1.1. Aims 

Engineering Innovation and Practice is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published by the Geography Research Committee. The journal is committed to disseminating innovative research in natural resource studies and related disciplines. Manuscripts must report original research and should not have been published previously—except in the form of patents or preprints. 

Utilizing a rolling publication model, the journal ensures the prompt dissemination of research findings. Additionally, all published articles are archived in the National Diet Library of Japan, guaranteeing long-term accessibility.

1.2. Scope 

The journal focuses on publishing cutting-edge research in the fields of energy, food, and water resources, along with related interdisciplinary areas. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

- Fossil Fuels and Traditional Energy:

  - Exploration and development of conventional oil, natural gas, and coal 

  - Unconventional hydrocarbon resources (e.g., shale gas, coalbed methane, oil sands) 

  - Clean fuel technologies and carbon capture 

  - Environmental impact assessments of energy development 

  - Petroleum geology and reservoir engineering

- New and Renewable Energy:

  - Solar and wind energy technologies 

  - Hydrogen technology and its applications 

  - Energy storage systems 

  - Smart grid technologies 

  - Integration of renewable energy into power grids

- Agricultural and Soil Sciences:

  - Crop cultivation and breeding technologies 

  - Soil physics, chemistry, and biology 

  - Precision agriculture techniques 

  - Agricultural waste management and utilization 

  - Soil remediation and treatment

- Water Resources:

  - Hydrology and watershed management 

  - Groundwater assessment and protection 

  - Water quality monitoring and pollution control 

  - Water recycling and reuse 

  - Integrated water resources management

- Environmental and Sustainability Studies:

  - Ecosystem services assessment 

  - Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies 

  - Biodiversity conservation and restoration 

  - Environmental pollution control technologies 

  - Carbon neutrality technologies and policies

The journal accepts the following types of manuscripts. 

- Original Research Paper: A rigorous academic study presenting novel empirical findings, theoretical advancements, or innovative methodologies. Manuscripts should clearly define a research question, employ robust data analysis, and provide meaningful conclusions that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the relevant field. 

- Review Paper: A comprehensive synthesis and critical evaluation of existing research on a specific topic. Review papers should offer a well-structured analysis of previous studies, identify knowledge gaps, and propose future research directions. While authors may provide expert insights, discussions must be grounded in a thorough and systematic examination of the relevant literature. 

3.1. Ethical Guidelines for Authors 

(1) Authorship and Contribution 

- All listed authors must have made substantial contributions to the research, including study design, data collection, analysis, or manuscript drafting. 

- Ghostwriting and honorary authorship are strictly prohibited. 

- Manuscripts submitted for commercial or non-academic purposes will not be considered. 

(2) Responsibilities of the Corresponding Author 

- The corresponding author is responsible for coordinating communication with the editorial office and reviewers throughout the peer review, revision, and publication process. 

- The corresponding author must ensure that all co-authors have reviewed and approved the final manuscript before submission and publication. 

(3) Data Integrity and Transparency 

- Data must not be artificially fragmented across multiple publications to increase publication count (i.e., salami slicing). 

- Serial studies, if submitted as separate papers, must have independent titles and cohesive summaries. 

- Research findings should be reproducible, and authors must provide raw data or supplementary materials upon request. 

- Figures and images must accurately represent the original data, allowing only minimal and justifiable digital modifications. 

(4) Publication Ethics 

- Submitted manuscripts must contain original research findings and should not have been previously published or concurrently submitted elsewhere (no duplicate submission). 

- Authors must clearly state the originality and significance of their work. 

- Plagiarism, including self-plagiarism, fabrication, and data falsification, is strictly prohibited. 

- Copyright laws and intellectual property rights must be respected, with proper citations or permissions obtained for any reused materials. 

(5) Academic Integrity and Professional Conduct 

- Authors may engage in scholarly critique but must avoid personal attacks or defamatory remarks. 

- Data must not be fabricated, falsified, or manipulated misleadingly. 

- Proper citation of sources is required to maintain academic integrity and ensure transparency in scholarly discourse. 

(6) Authorship Attribution and Modifications 

- All listed authors must have made significant intellectual contributions to the study. 

- Any changes to the author list after submission (addition, removal, or reordering) must be approved by all co-authors and justified in writing. 

