Faculties of Basic Medical and Basic Clinical Sciences,
College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto
Authors Guide
Background
The Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences (ABMS) is the official publication of the Faculties of Basic Medical and Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
ABMS is an open access, biannual, online & print, peer-reviewed Journal, which publishes research that contributes significantly to knowledge in all fields of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.
2.0 Title of the Journal
The title of the Journal is Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences (ABMS).
2.1 Aims and Scope of the Journal
The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts within the areas of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry and Life Sciences provided they satisfy the general guidelines and are of scientific excellence.
2.2 Open Access
ABMS is an open access Journal that charges article processing fees from authors.
2.3 Registration
The Journal is registered with the National Library of Nigeria with the following ISSN numbers: Print: 2782-7550 Online: 2782-7542
2.4 Indexing Services
ABMS is indexed in Google Scholar and Crossref. There are ongoing plans to get the Journal Indexed in DOAJ and later Scopus.
2.5 Categories of Manuscripts
2.5.1 Original articles
These should describe original and carefully verified findings. The study’s design and methods should be described in sufficient detail for others to reproduce and verify. The article should be concise, as short as possible enough to describe and discuss the study clearly. The length of original articles should not exceed four thousand (4,000) words (excluding abstract, references, tables and figure legends).
2.5.2 Short Communications
These are suitable for recording the findings of completed small investigations or describing new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques or apparatus. The style of the sections of the article need not be similar to that of regular articles. The Results and Discussion sections should be combined. The length of Short communications should not exceed one thousand (1,000) words and not more than seven references.
2.5.3 Letter to the Editor
This is usually written in response to current articles (published in the last issue) of the Journal. The letter should not be more than five hundred (500) words in length and the number of references should not exceed five.
2.5.4 Reviews
The Journal accepts both invited and unsolicited review articles. Reviews should be concise and contain topics and perspectives of current interest and relevance to basic and medical sciences.
2.5.5 Case reports
These are detailed reports of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. A case report should not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) words with two (2) illustrations and a case summary and not more than ten references.
2.6 Frequency of Publication
The Journal is a biannual publication in both print and online versions published in June and December annually.
3.0 Guide for Authors
3.1 Preparation of Manuscripts
The manuscripts should be written in plain British English. The typing should be double-spaced using Times New Roman, font size 12, with the text aligned to the left and pages numbered consecutively beginning with the title page. It is important to leave a margin of at least 25 mm at the top, bottom, left and right-side margins of each page of the manuscript.
3.2 Submission of Manuscripts
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.abms.udusok.orgwith the main text, tables, and figures all included in a single Microsoft Word file.
Any manuscript received by the Journal is assumed to be original, containing no plagiarism, and not to have been previously published or currently under consideration for publication by any other Journal. Authors are solely responsible for securing permission to reproduce any copyrighted materials.
3.3 Styles
3.3.1 Nomenclature
For drugs, standard generic names should be used, with brand names provided inside brackets when necessary.
Generic and species names should be in italics, and when mentioned for the first time, they should be written in full along with authorities where applicable.
3.3.2 Units
Standard International (SI) units should be used: metres and grams and their multiples for height and weight and degrees Celsius for temperature.
3.3.3 Abbreviations
Abbreviations should be standard. Non-standard abbreviations are allowed only when the full term is very long, and it occurs frequently. Within the text, the term should be written in full and its abbreviation provided in parentheses the first time it is mentioned.
All sentences should commence with words or alphabets and not numerals. Numbers 1 to 10 appearing in the text should be written out fully in words and not in numerals.
3.3.4 Footnotes
The use of footnotes should be minimised and only when necessary. They should be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals.
3.4 Manuscript Types
3.4.1 Original articles
These should describe original and carefully verified findings. The study’s design and methods should be described in sufficient detail for others to reproduce and verify. The article should be concise, as short as possible enough to describe and discuss the study clearly. The length of original articles should not exceed four thousand (4,000) words (excluding abstract, references, tables and figure legends).
