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UBJH Policies | سياسات

Peer-Review Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) upholds a rigorous and transparent peer-review system designed to safeguard academic integrity and ensure that every published manuscript meets the highest scholarly standards. Peer review is central to our mission of advancing knowledge in the humanities, and this policy explains the principles, responsibilities, and procedures guiding authors, reviewers, and editors throughout the evaluation process.

For more information about the journal, please refer to:

1. Reviewer Selection and Eligibility Criteria

To guarantee fairness and expertise:

  1. Reviewers are chosen based on subject specialization, academic reputation, and experience within the manuscript’s field.
  2. Reviewers must be free from personal, professional, or financial conflicts of interest with the authors.
  3. Members of the Editorial Board may also serve as reviewers but must recuse themselves if any conflict exists, but they must be specialized and experienced in the field.

2. Double-Blind Review System

UBJH operates a strict double-blind review model, in which anonymity should be there from all the parties. So, this reduces bias and promotes impartial academic judgment.

3. Initial Editorial Screening

Upon submission, every manuscript undergoes several checks:

  1. Scope and compliance check: ensuring alignment with UBJH’s aims, and ethical expectations.
  2. Plagiarism and similarity screening: using Turnitin to detect duplicated content.
  3. Manuscripts failing to meet basic requirements may be desk-rejected without external review or returned to the author to address the issue.
  4. Authors are responsible for ensuring their submission follows the Author Guidelines regarding structure, citations, tables, figures, and linguistic clarity.

4. External Peer Review Process

Manuscripts that pass initial evaluation are assigned to qualified reviewers, who evaluate the manuscript through an evaluation scale consisting of 12 items (scaling from Very high to very weak) and assess:

  • clarity of the research problem, objectives, and contribution to the field.
  • appropriateness and accuracy of research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • clarity of argumentation, citation accuracy, and adherence to academic standards.

Reviewers submit:

  • A detailed evaluation report
  • Comments for the author
  • Confidential remarks for the editor
  • A recommendation (accept, minor revision, major revision, reject)

Expected review time is 2-4 weeks, although timelines may vary depending on manuscript complexity.

5. Editorial Decision-Making

After receiving reviewers’ reports, the handling editor makes one of the following decisions:

  1. Accept (no revisions required)
  2. Accept with minor revisions
  3. Major revisions required
  4. Reject

Authors are notified by the reviewers’ comments. When revisions are requested, the authors are given 7 to 14 days to address the reviewers’ comments and provide a detailed revisions report. Then, the revised manuscripts may be re-evaluated by the original reviewers before acceptance.

6. Confidentiality, Ethics, and Anonymity

All participants in the peer-review process must adhere to strict confidentiality:

  1. Reviewers must not share, discuss, or retain manuscript content.
  2. Manuscripts and reviewer reports are confidential and may not be used for personal research.
  3. Authors must respect the anonymity and confidentiality of the process.
  4. Any breach of confidentiality constitutes academic misconduct.

7. Appeals and Editorial Disputes

UBJH provides a transparent mechanism for authors who believe a decision was unfair:

  1. Authors may submit a formal appeal with evidence-based arguments.
  2. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief or an independent editorial committee.
  3. The journal may seek an additional external opinion if necessary.
  4. Final decisions are communicated promptly and respectfully.

Final Statement

By upholding this comprehensive peer-review policy, the University of Bisha Journal for Humanities ensures that all publications meet the highest standards of credibility, scholarly merit, and ethical responsibility. The peer-review process remains a cornerstone of our commitment to academic excellence and global research integrity.

Editorial Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to maintaining the highest levels of integrity, transparency, and academic rigor across its editorial and publishing processes. In accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognized principles of responsible research conduct, this Editorial Policy outlines the standards that guide editorial decision-making, ethical responsibilities, and operational procedures within the journal.

1. Editorial Decision-Making

1.1 Merit-Based Evaluation

All editorial decisions are made solely on the scholarly quality, relevance, and academic merit of the submitted manuscript. Author identity, nationality, institutional affiliation, or academic rank play no role in the evaluation process. UBJH adheres strictly to a principle of editorial neutrality and equality.

1.2 Rigorous Peer Review

Every submission undergoes a structured peer-review process conducted by specialists in the manuscript’s field. This process evaluates accuracy, thematic relevance, methodological rigor, contribution to the literature, and ethical compliance.

1.3 Transparent Editorial Procedures

The editorial workflow—including initial screening, reviewer assignment, decision-making, and revision handling—is fully documented. Authors receive constructive reports summarizing the basis of editorial decisions while maintaining reviewer anonymity.

1.4 Confidentiality

Editors must safeguard all submitted materials. Unpublished manuscripts, data, arguments, and interpretations must not be used for personal research or discussed outside the editorial workflow.

2. Publication Ethics

2.1 Plagiarism Prevention

UBJH enforces a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism. All manuscripts are screened using industry-leading similarity detection software (Turnitin). Any form of textual, conceptual, mosaic, or self-plagiarism is subject to investigation according to COPE standards.

