Submission & Peer review

Overview

GASF is committed to advancing global scientific communication by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research across diverse disciplines. Through our open access model, we ensure wide visibility and accessibility of knowledge, fostering innovation and collaboration worldwide. We welcome submissions that offer meaningful contributions to their fields and provide authors with a streamlined submission process, rigorous peer review, and efficient editorial support. This section outlines the essential requirements for authors; for detailed guidance, please refer to the full Author Guidelines on the journal website.

1. Cover Letter

An introductory cover letter serves as the first gateway for journal editors to quickly grasp the key highlights and significance of a manuscript, thereby facilitating a more efficient decision on whether to proceed with peer review. We strongly encourage authors to prepare a cover letter that includes the following elements:

● The name of the target journal

● Manuscript title, abstract, and keywords

● Article type (e.g., review, research, case report)

● Brief background and research question(s)

● Overview of the methodology employed

● Principal findings and their significance to the scientific community (i.e., how the research advances understanding in the field)

● Corresponding author's name, affiliation, and contact information

● A statement confirming that the manuscript has not been previously published, is not under consideration elsewhere, and that all authors have approved and agreed to its submission to this journal

Authors may also suggest potential reviewers or request that certain individuals be excluded from the peer review process. Recommended reviewers should not include colleagues, close acquaintances, or individuals with whom the authors have collaborated on previously published work. Clear justifications for any requested exclusions must be provided in the cover letter. Please note that the cover letter will not be shared with peer reviewers and will be reviewed solely by the journal editors.

2. Manuscript preparation guidelines & format-free policy

To simplify the submission process and save you time when preparing your manuscript, GASF practices a format-free policy at the initial submission stage. You may submit your manuscript in its original format, provided that all essential elements for peer review are included and citations are consistent.

Only when your manuscript is accepted for revision after peer review will you be required to follow GASF's specific formatting requirements for publication.

Guidelines for format-free submission:

1. Prepare a single file

Include all texts, figures, and tables in one document.

2. Include all required sections

Ensure your manuscript contains the following:

Abstract and keywords

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results and discussion/conclusion

Figures and tables with captions

References

Conflict of interest disclosures and other ethics statements

3. Use consistent citations

References may be submitted in any scholarly citation style, as long as the format is consistent throughout the manuscript. Each reference must include:

Author name(s)

Journal or book title

Article or chapter title

Year of publication

Volume and issue (if applicable)

Page numbers

Including DOIs is highly encouraged but not mandatory.

3.Submission

3.1 Submission Checklist

Before submitting your manuscript to a GASF journal, please use this checklist to ensure a complete and compliant submission. Following these steps will help avoid administrative delays or immediate desk rejection.

● Read the Aims & Scope of your target journal and review recently published articles to confirm that your manuscript aligns with the journal's focus.

● Confirm that the manuscript has not been previously published and is not under consideration by another journal.

● All authors have approved the submission and agreed on the order of authorship.

● If applicable, submission has been authorized by the relevant institution.

● Permission has been obtained for any third-party copyrighted materials used in the manuscript.

● All references cited in the text are listed in the Reference section, and vice versa.

● DOIs or URLs are provided where available.

● The manuscript is submitted in Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx).

● If your manuscript contains special characters, equations, or complex formatting, please also upload a PDF version for reference.

● Figures are uploaded as separate, high-resolution files (300 DPI or higher) suitable for publication.

● You have read and understood GASF's policies on submission, peer review, publication ethics, and article processing charges (if applicable), available on the Publishing Policies.

This checklist is a helpful tool, but it does not guarantee acceptance. Please refer to the specific Guidelines for Authors of your chosen GASF journal for any additional requirements.

3.2 Submission Policies

3.2.1 Overlapping Publications

Submission of a manuscript to a GASF journal implies that there is no significant overlap between the submitted work and any other manuscript from the same authors that is under consideration or in press elsewhere. Authors must obtain copies of all related manuscripts with any overlap in authorship that are under consideration or in press elsewhere. If a related manuscript is submitted to another journal while the GASF submission is under review, a copy of that manuscript must be provided to the GASF editor immediately. GASF assumes no responsibility for any claims or compensation arising from the misappropriation of materials.

