Clinical image guidelines at IgMin Research

Preparing the Manuscript

Submitting an article for academic publication can be a rigorous process that requires meticulous preparation and adherence to various guidelines. The acceptance of a Clinical Image article in IgMin Research – STEM | A Multidisciplinary Journal is contingent on several factors, all of which are designed to maintain the highest levels of scientific rigor, clarity, and ethical standards.

Introduction to the clinical image article type

The Clinical Image article type offers a unique platform for clinicians, researchers, and academicians to showcase visual data that stand as significant points of focus in the realms of diagnosis, treatment planning, and medical education. The presentation is expected to be succinct yet impactful, driving a point that could be of high clinical or academic relevance. Clinical images could range from radiological images to pathological slides, photographs of clinical phenomena, or visual scale assessments.

Scope and objectives

The primary scope of a Clinical Image article is to present data in a visually compelling manner. The objective is to elucidate a point of medical relevance that may or may not be easily articulated through text alone. Thus, it could be about highlighting a rare finding, explaining an unusual manifestation of a common condition, demonstrating new imaging techniques, or even underlining a common pitfall in interpretation of certain kinds of clinical data.

Acceptance criteria for clinical image articles

General acceptance criteria

1. Originality: The image and accompanying text must be original and should not have been published elsewhere.
2. Clinical or academic relevance: The content should have a high degree of clinical or academic importance.
3. Quality of images: The images must be high-resolution and clear, adding substantively to the narrative.
4. Ethical considerations: Necessary permissions and consents must be obtained for publishing images, especially those that might identify individuals.
5. Author expertise: The authors should possess the requisite expertise to interpret the image and its implications.

Specific acceptance criteria by subtype

Radiological imaging

• Must comply with DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standards.
• Should have accompanying explanations for any technical jargon or acronyms used.
• Annotations within the image, if any, must be clear and not obstruct the main findings.

Pathological slides

• High-resolution quality is expected.
• Accompanying H&E stains or similar are preferred.
• Brief descriptions of what to observe in the image should be included.

Visual scale assessments

• Any scales used must be validated and cited.
• A clear correlation between the scale assessment and the clinical context should be established.

Ethical and legal compliance

Authors are expected to ensure that they have obtained all necessary permissions for the publication of clinical images. For patient-based images, informed consent is mandatory. In instances where the individual in the image could be identified, either directly or indirectly, a signed consent form must be submitted. All submissions must adhere to the Declaration of Helsinki for research involving human subjects.

Copyright and permissions

Authors should declare that the images used are their own or that they have obtained the necessary permissions or licenses for publication. Failure to do so could lead to the rejection of the manuscript and may have legal implications.

Rejection criteria

Manuscripts may be rejected for various reasons including but not limited to the lack of originality, poor image quality, absence of clinical or academic relevance, failure to meet ethical standards, and non-compliance with the outlined submission guidelines.

Post-submission review and peer evaluation

Upon submission, the article will undergo an initial editorial review to check for compliance with the journal’s guidelines and objectives. This is followed by a double-blind peer review process to assess the scientific quality and relevance of the work. Reviewers will evaluate the article based on a set of predetermined criteria and may suggest revisions.

Revisions and resubmission

If revisions are requested, authors are expected to address the concerns raised by the reviewers comprehensively. The resubmitted manuscript will undergo another round of review before a final decision is made regarding its suitability for publication.

Proofs and galley

After acceptance, a set of proofs will be sent to the authors for final checking. It is the authors' responsibility to ensure that there are no errors in the text or in the images presented.

Fees and charges

Certain fees may apply for the processing and publication of the article, including potential charges for color reproduction of images in the print version of the journal. Authors will be informed of any fees in advance.

Appeals

Authors have the right to appeal editorial decisions. Appeals must be formally submitted and will be reviewed by a different set of editors and peer reviewers.

Final publication and archiving

Upon final acceptance and the completion of all editorial processes, the article will be published in the upcoming issue of the journal and will be archived in the journal’s digital repository for future reference.

Data sharing and accessibility

Authors are encouraged to share the raw data behind the images for transparency and for the advancement of scientific understanding. These can be uploaded as supplementary material or deposited in a recognized data repository.

By understanding and adhering to the above-mentioned criteria, you enhance the chances of your Clinical Image article being accepted for publication in IgMin Research – STEM. Compliance with these guidelines also ensures that your contribution aligns with the scientific, ethical, and quality standards upheld by the journal.

