Instruction for Authors

Eligibility Criteria for Authors

ijhml welcomes original and impactful research submissions from authors who share our commitment to high-quality, ethical research publication. To contribute your work to our esteemed Journal, please ensure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Affiliation

  • Hold an affiliation with a recognized academic institution, research organization, or industry relevant to the Journal’s field. Affiliation can be demonstrated through current employment, recent graduation, or a formal collaboration with the institution.
  • For industry-affiliated authors, the research submitted should be conducted under the auspices of the affiliated organization and aligned with its research objectives.
  • While student submissions are encouraged, some Journals may have specific requirements for student authors, such as faculty supervision or co-authorship with an experienced researcher.

• Research Alignment

  • Your work must align with the scope and focus areas of the Indian Journal of Health & Medical Laws
  • Interdisciplinary research is welcome, but the core contribution of your work should fall within the Journal’s defined scope.

• Ethical Adherence

  • You are expected to adhere to the highest ethical standards in research, as outlined by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines. This includes the responsible conduct of research, data collection and analysis, authorship criteria, and conflict of interest disclosure.
  • Familiarity with and adherence to relevant ethical guidelines specific to your research field is also required.

• Originality and Authorship

  • Originality: Ensure that your work is original and has not been published elsewhere unless properly cited and authorized for reuse. Self-archiving on personal websites or institutional repositories is generally permitted as long as the published version in ijhml is acknowledged.
  • Authorship Criteria: ijhml follows internationally recognized guidelines to determine authorship and ensure that all contributors to a manuscript receive appropriate credit for their work. It is essential that all authors meet the following criteria to qualify for authorship.
  • Substantial Contribution: Authors must have made substantial contributions to the research in at least one of the following areas:
    • Conceptualization and Design: Contributing to the conception, design, or formulation of the research question.
    • Data Acquisition: Participating in data collection, conducting experiments, or acquiring the data.
    • Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyzing, interpreting, and validating the data generated from the study.
  • Drafting or Revising the Manuscript: Authors must have been involved in drafting or critically revising the manuscript for significant intellectual content. This includes:
    • Writing: Drafting major portions of the manuscript, including the introduction, methods, results, or discussion.
    • Critical Revisions: Reviewing and providing substantial edits to the manuscript to improve its accuracy, coherence, or clarity.
  • Final Approval: All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript before submission. This step ensures that each author agrees with the content and interpretation of the data and takes responsibility for the integrity of the research.
  • Accountability: Authors must agree to be accountable for all aspects of the research, including:
    • Ensuring Accuracy and Integrity: Each author must ensure the accuracy of their contributions and be able to defend the study’s methodology and findings.
    • Addressing Questions: Authors must be prepared to respond to any questions regarding the integrity of the research, including how the data was collected and analyzed.
  • Acknowledgment of Non-Authors: Individuals who contributed to the study but do not meet the authorship criteria should be acknowledged in the Acknowledgments section. This includes:
    • Technical Assistance: Contributions such as data collection, technical support, or administrative help.
    • Funding Acquisition: Individuals who provided financial support but did not contribute to the intellectual content of the study.
  • Authorship/Copyright Form: Each author must complete and submit an Authorship/Copyright Form, acknowledging their contributions and granting permission for publication.
  • Corresponding Author Responsibility: One author should be designated as the Corresponding Author who will be responsible for all communications with the Journal, including:
    • Ensuring all co-authors approve the final manuscript.
    • Managing the submission process and addressing any editorial or reviewer feedback.
    • Communicating with co-authors throughout the publication process.
  • Changes to Authorship: Once the manuscript is submitted, the order of authors cannot be changed without the written consent of all contributors, ensuring fairness and transparency in authorship attribution.
  • Failure to Meet Authorship Criteria: Authors who do not meet the above criteria should not be listed as co-authors. The journal takes authorship ethics seriously, and failure to properly attribute authorship may result in retraction or rejection of the manuscript.

• Rejection of Manuscript

  • If the manuscript is rejected, authors can seek advice from the Commissioning Editor on how to make the necessary corrections.
  • After making the desired corrections, the author may resubmit the manuscript.

Artificial Intelligence

These guidelines pertain to the appropriate use of generative AI technologies, including Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Jasper) and text-to-image generators (e.g., DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion), in the writing or editing of manuscripts submitted to Indian Journal of Health & Medical Laws.

• Authorship: Generative AI technologies should not be listed as authors or co-authors of a submitted manuscript. Since these technologies cannot be held accountable for all aspects of the manuscript, they do not meet the criteria for authorship as per the ijhml’s guidelines.
• Content Verification: Authors using generative AI for content creation or editing must adhere to all Indian Journal of Health & Medical Laws guidelines and policies. The authors are responsible for verifying the factual accuracy of AI-generated content, including quotes, citations, references, and figures. AI-generated figures must reflect the data accurately, and all content must be free of plagiarism.
• Acknowledgment: Any usage of generative AI technology in writing or editing should be disclosed in the Acknowledgments section of the manuscript. Details such as the AI tool’s name, version, model, and source must be included. Additionally, if AI-generated content is incorporated, specify how it was used (e.g., for editing or drafting parts of the manuscript).
• Supplementary Information: Authors are encouraged to provide supplementary files that include all input prompts given to the AI and the resulting outputs. This ensures transparency in the use of AI technologies.

