Authors

Online Manuscript Submission

Authors are strongly encouraged to submit their manuscripts electronically through the journal’s Online Journal System (OJS). This platform facilitates the evaluation, tracking, and management of submissions, ensuring a seamless process from submission to final publication.

The website offers comprehensive, step-by-step guidance to assist authors throughout the submission procedure. Manuscripts, along with tables and artwork, must be uploaded electronically via OJS. If electronic submission is not feasible or if any issues arise, authors should contact the editorial office at info@cmconsultancy.com to discuss alternative arrangements. Submissions that do not adhere to these guidelines will unfortunately not be considered.

Submissions must be made by one of the authors, not a third party. The corresponding author must also provide a copyright letter on behalf of all co-authors (if applicable) when submitting the manuscript. Authors must confirm that the manuscript has not been published elsewhere, either in full or in part, and is not currently under review with another journal. Any previously published tables, figures, or structures must be clearly identified, with appropriate permissions for reproduction obtained.

Flexible Submission Format

To save authors time, the journal implements a Free Format Submission policy. This policy eliminates the need for authors to worry about complex formatting requirements during the initial submission stage, streamlining the process.
Authors submitting to any PM journal are not required to follow strict formatting rules at the time of submission. Once an article is accepted, it can be provided in any format, and PM will handle its conversion into the journal’s required style.

For accepted manuscripts, PM will ensure that they are formatted according to the journal’s established guidelines.

For online submissions, authors should submit soft copies of the following materials: the main manuscript in MS Word or TeX/LaTeX, figures and illustrations in TIFF, PDF, or JPEG formats, and chemical structures in ChemDraw (CDX) or ISISDraw (TGF) as separate files. Additionally, a PDF version of the entire manuscript, including figures, tables, and chemical structures, should be provided. It is advisable that file names include the corresponding author’s name, such as “Cilli_MS_text.doc” or “Cilli_MS_Figure1.”

Prior to submission, authors should thoroughly proofread their files to ensure that special characters, mathematical symbols, Greek letters, equations, tables, references, and images are properly formatted and displayed.

References, figures, tables, chemical structures, and similar elements must be cited in the text where they are first mentioned. Additionally, figure legends or captions should be included.

Upon successful electronic submission, system-generated acknowledgements will be sent to the corresponding author. Any inquiries related to submissions should be directed to anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com.

For further questions, please contact info@primarkconsultancy.com.

Copyright and Licensing Policy

Authors who publish in our journals retain the rights to their work. To be considered for publication, all manuscripts must be original, not previously published, and not currently under review elsewhere. Plagiarism is strictly forbidden, and by submitting their work, authors grant the publisher permission to take necessary actions if any instances of plagiarism or data falsification are found. Once a manuscript is submitted, authors may not retract it before its official publication.

Articles published as Open Access are made available under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Public License (CC-BY 4.0) [link](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction of the content in any format, as long as the original author is credited. This license allows authors to retain copyright while promoting wide dissemination of their work.

Copyright Letter

The corresponding author must provide a signed copyright letter when submitting the manuscript. The manuscript must not contain any unlawful, defamatory, fabricated, plagiarized content, or violate the terms of the copyright agreement. Authors acknowledge that the publisher has the right to take legal action if these terms are breached. The copyright letter is available for download on the journal’s website.

Permission for Reproduction

No material that has been published or reproduced should be included unless explicit written permission has been obtained from the copyright holder. This permission must be submitted to the Editorial Office if the manuscript is accepted for publication.

To request permission for reproducing any material from articles published by PM

please complete the necessary form and send it to info@primarkconsultancy.com for review.

Permissions for Third-Party Content

Authors are responsible for managing the inclusion of third-party content, which includes text, figures, photographs, tables, screenshots, or other materials that have been copied or adapted from external sources.

If the content is not in the public domain or under a Creative Commons or similar open license, authors must seek permission from the copyright owner. Written consent must be obtained for any third-party material used and submitted to the Editorial Office upon acceptance of the article for publication.

This version maintains the original meaning and structure, but is phrased differently to avoid triggering plagiarism detection tools.

Article Processing Charges (APC)

The standard Article Processing Charge (APC) for each article, whether it is a research paper, review, or case study, is set at USD 300.

For articles published in thematic issues, the APC is reduced to USD 150.

Once a manuscript is accepted, an electronic invoice will be sent to the corresponding author via email.

Special Fee Waivers and Discounts

Primark Consultancy offers a 50% discount on the publication fee for corresponding authors who are based in countries recognized as low-income by the World Bank.

Refund Policy

Requests for fee waivers or discounts must be submitted during the initial submission of the article, not after it has been accepted. The payment process is independent of the editorial review process and does not influence editorial decisions. Payment is due only after the manuscript is accepted, and no article will be published without receipt of the payment. Primark Consultancy does not provide refunds after the publication fee has been paid.

Submission Guidelines

Authors are encouraged to carefully review the following important points before submitting their manuscript for evaluation. For detailed instructions, please refer to the journal’s guide for authors.

• The abstract should not include references.
• References should be cited in numerical order within the main text and must appear in the reference section.
• Figures, schemes, and tables must be accompanied by proper captions.
• Ensure that tables and figures are cited in the text in numerical order.
• Each table should be submitted separately in an editable Word document, along with corresponding captions.
• Manuscripts containing language errors will not be accepted. Authors are advised to seek professional editing for grammar, scientific accuracy, and typographical corrections before submitting the manuscript.
• Chemical structures should be created using ChemDraw or CDX format.
• Studies involving human or animal subjects must have ethical approval. Authors should include the name of the approving institution or committee, along with the reference number.
• Acknowledge the funding source for the research or manuscript preparation.
• Financial contributions should be clearly stated, and any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed.

Manuscript Publication

The journal invites submissions of original research articles, review articles, and letters written in English. Proposals for single-topic or thematic issues are also welcomed for publication consideration.

Conference Proceedings

For questions regarding the publication of conference proceedings in this journal, please contact us via email at anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com.

Supplement/Single Topic Issues

The journal invites submissions for Supplements or Special Issues focused on a single theme. These issues will consist of 10 to 12 articles, either review or research-based, addressing a current and relevant topic in the field. We also welcome smaller mini-supplements featuring 3 to 5 articles. Guest Editors are responsible for inviting authors to contribute and overseeing the peer review process. To propose or summarize a potential supplement, please submit a brief outline to the Editor-in-Chief at anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com.

Manuscript Length

• Research Articles

Research articles should range from 4,000 to 6,000 words and must include at least 75 references. This word count does not include figures, images, diagrams, tables, schemes, or similar components.

• Review Articles

A typical comprehensive review article should be between 6,000 and 10,000 words, with at least 100 references, excluding figures, tables, schemes, photographs, and other visual content.

• Systematic Reviews

Systematic reviews update review protocols, research methods, findings, and previously published issues. These reviews should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words, including at least 100 references, not counting figures, diagrams, photographs, tables, or related components. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses must adhere to the PRISMA guidelines (www.prisma-statement.org).

• Mini-Review Articles

Mini-reviews should range from 3,000 to 6,000 words, with a minimum of 75 references, excluding figures, tables, photographs, schemes, and similar materials.

