Terms of Service
1. Introduction
Welcome to NobleBlocks, a decentralized peer review and scientific publishing platform with integrated social networking and blockchain-powered research auditing tools. By accessing or using NobleBlocks (“the Platform”), you agree to comply with and be bound by these Terms of Service (“Terms”). If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Platform.
These Terms govern your use of NobleBlocks, including but not limited to:
- Creating a profile and interacting with other users.
- Submitting, reviewing, and editing research manuscripts.
- Uploading PDFs for research auditing and error detection.
- Importing manuscripts via DOI links from external sources.
- Participating in decentralized peer review.
- Engaging in social networking features, discussions, and content sharing.
- Using blockchain-based incentives, transactions, and rewards.
2. Eligibility
By using NobleBlocks, you represent and warrant that:
- You are at least 18 years old or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction.
- You have not been previously suspended or banned from using the Platform.
- Your use of NobleBlocks does not violate any applicable laws or regulations.
- You provide accurate and truthful information when registering an account.
3. Account Registration & Security
- You must create an account to access certain features of the Platform.
- You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials.
- You agree to notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account.
- NobleBlocks reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate these Terms.
4. User Content & Submissions
4.1. Manuscripts, Reviews & Research Audits
By submitting manuscripts, reviews, comments, or other research-related content, you agree that:
- You own or have the legal right to submit the content.
- You grant NobleBlocks a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free license to display, store, and share your content.
- Your submission does not violate intellectual property rights or any applicable laws.
- Peer reviewers, editors, and users may engage with your content based on the open peer review model, unless specified otherwise.
4.2. Social Interactions & Community Content
Users may participate in discussions, comment on research, and engage in social networking. You agree not to post:
- False, misleading, or deceptive content.
- Harassing, threatening, or discriminatory material.
- Spam, promotional material, or unauthorized advertisements.
5. Research Integrity & Ethical Standards
As a platform for scientific publishing and peer review, NobleBlocks upholds strict ethical guidelines:
- No Plagiarism: Users must ensure all content is original and properly cited.
- No Fabrication or Falsification: Manipulating research results is prohibited.
- No Misuse of Peer Review: Reviewers and editors must conduct objective and unbiased assessments.
- Transparency: Any conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
Violating these standards may result in removal of content, account suspension, or permanent banning.
6. AI-Powered Research Auditing & Limitations
Our AI tools assist with research error detection and manuscript analysis. However, you acknowledge that:
- AI-generated findings should be used as advisory and not definitive conclusions.
- AI results may contain errors or false positives.
- NobleBlocks does not guarantee the absolute accuracy of AI-generated reports.
Users are encouraged to verify AI findings with domain experts and through additional peer review.
7. Blockchain Transactions & Token Use ($NOBL)
7.1. Payments & Transactions
Certain services may require payments or the use of $NOBL tokens, including:
- Uploading research papers for peer review or error auditing.
- Unlocking premium features or requesting advanced AI analysis.
- Earning rewards for participating in reviews and discussions.
Transactions on the blockchain are irreversible. Users are responsible for their own wallets, private keys, and security.
7.2. Token Rewards & Vesting
- Users may receive $NOBL token rewards for active participation.
- Any token airdrops, incentives, or giveaways may be subject to vesting schedules.
- NobleBlocks does not guarantee any monetary value or future appreciation of $NOBL tokens.
8. Data Privacy & Security
Your privacy is important to us. By using NobleBlocks, you consent to data collection as described in our Privacy Policy. Key points include:
- Personal Information: We may collect your name, email, country, academic credentials, and affiliations.
- Manuscripts & Research Data: If you submit papers for review, they may be stored and displayed.
- Blockchain Data: Transactions conducted using $NOBL tokens may be recorded on the blockchain.
- Third-Party Integrations: If you connect external accounts (Google Scholar, ORCID, LinkedIn), those services' terms apply.
You may request account deletion at any time by contacting info@nobleblocks.com.
9. Account Suspension & Termination
NobleBlocks reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that:
- Violate these Terms or any applicable laws.
- Engage in fraudulent or unethical behavior.
- Abuse the peer review process or spread misinformation.
Users may appeal suspensions by contacting info@nobleblocks.com.
10. Disclaimers & Limitations of Liability
- No Guarantees: NobleBlocks is provided “as-is” without warranties of any kind.
- Research & AI Accuracy: We do not guarantee the correctness of AI-generated audits or research findings.
- Blockchain Risks: We are not responsible for lost tokens, smart contract exploits, or market fluctuations.
- Third-Party Links: The Platform may contain links to external websites. We do not endorse or control their content.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, NobleBlocks is not liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from platform use.
11. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms periodically. If changes occur, we will notify users via email or platform announcements. Continued use after updates constitutes acceptance.
12. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
- These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Wyoming, USA, without regard to its conflict of law principles.
- Any disputes shall be resolved through binding arbitration seated in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The proceedings shall be conducted in English, and the arbitral award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
For questions or concerns regarding these Terms, please contact us:
13. Contact Information
By using NobleBlocks, you acknowledge and agree to these Terms.