How to Write a Scientific Paper in ISI Journals

1. Abbas YEGANEH BAKHTIARY How to Write a Scientific Paper in ISI Journals

2. Outline of my Talk • Introduction on writing a Journal paper • Brain storming for writing a paper • Journal Papers format • Abstract • Keywords • Introduction • Methods • Results • Discussion • Summary and Conclusions • Acknowledgments • References How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

3. Introduction on writing a Journal paper • Writing a journal paper can be a difficult process, but breaking it down into manageable tasks can make it a very routine task. These manageable tasks can be identified by determining what the essential elements of a successful paper are and how they function together to produce the desired result: a published journal paper. • Often, different languages and cultures write in different styles and with different organization than English-language authors. This can compound the problem for non-native English writers. • Here, I outline the essential elements of an English-language journal paper in engineering or the sciences, providing a functional template and guidelines for authors. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

4. What types of paper you writing? There are almost five different types of scientific papers we may seen. From them four types would appear in ISI journals. There is also a discussion type of article (not paper) you may see in a Journal, which is focusing on certain discussion about the contents of a paper. • Conference paper • Scientific paper • Full paper • Review paper • Technical notes • Discussion notes How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

5. Brain storming for writing a paper • Before starting to write, one should spend some time thinking about the paper content and plan it. • At this stage, you should write down ideas in a free form, creating a general outline for the paper. Try to find answer for the following questions. • What is the contribution of your paper? • What is the new result that you want to describe or show? • How do you want to convince the researcher of your field? How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

6. Papers Format • In formulating the outline it is important to know that most engineering or science journal papers have a well-accepted general format. Each of the following sections are included, usually also in this order, though specific papers may disguise them under different section titles that relate closer to the actual contents of each section. These sections are • Abstract • Keywords • Introduction • Methodology • Results • Discussion • Summary and Conclusions • Acknowledgments • References How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

7. The Abstract of a paper • The abstract is a single paragraph that precedes the paper and summarizes the content. The abstract reduces the whole paper into a single paragraph. Many times, the abstract will be published by itself in an index to the paper and often only the words in the abstract can be searched using library databases; hence, the abstract is a critical element of the research paper. It contains a general introduction to the topic, outlines the major results, and summarizes the conclusions. It is shorter than the summary and conclusions section of the main paper and is less of an outline than the closing paragraph of the introduction. • Often, the abstract does not require citations; some journals discourage use of mathematical symbols. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

8. Sample Abstract • A three-dimensional model is developed to simulate bed-load transport using Distinct Element Method (DEM). The model describes the bed-load transport as dynamically interdependent motions of individual sediment particles under the flow action. A steady logarithmic velocity distribution over the flow depth is considered to represent fluid motion, while turbulent intensities are also included within the closure model. The present model accounts for both fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions, which are the predominant micro-mechanisms of bed-load transport under low and high tractive forces, respectively. Characteristic features of bed-load transport, previously reported by experimental observations, are numerically reproduced. The concept of vertical momentum transfer is exploited to describe features of concurrently present of saltation and sheet-flow layers. It is concluded that the vertical motion of particles is not significantly active in sheet-flow layer and the particle momentum is preserved. Consequently the interparticle collisions is the predominant mechanism of bed-load transport at high fluid tractive forces. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

9. Sample Abstract Analysis • Title of paper: A three-dimensional distinct element model for bed-load transport • A three-dimensional model is developed to simulate bed-load transport using Distinct Element Method (DEM). (introduction) • The model describes the bed-load transport as dynamically interdependent motions of individual sediment particles under the flow action. A steady logarithmic velocity ….the closure model. (methodology) • The present model accounts for both fluid-particle and particle-particle interactions, which are the predominant micro-mechanisms of bed-load transport under low and high tractive forces, respectively. …of saltation and sheet-flow layers. (discussion) • It is concluded that the vertical motion of particles is not significantly active in sheet-flow layer and the particle momentum is preserved. Consequently the interparticle collisions is the predominant mechanism of bed-load transport at high fluid tractive forces. (conclusion) How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

10. Keywords • Numerical simulation of surf–swash zone motions and turbulent flow Keywords: Nearshore zone, Plunging breakers, RANS, Sloping beach, Spilling breakers, Turbulence closure model, Wave breaking, Wave runup • A three-dimensional distinct element model for bed-load transport Keywords: Bed-load transport, Distinct Element Model (DEM), fluid-particle interaction, particle-particle interaction, saltation, sheet-flow, two-phase flow How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

