Peer Review Process

The peer review process is a critical component in ensuring the quality, accuracy, and credibility of scientific publications. It involves the evaluation of submitted manuscripts by independent experts in the relevant field, with the primary objective of assessing the validity, significance, originality, and clarity of the research.

1. Submission and Initial Screening

Once a manuscript is submitted, it undergoes an initial screening by the editorial office to ensure it aligns with the journal’s aims and scope, and complies with basic submission guidelines (e.g., formatting, plagiarism check, ethical statements). Manuscripts that do not meet these criteria may be desk rejected without external review.

2. Assignment to Editor

If the manuscript passes the initial screening, it is assigned to a subject-specific editor or associate editor who further assesses the content and determines whether it merits review by external experts.

3. Selection of Reviewers

The editor selects two or more qualified reviewers who have expertise in the manuscript’s subject area. Reviewers are invited to evaluate the manuscript based on scientific merit, originality, methodology, data analysis, ethical integrity, and relevance.

4. Reviewer Evaluation

Each reviewer provides a detailed report, including:

• Overall assessment of the manuscript

• Strengths and weaknesses

• Suggestions for improvement

• A recommendation (e.g., accept, revise, or reject)

Reviewers are expected to maintain confidentiality and declare any potential conflicts of interest.

5. Editorial Decision

Based on the reviewers' comments and recommendations, the editor makes one of the following decisions:

• Accept (with or without minor revisions)

• Revise and Resubmit (major revisions needed)

• Reject

In cases where the reviews conflict significantly, the editor may seek an additional opinion or review the manuscript personally in detail.

6. Revision and Resubmission

If revisions are requested, the corresponding author is given an opportunity to address the reviewers' comments and resubmit a revised version of the manuscript. The revised manuscript may be sent back to the original reviewers for re-evaluation.

7. Final Decision and Publication

After satisfactory revisions, the editor makes a final decision. Accepted manuscripts proceed to the copyediting, typesetting, and proofreading stages before publication. Authors are given a final opportunity to review proofs before the article is officially published.