Peer Review Policy

The Editorial Process

A manuscript submitted to AHCJ undergoes a structured review to ensure quality, originality, and relevance.

• Manuscripts must be submitted exclusively to AHCJ — not published, simultaneously submitted, or accepted elsewhere.
• Authors must authorize one corresponding author for all communication with the journal.
• All manuscripts are acknowledged upon receipt.
• Initial Screening:
• Reviewed for suitability before formal peer review
• Manuscripts with insufficient originality, serious scientific/technical flaws, or lack of significant message are rejected at this stage
• Papers unlikely to interest AHCJ readers are also rejected pre-review
• Copyediting: Accepted manuscripts are checked for grammar, punctuation, print style, and format.
• Page Proofs: Sent to the corresponding author; corrections must be returned within 7 days.

Peer Review

Manuscripts deemed suitable for publication in AHCJ undergo a rigorous peer review process to ensure quality and credibility.

• Each manuscript is sent to two or more expert reviewers.
• The double-blind review ensures that authors and reviewers are unaware of each other’s identities.
• A member of the editorial team oversees the manuscript, evaluates reviewer comments, and makes the final decision.
• Reviewers’ comments and suggestions (acceptance, rejection, or amendments) are communicated to the corresponding author.
• Revised manuscripts must include:
• The referees’ remarks
• Point-by-point clarifications at the beginning of the revised file
• All changes marked (underlined or colored text)

Acceptance & Publication

Once a manuscript meets all editorial requirements, it moves toward final acceptance and publication.

• Confirmation of Acceptance:
• Authors are notified once all reviewer comments have been addressed and required changes implemented.
• The corresponding author receives confirmation via email.
• Publication:
• After final corrections, approved articles are uploaded to the website and included in the current issue.

Processes for Appeals

Authors have the right to appeal if they believe the editorial board wrongly rejected their manuscript.

• Authors should email the editorial office, explaining the reason for the appeal in detail.
• The editorial office will acknowledge the appeal and investigate it in an unbiased manner.
• The appeal process takes approximately 6–8 weeks.
• During the appeal, the manuscript must not be submitted to other journals.
• The final decision rests with the Editor-in-Chief.
• Second appeals are not considered.

Reviewer Ethics

Reviewers keep manuscripts confidential and declare any conflict of interest. Their duties are set out in the Ethics and Policy page.