A conflict of interest (COI), also referred to as a competing interest, arises when external factors unrelated to the research have the potential to be perceived as influencing the neutrality or objectivity of the study or its evaluation. Authors are required to disclose any potential conflicts regardless of whether they have actually affected the research process to ensure transparency and enable informed editorial decisions. In most cases, the presence of a declared conflict will not prevent a manuscript from being published or reviewed, but full disclosure is essential.

If there is any uncertainty regarding a potential conflict, it is recommended that authors either disclose it or consult with the editorial office for clarification. Failure to disclose relevant conflicts of interest may result in editorial sanctions. Manuscripts with conflicts that are discovered after submission may be rejected, and published articles could be subject to re-evaluation, correction notices, or in severe instances, retraction.

Conflicts of interest may include, but are not limited to:

• Financial interests: any funding, payments, services, or goods received or anticipated from entities with a vested interest in the research outcomes;
• Institutional affiliations: employment, advisory roles, or membership in organizations that may benefit from the findings;
• Intellectual property rights: ownership of patents, trademarks, or similar proprietary interests;
• Personal relationships: familial, romantic, or close personal ties that may compromise objectivity;
• Academic competition: professional rivalry or involvement with individuals whose work is being critically evaluated in the manuscript.

All authors must ensure full and honest disclosure of any potential conflicts to uphold the integrity of the research and the publication process.