Plagiarism Policy
Zero Tolerance Policy
International Medical Journal of Health (IMJH) maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy towards plagiarism in any form.
Policy Navigation
1. Definition of Plagiarism
What Constitutes Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is defined as the act of presenting another person's work, ideas, or intellectual property as one's own without proper acknowledgment, citation, or permission.
Direct Plagiarism
Indirect Plagiarism
2. Types of Plagiarism
Categories of Plagiarism
Complete Plagiarism
Submitting an entire work by another author as one's own.
Partial Plagiarism
Copying significant portions from one or multiple sources.
Self-Plagiarism
Reusing one's own previously published work without citation.
Mosaic Plagiarism
Combining phrases from multiple sources without proper citation.
Accidental Plagiarism
Unintentional failure to cite sources properly.
Source Plagiarism
Citing incorrect or non-existent sources.
3. Detection Methods
Multi-Layer Detection System
IMJH employs multiple software tools and manual checks to detect plagiarism at various stages.
Software Tools Used
Detection Stages
4. Acceptable Similarity Limits
Similarity Index Guidelines
IMJH uses the following similarity index guidelines for manuscript evaluation:
Acceptable
Manuscript proceeds to review
Review Required
Editorial assessment needed
Unacceptable
Manuscript rejected
Detailed Breakdown
| Similarity Range | Action | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 0-15% | Accept for Review | Manuscript proceeds to peer review process without delay |
| 16-19% | Editorial Assessment | Editor examines similarity report; may request revision before review |
| 20% and above | Immediate Rejection | Manuscript rejected without review; author may revise and resubmit |
5. Screening Process
Plagiarism Screening Workflow
Step 1: Initial Screening
All manuscripts undergo automated screening within 24 hours of submission using Turnitin software.
Step 2: Report Analysis
Editorial team analyzes similarity report, checking for matching sources and patterns.
Step 3: Content Examination
Suspected passages are manually examined for proper citation and context.
Step 4: Decision
Based on analysis, manuscript is either accepted for review or returned/rejected.
Step 5: Documentation
All screening results and decisions are documented in the manuscript record.
6. Consequences of Plagiarism
Strict Penalties Applied
IMJH follows COPE (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidelines for dealing with plagiarism cases.
Before Publication
After Publication
Due Process
Authors accused of plagiarism are given opportunity to respond with evidence before final decision. All cases are handled confidentially and professionally.
7. Prevention Guidelines for Authors
How to Avoid Plagiarism
Proper Citation Practices
Writing Best Practices
Self-Check Before Submission
Authors are strongly encouraged to check their manuscripts using plagiarism detection software before submission. Keep similarity report for reference if requested.
8. Self-Check Tools & Resources
Recommended Resources
Policy Enforcement
Strict Adherence Required
All authors submitting to IMJH must comply with this plagiarism policy. By submitting a manuscript, authors acknowledge they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these guidelines.