1. Introduction

This journal maintains a strict policy against plagiarism to ensure the originality and integrity of the scholarly works it publishes. We are committed to publishing original research and adhere to the highest standards of publication ethics. This policy outlines our definition of plagiarism, the procedures for its detection, and the action taken when it is identified. All authors submitting manuscripts to this journal must affirm that their work is original and has not been plagiarized.

2. Description

Plagiarism involves presenting another person's work, ideas, words, or data as one's own without proper attribution or permission. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Directly copying text, phrases, or substantial portions of another's work without using quotation marks and appropriate citation is considered plagiarism.
• One should avoid paraphrasing another's work too closely without providing adequate attribution.
• Using figures, tables, data, or research results from other sources without proper acknowledgment or permission is also considered plagiarism.
• Presenting ideas, theories, or interpretations from others as one's own original thought is unacceptable.
• Self-plagiarism, also known as redundant or overlapping publication, involves reusing significant portions of one's own previously published work without appropriate citation or justification.

Plagiarism is a serious breach of academic and publication ethics and is unacceptable in any form. This journal expects all authors to scrupulously acknowledge the work and ideas of others.

3. Policy

• Screening: All manuscripts submitted to this journal undergo a rigorous plagiarism check prior to peer review.
• Tool: The journal utilizes Turnitin, an industry-standard plagiarism detection software, to screen submitted manuscripts for text similarity.
• Similarity Index: Turnitin reports that manuscripts with an overall similarity index of more than 20% will undergo further scrutiny. However, the journal recognizes that similarity indices require careful interpretation.
• Exclusions from Similarity Check: The plagiarism detection software will be configured to exclude the list of references/bibliography and properly formatted direct quotations (enclosed in quotation marks and appropriately cited) from the similarity calculation.
• Consequences of Plagiarism:
  • Pre-publication: If plagiarism is detected in a submitted manuscript before publication, the manuscript will be rejected. We will notify the corresponding author, and if the plagiarism is extensive or severe, we may also inform the authors' institutions.
  • Post-publication: If plagiarism is discovered in a published article, the journal will investigate the matter thoroughly. If plagiarism is confirmed, the article will be retracted. The journal will publish a notice of retraction and notify the authors' institutions.
  • The journal reserves the right to take further action as appropriate, depending on the severity of the plagiarism.

4. Technicalities to Achieve and Materialise the Policies

• Submission Screening: Upon receiving a new manuscript submission, the editorial office will use Turnitin to generate a similarity report.
• Report Evaluation: Editorial staff will carefully review the similarity report. A high similarity index does not automatically mean plagiarism; human oversight is crucial. Editors will assess whether identified similarities constitute plagiarism or are legitimate (e.g., common phrases, methodological descriptions standard in the field, or properly cited material).
• Author Responsibility: Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their submissions and for correctly citing all sources. Authors should ensure they have obtained permission to use any copyrighted material.
• Handling Suspected Cases: If plagiarism is suspected at any stage, the journal will follow established ethical procedures for handling such allegations. This includes providing authors with an opportunity to respond to the allegations.
• Transparency: The journal is committed to transparency in its plagiarism-checking process. Authors with questions about the plagiarism check are encouraged to contact the editorial office.
• Continuous Improvement: The journal will regularly review and update its plagiarism policy and procedures to align with best practices and evolving standards in publication ethics.