be dealt with accordingly.

Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Manuscripts

We recognize the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in research and manuscript development. To promote transparency, ethical conduct, and proper attribution, the following guidelines apply to all submissions involving AI-assisted technologies:

Disclosure Requirement

Authors must explicitly disclose the use of AI tools (e.g., chatbots, image generators) in their manuscript preparation. This disclosure should appear in the methodology section or as a separate statement within the submission.

Authorship Integrity

AI tools must not be listed as authors. Authorship must reflect the human contributors responsible for the study design, analysis, and interpretation.

Human Oversight

Authors are fully responsible for:

1. Reviewing and validating AI-generated content
2. Ensuring accuracy and appropriateness
3. Verifying the absence of plagiarism or ethical violations

Attribution of AI-Generated Content

Any content created or significantly influenced by AI must be clearly identified in the manuscript. Authors should provide:

1. Citations or references to the AI tools, algorithms, or datasets used
2. A description of which sections were AI-assisted

These policies ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically in scholarly publishing.

Use of Generative AI and AI-Assisted Tools in Figures, Images, and Artwork

Crosslinks International Publishers does not permit the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to create, modify, or manipulate images, figures, or artwork in submitted manuscripts. This includes enhancing, obscuring, moving, removing, or adding elements within an image or figure.

Basic adjustments to brightness, contrast, or color balance are acceptable only if they do not alter or obscure original data. Submitted manuscripts may be screened using image forensics tools or specialized software to detect potential image irregularities.

The only exception is when AI or AI-assisted tools are an integral part of the research methodology—for example, in AI-assisted imaging used for data generation or interpretation in fields such as biomedical research. In such cases, the use of AI tools must be clearly and reproducibly described in the Methods section, including:

1. How the AI tool was applied in image creation or modification.
2. The name of the model or tool, its version and extension number, and the manufacturer.
3. Confirmation of adherence to the AI software’s usage policies and proper attribution of generated content.
4. Authors may be asked to provide original, unaltered images or raw composite files for editorial verification.
5. The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools to produce graphical abstracts or other illustrative artwork is not permitted. Limited exceptions may apply to cover art, but only with prior approval from the journal editor and publisher, and if authors demonstrate that:
6. All necessary usage rights have been secured; and
7. Appropriate credit and attribution are provided.

Authors are fully permitted to deposit all versions of their manuscripts in institutional or subject-specific repositories. This includes:

1. Preprint (original version prior to peer review)
2. Author’s Accepted Manuscript (post-peer review, pre-typesetting)
3. Version of Record (final published version)

There is no embargo period applied. Authors are encouraged to make their work openly accessible to enhance visibility, citation, and scholarly impact.

To promote transparency and reproducibility in research, authors are encouraged to deposit their datasets in publicly accessible repositories. A link or reference to the dataset should be included in the Data Availability section at the end of the manuscript.

Authors may choose any recognized data repository that ensures long-term preservation and accessibility. Shared data should be clearly cited and comply with ethical and legal standards.

Crosslinks International Publishers is committed to maintaining transparency, fairness, and accountability in all editorial decisions across its journals. We provide a formal mechanism for addressing concerns raised by readers, authors, reviewers, or other stakeholders.

Submitting an Appeal

Appeals may be submitted via the journal’s official emails , Appeals may pertain to, but are not limited to:

1. Editorial conflicts
2. Delays in peer review or publication
3. Article Processing Charges (APCs)
4. Rejection of manuscripts

All appeals should be addressed to the Chief Editor, who will initiate the review process.

Review and Resolution

Upon receipt, the appeal will be referred to the Appeals Committee, a designated panel within the Editorial Board/Advisory Board, for examination and recommendation. The committee will assess the case and provide guidance to the Board for a final decision.

This process ensures that all concerns are handled with professionalism, impartiality, and respect for academic integrity.

Crosslinks International Publishers is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. In the event of suspected publication misconduct—whether involving an author, reviewer, editor, or member of the Editorial Board—we provide a formal mechanism for submitting and investigating complaints.

Submitting a Complaint

Any individual, including readers, authors, reviewers, or other stakeholders, may submit a written complaint to the Chief Editor via the journal’s official emails.

Complaints may relate to, but are not limited to:

1. Ethical breaches
2. Conflicts of interest
3. Manipulation of peer review
4. Plagiarism or data falsification
5. Editorial bias or misconduct

Investigation and Resolution

Upon receipt, the complaint will be referred to the Complaints Process Committee, a designated panel within the Editorial Board/Advisory Board, responsible for reviewing the case and recommending appropriate action to the Board.

All complaints are handled with confidentiality, impartiality, and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the scholarly record.

Crosslinks International Publishers is committed to maintaining the integrity and ethical standards of scholarly publishing across all journals under its umbrella. Authors are expected to submit all required documentation accurately, honestly, and in full during the manuscript submission process.

