Author Guidelines

Welcome to the Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence journal, a peer-reviewed, open-accessed journal dedicated to exploring the vast and dynamic field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our journal serves as a platform for interdisciplinary research and collaboration, aiming to address and discuss universal themes across various domains of AI. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding of AI's broad, multifaceted issues, its applications, and the ethical implications intertwined with its development and deployment.

 

Before Submission

Terms of Submission

When you submit a manuscript to SciFormat Publishing's Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence, it is understood to be an original, unpublished work not under consideration by any other publication. The primary author must confirm that all coauthors agree with the manuscript's content and its submission. Additionally, it's the primary author's responsibility to secure any required institutional approvals.

Receipt of your manuscript will be officially acknowledged by our editorial office, which also marks the formal date of submission. Prior to publication, the corresponding author will receive all communication, including proofs, for review. Submission implies consent to undergo editorial changes to enhance clarity and conform to journal standards.

By submitting your manuscript to us, you agree to SciFormat Publishing's terms, ensuring a commitment to ethical and responsible publishing practices.

Concurrent Submissions Policy

To maintain a wide variety of perspectives among the contributions to our journal, SciFormat Publishing imposes a limitation on the number of manuscripts an author can have under review simultaneously. An author is restricted to a maximum of three manuscripts undergoing the review process at any given time. Should an author reach this limit, they are required to await the completion of the review process for at least one manuscript before submitting a new one for consideration. This policy is designed to ensure fair and equitable opportunities for all authors wishing to publish with us. Please note, this restriction does not apply to submissions such as editorials or other manuscript types that do not undergo peer review.

Article Processing Charges (APC)

Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence operates on an open access model, requiring an Article Processing Charge (APC) for manuscripts accepted for publication to cover publication costs. We offer waivers and discounts for authors from low-income countries or with financial constraints. For detailed information on APCs, please visit our APC page: Article Processing Charges (APC).

ORCID Requirement for Authors

To enhance the integrity and transparency of the research publication process, Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence requires all authors to have an ORCID ID. ORCID provides a unique, persistent digital identifier that distinguishes you from every other researcher and, through integration in key research workflows such as manuscript and grant submission, supports automated linkages between you and your professional activities, ensuring that your work is recognized.

Why ORCID ID is Mandatory:

  • Ensures Credit for Your Work: ORCID iD ensures that all your contributions are attributed to you correctly, avoiding confusion with others having similar names.
  • Improves Visibility and Discoverability: Having an ORCID iD increases the visibility of your research outputs, making them easily discoverable by your peers and the broader scientific community.
  • Streamlines Workflow: ORCID iDs are integrated into many systems used by publishers, funders, and institutions, making it easier to share information, reduce repetitive data entry, and improve the accuracy of records.
  • Supports Career Development: Your ORCID record can include a range of contributions, from publications and presentations to research funding and peer review activities, providing a comprehensive view of your professional activities.

How to Register for an ORCID iD:

Registering for an ORCID iD is free, simple, and takes just a few minutes:

  1. Visit the ORCID registration page: https://orcid.org/register
  2. Provide your personal details and set your ORCID account preferences.
  3. Once registered, you will receive your unique ORCID iD.

Including Your ORCID iD in Your Submission:

When submitting a manuscript to Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence, please include your ORCID iD in the submission form and within your manuscript, typically on the title page or in the author's biography section.

We believe that requiring ORCID iDs for all authors significantly contributes to the credibility and reliability of scientific communication and assists in the advancement of global research collaboration and recognition.

General requirements

To ensure the high quality and consistency of articles published in Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence, authors are required to adhere to the following general guidelines when preparing their manuscripts for submission:

  • Language Quality: Manuscripts must be written in grammatically correct English (American Style). Authors for whom English is a second language are strongly advised to have their manuscripts reviewed by a proficient English-speaking colleague or engage a professional editing service. This is to ensure the clarity, proper grammar, and accuracy of the manuscript.
  • APA Style for References: All submitted articles must follow the APA (American Psychological Association) style for referencing. This style should be applied to both in-text citations and the list of references at the end of the manuscript. Detailed information on the APA style, including examples for articles, books, and electronic resources, can be found within the comprehensive References Guidelines.
  • Avoidance of Footnotes: Use of footnotes in the main text is discouraged. Instead, incorporate any necessary additional information into the text directly or mention it in the acknowledgments section.
  • Definition of Abbreviations: Any abbreviation used for the first time must be defined in parentheses immediately following its first appearance in the abstract, main text, and in the captions for figures or tables. Once defined, the abbreviation should be used consistently throughout the manuscript.
  • Measurement Units: The International System of Units (SI) is the standard measurement system for all manuscripts. Should other measurement units be initially used, authors are required to convert and provide the equivalent SI units.
  • Ethical Guidelines Compliance: Authors must ensure that their research complies with ethical standards pertaining to research conduct and publication. Studies involving humans or animals must have appropriate ethical approval, which should be stated within the manuscript.
  • Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Authors must disclose any potential conflict of interest that could influence the results or interpretation of their manuscript. This includes any financial, personal, or professional relationships that might be perceived as influencing the research.
  • Authorship Criteria: Only individuals who have made a significant contribution to the conception, design, execution, or interpretation of the reported study should be listed as authors. The corresponding author is responsible for ensuring that all listed authors have approved the final version of the manuscript and have agreed to its submission for publication.
  • Figure and Table Presentation: Figures and tables should be included within the manuscript near their first mention and accompanied by descriptive captions. Formulas used in the study, as well as figures and tables, must be clearly presented and adequately explained.
  • Manuscript Submission Format: Manuscripts should be submitted as complete documents in either Microsoft Word or PDF format. Submissions must be made via our online submission system, ensuring a smooth and efficient review process.

Manuscript Types Accepted

Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence seeks to publish high-quality, impactful work that advances our understanding of AI and its various applications. Below are the types of manuscripts we accept:

  1. Original Research Articles

These articles should present novel findings or theories in the field of AI. Original research articles are expected to provide a significant contribution to the knowledge base, supported by rigorous methodology, data analysis, and discussion. Submissions should clearly articulate the research question or hypothesis, methodology, results, and implications of the findings.

Length: Typically 5,000 to 8,000 words, excluding references, tables, and figure captions.
Structure: Should include an abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusions. Supplementary materials that support the work's reproducibility and transparency are encouraged.

  1. Review articles

Review articles provide comprehensive analyses of specific topics within Artificial Intelligence, summarizing and synthesizing existing research. These articles should offer critical insights or new perspectives, identify trends, and suggest future directions for research. Reviews can cover broad areas or be focused on specific issues, methodologies, or applications.

Length: Generally 6,000 to 10,000 words, allowing for the depth of coverage required to comprehensively review the chosen topic.
Structure: Must include an abstract, introduction, methodology for selecting and evaluating the reviewed literature, main body (organized thematically or chronologically), and a conclusion summarizing findings and outlining areas for future research.

  1. Perspectives

Perspective pieces are opinion-based articles that offer commentary on current trends, debates, or future directions in Artificial Intelligence. These articles are an opportunity for authors to argue a particular point of view, reflecting on the implications of current research, policy implications, or the societal impact of AI. Perspectives should be well-reasoned and grounded in the existing literature.

Length: Usually shorter, around 2,000 to 4,000 words.
Structure: Should include an abstract and be organized to clearly present the author's viewpoint, supporting arguments, and conclude with a compelling summary or call to action.

All manuscripts must adhere to our submission guidelines, including formatting and ethical standards. Submissions must be original, not previously published, nor under consideration for publication elsewhere. Each manuscript type undergoes a rigorous peer review process to ensure the publication of high-quality, relevant, and insightful work.
We encourage authors to carefully consider the most suitable manuscript type for their work and prepare their submissions accordingly. Detailed instructions on the application and submission process are available below.

 

Submission Process

Manuscript Submission Guidelines

Our submission process is streamlined through the use of Open Journal Systems (OJS), a comprehensive online submission and peer review platform. To ensure a smooth and efficient submission process, please follow the guidelines outlined below:

  • Preparing Your Manuscript
    Before submitting, ensure your manuscript adheres to our journal's focus and scope and aligns with the types of manuscripts we accept. Please format your manuscript according to our specified formatting requirements, including structure, style, and reference formatting. Ensure that your manuscript has not been published elsewhere and is not under consideration by another publication.

  • Registering on OJS
    If you are not already registered, you will need to create an account on the OJS platform. Visit the journal's website and click on the 'Register' link. Fill in the registration form with your details. As part of your registration, you can register as an Author, which will enable you to submit manuscripts.

  • Logging In and Starting a New Submission
    Once registered, log in to your account and select 'New Submission' from your User Home. The submission process is divided into five steps: Start, Upload Submission, Enter Metadata, Upload Supplementary Files, Confirmation

    Step 1: Start
    In the first step, select the appropriate section for your submission (e.g., Original Research Articles, Review Articles, Perspectives) and agree to the submission checklist items. Confirm that your manuscript adheres to all listed requirements.

    Step 2: Upload Submission
    Upload your manuscript file following the on-screen instructions. Ensure your submission is in an acceptable file format (.doc, .docx, .pdf).

