Plagiarism Policy
The Annals of Biomedical Science and Engineering (ABSE) maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism and unethical publication practices. The journal adheres to the COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) and ICMJE (International Committee of Medical Journal Editors) standards to ensure originality and integrity in all published content.
1. Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism occurs when an author presents another person’s ideas, data, figures, or words as their own without proper acknowledgment. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Copying text or results from previously published works.
- Reproducing tables, graphs, or images without permission or attribution.
- Submitting previously published work (self-plagiarism) as new content.
- Using ideas or data from others without appropriate credit.
ABSE considers both verbatim copying and paraphrased duplication without attribution as serious ethical violations.
2. Plagiarism Detection and Screening
All submissions to ABSE undergo plagiarism screening before the review process using iThenticate or equivalent plagiarism detection tools. The journal also uses manual verification to ensure the contextual originality of the content.
| Similarity Range | Editorial Action |
|---|---|
| 0–10% | Considered acceptable; editorial check for references and quotations. |
| 11–20% | Author notified to revise overlapping text or improve citations. |
| 21–40% | Major revision required; resubmission after rewriting and re-screening. |
| Above 40% | Immediate rejection and notification to corresponding author; further sanctions may apply. |
“Every manuscript submitted to ABSE must represent the author’s own intellectual contribution and acknowledge all sources appropriately.”
3. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication
ABSE does not allow publication of work that substantially overlaps with previously published material. Reusing one’s own text or figures without citation is considered self-plagiarism. Duplicate or redundant publication, where the same research is published in multiple outlets, is treated as academic misconduct.
4. Citation and Attribution
Proper attribution is essential to maintain academic integrity. Authors must:
- Cite all relevant sources, including their own prior work.
- Use quotation marks or block quotes for directly reproduced text.
- Obtain written permission for using copyrighted figures or data.
5. Editorial Actions for Plagiarism
When plagiarism is detected, the editorial team follows COPE flowcharts and procedures. Depending on the severity, the actions include:
- Rejecting the manuscript prior to review.
- Requesting revision with proper citations.
- Notifying authors’ institutions or funding agencies in severe cases.
- Retracting the article if plagiarism is detected post-publication.
6. Plagiarism Detected After Publication
If plagiarism is discovered after publication, ABSE will take appropriate corrective action. Possible measures include issuing corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern. Retractions clearly state the reason and remain accessible in the journal archive to maintain the transparency of the scientific record.
7. Responsibilities of Authors
Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their manuscripts and proper citation of prior work. Before submission, authors should verify similarity using a plagiarism detection tool to avoid delays or rejection during the editorial screening process.
8. Responsibilities of Reviewers and Editors
Reviewers and editors are expected to identify and report any instance of suspected plagiarism or duplication during the peer-review process. Reports are treated confidentially and investigated according to COPE’s ethical procedures.
9. Data and Image Manipulation
ABSE considers manipulation of images, figures, or data that alters interpretation as unethical. Acceptable modifications include adjustments for clarity that do not misrepresent findings. Authors must retain original data files and make them available upon editorial request.
10. Policy on Text Recycling
Limited reuse of standard methodological text may be permissible with appropriate self-citation. However, text recycling beyond acceptable limits is treated as redundant publication.
11. Prevention Strategies
- Mandatory plagiarism screening for all submissions.
- Editorial awareness programs on research ethics.
- Training resources for authors on proper citation practices.
- Cross-checking against prior submissions in related journals.
12. Ethical Statement for Authors
During submission, all authors must agree to the following statement:
“This manuscript is an original work that has not been published elsewhere and does not contain plagiarized content. All sources have been appropriately cited, and permissions have been obtained where required.”
13. Policy Updates
This Plagiarism Policy is reviewed periodically to align with evolving COPE, ICMJE, and CrossRef standards for academic integrity. The most recent version is available on the journal website and applies to all ongoing and future submissions.