• • Manuscript Preparation: Follow ijhml’s specific formatting guidelines, including font, size, spacing, and reference style. Detailed instructions are available in the Manuscript Preparation section of the policy.
  • Originality:Your work must be original, unpublished, and not under consideration elsewhere. Secure permission for any copyrighted material included in your manuscript.
  • Ethics: Adhere to ethical guidelines in your research, including informed consent, ethical animal experiments, and disclosing conflicts of interest. Report any ethical issues in your manuscript.
  • Authorship: All authors must have significantly contributed to the research and writing. The Corresponding Author is responsible for ensuring that all co-authors have read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
  • Peer Review: Manuscripts undergo a rigorous peer review process, evaluated by at least two independent experts. While you may suggest potential reviewers, the final selection is at the discretion of the editors.
  • Article Processing Charge (APC): As a hybrid, open-access Journal, ijhml offers wider reach and discoverability. It may require an APC to cover publication costs. The Corresponding Author is responsible for paying this fee or securing funding.
  • Copyright: Upon acceptance, authors transfer copyright ownership to ijhml through a copyright transfer agreement.
  • Retraction: We reserve the right to retract articles due to misconduct or errors.
  • Post-Acceptance Process: After your manuscript has been accepted for publication, it will undergo several stages before it is officially published. Below is an overview of the post-acceptance process:
    • Proofreading and Author Review: Once your manuscript is accepted, it will be sent for professional copy editing and formatting. During this stage, the manuscript may undergo minor adjustments to ensure consistency with the Journal’s style and formatting guidelines.
    • Proofs: You will receive a proof version of your manuscript to review. This is your opportunity to check the formatting, make any final corrections, and ensure that all figures, tables, and references are correct.
    • Corrections: At this stage, authors should only suggest corrections related to typos, formatting issues, or minor factual errors. Substantive changes to the manuscript content (e.g., adding new data or sections) are generally not allowed unless requested by the editors.
    • Timely Response: Please review the proof and return any corrections within the specified timeframe (usually within 24-48 hours). Failure to respond promptly may delay publication.
  • Article Processing Charge (APC) Payment: ijhml] operates under an open-access or hybrid publishing model, an Article Processing Charge (APC) may be required. The Corresponding Author will receive an invoice with payment instructions.
    • Payment Deadline: APC payments must be completed before the manuscript proceeds to publication. Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or through your institution, depending on the options provided by the Journal.
    • Waivers and Discounts: Some authors may qualify for APC waivers or discounts based on institutional agreements or financial need. Please visit ijhml‘s APC policy for more details.
    Know More About Article Processing Charges
  • Ahead of Print Publication: Before the final proof is approved, the article will be published in the Ahead of Print section. This allows the article to be available to subscribers before it is assigned to a specific volume or issue. The article can be accessed via the ijhml‘s subscription model, and users may need to pay to view it.
    • Subscription Access: Articles published ahead of print are available for subscribers or for individual purchase. Access to the article is restricted unless a subscription is held or the article is purchased.
    • DOI Assignment: A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) will be assigned to your article when it is officially published and assigned to a final volume and issue. This ensures that the article is permanently citable.
  • Final Issue Assignment : After being published in the Ahead of Print section, your article will be assigned to an upcoming issue of the Journal. You will be notified when your article is included in the final issue.
  • Publication Timeline: Post-publication, authors are not encouraged to promote their articles on third-party websites. Sharing or promoting the article should adhere strictly to the ijhml‘s policy. Authors can share their articles in ways allowed by the licensing agreement or subscription model, as outlined by the Journal.
  • Post-Publication Policy: Post-publication, authors are not encouraged to promote their articles on third-party websites. Sharing or promoting the article should adhere strictly to the ijhml‘s policy. Authors can share their articles in ways allowed by the licensing agreement or subscription model, as outlined by the Journal.
    • Corrections and Retractions: and Retractions: If any errors or inaccuracies are discovered after publication, authors must notify the Journal to initiate corrections or retractions.
    • Article Sharing: Authors should adhere to the Journal’s policy regarding the sharing of their published work. Unauthorized sharing or promotion on third-party sites is not encouraged.

Appeal Process

ijhml provides authors with the opportunity to appeal editorial decisions if they believe that their manuscript was rejected unfairly or that significant issues were overlooked during the review process. Appeals must be made following the procedures outlined below to ensure a fair and transparent process.

Types of Articles Accepted

Before you begin writing your research findings, it is important to understand the types of articles you can submit to the Indian Journal of Health & Medical Laws and which type best suits your research work.

