1. Overview

Journal of Tropical Science and Engineering (JTSE) applies a rigorous, transparent, and independent peer-review process to ensure the scientific quality, originality, and integrity of all published articles.

The journal follows internationally recognized best practices in scholarly peer review and publication ethics, in accordance with the principles of
Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

2. Type of Peer Review

JTSE operates a double-blind peer review system:

• Authors’ identities are concealed from reviewers;
• Reviewers’ identities are concealed from authors;
• Manuscripts are anonymized prior to review.

This model is used to minimize potential bias and ensure objective evaluation.

3. Review Process

1. Initial Editorial Screening
• The Editorial Office checks submissions for scope, formatting, and basic ethical compliance.
• Manuscripts failing to meet these requirements may be returned to authors without external review.
2. Reviewer Assignment
• Each manuscript is assigned to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise.
• Reviewers are selected based on subject knowledge, publication record, and absence of conflicts of interest.
3. Peer Review Evaluation
• Reviewers assess the manuscript according to scientific quality, originality, methodological rigor, and relevance.
• Constructive and evidence-based feedback is required.
4. Editorial Decision
• Editorial decisions are based on reviewers’ reports and the editor’s academic judgment.
• Possible decisions include: Accept, Minor Revision, Major Revision, or Reject.
5. Revision and Final Decision
• Authors must respond to all reviewer comments point-by-point.
• Revised manuscripts may be sent for additional review if necessary.

4. Review Timeline

JTSE strives to ensure a timely and efficient review process.
Indicative timelines are communicated transparently to authors; however, review duration may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

5. Editorial Independence and Fairness

• All manuscripts are evaluated solely on scientific merit.
• Submissions from authors affiliated with the journal’s publisher or host institution are subject to the same peer-review standards as all other submissions.
• Editorial decisions are independent of financial or institutional considerations.

6. Confidentiality

All submitted manuscripts and review reports are treated as confidential documents.
Reviewers and editors must not disclose or use unpublished material for personal advantage.

7. Ethical Oversight

Concerns regarding ethical issues, conflicts of interest, or research misconduct arising during peer review are handled in accordance with JTSE’s Publication Ethics and Malpractice Statement and COPE guidelines.

8. Transparency and Compliance

This peer-review policy is designed to comply with the evaluation criteria of international indexing and open-access platforms, including:

• DOAJ
• Scopus