JIPB strives to serve the authors and readers as a forum for presentation and discussion of a wide range of topics in plant biology by plant scientists world-wide, to provide a mechanism for dissemination of new and original research results and insights, and to facilitate the exchange of ideas among the experienced and novice alike.
As part of the efforts to improve the quality of JIPB and to increase the positive effect it has on plant sciences, we want to emphasize the importance of ethical behaviors in publishing scientific articles.
1), research articles submitted to JIPB must contain new research results that have not been reported in another scientific journal. The results must be authentic and cannot contain false data and fraudulent information. In addition, a manuscript submitted to JIPB must not contain any results that has been, or will be, published in another article in a different language. The JIPB manuscript must not be considered for publication during the time it is being reviewed by JIPB, and must not have any overlapping results with another manuscript submitted to another journal.
2), both research and review articles must not contain sentences or unique groups of words that are copied from another published article. Such a behavior is plagiarism and will not be tolerated. Information and ideas from other published articles must be cited explicitly. Citations should be given close to the information within the sentences or at the end of the sentence containing the cited information, not after several sentences or near the end of the paragraph. Even when citations are given, exact copying of words can only be done with direct quotations, indicated by quotation marks. Furthermore, re-publication of part or all of published figures and tables requires the permission of the publishers that hold the copy right of the source article. All re-published figures and tables should explicitly indicate the original source.
3), research articles should describe results as accurately as possible, and avoid using statements of conclusions or opinions as if they are facts. The manuscript should present the results in a direct way that is easy to understand, rather than a way that is prone to misunderstanding. It is important to discuss the significance of the results; at the same time, it is also crucial not to over-interpret the results. Unsubstantiated claims will not contribute to scientific progress and will mislead readers.
4), articles should present a well balanced perspective of the relevant literature information of the field and possible implication of the results, rather than a biased view. Although it is reasonable to favor specific interpretation of results over others, it is important to consider opposing or competing hypotheses. Even when a postulate is supported by more convincing evidence or greater amount of data than others, alternative possibilities that cannot be eliminated should be discussed. Consideration of various viewpoints will not weaken the primary conclusions, rather it offer the readers a more comprehensive understanding of the field.
5), all authors should have made meaningful contributions to the article. Each author should have contributed to one or more of the following aspects: (1) funding and coordination of the research project, (2) design of the research project, (3) research experimentation and/or data gathering, (4) analysis of the results, (5) writing of the manuscript, and (6) other activities related to the research. In addition, each author should be aware of the article and approve its submission to JIPB.
The JIPB Editoral Board
