Peer Review Policies

Reviewers’ Responsibilities

To contribute to the orderly running and reputation of the journal as well as its quality-driven mission by reviewing the manuscripts objectively and timely. 

To maintain the confidentiality of any information supplied by the editor or author and not retain or copy the manuscript. Reviewers should not use or disseminate any information, arguments, or interpretations contained in an unpublished manuscript, except with the consent of the author. 

To support the judgment adequately so that editors and authors may understand the basis of their comments. 

To be aware (to the best of one’s ability) of any potential conflicts of interest (financial, institutional, collaborative or other relationships between the reviewer and author) and to alert the editor to these, if necessary withdrawing their services for that manuscript. 

If reviewers become aware of scientific misconduct, fraud, plagiarism or any other unethical behavior related to the manuscript, they should bring those concerns to the Associate Editor or Editor-in-Chief immediately. 

Review Rating

Reviewers rate articles based on the following aspects:

APPROPRIATENESS: How would you rate the appropriateness of this paper to the journal?

CLARITY: For the reasonably well-prepared reader, is it clear what was done and why? Is the paper well-written and well-structured? How would you rate the quality of this paper?

ORIGINALITY: Does it address a new problem or one that has received little attention? Alternatively, does its present significant benefits? How would you rate the originality of the content of this paper?

SUBSTANCE: Does this paper have enough substance? Does it benefit from its methodology and results?

SIGNIFICANCE: How would you rate the significance this paper contributes to the journal?

IMPACT OF RESULTS: How would you rate the results and the supporting evidence technically of this paper?

LANGUAGE: Is the paper written in good English, well presentation and layout?

 

Recommendations 

Recommendations are provided as follows:

Accept Submission: The paper is accepted without any future changes.

Minor Revision: The paper is in principle accepted after revision based on the reviewer’s comments. Authors are given seven days for minor revisions.

Major Revision: The acceptance of the manuscript would depend on the revisions. The author needs to provide a point by point response or provide a rebuttal if some of the reviewer’s comments cannot be revised. Usually, only one round of major revisions is allowed. Authors will be asked to resubmit the revised paper within ten days and the revised version will be returned to the reviewer for further comments.

Decline: The article has serious flaws, makes no original contribution, and the paper is rejected with no offer of resubmission to the journal.