Journal of Health and Aging: Announcements
Journal of Health & Aging is the official journal of Thong Nhat Hospital, aimed at introducing and updating knowledge about the care and protection of elderly people's health. It is published 12 issues per year. The journal publishes research papers and review articles in the fields of basic medicine, clinical medicine, preventive medicine, public health and medical sociology, with the goal of improving knowledge and practice in medical specialties. Journal information Publishing license: 17/GP-BVHTTDL p-ISSN: 3093-3102; e-ISSN: 3093-3110 Publication frequency: issues/year DOI prefix: 10.63947 Plagiarism detection tool applied: Ithenticate. Articles with a plagiarism rate greater than 25% will not be considered for evaluation. Journal homepage: https://tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn Hospital homepage: https://bvtn.org.vn Peer review process Manuscripts within the scope of publication that meet the requirements of the manuscript preparation guidelines will be sent to the editorial board members in charge. The manuscripts will then undergo a double-blind peer review process by at least 2 independent experts in the corresponding field. The editorial board member in charge will make a decision before being approved by the Editor-in-Chief. Confidentiality commitment Journal of Health & Aging is committed to implementing and complying with legal regulations and related guidelines on the confidentiality of personal information. The information users enter into the forms on the Journal's Online Publishing Management System is only used for purposes within the journal's scope of publication and will not be provided to any other third parties, or used for any other purposes. Research ethics: Research directly reflects the quality of the authors' work and the supporting institutions. To be published, articles are peer-reviewed and evaluated according to the rigorous and scientific process set out by Journal of Health & Aging - Thong Nhat Hospital. Therefore, it is important to standardize and ensure ethical standards for all parties involved in publishing activities: authors, journal editors, reviewers, publishers and the community of journals owned or funded by society.
IMRAD Structure: The Gold Standard for Scientific Articles in Health and Aging Journal
In the world of scientific research, especially in the fields of Biomedical and Health - Aging, communicating results clearly, logically, and effectively is of paramount importance. The IMRAD structure has emerged as a widely accepted international standard, helping scientists present their work systematically and accessibly. This article by Health and Aging Journal will provide a comprehensive overview of IMRAD, from its basic concepts to detailed guidance on each component, aiming to support Vietnamese authors in developing high-quality scientific articles that meet international publication standards and those of the Journal. According to surveys (e.g., Sollaci & Pereira, 2004), IMRAD began to be used in the 1940s and became the dominant structure in biomedical journals from the 1970s-1980s. This popularity is not coincidental. It reflects the very process of thinking and conducting scientific research: asking questions (Introduction), finding ways to answer them (Methods), presenting what was found (Results), and explaining the meaning (Discussion). Understanding and proficiently applying the IMRAD structure will not only make your writing more coherent and persuasive but also increase its chances of being accepted by reputable journals like Health and Aging Journal. What is IMRAD? Deciphering the Core Structure IMRAD is an acronym for the four main sections in the content of an original scientific paper: Introduction: Why was the study conducted? Methods: How was the study conducted? Results: What did the study find? And (often not written as a separate section) Discussion: What do those findings mean? However, it is important to emphasize that IMRAD is only the core "body" of the paper. A complete scientific article typically includes many more components, forming a cohesive structure from beginning to end: Title Author(s) & Affiliations Contact Information (of the corresponding/primary author) Abstract Keywords Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion (can be merged into Discussion) Acknowledgements Conflicts of Interest (if any) References Appendices / Supplementary Materials (if any) Clearly understanding the role and requirements of each section will help authors organize information logically, ensuring no important content is omitted. Detailed Analysis of Components in a Scientific Article Structure Below is detailed guidance on the content and writing style for each main component, helping authors optimize their articles when submitting to Health and Aging Journal. Title The title is the first "gateway" that attracts readers and search engines. It should be concise, precise, accurate, and contain the most important keywords of the research. Requirements: Concise: Many journals limit the word count (usually under 15-20 words) or character count. Avoid superfluous words. Accurate description: Accurately reflects the content, scope, and main results (if appropriate) of the article. Contains keywords: Helps readers and search engines easily identify the topic. Engaging (but scientific): Evokes curiosity while maintaining a serious tone, avoiding sensationalism. Avoid abbreviations and formulas: Except for extremely common and widely accepted abbreviations in the field. Should not be in the form of a question. Should highlight the main topic, not necessarily the final result. (According to Nair & Nair, 2014). Abstract & Keywords Abstract: Is a miniature version of the entire article, providing a quick overview of the research. This is often the most read section after the title. Purpose: Helps readers decide whether to read the full article. Provides enough information for indexing and searching. Structure: There are two main types: Structured Abstract: Has clear subheadings (e.g., Objective, Methods, Results, Conclusion). This form is increasingly common and preferred by many Biomedical journals. Unstructured Abstract: Written as a continuous paragraph. Content: Must include the main elements: Background/Objective: The research problem and main objective. Methods: Study design, participants, main interventions, main measurement methods. Results: The most important findings, including specific quantitative data and statistical significance levels (if any). Conclusion: The main conclusion, meaning, and implications of the results. Length: Usually strictly limited (e.g., 150-300 words). Health and Aging Journal limits it to 300 words. Note: Only include information present