• Original Research: Full reports of new research results based on empirical studies, experiments, or theoretical models.
• Review Articles: Critical evaluations and syntheses of existing research on a specific topic, identifying gaps and suggesting future research directions.
• Short Communications/Letters: Brief reports of preliminary or significant findings that require expedited publication.
• Case Studies: In-depth descriptions of unusual or interesting individual patient or subject experiences with clinical relevance.
• Methodological Articles: Detailed descriptions of new or innovative research methods and their applications.
• Perspectives/Editorials: Opinion pieces offering expert insights, commentary, or debate on current issues in the field.
• Data Articles: Datasets accompanying research articles to ensure data transparency and reproducibility.
• Book Reviews: Critical evaluations of recently published books relevant to the ijhml’s scope.

Formatting and Style Guide

Manuscript Structure

Parts of a Manuscript

Writing scientific communication, whether a research article or another form, follows a rigid structure that authors should adhere to. This format is designed to facilitate the clear transfer of information between the author and the scientific community. Here’s a general structure that an article follows:

Title of Manuscript

The title plays a vital role in conveying the focus and findings of the research to potential readers. It should be crafted carefully to engage and entice the audience.

Key Considerations for Drafting an Effective Title:

• Highlight Content: The title should effectively highlight the main content or theme of the manuscript, giving readers a clear understanding of the research.
• Concise and Descriptive: A good title is concise yet descriptive, conveying the essential elements of the research in a limited number of words.
• Word Limit: The title should adhere to a word limit, typically not exceeding 50 words, to ensure it remains succinct and to the point.
• Capitalization: Capitalize the first letter of each major word, except for prepositions and conjunctions. This enhances readability and professionalism.
• Unambiguous and Specific: The title should be clear and specific, avoiding unnecessary words or punctuation. Clarity is key to ensuring readers understand the research focus at a glance.
• Avoid Jargon or Abbreviations: Avoid using jargon or abbreviations unfamiliar to a broad audience. The title should be accessible and free from overly technical language.
• Enticing: The title should draw the reader’s attention and spark curiosity about the research findings. A compelling title can significantly impact the manuscript’s visibility.

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Author Details

All authors who have contributed to your research deserve to be credited for their work. Their names should be listed on the same line, separated by commas. The Corresponding Author does not need to be the first author, and the order of names may vary based on your preference. However, it is recommended to highlight the Corresponding Author’s name with an asterisk (e.g., Abhishek Prasad*) to make it easier for readers to identify.

Correspondence should include an email address, telephone number, and postal address, with the email and postal address being mandatory. Authors are also encouraged to add a profile (maximum 200 words) to the submission, which should be published. This profile should be a single paragraph and include:

• Author Names: List the full names of all authors who contributed to the research, in the order reflecting their level of contribution, typically starting with the primary author or lead researcher.
• Affiliations: Provide the institutional or organizational affiliations of each author, including departmental affiliations (if applicable) and location (city, state, country). This helps establish the authors’ credentials and institutional connections.
• Corresponding Author: Designate one author as the Corresponding Author responsible for communication with the Journal Manager and handling inquiries related to the manuscript. Include the Corresponding Author’s email address and, if necessary, other contact details such as a mailing address or phone number.

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Author Contributions

The Author Contributions section outlines the specific roles each author played in the conception, design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of the research. It is essential for establishing accountability and recognizing the diverse contributions that led to the completion of the study. Key considerations for drafting an Author Contributions section include:

• Clear Definition of Contributions: Delineate each author’s contributions to the project, which may include conceptualization, methodology development, data collection, analysis, interpretation, and manuscript preparation.
• Consistent Formatting: Present author contributions in a consistent format, either as a bulleted list or in paragraph form. Ensure that each author’s contributions are clearly articulated and easily understandable.
• Inclusive Representation: Acknowledge all individuals who made substantial contributions to the research but may not qualify as authors. This includes those who provided technical assistance, administrative support, or funding acquisition.
• Transparency and Accountability: Provide a transparent account of author contributions to ensure fairness in assigning credit for the work. Authors should accurately represent their roles in the research process.
• Authorship Order: Specify the order of authors based on their level of contribution. The first author typically made the most significant contribution, followed by co-authors in descending order of contribution.

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Abstract

The abstract offers a brief overview of the research, typically spanning 200-250 words. It encapsulates the main components of the study, including the research question, methodology, key findings, and significance. Here are the key considerations for drafting an effective abstract:

• Written and Engaging: The abstract should be clear and engaging, providing readers with a concise understanding of the research without delving into unnecessary technical details. Aim for clarity and avoid scientific jargon to ensure accessibility to a broad audience.
• Background: The abstract begins by providing context for the research topic, highlighting its importance and relevance to the field. It should briefly outline the problem or research gap addressed by the study.
• Objectives: The abstract then states the specific objectives or research questions addressed in the study. This helps readers understand the purpose and focus of the research.
• Keywords: Include 5-8 relevant keywords at the end of the abstract to aid in indexing and enhance discoverability. These keywords should accurately reflect the main topics or themes addressed in the research.
• Methods: The abstract summarizes the methodology or approach used to conduct the study, briefly describing the study design, data collection methods, and analytical techniques employed.
• Results: The abstract presents the main findings or outcomes of the study, highlighting key results and significant discoveries, and providing readers with a glimpse of the study’s main conclusions.
• Conclusions: Finally, the abstract concludes by summarizing the main conclusions drawn from the study and may highlight the broader implications or potential applications of the research findings.

