PLANET
Instructions for Authors
General Introduction
PLANET is an authoritative source for professionals with interests encompassing planet science and engineering, administered by Chengdu University of Technology and Higher Education Press of China, and published by Higher Education Press of China on a quarterly basis in English. The papers are written in the English language. Online versions are available at http://journal.hep.com.cn/planet.
Types of Articles
The following types of articles can be submitted to the journal
RESEARCH ARTICLE Original research report. The total length of a manuscript including figures, tables and references must not exceed 8000 words.
REVIEW An in-depth overview of certain topic or a review of the author’s own work or the work of one research group. The format and length of review articles are more flexible than a full article.
LETTER A concise, independent report representing significant contribution to agricultural science and engineering. It is not intended for publication of preliminary results, only for results of exceptional and immediate importance. It should be no more than 2000 words, cite at least 8 references and up to three figures and tables.
FEATURE COLUMNS. NEWS: publishes timely news about the high-profile global planet science and engineering/technology issues, with a view to facilitating sci-tech dissemination and information exchange. This column covers major technical breakthroughs in the field of planet science, major policy-making, project implementation, and economic developments, or latest developments in other major issues of shared concern among sci-tech, planet science, and the wider communities. COMMENTS: mainly focuses on the comments on the hot issues in planet science, technology, engineering, and policy making. It aims to promote interdisciplinary understanding in the planet field. Although we welcome technical content in these articles, it is not a proper forum to present new data. PERSPECTIVE: is brief, accessible pieces covering a wide variety of timely topics with some research details. The author(s) should highlight recent exciting research and provide new insights. OTHERS: EDITORIAL, HIGHLIGHTS, DATA, and INFORMATION are also published in PLANET.
Ethics in Publishing (Duties of Authors)
a. Reporting standards
Authors reporting original research should present an accurate account of the work performed as well as an objective discussion of its significance. Underlying data should be represented accurately in the article. An article should contain sufficient detail and references to permit others to replicate the work. Fraudulent or knowingly inaccurate statements constitute unethical behavior and are unacceptable.
b. Data access and retention
Authors may be asked to provide the raw data in connection with an article for editorial review, and should be prepared to provide public access to such data, if practicable, and should in any event be prepared to retain such data for a reasonable time after publication.
c. Originality and plagiarism
The authors should ensure that they have written entirely original works, and if the authors have used the work and/or words of others that these have been appropriately cited or quoted. shitang
Plagiarism takes many forms, from misrepresenting another’s article as the author’s own, to copying or paraphrasing substantial parts of another’s article (without attribution), to claiming results from research conducted by others. Plagiarism in all its forms constitutes unethical publishing behavior and is unacceptable.
d. Concurrent publication
An author should not in general publish manuscripts describing essentially the same research in more than one journal or primary publication. Submitting the same manuscript to more than one journal concurrently constitutes unethical publishing behavior and is unacceptable.
In general, an author should not submit for consideration in another journal a previously published article. Publication of some kinds of articles (e.g., clinical guidelines, translations) in more than one journal is sometimes justifiable, provided certain conditions are met. The authors and editors of the journals concerned must agree to the secondary publication, which must reflect the same data and interpretation of the primary document. The primary reference must be cited in the secondary publication.
Manuscripts submitted to this journal must not be under simultaneous consideration by any other publisher and should not have been published elsewhere in substantially similar form. No part of an article which has been published by PLANET in China may be reproduced or published elsewhere without the written permission of the publisher.
e. Acknowledgement of sources
Proper acknowledgement of the work of others must always be given. Authors should cite publications that have been influential deeply in the reported works. Information obtained privately, as in conversation, correspondence, or discussion with third parties, must not be used or reported without explicit, written permission from the source. Information obtained in the course of confidential services, such as refereeing manuscripts or grant applications, must not be used without the explicit written permission of the author of the work involved in these services.
f. Authorship of the article
Authorship should be limited to those who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study. All those who have made significant contributions should be listed as co-authors. Where there are others who have participated in certain substantive aspects of the research project, they should be acknowledged or listed as contributors.
