Reviewer Policies
Reviewers Guidelines
The role of reviewers in Scientific Digest: Journal of Applied Engineering is vital to ensuring the high quality of the research published. Reviewers are responsible for providing objective, constructive feedback based on their expertise in the relevant subject area. The following guidelines must be adhered to by all reviewers:
- Confidentiality: All manuscripts are confidential documents. Reviewers should not share the content or discuss the manuscript with others without prior permission from the editor. This includes refraining from disclosing any details to colleagues or using the information for personal advantage.
- Constructive Criticism: Reviewers are expected to provide detailed, constructive feedback aimed at improving the quality of the manuscript. Critiques should be based on evidence and should focus on the clarity, scientific validity, originality, and methodology of the work. Personal or emotional comments are discouraged.
- Objective Evaluation: Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts based on their scientific merit, not based on personal biases or subjective opinions. They should be impartial and evaluate the manuscript according to its contribution to the field of applied engineering, quality of research, and relevance.
- Timeliness: Reviewers should complete their evaluations in a timely manner, typically within two to four weeks. If they are unable to meet the deadline or feel unqualified to review the manuscript, they should inform the editor promptly.
- Conflict of Interest: Reviewers should inform the editor of any potential conflicts of interest, such as personal relationships with the authors, financial interests in the research topic, or other factors that may compromise the impartiality of the review.
- Ethical Considerations: Reviewers should report any unethical practices they observe in a manuscript, such as plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical violations in human or animal research. If a manuscript does not meet ethical standards, reviewers must inform the editor immediately.
By adhering to these guidelines, reviewers help ensure the integrity of the peer review process, and contribute to the dissemination of high-quality, reliable research in the field of applied engineering.
Conflict of Interest and Financial Disclosures (specific to reviewers)
To maintain a transparent and impartial peer review process, Scientific Digest: Journal of Applied Engineering requires reviewers to disclose any potential conflicts of interest and financial relationships that could influence their evaluation of a manuscript. This policy is designed to preserve the integrity of the journal and ensure unbiased, objective assessments of submitted research.
- Definition of Conflict of Interest: A conflict of interest exists when a reviewer’s personal, financial, or professional circumstances could compromise their ability to review a manuscript objectively. This includes, but is not limited to, the following situations:
- Personal relationships with the authors (e.g., family members, close colleagues).
- Financial interests in the subject matter of the research, such as ownership of competing technologies or patents.
- Previous collaborations with the authors on research or publications.
- Any other relationship that might affect the impartiality of the review process.
- Disclosure Requirements: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest at the time they are invited to review a manuscript. This includes any relationships that could be perceived to influence their judgment, whether or not the reviewer believes the conflict is significant. Even if the conflict seems minor or unlikely to affect the review, it should still be disclosed. Transparency is key to maintaining trust in the peer review process.
- Recusal from Review: If a reviewer determines that a conflict of interest exists, they are required to recuse themselves from reviewing the manuscript. Reviewers should immediately inform the editor if they believe a conflict may compromise their ability to provide an unbiased review. The journal’s editorial team will make the final decision about whether to assign a new reviewer or take other appropriate action.
- Financial Disclosures: Reviewers are also required to disclose any financial relationships they may have with institutions, funding bodies, or sponsors that are relevant to the manuscript under review. This includes financial support, grants, or any other financial arrangements that could create an appearance of bias.
- Ensuring Fairness: The journal takes conflicts of interest seriously and aims to assign reviewers with no vested interest in the manuscript. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the manuscript is reviewed purely on its scientific merit, without external pressures or personal biases influencing the process.
By adhering to these conflict-of-interest and financial disclosure policies, reviewers help ensure that the peer review process remains fair, transparent, and unbiased, allowing Scientific Digest: Journal of Applied Engineering to publish only the highest quality research in applied engineering.