Initial Editorial Assessment

Following submission, each manuscript undergoes an initial evaluation by the Editorial Office and one or more Editors.

1. Scope and Technical Compliance Check

The manuscript is assessed to determine whether it falls within the aims and scope of the Journal and complies with the requirements described in the Instructions for Authors.

Particular attention is paid to:
• structure and organization of the manuscript
• abstract and keywords
• division of the manuscript into appropriate sections
• completeness of submitted files
• compliance with formatting requirements
• quality and completeness of references
• quality of tables, figures, and photographs.

The Editorial Office verifies the presence, completeness, and consistency of all mandatory statements, including:
• Conflict of Interest Statement
• Data Availability Statement
• AI Use Statement
• Ethics Approval Statement (where applicable)
• Informed Consent Statement (where applicable).

2. Research Integrity Screening

All submissions are screened using iThenticate plagiarism detection software to identify potential overlap with previously published material. Manuscripts may also be assessed using tools supporting the detection of undisclosed use of generative artificial intelligence (AI).

3. Assessment of References

References receive particular attention during the initial evaluation. The Editorial Office verifies:
• accuracy and completeness of bibliographic data
• consistency between in-text citations and the reference list
• availability of DOI identifiers where applicable
• compliance with the Journal's reference style.

4. Assessment of Figures and Tables

Figures, illustrations, photographs, and tables are evaluated for technical quality and suitability for publication. All graphical materials should:
• be publication-ready
• be of sufficient resolution and quality
• contain clear labels and legends
• accurately represent the underlying data.

Figures that do not meet the Journal's quality requirements may need to be revised before the manuscript can proceed to peer review.

5. Technical Revision Prior to Review

Manuscripts that do not comply with the Journal’s technical, formatting, ethical, or reporting requirements may be returned to the authors for correction before scientific evaluation begins.

6. Desk Rejection

A manuscript may be rejected during the initial assessment without external review if:
• the subject matter falls outside the scope of the Journal
• the scientific quality is insufficient
• substantial methodological deficiencies are identified
• ethical concerns are detected
• plagiarism or other forms of publication misconduct are suspected.

Authors are informed of the editorial decision as soon as possible.