A conflict of interest occurs when the author (or the institution they represent), reviewer, or editor have financial or personal relationships that inappropriately influence their actions. Such relationships are also known as dual commitments, competing interests, or competing loyalties. These range from those with negligible potential to those with great potential to influence scientific judgment. Competing interests may exist regardless of whether an individual is aware of it.
Authors are requested to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest including any financial, personal or other relationships with other people or organisations that could inappropriately influence, or be perceived to influence, their work. Submitted typescripts must include disclosure of all relationships that could be viewed as presenting a potential conflict of interest.
