The authors who submit their manuscripts to the journal are expected to adhere to established standards of scholarly publishing, such as accuracy, transparency, and ethical integrity. Submissions should be an original work and should conform to the editorial policies of the journal, its formatting and ethical standards.

The journal is published in accordance with the international standards of publishing in order to ensure the dissemination of high-quality and credible research.

Submission Principles

In submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that:

• The work is not a duplication or has not been published or submitted to any other journal
• All co-authors have reviewed and approved the submission.
• The paper adheres to editorial and ethical policies of the journal.
• Any third-party material has been properly acknowledged and permission sought.

Withdrawal Policy

Authors may request withdrawal of a manuscript before acceptance. After acceptance, withdrawal requests will be considered only under exceptional circumstances.

Preprint Policy

The journal allows submission of manuscripts that have been previously posted as preprints. Authors must disclose any preprint posting at the time of submission.

Manuscript Preparation

Manuscripts should be prepared in accordance with the requirements of the journal:

• Manuscripts should be in clear and concise academic English.
• The format should be in standard academic format including the following sections:
• Title page
• Abstract and keywords:
• Main text (Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion)
• References
• Figures and tables should be appropriately labeled and referenced in the text.
• References should be complete, accurate, and formatted according to journal guidelines.

Use of AI Tools

Authors must disclose the use of artificial intelligence tools in manuscript preparation. AI tools should not be listed as authors and must not replace human responsibility for the content. AI tools must not replace author responsibility for academic content or conclusions.

Authors Contribution

Author contributions should be specified using standard contribution roles (e.g., conceptualization, methodology, writing, review, etc.) All authors must:

• Take part in the planning, conducting or interpreting of the study.
• Be involved in the writing or rewriting of the paper.
• Approve the final version of the manuscript.
• Accept responsibility for the integrity of the work

Authorship alterations after submission are subject to approval by all authors, and need to be explained to the editorial office.

Ethical Requirements

All the relevant ethical standards must be adhered to by authors, such as:

• Plagiarism, duplication, data manipulation avoidance.
• Proper citation and acknowledgment of all sources
• Conflict of interest is disclosed.
• Adherence to ethical guidelines on human and animal research, such as permission by the appropriate committees.

The journal has the right to inquire and investigate and take appropriate action in cases of suspected ethical breaches.

Data Availability and Reproducibility

Authors must:

• Report data accurately and without fabrication, falsification, or manipulation.
• Be methodologically detailed with sufficient evidence to ensure reproducibility.
• Retain underlying data and make it available upon request, where appropriate

Authors are encouraged to deposit data in recognized repositories and provide access where possible. Data availability statements must be included in all submissions.

Peer Review

All manuscripts are peer reviewed:

• Submissions are assessed by independent anonymous reviewers.
• The review process is conducted in a confidential and unbiased manner.
• Reviewer comments may also require authors to revise manuscripts.

Revisions

In case of revisions, the authors should:

• Respond to all reviewer comments in a systematic and point-by-point way.
• Clearly indicate all changes made in the revised manuscript.
• Authors must resubmit within the stipulated time.

Failure to adequately address reviewer comments may result in rejection.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions or submit complaints regarding the editorial process. All appeals are reviewed objectively by the editorial team, and additional reviewers may be consulted where necessary. The journal follows established procedures to ensure fair and transparent resolution. Final decisions on appeals are made by the Editor-in-Chief.

Post-Acceptance

After acceptance, manuscripts will go to production:

• Copyediting and formatting
• Author proof review
• Final publication

Copyright & Licensing Clarity

Authors retain copyright of their work unless otherwise stated. Articles are published under a Creative Commons license CC BY 4.0 which defines reuse permissions. Authors will be required to sign a copyright or licensing agreement prior to publication.

Article Processing Charges (APCs)

The journal maintains full editorial independence. Payment of any fees, including Article Processing Charges (APCs), does not influence editorial decisions. All submissions are evaluated solely on academic merit, originality, and peer review outcomes.

Any applicable fees are clearly communicated to authors prior to submission. Details of any applicable fees are available at the Article Processing Charges (APC) section.

