Editorial Policies
Upholding the highest standards of scientific integrity and ethical publishing in nucleic acid research
Core Editorial Principles
Scientific Rigor
All manuscripts undergo rigorous peer review evaluating methodological soundness, data quality, statistical appropriateness, and the validity of conclusions drawn from presented evidence.
Impartiality
Editorial decisions are based solely on scientific merit without regard to author nationality, institutional affiliation, gender, or any other non-scientific factors.
Transparency
We maintain clear communication with authors regarding editorial processes, decision rationales, and any concerns arising during peer review or post-publication.
Confidentiality
Unpublished manuscripts and reviewer identities are treated as confidential. Information from submitted manuscripts is not disclosed to parties outside the editorial process.
Peer Review Process
JDRR employs double-blind peer review in which both author and reviewer identities are concealed. Submitted manuscripts are first evaluated by the editorial office for scope, completeness, and basic quality standards. Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to associate editors with relevant expertise who coordinate review by typically two or three expert referees.
Reviewers are selected based on their expertise, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest. We aim to provide initial decisions within 21 days of submission. Reviewers evaluate manuscripts for scientific validity, originality, clarity, and significance to the field. Editor decisions are informed by reviewer recommendations but remain the responsibility of the handling editor and editor-in-chief.
Reviewer Expectations
Reviewers are expected to provide constructive, objective assessments that help authors improve their work. Reviews should be completed within agreed timeframes and must maintain confidentiality. Reviewers who identify potential conflicts of interest or feel unqualified to evaluate specific aspects should notify the editor promptly.
Research Integrity
Originality and Plagiarism
Submitted manuscripts must represent original work not previously published or under consideration elsewhere. JDRR employs plagiarism detection software to screen all submissions. Text recycling from authors' own prior publications should be minimized and properly attributed. Significant overlap with prior work may result in rejection or require revision.
Data Integrity
Authors must ensure the accuracy and integrity of all presented data. Fabrication, falsification, or inappropriate manipulation of data constitutes research misconduct and will result in rejection, retraction of published articles, and notification of authors' institutions. Image manipulation beyond standard adjustments for clarity is prohibited.
Reproducibility
Manuscripts should include sufficient methodological detail to enable reproducibility by qualified researchers. Data availability statements are required, and authors are encouraged to deposit datasets, code, and materials in appropriate repositories.
Conflicts of Interest
All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial or non-financial interests that could be perceived to influence scientific judgment. Authors should declare funding sources, financial relationships with entities having interest in the research, and any other potential conflicts in their cover letter and manuscript. Failure to disclose conflicts may result in rejection or retraction.
Editors and reviewers with conflicts of interest concerning specific manuscripts will recuse themselves from handling those submissions. JDRR maintains procedures to identify and manage potential conflicts throughout the editorial process.
Misconduct Allegations: JDRR takes all allegations of research or publication misconduct seriously. Concerns may be raised at any time, including post-publication. We follow COPE guidelines for investigating allegations, which may include correspondence with authors, institutional notification, corrections, retractions, or other appropriate actions.
Post-Publication Policies
Corrections and Errata
Errors identified after publication will be addressed through published corrections that clearly describe the nature of the error and any impact on the scientific record. Corrections are linked to the original article to maintain transparency.
Retractions
Articles may be retracted if findings are unreliable due to misconduct or honest error, if significant portions constitute plagiarism, or if ethical violations are identified. Retraction notices clearly state the reasons for retraction and are linked to the retracted article, which remains available with a clear retraction watermark.
Appeals: Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a detailed response addressing the concerns raised by reviewers and editors. Appeals are evaluated by senior editors not involved in the original decision. Authors should focus on scientific arguments; disagreement with reviewer opinions alone does not constitute grounds for successful appeal.
