Overview

As an Open Access journal and publisher, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and promoting originality in scholarly research. Our Plagiarism and Originality Policy ensures that submitted manuscripts are thoroughly screened for any instances of plagiarism or unethical use of previously published work. We expect all authors, reviewers, and editors to adhere to these principles throughout the publication process.

Plagiarism Detection:

1. Plagiarism Screening: All submitted manuscripts will undergo a comprehensive plagiarism check (where necessary) using reliable plagiarism detection software.
2. Similarity Index: Authors are expected to ensure that their work is entirely original and properly cited. Manuscripts with a similarity index above a certain threshold may be subject to further examination and possible rejection or revision.

Types of Plagiarism:

1. Direct Plagiarism: Copying and pasting text or content from another source without proper citation.
2. Self-Plagiarism: Reusing substantial portions of one’s previously published work without proper acknowledgment or citation.
3. Paraphrasing Plagiarism: Rewriting someone else’s work without properly citing the original source.
4. Mosaic Plagiarism: Incorporating fragments of other works without proper citation or quotation marks.
5. Idea Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s ideas as one’s own without proper credit.

Originality and Attribution:

1. Author Responsibility: Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality and authenticity of their work. They should properly attribute and cite all sources used in their research, including ideas, data, quotations, figures, and text.
2. Citation Guidelines: Authors should follow appropriate citation styles and guidelines, providing accurate and complete references for all cited works.
3. Permission and Copyright: Authors must obtain necessary permissions and rights for the use of copyrighted material, including figures, tables, images, and excerpts from other publications.

CrossCheck and Peer Review:

1. Plagiarism Screening Tools: We utilize plagiarism detection software CrossCheck powered by Turnitin and a host of others, to identify potential instances of plagiarism.
2. Peer Review: Manuscripts that pass the initial plagiarism screening will undergo rigorous double blind peer review, during which reviewers will assess the originality, methodology, and scientific/hermeneutical contribution of the work.

Consequences of Plagiarism

1. Plagiarism Investigation: In cases where plagiarism is suspected or alleged, we will conduct a thorough investigation, including communication with the relevant authors and reviewers, to determine the extent and nature of the plagiarism.
2. Corrective Actions: If plagiarism is confirmed, appropriate actions will be taken, ranging from a request for revision or correction to rejection of the manuscript. In severe cases of misconduct, such as substantial or repeated plagiarism, the authors may be reported to their institutions or professional organizations.

We strongly believe in maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and originality. By adhering to this Plagiarism and Originality Policy, we aim to foster a scholarly environment that promotes the advancement of knowledge, innovation, and ethical research practices.