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Section Headings or Typography

Section headings help organize the manuscript and guide readers through its structure. They should be clear, consistent, and distinguishable from the body text. Different levels of headings (e.g., main heading, subheading, sub-subheading) are used to denote hierarchical relationships between sections.

Level 1: Main Heading:

Main headings typically represent major sections of the manuscript and are often formatted in bold or larger font size to stand out.

Example: “Introduction,” “Materials and Methods,” “Results”

Level 2: Subheading:

Subheadings divide main sections into smaller subsections and are usually formatted in bold or italicized text.

Example: “Study Design,” “Data Collection,” “Statistical Analysis”

Level 3: Sub-subheading:

Sub-subheadings further break down subsections into more specific topics, typically formatted in italicized text or with a different font style.

Example: “Participant Recruitment,” “Laboratory Procedures,” “Data Interpretation”

Bullets

Bullets are often used to present lists or items clearly and concisely. They improve readability and organization by highlighting key points or information.

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Line Spacing

Proper line spacing enhances the readability and comprehension of the manuscript. It is recommended to use double-spacing throughout the document, including between lines of text, headings, and paragraphs.

Colors and Highlights

Colors and highlights can be used sparingly to draw attention to important information or to differentiate elements within the manuscript. However, it’s essential to ensure that color choices are accessible to all readers, including those with color vision deficiencies.

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Citation Statements and Declarations

Citation statements and declarations provide transparency and acknowledge the sources of information used in the manuscript. This may include statements about ethical considerations, conflicts of interest, data availability, or author contributions.

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Publishing Etiquette

ijhml‘s website allows researchers to record their methods in a structured way, obtain a DOI for easy citation of the protocol, collaborate with selected colleagues, and share their protocol privately for peer review. Researchers can also choose to make it publicly available. Once published, the protocol can be updated and cited in other articles. Authors may choose to make their protocol public before the article’s publication, which will not affect the peer review process and may allow for feedback to improve the methodology before submission.

Funding Statement

Authors must state how the research and publication of their article were funded by naming the financial supporting body (written out in full), followed by the associated grant number(s) in square brackets (if applicable). Some funders will not reimburse article processing charges (APC) if the funder and grant number are not identified in the paper. If the research did not receive specific funding but was performed as part of the authors’ employment, please name the employer. If the funder was involved in the manuscript writing, editing, approval, or decision to publish, this must be disclosed.

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Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the research by providing background information, stating the research question or hypothesis, and outlining the purpose of the study.

• Background: The introduction begins with a brief overview of the research topic, highlighting its importance and relevance in the field. It may summarize previous research, gaps in knowledge, or unresolved questions the study seeks to address.
• Research Objectives or Hypotheses: Authors should clearly state the research objectives, questions, or hypotheses guiding the study. This orients readers and provides a roadmap for the manuscript.
• Significance of the Study: Authors should articulate why the research is important and how it contributes to advancing scientific knowledge or addressing real-world problems. Discuss potential implications, applications, or benefits of the research findings.
• Scope and Organization: Authors may briefly outline the scope of the study and how the manuscript is structured. This overview helps readers navigate the paper.

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Materials and Methods

The Materials and Methods section serves as a roadmap for replicating the study and understanding the scientific rigor employed in the research process. Components typically include:

• Study Design: Describe the overall design, including the hypothesis being tested and any experimental treatments or interventions.
• Materials: List all materials, equipment, reagents, and instruments used in the study, with details such as brand names, models, and suppliers to ensure reproducibility.
• Methods: Provide step-by-step procedures for conducting the study, including data collection, measurements, and analyzes.
• Data Analysis: Explain the statistical methods used to analyze the data, including the software and techniques employed.
• Ethical Considerations: Address ethical approvals and considerations, such as Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval or protocols for animal studies.

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Results, Discussion, and Conclusions

These sections present the research findings, interpret their significance, and draw overarching conclusions.

• Results: Present the findings in a clear, factual manner using tables, figures, and descriptive text.
• Discussion: Interpret the results, compare them with existing literature, and address study limitations and future research directions.
• Conclusions: Summarize the main findings, their significance, and potential implications for future research or practical applications.

Acknowledgments

The Acknowledgments section allows authors to recognize contributions and support received during the research process.

• Express Gratitude: Thank individuals or organizations who contributed to the research but did not meet authorship criteria.
• Permission: Obtain permission from individuals before including their names.

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References

References are critical for providing readers with information to locate and verify cited sources. Ensure accuracy and consistency.

Key Guidelines:

• Numerical Order: Cite references in numerical order, with corresponding numbers enclosed in square brackets.
• Abbreviations: Abbreviate journal titles according to Index Medicus guidelines.