in the article. Write this section last, once the article is complete. Keywords: Are the main terms describing the content of the article, facilitating indexing and searching in databases. Quantity: Usually 3 to 10 words. Selection: Choose the most representative words/phrases for the topic, methods, and study participants. Standardized terms should be used (e.g., MeSH - Medical Subject Headings in medicine). Avoid overly general words. Refer to keywords in similar articles. Introduction This section answers the question "Why was this research conducted?". It provides context, identifies knowledge gaps, and clearly states the objectives, research questions, or hypotheses. Purpose: To capture the reader's interest and persuade them of the importance and necessity of the research. Logical structure (funnel-shaped): General context: Introduce the broader research field and the importance of the problem (public health, clinical...). Known knowledge: Briefly summarize previous relevant studies, what is already known about the topic. Knowledge gap (Gap): Point out what remains unknown, unclear, or contradictory in previous studies – this is the rationale for your research. Objectives/Questions/Hypotheses: Clearly state the main objectives of the study, specific research questions to be answered, or hypotheses to be tested. This is the most crucial part of the Introduction. Length: Relatively concise (usually no more than 500 words or a few paragraphs), avoiding in-depth literature review as in a review article. Note: Avoid repeating the Abstract. Fully cite sources for statements about background knowledge or previous research. Do not present results or conclusions in this section. Methods This section answers the question "How was the research conducted?". It must provide enough detail for the reader to understand clearly how the study was performed and, theoretically, be able to replicate it. Purpose: To demonstrate the validity and reliability of the methodology, allowing for evaluation and replication of the study. Required content (depending on research type): Study design: Clearly state the type of design (e.g., cross-sectional, longitudinal, case-control, cohort, randomized controlled trial - RCT, qualitative study...). Setting and time: Location and period when the study was conducted. Study participants: Clearly describe the target population, sampling method (e.g., random, convenience), inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, and sample size calculation. Intervention (if any): Describe in detail the intervention applied (e.g., type of drug, dosage, regimen, health education program...). For RCTs, describe the randomization and blinding procedures. Variables and Measurements: Clearly define the main variables (independent, dependent, confounding variables), data collection methods, measurement instruments (e.g., questionnaires, lab tests, equipment), and information on the reliability and validity of the measurement tools (if available). If using an existing scale/questionnaire, clearly state its origin and cite it. If self-developed, describe the development process. Statistical analysis: Clearly state the statistical methods used to describe data and test hypotheses (e.g., descriptive statistics, t-test, chi-square, ANOVA, logistic regression...), statistical software used (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata), and the level of statistical significance (usually p < 0.05). Ethical considerations: Clearly state that the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB/IEC) for biomedical research and that informed consent was obtained from participants. Presentation: Usually written in chronological order of execution. Use subheadings to separate smaller content sections (e.g., Study Design, Participants and Sampling Method, Data Collection, Data Analysis). Write in the past tense. Results This section answers the question "What did the research find?". It presents the main findings of the study objectively, clearly, without interpretation or discussion. Purpose: To present data and analysis results truthfully and systematically. Content: Description of the study sample: Present the basic characteristics of the participants (often using tables). Presentation of main results: Report findings that answer each research question/objective/hypothesis stated in the Introduction. Use a combination of narrative text, tables, and figures. Quantitative data: Provide important statistical data (e.g., mean, standard deviation, percentages, 95% confidence intervals, p-values). Consistency: Ensure that the presented results are consistent with the Methods section. Presentation: Logical: Present according to the order of research questions/objectives. Clear, concise: Use simple, direct language. Avoid interpretation or comparison with other studies in this section. Tables and Figures: Use tables to present detailed numerical data, figures to illustrate trends or relationships. Each table/figure must have a clear, self-explanatory title, be sequentially numbered, and have complete captions. Ensure no data is duplicated across both tables and figures. Each table/figure must be referenced in the text (e.g., "Results are presented in Table 1", "Figure 2 shows..."). Write in the past tense. Discussion This section interprets the meaning of the results, answering the question "What do those findings mean?". This section requires critical thinking and synthesis abilities, often considered the most challenging to write but also the one that most clearly reflects the author's competence. Purpose: To interpret results, compare them with previous studies, highlight novel points, identify limitations, and propose future directions. Suggested structure: Summary of key results: Briefly reiterate the most important findings of the study (do not repeat detailed data from the Results section). Interpretation of results: Explain the meaning of these results. Do they support the initial hypothesis? Were there any surprises? Why were these results obtained? Comparison with previous studies: Compare your results with other published works. Are your results similar or different? Why? This section demonstrates the author's extensive knowledge of the field. Strengths and novelties: Highlight the unique contributions and methodological strengths of the study. Limitations of the study: Honestly discuss weaknesses or limitations that may affect the results (e.g., small sample size, study design, potential biases...). This demonstrates the author's objectivity and understanding. Implications and applications: Discuss the significance of the results for clinical practice, health policy, or other practical applications in the field of health and aging. Future research directions: Propose future research