Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. General Questions About JCSTI

1.1 What is the Journal of Computer Science, Technology and Innovation?

The Journal of Computer Science, Technology and Innovation (JCSTI) is a peer-reviewed, open-access academic journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research across the broad spectrum of computer science and technology innovation. The journal serves as a platform for original research findings, comprehensive review articles, critical analyses, and practical applications that advance knowledge in the field.

JCSTI aims to bridge the gap between theoretical computer science research and real-world technological applications. The journal is committed to fostering innovation by providing a venue for both established researchers and emerging scholars to share their work with a global audience.

1.2 Is JCSTI an open-access journal?

Yes, JCSTI follows a fully open-access publishing model. This means that all articles published in the journal are freely available to readers worldwide without any subscription barriers or pay-per-view charges. Open access enables greater distribution and impact of published research, allowing scholars, practitioners, students, and the general public to read, download, and share articles without financial restrictions.

The journal believes that open access is essential for accelerating scientific discovery and promoting the widespread dissemination of knowledge. By removing access barriers, JCSTI ensures that research contributions reach the widest possible audience and have the greatest potential for societal impact.

1.3 How often is the journal published?

JCSTI publishes quarterly, producing four issues per year. Each issue contains a collection of articles that have successfully completed the peer review process. In addition to the quarterly issues, the journal offers continuous online publication. This means that accepted articles are published online promptly after completing the production process, rather than waiting for the next scheduled issue.

This continuous publication model ensures that important research findings are disseminated to the scientific community without unnecessary delays. Articles are assigned a permanent Digital Object Identifier (DOI) upon online publication, making them immediately citable and discoverable.

1.4 What types of articles does JCSTI accept?

JCSTI accepts several types of manuscripts to accommodate different forms of scholarly contribution. Original research articles present new findings from empirical studies, experiments, or theoretical investigations. Comprehensive review articles synthesize and critically evaluate the existing literature on a particular topic, identifying trends, gaps, and future directions.

Short communications provide preliminary results or brief reports of significant findings that warrant rapid dissemination. Case studies and industrial application reports describe practical implementations of technology in real-world settings. The journal also occasionally organizes special thematic issues focusing on emerging topics of high interest to the computer science community.

1.5 What is the scope of the journal?

JCSTI welcomes submissions spanning the full spectrum of computer science and technology innovation. Key areas of interest include artificial intelligence and machine learning, data science and big data analytics, computer networks and communications, cybersecurity and information assurance, software engineering and development methodologies, cloud computing and distributed systems, blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies, human-computer interaction and user experience design, computer vision and image processing, and emerging interdisciplinary applications.

The journal particularly values research that demonstrates clear scientific contribution, methodological rigor, and relevance to contemporary technological challenges. Interdisciplinary work that applies computer science to solve problems in other domains is also encouraged.

2. Submission Process Questions

2.1 How do I submit a manuscript to JCSTI?

All submissions to JCSTI are managed through the journal's online submission system, which provides a streamlined and efficient process for authors. To submit a manuscript, authors must first create an account on the submission platform. Once registered, authors can begin the submission process by uploading their manuscript files.

During submission, authors provide essential metadata including the article title, abstract, keywords, author names and affiliations, and contact information for the corresponding author. Authors are also asked to suggest potential reviewers who are qualified to evaluate the manuscript. After completing all required fields and uploading all necessary files, authors submit the manuscript for initial screening by the editorial office.

2.2 What are the formatting requirements for submissions?

All manuscripts must adhere to the journal's template and formatting guidelines, which are available on the journal website. The text should be written in clear, grammatically correct English and should be double-spaced throughout. Consistent citation formatting must be used as specified in the author instructions.

Figures, tables, and supplementary materials must be submitted in acceptable file formats. The journal provides detailed technical specifications for images, tables, and other visual elements. Submissions that do not conform to formatting requirements may be returned to authors without review, causing unnecessary delays. The journal recommends the use of professional language editing services for non-native English speakers to ensure clarity and readability.

2.3 Can I submit a manuscript that has been presented at a conference?

Yes, enhanced versions of conference papers may be considered for publication in JCSTI. Authors who wish to submit expanded versions of previously presented conference papers must disclose the prior presentation at the time of submission. The manuscript must highlight substantial new content beyond what was presented at the conference.

