Copyright & Licensing Policy

Overview

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews Journal (AATCC Journal) is committed to ethical scholarly publishing, transparency in copyright ownership, and the widest possible dissemination of research. This policy establishes clear guidelines for copyright management, licensing agreements, and intellectual property rights for all content published in the journal.

Copyright Ownership and Authors' Rights

Authors publishing in AATCC Journal retain full copyright of their work. The journal does not claim ownership of the intellectual property contained within published articles. This approach aligns with modern scholarly publishing practices and supports authors' academic freedom and control over their research outputs.

Rights Granted to the Publisher

While authors retain copyright, they grant AATCC Journal a non-exclusive license to publish, distribute, and archive their work. This arrangement ensures wide dissemination while respecting author ownership.

Creative Commons Licensing Framework

All articles published in AATCC Journal are released under Creative Commons licenses, providing legal clarity for reuse while maintaining author copyright.

Primary License: CC BY 4.0 (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International)

This is the default license for all AATCC Journal publications. It allows:

Alternative License Option: CC BY-NC 4.0

In specific cases where required by funding agencies or institutions, authors may request the CC BY-NC 4.0 license, which prohibits commercial use while allowing all other sharing and adaptation rights.

Third-Party Reuse Rights and Conditions

Third parties may reuse published content under the following conditions:

Attribution Requirements

All reuse must include proper attribution with the following information:

• Author(s) name(s)
• Article title
• Journal name (AATCC Journal)
• Volume, issue, and page numbers (if applicable)
• DOI (Digital Object Identifier)
• License type and link

Integrity Protection

Users must not:

• Distort or misrepresent the content
• Suggest author endorsement of adaptations without permission
• Remove copyright or licensing information
• Use the work in a misleading context

Self-Archiving and Repository Policy

AATCC Journal actively supports self-archiving to enhance research visibility and accessibility.

Recommended Repositories

Authors are encouraged to deposit in:

• Institutional repositories of their universities
• Subject-specific repositories (arXiv, bioRxiv, etc.)
• National repositories and digital libraries
• Personal or research group websites
• Academic social networks (ResearchGate, Academia.edu)

Permissions for Third-Party Material

Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for:

Copyright Transfer and Licensing Agreements

During manuscript submission, authors complete a licensing agreement that:

• Confirms copyright ownership
• Grants publication rights to AATCC Journal
• Specifies the Creative Commons license
• Includes warranties of originality and permissions
• Acknowledges ethical publishing standards

Special Cases and Exceptions

Government and Public Domain Works

Works created by government employees as part of their official duties may have different copyright status. Authors should declare such status during submission.

Student Works

For student-authored works, copyright typically resides with the student, though institutional policies may vary. Students should ensure they have necessary permissions.

Multiple Copyright Holders

For works with multiple copyright holders, all must agree to the licensing terms. Corresponding authors are responsible for obtaining co-author agreements.

Policy Compliance and Monitoring

AATCC Journal implements several measures to ensure copyright compliance:

Copyright Infringement Procedures

In cases of suspected copyright infringement:

1. Notification to alleged infringer with evidence
2. Investigation by editorial board
3. Temporary removal of content if necessary
4. Legal consultation for serious cases
5. Permanent retraction for confirmed violations
6. Notification to indexing services and databases

Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed annually and updated to reflect:

• Changes in copyright laws and regulations
• Evolving scholarly communication practices
• Feedback from authors and readers
• International publishing standards
• Technological advancements in content distribution

Aims & Scope

Journal Mission and Vision

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access scholarly journal dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation at the intersection of agricultural sciences, textile technology, chemical sciences, and interdisciplinary research. Our mission is to foster scientific excellence, promote sustainable development, and facilitate knowledge exchange among researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and industry stakeholders worldwide.

Primary Aims and Objectives

AATCC Journal aims to:

Scope and Coverage Areas

AATCC Journal welcomes submissions across the following broad thematic areas:

Agricultural Sciences

Textile and Fiber Sciences

• Natural Fiber Production: Cotton, jute, flax, hemp, silk, wool production and processing
• Textile Chemistry: Dyeing, printing, finishing, chemical processing of textiles
• Technical Textiles: Agro-textiles, geotextiles, medical textiles, protective clothing
• Sustainable Textiles: Eco-friendly processing, recycling, waste management, circular economy
• Textile Engineering: Spinning, weaving, knitting, non-woven technologies, quality control
• Fiber Science: Fiber properties, characterization, novel fiber development

Chemical and Applied Sciences

Interdisciplinary and Emerging Areas

AATCC Journal particularly encourages interdisciplinary research bridging multiple domains:

Article Types Published

Geographical and Thematic Coverage

AATCC Journal accepts research from all geographical regions, with particular interest in:

Special Issues and Thematic Collections

AATCC Journal regularly publishes special issues focusing on emerging topics, current challenges, or interdisciplinary themes. Proposals for special issues are welcome from researchers and academic institutions.