questions or directions based on the results and limitations of the current study. Note: Do not present conclusions or inferences not supported by data. Maintain a strong link between results and discussion. Avoid repeating too much information from the Introduction and Results sections. Conclusion This section summarizes the main message and final conclusion of the research. Purpose: To provide a concise, clear answer to the main research question. Content: Usually a short paragraph, highlighting the most important conclusion based on the study results. May reiterate key implications or main recommendations. Note: Do not introduce new information. Do not repeat the Abstract or the Discussion section verbatim. Some journals allow the Conclusion to be merged at the end of the Discussion section. Check the guidelines of Health and Aging Journal. Acknowledgements A section to recognize the contributions of individuals or organizations that supported the research but do not qualify as authors (e.g., technical assistance, funding, manuscript feedback...). Content: Clearly state the names of individuals/organizations and the specific form of support. Permission should be obtained from those named. References A complete and accurate list of all sources cited in the article. Purpose: To credit other authors, allow readers to locate original sources of information, and increase transparency and credibility. Formatting: Must consistently follow a specific citation style required by the journal (e.g., APA, Vancouver, AMA, MLA...). Health and Aging Journal will have its own specific citation formatting rules. Note: Only list materials that have been cited in the text. Thoroughly check for consistency between the reference list and in-text citations. It is recommended to use reference management software (EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley) to ensure accuracy and consistency. Role and Benefits of Adhering to the IMRAD Structure Adopting the IMRAD structure offers several important benefits for both authors and the scientific community: Logical organization: Provides a clear framework, helping authors organize ideas and present research systematically and coherently. Increased clarity: Makes it easier for readers to follow the flow of the research, from the initial question to its results and implications. Efficiency for readers: Scientists, editors, and reviewers can quickly locate necessary information (e.g., only reading Methods to assess validity, or reading Results and Discussion to grasp key findings) without needing to read the entire paper from beginning to end (Burrough-Boenisch, 1999). This is especially useful when reviewing a large volume of literature. International standard: It is a universally recognized and widely used structure, making your article easily accepted and understood by the international scientific community. Enhanced rigor: The requirement to clearly present each section (especially Methods and Results) promotes transparency and reproducibility of the research. Time-saving: Although initial effort may be needed to become familiar with it, adhering to IMRAD will ultimately make the writing and revision process more efficient. Notes and Common Variations Although IMRAD is the standard structure, there are some points to note: Variations: Some minor variations may exist, for example: IRDAM: Reversing Results and Methods – less common. IMRaD: Capitalizing the small 'a' to emphasize 'and' is not a separate section. AIMRAD: Including Abstract in the acronym. Flexibility (journal-dependent): Some journals may allow certain flexibility in arranging subsections within the Methods or Results sections, or permit merging Results and Discussion. For example, Plos ONE allows authors to customize the order of sections between Introduction and Conclusion. Specific journal requirements: The most important thing is always to consult and strictly adhere to the Author Guidelines of the journal to which you intend to submit your paper (in this case, Health and Aging Journal). Each journal may have specific requirements regarding length, formatting, detailed structure, citation style... Current situation in Vietnam: Research in the field of Education Science (Wu, 2011; Tran Van Cong et al.) indicates that the application of IMRAD, especially the Methods and Discussion sections, is sometimes incomplete or not in-depth enough. This underscores the importance of mastering and thoroughly applying this structure to enhance the quality and international standards of scientific publications from Vietnam in all fields, including Health and Aging. Conclusion The IMRAD structure is not just a formal convention but a reflection of the logical scientific research process. Mastering and proficiently applying this structure is an essential skill for any researcher wishing to publish their work effectively and professionally, especially in reputable scientific journals like Health and Aging Journal. By adhering to IMRAD, authors can ensure their articles possess clarity, coherence, and all necessary information, making it easy for readers to access, evaluate, and utilize research results. Health and Aging Journal encourages authors to thoroughly consult this guide and the Journal's specific regulations to prepare the best manuscript, contributing to raising scientific quality and promoting the development of the health and aging field in Vietnam. References Burrough-Boenisch, J. (1999). International reading strategies for IMRD articles. Written Communication, 16(3), 296-316. Day, R. A. (1989). How to write and publish a scientific paper (3rd ed.). Oryx Press. Day, R. A., & Gastel, B. (2006). How to write and publish a scientific paper (6th ed.). Cambridge University Press. Low, W. Y. (2009). Knowledge on writing a good scientific paper. Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 18(2). Mack, C. A. (2014). How to write a good scientific paper: structure and organization. Journal of Micro/Nanolithography, MEMS, and MOEMS, 13(4), 040101. Nair, P. R., & Nair, V. D. (2014). Organization of a Research Paper: The IMRAD Format. In Scientific Writing and Communication in Agriculture and Natural Resources (pp. 13-25). Springer, Cham. Sollaci, L. B., & Pereira, M. G. (2004). The introduction, methods, results, and discussion (IMRAD) structure: a fifty-year survey. Journal of the Medical Library Association, 92(3), 364–371. Wcg, P. (2008). Basic structure and types of scientific papers. Singapore Med J, 49(7). Wu, J. (2011). Improving the writing of research papers: IMRAD and beyond. Landscape Ecology, 26(10), 1345-1349. Trần Văn Công, Trần Thị Thu Anh, & Đinh Thị Kim Thoa. Cấu trúc IMRAD sử dụng trong các bài báo khoa học giáo dục. Kỷ yếu Hội thảo Quốc tế: Những xu thế mới trong giáo dục, 368-378.