3.4.2 Short Communications
These are suitable for recording the findings of completed small investigations or describing new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques or apparatus. The style of the sections of the article need not be similar to that of regular articles. The Results and Discussion sections should be combined. The length of Short communications should not exceed one thousand (1,000) words and not more than seven references.
3.4.3 Letter to the Editor
This is usually written in response to current articles (published in the last issue) of the Journal. The letter should not be more than five hundred (500) words in length and the number of references should not exceed five.
3.4.4 Reviews
The Journal accepts both invited and unsolicited review articles. Reviews should be concise and contain topics and perspectives of current interest and relevance to basic and medical sciences.
3.4.5 Case reports
These are detailed reports of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. A case report should not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) words with two (2) illustrations and a case summary and not more than ten references.
3.5 Structure of the Manuscript
The format of Manuscripts should be in the following sequence:
3.5.1 Title page
The title of the manuscript should be brief (not exceeding 20 words) and written in title case describing the contents of the paper. The Title Page should contain the full names and affiliations of all the authors as well as the name of the corresponding author together with an e-mail address and telephone number. The names of the authors should be written in full with the middle name in initials and should be in the following format: First name, middle name(initials) and surname. The author affiliations should be indicated with superscript Arabic numerals placed just after the last name. The corresponding author should be identified with an asterisk.
Example:
Abdulgafar O. Jimoh1*, Kasimu G. Ibrahim2, Yahaya Mohammed3 and Abdullahi Y. Abbas4
1 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
3Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
4 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
3.5.2 Abstract
The Abstract should be structured into the following sections; background, materials/methods, results and conclusion. The abstract should be both informative and concise (not exceeding 300 words) highlighting the justification and clearly mentioning the aim and the design of the study as well as summarizing the major findings and conclusions. The abstract should be written in full sentences using the past tense. Only standard nomenclature should be used and abbreviations or citations of literature are not allowed.
About 3 to 5 keywords (for the purpose of indexing) should be listed below the abstract.
3.5.3 Introduction
The introduction should briefly provide relevant literature that serves as background information and indicates the aim, objectives, hypotheses tested as well as the rationale for conducting the study.
3.5.4 Materials and Methods
Materials and Methods should be brief but adequate enough to allow the study to be reproduced by other investigators. However, only truly new procedures should be described in detail; previously published original descriptions or modification of procedures should be cited, and important modifications of published procedures should be mentioned briefly. The names of manufacturers, as well as an affiliation for any individual from whom materials were obtained, should be provided.
3.5.5 Results
This section should be presented clearly and precisely.
Numerical data should be summarised using measures of central tendency and dispersion as appropriate (e.g., mean ± SD, confidence intervals, etc.). Appropriate statistical tests should be used in analysing numerical data. Citations, detailed interpretations or speculation should be avoided. This section may be omitted if the article contains theory only.
3.5.6 Discussion
The discussion should concisely interpret principal findings in light of the results of other related published studies. Statements about the possible significance and limitations of the study as well as conclusions from the work should be included.
3.5.7 Conclusion
The conclusion should summarise the major findings of the research. It should be a clear and concise declarative statement of what was achieved. Citations and explanatory notes are highly discouraged. Recommendations may be included in the conclusion.
3.5.8 Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements of people (who contributed to the work but have not fulfilled the criteria of authorship) funding agencies, etc. should be succinctly captured.
3.5.9 References
All references should be in conformity with the Vancouver referencing style. References should be numbered in Arabic numerals in the consecutive order in which they are mentioned in the text, starting with the number “1”. Examples: Intext citation
1. Nutritional perturbations in the early critical periods of development determine the onset of adult metabolic diseases (1).
2. Jimoh and colleagues (3) described the pharmacokinetics of atenolol. Bibliography
For original articles: Mohammed Y, Gadzama GB, Zailani SB, Aboderin AO. Characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase from clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species from a teaching hospital in northeastern, Nigeria. Journal of Clinical Diagnosis and Research. 2016; 10(2):7-10. For a book: Buxton LO. Principles of prescription order writing and patient compliance. In: Brunton L Laurence, Chabner A Bruce, Knollmann C Bjorn, eds. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New Delhi: McGraw Hill. 2011;1879-89.
