Manuscript Guidelines
When submitting your manuscript, please ensure that all source files (text, figures, tables, and graphics) are editable. Follow these guidelines:
- Submit files in an editable format:
- MS Word files only: .doc/.docx
- PDFs are not accepted.
- Use a single-column layout for text.
- Remove strikethrough and underlined text unless they hold scientific significance.
- Run spell-check and grammar-check before submission.
- Refer to Elsevier’s Step-by-Step Guide to Publishing for additional details.
Title Page Requirements:
- Article title: Concise and informative, avoiding unnecessary abbreviations.
- Author names: Provide full names as per the submission system.
- Affiliations: Include full postal addresses and email contacts. Use superscript letters to indicate affiliations.
- Corresponding Author: Clearly designate the corresponding author with an up-to-date email and full address.
- Present/Permanent Address: If applicable, mention any previous institutional affiliations in a footnote.
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Abstract & Keywords
- Abstract:
- Limited to 250 words
- Clearly state the research purpose, principal findings, and conclusions.
- Must be standalone, as abstracts are often displayed separately.
- Avoid references unless essential.
- Avoid non-standard abbreviations unless defined within the abstract.
- Keywords:
- Provide 1 to 6 keywords in English.
- Avoid long phrases or multiple-word keywords.
- Use abbreviations only if widely recognized.
Tables & Figures
Tables
- Submit as editable text (not images).
- Position tables next to relevant text or on separate pages at the article’s end.
- Number tables sequentially and cite them in the text.
- Provide captions and notes below each table.
- Avoid vertical rules and excessive shading.
Figures, Images, & Artwork
- Submit as separate files (not embedded in the manuscript).
- Use a logical naming convention (e.g., Figure_1, Figure_2).
- Provide captions in a separate file.
- Cite all figures in the manuscript text.
Artwork Formats & Resolution Requirements:
- Vector drawings: EPS or PDF
- Color/Grayscale photos (halftones): TIFF, JPG, PNG (minimum 300 dpi)
- Line drawings: TIFF, JPG, PNG (minimum 1000 dpi)
- Combination images (bitmapped line/halftones): TIFF, JPG, PNG (minimum 500 dpi)
Important Notes:
- Do not submit low-resolution images (e.g., GIF, BMP, PICT).
- Ensure images are appropriately scaled to maintain text readability.
- All images must have captions (brief title + description).
Color Artwork & AI Policy
- Color images will appear in color online at no extra cost.
- For print versions, color reproduction fees may apply.
- Ensure color images are accessible to colorblind readers.
Generative AI Restrictions:
- AI-generated or AI-altered images are not permitted unless explicitly part of the research methodology.
- Graphical abstracts and cover art must be created without AI tools.
Supplementary Material
You may include additional files (e.g., images, datasets, videos, sound clips).
- Cite all supplementary materials in the text.
- Submit them at the same time as the main manuscript.
- Files will be published in their original format (not typeset by Elsevier).
- Include concise captions for each supplementary file.