Each submitted manuscript is subjected to an initial editorial review (desk review), the purpose of which is to ascertain compliance with the journal's profile, the completeness of the materials provided, the ethical standards to which the authors are required, and the basic substantive quality of the manuscript. Following a preliminary assessment that is deemed to be positive, the manuscript is then sent to a minimum of two independent expert reviewers (double-blind peer review). The identities of these reviewers are concealed from both the author and the reviewer.

The selection of reviewers is subject to the following criteria:

Individuals wishing to serve as reviewers are expected to demonstrate documented scientific knowledge in a given subject area. The editorial board employs a policy of avoiding the appointment of reviewers who have significant professional or personal connections to the authors. The onus is on the editorial board to request that authors suggest reviewers, but the final selection and appointment of reviewers is at the sole discretion of the editorial board.

Review procedure

The following aspects are to be assessed by reviewers: the originality and novelty of the work, the methodological correctness, the reliability of the analysis, the adequacy of the conclusions in relation to the data presented, the quality and structure of the manuscript, and the compliance with applicable ethical standards.

The reviewer is expected to furnish detailed comments on both the substance and the editorial aspects of the work, along with a recommendation: acceptance without corrections, acceptance following minor corrections, acceptance following major revisions, resubmission for review (resubmit & re-review), or rejection. The reviewer is obliged to maintain the confidentiality of the materials provided and to report any potential conflicts of interest to the editorial office before undertaking the review.

Deadlines

To ensure the process is predictable, the editorial office publishes the following average processing times (reference values):

- Average time for initial evaluation of manuscripts: 14 days.

· Average time for reviewing manuscripts: 60 days.

· Average time to publication of an article (from acceptance): 80 days.

The editorial board will strive to meet these deadlines, but in justified cases, they may be extended and the author will be informed.

Editorial decisions and the appeals procedure

The editor-in-chief makes the final decision on whether to accept, reject or send the manuscript for revision, in consultation with the subject editor and based on the reviews. If there are significant discrepancies between the reviewers' opinions, the editorial board may seek a third expert opinion.

Authors have the right to submit a justified appeal against an editorial decision. The appeal will be considered by either the editor-in-chief or a team appointed by them and independent of the original panel of reviewers.

Review form [download]