2.2 Authorship and Contributorship

Authorship must reflect substantial scholarly contribution. UBJH follows COPE’s authorship guidelines, requiring that all authors:

  • Contribute meaningfully to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study
  • Approve the final version of the manuscript
  • Accept accountability for the integrity of the work

Gift authorship, ghost authorship, and honorary authorship are not permitted.

2.3 Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose all financial, institutional, or personal relationships, if any, that could bias their judgment.

2.4 Data Integrity and Reproducibility

Submissions must present accurate, unaltered data and transparent methodological descriptions enabling reproducibility. Authors are encouraged to share raw datasets, supplementary material, or methodological appendices when appropriate.

3. Ethical Responsibilities

3.1 Research Involving Humans or Animals

Manuscript reporting studies involving human participants or animals must comply with internationally accepted ethical standards.

3.2 Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

UBJH follows COPE flowcharts to manage post-publication issues:

  • Corrections (Corrigenda/Errata) are issued for minor errors not affecting the validity of results
  • Retractions occur when serious misconduct or invalid findings are confirmed
  • Expressions of Concern are published when evidence of problems is inconclusive

Retractions include a clear notice replacing the original article, explaining the reason for withdrawal.

3.3 Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are autonomous and free from commercial, financial, or institutional influence.

4. Editorial Board and Reviewer Responsibilities

4.1 Expertise and Qualification

Editorial board members and reviewers are selected based on demonstrated expertise, academic credentials, and specialization in relevant fields of humanities research.

4.3 Constructive and Ethical Reviewing

Reviewers must:

  • Offer clear, specific, and constructive comments
  • Avoid personal criticism
  • Evaluate the manuscript fairly, based on academic merit

5. Transparency, Open Access & Licensing

5.1 Article Processing Charges (APCs)

UBJH provides transparent information regarding publication fees. Authors receive invoices only after successful peer review and acceptance.

5.2 Copyright and Licensing

UBJH supports open access publishing to maximize scholarly dissemination. Articles are published under a suitable Creative Commons license, ensuring authors retain copyright while enabling non-commercial reuse with proper attribution.

5.3 Accessibility and Long-Term Preservation

The journal guarantees permanent online accessibility of published content through archiving and digital preservation systems.

Archiving, Preservation & Repository Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to ensuring permanent, reliable, and unrestricted access to all published scholarly content.

  1. Digital Preservation
    • Participation in Global Archiving Systems
    • Stable and Sustainable Formats
  2. Self-Archiving & Repository Policy
    • UBJH adopts an open and author-friendly self-archiving policy consistent with Sherpa/Romeo guidelines.
  3. Preservation of Supplementary Materials
    • Supplementary files (datasets, figures, appendices, audio-visual materials, etc.) are preserved with the article when technically possible, or stored in a secure institutional repository with stable identifiers.
  4. Commitment to Ongoing Preservation

Originality & Plagiarism Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is firmly committed to safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring that all published work reflects genuine scholarly contribution. As an open-access journal, UBJH maintains strict ethical standards that require every submitted manuscript to be original, properly cited, and free from all forms of plagiarism or unethical reuse of previous work.

1. Plagiarism Detection & Similarity Screening

  1. Mandatory Screening
    • All submissions undergo a detailed similarity check using advanced plagiarism-detection tools such as CrossCheck powered by Turnitin.
  2. Similarity Threshold
    • While no single percentage determines acceptability, manuscripts showing high uncredited overlap may be:
      • Returned to authors for revision
      • Subjected to further investigation
      • Rejected outright in cases of clear misconduct
    • Similarity results are assessed qualitatively, emphasizing the nature of overlap, not just the number.
  3. Transparency
    • Authors must ensure that:
      • The content is original
      • Any reused material is properly cited
      • All quotes and paraphrased segments are clearly attributed

2. Types of Plagiarism Prohibited by UBJH

UBJH considers the following forms of plagiarism as serious ethical violations:

  • Direct Plagiarism, Self-Plagiarism, Paraphrasing Plagiarism
  • Mosaic (Patchwork) Plagiarism, and Idea Plagiarism.

3. Author Responsibilities for Originality

Authors submitting to UBJH must Ensure Originality, Provide Adequate Attribution, and Obtain Permissions

4. CrossCheck Screening & Peer Review

  1. Advanced Detection Tools
    • UBJH uses CrossCheck/Turnitin to identify potential overlap and highlight areas requiring further evaluation.
  2. Peer Review Oversight

5. Handling Suspected Plagiarism

  1. Initial Concern
    • If similarity appears problematic:
      • Authors may be asked to clarify or revise
      • Manuscript may be paused during investigation
  2. Confirmed Plagiarism
    • If plagiarism is verified, actions may include:
      • Requesting extensive revision
      • Rejecting the manuscript
      • Issuing formal warnings
      • Blocking future submissions for severe or repeated violations
  3. Institutional Notification
    • Serious cases—such as extensive copying, fabricated content, or repeated misconduct—may be reported to:
      • The author’s institution
      • Funding bodies
      • Relevant professional organizations

Privacy & Copyright Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to protecting the privacy of its authors, reviewers, readers, and all users interacting with its online platform. This policy outlines how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and protected, as well as the principles governing copyright, licensing, and intellectual property.

By accessing or using the UBJH website or submitting content to the journal, users acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below.

