Plagiarism Policy

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Direct Plagiarism: Copying text, ideas, figures, or tables from another source without proper citation or permission.

  • Mosaic Plagiarism (Patchwriting): Rephrasing someone else’s work while retaining its structure and meaning without proper attribution.

  • Self-Plagiarism (Redundant Publication): Reusing significant portions of one’s own previously published work without citation or disclosure.

  • Data Plagiarism: Using datasets, tables, or images from another work without acknowledgment or permission.

  • Source-Based Plagiarism: Failing to cite the original source when relying heavily on secondary sources.

2. Acceptable Similarity Level

  • All submissions are screened using advanced plagiarism detection software (e.g., iThenticate, Turnitin).

  • A similarity index of ≤ 10–15% (excluding references, quotations, and standard phrases) is generally acceptable.

  • Higher similarity scores are subject to editorial review, and the manuscript may be returned to the author for correction or rejected outright.

3. Screening Process

  • Initial Screening: All manuscripts are checked before peer review.

  • Evaluation of Matches: The editorial team examines flagged text to distinguish between properly cited material and potential plagiarism.

  • Outcome:

    • Minor Overlap: Authors will be asked to revise and resubmit.

    • Significant Overlap: The manuscript will be rejected immediately.

4. Post-Publication Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected after publication:

  • The article may be retracted following the journal’s Retraction Policy.

  • A public notice of retraction will be issued, and indexing databases will be notified.

  • The authors’ affiliated institutions and funding agencies may be informed.

5. Author Responsibilities

  • Ensure all work is original and properly referenced.

  • Obtain written permission for any copyrighted material used.

  • Disclose any prior dissemination of the work (e.g., conference proceedings, preprints).

6. Consequences of Plagiarism

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript.

  • A minimum two-year ban on submissions for serious violations.

  • Possible reporting to the authors’ institutions or funding bodies.