Authors, reviewers, readers, and other stakeholders may raise a complaint or appeal without retaliation.

Complaints

Send a clear description, the relevant manuscript or article identifier, supporting evidence, and the requested remedy to editor.arkus@gmail.com. The editorial office acknowledges the matter, preserves confidentiality, identifies conflicts, and assigns it to an appropriate editor or publisher representative not directly implicated.

Appeals of editorial decisions

An appeal must identify a material error in the review or decision, a documented procedural problem, or relevant evidence that was overlooked. Disagreement alone is insufficient. Submit one appeal within 30 calendar days of the decision. An editor who was not the original decision maker reviews the appeal when practicable and may seek an additional independent opinion.

Process and outcome

1. Acknowledgement and initial scope check;
2. collection of records and responses from relevant parties;
3. independent assessment with conflicts managed;
4. written outcome with reasons and any corrective action.

The journal aims to acknowledge correspondence within seven working days and provide a substantive outcome within 30 working days, although complex research-integrity matters may require longer. The appeal outcome is final within the journals process, without limiting recourse to an institution, funder, regulator, or other appropriate body.