Guidelines for Citing References for Authors
In the realm of scientific research, the proper use and citation of references not only demonstrate respect for intellectual property but are also crucial in affirming the accuracy, transparency, and value of a scholarly work. In this article, Health & Aging Journal will provide detailed guidance on references, from basic concepts and common styles to presentation methods and supporting tools, particularly useful for Vietnamese authors seeking to publish research in reputable journals. What are References and Their Role in Research? References (or Bibliography) is a list of information sources such as books, scientific articles, theses, conference proceedings, websites, reports, statistical data, images, videos, etc., that the author has consulted, cited, and used to build, reinforce, or substantiate arguments, analyses, or results in their research work. Presenting a complete and accurate reference list plays an extremely important role in scientific research because it: Confirms scientific rigor and credibility: Allows readers and experts to verify and cross-reference information, assessing the authenticity and depth of the research. Avoids plagiarism: Properly credits previous authors, demonstrating integrity and ethics in science. This is a mandatory requirement in all scientific publications. Provides a foundation and expands knowledge: Helps readers find original information sources, thereby understanding the research topic more deeply and exploring new approaches. Demonstrates continuity and knowledge advancement: Shows that new research is built upon existing works, creating a continuous and sustainable linkage and development of science. Enhances author and work credibility: A high-quality, properly presented list of references is proof of the researcher's serious and professional investment. Common Reference Citation Styles in Medical Science In the field of biomedical and health sciences, several reference citation systems (styles) are widely used and recognized by many reputable journals. Choosing and consistently adhering to one style is a mandatory requirement. Authors should carefully check the requirements of the journal or institution to which they are submitting their paper. Here are the prominent styles: Vancouver Style: This is one of the most common styles in medical science. The main characteristic of Vancouver is the use of a numerical sequencing system for in-text citations. References in the list at the end of the paper are listed in the order of their first appearance in the text, rather than alphabetically by author's name. Many major medical journals use or adapt this style. NLM (National Library of Medicine) Style: This style was developed and is used by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, especially for large databases like PubMed. NLM Style has many similarities with Vancouver and is also very common in biomedical literature and publications. It provides detailed guidance for various types of documents, including electronic sources. AMA (American Medical Association) Style: Developed by the American Medical Association, the AMA style is also very common in medical publications, especially journals published by AMA (such as JAMA). Similar to Vancouver, AMA often uses a superscript numbering system in the text to refer to the reference list, which is arranged in order of appearance. APA (American Psychological Association): Although more common in social sciences and psychology, APA is also accepted or required by some journals in health sciences, nursing, or public health. APA uses an author-date citation system in the text, and the reference list is arranged alphabetically by author's last name. Health & Aging Journal encourages authors to carefully consult the journal's specific guidelines. When submitting manuscripts to Health & Aging Journal, we prioritize numbering-based styles, specifically NLM. Authors should review our Submission Guidelines and Publication Process for detailed regulations before submitting their manuscript. Guidelines for Correct Reference Formatting To ensure accuracy and professionalism when compiling the reference list, authors should note: Identify and adhere to a citation style: Choose a specific style (e.g., NLM, Vancouver, AMA 11th edition) as required by the journal and apply it consistently to all cited sources. Provide complete necessary information: Each type of document (book, article, website, etc.) will have different information requirements. For example: Journal article: Author(s) name(s), article title, journal name (often abbreviated according to Index Medicus/NLM standards), publication year; volume(issue):page numbers. DOI (if available). Book: Author(s)/editor(s) name(s), book title. Edition (if not first). Place of publication: Publisher; publication year. Online source: Author(s) name(s) (if available). Page/article title. Website name [Internet]. Place of publication (if available): Publisher (if available); date of publication/update [date cited]. Available from: URL Consistent formatting: Adhere to rules regarding capitalization, journal abbreviations (e.g., N Engl J Med, Lancet), punctuation, and the order of elements according to the chosen style. Arrange the reference list in order of appearance in the text (common with NLM, Vancouver, AMA) or alphabetically by the first author's last name (if using APA). Thoroughly review: Check for spelling errors, incorrect information (author names, years, page numbers, etc.) before submitting the manuscript. Use the latest version: Citation styles are frequently updated. Ensure you are using the latest recommended version. Special Notes for Citing Online Resources: Provide a full and accurate URL: Ensure the link is still active. Prioritize DOI (Digital Object Identifier): If the article or online material has a DOI, use the DOI instead of the URL, as the DOI is a unique and more persistent identifier. Clearly state the citation date (access date): For websites with content that can easily change, recording the date you accessed the information is necessary (e.g., "cited YYYY Mon DD"). Assess source reliability: Prioritize websites of reputable health organizations (WHO, CDC), government agencies, medical universities, research institutes, or peer-reviewed online scientific journals. Tools to Support Reference Management and Citation Manual management and citation can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially for works with a large number of references. Currently, many effective software tools are available: EndNote: A powerful, paid reference management software, popular in academia and medicine. Integrates well with Microsoft Word. Zotero: A free, open-source, easy-to-use tool that allows collecting, managing, citing, and sharing research materials. Mendeley: Also a free tool (with paid options for larger storage capacity), combining reference management features with an academic social network. These tools help automate citation formatting according to various styles, including common medical styles, creating quick and accurate reference lists. How to Import Health & Aging Journal's Style into EndNote and Zotero To ensure consistency and adherence to Health & Aging Journal's regulations, we provide separate "style" files for EndNote (.ens) and Zotero (.csl) software, based on the NLM standard and customized to the Journal's requirements. Authors are kindly requested to download the corresponding style file below after installing the software. Download EndNote software here (Paid software) Download Zotero software here (Free software) Download NLM style for EndNote software here. Download NLM style for Zotero software here. Below are basic instructions for importing (installing) the Journal's style into the software: 1. For EndNote: Download style file: Download the .ens formatted file (NLM-tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn.ens) from above to your computer. Open EndNote. Install style: Method 1 (Simplest): Double-click the downloaded .ens file. The style file will automatically open in EndNote. Go to File > Save As.... In the pop-up window, you can keep the original name or rename it to something shorter (e.g., NLM TCSKLS). Click Save. Then close the style window (File > Close Style). Method 2 (Manual): Copy the .ens file to EndNote's "Styles" folder. The folder path is typically: Windows: C:\Users\[YourUserName]\Documents\EndNote\Styles or C:\Program Files (x86)\EndNote [Version]\Styles MacOS: Applications/EndNote [Version]/Styles Select style in Word: Open your Word document, in the EndNote tab, find the "Style" section and select the Journal's style (e.g., NLM tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn) from the dropdown list. If not found, select "Select Another Style..." to find and choose it. To enable the style by default, you can open EndNote, select Tools -> Output Styles -> Open Style Manager, then check the box next to NLM tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn to make it appear by default later. 2. For Zotero: Download style file: Download the .csl formatted file (nlm-tcsuckhoelaohoa-vn.csl) from above to your computer. Open Zotero. Install style: Method 1 (Simplest): Double-click the downloaded .csl file and click Install. Method 2 (Manual): Go to Edit > Settings (on Windows) or Zotero > Preferences (on MacOS). Select the Cite tab, then select the Style Manager sub-tab. Click the plus button (+). Browse to the location where you saved the .csl file and select it, then click Open. The Journal's style will be added to the list of available styles in Zotero. Select style in Word/LibreOffice: When using the Zotero add-in in a word processor, you can select the Journal's style from Zotero's "Document Preferences" section. Note: The interface and paths may vary depending on the EndNote/Zotero software version and the operating system you are using. Presenting references accurately and professionally according to recognized medical citation styles is an essential skill for every researcher in the field of health and aging. By understanding their importance, mastering appropriate citation styles, and effectively using supporting tools, authors will contribute to enhancing the quality and credibility of their scientific work. Health & Aging Journal always encourages and is ready to support authors in the manuscript preparation process, ensuring the highest academic standards. We hope this guide will help you feel more confident when submitting articles to our journal as well as other medical scientific forums.