Current and Upcoming Focus Areas

• Smart Agriculture and Digital Farming Technologies
• Sustainable Textile Production and Circular Economy
• Climate-Resilient Agricultural Systems
• Advances in Agricultural Biotechnology
• Green Chemistry in Agriculture and Textiles
• Precision Nutrition and Sustainable Food Systems
• Agri-Tech Innovations for Smallholder Farmers

Target Audience

AATCC Journal serves a diverse international audience including:

Editorial Standards and Quality Assurance

All submissions to AATCC Journal undergo rigorous peer review and editorial assessment to ensure:

DOI Information Policy

Digital Object Identifier (DOI) System

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) assigns a unique Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to every published article, ensuring permanent, reliable, and unambiguous identification and accessibility of scholarly content. This policy outlines the journal's DOI practices, standards, and implementation guidelines.

DOI Registration Authority

AATCC Journal registers DOIs through CrossRef, an official DOI registration agency for scholarly content. All DOIs assigned by the journal comply with International DOI Foundation (IDF) standards and the CrossRef metadata schema.

DOI Assignment Policy

When DOIs are Assigned

DOI Format and Structure

All AATCC Journal DOIs follow this standard format:

DOI Components:

• Prefix: 10.xxxxx (CrossRef assigned prefix for AATCC Journal)
• Suffix: aatcc.xxxxxx (unique identifier for each article)
• Full DOI URL: https://doi.org/ followed by prefix/suffix combination

DOI Implementation and Management

Metadata Requirements

For each DOI registered, AATCC Journal provides complete metadata to CrossRef including:

DOI Resolution and Accessibility

All AATCC Journal DOIs resolve to:

1. Journal Website: Primary resolution to the article page on AATCC Journal website
2. Abstract Page: Complete article metadata and abstract
3. Full Text Access: Link to PDF and HTML versions of the article
4. Alternative Access: Links to institutional repositories or mirror sites when applicable

DOI Benefits and Applications

For Authors

For Readers and Researchers

• Reliable Access: Permanent links that never break
• Easy Citation: Simple, standardized citation format
• Cross-Platform Discovery: Integration with reference managers and databases
• Related Content: Easy access to referenced and citing articles
• Version Identification: Clear distinction between different versions

For Libraries and Institutions

• Collection Management: Stable identifiers for cataloging and preservation
• Access Management: Reliable linking in discovery systems
• Usage Statistics: Accurate tracking of article access and citations
• Interoperability: Integration with library systems and databases

DOI Citation Guidelines

Recommended Citation Format

Authors should cite AATCC Journal articles using the following format with DOI:

DOI in References

When referencing AATCC Journal articles:

• Always include the full DOI URL (https://doi.org/10.xxxxx/...)
• Place DOI at the end of the citation
• Do not use "DOI:" prefix before the URL
• Ensure DOI is clickable/hyperlinked in digital formats
• Verify DOI resolution before publication

DOI Version Control

Multiple Versions and Updates

DOI Integration and Interoperability

Cross-Platform Integration

AATCC Journal DOIs are integrated with:

DOI Maintenance and Preservation

Long-Term DOI Management

AATCC Journal ensures permanent DOI functionality through:

1. Permanent Registration: DOIs registered with CrossRef are permanent
2. Regular Monitoring: Continuous checking of DOI resolution
3. Backup Systems: Multiple resolution pathways and mirror sites
4. Archiving Agreements: Partnership with digital preservation services
5. Succession Planning: Contingency plans for journal continuity

DOI Error Reporting

If a DOI fails to resolve or links to incorrect content:

DOI Usage Statistics and Analytics

AATCC Journal provides DOI-based usage statistics through:

DOI Best Practices for Authors

Before Submission

• Check if referenced articles have DOIs and include them
• Register for ORCID ID and include in submission
• Ensure all author information is complete and accurate
• Verify funding information for FundRef integration

After Publication

• Use the assigned DOI for all citations and references
• Include DOI in CVs, professional profiles, and grant applications
• Share articles using the DOI link (not temporary URLs)
• Monitor article metrics through DOI-based analytics
• Update institutional repositories with final DOI

Technical Specifications

DOI Metadata Standards

AATCC Journal complies with:

• CrossRef Schema 4.4.1: Current metadata standard
• DOI Kernel 2.0: International DOI Foundation standard
• OpenURL 1.0: Context-sensitive linking
• COUNTER 5: Usage statistics standards
• Open Archives Initiative: Metadata harvesting protocols

Editorial Policies & Editorial Review Process

Editorial Philosophy and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) operates under a comprehensive editorial framework guided by principles of academic excellence, ethical integrity, transparency, and impartiality. This policy outlines the journal's editorial governance, decision-making processes, quality assurance mechanisms, and editorial standards.

Editorial Governance Structure

Editorial Board Composition

Editorial Term and Rotation

• Editor-in-Chief: 3-year term, renewable once based on performance review
• Associate Editors: 2-year terms, renewable based on contribution
• Section Editors: 2-year terms aligned with journal needs
• Editorial Board: Annual review, 3-year maximum continuous service
• Regular Rotation: Systematic rotation to maintain fresh perspectives

Editorial Review Process Overview

Complete Editorial Workflow

Stage 1: Initial Submission and Technical Screening

Upon submission, manuscripts undergo automated and manual technical checks:

Stage 2: Editorial Assessment

The Editor-in-Chief or assigned Associate Editor conducts initial assessment based on:

Editorial Assessment Outcomes:

• Proceed to Peer Review: Manuscript meets criteria for full review
• Desk Rejection: Manuscript outside scope or below threshold
• Return for Revision: Major issues requiring pre-review correction
• Transfer Recommendation: Better suited to another journal