The corresponding author should ensure that all appropriate co-authors and no inappropriate co-authors are included on the article, and that all co-authors have seen and approved the final version of the article and have agreed to its submission for publication.
g. Hazards and human or animal subjects
The authors must clearly identify these in the manuscript, if their work involves chemicals, procedures or equipment that have any unusual hazards inherent in their use, or involves the use of animal or human subjects. The manuscripts must contain a statement that all procedures were performed in compliance with relevant laws and institutional guidelines and that the appropriate institutional committee(s) has approved them.
h. Fundamental errors in published work
When an author finds out a significant error or inaccuracy in his/her own published work, it is the author’s obligation to promptly notify the journal editor or publisher and cooperate with the editor to retract or correct the article. If the editor or the publisher receives notice from a third party that a published work contains a significant error, it is the obligation of the author to promptly retract or correct the article or provide evidence to the editor of the correctness of the original article.
Conflicts of Interest
A conflict of interest may exist when an author or the author’s institution has a financial or other relationship with other people or organizations that may inappropriately influence the author’s work. A conflict can be actual or potential and full disclosure to the journal is the safest course. All submissions to the journal must include disclosure of all relationships that could be viewed as presenting a potential conflict of interest. The journal may use such information as a basis for editorial decisions and may publish such disclosures if they are believed to be important to readers in judging the manuscript. A decision may be made by the journal not to publish on the basis of the declared conflict.
Copyright Statement
All the articles published in PLANET are open access under the CC BY license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). Copyright belongs to the authors, the authors are required to sign a copyright statement after their articles are accepted.
Authors are asked to return by email or fax the signed copyright statement to the Editorial Office of PLANET.
Preparation of Electronic Versions & Submission
The manuscript should be submitted double-spaced in 12 point Times New Roman font, with default margins on all sides. To assist reviewers, please add line numbering to your manuscript. Include page numbers on all pages of the document, commencing with the title page as page 1. Submission to this journal proceeds totally online (https://planetauthor.manuscriptcloud.com/login). The website guides authors stepwise through the creation and uploading of the various files. Note that original source files, not PDF files, are required. Once the submission files are uploaded, the system automatically generates an electronic (PDF) proof, which is then used for reviewing. All correspondence, including the editor’s decision and request for revisions, will be sent by e-mail. After reviewing process, the manuscript will be finally judged by one of the responsible editors who have the right to accept or reject a paper.
Submission Requirements
a. Cover letter
A cover letter must accompany each submission indicating the name, address and telephone numbers (including mobile phone) of the author to whom all correspondence is to be addressed. An affiliation must be supplied for each author. Authors are also asked to provide the names and contact details for three potential reviewers in the cover letter. However, the journal is not obliged to use the suggested reviewers. Final selection of reviewers will be determined by the editors.
b. Research highlights
Research highlights are a short collection of bullet points that convey the core findings of the article. Specifications: 3 to 5 bullet points can be included; the length of one bullet point should not exceed 85 characters (including spaces); only the core results of the manuscript should be covered.
c. Manuscript for research full article
Manuscripts should be in a Microsoft Word format. The following components are required for a complete manuscript: Title, Running title, Author name(s) and affiliation(s), Highlights, Abstract, Keywords and speciality, Nomenclature (when needed), Main text (Introduction, Materials and methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions), Acknowledgements, References, Appendixes, Figure captions, Tables.
d. Manuscript for review articles
Reviews give a general overview of a particular field, providing the reader with an appreciation of the importance of the work, historical context, a summary of recent developments and an entry point in the specialist literature. Manuscripts should be divided into appropriate sections, with an extensive list of references. In addition to undergoing the same rigorous level of technical peer-review as research articles, review articles will be critiqued based on the general impact of the field being reviewed, the relevance of the field to experimental mechanics, preexisting reviews of the field, and acknowledgement of the contributing author as a widely-recognized specialist, or having a track record for providing strong independent analysis, in the field. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that authors interested in submitting a review article correspond with the editor prior to submission. General formatting text, illustrations, and references are the same as outlined for research articles.