(7) Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Funding Sources 

- Authors must disclose any potential conflicts of interest, including financial, institutional, or personal relationships that could influence the research. 

- All funding sources and grants supporting the study must be explicitly acknowledged in the manuscript. 

(8) Use of AI in Manuscript Preparation 

- If generative AI tools are used in manuscript writing, authors must explicitly disclose their use and affirm that AI was not employed for all data analysis, interpretation, or formulation of research conclusions. 

- The authors bear full responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and originality of the manuscript, regardless of AI involvement. 

3.2. Ethical Guidelines for Reviewers

(1) Conflict of Interest and Recusal 

Reviewers must promptly decline a review request under any of the following circumstances. 

- They have a potential conflict of interest, such as financial, personal, or professional relationships that could compromise their impartiality. 

- The manuscript falls outside their area of expertise, making an objective and informed evaluation difficult. 

- They are unable to complete the review within the specified deadline due to time constraints. 

(2) Confidentiality and Data Protection 

- Reviewers must maintain strict confidentiality regarding the review process and manuscript content. 

- Peer-reviewed manuscripts are classified as confidential documents and must not be shared, disclosed, or discussed with third parties. 

- Reviewers are strictly prohibited from using unpublished data, findings, or ideas from the manuscript for their research or any other purpose without explicit permission from the authors. 

(3) Fairness and Objectivity 

- Reviewers must evaluate manuscripts objectively, focusing on their scientific quality, validity, and significance. 

- Reviewers must respect the intellectual independence of authors and provide constructive, professional, and unbiased feedback. 

- Peer review feedback should adhere to the following principles: 

  - Avoid personal criticism directed at the authors. 

  - Refrain from imposing subjective opinions unrelated to the scientific merit of the work. 

  - Do not request modifications solely based on differences in personal opinion; instead, suggestions should be supported by clear scientific reasoning. 

3.3. Ethical Guidelines for the Editorial Committee 

(1) Editorial Independence 

- The editorial committee operates independently of the Resources Economics Research Board to uphold fairness, transparency, and impartiality. 

- Decisions regarding manuscript acceptance, revision, or rejection must be based solely on academic merit and the manuscript’s relevance to the journal’s scope, free from external influence or pressure. 

(2) Management of the Peer Review Process 

- The editorial committee is responsible for ensuring a fair, rigorous, and unbiased peer review process. 

- Reviewers must be selected based on their expertise and the manuscript’s subject matter, ensuring an objective and anonymous evaluation. 

- The editorial committee must oversee the review process to prevent favoritism or bias toward authors or specific research topics. 

- The committee is responsible for monitoring review quality and ethical compliance, addressing any concerns regarding unprofessional or biased reviews. 

(3) Confidentiality and Data Protection 

- The editorial committee must uphold strict confidentiality throughout the peer review process, including: 

  - Manuscript content 

  - Identities of authors and reviewers 

  - Review reports and editorial decisions 

- No manuscript-related information may be disclosed to third parties before official publication. 

- Unpublished materials must not be used by editorial committee members for personal research or any other purposes without explicit permission from the authors. 

(4) Non-Discrimination and Ethical Integrity 

- Manuscript evaluation and publication decisions must be based exclusively on scholarly merit, originality, and contribution to the field. 

- The editorial committee must not consider an author’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, nationality, occupation, institutional affiliation, or political beliefs when making editorial decisions. 

- The committee should actively promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in academic publishing. 

Manuscripts submitted to the journal undergo a rigorous peer review process designed to ensure the quality, validity, and significance of the submitted work. The primary objective of peer review is to assess the scholarly merit of the manuscript while also providing constructive feedback to enhance its clarity, coherence, and scientific rigor. Through this process, the journal upholds high academic standards, fosters intellectual exchange, and maintains the integrity of published research. 

4.1. Initial Assessment of Manuscript Requirements 

Upon submission, the editorial committee conducts an initial screening to verify that the manuscript adheres to the journal’s submission guidelines. This preliminary review ensures compliance with formatting, manuscript structure, and ethical standards. Only manuscripts that meet these criteria proceed to the peer review stage. Following the completion of the review process, the corresponding author will be notified of one of the following decisions: 

- Acceptance: The manuscript meets all publication standards and is accepted for publication. 

- Revision Required: The manuscript requires minor or major revisions based on reviewer feedback before further consideration. 

