Frequently Asked Questions

1.0 General Information

Q: What is the Journal of Food Innovations, Nutrition, and Environmental Sciences (JFINES) about?

The Journal of Food Innovations, Nutrition, and Environmental Sciences (JFINES) is a multidisciplinary academic journal that focuses on the latest research and developments at the intersection of food science, nutrition, and environmental sustainability. The journal seeks to publish high-quality research that addresses global challenges such as food security, nutritional health, and environmental impacts of food production. JFINES provides a platform for scientists, researchers, and practitioners to share innovative ideas, rigorous research, and interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to the advancement of these fields.

Q: How can I contact the editorial office if I have questions or need assistance?

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the editorial office by emailing jfines@gmail.com. Our team is available to help with inquiries regarding manuscript submissions, the peer review process, publication fees, or any other aspects of the journal. We strive to respond to all inquiries promptly and ensure that authors and readers have the support they need.

2.0 Manuscript Submission

Q: How do I submit my manuscript to JFINES? A: Manuscripts can be submitted to JFINES through two primary methods:

1. Email Submission: Authors can submit their manuscripts by emailing them directly to jfineseditor@gmail.com. When using this method, please include "Manuscript for Publication" in the subject line and ensure the email body includes your academic title, full names, phone number, and address. Attach your manuscript in Word format, and double-check that the attachment is included before sending.
2. Online Submission: Alternatively, you can submit your manuscript via our online submission system by clicking the "Submit" button on our website. This system requires you to create an account or log in if you already have one. Follow the steps to upload your manuscript and provide the necessary metadata.

Q: Can I submit a manuscript that I have already submitted to another journal?

No, JFINES only accepts original work that has not been published elsewhere or submitted to another journal for consideration. If your manuscript has been previously published or is under review by another journal, it is disqualified from being published by JFINES. We conduct an originality test on all submissions to ensure the work is unique. However, if your manuscript was presented at a conference and only appeared in the conference proceedings, it may still be eligible for submission. In such cases, or if you wish to withdraw your manuscript from another journal for submission to JFINES, you must clearly state your intention during the submission process.

Q: What are the requirements to fulfill before submitting a manuscript?

To ensure a smooth submission process, please adhere to the following requirements:

• The manuscript must be original and not previously published or submitted to another journal.
• Files should be submitted in Microsoft Word format; PDFs are not accepted.
• The manuscript should be 1.5 spaced, use a 12-point Times New Roman font, and have all illustrations, figures, and tables placed within the text at the appropriate points.
• The word count should be between 3000 and 6000 words, excluding references.
• Ensure that the manuscript follows the structured format: Title page, Abstract (250 words maximum), Keywords (maximum of 4), Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgments, Conflict of Interest statement, and References written in APA style.

Q: What is an ORCID, and why do I need one?

ORCID stands for Open Researcher and Contributor ID, a unique alphanumeric code used to identify academic authors and contributors. ORCID ensures that your research is accurately attributed to you, even if you share a name with other researchers or change your name due to marriage or other reasons. Having an ORCID enhances the discoverability of your work and can be important for securing funding, as some funders use ORCID information to evaluate merit. It is free to get an ORCID number at their website.

Q: Is having an ORCID mandatory for submission?

While having an ORCID is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for all authors, especially the corresponding author. ORCID helps ensure accurate attribution of your work and is increasingly being required by funding bodies and publishers.

Q: How should I format my manuscript for submission?

Your manuscript should follow these formatting guidelines:

• Font: Times New Roman, size 12.
• Line Spacing: 1.5 spacing throughout the manuscript.
• Title Page: Include the title of the manuscript, full names of all authors, affiliations, and the designated corresponding author.
• Abstract: Provide a concise summary of your manuscript, not exceeding 250 words.
• Keywords: List up to 4 keywords immediately after the abstract.
• Main Text: Organize the main text into the following sections: Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results and Discussion (combined), Conclusion.
• Figures and Tables: Embed figures and tables within the text at relevant points, with clear captions and high-quality resolution.

Q: Can I submit supplementary materials along with my manuscript?

Yes, you can submit supplementary materials such as datasets, additional figures, or multimedia files that support your research. These should be clearly labeled and referenced in the main text. Supplementary materials will be published online alongside your article, providing additional context and depth to your research.

