File format

• LaTeX submissions are preferred, but we also accept .docx and .doc formats as well. If submitting a LaTeX document please include the raw .tex files and a PDF. 

Length

• Submissions can be any length. We encourage you to present and discuss your findings concisely. 

Layout and spacing

• Manuscript text should be double-spaced.
• Do not format text in multiple columns.

Page and line numbers

• Include page numbers and line numbers in the manuscript file. Use continuous line numbers (do not restart the numbering on each page).

Footnotes

• Footnotes are not permitted. If your manuscript contains footnotes, move the information into the main text or the reference list, depending on the content.

Language

• Manuscripts must be submitted in English.
• You may submit translations of the manuscript or abstract as supporting information.

Figures

• Clear figures/tables/charts will enhance the readability of your paper and are strongly recommended. 

Abbreviations

• Define abbreviations upon first appearance in the text.
• Do not use non-standard abbreviations unless they appear at least three times in the text.
• Keep abbreviations to a minimum.

Reference Style

• Use APA style

Equations

• For non-LaTeX submissions, we recommend using MathType for display and inline equations, as it will provide the most reliable outcome. If this is not possible, Equation Editor or Microsoft’s Insert→Equation function is acceptable.

Manuscripts should be organized as follows. Instructions for each element appear below the list.

Beginning section

The following elements are required:

• Title page: List title, authors, and affiliations as first page of the manuscript in this format. 
• Abstract
• Introduction

Middle section

The following elements are required:

• Materials and Methods
• Results
• Discussion
• Conclusion

Ending section

The following elements are required, in order:

• Acknowledgments
• References
• Supporting information captions (if applicable)

Abstract

• Less than 250 words in length
• Describe the main objective(s) of the summary
• Describes the main methods of the summary (without detail)
• Summarize the most important results and their significance

Introduction

• Includes relevant background information
• Discusses the problem that you addressed, and why
• Includes a review of the previous work/research in the area including relevant controversies or disagreements
• States the overall goal of the paper

Materials and Methods

• Describes data used and establishes any key metrics/abbreviations
• Describes the overall approach used 
• Describes any models used, including statistical/analytical tools 

Results, Discussion and Conclusions

• Provides results for models discussed in methods sections
• Discusses how these results relate to the problem/goal described in the introduction
• Provides insights/conclusions from the results, especially if they are novel and/or practically applicable
• Discusses limitations of the current work and steps for further research/development