In the Journal of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Institute of Health Sciences, articles submitted for publication are evaluated according to the principles of impartiality and objectivity. Each submission undergoes a double-blind peer review process, ensuring that both reviewers and authors remain anonymous to one another. This process is designed to maintain confidentiality and uphold the integrity of the evaluation.

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Initial Evaluation

Submissions are initially assessed for suitability and compliance with journal guidelines. Articles passing this initial review are assigned to an Associate Editor, who selects reviewers with expertise relevant to the article's subject matter. Additionally, the journal employs the Ithenticate plagiarism detection software to ensure originality. Submissions must have a maximum similarity index of 15% to be considered for further review.

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Reviewer Responsibilities

• Evaluation Criteria: Reviewers assess submissions based on originality, methodological rigor, potential impact on research and practice, and adherence to scientific and ethical standards.
• Timeliness: Reviewers are expected to accept or decline invitations promptly and complete their reviews within one month.
• Confidentiality: Manuscripts are treated as confidential documents. Unpublished materials, ideas, or privileged information obtained through the peer-review process must not be used for personal gain or shared without explicit written consent from the authors.
• Objectivity: Reviews should provide constructive, clearly articulated observations supported by evidence. Personal criticisms of authors are inappropriate.
• Acknowledgment of Sources: Reviewers should identify relevant published work not cited by the authors and suggest appropriate references.
• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including competitive, collaborative, or other relationships with the authors or associated institutions, and decline to review when necessary.

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Editorial Decisions

Once reviews are received, the Associate Editor evaluates the reports and makes a recommendation to the Editor-in-Chief regarding the article's suitability for publication. The editorial board uses the reviewers’ feedback to make final decisions and communicate with authors to facilitate the improvement of their manuscripts when required.

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Ethical Standards

Reviewers are encouraged to report suspected ethical issues, including plagiarism or copyright violations, to the journal editors. Evaluation is conducted without bias toward authors’ race, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, nationality, political beliefs, or socioeconomic status

The peer-review process in the Journal of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Institute of Health Sciences is integral to maintaining the journal's high standards and advancing research integrity. Further details regarding Ethical Principles and Publication Policy is declared at https://dergipark.org.tr/en/pub/ejmhs/policy.