Editorial Decision-Making Framework

Decision Criteria Matrix

Editorial Decision Categories

Editorial Quality Assurance Measures

Internal Quality Controls

• Editorial Calibration: Regular training and standardization
• Decision Consistency: Monitoring of editorial decisions
• Timeline Adherence: Tracking of processing times
• Author Feedback: Monitoring author satisfaction
• Reviewer Performance: Evaluation of reviewer contributions

External Quality Audits

Regular external assessments including:

Editorial Communication Standards

Author Communication Guidelines

Editorial Conflict Management

Conflict of Interest Handling

Editors must declare and manage conflicts including:

Conflict Resolution Protocol

1. Immediate declaration of potential conflict
2. Recusal from editorial handling
3. Assignment to alternative editor
4. Documentation in editorial records
5. Transparency in decision-making process

Editorial Appeals Process

Grounds for Appeal

Authors may appeal editorial decisions on specific grounds:

• Procedural errors in review process
• Evidence of bias or unfair treatment
• Factual errors in decision rationale
• New evidence or data not previously considered
• Substantial misinterpretation of manuscript

Appeal Submission and Review

Editorial Performance Metrics

Key Performance Indicators

Regular monitoring of editorial performance including:

Editorial Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Evaluation

This editorial policy undergoes:

• Annual Review: Comprehensive assessment of effectiveness
• Biennial Update: Revision based on feedback and trends
• Emergency Revision: Immediate updates for critical issues
• Stakeholder Consultation: Input from authors, reviewers, readers
• Benchmarking: Comparison with best practices

Peer Review Policy

Overview and Philosophy

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) employs a rigorous, transparent, and constructive peer review system to ensure the publication of high-quality, credible, and impactful research. This policy outlines our peer review principles, processes, standards, and ethical guidelines, aligning with international best practices in scholarly publishing.

Peer Review Model: Double-Blind Review

Double-Blind Review Implementation

AATCC Journal employs a strict double-blind peer review process where:

Blinding Requirements for Authors

Authors must ensure manuscripts are properly anonymized:

Reviewer Selection and Invitation

Reviewer Qualification Criteria

Reviewer Exclusion Criteria

Peer Review Process Timeline

Standard Review Timeline

Expedited Review Process

For special circumstances, expedited review may be requested:

• Time-sensitive Research: Rapidly evolving fields, competitive topics
• Conference Proceedings: Extended versions with deadlines
• Special Issues: Thematic collections with publication schedules
• Medical/Emergency Research: Public health relevance

Reviewer Responsibilities and Guidelines

Reviewer Assessment Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

Review Report Structure

Reviewers submit structured reports including:

Reviewer Ethical Guidelines

Confidentiality Requirements

Conflict of Interest Management

Reviewers must declare conflicts including:

• Competing research interests
• Personal relationships with authors
• Financial interests in outcomes
• Institutional affiliations with authors
• Previous collaborations or disputes
• Bias based on research paradigm or methodology

Editorial Handling of Reviews

Review Quality Assessment

Editors evaluate review quality based on:

Editorial Decision Integration

Editors consider multiple factors when making decisions:

Author Response to Reviews

Response Preparation Guidelines

Authors must respond to reviews systematically:

1. Point-by-Point Response: Address each reviewer comment individually
2. Revision Documentation: Clearly indicate changes made in manuscript
3. Justification for Non-compliance: Explain if certain suggestions not followed
4. Additional Changes: Note any improvements beyond requested revisions
5. Professional Tone: Maintain respectful, professional communication
6. Timely Submission: Adhere to revision deadlines

Reviewer Recognition and Incentives

Reviewer Acknowledgment System

Quality Assurance and Process Improvement

Review Process Monitoring

Regular assessment of peer review effectiveness:

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

• Reviewer Training: Guidelines, best practices, ethics training
• Process Automation: Technology enhancements for efficiency
• Diversity Initiatives: Broadening reviewer pool demographics
• Transparency Enhancements: Clear communication of processes
• Feedback Integration: Implementing stakeholder suggestions

Special Review Scenarios

Controversial or Disputed Reviews

Protocol for handling challenging review situations:

Post-publication Review

Continuing review after publication:

• Reader Comments: Open commentary on published articles
• Corrections: Mechanism for post-publication error correction
• Retractions: Process for article withdrawal if needed
• Updates: Revised versions with significant new information

Authorship Policy

Authorship Principles and Standards

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains strict authorship standards to ensure proper attribution, accountability, and transparency in scholarly publication. This policy defines authorship criteria, responsibilities, order determination, and dispute resolution mechanisms in accordance with international publishing standards.