11. Introduction • The first paragraph. • Middle paragraphs. • Final paragraph. Topic of paper Literature Review Justification & Road map How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

12. Introduction • First paragraph: start with a broad statement and become more detailed until finally identifying the specific problem that the paper addresses. The purpose of the first paragraph is to interest the reader in the paper, to clearly identify for the reader what the paper will address, and to quickly bring the reader to the edge of knowledge in the field the paper addresses. The paragraph should end with the general problem addressed by the paper. • The next sentences of the introduction narrow the topic. These sentences often contain citations to other work and build up to a specific lack of knowledge that culminates in the problem statement. This section can vary in length from one to many sentences, but the general goal is to educate the reader about an important gap in knowledge that the paper will address. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

13. Sample Paragraph • The surf and swash zones are hydrodynamically active regions. Nearshore breaking waves play a paramount role in coastal morphology and influence most coastal processes. These waves produce highly turbulent regions causing significant mixing and sediment suspension. The suspended sediments are transported by the nearshore currents induced by breaking waves. Moreover, breaking waves impact offshore structures and should be considered in their design. Fluid and sediment interactions occurring in the swash zone determine the erosion or accretion of a beach and act as boundary conditions for nearshore hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. A schematic illustration of the surf and swash zones is shown in Fig. 1. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

14. Sample Paragraph Analysis Title of paper: Numerical simulation of surf–swash zone motions & turbulent flow • The surf and swash zones are hydrodynamically active regions. (start with a broad statement about surf & swash zones !) • Nearshore breaking waves play a paramount role in coastal morphology and influence most coastal processes. These waves produce highly turbulent regions causing significant mixing and sediment suspension. The …the nearshore currents induced by breaking waves. … (narrowing the topic) • Fluid and sediment interactions occurring in the swash zone determine the erosion or accretion of a beach and act as boundary conditions for nearshore hydrodynamic and morphodynamic models. … (still narrowing the topic) How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

15. Introduction • Middle paragraphs: Functioning as the literature review part. The beginning of the literature review should cite the most important historical contributions that build the foundation to the topic the paper will extend. The goal is not to cite everything, as in a review paper, but to cite the seminal contributions that directly lead to the problem the paper addresses. The remaining paragraphs should focus on the state-of-the-art knowledge base and the significant differences between what has already been published and the new contribution that your paper is presenting. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

16. Middle Paragraph Sample(Literature Review) • The sediment phase is treated as a continuous medium in Eulerian coupling models. However, its constitutive law is different from that of the clear water. An Eulerian model expresses the bed-load transport, if the bottom shear stress is small. This model, nevertheless, sidesteps probabilistic characteristics involving the motion of sediment particles. Significant deficiencies are, therefore, associated with Eulerian models at high bottom shear stresses, where such a probabilistic nature becomes important. Among others, Kobayashi and Seo (1985), Bakker and van Kesteren (1986), Asano (1990), Dong and Zhang (2002), and Hsu et al. (2003) have contributed to the Eulerian-Eulerian approach. However, the sediment interparticle forces were estimated based on Bagnold’s (1954) relations in a simple shear flow system. Alternatively, Jenkins and Hanes (1998) and Hsu et al. (2004) employed the kinetic theory of granular flow to consider interparticle forces of dense sediment motion. Most of the aforementioned studies assumed clear-water conditions or oneway coupling approach, i.e., it was assumed that the fluid forces act only on the sediment particles/phase, while forces acting on the fluid due to the interaction with the sediment phase were neglected. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

17. Introduction • Final paragraph : • In the introduction we need to emphasis on our contribution and our new approach or idea, by concluding the gap that our study would bridge it. • The introduction may ends with the “road-map” paragraph. This paragraph outlines the remaining sections of the paper. It can either give a general outline of the contribution, or a specific, section-by-section breakdown of the remaining paper. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

18. End Paragraph Sample • Existing numerical models cannot describe wave breaking satisfactorily and as yet no comprehensive numerical investigations of the combined surf and swash zones have been presented. In particular, no model has been validated carefully for the both turbulent and mean velocity fields. In this study, we investigate wave breaking and describe the ensuing hydrodynamic processes in the surf and swash zones. For this purpose, a combination of a two-dimensional RANS solver with a k–e turbulence model has been used. Finite difference solutions to the RANS and the k–e model are obtained, while the free surface is tracked by using the VOF technique. Waves are generated using internal source functions inside the computational domain. Then, propagation, deformation, overturning, uprush/backwash of the waves as well as the spatial distribution of turbulence characteristics are investigated. Below, Section 2 gives the physical and mathematical framework for the model while Section 3 discusses the numerical model. In Section 4, we compare the numerical results with the experimental measurements of Ting and Kirby [43,45] for the surf zone, and Baldock et al. [3] and Shin and Cox [42] for the swash zone. Conclusions are presented in Section 5. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