1. Privacy Policy

  1. Collection of Personal Information
    • UBJH collects personal information only when it is voluntarily provided by users during activities such as:
      • Manuscript submission
      • Registration as an author or reviewer
      • Communication with the editorial office
    • The information collected may include:
      • Full name
      • Email address
      • Institutional affiliation
      • Country of residence
      • ORCID iD (if provided)
  2. Use of Personal Information
    • Personal information is used exclusively for legitimate journal-related purposes. When used for statistical or analytical purposes, data is anonymized to ensure privacy.
  3. Disclosure of Personal Information
    • UBJH does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
  4. Data Security
    • UBJH implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information from:
      • Unauthorized access
      • Loss
      • Misuse
      • Alteration
    • While the journal strives to protect all stored data, absolute security cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of online communication.
  5. External Links
    • The UBJH website may include links to external websites for referencing or resource purposes.
  6. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external sites before providing any personal information.

2. Copyright Policy

  1. Ownership of Published Content
    • UBJH is an open-access journal. Authors retain full copyright of their work.
    • By submitting a manuscript, authors grant UBJH a non-exclusive, worldwide license to:
      • Publish
      • Archive
      • Distribute
      • Display
      • Index the work in print and digital formats
    • Authors remain free to reuse their work elsewhere with proper citation of the original publication.
  2. Open Access Licensing
    • All articles published in UBJH are made openly available under a Creative Commons license.
  3. Copyright Permissions
    • Authors are responsible for:
      • Securing permissions to reproduce any copyrighted material
      • Ensuring proper citation of third-party content
      • Providing proof of permission when required (for images, tables, figures, maps, long quotations, etc.)
    • Failure to obtain proper permissions may result in manuscript rejection or publication delays.
  4. Copyright Infringement
    • UBJH takes any claim of copyright violation seriously.
    • If a complaint is filed, the journal will:
      • Initiate a formal investigation
      • Contact the involved author(s)
      • Request documented evidence
      • Take corrective action as required
    • Actions may include:
      • Removal of the copyrighted material
      • Publication of a correction or retraction
      • Notification of the author’s institution

3. Changes to the Policy

UBJH may update this Privacy & Copyright Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Legislative updates
  • University regulations
  • Best practices in scholarly publishing
  • Technological developments

Any changes will be published on the journal website, and continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

4. Contact Information

For questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding this policy, users may contact:

Publication Ethics & Malpractice Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. Our policies align fully with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in all stages of the publication process.

This policy defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher, and outlines procedures for managing ethical concerns and publication malpractice.

1. Authorship and Originality

1.1 Authorship Criteria

All listed authors must have made a substantial scholarly contribution, including one or more of the following:

  • Conceptualizing or designing the study
  • Collecting or analyzing data
  • Interpreting results
  • Drafting or critically revising the manuscript
  • Approving the final version

Honorary, guest, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited.

1.2 Originality and Academic Integrity

Authors must ensure that:

  • The manuscript is entirely original
  • No portion of the work is plagiarized
  • All ideas, data, and quotations from other sources are properly cited
  • Any reused material from the authors’ previous work is transparently referenced

Self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, idea plagiarism, and duplication of text are unacceptable.

1.3 Multiple or Duplicate Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal is unethical and prohibited.

2. Data Integrity, Transparency, and Reproducibility

2.1 Data Accuracy

Authors are responsible for:

  • Presenting accurate, unaltered data
  • Avoiding fabrication, falsification, or manipulation
  • Reporting methodology with sufficient detail for reproducibility

2.2 Data Availability

Authors should be prepared to:

  • Provide raw data if requested by editors or reviewers
  • Supply supplementary material when required
  • Clarify analytical methods in detail sufficient for replication

3. Ethical Considerations in Research

3.1 Research Involving Human Participants

All research involving human subjects must:

  • Obtain informed consent prior to participation
  • Provide clear explanations of objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and voluntary participation
  • Ensure participants’ right to withdraw at any time
  • Maintain privacy and protect sensitive data

Special attention must be given to:

  • Vulnerable populations, including children, marginalized groups, or individuals with limited autonomy
  • Cultural sensitivity and avoidance of coercion

3.2 Research Involving Animals

Research involving animals must:

  • Follow internationally accepted welfare guidelines
  • Minimize discomfort, pain, or harm
  • Be approved by a relevant ethics committee or institutional board

4. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any situation that may compromise impartiality, including:

  • Financial relationships
  • Institutional affiliations
  • Personal or academic connections
  • Sponsorships or funding sources

A formal Conflict of Interest Statement must accompany every submission.

