Plagiarism Policy

Introduction

The International Journal of Clinical Virology (IJCV) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and originality. All submitted manuscripts undergo a rigorous plagiarism screening process before acceptance for publication. This policy defines the principles, procedures, and consequences related to plagiarism, duplication, and text overlap, in accordance with COPE, ICMJE, and DOAJ guidelines.

Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the unethical practice of using someone else’s ideas, words, data, or intellectual property without appropriate acknowledgment. It includes but is not limited to:

• Copying text or data from another source without proper citation.
• Rephrasing or paraphrasing another author’s work without credit.
• Submitting previously published work (self-plagiarism) as original.
• Using figures, tables, or images without permission or attribution.
• Republishing translated versions of previously published work without disclosure.

“Plagiarism undermines the credibility of scientific research and violates the ethical foundation of academic publishing.”

Plagiarism Screening Procedure

Every manuscript submitted to IJCV is checked using advanced plagiarism detection software such as iThenticate or Turnitin. The screening is conducted at multiple stages:

• Initial Submission: Before peer review, manuscripts are checked for text similarity.
• Post-Revision: Revised versions are rechecked if major textual changes occur.
• Pre-Publication: Final accepted manuscripts undergo a verification check prior to DOI assignment.

Acceptable Similarity Threshold

IJCV accepts a maximum similarity index of 15% (excluding references, methods, and generic phrases). However, manuscripts with suspected overlapping ideas or copied figures are individually reviewed by the editorial board to determine intent and severity.

Similarity results are analyzed manually to differentiate between legitimate and unethical overlaps.

Types of Plagiarism

Editorial Decision-Making

When plagiarism is detected, the editorial office follows a transparent and fair decision-making process:

• The author(s) are notified in writing with details of the overlapping sections.
• The case is evaluated by the Editor-in-Chief and ethics committee.
• Authors are provided an opportunity to respond and explain the situation.
• Depending on the outcome, the manuscript may be revised, rejected, or retracted (if already published).

Handling of Published Plagiarized Articles

If plagiarism is discovered after publication, the article will be immediately retracted from the journal’s website and replaced with a Retraction Notice explaining the reason for withdrawal. A notice will also be updated in Crossref to maintain integrity of the scholarly record. Severe cases are reported to the author’s institution or funding body.

Duplicate Publication and Redundancy

IJCV prohibits the submission of articles that are identical or substantially similar to works already published or under review elsewhere. Duplicate submissions waste editorial resources and distort the academic record. If duplication is confirmed, the manuscript is rejected or retracted, and appropriate authorities may be informed.

Text Recycling and Self-Plagiarism

Reusing sections of one’s previously published text (such as literature reviews or methods) is acceptable only when properly cited. Extensive text recycling without attribution is considered self-plagiarism and will result in corrective measures or rejection.

Data and Figure Plagiarism

Figures, tables, and datasets must be original or reproduced with explicit permission from copyright holders. Authors must provide documentation for any reused visual material. Manipulation of images or misrepresentation of data constitutes scientific misconduct.

Responsibilities of Authors

• Ensure manuscript originality before submission.
• Use quotation marks or block quotes when reproducing another author’s exact words.
• Properly paraphrase and credit all referenced sources.
• Retain documentation of permissions and data sources.
• Cooperate with editors during similarity review or investigation.

Responsibilities of Reviewers and Editors

• Confidentially report suspected plagiarism to the Editor-in-Chief.
• Maintain impartiality and evidence-based evaluation.
• Protect the identity of whistleblowers and accused authors during investigation.
• Refer to COPE flowcharts for plagiarism handling procedures.

Consequences of Proven Plagiarism

Depending on the severity, IJCV may impose one or more of the following actions:

• Rejection of the manuscript or withdrawal from review.
• Retraction of a published article with notification to databases.
• Blacklisting of authors for future submissions for a defined period.
• Notification to affiliated institutions or funding bodies.
• Public notice in the journal acknowledging the ethical breach.

Preventive Education

IJCV encourages academic honesty by educating authors and early-career researchers about proper citation, paraphrasing, and referencing. The journal also provides resources and guidance during the submission process to help authors avoid unintentional plagiarism.

Appeal and Clarification

Authors may appeal plagiarism-related editorial decisions by submitting a written explanation within 15 working days. Appeals are reviewed by the ethics committee, whose decisions are final and binding.

Ethical Resources and Standards

• COPE Core Practices
• ICMJE Recommendations
• DOAJ Best Practices for Journal Editors
• World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) Ethics Guidelines

Contact Information

Editorial Office – International Journal of Clinical Virology (IJCV)
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.clinvirologyjournal.com/

View Publication Ethics Policy