References in Scientific Research: Definition, Role, and Common Citation Styles
References play a crucial role in any scientific research work. They are a collection of information sources used to strengthen, prove, and clarify arguments and research findings. These sources can include books, scientific journal articles, theses, conference proceedings, specialized websites, online data, and even non-textual sources such as images, videos, or research databases. The accurate use of references not only ensures transparency and allows readers to verify information but also demonstrates professionalism, respect for previous authors, and avoids issues related to plagiarism in science. The Importance of References in Scientific Research Citing references fully and accurately is a mandatory requirement in academia and scientific research, for the following reasons: Authenticity and Transparency: References allow readers to verify the accuracy of information, gain a better understanding of the research context, and assess the reliability of the arguments presented. Without references, claims and conclusions in a paper lack foundation and are unlikely to be accepted. Avoiding Plagiarism and Copyright Infringement: Citing original sources is an act that demonstrates the honesty and professional ethics of a researcher. It helps clearly distinguish between the author's ideas and previously published ideas, thereby avoiding accusations of plagiarism, a serious violation in academia. Expanding Knowledge and Facilitating Future Research: References provide readers with in-depth information sources, helping them explore research topics further, expand their knowledge base, and conduct subsequent research building upon existing foundations. Building a Knowledge Foundation and Demonstrating Continuity: Scientific research works are always built upon previous achievements. Citing references helps demonstrate the connection between studies, creating a continuous and sustainable flow of knowledge. Common Reference Citation Styles in Research Within the international academic community, various reference citation systems are used. The choice of system depends on the field of study, scientific journal guidelines, and publishing traditions. Below are some of the most common citation styles: APA (American Psychological Association): Widely used in the social sciences, psychology, and education. The APA style emphasizes the publication year and author's name and provides detailed guidelines for presenting reference lists and in-text citations. MLA (Modern Language Association): Often used in studies of language, literature, and the humanities. MLA focuses on simplicity and clarity, with reference lists arranged alphabetically by author's last name. Chicago/Turabian: Popular in history, arts, and social sciences. The Chicago style has two main forms: Notes-Bibliography (using footnotes or endnotes) and Author-Date (similar to APA). Chicago Style is highly regarded for its flexibility and ability to support various types of source materials. IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers): Primarily used in electrical engineering, electronics, computer science, and related fields. The IEEE style uses a numerical system for in-text citations and provides specific rules for presenting the reference list. Harvard: Popular in economics, management, and business fields. Harvard uses an author-date system and emphasizes the ease of locating source materials within the text. Choosing the appropriate citation style is crucial. Scientific journals, conferences, and universities often have their own specific rules regarding citation systems that authors must adhere to. Therefore, authors should carefully check the guidelines of the reviewing entity to ensure correct compliance. Guidelines for Correct Reference Formatting To present references accurately and professionally, researchers need to adhere to the following principles: Choose and adhere to a consistent citation style: Select a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and apply it consistently throughout the entire paper. Using multiple citation styles will cause confusion and reduce the professionalism of the research work. Include all necessary information: Each type of reference material (journal article, book, conference paper, etc.) has different requirements for the information to be provided. For example, for a journal article, clearly state the author's name, publication year, article title, journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers. For a book, include the author's name, publication year, book title, publisher, and place of publication. Adhere to standard formatting: Each citation style has its own rules for capitalizing author names, italicizing book or journal titles, and arranging items in the reference list (alphabetically or by publication year). For example, APA style requires capitalizing the first letter of the author's last name and italicizing journal and book titles, while MLA style may have different rules. Thoroughly check to avoid errors: Minor errors in reference information (e.g., incorrect author name, wrong publication year, incorrect page numbers) can reduce the credibility of the research work. Therefore, authors need to carefully check all information before submitting their paper. Stay updated on the latest versions of citation styles: Citation styles are regularly updated and changed to align with developments in the research field. Therefore, authors need to ensure that they are using the latest version of their chosen citation style. Considerations for Citing Online Resources When citing online resources (e.g., websites, online data, electronic articles), the following should be noted: Provide URL or DOI: Provide the full URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) so that readers can easily access and verify the information. Record the access date: For online sources whose content may change, record the access date (the date you viewed the content) to increase transparency. Prioritize reputable sources: Prioritize citing from reputable websites managed by academic organizations or well-known publishers. For example, sources from ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, or databases of prestigious universities generally have higher reliability. Reference Management Tools To simplify the citation process and minimize errors, numerous tools and software are now available to assist with reference citation. These tools allow users to input information or the DOI of a document, and then automatically generate citations according to the required style. Some popular tools include: Zotero: A free, open-source software that allows users to easily manage, store, and cite references. Zotero supports various citation styles and can integrate with popular word processors like Microsoft Word and LibreOffice. Mendeley: A powerful reference management tool that provides features such as annotation, sharing, and citing documents. Mendeley is particularly useful for graduate students and university lecturers. EndNote: A leading commercial tool in reference management. EndNote integrates tightly with Microsoft Word, allowing users to insert citations directly into the text and automatically generate a bibliography.