5. Peer Review Ethics

5.1 Confidentiality

  • Reviewers and editors must:
    • Treat all manuscripts as confidential
    • Not share or discuss submissions with others
    • Not use unpublished content for personal benefit

5.2 Objectivity

  • Reviewers must:
    • Provide fair, evidence-based evaluations
    • Offer constructive and specific feedback
    • Avoid judgment based on author identity, nationality, gender, or affiliation

5.3 Responsibility to the Journal

  • Reviewers should:
    • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or suspected ethical violations
    • Notify editors of any concerns immediately

6. Editorial Responsibilities

  • Editors must uphold:
    • Fair Decision-Making
    • Confidentiality
    • Handling Misconduct

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Actions

7.1 Corrections (Corrigenda or Errata)

Issued when:

  • Minor errors are discovered
  • The scientific integrity of the work remains intact

7.2 Retractions

Required when:

  • Data fabrication or falsification is confirmed
  • Plagiarism is detected
  • Ethical breaches compromise the validity of the study

7.3 Expressions of Concern

Issued when:

  • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive
  • Investigations are ongoing

8. Misconduct Investigation Procedures

UBJH takes allegations of misconduct seriously. The journal will:

  1. Conduct an initial assessment
  2. Contact the corresponding author for explanation
  3. Request supporting documentation
  4. Consult reviewers or ethics experts if needed
  5. Make a final decision based on COPE guidelines

Possible outcomes include:

  • Manuscript rejection
  • Publication embargo
  • Institutional notification
  • Article retraction

9. Ethical Commitment of UBJH

UBJH strives to maintain:

  • Transparency in publishing
  • Integrity in scholarship
  • Protection of authors' rights
  • Respect for academic freedom
  • Compliance with international ethical standards

Archiving, Preservation & Repository Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to ensuring permanent, reliable, and unrestricted access to all published scholarly content.

  1. Digital Preservation
    • Participation in Global Archiving Systems
    • Stable and Sustainable Formats
  2. Self-Archiving & Repository Policy
    • UBJH adopts an open and author-friendly self-archiving policy consistent with Sherpa/Romeo guidelines.
  3. Preservation of Supplementary Materials
    • Supplementary files (datasets, figures, appendices, audio-visual materials, etc.) are preserved with the article when technically possible, or stored in a secure institutional repository with stable identifiers.
  4. Commitment to Ongoing Preservation

Originality & Plagiarism Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is firmly committed to safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring that all published work reflects genuine scholarly contribution. As an open-access journal, UBJH maintains strict ethical standards that require every submitted manuscript to be original, properly cited, and free from all forms of plagiarism or unethical reuse of previous work.

1. Plagiarism Detection & Similarity Screening

  1. Mandatory Screening
    • All submissions undergo a detailed similarity check using advanced plagiarism-detection tools such as CrossCheck powered by Turnitin.
  2. Similarity Threshold
    • While no single percentage determines acceptability, manuscripts showing high uncredited overlap may be:
      • Returned to authors for revision
      • Subjected to further investigation
      • Rejected outright in cases of clear misconduct
    • Similarity results are assessed qualitatively, emphasizing the nature of overlap, not just the number.
  3. Transparency
    • Authors must ensure that:
      • The content is original
      • Any reused material is properly cited
      • All quotes and paraphrased segments are clearly attributed

2. Types of Plagiarism Prohibited by UBJH

UBJH considers the following forms of plagiarism as serious ethical violations:

  • Direct Plagiarism, Self-Plagiarism, Paraphrasing Plagiarism
  • Mosaic (Patchwork) Plagiarism, and Idea Plagiarism.

3. Author Responsibilities for Originality

Authors submitting to UBJH must Ensure Originality, Provide Adequate Attribution, and Obtain Permissions

4. CrossCheck Screening & Peer Review

  1. Advanced Detection Tools
    • UBJH uses CrossCheck/Turnitin to identify potential overlap and highlight areas requiring further evaluation.
  2. Peer Review Oversight

5. Handling Suspected Plagiarism

  1. Initial Concern
    • If similarity appears problematic:
      • Authors may be asked to clarify or revise
      • Manuscript may be paused during investigation
  2. Confirmed Plagiarism
    • If plagiarism is verified, actions may include:
      • Requesting extensive revision
      • Rejecting the manuscript
      • Issuing formal warnings
      • Blocking future submissions for severe or repeated violations
  3. Institutional Notification
    • Serious cases—such as extensive copying, fabricated content, or repeated misconduct—may be reported to:
      • The author’s institution
      • Funding bodies
      • Relevant professional organizations

Privacy & Copyright Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to protecting the privacy of its authors, reviewers, readers, and all users interacting with its online platform. This policy outlines how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and protected, as well as the principles governing copyright, licensing, and intellectual property.

By accessing or using the UBJH website or submitting content to the journal, users acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below.

1. Privacy Policy

  1. Collection of Personal Information
    • UBJH collects personal information only when it is voluntarily provided by users during activities such as:
      • Manuscript submission
      • Registration as an author or reviewer
      • Communication with the editorial office
    • The information collected may include:
      • Full name
      • Email address
      • Institutional affiliation
      • Country of residence
      • ORCID iD (if provided)
  2. Use of Personal Information
    • Personal information is used exclusively for legitimate journal-related purposes. When used for statistical or analytical purposes, data is anonymized to ensure privacy.
  3. Disclosure of Personal Information
    • UBJH does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
  4. Data Security
    • UBJH implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information from:
      • Unauthorized access
      • Loss
      • Misuse
      • Alteration
    • While the journal strives to protect all stored data, absolute security cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of online communication.
  5. External Links
    • The UBJH website may include links to external websites for referencing or resource purposes.
  6. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external sites before providing any personal information.

