Journal of Integrated Natural Science (JINS) takes any breach of scientific integrity with utmost seriousness. In handling suspected research misconduct, JINS follows the flowcharts and procedures established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

1. Categories of Research Misconduct

Research misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Data Fabrication: Making up research findings, experimental outcomes, or educational statistics that did not occur.
• Data Falsification: Manipulating research materials, equipment, processes, or omitting vital data points to produce misleading conclusions.
• Image & Figure Manipulation: Altering digital gel electrophoresis, microscopy images, or instructional diagrams beyond standard adjustments.
• Redundant / Duplicate Publication: Publishing substantial parts of the same study in more than one journal without explicit cross-referencing.
• Breach of Ethical Approval: Conducting empirical studies involving human or animal subjects without institutional ethics clearance (IRB approval).

2. Investigation Protocol

Allegations brought by reviewers, readers, or whistleblowers trigger a formal internal editorial inquiry. The Editor-in-Chief gathers evidence, requests raw research datasets from authors, and provides authors a fair 14-day window to respond. Whistleblower confidentiality is safeguarded throughout the process.

3. Sanctions

If misconduct is confirmed: pending manuscripts are immediately rejected; published articles are formally retracted with a public notice; a publication ban of up to 3 years is instituted for all authors; and the author's home university/institution is formally notified.