OPERATIONAL

Research and review articles submitted as manuscripts to the SATNT are subject to peer review. In addition, all other content published in the SATNT is carefully reviewed and linguistically edited.

The following processes are followed during the selection of manuscripts and articles:

• The SATNT welcomes manuscripts that deal with research results in the Natural Sciences and Technology. Manuscripts can be submitted online to the SATNT by following the following web link: https://satntsak.co.za/submit
• After submission, manuscripts are first submitted to the Editor, where a decision is made as to whether the content of the manuscript complies with the mandate of the SATNT. All manuscripts should be written in a style suitable for non-specialists. The Editor may, however, also refer the manuscript to professional members of the Editorial Board for
• All manuscripts considered suitable for inclusion in the SATNT are first subjected to a similarity detection process. When the similarity report indicates potential plagiarism, the report and manuscript will be examined by the Editor to determine whether plagiarism has occurred. If plagiarism is suspected, the extent of the plagiarism will be determined, and the plagiarism policy will come into effect (see: https://satntsak.co.za/regulations).
• If no plagiarism can be detected in the similarity detection process, suitable reviewers are appointed by the Editor to review the manuscript, after which the Journal Manager handles the administration and timeframes surrounding the review process.
• The SATNT follows a double-blind review process, meaning that the identities of both the authors and reviewers are kept mutually anonymous. At least two reviewer reports are required to decide on the suitability of the manuscript for publication as an article in the SATNT.
• If the manuscript is not rejected by the reviewers, the reviewers’ recommendations are shared with the authors, and improvements are made by the authors during a manuscript improvement process. Revised manuscripts are then resubmitted online to the SATNT, as specified by the Journal Manager’s online submission system.
• The revised manuscript, accompanied by a complete list of the changes made to the manuscript, is re-submitted to the Editor. If minor changes have been made, the Editor may, after consideration, recommend the manuscript for publication as an article in the SATNT. If major changes have been made, the Editor, in consultation with the reviewers or professional members of the Editorial Board, decides whether the changes are sufficient. Further improvement may be required in the latter case, after which the manuscript is returned to the authors for improvement. Once the manuscript has been sufficiently improved, it is re-submitted to the Editor for final approval, from where it is sent for editing and publication in the SATNT.
• Authors have the right to appeal a decision of the Editor in writing, after which the Editor, in consultation with the Editorial Board (and the reviewers if necessary), will make a final decision.