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Supporting Information

The Supporting Information section complements the main text by including supplementary material such as additional data, figures, tables, methods, or analyzes. It serves several purposes:

• Enhanced Understanding: Supporting information provides additional details or analyzes that further clarify the research findings presented in the main text.
• Reproducibility: Including raw data, code, or detailed methodologies in the supporting information facilitates the reproducibility of the research, allowing others to verify results or replicate the study.
• Completeness: Supplementary material may include results, figures, or tables that were not included in the main text due to space constraints but are relevant to the research.
• Compliance: Some journals require certain types of supplementary material to be submitted as supporting information to ensure compliance with editorial policies or ethical guidelines.

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Figures and Tables

Figures and tables are essential components of scientific manuscripts that visually represent data, results, and other relevant information. They enhance understanding, provide clarity, and effectively communicate key findings to readers.

Figures:

• Purpose: Figures are graphical representations of data, illustrating trends, relationships, or concepts. They may include graphs, charts, diagrams, photographs, maps, or other visual elements.
• Enhancing Understanding: Figures help readers visualize complex information more effectively than text alone by clarifying concepts, highlighting trends, and providing context for the research findings.
• Captioning: Each figure should be accompanied by a descriptive caption explaining its content and significance. Captions should be concise yet informative, offering essential details about the figure’s content.

Tables:

• Purpose: Tables present numerical data in a structured format, allowing readers to compare and analyze information systematically. They are useful for organizing large datasets, summarizing results, or presenting statistical analyses.
• Organizing Data: Tables provide a clear and organized format for presenting data, enabling readers to easily identify patterns, trends, and relationships.
• Captioning and Numbering: Tables should be numbered consecutively in the order they are mentioned in the text. Each table should have a descriptive caption that provides context and explains the data presented.

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Figure 1: Example Figure: Line Graph Showing Temperature Trends Over Time. Caption: Line graph illustrating temperature trends over time in the study area. Table 1:

Treatment Group	Mean Score	Standard Deviation	Sample Size
Control	75	5	30
Experimental	85	6	30

Summary of mean scores, standard deviations, and sample sizes for control and experimental groups.

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Figure 2: Example Figure: Bar Chart Comparing Species Diversity. Caption: Bar chart comparing species diversity in different habitats. Table 2:

Participant ID	Age (years)	Gender	Blood Pressure (mmHg)
Control	75	5	30
Experimental	85	6	30

Summary of mean scores, standard deviations, and sample sizes for control and experimental groups.

Statistical Reporting

Statistical Reporting in a manuscript involves describing the statistical methods used to analyze the data and accurately reporting the results. This section provides transparency and reproducibility by detailing how the data were analyzed and interpreted.

• • Description of Statistical Methods:

Authors should describe the statistical methods used to analyze the data, including types of analyzes (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression), software used (e.g., SPSS, R, SAS), and specific settings or parameters. Include assumptions made in the analysis (e.g., normality, homogeneity of variance) and any data transformations.

• • Presentation of Results:

Report statistical results in a clear, organized manner using appropriate summary statistics (e.g., means, standard deviations, confidence intervals) and effect size measures (e.g., Cohen’s d, odds ratios). Use tables or figures to present complex statistical results and ensure they are labeled and explained properly. Avoid selective reporting.

• • Interpretation of Findings:

Interpret statistical findings in the context of the research question or hypothesis, discussing implications and significance. Address limitations of the analyses and potential impacts on the results. Compare findings with existing literature.

• • Reporting of Uncertainty:

Report uncertainties such as confidence intervals, p-values, and effect sizes. Avoid overstating the significance of results or making unsupported claims. Consider both the practical and statistical significance of the findings.

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Striking Image

The Striking Image serves as a visual representation of the research findings or concepts discussed in the manuscript. It is strategically chosen to capture the reader’s attention and enhance the overall presentation of the research. Here are the key considerations for selecting a Striking Image:

• Captivating Visual: The image should be visually captivating, drawing the reader’s attention and prompting further exploration of the manuscript. It should effectively convey the main message or theme of the research.
• Relevance to Research: The Striking Image should be directly relevant to the content of the manuscript, highlighting key findings, concepts, methodologies, or implications discussed in the text.
• High Quality: The image should be of high quality with clear resolution and sharp detail. It should be visually appealing, even when reproduced in different formats or sizes.
• Consistent with Journal Guidelines: The selection of the Striking Image should adhere to the guidelines provided by the Journal regarding image formatting, resolution, and copyright permissions.
• Ethical Considerations: Authors should ensure that the image complies with ethical standards and regulations governing research integrity, including proper attribution and permissions for any copyrighted material.

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Additional Information Requested at Submission

When submitting a manuscript to a ijhml, authors may be required to provide additional information beyond the manuscript itself. This helps editors and reviewers assess the manuscript’s suitability for publication and ensures transparency and integrity in the publication process.

Financial Disclosure Statement

The Financial Disclosure Statement requires authors to disclose any financial relationships, affiliations, or interests that could be perceived as potential conflicts of interest regarding the research presented in the manuscript. This includes financial support, funding sources, grants, honoraria, consulting fees, equity ownership, or any other financial relationships with organizations that may have a vested interest in the research outcomes.