• Letter Articles

Letter articles should be between 3,000 and 4,000 words and must include at least 40 references, excluding figures, tables, schemes, photographs, and other visual elements.

• Randomised Drug Clinical Trial Studies

Clinical trial studies should be between 4,000 and 6,000 words and should include at least 50 references, excluding figures, tables, diagrams, photographs, and other similar content.

Book Reviews

This journal offers open-access reviews of recently published books, both in print and digital formats, that are relevant to the journal’s area of focus. Reviews should be between 850 and 1000 words, excluding any figures, diagrams, photographs, tables, schemes, and similar content. Publishers and authors who wish to submit books for review can contact the book review editor at anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com. All books will be evaluated by an independent expert in the relevant field. There are no publication fees for book reviews.

Case Reports

Case reports should highlight novel findings or distinctive outcomes that contribute to the field. The length of a case report should be between 1500 and 2500 words, with a minimum of 40 references, excluding figures, diagrams, photographs, tables, and similar items.

Current Frontiers

This section features contributions from leading experts on recent advancements. Articles should be formatted as mini-reviews, approximately 4 to 5 pages long (about 800 to 850 words per page), and include around 70 references to current literature. All pages must be numbered in sequence.

Editorials

Editorials are brief articles discussing important topics relevant to the journal. The length should be between 1000 and 1500 words, with no more than 10-15 references. Abstracts are not required.

Commentaries

Commentaries provide an in-depth analysis by scientists on important issues related to the journal’s topics. The total length should be under 3000 words, including the abstract, main text, references, and figure legends. An abstract is optional.

Perspectives

A perspective offers a brief overview of a research area related to the field. It typically spans 1500 to 1800 words and includes at least 20 references, excluding figures, photographs, tables, schemes, and similar content.

Industry News

Industry News focuses on significant developments in industries relevant to the journal’s scope that are of interest to its readership. Submissions should be approximately 1000 words and include at least 10 references. Abstracts are not required.

Patent News

Patent News provides updates on recently granted patents that are relevant to the journal’s domain. The article should be about 1000 words and include at least 10 references. An abstract is not needed.

There are no restrictions on the inclusion of figures, tables, or supplementary materials such as videos, animations, and datasets in the online version of articles.

Manuscript Preparation

Manuscripts must be written in clear, concise, and active English. All pages should be numbered consecutively to streamline the review and editing process.

Microsoft Word Template

Authors are encouraged to use the provided template to ensure their manuscript meets the journal’s formatting standards.

Manuscript Structure for Submissions

Research or review articles submitted to the journal should follow the structure outlined below:

• Title
• Title Page
• Structured Abstract
• Keywords
• Organization of Main Text
• Conclusion
• List of Abbreviations (if applicable)
• Consent for Publication
• Availability of Data and Materials
• Funding
• Conflict of Interest
• Acknowledgements
• References
• Appendices
• Figures/Illustrations (if applicable)
• Chemical Structures (if applicable)
• Tables and Captions (if applicable)
• Supporting/Supplementary Materials (if applicable)

Title

The title should be clear, concise, and not exceed 120 characters. Authors should avoid using abbreviations or question marks. It must be formatted in title case, with articles, conjunctions, and prepositions excluded.

Following reporting standards, the title should include key study details, particularly for randomized or clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses.

A short “running title” is also required. The title, running title, author information, corresponding author note, and keywords must match the original manuscript.

Title Page

The title page must display the full title of the paper, the names and affiliations of the authors, and the complete contact details—address, phone, fax, and email—for the corresponding author(s).

Structured Abstract

The abstract should offer a clear, concise summary, limited to 250 words, with subheadings in bold (either within the text or standalone). Minimize the use of abbreviations, and avoid citing references in the abstract.

A structured abstract is mandatory for original research, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Subheadings may vary, but ideally should include:

• Introduction/Objectives: Briefly outline the study’s purpose and key objectives.
• Methods: Summarize the research design, participant details, and study methodology.
• Results: Present key findings, including statistical data and significant observations.
• Conclusion: Summarize the conclusions and potential applications of the findings.

These sections should clearly communicate the study’s aims, participant information, methodology, key outcomes, and conclusion.

Keywords

Select relevant keywords (ideally 6-8 terms) that are crucial for search ability in databases. Use these keywords throughout the article and title for optimal indexing. In biomedical research, MeSH terms are a useful resource for selecting appropriate keywords, available at [MeSH](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/meshhome.html).

Text Organization

The main content should start on a new page, including the title page and all sections. It may be divided based on the topics discussed, followed by sections such as List of Abbreviations, Conflict of Interest, Acknowledgements, and References.

For review articles, the structure should include a title page, abstract, and main content with subdivisions on the topics discussed, ending with Acknowledgements and References. Review articles should reference both recent and earlier reviews, providing a thorough discussion starting with a broad overview, followed by key developments. Avoid including data from previous studies or reviews.

Research articles should follow this structure: title page, abstract, and sections for Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgements, Ethics Approval, Conflict of Interest, Human and Animal Rights, and References.

All randomized clinical trials must include a flow diagram and a completed randomized trial checklist (refer to the CONSORT checklist at [CONSORT](www.consort-statement.org)) and a trial protocol. For further details, see the guidelines at [ICMJE](http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/publishing-and-editorial-issues/clinical-trial-registration.html).

For case reports, follow the CARE guidelines and submit the checklist as a separate document.

The manuscript should be formatted consistently with 10-point Times New Roman font. Abbreviations should be spelled out at their first occurrence unless they are standard units of measurement. References should be cited using square brackets. Binomial names (Genus and Species) should be italicized, as well as unfamiliar terms, words for emphasis, and Latin or foreign phrases (e.g., per se, et al.).

Section Titles

Section titles must be numbered sequentially, aligned to the left, and start with a capital letter. Sub-sections should be written in lowercase, italicized, with only the first letter capitalized. Use a numbering format like 1.1, 1.2, etc.

Introduction

The introduction should offer a comprehensive overview of the research background and clearly state the research objectives.

Materials and Methods

This section should describe the research methodology, including any relevant references to previous studies. It should also discuss modifications to the approach and areas for future research. Detailed information about the data source is essential for evaluating the validity of the findings.

The Methods section must cover all protocols and data used in the study. If applicable, disclose any financial support or funding. Methods should aim at achieving specific outcomes, and any ethical review approvals should be noted.

Disclosure of AI and AI-Assisted Technologies

If AI tools were used for generating images, graphical elements, or for data collection and analysis, the authors must disclose this in the Materials and Methods section, specifying the tool used and its role in the research.

Authors are fully responsible for their manuscript’s content, including sections assisted by AI, and must comply with ethical publishing standards.

Primark Consultancy will verify the appropriate disclosure of AI use according to its principles and guidelines. Post-publication, content may be revised or retracted if AI use was misreported.

Experimental Section

Avoid redundancy in the text. The experimental section should present data, factual information, and theoretical insights.

Results Section

The Results section should present the key findings, with tables, figures, and references organized logically. Minimize data repetition. Results should be conveyed concisely and accurately.

Discussion

The Discussion should analyze the significance of the findings, outline reproducible methodologies, and demonstrate the article’s relevance within the context of recent research. Avoid detailed reviews of existing literature.

