Q: What does it mean if the status for an Elsevier submission changes directly from With Editor to Decision Under Process after 35 days?

A direct change to Decision Under Process (sometimes, also called Decision in Process) after With Editor means that the editor has had a look at the paper and arrived at a decision on the paper, which is to not send it for peer review. This could mean a desk rejection, because the paper does not fit with the aim/scope of the journal, may not be novel enough, and/or may qualitatively not be up to the mark of the journal (which, as this is an Elsevier journal, means a very high mark).

However, you may have some reason to hope. If the problem is of a scope mismatch alone, the editor may prefer to recommend a transfer to another Elsevier with a better scope match. In some cases, instead of a complete rejection, it may also be a reject-and-resubmit decision, giving you a second chance at submission. Finally, note that this is presently only the associate/managing editor’s decision. The final decision is made by the Editor-in-Chief (EIC), whose decision may well be different from the AE/ME’s decision. In the worst case that it’s a desk rejection, as you may know, you may submit the paper to another journal, after making any changes to it based on any feedback received from this journal.

As it looks like the decision will be made soon, you may wait for the next update and then plan your next move. Until then, you may find it helpful to go through the following resources that should also hold you in good stead for future submissions.

• Does a direct 'Decision in Process' status indicate rejection?
• Most common reasons for journal rejection
• Tips to avoid journal rejection

Hope that helps. All the best for your next steps!