    Step 3: Enter Metadata
    Provide detailed information about your manuscript, including title, abstract, keywords, author details, and references. Accurate metadata improves the discoverability of your work.

    Step 4: Upload Supplementary Files
    If your manuscript includes any supplementary materials (e.g., datasets, code, additional figures), upload them in this step. Ensure each file is clearly labeled and referenced in the manuscript.

    Step 5: Confirmation
    Review your submission details for accuracy. Once you are satisfied, confirm your submission. You will receive an acknowledgment email confirming the receipt of your manuscript.

For any technical difficulties encountered during the submission process, please contact the editorial office for assistance editorial-office@sciformat.com.

Formatting Requirements

To ensure consistency and readability across all publications, authors are required to adhere to the following formatting guidelines for their submissions to "Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence." Careful compliance with these requirements will facilitate the review process and enhance the presentation of your work.

General Manuscript Formatting

  • Font: Use Times New Roman throughout the manuscript.
  • Font Size: The text should be in 12-point size.
  • Line Spacing: Set line spacing to 1.5 throughout the document, including references, footnotes, and acknowledgments.
  • Page Size: Letter or A4.
  • Margins: Use 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides of each page.
  • Page Numbers: Number pages consecutively, starting with the title page.
  • Manuscript Length: It depends on the type of article that was mentioned above. The editorial team reserves the right to ask authors to shorten excessively long manuscripts.
  • Date Formatting: use the day-month-year format, e.g., 12 March 2024

Title Page

  • Title: Concise and informative. Titles are often used in information-retrieval systems. Avoid abbreviations and formulae where possible.
  • Author Details: List all authors with their full names, affiliations, addresses, ORCID IDs, and email addresses. Designate the corresponding author clearly.

Abstract

  • Length: 200 - 250 words.
  • Content: Provide a concise summary of the manuscript, highlighting the problem addressed, methodology, main findings, and conclusions. Do not include references or undefined abbreviations in the abstract.

Keywords

  • Include 4-6 keywords or phrases that describe the main topics of the article.

Text Organization

  • Organize the manuscript into clearly defined sections such as Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusions, References, and if applicable, Acknowledgments and Declarations.
  • Headings: Use a clear hierarchy of heading levels as specified in your word processor’s style guide.

The guidance for each section to help authors craft a comprehensive and scientifically rigorous article:

  • Introduction
    • Purpose: Clearly state the problem being addressed, its significance, and the unique contribution of your study.
    • Background: Provide a brief review of the relevant literature to situate your research in the context of existing knowledge.
    • Objectives: Outline the specific objectives or hypotheses that guided your research.

  • Materials and Methods
    • Design: Describe the research design, including the type of study (e.g., experimental, observational, computational).
    • Participants/Subjects: If applicable, detail how participants were selected, including any inclusion or exclusion criteria.
    • Data Collection: Explain how data were collected, including tools, instruments, and methodologies used.
    • Analysis: Describe the statistical or computational methods used to analyze the data. Ensure enough detail for replication.
    • Ethical Considerations: Mention any ethical approvals obtained for studies involving humans or animals.

  • Results
    • Presentation: Present your findings in a logical sequence, using text, tables, and figures as appropriate. Highlight significant results.
    • Data Interpretation: Avoid interpreting the results in this section, focus on presenting the data.
    • Statistical Significance: Include statistical analysis results, such as p-values, confidence intervals, and any other measure that supports your findings.

  • Discussion
    • Interpretation: Interpret your results in the context of the objectives stated in the Introduction. Discuss the significance of your findings.
    • Comparison: Compare and contrast your results with those from relevant studies. Highlight any agreements or discrepancies.
    • Implications: Discuss the implications of your findings for the field of AI and beyond. Consider practical applications, theoretical contributions, and limitations.
    • Future Directions: Suggest areas for future research based on your findings and the limitations of your study.

  • Conclusions
    • Summary: Provide a concise summary of the key findings and their relevance.
    • Impact: Emphasize the importance of your research and its contribution to the field of Artificial Intelligence.

  • References
    • Style: Follow the APA (American Psychological Association) style for in-text citations and the reference list.
    • Ensure completeness and accuracy of references. Each reference mentioned in the reference list must be cited in the text, and vice versa.
    • The inclusion of the most recent and relevant literature is crucial for situating your work within current research trends. 