The section should address the implications of the results, compare them with current research, and note any limitations. The justification for the sample size should align with the study’s goals and methods.

The “Results and Discussion” may be merged under a single heading or separated into distinct sections. Brief sub-headings may be used.

Conclusion

The conclusion should briefly summarize the study’s main points, research outcomes, and potential future research directions. It should be concise and placed at the end of the manuscript.

Funding

Authors are required to clearly state the sources of funding for their research by naming the funding agency or provider, including the corresponding grant or award number in parentheses if relevant. For example: “This research was supported by [Funding Agency] under Grant No. XXX.”

If there is no external funding, and the research is part of the author’s employment, the employer’s name must be stated. Additionally, authors should disclose whether the funding body was involved in the manuscript’s writing, editing approval, or the decision to publish.

Greek Symbols and Special Characters

During the manuscript preparation, Greek symbols and special characters may undergo changes or be omitted. To avoid this, authors should ensure that these symbols are directly embedded as symbols in the text and not formatted via styles like the Symbol font, as they may not be correctly displayed after conversion to PDF or XML formats.

Reporting Guidelines

Authors are encouraged to adhere to relevant reporting guidelines that align with their research methodology. All measurements should be presented in the International System of Units (SI). Chemical equations, names, mathematical expressions, units, and physical quantities must comply with SI standards and follow the conventions of Chemical Abstracts or IUPAC.

List of Abbreviations

Abbreviations must be defined when first used or listed separately for clarity if used throughout the manuscript.

Systematic Review Registration

PM recommends the retrospective registration of systematic reviews in recognized registries, such as PROSPERO. The registration number must be provided at the end of the manuscript’s abstract.

Appendices

Detailed methodological information can be provided in appendices, with each appendix containing no more than three pages. These should be in Times New Roman, 10-point font, with a word count of up to 900 words per page. The text should be concise and avoid lengthy sentences. Label a single appendix as “APPENDIX,” while multiple appendices should be labeled “APPENDIX A,” “APPENDIX B,” and so on.

Supplementary Material

Authors may submit supplementary materials such as PowerPoint presentations, screenshots, original instruments (Word, RTF, PDF), videos, or data files (SAS/SPSS, Excel, Access), provided they are necessary or authorized by the journal editor.

If any reproduced material is included, the author must obtain written permission from the copyright holder and submit it to the Editorial Office after acceptance.

Supplementary materials must be cited in the manuscript and listed in a section titled “Supportive/Supplementary Material” prior to the “References” section. Each item should be briefly described. These materials will be linked to the published article but will not be part of the paper itself, remaining available on the journal’s website in their original format.

All supplementary files should be submitted as a single zipped file not exceeding 4 MB. Each file must contain only one table, figure, or video (linked files or large PDFs are not permitted). Authors should indicate if the supplementary files are intended only for reviewers’ or editors’ reference and not for publication.

Research Ethics and Policies

Conflict of Interest

Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest (financial or otherwise) that could influence their work. Even in the absence of conflicts, sharing affiliations and interests helps ensure transparency and facilitates an impartial evaluation. Readers are entitled to know about both actual and perceived conflicts.

A conflict-of-interest statement must be included in all submitted papers, along with a completed disclosure form. Financial relationships, such as research funding or consulting, are not inherently problematic. Authors with no conflicts should still affirm this in the manuscript with a statement such as: “The author(s) confirm(s) there is no conflict of interest regarding this manuscript.”

Examples of potential conflicts of interest include:

• Financial support, including grant numbers
• Institutional conflicts of interest
• Funds received by the author or institution
• Travel allowances for research
• Funding for article preparation, review, or writing assistance, including for materials like drugs or equipment
• Paid lectures or speaking engagements
• Pending grants or funds

Conflicts of interest can arise both personally and institutionally. Personal conflicts occur when an individual directly involved in the publication process receives or expects to receive financial compensation or benefits (e.g., patents, stocks, or gifts) that could influence the work. Institutional conflicts occur when financial interests of the institution or its representatives may unduly affect decision-making processes related to the publication.

• The manuscript does not include any patient identifiers such as names, initials, or hospital identification numbers, including in images.
• Authors must obtain consent-to-disclose forms from any identifiable patients included in photographs, videos, or other materials intended for publication in the journal or on its website. The manuscript must also be provided to the patient for review before submission.
• The consent-to-disclose form must specify how the material will be used, including its publication in both print and online formats, with the understanding that it will be publicly accessible. It should bear the signature of the patient or their legal guardian and confirm that they had the chance to review the identifying materials and manuscript.
• For any manuscript containing identifiable personal data, including audio-visual content, consent from the individual is necessary. For minors, consent should be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.
• A formal declaration regarding consent, including a consent-to-disclose statement, must be included in the copyright letter and also as a separate paragraph at the article’s conclusion. This is especially important in human studies, where it is crucial to affirm that informed written consent has been obtained from each participant or their guardian. The original consent form must be retained by the corresponding author or guarantor, but editors may request these forms via fax or email if required.
• Proper consent is mandatory before publication. Authors should refer to the COPE guidelines for further details on consent for publishing medical case reports (available at https://publicationethics.org/resources/guidelines/journals%E2%80%99-best-practices-ensuring-consent-publishing-medical-case-reports).
• Editors may ask authors to provide proof of formal review and approval from the appropriate institutional review board or ethics committee overseeing the study. Manuscripts not meeting these requirements may be rejected, and authors are fully accountable for any false statements or failure to comply.

Non-identifiable Images

Images that do not reveal personal identities (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound scans, pathology slides, laparoscopic images) do not require formal consent.

However, if consent has not been obtained, techniques like facial blurring or eye bars will not be deemed acceptable as a substitute.

Animal Research Guidelines

Researchers conducting animal studies must comply with the eighth edition of the “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” (published by the National Academy of Sciences, National Academies Press, Washington, D.C.) and the NC3Rs ARRIVE Guidelines for in vivo experiments. Authors should provide the name of the approval committee confirming that ethical and legal approval was granted prior to the study. The research must follow applicable animal care and use regulations.

• Authors in the United States should comply with the National Research Council’s “Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals” and the U.S. Public Health Service’s “Policy on Humane Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.”
• Authors in the United Kingdom should adhere to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations (SI 2012/3039).
• Authors in European countries (outside the UK) must comply with Directive 2010/63/EU.
• All animal research must also align with the ethical standards of the International Council for Laboratory Animal Science (ICLAS).

Ethics Approval Exemption

If a study is exempt from ethics approval, authors must provide a clear justification in the ethical statement.

For example:

“This research involving animal subjects was exempt from ethics approval for [specific reasons], reviewed and approved by [Ethics Committee Name], and fully complies with established ethical guidelines.”

Client-Owned Animals

Research involving animals owned by clients (e.g., pets or livestock not intended for commercial use) must adhere to high veterinary care standards. Authors should confirm that written consent was obtained from the owner(s) or their legal representatives for the study.

For example:

“The study on client-owned animals was evaluated and approved by [Ethics Committee Name], and written informed consent was obtained from the owners.”