2. Copyright Policy

  1. Ownership of Published Content
    • UBJH is an open-access journal. Authors retain full copyright of their work.
    • By submitting a manuscript, authors grant UBJH a non-exclusive, worldwide license to:
      • Publish
      • Archive
      • Distribute
      • Display
      • Index the work in print and digital formats
    • Authors remain free to reuse their work elsewhere with proper citation of the original publication.
  2. Open Access Licensing
    • All articles published in UBJH are made openly available under a Creative Commons license.
  3. Copyright Permissions
    • Authors are responsible for:
      • Securing permissions to reproduce any copyrighted material
      • Ensuring proper citation of third-party content
      • Providing proof of permission when required (for images, tables, figures, maps, long quotations, etc.)
    • Failure to obtain proper permissions may result in manuscript rejection or publication delays.
  4. Copyright Infringement
    • UBJH takes any claim of copyright violation seriously.
    • If a complaint is filed, the journal will:
      • Initiate a formal investigation
      • Contact the involved author(s)
      • Request documented evidence
      • Take corrective action as required
    • Actions may include:
      • Removal of the copyrighted material
      • Publication of a correction or retraction
      • Notification of the author’s institution

3. Changes to the Policy

UBJH may update this Privacy & Copyright Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Legislative updates
  • University regulations
  • Best practices in scholarly publishing
  • Technological developments

Any changes will be published on the journal website, and continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

4. Contact Information

For questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding this policy, users may contact:

Publication Ethics & Malpractice Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. Our policies align fully with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in all stages of the publication process.

This policy defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher, and outlines procedures for managing ethical concerns and publication malpractice.

1. Authorship and Originality

1.1 Authorship Criteria

All listed authors must have made a substantial scholarly contribution, including one or more of the following:

  • Conceptualizing or designing the study
  • Collecting or analyzing data
  • Interpreting results
  • Drafting or critically revising the manuscript
  • Approving the final version

Honorary, guest, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited.

1.2 Originality and Academic Integrity

Authors must ensure that:

  • The manuscript is entirely original
  • No portion of the work is plagiarized
  • All ideas, data, and quotations from other sources are properly cited
  • Any reused material from the authors’ previous work is transparently referenced

Self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, idea plagiarism, and duplication of text are unacceptable.

1.3 Multiple or Duplicate Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal is unethical and prohibited.

2. Data Integrity, Transparency, and Reproducibility

2.1 Data Accuracy

Authors are responsible for:

  • Presenting accurate, unaltered data
  • Avoiding fabrication, falsification, or manipulation
  • Reporting methodology with sufficient detail for reproducibility

2.2 Data Availability

Authors should be prepared to:

  • Provide raw data if requested by editors or reviewers
  • Supply supplementary material when required
  • Clarify analytical methods in detail sufficient for replication

3. Ethical Considerations in Research

3.1 Research Involving Human Participants

All research involving human subjects must:

  • Obtain informed consent prior to participation
  • Provide clear explanations of objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and voluntary participation
  • Ensure participants’ right to withdraw at any time
  • Maintain privacy and protect sensitive data

Special attention must be given to:

  • Vulnerable populations, including children, marginalized groups, or individuals with limited autonomy
  • Cultural sensitivity and avoidance of coercion

3.2 Research Involving Animals

Research involving animals must:

  • Follow internationally accepted welfare guidelines
  • Minimize discomfort, pain, or harm
  • Be approved by a relevant ethics committee or institutional board

4. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any situation that may compromise impartiality, including:

  • Financial relationships
  • Institutional affiliations
  • Personal or academic connections
  • Sponsorships or funding sources

A formal Conflict of Interest Statement must accompany every submission.

5. Peer Review Ethics

5.1 Confidentiality

  • Reviewers and editors must:
    • Treat all manuscripts as confidential
    • Not share or discuss submissions with others
    • Not use unpublished content for personal benefit

5.2 Objectivity

  • Reviewers must:
    • Provide fair, evidence-based evaluations
    • Offer constructive and specific feedback
    • Avoid judgment based on author identity, nationality, gender, or affiliation

5.3 Responsibility to the Journal

  • Reviewers should:
    • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or suspected ethical violations
    • Notify editors of any concerns immediately

6. Editorial Responsibilities

  • Editors must uphold:
    • Fair Decision-Making
    • Confidentiality
    • Handling Misconduct

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Actions

7.1 Corrections (Corrigenda or Errata)

Issued when:

  • Minor errors are discovered
  • The scientific integrity of the work remains intact

7.2 Retractions

Required when:

  • Data fabrication or falsification is confirmed
  • Plagiarism is detected
  • Ethical breaches compromise the validity of the study

7.3 Expressions of Concern

Issued when:

  • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive
  • Investigations are ongoing

8. Misconduct Investigation Procedures

UBJH takes allegations of misconduct seriously. The journal will:

  1. Conduct an initial assessment
  2. Contact the corresponding author for explanation
  3. Request supporting documentation
  4. Consult reviewers or ethics experts if needed
  5. Make a final decision based on COPE guidelines

Possible outcomes include:

  • Manuscript rejection
  • Publication embargo
  • Institutional notification
  • Article retraction

9. Ethical Commitment of UBJH

UBJH strives to maintain:

  • Transparency in publishing
  • Integrity in scholarship
  • Protection of authors' rights
  • Respect for academic freedom
  • Compliance with international ethical standards

Archiving, Preservation & Repository Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to ensuring permanent, reliable, and unrestricted access to all published scholarly content.

