Complaints and Appeals

We are committed to providing a fair and transparent process for handling complaints and appeals. This policy outlines the procedures for submitting complaints against the journal, its staff, editorial board, or publisher, as well as the process for handling appeals. The goal is to ensure that all complaints are addressed promptly, impartially, and with utmost consideration for the integrity of its scholarly publications. This journal follows the Core Practices outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Types of Complaints

Complaints may include, but are not limited to, the following issues:

Allegations of ethical violations or research misconduct in published articles.
Claims of bias or unfair treatment by the editorial board or journal staff.
Disputes related to the peer-review process.
Allegations of copyright infringement or plagiarism.
Concerns about conflicts of interest or undisclosed competing interests.

Submitting a Complaint

Authors, reviewers, readers, or any concerned individuals can submit a complaint regarding any aspect of the journal's operations via our contact email. Please include the complainant's contact information, a detailed description of the complaint, and any supporting evidence or documentation when submitting your complaint.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

It is important to protect the confidentiality and anonymity of both the complainant and the individuals involved in the complaint investigation. Complaints will be handled in strict confidence, and personal information will only be shared with individuals directly involved in the investigation.

Initial Assessment

Upon receiving a complaint, an initial assessment will be conducted to determine the validity and seriousness of the issues raised. If the complaint falls outside the scope of this policy, the complainant will be informed and, if possible, directed to the appropriate authority.

Investigation Process

If the complaint is deemed valid and falls within the scope of this policy, a thorough investigation will be initiated. The investigation may involve gathering additional information, consulting relevant parties, and examining any pertinent documentation.

Involvement of Editorial Board and Publisher

If the complaint involves the editorial board or publisher, appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that these individuals are not involved in the investigation process to maintain impartiality.

Resolution and Communication

Efforts will be made to resolve the complaint as quickly as possible. Once the investigation is complete, the complainant will be informed of the outcome and any actions taken in response to the complaint.

Appeals

If the complainant is dissatisfied with the outcome of the initial investigation, they may submit an appeal. The appeal must clearly state the reasons for challenging the previous decision and provide any additional evidence or information.

Appeals Handling

An independent appeals committee will be formed, consisting of individuals who were not previously involved in the complaint investigation. This committee will review the appeal and conduct a fair and unbiased reassessment of the case.

Final Decision

The decision of the appeals committee will be final, and the outcome will be communicated to the complainant, with a thorough explanation of the decision.

Public Transparency

To maintain transparency and accountability, a record of all complaints received, including their resolution and any actions taken, will be kept. This anonymized record will be made publicly available on the journal's website, subject to privacy and confidentiality considerations.

Review of Complaints and Appeals Policy

This policy will be periodically reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with best practices. Any revisions to this policy will be promptly communicated to stakeholders and published on the journal's website.