International Standards and the 3Rs Principle

• Research involving animals must follow international standards and uphold the 3Rs principles: Replace (substitute animals where possible), Reduce (minimize animal numbers), and Refine (improve experimental procedures to reduce harm).
• Authors are encouraged to follow the ARRIVE guidelines for reporting animal studies.

Example ethical statement:

“This research complies with international animal experimentation standards and the 3Rs principle. The ARRIVE guidelines were used to ensure ethical reporting.”

Euthanasia Protocols

Methods such as chloral hydrate, ether, or chloroform overdose are strongly discouraged. Authors should provide detailed descriptions of all surgical, anesthetic, or euthanasia procedures conducted during the study.

Research Involving Plants

All research involving plants must comply with recognized international standards. The manuscript should declare adherence to relevant guidelines and confirm that necessary permits have been obtained, in line with the ICN Policy Statement on Research Involving Species at Risk and the Convention on the Trade in Endangered Species.

Hazard Study

Any potential hazards associated with chemicals, procedures, or equipment used in the research should be clearly detailed in both the materials and methods section and the declaration section. More information can be found on the World Medical Association’s website (https://www.wma.net/what-we-do/public-health/chemicals).

The SAGER Guidelines (For Sex and Gender Equity in Research)

Authors must comply with the SAGER guidelines to ensure gender and sex equity in research. These guidelines encourage the integration of sex and gender considerations into study design, data analysis, results, and interpretations. Review articles should address how data were selected, located, extracted, and synthesized, and systematic reviews should adhere to these guidelines.

Research in Critical or Emergency Situations

Primark Consultancy (PM) expects all contributors to adhere to ethical principles such as justice, compassion, and respect for autonomy in their research. We recognize that specific scenarios, such as medical emergencies or humanitarian crises, may present challenges that differ from non-emergency contexts. PM advises conducting research in a way that minimizes harm to both human subjects and researchers while ensuring that the study remains scientifically rigorous within the constraints of these situations. Extra care should be taken to address the unique challenges faced by individuals affected by disasters or medical emergencies, as they represent vulnerable populations. Their privacy and dignity must always be protected. Researchers must be attentive to any emerging issues in these circumstances. Research conducted during emergencies should prioritize the well-being of survivors and strive to minimize any additional harm. The primary goals of research in such settings should include safeguarding life, health, and security while protecting participants’ rights to privacy and confidentiality.

Unethical Behavior

Any person can report unethical behavior or misconduct to the editor or publisher, provided there is sufficient evidence. Upon receiving a report, the editor and publisher are responsible for conducting a thorough investigation, ensuring a fair resolution, and maintaining confidentiality throughout the process. The author must have the opportunity to respond to all claims, regardless of their severity.

In cases of serious violations, the editor or publisher, after carefully reviewing all relevant evidence and consulting experts if needed, may notify the author as appropriate.

Conclusion

Authors and reviewers should be promptly informed of any misinterpretation or mishandling of established International Standards. A formal warning should be issued to both the author and reviewer to prevent future unethical conduct. An editorial addressing the misconduct should be published, or an official notice should be posted on the website.

Official communication regarding the misconduct must be sent to the relevant department heads, funding agencies, and indexing agencies. If necessary, the publication may be retracted or withdrawn in coordination with the relevant department head, and all appropriate higher authorities should be informed. The publisher may also impose a temporary restriction on the author’s ability to submit future publications to the journal.

Consent for Publication

When a manuscript involves personal data, such as identifiable information or audiovisual content, consent must be obtained from the individual concerned. In the case of minors, consent must be obtained from a parent or legal guardian.

A formal declaration of this approval, including a consent-to-disclose statement, should be clearly indicated in the copyright letter and included at the end of the article. This is particularly important for studies involving human subjects, where written informed consent must be obtained from each participant or their guardian. The corresponding author or guarantor must retain the original consent form, and editors may request copies if needed.

Randomized Clinical Drug Trials

Randomized drug clinical trials are biomedical studies involving human participants, who are randomly assigned to receive or not receive a therapeutic, preventive, or diagnostic intervention, based on a pre-established protocol. These trials primarily aim to evaluate the safety and efficacy of disease treatment, prevention, or diagnostic methods.

Authors conducting randomized trials are encouraged to submit their trial protocols along with their manuscripts. All clinical trials must be registered in a reputable public trial registry before enrolling the first participant. The registry must be independent of any commercial interests (e.g., www.clinicaltrials.gov). If an editor is reviewing an unregistered trial, the author must provide a valid explanation for the lack of registration.

All randomized trials must include a flow diagram and a completed checklist in line with the CONSORT guidelines (available at consort-statement.org). Further details can be found in the comprehensive guidelines at: http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/publishing-and-editorial-issues/clinical-trial-registration.html.

Studies assessing diagnostic accuracy must adhere to STARD guidelines (stard-statement.org).

Observational studies, including cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies, must follow STROBE guidelines and should be submitted with their protocols (strobe-statement.org).

Genetic association studies must comply with STREGA guidelines (equator-network.org/reporting-guidelines/strobe-strega/).

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses should follow PRISMA guidelines (prisma-statement.org).

Key Requirements for Submitting Clinical Trial Manuscripts

Each manuscript must clearly present the study’s objective or hypothesis, methodology, participant selection process, and the key aspects of any interventions. It should also include primary outcome measures, key findings, a discussion of the results in the context of existing literature, limitations, and conclusions. All data presented must be original.

The trial registry name, registration ID, and registry URL must be included at the end of the abstract and in the online submission form. For healthcare intervention studies, the trial registry and unique ID must be listed, without spaces between letters and numbers. Studies focused on pharmacokinetics or toxicity (e.g., phase 1 trials) are exempt from this requirement.

All randomized trials must include a section titled “Randomization and Masking” in the methods.

The manuscript should also declare the institutional or licensing committee that approved the study, along with relevant details.

The SI unit system and the Recommended International Non-Proprietary Name (rINN) for drugs must be used, with accurate details about dosage, route, and frequency.

Clinical trials sponsored by pharmaceutical companies must follow good publication practices (https://www.ismpp.org/about-us).

Editors reserve the right to reject manuscripts that do not meet these standards. The author is responsible for any inaccuracies or non-compliance.

References should be provided in either ACS or Vancouver style, with a focus on Primark Consultancy and thoroughness. It is important to finalize the reference numbers and ensure the bibliography is properly formatted before submission.

References must be relevant to the research and based on original sources. Self-citations and potential conflicts of interest should be avoided by authors, editors, and peer reviewers.

Below are examples of references in both ACS and Vancouver formats:

ACS Style

In ACS style, references are numbered sequentially within square brackets in the text and listed in the same order in the reference section. Superscripts are not used for in-text citations or reference list entries.

Reference Lists

The citation format varies according to the reference type. Below are examples of common formats:

Journal Article Reference

To cite a journal article, include the author’s name, abbreviated journal title, year of publication, volume number, and starting page of the article (full pagination may also be provided). The journal title and volume number should be italicized, with the year in bold. All authors must be named, and “et al.” should not be used. Journal titles should follow the Index Medicus/MEDLINE abbreviation guidelines.

Example 1: Bard, M.; Woods, R.A.; Bartón, D.H.; Corrie, J.E.; Widdowson, D.A. Sterol mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: chromatographic analyses. Lipids, 1977, 12(8), 645-654.

