Peer review policy (URL)

Peer review helps editors select suitable manuscripts, however, the editor makes the final decision regarding all the content. Decisions may be made by issues unrelated to the quality of a manuscript, such as suitability for the journal. The editor can reject any article at any time before publication, including after acceptance if concerns arise about the integrity of the work.

The review process is double blind peer review. Manuscripts selected for peer review will be refereed by two reviewers within six weeks according to specific research reporting guidelines for different study designs; including CONSORT for randomized trials, STROBE for observational studies, PRISMA for systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and STARD for studies of diagnostic accuracy. Authors better send their revised manuscripts within 2 weeks and if the revised version is not uploaded within 2 months, the submission will be archived.

Responsibility of Reviewers:

• The reviewers must only agree to review manuscripts for which they have the required assessment expertise and which they can assess in a timely manner.
• In reviewing an article, the reviewer must respect the confidentiality of the review process and the rights of the authors of the articles.
• The reviewers will not use any information obtained during the peer-review process for their own or any other person’s or organization’s advantage or disadvantage. Accordingly, they shall keep any information they acquire at any time during or after review process confidential.
• The reviewers must declare all conflict of interests or potential conflict of interests.
• The reviewers will not be influenced by the origins of a manuscript, by the nationality, religious or political beliefs, gender, appeal to authority or other characteristics of the authors, or by commercial considerations. Peer review process is set up to minimize any instances of potential influence and bias.
• The reviewers must be professional, objective and constructive in their reviews and refrain from being hostile or inflammatory.
• The reviewers must provide their personal and professional information, to the best of their knowledge, that is an accurate and true representation of their expertise.
• The existence of a submitted manuscript is not revealed to anyone other than the reviewers and editorial staff. All persons involved adhere to confidentiality guidelines and requirements.
• Reviewers' and authors' identities are kept confidential.