1. The roles of the Sub-editor

IFRF Combustion Handbook Sub-editors will have been allocated a topic for which Combustion Files are to be prepared. Such Combustion Files (CFs) are associated with a specific folder within a drawer within a cabinet in the Handbook filing system (see ‘Filing System’ in Combustion Handbook).

Depending on the topic, a Sub-editor may be responsible for some or all of the Combustion Files in a single ‘folder’, for a group of folders within a ‘drawer’, for a set of drawers within a ‘cabinet’, or even an entire cabinet.

Sub-editors are asked to propose the content and structure (in the case of drawers and cabinets) of Combustion Files within their area of responsibility, and nominate titles for each CF. This is agreed with the Editor in Chief and the Handbook Producer. The Producer then allocates unique CF Numbers to each Combustion File. These remain with the Combustion File concerned throughout its life, and are never re-allocated, even if the Combustion File is unpublished or withdrawn. At this point the CF is “Planned”.

Sub-editors will be able to use an on-line Status Report in the ‘Backroom’ section of the Handbook to monitor the status of their CFs (and all others that have passed the “Planned” stage). Access to the Handbook Backroom will require the use of the sub-editor’s usual IFRF password.

Sub-editors identify potential authors for their Combustion Files, and make informal approaches. The Handbook Producer makes a formal approach to authors notified by Sub-editors as agreeing to draft the Combustion File(s) requested. At that time the Producer provides to authors the style and content requirements, within a template which includes the title, CF number and other relevant credits information. A sub editor may author Combustion Files within their topic area – in this case, an independent referee must be identified.

The Sub-editor should also at this point:

·          Confirm his/her intention to referee the CF, or propose an alternative referee;

·          Indicate the initial filing location (cabinet, drawer, folder);

At this point, the CF is “Commissioned”.

Once a CF is drafted, it is sent to the Sub-editor or nominated alternative referee for refereeing (see below).

At this point, the CF is “Authored”.

On agreement of the basic components of the CF with the Author, Sub-editors are asked to confirm the choice of ‘key words’ (proposed by author) to be used with the CF for the Handbook search engine. Suggestions for secondary links to the CF from other locations within the Handbook Filing System should also be proposed at this point (the Editor-in- Chief takes final responsibility for this function).

Once the refereeing is complete, Sub-editors should indicate their final approval to the Author, with a copy to handbook@ifrf.net, and instruct the Author to mail the final MSWord file and associated graphics file(s) to handbook@ifrf.net as a zipped email attachment.

At this point the CF is “Refereed”.

The refereed CF as an MSWord format is then reviewed by the Editor-in-Chief and Producer, and in agreement with the Sub-editor, the CF is designated as “Agreed”.

Following this, the original documents are programmed into [GLOSS]html[/GLOSS] and [GLOSS]pdf[/GLOSS]formats at the IFRF NET Communications Centre and published in the Handbook “Backroom”. The next stage is to inform the Editorial Board (including the Sub-editor) that the CF has been published – “Editorial Board” status. A pdf copy is also sent to the author and referee. They, and the Editorial Board have up to 7 calendar days to give their comments. After that, the CF is given the status “Approved”.

The CF is “Published” at a date to be agreed following communication between the Sub-editor, the Editor in Chief and the Producer.

2. Refereeing check-list

When refereeing a Combustion File (CF), the overriding aim is to ensure that the material is a valid, concise and well-presented tool for the ultimate user. The following checklist is intended to help ensure consistency in this aim. Please answer each point giving additional guidance where appropriate. Please remember that the reputation of the IFRF and its future growth will be enhanced if the CFs are of good quality and correct before they appear on the web site. Referees are encouraged to discuss queries or concerns with authors before agreeing any amendments needed with the author.

• Is the proposed approach correct and current?
• Is the method/material reasonably self-contained, i.e. could it be used without frequent recourse to other Combustion Files?
• Is there material that could be omitted to make the CF shorter without sacrificing utility and clarity?
• Could (should) the CF be split into two (or more) CFs. If so, how?
• Is the CF’s method clear; if not, how/where should it be improved?
• Are the equations correct (if in doubt, dimensional check or trial problem?)?
• Is the text/English clear and correct? Please indicate areas for improvement to the author.
• Are the diagrams and graphs clear and correct – could they be simplified?
• Could graphs/diagrams be omitted without loss of clarity?
• Would an (additional) diagram or graph help? If yes, of what?
• Are the links to the glossary too few or too many?
• Are new glossary definitions proposed by author satisfactory?
• Are the links to other CFs necessary or sufficient? If no, suggest deletions or additions.
• Are the key words adequate for search purposes?
• Is the proposed Cabinet/Drawer/Folder(s) classification appropriate?
• Do you recommend the CF for inclusion in the handbook
  • Yes, as written
  • Yes, after modification (if so how?)
  • No
• Does this CF suggest topics for other CFs?

Sources

Authors