  1. Digital Preservation
    • Participation in Global Archiving Systems
    • Stable and Sustainable Formats
  2. Self-Archiving & Repository Policy
    • UBJH adopts an open and author-friendly self-archiving policy consistent with Sherpa/Romeo guidelines.
  3. Preservation of Supplementary Materials
    • Supplementary files (datasets, figures, appendices, audio-visual materials, etc.) are preserved with the article when technically possible, or stored in a secure institutional repository with stable identifiers.
  4. Commitment to Ongoing Preservation

Originality & Plagiarism Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is firmly committed to safeguarding academic integrity and ensuring that all published work reflects genuine scholarly contribution. As an open-access journal, UBJH maintains strict ethical standards that require every submitted manuscript to be original, properly cited, and free from all forms of plagiarism or unethical reuse of previous work.

1. Plagiarism Detection & Similarity Screening

  1. Mandatory Screening
    • All submissions undergo a detailed similarity check using advanced plagiarism-detection tools such as CrossCheck powered by Turnitin.
  2. Similarity Threshold
    • While no single percentage determines acceptability, manuscripts showing high uncredited overlap may be:
      • Returned to authors for revision
      • Subjected to further investigation
      • Rejected outright in cases of clear misconduct
    • Similarity results are assessed qualitatively, emphasizing the nature of overlap, not just the number.
  3. Transparency
    • Authors must ensure that:
      • The content is original
      • Any reused material is properly cited
      • All quotes and paraphrased segments are clearly attributed

2. Types of Plagiarism Prohibited by UBJH

UBJH considers the following forms of plagiarism as serious ethical violations:

  • Direct Plagiarism, Self-Plagiarism, Paraphrasing Plagiarism
  • Mosaic (Patchwork) Plagiarism, and Idea Plagiarism.

3. Author Responsibilities for Originality

Authors submitting to UBJH must Ensure Originality, Provide Adequate Attribution, and Obtain Permissions

4. CrossCheck Screening & Peer Review

  1. Advanced Detection Tools
    • UBJH uses CrossCheck/Turnitin to identify potential overlap and highlight areas requiring further evaluation.
  2. Peer Review Oversight

5. Handling Suspected Plagiarism

  1. Initial Concern
    • If similarity appears problematic:
      • Authors may be asked to clarify or revise
      • Manuscript may be paused during investigation
  2. Confirmed Plagiarism
    • If plagiarism is verified, actions may include:
      • Requesting extensive revision
      • Rejecting the manuscript
      • Issuing formal warnings
      • Blocking future submissions for severe or repeated violations
  3. Institutional Notification
    • Serious cases—such as extensive copying, fabricated content, or repeated misconduct—may be reported to:
      • The author’s institution
      • Funding bodies
      • Relevant professional organizations

Privacy & Copyright Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to protecting the privacy of its authors, reviewers, readers, and all users interacting with its online platform. This policy outlines how personal information is collected, processed, stored, and protected, as well as the principles governing copyright, licensing, and intellectual property.

By accessing or using the UBJH website or submitting content to the journal, users acknowledge and accept the terms outlined below.

1. Privacy Policy

  1. Collection of Personal Information
    • UBJH collects personal information only when it is voluntarily provided by users during activities such as:
      • Manuscript submission
      • Registration as an author or reviewer
      • Communication with the editorial office
    • The information collected may include:
      • Full name
      • Email address
      • Institutional affiliation
      • Country of residence
      • ORCID iD (if provided)
  2. Use of Personal Information
    • Personal information is used exclusively for legitimate journal-related purposes. When used for statistical or analytical purposes, data is anonymized to ensure privacy.
  3. Disclosure of Personal Information
    • UBJH does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties.
  4. Data Security
    • UBJH implements appropriate technical and organizational measures to safeguard personal information from:
      • Unauthorized access
      • Loss
      • Misuse
      • Alteration
    • While the journal strives to protect all stored data, absolute security cannot be guaranteed due to the nature of online communication.
  5. External Links
    • The UBJH website may include links to external websites for referencing or resource purposes.
  6. Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of external sites before providing any personal information.

