Editorial Policies

Publication Ethics & Malpractice Statement

These principles apply to all parties involved in publishing with Computational Diagnostics: authors, editors, reviewers and the publisher, Eldenhall. They are based on the COPE Core Practices.

Computational Diagnostics is committed to the highest standards of research and publication integrity. We follow the COPE Core Practices and expect the same commitment from everyone involved.

Editorial independence

Editorial decisions are based solely on a manuscript's scientific quality, originality, rigour, clarity and relevance to the journal's scope, and are never influenced by commercial interests, the authors' identity, institution, nationality, gender or seniority. The Editor-in-Chief has full authority over editorial content and the timing of publication. The publisher does not interfere with editorial decisions.

Authorship & contributorship

Authorship must be limited to those who have made a substantial contribution to the work, consistent with the ICMJE authorship criteria. All authors must approve the final manuscript and agree to its submission. Contributions are recorded using the CRediT taxonomy. Any change to authorship after submission requires the written agreement of all authors and the editor's approval. Guest, gift and ghost authorship are not permitted.

Originality & plagiarism

Submissions must be original, not previously published, and not under consideration elsewhere. All manuscripts are screened with plagiarism-detection software. Text, data, figures or ideas taken from other sources must be properly cited and, where required, reproduced with permission. Plagiarism in any form, including self-plagiarism and redundant publication, is unacceptable and grounds for rejection or retraction.

Data integrity & fabrication

Fabrication, falsification and inappropriate manipulation of data or images are serious forms of misconduct. Authors may be asked to provide raw data during review and for a reasonable period after publication. Image processing must be applied to the whole image and must not obscure, remove or introduce information.

Conflicts of interest

Authors, reviewers and editors must declare any financial or non-financial interests that could be perceived to influence the work. Authors declare conflicts in the manuscript; reviewers and editors with a conflict must recuse themselves. Funding sources and their role (if any) must be stated.

Use of generative AI

Generative AI tools cannot be listed as authors. Authors who use AI tools in the preparation of a manuscript must disclose this in a dedicated statement describing how the tools were used. Authors remain fully responsible for the accuracy, integrity and originality of the entire work.

Corrections, expressions of concern & retractions

When a significant error is identified, the journal will publish a correction (erratum/corrigendum). Where integrity is seriously in question, an expression of concern may be issued while the matter is investigated. Articles that are unreliable, unethical or the result of misconduct will be retracted following the COPE Retraction Guidelines. The original article is retained and clearly marked; the reason is stated.

Handling allegations of misconduct

Allegations of misconduct, whether pre- or post-publication, are investigated following COPE flowcharts. The journal may contact authors' institutions where appropriate. Confidentiality is maintained for all parties as far as possible during an investigation.

Appeals & complaints

Authors may appeal an editorial decision by writing to editorial@eldenhall.org with a detailed, point-by-point response. Complaints about process, ethics or conduct are handled promptly by the Editor-in-Chief; unresolved matters may be escalated to the publisher.

Aligned with COPE Core Practices. Contact: editorial@eldenhall.org.