G-index: A Metric for Evaluating the Scientific Impact of Researchers
The G-index is a metric that measures the impact of a scientist, based on the number and citations of their research works. Proposed by Leo Egghe in 2006, the g-index is considered an improvement over the h-index, addressing some of its limitations. Method for Calculating the G-index To calculate the g-index, first, a scientist's research works must be ranked in descending order by the number of citations. Then, determine the largest number g such that the first g publications have a total number of citations greater than or equal to g2. For example, consider a scientist with 10 research works, ranked in descending order of citations as shown in the figure below. This scientist's g-index is 7, because the 7 publications with the highest number of citations have a total number of citations greater than or equal to 72 (i.e., 49). Advantages and Limitations of the G-index The G-index is considered an advancement over the h-index, with the following notable advantages: Reflects differences in citation distribution: The G-index helps differentiate scientists who have the same h-index but vary in citation distribution. For instance, two scientists, A and B, both have an h-index of 10. However, scientist A has 10 publications, each cited 10 times, while scientist B has one publication cited 100 times and the remaining 9 publications cited less than 10 times. In this case, A's g-index is 10, while B's is 19. This shows that B's work has a greater impact than A's. Encourages quality over quantity: The G-index encourages scientists to focus on the quality of their work rather than just pursuing quantity. To increase the g-index, it's necessary not only to increase the number of publications but also the number of citations for each publication. As a result, the g-index can help reduce the widespread publication of low-quality works merely to achieve a high h-index. Despite its advantages, the g-index still has some drawbacks and is not as widely used as the h-index: Affected by objective factors: The G-index is still influenced by factors beyond scientific knowledge, such as the field of study, publication language, and publication time. Different research fields have varying levels of competition and scales, making it difficult to compare g-indexes across scientists from different fields. Similarly, works published in English generally have more opportunities to be cited than works in other languages. Furthermore, older works often have more citations than newer ones, so the g-index may favor established scientists over younger ones. Does not reflect the importance of individual works: The G-index does not reflect the individual importance and contribution of each research work. A work may have a significant impact on the development of a field or solve a critical problem, but if it is not widely cited, the author's g-index will remain low. Conversely, a work that is merely a review or assessment, but widely cited, will result in a high g-index for the author. Therefore, the g-index cannot replace the need to read and evaluate the quality of individual research works. To look up an author's g-index, users can use the Publish or Perish software, a free citation analysis tool.
Researcher Identifier: An Effective Tool for Managing Academic Profiles
Why Researchers Should Have an Identifier Researcher identifiers play a crucial role in building and managing each individual's academic profile: Avoid information inaccuracies: Eliminates the risk of confusing publications or authors. Ensure accurate credit: Guarantees precise recognition of academic contributions. Increase visibility: Enhances the discoverability of research across various media, including social networks. Citation management: Facilitates easy tracking and management of citations to one's work. Impact analysis: Provides tools to assess the impact of scientific research. Benefits for Research Organizations and Funding Agencies Researcher identifiers are not only beneficial for individuals but also help organizations manage research activities more efficiently: Work evaluation: Funding agencies can easily understand a researcher's past work and track outcomes after providing grants. Track contributions: Research organizations and universities can monitor the contributions of their researchers. Record management: Publishers can maintain author records and organize manuscripts effectively. Currently, there are many popular researcher identifier management systems, including ORCID, Scopus Author ID, ResearcherID, Google Scholar ID, and ResearchGate. ORCID (Open Researcher and Contributor ID) ORCID (https://orcid.org/) is a non-profit organization that provides a unique digital identifier (16 digits) for researchers and scholars. This system is supported by a community of research institutions, academic organizations, professional associations, and other stakeholders. Many scientific journals have integrated ORCID into their electronic publishing workflows, allowing automatic linking of articles to author profiles, ensuring accurate attribution and minimizing errors. Scopus Author ID Scopus Author ID (https://www.scopus.com/) is a proprietary author identifier, automatically assigned to any author publishing in journals indexed by the Scopus database. This ID allows viewing information about research areas, publication lists, affiliations, co-authors, result analysis, and citation metrics (citation count, h-index, h-graph). Scopus Author ID can be linked with ORCID to synchronize information. ResearcherID ResearcherID (http://www.researcherid.com/) connects researchers with their publications within the Web of Science (WoS) ecosystem. The Web of Science ResearcherID ensures accurate author identification, recognizes published works in the Web of Science database, tracks citations, identifies potential collaborators, and prevents errors. Information in ResearcherID can be linked with ORCID. Google Scholar Google Scholar Citations Profile (https://scholar.google.com/citations) is a Google service that allows researchers to create personal profiles on the Google Scholar platform. This profile groups all citations to a researcher's publications, enabling effective tracking and management of research works and citations. The profile includes personal information, areas of interest, and research metrics (h-index, i10-index, and total citations). When set to public, the Google Scholar profile allows other researchers, organizations, and funding agencies to view publications, metrics, and subscribe to updates when new articles are indexed by Google Scholar. ResearchGate ResearchGate (https://www.researchgate.net/) is a professional network for scientists and researchers, connecting scientists from around the world to share work, collaborate, and learn. ResearchGate offers various features, including: Profile creation: Share information about biography, works, projects, and achievements. Networking: Expand connections with other researchers. Work sharing: Upload and share research works. Citation tracking: Manage citation information. Literature search: Access a rich repository of research materials. In addition to the systems mentioned above, many other platforms and fields also provide researcher identifiers. When registering, it is crucial to carefully review personal data to avoid issues related to citations, indexing, and the management of research portfolios. Using researcher identifiers is an important step to ensure transparency and accuracy in scientific activities.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) and its Crucial Role in Scientific Publishing
