Publication Ethics

The following statements are based on Elsevier recommendations and the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) Best Practice Guidelines for Journal Editors.

Vistar Medical Journal and its publisher, PT Vistar Indonesia Gemilang, strictly follow the principles and standards set by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal is firmly committed to upholding the highest standards of publication ethics and takes all possible measures against publication malpractice. Authors who submit manuscripts to Vistar Medical Journal attest that their work is original, unpublished, and not under consideration for publication elsewhere. Furthermore, authors confirm that their manuscript is their own work, that it has not been plagiarized in whole or in part, and that all potential conflicts of interest have been fully disclosed.

Duties of Editors

Decision on the Publication of Articles
The Editor-in-Chief of Vistar Medical Journal is responsible for deciding which manuscripts submitted to the journal will be published. The Editor-in-Chief may be guided by the policies of the editorial board and subject to legal requirements regarding libel, copyright infringement, and plagiarism. In making this decision, the Editor-in-Chief may consult other editors or reviewers.

Review of Manuscripts
Each manuscript submitted to Vistar Medical Journal is initially evaluated by the editor or co-editor, who may use appropriate software to check originality. Manuscripts that pass the initial screening are sent to at least two qualified reviewers through a double-blind peer-review process. Each reviewer will make a recommendation to accept, revise, or reject the manuscript. The time required for review may vary depending on the quality and complexity of the manuscript.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Unpublished materials contained in submitted manuscripts must not be used by editors or reviewers for their own research without the written consent of the author.

Fair Play
Manuscripts are evaluated solely based on their academic merit, without regard to the author’s race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, or political beliefs.

Confidentiality
All information about submitted manuscripts is kept strictly confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone other than the corresponding author, reviewers, potential reviewers, editorial advisors, and the publisher.

Duties of Reviewers

Promptness
If a reviewer feels unable to complete the review within the stipulated time, they must immediately inform the editor so that alternative reviewers can be assigned.

Confidentiality
All manuscripts received for review must be treated as confidential documents. They must not be shown or discussed with others except as authorized by the editor.

Standards of Objectivity
Reviews must be conducted objectively, with clear supporting arguments, and without personal criticism of the author.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Reviewers should identify any relevant published work not cited by the authors and notify the editor of any substantial similarity or overlap between the reviewed manuscript and other published works.

Conflict of Interest
Reviewers must decline to review manuscripts in which they have conflicts of interest resulting from competitive, collaborative, or other relationships with the authors, institutions, or companies associated with the paper.

Duties of Authors

Reporting Standards
Authors of original research should present an accurate account of their work as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior and are unacceptable.

Data Access and Retention
Authors may be requested to provide raw data related to their study for editorial review and should retain such data for a reasonable period after publication.

Originality and Plagiarism
Authors must ensure that their manuscripts are entirely original works. If the authors have used the work or words of others, this must be properly cited.

Multiple or Redundant Publications
Authors should not submit the same manuscript to more than one journal simultaneously. Publishing the same research in multiple journals constitutes unethical behavior.

Acknowledgment of Sources
Proper acknowledgment of the work of others must always be given. Authors must cite all sources that have influenced their research.

Authorship of the Paper
Authorship should be limited to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the study. All contributors who have made substantial contributions should be listed as co-authors.

Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest
Authors must disclose any financial or other conflicts of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of their research. All sources of financial support should be clearly acknowledged.

Fundamental Errors in Published Works
If an author discovers a significant error in their published work, it is their duty to promptly notify the editor or publisher and cooperate in retracting or correcting the paper.

Vistar Medical Journal and PT Vistar Indonesia Gemilang maintain a strict policy against all forms of plagiarism. Plagiarism is considered a serious violation of scientific ethics. Any detected or reported incidents of plagiarism will be handled with utmost seriousness and in accordance with COPE guidelines. The editorial board continuously seeks advice and support from reviewers and experts to ensure compliance with the highest ethical publishing standards.