World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology

Focus and Scope

The World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology welcomes submissions of research and review manuscripts, as well as short communications, covering a diverse range of disciplines. These include, but are not limited to, biology, nucleic acids/molecular biology, microbiology, physiology/biochemistry, medical biotechnology, agricultural and food biotechnology, genomics, bioinformatics, environmental biotechnology, botany, animal husbandry, and agricultural sciences. Within agricultural sciences, relevant areas encompass soil science, plant pathology, entomology, agronomy, plant breeding and genetics, forestry, and horticulture. We encourage contributions that advance knowledge across these domains, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to scientific inquiry

Section Policies

Research Manuscripts

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Review Manuscripts

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Short Communication

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Oral Presentations

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Case Study

Open Submissions

Indexed

Peer Reviewed

Peer Review Process

World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology utilizes the Open Journal System (OJS) with humane assistance for the submission, review, and tracking of articles, short communications, disease notes, and case studies in the field of biology and biotechnology. Submissions must demonstrate a significant contribution to the fields of biology and biotechnology. The Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board Members are committed to upholding ethical standards and integrity in their roles, ensuring strong support for authors and reviewers. All submissions are subject to a double-blind external peer review process lasting approximately six to ten weeks, ensuring that both authors and reviewers remain anonymous to one another.

The Editor-In-Chief reviews the reports from the experts and makes the final decision regarding acceptance or rejection of the submissions. Authors will be notified via email, and any rejected contributions can be revised and submitted a new for further consideration. The Author(s) will modify the submission and provide the point-by-point revisions. The Editor-In-Chief will return final submission to the previous or new subject expert. The submission is formally approved for publication following the resolution of all editing concerns. The text style, tables, and figure size will be changed, and a proofread version will be provided to the author(s), however only typos and scientific errors will be tolerated with the approval of production team and publication will be preserved in archives

Publication Frequency

The journal publishes one volume with three issues annually, a tradition that commenced in 2016

Issue 1 will be printed at April, 15

Issue 2 will be printed at August, 15

Issue 3 will be printed at December, 15

Upon acceptance, the paper will be promptly published online.

Open Access Policy

The paper published in World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology are made freely available to the scientific community, promoting the global exchange of knowledge.

Archiving

The LOCKSS system is being used for preservation and restoration of the article published in World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology.

Editorial Policy

The journal is scheduled for triannual publication, with promptly accessible online articles for the benefit of the scientific community. Submissions must be original and not previously published, nor under consideration by another journal. The corresponding author assumes the responsibility of ensuring that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the submission. The submitted material undergoes thorough peer review by subject experts, and the final decision rests with the Editor-In-Chief, informed by the experts' reports. Authors retain ownership of their published work, allowing for reuse and redistribution, and they are not obligated to transfer copyright to the journal. The journal disclaims any responsibility for the content of published submissions. Authors bear exclusive responsibility for the accuracy and validity of their work, as well as sole liability for the originality of the published material. The opinions expressed in articles are solely those of the author(s), and the journal may not necessarily endorse them in whole or in part. The journal aligns with the principles of the Bethesda Statement on Open Access Publishing, and all papers are published under a CC-BY license (Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License). This choice is particularly favored by numerous research funding sources due to its capacity to facilitate widespread distribution and reuse of open access content

Publishing Ethics

All participants in the publication process, including the journal editor, peer reviewers, and the publisher, are expected to adhere to high standards of ethical behavior

The editorial team ensures that all submitted articles undergoing consideration for publication undergo a thorough peer review conducted by at least two subject specialists. Decisions regarding the selection of papers for publication are reached collaboratively, with input from both the Editor-In-Chief and the Editorial Team. While authors are welcome to suggest potential reviewers, the editorial board retains the discretion to consider or disregard these recommendations. The board's ultimate decision on the appointment of reviewers is final.

Any invited referee is encouraged to promptly inform the editor and decline the invitation to participate in the review process if they feel unqualified to evaluate the research presented in the article or unable to provide a valuable assessment. Reviewers are expected to abstain from assessing papers that present conflicts of interest stemming from collaborations, competitions, or any affiliations with the involved parties, including authors, businesses, or institutions

Additionally, any similarities between the submitted article and previously published works will be pointed out by the reviewers. Consideration should be given to maintaining the confidentiality of any knowledge or ideas gleaned from the peer review process. Reviews will be expected to be done objectively, and their conclusions are developed with convincing justifications to be applied to the manuscript's development. The results of the investigation will be utilized to objectively evaluate the significance of the publications, and they should contain enough information and references to enable further research. Additionally, reviewers should remain vigilant regarding relevant published material that has not been cited in the reference list. Any instances where findings or arguments have been documented in other publications should be duly noted during the review process. 

