Guide for Authors

This journal employs a single-blind peer-review process.

Manuscript Submission

Submitting a manuscript confirms that:

• The work has not been published previously.
• It is not being considered for publication elsewhere.
• All co-authors (if any) and relevant authorities at the institution where the research was conducted have approved its submission, either explicitly or implicitly.

The publisher assumes no legal responsibility for any claims related to compensation.

Permissions

If authors wish to include previously published figures, tables, or text, they must obtain permission from the copyright holder(s) for both print and online formats. Proof of such permission must be provided at the time of submission. Any material submitted without proper documentation will be assumed to be the author’s original work.

Online Submission

To submit your manuscript, click on the “Submit Manuscript” link and follow the on-screen instructions to upload all necessary files.

Source Files

Authors must provide all relevant editable source files for each submission and revision. Incomplete submissions lacking editable source files will not be considered for review. Manuscripts should be submitted in standard word processing formats, such as .docx, .doc.

Title Page

Ensure your title page includes the following details:

The title should be clear, concise, and informative.

Author Information

• Full name(s) of the author(s).
• Affiliation(s) including institution, (department), city, (state), and country.
• Contact details of the corresponding author, including an active email address.
• If applicable, the 16-digit ORCID ID of the author(s).

If an affiliation includes an address, it will be published.

For unaffiliated authors, only the city and country of residence will be recorded, and their email addresses will not be included unless explicitly requested.

Use of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs)

LLMs such as ChatGPT do not meet authorship criteria, as authorship entails accountability, which cannot be assigned to AI tools. Any use of LLMs should be documented in the Methods section (or an alternative section if a Methods section is not present). However, AI-assisted copy editing for grammar, style, and readability does not need to be disclosed, provided there is human accountability for the final version.

Abstract

Provide an abstract between 150 and 250 words. It should be a concise summary of the manuscript and should not include undefined abbreviations or citations.

Keywords

Provide 4 to 6 keywords that accurately represent the study for indexing purposes. Ensure the keywords reflect the article's core content and provide clarity for indexing and searchability in databases.

When providing keywords for an academic article, choose terms that best represent the main topics, concepts, or themes of your paper. Keywords should be specific, relevant, and commonly used in your field. Avoid using overly broad or vague terms, and consider the terms that researchers might search for to find your work.

Statements and Declarations

Under the "Statements and Declarations" section, include:

Competing Interests

Disclose any financial or non-financial interests related to the submitted work. See submission guidelines for specific examples and wording recommendations.

Submissions missing relevant declarations will be considered incomplete. Refer to the submission guidelines for further details.

Text Formatting

• Manuscripts should be submitted in Word format (.docx or .doc).
• Use a standard font, such as 10-point Times New Roman.
• Italics should be used for emphasis.
• Enable automatic page numbering.
• Avoid using field functions.
• Use tab stops or other commands for indents instead of the space bar.
• Create tables using the table function, not spreadsheets.
• Use the equation editor or MathType for mathematical equations.

Headings

Limit the use of displayed headings to a maximum of three levels.

Abbreviations

Define abbreviations upon first use and apply them consistently throughout the manuscript.

Footnotes

Footnotes should provide additional information, which may include references from the reference list.

They should not consist solely of a reference citation or include full bibliographic details.

Figures or tables should not be included in footnotes.

Text footnotes should be numbered consecutively.

Table footnotes should use superscript lowercase letters (or asterisks for statistical significance values).

Footnotes related to the title or author names should not use reference symbols.

Use footnotes instead of endnotes.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments for contributors, grants, and funding should be included in a separate section on the title page. Funding organizations should be mentioned in full.

References

In-Text Citations

Citations within the text should be represented by numbers enclosed in square brackets. Examples include:

Research on negotiation covers multiple disciplines [3].

Becker and Seligman later challenged this finding [5].

This phenomenon has been extensively analyzed [1-3, 7].

Reference List

Only sources cited in the text and either published or accepted for publication should be included in the reference list. Unpublished works and personal communications should be mentioned only in the text.

References should be listed in numerical order. Whenever possible, include DOIs as full links (e.g., “https://doi.org/abc”).

Citation Formats

Journal Article: Smith, J.A., Brown, K.L.: Advances in quantum computing algorithms. J. Comput. Sci. 45, 112–130 (2020).

Article with DOI: Taylor, R., Patel, M., Kim, S.: Machine learning applications in medical diagnostics. AI Med. J. (2021). https://doi.org/10.1234/aimj.2021.5678.