3.5.10 Video Article:
Video articles are currently not accepted.
3.5.11 Tables and Figures
Tables and figures should be included in the main document at the appropriate positions and should be in “.jpg" or “.pdf" formats and should appear in the consecutive order they appear in the text. Colour figures or grey-scale images must be at a minimum 300 DPI resolution.
Each table must have a title on its top indicating the purpose or content of the table. Place explanatory matter in the footnotes, not in the heading. Each figure must have a title below it and an accompanying descriptive legend defining abbreviations or symbols found in the figure or table. Coloured or coloured photographs of people can be used, but the subjects must be unidentifiable and the subjects must have provided written permission to use the photograph. The same data should not appear in both table and figure nor should it be duplicated in the text.
3.6 Review Process
All submitted manuscripts are reviewed and evaluated initially by an editor using certain criteria (including originality, clarity of expression, timeliness of the study, appropriateness of the study methods and validity of the data). Then the manuscripts will be sent to experts for peer review. Decisions will be made as fast as possible and the reviewer’s comments returned to the authors as soon as possible. One of the goals of the Journal is to publish submitted manuscripts online approximately one month after acceptance.
3.6.1 Charges
The corresponding author shall pay the sum of Fifty thousand Naira (N50, 000.00) only as publication charges after the acceptance of an article for publication using the Journal’s account with the following details: Account Name – Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences Col. Account Number: 1140160336. Polaris Bank
3.6.2 Proofs
Galley proofs will be sent to the corresponding author. They should be returned within 48 hours of receipt after correction. The corresponding author will receive a copy of the Journal free of charge; however, additional copies may be purchased at 75% of the cost if ordered when the proofs are returned.
3.7 Correspondence
All editorial correspondence should be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief, Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria (E mail: annbasmedsci@gmail.com; P.M.B. 2346).
Policies
Peer review policies
Purpose: The peer review process plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and integrity of the articles published in our faculty-based scientific journal. The purpose of this policy is to outline the guidelines and expectations for peer reviewers to uphold the standards of excellence, objectivity, and constructive feedback. Selection of Reviewers: Reviewers will be selected based on their expertise, research experience, and academic standing in the field. The editorial team will maintain a pool of qualified reviewers, including both internal and external experts, to ensure a fair and diverse evaluation process. Reviewers may also be identified based on their previous publications or recommendations from authors and other reviewers. Confidentiality and Anonymity: The peer review process is conducted with strict confidentiality. Reviewers must respect the confidentiality of the manuscripts they receive and not disclose any information about the articles or their reviews. The review process may be conducted anonymously (double-blind review), where the identities of both the reviewer and the author are concealed, or in some cases, the reviewer's identity may be known to the author (single-blind review). Reviewer Responsibilities: Reviewers have the responsibility to conduct a thorough and unbiased evaluation of the assigned manuscripts. Key responsibilities include: a. Timeliness: Reviewers should promptly accept or decline the review invitation and complete their reviews within the specified timeframe. If additional time is required, reviewers should communicate with the editorial team promptly. b. Expertise: Reviewers should possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to evaluate the manuscript effectively. If a reviewer feels inadequately qualified to review a particular article, they should notify the editorial team promptly. c. Objectivity: Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on scientific merit, methodology, clarity, and significance of the research. Personal biases or conflicts of interest that may influence the review process should be disclosed to the editorial team. d. Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide detailed and constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts. Feedback should be clear, respectful, and supported by evidence, including relevant references or suggestions for further research, if applicable. e. Ethical Considerations: Reviewers should identify any potential ethical concerns, such as plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of misconduct, and report them to the editorial team for further investigation. Reviewer Recognition: The journal acknowledges the valuable contribution of reviewers to the peer review process. Reviewers may be acknowledged in the published articles, or the journal may maintain a record of reviewers' contributions as part of their professional portfolio. Such recognition helps to foster a collaborative and supportive scholarly community. Appeals and Conflict Resolution: If an author disagrees with a reviewer's comments or decisions, they can submit an appeal to the editorial team. The appeal should provide clear and specific reasons for the disagreement and any additional evidence or clarification. The editorial team will evaluate the appeal and may seek additional input from other reviewers or experts to resolve conflicts. Reviewer Development and Training: The journal may provide opportunities for reviewer development and training, including workshops, webinars, or resources on effective peer-reviewing practices. By enhancing reviewer skills and knowledge, the journal aims to maintain a high-quality peer review process.