The peer review process serves as a valuable aid to the editorial board and editor in making informed judgments, and it may offer constructive feedback to help authors enhance their manuscripts. The editor and the executive editorial board are committed to upholding the confidentiality of all information related to manuscript submission. Furthermore, the secrecy of submitted articles under review, including those for which invited referees have declined participation, must be diligently safeguarded.

The editor and editorial board are committed to respecting the intellectual property rights of authors. Without the author's explicit written permission, any unpublished contents within a submitted paper will not be utilized. Decisions regarding submitted papers are impartial and not influenced by the author's color, gender, religious affiliation, citizenship, political outlook, or institutional connection. The primary criteria for judgments are the significance, originality, and validity of the work in relation to the journal's scope. Legal considerations for copyright violation and plagiarism are also taken into account during the evaluation process.

The corresponding (submitting) author bears the responsibility of ensuring that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the material. They are also tasked with managing all communication between the journal and co-authors, both before and after publication. Co-authors are individuals who have made substantial contributions to the study, while those who have contributed to the research but do not meet the criteria for authorship should be acknowledged. Any alterations to the authors' list post-submission, such as changes in author order or the removal of authors, require unanimous approval from all authors. In addition to appropriately citing the words and/or works of others, authors are expected to uphold the originality of their own work.

Simultaneously submitting an article to multiple journals is considered unethical and inappropriate. Authors submitting material to the journal are responsible for crediting and acknowledging the work of others appropriately. Moreover, authors should respect the confidentiality of their correspondence with the journal; posting reviewers' reports or other confidential information online or on any other platform requires editorial board approval. Authors may be requested to provide the raw data from their study along with their publication. If there are any unusual hazards associated with the use of substances, methods, or equipment in the work, authors must fully disclose them. In cases involving the use of animals or humans as participants, authors bear the responsibility of ensuring that the methods comply with the relevant laws and ethical standards specified by the institution.

Referenced articles should precisely describe the type of work claimed by the authors. Authors are expected to provide a clear description of each contributor's role, and the World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology permits the designation of two co-authors who have equally contributed to the described work. All authors must disclose any conflicts of interest that could potentially bias the results or interpretation of their work. In the event that authors identify flaws or inconsistencies in their published study, it is imperative that they promptly notify the journal's editor or publisher. Authors should collaborate with the editorial team to either rectify or remove the publication as necessary.

Publication Integrity and Ethical Guidelines

Responsibilities of Editors: The responsibility for determining which articles are published in World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology lies with the Editor-In-chief, who adheres to the journal's guidelines and complies with legal obligations concerning copyright and plagiarism. The Editor-In-Chief may consult with other editors or reviewers during the decision-making process. Editors play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and quality of the journal's content. They evaluate submissions based solely on intellectual merit, without bias related to authors' race, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, ethnic origins, citizenship, or political philosophy. Confidentiality is paramount; any information about submitted manuscripts is kept confidential and disclosed only to relevant parties, including corresponding authors, reviewers, and the publisher. Unpublished material in submitted manuscripts will not be utilized in the editors' own research without the author's written consent. Editors oversee the editorial processes, including peer review and manuscript selection, ensuring that published articles meet high standards of scientific quality and ethical conduct. They establish and enforce ethical guidelines for authors and reviewers, remaining vigilant against violations such as plagiarism and data fabrication. Maintaining a rigorous and transparent peer review process is essential, and editors are responsible for selecting competent, unbiased reviewers and making decisions based on the research's merit. Clear policies for handling corrections and retractions are also crucial; when errors or ethical concerns arise, editors investigate promptly and take appropriate actions. They communicate transparently with authors about the review and publication process, providing clear instructions for addressing any concerns. Lastly, editors promote transparency in all journal operations, disclosing conflicts of interest and funding sources, while actively seeking feedback to continuously improve the journal's quality and credibility.