3.0 Manuscript Tracking

Q: How do I track the status of my manuscript after submission?

After submitting your manuscript, you will be provided with a tracking code that allows you to monitor the status of your submission. You can track your manuscript through the Manuscript Tracker on the JFINES website by entering the five-character alphanumeric code you received. For submissions made via email, the tracking code will be sent to you in a confirmation email.

Q: What should I do if I forget my Manuscript Tracking Code?

If you forget your tracking code, check the confirmation email you received when you submitted your manuscript. If you cannot find the email, contact the editorial office at jfines@gmail.com, and we will assist you in retrieving your tracking code.

Q: Why haven’t I received a confirmation or notification after submitting my manuscript? We typically send a confirmation email within 24 hours of receiving a manuscript submission. If you haven’t received a confirmation within this time frame, please check your spam or junk folder, as our emails may occasionally be filtered there. If you still don’t see a confirmation, contact the editorial office immediately to ensure your submission was received and processed correctly.

4.0 Publishing Process

Q: How long does it take from submission to publication?

The time from submission to publication varies depending on several factors, including the quantity of submissions at the time, availability of reviewers, the quality of the submission, and the responsiveness of the authors during the review and revision process. Typically, the entire process can take between 2 to 6 weeks for online publication. If you require more detailed information about your specific manuscript, feel free to contact the Editor-in-Chief.

Q: How can I correct a paper that has already been published?

If you need to correct a paper that has already been published, contact the Editor-in-Chief with the details of the required corrections. Minor corrections can usually be made during the copyediting stage. However, major corrections may require the submission of a revised manuscript, which will undergo a new round of peer review.

Q: Is it possible to withdraw a manuscript after submission?

Yes, you can withdraw your manuscript at any stage before it is accepted for publication. To do so, simply email the Editor-in-Chief with a request for withdrawal, stating your reasons. Withdrawn manuscripts will be marked as "CANCELLED" in the Manuscript Tracker and will be removed from the system after one year. Withdrawing a manuscript makes it eligible for submission to another journal.

Q: Does JFINES check for plagiarism?

Yes, JFINES conducts an originality check on all submitted manuscripts using plagiarism detection software. We accept a similarity index of no more than 15%, with no single source exceeding 3% similarity. We encourage authors to ensure their manuscripts are original and free from plagiarism before submission. If you conduct a plagiarism check using software like Turnitin before submitting to JFINES, be cautious not to index your document in the software’s database, as this could result in a 100% similarity score when we check it.

Q: What should I do if I have urgent publication needs?

In exceptional cases where urgent publication is necessary, JFINES may expedite the review process. This service is offered on a case-by-case basis, typically when an author is under significant time pressure, such as meeting a deadline for academic evaluation. To request expedited processing, contact the editorial office with a justification for the urgency. Please note that a fee may be applied for this service.

5.0 Peer Review

Q: What type of peer review process does JFINES use?

JFINES employs a double-blind peer review process, where both the authors and reviewers remain anonymous. This approach ensures an unbiased review by preventing any preconceived notions based on the identities of the authors or reviewers. Each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent experts in the relevant field.

Q: How long does the peer review process take?

The peer review process typically takes between 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the quantity of submissions at a given time, availability of reviewers and the complexity of the manuscript. If revisions are required, the review process may take longer. Authors are encouraged to respond to revision requests promptly to expedite the publication process.

Q: Can I suggest potential reviewers for my manuscript?

Yes, authors are welcome to suggest potential reviewers for their manuscript. When making suggestions, it’s important to recommend experts who are knowledgeable in the subject matter and who have no conflicts of interest. The editorial team may or may not use these suggestions, as the final decision on reviewer selection rests with the editors. Authors should provide the names, affiliations, and contact details of the suggested reviewers. Please note that suggesting reviewers does not guarantee their selection.

Q: Is JFINES an academic and peer-reviewed Journal?

Yes, JFINES is an academic and adhere to rigorous peer-review standards. Each manuscript submitted to JFINES undergoes a double-blind peer review by at least two independent experts in the relevant field. This ensures that the research published in our journals is of high quality, credible, and contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of food innovation, nutrition, and environmental sciences.

Q: How many reviewers will evaluate my manuscript?

