Last Updated: December 10, 2024
To establish a transparent, fair, and efficient process for handling appeals against editorial decisions, ensuring compliance with COPE guidelines and maintaining the journal's integrity.
This process applies to:
- Rejected manuscripts
- Ethical misconduct decisions
- Retraction or correction notices
- Other editorial decisions
1. Eligibility
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A. Who Can Appeal:
- Corresponding authors
- Co-authors with consent from the corresponding author
B. Grounds for Appeal:
- Perceived errors in the review process
- Allegations of bias or conflict of interest
- Disagreement with ethical misconduct findings
2. Submission of Appeals
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A. Required Documentation:
- Formal appeal letter
- Detailed explanation of the grounds for appeal
- Supporting evidence (e.g., reviewer comments, data)
- Signed consent from all authors
B. Submission Process:
- Submit appeals via email to appeals@ajbm.net
- Use the subject line: "Appeal Submission: [Manuscript ID]"
- Acknowledge receipt within 5 business days
3. Initial Assessment
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A. Screening:
- Appeals reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief
- Determine if the appeal meets eligibility criteria
- Assess completeness of documentation
4. Decision:
- Eligible appeals proceed to the review stage
- Ineligible appeals dismissed with explanation
5. Review Process
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A. Formation of Appeals Committee:
- Include the Editor-in-Chief, an independent expert, and a legal advisor
- Ensure no conflicts of interest
B. Evidence Review:
- Reassess reviewer comments and editorial decisions
- Consult additional experts if needed
- Review supporting evidence provided by the appellant
C. Decision Making:
- Committee deliberates and reaches a consensus
- Document the rationale for the decision
6. Resolution
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A. Possible Outcomes:
- Uphold the original decision
- Overturn the decision and accept the manuscript
- Recommend further revisions
- Modify ethical misconduct findings
B. Communication:
- Notify the appellant of the decision within 30 days
- Provide a detailed explanation of the rationale
- Maintain confidentiality throughout the process
7. Appeals Tracking
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- Assign a unique case ID to each appeal
- Maintain detailed records of all appeals
- Store records securely for at least 5 years
- Use records for periodic policy reviews
8. Monitoring and Evaluation
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- Conduct annual reviews of appeals cases
- Update procedures based on feedback and outcomes
- Provide training for editors and staff on appeals handling