Authorship Criteria

Mandatory Criteria for Authorship

All authors must meet ALL of the following criteria (adapted from ICMJE guidelines):

Authorship vs. Acknowledgments

Author Categories and Responsibilities

Corresponding Author Responsibilities

Co-author Responsibilities

• Review and approve manuscript before submission
• Respond to correspondence from corresponding author
• Declare conflicts of interest and funding sources
• Verify accuracy of their contribution description
• Participate in authorship disputes if they arise
• Maintain contact information updates

Authorship Order and Contribution Statements

Author Order Guidelines

Author order should reflect relative contribution levels:

Contribution Statement Requirements

All manuscripts must include a detailed contribution statement using CRediT taxonomy:

Group Authorship Policies

Consortium/Group Authorship

For large collaborative studies, group authorship may be used:

1. Group Name: Formal name of consortium/group
2. Writing Committee: Individuals who wrote the manuscript
3. Steering Committee: Overall study leadership
4. Participant List: Complete list of contributors in supplement
5. Citation Format: Group name followed by writing committee

Multi-center Studies

For multi-center research, authorship should include:

• Representative authors from each center with significant contributions
• Clear contribution statements for each center
• Supplementary material listing all investigators
• Consortium authorship if appropriate

Authorship Changes and Corrections

Adding Authors

Authors may be added only if they meet authorship criteria and:

Removing Authors

Authors may be removed only under specific circumstances:

• Author request with written confirmation
• Author deceased (with acknowledgment)
• Author unable to fulfill responsibilities
• Consensus among remaining authors with editorial approval
• Clear documentation of reason for removal

Order Changes

Author order changes require:

1. Written request from corresponding author
2. Written consent from all authors affected by change
3. Clear justification for change
4. Editorial approval
5. Updated contribution statement

Guest and Gift Authorship Prohibitions

Prohibited Authorship Practices

Student and Trainee Authorship

Student as First Author

When students are first authors:

• Must meet standard authorship criteria
• Supervisor typically included as co-author or last author
• Clear contribution statement required
• Student should lead manuscript preparation
• Supervisor responsible for research integrity oversight

Thesis/Dissertation Publications

Publications from student theses:

1. Student typically first author
2. Supervisor(s) as co-author(s)
3. Committee members included if meeting authorship criteria
4. Acknowledgement of thesis/dissertation origin
5. Compliance with institutional publication policies

Deceased Authors

Handling Deceased Authors

Protocol for manuscripts with deceased authors:

Authorship Dispute Resolution

Dispute Resolution Process

Common Dispute Scenarios

Author Identification and ORCID

ORCID Requirements

All authors must provide ORCID iDs with benefits including:

• Mandatory for Corresponding Authors: Required at submission
• Recommended for All Authors: Strongly encouraged for all authors
• Integration: Automatic linking with publication records
• Persistent Identification: Unique, permanent researcher identifier
• Disambiguation: Distinguishing researchers with similar names

Author Name Formatting

Standardized author name requirements:

1. Full given name and family name
2. Consistent name format across publications
3. Inclusion of academic degrees optional
4. Accents and special characters preserved
5. Name changes properly documented

Policy Enforcement and Sanctions

Violation Consequences

Plagiarism Policy

Definition and Scope

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism in all its forms. This policy defines plagiarism, outlines detection methods, establishes consequences, and provides guidelines for prevention and ethical scholarship. AATCC Journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and originality in published research.

Types of Plagiarism

Direct Plagiarism

Indirect and Conceptual Plagiarism

Plagiarism Detection and Screening

Screening Tools and Methods

AATCC Journal employs multiple plagiarism detection methods:

Similarity Thresholds and Interpretation

Contextual Factors Considered

Similarity percentages are interpreted considering:

• Source Type: Previously published work vs. common knowledge
• Citation Practice: Whether matches are properly cited
• Section Distribution: Methods section similarities expected
• Quotation Marks: Proper use of quotations for direct copying
• Author Overlap: Self-citation vs. others' work

Self-Plagiarism (Text Recycling) Policy

Definition of Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors reuse their own previously published work without proper acknowledgment, creating redundant publication.

Permissible Text Reuse

Certain text reuse is acceptable with conditions:

Plagiarism Prevention Guidelines

Best Practices for Authors

Common Problem Areas

Authors should pay special attention to:

Plagiarism Investigation Process

Investigation Protocol

Evidence Collection

During investigation, the committee collects:

Consequences and Sanctions

Sanctions Based on Severity

Specific Actions for Confirmed Plagiarism

Author Rights and Appeals

Author Defense Rights

Authors accused of plagiarism have the right to:

1. Receive detailed evidence of alleged plagiarism
2. Provide explanation and defense
3. Submit additional evidence or context
4. Request independent expert assessment
5. Appeal decisions through formal process
6. Have case reviewed by impartial committee

Appeals Process

Authors may appeal plagiarism decisions within 30 days:

Educational Resources and Prevention

Resources Provided by Journal

AATCC Journal offers plagiarism prevention resources:

Institutional Collaboration

The journal collaborates with institutions to:

• Provide plagiarism detection training for researchers
• Develop institutional plagiarism policies
• Share best practices in academic integrity
• Coordinate investigations when needed
• Promote ethical research culture

Record Keeping and Transparency

Documentation Requirements

All plagiarism cases are documented with:

Special Considerations

Non-native English Speakers

Special considerations for authors writing in non-native language:

• Allowance for common phrasing in methods sections
• Consideration of translation challenges
• Recommendation for professional editing services
• Education on English academic writing conventions
• Support for developing original writing skills

Cultural Differences

Recognition of varying academic traditions:

• Education on Western citation norms
• Clarification of plagiarism definitions
• Support for transitioning to international standards
• Cultural sensitivity in investigations

Publication Ethics & Publication Malpractice Statement

Commitment to Ethical Publishing

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of publication ethics and preventing publication malpractice. This statement outlines our ethical principles, responsibilities of stakeholders, and procedures for handling ethical issues. We adhere to the guidelines and standards set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and other relevant international bodies.