3.2.2 Author Affiliation

The primary affiliation for each author should be the institution where the majority of the work was conducted. If an author has subsequently moved to a different institution, the current address may be listed as an additional affiliation.

3.2.3 Personal Information and Communications

If the manuscript contains personal information or direct quotations from individuals:

A written statement of permission must be provided from each person quoted.

Permission by email is acceptable.

3.2.4 Editorial Rights

GASF reserves the right to reject or retract a manuscript at any stage—even after acceptance or publication—if:

Serious problems with the scientific content become apparent, or

Our publishing policies have been violated.

3.3 How to submit 

GASF offers two ways to submit your manuscript. 

Option 1 (recommended): Register your personal information on the GASF journal website and submit online through our submission system. This is the fastest and most efficient method, allowing you to track the status of your manuscript throughout the review process.

Option 2: If you encounter technical difficulties with the online system, you may submit directly by email. Please send your manuscript (in Microsoft Word format) along with all figures, tables, and a cover letter to our editorial office at submission@gasf.press. A member of our team will acknowledge receipt within 2–3 business days and assist with processing your submission.

To ensure the originality of every manuscript submitted to GASF journals, all submissions are screened for potential plagiarism and textual overlap prior to being sent for peer review. GASF uses iThenticate's CrossCheck software, a leading tool for detecting instances of overlapping and similar text in academic manuscripts.

4. Similarity Checking

GASF and its journal editors take publication ethics very seriously. The following practices are strictly prohibited and will result in immediate rejection or retraction:

Plagiarism (including self-plagiarism)

Data fabrication or falsification

Inappropriate authorship credit (e.g., ghost authorship or gift authorship)

Manuscripts found to violate these ethical standards will be rejected without further review. In cases where a violation is discovered after publication, GASF reserves the right to issue a correction or retraction in accordance with COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

5.Editorial Process

5.1 Pre-Review

The pre-review stage consists of two primary steps: a technical pre-review conducted by the Editorial Office and an editorial pre-review performed by an Academic Editor.

Technical Pre-Review

During this stage, the Editorial Office evaluates the manuscript for originality, relevance to the journal’s scope, scientific rigor, structural integrity, formatting compliance, disclosure of conflicts of interest, and adherence to ethical standards. Manuscripts that do not meet these requirements may be returned to authors for correction or rejected outright. All submissions are screened using iThenticate to detect potential plagiarism.

Editorial Pre-Review

Following the technical assessment, an Academic Editor with no conflicts of interest reviews the manuscript’s scope, novelty, and scientific merit. Based on this evaluation, the editor may decide to reject the manuscript, request revisions, or proceed to the peer review stage by inviting appropriate reviewers.

For Special Issue Guest Editors or editors submitting their own manuscripts, all editorial decisions are handled by an independent editor to ensure impartiality. Authors who serve in editorial roles are not permitted to access or influence the review process of their own submissions.

5.2 Peer-Review

GASF adopts a double-blind peer review process in which both authors and reviewers remain anonymous throughout the evaluation. All research articles and review papers are assessed by at least two independent experts in the relevant field. Peer review aims to ensure the integrity, validity, and scientific merit of published research through an objective evaluation of its originality, methodological rigor, and significance.

Reviewer invitations are issued only after a manuscript has passed the initial editorial assessment and is considered suitable for external review. Reviewers are selected by Academic Editors or the Editorial Office from established databases, the Editorial Board, or recognized experts in the field. Authors may suggest or exclude potential reviewers, provided that clear and justified reasons are given, and all suggestions are subject to conflict-of-interest screening. Invited reviewers are expected to respond promptly to invitations and may recommend alternative qualified reviewers if unable to participate. Requests for extensions should be made in a timely manner when additional time is required.

Reviewers are selected based on relevant academic expertise and professional qualifications, and are expected to have recent scholarly contributions in the relevant field and to be affiliated with recognized academic or research institutions. Reviewers must have no conflicts of interest with the authors and must remain independent of their institutional affiliations. Manuscripts are evaluated based on scientific validity, originality, methodological rigor, data interpretation, ethical compliance, and overall significance. Each manuscript is typically reviewed by at least two independent reviewers, and where substantial differences arise between reports, an additional reviewer may be invited to ensure a balanced evaluation. Reviewers are expected to provide constructive, objective, and evidence-based assessments.

