Publication Ethics, Research Integrity and Best Practices Statement

The National Journal of City Management (RNGC), internationally published as Revista Nacional de Gerenciamento de Cidades (RNGC), is committed to the highest standards of publication ethics, research integrity, editorial transparency, and responsibility in scholarly communication.

The journal follows the principles established by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), as well as the recommendations set forth in the Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing, jointly developed by COPE, the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), the Open Access Scholarly Publishing Association (OASPA), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

All participants in the editorial process—including authors, reviewers, editors, and editorial staff—are expected to act ethically, responsibly, impartially, and transparently, contributing to the quality, credibility, and reliability of the published scientific record.

1. Research Integrity and Originality

The journal publishes only original, unpublished, and scientifically relevant manuscripts. Authors are responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, and integrity of the data, analyses, and interpretations presented in their work.

Data fabrication, falsification, inappropriate manipulation of results, duplicate publication, simultaneous submission, or any other practice that compromises research integrity is not accepted.

2. Plagiarism, Self-Plagiarism and Similarity

All submitted manuscripts are screened for originality using similarity-detection software, including Turnitin®, Plagius®, or equivalent tools.

The journal does not tolerate plagiarism, self-plagiarism, citation manipulation, unauthorized appropriation of intellectual content, or any use of material without proper attribution to the original source.

Confirmed cases may result in manuscript rejection, article retraction, notification of affiliated institutions, and other editorial measures deemed appropriate.

3. Authorship Criteria

Authorship must reflect substantial intellectual contributions to the conception, design, execution, analysis, interpretation, or writing of the research.

All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript and agree to its submission. Guest authorship, honorary authorship, ghost authorship, or inclusion of individuals who did not make a significant contribution are considered unethical practices.

4. Conflicts of Interest

Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any financial, institutional, academic, professional, or personal conflicts of interest that could influence the conduct, evaluation, or publication of a manuscript.

The existence of a conflict of interest does not necessarily preclude publication; however, failure to disclose relevant conflicts may compromise the integrity of the editorial process.

5. Peer Review Process

RNGC adopts a double-blind peer review system.

Reviewers are expected to conduct evaluations with impartiality, confidentiality, objectivity, and professionalism, and must decline review invitations whenever conflicts of interest exist.

6. Use of Artificial Intelligence

The use of Generative Artificial Intelligence tools in the preparation of manuscripts must be disclosed by the authors at the time of submission.

Artificial Intelligence tools cannot be listed as authors or co-authors. Full responsibility for the content of the manuscript remains exclusively with the authors.

7. Corrections, Retractions and Expressions of Concern

When significant errors, ethical issues, or evidence of scientific misconduct are identified, the journal may issue corrections, errata, retractions, or expressions of concern in accordance with COPE recommendations.

8. Reporting and Investigation of Misconduct

Allegations of research or publication misconduct may be submitted by any individual and will be handled confidentially, fairly, and transparently.

The editorial team will conduct appropriate investigations, ensuring due process and the right of response for all parties involved.

9. Editorial Commitment

RNGC reaffirms its commitment to research ethics, editorial transparency, open science, scientific integrity, and the broad dissemination of knowledge, contributing to the advancement of national and international scholarly communication.