EVERGREEN Journal Ethical Guidelines

EVERGREEN Journal is steadfast in its commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethical publishing. We recognize that the integrity of the scholarly record relies on the trustworthiness and transparency of the research process, from conception to publication. Our ethical guidelines are not just a formality but a foundational element that guides every aspect of our operations, reflecting our unwavering dedication to fostering a research environment that prioritizes honesty, accountability, and excellence.

We believe that the credibility of scientific knowledge depends on the meticulous application of ethical principles, and we are committed to ensuring that all stakeholders—authors, reviewers, editors, and readers—can trust the integrity of the work we publish. Our guidelines are carefully crafted to embody the values of integrity, transparency, and excellence, serving as a beacon for ethical conduct in research. By adhering to these standards, we strive to contribute positively to the global scientific community, ensuring that the knowledge we disseminate is accurate, reliable, and produced under the highest ethical standards.

1. Commitment to Originality and Plagiarism Prevention

• Commitment to Original Research: EVERGREEN Journal upholds a strict commitment to publishing only original research that contributes novel insights to the scientific community. We require that all submissions represent the unique and independent work of the authors, free from any form of duplication or replication. The integrity of the research process is paramount, and we require that manuscripts submitted to EVERGREEN Journal have not been previously published, either in full or in part, in any other journal, nor are they under consideration for publication elsewhere. To ensure the highest standards of originality, all manuscripts undergo rigorous plagiarism screening using similarity detection software iThenticate. This process is designed to identify any instances of content overlap, self-plagiarism, or inappropriate reuse of material, including text, figures, and data. Our commitment to originality is not just a procedural formality but a core value that reinforces the credibility and reliability of the research we publish. By adhering to these standards, EVERGREEN Journal plays a vital role in advancing scientific knowledge while maintaining the trust and confidence of the global academic community.
  
  We also emphasize that originality in research extends beyond avoiding duplication; it involves contributing new ideas, perspectives, and findings that advance the understanding of the subject matter. By fostering a culture of innovation and ethical research practices, EVERGREEN Journal remains dedicated to supporting the highest standards of academic excellence.
  
  
• Innovation as a Core Value: At EVERGREEN Journal, innovation is a fundamental pillar of our publishing philosophy. We believe that the advancement of science and knowledge hinges on the continuous pursuit of new ideas, methodologies, and discoveries that challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of understanding. Therefore, we place a strong emphasis on publishing research that not only contributes to the existing body of knowledge but also introduces novel perspectives, techniques, or findings that have the potential to significantly impact the field.
  
  Authors are required to clearly articulate the originality and significance of their research within the manuscript’s abstract and throughout the text. This clarity helps reviewers and readers immediately grasp the innovative aspects of the work and understand its potential contributions. We encourage authors to highlight how their research differentiates from previous studies, addresses unresolved questions, or opens new avenues for exploration.
  
  Our commitment to innovation extends beyond the mere presentation of new data. We seek to publish research that demonstrates creative thinking, rigorous experimentation, and thoughtful analysis. Whether it involves pioneering new methodologies, introducing groundbreaking theoretical frameworks, or applying existing techniques in novel ways, we value contributions that move the field forward and inspire further research and debate.
  
  By prioritizing innovation, EVERGREEN Journal aims to be a platform for cutting-edge research that not only reflects the current state of the field but also shapes its future direction. We are dedicated to supporting authors who are at the forefront of scientific inquiry and who are committed to advancing knowledge in meaningful and transformative ways.
  
  Language and Accessibility Standards: EVERGREEN Journal is dedicated to ensuring that all published content is not only of the highest scholarly quality but also fully accessible to the global scientific community. As part of this commitment, we require that all manuscripts, including references, be written in English. This ensures that the research we publish can be understood and appreciated by readers worldwide, regardless of their linguistic background.
  
  In cases where non-English words, phrases, or content are necessary—such as when citing specific terms, cultural references, or names—authors are required to provide a precise English translation alongside the original non-English text within the manuscript. This requirement is particularly pertinent in sections such as acknowledgments, where authors may need to express gratitude in their native terms. By providing translations, authors help maintain the clarity and accessibility of the manuscript, ensuring that all readers can fully engage with the content.
  
  Furthermore, we encourage authors to avoid the use of non-English content unless it is essential for the integrity of the research or the context of the discussion. The goal is to uphold the journal’s standards of clear and effective communication, making the research accessible to the broadest possible audience while respecting the cultural and linguistic diversity of our contributors.
  
