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Introduction

The introduction provides background and states the objectives of your paper.

Literature review

Do not just state that someone previously researched something. Briefly summarize their findings and mention any limitations.

Mistake

  • The author states only that something was researched.

Remedy

  • State the main results and any limitations.

Example 1. Literature review
incorrect

Chen et al. [1] investigated the effects of TiO2 NPs on metabolic stress.
correct

Chen et al. [1] investigated the effects of TiO2 NPs on metabolic stress. They found that …​ However, they did not consider …​

In-text reference citation format

The two most commonly used in-text reference citation formats are Harvard (authors/date) and Vancouver (numeric style). Each format has several variations (check guidelines for the required format).

When Harvard style is used, references at the end of the paper are often listed in alphabetical order. When Vancouver style is used, references at the end of the paper are listed in order of appearance. See Back Matter for details.

Example 2. Harvard
Comma before date, semi-colon between studies
example

Chen (2012) found that …​
example

…​ long short-term memory (Chen, 2012) and recurrent (Johns and Smith, 2015) neural networks.
example

…​ several models (Panary et al., 2014; Goethe, 2020; Walter and Matthews, 2011).
comment

Note the spelling of "et al."; I’ve seen "et al", "et. al", "et, al.", and other variations. Some journals require "et al." (italic). Check guidelines.
No comma before date, comma between studies
example

…​ long short-term memory (Chen 2012) and recurrent (Johns and Smith 2015) neural networks.
example

…​ several models (Panary et al. 2014, Goethe 2020, Walter and Matthews 2011).
Example 3. Vancouver
Square brackets
example

Chen [1] found that …​
example

…​ long short-term memory [1] and recurrent [2] neural networks.
example

…​ several models [1, 3, 7].
example

…​ several models [1,3,7].
example

…​ several models [1][3][7].
comment

Individual set of brackets for each reference.
Parentheses
example

Chen (1) found that …​
example

…​ long short-term memory (1) and recurrent (2) neural networks.
example

…​ several models (1, 3, 7).
Superscript (only number)
example

Chen1 found that …​
example

…​ long short-term memory1 and recurrent2 neural networks.
example

…​ several models1,3,7.
Superscript (number and closing parenthesis)
example

Chen1) found that …​
example

…​ long short-term memory1) and recurrent2) neural networks.
example

…​ several models1,3,7).

Citing references

Cite references for statements such as "X has recently been used to …​", "It has been shown that …​", etc.

Mistake

  • The author does not cite a reference when referencing another work.

Remedy

  • Cite the reference when referencing another work.

Example 4. Citing a reference
incorrect

The Boltzmann method has recently been used to model gas dynamics.
correct

The Boltzmann method has recently been used to model gas dynamics [1].
incorrect

It has been shown that static models can be implemented in a quasi-dynamic mode.
correct

It has been shown that static models can be implemented in a quasi-dynamic mode [3-7].