Guidelines for Reviewers
As a reviewer, you are entrusted with a critical role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the journal. Please adhere to the following guidelines:
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Confidentiality
Reviewers must treat all information regarding manuscripts as confidential and privileged. Any details about the paper should not be disclosed or discussed with others. -
Objectivity
Conduct your review objectively, focusing on the content of the manuscript rather than the author. Personal criticism is discouraged. -
Constructive Feedback
Provide clear, well-supported feedback that offers constructive suggestions to guide the Editor-in-Chief or their nominee in making an editorial decision. -
Timeliness
Complete your review within the specified timeframe to ensure the efficient processing of manuscripts. -
Conflicts of Interest
Do not review manuscripts in which you have a conflict of interest—whether due to competitive, collaborative, or personal relationships with any author, institution, or organization associated with the paper. -
Expertise
Only agree to review manuscripts in areas where you possess sufficient expertise. If the manuscript falls outside your scope or knowledge, kindly decline the review.
Expectations for Manuscript Reviewers
If you are invited by the Journal Editor to review a manuscript, please consider the following responsibilities:
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Critical but Constructive Review
Review the manuscript critically, offering constructive feedback to help the authors improve their research. Provide detailed comments, focusing on aspects such as novelty, clarity, and scientific rigor. -
Multiple Review Cycles
Be prepared to review multiple versions of a manuscript if necessary, assessing whether revisions meet the required standards. -
Meeting Deadlines
Submit your review and all necessary information within the journal's established deadlines. -
Recommendation for Publication
Make a clear recommendation to the Editor regarding the manuscript's suitability for publication, considering its scientific contribution and relevance. -
Conflict of Interest Declaration
If you have any potential conflicts of interest, disclose them to the Editor before proceeding with the review. -
Reporting Misconduct
If you suspect any research misconduct, report it immediately. -
Alternative Reviewers
If for any reason you are unable to review the manuscript, suggest alternative reviewers who may be able to provide a fair assessment. -
Confidentiality and Integrity
Treat the manuscript as a confidential document. Do not use the work described in the manuscript for your own research or share it with others. -
Communication with Authors
Do not communicate directly with the authors, and do not identify yourself to them. Keep all interactions through the editorial office. -
No Substitution of Reviewers
Do not pass the manuscript on to another reviewer without prior approval from the Editor. -
High-Quality Review
Ensure that the manuscript is of high quality, presenting original research that contributes meaningfully to the field. -
Duplicate Submissions
Inform the Editor if you are aware that the manuscript is under consideration elsewhere. -
Review Report Language
Write your review report in English, adhering to the journal’s standards of professionalism and clarity. -
Commentary Submission
Do not submit commentaries related to the manuscript for publication unless authorized.
Key Aspects to Evaluate While Reviewing a Manuscript
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Novelty: Does the manuscript offer new insights or concepts?
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Originality: Is the work original and distinct from existing research?
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Scientific Reliability: Are the methods and findings scientifically valid?
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Contribution to Science: Does the paper significantly contribute to the advancement of the field?
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Relevance: Does the research address important questions or gaps in the existing literature?
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Ethics: Are ethical considerations, such as consent and data handling, appropriately addressed?
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Structure and Formatting: Does the manuscript adhere to the journal’s guidelines and have a logical structure?
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References: Are the references adequate, relevant, and correctly cited to support the research?
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Language Quality: Is the manuscript free of grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors?
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Scientific Misconduct: Are there any signs of plagiarism or other ethical violations?