Publication Responsibility

Once they have published, authors should:

• Report any errors identified in their published work.
• Collaborate in correcting, retracting or updating when it is required.
• Support the integrity of the academic record.

Adherence to these guidelines guarantees integrity, quality and consistency of published research. These are requirements that the authors are expected to adhere, as part of the journal in ensuring high standards of scholarly publication.

Open Access Policy

The journal provides open access to its content, ensuring that research is freely available to the public. This supports wider dissemination and accessibility of scholarly work.

The journal adheres to the Directory of Open Access Journals Principles of Transparency and Best Practice.

Please download our official article template to ensure your manuscript aligns with our formatting standards. While using this template is optional, our layout team will make any necessary formatting and design adjustments after your manuscript has been formally accepted Download template.

The submission process ensures that all manuscripts are evaluated within the editorial, ethical, and technical standards of the journal. Before and during the review process, authors must conform to all submission requirements.

Submission of a manuscript confirms that the work is original, not published elsewhere, not under consideration and has the approval of all authors and other concerned institutions.

The average time from submission to first decision is approximately 3–6 weeks.

Step 1: Manuscript Preparation

Manuscripts should be formatted and structured to comply with the journal’s formatting requirements and structure.

This includes:

• Prepare a full manuscript with all required sections.
• Clear and consistent academic language and style are used.
• Appropriate structuring of figures, tables, and references.
• Abstract (usually 150-250 words) and keywords.
• Formatting of files suitable for peer review (blinded where applicable) in a blind form.

Before submission, it is the authors' role to ensure that there is accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Step 2: Preparation of Title Page and Declarations

It should be accompanied by a separate title page with:

• Name and affiliation of authors.
• Corresponding author details
• ORCID (where available)

Besides, every submission should have the Declarations section, which would entail:

• Funding information
• Conflicts of interest / competing interests
• Data availability
• Code availability (if applicable)
• Contributions by the author (where necessary)

Particularly incompleteness in declarations can postpone processing.

Step 3: Online Submission

The submission of manuscripts should be done in the official submission system of the journal.

Authors will have to submit:

• Manuscript file (blinded, as needed)
• Title page
• Additional materials (where necessary)
• Evidence and statements.

All files should be in accepted formats (e.g. Word, LaTeX where necessary).

Step 4: First Editorial Review

Every submission is first screened by the editorial office.

This includes:

• Checking compliance with submission requirements.
• Evaluation of the conformity to the scope and standards of the journal.
• Finding plagiarism and ethical issues.
• Assessment of the general quality and completeness.

Manuscripts failing to meet these requirements might be rejected without any external review.

Step 5: Peer Review Assignment

Manuscripts passing initial screening are assigned to an Editor and sent for peer review.

• The journal is peer reviewed, in a double-blind manner, where both reviewer and author identities are concealed.
• Two or more independent reviewers are used to review the manuscript.
• Reviewers evaluate originality, validity, clarity and significance.

Step 6: Peer Review Process

During peer review:

• Manuscripts are evaluated based on academic quality, originality, and relevance.
• Reviewers make comprehensive reports and recommendations.
• Editors evaluate the feedback of the reviewers and might consult more opinions when necessary.

Step 7: Editorial Decision

One of the following decisions is based on the reviewer reports and editorial evaluation:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

Reviewers provide comments on the manuscript; they are expected to respond.

Step 8: Revision and Resubmission

Authors must:

• Respond to all the reviewer statements in a systematic fashion, point by point.
• Mark any changes in the manuscript.
• Resubmit within the given time.

Amendments to the manuscripts can be made.

Step 9: Final Decision

The Editor makes the final decision which depends on:

• Reviewer feedback
• Quality of revisions
• Compliance with journal standards

Only the manuscripts, which fit all the editorial and ethical criteria, will be accepted.

Step 10: Production and Publication

Accepted manuscripts are sent for production, including:

• Copyediting and formatting
• Typesetting and proof approval.
• Final publication

Step 11: Post-Acceptance Requirements

Following acceptance:

• Authors may be required to transfer copyright or agree to licensing terms
• Articles may be published online prior to print (Online First)
• Any amendments to the publication will be dealt with by correction or retraction, where they are possible.