  This approach reflects EVERGREEN Journal’s commitment to inclusivity and global engagement in the dissemination of scientific knowledge. By adhering to these standards, we ensure that the valuable insights and discoveries shared in our journal are accessible, understandable, and impactful on an international scale.
  　

2. Authorship and Contribution Integrity

• Ethical and Transparent Authorship Practices: EVERGREEN Journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of authorship ethics, ensuring that all contributions to research are accurately and fairly represented. Authorship is a significant responsibility and is restricted to individuals who have made substantial contributions to the research.
  
  This includes involvement in the conception and design of the study, the execution of experiments or data collection, the analysis and interpretation of the data, and the drafting or critical revision of the manuscript.
  
  Each author listed on a manuscript must have played an active and essential role in the research and writing process. It is expected that all authors have thoroughly reviewed and approved the final version of the manuscript, ensuring that it accurately reflects their contributions and adheres to the journal’s ethical standards. Additionally, all authors must agree to the manuscript’s submission to EVERGREEN Journal, affirming their collective responsibility for the work.
  
  The journal strongly discourages practices such as honorary authorship, where individuals are listed as authors without having made significant contributions, and ghostwriting, where someone who made a substantial contribution is not listed as an author. These practices undermine the integrity of the research and the trustworthiness of the publication process.
  
  In cases where multiple authors are involved, it is important that roles and contributions are clearly defined and agreed upon from the outset. This transparency helps prevent disputes over authorship and ensures that credit is given where it is due. The corresponding author holds the additional responsibility of communicating with the journal on behalf of all authors and ensuring that all authors meet the journal’s criteria for authorship.
  
  By adhering to these ethical authorship practices, EVERGREEN Journal aims to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability in the publication process. We are committed to recognizing the contributions of all researchers accurately and ensuring that the scholarly record reflects the true authorship of the work.
  　
• Affiliation Policy: EVERGREEN Journal upholds a strict policy regarding the accurate representation of affiliations, recognizing the importance of transparency and integrity in academic publishing. Authors are required to list the affiliation of the institution where the actual research has been conducted. This ensures that the contributions of the institution providing the resources, environment, and support for the research are properly acknowledged.
  
  The declared affiliation at the time of the first submission must remain unchanged throughout the review and publication process. This policy prevents any potential misrepresentation or manipulation of institutional credit, which is crucial for maintaining trust in the scholarly record. However, if authors have moved to a new institution after the research has been completed, they may add this new affiliation, provided it does not replace the original one. This allows for the accurate reflection of an author’s current professional status while preserving the integrity of the research's origins.
  
  The journal’s affiliation policy is designed to ensure that the institutional support behind the research is clearly and correctly represented, which is vital for the accountability and credibility of the published work. By adhering to this policy, EVERGREEN Journal maintains a transparent and ethical approach to authorship and institutional acknowledgment, contributing to the broader integrity of academic publishing.
  　
• No Changes After Acceptance: EVERGREEN Journal enforces a strict policy that once a manuscript has been accepted for publication, no further changes to the author list are permitted. This policy is essential for maintaining the integrity and transparency of the authorship process, ensuring that all contributions are accurately represented and that the list of authors reflects the true collaborative effort behind the research.
  
  Authors are required to carefully review and complete the author list before the manuscript is accepted. This includes ensuring that all individuals who have made significant contributions to the work are properly acknowledged, and that no one who did not contribute meaningfully is listed as an author. This ultimate confirmation of the author list must be agreed upon by all authors, and any disputes or changes must be resolved before acceptance.
  
  However, changes in authorship after the first review are permissible under specific conditions: a signed agreement must be obtained from all authors, including those being added or removed and submitted to the journal for the approval by the editor. This ensures that any alterations to the author list are made transparently and with the full consent of all contributors involved.
  
  The prohibition of changes to the author list post-acceptance safeguards against unethical practices such as adding or removing authors to manipulate credit or to accommodate political or personal pressures. It also prevents potential conflicts or misunderstandings after the manuscript has entered the publication process. By adhering to this policy, EVERGREEN Journal ensures that the published research is an accurate reflection of the collaborative efforts and intellectual contributions of the authors involved.
  　
• Transparency in Funding: At EVERGREEN Journal, we prioritize full transparency in the disclosure of funding sources to ensure the integrity and credibility of the research we publish. Authors are required to fully disclose all sources of financial support, grants, and funding that have contributed to the research and the preparation of the manuscript. This transparency is crucial for allowing readers, reviewers, and the broader academic community to assess any potential influences on the research findings.
  