Reporting Standards and Guidelines

Introduction to reporting standards

A critical aspect of academic rigor in clinical sciences lies in the accurate and comprehensive reporting of research findings. In Clinical Image Articles, although the emphasis is on visual data, textual content accompanying the images must adhere to high-quality reporting standards.

Why reporting standards are essential

Ensuring a consistent, high level of reporting makes the scientific discourse more transparent, understandable, and credible. It also allows for better scrutiny during peer reviews and provides a reliable basis for healthcare practitioners to apply your findings in a clinical setting.

Types of reporting guidelines

CARE guidelines: Clinical Image Articles must comply with the CARE (CAse REport) guidelines, specifically tailored for case reports but relevant for presenting patient-centric images. The CARE guidelines provide a framework for what should be included in the case descriptions and offer a detailed checklist for authors.

PRISMA statement: Although typically used in systematic reviews and meta-analyses, PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) can serve as a secondary reference point for organizing your article's methods and findings.

STROBE statement: The STROBE (Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) statement is beneficial if your clinical image derives from an observational study.

CONSORT guidelines: If the clinical image is part of a larger randomized clinical trial, adhering to CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines would be advantageous, although it is not mandatory.

Adhering to CARE guidelines

As the most relevant guideline set, CARE should be strictly followed. Here is how:

Title: The title should include the term “Clinical Image” and briefly describe the case in a way that is searchable and highlights what is unique or instructive.

Case presentation: This section should briefly outline the patient’s details relevant to the case, ensuring confidentiality. It should describe the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and outcome.

Discussion: Your article should then provide a discussion that includes a literature review and why this case is unique. Explain the rationale for your conclusions, making it clear how the case contributes to the broader field of study.

Patient perspective: Including the patient’s perspective is advisable, particularly focusing on how the diagnosis and treatment impacted them, provided you have consent.

Timeline: A graphical abstract or timeline depicting the sequence of events can be helpful but is not mandatory.

Informed consent: Explicitly mention that informed consent was obtained for the case study. If not, provide a reason.

Adhering to other reporting standards

If your article closely aligns with other types of studies, you should consider incorporating relevant aspects of PRISMA, STROBE, or CONSORT guidelines. This not only enriches the quality of your article but also facilitates a wider interdisciplinary understanding.

Ethical considerations

All clinical images must respect patient confidentiality. No identifiable features should be visible unless the patient gives explicit consent. Ethical approval must be obtained from the appropriate bodies if the images or data are part of a larger study.

Implications for peer review

Adherence to these standards will not only ensure a smoother peer review process but will also make your article more impactful. Reviewers often look for robust reporting as a hallmark of high-quality research.

Summary

In the scientific community, the reliability and impact of an article are often gauged by how well it adheres to established reporting standards. Therefore, while submitting a Clinical Image Article to IgMin Research – STEM, rigorous adherence to CARE guidelines, or other applicable reporting standards, is highly advised. This approach not only adds credibility to your research but also aids in the dissemination and potential applicability of your findings to clinical practice.

By adhering to such guidelines, you're not just elevating your own research; you're uplifting the standards of scientific discourse at large. The utility of your clinical images could range from educational purposes for medical students to serving as a basis for larger studies. The emphasis on reporting standards ensures that every stakeholder in the medical community can utilize your contribution in a meaningful and ethical manner.

A failure to adhere to these reporting standards and guidelines will result in the rejection of your submission, as the integrity and applicability of scientific findings are of paramount importance in any research-based academic journal. So, follow these guidelines to not only enhance your chances of publication but to contribute substantively to the ever-evolving field of clinical research.

Word Limit

Main article

The main article text should not exceed 800 words. This may seem concise, but it is crucial to remember that the Clinical Image Article type is fundamentally about the image; the text serves as a context or explanation. Within these 800 words, it's important to cover the relevant aspects of the case or situation that the image represents without losing focus. The narrative should be succinct, aimed at providing clarity, context, and any particularly crucial insight that the image alone cannot provide.

Caption: Each image should be accompanied by a caption of up to 50 words. This should offer an immediate explanation of what the reader is seeing, aiding in the comprehension of the clinical image. Keep captions straightforward yet informative. The caption should serve as a guide, directing the reader's attention to the key aspects of the image that are crucial for understanding the case or clinical situation.