- Rejection: The manuscript does not meet the journal’s quality standards or falls outside its scope. 

4.2. Peer Review System 

The journal employs a double-blind peer review system, ensuring that the identities of both authors and reviewers remain confidential throughout the review process. This approach safeguards impartiality and minimizes potential biases. 

Typically, each submitted manuscript is reviewed by one lead reviewer (chief reviewer) and two additional reviewers (sub-reviewers). Their respective roles are as follows: 

- Lead Reviewer: Provides a comprehensive evaluation of the manuscript, assessing its overall contribution, coherence, and scientific impact. 

- Sub-Reviewers: Focus on specific aspects of the research, such as methodology, data analysis, interpretation of results, and relevance to the field. 

The combined feedback from all reviewers informs the editorial committee’s decision regarding the manuscript’s acceptance, revision, or rejection. The journal encourages reviewers to provide objective, detailed, and constructive comments to assist authors in refining their work. 

4.3. Peer Review Procedure 

The peer review procedure is designed to ensure a thorough, objective, and fair evaluation of submitted manuscripts. The process consists of the following steps. 

(1) Appointment of Reviewers 

The editorial committee is responsible for selecting qualified reviewers with expertise in the relevant field of the submitted manuscript. Reviewers are chosen based on their academic credentials, research experience, and ability to provide an unbiased and rigorous evaluation of the manuscript’s content. The selection process prioritizes impartiality and ensures that the manuscript is assessed by subject-matter experts. 

(2) Review Submission Timeline 

Reviewers are required to submit their evaluations and comments to the editorial committee within two months of receiving the manuscript. The editorial committee monitors the timeline to ensure that the review process is completed promptly, minimizing delays in manuscript processing and publication. 

(3) Stages of Manuscript Evaluation 

Reviewers assess the manuscript based on the following four categories: 

- A. Accept Without Revisions: The manuscript meets the journal’s academic and editorial standards and is suitable for publication in its current form. 

- B. Accept With Minor Revisions: The manuscript is generally suitable for publication but requires minor revisions to improve clarity, accuracy, or style. 

- C. Revise and Resubmit: The manuscript requires substantial revisions in terms of content, methodology, or structure. A revised version must be resubmitted for re-evaluation. 

- D. Reject: The manuscript does not meet the necessary academic standards or falls outside the scope of the journal, making it unsuitable for publication. 

(4) Decision Process 

The editorial committee generally follows the consensus of reviewers’ evaluations when making final decisions regarding manuscript acceptance. If there is a significant discrepancy among reviewer opinions, the Editor-in-Chief will make the final determination after consulting the editorial committee and considering all perspectives. 

(5) Notification of Review Results 

Authors will be notified of the review decision, including detailed reviewer comments and suggestions, within two weeks of the completion of the review process. This ensures that authors have sufficient time to revise their manuscript per the feedback received. 

4.4. Reviewers

To ensure a fair, objective, and high-quality peer review process, the selection of reviewers is strictly regulated according to the following guidelines. 

(1) Conflict of Interest 

Reviewers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest that could compromise their impartiality. Individuals with the following relationships to the authors are ineligible to serve as reviewers. 

- Affiliation with the same institution as the authors (including current or recent collaboration). 

- Mentioned in the acknowledgments section of the manuscript. 

- Direct business relationships, financial interests, or personal connections that may bias their judgment. 

(2) Qualifications of Reviewers 

Reviewers must meet the following criteria to ensure subject-matter expertise and academic credibility. 

- Doctoral Degree: Reviewers should hold a doctoral degree in a relevant field to ensure expertise in the manuscript’s subject matter. 

- Academic Position: Reviewers should typically hold a professorial rank (e.g., professor, associate professor) or an equivalent academic or research position. 

- Publication Record: Reviewers should have authored at least three publications as the first or corresponding author in peer-reviewed academic journals related to the manuscript’s topic. A strong publication record is preferred. 

Reviewers who meet multiple criteria—such as holding a senior academic position and possessing an extensive publication history—are strongly preferred, as they bring significant expertise and credibility to the review process. 

4.5. Peer Review Criteria

Submitted manuscripts are evaluated based on the following key criteria to determine their suitability for publication. 