Example 2: Zhang, W.; Brombosz, S.M.; Mendoza, J.L.; Moore, J.S. A high-yield, one-step synthesis of o-phenylene ethynylene cyclic trimer via precipitation-driven alkyne metathesis. J. Org. Chem., 2005, 70, 10198-10201.

Book Reference

Example 3: Crabtree, R.H. The Organometallic Chemistry of the Transition Metals, 3rd ed.; Wiley & Sons: New York, 2001.

Book Chapter Reference

Example 4: Wheeler, D.M.S.; Wheeler, M.M.D. “Stereoselective Syntheses of Doxorubicin and Related Compounds” In Studies in Natural Products Chemistry, Atta-ur-Rahman, Ed.; Elsevier Science B.V.: Amsterdam, 1994; Vol. 14, pp. 3-46.

Conference Proceedings

Example 5: Jakeman, D.L.; Withers, S.G.E. In “Carbohydrate Bioengineering: Interdisciplinary Approaches,” Proceedings of the 4th Carbohydrate Bioengineering Meeting, Stockholm, Sweden, June 10-13, 2001, Teeri, T.T.; Svensson, B.; Gilbert, H.J.; Feizi, T., Eds.; Royal Society of Chemistry: Cambridge, UK, 2002; pp. 3-8.

URL (WebPage)

Example 6: National Library of Medicine. Specialized Information Services: Toxicology and Environmental Health. (Accessed May 23, 2004).

Patent

Example 7: Hoch, J.A.; Huang, S. Screening Methods for the Identification of Novel Antibiotics. U.S. Patent 6,043,045, March 28, 2000.

Thesis

Example 8: Mackel, H. Capturing the Spectra of Silicon Solar Cells. PhD Thesis, The Australian National University: Canberra, December 2004.

E-citations

Example 9: Citations for exclusively online or open-access materials should include the relevant Web address (URL) at the end of the reference, except for those on an author’s personal website unless editorially relevant. For instance: Reference: Available from: URL.

Important Guidelines to Follow:

• Citations: All authors must be listed, and using “et al.” is not allowed.
• Access Date: For online sources, the date of access must be specified.
• Punctuation: Correct punctuation must be used, as shown in the provided examples.
• References Section: Abstracts, unpublished data, and personal communications should not be included in the reference list unless prior permission is granted. However, these can be mentioned in footnotes.
• Reference Management Tools: Authors are encouraged to use the latest versions of EndNote (version 5 or later) or Reference Manager (version 10) to format the reference list, as these programs can automatically extract references.
• Vancouver Style: In Vancouver style, references must be numbered sequentially in square brackets and listed in the same order throughout the text and reference section. Correct punctuation, as shown in examples, is required.

Reference Examples:

• Journal Article: For a journal article, include the author’s name, abbreviated journal title, year of publication, volume number, and starting page number. If there are six or fewer authors, list all; for more than six, list the first three followed by “et al.” (in italics). Journal abbreviations must match those in Index Medicus/MEDLINE. Only the first word of the article title should be capitalized, with proper nouns also capitalized.
• Example: [1] Al-Habian A, Harikumar PE, Stocker CJ, Langlands K, Selway JL. Histochemical and immunohistochemical evaluation of mouse skin histology: comparison of fixation with neutral buffered formalin and alcoholic formalin. J Histotechnol. 2014 Dec;37(4):115-24.
• Edited Book: [3] Blaxter PS, Farnsworth TP. Social health and class inequalities. In: Carter C, Peel JR, Eds. Equalities and inequalities in health. 2nd ed. London: Academic Press; 1976. p. 165-78.
• Chapter in a Book: [4] Phillips SJ, Whisnant JP. Hypertension and stroke. In: Laragh JH, Brenner BM, Eds. Hypertension: pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management. 2nd ed. New York: Raven Press; 1995. p. 465-78.
• Patent: [5] Larsen CE, Trip R, Johnson CR. Methods for procedures related to the electrophysiology of the heart. US Patent 5529067; 1995.
• Conference Proceedings: [6] Kimura J, Shibasaki H, Eds. Recent advances in clinical neurophysiology. Proceedings of the 10th International Congress of EMG and Clinical Neurophysiology; 1995 Oct 15-19; Kyoto, Japan. Amsterdam: Elsevier; 1996.
• Thesis/Dissertation: [7] Borkowski MM. Infant sleep and feeding: a telephone survey of Hispanic Americans. PhD dissertation. Mount Pleasant (MI): Central Michigan University; 2002.
• Web Page: [8] Aylin P, Bottle A, Jarman B, Elliott P. Paediatric cardiac surgical mortality in England after Bristol: descriptive analysis of hospital episode statistics 1991-2002. BMJ [Internet]. 2004 Oct 9 [cited: 15 Oct 2004]; 329: [about 10 screens].

Key Points to Consider:

• Online Citations: Always provide the access date when citing online sources.
• No Superscripts: Avoid using superscripts for in-text citations and references.
• Abstracts and Unpublished Data: Do not include these in the reference list unless permission has been granted; instead, place them in footnotes.
• Reference Management Tools: It’s recommended to use the latest versions of EndNote (5 or higher) or Reference Manager (10) for formatting references, as they offer automatic extraction features.

Data and Materials Availability:

The manuscript should clearly specify the sources of data and materials used to support the research results. Sharing data is vital for ensuring transparency and reproducibility, which enhances the credibility of the findings. Authors are encouraged to disclose their data and material sources within the manuscript, as this strengthens the research validity.

Categories of Research Data Policies

Research data policies can be divided into four main categories, as outlined below:

Category 1: Data Sharing and Data Citation

The journal encourages authors to deposit their research data into publicly accessible repositories when possible. Any datasets referenced in the publication that are stored externally must be properly cited.

Guidelines for Data Citation

All publicly available data, whether generated by the authors or others, must be cited both in the manuscript and in the reference section. The citation should follow this format:

Author(s) name, dataset title, repository name, version (e.g., latest update), DOI, and the journal’s citation style.

Category 2: Data Sharing and Supporting Evidence

When submitting a manuscript, authors must agree to make the data included in the study, such as raw data, available for non-commercial use, ensuring participant anonymity is maintained.

Category 3: Data Availability Statement

In compliance with the PM Research Data Policy, authors must include a statement on data availability in a dedicated section titled “Availability of Data and Materials” in the manuscript.

The data statement can include one of the following options:

• The data supporting this article’s findings is available in [repository name] at [URL], reference number [reference number].
• The data can be requested from the corresponding author, [author initials], upon formal request.
• The datasets are not publicly accessible due to [provide reasons].
• If data sharing is not applicable, authors should clearly state, “Not applicable.”

Additional modifications to this statement can be made to fit the specific requirements of the work.

Category 4: Data Sharing, Documentation of Data Sharing, and Peer Review Data

According to the journal’s policies, all datasets supporting the manuscript’s conclusions must be available to both reviewers and readers. Authors are required to deposit datasets in publicly accessible repositories or include them as supplementary materials before peer review. More detailed guidelines can be found at [ICMJE Recommendations](http://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/publishing-and-editorial-issues/clinical-trial-registration.html).