Structure of the clinical image article

Brief introduction (100-150 words): The introduction provides a context for the clinical image, offering readers the background information necessary to understand the significance of the image. This could include the medical condition or pathology depicted, its prevalence, why this particular case or situation is unique, and what question or problem it aims to address.

Example: If you are presenting an X-ray showing a rare form of bone dislocation, you might explain the prevalence of this type of dislocation, why it often goes unnoticed, and what makes this particular case worth sharing.

Clinical image(s): The clinical image serves as the focal point of the article. Therefore, it is important that the image is of the highest quality possible, adhering to the guidelines outlined in section 5.2. The image should be able to stand on its own while also complementing the text. It needs to be professionally taken and edited, with any enhancements or alterations clearly stated in the figure legend.

Example: In the case of a radiological image, clarify whether the image has been enhanced or if any markers have been added post-processing.

Caption (Up to 50 words per image): The caption under each image should succinctly describe what the image shows, as previously mentioned in section 3.1.2. This is the key to orienting the reader quickly, providing necessary context to understand the clinical significance.

Example: For an MRI scan showing an unusual brain lesion, the caption might read: "MRI of the brain depicting an irregularly-shaped lesion located in the left temporal lobe, notable for its distinct border and texture compared to surrounding tissue."

Discussion (550-600 words): The discussion expands on the clinical image, delving into detailed explanations, implications, and interpretations. It should explain the process through which the image was obtained and analyzed, the case's clinical course, and the outcome if available. The discussion could also include:

• Clinical implications of the case or findings
• Limitations or particular challenges encountered
• How this case might influence future research or clinical practice
• Ethical considerations, if applicable
• Any patient follow-up or planned future investigations

Example: If the image shows a unique form of a bacterial infection resistant to standard antibiotic therapy, the discussion could explore the methods used to diagnose the resistance, the implications for treatment, and potential public health consequences.

References in clinical image article

Include relevant references to validate the information provided. The use of primary articles is encouraged over review articles to support any claims or observations.

Concluding statement (50-100 words)

The article should end with a brief conclusion that encapsulates the significance of the clinical image and any broader implications it may have in the field. This provides a final take-home message for the reader.

Example: "This case highlights the need for additional research into antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, underscoring the potential for cases like this to become more frequent if resistance continues to go unaddressed."

By meticulously crafting each section of your Clinical Image Article according to these guidelines, authors can ensure that their work contributes valuable clinical and educational insights to the readers and the broader medical community.

Formatting Guidelines for Easier Pagination

Introduction to formatting and pagination

Understanding formatting and pagination is not merely about making your document look good; it’s a crucial step for aligning your manuscript with the journal’s publishing process. Proper formatting aids reviewers in their assessments and helps the editorial team to manage your document within their publishing system. Most importantly, well-executed pagination and formatting facilitate a better reading experience, thereby magnifying the impact of your research.

Importance of file formats

Word documents: Authors are strongly recommended to submit manuscripts as Word documents (.docx). The reason for this is the universal acceptance and the convenience of editing that Word documents provide. They can easily be annotated and amended, making the review process straightforward for both the authors and the reviewers.

PDFs and other formats: PDF files are not advisable due to their rigidity in editing, although they may be used for the final submission after acceptance. Other formats like .odt or .rtf are generally not recommended due to potential compatibility issues.

Text layout

Margins and indentation: A proper margin setting ensures that the text does not touch the edges and leaves sufficient room for annotations, comments, or binding (in the case of physical copies). For this journal, margins should be set to at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides.

Indent the first line of each new paragraph by 0.5 inches, except for the first paragraph of a new section or subsection, which should start flush left. Do not insert extra spaces between paragraphs.

Line spacing and paragraphs: The text should be double-spaced. This offers an aesthetic balance and provides enough room for in-line comments during the reviewing phase. Ensure that there are no extra spaces between paragraphs.

Fonts and styling

Choice of font: While the style of the font might appear trivial, certain fonts offer better readability both online and in print. For this reason, the use of standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial, 12-point size, is highly recommended.

Bold and Italics: Bold should only be used for headings and subheadings. Italics should be used sparingly for emphasis, but not for general text.

Page numbers, headers and footers

1. Page numbers: Place page numbers at the bottom-center of each page, starting from the title page. This makes it easier to compile the article for both review and publication.

