NobleBlocks

NobleBlocks Editorial & Peer Review Policy

1. IntroductionAt NobleBlocks, we are committed to fostering a transparent, rigorous, and decentralized peer review process that upholds the highest standards of academic integrity. Our editorial and peer review framework is designed to ensure fairness, inclusivity, and accountability, allowing researchers, reviewers, and editors to engage in meaningful scientific discourse while maintaining credibility and trust in research publications.This document outlines our editorial workflow, peer review process, and ethical guidelines for all participants involved in manuscript submissions, reviews, and editorial decisions.
2. Editorial Workflow & Manuscript Submission
  • Manuscript Submission: Authors can submit manuscripts directly to NobleBlocks or import them via DOI from external sources.
  • Initial Screening: Submitted manuscripts undergo an automated AI-driven pre-check to detect plagiarism, statistical inconsistencies, and formatting issues before being assigned to reviewers.
  • Peer Review Assignment: Based on subject matter, manuscripts are sent to qualified peer reviewers who assess the work based on methodology, originality, clarity, and ethical considerations.
  • Decision & Revisions: Based on reviewer feedback, the editorial team makes a publication decision, requesting revisions if necessary.
3. Peer Review ProcessNobleBlocks supports a flexible and transparent peer review model that empowers authors and reviewers with multiple options:
3.1 Peer Review ModelsAuthors can choose from the following peer review styles:
  • Open Peer Review: Reviewers’ identities and comments are made public to promote transparency.
  • Single-Blind Review: Reviewers remain anonymous, but the author’s identity is visible.
  • Double-Blind Review: Both authors and reviewers remain anonymous for unbiased evaluations.
Reviewers may also indicate their preferred peer review style when signing up.
3.2 Review CriteriaEach manuscript is assessed based on the following core scientific integrity principles:
  • Methodological Rigor – Are the research methods sound and reproducible?
  • Statistical Accuracy – Are data analyses performed correctly?
  • Clarity & Structure – Is the manuscript well-written and logically structured?
  • Significance & Originality – Does the research contribute new insights?
  • Ethical Standards – Are ethical guidelines followed in research and publication?
3.3 Reviewer Responsibilities
  • Provide constructive, unbiased, and detailed feedback.
  • Disclose any conflicts of interest before reviewing.
  • Maintain confidentiality—do not share unpublished work.
  • Uphold scientific integrity—flag issues related to plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical concerns.
  • Ethical Standards – Are ethical guidelines followed in research and publication?
  • Engage in professional and respectful dialogue with authors.
4. Editorial Decision-MakingDecisions on manuscripts are made collaboratively between editors and peer reviewers. Possible outcomes include:
  • ✅ Accept as is – No changes required.
  • 🔄 Minor revisions required – Authors make small edits before final approval.
  • 📢 Major revisions required – Significant changes needed before re-review.
  • ❌ Reject – Manuscript does not meet the required scientific or ethical standards.
Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions if they believe a review was unfair or biased. Appeals are reviewed by an independent editorial oversight team.
5. Ethical Guidelines & IntegrityNobleBlocks adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines to ensure the highest standards of academic integrity.
5.1 Authorship & Contribution
  • All listed authors must have made a significant contribution to the manuscript.
  • Ghostwriting and honorary authorship are not allowed.
  • Authors must disclose funding sources and potential conflicts of interest.
Reviewers may also indicate their preferred peer review style when signing up.
5.2 Plagiarism & Data Integrity
  • Manuscripts undergo plagiarism detection before peer review.
  • Falsification, fabrication, or manipulation of data will result in immediate rejection and possible banning from future submissions.
Reviewers may also indicate their preferred peer review style when signing up.
5.3 Confidentiality & Data Privacy
  • Reviewers and editors must maintain strict confidentiality of unpublished work.
  • Authors submitting sensitive data must comply with ethical data-sharing guidelines.
6. Decentralized Peer Review & Community EngagementAs a DeSci (Decentralized Science) initiative, NobleBlocks encourages community-driven peer review and validation. Researchers and domain experts can:
  • Publicly discuss, validate, or challenge findings through the platform.
  • Participate in collaborative research audits and open scientific discourse.
  • Receive peer review recognition (downloadable certificates for contributions).
7. AI-Enhanced Peer ReviewNobleBlocks integrates AI-powered tools to assist, but not replace, human judgment in peer review:
  • Automated manuscript screening (plagiarism, statistical checks).
  • AI-assisted grammar and formatting suggestions.
  • Research audit tools to flag inconsistencies for reviewer consideration.
AI reports serve as guidance but do not replace the need for expert human reviewers.
8. Editorial Independence & Conflict ResolutionTo maintain editorial integrity:
  • Editors and reviewers operate independently of funding bodies and political influences.
  • Authors can appeal unfair decisions through a transparent review process.
  • Disputes over authorship, conflicts of interest, or unethical behavior are resolved by an independent ethics committee.
9. Recognition & Rewards for Peer Reviewers & EditorsTo incentivize and recognize peer review contributions:
  • Reviewers and editors receive acknowledgment and downloadable certificates for each completed review.
  • Active contributors may receive $NOBL token rewards based on their participation.
  • High-quality reviewers may be invited to join the editorial board.
10. Compliance & AmendmentsThese editorial and peer review policies are reviewed periodically to ensure alignment with best practices in academic publishing. Changes will be communicated to all platform users.For inquiries or concerns, contact info@nobleblocks.com.
By engaging with NobleBlocks, you agree to uphold scientific integrity, ethical peer review standards, and community-driven collaboration in research publishing.