Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We accept the following file formats:

• Main manuscript: PDF, DOC, DOCX
• Supplementary materials: ZIP archives containing any relevant files
• High-resolution figures: TIFF, EPS, PNG (300+ DPI)
• Data sets: CSV, XLSX, or other common data formats

All files should be clearly labeled and organized for easy review.

Manuscripts should include:

• Title page with author information and affiliations
• Abstract (150-300 words)
• 4-6 keywords
• Structured main text with clear headings
• References in journal style
• Figures and tables with captions

Download our template from the Author Guidelines page for detailed formatting instructions.

We do not accept manuscripts that have been previously published in other journals. However, we consider:

• Extended versions of conference papers (must contain 50% new material)
• Translations of previously published work (with proper permissions)
• Preprints deposited in repositories like arXiv, SSRN

Always disclose previous submissions or related publications during the submission process.

Typical review times depend on the discipline and reviewer availability:

The journal publishes aggregated review time statistics on the Statistics page, which is updated quarterly.

Our current acceptance rate is approximately 15-20%, varying by discipline and submission volume. We maintain high standards through rigorous peer review while supporting promising research from diverse authors.

Detailed acceptance statistics by subject area are available on our Statistics page.

Yes, you may suggest up to 3 potential reviewers during the submission process. However:

• Reviewers must not have conflicts of interest
• Suggestions are considered but not guaranteed
• You may also indicate reviewers to exclude with valid reasons

The editorial team makes final reviewer selections to ensure impartial evaluation.

Waiver requests are considered on a case-by-case basis for:

• Authors from low-income countries
• Early-career researchers without institutional support
• Cases of genuine financial hardship

To apply:

1. Submit your manuscript through our system
2. Complete the waiver request form
3. Provide supporting documentation
4. Submit to the editorial office for review

Please consult the APCS Waiver Policy page for detailed eligibility criteria and application instructions.

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
• Bank transfers
• Institutional purchase orders
• PayPal and other digital payment platforms

Payment is required upon manuscript acceptance, before publication. Receipts are provided for all transactions.

No, we maintain transparent pricing. The Article Processing Charge (APC) covers:

• Peer review management
• Editorial processing
• Production and typesetting
• Online hosting and archiving
• Indexing services

Additional fees may apply only for:

• Color figures in print (if applicable)
• Excessive length beyond word limits
• Special formatting requests

All potential costs are communicated upfront during the submission process.

We have a strict plagiarism policy:

• All submissions are screened using similarity detection software
• Similarity above 15% may require revision and proper citation
• Confirmed plagiarism results in immediate rejection
• Serious cases may lead to author bans and institutional notification

See our Plagiarism Policy page for complete details and consequences.

Withdrawal policies vary by submission stage:

• Pre-review: Withdrawal allowed with no penalty
• During review: Withdrawal not permitted to respect reviewer time
• Post-acceptance: Withdrawal discouraged; may involve fees
• Post-publication: Withdrawal not permitted; corrections or retractions only

Review our Withdrawal Policy page for complete details and procedures.

We are a fully open access journal:

• All articles published under Creative Commons licenses
• Immediate free access upon publication
• Authors retain copyright
• Compliant with major funder mandates

Our Open Access Policy page provides detailed information about licenses, reuse rights, and archiving.