RESEARCH MISCONDUCT POLICIES

Research Misconduct Policies

Anti-Plagiarism Policy

  • Similarity Screening: All submitted manuscripts undergo automated similarity screening using plagiarism detection software (such as Turnitin / iThenticate).
  • Acceptable Threshold: Manuscripts with an overall text similarity exceeding 15% (or 5% from a single source, excluding references) will be returned to the authors or rejected immediately.

Data Fabrication & Falsification Policy

  • Zero Tolerance: Fabricating data (making up results) or falsifying data (manipulating research materials, images, or processes) is considered severe scientific misconduct.
  • Action: Manuscripts found with fabricated or altered data will be rejected immediately, and the authors' host institutions may be formally notified.

Citation Manipulation Policy

  • Prohibited Practices: Self-citation excessive padding, compulsory citation of the journal's own papers, or coercive citation requests by reviewers are strictly forbidden.
  • Citation Integrity: Citations must be relevant, contextually justified, and primary source verified.

Allegation Investigation Process (COPE Guidelines)

  • Procedure: When allegations of misconduct arise (pre- or post-publication), the Editorial Board initiates a preliminary assessment following COPE flowcharts.
  • Due Process: Authors are informed of the allegation and given reasonable time to provide raw data and explanation. If misconduct is verified, appropriate formal sanctioning takes place.

Retraction, Correction, and Expression of Concern Policy

  • Errata / Corrigenda: Minor errors that do not alter the scientific conclusion of an article will be corrected via a formal Correction notice linked to the original published article.
  • Expressions of Concern: Issued by the Editor-in-Chief if an investigation into potential research misconduct is ongoing but conclusive evidence is not yet established.
  • Retractions: Published articles found to contain unreliable data, redundant publication, plagiarism, or unethical research will be formally retracted following COPE Retraction Guidelines. The original PDF will remain accessible but clearly watermarked as "RETRACTED".