All reviewers are required to disclose any potential conflicts of interest prior to accepting an invitation, including institutional affiliations, recent collaborations, personal relationships, financial interests, or academic, intellectual, or ideological biases. Where uncertainty exists, reviewers should inform the Editorial Office for assessment.

GASF Publisher maintains a strict policy against peer review manipulation. Any attempt to interfere with or improperly influence the peer review process is considered serious academic misconduct. All cases of suspected manipulation are handled in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Peer review is strictly confidential. Manuscripts, review reports, and all related materials must not be shared or disclosed without prior authorization. Reviewers must not use unpublished material for personal advantage or research purposes, and must not appropriate ideas contained in manuscripts under review. Reviewer identities must remain confidential unless a transparent review model is adopted by the journal.

To acknowledge the contribution of peer reviewers, GASF Publisher may provide certificates of reviewing upon request, and experienced reviewers may be considered for appointment to the Editorial Board based on review quality and academic contribution.

5.3 Editorial Decision

The Academic Editor or Editor-in-Chief makes editorial decisions based on a comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript. This includes the expertise and recommendations of the reviewers, the adequacy and clarity of reviewer reports, the quality of the authors’ responses to comments, and the overall scientific merit of the work.

Based on these considerations, a manuscript may receive one of the following decisions:

Accept

The manuscript is accepted for publication, either in its current form or subject to minor editorial revisions. Once all final formatting and technical requirements are met, the manuscript proceeds to the production stage.

Minor Revisions

The manuscript requires limited revisions that do not substantially affect its scientific content. Authors are typically given a short timeframe (e.g., one week) to submit a revised manuscript along with a detailed, point-by-point response to reviewer comments. The revised version may be assessed by the Academic Editor and, where appropriate, returned to reviewers.

Major Revisions

The manuscript requires substantial changes, such as improvements to methodology, analysis, or interpretation. Authors must provide a comprehensive response addressing all reviewer concerns. Revised manuscripts are usually returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation, given their familiarity with the work. A maximum of two rounds of major revision is generally permitted. In cases where original reviewers are unavailable or additional expertise is required, the editor may invite new reviewers.

Reject

The manuscript is declined due to significant concerns, such as insufficient novelty, methodological flaws, lack of scientific rigor, or failure to meet the journal’s scope or standards. Rejected manuscripts will not proceed further in the editorial process.

5.4 Revisions

For manuscripts requiring revision, authors are expected to carefully address all comments provided by reviewers and editors, and to resubmit a revised version of the manuscript that meets the journal’s scientific and formatting standards.

When submitting a revised manuscript, authors must include the following:

1. Revised Manuscript (Tracked Changes Version)

A clearly marked version of the manuscript highlighting all revisions made. Authors should ensure that all changes are visible (e.g., using track changes or highlighted text) to facilitate editorial and reviewer assessment.

2. Author Response Letter

A detailed, point-by-point response addressing each comment raised by reviewers and editors. For every comment, authors should:

Indicate how the manuscript has been revised, with reference to specific sections or line numbers

Provide clear and scientifically justified explanations for any comments not followed

Maintain a professional, objective, and respectful tone throughout

3. Clean Version (if required)

A final clean copy of the revised manuscript may be requested for production purposes, formatted in accordance with the journal’s guidelines.

Authors are expected to:

Revise the manuscript in accordance with all reviewer and editorial recommendations

Improve the clarity, rigor, and overall quality of the work

Ensure full compliance with journal formatting and submission requirements

Clearly indicate all modifications made in the revised version

5.5 Further Review

Revised manuscripts will be returned to the original reviewers for further evaluation, particularly in cases of major revision. However, the editor may also assign new reviewers if necessary. Only manuscripts that have adequately addressed prior comments will be considered for further review.

5.6 Final Decision

The final decision on a manuscript is made exclusively by the Academic Editor (Editor-in-Chief or Associate Editor) following the completion of the peer review process. All research articles are evaluated based on at least two independent reviewer reports.