  The disclosure of funding sources is not only a matter of ethical responsibility but also a reflection of the trust and collaboration between authors and their supporting institutions. Accurate funding information helps to maintain the integrity of the scholarly record and ensures that all contributions are properly acknowledged.
  
  Authors are permitted to add new funding acknowledgments if additional support is received after the initial submission, provided that this does not involve the removal of any funding sources declared at the time of the first submission. This policy ensures that the acknowledgment of financial support remains consistent and transparent throughout the review and publication process. The removal of initially declared funding sources is not allowed, as this could obscure the true origins of the support and undermine the credibility of the research.
  
  By adhering to this policy, EVERGREEN Journal upholds the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring that the financial backing behind the research is fully and accurately represented. This commitment to transparency in funding is integral to maintaining the trust and confidence of the academic community and the public in the research we publish.

3. Ethical Use and Attribution of Materials

• Permissions for Reprinted Materials: Authors are required to obtain and submit official “Permission to Reprint” documents for any figures, tables, or other materials that are copied or adapted from other sources. This requirement is crucial, as simply citing the source is not legally sufficient to meet copyright obligations. Since the authors often transfer ownership of their work to the original publishing journal, permission from the authors alone does not suffice. EVERGREEN Journal, as a fully open-access journal, upholds strict compliance with intellectual property laws, ensuring that all published content respects the rights of original creators and adheres to legal standards. Without the appropriate reprint permissions, EVERGREEN Journal cannot proceed with the publication of any material sourced from external publications.
  　
• Approval for Ethical Compliance: EVERGREEN Journal is deeply committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in research, particularly in studies involving human or animal subjects. For research involving human participants, authors are required to obtain formal approval from an institutional review board (IRB), ethics committee, or equivalent body at their university or affiliated institution. This approval must be documented and included with the manuscript submission to verify that the study meets the ethical standards for research involving human subjects.
  In addition to institutional approval, authors must secure informed consent from all participants whose data or biological material is utilised in the research. This consent ensures that participants are fully aware of the nature of the study, the use of their data, and any potential risks involved, and that they voluntarily agree to participate. Such transparency and respect for participants' rights are paramount in maintaining ethical integrity.
  
  For studies involving animals, it is imperative that research adheres to both institutional and national regulations governing the ethical treatment and use of laboratory animals. Authors must provide a detailed account of how animal welfare was ensured throughout the study, including the measures taken to minimise distress and pain. Compliance with these guidelines not only safeguards the welfare of the animals but also ensures the scientific validity and credibility of the research findings.
  
  EVERGREEN Journal requires that all ethical approvals and consent be clearly documented and submitted with the manuscript. This documentation serves as a critical part of the ethical review process, ensuring that all research published in the journal adheres to the highest standards of ethical conduct and respect for human and animal rights.

4. Peer Review Excellence (Review policy)

• Transparent Review Process: EVERGREEN Journal employs a single-blind peer review process, a model in which the identities of the authors are known to the reviewers, while the reviewers remain anonymous to the authors. This approach is designed to balance transparency with impartiality, allowing reviewers to fully evaluate the work in the context of the authors' previous research and contributions, while protecting the integrity of the review process through anonymity. The single-blind system is intended to promote fairness by minimizing potential biases, ensuring that manuscripts are assessed solely on the quality and merit of the research presented.
  　
• Diverse Expert Review: At EVERGREEN Journal, every manuscript undergoes a rigorous review process that involves the expertise of multiple reviewers from diverse backgrounds and specialties. This comprehensive assessment ensures that the research is evaluated from various perspectives, enriching the feedback and enhancing the overall quality of the publication. By engaging experts with different areas of specialization, we aim to provide a balanced and thorough evaluation that captures the complexity and nuances of the research.
  　
• Decisive and Rigorous Evaluation: The integrity of EVERGREEN Journal’s editorial process is upheld through decisive and rigorous evaluation criteria. A recommendation for rejection by any reviewer is taken with the utmost seriousness and typically results in the manuscript's rejection. This stringent approach ensures that only work meeting the highest standards of scholarly excellence is published. Our editorial decisions are grounded in a deep commitment to quality, ensuring that our publications contribute meaningfully to the field.
  　
• Comprehensive Revision Requirements: Authors submitting to EVERGREEN Journal are expected to engage fully with the review process by thoroughly addressing all comments and suggestions from both reviewers and editors. This requirement is crucial for ensuring that the final manuscript meets the journal's standards of excellence. Incomplete or inadequate revisions will lead to additional review cycles, reflecting our commitment to publishing only the highest quality research.
  　
• Mediated Communication: To maintain the integrity and impartiality of the review process, direct communication between authors and reviewers is strictly prohibited. All interactions are managed through the editorial office, which serves as a neutral intermediary. This approach ensures that the review process remains objective and free from conflicts of interest, fostering a fair and transparent environment for scholarly evaluation.
  　

