Editorial Mission

Analytical and Quantitative Cytopathology and Histopathology (AQCH) is dedicated to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research in:

• Analytical cytopathology
• Quantitative histopathology
• Digital pathology and image analysis
• Molecular cytology and histology
• Urologic pathology
• Diagnostic innovations and biomarker research
• Computational pathology and AI applications in cytology

The journal aims to advance scientific knowledge in diagnostic and translational pathology through rigorous, quantitative, and technology-driven research.

Editorial Structure

The journal operates under the following structure:

• Editor-in-Chief
• Deputy/Associate Editors
• Section Editors
• Editorial Board Members
• Guest Editors (for Special Issues)

All editorial roles function independently, and editorial decisions are made without influence from sponsoring organizations or external parties.

Manuscript Handling Process

AQCH follows a double-blind peer review process to ensure fairness, transparency, and scientific integrity.

Initial Screening

All submitted manuscripts are evaluated for:

• Relevance to journal scope
• Scientific originality and novelty
• Methodological quality
• Ethical approval (where applicable)
• Compliance with author guidelines
• Plagiarism screening

Manuscripts not meeting minimum standards may be desk rejected.

Peer Review Process

• Minimum of two independent expert reviewers are assigned
• Reviewers must have subject expertise in relevant fields
• Conflicts of interest are strictly avoided
• Reviewer identity remains confidential

Editorial Decision

Possible decisions include:

• Accept
• Minor Revision
• Major Revision
• Reject

All decisions are based on reviewer feedback and editorial assessment, with clear justification provided to authors.

Ethical and Publication Standards

AQCH strictly follows internationally recognized publication ethics (COPE-aligned principles):

• Zero tolerance for plagiarism
• No data fabrication, falsification, or image manipulation
• Proper handling of duplicate or redundant submissions
• Ethical approval required for human/clinical studies
• Informed consent where applicable
• Mandatory conflict of interest disclosure

Any suspected misconduct is investigated confidentially and thoroughly.

Editorial Independence

Editorial decisions are fully independent and based solely on scientific merit, originality, methodological rigor, and ethical compliance.

No external organization, sponsor, or institutional body influences acceptance or rejection decisions.

Image and Data Integrity

Given the quantitative focus of AQCH:

• Images must not be misleadingly altered
• Adjustments (brightness/contrast) must be applied uniformly and disclosed if significant
• Data must be reproducible and statistically valid
• Raw data may be requested for verification
• Original image files may be required by editors

Conflict of Interest Policy

Editors, reviewers, and authors must disclose any financial or institutional conflicts.

Editors must recuse themselves from manuscripts where conflicts exist, including submissions from close collaborators or affiliated institutions.

Special Issues

• Must be approved by the Editor-in-Chief
• Follow standard peer-review procedures
• Maintain full editorial independence
• Guest editors must comply with all AQCH policies

Editorial Timelines

• Initial screening: 7–10 days
• Reviewer assignment: within 14 days
• First decision: 6–8 weeks

Timelines may vary depending on reviewer availability and manuscript complexity.

Appeals and Complaints

Authors may submit written appeals.

The Editor-in-Chief may:

• Review the appeal
• Seek additional independent review
• Issue a final decision

All decisions after appeal are final.

Confidentiality

All manuscripts and peer-review communications are strictly confidential.

Editors and reviewers must not:

• Share manuscript content externally
• Use unpublished data for personal benefit
• Disclose reviewer identity

Communication and Professional Conduct

Editors and reviewers must:

• Maintain respectful and professional communication
• Provide constructive and unbiased feedback
• Ensure fairness and transparency
• Avoid discrimination in editorial decisions

Publication Fees and Article Processing Charges (APC)

AQCH follows a transparent publication fee policy:

• Submission Fee: None
• Peer Review Fee: None
• Article Processing Charge (APC): USD 300 (per accepted manuscript)

APC Policy

• Payable only after final acceptance
• Does not influence editorial or peer-review decisions
• Covers editorial handling, peer review management, production, online hosting, and long-term archiving
• Authors are informed of APC prior to submission
• Waivers/discounts may be considered on request in justified cases

AI and Emerging Technologies Policy

Authors must disclose use of AI tools in manuscript preparation.

AI tools may be used for language editing or formatting but cannot be credited as authors.

Authors remain fully responsible for:

• Accuracy of data
• Originality of content
• Ethical compliance
• Proper citation practices

Corrections, Retractions, and Post-Publication Integrity

AQCH maintains the integrity of the scholarly record through:

• Corrections (Errata)
• Corrigenda
• Expressions of Concern
• Retractions

Actions are taken in accordance with international publishing ethics standards.

Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers must:

• Provide objective and timely reviews
• Maintain confidentiality
• Declare conflicts of interest
• Avoid misuse of unpublished data
• Identify missing relevant literature

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

AQCH ensures fair and unbiased editorial practices regardless of:

• Nationality
• Gender
• Religion
• Institutional affiliation
• Ethnicity or political beliefs

Scientific merit remains the sole criterion for publication.

Data Availability and Reproducibility

Authors are encouraged to provide supporting data.

Editors may request:

• Raw datasets
• Statistical outputs
• Original images
• Supplementary materials

to ensure reproducibility and transparency.

Copyright and Licensing

• Authors retain copyright unless otherwise stated.
• All published content is subject to the journal’s licensing terms.
• Authors must secure permissions for copyrighted material used in submissions.