Editorial decisions are grounded in a comprehensive assessment of:

● The scientific quality and methodological rigor of the research

● The originality and novelty of the work

● The significance and relevance to the journal’s scope and readership

● The contribution to existing knowledge within the discipline

While reviewer reports provide essential expert input, the Academic Editor retains full responsibility and authority for the final decision. The editor may accept, request further revisions, or reject a manuscript based on the overall evaluation of its academic merit and alignment with the journal’s standards.

A manuscript will only be accepted for publication when it meets the journal’s requirements for scientific soundness, ethical integrity, and scholarly contribution.

5.7 After Acceptance

Following manuscript acceptance, the publication process proceeds through the following stages:

1. Editorial Check

Accepted manuscripts are reviewed by the Editorial Office to ensure readiness for production. Authors are required to ensure that all elements of the manuscript—including content, formatting, references, figures, and tables—comply fully with the journal’s submission and production standards.

If necessary, authors may be contacted to provide clarifications, corrections, or additional updates to meet typesetting and production requirements.

2. Article Processing Charges (APC)

After acceptance and completion of the editorial check, the corresponding author will be notified regarding the applicable Article Processing Charges (APCs). Publication proceeds only after confirmation of payment.

3. Production

The journal’s in-house production team is responsible for copyediting, typesetting, and conversion of the manuscript into final publication formats, including XML.

Authors are strongly encouraged to ensure the clarity and quality of their manuscript prior to submission. Where necessary, professional English language editing services or consultation with a native English speaker is recommended to improve readability and overall presentation.

4. Proofs

Prior to publication, the corresponding author will receive page proofs for final review. Authors are responsible for carefully checking the proofs for accuracy, including text, figures, tables, and references.

Any corrections must be submitted within five (5) working days. Failure to respond within the given timeframe may result in delayed publication or publication of the article as is.

6.Article Processing Charges

GASF publishes all journals in full open access format, allowing unlimited use, distribution, and reuse of published articles. All journals are published under Creative Commons licenses, and authors retain full copyright of their work.

To support open access publishing, authors are required to pay a one-time Article Processing Charge (APC). This fee covers the cost of peer-review administration, editorial management, professional production of articles in PDF and other formats, online hosting, indexing, and dissemination, as well as other publishing services.

There are no submission charges and no fees for rejected manuscripts. No additional charges are applied based on article length, number of figures, color images, or supplementary materials. Certain article types (such as Editorials, Corrections, Retractions, and Comments) may be published free of charge.

The APC is charged solely to support open access publication and does not influence editorial decisions. The APC must be paid after editorial acceptance and before publication. Payment may be made by the author, institution, employer, or funding agency.

The APC for GASF journals varies depending on the journal, typically ranging from USD 800 to USD 3,000 (excluding applicable taxes). The exact APC for each journal is listed on the respective journal website.

APC rates are subject to periodic review and may change without prior notice. Authors will be charged the APC rate in effect at the time of manuscript acceptance. Accepted articles cannot be published until full payment has been received.

APCs are used to support the following:

Journal website development and maintenance

Online submission and editorial management systems

Editorial and peer-review administration

Production and publication services

Archiving, indexing, and dissemination

General publishing operations

For journal-specific APC information, please refer to the individual journal website

Waivers and Discounts

To promote equitable access to open-access publishing, GASF may offer APC waivers or discounts to corresponding authors affiliated with institutions located in low- and middle-income countries or regions. Eligibility is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Waiver or discount requests must be submitted during the manuscript submission process. Requests made during peer review or after acceptance will not be considered. Authors requesting a waiver or discount should provide the following information before submission:

Full name and institutional affiliation (including address)

Reason for requesting a waiver or discount

Title of the manuscript

Country/region of residence of all authors

If more than one corresponding author is listed, one author must be designated as the responsible corresponding author for APC purposes. If multiple discounts apply, only the highest discount will be granted.

Eligibility criteria may vary among journals. Authors are encouraged to contact the relevant journal office for details. The publisher reserves the right to make the final decision regarding waiver eligibility. Waiver decisions are handled independently from the editorial process and have no influence on manuscript acceptance.

Authors are strongly advised to ensure that sufficient funding is available before submission, as waivers are granted only in exceptional circumstances.

