PSEJ expects authors, reviewers, editors, and publishers to uphold integrity, objectivity, confidentiality, and accountability throughout the entire publication process. Publication decisions are based on scientific quality, alignment with the journal’s scope, review outcomes, and adherence to publication ethics, not on personal or commercial interests.

A conflict of interest refers to any financial or nonfinancial relationship that could influence, or be perceived to influence, scientific judgment. Such conflicts may arise from employment, funding, share ownership, patents, consulting, personal relationships, collaborations, academic rivalry, or institutional affiliations. All authors are required to disclose any relevant conflicts of interest and sources of research funding. If no such conflicts exist, the manuscript must include the statement: “The authors declare no conflicts of interest.”

Authors may suggest potential reviewers, but the final selection of reviewers rests solely with the editor. Prospective reviewers must not have any conflicts that could compromise their independence, such as being a co-author, belonging to the same institution, having contributed to the manuscript’s preparation, or maintaining relevant collaborative or personal ties. Editors who have a conflict of interest must recuse themselves from handling the manuscript and delegate it to another, independent editor. Manuscripts authored by editors or members of the editorial board are subject to the same rigorous review standards.