TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Global Science Press Limited

Last Updated: February 2026

1. SCOPE AND APPLICATION

1.1 General Provisions

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern all access to and use of the Global Science Press Limited (“GSP,” “Publisher,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) website located at www.global-sci.org and all associated digital platforms, content, products, and services (collectively, the “Platform”). By accessing or using the Platform, you (“User,” “you,” or “your”) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms.

1.2 Acceptance

Your continued use of the Platform constitutes acceptance of these Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must immediately discontinue use of the Platform and all associated services.

1.3 Modifications

GSP reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time without prior notice. Changes become effective immediately upon posting to the Platform. Your continued use following any modifications indicates acceptance of the revised Terms. We recommend reviewing these Terms periodically.

1.4 Jurisdiction

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any disputes arising from or relating to these Terms or use of the Platform shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Hong Kong.

2. DEFINITIONS

For purposes of these Terms, the following definitions apply:

“Authorized User” means any individual granted permission to access restricted content through an institutional subscription or individual license.

“Content” means all published and unpublished materials available through the Platform, including but not limited to journal articles, research papers, datasets, supplementary materials, images, graphics, software, and metadata.

“Digital Platform” refers to all online systems, websites, databases, and applications operated by or on behalf of GSP for content distribution and access.

“Institutional Subscriber” means any university, research institution, corporation, or organization that has entered into a subscription agreement with GSP.

“Open Access Content” means Content made freely available under a Creative Commons license or similar open licensing framework.

“Personal Use” means use for non-commercial research, educational, or scholarly purposes by an individual.

“Subscription Content” means Content accessible only to Authorized Users under valid subscription agreements.

3. USER ACCOUNTS AND ACCESS

3.1 Registration

Certain features of the Platform may require account registration. When creating an account, you agree to: - Provide accurate, current, and complete information - Maintain and promptly update your account information - Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials - Accept responsibility for all activities occurring under your account - Notify GSP immediately of any unauthorized access or security breach

3.2 Account Restrictions

You may not: - Create multiple accounts for deceptive purposes - Share account credentials with unauthorized parties - Use automated systems to create accounts - Impersonate any person or entity - Transfer or assign your account to another party without written consent

3.3 Account Termination

GSP reserves the right to suspend or terminate any account at our sole discretion for violations of these Terms, suspicious activity, or extended periods of inactivity. Upon termination, your right to access the Platform ceases immediately.

4. CONTENT ACCESS AND PERMITTED USE

4.1 License Grant - Subscription Content

Subject to compliance with these Terms and applicable subscription agreements, GSP grants Authorized Users a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to: - Access and view Subscription Content - Download and save single copies of articles for Personal Use - Print individual articles for Personal Use - Share links to Content (but not the Content itself) with colleagues

4.2 License Grant - Open Access Content

Open Access Content is governed by the specific Creative Commons license or other open license terms indicated with each work. Users must comply with attribution requirements and use restrictions specified in the applicable license.

4.3 Prohibited Uses

Users are strictly prohibited from: - Systematic downloading, scraping, or bulk extraction of Content - Using automated tools, bots, or scripts to access the Platform - Removing, obscuring, or modifying copyright notices, watermarks, or metadata - Distributing Content to unauthorized third parties - Using Content for commercial purposes without explicit authorization - Modifying, adapting, or creating derivative works without permission - Text and data mining beyond what is expressly permitted by applicable open access licenses - Circumventing technological protection measures or access controls

4.4 Educational and Research Use

Educational institutions and researchers may use Content in accordance with fair dealing principles and applicable copyright exceptions, including: - Limited excerpts in scholarly publications with proper citation - Classroom distribution to enrolled students for instructional purposes - Inclusion in course packs or electronic reserves (subject to copyright compliance) - Use in presentations at academic conferences or seminars

All such uses must include full and proper attribution to the original work and author(s).

5. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS

5.1 Ownership

All Content published by GSP, including text, graphics, logos, interfaces, software, and metadata, is protected by international copyright laws and treaty provisions. GSP or the respective content contributors retain all intellectual property rights in the Content.

5.2 Copyright Notice

Unless otherwise indicated, all Content is © Global Science Press Limited. Unauthorized reproduction or distribution may result in civil and criminal penalties.

5.3 Trademarks

“Global Science Press,” the GSP logo, and journal titles are registered or common law trademarks of Global Science Press Limited. Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

5.4 Third-Party Content

Certain Content may be owned by third parties who have granted GSP publication rights. Users must respect all third-party intellectual property rights and comply with any additional restrictions indicated with such Content.

