Publication Ethics Policy
Last reviewed: January 2026
Authorship
Authorship requires substantial contribution to conception or design, or acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data; drafting or critically revising the work; approval of the final version; and accountability for all aspects of the work. These criteria follow the ICMJE recommendations. All individuals meeting authorship criteria must be listed. Individuals who contributed but do not meet all criteria should be acknowledged.
AI Assistance
Authors who used AI tools in drafting, analysis, or literature synthesis must disclose this in a statement at the end of the paper. AI tools cannot be listed as authors.
Plagiarism
Submissions must be original work. Self-plagiarism, including resubmitting substantially similar previously published content, is not permitted. JCAR reserves the right to screen submissions for plagiarism.
Data Integrity
Authors must accurately represent data, methods, and findings. Fabrication, falsification, or selective omission of data that distorts conclusions constitutes misconduct. Where data underpins conclusions, authors should make it available on reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest
All authors must disclose financial or personal relationships that could influence their work. This includes funding sources, employment, consultancy, stock ownership, and personal relationships. Disclosures are published with the paper.
Human Subjects Research
Research involving human participants must state whether ethical approval was obtained and from which body. Where approval was not required, the reason must be stated.
Misconduct
Allegations of misconduct are handled in accordance with COPE guidelines. JCAR will investigate allegations and may issue corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern where warranted.