Complaints Policy

Complaints Policy

The editorial board of the journal ensures a transparent, fair, and impartial process for handling complaints related to the journal’s editorial and publishing activities, including the peer-review process, editorial decisions, and adherence to publication ethics. The procedure for handling complaints follows the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics.

Scope of Complaints

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

  • the peer-review process of submitted manuscripts;

  • editorial decisions regarding acceptance or rejection of manuscripts;

  • violations of publication ethics;

  • conflicts of interest;

  • inappropriate behavior of authors, reviewers, or editors;

  • unreasonable delays in the editorial process;

  • other matters related to the operation of the journal.

Submission of Complaints

Complaints should be submitted to the editorial office in written form (via email or through the journal’s editorial system). The complaint should include:

  • the name of the person submitting the complaint;

  • a clear description of the issue or situation that is the subject of the complaint;

  • justification of the complaint;

  • supporting documents or evidence, if available.

Complaint Handling Procedure

Upon receiving a complaint, the editorial office will undertake the following steps:

  1. Acknowledge receipt of the complaint.

  2. Conduct a preliminary assessment of the issue.

  3. If necessary, request additional information from the parties involved (authors, reviewers, or editors).

  4. Evaluate the case in accordance with the principles of academic integrity and publication ethics.

  5. If required, consult independent experts or contact the author’s affiliated institution.

Decision and Actions

After completing the review process, the editorial office will inform the complainant of the decision. Depending on the nature of the issue, the following actions may be taken:

  • clarification or correction of errors;

  • publication of a correction (erratum or corrigendum);

  • retraction of the article;

  • revision of editorial procedures.

Confidentiality and Impartiality

All complaints are handled confidentially and impartially. The editorial board ensures that no individual will suffer any negative consequences as a result of submitting a legitimate complaint.