The editorial process of a journal is difficult and detailed. Responsibility for this process lies in the hands of both the authors and the reviewers, since it will be reflected in the quality of the scientific studies published. In this process, the editor(s) need to take on a fair and objective role in assessing the reviewers’ reports, through seeking impartiality, always with constructive criticism, so as to achieve the best from the scientific study that has been evaluated. The reviewers are generally researchers within the field of knowledge that is being assessed and are available to carry out this function. Thus, they need to bear in mind the ethical principles relating to conducting research and publishing results. Another important point is that they must have ethical awareness of the need to not have conflicts of interest with any of the aspects of publication of the study under evaluation.
The good name of a journal depends directly on the ethical principles of scientific publication. The journal gains transparency and trust among its readers, reviewers and researchers who submit their studies, through adhering to these principles. Hence, the reviewers are important in relation to journal evolution and appraisal. Nonetheless, the authors’ responsibility is no less important, since good studies need to be well structured and take a broad approach to their objectives, given that they have to answer the main research question and thus, in amongst studies relating to the same line of research, seek to address points that none of the previous studies had been able to clarify.
It is clear that researchers developing a new study have the task of demonstrating that they have used new protocols and creativity in addressing the unanswered question within their research topic. They should always seek to bring in an innovative scientific contribution. To do so, they need particularly to think about and observe whether disease agents are transmitted by vectors in nature and whether other possible reservoirs that have not yet been studied have any participation. Scientific thinking among all researchers needs to be enthusiastically engaged in the intriguing world of parasites.
Finally, the editors always need to be up to date with regard to ethical issues and development of research, so that they can act competently and responsibly in relation to submission and publication of scientific studies.
Publication Dates
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Publication in this collection
Jan-Mar 2016
