Journal of Human-Social Nexus
Journals·Open Access

Journal of Human‑Social Nexus

The Journal of Human-Social Nexus aims to serve as a premier academic platform for the dissemination of research that contributes to the development of a better society. Rooted in the publisher’s commitment to "Academics for a Better Society," the journal seeks to publish high-quality, impactful studies that drive positive social, cultural, and policy changes across the globe. The journal’s purpose is to foster interdisciplinary research that not only enriches academic knowledge but also provides tangible solutions to the forthcoming societal challenges. With a focus on social change, human rights, and societal progress, the journal offers a forum for scholars to present innovative ideas, reflect on pressing global issues, and explore transformative ways in which the humanities and social sciences can shape a more just, sustainable, and equitable world.

ISSN Online3136-4519
Published byABS Research Academy
FrequencyContinuous
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Conflict of Interest Policy

Conflict of Interest Policy

The JHSN is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, impartiality, and integrity throughout the publication process. To ensure the credibility and objectivity of published research, all participants—including authors, reviewers, editors, and Editorial Board members—are required to disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest that could influence, or reasonably be perceived to influence, their professional judgment.

The purpose of this policy is not to prevent individuals with conflicts of interest from participating in scholarly publishing, but to ensure that such conflicts are identified, appropriately managed, and transparently disclosed.

1. Definition of a Conflict of Interest

A conflict of interest (COI) exists when personal, financial, professional, institutional, political, or other relationships could influence—or appear to influence—the objectivity, integrity, or interpretation of research, editorial decisions, or peer review.

Conflicts may be financial or non‑financial, and they may be actual, potential, or perceived.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

  • Research funding or sponsorship.
  • Employment or recent employment with an organization related to the research.
  • Consultancy or advisory roles.
  • Honoraria, speaker fees, or travel support.
  • Stock ownership or financial investments.
  • Patents or patent applications.
  • Personal or family relationships.
  • Academic collaborations or direct competition.
  • Institutional affiliations that may influence editorial or review decisions.

2. Responsibilities of Authors

Authors must disclose all conflicts of interest that could influence the conduct, interpretation, or reporting of their research.

At the time of submission, authors should:

  • Declare all financial and non‑financial conflicts of interest.
  • Identify all sources of research funding and financial support.
  • Describe the role of any funding organization in the design, execution, analysis, interpretation, or publication of the research.
  • Include a Conflict of Interest Statement within the manuscript.

If no conflicts exist, authors should include the following statement:

"The authors declare that they have no known competing financial or personal interests that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper."

Failure to disclose relevant conflicts may result in editorial action, including manuscript rejection, publication of a correction, or article retraction.

3. Responsibilities of Reviewers

Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively and independently.

Before accepting a review invitation, reviewers should carefully consider whether any conflict of interest exists, including:

  • Personal or professional relationships with the authors.
  • Current or recent research collaborations.
  • Institutional affiliations.
  • Financial interests.
  • Direct academic competition.

Reviewers who identify a conflict that could compromise their impartiality should immediately decline the invitation or notify the Editorial Office.

Reviewers must not use confidential information obtained during peer review for personal, academic, or commercial advantage.

4. Responsibilities of Editors

Editors are responsible for ensuring an impartial editorial process.

Editors must:

  • Disclose any conflicts of interest relating to submitted manuscripts.
  • Recuse themselves from handling manuscripts where conflicts exist.
  • Assign conflicted manuscripts to another qualified editor.
  • Ensure that editorial decisions are based solely on scholarly merit.

Editors must not allow commercial, institutional, political, or personal interests to influence editorial decisions.

5. Editorial Board Members

Members of the Editorial Board are expected to uphold the same ethical standards as editors and reviewers.

Editorial Board members should:

  • Declare relevant conflicts of interest.
  • Refrain from participating in editorial decisions where impartiality may be compromised.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding submitted manuscripts.

6. Funding Disclosure

Authors must acknowledge all financial support received for the research.

The funding statement should include:

  • Funding organization(s).
  • Grant or project number(s), where applicable.
  • A description of the funder's role in the study.

If the research received no external funding, authors should state:

"This research received no external funding."

7. Management of Conflicts

When a conflict of interest is identified, the Editorial Office will determine the most appropriate course of action, which may include:

  • Requesting additional disclosures.
  • Assigning alternative reviewers or editors.
  • Publishing conflict of interest statements alongside the article.
  • Rejecting the manuscript if the conflict compromises the integrity of the publication process.

The existence of a conflict does not automatically prevent publication; however, undisclosed conflicts that materially affect the publication process may result in corrective actions.

8. Post‑Publication Disclosure

If an undisclosed conflict of interest is discovered after publication, the journal will investigate the matter in accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.

Depending on the nature and severity of the undisclosed conflict, the journal may:

  • Publish a correction.
  • Publish an Editorial Expression of Concern.
  • Retract the article where appropriate.

9. Compliance with COPE

JHSN follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and expects all participants in the publication process to disclose conflicts honestly and transparently.

Failure to disclose a significant conflict of interest may constitute publication misconduct and may lead to editorial sanctions in accordance with the journal's ethical policies.

10. Commitment to Transparency

The Journal of Human‑Social Nexus believes that transparency is fundamental to maintaining public trust in scholarly communication. By requiring the disclosure and appropriate management of conflicts of interest, the journal seeks to protect the integrity, independence, and credibility of the research it publishes while fostering an ethical and responsible academic publishing environment.

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