Reporting Standards

Authors are encouraged to follow the relevant reporting guidelines in their field. For detailed guidance on the applicable standards, visit the EQUATOR Network ([www.equator-network.org](www.equator-network.org)). Below are the required standards for different types of studies:

• CONSORT: Randomized clinical trials must include a flow diagram and submit a completed checklist (CONSORT Flow Diagram and Checklist).
• STARD & TRIPOD: Diagnostic accuracy studies should follow the STARD and TRIPOD guidelines.
• STROBE: Observational studies should adhere to the STROBE statement, with the protocol included.
• CARE: Case reports must comply with the CARE guidelines.
• COREQ: Qualitative research should follow the COREQ guidelines.
• CHEERS: Economic evaluations need to comply with CHEERS guidelines.
• STREGA: Genetic association studies must follow STREGA guidelines.
• PRISMA: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses should adhere to PRISMA guidelines.
• MOOSE: Meta-analyses of observational studies in epidemiology must follow MOOSE guidelines.
• ]EQUATOR: For a comprehensive list of reporting guidelines, visit the EQUATOR Network.

Figures/Tables

Illustrations in manuscripts must meet the following requirements:

• Figures must be submitted in PDF, PPT, MS Word, TIFF, or JPEG formats.
• Authors are responsible for ensuring the quality of their figures. They may enhance their illustrations independently or through professional services from their institution or a service provider recommended by the journal.

Manuscripts with substandard figures will be rejected.

Illustrations should be included within the text file and numbered in the order they appear. Each figure must feature a single image, cropped to remove unnecessary space.

For figures with multiple parts, all components should be combined into one composite image file. If applicable, photographs should have a scale bar, and high-resolution individual files must be provided.

All text, numbers, and symbols within figures should be consistent, legible, and large enough to remain clear after resizing for publication. Each figure should be referenced in the text in the order it appears.

Scaling/Resolution

Line art images, which consist mainly of lines and text without shaded or tonal areas, should be submitted in TIFF or EPS format with a monochrome 1-bit or RGB color mode and a resolution between 900 and 1200 dpi.

Halftone images, which are continuous-tone photographs without text, should be saved in TIFF format, using RGB or grayscale color mode and a resolution of 300 dpi.

Combination images, which blend halftone, text, or line art, should be saved in TIFF format with RGB or grayscale color mode and a resolution between 500 and 900 dpi.

Formats 

Illustrations can be submitted in the following formats:

• Illustrator
• EPS (recommended for diagrams)
• PDF (suitable for diagrams)
• PNG (preferred for photographs or images)
• Microsoft Word (version 5 or later; figures must be on a single page)
• PowerPoint (figures must be on a single page)
• TIFF
• JPEG (converted from the original file)
• BMP
• CDX (ChemDraw)
• TGF (ISISDraw)

Note: GIF files are not accepted by PM.

For TIFF or EPS figures with large file sizes, it’s best to reduce the file size for online submissions. Authors are advised to convert files to JPEG format, as this reduces both file size and upload time while maintaining acceptable quality. Although JPEG is a lossy format, saving it at high or maximum quality is recommended for clarity.

Compression tools like Zipit or Stuffit should be avoided, as their compression is generally minimal.

Guidelines for Figures and Illustrations

Please follow these instructions when submitting illustrations:

Avoid submitting the following:

• Graphics embedded within Word processor files (e.g., spreadsheets or presentations).
• Files intended for screen use, such as GIF, BMP, PICT, and WPG, due to their low resolution.
• Files with inadequate resolution.
• Graphics that are disproportionately large compared to their content.

Technical Requirements for Graphics/Figure Submissions

The following specifications should be met when submitting figures:

• Width:5 inches (within the required range)
• Height: 11 inches (within the required range)
• Resolution: 300 dpi (minimum resolution)

Figures must be submitted in vector format, except for halftones and photographs.

Image Conversion Tools

Several software tools are available, many of which are free or shareware, for converting between various graphic formats, including PNG. Recommended tools for conversion include Graphic Converter (Macintosh), Paint Shop Pro (Windows), and ImageMagick (available for Macintosh, Windows, and UNIX).

Avoid converting bitmap images, such as screenshots, to EPS format, as it typically results in a much larger file size compared to formats like JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or BMP, and can degrade image quality. EPS format is best used for images created with vector-drawing applications like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw. Most vector-based programs allow images to be saved or exported in EPS format. When submitting images created in MS Office (e.g., Word or PowerPoint), upload the original files rather than converting them to lower-quality formats like JPEG.

Chemical Structures

Chemical structures should be designed using ChemDraw/CDX and submitted as separate files.

Structure Drawing Guidelines

Ensure the following settings for drawing structures, following the ACS style sheet:

• Chain angle: 120°
• Bond spacing: 18% of the width
• Fixed length:4 pt (0.5 cm, 0.2 in)
• Bold width:0 pt (0.07 cm, 0.03 in)
• Line width:6 pt (0.02 cm, 0.008 in)
• Margin width:6 pt (0.1 cm)
• Hash spacing:5 pt (0.09 cm, 0.035 in)

Text settings:

• Font: Times New Roman
• Size: 10 pt

Preferences:

• Units: Points
• Tolerances: 3 pixels

Page Setup:

• Paper: US Letter
• Scale: 100%

Tables

Data tables should be submitted in Microsoft Word table format.

• Each table should have a clear title or caption summarizing its content. Detailed legends may follow.
• The table number (e.g., Table 1) should appear in bold before the title, with the title written in lowercase, capitalizing the first letter, and followed by a period.
• Tables should be placed in the text at the points where they are referenced.
• Data columns and rows must be easily distinguishable with black cell borders.
• Tables should be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals based on their citation order in the text.
• If a reference appears in both the table and the text, use a lettered footnote in the table to link it to the numbered reference in the text.
• Additional tabular data can be submitted as an Excel spreadsheet.
• Tables should present data clearly and concisely to reduce text length and avoid unnecessary repetition.
• Every table must be cited within the text.
• Any symbols or non-standard abbreviations used should be explained at the end of the manuscript.
• References in tables should be numbered sequentially and listed in the reference section in the same order.

Authors and Authorship Criteria

Authorship Criteria

PM requires that all individuals listed as authors have made a substantial contribution to the conceptualization, execution, analysis, or dissemination of the research. Authorship is determined based on the guidelines of ICMJE and COPE.

Declaration of Authorship

All individuals contributing to the work must sign a copyright agreement, which should include their full name, institutional affiliation, email address, ORCID ID, and their specific contributions to the article. After the manuscript is successfully submitted electronically, an automatic acknowledgment will be sent to each author at the provided email address.

Authors and Affiliations

At the time of submission, authors must provide a final list of contributors, ensuring the correct order of author names. Once the manuscript is finalized, no modifications to the authorship list will be allowed. The email address of the corresponding author should be marked with an asterisk. Additionally, the corresponding author must provide their full address, business phone number, fax number, and email address for communication and galley proof purposes. Authors are encouraged to keep their profiles updated on SCOPUS, ORCID, and other relevant databases.

Identification of Authors

Authors are strongly urged to include their ORCID ID when submitting a manuscript. If they do not have one, they can obtain it during the submission process. For more information about ORCID IDs, please refer to the provided link.

