Similarity and Plagiarism Policy

Similarity software is a screening aid, not an automatic decision-maker. Editors evaluate the nature, location, attribution, amount, and scholarly significance of matching text in context.

Screening

Submissions may be screened before review, during revision, or after publication. Legitimate quotations, references, standard methods language, preprints, theses, protocols, and properly disclosed related work are assessed in context.

Unacceptable practices

Plagiarism includes presenting another person's words, data, images, ideas, or structure without appropriate attribution. Self-plagiarism, duplicate publication, redundant publication, citation manipulation, and undisclosed text recycling may also breach journal policy.

Editorial response

Where concerns arise, the journal may request an explanation, source files, corrections, or rewritten text; reject or pause a manuscript; contact relevant institutions; publish a correction or expression of concern; or retract an article. The response is proportionate to the evidence and follows applicable COPE guidance. Authors receive an opportunity to respond before a final misconduct finding whenever appropriate.