5. Data Transparency and Experimental Validation

• Experimental Validation Emphasis: EVERGREEN Journal places a strong emphasis on the inclusion of experimental validation in research involving numerical simulations, such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). We encourage authors to substantiate their simulations with experimental data, preferably generated by their own research. This practice significantly enhances the credibility, reliability, and impact of the findings, ensuring that the theoretical models and simulations are grounded in empirical evidence. By prioritising experimental validation, EVERGREEN Journal aims to foster research that not only advances theoretical understanding but also demonstrates practical applicability and robustness.
  　
• Transparency in AI, ML, and Data Science: In the rapidly evolving fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Science, transparency is paramount. EVERGREEN Journal strongly encourages authors to share their training data alongside their research. This openness supports the reproducibility of results, allowing other researchers to validate and build upon the work. Sharing training data also contributes to the broader scientific community’s efforts to develop robust and reliable AI and ML models, fostering innovation while maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity.
  　
• Social Science and Survey Data: For research rooted in social sciences or based on survey methodologies, EVERGREEN Journal requires authors to provide the questionnaires or survey instruments used in their studies. This practice ensures transparency in the research process and allows for the independent verification and validation of the findings. By making these tools available, authors contribute to the reproducibility of their research and enable other scholars to assess the reliability of the data collection methods. This transparency is essential for advancing knowledge in social sciences and ensuring that the research findings are robust and trustworthy.
  　

6. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

• Commitment to Inclusivity: EVERGREEN Journal is dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our operations. We welcome submissions from authors of all backgrounds and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all contributors, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or socioeconomic status.
  　
• Fostering Diverse Perspectives: We recognize the importance of diverse perspectives in enriching academic discourse. Our editorial and review processes are designed to ensure that a wide range of voices are heard and respected.
  　
• Equity in Peer Review: We strive to maintain fairness and impartiality in our peer review process. Reviewers and editors are trained to recognize and mitigate potential biases to ensure that all manuscripts are evaluated based on the quality of the research, not the identity of the authors.
  　

7. Managing Conflicts of Interest

• Full Disclosure: EVERGREEN Journal requires that all participants in the publication process—including authors, reviewers, and editors—provide a complete and transparent disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest that could influence their contributions. These disclosures are essential for maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the research and the review process. Whether financial, personal, professional, or institutional, any potential conflict must be clearly stated to ensure that all decisions are made with full awareness of possible biases. This commitment to transparency is fundamental to upholding the credibility of the scientific record and fostering confidence in the work we publish.
  　
• Ethical Conflict Management: At EVERGREEN Journal, the editorial team is committed to the ethical management of all disclosed conflicts of interest. We take proactive measures to ensure that any potential biases are identified and addressed early in the review and publication process. By carefully managing these conflicts, we strive to maintain the integrity of the editorial decisions, ensuring that every manuscript is evaluated impartially and solely on the merits of the research. This rigorous approach helps safeguard the fairness of the publication process and reinforces the trust of our authors, reviewers, and readers in the journal's commitment to ethical standards.
  　

8. Territorial Integrity

• Accurate Representation of Territorial Information: EVERGREEN Journal is committed to ensuring the accurate and respectful representation of territorial information in all published materials. Authors are required to avoid the use of incorrect or disputed territorial designations that could lead to misunderstanding or conflict.
  　
• Compliance with International Norms: Authors must adhere to internationally recognized standards when referencing geographical locations and territorial boundaries in their work. The journal reserves the right to request revisions or reject manuscripts that do not comply with these standards.
  　

9. Upholding Publication Ethics

• Integrity and Accountability: EVERGREEN Journal is committed to maintaining the integrity of the academic record. If significant errors or ethical breaches are identified, the journal will issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern as needed.
• Rejecting AI-Generated Content: The journal does not accept or publish papers generated by AI. We are committed to publishing only original research conducted and written by human authors.
  　
• Ethical Oversight: The editorial team is vigilant in upholding these ethical standards throughout the publication process. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate actions are taken to address any issues.
  　