Digital Object Identifier (DOI) plays an increasingly crucial role in identifying and managing scholarly research works. This article provides a detailed overview of DOI, from its structure and benefits to creation guidelines, helping researchers, publishers, and scientific journals understand and apply it effectively. A DOI is a unique string of characters, created by the International DOI Foundation, used to permanently identify a digital object, such as a scientific article, book, book chapter, research data, or digital artwork. DOI adheres to ISO standards and ensures persistent access even when the URL of the document changes. Benefits of Using DOI Registering a DOI for research works offers numerous practical benefits: Increased discoverability and access: DOI helps readers easily find articles through search engines and academic databases. Ensures accurate citation: DOI provides a stable and unique link to the article, making it easier for authors to link to their own works and ensuring precise citations. Effective tracking and management: DOI helps journals and authors track citation counts, download numbers, and other metrics related to the article, thereby assessing research effectiveness. Connects with other identification systems: DOI allows linking with other identifiers such as ORCID (for researchers) and ROR (for research organizations), creating a tightly integrated information ecosystem. Structure of a DOI A complete DOI consists of three main components: DOI Resolver: The system that parses and converts a DOI link into the actual URL of the document. Prefix: Consists of two parts: Directory Indicator: Always "10" (as specified by DOI). Registrant Code: A unique string assigned to the DOI registration agency. Suffix: A string of characters structured by the DOI registration agency, containing information to identify the specific document. Ensuring uniqueness and persistence is a key factor when creating a DOI suffix. General Rules for Creating DOIs All DOI registration agencies adhere to the following general rules: Uniqueness: Each DOI must be unique and non-duplicative. Separation: The prefix and suffix are separated by a forward slash ("/"). Allowed Characters: DOI suffixes can contain letters (A-Z, case-insensitive, lowercase recommended), numbers (0-9), and special characters (- . _ ; ( ) /). Disallowed Characters: Em dashes and en dashes. The International DOI Foundation recommends that DOI registration agencies exercise caution when creating and managing DOI suffixes, and apply the following rules: Apply to all levels: Use DOIs for all levels, from journal/book (title-level DOI) to volume, issue, article, or chapter. Concise and readable: DOI suffixes should be concise, easy to display, easy to read, and easy to retype as they will appear online and in print. Avoid redundant information: Information such as journal names, page numbers, or dates should not be included, as they can cause confusion or conflict with metadata. Example of a good DOI: 10.3390/s18020479 (easy to retype, does not contain easily confusing information). Example of a problematic DOI: 10.5555/2014-04-01 (contains information that can cause metadata confusion). Guidelines for Creating DOI Suffixes For journals using electronic publishing systems, DOI suffixes are often automatically generated and easily managed according to custom-built templates: Using default templates: DOI providers often offer default templates, for example: %j.v%vi%i (for journal issue) %j.v%vi%i.%a (for article) %j.v%vi%i.%a.g%g (for print version) Creating custom templates: Journals can create their own DOI suffix templates with variables such as %j (journal abbreviation), %v (volume number), %i (issue number), %Y (year), %a (article ID), %g (print ID), %f (file ID), %p (page number). For example: vol%viss%ipp%p could generate a DOI like 10.1234/vol3iss2pp230. Entering custom suffixes: Journals can manually enter unique DOI suffixes for each published item, provided uniqueness is ensured. How to Register a DOI? To register a DOI, an entity needs to contact an authorized DOI provider accredited by the International DOI Foundation (IDPF) to obtain an account for DOI creation and upload required metadata. Some popular DOI providers include Crossref, DataCite, mEDRA, etc. These entities activate DOIs, manage the metadata assigned to them, provide access to the data, and support users in easily managing, searching, and accessing information. Do Articles Submitted to Health and Aging Journal Have DOIs? Yes. All articles published by Health and Aging Journal are assigned a unique DOI. Authors can view the Submission Guidelines and Publication Instructions here. Conclusion DOI is an essential tool for managing, measuring performance, and improving the discoverability and access of scholarly research works. The adoption of DOI has become a standard practice in scientific journals worldwide. Researchers, publishers, and scientific journals should clearly understand DOI and apply it effectively to enhance the value and impact of their research.
H-index (H Index): A Comprehensive Assessment of a Scientist's Impact
H-index, or H index, is a widely used quantitative measure to assess the influence and productivity of a scientist, based on both the number of publications and the number of citations those publications receive. First proposed in 2005 by physicist Jorge E. Hirsch at the University of California, San Diego, the H-index quickly became a standard tool for evaluating academic achievement, especially in the natural sciences. Sometimes, this index is also referred to as the Hirsch index or Hirsch number. How to Calculate the H-index The H-index combines the quantity and quality of scientific works, reflected by the number of published papers and the times they are cited by other researchers. A scientist with an H-index of h means that out of their n publications, h publications have received at least h citations. To calculate the H-index, an author's papers are arranged in descending order of the number of citations. The H-index is the largest number such that the author has at least h papers with at least h citations. For example, consider a scientist with 7 papers, ranked in descending order of citations as follows: In this example, the scientist has 5 papers that have been cited at least 5 times. Therefore, this scientist's H-index is 5. To achieve an H-index of 6, the 6th paper would need at least 6 citations. Significance of the H-index The H-index is an important indicator of a scientist's influence within the academic community. A high H-index typically indicates that the scientist has made significant and widely recognized contributions in their field. This index can influence the recognition of scientific achievement, international collaboration opportunities, and career advancement. Jorge Hirsch proposed some reference standards for the H-index in theoretical physics in the United States: Successful: H = 20 after 20 years Outstanding: H = 40 after 20 years Truly unique individual: H = 60 after 20 years He also suggested that, in the United States, a scientist could be appointed as an associate professor with an H-index of around 12 and as a full professor with an H-index of around 18. A variant of the H-index is the H5-index, which is used to assess a scientist's influence within a specific timeframe (usually the most recent 5 years). The H5-index is calculated by counting the number of papers by a scientist that have received at least H citations within that period. The higher the H5-index, the greater the scientist's influence during that period. Google Scholar Metrics uses the H5-index to rank journals and other scholarly publications, helping to reflect the currency and modernity of research activities. How to Look Up the H-index The H-index and related metrics can be looked up through reputable scientific citation databases such as Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar. However, due to varying coverage and selection criteria among these databases, search results may not be entirely consistent. Therefore, when comparing the H-index of scientists, it is important to consider the data source used. Web of Science Log in to your Web of Science account. Select "Author Search" and fill in the author's information, affiliation, and research area. On the results page, select "Create Citation Report". The Citation Report will display the H-index, total citations, and average citations per publication. To exclude publications not authored by the individual, select those publications and click "Go". Scopus Log in to your Scopus account and select "Author Search". Fill in the author's information, affiliation, and research area. Select the desired author by checking the box next to their name, then select "View citation overview". The citation overview interface provides information on the H-index and annual citations for publications. Google Scholar Log in to your Google (Gmail) account and create a profile on Google Scholar Citations. After creating the profile, the list of papers, citation information, and H-index will be displayed on the profile interface. It should be noted that the H-index is not the sole metric for evaluating scientific activity. Many other metrics are also used to assess different aspects of scientific work, including: i10-index: Measures the number of papers by an author that have at least 10 citations. g-index: Measures the number of papers by an author that have at least g average citations. e-index: Measures the effectiveness of cited papers by considering the ratio between the number of cited papers and the total number of published papers. SJR (SCImago Journal Rank): Measures the importance of a scientific journal in its field, based on an analysis of citations from other reputable journals.