Manuscript Preparation
a. Title
The title of the article should be explicit, descriptive and as brief as possible – no more than 20 words in length. Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.
b. Running title
A short version of the article title (maximum 80 characters including space).
c. Author names and affiliations
Where the family name may be ambiguous (e.g., a double name), please indicate this clearly. Present the authors’ affiliation addresses (where the actual work was done) below the names. Indicate all affiliations with a lowercase 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.
Clearly indicate who will handle correspondence at all stages of refereeing and publication, also post-publication. The telephone and mobile numbers (with country and area code) in addition to the e-mail address and the complete postal address of the corresponding author should be given.
d. Highlights
Highlights are mandatory for this journal. They consist of a short collection of bullet points that convey the core findings and provide readers with a quick textual overview of the article. The author(s) should provide 3 to 5 bullet points (maximum 85 characters, including spaces, per bullet point) which describe the essence of the research (e.g., results or conclusions) and highlight what is distinctive about it.
e. Graphical abstract
Graphical abstract is mandatory for this journal. It should summarize the contents of the article in a concise, pictorial form designed to capture the attention of a wide readership. Graphical abstract should be submitted as a separate file in the online submission system. It could either be the concluding figure from the article or a figure that is specially designed for the purpose.
Graphical abstract requirements:
• Please provide a color image with a minimum of 6 cm×11 cm (h×w) using a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. If you are submitting a larger image then please use the same ratio.
• Preferred file types are TIFF, EPS, PDF or MS Office files.
• For ease of browsing, the graphical abstract should have a clear start and end, preferably “reading” from top to bottom or left to right.
• Try to reduce distracting and cluttering elements as much as possible.
• No additional text, outline or synopsis should be included. Any text or label must be part of the image file. Please do not use unnecessary white space or a heading “Graphical Abstract” within the image file.
f. Abstract
A concise and factual abstract of 150-250 words is required. The abstract should state briefly the purpose of the research, the principal results and major message. An abstract is often presented separately from the article, so it must be able to stand alone. For this reason, References should be avoided, but if essential, they must be cited in full, without reference to the reference list. Also, abbreviations should be avoided, but if essential they must be defined at their first mention in the abstract itself.
g. Keywords and specialty
Immediately after the abstract, provide a maximum of 6 keywords separated by commas, avoid general and plural terms and multiple concepts (avoid, for example, “and”, “of”). Be sparing with abbreviations: only abbreviations firmly established in the field may be eligible. These keywords will be used for indexing purposes. Use keywords that make your article easy detectable for interested readers in literature databases. Repeating terms in the title is usually not needed. Please also select at least 3 specialties during the online submission.
h. Introduction
State the objectives of the work and provide an adequate background, avoiding a detailed literature survey or a summary of the results.
i. Material and methods
Provide sufficient detail to allow the work to be reproduced. Methods already published should be indicated by a reference: only relevant modifications should be described.
j. Results
Results should be clear and concise. Show only those experimental results that are relevant to your objectives and conclusions and which you want to discuss.
k. Discussion
This should explore the significance of the results of the work, not repeat them. It should integrate your findings in a comprehensive picture and place them in the context of the existing literature. A combined “Results and Discussion” section can be appropriate. Avoid extensive citations and discussion of published literature.
l. Conclusions
Summarize the results in words rather than numbers and elaborate on the extent to which the objectives of the study were met. Do not include information from a literature search. Instead, focus on the primary conclusions of the study.
m. Headings and subheadings
Headings and subheadings should be used throughout the text to divide the subject matter into its important, logical parts. Typical headings include: Introduction, Materials and methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, Acknowledgments, Competing interests, References, Supplementary materials (if needed).
n. Tables
Table requirements: Authors should take notice of the limitations set by the size and layout of the journal. Large tables should be avoided. Reversing columns and rows will often reduce the dimensions of a table. If many data are to be presented, an attempt should be made to divide them over two or more tables.
