Technical Pre-Check
Upon submission, the Editorial Office conducts an initial technical assessment to confirm that the manuscript is complete and complies with the journal’s requirements. This includes checks of manuscript formatting, journal scope, authorship information, required declarations, reporting standards, and potential research-integrity concerns. Manuscripts that do not meet the journal’s basic requirements may be returned to the authors for revision before further consideration.
Editorial Assessment
An academic editor assesses the manuscript’s suitability for the journal, with consideration of its originality, scientific significance, methodological rigor, and contribution to the field. Based on this assessment, the editor determines whether the manuscript should proceed to external peer review.
Independent Peer Review
Manuscripts considered suitable for review are evaluated by independent experts selected for their relevant subject expertise, experience, and absence of conflicts of interest. Reviewers are asked to provide objective, constructive assessments of the manuscript’s scientific validity, methodology, significance, and presentation. The journal normally seeks at least two independent peer-review reports for each manuscript.
First Decision
After peer review is complete, the academic editor evaluates the reviewer reports alongside the manuscript and makes an editorial decision based on the overall scientific assessment. Possible outcomes include acceptance, revision, rejection, or another decision appropriate to the manuscript’s status. When necessary, additional expert opinions may be sought.
Revision and Further Review
Authors invited to revise are expected to submit a marked-up version highlighting all changes, and a detailed point-by-point response to reviewer comments. The revised submission is assessed by the academic editor and may be returned to the original reviewers or sent to additional experts for further evaluation, where appropriate.
Final Decision and Publication
The final editorial decision is made by the responsible academic editor, taking into account the revised manuscript, reviewer feedback, and compliance with the journal’s editorial and ethical standards. Accepted manuscripts proceed to production, including copyediting, proof review, metadata verification, and publication preparation.