Confidentiality

All individuals involved in the editorial process—including editors, authors, and reviewers—are required to maintain confidentiality regarding all details of the editorial and peer review processes for submitted manuscripts. This includes any correspondence related to the review process.

Editors and Authors

• Editors and authors must keep all details about the editorial process confidential.
• Correspondence and other confidential materials related to the manuscript must not be disclosed or publicized without prior written consent.

Reviewers

1. Confidentiality of Manuscripts

1. • Reviewers are required to keep the content of the manuscript confidential throughout the review process.
   • Copies of the manuscript should be destroyed at the end of the review process.
   • The unpublished information in the manuscript must not be used for personal gain or for any other unauthorized purposes.

2. Consulting with Others

1. • If reviewers wish to discuss the manuscript with anyone outside the review process for assistance, they must first inform the editorial office and obtain permission.

3. Single-Blind Peer Review

1. • CRC Journals  uses a single-blind peer review process, meaning the identities of reviewers are not disclosed to the authors.
   • Reviewers are not permitted to disclose their identity to authors or contact them directly without editorial office approval.

4. Disclosure of Review Process Information

1. • Review reports, correspondence with the journal, and other confidential materials must not be disclosed or publicized without written consent from the editorial office.

Post-Rejection Confidentiality

• Once a manuscript is rejected, all copies must be deleted from the editorial system. If the editorial office requires the manuscript to be retained, permission must be sought from the author.

Protection of Manuscript Information

• The journal will not share manuscript details or author information with third parties before publication, except in cases of suspected misconduct.
• If the editorial office must break confidentiality due to suspected dishonesty or fraud, the authors and reviewers will be informed first.

Retention of Manuscript Data

• When a manuscript is published, the journal will retain copies of the original submission, reviews, revisions, and correspondence for at least three years, or longer if local regulations require it, to address any future questions regarding the work.