6. AUTHOR AND CONTRIBUTOR AGREEMENTS

6.1 Manuscript Submission

By submitting a manuscript to GSP, authors warrant that: - The work is original and has not been published elsewhere - All co-authors have approved the submission - The work does not infringe upon any third-party rights - All necessary permissions for third-party materials have been obtained - The work complies with applicable research ethics standards

6.2 Publication Rights

Authors grant GSP an exclusive license to publish, reproduce, distribute, and display the accepted manuscript in all formats and media, worldwide, in perpetuity. This includes the right to: - Publish the work in print and electronic formats - Include the work in databases and indexing services - Create derivative works such as translations or adaptations - Sublicense these rights to third parties

6.3 Author Rights Retention

Authors retain the following rights: - Copyright in the underlying work (with GSP holding exclusive publication rights) - The right to use the accepted manuscript for Personal Use and non-commercial scholarly purposes after a 12-month embargo period from original publication - The right to deposit the accepted manuscript in institutional or subject-based repositories after a 12-month embargo period, provided proper citation and link to the published version are included - The right to reuse figures, tables, and data in subsequent scholarly works with proper attribution to the original GSP publication - The right to share the accepted manuscript privately with colleagues for research purposes - The right to use the work for teaching purposes at their institution

6.4 Open Access Option

Authors may elect to publish under an open access model by paying applicable Article Processing Charges (APCs). For current APC rates, please visit global-sci.com/index.php/index/en/open-access. Open access articles are published under Creative Commons licenses (typically CC BY 4.0 or CC BY-NC-ND) allowing broader reuse while maintaining author attribution. Discounts or waivers may be available for authors from economically developing countries as classified by the World Bank, or in cases of demonstrated financial hardship. For current APC rates and waiver policies, please visit global-sci.org or contact oa@global-sci.org.

7. SUBSCRIPTION TERMS AND PAYMENT

7.1 Subscription Access

Institutional and individual subscriptions provide access to Subscription Content according to the specific subscription package purchased. Access levels, duration, and coverage are defined in separate subscription agreements.

7.2 Pricing and Payment

All subscription fees, APCs, and other charges are stated in United States Dollars (USD) unless otherwise specified. Prices are subject to change with 60 days’ notice. Payment terms are net 30 days from invoice date unless alternative arrangements have been confirmed in writing. Accepted payment methods include: - Bank transfer or wire transfer (preferred for institutional subscribers) - Credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) for individual subscribers and APCs - Institutional purchase orders from accredited academic and research institutions - Multi-year subscription agreements with preferential pricing may be negotiated for institutional subscribers

Late payments may incur interest charges at the rate of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, whichever is lower.

7.3 Renewal and Cancellation

Institutional subscriptions automatically renew annually unless written notice of cancellation is provided at least 90 days prior to the renewal date. GSP will send renewal notices to institutional subscribers at least 120 days before the renewal date. Individual subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 30 days before renewal. Individual subscribers have a 30-day satisfaction guarantee from the date of initial purchase. Refunds for cancelled subscriptions are prorated based on unused months, less a 15% administrative fee, except where prohibited by applicable consumer protection laws. No refunds are provided for APC payments once an article enters the production process.

7.4 Access Suspension

GSP reserves the right to suspend access for non-payment, breach of Terms, or unauthorized use patterns. Suspension does not relieve the subscriber of payment obligations.

8. PRIVACY AND DATA PROTECTION

8.1 Data Collection

GSP collects personal data necessary to provide services, process transactions, and improve the Platform. This may include name, email address, institutional affiliation, IP address, and usage data.

8.2 Data Use

Personal data is used solely for: - Account management and authentication - Processing subscriptions and payments - Delivering requested content and services - Communicating service updates and notifications - Analyzing usage patterns to improve services - Complying with legal obligations

8.3 Data Protection

GSP implements reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration, including: - SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission - Secure server infrastructure with regular security audits - Access controls and authentication systems - Regular data backups - Staff training on data protection practices

However, no internet transmission or electronic storage system is completely secure, and users acknowledge the inherent risks of electronic data transmission. Personal data is retained for the duration of the subscription or service relationship, plus a period of 7 years for accounting, tax compliance, and legal purposes as required under Hong Kong law, or as otherwise mandated by applicable regulations. GSP complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) of Hong Kong.

8.4 Third-Party Sharing

GSP does not sell personal data to third parties. Data may be shared with: - Service providers performing functions on our behalf - Payment processors for transaction completion - Legal authorities when required by law - Institutional subscribers for user authentication and access management

8.5 User Rights

Under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) of Hong Kong and other applicable data protection laws, users have the right to: - Access their personal data held by GSP - Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data - Request deletion of data (subject to legal retention obligations and legitimate business purposes) - Object to processing of personal data for direct marketing purposes - Withdraw consent for data processing where consent was the legal basis - Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (Hong Kong) at www.pcpd.org.hk

To exercise these rights or for data protection inquiries, please contact privacy@global-sci.org with your request and appropriate proof of identity. GSP will respond to all requests within 40 days as required by the PDPO.

