Guidelines for Authors
Manuscript Submission Template
Use this official MREJ-CBSUA template to prepare your manuscript with the correct format, layout, and structure.
Google Docs • Word TemplateGeneral Author Guidelines
Articles submitted to MREJ-CBSUA should be written in a clear and straightforward style, free of technical jargon.
- Footnotes: Footnotes to the text must be avoided.
- Biographical Details: Author(s)' biographical details should not exceed 35 words and should be provided on a separate cover page with other details, such as contact numbers and emails, as well as the article title.
- Grammar & Style: The author(s) must ensure the grammar and spelling are correct and the style of presentation is satisfactory prior to submission.
Paper Format & Specifications
Paper Size
A4 (8.27 × 11.69 inches)
Margins
1.5 inches (Left margin)
1.0 inch (Right, Top, and Bottom)
Line Spacing & Numbers
Typed with double spacing and numbered pages throughout.
Font & File Format
Arial (Regular), size 12. Saved as a Microsoft Word document (.doc/.docx).
Manuscript Structure (Order of Elements)
The following elements are required in order:
- Title Page: Contains paper title (no longer than 15 words), corresponding author names, affiliations, contact numbers, and emails. Author contact details should NOT appear on any other page.
- Abstract: Short abstract of between 200 and 300 words, summarizing problem addressed, objectives, research methods, key findings, and major conclusions.
- Introduction: Background context, research problem, and study objectives.
- Materials and Methods: Detailed explanation of experimental design and methodology.
- Results and Discussion: Presentation of data, analysis, and logical discussions.
- References: Formatted list using Elsevier numeric citation system.
- Acknowledgments: Recognition of funding sources, technical assistance, or contributions.
Tables & Figures
Tables
Tables must be on separate pages and not included in the main text of the article. Table headings must be listed together on a separate page. Tables are to be numbered consecutively and their approximate placement indicated within the article.
Figures & Artworks
Diagrams, photographs, figures, and artworks must be supplied in high resolution, digital format suitable for reproduction. Diagrams will not normally be redrawn by the publisher. Submit each figure on a separate page with descriptive headings and indicate preferred position in the article.
Elsevier Numeric Citation Style
MREJ-CBSUA utilizes Vancouver-style Elsevier numeric citations in square brackets.
Single Citation
Immediately after statement:Mushroom cultivation improves rural livelihoods [1].
Multiple (Non-consecutive)
Separated by commas:[2,5,7]
Multiple (Consecutive)
Joined by en-dash:[8–10]
Punctuation Position
Citation appears before period:Lactobacillus species exhibit activity [3].
Narrative Author Citations
Bellere et al. reported that mushrooms possess antioxidant properties [1].According to Bellere and colleagues, citronella waste can support Pleurotus growth [2].Yi and Bellere demonstrated an improvement in mycelial yield under optimized conditions [3].Bellere et al. (2021) claimed that mushrooms have antioxidant potential [1].
Important Rule: Adding the year in parentheses in narrative text (e.g. Bellere et al. (2021)) does NOT replace the numeric citation. The number [1] must still be included to correspond to the entry in the Reference List.
Reference List Formatting Rules
Place the reference list at the end of the document under the heading References. Number references according to the order they appear in text. Do not rearrange alphabetically.
Reference Examples by Type
Format: [1] Author AA, Author BB. Title of article. Journal Name. Year;Volume(Issue):Page–Page.
Example: [1] Bellere AD, Yi DT. Optimization of mycelial growth in Pleurotus species. Mycology Research. 2023;15(2):134–142.
Format: [2] Author AA. Title of Book. Edition. Publisher; Year.
Format: [3] Author AA. Title of chapter. In: Editor BB, editor. Title of Book. Publisher; Year. p. xx–xx.
Format: [4] Author/Organization. Title. Year. Available from: URL (accessed Date).
Using Reference Management Software
Authors are encouraged to use reference management software (Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote):
[1], [2] in text.Headings & Paragraph Formatting
The use of informative sub-headings is recommended. Please adhere strictly to the following specification:
HEADING 1
Font size 12, ALL CAPS, bold. Maintain one line space above and one line space below it.
Heading 2
Font size 12, Sentence case, bold. Maintain one line space above it only.
Heading 3
Font size 12, Sentence case, bold, italicized. Maintain one line space above it only.
Paragraph Spacing
Paragraphs should be separated by a blank line (one line space apart). Do NOT indent the first line of a paragraph.
Submission Preparation Checklist
As part of the submission process, authors are required to check off their submission's compliance with all of the following items, and submissions may be returned to authors that do not adhere to these guidelines.