Typically, each manuscript is reviewed by at least two independent reviewers. In some cases, additional reviewers may be invited to evaluate the manuscript, especially if the submission is particularly complex or if the initial reviewers have differing opinions. The goal is to ensure a thorough and balanced evaluation of the manuscript.

Q: What happens if my manuscript is rejected?

If your manuscript is rejected, you will receive detailed feedback from the reviewers and the editorial team. This feedback is intended to help you improve your manuscript for potential submission to another journal. Rejection does not necessarily mean that the work is not of good quality; it may simply mean that the manuscript is not a good fit for JFINES or that it requires significant revisions. Authors are encouraged to carefully consider the feedback provided and revise their work accordingly.

6.0 Journal Indexing and Accessibility

Q: Does JFINES provide ISSNs and DOIs for published articles?

Yes, JFINES has an ISSN number for both the online issue and the printed issue. Therefore, we assign that International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSNs) to the journal and all published articles carry that ISSN number of the journal. In addition, we are registering for membership at CROSSREF which assigns Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) number for the journal and to all published articles. ISSNs help in the identification and cataloging of serial publications, while DOIs serve as permanent, unique identifiers that make it easy to locate and cite published articles. These identifiers are crucial for ensuring that your work is easily discoverable and accessible to the global research community.

Q: Where is JFINES indexed?

The Journal of Food Innovations, Nutrition, and Environmental Sciences (JFINES) is a newly established journal and is currently in the process of securing its ISSN and DOIs through CrossRef, which will provide unique and permanent identifiers for all published articles. Additionally, we are working to ensure that all published content is indexed in Google Scholar, making it easily discoverable and accessible to a global audience. As we grow, we are committed to achieving indexing in major academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. We will keep our authors and readers updated on our progress as we work toward these goals.

Q: How can I find my publication after it has been published?

Once your article is published, you will be notified by the editorial office. You can easily find your publication by searching for the title or your name in search engines like Google Scholar or by using the DOI provided. It may take up to two weeks for your article to be fully indexed and searchable in various databases.

Q: Why can’t I find my publication on Google Scholar?

If you cannot find your publication on Google Scholar, it is likely because the article has not yet been fully indexed. Indexing in databases like Google Scholar can take up to two weeks after publication. If more than a month has passed and your article is still not appearing, please contact the editorial office for assistance. We will work to ensure that your article is properly indexed.

7.0 Fees and Payment

Q: What are the publication fees for JFINES?

At the moment, JFINES does not charge Article Processing Charges (APCs) for accepted manuscripts to cover the costs of the publication process. However, we accept donations to help us manage and maintain the journal. In the future, this may change, where APCS may be charged. The fees vary depending on the specific journal and the medium of publication (online or print). Detailed information about the applicable fees can be found on the APCs page of our website. Authors will be informed of the exact fee in the acceptance letter.

Q: Are there any fee waivers available?

While JFINES strives to keep publication fees as low as possible, we generally do not offer fee waivers due to the already subsidized rates. However, in rare cases, partial or full fee waivers may be granted to authors who demonstrate significant financial hardship or who contribute to the journal in other meaningful ways, such as by attracting additional submissions. Authors interested in a waiver should contact the editorial office with a formal request, including a detailed explanation of their circumstances.

Q: When should I make the payment for publication? A: Payment should only be made after your manuscript has been accepted for publication. The acceptance letter will include detailed instructions on how to make the payment. It is important to wait until you receive this confirmation, as any payments made before acceptance may need to be refunded if the manuscript is not ultimately accepted.

Q: How do I make the payment for publication? A: Payments can be made through several methods, including PayPal, direct bank transfer, and mobile payment systems. Detailed payment instructions will be provided in the acceptance letter and can also be found on the Manuscript Tracker once a tracking code has been assigned.

Q: How do I check if my payment was successful?

After making the payment, you can verify its success by logging into the Manuscript Tracker and entering your tracking code. If the payment was successful, you will see a confirmation, including a green tick and payment status. If you do not see this confirmation, please contact the editorial office for further assistance.

Q: What is the deadline for payment after my manuscript is accepted?