Verification and Accountability

While the publisher does not assume direct liability for fraudulent submissions, including false authorship declarations, ethical approval letters, data collection permissions, or trial registration numbers—it reserves the right to verify the authenticity of any submitted document. This may include:

1. Contacting relevant institutions or authorities
2. Cross-referencing with publicly available databases
3. Requesting clarification or supporting evidence from the authors

Authors are expected to cooperate fully with any verification procedures and provide requested documentation promptly and accurately.

Consequences of Misconduct

If false documentation is discovered, the following sanctions may be applied:

1. Immediate rejection of the manuscript
2. Blacklisting of the author(s) from submitting to the journal for a minimum of three (3) years
3. Referral to relevant professional bodies or regulatory authorities for further investigation and potential disciplinary action

Crosslinks International Publishers takes academic dishonesty seriously and will act decisively to protect the credibility of its publications and the broader research community.

All content published under journals of Crosslinks International Publishers is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).

Under this license, readers are free to:

1. Share – Copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
2. Adapt – Remix, transform, and build upon the material

These freedoms are granted under the following conditions:

1. Attribution – Proper credit must be given to the original source and authors. Any modifications made to the original work must be clearly indicated.
2. Non-Commercial Use – The material may not be used for commercial purposes.
3. No Additional Restrictions – Readers may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from exercising the rights granted under this license.

This licensing model supports open access and encourages the free exchange of knowledge while ensuring appropriate recognition of original authorship.

Crosslinks International Publishers is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals who interact with its journals. Any names, email addresses, or personal information submitted through our journal platforms will be used solely for the purposes explicitly stated by the journal—such as editorial correspondence, publication updates, or peer review communication.

This information will not be shared, sold, or disclosed to any third party or used for any other purpose beyond the scope of journal operations.

Crosslinks International Publishers is committed to supporting the dissemination of high-quality research, regardless of financial constraints. We believe that publication fees should not be a barrier to the sharing of valuable scientific work.
Authors who are unable to pay the full article processing charges (APCs) may formally request a full or partial waiver. Each request will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and decisions will be made with fairness and discretion.
Waiver requests should be submitted at the time of manuscript submission, along with a brief justification. We encourage authors to reach out if financial limitations may impact their ability to publish, as our goal is to ensure that worthy research is not excluded due to cost.

All advertising content submitted for publication in journals under Crosslinks International Publishers is subject to the following terms:

Review and Approval

1. All advertisements are subject to editorial approval and may be rejected or canceled at any time at the discretion of the publisher.
2. Acceptance of an advertisement implies that the advertiser and agency warrant full authorization to publish all content and materials.

Legal Responsibility and Indemnification

Advertisers and their agencies agree to indemnify and hold harmless the publisher, its staff, and affiliates from any liabilities, including legal fees, arising from claims related to:

1. Libel
2. Invasion of privacy
3. Copyright infringement
4. Plagiarism

Placement and Positioning

While efforts are made to honor placement requests, fixed positioning is not guaranteed.The publisher is not liable for errors in ad display or printing, nor for incidental or consequential damages.

Contractual Terms

1. The publisher reserves the right to amend advertising terms at any time, with changes applying only to future placements.
2. Insertion orders or copy instructions with conflicting conditions will not be binding unless explicitly agreed upon in writing.
3. In cases of nonpayment, the publisher may hold both the advertiser and agency jointly and severally liable for outstanding balances.

Pharmaceutical Advertising

1. Ads for pharmaceutical products must include:
   • Generic or chemical names
   • Active ingredient quantities
   • Recommended dosages
2. All pharmaceutical ads must comply with local regulatory requirements and be submitted at least two weeks in advance for clearance.

Digital Advertising

1. Use of the publisher’s trademarks or copyrighted material in digital ads or links requires prior written approval.
2. Unauthorized linking is prohibited.
3. The publisher does not endorse or assume responsibility for third-party websites linked through advertisements.
4. The use of tracking technologies (e.g., pixels, cookies, beacons) to collect personally identifiable information is strictly prohibited.

Digital Advertising Cancellation Policy

Advertisers may cancel their digital advertising campaigns, either in full or in part, subject to the following terms:

Run-of-Site Banner Programs

1. No penalty will be applied for cancellations made 21 days or more prior to the scheduled campaign start date, provided written notice is submitted to the publisher.
2. For cancellations made within 21 days of the start date, the advertiser will be charged 50% of the reserved campaign amount.

Flat Fee-Based, Share-of-Voice (SOV), or Fixed Placement Programs

1. No penalty will be applied for cancellations made 30 days or more before the campaign start date, with written notice to the publisher.
2. For cancellations made between 30 and 15 days prior to the start date, the advertiser will be charged 50% of the reserved campaign amount.
3. For cancellations made within 14 days of the campaign start date, the advertiser will be charged 100% of the reserved campaign amount.

These policies ensure fair scheduling and resource allocation while maintaining flexibility for advertisers.