This peer review policy serves as a guideline for reviewers participating in the faculty-based scientific journal. It ensures the quality, integrity, and fairness of the review process and supports the advancement of knowledge in the field. The policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to align with evolving best practices in peer review.
4.2 Editorial policies
The scope and focus of ABMS aim to provide a platform for researchers and scholars within and outside our institution to publish high-quality scientific research. The journal welcomes submissions from various disciplines, including but not limited to basic medical, basic clinical, clinical, dental and other allied health sciences. The Journal’s primary focus is to disseminate original research, reviews, and scholarly articles that contribute to advancing knowledge in their respective fields. Peer Review Process: All submissions to our Journal undergo a rigorous peer review process. The editorial team ensures that submitted manuscripts are evaluated objectively and without bias. We employ a double-blind peer review system, where the identities of both the authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process. This approach helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process. Editorial Independence: The editorial team of our journal operates independently and ensures that the peer review process remains unbiased and transparent. The team comprises faculty members from various disciplines with expertise in the subject matter relevant to the submissions received. It also comprises eminent scholars from within and outside the country who altogether make the editorial team an international in outlook. The editorial team is responsible for making final decisions on the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts based on the reviewers' feedback and their own expertise. Originality and Plagiarism: We uphold the highest standards of originality and integrity in research. Submissions to our Journal must be original work that has not been published previously or is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The editorial team employs language editing and plagiarism detection tools to identify any instances of plagiarism. Manuscripts found to contain plagiarized content will be rejected immediately. Ethical Considerations: Authors are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines in conducting their research and writing their manuscripts. This includes obtaining necessary ethical approvals for studies involving human subjects or animals, as well as ensuring informed consent and confidentiality. Authors should also disclose any conflicts of interest that may influence their work. The Journal reserves the right to reject or retract any article that violates ethical guidelines. Open Access and Copyright: Our journal follows an open-access publishing model, ensuring that published articles are freely available to readers worldwide. Authors retain the copyright to their work, granting the journal a non-exclusive license to publish the article. This allows for maximum dissemination and accessibility of research findings. Corrections, Retractions, and Errata: In cases where errors, inconsistencies, or issues with published articles are identified, the journal is committed to rectifying them promptly. Corrections, retractions, or errata will be published as necessary, ensuring transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of the published record. Conflict Resolution and Appeals: The Journal provides a clear mechanism for conflict resolution and appeals. If an author has concerns or disputes related to the review process or editorial decisions, they can submit a formal appeal to the Journal's Editor-in-Chief. The appeal will be reviewed by an independent committee, which will provide a fair and unbiased evaluation of the issue. Editorial Board and Reviewer Selection: The Editorial Board consists of respected members with expertise in their respective fields. The board members are selected based on their qualifications, research experience, and commitment to the Journal's objectives. Reviewers are chosen based on their expertise in the subject matter of the submitted manuscripts. The selection process ensures that reviewers possess the necessary knowledge and impartiality to provide insightful and constructive feedback. Continuous Improvement: The Journal is committed to continuous improvement in its processes and practices. The Editorial team regularly seeks feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers to identify areas for improvement. This feedback is used to refine the Journal's policies and procedures, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of scientific publishing within our institution.
By adhering to this editorial policy, the Journal aims to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence, foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and contribute to the advancement of scientific research within our institution and beyond.
Background
The Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences (ABMS) is the official publication of the Faculties of Basic Medical and Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria.
ABMS is an open access, biannual, online & print, peer-reviewed Journal, which publishes research that contributes significantly to knowledge in all fields of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.
2.0 Title of the Journal
The title of the Journal is Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences (ABMS).