There is no strict deadline for payment after your manuscript is accepted, but prompt payment is encouraged to avoid delays in the publication process. If payment is delayed for an extended period, the editorial office may contact you to confirm your intention to proceed with publication. Delayed payment can also be seen as a silent withdrawal of your manuscript.

8.0 Copyright, Archiving, and Privacy

Q: What copyrights are assigned to publications in JFINES?

Articles published in JFINES are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. This license allows others to share, adapt, and build upon the work, as long as appropriate credit is given, and any changes are indicated. The authors retain ownership of the copyright, while granting JFINES the right to publish and distribute the work.

Q: Does JFINES have digital archiving arrangements?

Not at the Moment. However, JFINES is in preparation to participate in digital archiving programs like CLOCKSS and LOCKSS, which ensure that all published articles are preserved and accessible in perpetuity. These programs create a secure and distributed digital archive that protects against data loss and ensures long-term availability of the research.

Q: Can I share my published article on other platforms?- What is your Repository policy?

Yes, The Journal of Food Innovation, Nutrition, and Environmental Sciences (JFINES) supports open-access publishing and allows authors to deposit different versions of their manuscripts in institutional or other repositories of their choice. Our policy regarding manuscript deposition is as follows:

1. Submitted Version (Preprint)

   • Authors are permitted to deposit the original submitted version of their manuscript (pre-peer review) in institutional repositories, preprint servers, or other open-access platforms.
   • The repository record should indicate that the manuscript is under review and may be subject to revisions.

2. Accepted Version (Author Accepted Manuscript – AAM)

   • Authors may deposit the accepted version of their manuscript (post-peer review but before final publication) in an institutional repository or other open-access platform.
   • The deposited version should include a statement acknowledging that the work has been accepted for publication in JFINES, along with a DOI or a link to the journal’s website where the final published version can be accessed.

3. Published Version (Version of Record – VoR)

   • Authors are encouraged to deposit the final published version of their article in institutional repositories or other open-access platforms.
   • The journal allows the sharing of the published version under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY), ensuring broad dissemination while maintaining proper attribution to JFINES.
   • Authors must include a full citation and DOI link to the official published version on the journal’s website.

This policy ensures that authors can freely share their research while maintaining the integrity and discoverability of their work. 

Q: What is JFINES' privacy policy?

JFINES is committed to protecting the privacy of its authors and readers. We use the information you provide exclusively for the purposes of managing and publishing your manuscript. We do not share personal data with third parties without your explicit consent. Our privacy policy complies with international data protection standards to ensure the security and confidentiality of your information.

9.0 Open Access and Licensing

Q: What is the open access policy of JFINES?

JFINES is an open-access journal, meaning that all published articles are freely available to the public without subscription fees. This open access policy ensures that research is widely disseminated and accessible to a global audience, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the fields of food innovation, nutrition, and environmental sciences.

Q: Under which Creative Commons license are JFINES articles published?

JFINES articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International  (CC-BY)License. This license permits others to share, copy, distribute, and adapt the work, provided that appropriate credit is given to the original authors and any changes are clearly indicated. This license maximizes the visibility and impact of your research while protecting your rights as an author.

Q: Can I reuse content from JFINES articles, and what are the conditions for doing so?

Yes, you can reuse content from JFINES articles under the conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. You must give appropriate credit to the original authors, provide a link to the license, and indicate if any changes were made. Reuse of content should not imply endorsement by the original authors or JFINES.

10.0 Authorship and Contributions

Q: What criteria determine authorship for a manuscript?

Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research. All authors should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for its content. The order of authorship should reflect the relative contributions of each author. Contributors who do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section.

Q: How should contributors who do not qualify as authors be acknowledged?

Contributors who provided technical assistance, writing support, or other forms of assistance that do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section of the manuscript. It is important to obtain written consent from all individuals who are acknowledged, as their names will be publicly associated with the research.

11.0 Special Issues and Themed Collections

Q: Does JFINES publish special issues or themed collections?

 Yes, JFINES occasionally publishes special issues or themed collections that focus on specific topics within the broader scope of food innovation, nutrition, and environmental sciences. These special issues may be organized in response to emerging trends in the field, significant conferences, or important anniversaries. Calls for papers for these special issues are announced on the journal’s website and through our communication channels. Authors are encouraged to submit their manuscripts for consideration in these themed collections, which undergo the same rigorous peer review process as regular submissions.