2. Headers and footers: The header should contain the shortened title of the manuscript, and the footer should contain the page number. Note that headers and footers are not just placeholders but help in organizing the manuscript, especially when it's part of a larger compilation of articles.

Titles, Headings and subheadings

Consistency: Ensure that the titling and headings are consistent in font and style throughout the document. For example, if your main headings are in bold, all main headings should be in bold.

Numbering: Maintain a coherent numbering system for headings, sub-headings, and sub-sub headings. This not only helps in organizing the content but also aids the reader in navigating through the document.

Tables, figures and graphs

Table placement and numbering: Tables should be inserted immediately following the paragraph in which they are first mentioned. All tables must be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.).

Figure placement and numbering: Just like tables, figures should be placed immediately following the paragraph in which they are first mentioned. Figures should also be numbered using Arabic numerals (e.g., Figure 1, Figure 2, etc.).

Citations and references

In-text citations: Maintain uniformity in the citation style throughout the document. If the journal mandates a specific citation style like APA, MLA, or Chicago, adhere to it strictly.

Reference list: The reference list should be alphabetically ordered and appropriately formatted to conform with the NLM (National Library of Medicine) style.

Revision and proofreading

Once the manuscript is prepared, it is crucial to revise and proofread to catch any formatting or pagination errors. A well-formatted manuscript reflects the quality of the research and the rigor applied in preparing it.

By adhering to these formatting guidelines, authors ensure a smoother transition of their manuscripts through the submission, review, and publishing process. Moreover, it significantly aids in enhancing the overall readability and impact of the article.

Detailed Formatting Guidelines

Formatting is an essential part of preparing a Clinical Image article for publication in IgMin Research – STEM | A Multidisciplinary Journal. Proper formatting not only enhances the readability and professionalism of your article but also facilitates the peer-review and publishing processes. This section will elaborate on the various formatting guidelines, from text and fonts to figures, tables, and complementary files, ensuring your submission complies with our standards.

Text and fonts

1. Font type: Choose a standard, readable font like Times New Roman for the body of your text. In scientific writing, readability is critical, and fonts like Comic Sans or ornate script fonts are not suitable for a professional article.

2. Font size: The default font size for the body of your text should be 12-point. However, for captions, footnotes, and other ancillary text, you may reduce the font size to 10-point. This ensures the main content stands out and is easy to read.

3. Text alignment: Justify the text, so it aligns with both the left and right margins. Justification provides a clean, professional look and aids in readability. However, the title and subtitles should be center-aligned.

4. Line spacing: Set line spacing to "double." Double-spacing makes it easier for reviewers to read the article and make annotations during the peer-review process.

5. Indentation: The first line of each paragraph should be indented using the 'Tab' key. Do not use multiple spaces to create an indent, as this can disrupt the formatting when the article is typeset.

6. Bullet points and numbered lists: Use bullet points for non-sequential items and numbered lists for sequential items. Bullet points and numbered lists should be indented and followed by a space.

7. Special characters: If your article includes mathematical symbols, Greek letters, or other special characters, ensure they are inserted correctly and are clearly identifiable.

8. Font consistency: Consistency is crucial in a scientific paper. Maintain uniformity in font type and size throughout the text, including the appendices and acknowledgments, unless otherwise specified.

Figures

1. Quality: Figures should be of high resolution, with a minimum resolution of 300 dpi (dots per inch). Low-quality images can appear pixelated when printed or enlarged, reducing the article's overall impact.

2. Formats: Submit figures in universally accepted formats such as JPEG, PNG, or TIFF. These formats are standard in scientific publishing and offer the best quality-to-file size ratio.

3. Legends and captions: Each figure should be accompanied by a legend or caption. Captions should be concise yet descriptive and placed below the figure. The font size for captions can be 10-point, and they should be center-aligned.

4. Numbering: Number the figures consecutively as they appear in the text. Use Arabic numerals and adhere to the format "Figure 1," "Figure 2," etc.

5. File naming: Label the figure files clearly, corresponding to their sequence in the article. File names like "Figure1.jpeg" or "Figure2_scheme.png" are preferable.

6. Color guidelines: If color is used in figures, ensure that the colors are distinguishable when converted to grayscale. This is crucial for readers with color vision deficiencies and for those who may print the article in black and white.