2.1 Aims and Scope of the Journal
The Journal welcomes the submission of manuscripts within the areas of Basic Medical Sciences, Basic Clinical Sciences, Clinical Sciences, Dentistry and Life Sciences provided they satisfy the general guidelines and are of scientific excellence.
2.2 Open Access
ABMS is an open access Journal that charges article processing fees from authors.
2.3 Registration
The Journal is registered with the National Library of Nigeria with the following ISSN numbers:
Print: 2782-7550
Online: 2782-7542
2.4 Indexing Services
ABMS is indexed in Google Scholar and Crossref. There are ongoing plans to get the Journal Indexed in DOAJ and later Scopus.
2.5 Categories of Manuscripts
2.5.1 Original articles
These should describe original and carefully verified findings. The study’s design and methods should be described in sufficient detail for others to reproduce and verify. The article should be concise, as short as possible enough to describe and discuss the study clearly. The length of original articles should not exceed four thousand (4,000) words (excluding abstract, references, tables and figure legends).
2.5.2 Short Communications
These are suitable for recording the findings of completed small investigations or describing new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques or apparatus. The style of the sections of the article need not be similar to that of regular articles. The Results and Discussion sections should be combined. The length of Short communications should not exceed one thousand (1,000) words and not more than seven references.
2.5.3 Letter to the Editor
This is usually written in response to current articles (published in the last issue) of the Journal. The letter should not be more than five hundred (500) words in length and the number of references should not exceed five.
2.5.4 Reviews
The Journal accepts both invited and unsolicited review articles. Reviews should be concise and contain topics and perspectives of current interest and relevance to basic and medical sciences.
2.5.5 Case reports
These are detailed reports of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. A case report should not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) words with two (2) illustrations and a case summary and not more than ten references.
2.6 Frequency of Publication
The Journal is a biannual publication in both print and online versions published in June and December annually.
3.0 Guide for Authors
3.1 Preparation of Manuscripts
The manuscripts should be written in plain British English. The typing should be double-spaced using Times New Roman, font size 12, with the text aligned to the left and pages numbered consecutively beginning with the title page. It is important to leave a margin of at least 25 mm at the top, bottom, left and right-side margins of each page of the manuscript.
3.2 Submission of Manuscripts
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.abms.udusok.orgwith the main text, tables, and figures all included in a single Microsoft Word file.
Any manuscript received by the Journal is assumed to be original, containing no plagiarism, and not to have been previously published or currently under consideration for publication by any other Journal. Authors are solely responsible for securing permission to reproduce any copyrighted materials.
3.3 Styles
3.3.1 Nomenclature
For drugs, standard generic names should be used, with brand names provided inside brackets when necessary.
Generic and species names should be in italics, and when mentioned for the first time, they should be written in full along with authorities where applicable.
3.3.2 Units
Standard International (SI) units should be used: metres and grams and their multiples for height and weight and degrees Celsius for temperature.
3.3.3 Abbreviations
Abbreviations should be standard. Non-standard abbreviations are allowed only when the full term is very long, and it occurs frequently. Within the text, the term should be written in full and its abbreviation provided in parentheses the first time it is mentioned.
All sentences should commence with words or alphabets and not numerals. Numbers 1 to 10 appearing in the text should be written out fully in words and not in numerals.
3.3.4 Footnotes
The use of footnotes should be minimised and only when necessary. They should be numbered consecutively using Arabic numerals.
3.4 Manuscript Types
3.4.1 Original articles
These should describe original and carefully verified findings. The study’s design and methods should be described in sufficient detail for others to reproduce and verify. The article should be concise, as short as possible enough to describe and discuss the study clearly. The length of original articles should not exceed four thousand (4,000) words (excluding abstract, references, tables and figure legends).
3.4.2 Short Communications
These are suitable for recording the findings of completed small investigations or describing new models or hypotheses, innovative methods, techniques or apparatus. The style of the sections of the article need not be similar to that of regular articles. The Results and Discussion sections should be combined. The length of Short communications should not exceed one thousand (1,000) words and not more than seven references.
