Peer Review Policy

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The Archives of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (APPS) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review system to ensure fairness, transparency, and scholarly integrity. As noted on our Editorial Policies, all manuscripts are evaluated by at least two independent experts before a decision is made.

Sources: APPS Editorial Policies, COPE Ethical Guidelines for Peer Review.

1) Review Model

APPS follows a double-blind peer review process, where both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the evaluation. This model minimizes bias and supports impartial assessments.

2) Workflow of Peer Review

  1. Initial Screening: Editors check scope, formatting, and plagiarism.
  2. Reviewer Assignment: At least two subject experts are invited.
  3. Reviewer Reports: Reviewers provide structured feedback on originality, methodology, clarity, and ethics.
  4. Editorial Decision: Based on reviews, decisions may be Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject.
  5. Revision Stage: Authors resubmit revised versions addressing reviewer comments.
  6. Final Decision: The editor confirms acceptance after verifying revisions.

3) Reviewer Responsibilities

  • Provide unbiased, constructive, and timely feedback.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of manuscripts.
  • Report suspected plagiarism, fraud, or ethical concerns.
  • Declare conflicts of interest and decline if necessary.

4) Author Responsibilities

  • Respond to reviewer comments respectfully and thoroughly.
  • Revise manuscripts in accordance with editorial guidelines.
  • Provide raw data or supplementary materials if requested for verification.

5) Appeals and Complaints

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a reasoned response to the editor-in-chief. Appeals are reviewed by an independent editor or reviewer panel. Complaints about the review process are handled according to COPE guidelines.

6) Review Timeframes

The typical time for peer review at APPS is 2–4 weeks from reviewer invitation acceptance. Editors strive to provide authors with decisions within 6 weeks of submission.

OJS/PKP Implementation Notes

  • Menu slug: /peer-review-policy
  • Configure workflow in OJS under Settings → Workflow → Review.
  • Enable double-blind option and automated reminders for reviewers.
  • Provide reviewer guidelines via OJS reviewer dashboard.

7) Contact Information

For questions about peer review, contact: