Procedure for Handling Complaints Regarding Violations of Academic Integrity and Publication Ethics

The editorial office ensures the timely, impartial, and confidential handling of all submissions related to potential violations of academic integrity and publication ethics. All complaints are reviewed by the editorial board with due consideration of their content, complexity, and potential consequences, in accordance with the principles of objectivity, fairness, and transparency.

In the review process, the editorial office follows international guidelines, in particular the principles of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), as well as the journal’s internal policies. If necessary, independent experts may be involved in the evaluation.

Complaints, statements, or notifications of possible violations should be submitted to the official editorial email address: zbirnukpntu@gmail.com. Each submission must be clearly formulated and include specific facts, justification, and, where possible, supporting materials that allow identification of the nature of the alleged violation.

The editorial office acknowledges receipt of each complaint and conducts an initial review within a reasonable timeframe. Typically, the review process takes up to 30 working days; however, in complex or multi-stage cases, this period may be extended with notification to the complainant.

Based on the results of the review, the editorial office may:

• reject the complaint if there are no grounds or insufficient evidence;
• initiate an additional investigation or expert evaluation;
• contact authors, reviewers, or affiliated institutions related to the publication;
• make a decision regarding correction, retraction, or other appropriate actions in accordance with ethical standards.

Complaints containing offensive, discriminatory, threatening, or defamatory statements, as well as those not related to the journal’s scope of responsibility, may be dismissed with appropriate justification.

The editorial office guarantees confidentiality during the review of complaints and the protection of the rights of all parties involved in the process.