7. Sizing: Size the figures to fit within the journal’s print dimensions. Oversized figures may be reduced by the editorial team, potentially affecting the legibility of details within the figure.

Tables

1. Table format: Use Microsoft Word's table function to create tables. Do not create tables using text boxes or insert them as images, as these methods can cause problems during the typesetting process.

2. Titles and footnotes: Each table should have a title that succinctly describes its content. Titles should be placed above the table. Footnotes can provide additional details and should be placed below the table.

3. Numbering: Like figures, tables should be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals — "Table 1," "Table 2," and so on.

4. Alignment: Data within the cells should be center-aligned, while headings should be bold and left-aligned.

Complementary files

1. File types: Supplementary files, such as additional data sets, videos, or audio clips, should be submitted in standard formats. For instance, data sets can be in Excel or CSV formats, videos in MP4, and audio clips in MP3.

2. Referencing: Each supplementary file should be cited in the main text where relevant. Make sure to provide a brief description of each file.

3. File size: Be conscious of the file size. Very large files may complicate the review and publishing processes. If large data sets are essential, consider hosting them on a reputable data repository and providing a link within the article.

Formatting plays an integral role in the article submission process. Inconsistencies or errors in formatting can delay the review process, adversely affect the reader's experience, and diminish the impact of your findings. Adhering to these guidelines will help facilitate a smoother peer-review process and enhance the presentation and dissemination of your research.

Submission Checklist

Submitting a manuscript for peer-review is a multi-faceted process that demands careful preparation. Here is a comprehensive submission checklist tailored for Clinical Image Articles to IgMin Research – STEM | A Multidisciplinary Journal. Adhering to this list will help ensure that your manuscript undergoes a smooth review process.

Covering letter

A covering letter is your opportunity to communicate directly with the editors. This document should outline the significance of your work and its suitability for the journal's readership. Key elements should include:

• Introduction of the authors and their affiliations
• Explanation of the article's main findings and its significance
• Statement asserting that the manuscript is not under consideration elsewhere
• Point-by-point response if the article is a resubmission
• Suggested reviewers, if applicable

Importance: The covering letter sets the tone for the manuscript's evaluation. A well-prepared letter can be influential in the editor’s initial assessment.

Manuscript including tables and panels

Your manuscript should be organized in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the back-bone structure (Section 3). Here are additional specifications:

Tables: Tables provide a structured summary of the data and should enhance, not duplicate, information in the text. They should be cited consecutively in the text and included at the end of the manuscript file.

Formatting:

• Use horizontal lines only above and below column headings and at the bottom of a table.
• Avoid using color backgrounds.

Panels: Panels are generally used to present complex images or figures in a segmented or dissected format. Panels should be labeled clearly and cited in the text.

Tips:

• Use a consistent font style for all panel labels
• Ensure that the panel labels match with the figure legends

Importance: Panels can enhance the visual appeal and readability of your clinical images.

Figures: As the essence of a Clinical Image Article, figures play a crucial role.

• Image resolution: The minimum resolution for figures should be 300 dpi. Low-quality images will be grounds for immediate rejection.
• Image ethics: All images must have patient identifiers removed to protect privacy.

Importance: High-quality, ethical imaging is crucial in representing the clinical data effectively.

Author statement form: An author statement form is used to confirm the contribution of each author in the study. This form must be filled out by all authors.

• Contributor roles: List all authors' contributions in accordance with the CRediT taxonomy—Conceptualization, Methodology, Investigation, etc.

Importance: The Author Statement Form ensures ethical integrity by affirming each author's role and contribution.

Declaration of interests and source of funding statements

• Declaration of interests: Each author must declare any financial or non-financial interests that could be perceived to interfere with the objectivity of the paper.
• Source of funding statements: Clearly state all sources of funding for the study.

Importance: This information adds transparency and helps reviewers and readers in assessing potential biases.

In conclusion, the submission checklist is more than a mere formality; it's an essential part of ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and transparency of your research. Each component of the checklist serves a specific function in the manuscript preparation and submission process. Failure to comply with any of these steps can result in delays or even rejection of the manuscript. Therefore, it's vital to understand the importance of each element thoroughly.

By meticulously following this checklist, you not only increase your manuscript’s chances of swift progression through the editorial process but also affirm its scientific rigor and ethical solidity. Given that peer review is the cornerstone of academic publishing, submitting a well-prepared manuscript is the first step toward contributing valuable scientific knowledge to the global community.

