HJBHS maintains a rigorous and transparent editorial process to ensure the publication of high-quality, evidence-based research. Every manuscript undergoes structured evaluation at multiple stages, guided by ethical standards and best practices in scholarly publishing. The following roles and responsibilities define the journal’s editorial workflow:

Editorial Office

The Editorial Office conducts the initial administrative screening of all submissions to ensure completeness of required documentation, including author forms, ethics approval, and fee receipts. Submissions found to be incomplete are returned to the authors for correction before further processing.

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Editor / Handling Editor

The Editor or Handling Editor evaluates each manuscript for technical quality, relevance, originality, and scientific merit. They make preliminary editorial decisions, which may include rejection, return for revision, or progression to peer review. Responsibilities also include selecting and inviting suitable peer reviewers, assessing reviewer reports, and providing final recommendations regarding acceptance, revision, or rejection. All editorial decisions are conducted in compliance with COPE and ICMJE ethical standards.

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Editorial Board Members

Editorial Board Members may contribute as subject-matter experts during the initial triage or peer review process. They provide guidance to the Editor-in-Chief on journal policies, scope, and publication standards, and may assist in rapid reviews or in resolving conflicting reviewer evaluations.

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Chief Editor

The Chief Editor holds ultimate responsibility for all editorial decisions, including manuscript acceptance or rejection. They safeguard editorial independence, maintain the integrity of the journal, and ensure compliance with established policies. The Chief Editor also oversees the resolution of ethical concerns and complaints, following COPE-recommended procedures.

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Managing Editor

The Managing Editor oversees the operational aspects of the journal’s editorial workflow. They coordinate the smooth progression of manuscripts from submission to publication, maintain communication with authors, reviewers, and editors, and ensure adherence to timelines, journal policies, and ethical standards. While editorial decisions are finalized by the Chief Editor, the Managing Editor ensures their efficient implementation.

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Copyeditor / Production Team

Following acceptance, the Copyeditor and Production Team ensure manuscripts meet formatting, grammatical, and technical standards. They prepare final galley proofs and coordinate author approval before publication to ensure high-quality, error-free output.

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