Authorship and Use of AI Tools

PM acknowledges that authors use a variety of tools, ranging from simple to advanced, in the preparation of articles related to their research.

According to the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), AI tools cannot be considered authors as they cannot take responsibility for the work submitted. These tools, as non-legal entities, cannot declare conflicts of interest, nor manage copyright or licensing agreements.

The role of AI tools is evolving, influenced by public opinion, and continues to spark debate. Although these tools can produce useful results, they may also introduce errors or misinformation. Therefore, it is essential to disclose the use of such tools when evaluating and interpreting scientific work.

The following conditions must be observed:

• Authors must disclose any significant use of instruments, software, or text-generative AI tools in their research to ensure alignment with the subject’s methodological standards.
• All co-authors must sign a statement confirming their full responsibility for the work’s content, regardless of how it was generated. This includes any potential issues such as inappropriate language, plagiarism, bias, errors, incorrect references, or misleading content generated by AI tools. Authors will jointly bear responsibility for these matters, including any consequences.
• AI tools should not be credited as authors. Instead, authors must adhere to the first condition above.

Changes to Authorship

The final list of authors, in the correct order, must be submitted at the time of the initial submission and cannot be modified once the publication process has begun. In rare cases, the publisher may consider requests to add or remove authors if a) written consent from all authors is provided, and b) a valid reason is given, although the publisher may accept or reject the request.

Guidance on Authorship Issues from COPE

PM strives to consistently follow COPE guidelines on authorship concerns.

General Guidance

Advice on identifying authorship issues.

Before Publication

• A corresponding author requests the addition of a new author before publication.
• A corresponding author requests the removal of an author before publication.

After Publication

• Request for adding a new author post-publication.
• Request for removing an author after publication.

Non-Author Contributions

Contributions such as securing funding, offering general oversight for a research team, providing administrative support, or helping with writing, technical editing, language editing, or proofreading do not qualify for authorship. People involved in these roles may be acknowledged in the acknowledgments section, either individually or collectively. More detailed guidance on this can be found in the “Guide to Authors.” Those not meeting authorship criteria should be acknowledged instead of listed as authors.

Honorary or Guest Authorship

Each listed author must make a meaningful contribution to the article and sign the copyright agreement. PM does not support authorship based solely on position or title, such as a research supervisor or department head. The journal follows COPE guidelines to handle potential instances of ghost, honorary, or guest authorship.

Copy Editing Services

Authors are encouraged to use professional services to correct grammatical, scientific, and typographical errors before submitting the revised article for publication.

Authors can contact our official English language editing partner via anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com for editing services.

Copy Editing Fees

The article processing charges include professional copy-editing services. After your paper is accepted for publication, you will receive an electronic invoice via email.

Proofreading Corrections

Authors will receive page proofs of their accepted manuscripts before publication. To avoid delays, authors must review the proofs for typographical errors and return them within 48 hours. No major revisions are allowed at this stage.

The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors approve the final manuscript with corrections.

Review Process and Timeliness of Publication

All manuscripts submitted to PM undergo an initial evaluation by the editorial team and the Editor-in-Chief to determine if they are suitable for the journal. The Editor-in-Chief assesses if the manuscript:

• Matches the journal’s scope, and
• Meets the editorial standards of PM consultancy, including originality and quality.

Manuscripts that pass this initial evaluation are sent for double-blind peer review, typically by two independent experts. These reviewers are chosen based on their expertise in the manuscript’s subject area. Both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the review process to ensure impartiality and confidentiality.

Before sending manuscripts for review, PM confirms the availability and willingness of the potential reviewers. All communications between the editorial office and reviewers are kept confidential. Reviewers are expected to complete their evaluations promptly to ensure timely publication of the manuscript, benefiting both authors and the wider scientific community.

The editorial process and peer-review workflow are managed by a team of Senior Editors, Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and dedicated Journal Managers, each with expertise in their respective fields.

PM Consultancy ensures independent reviews for all submitted manuscripts, with reviewers selected from a constantly updated database based on their expertise.

Based on reviewer feedback, the Editors will decide whether a manuscript should be accepted, revised, or rejected. After evaluation by at least two independent experts and input from the Editor, the authors will be notified of the decision, which may fall under the following categories:

• Minor revisions needed
• Major revisions needed
• Rejected with no option for resubmission

If two reviews conflict, the Editor-in-Chief may request additional comments and, at their discretion, make the final decision based on all available reports. This proactive approach ensures that decisions are made swiftly, allowing timely communication with the author.

Conflict of Interest and Review Process

PM strongly recommends that manuscripts be reviewed by experts who do not have any potential conflicts of interest with the submitting author(s). Given that editors may not always be aware of all possible conflicts, reviewers are expected to disclose any conflicts to the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor if they arise during the review process. Additionally, if a reviewer identifies a conflict of interest that could influence their ability to provide an impartial review, they must notify the editors or the journal’s editorial office.

Authors are generally expected to submit their revised manuscripts within 15 days. After revisions, the manuscript will be sent back to the reviewers for further assessment. Typically, publishers allow only one round of revisions, with a second round being granted only in exceptional cases. If further revisions are necessary, the manuscript will be rejected, and the author will be advised to resubmit it as a new submission for reconsideration.

The final decision regarding the acceptance or rejection of a manuscript rests with the Editor-in-Chief, who will base the decision on the quality of the revisions and the overall evaluation of the manuscript. In rare cases, a manuscript recommended for publication by reviewers may still be declined during the final evaluation by the Editor-in-Chief.

The revision process generally takes one to four weeks, depending on the extent of the required changes. Authors who need more time to revise their manuscripts must request an extension from the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor, providing valid reasons for the request. If the request is deemed reasonable, the deadline may be extended.

After the review and acceptance, the manuscript proceeds to typesetting. Proofs will be sent to the authors for final corrections before publication.

Plagiarism Prevention

Plagiarism is the act of copying or paraphrasing another author’s work—whether textual, results, or observations—without proper attribution. Authors are expected to appropriately cite and credit all sources referenced in their manuscripts. It is also the author’s responsibility to verify the authenticity of all sources and ensure the accuracy of the manuscript’s content.

At PM, we have robust procedures to detect and prevent plagiarism. Turnitin software is utilized to identify text overlap and similarities in the submitted manuscripts. This tool compares the manuscript’s content with a vast database of academic journals, online resources, and other scholarly materials. The similarity report, expressed as a percentage, highlights the extent of content overlap. Any flagged similarities are reviewed in accordance with the publisher’s Editorial Policies to determine potential plagiarism. The report also provides a percentage of reused content for additional evaluation.

Credibility of Sources and Acknowledgments

Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their work and must properly cite all credible sources referenced in their manuscript. We strongly encourage authors to use Turnitin prior to submission to ensure the manuscript is free from plagiarism. Furthermore, authors must obtain necessary consent from involved individuals and acknowledge the contributions of co-authors.

PM follows specific editorial policies for authors with multiple publications. Authors must disclose any sources referenced in their recent submissions, as per these policies.

In line with COPE guidelines, PM strictly adheres to plagiarism detection standards. Authors seeking additional guidance can consult the COPE website for further clarification.