Key Points to Include:

• Funding Sources: Authors should specify any funding sources or financial support received for the research, including grants, scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of assistance from funding agencies, governmental organizations, or industry sponsors.
• Honoraria and Consulting Fees: Authors should disclose any honoraria, consulting fees, or compensation received for services related to the research.
• Equity Ownership: Declare any equity ownership, stock options, or financial investments in companies or organizations relevant to the research.
• Employment or Affiliations: Disclose any employment, affiliations, or positions in organizations with a financial interest in the research.
• Other Financial Interests: Disclose any other financial interests or relationships that could influence the research or its interpretation.

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Competing Interests

Competing Interests refer to any circumstances or relationships that may influence the objectivity, integrity, or impartiality of the research or its interpretation. These interests can arise from financial, professional, personal, or intellectual affiliations that could potentially bias the author’s judgment.

• Financial Interests: Financial relationships or affiliations that may create a conflict of interest.
• Professional Affiliations: Professional relationships that may influence the research process.
• Personal Relationships: Personal relationships or connections that may impact the research.
• Intellectual Biases: Intellectual or ideological biases that may influence the research or its interpretation.

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Manuscripts Disputing Published Work

When researchers encounter inconsistencies, discrepancies, or methodological concerns in previously published research, they may choose to write a manuscript disputing the findings. These manuscripts critically evaluate the validity, reliability, and generalizability of the findings through rigorous analysis, replication attempts, or alternative interpretations. These manuscripts undergo peer review to ensure sound scientific reasoning and evidence.

Key Characteristics:

• Critical Analysis: Involves analyzing the original research, highlighting flaws, biases, or limitations in methodology or data interpretation.
• Alternative Explanations: Proposes alternative hypotheses or interpretations of the data that challenge the conclusions of the original study.
• Replication Attempts: This may include attempts to replicate the original findings to verify or refute them.
• Transparent Reporting: Provides transparent methods, analyzes, and findings for readers and reviewers to evaluate.

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Related Manuscripts

When submitting a manuscript, authors may be asked to provide information about related manuscripts relevant to the research. This helps editors assess the originality and avoid duplication or overlap.

• Previous Submissions: Manuscripts previously submitted to other Journals related to the research.
• Companion Papers: Manuscripts that are part of a series addressing different aspects of the same research project.
• Preprints: Manuscripts posted as preprints that have not undergone peer review.
• Collaborative Works: Manuscripts that are part of collaborative research projects involving multiple authors or research teams.

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Preprints

Preprints allow researchers to share their work with the scientific community before formal peer review. They are typically hosted on preprint servers and are freely accessible.

Key Features of Preprints:

• Rapid Dissemination: Preprints enable researchers to share findings quickly with colleagues, facilitating collaboration.
• Open Access: Freely accessible without subscription or payment, promoting transparency and equitable access.
• Feedback Mechanism: Preprints allow researchers to receive feedback before formal peer review, helping improve manuscripts.
• Versioning: Preprint servers often allow authors to update their preprints based on feedback or revisions.
• Citation and Recognition: Preprints can be cited in publications, providing credit and recognition before formal publication.

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Guidelines for Specific Study Types

To ensure rigor, reproducibility, and adherence to community standards, manuscripts submitted to the ijhml must follow specific guidelines tailored to the type of study being reported.

Registered Reports

Registered Reports offer several benefits for both researchers and the scientific community. By pre-registering their study protocols, authors can reduce the likelihood of publication bias, selective reporting, and HARKing (Hypothesizing After the Results are Known). Registered Reports promote methodological rigor, transparency, and reproducibility by ensuring that key aspects of the study design, analysis plan, and data collection procedures are determined in advance and undergo rigorous peer review.

Key Steps in Registered Reports:

• Preregistration of Study Protocol: Authors submit a detailed study protocol outlining the research question, hypotheses, study design, methods, and analysis plan to the Journal for peer review. This protocol undergoes thorough evaluation to assess its scientific validity, methodological soundness, and feasibility.
• In-Principle Acceptance: Upon successful peer review, ijhml grants in-principle acceptance to the registered protocol, indicating a commitment to publishing the final results of the study, regardless of the outcomes obtained. This helps mitigate publication bias and incentivizes high-quality research.
• Transparent Reporting: Registered Reports emphasize transparent reporting of research methods, procedures, and analyzes. Authors are encouraged to provide detailed descriptions of experimental protocols, data collection procedures, statistical analyses, and potential limitations upfront.
• Methodological Rigor: By pre-registering their protocols, authors demonstrate a commitment to methodological rigor, including careful consideration of study design, sample size determination, statistical power analysis, and potential sources of bias.
• Reproducibility and Replicability: Registered Reports enhance the reproducibility of research by promoting transparency in study design and analysis. Authors provide a blueprint for future replication attempts, facilitating verification of findings by the scientific community.