Published conference abstracts do not preclude full publication in JCSTI, as abstracts are typically not considered prior publications. However, full conference proceedings that have been formally published may present issues, and authors should consult with the editorial office regarding such cases.

2.4 Is there a submission fee?

No, JCSTI does not charge any submission fees. The journal believes that authors should not face financial barriers when submitting their research for consideration. The only charges assessed are Article Processing Charges (APCs), which are applied only after a manuscript has been accepted for publication, if the open-access option is chosen.

This no-submission-fee policy encourages a broad range of authors to submit their work, ensuring that the journal receives a diverse and representative sample of research from the global computer science community.

2.5 Can I withdraw my manuscript after submission?

Authors may withdraw a manuscript before acceptance by notifying the editorial office in writing. The withdrawal request should include the manuscript ID and a brief explanation for the withdrawal. If a paper is withdrawn after acceptance but before publication, a withdrawal fee may apply to cover the administrative and editorial costs already incurred.

Unauthorized withdrawal or simultaneous submission to multiple journals is strictly prohibited. Such actions are considered serious violations of publication ethics and will result in notification of the authors' institutions.

3. Review Process Questions

3.1 What is the peer review process for JCSTI?

JCSTI employs a single-blind peer review process, which is a standard practice in academic publishing. In this model, reviewers know the identities of the authors, but authors do not know the identities of the reviewers. This approach allows reviewers to provide candid assessments while protecting their anonymity.

Each manuscript that passes initial screening is assigned to a Handling Editor, who identifies at least two qualified reviewers with relevant expertise. Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on originality, significance, methodological rigor, clarity, and ethical compliance. Their recommendations guide the editorial decision, which is communicated to the authors along with detailed reviewer comments.

3.2 How long does the review process take?

JCSTI strives for efficient peer review while maintaining thoroughness and quality. The initial screening by the editorial office typically takes one to two weeks. During this stage, manuscripts are checked for scope alignment, formatting compliance, and plagiarism.

The full review process, from submission to final decision, typically completes within six to eight weeks. This timeline includes reviewer invitation, the review period, and editorial evaluation. The journal understands the importance of timely publication and works diligently to minimize delays while ensuring a rigorous review process.

3.3 How are reviewers selected?

Reviewers are chosen by the editorial board based on their expertise in the relevant subject area, their publication record, and their availability to provide a timely evaluation. The Handling Editor maintains a database of qualified reviewers and may also invite reviewers suggested by the authors.

The selection process ensures that reviewers have no conflicts of interest with the authors or the research. Reviewers are selected from academic institutions, research organizations, and industry settings to provide diverse perspectives on the submitted work.

3.4 What if my manuscript is rejected?

Manuscript rejection is a common part of the academic publication process. When a manuscript is rejected, the editorial board provides detailed feedback to guide authors in improving their work. This feedback includes reviewer comments and editorial observations that identify specific areas for improvement.

Authors may revise their work and resubmit as a new submission, addressing the reviewers' concerns. Rejections may be appealed by providing a substantive response to the decision. Appeals are reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief, and a final decision is communicated. Persistent appeals without substantive justification will not be considered.

3.5 Can I suggest reviewers for my manuscript?

Yes, authors are encouraged to suggest potential reviewers when submitting their manuscript. Suggested reviewers should have relevant expertise and no conflicts of interest with the authors or the research. The final selection of reviewers is at the discretion of the Handling Editor.

While author suggestions are welcome, the editorial board is not obligated to use them. The Handling Editor will consider the suggestions but may also invite additional reviewers based on the journal's reviewer database and editorial judgment.

4. Publication Charges Questions

4.1 What is the Article Processing Charge?

The Article Processing Charge (APC) for JCSTI is set at USD 100. This fee covers the costs associated with editorial processing, peer review management, typesetting, proofreading, online hosting, and archiving. The APC supports the journal's open-access publishing model, ensuring that all published articles are freely accessible to readers.

The APC is only charged upon acceptance of a manuscript. No submission fees are assessed, and authors are not required to pay any fees before their manuscript is accepted.