Q: How can I submit my manuscript to a special issue?

To submit a manuscript for consideration in a special issue, follow the standard submission process but indicate in your cover letter that your manuscript is intended for the special issue. Be sure to mention the title of the special issue and any specific guidelines that were provided in the call for papers. The editorial team will ensure that your manuscript is considered for the appropriate issue.

12.0 Revisions and Resubmissions

Q: What should I do if my manuscript requires revisions?

If your manuscript requires revisions, the editorial team will provide detailed feedback from the reviewers, outlining the changes needed. You should carefully address each comment and make the necessary revisions to your manuscript. When resubmitting, include a cover letter that details how you have addressed the reviewers’ comments. Highlight the changes made in the manuscript by using track changes or by providing a summary of the revisions. Resubmit the revised manuscript through the same submission process, and the editorial team will re-evaluate it.

Q: How do I submit a revised manuscript?

To submit a revised manuscript, log in to the JFINES submission system or email the revised document to jfines@gmail.com. Ensure that the revised manuscript is clearly labeled as such and that you include a detailed cover letter explaining the changes made in response to the reviewers' comments. The revised manuscript will undergo another round of review, either by the original reviewers or new reviewers, depending on the extent of the revisions.

13.0 Corrections and Retractions

Q: How can I report an error in a published article?

 If you discover an error in a published article, whether you are the author or a reader, please contact the editorial office as soon as possible. Provide details of the error and suggest how it can be corrected. For minor errors, a correction notice (erratum or corrigendum) will be issued and linked to the original article. For significant errors that affect the findings or conclusions of the research, a retraction may be necessary. The editorial team will work with the authors to determine the appropriate course of action.

Q: What is the process for retracting a published article?

Retraction of a published article may be necessary in cases of significant errors, ethical violations, or instances of misconduct, such as plagiarism or data fabrication. If a retraction is required, the authors or the editorial team can initiate the process. A retraction notice will be published, and the original article will be marked as retracted. The retraction notice will explain the reasons for the retraction and will be linked to the original article. The article will remain in the journal archive with a watermark indicating its retracted status.

14.0 Data Sharing and Availability

Q: What is JFINES' data sharing policy?

JFINES encourages authors to make the data underlying their research available to the public in order to promote transparency, reproducibility, and further research. Authors are required to include a Data Availability Statement in their manuscript, detailing where and how the data can be accessed. This may involve depositing data in a public repository, providing access upon request, or including the data as supplementary material with the article. The editorial team will review the data availability statement as part of the manuscript evaluation process.

Q: How should I include data availability statements in my manuscript?

The Data Availability Statement should be included in the Methods section or at the end of the manuscript, just before the references. The statement should specify whether the data is publicly available, how it can be accessed, and any conditions for access. If the data is not publicly available, explain why and provide contact information for readers who wish to request access.

15.0 Editorial Policies and Ethical Considerations

Q: What ethical guidelines does JFINES follow?

JFINES adheres to the ethical guidelines set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and other relevant organizations. These guidelines cover all aspects of the publication process, including authorship, peer review, data management, and the ethical treatment of human and animal subjects in research. Authors are expected to comply with these ethical standards when conducting research and preparing manuscripts for submission.

Q: How should I declare conflicts of interest in my manuscript?

Conflicts of interest should be declared in a dedicated section immediately following the Acknowledgments section of the manuscript. Authors must disclose any financial, academic, or personal interests that could influence the research or its interpretation. This includes funding sources, affiliations, stock ownership, consultancies, and any other relationships that might present a conflict of interest. If no conflicts exist, authors should include a statement declaring that there are no conflicts of interest to disclose.

Q: What are the ethical requirements for studies involving human or animal subjects?

For studies involving human or animal subjects, authors must obtain approval from an appropriate institutional review board (IRB) or ethics committee. The manuscript should include a statement confirming that the study was conducted in accordance with ethical standards, such as the Declaration of Helsinki for human research or relevant guidelines for animal welfare. Informed consent must be obtained from all human participants, and authors should describe how consent was obtained in the manuscript. For animal studies, authors should describe the care and handling of the animals, ensuring that the study minimized harm and followed all ethical guidelines.