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Research Involving Human Subjects

Research involving human subjects must comply with all relevant regulations, including maintaining proper documentation, adhering to study protocols that have received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, and reporting any adverse events. Researchers must ensure that their studies comply with the 1975 Helsinki Declaration (revised in 2013) and mention the IRB approval details in the manuscript.

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Research Involving the Use of Animals

For research involving animals, authors must follow the standards outlined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and comply with the NC3Rs ARRIVE Guidelines for in vivo experiments. Authors should state that legal and ethical approvals were obtained before the research, and the experiments were performed in accordance with relevant guidelines.

• US authors: Cite compliance with the US National Research Council’s Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
• UK authors: Conform to UK legislation under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 Amendment Regulations.
• European authors: Conform to Directive 2010/63/EU.

The manuscript must include a declaration of compliance with the relevant guidelines and/or licenses obtained.

Research Involving Cell Lines

Cell Lines, such as HeLa and HEK293 cells, are widely used in biomedical research. Authors must provide details on the origin of the cell lines and confirm compliance with institutional guidelines.

For Example:

Review Before Submission Process

The review process is a crucial part of publishing high-quality research. Authors are encouraged to thoroughly review their manuscript before submission to ensure it meets the ijhml‘s standards. Below are key steps authors can take to review their manuscript before submitting:

• Content Review: Authors should carefully review the manuscript to ensure that the content is relevant, accurate, and informative. The research objectives, methods, results, and conclusions should be clearly conveyed, and the manuscript should be logically organized and easy to follow. If writing a manuscript for the first time, authors are encouraged to seek feedback from co-authors, supervisors, and colleagues.
• Formatting Review: Ensure that the manuscript adheres to the ijhml’s formatting guidelines, including margins, spacing, font size, and citation format. Check for consistency in formatting throughout the manuscript.
• Language Review: Authors should ensure that the language is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. Consider having the manuscript proofread by a native English speaker or professional language editor to ensure high-quality language.
• Tables and Figures Review: Review all tables and figures to ensure they are clear, informative, and accurately represent the data. Each table and figure should be numbered, titled, and referenced in the text.
• References Review: Ensure that all references are accurate, complete, and follow the appropriate citation format. The citation format should be consistent throughout the manuscript.
• Peer Review: Authors may consider having their manuscript reviewed by colleagues or experts in the field before submission. Peer feedback can provide valuable insights and help improve the manuscript’s quality.

Revised Submissions

When submitting a revised manuscript, authors are required to follow specific guidelines to ensure that the revision process is efficient and transparent. Below are the steps to submit your revised manuscript:

• Addressing Reviewers’ Comments: Authors must carefully address all feedback provided by the reviewers. Each comment should be acknowledged, and changes to the manuscript should be made accordingly. If you disagree with any suggestions, please provide a clear and detailed explanation for your decision.
• Point-by-Point Response: A point-by-point response document must accompany the revised submission. This document should include:
  • Reviewers’ Comments: Include each reviewer’s comment in full.
  • Author’s Response: Provide a detailed explanation of how you have addressed each comment. For any suggestions not incorporated, explain your rationale.
  • Changes Made: Specify the changes made to the manuscript in response to each comment, citing the relevant page and line numbers where applicable.
• Highlighting Changes in the Manuscript: In addition to the point-by-point response, authors must provide a highlighted version of the revised manuscript where all changes are clearly marked. Use track changes or colored text to indicate revisions, allowing the editors and reviewers to easily identify what has been altered.
  • Track Changes: Use the track changes feature in Word or a similar tool to show edits in the revised manuscript.
  • Highlighted Version: Submit a version of the manuscript where changes are highlighted in color or underlined, ensuring that all modifications are visible to the reviewers.
• Formatting Requirements: Ensure that the revised manuscript adheres to the ijhml’s formatting guidelines, just as the original submission. This includes consistency in citation style, figure formatting, and other manuscript elements.
• File Format: Submit your revised manuscript in DOC, DOCX, or another acceptable file format, as specified in the above.
• Tables and Figures: If there are changes to tables or figures, ensure they are correctly formatted and resubmitted with the revised manuscript.
• Submission Process: Submit your revised manuscript and accompanying documents (point-by-point response and highlighted manuscript) through the Journal’s online submission system. Be sure to select the appropriate submission category for revised manuscripts.
• Timeline: Revised manuscripts should be submitted within the deadline provided by the editor. If additional time is required, authors must contact the Journal Manager for an extension.
• Final Checks: Before submitting the revised manuscript, review the following:
  • Ensure all reviewers’ comments have been addressed.
  • Double-check that changes are clearly marked in the manuscript.
  • Review the formatting and ensure that it adheres to the ijhml’s style guide.
  • Ensure the point-by-point response is thorough and well-organized.

Failure to follow these guidelines may result in delays or rejection of the revised manuscript.