Book: Miller, T., Johnson, L.: Data Science Essentials. Oxford University Press, Oxford (2018).

Book Chapter: Gomez, R.: Cybersecurity challenges in the digital age. In: Lane, P., Wright, H. (eds.) Modern Security Strategies, pp. 45–62. Springer, Berlin (2019).

Online Document: Lee, C.: The impact of climate change on global agriculture. Environmental Research Institute. http://environmentalresearch.org/climate-impact (2022). Accessed 10 March 2023.

For journal names, always use standard abbreviations as per the ISSN List of Title Word Abbreviations (LTWA). If unsure, use the full journal title.

Tables

• Tables should be numbered sequentially using Arabic numerals.
• They must be cited in the text in numerical order.
• Each table should have a caption (title) that clearly describes its content.
• If a table includes previously published material, the original source should be referenced at the end of the caption.
• Footnotes should be marked with superscript lowercase letters (e.g., a, b, c) or asterisks (for significance values and statistical data) and placed below the table body.

Artwork and Illustrations Guidelines

Electronic Figure Submission:

• Submit all figures in electronic format.
• Specify the graphics software used to create the artwork.
• Preferred file formats: Vector graphics: EPS (ensure fonts are embedded). Halftones: TIFF (minimum 300 dpi). MS Office files are also acceptable.
• Figures should be named using “Fig” followed by the figure number (e.g., eps).
• Ensure all lines are at least 1 mm (0.3 pt) wide and legible at final size.
• Scanned line drawings and bitmap-format line art should have a minimum resolution of 1200 dpi.
• If magnification is used in photographs, include a scale bar within the figure.

Combination Art

Definition: A mix of halftone and line art, such as halftones with line drawings, extensive lettering, or colour diagrams.

Resolution requirement: Minimum 600 dpi.

Colour Art

Free for online publication.

If printed in black and white, ensure the key information remains visible. A simple check is to print a grayscale copy.

Do not reference colours in captions if figures are printed in black and white.

Submit colour illustrations in RGB (8 bits per channel).

Figure Lettering

Use Helvetica or Arial (sans serif fonts).

Maintain consistent font size, usually 2–3 mm (8–12 pt).

Avoid large variations in font sizes within a single figure.

Refrain from using shading, outlined letters, or special effects.

Titles and captions should not be included within the figure itself.

Figure Numbering

Use Arabic numerals (e.g., Fig. 1, Fig. 2).

Figures must be cited in the text in numerical order.

For multiple parts of a figure, use lowercase letters (a, b, c, etc.).

Appendix figures should continue the main text numbering sequence, not be labeled “A1, A2, A3, etc.” However, figures in Supplementary Information (SI) should be numbered separately.

Figure Captions

Provide a concise description of the figure.

Include captions in the text file of the manuscript, not in the figure file.

Format: "Fig." in bold, followed by the figure number (also in bold), with no punctuation after the number (e.g., Fig. 1 Example of data trends).

Identify all elements of the figure in the caption using boxes, circles, or other markers as needed.

If previously published material is used, cite the original source at the end of the caption.

Figure Placement and Size

Figures should be embedded within the text unless large file sizes cause upload issues, in which case they can be submitted separately.

Ensure figures fit within the column width of the journal:

Large-sized journals: 84 mm (single-column) or 174 mm (double-column), max height 234 mm.

Small-sized journals: 119 mm wide, max height 195 mm.

Permissions

If using previously published figures, obtain permission from the copyright holder for both print and online use.

Be aware that some publishers may charge fees. Consider using alternative sources if necessary.

Accessibility Considerations

Ensure descriptive captions for figures to support text-to-speech and Braille readers.

Use patterns in addition to colours to help colourblind users distinguish elements.

Maintain a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for figure lettering.

Supplementary Information (SI)

Before submitting research datasets as supplementary materials, authors should review the journal’s Research Data Policy. Whenever possible, research data should be stored in designated repositories.

Submission Guidelines

Supplementary materials should be provided in standard file formats. Each file should include the article title, journal name, author names, and the corresponding author's affiliation and email.

Text and Presentations

Submit files in PDF format (Word or PowerPoint files are not suitable for long-term storage).

Collections of figures can be compiled into a single PDF.

Spreadsheets

Submit spreadsheets as .csv or .xlsx files.

Specialised Formats

Files in specialised formats such as .pdb (chemical), .wrl (VRML), .nb (Mathematica notebook), and .tex are accepted.