(1) Significance and Contribution 

- Novelty: Does the manuscript introduce new knowledge, perspectives, or findings in the field? 

- Impact: Does the work contribute significantly to the advancement of scientific or technical knowledge? 

- Practical Relevance: Does the research offer meaningful contributions to the academic community or have practical applications? 

- Conceptual Originality: Does the study present innovative concepts or new theoretical frameworks that enhance the field? 

(2) Innovation and Methodology 

- Originality: Does the manuscript employ novel or inventive approaches to address research questions? 

- Methodological Rigor: Are the research methods appropriate, robust, and effectively applied to achieve the study’s objectives? 

- Exploratory Value: Does the research explore new avenues, methodologies, or perspectives that can advance the field? 

- Generalizability: Are the methods adaptable or applicable to broader contexts and challenges? 

(3) Analytical Rigor and Data Integrity 

- Depth of Analysis: Is the interpretation of research results thorough, precise, and well-supported? 

- Critical Evaluation: Are the findings critically examined, with appropriate discussion of limitations and alternative explanations? 

- Statistical Validity: Is statistical analysis conducted with accuracy, and are the results appropriately interpreted? 

- Data Transparency and Integrity: Are the data sources reliable, and is the research conducted with ethical integrity and reproducibility in mind? 

(4) Structure, Clarity, and Ethical Compliance 

- Clarity of Objectives: Is the research question articulated and well-defined? 

- Logical Coherence: Does the manuscript follow a structured and well-organized flow of ideas? 

- Alignment of Methods and Objectives: Are the research methods properly justified and aligned with the study’s goals? 

- Presentation of Findings: Are the results communicated, well-contextualized, and relevant to the research objectives? 

- Proper Citation and Referencing: Are references appropriately cited and relevant to the research? 

- Ethical Standards: Does the manuscript adhere to ethical guidelines, ensuring research integrity and compliance? 

- Originality and Publication Ethics: Is the manuscript free from plagiarism, duplicate publication, or simultaneous submission to other journals? 

4.6. Method and Deadline for Submitting Revisions 

When submitting a revised manuscript, authors must provide a clear and detailed summary of the revisions made in response to the peer review feedback. The revised manuscript should be accompanied by a written response that systematically addresses each reviewer’s comment. The response document should indicate the specific changes made, referencing the corresponding sections in the revised manuscript. 

If authors wish to dispute certain reviewer comments, they may submit a reasoned rebuttal, providing a well-supported counterargument or clarification. The rebuttal should be presented professionally and respectfully, ensuring constructive academic dialogue. 

The standard deadline for submitting the revised manuscript is two months from the date of the review notification. If authors are unable to meet this deadline, they must notify the editorial committee in advance, providing a clear justification for the delay. The editorial committee will evaluate the request and, if deemed reasonable, determine an appropriate extension. 

4.7. Re-review System and Deadline

For manuscripts accepted with conditions, the editorial committee will assess whether the required revisions have been adequately addressed. The revised manuscript will then undergo a re-review process, during which reviewers will evaluate the changes in the feedback provided in the initial review. The standard re-review timeframe is as follows. 

- One month if the manuscript is reviewed by two reviewers. 

- Two weeks if a single reviewer is assigned. 

The editorial committee will oversee the process to ensure that the re-review is conducted efficiently, maintaining a balance between rigorous evaluation and timely publication decisions. 

4.8. Notification

Once a final publication decision is made, the editorial committee will reconfirm the review process and formal submission requirements with the authors before issuing the official notification. 

If a manuscript is rejected, the editorial committee will promptly notify the authors, providing a clear and transparent rationale that reflects the thoroughness of the peer review process. 

4.9. Authors’ Objection

The corresponding author has the right to formally appeal the review results or the editorial decision within two weeks of receiving the notification. 

Upon receiving an objection, the editorial committee must thoroughly review the appeal and provide a reasoned response within two weeks. If necessary, the committee may consult additional reviewers or experts to ensure a fair and transparent resolution. 

5.1. Copyright 

The copyright of all articles published in the journal remains with the authors. Authors retain the right to reuse, share, and distribute their work freely, provided that proper citation of the original publication in this journal is maintained. 

By submitting a manuscript, authors grant the journal a non-exclusive license to publish the article in both digital and print formats. This license allows the journal to distribute, archive, and promote the work while ensuring that authors maintain full ownership of their intellectual property. 