Responsibilities of Reviewers: The peer review process is essential for aiding the editor in making informed editorial decisions while facilitating correspondence with authors that can enhance the quality of their papers. If a selected reviewer feels unqualified to assess a submission or realizes they cannot provide a timely review, they should promptly inform the Editor-In-Chief and withdraw from the process. Throughout the review, referees must maintain objectivity, avoiding personal criticism and clearly articulating their opinions with supporting arguments. They are expected to critically evaluate the scientific and technical quality of the manuscripts, assessing research methods, results, and conclusions to ensure they contribute meaningfully to the field of biology and biotechnology. Reviewers should provide constructive feedback that is clear, detailed, and well-reasoned, addressing both strengths and weaknesses in the submissions. Adhering to the journal's timelines is crucial, as timely reviews ensure the efficiency of the peer-review process and the swift publication of quality research. Strict confidentiality must be maintained regarding the submissions, with no disclosure of content or findings to anyone outside the Editorial Team. Reviewers should also disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could bias their assessments, including personal or professional relationships with the authors or institutions involved. Vigilance in identifying ethical concerns, such as plagiarism or data fabrication, is essential, and any suspicions of misconduct should be reported to the Editorial Team. Reviewers are expected to provide clear recommendations regarding the manuscript, such as "Accept," "Minor Revisions," "Major Revisions," or "Reject," supported by their assessment of its quality and suitability for publication. They should ensure that research adheres to the highest academic and ethical standards, evaluating its novelty and significance. Additionally, reviewers should strive for continual improvement in their reviewing skills by staying updated on developments in their field and delivering fair, objective, and high-quality reviews. Professionalism is paramount; reviewers should interact respectfully with authors and the Editorial Team, delivering constructive criticism in a courteous manner.

Responsibilities of Authors: The submitting author is responsible for all communication with World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology and for managing correspondence among co-authors. Prior to submission, the submitting author must ensure that all authors are listed in the correct order, included in the author list, and aware that the submission is being submitted. After acceptance, the corresponding author will receive the proof and will liaise with the journal on behalf of all co-authors. If any errors in the published article arise from mistakes present in an unchecked proof, the journal may not correct them post-publication. It is the corresponding author's duty to verify the accuracy of all content in the proof, including the correct spelling of co-authors' names and their current addresses and affiliations. The journal treats all communications with authors and referees, as well as the submitted manuscript, as confidential; authors must also uphold this confidentiality, refraining from sharing correspondence, referee reports, or any confidential materials publicly or on any websites without prior permission from the editorial office, regardless of the submission's publication status. Submissions should provide an accurate and objective description of the work conducted, with truthful presentation of data and sufficient details and references to allow for replication. It is unethical and unprofessional to make false claims, and such practices are strictly prohibited. Authors are expected to submit raw data for editorial evaluation and should be prepared to make this data publicly available whenever possible, in compliance with the ALPSP-STM Statement on Data and Databases. Additionally, it is the authors' responsibility to ensure their work is entirely original, with any borrowed material appropriately acknowledged. Submitting the same findings to multiple journals or resubmitting the same manuscript is considered unethical. Authors must also ensure that they adequately acknowledge the contributions of others by citing relevant publications that have influenced their research. Only individuals who have made significant contributions to the study's conception, design, execution, or interpretation should be credited as co-authors, while those with lesser contributions should be acknowledged separately. Before submitting a manuscript, the corresponding author must confirm that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final version. Authors are required to disclose any significant hazards related to the use of substances, procedures, or equipment described in the paper. Furthermore, every author must disclose any significant conflicts of interest that could influence the outcome or interpretation of their work, as well as explicitly state all sources of funding for the project. If an author identifies a critical error in their published work, they must promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate in retracting or amending the manuscript as necessary. While authors may suggest independent reviewers, the editorial office has the discretion to accept or reject these suggestions. Additionally, authors may indicate a preference for excluding a limited number of individuals or laboratories from the review process, typically no more than two; such requests will be considered with understanding, though the final decision on reviewer selection rests with the Editorial Board Member.

Publisher's Role and Responsibilities: Scientific Press (SMC-Private) Limited plays a crucial role in the management of the World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology. The publisher oversees the entire publication process, provides editorial support, manages distribution, and maintains the digital infrastructure. Additionally, it ensures long-term preservation of content, establishes open-access policies, engages in marketing initiatives, and handles financial operations. Throughout these endeavors, the publisher is committed to maintaining high standards of quality control and ethical integrity

CrossMark Policy Statement

CrossMark is a collaborative initiative by CrossRef designed to provide a standardized method for readers to locate the authoritative version of published articles and other content. By implementing the CrossMark button, Scientific Press (SMC-Private) Limited demonstrates its commitment to maintaining the integrity of its published content and keeping readers informed of any changes that may arise. The CrossMark button offers readers quick and convenient access to the current status of an item, including any corrections, retractions, or updates related to that record. For further information about CrossMark, please visit the CrossMark website. The CrossMark button will be applied to both current and future journal content, limited to specific types of publications

Correction and Retraction Policies: Scientific Press (SMC-Private) Limited is committed to uphold the integrity of the literature and publishes Errata, Expressions of Concerns or Retraction Notices dependent on the situation and in accordance with the COPE Retraction Guidelines. In all cases, these notices are linked to the original article.

More information on World Journal of Biology and Biotechnology policies publication ethics can be found here: About the Journal.

Information on COPE Retraction Guidelines can be found here: Retraction Guidelines.