Plagiarism and Similarity Policy

All manuscripts submitted to the journal are subject to mandatory plagiarism and similarity screening prior to peer review and, when necessary, at later stages of the editorial process. The journal uses Turnitin and iThenticate as its official plagiarism detection software.
Similarity reports are evaluated by the editorial team using human judgment. Similarity percentages are interpreted in context and do not constitute automatic grounds for acceptance or rejection on their own. However, the following thresholds guide editorial decisions:
•    Similarity index up to 15%:
Generally considered acceptable, provided that the overlap corresponds to properly cited quotations, references, methodological descriptions, or standard terminology.
•    Similarity index between 16% and 25%:
Subject to editorial review. Authors may be required to revise the manuscript to reduce overlap, improve paraphrasing, or correct citation practices before the manuscript can proceed.
•    Similarity index between 26% and 40%:
Considered problematic. The manuscript will normally be returned to the authors for major revision or rejected, depending on the nature, location, and extent of the overlap.
•    Similarity index above 40%:
Considered unacceptable and indicative of plagiarism or redundant publication. Such manuscripts will be rejected without peer review. If detected after publication, the article may be retracted.
Regardless of the overall similarity percentage, manuscripts may be rejected if they contain:
•    Unattributed copying of text, ideas, data, or figures
•    Plagiarism in key sections such as results, discussion, or conclusions
•    Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without proper citation or justification
•    Inappropriate reuse of previously published material under incompatible licenses
In cases of suspected plagiarism or redundant publication, the editorial team will evaluate the severity of the issue and may request an explanation from the corresponding author. Outcomes may include revision, rejection, notification of authors’ institutions, publication of a correction, or retraction, depending on the circumstances.
By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that the work is original, properly cited, and compliant with this plagiarism policy. Failure to adhere to these standards constitutes a breach of publication ethics.