Authors are encouraged to make their work openly accessible through personal websites, institutional repositories, and preprint servers to maximize its visibility and impact within the academic community. The journal supports open dissemination to facilitate knowledge sharing and the advancement of research. 

5.2. Open Access

The journal is a fully Open Access publication, ensuring unrestricted access to all published articles. All articles are made available under a Creative Commons (CC) license, which allows users to freely access, reuse, and build upon the content while maintaining proper attribution. 

All published articles are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) 4.0 International license. This license permits others to copy, distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the work—including for commercial purposes—provided that proper credit is given to the original authors. 

By adopting the CC BY 4.0 license, the journal promotes open scholarship, academic collaboration, and global knowledge exchange. Authors are encouraged to share their work widely to maximize its impact within the research community and beyond. 

5.3. Fees

The journal applies an Article Processing Charge (APC) of US$500 per accepted article. This fee covers the costs associated with peer review, editorial management, typesetting, and online dissemination. 

The APC may be covered by the corresponding author’s institution, research funders, or other financial sources. Authors are encouraged to explore available funding opportunities, such as institutional support or research grants, to cover the publication fee. 

Articles invited by the editorial board are exempt from the APC. 

6.1. Submission Method

Manuscripts must be submitted through the journal’s designated online submission system. Authors are required to adhere strictly to the submission guidelines to ensure timely processing and avoid unnecessary delays. 

6.2. Submission Checklist

- The first page of the manuscript must include the following information: 

  - Article type (e.g., Original Paper, Review Paper). 

  - Title of the manuscript. 

  - Full names of all authors. 

  - Institutional affiliations of all authors. 

  - Contact the email address of the corresponding author. 

- Submit a single Word file containing the following sections: 

  - Abstract, keywords, main text, references, and figures. 

  - All figures must be embedded within the document in their appropriate locations and referenced in the text. 

- Ensure that the file name is concise and does not exceed 25 single-byte alphanumeric characters. Avoid using special characters or spaces in the file name. 

- Authors will receive notification of acceptance or rejection via email from the journal’s editorial committee. 

- The editorial committee will provide the corresponding author with the review results and comments within three months of receiving the manuscript. 

7.1. Manuscript Format (Page One) 

- Type of Manuscript: Specify whether the manuscript is an Original Paper or a Review Paper to ensure proper categorization. 

- Title: The title should be concise yet descriptive, accurately reflecting the manuscript’s subject and main focus. Avoid unnecessary abbreviations and ensure clarity. 

- Authors’ Names: List the full names of all authors without omissions. Each author should be numbered consecutively in superscript (e.g., 1, 2, 3). Ensure that authorship is properly attributed. 

- Authors’ Affiliations: Provide the full institutional names to which the authors are affiliated, including both the organization and the relevant department(s).

- Corresponding Author’s Email: Include the email address of the corresponding author as a footnote on the first page. This email will serve as the primary contact for all manuscript-related correspondence. 

7.2. Abstract

The abstract should be between 150 and 350 words, providing a concise yet comprehensive summary of the study. It must be informative and self-contained, enabling readers to grasp the key aspects of the research without requiring additional context. Avoid the use of references, abbreviations, or figures in the abstract to ensure clarity and readability. 

7.3. Keywords 

Keywords play a crucial role in enhancing the discoverability of a manuscript and improving its searchability in academic databases. They should be carefully selected to accurately reflect the core topics of the study and are typically listed immediately after the abstract. The following guidelines should be followed when selecting keywords.

- Word Limit: Authors should provide no more than five keywords, ensuring they represent the most essential concepts of the manuscript, such as specific substances, processes, or research topics. 

- Singular Form: Keywords should primarily be written in their singular form, even when referring to concepts that are commonly plural (e.g., “plant” instead of “plants”). 

- Author’s Responsibility: Authors are responsible for selecting keywords that best capture the core themes of their manuscript. 

- Editorial Discretion: The editorial committee reserves the right to modify, add, or remove keywords if necessary to align with indexing standards and improve search engine optimization (SEO). 

7.4. Text

The main body of the manuscript should adhere to the following guidelines to ensure clarity, organization, and consistency. 