3.4.3 Letter to the Editor
This is usually written in response to current articles (published in the last issue) of the Journal. The letter should not be more than five hundred (500) words in length and the number of references should not exceed five.
3.4.4 Reviews
The Journal accepts both invited and unsolicited review articles. Reviews should be concise and contain topics and perspectives of current interest and relevance to basic and medical sciences.
3.4.5 Case reports
These are detailed reports of the symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of an individual patient. A case report should not exceed one thousand five hundred (1,500) words with two (2) illustrations and a case summary and not more than ten references.
3.5 Structure of the Manuscript
The format of Manuscripts should be in the following sequence:
3.5.1 Title page
The title of the manuscript should be brief (not exceeding 20 words) and written in title case describing the contents of the paper. The Title Page should contain the full names and affiliations of all the authors as well as the name of the corresponding author together with an e-mail address and telephone number. The names of the authors should be written in full with the middle name in initials and should be in the following format: First name, middle name(initials) and surname. The author affiliations should be indicated with superscript Arabic numerals placed just after the last name. The corresponding author should be identified with an asterisk.
Example:
Abdulgafar O. Jimoh1*, Kasimu G. Ibrahim2, Yahaya Mohammed3 and Abdullahi Y. Abbas4
1 Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
3Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
4 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto.
3.5.2 Abstract
The Abstract should be structured into the following sections; background, materials/methods, results and conclusion. The abstract should be both informative and concise (not exceeding 300 words) highlighting the justification and clearly mentioning the aim and the design of the study as well as summarizing the major findings and conclusions. The abstract should be written in full sentences using the past tense. Only standard nomenclature should be used and abbreviations or citations of literature are not allowed.
About 3 to 5 keywords (for the purpose of indexing) should be listed below the abstract.
3.5.3 Introduction
The introduction should briefly provide relevant literature that serves as background information and indicates the aim, objectives, hypotheses tested as well as the rationale for conducting the study.
3.5.4 Materials and Methods
Materials and Methods should be brief but adequate enough to allow the study to be reproduced by other investigators. However, only truly new procedures should be described in detail; previously published original descriptions or modification of procedures should be cited, and important modifications of published procedures should be mentioned briefly. The names of manufacturers, as well as an affiliation for any individual from whom materials were obtained, should be provided.
3.5.5 Results
This section should be presented clearly and precisely.
Numerical data should be summarised using measures of central tendency and dispersion as appropriate (e.g., mean ± SD, confidence intervals, etc.). Appropriate statistical tests should be used in analysing numerical data. Citations, detailed interpretations or speculation should be avoided. This section may be omitted if the article contains theory only.
3.5.6 Discussion
The discussion should concisely interpret principal findings in light of the results of other related published studies. Statements about the possible significance and limitations of the study as well as conclusions from the work should be included.
3.5.7 Conclusion
The conclusion should summarise the major findings of the research. It should be a clear and concise declarative statement of what was achieved. Citations and explanatory notes are highly discouraged. Recommendations may be included in the conclusion.
3.5.8 Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements of people (who contributed to the work but have not fulfilled the criteria of authorship) funding agencies, etc. should be succinctly captured.
3.5.9 References
All references should be in conformity with the Vancouver referencing style. References should be numbered in Arabic numerals in the consecutive order in which they are mentioned in the text, starting with the number “1”.
Examples:
Intext citation
1. Nutritional perturbations in the early critical periods of development determine the onset of adult metabolic diseases (1).
2. Jimoh and colleagues (3) described the pharmacokinetics of atenolol.
Bibliography
For original articles:
Mohammed Y, Gadzama GB, Zailani SB, Aboderin AO. Characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase from clinical isolates of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella species from a teaching hospital in northeastern, Nigeria. Journal of Clinical Diagnosis and Research. 2016; 10(2):7-10.
For a book:
Buxton LO. Principles of prescription order writing and patient compliance. In: Brunton L Laurence, Chabner A Bruce, Knollmann C Bjorn, eds. Goodman and Gilman's The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. 12th ed. New Delhi: McGraw Hill. 2011;1879-89.
3.5.10 Video Article:
Video articles are currently not accepted.
