Welcome to the Central Asia and the Caucasus FAQ section. Here, you will find answers to common questions from authors, reviewers, readers, and other users. For ease of navigation, the FAQs are categorized into different sections.
General Information
Q1: What is Central Asia and the Caucasus?
A: Central Asia and the Caucasus is an open-access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in the fields of social sciences, political science, international relations, development, and ocean engineering. Our mission is to disseminate impactful research that contributes to a better understanding of these regions.
Q2: How can I contact the journal?
A: You can contact us via email at support@ca-c.org.
For Authors
Q1: How do I submit a manuscript to Central Asia and the Caucasus?
A: Manuscripts can be submitted through our online submission system. Please ensure that your manuscript adheres to our submission guidelines.
Q2: Is there an Article Processing Charge (APC) for submitting a manuscript?
A: Central Asia and the Caucasus operates under an APC payable after acceptance.
Q3: What types of manuscripts are accepted by the journal?
A: We accept original research articles, review articles, case studies, short communications, and letters to the editor in the fields of social sciences, political science, international relations, development, and ocean engineering.
Q4: How long does the peer review process take?
A: The initial screening takes about one week. The double-blind peer review process typically takes four weeks, followed by an editorial decision within six weeks of submission.
Q5: What are the ethical requirements for submitting a manuscript?
A: Authors must adhere to ethical guidelines including avoiding plagiarism, ensuring data accuracy, obtaining necessary ethical approvals, and disclosing conflicts of interest.
Q6: Can I appeal a rejection decision?
A: Yes, authors can appeal editorial decisions by submitting a detailed justification. Appeals will be reviewed by an independent editorial board member.
Q7: How do I ensure my manuscript adheres to the formatting guidelines?
A: Please refer to the Author Guidelines section on our website for detailed formatting instructions.
For Reviewers
Q1: How do I become a reviewer for Central Asia and the Caucasus?
A: Interested experts can apply by submitting their CV and areas of expertise through our Reviewer Application Form available on the journal's website.
Q2: What are the responsibilities of a reviewer?
A: Reviewers are responsible for providing objective, constructive, and timely reviews. They must maintain confidentiality and disclose any conflicts of interest.
Q3: How much time is allotted for completing a review?
A: Reviewers are typically given four weeks to complete a review. If more time is needed, reviewers should inform the editorial office as soon as possible.
Q4: What should I do if I suspect ethical issues in a manuscript?
A: Reviewers should report any ethical concerns, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, to the editorial office immediately.
Q5: Will I receive recognition for my review work?
A: Yes, reviewers are acknowledged in the journal’s annual list of reviewers and can request certificates of recognition for their contributions.
For Readers
Q1: How can I access articles published in Central Asia and the Caucasus?
A: All articles are freely accessible on our website under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Q2: Can I use and share articles from the journal?
A: Yes, you can share and adapt the articles as long as appropriate credit is given to the original authors, in accordance with the CC BY 4.0 license.
Q3: How can I stay updated with the latest research published in the journal?
A: You can subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media to receive updates on the latest publications and journal news.
Q4: What should I do if I find an error in a published article?
A: Please contact the editorial office at support@ca-c.org to report any errors. Corrections will be made if necessary.
For Librarians
Q1: How can I include Central Asia and the Caucasus in my institution’s database?
A: Librarians can contact us at support@ca-c.org to discuss indexing and access options for their institutions.
Q2: Is the journal included in major indexing services?
A: No, currently Central Asia and the Caucasus is not indexed in major databases such as DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science but we are planning soon to apply for major databases.
Q3: Can my institution sponsor the journal?
A: Yes, institutions interested in sponsoring the journal can contact us for more information on sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Ethical Policies
Q1: What ethical guidelines does Central Asia and the Caucasus follow?
A: The journal adheres to COPE guidelines and maintains strict policies on authorship, conflicts of interest, plagiarism, research misconduct, data sharing, and ethical oversight.
Q2: How does the journal handle conflicts of interest?
A: Authors, reviewers, and editors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest. The journal manages these conflicts by assigning alternate reviewers or editors as necessary.
Q3: What is the policy on plagiarism?
A: Manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using specialized software. Any detected plagiarism will result in rejection of the manuscript and notification of the authors' institutions.
Q4: How are ethical concerns investigated?
A: Allegations of research misconduct are investigated following COPE guidelines. Confirmed misconduct results in retraction of the article and notification of the authors' institutions.
Q5: What is the journal's policy on data sharing?
A: Authors are encouraged to deposit their data in publicly accessible repositories and include a data availability statement in their manuscripts to promote transparency and reproducibility.
Q6: How are corrections and retractions handled?
A: Corrections are issued for minor errors that do not affect the conclusions of the manuscript. Articles are retracted for serious errors or confirmed misconduct, with retraction notices clearly stating the reasons.
For any additional questions or further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at support@ca-c.org. Thank you for your interest and participation in Central Asia and the Caucasus.