CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY

MIDA is committed to transparency, fairness, and objectivity in the editorial and publication process. Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict of interest that could influence, or reasonably appear to influence, their work or professional judgment. 

A conflict of interest may arise from financial, professional, personal, academic, or institutional relationships. Examples include employment, consultancy, research funding, financial interests, close personal relationships, academic competition, or other affiliations that could affect impartiality. 

Authors' Responsibilities
Authors must disclose financial and non-financial interests that could influence the research, interpretation of findings, or preparation of the manuscript. Funding sources and the role of sponsors in the research should also be stated where applicable. 

If no relevant conflict of interest exists, authors may include the following declaration:
“The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest related to the research, authorship, and publication of this article.” 

Reviewers' Responsibilities
Reviewers must disclose conflicts of interest that could compromise their impartiality. Reviewers should decline an invitation if they have a close personal or professional relationship with the authors, a direct competing interest, or another circumstance that could affect their objective assessment. 

Editors' Responsibilities
Editors must not handle manuscripts in which they have a conflict of interest. Such manuscripts should be assigned to another qualified editor who can make an independent editorial decision. 

Management of Conflicts of Interest
The journal will assess disclosed conflicts of interest and determine whether measures are needed to protect the integrity of the editorial process. Measures may include reassignment of reviewers or editors, additional disclosure, or other appropriate actions. 

Declarations of conflict of interest will be published with the article when relevant and appropriate. Failure to disclose a significant conflict of interest may result in editorial action, including rejection, correction, or retraction, depending on the circumstances.