The journal recognizes the importance of a fair and transparent editorial process and provides mechanisms for authors and other stakeholders to raise appeals or complaints when appropriate.
Appeals
Authors may appeal an editorial decision if they believe that the decision was based on a factual error, a misunderstanding of the manuscript, or a procedural issue that affected the outcome of the review process. Appeals should be supported by a clear and reasoned explanation and must address specific points raised in the editorial or reviewer feedback.
ll appeals must be assessed by an appropriately qualified editor or other designated person who was not materially involved in the original decision and who has no relevant competing interest. Where the appeal concerns the Editor-in-Chief or another person who would normally exercise decision-making authority, that individual must recuse themselves and must not determine, control, or improperly influence the assessment or outcome of the appeal.
Following review of an appeal, the editorial decision may be upheld or, in exceptional cases, reconsidered. Decisions made after the appeal process are final.
Complaints
All complaints are handled with appropriate confidentiality and are assessed by the editorial office or an appropriately qualified designated person, depending on the nature of the issue. A complaint involving an editor, the Editor-in-Chief, a publisher representative, or another person with a relevant competing interest must not be controlled or determined by the individual who is the subject of the complaint or otherwise conflicted. In such cases, responsibility for the assessment must be transferred to an appropriately qualified person who was not materially involved in the matter and who has no relevant competing interest.
The journal is committed to addressing complaints in a fair, impartial, and timely manner. Where appropriate, corrective actions may be taken to improve editorial processes or address identified concerns.