Responsibilities of Stakeholders

Authors' Responsibilities

Reviewers' Responsibilities

Editors' Responsibilities

Publisher's Responsibilities

• Platform Integrity: Maintain secure, functional publishing platform
• Archiving: Ensure permanent access and preservation
• Policy Support: Support editorial independence and ethical policies
• Transparency: Clear communication of fees, policies, processes
• Compliance: Adhere to legal and regulatory requirements
• Education: Provide resources for ethical publishing practices

Specific Ethical Issues and Handling

Data Fabrication and Falsification

Investigation Protocol:

1. Initial assessment by editor
2. Request for original data from authors
3. Expert statistical/image analysis
4. Formal investigation if evidence found
5. Institutional notification if confirmed
6. Retraction and public notice

Authorship Disputes

Protocol for handling authorship conflicts:

Conflict of Interest Management

Research and Publication Malpractice

Common Forms of Malpractice

Ethical Review and Approval Requirements

Human Subjects Research

Research involving human participants must provide:

Animal Research

Studies involving animals must include:

• Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) approval
• Compliance with ARRIVE guidelines
• Justification of animal use and numbers
• Details of housing, care, and anesthesia
• Humane endpoints and euthanasia methods

Complaints and Appeals Procedure

Complaint Submission

Complaints may be submitted regarding:

Investigation and Resolution Process

Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

Correction Types and Procedures

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Regular Ethics Audits

AATCC Journal conducts regular ethics audits including:

Continuous Improvement

Based on audit findings, the journal implements improvements:

• Policy updates to address emerging ethical challenges
• Training programs for editors, reviewers, and authors
• Technology enhancements for better compliance monitoring
• Process streamlining for more efficient ethical oversight
• Communication improvements for better transparency

Education and Training

Resources Provided

AATCC Journal offers ethical publishing resources:

Transparency and Public Accountability

Public Disclosure

AATCC Journal maintains transparency through:

Conflict of Interest Policy

Definition and Scope

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains a comprehensive Conflict of Interest (COI) Policy to ensure transparency, objectivity, and integrity in all editorial and publishing processes. This policy requires disclosure of any financial, personal, professional, or institutional relationships that could influence or appear to influence research, peer review, or editorial decisions.

Types of Conflicts of Interest

Financial Conflicts

Non-Financial Conflicts

Disclosure Requirements by Stakeholder

Authors' Disclosure Obligations

All authors must disclose:

Reviewers' Disclosure Obligations

Editors' and Editorial Board Disclosure

Editors must disclose and manage conflicts including:

Conflict Management Procedures

Author Conflict Management

Reviewer Conflict Management

1. Self-identification: Reviewers declare conflicts when invited
2. Editor Assessment: Editor evaluates declared conflicts
3. Replacement: Alternative reviewer assigned if conflict exists
4. Limited Participation: In rare cases, reviewer may proceed with limitations
5. Documentation: All conflicts and actions documented

Editor Conflict Management

Disclosure Timing and Updates

When Disclosures are Required

Publication of Conflict Disclosures

How Disclosures are Published

Conflict of interest disclosures appear in published articles as:

Placement in Published Article

• Separate Section: Clearly labeled "Conflict of Interest" section
• Before References: Positioned after Acknowledgments
• Article Metadata: Included in article metadata for indexing
• PDF Version: Prominently displayed in PDF format
• HTML Version: Clearly visible in online version

Special Conflict Scenarios

Industry-Sponsored Research

Additional requirements for industry-funded studies:

Editorial Board Members as Authors

Special procedures when editorial board members submit manuscripts:

Compliance and Enforcement

Verification of Disclosures

AATCC Journal may verify disclosures through:

Consequences of Non-disclosure

Training and Education

Conflict of Interest Training

The journal provides training resources including:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

This policy undergoes regular review:

Correction, Retraction & Withdrawal Policy

Policy Overview and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains rigorous standards for maintaining the integrity of the scholarly record through transparent and consistent procedures for corrections, retractions, and withdrawals. This policy outlines the circumstances, processes, and ethical considerations for addressing errors, misconduct, or other issues in published articles, ensuring accountability and trust in published research.

Types of Post-publication Actions

Classification of Actions

Correction Policy

When Corrections are Issued

Corrections are appropriate for errors that:

Correction Process

Correction Notice Format

Retraction Policy

Grounds for Retraction

Retraction Investigation Process

1. Allegation Receipt: Formal complaint or evidence submission
2. Preliminary Assessment: Editor evaluates merit of allegation
3. Author Notification: Inform authors of allegation and seek response
4. Evidence Collection: Gather all relevant evidence and documentation
5. Expert Consultation: Consult relevant experts if needed
6. Institutional Notification: Contact authors' institutions if serious
7. Decision Committee: Editorial board committee makes decision
8. Retraction Implementation: Prepare and publish retraction notice

Retraction Notice Requirements

All retraction notices must include:

Article Status After Retraction

• Watermarked: "RETRACTED" watermark on all versions
• Linked: Original article links to retraction notice
• Accessible: Article remains accessible for reference
• Cited Properly: Citations should reference retracted status
• Indexed: Databases updated with retraction status
• Preserved: All versions preserved for historical record

Withdrawal Policy

When Withdrawals are Permitted

Article withdrawal is considered in specific circumstances:

