Similarity Checking and Plagiarism Policy

Similarity Screening

Submissions are screened for text overlap before external review and may be checked again before acceptance. The editorial office uses similarity-detection software together with manual examination of the matched sources.

No fixed similarity percentage automatically determines acceptance or rejection. Editors assess the source, amount, location, context, quotation, citation, methods language, preprints, author reuse, and pattern of overlap. A low score does not prove originality and a high score does not by itself prove plagiarism.

Editorial Response

Minor citation or quotation problems may be returned for correction. Substantial unattributed copying, duplicate publication, concealment, or manipulation may lead to rejection and an ethics investigation. For published work, the journal may issue a correction, expression of concern, or retraction according to the post-publication policy. Authors are given an opportunity to respond, and decisions are documented.