Preprint Policy

Last Updated: September 12, 2024

SECTION 1: GENERAL PRINCIPLES
===========================

1. Definition and Scope
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□ Preprints are defined as:
- Early versions of research manuscripts
- Posted on recognized preprint servers
- Prior to peer review
- Publicly accessible

2. Approved Preprint Servers
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□ Recognized platforms:
- bioRxiv
- medRxiv
- arXiv (q-bio)
- OSF Preprints
- Research Square
- SSRN (Life Sciences)

SECTION 2: AUTHOR GUIDELINES
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1. Submission Requirements
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□ Authors must:
- Declare preprint existence during submission
- Provide preprint DOI/identifier
- Link to preprint version
- Update preprint status when published

2. Version Control
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□ Authors should:
- Clearly label preprint versions
- Link to journal submission
- Update with peer review status
- Cross-reference final publication

3. Timing Considerations
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□ Guidelines for:
- Concurrent submission allowed
- Updates during peer review
- Final version posting
- Publication timeline

SECTION 3: JOURNAL POLICIES
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1. Acceptance of Preprints
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□ Journal position:
- Accepts manuscripts previously posted as preprints
- No penalty for prior posting
- Encourages responsible preprint use
- Supports open science principles

2. Citation Guidelines
-------------------
□ Requirements for:
- Citing preprints in manuscripts
- Distinguishing from peer-reviewed sources
- Version specification
- DOI inclusion

3. Media Coverage
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□ Policies regarding:
- Press releases
- Social media discussion
- Public engagement
- Responsibility disclaimers

SECTION 4: PEER REVIEW PROCESS
===========================

1. Reviewer Guidelines
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□ Instructions for:
- Accessing preprint versions
- Comparing submissions
- Considering updates
- Maintaining confidentiality

2. Version Tracking
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□ Procedures for:
- Documenting changes
- Tracking improvements
- Managing multiple versions
- Final version approval

SECTION 5: PUBLICATION PROCESS
===========================

1. Final Publication
-----------------
□ Requirements for:
- Updating preprint status
- Linking to published version
- DOI cross-referencing
- Version documentation

2. Copyright Considerations
------------------------
□ Policies on:
- Copyright transfer
- License compatibility
- Author rights
- Repository permissions

SECTION 6: ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
==============================

1. Research Integrity
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□ Guidelines for:
- Data accuracy
- Method transparency
- Result verification
- Error correction

2. Priority Claims
---------------
□ Policies on:
- Establishing precedence
- Date stamping
- Version control
- Citation priority

SECTION 7: IMPLEMENTATION
=======================

1. Technical Requirements
----------------------
□ Systems for:
- Preprint tracking
- Version control
- DOI management
- Cross-referencing

2. Communication Strategy
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□ Plans for:
- Author notification
- Reviewer guidance
- Staff training
- Public awareness

SECTION 8: MONITORING AND REVIEW
=============================

1. Policy Compliance
-----------------
□ Tracking of:
- Preprint declarations
- Version updates
- Link maintenance
- Citation accuracy

2. Policy Updates
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□ Process for:
- Regular review
- Community feedback
- Policy revision
- Implementation changes

APPENDIX A: PREPRINT DECLARATION FORM
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1. Manuscript Information
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□ Title:
□ Authors:
□ Submission Date:

2. Preprint Details
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□ Server Name:
□ DOI/Identifier:
□ Version Number:
□ Posting Date:

3. Author Declaration
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□ Confirmation of:
- Policy compliance
- Version accuracy
- Update commitment
- Citation adherence