General Guidelines:

1. Title, headings, and text formatting:

• Start with a clear and concise title that captures the essence of your manuscript.
• For the title, use Times New Roman, 14-point, bold font. Align the title to the left of the first line.
• Headings:
  • First-level headings: use Times New Roman, 12-point, bold font.
  • Second-level headings: use Times New Roman, 12-point, bold and italic font.
  • Third-level headings and further: use Times New Roman, 12-point, italic font.
• For text, use Times New Roman, 12-point, double-spaced font.
• Adjust page margins to 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm.
• Starting from the second paragraph, use standard (1.27 cm) first-line indentation.
• Add page numbers.
• Add line numbers (continuous line numbering).

1. Authors, affiliations, and correspondence:

• For all article types except “Letter to the Editor”, the title should be directly followed by the author names (separated by commas) followed by superscripted numbers indicating author affiliation(s). A maximum of two affiliations are accepted.
• Next to names, author affiliations come. Affiliations must contain department, college/faculty/institute, university, city, and country.
• Next, write “Correspondence:” followed by the name of the corresponding author and his/her email address.

1. Abstract:

• All article types except “Letter to the Editor” must start with an abstract that provides a summary of the article, highlighting the key points and conclusions.
• The abstract should be concise and informative and should not exceed 300 words.
• The abstract should be structured under the headings: introduction (including the aim), methods, results, and conclusions.
• The abstract should be followed by a list of 3 to 5 keywords.
• No references are allowed in the abstract.

1. Tables and Figures:
2. Tables:

• Design and Formatting:
• Create tables using word processing or spreadsheet software.
• Use a clear and concise title above each table.
• Number tables consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.).
• Provide a brief description or caption below each table, explaining its content or purpose.
• Structure and Organization:
• Tables should have a minimum size of 2x2 (two rows by two columns) unless the data can be presented clearly as text.
• Organize the table logically and intuitively.
• Use column headers to label different variables or categories.
• Consider using horizontal lines sparingly to enhance readability.
• Avoid using vertical lines, as they can clutter the table and make it harder to read.
• Content and Clarity:
• Present data in a clear and understandable format.
• Use appropriate units of measurement and ensure consistency throughout the table.
• Include footnotes to explain abbreviations, symbols, or additional information, if necessary.
• Avoid overcrowding the table with excessive data or unnecessary details.

2. Figures (Graphs, Charts, Images, etc.):

• Design and Formatting:
• Create figures using graphic design software or appropriate tools.
• Use a clear and concise title below each figure.
• Number figures consecutively (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.).
• Provide a brief description or caption below each figure, explaining its content or purpose.

• Clarity and Readability:
• Ensure that the font size, labels, and axis titles are easily readable.
• Use clear and appropriate colors, patterns, or symbols to differentiate data points or categories.
• Avoid excessive clutter or unnecessary embellishments that may distract from the main message.

3. General Guidelines Applicable to Both Tables and Figures:

• Placement:
• Insert tables and figures in the main body of the article near the relevant discussion or analysis.
• Ensure that each table or figure is mentioned and referred to in the text.
• Size and Resolution:
• Ensure that tables and figures are legible and clear when printed or viewed electronically.
• Use appropriate resolutions for images or figures to maintain quality.
• Copyright and Permissions:
• Obtain necessary permissions for using copyrighted material or previously published tables or figures.
• Acknowledge the sources and provide appropriate credits, if applicable.
• Consistency:
• Maintain consistency in formatting, font styles, and labeling across all tables and figures in the article.
• Supplementary Material:
• If additional tables or figures exceed the space limitations of the article, consider submitting them as supplementary material, following the journal's guidelines.
• Referencing and Citations:
• If the table/figure includes data or findings from other sources, provide appropriate citations.
• Follow the citation style specified by the journal (Vancouver). 

1. Declarations:

After the conclusion section and before the references section, mention the following declarations in sequence:

• Acknowledgements:

Acknowledge individuals, institutions, or funding agencies that provided support, guidance, or resources during the research process or in the preparation of the manuscript.

• Ethical Considerations:
  • Mention the institutional review board that granted the ethical clearance, with the clearance number whenever possible.
  • Briefly describe the ethical considerations that were addressed during conducting the research work (e.g., informed consent, anonymity of data collection, maintaining the confidentiality of data …).
• Conflict of Interest:
  • In case the author(s) have any conflicts of interest, this should be clarified.
  • In case of no conflicts of interest, write “No conflicts of interest to be declared”.
• Funding:
  • Include the full names of funding agencies, grant numbers (if applicable), and any other relevant details.
  • In case no funding was received, write “No funding was received for conducting or publishing this work”.