19. End Paragraph Analysis • Existing numerical models cannot describe wave breaking satisfactorily …. In particular, no model has been validated carefully for the both turbulent and mean velocity fields. ( the gap in the previous studies) • In this study, we investigate wave breaking and describe the ensuing hydrodynamic processes in the surf and swash zones. For this purpose,. … (our contribution & new approach) • Below, Section 2 gives the physical and mathematical framework for the model while Section 3 discusses the numerical model. In Section 4, … the swash zone. Conclusions are presented in Section 5. (road map of the paper) How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

20. The Methodology of a Journal Paper • The methods sections often come disguised with other paper-specific section titles, but serve a unified purpose: to detail the methods used in an objective manner without introduction of interpretation or opinion. This section should tell the reader clearly how the results were obtained. They should also make adequate reference to accepted methods and identify differences. • Describe all of the techniques used to obtain the results in a separate, objective Methods section . In the case of a paper that develops both an numerical model and laboratory results, it is common to write separate methods sections for each. At the end of the methods sections, the reader should be able to form an opinion about the quality of the results to be presented in the remaining sections. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

21. The Methodology of a Journal Paper • Numerical works • Description of governing equations and computational domain with boundary and initial conditions! • The Result and Discussion parts of a paper usually combined in the numerical works • Experimental studies • Field observation • Describe the Experimental or field observation Setup • Combination of them How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

22. The Results • The results section and discussion section allow the most flexibility in terms of organization and content. In general, the pure, unbiased results should be presented first without interpretation. These results should present the raw data or the results after applying the techniques outlined in the methods section. • The results are simply results and please do not draw any conclusions. • Often the results are combined with the discussion section in the numerical works, hence there should be a clear distinction between a result and discussion. This could be done by paragraphing, by section headings, or by careful writing within a single paragraph. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

23. The Results • Main purpose of the results is to provide the data from your study so that other researchers can draw their own conclusions and understand fully the basis for your conclusions. • A common format for the results section is to present a series of figures and to describe them in detail through the text. A good results section presents clear figures with efficient text. The figures should support the assertions in the paper or illustrate the new insights. • Where applicable, results should be illustrated in terms of non-dimensional variables. • Results should be clear, convincing, and general and be free from interpretations or opinions • Whether together with the discussion or in their own section, results need to be communicated objectively. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

24. The Discussion • The discussion is where the paper interprets the results to reach its major conclusions. Also where the author’s opinion enters the picture and/or the argument is made. • Often writers will combine the discussion and results sections to avoid repetition and so that they can give their conclusions parallel with the results. This is very acceptable if there maintains a clear distinction between facts and opinion. • A common feature of the discussion section is comparison between measured and modeled data or comparison among various modeling methods. You may consider the following questions: How do the results compare with earlier work? What is new and significant? How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

25. The Discussion • Another common element in a discussion section applies the results obtained to solve a specific engineering or scientific problem. The main feature of the discussion : • To interpret the results to reach the main conclusions of the paper • Researcher has the most freedom to make the implications of the research. • Notes: never make an assertion of which you are not 100% sure—do not open the door for a negative review or the eventual rejection of your paper. As a rule, it is better to be conservative. Most of the experts reading your paper will draw their own conclusions anyhow. • This section allows you to highlight the conclusions you think are important. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

26. Sample on Results & Discussion Together • Figure 3 shows the mean velocity profile of moving particles. Generally speaking, it is evident that velocity distributions over the depth of the sediment layer follow similar patterns at all examined bottom shear stresses (various levels of fluid tractive forces). An upward-concave pattern is observed at upper parts of velocity profiles (z/d > 0). In contrast, lower parts (z/d < 0) take an upward-convex pattern. It should be pointed out that the presence of two such regions is a characteristic feature of bed-load transport. In this regard, the formation of an upward-convex shape in the velocity distribution near the original bed indicates the laminar-type particle motion, the so-called sheet flow mode of transport. At the same time, while moving to upper parts, a How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