Multiple Files

Multiple files may be combined into a .zip or .gz archive.

Referencing and Formatting

The article text must reference supplementary materials similar to figures and tables.

Cite supplementary materials as “Online Resource” (e.g., "...as seen in the animation (Online Resource 3)" or “...additional data is provided in Online Resource 4”).

Name files in sequence, such as “ESM_3.mpg”, and “ESM_4.pdf”.

Captions

Provide a brief caption describing the content of each supplementary file.

Processing

Supplementary materials are published as submitted without modifications, formatting, or conversion.

Accessibility Considerations

To ensure accessibility for all users:

The manuscript should include a clear caption for each supplementary file.

After Acceptance

Once an article is accepted, it moves to production for typesetting. Authors will receive two emails:

One requesting confirmation of affiliation and payment of any associated fees (Article Processing Charges).

Another providing a link to article proofs for final review.

Additional Information

Colour Illustrations

Publishing colour illustrations is free of charge.

Proofreading

Proofs are for checking errors in typesetting, formatting, and content accuracy.

Major content changes, such as new results or modifications to authorship, require editorial approval.

Post-publication modifications can only be made via an Erratum linked to the article.

In Press

The article will be published online as soon as proofs are finalised, with a DOI for citation.

After final publication, the paper will also have issue and page numbers.

Copyright

OICC Press journals operate under an open-access model, meaning authors retain copyright over their work. Details on open-access licensing can be found on the journal website under the "Open Access Policy" section.

Scientific Style

Use internationally recognised SI units.

Follow systematic naming conventions (e.g., IUPAC for chemicals).

Italicize genus and species names.

Prefer generic drug and pesticide names; if trade names are used, include the generic name at first mention.

Apply standard mathematical notation, including:

Italics for variables, constants, and unknowns.

Roman/upright font for numerals, operators, and common functions (e.g., sin, log, max).

Boldface for vectors, tensors, and matrices.

Conflict of Interest

Authors must disclose any financial relationships with organisations that funded the research. If no conflicts exist, state: "The authors declare no conflict of interest". Please upload the signed form while submitting your manuscript, Download the Conflict of Interest Disclosure Form here.

Ethical Responsibilities

As part of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the journal follows ethical publishing standards. Authors must:

• Ensure the manuscript is not submitted to multiple journals simultaneously.
• Submit original work that has not been published elsewhere, except in cases of appropriate expansion.
• Avoid "salami slicing," where a study is split into multiple submissions.
• Be transparent about secondary publications, such as translations.
• Present research data honestly, avoiding fabrication, falsification, or improper manipulation.
• Properly acknowledge sources and avoid plagiarism.
• Obtain necessary permissions for software, surveys, and copyrighted materials.
• Cite relevant literature appropriately, avoiding excessive self-citation.
• Avoid making false or harmful statements about individuals or entities.
• Identify research with potential security risks, such as biological hazards.
• Ensure correct authorship listing before submission, as changes post-acceptance are generally not permitted.

Authors must provide relevant documentation upon request to verify research validity. If misconduct is suspected, the journal will follow COPE guidelines and may:

• Reject or retract the manuscript.
• Issue an erratum, expression of concern or retraction notice.
• Notify the author’s institution.
• Flag ethical concerns in the author’s record.
• Corrections and Retractions
• If a significant error is discovered post-publication, the author must inform the journal. Corrections or retractions will be issued depending on the severity of the error.

Reviewer Suggestions

Authors may suggest reviewers or request the exclusion of certain individuals. Suggested reviewers must be independent and should represent diverse institutions and countries. While the journal may not use these suggestions, they are considered to help streamline the peer review process.

Authorship Guidelines

The Journal and Publisher assume that all listed authors have agreed to the content, given explicit consent for submission, and obtained approval from their respective institutions before submitting their work.

The Publisher does not define the specific contributions that qualify for authorship. Authors are encouraged to follow field-specific authorship guidelines. In the absence of such guidelines, authorship should meet the following criteria:

Significant contributions to the conception, design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, or software development.

Drafting or critically revising the work for intellectual content.

Approval of the final version for publication.

Accountability for all aspects of the work, ensuring integrity and resolving any concerns about accuracy.

(Adapted from ICMJE and PNAS guidelines on authorship and transparency.)

Disclosures and Declarations

Authors must provide details on funding sources, financial or non-financial interests, ethics committee approval for studies involving humans or animals, informed consent (for human research), and animal welfare statements where applicable.