CALL FOR PAPERS - Special English Issue Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Thong Nhat Hospital
CALL FOR PAPERS Journal of Health and Aging – Special English Issue Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Thong Nhat Hospital (November 1, 1975 – November 1, 2025) Dear Professors, Experts, Doctors, and Scientists, On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Thong Nhat Hospital is proud to be one of the leading medical institutions in geriatrics and comprehensive healthcare. To mark this significant milestone, the Editorial Board of the Journal of Health and Aging is pleased to announce the publication of a special issue entirely in English. This special issue presents an opportunity for the Vietnamese medical community to share its achievements, research findings, and valuable experiences with the world, affirming the position and advancement of our nation's medicine, particularly in the field of elderly healthcare. With the aspiration to create a high-quality, prestigious, and meaningful scientific publication, the Editorial Board cordially invites you to submit original research articles, review articles, or outstanding clinical case reports for publication. Submission Details: Main Topics: Research findings, models, experiences, and advancements in the medical field, with a special focus on geriatrics and elderly healthcare. Language: English. Submission Deadline: Before 5:00 PM, September 20, 2025. Submission Method: Please submit manuscripts via the official system: https://tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn/bvtn/en/about/submissions Guidelines and Regulations: Detailed information on formatting, manuscript structure, and the peer-review process is available on our website: https://tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn/bvtn/en/about/submissions Your participation is a great honor and a crucial factor in the success of this special issue, as well as enriching the activities celebrating the 50th anniversary of Thong Nhat Hospital. The Editorial Board looks forward to receiving your interest and valuable research contributions. Sincerely, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Assoc. Prof. Dr. VO THANH TOAN
Dear Professors, Colleagues, and Researchers, The Journal of Health and Aging (Thong Nhat Hospital) is pleased to announce the call for papers for our Q1 2026 issues. We are currently accepting submissions for: Vietnamese Issues English Issue Scope and Topics We welcome submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Reviews, Case Reports, Scientific Letters, and Commentaries. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Geriatrics & Elderly Health Cardiology & General Internal Medicine ICU & Emergency Medicine Rehabilitation Preventive Medicine & Public Health Regenerative Medicine Palliative Care and related fields Submission Details Submission Deadline: December 30, 2025 Please submit your manuscripts via our online system or by email: Submit Online Or via email: banthuky@tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn * Note: Manuscripts submitted after the deadline will be considered for subsequent issues in 2026. The Journal publishes 4 Vietnamese issues and 1 English issue annually. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and thanking you for supporting the scientific development of the Journal. Editorial Board – Journal of Health and Aging Thong Nhat Hospital
Dear Authors, The Editorial Board sincerely acknowledges and thanks you for choosing our Journal as the academic forum to publish your research findings. Your continued partnership is a fundamental foundation contributing to the development of the professional quality and sustainable scientific value of the Journal of Health and Aging. As we enter the Lunar New Year 2026, the Editorial Board wishes you and your family a peaceful spring, abundant health, and continued meaningful success in your research, teaching, and professional practice. The Journal of Health and Aging would like to inform you of our holiday schedule as follows: Holiday period: From Saturday, February 14, 2026, through Sunday, February 22, 2026. Resumption of work: Monday, February 23, 2026. During this period, our online submission system and email channels will remain operational. However, manuscript processing, responses, and professional correspondence will resume after the holiday. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Sincerely, The Editorial Board Journal of Health and Aging
Call for Papers - Volume 2, Issue 8, 2026
Dear Professors, Colleagues, and Researchers, The Journal of Health and Aging (Thong Nhat Hospital) is pleased to announce the call for papers for our Issue 8, 2026 (Vietnamese) Scope and Topics We welcome submissions of the following article types: Original Research, Reviews, Case Reports, Scientific Letters, and Commentaries. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to: Geriatrics & Elderly Health Cardiology & General Internal Medicine ICU & Emergency Medicine Rehabilitation Preventive Medicine & Public Health Regenerative Medicine Palliative Care and related fields Submission Details Submission Deadline: May 04, 2026 Please submit your manuscripts via our online system or by email: Submit Online Or via email: banthuky@tcsuckhoelaohoa.vn * Note: Manuscripts submitted after the deadline will be considered for subsequent issues in 2026. The Journal publishes 4 Vietnamese issues and 1 English issue annually. We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions and thanking you for supporting the scientific development of the Journal. Editorial Board – Journal of Health and Aging Thong Nhat Hospital