Manuscript Preparation

Manuscript Preparation Guidelines
ATPBR Journal
(Aligned with International Standards)

1. Manuscript Types & Word Limits

The journal accepts the following manuscript types:

2. General Manuscript Formatting

• File Format: Microsoft Word (.doc/.docx) or LaTeX.
• Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt.
• Line Spacing: 1.5 throughout the manuscript.
• Margins: 1-inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.
• Page Numbers: Bottom right corner.
• Headings: Numbered (e.g., 1., 1.1., 1.1.1.).
• Language: British or American English (consistent throughout).
• Units: SI (International System of Units) only.
• Abbreviations: Defined at first mention and used consistently.

3. Manuscript Structure

All manuscripts should follow the IMRAD structure:

1. Title Page
   • Title: Concise (≤20 words), describing key aspects of the study.
   • Author Names: Full names, with ORCID iDs for each author.
   • Affiliations: Institution, department, country.
   • Corresponding Author: Email and full contact information.
2. Abstract & Keywords
   • Structured Abstract: Include Background, Methods, Results, and Conclusion (≤250 words).
   • Keywords: 3–6 relevant terms for indexing.
3. Introduction
   • Provide background information and define the research gap.
   • Clearly state objectives and hypotheses.
4. Materials & Methods
   • Detailed experimental design, procedures, and statistical analyses .
   • Mention ethical approvals if human/animal subjects are involved.
   • AI Use Declaration: If AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT) were used, disclose their role.
5. Results
   • Present findings logically with tables, graphs, and figures.
   • Do not repeat data in both text and tables/figures.
6. Discussion
   • Interpret findings in relation to existing literature.
   • Highlight implications, limitations, and future research directions .
7. Conclusion
   • Provide a concise summary of key findings .
   • Avoid introducing new data.
8. Acknowledgments
   • Recognize funding sources and contributors .
9. References
   • Follow APA (7th edition) or Harvard referencing style .
   • Include DOIs or URLs where applicable.
   • List references alphabetically by the first author’s last name.

   Example References (Harvard Style)

   • Journal Article: Smith, J., & Doe, A. (2020). Advances in genetic breeding. Plant Science Journal, 15(4), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/psj.2020.001
   • Book: Jones, B. (2019). Plant Breeding Technologies. Springer.

4. Figures, Tables & Supplementary Materials

• Figures: High resolution (300 DPI, PNG/TIFF format).
• Tables: Editable (Word/Excel, not images).
• Graphical Abstract (optional): 500 × 1200 pixels.
• Supplementary Materials: Extended datasets, videos, or large tables.

5. Scientific Name Conventions

• Use binomial nomenclature for species names.
• Italicize scientific names (e.g., Arabidopsis thaliana).
• Write the genus name in full at the first mention; abbreviate it later (e.g., Escherichia coli → E. coli).
• For cultivars, enclose the name in single quotes (e.g., Oryza sativa 'IR64').
• Family names should be in Roman font (e.g., Fabaceae).

6. Data Sharing & Availability

Provide a Data Availability Statement explaining where data can be accessed.
Proprietary datasets must include an explanation.

7. Authorship & Contributions

Follow the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) authorship criteria.
Specify contributor roles using the CRediT taxonomy.

8. Conflict of Interest Statement

Disclose financial or personal relationships that could influence findings.

9. Funding & Acknowledgments

List funding sources and grant numbers .

10. Ethical Considerations

Research involving humans, animals, or GMOs must have ethics approval.
Follow COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines.

11. Peer Review Process

• Double-blind peer review (both authors and reviewers remain anonymous).
• Reviewed by at least two independent experts.
• Authors must submit a response letter for revisions.

12. Editorial & Peer Review Ethics

• Reviewers must provide unbiased, constructive feedback.
• Plagiarism is strictly checked via Turnitin/iThenticate.
• Figures must not be misleadingly altered (Image Integrity Check).

13. Copyright, Open Access & Licensing

• Authors retain copyright and choose a Creative Commons (CC) license:
  • CC BY (Attribution) – Free reuse with credit.
  • CC BY-NC (Non-Commercial) – No commercial reuse.
• Publication Fees & Waivers: Available on the journal website.

14. Post-Publication Engagement

• Authors are encouraged to participate in post-publication discussions.
• The journal allows post-publication comments for research visibility.

15. Appeals & Complaints

• Authors may appeal editorial decisions with justification.
• Complaints about peer review fairness will be investigated.

16. Submission Checklist

• Manuscript formatted as per guidelines (Word or LaTeX).
• Title Page with authors’ names, affiliations, and ORCID iDs.
• Abstract (≤250 words) and 3–6 keywords.
• Figures and tables properly labelled and formatted.
• References formatted in Harvard or APA style.
• Conflict of Interest & Funding Disclosure.
• Ethical Approval Statement (if applicable).