2. Copyright Policy

  1. Ownership of Published Content
    • UBJH is an open-access journal. Authors retain full copyright of their work.
    • By submitting a manuscript, authors grant UBJH a non-exclusive, worldwide license to:
      • Publish
      • Archive
      • Distribute
      • Display
      • Index the work in print and digital formats
    • Authors remain free to reuse their work elsewhere with proper citation of the original publication.
  2. Open Access Licensing
    • All articles published in UBJH are made openly available under a Creative Commons license.
  3. Copyright Permissions
    • Authors are responsible for:
      • Securing permissions to reproduce any copyrighted material
      • Ensuring proper citation of third-party content
      • Providing proof of permission when required (for images, tables, figures, maps, long quotations, etc.)
    • Failure to obtain proper permissions may result in manuscript rejection or publication delays.
  4. Copyright Infringement
    • UBJH takes any claim of copyright violation seriously.
    • If a complaint is filed, the journal will:
      • Initiate a formal investigation
      • Contact the involved author(s)
      • Request documented evidence
      • Take corrective action as required
    • Actions may include:
      • Removal of the copyrighted material
      • Publication of a correction or retraction
      • Notification of the author’s institution

3. Changes to the Policy

UBJH may update this Privacy & Copyright Policy periodically to reflect:

  • Legislative updates
  • University regulations
  • Best practices in scholarly publishing
  • Technological developments

Any changes will be published on the journal website, and continued use of the site constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

4. Contact Information

For questions, clarifications, or concerns regarding this policy, users may contact:

Publication Ethics & Malpractice Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. Our policies align fully with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in all stages of the publication process.

This policy defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher, and outlines procedures for managing ethical concerns and publication malpractice.

1. Authorship and Originality

1.1 Authorship Criteria

All listed authors must have made a substantial scholarly contribution, including one or more of the following:

  • Conceptualizing or designing the study
  • Collecting or analyzing data
  • Interpreting results
  • Drafting or critically revising the manuscript
  • Approving the final version

Honorary, guest, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited.

1.2 Originality and Academic Integrity

Authors must ensure that:

  • The manuscript is entirely original
  • No portion of the work is plagiarized
  • All ideas, data, and quotations from other sources are properly cited
  • Any reused material from the authors’ previous work is transparently referenced

Self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, idea plagiarism, and duplication of text are unacceptable.

1.3 Multiple or Duplicate Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal is unethical and prohibited.

2. Data Integrity, Transparency, and Reproducibility

2.1 Data Accuracy

Authors are responsible for:

  • Presenting accurate, unaltered data
  • Avoiding fabrication, falsification, or manipulation
  • Reporting methodology with sufficient detail for reproducibility

2.2 Data Availability

Authors should be prepared to:

  • Provide raw data if requested by editors or reviewers
  • Supply supplementary material when required
  • Clarify analytical methods in detail sufficient for replication

3. Ethical Considerations in Research

3.1 Research Involving Human Participants

All research involving human subjects must:

  • Obtain informed consent prior to participation
  • Provide clear explanations of objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and voluntary participation
  • Ensure participants’ right to withdraw at any time
  • Maintain privacy and protect sensitive data

Special attention must be given to:

  • Vulnerable populations, including children, marginalized groups, or individuals with limited autonomy
  • Cultural sensitivity and avoidance of coercion

3.2 Research Involving Animals

Research involving animals must:

  • Follow internationally accepted welfare guidelines
  • Minimize discomfort, pain, or harm
  • Be approved by a relevant ethics committee or institutional board

4. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any situation that may compromise impartiality, including:

  • Financial relationships
  • Institutional affiliations
  • Personal or academic connections
  • Sponsorships or funding sources

A formal Conflict of Interest Statement must accompany every submission.

5. Peer Review Ethics

5.1 Confidentiality

  • Reviewers and editors must:
    • Treat all manuscripts as confidential
    • Not share or discuss submissions with others
    • Not use unpublished content for personal benefit

5.2 Objectivity

  • Reviewers must:
    • Provide fair, evidence-based evaluations
    • Offer constructive and specific feedback
    • Avoid judgment based on author identity, nationality, gender, or affiliation

5.3 Responsibility to the Journal

  • Reviewers should:
    • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or suspected ethical violations
    • Notify editors of any concerns immediately

6. Editorial Responsibilities

  • Editors must uphold:
    • Fair Decision-Making
    • Confidentiality
    • Handling Misconduct

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Actions

7.1 Corrections (Corrigenda or Errata)

Issued when:

  • Minor errors are discovered
  • The scientific integrity of the work remains intact

7.2 Retractions

Required when:

  • Data fabrication or falsification is confirmed
  • Plagiarism is detected
  • Ethical breaches compromise the validity of the study

7.3 Expressions of Concern

Issued when:

  • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive
  • Investigations are ongoing

8. Misconduct Investigation Procedures

UBJH takes allegations of misconduct seriously. The journal will:

  1. Conduct an initial assessment
  2. Contact the corresponding author for explanation
  3. Request supporting documentation
  4. Consult reviewers or ethics experts if needed
  5. Make a final decision based on COPE guidelines

Possible outcomes include:

  • Manuscript rejection
  • Publication embargo
  • Institutional notification
  • Article retraction

10. Ethical Commitment of UBJH

UBJH strives to maintain:

  • Transparency in publishing
  • Integrity in scholarship
  • Protection of authors' rights
  • Respect for academic freedom
  • Compliance with international ethical standards

Publication & Preservation Policies

Archiving, Preservation & Repository Policy

The UBJH is committed to ensuring permanent, reliable, and unrestricted access to all published scholarly content, through:

  1. Digital Preservation
    • Participation in Global Archiving Systems
    • Use of Stable and Sustainable Formats
  2. Self-Archiving & Repository Policy
    • Adopting an open and author-friendly self-archiving policy following Sherpa/Romeo guidelines.
  3. Preservation of Supplementary Materials
    • Supplementary data (datasets, figures, etc.) are preserved with the article or stored securely with stable identifiers.
  4. Ongoing Preservation Commitment

Originality & Plagiarism Policy

UBJH maintains a strict policy against plagiarism to uphold academic integrity. It includes:

  1. Mandatory similarity checks via CrossCheck/Turnitin
  2. No tolerance for direct, self, mosaic, or idea plagiarism
  3. Clear policies on handling suspected cases, including investigation and sanctions

Privacy & Copyright Policy

UBJH respects user privacy and retains the rights over published content, under Creative Commons licenses, with policies covering:

  • Data collection and usage
  • Permissions for reproduction
  • Handling copyright violations
Publication Ethics & Malpractice Policy

The University of Bisha Journal for Humanities (UBJH) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of ethical conduct in scholarly publishing. Our policies align fully with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the European Code of Conduct for Research Integrity to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in all stages of the publication process.

This policy defines the ethical responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the publisher, and outlines procedures for managing ethical concerns and publication malpractice.

1. Authorship and Originality

1.1 Authorship Criteria

  • All listed authors must have made a substantial scholarly contribution, including one or more of the following:
    • Conceptualizing or designing the study
    • Collecting or analyzing data
    • Interpreting results
    • Drafting or critically revising the manuscript
    • Approving the final version
  • Honorary, guest, or ghost authorship is strictly prohibited.

1.2 Originality and Academic Integrity

  • Authors must ensure that:
    • The manuscript is entirely original
    • No portion of the work is plagiarized
    • All ideas, data, and quotations from other sources are properly cited
    • Any reused material from the authors’ previous work is transparently referenced

Self-plagiarism, mosaic plagiarism, idea plagiarism, and duplication of text are unacceptable.

1.3 Multiple or Duplicate Submissions

Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal is unethical and prohibited.

2. Data Integrity, Transparency, and Reproducibility

2.1 Data Accuracy

  • Authors are responsible for:
    • Presenting accurate, unaltered data
    • Avoiding fabrication, falsification, or manipulation
    • Reporting methodology with sufficient detail for reproducibility

2.2 Data Availability

  • Authors should be prepared to:
    • Provide raw data if requested by editors or reviewers
    • Supply supplementary material when required
    • Clarify analytical methods in detail sufficient for replication

3. Ethical Considerations in Research

3.1 Research Involving Human Participants

  • All research involving human subjects must:
    • Obtain informed consent prior to participation
    • Provide clear explanations of objectives, procedures, risks, benefits, confidentiality, and voluntary participation
    • Ensure participants’ right to withdraw at any time
    • Maintain privacy and protect sensitive data

Special attention must be given to:

  • Vulnerable populations, including children, marginalized groups, or individuals with limited autonomy
  • Cultural sensitivity and avoidance of coercion

3.2 Research Involving Animal Subjects

  • Research involving animals must:
    • Follow internationally accepted welfare guidelines
    • Minimize discomfort, pain, or harm
    • Be approved by a relevant ethics committee or institutional board

4. Conflicts of Interest

  • Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any situation that may compromise impartiality, including:
    • Financial relationships
    • Institutional affiliations
    • Personal or academic connections
    • Sponsorships or funding sources

A formal Conflict of Interest Statement must accompany every submission.

5. Peer Review Ethics

5.1 Confidentiality

  • Reviewers and editors must:
    • Treat all manuscripts as confidential
    • Not share or discuss submissions with others
    • Not use unpublished content for personal benefit

5.2 Objectivity

  • Reviewers must:
    • Provide fair, evidence-based evaluations
    • Offer constructive and specific feedback
    • Avoid judgment based on author identity, nationality, gender, or affiliation

5.3 Responsibility to the Journal

  • Reviewers should:
    • Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or suspected ethical violations
    • Notify editors of any concerns immediately

6. Editorial Responsibilities

  • Editors must uphold:
    • Fair Decision-Making
    • Confidentiality
    • Handling Misconduct

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Actions

7.1 Corrections (Corrigenda or Errata)

  • Issued when:
    • Minor errors are discovered
    • The scientific integrity of the work remains intact

7.2 Retractions

  • Required when:
    • Data fabrication or falsification is confirmed
    • Plagiarism is detected
    • Ethical breaches compromise the validity of the study

7.3 Expressions of Concern

  • Issued when:
    • Evidence of misconduct is inconclusive
    • Investigations are ongoing

8. Misconduct Investigation Procedures

UBJH takes allegations of misconduct seriously. The journal will:

  1. Conduct an initial assessment
  2. Contact the corresponding author for explanation
  3. Request supporting documentation
  4. Consult reviewers or ethics experts if needed
  5. Make a final decision based on COPE guidelines

Possible outcomes include:

  • Manuscript rejection
  • Publication embargo
  • Institutional notification
  • Article retraction

9. Ethical Commitment of UBJH

UBJH strives to maintain:

  • Transparency in publishing
  • Integrity in scholarship
  • Protection of authors' rights
  • Respect for academic freedom
  • Compliance with international ethical standards