General Formatting
Manuscript Format:
- Use a standard word processing program (e.g., Microsoft Word).
- The manuscript should be in A4 size, with 1-inch margins on all sides.
- Use 12-point Times New Roman font and double-spacing throughout the document.
- Number all pages consecutively, starting with the title page.
Sections:
- Title Page: Include the title of the manuscript, author names and affiliations, corresponding author contact information, and a running title (up to 50 characters).
- Abstract: Provide a concise summary of the manuscript without references or abbreviations. The word count varies by paper type.
- Keywords: List 3-6 keywords related to the manuscript.
- Main Text: Organize the manuscript into the following sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion.
- Acknowledgments: Recognize any funding sources, contributors, or assistance.
- References: Follow APA 7th edition guidelines, with in-text citations and reference formatting adhering to APA style.
- Tables and Figures: Include tables and figures at the end of the manuscript, each on a separate page, with appropriate captions.
Types of Papers
- Full-Length Articles: Maximum length 2500 words; abstract maximum 250 words, 30 references, normally no more than 6 figures or tables.
- Basic Science: Maximum length 2500 words; abstract maximum 250 words, 30 references, normally no more than 6 figures or tables.
- Randomized Controlled Trials: Maximum length 2500 words, 30 references, and 6 figures/tables, must conform to CONSORT guidelines.
- Short Communications/Case Reports: Maximum length 750 words; abstract maximum 150 words, 10 references, 3 figures or tables.
- Technical Notes: Maximum length 500 words, 5 references, 4 figures or tables, no abstract required.
- Letters: Maximum length 500 words, 5 references, 2 figures or tables.
- Review Articles: Maximum length 3000 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables.
- Systematic Reviews: Maximum length 3000 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables, must conform to PRISMA guidelines.
- Leading Articles (by invitation only): Maximum length 2500 words, 40 references, and 6 figures/tables.
- Book Reviews (by invitation only).
- Announcements by Fellows & Members.
- Obituaries.
Language and Style
Language:
- Manuscripts should be written in clear, concise, and grammatically correct English.
- Avoid jargon and colloquialisms.
Scientific Terminology:
- Use standard scientific terminology.
- Define all abbreviations at first mention and avoid excessive use.
Units of Measurement:
- Use the International System of Units (SI) for all measurements.
- Provide conversions for non-SI units.
Statistical Reporting:
- Clearly describe statistical methods and present results with appropriate measures of variability and significance.
- Report exact p-values and confidence intervals.
Ethical Standards:
- Ensure all research complies with ethical guidelines and includes statements on informed consent and ethical approval.
Appendices:
- If there is more than one appendix, they should be identified as A, B, etc.
- Formulae and equations in appendices should be given separate numbering: Eq. (A.1), Eq. (A.2), etc.
- Similarly, for tables and figures: Table A.1; Fig. A.1, etc.
Essential Title Page Information
Title:
- Concise and informative.
- Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.
Author Names and Affiliations:
- Clearly indicate the given name(s) and family name(s) of each author.
- Present the authors' affiliation addresses below the names.
- Indicate all affiliations with a lower-case superscript letter immediately after the author's name and in front of the appropriate address.
- Provide the full postal address of each affiliation, including the country name and, if available, the e-mail address of each author.
Corresponding Author:
- Clearly indicate who will handle correspondence at all stages of refereeing and publication.
- Ensure the e-mail address is given and that contact details are kept up to date.
Abstract
- A concise and factual abstract is required.
- The abstract should briefly state the purpose of the research, the principal results, and major conclusions.
- Avoid references and non-standard or uncommon abbreviations.
Graphical Abstract
- Optional but encouraged.
- Should summarize the contents of the article in a concise, pictorial form.
- Submit as a separate file in the online submission system.
Keywords
- Immediately after the abstract, provide a maximum of 6 keywords.
- Use British spelling and avoid general and plural terms and multiple concepts.
Acknowledgments
- Collate acknowledgments in a separate section at the end of the article before the references.
- List those individuals who provided help during the research (e.g., language help, writing assistance, proofreading).
Formatting of Funding Sources
- List funding sources in a standard way to facilitate compliance with funder's requirements.
Units
- Follow internationally accepted rules and conventions: use the International System of Units (SI).
- Provide equivalents for non-SI units.
Math Formulae
- Submit math equations as editable text and not as images.
- Present simple formulae in line with normal text where possible and use the solidus (/) instead of a horizontal line for small fractional terms.
- Number consecutively any equations that have to be displayed separately from the text.
Footnotes
- Use footnotes sparingly.
- Number them consecutively throughout the article.
- Indicate the position of footnotes in the text and list the footnotes separately at the end of the article.
- Do not include footnotes in the Reference list.
References
- Follow APA 7th edition style.
- Provide full citations for all sources used.
- Use DOI links where available for permanent accessibility.