Compliance and Responsibility

It is the duty of authors to make sure that the submission, ethical and formatting guidelines are adhered in all respects.

Lack of compliance could lead to:

• Before review rejection.
• Delays in processing
• Withdrawal of the manuscript.

The journal will uphold the best publication ethics and research integrity. The authors, editors, and reviewers of the publication process are all expected to follow internationally agreed-upon ethical guidelines and best practices.

The journal adheres to best practices in enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity of scholarly record. The journal follows the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Principles of Ethical Publishing

An author has to make sure that his/her work satisfies the following principles:

• It should involve research that is carried out truthfully, correctly and openly.
• The manuscript should be an original work and it should not be in competition elsewhere.
• There should be no fabrication, falsification or inappropriate manipulation of results.
• All references should be given and cited.

Anything that is contrary to these principles amounts to violation of publication ethics.

Originality and Plagiarism

Authors should make sure that:

• Work submitted is completely original.
• Any reference to already published material is quoted.
• Verbatim text is well indicated and properly cited.
• The paper is not a duplication or redundancy of publication.
• All manuscripts are screened using plagiarism detection software prior to review.

Multiple and Redundant Submission

Authors must not:

• Send the same paper to two or more journals at the same time.
• Make multiple, unjustified publications of the same research in various journals.

Data Integrity and Reporting Standards

Authors must:

• Report data in an unbiased and proper manner.
• Make sure the results are reproducible and are evidenced.
• Store background information and avail it when it is needed.
• Adhere to discipline-related data collection and analysis standards.

Distortion of information is regarded as a grave ethical offense.

Authorship and Contributions

Authorship should be based on true contributions to the work.

All authors must:

• Make a significant contribution to the design, implementation or analysis of the study.
• Participate in creating or revising the manuscript.
• Accept a final draft.
• Accept responsibility for the integrity of the work

Conflicts of Interest

Authors are to present any financial or non-financial interests that can affect the research.

This includes:

• Funding sources
• Employment or affiliations
• Personal interests or financial relation.

Full disclosure is a way of being transparent, and it enables readers to evaluate the possibility of bias. All sources of funding must be disclosed, including the role of funders in study design, data collection, and publication.

Ethical Approval and Research Involving Humans or Animals

In research where human subjects or animals are involved:

• Investigators have to get the consent of a relevant ethics committee or institutional review board.
• Research should be in adherence to accepted ethical principles (e.g., Declaration of Helsinki).
• Informed consent should be taken where necessary.

Data Transparency and Availability

Authors are encouraged to:

• Public data where possible in public repositories.
• Give declarations of data availability.
• Make sure that the claims that are presented in the manuscript are backed by data.
• Where applicable, dataset identifiers or repository links should be provided.

Transparency increases research findings reproducibility and confidence.

Use of Third-Party Material

Authors must:

• Get the permission to use any copyright material.
• Properly acknowledge original sources.

Peer Review Integrity

The journal will uphold integrity of the peer review process.

• The reviews are held in an unbiased and confidential way.
• Any kind of effort to tamper with the review process is highly forbidden.
• Authors can recommend reviewers, but the Editor will select the final choice.

Misconduct and Ethical Violations

In cases of suspected misconduct, the journal will:

• Conduct an investigation in accordance with established ethical standards.
• Contact the authors to get clarification.
• Take relevant action on findings.

Actions may include:

• Rejection of the manuscript
• Publication of corrections or expressions of concern
• Retraction of the article
• Notification to relevant institutions

Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Updates

In case of error or ethical concern being found post publication:

• Corrections (errata) may be issued
• Expressions of concern may be issued.
• Articles might be withdrawn in severe instances.

The journal is transparent since it keeps a proper record of changes.

Responsibilities of Authors

Authors should:

• Make sure that all the ethical standards are adhered to.
• Collaborate with editorial investigations as necessary.
• Report on any published work errors to the journal in a timely manner.

The integrity of the academic record is a collective effort.