1. References:

When writing the references, provide accurate citations using the journal style, as follows:

• Authors must stick to the Vancouver style in writing the references. This must be used consistently throughout the manuscript.
• Arrange the reference list numerically based on the order of citation within the text.
• For in-text citations, use superscript numbers within the square parenthesis to reference the sources within the text. The number should be added after the full stop (e.g., Text.^[1]), comma (e.g., Text,^[1]), semicolon (e.g., Text;^[1]).

Types of references:

• Journal Article:

Components: Author(s) Last name Initial(s). Article Title. Journal Title (abbreviated). Year; Volume number(Issue number):Page numbers.

Example: Smith AB, Johnson CD. Recent advances in student assessment: A scoping review. J Med Educ Pract. 2023;80(5):123-135.

• Book:

Components: Author(s) Last name Initial(s). Chapter Title. In: Editor(s) Last name Initial(s), editors. Book Title. Edition (if applicable). Place of Publication: Publisher; Year. Page numbers.

Example: Johnson EF, Smith AB. Student engagement strategies. In: Williams GH, editor. Principles of Classroom Teaching. 5^th ed. New York: Pearson; 2019. p. 145-164.

• Website:

Components: Author(s) (if available). Title of Webpage/Article. Website Name. Year. URL. Accessed Date.

Example: World Health Organization. COVID-19 Guidelines. World Health Organization. 2021. https://www.who.int/covid-19/guidelines. Accessed September 15, 2021.

Specific Guidelines

Guidelines for original research article:

An “Original Research Article” is a scholarly document that presents the results of an original scientific study or investigation. It is a primary source of information in academic and scientific fields, providing new knowledge, insights, and findings to the research community. The purpose of an original research article is to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by addressing research gaps, testing hypotheses, and generating empirical evidence.

1. Introduction:

• Provide a concise review of the relevant literature and establish the context for the study.
• Clearly state the research objectives, research questions, or hypotheses.
• Identify the knowledge gap or rationale for conducting the research.

2. Methods:

• Describe the study context, study design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques.
• Clearly describe the study population or sample, including inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Provide sufficient details to allow replication of the study.

3. Results:

• Present the findings in a logical and organized manner.
• Use tables, figures, and graphs to enhance clarity and summarize data.
• Provide statistical analysis and statistical significance values, if applicable.
• Avoid duplication of data in both tables and figures.

4. Discussion:

• Interpret the results about the research objectives and relevant literature.
• Address any unexpected or conflicting findings.
• Propose explanations and mechanisms underlying the results.
• Identify implications, potential applications, and future research directions.
• Discuss the strengths and limitations of the study.

5. Conclusion:

• Summarize the main findings of the study.
• Clearly state the implications and significance of the research.
• Avoid overgeneralization or unsupported claims.

Guidelines for review article:

A "Review Article" provides an overview of a specific topic, synthesizes existing literature, and offers insights to readers.

1. Introduction:

• Provide an introduction that contextualizes the topic and outlines the purpose of the review article.
• Clearly state the objectives/research questions/context guiding the review.

2. Methodology:

• Describe the methodology employed in conducting the review (e.g., systematic literature review, narrative review, meta-analysis).
• Explain the inclusion and exclusion criteria used to select relevant studies or sources.
• Provide a clear rationale for the chosen methodology.

3. Main Body:

• Organize the main body of your review article into logical sections or themes.
• Present a comprehensive and balanced overview of the existing literature on the topic.
• Summarize the key findings, theories, methodologies, and debates within each section.
• Highlight any gaps or limitations in the current literature.
• Provide appropriate citations and references to support your statements and arguments.

4. Discussion: (not mandatory in brief reviews)

• Synthesize and analyze the findings from the reviewed literature.
• Identify patterns, trends, or controversies within the field.
• Discuss the implications of the findings and their relevance to the broader scientific community.
• Address any unanswered questions or areas for future research.
• Mention the limitations of the study.

5. Conclusion:

• Summarize the main points and conclusions drawn from the review.
• Emphasize the significance and potential impact of the reviewed literature.
• Offer recommendations for further research or practical applications, if appropriate.

Guidelines for a letter to the editor:

A "Letter to the Editor" allows readers to voice their opinions, provide constructive feedback, or share new insights on previously published material in the journal.

1. Letter Format:

In addition to the general guidelines related to the structure and format of journal articles, the following guidelines are to be considered when writing a letter to the editor:

• Begin the letter with a salutation (e.g., "Dear Editor").
• Keep the letter brief and focused (within 300-500 words).
• Use a professional and respectful tone throughout the letter.