4.2 Who pays the APC?

The APC is typically paid by the corresponding author, their research institution, or their funding agency. Many research institutions and grant funding bodies provide support for open-access publication fees. Authors should check with their institution or funding agency about available resources.

The corresponding author receives an invoice upon acceptance of the manuscript and must complete payment before the article is published online. Payment can be made via credit card, bank transfer, or institutional purchase order.

4.3 Are waivers available for the APC?

Yes, JCSTI offers limited waivers for the Article Processing Charge. Authors from low-income countries, as defined by the World Bank, may request a full or partial waiver of the APC. Waiver requests must be supported by a statement from the author's institution confirming lack of funds.

Early-career researchers or graduate students may also apply for discretionary discounts. These requests are reviewed individually and approved based on merit and financial need. The journal is committed to ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent the publication of valuable research.

4.4 Does the APC include hard copies of the journal?

No, the APC covers online open-access publication only. All content is freely available online in PDF and HTML formats. Hard-copy reprints of individual articles may be ordered at an additional cost, and authors will be provided with information about reprint ordering upon acceptance.

4.5 Are there any hidden fees?

JCSTI is committed to transparency in its pricing. The APC is clearly stated on the journal website and in the author instructions. There are no hidden fees or unexpected charges. All costs associated with publication are disclosed upfront, and authors are not asked to pay for services they did not agree to.

5. Rights and Permissions Questions

5.1 Who holds copyright for published articles?

Authors retain copyright of their work and grant JCSTI a license to publish under the Creative Commons Attribution License. This license allows readers to freely access, share, and adapt the work with proper attribution to the authors.

The specific terms of the copyright transfer or license agreement are detailed in the Copyright Transfer Agreement, which authors sign upon acceptance of their manuscript. Authors are encouraged to review the agreement carefully before signing.

5.2 Can I self-archive my paper?

Yes, authors are permitted to self-archive their work. Pre-print versions may be posted on institutional repositories, personal websites, or preprint servers before submission. Post-print versions, which are the final accepted versions after peer review, may also be archived after publication.

Self-archiving must include proper citation to the published version and acknowledgment of JCSTI as the original publisher. This practice aligns with the journal's commitment to open access and broad dissemination of research.

5.3 What is the Creative Commons License used by JCSTI?

JCSTI publishes articles under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which is the most open of the Creative Commons licenses. This license allows anyone to share, copy, distribute, and adapt the work, even for commercial purposes, as long as proper attribution is given to the authors.

This license maximizes the reach and impact of published research by removing unnecessary restrictions on reuse. It ensures that research findings can be incorporated into new works, educational materials, and applications without legal barriers.

6. Technical and Administrative Questions

6.1 What file formats are accepted for figures and tables?

Acceptable file formats for figures include JPEG, PNG, SVG, and EPS. Tables should be submitted in Excel or Word format. Figures must have a resolution of at least 300 DPI to ensure clear reproduction in the published article.

Detailed technical specifications are provided in the submission guidelines on the journal website. Authors are advised to follow these specifications carefully to avoid delays in the production process.

6.2 Do I need to submit supplementary materials?

Supplementary materials are optional but encouraged when they enhance the understanding or reproducibility of the research. Supplementary materials may include datasets, code, videos, extended methodologies, or additional figures and tables.

Supplementary materials are published alongside the main article and are freely accessible to readers. Authors should ensure that supplementary materials are properly formatted and clearly referenced in the main text.

6.3 How do I correct a published paper?

If errors are identified in a published article, authors are obliged to notify the editorial office promptly. Minor errors that do not affect the conclusions of the work will be corrected through the publication of an erratum or corrigendum.

Major errors that invalidate the findings may require retraction of the article. Retractions are issued following COPE guidelines and are clearly marked on the article page. Authors should contact the editorial office to initiate the correction or retraction process.

6.4 How can I contact the editorial office?

The editorial office can be contacted through the contact information provided on the journal website. This includes a dedicated email address for submissions, inquiries, and complaints. The editorial office responds to queries within two to three business days.

For submission-related questions, authors should include their manuscript ID number in all communications to facilitate efficient handling of their query.