The need for these disclosures depends on the scope of the journal and article. If the work has public health or societal implications, authors must include relevant disclosures.

Data Transparency

Authors must ensure that data, materials, software, and code supporting their claims comply with disciplinary standards. Journals may have specific policies on data sharing based on field norms.

Role of the Corresponding Author

Only one auther can designated as the Corresponding Author, responsible for:

• Ensuring all authors approve the manuscript, including the author's order.
• Handling communication between the Journal and co-authors before and after publication.*
• Disclosing re-used or unpublished material in a cover letter.
• Including all necessary disclosures, declarations, and data transparency statements.

(*A Contact or Submitting Author may handle communications, but the Corresponding Author must be clearly identified in the manuscript.)

Author Contributions

When applicable, authors should specify individual contributions in a contribution statement. Example formats include:

Free-text format: Listing each author's role in conceptualisation, data collection, analysis, manuscript drafting, and approval.

CRediT Taxonomy: Categorizing contributions such as methodology, investigation, writing, funding acquisition, and supervision.

For review articles, authors should state who conceptualised the article, conducted the literature review, and drafted or revised the work.

For student-based research (e.g., dissertations), the student is typically the principal author, as recommended by APA guidelines.

Affiliation

Authors should list their primary institutional affiliation where most of the work was conducted. If an author has moved, the current address can be included but will not be updated post-publication.

Changes to Authorship

Authors should finalise the author list, including the Corresponding Author and order, before submission. Changes after manuscript acceptance (adding, removing, or reordering authors) are not permitted.

During revisions, adding or removing authors is generally not allowed, unless justified and approved by the Editor-in-Chief. Each journal may have its own policies on authorship modifications.

Author Identification

Authors are encouraged to provide their ORCID ID when submitting a manuscript or obtain one during submission.

Deceased or Incapacitated Authors

If a co-author passes away or becomes incapacitated during manuscript preparation or peer review, co-authors should seek approval from a legal representative (e.g., a family member) for inclusion in the author list.

Authorship Disputes

The Journal does not mediate authorship disputes. Authors must resolve conflicts among themselves. If unresolved, the Journal may withdraw the submission or, for published work, refer the matter to the authors' institutions.

Confidentiality

Authors must treat all communications with the Journal as confidential, including correspondence with editors and reviewer reports, unless explicit permission is granted to share information.

Compliance with Ethical Standards

To maintain objectivity and transparency, authors should disclose:

Funding sources.

Potential conflicts of interest (financial or non-financial).

Ethics approvals for research involving humans or animals.

Informed consent for human studies.

These details should be included in a “Compliance with Ethical Standards” section. Requirements may vary by journal and peer review type (single or double-blind).

The Corresponding Author may need to provide supporting documentation upon request. Manuscripts that fail to meet these standards may be rejected.

Competing Interests

Authors must disclose any interests—financial or otherwise—that could influence their work. Relevant disclosures include:

Funding: Grants, salaries, equipment, or other support from organisations with a financial stake in the work.

Employment: Past, present, or expected employment with an entity that may benefit or suffer from the publication.

Financial Interests: Stocks, consultation fees, patents, or royalties related to the research.

Non-Financial Interests: Editorial board positions, advisory roles, mentorships, or personal beliefs that could introduce bias.

Conflicts of interest from the past three years should be reported. Older conflicts should be disclosed if they may still influence the work.

Editorial Board and Editor Conflicts

Editors and Editorial Board Members must disclose any competing interests and recuse themselves from handling manuscripts when necessary.

If an editor is an author on a submission, another editor will oversee the peer review. Editorial Board Members' submissions receive the same unbiased review as all other manuscripts.

Competing Interest Statement Examples

• When funding is received: "This study was funded by [Funder Name] under Grant No. [Number]."
• "Partial financial support was provided by [...]."
• When no funding is received: "No financial support was received for this study."
• "The authors received no external funding."
• When conflicts of interest exist: "Author A has received research support from Company X. Author B is a consultant for Company Y."
• "Author C owns stock in Company Z and has received speaker fees from Company W."
• When there are no conflicts: "The authors declare no relevant financial or non-financial interests."
• "No competing interests to disclose."

Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of their disclosures. The Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to reject manuscripts that do not meet these guidelines.

Summary of Requirements

A summary of disclosures should be included in a “Declarations” section before the references, covering:

Funding

Competing interests

Ethics approval

Consent

Data, Material, and/or Code availability

Author contributions

Authors should customise their statements as needed, ensuring full transparency and compliance with the journal's policies.