Archiving Policy

The journal ensures long-term digital preservation through recognized archiving systems such as LOCKSS/CLOCKSS or institutional repositories.

Global Citation is committed to dismantling barriers to knowledge. We operate under a full Open Access model, ensuring that research findings are immediately available to the global community without subscription walls or access fees. To sustain this model and cover the operational costs of high quality publishing, we levy an Article Processing Charge (APC) which is payable only after a manuscript has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication.

The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication is $49, payable only after the formal acceptance of the manuscript.

Duties of the Book Publisher

As an organization functioning alongside global book publishers, Global Citation is committed to ensuring that commercial revenue has no impact or influence on editorial decisions.

Understanding the APC Model

Unlike traditional book publishers that rely on restricting access to subscribers, Open Access allows for the unrestricted distribution and reuse of content under a Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. The APC is a single fee that covers the entire cost of the publication process.

Key Features of our Policy

• No Submission Fees: There are no charges for submitting a manuscript. The fee is only applicable if the article is accepted.
• No Rejection Fees: If a manuscript is rejected after peer review, there is absolutely no charge to the authors.
• All-Inclusive: The APC covers all standard costs. We do not charge extra for article length, color figures, or supplementary data files.
• Non-Billable Items: Editorials, corrections, retractions, and addendums are published free of charge.

Note: Payment of the APC does not guarantee acceptance. All manuscripts must pass our rigorous peer review process based on their scientific merit.

Transparency in Pricing

We believe authors have a right to know how their fees are utilized. Global Citation aligns its pricing structure with the transparency recommendations of the Fair Open Access Alliance and Plan S requirements. The revenue generated from APCs is reinvested into the following critical areas:

• Editorial Platform: Maintaining the online submission systems and websites.
• Peer Review Administration: Managing the complex logistics of the review process to ensure speed and rigor.
• Production: Professional copyediting, typesetting, XML conversion, and PDF formatting.
• Digital Preservation: Long term archiving in repositories to ensure the research remains accessible for future generations.
• Marketing and Dissemination: Ensuring the research reaches a wide audience through indexing and promotion.

Waiver and Discount Program

Global Citation is dedicated to fostering equity in academic publishing. We recognize that funding availability varies significantly across different regions and disciplines. To ensure that financial limitations do not prevent the publication of high quality research, we offer a robust waiver program.

• Automatic Waivers: Authors based in countries classified as “Low Income” by the World Bank are eligible for automatic full waivers or significant discounts.
• Discretionary Waivers: Authors from middle income countries or those with insufficient research funding may request a discount. These requests are evaluated on a case by case basis, considering both the financial situation of the author and the scientific quality of the work.
• Institutional Partnerships: Authors affiliated with universities or societies that have a membership agreement with Global Citation may be eligible for reduced fees or full coverage via their institution.

Payment Information

Upon acceptance of an article, the corresponding author will receive an invoice.

• Timeline: Payment is typically due within 5 to 10 business days from the invoice date.
• Currencies: We accept payments in major currencies including USD (United States Dollar), GBP (Great Britain Pound), EUR (Euro), and AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham).
• Methods: Secure payment options include major credit cards, bank wire transfers, and online payment platforms such as PayPal. Checks payable to Global Citation are also accepted.

Language and Editing

It is the responsibility of the authors to ensure their manuscript is written in clear, grammatically correct English. While the APC covers basic proofreading and final polish during the production phase, it does not cover extensive language editing or translation services. Manuscripts that require significant editing may face delays. We encourage authors to utilize professional language editing services prior to submission if necessary.

Funding Support

We encourage authors to check with their funding bodies or institutions, as many research grants specifically allocate funds for Open Access publication charges. Our editorial office can provide assistance and documentation to help authors claim these funds.

We provide comprehensive support to help authors, editors, and institutions succeed in the publishing environment.

Author Support

• Language Editing: Improve the clarity and professionalism of manuscripts.
• Graphics Enrichment: Make figures and illustrations more effective.
• Plagiarism Inspection: Verify originality to make sure that you make original submissions and get advice on article writing to maximize your effectiveness.