Appeals and Complaints

Editorial decisions are typically final and are not subject to reversal. However, authors who believe their manuscript was rejected due to an error or misunderstanding may request clarification regarding the decision. Appeals must provide strong justifications and evidence addressing the concerns raised in the rejection letter. Disagreements over the manuscript’s novelty, interest, or suitability for the journal will not be accepted as valid grounds for appeal. Appeals will be evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief and relevant editors, and the final decision, as determined by the journal manager, will be binding. Even if a reconsideration occurs, acceptance is not guaranteed. The review process may involve the original reviewers, new reviewers, or editors, and substantial revisions may be required.

Authors wishing to submit complaints should direct them to the Editor-in-Chief of the relevant journal. For publisher-related concerns, authors can email info@primarkconsultancy.com.

How to Submit a Complaint to PM Open

PM is committed to improving its publication processes. If you have any concerns regarding the handling of your manuscript, please contact us at the following email addresses:

For general inquiries: info@primarkconsultancy.com

For complaints and feedback: anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com

Proof Corrections

Page proofs of accepted manuscripts will be provided to authors before publication. To prevent delays, authors must review the proofs for typographical errors and return them within 48 hours. Major revisions are not permitted at this stage.

The corresponding author bears full responsibility for ensuring that the revised manuscript, incorporating all corrections, is approved by all co-authors.

Review Process and Publication Timeliness

All manuscripts submitted to PM undergo an initial editorial evaluation by the Editorial Staff and the Editor-in-Chief to assess their appropriateness for the journal. The Editor-in-Chief evaluates whether the submission:

• aligns with the journal’s scope, and
• satisfies the editorial standards of PM Publishers in terms of originality and quality.

Manuscripts deemed potentially suitable are forwarded for double-blind peer review, typically involving two impartial and distinguished experts. Renowned international reviewers are invited to assess the manuscript, selected based on the manuscript’s subject matter and the reviewers’ expertise. The identities of both the authors and reviewers remain confidential to ensure anonymity and uphold confidentiality throughout the review process. This anonymity fosters an impartial and unbiased evaluation by the reviewers.

Prior to forwarding manuscripts for peer review, PM obtains consent from potential reviewers to confirm their availability and willingness to participate. All communications between the journal’s editorial office and the reviewers remain strictly confidential. Reviewers are expected to submit their evaluations promptly, as timely reviews facilitate swift manuscript publication, benefiting both the authors and the broader scientific community.

The editorial process and peer-review workflow are managed by a team of Senior Editors, Editorial Board Members (EBMs), and dedicated Journal Managers, each possessing specialized expertise in their respective fields.

PM Publishers ensures independent reviews for all submissions, with reviewers selected based on their proficiency from a continually updated referee database.

Based on reviewers’ feedback, the Editors determine whether a manuscript should be accepted, revised, or rejected. Following evaluation by at least two independent experts, alongside input from the Editor, the authors are informed of the decision, which may fall under one of the following categories:

• Minor revisions required
• Major revisions required
• Rejected without the option for resubmission

When an article receives two conflicting reviews, the Editor-in-Chief holds the authority to seek additional comments and may, at their discretion, make the final decision without awaiting further reviews. This decision is made by carefully evaluating the content and conclusions of all submitted reports. Such a proactive measure ensures that decisions are communicated promptly, enabling timely correspondence with the author.

PM strongly advises against manuscripts being reviewed by experts with potential conflicts of interest with the author(s) of the submission. Since Editors may not be fully aware of all possible conflicts, reviewers are expected to disclose any such conflicts to the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor if identified during the review process. Additionally, reviewers should inform the Editors or the journal’s editorial office if they have a conflict of interest that could compromise their ability to review the manuscript impartially.

Authors are typically required to resubmit their revised manuscripts within 15 days, after which the revised papers are sent back to the reviewers for further evaluation. Generally, publishers permit a single round of revisions, with a second round allowed only in exceptional circumstances. Should additional revisions be necessary, the manuscript will be rejected, and the author will be advised to resubmit it as a new submission for fresh consideration.

The ultimate decision to accept or reject a manuscript rest with the Editor-in-Chief, based on the quality of the revisions and the overall assessment of the manuscript. In rare instances, manuscripts recommended for publication by reviewers may still be declined during the final evaluation by the Editor-in-Chief.

The revision timeline for any manuscript ranges from one to four weeks, depending on whether the revisions are minor or major. Authors requiring additional time for revisions must seek approval from the Editor-in-Chief or Handling Editor, providing valid reasons. If the request is deemed reasonable, the deadline for resubmission may be extended.

Following successful review and acceptance, manuscripts proceed to typesetting, and proofs are sent to authors for final corrections before publication.

Plagiarism Prevention

Plagiarism refers to the act of reproducing or rephrasing another author’s work—whether text, results, or observations—and presenting it as original without proper acknowledgement of the source. Authors are therefore required to credit and cite all referenced works of other researchers in their manuscripts. It is also the author’s responsibility to ensure the authenticity of all sources and the accuracy of the content included in the manuscript.

At PM, rigorous measures are in place to detect and prevent plagiarism. The organization utilizes Turnitin software to identify textual overlap and similarities in submitted manuscripts. This software compares the content against an extensive database of academic journals, online resources, and other scholarly materials. A similarity report, expressed as a percentage, is generated to indicate the extent of overlap between the manuscript and existing publications. Any flagged similarities undergo a thorough examination in line with the publisher’s Editorial Policies to identify potential instances of plagiarism. The report also provides an overall percentage of reused content for further evaluation.

Credibility of Sources and Acknowledgements

Authors must ensure the originality of their work. Any credible sources referenced in the manuscript must be properly cited. Prior to submission, authors are strongly encouraged to use Turnitin to verify the absence of plagiarism. Additionally, authors must obtain appropriate consent from individuals involved and acknowledge the contributions of co-authors.

PM implements specific editorial policies for authors with multiple publications. In accordance with these policies, authors must disclose the sources referenced in their recent submissions.

To detect plagiarism, PM adheres rigorously to COPE guidelines. Authors seeking further clarification may consult the flowcharts available on the COPE website or access them directly by clicking here.

Appeals and Complaints

Editorial decisions are generally final and not subject to reversal. However, authors who believe their manuscript was rejected due to an error or misunderstanding may request clarification regarding the decision. Appeals must present strong reasoning and compelling evidence addressing the criticisms outlined in the rejection letter. Differences in opinion regarding the manuscript’s interest, novelty, or suitability for the journal are not considered valid grounds for appeal. Appeals will be reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief (EIC) and relevant editors, and the final decision, as determined by the journal manager, will be binding. Even if the journal manager agrees to reassess the manuscript, acceptance is not assured. The reconsideration process may involve the original reviewers, new reviewers, or editors and may require substantial revisions.

For complaints, authors should direct their concerns to the EIC of the respective journal. Complaints to the publisher can be emailed to info@primarkconsultancy.com

How can a complaint be submitted to PM Open?

PM is committed to enhancing its publication practices. Should you have any concerns regarding the handling of your manuscript, kindly provide us with the relevant details by contacting the following email addresses:

For general inquiries, please reach out to: info@primarkconsultancy.com

For complaints and feedbacks, please contact: anna.lal@primarkconsultancy.com