  • Data Availability Statement
    Authors are required to provide a data availability statement as part of their manuscript submission to Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence. This statement is crucial for fostering transparency, reproducibility, and trust in research findings. The data availability statement should clearly describe the status of the data supporting the results reported in the manuscript. Please select one of the following options or provide a detailed explanation as appropriate:
    • Publicly Available Data: If the data used in your study are publicly available, please provide the name of the repository and the accession number or a persistent identifier (e.g., DOI, URL).
    • Data Available Upon Reasonable Request: If for legal or ethical reasons the data cannot be made publicly available, you should state that the data will be made available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author, specifying any conditions under which access will be granted.
    • Restricted Access to Data: In cases where data cannot be shared publicly or upon request due to privacy or confidentiality concerns, authors must clearly explain these restrictions and how interested researchers can apply for access.
    • No Data Used: If your study did not use any data, or if the article is of a theoretical nature without new empirical data, please state this explicitly.

Authors should ensure that their data availability statement provides enough detail for readers to understand how the data can be accessed and under what conditions, if any. Providing clear and accessible data supports the integrity of the research and allows for the validation of results, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

  • Acknowledgments and Declarations
    • Acknowledgments: Offer thanks to individuals or organizations that contributed to the research but do not qualify for authorship.
    • Funding Statement: Authors are required to include a funding statement as part of their manuscript submission. This statement should acknowledge all sources of financial support for the project. Please clearly indicate the name of the funding agency or organization, the grant number if applicable, and the role of the funding body in the study design, data collection, analysis, interpretation of data, writing of the manuscript, and decision to submit the article for publication. If the research did not receive specific funding but was supported by resources provided by your institution or another organization, please state this. If there was no funding associated with the research or manuscript preparation, authors should include the following statement: "This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors."
    • Conflict of Interest: Declare any potential conflicts of interest related to the study. If there is no conflict of interest, authors should explicitly state, "The authors declare no conflict of interest."
    • Author Contributions: If applicable, briefly describe the contributions of each author to the research and manuscript preparation. More information about the author's contribution can be found on our Authorship and Contributorship page.

Figures, Tables, and Formulas

Placement: Include figures and tables close to where they are first mentioned in the text to facilitate easy reference by readers. This approach helps integrate visual aids seamlessly into your narrative.
Captions: Each figure and table must have a concise caption placed below the figure and above the table. The caption should explain the significance of the visual aid, making it understandable independently of the text. Include any necessary legends or explanations of symbols and abbreviations used within the figure or table.

  • Figures:
    To ensure clarity and consistency in the presentation of figures within manuscripts submitted to Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence, authors are asked to adhere to the following detailed requirements:
    • Quality and Format
      • Resolution: Figures should be of high resolution, ideally at least 300 dpi for photographs and 600 dpi for line art. This ensures that figures are clear and legible, even after printing.
      • File Format: Preferred formats include JPEG, PNG, or TIFF for images and photographs. Vector graphics (e.g., diagrams and illustrations) should be submitted in PDF or EPS format to preserve quality.
    • Labeling and Annotation
      • Labels: Figure labels should be clear and legible, using the same font throughout all figures. The font size should be readable, generally not less than 8 points, and consistent with the text of the manuscript.
      • Annotations: If a figure contains symbols, arrows, numbers, or letters, ensure these are clearly identifiable and explained in the figure legend.
      • Axes and Units: For graphs, clearly label axes and include units of measurement. The axis labels and units should be of a size that is readable and consistent with other figure annotations.
    • Legends and Captions
      • Placement: Legends and captions should be placed below the figure, not within the figure itself.
      • Content: Provide a concise caption that explains the figure, ensuring that the figure can be understood independently of the main text. Include any relevant details or explanations of symbols and abbreviations used in the figure.
      • Reference in Text: Ensure that each figure is referred to in the text and in the correct order. For example, the first mention of a figure in the text should correspond to Figure 1, the second mention to Figure 2, and so on.
    • Color and Contrast
      • Use of Color: While color figures are encouraged to enhance the clarity and appeal of images, authors should ensure that color distinctions are meaningful and enhance the understanding of the figure. Consider readers who may be color blind and ensure that figures are interpretable in black and white (grayscale) as well.
      • Contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between the figure elements and background to facilitate clear printing and viewing.
    • Submission and File Naming
      • Separate Files: Submit each figure as a separate file.
      • File Naming: Name each file clearly to correspond with its figure number in the manuscript (e.g., "Figure1.jpg", "Figure2.tif").

  • Formulas:
    • Presentation: Display formulas clearly within the text, ensuring they are easily readable and distinct from the surrounding text. Use a consistent format for mathematical expressions and symbols throughout your manuscript.
    • Numbering: Number equations consecutively if there is more than one. Place the number in parentheses at the right margin of the text. Refer to these equations in the text by their number (e.g., "as shown in Equation (1)").
    • Symbols and Notation: Clearly define each symbol used in your equations at their first occurrence in the manuscript. If your paper includes a large number of symbols, consider including a nomenclature section before the introduction or at the end of the manuscript.
    • Software and Tools: For complex equations, consider using mathematical typesetting software such as LaTeX to ensure accuracy and professional presentation. Submit these equations as part of your manuscript in an editable format, if possible.

