- Editorial Policy
According to General Constitution (point 2.b) the mission statement of IOFOS is “to promote goodwill, advancement and research in forensic odontology”. One way to achieve this objective is by the collection and publication of appropriate research and scientific papers regarding Forensic Odonto-Somatology.
The authenticity of the work is guaranteed by the authors and reviewers.
All of the research and scientific papers submitted must be in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki declaration (World Health Authority – 1975). Articles which do not comply with these principles are declined by the International Editorial Board.
Research involving human beings must comply with the ethical standards of the appropriate responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional or regional) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, revised in 2002 (available at http://www.wma.net/en/30publications/10policies/b3/ or in pdf version at http://www.wma.net/en/20activities/10ethics/10helsinki/DoH-Oct2013-JAMA.pdf). Personal details of subjects agreeing to participate in research projects including, for example, names, initials, or hospital numbers must not be revealed in any circumstances, particularly when illustrative material is used. In circumstances where animals are involved in research projects it must be clearly stated that there has been compliance with the appropriate institutional, regional or national laws or guidelines on the care and use of laboratory animals.
- Editorial and Peer Review Processes
IOFOS assure a double-blind review process. Reviewers are recruited from experts in the field of Forensic Odonto-Stomatology. Reviewers possess an academic degree and /or hold a teaching or research position at a university, academic or governmental institution.
In selecting articles for publication, the editor gives preference to those of significance that are well written, well organized, and intelligible to the IOFOS audience. Membership in IOFOS is not a factor in selection. IOFOS aims to publish high quality articles with an important impact factor. Articles generally take a “broad brush approach”.
- Advertising Policies for print and web publications
IOFOS does not permit any advertising that could influence editorial decisions.
Advertisements should be clearly identifiable as advertisements. The International Editorial Board has full and final authority in the approval of advertisements and for the enforcement of advertising policy. Advertisement for products proven to be seriously harmful to health are forbidden. Editors should consider all criticisms of advertisements prior to inclusion for publication.
- Statements concerning Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and Informed Consent for publications
– Conflict of interest:
IOFOS requires authors to declare competing interests or conflicts of interest in relation to their work. A conflict of interest exists when an author (or the author’s institution), reviewer, or editor has financial or personal relationships that inappropriately influence (bias) his or her actions (such relationships are also known as dual commitments, competing interests, or competing loyalties). The potential for a conflict of interest can exist whether or not an individual believes that the relationship affects his or her scientific judgment. Financial relationships are the most common reason for a conflict of interest but conflicts can occur for other reasons, for example, personal relationships, academic competition and intellectual passion.
All sources of funding (including private, public and commercial) in respect of papers submitted for publication, as well as potential conflicts of interest (informal agreements with commercial companies, consultancy work, sponsored lectures on behalf of manufacturers or dealers of pertaining materials) must be clearly disclosed at the end of manuscript under the heading “Acknowledgements”. Individuals who assisted in the study or manuscript preparations and are not listed as coauthors should also be listed under the heading “Acknowledgements”.
For more information please visit http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/author-responsibilities–conflicts-of-interest.html
– Human and Animal Rights:
All research must comply with an appropriate ethical framework. Published research must comply with the guidelines for human studies and animal welfare regulations. Authors should state that subjects have given their informed consent and that the study protocol has been approved by the institute’s committee on human research. Further, they should also state that animal experiments conform to institutional, regional or national standards.
– Informed Consent
It is problematic to achieve complete anonymity and informed consent should always be obtained where there is any doubt. For all research involving human subjects, informed consent to participate in the study should be obtained from participants (or their parent or guardian in the case of children under 18 and a statement to this effect should appear in the manuscript. Identifying information, including patients’ names, initials, or hospital numbers, should not be published in written descriptions, photographs, and pedigrees unless the information is essential for scientific purposes and the patient (or parent or guardian) gives written informed consent for publication. In cases where images are entirely unidentifiable and there are no details on individuals reported within the manuscript, consent for publication of images may not be required. The final decision on whether consent to publish is required lies with the Editor.
- Compliance with ICMJE Recommendations
IOFOS follows the recommendations of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (Vancouver Group) with regard to preparation of manuscripts and authorship (Uniform requirements for manuscripts submitted to biomedical journals. International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. Ann Intern Med. 1997;126(1):36-47).
For more information please visit http://www.icmje.org/icmje-recommendations.pdf
