Similarity and Citation Policy

  1. Purpose

The Journal is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and publication ethics. This document outlines the journal’s policy on textual similarity (plagiarism) and citation practices to ensure that all published content is original, properly attributed, and ethically produced.

  1. Similarity Policy

2.1 Acceptable Similarity Threshold

Manuscripts must have a similarity index of no more than 20%, with no more than 5% from any single source (excluding commonly used phrases).

2.2 Types of Similarity Considered Unacceptable

  • Verbatim Copying: Copying text from other works without quotation marks and proper attribution.
  • Improper Paraphrasing: Using another author’s ideas with only superficial modifications in wording.
  • Redundant Publication: Reusing one’s previously published work without disclosure (self-plagiarism).
  • Translation Plagiarism: Translating text from another language without citation.

2.3 Editorial Actions

  • Manuscripts with excessive similarity will be returned to authors for revision or rejected outright.
  • In cases of serious or deliberate plagiarism, the journal reserves the right to blacklist authors and notify their institutions.
  1. Citation Policy

3.1 Citation Ethics

All sources used in the manuscript must be properly cited, and the following practices must be observed:

  • Cite Primary Sources: Whenever possible, cite original research rather than derivative reviews.
  • Avoid Excessive Self-Citation: Authors should not cite their own previous work solely to increase citation counts.
  • Accurate Representation: Citations must reflect the source's actual content and conclusions.

3.2 Inappropriate Citations

The following citation practices are prohibited:

  • Citation Manipulation: Including citations with the intent of increasing the impact factor or citation score of authors/journals.
  • Fake or Non-verifiable Sources: Citing non-existent or predatory journals.
  • Excessive or Irrelevant Citations: Citing sources not directly relevant to the manuscript's content.

3.3 Reference Style

Authors are required to use the journal’s prescribed citation format. Currently, the journal follows the APA 7th edition and IEEE styles. All references must be listed in full and consistently formatted.

  1. Author's Responsibility

Authors are solely responsible for ensuring the originality of their manuscripts and the accuracy of citations. By submitting a manuscript, authors confirm that:

  • The work is original and has not been published elsewhere.
  • All contributions of others are appropriately cited.
  • The manuscript complies with the journal’s ethical guidelines.
  1. Policy Enforcement

The editorial team reserves the right to reject or retract any submission found to violate this policy at any stage before or after publication.

  1. Contact

For queries or clarification regarding this policy, please contact the editorial board via the journal's email address.