APC Invoice

After manuscript acceptance, an APC invoice will be issued to the corresponding author. Publication will be scheduled only after full payment has been received. Payment should normally be completed within 14 days of invoice issuance. If the payer information must be changed, please contact the editorial office.

Payment of the APC does not affect editorial decisions, which are made independently based on academic merit.

Payment Methods

APC payments can be made using the following methods:

1. Wire Transfer

Payments must be made in US Dollars (USD) using the banking details provided in the invoice.

Account Name:

Bank Name:

Bank Address:

Account Number:

BIC / SWIFT Code:

Please include the invoice number in the payment reference to ensure proper processing.

2. PayPal / Credit Card

Authors may pay by credit card via the payment link provided in the APC invoice.

Prices do not include VAT, GST, or other applicable taxes. Taxes may be added where required by law. If applicable, authors should provide their tax identification number when requested.

APC Refund Policy

GASF will issue a full refund of the APC if an article cannot be published due to a publisher error. A full refund will also be issued if duplicate payment or duplicate funding occurs for the same article.

Retractions or removals are usually beyond the journal’s control and do not affect the publishing services already completed or the publisher’s responsibility to maintain the scholarly record. APCs are therefore non-refundable once publishing services have been provided.

No refund will be given in the following cases:

Article retraction due to author error or misconduct

Withdrawal after publication

Withdrawal after acceptance for unreasonable reasons

Unreasonable withdrawal reasons include:

Claiming lack of awareness of APC after acceptance

Refusing to pay APC after acceptance

Requesting withdrawal to submit to another journal

Submission to a GASF journal indicates that the authors accept the journal’s APC policy.

Editorial Independence

In accordance with COPE guidelines, all editorial decisions at GASF are based solely on academic merit and are completely independent of APC payment status. Editors are not involved in APC payment processing, and the ability or inability to pay APC does not influence acceptance decisions.

7. Special Issue

Special Issues published by GASF Publisher are designed to highlight emerging topics and rapidly advancing areas of research through curated collections of high-quality articles. These Issues are led by invited Guest Editors with recognized expertise in the field and are developed in close coordination with the journal’s editorial team to ensure relevance, quality, and academic integrity.

All submissions to Special Issues are subject to the same rigorous standards as regular submissions and undergo a thorough and impartial peer review process. Manuscripts are evaluated by independent experts, and editorial decisions are based on the scientific merit, originality, and clarity of the work. The involvement of Guest Editors does not alter the objectivity or stringency of the review process. Final decisions regarding acceptance or rejection are made by the Editor-in-Chief or designated members of the editorial office, thereby ensuring full editorial independence.

Guest Editors play an important role in shaping the academic direction of a Special Issue. They are responsible for defining its scope, inviting contributions, and recommending qualified reviewers. However, to maintain the highest standards of publishing ethics, Guest Editors are required to avoid any involvement in the handling of manuscripts where a conflict of interest may exist. This includes, but is not limited to, submissions from colleagues, collaborators, or individuals with whom a personal or professional relationship could influence judgment. In such cases, the manuscript is reassigned to an independent editor who oversees the review process without the involvement of the Guest Editor.

To further safeguard impartiality, any manuscript submitted by a Guest Editor is handled entirely independently of the Special Issue’s editorial team. Guest Editors have no access to reviewer reports or editorial decisions concerning their own submissions. In addition, the proportion of articles authored or co-authored by Guest Editors is strictly limited and must not exceed 25% of the total papers of the Special Issue.

GASF Publisher maintains active oversight of all Special Issues to ensure that editorial practices remain transparent, fair, and consistent with international standards. The editorial office monitors the peer review process, reviewer selection, and decision-making procedures to prevent bias, conflicts of interest, or any form of manipulation. All participants in the publication process are expected to adhere to established ethical guidelines, including those set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

The Publisher reserves the right to intervene in the management of a Special Issue at any stage if concerns arise regarding ethical conduct, peer review integrity, or the overall quality of submissions. In exceptional circumstances, this may include the reassignment of editorial responsibilities or the discontinuation of the Special Issue.

Through these measures, GASF Publisher ensures that Special Issues uphold the same standards of excellence, transparency, and academic rigor as all other publications under its imprint, providing authors and readers with a trustworthy and high-quality scholarly platform.