Instruction for reviewers
When reviewing the article, please keep the following in mind:
- Novelty
Is the article sufficiently novel and interesting to warrant publication? Has it any added value in science/knowledge? Is the research question an important one? - Organization and Clarity
- Title: Does it clearly describe the article?
- Abstract: Does it reflect the content of the article?
- Introduction: Does it describe what the author wanted to gain accurately, and clearly state the problem being investigated? Normally, the introduction should summarize relevant research to provide context, and describe the research gap. This section should also describe the objectives of the study.
- Materials and Methods: Does the author accurately explain how the data was collected? Is the design suitable for answering the research question? Is there enough information available for you to replicate the research? If the methods are new, are they explained in detail? Was the sampling appropriate? Have the equipment and materials been adequately described? Does the article make it clear what type of data was recorded; has the author been precise in describing measurements? Was the data analysis appropriate? If you are not comfortable with analysis, please advise the editor when you submit your report.
- Results and Discussion: Here the author (s) should explain the main findings in words. It should be clearly laid out and in a logical sequence. Interpretation of results should also be included in this section. The authors can discuss their results in a separate section.
- Conclusion: Are the claims in this section supported by the results, do they seem rational? Does the conclusion explain how the research has moved the body of scientific knowledge forward?
- Tables, Figures, Images: Are they appropriate? Do they properly show the data? Are they easy to interpret and understand?
The reviewer can consider the following points in writing the review report:
- The reviewer should provide his/her own summary at the beginning with the overall comment on the manuscript
- Specific major and minor comments can be listed
- Suggestions and comments should be “do-able”
- Line and page numbers can be mentioned for each comment