Special Issue Policy

For the convenience of readers, some USP journals have a virtual section according to the journal’s scope, and authors can choose any of the topic sections in which to submit their manuscripts. The submission process is consistent with that of the regular issue (refer to Submission of a manuscript of the Author Guidelines).

Proposal

The proposals of a special issue generally include two ways. The first one is where the editorial office proposes a special issue theme, and then Guest Editors will be recruited. The second one is where scholars propose a special issue theme to the editorial office, and then the editorial team evaluates the proposal’s content and the credentials of Guest Editors; once the proposal is approved, Guest Editors should prepare the special issue’s introduction, keywords, and deadline. Proposals are welcome if they fit the scope and standards of qualification. The editorial team reserves the right to reject those unsuitable or unqualified proposals.

Peer review process

The Editor-in-Chief will oversee all the processes of special issues, and all submissions to special issues will comply with the same editorial and publishing ethics and undergo the same peer review process as regular submissions. Accepted articles will be archived both in a regular issue and in the special issue.