Similarity Check and Plagiarism
Similarity Check and Plagiarism Policy
All submitted manuscripts undergo similarity checking using Turnitin prior to peer review, consistent with COPE guidelines.
Acceptable Thresholds
- Overall similarity index: Maximum 20%
- Single source match: Maximum 5%
- Quoted material (properly cited): Excluded from calculation
- References and bibliography: Excluded from calculation
Manuscripts exceeding these thresholds will be returned to authors for revision before peer review proceeds.
Self-Plagiarism
Authors must not submit work published elsewhere, under review at another journal, or substantially overlapping with their own prior publications without disclosure.
Consequences
Pre-publication: Manuscripts identified as plagiarized will be rejected immediately. Authors may be reported to their institutions.
Post-publication: Articles found to contain plagiarism will be retracted with a public retraction notice. The editorial team follows COPE flowcharts for handling suspected cases.