Withdrawal Process

Expression of Concern Policy

When Expressions of Concern are Issued

An Expression of Concern is published when:

Expression of Concern Format

• Clear title identifying it as an Expression of Concern
• Reference to concerned article with DOI
• Description of concerns and their basis
• Status of any investigation
• Expected timeline for resolution
• Advice to readers about using the article
• Link to updated information when available

Addendum Policy

When Addenda are Published

Addenda provide additional information to published articles:

Author Rights and Responsibilities

Author Participation in Corrections

Authors have specific rights and responsibilities:

Notification and Communication Protocols

Stakeholder Notification

Record Keeping and Transparency

Documentation Requirements

All correction/retraction actions are documented with:

Appeals Process

Author Appeal Rights

Authors may appeal correction/retraction decisions:

Policy Review and Improvement

Continuous Policy Evaluation

This policy undergoes regular assessment:

APC & Waiver Policy

Overview and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) operates under a transparent and equitable Article Processing Charge (APC) model to support sustainable open access publishing. This policy outlines our APC structure, payment procedures, waiver eligibility criteria, and financial assistance programs, ensuring that publication costs do not prevent qualified researchers from sharing their work.

Article Processing Charges (APCs)

APC Structure and Components

Current APC Rates

What APC Covers

The APC provides comprehensive publishing services including:

Payment Procedures and Options

Payment Timeline

Payment Methods Accepted

Waiver and Discount Policy

Automatic Waiver Eligibility

Full APC waivers are automatically granted to authors from:

Partial Waiver and Discount Eligibility

Discretionary Waiver Considerations

The Editor-in-Chief may grant discretionary waivers for:

Institutional Membership and Agreements

Institutional Membership Program

Institutions can participate in membership programs offering:

Waiver Application Process

Application Requirements

Waiver applications must include:

Application Timeline and Decision

Funding and Grant Acknowledgement

Funding Source Requirements

Authors must accurately report funding sources:

• All funding agencies and grant numbers must be disclosed
• Funding information included in article metadata
• Clear statement of funder role in research
• Compliance with funder open access policies
• Proper acknowledgment in published article

APC Coverage by Funders

Many funding agencies cover APCs including:

Financial Transparency and Accountability

Financial Reporting

AATCC Journal maintains financial transparency through:

Non-payment and Delinquency Policy

Payment Failure Procedures

Special Circumstances and Exceptions

Emergency and Humanitarian Cases

Special consideration for:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

This policy undergoes continuous evaluation:

Archiving & Digital Preservation Policy

Commitment to Permanent Access

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) is committed to ensuring the long-term preservation, accessibility, and integrity of all published scholarly content. This policy establishes comprehensive archiving and digital preservation strategies to guarantee that published research remains permanently available, citable, and usable for future generations of researchers, practitioners, and the global scholarly community.

Preservation Strategy Framework

Tiered Preservation Approach

Digital Preservation Partners

Primary Preservation Services

AATCC Journal partners with leading digital preservation services:

Preservation Service Details

Content Formats Preserved

Primary Preservation Formats

Format Migration Strategy

Regular format migration ensures long-term accessibility:

Metadata Preservation

Essential Metadata Elements

Comprehensive metadata preserved for all content:

Metadata Standards Compliance

Data Integrity and Security

Integrity Verification Methods

Multiple methods ensure content integrity over time:

Security Protocols

Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning

Disaster Recovery Plan

Comprehensive disaster recovery strategies include:

Business Continuity Planning

Access and Discovery Preservation

Persistent Access Mechanisms

Discovery Pathway Preservation

Ensuring continued discoverability through:

• Continued indexing in major databases and search engines
• Metadata harvesting by library systems and repositories
• Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting (OAI-PMH)
• Regular submission to national and international bibliographies
• Inclusion in library catalogs and union databases
• Participation in scholarly communication networks

Supplementary Materials Preservation

Supplementary Content Types

Legal and Rights Preservation

Rights Information Preservation

Comprehensive rights management includes:

Monitoring and Quality Assurance

Preservation Monitoring Program

Policy Review and Compliance

Compliance Standards

AATCC Journal complies with international preservation standards:

Regular Policy Assessment

Continuous improvement through regular assessment:

Succession Planning

Journal Continuity Planning

Comprehensive succession planning ensures:

Data Sharing Policy

Commitment to Open and FAIR Data

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) is committed to promoting transparency, reproducibility, and advancement of scientific knowledge through responsible data sharing. This policy establishes requirements and guidelines for sharing research data associated with published articles, supporting the FAIR Data Principles (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) while respecting ethical, legal, and practical considerations.

