PhytoTalks

Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and Informed Consent

This journal's policy aims to ensure the highest standards of research ethics in the publication process and to safeguard the integrity of both the authors and the readers of the journal. PhytoTalks is committed to transparent, ethical research practices and requires that authors, reviewers, and editors adhere to the following guidelines regarding conflict of interest, human and animal rights, and informed consent.

Conflict of Interest (COI)

The journal adheres to strict guidelines on the disclosure of conflicts of interest. All authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial, personal, or professional relationships that could be perceived to influence the work being published. This includes:

• Financial support from organizations that may benefit from the research.
• Employment or consultancy relationships with entities related to the research.
• Personal relationships that could compromise objectivity.

Authors are required to submit a conflict of interest statement when submitting their manuscripts. Reviewers and editors must also disclose conflicts of interest when accepting or participating in the review process. In cases of unreported conflict, the manuscript may be retracted or the review process reevaluated.

Human Rights and Ethics in Human Research

The journal maintains a firm commitment to the protection of human rights and the ethical conduct of research involving human participants. Authors submitting research involving human subjects must adhere to the following principles:

1. Ethical Approval: All studies involving human participants must have received approval from a recognized ethics committee or Institutional Review Board (IRB). Authors must provide a statement of approval from the relevant ethics board at the time of submission.
2. Participant Privacy: The privacy and confidentiality of research participants must be safeguarded. Personal data should only be collected and shared in compliance with applicable laws and regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
3. Voluntary Participation: Participation in research must be voluntary, and participants must be informed of their right to withdraw without any consequence.

Animal Rights and Ethics in Animal Research

Research involving animals must adhere to the highest ethical standards in animal welfare. The journal requires authors to follow these guidelines for research involving animals:

1. Ethical Approval: Authors must ensure that their research involving animals has been reviewed and approved by an institutional animal care and use committee (IACUC) or equivalent body.
2. Humane Treatment: Authors must ensure that animals are treated humanely throughout the study, following guidelines for reducing pain, distress, and discomfort. The "3 Rs" (replacement, reduction, and refinement) should guide the research process.
3. Legal Compliance: Research must comply with relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations regarding animal welfare.

Informed Consent

Informed consent is an essential component of ethical research involving human participants. Authors must adhere to the following principles:

1. Clear Information: Participants should be provided with clear, understandable information about the research purpose, procedures, risks, and benefits, enabling them to make an informed decision about their participation.
2. Voluntary Participation: Consent must be obtained freely, without any form of coercion or undue influence.
3. Ongoing Consent: In cases where the research may evolve or last for extended periods, participants must be informed about any new developments or risks, and consent should be renewed as necessary.

Advertisement Policy for PhytoTalks Journal

PhytoTalks welcomes advertisements that align with our focus on plant science, botany, and phytochemistry while ensuring the journal's academic integrity.

Accepted Advertisements:

• Educational resources, research products and services, scientific conferences, professional societies, and sustainable practices related to plant science.

Prohibited Content:

• Ads unrelated to plant science, unsupported claims, controversial or unethical content, and pharmaceutical/health products with unverified claims.

Editorial Independence:
Advertisements will not influence editorial decisions. All articles undergo peer review independently of advertising.

Advertisement Placement:
Ads will be clearly separated from editorial content and must adhere to the journal’s visual style.

Pricing and Payment:
Rates are available upon request. Advertisers must pay in advance.

Duration:
Ads will run for the agreed duration, with options for renewal.

Liability:
Advertisers are responsible for the content and legality of their ads. PhytoTalks is not liable for claims made in advertisements.

Review and approval:
All ads will undergo an internal review for compliance before publication.

PhytoTalks reserves the right to update this policy as needed.