Peer Review Process

Initial checks

Submissions are assessed for scope, completeness, originality, reporting quality and integrity concerns.

Independent review

Suitable manuscripts are evaluated by reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers advise the editor; the editor makes the decision.

Decisions

Decisions may include reject, revise or accept. Authors receiving revision requests should respond point-by-point.

Confidentiality and conflicts

Unpublished material is confidential. Editors and reviewers must disclose relevant conflicts; editor-authored submissions are handled independently.

Reviewer selection

Reviewers should be chosen for relevant expertise and absence of material conflicts. Author suggestions may be considered but do not determine reviewer selection. Editors may seek additional opinions when reports conflict or specialist expertise is needed.

Revision and further review

Authors should respond point-by-point and identify substantive changes. Revised manuscripts may be returned to previous reviewers or assessed editorially depending on the nature of the requested changes.