PQ provides clear mechanisms for authors to appeal editorial decisions or to file complaints regarding journal policies or conduct, adhering to COPE guidelines (https://publicationethics.org) and ensuring a fair and transparent process.

Appeals Against Editorial Decisions

Procedure: Authors have the right to submit a formal appeal request against an editorial decision (e.g., rejection). The request must meet all journal requirements and follow the defined procedure.

Review of Appeal: The editor considers the author’s arguments, taking into account the initial reviewer reports. The appeal may result in the decision standing, a need for a new independent opinion, or the appeal being considered favorably.

Limitation: Generally, only one appeal per submission will be considered, and the appeal decision rendered is typically final. Authors should not resubmit the manuscript while an appeal is pending.

Complaints Regarding Process or Ethics

Complaints concern issues that are non-editorial (e.g., long delays in handling a paper, or concerns about ethical conduct of staff, authors, or reviewers).

Process Complaints: For issues like processing delays, the Editor-in-Chief, potentially with the help of the handling editor or publisher staff, will investigate the matter and provide appropriate feedback to the complainant. Steps will be taken to improve processes and procedures based on the findings.

Ethics Complaints: For complaints about potential publication or research misconduct (e.g., researcher’s or reviewer’s conduct), the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor will investigate the matter following COPE guidelines and processes (https://publicationethics.org). The complainant will receive feedback regarding the course of action. If the complainant remains dissatisfied, they may submit the complaint to COPE itself. The journal ensures that investigations are objective, evidence-based, and that all parties are given a right to reply.