(1) Supply units of measure at the heads of the columns. Abbreviations that are used only in a table should be defined in the footnotes to that table.
(2) Should always use rows and columns to correlate two variables. Submitted single-spaced and in the word processing software used. Do not embed tables as graphic files, document objects, or pictures.
(3) Submitted as three-line tables, that is, there are three horizontal lines: one under the legend, one under the column heads, and one below the body. Vertical lines are generally not used.
(4) Label each table at the top with a Roman numeral followed by the table title. Insert explanatory material and footnotes below the table. Designate footnotes using lowercase superscript letters (a, b, c) reading horizontally across the table.
(5) Unless needed, all the words within the tables should be in lowercases.
(6) Must be sequentially numbered and called out in the text as, e.g., Table 1.
(7) Each table should be submitted on a separate page of the manuscript. Tables should never be included in the text.
o. Figures
Graphs should be self-explanatory. Readers should be able to understand them at a glance. Dimensional drawings and diagrams should include only the essential details and as little lettering as possible. They should present more of a picture than a working drawing.
Figure requirements:
Size: should be drawn in the size of them virtually appear.
Numbering and title: number all figures (graphs, charts, photographs, and illustrations) in the order of their citation in the text and cited as, e.g., Fig. 1. Include a title for each figure (a brief phrase, preferably no longer than 10 to 15 words). Use (a), (b), (c), etc., to give titles for subfigures if there are any.
Figure quality: should be sharp, noise-free, and of good contrast. All lettering should be large enough to permit legible reduction.
Color of figures: Better drawn in black and white for axis (if any) and color for images.
Figure file formats and location in manuscript: should not be embedded in word processing documents but rather submitted in Origin, Excel, TIFF, EPS or CorelDraw file formats. Legends should appear, separate from the figures themselves, where the figures should be located within the article.
Maps: please use the authorized maps as the basis for map figure drawing (e.g., standard maps in National Catalogue Service for Geographic Information). Any maps drawn without the authorized basis have to be submitted with the certificate from the Surveying and Mapping management. All the maps should follow the publishing requirements released by the government.
Unless needed, all the words within the figures should be in lowercases.
p. Formulae and equations
(1) Formulae should be typewritten whenever possible.
(2) It is extremely important that all mathematical symbols and letters used are identified and listed and that the required style of appearance of such symbols is clearly indicated, e.g., bold face, italics, script, outline, etc.
(3) Subscripts and superscripts should be set off clearly.
(4) Identify in the margin any symbols that might be confused with similar symbols.
(5) The words Equation or Equations should appear in full at the beginning of sentences but be abbreviated to Eq. or Eqs. elsewhere.
(6) A nomenclature can be included (with the use of = signs) after the abstract if there is a significant number of symbols in the article.
(7) Equations should be located separately from other lines if they are long or complicated.
q. Abbreviations
Do not use abbreviations in the title or abstract and limit their use in the text. Define all abbreviations at first mention in the text.
r. Footnotes
Footnotes should only be used if absolutely essential. In most cases it will be possible to incorporate the information in normal text.
If used, they should be numbered in the text, indicated by superscript numbers, and kept as short as possible.
s. Units of measure
Laboratory values are expressed using conventional units of measure, with relevant “Le Systéme International d’unites (SI)” conversion factors expressed secondarily (in parentheses) only at first mention. In tables and figures, a conversion factor to SI should be presented in the footnote or legend. The metric system is preferred for the expression of length, area, mass, and volume. For more details, see the Units of Measure conversion table (absent).
t. Supplementary materials (if needed)
As an accompaniment to the main manuscript, authors may submit supplementary materials for posting at the PLANET Website. To be accepted for posting, supplementary materials must be essential to the scientific integrity and excellence of the paper. The material is subject to the same editorial standards and peer-review procedures as the print publication. Supplementary materials are directly relevant to the conclusions of an article that cannot be included in the printed version owing to space or format constraints. Supplementary materials may consist of data files, graphics, movies or extensive tables.