- Structure and Clarity: While the overall format is flexible, the text must clearly define the purpose, methodology, and conclusions of the study. A typical manuscript includes sections such as Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion, and Conclusion. Avoid redundant explanations of well-established concepts, general knowledge, or textbook material that do not contribute new insights. 

- Organization: The manuscript should follow a hierarchical numbering system for chapters, sections, and subsections: 

  - Chapters: 1., 2., 3., ... 

  - Subsections: 1.1., 1.2., 1.3., ... 

  - Further divisions: 1.1.1., 1.1.2., ... 

  Avoid using subdivisions such as (1), (2), etc. to maintain clarity and logical flow. 

- Line Spacing: To enhance readability, begin each new paragraph or section on a new line, ensuring a clear separation of at least three spaces. 

- Footnotes: If footnotes are necessary, indicate them using a superscript number (e.g.,¹) within the relevant paragraph. List all footnotes at the bottom of the same page, ensuring clear separation from the main text to avoid confusion. 

- Equations and Formulas: Number each formula consecutively in parentheses. For example: 

  A + B = C (1)

- Figures and Tables: Number all figures and tables sequentially and cite them appropriately within the text. Use the format “Figure 1” and “Table 1” for references. Ensure consistent citation style throughout the manuscript. 

- Figure and Table Titles: 

  - Place figure titles below the respective figures. 

  - Position table titles above the respective tables. 

  - Provide clear and concise descriptions or captions to ensure proper context. 

- Numerals: Use Arabic numerals for all quantities, measurements, and ordinal numbers throughout the manuscript. 

- Units of Measurement: Follow the International System of Units (SI) wherever possible. If non-SI units are used, provide a clear conversion method to SI units. 

7.5. Declaration of Generative AI in Writing 

Generative AI and AI-assisted technologies may be utilized solely to enhance the readability, clarity, and language of the manuscript. However, the use of AI tools to generate research insights, analyze data, or influence research findings is strictly prohibited. All research processes, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation, must be conducted independently, ensuring that scientific decision-making and conclusions are free from AI-generated influences. 

Authors are required to fully disclose any use of generative AI tools in the writing process. If AI-assisted technologies were employed, authors must explicitly acknowledge the specific role these tools played in manuscript development. 

Ultimately, authors bear full responsibility for the content, accuracy, and integrity of their work, including any AI-assisted language enhancements. 

7.6. Generative AI and Figures, Images, and Artwork 

The journal strictly prohibits the use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools for creating, modifying, or enhancing figures, images, or artwork in submitted manuscripts. All figures, tables, and images must be original and prepared exclusively by the authors, without the assistance of AI-based image generation or manipulation tools. 

The use of generative AI or AI-assisted tools is also prohibited for the creation of graphical abstracts or any other visual content intended to represent or summarize research unless explicitly authorized by the journal. 

However, the use of generative AI for cover art may be permitted under specific circumstances. Authors intending to use AI-generated content for cover art must obtain prior written approval from both the journal editor and the publisher. In such cases, authors must provide documented proof that all necessary intellectual property rights and usage permissions have been secured for any materials incorporated into the cover art. Additionally, proper attribution must be provided following the journal’s policies. 

7.7. References

As a general rule, personal communications and unpublished materials should not be cited as references. Only published and publicly accessible sources should be included in the reference list. 

- Numbering: References should be numbered consecutively in the order they appear in the text. Citations should be placed in square brackets on the right-hand side of the text, using the format [1], [1,2], or [1-3]. All references should be listed together at the end of the manuscript in numerical order. 

- Format and Style: References should generally be written in English and follow the formatting guidelines below.

  - Journal articles: Provide the author’s surname followed by the initials of the first name, article title, journal name (italicized), year of publication, volume number (issue number), and page range. 

  - Books: Include the author’s surname, initials of the first name, book title (italicized), publisher, year of publication, and page numbers (if applicable). 

  - Electronic sources: Provide the author’s name, year of publication, document title, full URL, and access date. 

- Multiple Authors: When citing works with three or more authors, use “et al.” after the third author’s name. 

Examples: 

[1] Yanagi M. Analysis of the path and mode of tourism resources innovation in Japan. Geographical Research Bulletin, 2022, 1, 2-13. 

[2] Cao C, Lin M. Present situation and development trend of water drive technology in oil fields: A case study of China. Advances in Resources Research, 2022, 2(4), 67-76. 

