Review process

All the manuscripts submitted to this Journal are evaluated in three major steps: (i) adequation to the journal goals, (ii) quality of the research, and (iii) blind peer review with at least two experts/reviewers.

The first step evaluates the manuscript within technical and normative aspects such as (i) Scopus, (ii) Subject, (iii) Section of the journal, (iv) Type of manuscript, and (v) adequacy to the norms. This evaluation is performed by the editor in chief or another member of the editorial board when necessary.

In the second step, the quality of the manuscript is evaluated taking into account technical and scientific aspects such as i) novelty and contribution to the field, (ii) Scientific approach, iii) updating review literature. This evaluation is performed by the associate editor during the evaluation process.

The third step is the evaluation of the merit judging the quality of the submitted research or review obeying the following criteria (i) novelty and consistency of the conclusion, (ii) statement of the problems, (iii) clarity and originality, (iv) coherence and precise description of the methodology assuring reproducible research, (v) significative contribution of the results to the field, (vi) clarity and objectiveness of the discussion, linked with updated literature, (vii) quality of the tables and figures and (viii) adequacy of the title, abstract and key-words among other aspects. This evaluation is performed by at least two external reviewers selected by the associate editor. Wherever possible we consider diversity in your invitations, including gender, career stage, and global representation in the research field.

Inadequate submissions are archived before sending them out for review.

We only accept manuscripts that present unanimity in the decision reports/recommendation by the reviewers. The associate editor revise the received reports and proceed with a decision (i.e., accept, revisions required, reject or submit to another journal) and forward it to the editor in chief. The editor in chief will forward the decision to the authors taking into account the recommendation of the associate editor. 

WARRANTY OF THE BLIND REVIEW

The name of the authors shall not be informed in the manuscript. This also means removing funding support in the main manuscript. Such information shall be informed in the cover letter when you submit the manuscript. In case your manuscript is accepted, these information will be added during the final editorial stage prior publication.

The authors shall exclude all personal information in the manuscript.

The journal does not reveal the identity of the authors to the Ad hoc reviewers.