Publication Ethics

ijhml is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in publishing. All authors, reviewers, and editors are expected to adhere to these standards to ensure a fair, transparent, and unbiased publication process. The following guidelines are in place:

• Editorial Independence: ijhml’s editorial team makes publication decisions based on the quality and relevance of the research, regardless of external factors such as the author’s institutional affiliation or funding source.
• Confidentiality: ijhml maintains strict confidentiality for all submitted manuscripts and will not disclose any information about the manuscript to anyone other than the Corresponding Author, reviewers, and editorial team.
• Transfer of Copyright: Upon acceptance for publication, authors must transfer the manuscript’s copyright to the publisher. This ensures the publisher has the legal right to publish and distribute the manuscript.
• Plagiarism and Copyright Violations: All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism and copyright violations. Authors must ensure their work is original and has not been previously published or is under consideration elsewhere. Proper citation and attribution of sources are required.
• Copyright and Permissions: Authors are responsible for obtaining necessary permissions for any copyrighted material used in the manuscript, including images, tables, and figures. Proper attribution and citation must also be provided.
• Data Fabrication and Falsification: Authors must ensure their research is conducted and reported honestly and accurately. Data fabrication and falsification are serious ethical violations and are not tolerated.
• Authorship and Acknowledgments: Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the research and writing of the manuscript. All authors must review and approve the final version before submission. Acknowledgments should recognize individuals or organizations that provided support or contributed in a minor or indirect way.
• Open Access and Licensing: ijhml offers open access publishing options. Authors may choose to publish under a Creative Commons license to allow wider dissemination and use of their research.
• Corrections and Retractions: ijhml will issue corrections or retractions if errors or inaccuracies are discovered in published manuscripts. The Journal will work with authors to ensure the accuracy and integrity of published work.
• Ethical Approval: For studies involving human or animal subjects, authors must provide evidence of ethical approval from an institutional review board or ethics committee.
• Conflict of Interest Disclosure: All authors submitting a manuscript to the Journal must declare any potential conflicts of interest. A conflict of interest arises when an author’s personal, financial, or professional relationships could influence (or appear to influence) the objectivity, integrity, or interpretation of their research.
  • What to Disclose:Authors are required to disclose any relationships or interests that could be perceived as influencing their research. These may include, but are not limited to:
    • Financial Interests: Any funding, grants, or payments received from organizations that could potentially benefit from the publication of the research.
    • Employment or Consulting: Current or past employment, consultancy, or advisory roles with organizations that may be affected by the research findings.
    • Equity Ownership: Holding shares or stocks in companies that may be impacted by the results of the study.
    • Intellectual Property: Ownership of patents, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights related to the research.
    • Personal Relationships: Any personal relationships (e.g., familial or close friendships) with individuals in organizations that could benefit from the research.
  • How to Disclose:The Conflict of Interest Disclosure Statement must be included in the manuscript. Authors should provide a clear and concise statement of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
    

    For Example:

    “The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.” “Author A has received research funding from XYZ Pharmaceuticals, but the company had no involvement in the design, conduct, or reporting of the study.” “Author B holds equity in ABC Biotech, but the company did not provide financial support for this research.”
  • Failure to Disclose:Failure to disclose a conflict of interest may result in the rejection of the manuscript or retraction of the article if the conflict is discovered post-publication. The Journal may also take further action in cases of misconduct.
  • Third-Party Involvement:If a third party (e.g., a funder or sponsor) was involved in the study, authors must clearly state the role they played. This includes the design of the study, data collection, analysis, writing, or decision to publish the manuscript.
    

    For Example

    “The study was funded by DEF Corporation, which had no role in the study design, data collection, analysis, or decision to publish the findings.”
  • Journal Review Process:All disclosed conflicts of interest will be considered by the editorial team when evaluating the manuscript. If the editorial team determines that the conflict may impact the researcher’s objectivity, further steps may be taken, such as additional peer review or editorial oversight.
• Data Availability and Open Data Policy:ijhml is committed to promoting transparency, reproducibility, and open science. As part of this commitment, authors are encouraged to make all data, code, and materials associated with their research openly available. This ensures that other researchers can verify, replicate, and build upon the published findings.
• Data Availability Statement:Authors must include a Data Availability Statement in their manuscript that clearly outlines how and where the data supporting the findings of the study can be accessed. The statement should specify whether the data is publicly available, available upon request, or subject to restrictions (e.g., due to confidentiality or ethical concerns). If the data is not available, the authors must provide a valid reason for this.
• Examples of Data Availability Statements:
  • “The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in [repository name] at [DOI/link].”
  • “The data generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.”
  • “The datasets generated during the study are not publicly available due to [specific reason], but are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.”
  • “No datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.”
• Ethical and Legal Considerations:In cases where data cannot be made public due to ethical, legal, or privacy concerns (e.g., data involving human subjects), authors should provide clear justification in the Data Availability Statement. Wherever possible, anonymized or aggregated data should be shared to protect participants’ confidentiality while allowing for reproducibility of research.
• Data Citation:Authors should ensure that any datasets used in their research are properly cited in the reference list, in the same manner as traditional scholarly sources. Citing data gives proper credit to those who collected it and allows others to track its usage.