Editorial & Peer review

The journal uses double blind peer review (neither the author nor the reviewer knows each other’s identity).

 

The editorial process comprises 7 steps:

1. Review by editorial office

Upon reception of the manuscript, the editorial office reviews the document to ensure adhesion to author guidelines (format, style, sections, references, etc.), which are available at the journal website.

2. Review by the Editor in Chief

The Editor in Chief reviews the manuscript, and validates if the theme, originality and scientific quality of the paper are fit to be published in the journal.

The manuscript is evaluated for plagiarism (through iThenticate), double publication and related issues.

The manuscript may be rejected at this step, in which case the main author will receive notification.

3. Assignment to an associate editor

If it is decided that the article should continue the process, the Editor-in-Chief assigns the Associate Editor to oversee the peer review process.

For the assignment of the reviewer of the article, the Associate Editor takes into account that there is no conflict of interest according to the COPE definition.

4. Reviewer invitation

The editor in charge will invite reviewers, who must be individuals with expertise in the field. The number of reviewers may vary according to the study type but will be at least two. An individual will not be considered as potential reviewer if a relevant conflict of interest exists.

5. Manuscript review

Reviewers critically evaluate the manuscript and make a judgment (Publishable, Publishable subject to changes, Not publishable). In addition, they may give suggestions to improve the quality of the article.

Reviewers are encouraged to provide an exhaustive and objective review.

6. Editorial decision

The editor in charge will receive the recommendations issued by reviewers, so a final decision can be made.

If reviewers disagree in their recommendation, it is possible for the editor to invite additional reviewers.

Whenever needed, a review of statistical methodology may be carried out by members of the editorial committee fit to do so.

7. Communication of editorial decision

The editor contacts the main author via email with the final decision and comments made by the reviewers.

If the decision is Minor/Major changes, the editor will resubmit the manuscript to reviewers for a complete evaluation.

Lastly, the editorial office double-checks for grammar, style and references in the final version of the manuscript. In all cases, before publication the author receives the final proofs for its approval before publication.

Processing of manuscripts is ruled by COPE best practice guidelines available at: https://publicationethics.org/resources/code-conduct.

 

Please see:

– COPE best practice guidelines: https://publicationethics.org/resources/code-conduct

– ICMJE: Use of artificial intelligence in the review process