Article Types

Word limits are provided for guidance only. The Editors will consider submissions that exceed the recommended limit, subject to feedback received during peer review.

Article 

A manuscript reports the results of an original full-length study. An article has a comprehensive narrative that includes introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and references.

Abstract: Limited to 250 words without key words.

Word limit: Limited to 6,500 words excluding abstract, references, tables, figures, and their legends.

Tables and figures: The total number of tables and figures for the main text is limited to 8.

References guideline: Limited to 60 references. Please use the most important and relevant references where possible.

Supplemental information: Supplemental information for less important materials, methods, data (tables and figures) is allowed.

Review

A review should comprehensively and systematically analyze and discuss the existing literature related to a specific topic. Expert synthesis, assessment, future direction, and challenges are expected. Generally, a review article should have an introduction to provide the rationale for the review, followed by sections with appropriate subheadings, and a perspective section at the end. The standard headings (acknowledgements, contributions, competing interests, funding) are also required. All invited reviews will undergo peer review prior to acceptance. Before conceiving and writing a review, it is encouraged to consult the Editor-in-Chief first.

Abstract: Limited to 250 words.

Word limit: Limited to 6,000 words, excluding abstract, references, figures and tables.

References guideline: Limited to 100 references.

Supplemental information: Optional.

Editorial

An authoritative, timely opinion on an issue or a paper; it is usually written or invited by the Editor-in-Chief.  

Abstract: Not relevant.

Word limit: Limited to 1,000 words excluding references.

References guideline: Limited to 10 references.

Supplemental information: Optional.

Short Communication

Short Communication is short, peer-reviewed articles focusing on a high-quality, hypothesis-driven, self-contained piece of original research or a proposal of a new theory or concept based on existing research. 

Abstract: Not related.

Word Limit: The total length of the article (including the main text and figure legends, excluding the title page, abstract, materials and methods section, or reference list) should not exceed 3,000 words, with a 200-word abstract. 

References guideline: Limited to a maximum of 40 references.

Supplemental information: Optional.

Letter

Letter is short articles that present significant discoveries, methods, and resources.

Abstract: Limited to 100 words

Word Limit: Limited to 750 words.

References guideline: Limited to 10 references.

Supplemental information: Optional.

Case Study

Case study follows a specific format. They define a specific problem or challenge, why your organization confronted that problem, and how you addressed it. 

Abstract: Not related.

Word Limit: Limited to 2,000  words.

References guideline: Not related.

Supplemental information: Optional.