Editorial Policies

Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (JOPAS)

1. Scope

This document outlines the editorial policies governing the management and operation of the Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (JOPAS). These policies ensure consistency, fairness, transparency, and adherence to international best practices in scholarly publishing.

2. Editorial Independence

The editorial team of JOPAS operates with full editorial independence from Sebha University, the publisher, and any other external entities. Editorial decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, rejection, and revision are based solely on academic merit, scientific quality, originality and novelty of the research, relevance to the journal's scope, and adherence to ethical standards. The journal evaluates all manuscripts without regard to race, gender, nationality, institutional affiliation, or personal connections.

3. Editorial Responsibilities

3.1 Editor-in-Chief

The Editor-in-Chief is responsible for overseeing the overall editorial strategy, making final decisions on manuscript publication, ensuring the integrity of the peer review process, appointing and managing the editorial board, and addressing ethical concerns and complaints.

3.2 Editorial Board Members

Editorial board members are responsible for reviewing manuscripts within their areas of expertise, contributing to journal development, promoting the journal within their professional networks, and recommending qualified reviewers.

3.3 Managing Editor

The Managing Editor handles day-to-day editorial operations, communication with authors and reviewers, coordination of the peer review process, and quality control of published content.

4. Editorial Decision-Making

Decision Categories:

Accept: The manuscript is accepted for publication in its current form or with minor revisions
Minor Revision: Small changes that do not require re-review
Major Revision: Substantial changes and will be re-reviewed
Reject and Resubmit: The manuscript has potential but requires fundamental changes
Reject: The manuscript does not meet the journal's standards or scope

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by submitting a written appeal to the Editor-in-Chief with specific, substantive reasons. The Editor-in-Chief's decision will be final.

5. Confidentiality

All editorial staff, board members, and reviewers are required to maintain the confidentiality of manuscripts under review. JOPAS operates a double-blind peer review system where the identities of authors and reviewers are concealed from each other.

6. Timeliness

Initial editorial decision: within 2 weeks
First peer review decision: within 60 days of submission
Publication: within 4 weeks of manuscript acceptance

7. Corrections, Retractions, and Expressions of Concern

Minor errors will be corrected through a formal corrigendum. Articles will be retracted in cases of scientific misconduct, major errors, or duplicate publication. An Expression of Concern may be issued when there is evidence of potential misconduct that warrants investigation.

8. Complaints and Appeals

JOPAS follows COPE guidelines for handling complaints and appeals. All complaints will be addressed promptly, fairly, and thoroughly.

9. Journal Metrics

The journal monitors its performance through acceptance and rejection rates, average time to first decision and publication, and citation metrics and usage statistics.