The journal considers fabrication and falsification to be serious forms of research misconduct that undermine the reliability, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record. Authors are responsible for ensuring that all research data, methods, results, figures, tables, and other information presented in their manuscripts are accurate and honestly reported.

Fabrication refers to making up data, research results, observations, participants, experiments, sources, or other research information that did not actually occur or exist. Fabricated information must not be presented as genuine research findings or used to support conclusions in a submitted or published manuscript.

Falsification refers to manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, data, images, results, or other elements of research in a way that misrepresents the actual research. Falsification may include altering, omitting, selectively reporting, or improperly manipulating information so that the reported findings do not accurately reflect the research that was conducted.

Authors must report research findings accurately and transparently, including results that may not support the proposed hypothesis or expected outcome. Data must not be selectively altered, removed, or presented in a misleading manner for the purpose of producing a desired conclusion.

Images, figures, tables, and other visual or analytical materials must accurately represent the underlying research data. Any legitimate processing or adjustment should be appropriate to the research methodology and must not distort, conceal, or misrepresent the findings.

The journal may request clarification, original data, research documentation, or other supporting materials when reasonable concerns arise regarding possible fabrication or falsification. Authors are expected to cooperate fully with the editorial team during any investigation.

If credible evidence of fabrication or falsification is identified, the journal may suspend the editorial or publication process and, where appropriate, refer the matter to the relevant institution, research organization, ethics committee, or other competent authority.

Where misconduct is established, the journal may take appropriate corrective action, including rejection of the manuscript, correction of the published record, publication of an expression of concern, retraction of a published article, notification of the relevant institution, or other measures necessary to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

The journal recognizes that genuine errors, inconsistencies, or differences in interpretation do not automatically constitute fabrication or falsification. Allegations will therefore be assessed carefully and fairly, with appropriate consideration given to the available evidence and the circumstances of each case.