All submissions may be screened for text similarity before review, during evaluation, or after publication.

Evaluation, not a single percentage

Similarity software is a screening aid. Editors examine the source, extent, location, context, quotation, citation, and pattern of overlap. No single numerical score automatically determines the outcome.

Unacceptable practices

• Unattributed copying or close paraphrasing;
• Redundant or duplicate publication without transparent cross-reference;
• Improper reuse of the authors own previously published text;
• Copied ideas, data, images, tables, or code without permission or attribution;
• Manipulation intended to evade similarity detection.

Editorial response

Before publication, editors may request clarification or revision, reject the submission, or notify the relevant institution when evidence warrants. After publication, the journal may correct or retract the article and link the notice permanently to the record. Authors are given an opportunity to respond, but lack of response does not prevent action needed to protect the record.