References

    • APA Style: Use the American Psychological Association (APA) style for formatting all references. Ensure accuracy and completeness, providing all necessary information for readers to locate the sources.
    • In-text Citations: Cite references within the text according to APA guidelines, using the author-date method.
    • Reference List: List all references cited in the text at the end of the manuscript in alphabetical order. Include the author(s), year of publication, title of the source, and publication details. The inclusion of the most recent and relevant literature is crucial for situating your work within current research trends.

  • Articles in Periodicals
    • Basic Format:
      Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Periodical, volume number(issue number), pages. URL (if online)
    • Example:
      Smith, J. A., & Doe, J. B. (2020). Innovations in artificial intelligence: A review of recent advancements. Journal of AI Research, 15(2), 123-135.

  • Books
    • Basic Format:
      Author, A. A. (Year of Publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher.
    • Example:
      Johnson, L. E. (2019). Understanding machine learning: From theory to algorithms. Cambridge University Press.

  • Electronic Resources
    • Basic Format:
      Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work. Site Name. URL
    • Example:
      Miller, R. (2018). The impact of AI on society. AI News. https://www.ainews.com/the-impact-of-ai-on-society

  • In-text Citation Rules
    • One Author: Use the author's last name and the year of publication. For direct quotations, include the page number as well. Example: (Smith, 2020) or "Smith (2020) states that..."
    • Two Authors: Use both authors' last names, connected by an ampersand (&) when outside of parentheses, and "and" within the narrative. Example: (Smith & Doe, 2020) or "Smith and Doe (2020) argue..."
    • Three or More Authors: List the first author's last name followed by "et al." and the year of publication. Example: (Johnson et al., 2019)
    • Direct Quotations: Include the author, year, and page number. Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 123)
    • No Author: Use the title of the work and the year. For titles of articles, chapters, and web pages, use double quotation marks. For books, reports, and other standalone works, italicize the title. Example: (Understanding Machine Learning, 2019)

Remember, the purpose of citations is to allow readers to locate the sources you used. Ensuring accuracy in your citations is crucial for maintaining the integrity of your research.
For more detailed information and examples on APA style, including how to format your papers, reference different types of sources, and handle citations in specific situations, visit the comprehensive guide at Mendeley's APA Citation Guide.

Supplementary Materials

If additional files or datasets support the manuscript, refer to them in the text and submit as separate files. Clearly label each supplementary file.

 

After Submission

After submitting your manuscript to Contemporary Issues in Artificial Intelligence, it will go through several stages before publication. Here is what you can expect:

Initial Screening

Your manuscript undergoes an initial review by our editorial team to check for alignment with the journal’s scope, adherence to formatting requirements, and overall quality. This is to ensure the submission meets our fundamental criteria for further consideration.

Preprint Publication

Manuscripts that successfully pass the initial screening may be eligible for publication as preprints. This option allows your research to be accessible promptly, facilitating early feedback from the scholarly community even before the formal peer review process is concluded.

Peer Review

Should your manuscript clear the initial screening, it will enter a rigorous single-blind peer review, conducted by subject matter experts. The peer review process assesses the scientific merit, originality, and relevance of your work. The progress of your review can be monitored through the OJS platform.

Copyright and Permissions

Upon acceptance, authors retain copyright to their manuscripts. All articles published by SciFormat Publishing are made available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
It's important to note that the presence of general descriptive names, trade names, trademarks, etc., in the publication does not imply that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations. The primary responsibility for obtaining permission for the use of copyrighted material lies with the submitting author.
The publisher cannot be held legally responsible for any errors or omissions that may be identified in the publication after the date of publication. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented, the publisher does not provide any warranties, express or implied, regarding the content.

Appeals

Authors who believe their manuscript was unjustly rejected due to a significant misunderstanding of a technical aspect or because the scientific advance was not adequately appreciated may appeal the decision. Appeals lacking a solid rationale for a second opinion will not be entertained. Appeals should be directed to the journal via email, including the manuscript number, and will only be considered if submitted by the original submitting author.

For a detailed overview of each step in the editorial process, please visit our Editorial Process page.

Throughout the process, authors can leverage the OJS system to track their manuscript's status and receive updates and notifications about their submission. SciFormat Publishing is committed to ensuring a transparent, efficient, and supportive journey for authors from submission to publication.