For detailed information, please refer to our Privacy Policy available at www.global-sci.org/privacy.

9. CONTENT ACCURACY AND DISCLAIMERS

9.1 Content Accuracy

While GSP employs rigorous peer review and editorial processes, we make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of Content. Published research represents the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of GSP.

9.2 Medical and Scientific Disclaimer

Content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. Users seeking medical, legal, financial, or other professional guidance should consult qualified practitioners. GSP is not liable for decisions made based on Content accessed through the Platform.

9.3 Corrections and Retractions

GSP follows established practices for publishing corrections, errata, expressions of concern, and retractions when necessary. Users are encouraged to check for updates to published Content.

9.4 External Links

The Platform may contain links to third-party websites or resources. GSP does not endorse and is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of external sites. Users access third-party links at their own risk.

10. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

10.1 Service Availability

GSP strives to maintain continuous Platform availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access. Scheduled maintenance, technical issues, or circumstances beyond our control may result in temporary service interruptions.

10.2 Disclaimer of Warranties

The platform and content are provided “As Is” and “As Available” without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement, or accuracy.

10.3 Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, GSP shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, data, use, or goodwill, arising from or relating to use of the platform or content, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

10.4 Maximum Liability

In no event shall GSP’s total liability to any user exceed the amount paid by that user to GSP in the twelve (12) months preceding the claim.

10.5 Jurisdictional Variations

Some jurisdictions do not allow limitation of certain warranties or liability for consequential damages. In such jurisdictions, liability shall be limited to the maximum extent permitted by law.

11. INDEMNIFICATION

Users agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless GSP, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees, agents, and partners from any claims, damages, losses, liabilities, costs, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from: - Violation of these Terms - Infringement of intellectual property or other rights - Misuse of the Platform or Content - Breach of applicable laws or regulations - User-generated content or submissions

12. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

12.1 Export Controls

Content may be subject to export control regulations. Users are responsible for compliance with all applicable export laws and regulations in their jurisdiction.

12.2 Anti-Corruption

Users agree to comply with all applicable anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act.

12.3 Sanctions Compliance

Users warrant that they are not located in, under the control of, or a national or resident of any country subject to United States embargo or other trade restrictions.

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

13.1 Informal Resolution

Prior to initiating formal proceedings, parties agree to attempt good-faith resolution of disputes through direct negotiation.

13.2 Arbitration

Any disputes that cannot be resolved informally shall be submitted to binding arbitration in Hong Kong under the rules of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). The arbitration shall be conducted in English, and judgment on the award may be entered in any court having jurisdiction.

13.3 Class Action Waiver

Users agree to resolve disputes on an individual basis only and waive any right to participate in class action lawsuits or class-wide arbitration.

13.4 Exceptions

Nothing in this section shall prevent either party from seeking injunctive relief in court to protect intellectual property rights or prevent ongoing harm.

14. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

14.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with any referenced policies and subscription agreements, constitute the entire agreement between users and GSP regarding the Platform, superseding all prior agreements and understandings.

14.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid, unlawful, or unenforceable, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it valid and enforceable, or if modification is not possible, shall be severed from these Terms without affecting the validity of the remaining provisions.

14.3 Waiver

Failure by GSP to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision. Any waiver must be in writing and signed by an authorized representative of GSP.

14.4 Assignment

Users may not assign or transfer their rights or obligations under these Terms without prior written consent from GSP. GSP may assign these Terms to any successor entity or affiliate without restriction.

14.5 Force Majeure

GSP shall not be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including natural disasters, war, terrorism, labor disputes, governmental actions, or internet infrastructure failures.

14.6 Survival

Provisions relating to intellectual property, disclaimers, limitation of liability, indemnification, and dispute resolution shall survive termination of these Terms.

15. CONTACT INFORMATION

For questions, concerns, or notices regarding these Terms, please contact:

Global Science Press Limited
Office B, 9/F, Kings Wing Plaza 2
1 On Kwan Street, Shek Mun
Shatin, Hong Kong SAR
Phone: +852 3105 1607
Email: info@global-sci.org
Website: www.global-sci.org

For copyright infringement claims or DMCA notices, please contact:
Email: info@global-sci.org

For privacy-related inquiries and data protection requests:
Email: info@global-sci.org

For subscription, billing, and institutional inquiries:
Email: order@global-sci.org

For open access inquiries and APC payments:
Email: oa@global-sci.org

For general inquiries:
Email: info@global-sci.org
Phone: +852 3105 1607

16. ACKNOWLEDGMENT

By accessing or using the platform, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.