Note: The submission checklist serves as a guide but is not exhaustive. Other requirements may be stipulated by the journal at the time of submission.

Disclaimer: Meeting the criteria in the checklist does not guarantee publication. Editorial discretion and peer review are the ultimate determinants of your manuscript's suitability for publication in IgMin Research – STEM | A Multidisciplinary Journal.

By ensuring that all components in the submission checklist are complete and appropriately formatted, you are adhering to the stringent quality and ethical standards set by IgMin Research – STEM. This attentiveness underscores the scientific rigor and integrity of your work, characteristics that are essential for its successful evaluation and eventual publication.

Who Qualifies and Why it Matters

Overview

The concept of authorship is pivotal in the academic sphere as it forms the basis of the reward system, determining who receives recognition and responsibility for the work published. Authorship standards can differ from one discipline to another, but there are some commonly agreed-upon criteria that all aspiring authors should be aware of.

Definition of authorship

An "author" is generally considered to be someone who has made substantive intellectual contributions to a published study. According to the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), this generally means that an author should have:

• Contributed significantly to the conception, design, acquisition of data, or analysis and interpretation of data,
• Drafted or revised the article critically for important intellectual content, and
• Approved the final version to be published.

Importance of clearly defining authorship

Authorship confers credit and has important academic, social, and financial implications. Assigning authorship appropriately can help to prevent conflicts among contributors, assist in transparent reporting of research, and eliminate instances of both gift and ghost authorship.

1. Gift authorship: Gift authorship occurs when someone is listed as an author but did not contribute significantly to the research. This is considered unethical as it falsely inflates the academic output of an individual.
2. Ghost authorship: Ghost authorship exists when someone makes a significant contribution but is not credited as an author. This practice is not only unfair to the contributor but also poses ethical concerns as responsible parties are not adequately disclosed.

IgMin Research – STEM's authorship guidelines

At IgMin Research – STEM, the inclusion of an individual as an author must comply with the following criteria:

1. Substantial contributions: The person should have participated sufficiently in the work to take public responsibility for the content. This means involvement in the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the research study.
2. Drafting and revising: Authors should have contributed to the drafting of the manuscript or revising it critically for important intellectual content.
3. Final approval: All authors must review and approve the manuscript before submitting it and take responsibility for its content, including the data presented.
4. Accountability: Every author should be prepared to publicly defend the study's conclusions and methodology, even if they were not directly involved in every aspect of the research.

Large Language Models (LLMs) and Authorship

It should be noted that Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, do not currently satisfy our authorship criteria. While these technologies can assist in data collection or even content creation, they do not possess the intellectual capacity to contribute in a meaningful way to scientific research. This is an important distinction, as the reliability, and ethical implications of research necessitate human oversight and intellectual contribution.

1. Ethical concerns: Using LLMs to assist in scientific work without adequate citation can lead to various ethical concerns. For example, it could result in copyright infringement if the LLM inadvertently generates text that is similar to existing published work. Additionally, the absence of critical human thought in the article might lead to the propagation of errors or misinformation.
2. Limitations of LLMs: While LLMs can process vast amounts of data, they lack the cognitive faculties needed for scientific enquiry. They are not capable of designing a study, interpreting results, revising a manuscript critically, or approving the final version of a manuscript—tasks that are essential for authorship.

Ethical responsibilities of authors

Authors are expected to adhere to high ethical standards, including the disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest, and should be prepared to provide data and supplementary material for editorial review if required.

1. Declaration of Interests: Every author must disclose any financial and personal relationships with other people or organizations that could influence their work.
2. Source of Funding: A clear statement about all sources of funding must be included, as these could potentially influence the interpretation of results.

Summary

Authorship is a matter of both credit and accountability. Proper assignment and acknowledgment of authorship safeguard the integrity of the scientific process, uphold the dignity of the academic profession, and protect the value and significance of published work. In this context, understanding the criteria for authorship is crucial for anyone looking to contribute to IgMin Research – STEM.

By adhering to these guidelines, prospective authors can uphold the integrity of the academic record, promote transparency in science, and ensure that responsible parties receive appropriate recognition for their work.

Remember, authorship not only reflects one’s contributions but also their ethical and professional responsibility in the scientific community. Hence, it is imperative that each author understands and abides by these criteria to maintain the sanctity and authenticity of academic research.