3.5.11 Tables and Figures
Tables and figures should be included in the main document at the appropriate positions and should be in “.jpg" or “.pdf" formats and should appear in the consecutive order they appear in the text. Colour figures or grey-scale images must be at a minimum 300 DPI resolution.
Each table must have a title on its top indicating the purpose or content of the table. Place explanatory matter in the footnotes, not in the heading. Each figure must have a title below it and an accompanying descriptive legend defining abbreviations or symbols found in the figure or table. Coloured or coloured photographs of people can be used, but the subjects must be unidentifiable and the subjects must have provided written permission to use the photograph. The same data should not appear in both table and figure nor should it be duplicated in the text.
3.6 Review Process
All submitted manuscripts are reviewed and evaluated initially by an editor using certain criteria (including originality, clarity of expression, timeliness of the study, appropriateness of the study methods and validity of the data). Then the manuscripts will be sent to experts for peer review. Decisions will be made as fast as possible and the reviewer’s comments returned to the authors as soon as possible. One of the goals of the Journal is to publish submitted manuscripts online approximately one month after acceptance.
3.6.1 Charges
The corresponding author shall pay the sum of Fifty thousand Naira (N50, 000.00) only as publication charges after the acceptance of an article for publication using the Journal’s account with the following details: Account Name – Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences Col. Account Number: 1140160336. Polaris Bank
3.6.2 Proofs
Galley proofs will be sent to the corresponding author. They should be returned within 48 hours of receipt after correction. The corresponding author will receive a copy of the Journal free of charge; however, additional copies may be purchased at 75% of the cost if ordered when the proofs are returned.
3.7 Correspondence
All editorial correspondence should be addressed to the Editor-in-Chief, Annals of Basic and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Nigeria (E mail: annbasmedsci@gmail.com; P.M.B. 2346).
Policies
Peer review policies
Purpose: The peer review process plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and integrity of the articles published in our faculty-based scientific journal. The purpose of this policy is to outline the guidelines and expectations for peer reviewers to uphold the standards of excellence, objectivity, and constructive feedback.
Selection of Reviewers: Reviewers will be selected based on their expertise, research experience, and academic standing in the field. The editorial team will maintain a pool of qualified reviewers, including both internal and external experts, to ensure a fair and diverse evaluation process. Reviewers may also be identified based on their previous publications or recommendations from authors and other reviewers.
Confidentiality and Anonymity: The peer review process is conducted with strict confidentiality. Reviewers must respect the confidentiality of the manuscripts they receive and not disclose any information about the articles or their reviews. The review process may be conducted anonymously (double-blind review), where the identities of both the reviewer and the author are concealed, or in some cases, the reviewer's identity may be known to the author (single-blind review).
Reviewer Responsibilities: Reviewers have the responsibility to conduct a thorough and unbiased evaluation of the assigned manuscripts. Key responsibilities include:
a. Timeliness: Reviewers should promptly accept or decline the review invitation and complete their reviews within the specified timeframe. If additional time is required, reviewers should communicate with the editorial team promptly.
b. Expertise: Reviewers should possess the necessary expertise and knowledge to evaluate the manuscript effectively. If a reviewer feels inadequately qualified to review a particular article, they should notify the editorial team promptly.
c. Objectivity: Reviewers should evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on scientific merit, methodology, clarity, and significance of the research. Personal biases or conflicts of interest that may influence the review process should be disclosed to the editorial team.
d. Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide detailed and constructive feedback to help authors improve their manuscripts. Feedback should be clear, respectful, and supported by evidence, including relevant references or suggestions for further research, if applicable.
e. Ethical Considerations: Reviewers should identify any potential ethical concerns, such as plagiarism, fabrication, or other forms of misconduct, and report them to the editorial team for further investigation.
Reviewer Recognition: The journal acknowledges the valuable contribution of reviewers to the peer review process. Reviewers may be acknowledged in the published articles, or the journal may maintain a record of reviewers' contributions as part of their professional portfolio. Such recognition helps to foster a collaborative and supportive scholarly community.