[3] Hou X, Zhang J, Li C, et al. Geological characteristics and resource potential of Middle-Upper Proterozoic shale oil and gas: A case study of North Hebei Depression, Yanshan area. Advances in Resources Research, 2022, 2(2), 41-54. 

[4] Ito H, Osawa S. Momentum and effects of local specialty development on regional development: A case study of Samegawa village, Fukushima Prefecture. Journal of Rural Planning Association, 2009, Special Issue, 263-268. 

[5] Li Y. Application of asynchronous injection-production water flooding in Dongshengbao Buried Hill. Petroleum Geology and Engineering, 2011, 25(Supplement), 16-17. 

[6] Guo X. The development history of world offshore oil. Petroleum Industry Press, 2012, 33-35. 

[7] RezaeiDoust A, Puntervold T, Austad T. Low salinity EOR potential for a North Sea sandstone field. SPE-134459-MS, 2010. 

[8] Ling G. Climate warming leads to “winter wheat moving northward”. Beijing Daily, 2014-04-16, 17. 

[9] Wang Z, Cao G, Bai Y, et al. Current situation and prospects of oil recovery enhancement in low permeability reservoirs in China. Special Oil & Gas Reservoirs, Early Publication, August 12, 2022. 

[10] Wang X, Yuan G, Han J, et al. Effect of water injection speed on the huff and puff process in water injection. Proceedings of the Chinese Congress of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 2019, 628-634, Hangzhou. 

[11] Sun S. Adaptability evaluation and design scheme for low salinity water flooding in Wuliwan Chang 6 reservoir. China University of Petroleum (Beijing), 2019. 

[12] Liu X. Economic evaluation of tight oil development under uncertainty: A case study of development in China. JXIV, 2022-03-28. DOI: 10.51094/jxiv.7. 

[13] Shale Gas Reporter. Range Resources sets record lateral length in Pa. http://shalegasreporter.com/news/range-resources-sets-record-lateral-length-pa/60921.html (Accessed 2020/11/16).

7.8. Appendix

The appendix serves as a repository for supplementary material that exceeds the scope of the main text or footnotes. It provides additional but non-essential information, such as detailed datasets, extended formulas, or in-depth explanations, which support but are not critical to the main argument. 

Appendices should be placed after the main text and before the references section. Each appendix must be explicitly referenced in the main text, indicating its relevance to the discussion. 

When multiple appendices are included, they should be labeled sequentially as “Appendix A,” “Appendix B,” and so on. Figures, tables, and other content within the appendices should be numbered independently to avoid confusion with those in the main text.

For example: 

- Figures should be labeled as “Figure A1,” “Figure B1,” etc. 

- Tables should be labeled as “Table A1,” “Table B1,” etc. 

7.9. Manuscript Length

As a general guideline, manuscripts should not exceed 50 pages, including all text, figures, tables, and references. Authors are encouraged to be concise while ensuring clarity and completeness. 

If a manuscript exceeds this limit, authors must justify the additional length in their submission. Submissions that significantly exceed the recommended length may be returned for revision at the discretion of the editorial board. 

7.10. Preprints

The journal encourages authors to share their manuscripts on recognized community preprint servers, including those operated by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), either before or concurrently with their official submission to the journal. 

When submitting a manuscript that has been preprinted, authors must disclose this information in their submission. Upon acceptance, it is recommended that authors update the preprint with the URL or DOI of the final published article to ensure proper citation and linking. 

This practice promotes collaboration, enhances transparency, and facilitates the early dissemination of research findings. 

8.1. Editing and Publication Process

When a manuscript is accepted for publication, it undergoes thorough editorial processing by the journal's production team. The journal employs a continuous publication model, which means accepted articles are published online immediately upon completion of the production process.

For all matters concerning the accepted manuscript, please contact the corresponding author, who will serve as the main point of contact throughout the publication process.

8.2. Proofs 

Proofs of accepted manuscripts are sent to the corresponding author by email for review. The corresponding author must carefully proofread the manuscript and return the corrected proofs to the journal within 72 hours. Authors are provided one opportunity for proofreading during either the first or second round of proofing. Please note that, as a general guideline, substantial changes to the content during the proofreading stage are not permitted unless necessary to improve clarity or to correct typographical or formatting errors.