In Summation

The following section aims to summarize the essential elements of submitting a Clinical Image article to IgMin Research – STEM, a multidisciplinary journal. It serves as a quick reference and a comprehensive guide for authors to ensure that their submissions meet all of the journal's standards and requirements.

Standards

• Acceptance guidelines: Understanding and meeting the article's acceptance criteria is of paramount importance for any prospective author. These guidelines offer a detailed roadmap for crafting an article that not only resonates with the academic community but also fulfills the editorial standards. Meeting these criteria, however, does not guarantee publication, as the final decision lies with the editorial board and is subject to peer review.

Manuscript preparation

The organization of the manuscript is a critical element in aiding the review process and ensuring a faster turnaround time. This subsection delineates the crucial components:

1. Front page: The title page should include pertinent details such as the title, the authors' names, affiliations, and contact information.
2. Synopsis: The abstract or synopsis should provide a concise overview of the article, stating its main objective, methodology, and key findings. It serves as the initial point of engagement for the readers.
3. Key terms: Listing relevant keywords assists in enhancing the article's visibility across academic search engines, thereby amplifying its reach.
4. Context: Providing sufficient background information sets the stage for your research, enabling readers to understand the importance and relevance of your work.
5. Procedures: Clearly outlining the methods enables reproducibility and fosters a sense of credibility. This is especially pertinent for clinical image articles, where the quality of the image and the methodology for obtaining it are under scrutiny.
6. Findings: The results or findings must be communicated in a clear and coherent manner. In the context of a Clinical Image article, this could be the implications of the visual data.
7. Analysis: Discussing the implications of your findings adds depth to your article. For Clinical Image articles, this could include a brief analysis of what the image represents in the broader context of the clinical or medical field.
8. Final remarks: Summarize the key points of the article, its implications, and potential future work in the conclusion.
9. Abbreviation index: If the manuscript includes abbreviations, a list clarifying each abbreviation should be provided for the reader's ease.

Official statements

These are mandatory and integral sections that must accompany any submission:

1. Authorization and participant agreement: This pertains to the ethical clearance from a recognized body. It must be submitted as part of the official documents.
2. Publication authorization:A formal consent for publication must be obtained from the concerned parties before submission. This is crucial for maintaining ethical integrity.
3. Data and resource availability: All data sets and resources used in the research should be made available. This enhances transparency and allows for peer validation.
4. Conflict of interest: A thorough declaration regarding any potential conflict of interest must be made. Transparency in this regard is crucial for the manuscript's credibility.
5. Capital support: Acknowledging all sources of funding is not just a formality but an ethical necessity.
6. Role of each author: Contributions made by each author should be explicitly stated to maintain integrity and responsibility.
7. Special thanks: Acknowledging contributions from people or organizations that contributed but do not qualify for authorship is also important.
8. Optional author details: This could be any additional information about the authors which they deem necessary to share, like ORCID iD, etc.

Additional sections

These sections may not be mandatory but add value to the manuscript:

1. Footnotes: Footnotes should be used sparingly and only for essential clarifications.

2. Citations:

   1. Web addresses and URLs: Web links and URLs should be cited according to NLM guidelines, as should all references.
   2. Suggested citation style: As the journal follows the NLM style, all references must adhere to this standard. Non-compliance could lead to delays in the publication process.

Visual and supplementary elements

1. Figures, charts and supplementary documents: All supplementary materials should be high quality, adequately labeled, and referred to within the main text. For Clinical Image articles, make sure the images meet the specified quality standards.
2. Manuscript submission: This is the final step in the manuscript preparation process. Ensure that all components of the manuscript are included in the submission.

By encapsulating all these guidelines, we aim to facilitate a smooth and efficient submission process. We highly recommend referring to the 'article preparatory guidelines' on our website for more comprehensive guidance. For any additional questions, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial office.

In concluding this guide, we would like to reiterate that these standards and guidelines have been put in place to maintain the highest level of scientific integrity and quality. As an author, adhering to these will not only ease your submission process but also enhance the impact and credibility of your research.

Disclaimer: Please note that adherence to these guidelines does not guarantee publication. The final decision rests with the editorial board and is subject to peer review.

We encourage authors to visit our article preparatory guidelines for comprehensive information.

For any clarifications or queries, please contact the editorial office.

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