Plagiarism Policy

Definition

Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, text, images, data, code, or results without proper attribution, including:

  • Verbatim copying without quotation and citation;

  • Close paraphrasing that follows the original structure/wording;

  • Mosaic plagiarism (patchwriting from multiple sources);

  • Re-use of one’s own published material without citation (self-plagiarism) such as duplicate/overlapping publication or “salami” slicing;

  • Unauthorized reuse of figures, tables, or instruments.

Using AI-generated text/figures without disclosure and human verification is also considered a breach of academic integrity.

Screening & Thresholds

  • Tools & stages: All submissions are checked with similarity detection (e.g., Turnitin/iThenticate) at desk check and again pre-publication.

  • Journal thresholds: ≤ 20% overall similarity and ≤ 3% per source, excluding References, Acknowledgements, and standard methods descriptions.

  • Editors may still reject manuscripts below these thresholds if overlapping text is judged inappropriate (e.g., unattributed paraphrase).

Author Responsibilities (Before Submission)

  • Ensure accurate quotation, paraphrase, and citation using the journal’s style (IEEE).

  • Cite the original source of ideas, datasets, code, figures, and instruments; obtain permission where required.

  • Disclose any prior dissemination (e.g., preprints) and any re-use of your own text/material with proper citation.

  • Do not list AI tools as authors; if AI tools were used (e.g., grammar), disclose tool and scope; authors remain fully responsible.

Editorial Actions When Overlap Is Detected

Depending on extent and intent, the editor may:

  1. Request revision with proper attribution and rewriting;

  2. Reject the submission (desk reject or after review);

  3. Issue correction/expression of concern/retraction for published papers;

  4. Notify authors’ institutions/funders;

  5. Impose a submission embargo for repeated or severe violations.

What Counts as Acceptable Reuse

  • Methods text that is conventional and widely used may have higher similarity but must still be accurate and, where appropriate, cited.

  • Use of preprints is allowed if disclosed; after publication, update the preprint with the citation and DOI of the version of record.

  • Reuse of your previously published figures/tables requires citation and, if not under CC BY or similar, written permission from the rights holder.

Appeals

Authors may appeal overlap findings by emailing the editorial office with a detailed response and supporting evidence. Appeals are handled by an editor not involved in the original decision.