Data Sharing Requirements

Mandatory Data Sharing

Authors must share data that directly support research findings for:

Recommended Data Sharing

Data Types and Formats

Preferred Data Formats

Format Requirements

Data Repositories and Platforms

Recommended Repositories

AATCC Journal recommends discipline-specific repositories:

Repository Selection Criteria

Metadata Requirements

Essential Metadata Elements

Metadata Standards by Discipline

Licensing and Access Conditions

Recommended Licenses

Data should be shared under open licenses whenever possible:

Controlled Access Conditions

When open sharing is not possible, controlled access may be implemented:

Ethical and Legal Considerations

Human Subjects Data

Special protections for data involving human participants:

Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge

• Respect for indigenous data sovereignty
• Community consultation and consent
• Appropriate licensing and attribution
• Cultural sensitivity in data management
• Protection of traditional ecological knowledge

Data Availability Statements

Required Statement Format

All manuscripts must include a Data Availability Statement with:

Statement Examples

Data Citation Requirements

Data Citation Standards

Datasets must be cited following established standards:

Citation Format Examples

Data Quality and Validation

Data Quality Requirements

Compliance and Enforcement

Compliance Verification

The journal verifies data sharing compliance through:

Non-compliance Consequences

Support and Training

Author Support Services

AATCC Journal provides data sharing support including:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

Complaints & Appeals Policy

Policy Overview and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains a fair, transparent, and effective system for handling complaints and appeals. This policy establishes clear procedures for stakeholders to raise concerns, seek resolution of disputes, and appeal editorial decisions, ensuring accountability, due process, and continuous improvement in journal operations.

Scope and Applicability

What Can Be Complained About or Appealed

What is Not Covered

Complaint Submission Procedure

How to Submit a Complaint

Complaints must be submitted through official channels:

Complaint Submission Requirements

Appeal Submission Procedure

Grounds for Appeal

Appeals of editorial decisions require valid grounds:

Appeal Submission Requirements

1. Timing: Within 30 days of decision notification
2. Format: Formal written appeal with manuscript ID
3. Grounds: Clear statement of appeal grounds
4. Evidence: Supporting documentation and arguments
5. Response: Point-by-point response to review comments
6. Professional Tone: Respectful and constructive communication

Initial Assessment and Triage

Complaint/Appeal Triage Process

Investigation and Resolution Procedures

Level 1: Informal Resolution

For minor issues, immediate resolution is attempted:

Level 2: Formal Investigation

Level 3: Editorial Board Review

For complex or serious matters, Editorial Board review is conducted:

Decision Making and Outcomes

Possible Resolution Outcomes

Specific Remedies and Actions

Confidentiality and Privacy

Confidentiality Protections

Communication Protocols

Communication Standards

External Review and Escalation

External Appeal Process

If unsatisfied with internal resolution, external review may be requested:

COPE Involvement

For ethics-related complaints, COPE procedures may be invoked:

• Submission of case to COPE for advice
• Following COPE flowcharts and guidelines
• COPE mediation for complex ethics disputes
• Reporting outcomes to COPE for case database

Record Keeping and Documentation

Documentation Requirements

All complaints and appeals are documented with:

Timeframes and Deadlines

Standard Timelines

Extension Procedures

Extensions may be granted for:

• Complex investigations requiring additional evidence
• Unavailability of key parties
• Consultation with external experts needed
• Legal or regulatory considerations
• Mutual agreement between all parties

Good Faith and Professional Conduct

Expectations of All Parties

Consequences for Bad Faith Actions

Monitoring and Improvement

Performance Monitoring

Regular monitoring of complaints and appeals system:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

Human & Animal Ethics Policy

Commitment to Ethical Research

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains the highest standards of ethical conduct in research involving human participants and animals. This policy establishes mandatory requirements for ethical approval, informed consent, animal welfare, and responsible research practices, ensuring compliance with international ethical standards and regulations.

Human Subjects Research Requirements

Mandatory Ethical Approvals

Informed Consent Requirements

Special Populations Protections

Additional protections for vulnerable populations:

Animal Research Requirements

3Rs Principle Implementation

Mandatory Animal Ethics Approvals

Animal Welfare Standards

Ethical Approval Documentation

Required Documentation for Submission

Reporting Standards Compliance

Human Research Reporting Standards

Animal Research Reporting Standards

Data Privacy and Confidentiality

Human Data Protection

Requirements for protecting participant data:

Ethical Considerations in Agricultural Research

Field Trial Ethics

Special considerations for agricultural field research:

Livestock Research Ethics

Ethical Review Process for Manuscripts

Editorial Ethics Assessment

Post-publication Ethics Monitoring

Ongoing Ethics Compliance

Post-publication ethics responsibilities include:

Non-compliance and Sanctions

Consequences of Ethics Violations

Training and Education

Ethics Education Resources

AATCC Journal provides ethics education support:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

Indexing & Abstracting Policy

Commitment to Global Visibility

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) is dedicated to maximizing the global visibility, discoverability, and impact of published research through comprehensive indexing in major international databases, abstracting services, and discovery platforms. This policy outlines our strategy for database inclusion, metadata optimization, and continuous improvement of indexing coverage to ensure worldwide accessibility of scholarly content.

Current Indexing Status

Major International Databases

Specialized and Regional Databases

Indexing Application Strategy

Database Selection Criteria

Application Priority Tiers

Metadata Optimization for Indexing

Essential Metadata Elements

Optimized metadata for enhanced discoverability:

Metadata Standards Compliance

Technical Requirements for Indexing

Technical Infrastructure

Quality Standards for Indexing

Journal Quality Indicators

Key quality metrics monitored for indexing applications:

Indexing Criteria Compliance

Application and Monitoring Process

Database Application Procedure

Application Tracking System

Content Distribution Strategy

Regular Content Updates

Systematic content distribution to indexing services:

Impact Measurement and Analytics

Indexing Impact Assessment

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Common Indexing Challenges

Author Benefits from Indexing

Benefits for Published Authors

Comprehensive indexing provides authors with:

Continuous Improvement Strategy

Ongoing Optimization

Communication and Transparency

Public Disclosure

AATCC Journal maintains transparency through:

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

Double-Blind Peer Review Guidelines

Overview and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure impartial, objective, and high-quality assessment of all submitted manuscripts. This policy provides detailed guidelines for authors, reviewers, and editors on implementing and participating in the double-blind review process, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring fair evaluation based solely on scholarly merit.

