Article Processing Charge (APC)

Operating under a Gold Open Access model, this journal ensures immediate, unrestricted global access to all published articles. To support editorial workflows, publication services, and digital preservation, a single Article Processing Charge (APC) applies only after a manuscript successfully completes double-blind peer review and receives formal acceptance.

Publication Fee Structure

The APC is a flat fee per article, not per author. It does not change based on manuscript page count, number of co-authors, or color figures. The international APC is a fixed, rounded USD rate rather than a daily exchange-rate conversion. Only one APC applies to each accepted article. Ordering a printed copy is entirely optional and does not affect the free, immediate online availability of the published article.

What Your APC Pays For

The Article Processing Charge contributes to the journal's publishing infrastructure and operational costs, supporting publication sustainability and quality standards:

• Review Management: Similarity screening, initial editorial evaluation, and coordination of double-blind peer review.
• Production & Typesetting: Copyediting, galley preparation, layout typesetting, and proofreading coordination.
• Persistent Identification: Crossref Digital Object Identifier (DOI) registration and article metadata management.
• Global Access & Preservation: Online hosting, metadata dissemination, and long-term digital preservation arrangements.

How Payment Works

1. 1
   Acceptance Decision

   The Editor-in-Chief makes the final decision based on the manuscript's relevance to the journal's scope, scholarly or practical contribution, methodological soundness, ethical compliance, and peer-review recommendations. A Letter of Acceptance (LoA) is issued following formal acceptance.

2. 2
   Invoice Issuance

   The corresponding author receives the official APC invoice and bank transfer instructions via email and the OJS submission dashboard. The invoice specifies the applicable fee, payment currency, and any approved waiver or reduction.

3. 3
   Payment & Proof Submission

   Payment should be completed using the official bank details stated on the invoice within 10 business days of invoice issuance, unless an extension is approved. Proof of transfer must be uploaded to the portal or emailed to the secretariat. Any bank transfer or currency conversion charges are borne by the payer.

4. 4
   Production & Publication

   Once payment is verified or an approved waiver is confirmed, the accepted manuscript proceeds to copyediting, layout typesetting, DOI registration, and publication scheduling. Payment does not guarantee immediate publication or override unresolved editorial or ethical concerns.

Refund Policy

Paid Article Processing Charges are non-refundable if an author withdraws the manuscript after formal acceptance or if the published article is subsequently retracted. Verified administrative errors, such as duplicate payments, will be reviewed and corrected. This policy is subject to any refund rights required by applicable law.

Fee Waivers & Hardship Assistance

Authors from low-income economies (World Bank classification) or domestic authors with documented financial hardship may apply for a partial or full waiver. Waiver requests must be submitted during initial manuscript submission through the Contact Us page of this journal, accompanied by supporting documentation and an institutional support letter where applicable. Requests are assessed individually and are subject to available resources. Financial documentation must be submitted separately from manuscript files provided to reviewers.