2. Opening Paragraph:

• Introduce yourself briefly (e.g., name, affiliation, relevant credentials … etc).
• Clearly state the purpose of your letter and reference any specific article or topic you might be addressing.
• Provide a concise summary of your main point or argument.

3. Body of the Letter:

• Present your viewpoint or opinion clearly and logically.
• Support your arguments with evidence, facts, or examples when applicable.
• Address any counterarguments or opposing viewpoints, if necessary.
• Be respectful and avoid personal attacks.

4. Conclusion:

• Summarize your main points.
• Clearly state any suggestions or recommendations, if applicable.
• Reinforce the importance or relevance of your letter to the readership.

5. Author Details:

• Include your full name, professional affiliation, and contact information (email address, phone number).
• Disclose any potential conflicts of interest.

Guidelines for prospective/commentary articles:

Perspectives or commentaries offer authors the opportunity to express their viewpoints, opinions, or perspectives on a specific scientific topic or recent development in the field. These articles aim to contribute to ongoing scientific discussions, highlight controversies, propose new ideas, or offer critical analysis.

1. Clearly Define the Objective:

• Clearly define the objective of your perspective or commentary article.
• Determine the specific scientific topic, recent development, or issue you intend to address.
• Clearly state the purpose of your article, whether it is to provide critical analysis, propose new ideas, or offer an alternative perspective.

2. Structure and Formatting:

Follow a clear and logical structure to organize your perspective or commentary article as follows:

1. Introduction/Background – Provide a brief introduction to the topic or issue you will be addressing. Engage the readers and clearly state the purpose and significance of your perspective or commentary. Provide relevant background information to contextualize the topic or issue. Summarize the existing knowledge, recent developments, or key debates surrounding the subject.
2. Main Arguments/Analysis – Present your main arguments, analysis, or viewpoints on the topic. Use evidence, examples, and references to support your arguments. Clearly articulate your perspective and explain its importance or implications.
3. Counterarguments and Rebuttals (if applicable) – Acknowledge and address counterarguments or alternative viewpoints related to your perspective. Offer rebuttals or counterpoints supported by evidence or logical reasoning.
4. Conclusion – Summarize your main points and reiterate the significance of your perspective or commentary. Provide a concise conclusion that leaves readers with a clear understanding of your position.
5. Evidence and References:

• Support your arguments, viewpoints, or analyses with relevant evidence, examples, or references.
• Cite reputable sources, including peer-reviewed articles, books, or other scholarly publications, to strengthen the validity of your claims.
• Ensure proper citation and referencing using the appropriate citation style specified by the journal.

4. Clarity and Language:

• Write your perspective or commentary article using clear, concise, and accessible language.
• Avoid excessive technical jargon that may hinder readers' understanding.
• Present your ideas in a coherent and well-structured manner to facilitate comprehension and engagement.

5. Length:

• Perspective/Commentary articles are typically shorter than original research articles. However, you still can have enough space to develop your arguments and ideas effectively.

6. Ethical Considerations:

• Ensure that your perspective or commentary article adheres to ethical considerations.
• Acknowledge any potential conflicts of interest, provide transparency in your analysis, and avoid any unethical or misleading practices.

Guidelines for Editorials

An Editorial is an opinion or a view of a member of the editorial board or any senior or reputed faculty written in a journal. The statement reflects the opinion of the journal and is usually related to important work that is about to be published in the journal.

1. Introduction:

• Give a brief statement of background about the topic.
• Don’t assume the readers already know what’s going on.

2. Reaction:

• Summarize your position.

3. Body:

• Provide facts and details that support your position.

4. Refutation:

• Consider and address the other side, if it exists.

5. Conclusion:

• Recommend solutions, alternatives and/or direction as you restate your position.

 Guidelines for Brief Communications

 Brief communications describe innovative or promising techniques or methodologies, or detail preliminary research results on topics of special interest to the field. They are used to report findings that are not suitable for a full research article, but still of the same high quality.

1. Structure and Formatting:

• Write an overall heading “Findings.”
• Briefly explain the background and aim in the first section, followed by sections mentioning materials, methods, results and their discussion and finally a very short conclusion.
• Don’t include Subheadings.

2. Evidence and References:

• Ensure proper citation and referencing using the appropriate citation style specified by the journal.

3. Clarity and Language:

• Write your brief communications using clear, concise, and accessible language.

4. Length:

Ensure that your brief communication has a maximum of 1,500 words and a maximum of 25 references.

5. Ethical Considerations:

• Ensure that your brief communication adheres to ethical considerations.
• Acknowledge any potential conflicts of interest, provide transparency in your analysis, and avoid any unethical or misleading practices.