Reviewer Guidelines

Reviewing a manuscript is a valuable contribution to the scientific community, encompassing the following step-by-step guidance for reviewers:

1. Invitation and Suitability: Upon receiving the peer review invitation, you will be provided with the manuscript's abstract to assess your suitability for the review. Promptly respond to the invitation and declare any potential conflicts of interest to avoid delays.

2. Thorough Review: Begin the process by carefully reading the entire manuscript, focusing on the research question, methodology, data analysis, and conclusions. Evaluate the manuscript's structure and ensure coherence and alignment with the presented evidence.

3. Scientific Rigor Assessment: Check the study's scientific rigor, including research design, data collection methods, and statistical analysis. Verify data accuracy, completeness, and potential biases. Ensure the results align with the study's objectives.

4. Constructive Feedback: Offer clear, detailed, and constructive comments to the authors. Acknowledge strengths and suggest areas for improvement. If needed, recommend additional experiments or analyses to enhance the study's robustness.

5. Confidentiality: Uphold strict confidentiality throughout the review process. Avoid sharing any information about the manuscript or your review with others to maintain the integrity of the our peer review system.

6. Submission: Complete the review within the specified timeframe and according to our journal's guidelines. Provide your overall recommendation for the manuscript, explaining the reasoning behind your decision.

7. Professional Conduct: Maintain a respectful and professional demeanor when providing feedback. Acknowledge the authors' efforts and expertise while offering specific and objective suggestions for improvement.

For further guidance, refer to COPE's Ethical guidelines for reviewers.

Please see also The Responsibilities of Reviewers.

We highly value your assistance and expertise in upholding the integrity and quality of scientific research. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.