Author Guidelines

The act of publishing is more than producing text—it is shaping the scientific record and offering knowledge as a gift to the world. To help authors navigate this journey with clarity and confidence, these guidelines outline both the technical requirements and the underlying values that shape a responsible, transparent, and impactful submission. This document is intentionally detailed, not only as instruction but also as encouragement: a reminder that authorship is a partnership between contributors, reviewers, editors, and readers, all working toward the advancement of science.

1. Preparing Your Manuscript

A well-prepared manuscript saves time, avoids miscommunication, and ensures that the essence of your research shines through. Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise English. Authors may use American or British spelling, but consistency must be maintained throughout.

1.1 General Structure

• Title Page: The title should be specific, informative, and concise. Avoid abbreviations unless universally recognized. Provide full author names, institutional affiliations, ORCID IDs, and contact details for the corresponding author.
• Abstract: Structured abstracts are preferred, typically 200–300 words, divided into Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusions. Abstracts must be self-contained and should not include references or undefined abbreviations.
• Keywords: Supply 4–8 keywords that capture the essence of the work and aid in indexing and discoverability.
• Main Text: Organize the article into Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion. Depending on the article type, subsections may vary.
• References: All sources must be cited in text and listed in the reference list, formatted consistently according to journal style (see section 6).
• Figures and Tables: Each should be numbered sequentially, provided with descriptive captions, and cited in the text at appropriate points.

1.2 Length and Formatting

While brevity enhances clarity, sufficient detail is required to ensure reproducibility. Research articles should typically be 4,000–8,000 words, while reviews may extend to 10,000 words. Use double spacing, 12-point font (Arial), and wide margins for readability.

1.3 Language and Style

Authors are encouraged to write with clarity and humility. Avoid jargon unless necessary, and define specialized terms upon first use. Sentences should flow naturally, balancing technical precision with accessibility to readers beyond the immediate subfield.

2. Article Types

Different types of articles serve different purposes. Authors should select the format that best reflects the scope and depth of their work.

• Original Research Articles: Present novel data, methodologies, or findings. Structured sections are required.
• Review Articles: Synthesize existing literature, offering new perspectives and identifying gaps in knowledge. Must be comprehensive, critical, and balanced.
• Short Communications: Report preliminary findings or smaller studies with clear implications.
• Case Studies: Provide detailed descriptions of unique cases, with contextual analysis and broader implications.
• Editorials: Opinion pieces by invited authors or editors reflecting on trends, policies, or research directions.
• Letters to the Editor: Short, focused discussions or critiques of recently published work.

3. Ethical Considerations

Ethical conduct is foundational to authorship. Every submission must demonstrate integrity in data collection, analysis, and reporting.

3.1 Human and Animal Research

Research involving humans must comply with the Declaration of Helsinki and include documented informed consent. Animal studies must follow recognized guidelines for humane treatment, with approval from appropriate ethics committees.

3.2 Conflicts of Interest

Authors must disclose any personal or financial relationships that could influence the research. Transparency in these matters protects both the authors and the integrity of the work.

3.3 Plagiarism and Misconduct

Plagiarism, fabrication, falsification, or redundant publication are considered serious breaches. Submissions undergo plagiarism checks, and confirmed misconduct may result in rejection, retraction, or reporting to institutions.

4. Data and Materials Sharing

Authors are encouraged to share data, software, and materials that support their work. Repositories provide secure and permanent access to supplementary resources, increasing transparency and reproducibility. Data availability statements should be included in manuscripts, specifying where datasets can be accessed or explaining restrictions if applicable.

5. Figures, Tables, and Supplementary Material

Visual elements play a crucial role in communicating research. Figures should be of high resolution (minimum 300 dpi) and submitted in TIFF, JPEG, or EPS formats. Tables must be clear, concise, and self-explanatory. Supplementary files may include datasets, multimedia, or extended methods, provided they are directly relevant to the manuscript.

6. References

References should be accurate, complete, and consistent. The preferred format is Vancouver style (numeric in-text citations corresponding to numbered references). Where available, include DOIs to ensure persistent access. Authors are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all references.

7. Submission Process

Submissions are made electronically through the Online Journal System (OJS). Authors should register with their full names, institutional affiliations, and ORCID IDs. During submission, metadata such as keywords, abstracts, and funding information must be provided accurately, as these drive indexing and visibility.

8. Peer Review

All manuscripts undergo double-blind peer review. Authors should expect constructive feedback and opportunities for revision. Responses to reviewer comments must be detailed and respectful, demonstrating how concerns were addressed. Peer review is not a barrier but a collaborative process to refine and strengthen the manuscript.

9. Revisions

Revisions should be submitted promptly, with a clear summary of changes. Where authors disagree with reviewer suggestions, reasoned explanations are required. Constructive dialogue is valued and strengthens the final outcome.

10. After Acceptance

Accepted manuscripts undergo professional copyediting and typesetting. Authors receive proofs for correction; these must be returned within the specified timeframe to avoid delays. Once finalized, articles are published online with a DOI and indexed across databases and repositories.

11. Article Processing Charges (APCs)

APCs sustain open access publication. Current charges are outlined in the Charges Policy. Waivers or discounts may be requested, particularly for authors from low- and middle-income countries. Transparency ensures that no author is excluded for financial reasons.

12. Copyright and Licensing

Articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0) license. Authors retain copyright, while granting rights for reuse, provided attribution is given. This licensing maximizes the reach and impact of research while safeguarding recognition for authors.

13. Author Responsibilities

Beyond technical compliance, authors have broader responsibilities:

• To act with honesty and humility in representing data and findings.
• To respect collaborators, co-authors, and participants.
• To contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, aware that publication is both a privilege and a trust.

These responsibilities transcend checklists; they are values that ensure science serves humanity with integrity.

14. Common Mistakes to Avoid

To support authors, here are frequent issues that delay publication:

• Incomplete or inaccurate references.
• Failure to secure ethical approvals or document informed consent.
• Submitting figures of insufficient quality.
• Not following formatting instructions for tables or text.
• Omitting co-author approvals before submission.

Attention to these details demonstrates professionalism and respect for the review process.

15. Values and Vision

These guidelines are more than rules; they are reflections of values. Precision, humility, and clarity are at the heart of responsible authorship. By following them, authors not only ease the path to publication but also affirm their commitment to the principles of science: truthfulness, openness, and service to humanity.

Conclusion

Authorship is a contribution to a collective legacy. These guidelines are provided not to burden but to empower, offering clarity, context, and encouragement. When followed, they ensure that each submission is more than compliant—it is coherent, ethical, and impactful. Above all, they affirm that scientific writing is not only a task but a service, a gift, and a responsibility. May every author who walks this path do so with confidence, humility, and pride in their contribution to the shared human record.