JOURNAL OF COMBINATORIAL OPTIMIZATION

One of the excellent journals in the field of combinatorial optimization, it leans towards mathematical theory deduction and is relatively difficult. This journal hardly accepts articles that are purely application-based or framework-based (perhaps the editor-in-chief considers these to be myths or fantasies, but many top-tier journals are very fond of framework and application-based articles, such as those that construct models, propose frameworks, improve algorithms, etc.). It accepts more basic research articles, which leads to low citation rates because they involve mathematical deduction, which many people find dull or difficult to understand. Consequently, the journal's impact factor is also low. However, the articles published in this journal have guaranteed quality. The review experts for this journal are all mathematics experts (to my knowledge, many journals randomly select reviewers from a system, including students reviewing articles, even for many top-tier journals. This is the reason why acceptance is often dependent on luck. This journal uses its own pool of experts and does not accept author-recommended reviewers). If one has academic aspirations and does not excessively focus on the journal's impact factor and ranking, this journal is a good choice. It can serve as a representation of one's research value and achievements. The review process is also not slow, with a first decision given within two months. Our research group has included this journal in the recommended publishing list along with many high-ranking journals. If an article is accepted, a reward of 10,000 yuan will be given. However, currently, no one has successfully published in this journal, and the reasons for rejection are usually due to the article being too focused on frameworks and applications.

Combination Optimization is a specialized journal, with the chief editor and editorial board mostly consisting of Americans. The review process is also mostly conducted by American teachers. The journal has a narrow focus, accepting articles that involve mathematical derivations as well as those in the field of production optimization. In comparison to other journals, its scope of acceptance is limited, unlike broad categories such as materials and energy, which accept any relevant articles and therefore have a high impact factor. This leads to fewer citations and a lower ranking for this journal. The proportion of Chinese submissions is small, and the journal emphasizes fundamental research rather than practical applications. It takes approximately seven to eight months from submission to publication. If one article is accepted, it can be used to replace two articles from other major journals, making it eligible for a Ph.D. application at the University of Minnesota.