For a given paper, supplementary materials are subject to some broad limits on file size, so authors should make every effort to keep file sizes reasonable and should carefully consider whether the material is genuinely essential to the paper in question.
u. Acknowledgements
The Acknowledgements section is a listing of contributions, credits and other similar information included before the References. Authors should obtain written permission to include the names of individuals in the Acknowledgements.
v. Compliance with ethics guidelines
Conflicts of interest or financial disclosures must be listed in this section. Authors should declare that all procedures were performed in compliance with relevant laws and institutional guidelines, and were approved by appropriate institutional committee(s).
w. Citations and references
All in-text citations must be listed in the Reference section, ensuring author surname and year of publication are consistent. Grouped citations should be separated by semicolons and given in chronological order: e.g., (Peterson, 1984; Jackson and Whitehead, 1991; Shuman et al., 2001, 2004). References should include all author names, year of publication, complete title of manuscript/book, name of journal/publisher and city of publication for books cited. Arrange references first alphabetically by author’s surname and then further sorted chronologically if necessary. More than one reference from the same author(s) in the same year must be identified by the letters ‘a’, ‘b’, ‘c’, etc., after the year of publication. Journal names should be spelled out in full.
Reference for journals
Rieseberg L H, Raymond O, Rosenthal D M, Zhao L, Livingstone K, Nakazato T, Durphy J L, Schwarzbach A E, Donovan L A, Lexer C (2003). Major ecological transitions in wild sunflowers facilitated by hybridization. Science, 301(5637): 1211‒1216
Reference for books
Gaydon A G, Wolfhard H G (1960). Flames (2nd ed). London: Chapman and Hall Ltd, 30‒35
Norman I J, Redfern S J, eds. (1996). Mental Health Care for Elderly People. New York: Churchill Livingstone
Reference for a chapter in a book
Schlessinger D, Schaechter M (1993). Bacterial toxins. In: Schaechter M, Medoff G, Eisenstein B I, eds. Mechanisms of Microbial Disease (2nd ed). Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 162‒175
Reference for symposium
Polito V S (1983). Calmodulin and calmodulin inhibitors: effect on pollen germination and tube growth. In: Mulvshy D L, Ottaviaro E, eds. Pollen: Biology and Implication for Plant Breeding. New York: Elsevier, 53‒60
Cecil T E, Chern S S (1989). Dupin submanifolds in Lie sphere geometry. In: Jiang B J, Peng C -K, Hou Z X, eds. Differential Geometry and Topology. Lect Notes in Math, Vol 1369. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1‒44
Reference for proceedings
Dmtriev V (2000). Complete tables of the second rank constitutive tensors for linear homogeneous bianisotropic media described by point magnetic groups of symmetry and some general properties of the media. In: Proceedings of IEEE MTT-S IMOC’99. Berlin: Springer, 435‒439
The digital object identifier (DOI), a unique alpha-numeric character assigned to a document upon initial electronic publication, may be used to cite and link to electronic documents. The DOI is a 7 ideal medium for citing a document, particularly “Articles in press,” which have not yet received full bibliographic information.
Example from Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation: doi:10.1016/j.cnsns.2007.05.034 x.
Notification
The corresponding author will be notified by the editors of the acceptance of article and invited to supply an electronic version of the accepted text, if this is not already available.
Proofreading and Production
Proofs will be sent to the authors and should be returned within 48 hours of receipt. Authors should clarify any questions of the proof in a query file. No new information can be inserted at the time of proofreading. Please note that authors are urged to check their proofs carefully before responding with a single e-mail or fax; no subsequent corrections will be accepted.