Reviewer Responsibilities and Best Practices

General Assessment

• Evaluate the significance, originality, clarity, methodology, and relevance of the manuscript.
• Consider whether the data supports the conclusions and if the discussion is balanced and evidence-based.

Detailed Comments

• Provide clear, numbered, and specific comments addressing the manuscript's strengths and areas for improvement.
• Separate comments intended for the authors from confidential notes to the editor.

Recommendation

• Choose an appropriate recommendation (Accept, Minor Revisions, Major Revisions, Reject).
• Justify your recommendation with evidence-based arguments.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Confidentiality

• All manuscripts and related materials must be treated as confidential documents.
• Do not share, discuss, or disclose content with anyone outside the review process without prior approval from the editorial office.

Objectivity

• Provide fair, unbiased, and constructive evaluations.
• Avoid personal criticism and focus on the scientific content.

Expertise and Competence

• Accept review assignments only if you have sufficient expertise to assess the manuscript.
• Decline the invitation if the topic is outside your area of competence or if you cannot meet the deadline.

Timeliness

• Submit your review within the agreed timeframe.
• Notify the editorial office immediately if delays are expected.

Ethical Considerations

Conflict of Interest

• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest (financial, institutional, personal, or collaborative relationships).
• Refrain from reviewing if a conflict could compromise your impartiality.

Plagiarism and Ethical Concerns

• Report any suspected plagiarism, data fabrication, duplicate submission, or ethical concerns regarding human or animal subjects.

Review Format and Submission

• Use the journal's online submission system to complete and submit your review.
• Follow any specific formatting or structural guidelines provided in the reviewer form.

Recognition and Acknowledgment

• Your contribution may be acknowledged through formal certificates, reviewer listings, or reviewer rewards (subject to journal policy).
• Participation in peer review supports your professional development and academic service record.

Reviewer Qualifications

To ensure high-quality peer review, reviewers should meet the following qualifications:

Academic and Professional Expertise

• Hold a relevant advanced degree (typically a PhD, MD, or equivalent) in the subject area of the manuscript.
• Demonstrated expertise through recent publications in peer-reviewed journals related to the manuscript's topic.

Research and Analytical Skills

• Ability to critically evaluate study design, methodology, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Familiarity with current developments and literature in the relevant field.

Ethical and Professional Integrity

• Adherence to ethical guidelines in research and publishing.
• No history of academic misconduct or unethical behavior.

Reviewing Experience

• Prior experience in peer review or editorial board participation is advantageous.
• Early-career researchers with strong publication records may be considered under the mentorship of experienced reviewers.

Reviewer Benefits

Recognition and Accreditation

• Acknowledgment: Public recognition through annual Thank You to Reviewers lists published on our website and in the journal.
• Certificates of appreciation: Downloadable certificates for each completed review to add to professional portfolios.
• Reviewer badges: Digital badges compatible with platforms such as Publons and ORCID to showcase reviewing activity.

Professional Development

• Access to reviewer training: Complimentary or discounted access to workshops, webinars, and resources on peer review best practices.
• Feedback: Constructive feedback on review reports to help enhance reviewing skills.
• Networking opportunities: Invitations to editorial board meetings and reviewer forums to connect with other experts.

Publishing Benefits

• Priority consideration: Expedited review or waiver of Article Processing Charges (APCs) for reviewers who publish with us.
• Discounts: Discounts on publication fees, conferences, and affiliated events.

Contribution to Science

• Impact: Play an active role in advancing scientific knowledge by ensuring the quality and rigor of published research.
• Community service: Contribute to the scientific community and uphold ethical standards in research.