Definition and Implementation

What is Double-Blind Review?

Double-blind peer review is a process where:

Process Flow Diagram

Author Responsibilities for Anonymization

Mandatory Anonymization Steps

Authors must ensure complete anonymization before submission:

Common Anonymization Issues to Avoid

Reviewer Selection and Invitation

Reviewer Qualification Criteria

Reviewer Exclusion Criteria

Reviewer Guidelines and Expectations

Reviewer Assessment Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

Review Report Structure

Editorial Responsibilities

Editorial Oversight Functions

Editorial Decision Framework

Confidentiality Requirements

Reviewer Confidentiality Obligations

Editorial Confidentiality Measures

• Secure storage of reviewer identities and correspondence
• Restricted access to author and reviewer information
• Anonymized communication between parties
• Secure digital platforms for review management
• Confidentiality agreements for editorial staff
• Regular training on confidentiality protocols

Timelines and Deadlines

Standard Review Timeline

Quality Assurance in Review Process

Review Quality Assessment

Editors evaluate review quality based on:

Reviewer Performance Monitoring

Special Considerations and Exceptions

When Anonymity May Be Compromised

Handling Breached Anonymity

Reviewer Recognition and Development

Reviewer Acknowledgment System

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Author Appeals Process

Authors may appeal review decisions on specific grounds:

Appeal Resolution Protocol

Continuous Improvement

Process Evaluation and Enhancement

Regular assessment and improvement of review process:

Training and Resources

Available Training Materials

Double-Blind Peer Review Guidelines

Overview and Principles

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure impartial, objective, and high-quality assessment of all submitted manuscripts. This policy provides detailed guidelines for authors, reviewers, and editors on implementing and participating in the double-blind review process, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring fair evaluation based solely on scholarly merit.

Definition and Implementation

What is Double-Blind Review?

Double-blind peer review is a process where:

Process Flow Diagram

Author Responsibilities for Anonymization

Mandatory Anonymization Steps

Authors must ensure complete anonymization before submission:

Common Anonymization Issues to Avoid

Reviewer Selection and Invitation

Reviewer Qualification Criteria

Reviewer Exclusion Criteria

Reviewer Guidelines and Expectations

Reviewer Assessment Criteria

Reviewers evaluate manuscripts based on:

Review Report Structure

Editorial Responsibilities

Editorial Oversight Functions

Editorial Decision Framework

Confidentiality Requirements

Reviewer Confidentiality Obligations

Editorial Confidentiality Measures

• Secure storage of reviewer identities and correspondence
• Restricted access to author and reviewer information
• Anonymized communication between parties
• Secure digital platforms for review management
• Confidentiality agreements for editorial staff
• Regular training on confidentiality protocols

Timelines and Deadlines

Standard Review Timeline

Quality Assurance in Review Process

Review Quality Assessment

Editors evaluate review quality based on:

Reviewer Performance Monitoring

Special Considerations and Exceptions

When Anonymity May Be Compromised

Handling Breached Anonymity

Reviewer Recognition and Development

Reviewer Acknowledgment System

Appeals and Dispute Resolution

Author Appeals Process

Authors may appeal review decisions on specific grounds:

Appeal Resolution Protocol

Continuous Improvement

Process Evaluation and Enhancement

Regular assessment and improvement of review process:

Training and Resources

Available Training Materials

No Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Generative Tools Policy

Policy Statement and Rationale

The Agriculture Association of Textile Chemical and Critical Reviews (AATCC Journal) maintains a strict prohibition on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative tools in manuscript preparation, research conduct, and scholarly communication. This policy is based on fundamental principles of academic integrity, human intellectual contribution, accountability, and the preservation of authentic scholarly discourse in agricultural and related sciences.

Definition and Scope

What Constitutes Prohibited AI/Generative Tools

Permitted Non-AI Tools

Prohibited Uses and Activities

Complete Prohibitions

Specific Manuscript Elements Prohibitions

Author Declaration Requirements

Mandatory AI Declaration Statement

All authors must submit a signed declaration stating:

Declaration Format

Detection and Screening Methods

AI Content Detection Procedures

Red Flags for AI Detection

Investigation Protocol for Suspected Violations

Investigation Process

Author Defense Rights

Authors suspected of AI use have the right to:

Consequences and Sanctions

Sanctions Based on Violation Severity

Publication Actions for Confirmed Violations

Educational Resources and Support

Alternative Writing Support

The journal provides AI-free writing support resources:

Special Considerations

Non-native English Speakers

Special provisions for authors writing in non-native language:

Disability Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations for authors with disabilities:

Policy Rationale and Academic Context

Why AI is Prohibited in Scholarly Publishing

Policy Review and Updates

Regular Policy Assessment

Future Considerations

The journal will monitor developments in:

• AI detection technology improvements
• Changes in academic community standards
• Legal and ethical frameworks for AI use
• Technological advancements that may require policy adaptation
• International scholarly publishing trends