Appeals and Conflict Resolution: If an author disagrees with a reviewer's comments or decisions, they can submit an appeal to the editorial team. The appeal should provide clear and specific reasons for the disagreement and any additional evidence or clarification. The editorial team will evaluate the appeal and may seek additional input from other reviewers or experts to resolve conflicts.
Reviewer Development and Training: The journal may provide opportunities for reviewer development and training, including workshops, webinars, or resources on effective peer-reviewing practices. By enhancing reviewer skills and knowledge, the journal aims to maintain a high-quality peer review process.
This peer review policy serves as a guideline for reviewers participating in the faculty-based scientific journal. It ensures the quality, integrity, and fairness of the review process and supports the advancement of knowledge in the field. The policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to align with evolving best practices in peer review.
4.2 Editorial policies
The scope and focus of ABMS aim to provide a platform for researchers and scholars within and outside our institution to publish high-quality scientific research. The journal welcomes submissions from various disciplines, including but not limited to basic medical, basic clinical, clinical, dental and other allied health sciences. The Journal’s primary focus is to disseminate original research, reviews, and scholarly articles that contribute to advancing knowledge in their respective fields.
Peer Review Process: All submissions to our Journal undergo a rigorous peer review process. The editorial team ensures that submitted manuscripts are evaluated objectively and without bias. We employ a double-blind peer review system, where the identities of both the authors and reviewers are concealed throughout the review process. This approach helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the evaluation process.
Editorial Independence: The editorial team of our journal operates independently and ensures that the peer review process remains unbiased and transparent. The team comprises faculty members from various disciplines with expertise in the subject matter relevant to the submissions received. It also comprises eminent scholars from within and outside the country who altogether make the editorial team an international in outlook. The editorial team is responsible for making final decisions on the acceptance, revision, or rejection of manuscripts based on the reviewers' feedback and their own expertise.
Originality and Plagiarism: We uphold the highest standards of originality and integrity in research. Submissions to our Journal must be original work that has not been published previously or is not under consideration for publication elsewhere. The editorial team employs language editing and plagiarism detection tools to identify any instances of plagiarism. Manuscripts found to contain plagiarized content will be rejected immediately.
Ethical Considerations: Authors are expected to adhere to ethical guidelines in conducting their research and writing their manuscripts. This includes obtaining necessary ethical approvals for studies involving human subjects or animals, as well as ensuring informed consent and confidentiality. Authors should also disclose any conflicts of interest that may influence their work. The Journal reserves the right to reject or retract any article that violates ethical guidelines.
Open Access and Copyright: Our journal follows an open-access publishing model, ensuring that published articles are freely available to readers worldwide. Authors retain the copyright to their work, granting the journal a non-exclusive license to publish the article. This allows for maximum dissemination and accessibility of research findings.
Corrections, Retractions, and Errata: In cases where errors, inconsistencies, or issues with published articles are identified, the journal is committed to rectifying them promptly. Corrections, retractions, or errata will be published as necessary, ensuring transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of the published record.
Conflict Resolution and Appeals: The Journal provides a clear mechanism for conflict resolution and appeals. If an author has concerns or disputes related to the review process or editorial decisions, they can submit a formal appeal to the Journal's Editor-in-Chief. The appeal will be reviewed by an independent committee, which will provide a fair and unbiased evaluation of the issue.
Editorial Board and Reviewer Selection: The Editorial Board consists of respected members with expertise in their respective fields. The board members are selected based on their qualifications, research experience, and commitment to the Journal's objectives. Reviewers are chosen based on their expertise in the subject matter of the submitted manuscripts. The selection process ensures that reviewers possess the necessary knowledge and impartiality to provide insightful and constructive feedback.
Continuous Improvement: The Journal is committed to continuous improvement in its processes and practices. The Editorial team regularly seeks feedback from authors, reviewers, and readers to identify areas for improvement. This feedback is used to refine the Journal's policies and procedures, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of scientific publishing within our institution.
By adhering to this editorial policy, the Journal aims to maintain the highest standards of academic excellence, foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing, and contribute to the advancement of scientific research within our institution and beyond.