27. Analysis of Sample Paragraph on Results & Discussion Together • Figure 3 shows the mean velocity profile of moving particles. Generally speaking, it is evident that velocity distributions over the depth of the sediment layer follow similar patterns at all examined bottom shear stresses (various levels of fluid tractive forces). An upward-concave pattern is observed at upper parts of velocity profiles (z/d > 0). In contrast, lower parts (z/d < 0) take an upward-convex pattern. (Demonstration of the Results !) • It should be pointed out that the presence of two such regions is a characteristic feature of bed-load transport. In this regard, the formation of an upward-convex shape in the velocity distribution near the original bed indicates the laminar-type particle motion, the so-called sheet flow mode of transport. (Discussion parts!) How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

28. The Summary and Conclusions • The final section of the paper does not introduce any new information or insights: it merely summarizes and concludes. • This section is longer than the abstract and generally includes more specific conclusions. • It is often more quantitative than the abstract, however, listing equations or citations should not be necessary . The summary and conclusions section also has a more fluid literary style than the abstract. • A good format for this section is to write it in two paragraphs. The first paragraph summarizes various sections of the paper. The second paragraph draws the important conclusions. The summary paragraph is different than that at the end of the introduction section. Here, the summary paragraph draws on the fact that the reader knows all of the new results presented in the paper. It then summarizes what the important results where. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

29. The Summary and Conclusions • The conclusion paragraph identifies the significant conclusions. Two possible formats for this second paragraph: • Organize based on logical flow for points that are interconnected. • Organize based on merit, where the most important items appear first • It is important to remember that this paragraph should not present new information. It may combine parts of the paper to underscore an important conclusion, but it cannot present information that could not be found from the other sections. • A third, optional, paragraph may identify future research directions that flow naturally from the paper. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

30. The Summary and Conclusions • The summary and conclusions section tells the reader what has already been read and draws the important conclusions; hence, keep it short and make it as specific as possible. • If the reader wants to know specifically what aspects of a problem your paper will address, he will often read the introduction and then the summary and conclusions section. • It is important that all of the significant findings are summarized and united in the significant conclusions. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

31. Sample of Conclusion Paragraph • A Distinct Element Method model is presented to simulate bed-load transport in a 3D coordinate system. The present model is capable of capturing the key features of bed-load transport by accounting for both fluid-particle and interparticle interactions, which are the predominant micro-mechanisms of transport at low and high tractive forces, respectively. The following conclusions can be drawn: • Simulated velocity profiles of moving particles confirm the experimental observation indicating two distinctive regions in the velocity profile: (i) upward-convex shape near the initial bed; and (ii) upward-concave one at the upper part of profile. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

32. Analysis of Conclusion Paragraph Title of paper: A three-dimensional distinct element model for bed-load transport • A Distinct Element Method model is presented to simulate bed-load transport in a 3D coordinate system. The present model is capable of capturing the key features of bed-load transport by accounting for both fluid-particle and interparticle interactions, which are the predominant micro-mechanisms of transport at low and high tractive forces, respectively. (summary part) • The following conclusions can be drawn: (conclusion on the significant findings ) Simulated velocity profiles of moving particles confirm the experimental observation indicating two distinctive regions in the velocity profile: (i) upward-convex shape near the initial bed; and (ii) upward-concave one at the upper part of profile. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

33. The Acknowledgments • The acknowledgments are given at the end of a paper and should at a minimum mention the sources of funding that contributed to the paper. You may also recognize other people who contributed to the paper or data contained in the paper, but at a level of effort that does not justify their inclusion as authors. • There is a growing trend to also acknowledge the contributions of the reviewers! • Since acknowledgment sections cannot be referenced or listed on a curriculum vitae, this seems only a means of getting the reviewers to agree with a revision and accept the paper. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

34. Samples of Acknowledgements • The first author wishes to express his gratitude to Prof. Toshiyuki Asano, Department of Ocean & Civil Engineering, Kagoshima University, Japan, for his constructive comments. • The authors would like to thank the editor and anonymous reviewers for their suggestions for improving the paper. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

35. The References • All reference works cited in the paper must appear in a list of references that follow the formatting requirements of the journal in which the paper is to be published. • You may not include references that were not cited in your paper. • Refereed journal papers, research monographs, and books are preferred over less stable or reliable sources, such as personal communications, unrefereed conference proceedings, or web-site addresses. How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals

36. Thank you for your attention! How to publish a scientific papers in the ISI Journals