Editorial policies

These policies apply to all journals published by Thomson & Ryberg Publications. Each journal lists its full set of policies on its own page, under All Policies.

Peer review

Every research and review manuscript is screened by the editor and then assessed by at least two independent reviewers under double-blind review. Authors receive the reviewers' reports with the decision.

Editorial independence

Decisions are made by the journal's editors on scholarly merit alone. They are not influenced by the payment of charges or by the publisher's commercial interests.

Conflicts of interest

Authors declare funding and any competing interests in the manuscript. Editors and reviewers who have a conflict take no part in handling the manuscript.

Plagiarism

Manuscripts are checked with iThenticate before review. Manuscripts with substantial overlap are rejected.

Generative AI

AI tools cannot be listed as authors, and any use of them in preparing a manuscript must be stated. Manuscripts under review must not be uploaded to AI tools.

Corrections and retractions

Errors in published articles are corrected with a notice linked to the article. Articles whose findings are unreliable, or which involve misconduct, are retracted and remain available, clearly marked. The journals follow COPE guidance.

Complaints and appeals

Authors may appeal a decision in writing within 30 days. Appeals and complaints are sent to the editorial office through the Contact page and are handled by an editor who was not involved in the original decision.