Dur. 1st rev. rnd
Tot. handling time
Imm. rejection time
Num. rev. reports
Report quality
Overall rating
Outcome
Year
n/a
n/a
14 days
n/a
n/a
n/a
Rejected (im.)
2020
Motivation: I recently had an extremely disappointing experience with the Tribology International Journal that compelled me to express my concerns regarding its publication practices. It is disheartening to state that this journal appears to be exhibiting clear biases and promoting a racially discriminatory environment.

One of the most glaring issues I noticed when examining the recent publications in the journal is the overwhelming dominance of papers originating from China or authored by individuals of Chinese origin. It is alarming to discover that more than 95% of the articles fall into this category, raising questions about the journal's commitment to impartiality and inclusivity. A balanced representation of research contributions from diverse geographical and cultural backgrounds is essential for maintaining the integrity of any scientific journal.

To add to my dismay, when I submitted my own paper to the Tribology International Journal, it was promptly rejected with the vague justification that it was not suitable for their publication. However, what baffled me the most was that the very same article was accepted and recognized as one of the best in another highly reputed tribology journal. This stark discrepancy in evaluation raises serious concerns about the transparency and fairness of the review process employed by Tribology International Journal.

Further examination of the editorial board of the journal revealed that a significant number of the editors also have Chinese origins. While it is important to note that diverse perspectives and expertise should be valued and encouraged, it becomes problematic when such a disproportionate representation compromises the integrity and objectivity of the journal's decision-making process.

Considering the circumstances and my personal experience, I regret to say that I will not be submitting any future articles to the Tribology International Journal. It is crucial for researchers to seek publication avenues that uphold rigorous standards of fairness, equality, and inclusivity. As scientists, we rely on scholarly journals to provide a platform for unbiased dissemination of knowledge, and it is disheartening to witness instances where this ideal is not upheld.

In conclusion, I strongly urge the editorial board of the Tribology International Journal to reflect on the concerns raised here and take steps to rectify any biases or discriminatory practices that may be undermining the journal's reputation. It is essential for the scientific community to promote a diverse and inclusive environment that values contributions from researchers of all backgrounds, ensuring that scientific progress is not hindered by prejudice or favoritism.

Disclaimer: This review reflects the personal experience and opinion of the reviewer and does not intend to make any generalizations about the entire journal or its editorial board.
6.1 weeks
6.1 weeks
n/a
3 reports
3
3
Rejected
2020
Motivation: The first Reviewer suggested major revisions and provided a series of useful comments. The third Reviewer was very positive and suggested only minor revisions. The second Reviewer was not happy with our approach, why we did not consider many various possibilities. He (she?) listed many aspects, which should be considered in his view. However, it should be evident for experienced tribologists that nearly all of those aspects would not be significant for our tribotesting conditions and the scope of our investigations. The other Reviewers do not suggest to look into any of those factors, risks or variables. We wrote an email to the Editor regarding such a disparity in evaluations, but he did not reverse the decision to reject.
6.3 weeks
7.3 weeks
n/a
2 reports
3
5
Accepted
2018
Motivation: Tribology International has drastically improved their handling of manuscripts since I last submitted a manuscript. Excellent work!
21.9 weeks
26.1 weeks
n/a
3 reports
4
5
Accepted
2011