10. Article Processing Charges (APC) and Accessibility Commitment

• Clear and Transparent APC Policy: EVERGREEN Journal is committed to fostering open access to high-quality research while ensuring that our publication processes remain transparent and accessible. As part of this commitment, we do not impose Article Processing Charges (APCs) for ordinary articles submitted to the journal. This policy applies to all standard submissions, allowing authors to publish their work without financial barriers.
  However, an APC of USD 400 per article, including tax, is applied to papers that are submitted as part of special issues, typically associated with conferences, symposiums, or other focused topics that have been approved by our management committee. The APC is used to cover the costs of managing the publication process, including peer review, editing, and online hosting.
  All fees related to APCs are clearly disclosed on our website and communicated in detail to authors, as well as to the managing guest editors responsible for special issues, prior to submission. We ensure that there is complete transparency regarding the application of APCs, so authors know exactly what to expect before they commit to publication.
• No Hidden Fees: EVERGREEN Journal upholds a policy of full transparency in our fee structure. There are no hidden charges, and all applicable fees are communicated clearly to authors from the outset. Our goal is to maintain the trust and confidence of our authors by ensuring that all financial aspects of the publication process are straightforward and transparent.

---

• Commitment to Open and Free Access
  Freely Accessible Research: EVERGREEN Journal is fully committed to ensuring that all published research is available to the global community without subscription or access fees. All articles published in EVERGREEN are freely accessible to the public immediately upon publication, removing barriers and supporting the free flow of knowledge across disciplines and regions.
• Creative Commons Licensing: EVERGREEN Journal publishes all articles under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license, which allows for the free distribution, reuse, and adaptation of the content, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original authors. Under this license, authors retain full copyright and publishing rights without any restrictions, ensuring that they maintain complete control over their work. This open licensing model ensures that the research published in EVERGREEN Journal can be widely disseminated, encouraging collaboration and innovation while respecting the rights of the authors.
  By maintaining this open access model, EVERGREEN Journal ensures that research is not only impactful within the academic community but is also accessible to a broad, global audience, advancing knowledge and contributing to societal development.

11. Author’s Commitments

• Adherence to CC BY 4.0 License: By submitting their manuscript to EVERGREEN Journal, authors agree that, upon acceptance, their work will be published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license. This license allows for the broad dissemination and reuse of the published material, provided that proper credit is given to the original authors. Authors must ensure that they are fully aware of and compliant with the terms of this license, which facilitates the sharing of knowledge while preserving the authors' rights to attribution.
  　
• Accurate Representation of Contributions: All listed authors must affirm that they have made substantial contributions to the research presented in the manuscript. This includes involvement in the study's conception, design, execution, or interpretation. Additionally, each author must have reviewed the manuscript, approved the final version, and agreed to its submission. This requirement ensures that the authorship accurately reflects those who have played a significant role in the creation of the work, thereby upholding the integrity of the research and the publication process.
  　
• Commitment to Unpublished Work: Authors must declare that the manuscript they are submitting to EVERGREEN Journal is original, has not been published previously in any form, and is not currently under consideration by another journal. This commitment ensures the novelty of the research and upholds the high standards of EVERGREEN Journal as a source of new and unique contributions to the field. While we recognize the value of sharing research through preprints, we encourage authors to be mindful of how preprint distribution may impact the originality assessment, particularly in relation to similarity checks during the submission process. To facilitate a smooth and efficient review, we recommend that authors carefully manage the dissemination of their work prior to submission to avoid potential complications.
  　
• Adherence to Ethical Standards: Authors are expected to uphold the highest ethical standards throughout the submission and review process. Once a manuscript has undergone its first review, it cannot be withdrawn, and no changes to the author list will be permitted after acceptance. This policy helps to maintain the consistency and integrity of the publication process. Authors must also ensure that all information provided during submission is accurate and truthful, as this underpins the credibility of the research and the trustworthiness of the journal.
  　

12. Commitment to Ongoing Ethical Excellence

• Uniquely Developed Ethical Guidelines: The ethical guidelines of EVERGREEN Journal have been thoughtfully crafted to embody our unwavering commitment to the highest standards of ethical publishing. These guidelines are rooted in globally recognized principles, including those set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), yet are specifically tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of our journal. This approach ensures that our ethical practices are both universally relevant and deeply aligned with the mission and values of EVERGREEN Journal.
  　
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: We are dedicated to the ongoing refinement and enhancement of our ethical guidelines. Recognizing the dynamic nature of the academic and publishing landscapes, we regularly review and update our policies to incorporate the latest advancements in the field. This commitment to continuous improvement helps us uphold the integrity of our publication process and ensures that our guidelines remain at the forefront of ethical standards in academic publishing.