Plagiarism and Text-Similarity Policy

Screening

GJCCPH uses iThenticate/Crossref Similarity Check or an equivalent similarity-screening service as part of editorial quality control, and screens manuscripts at submission and before publication.

Similarity Thresholds

• Below 15% aggregate similarity: Generally proceeds without further similarity-specific action.
• 15–25% aggregate similarity: Triggers closer editorial review of the source, location, and nature of the overlap before a decision on next steps.
• Above 25% aggregate similarity, or any single-source match above 5%: Normally returned to the author for revision, or desk-rejected where the overlap indicates likely misconduct rather than citation practice.
• These thresholds are screening indicators, not automatic findings of plagiarism or automatic decisions — editors always assess the source, location, nature, amount, and context of overlap before acting.

Examples Requiring Attention

• Unattributed verbatim copying of another work’s analysis, interpretation, results, or discussion.
• Substantial reuse of text from an author’s own previously published work without appropriate citation or explanation.
• Duplicate or redundant publication that materially overlaps a prior article.
• Fabricated or falsified content presented as original research.

Legitimate Overlap

Limited overlap may occur in standard methods, technical terminology, study descriptions, reporting checklists, or dataset names. Such overlap is assessed in context and does not automatically constitute misconduct.

Post-Publication Concerns

Substantial plagiarism or unattributed reproduction discovered after publication is assessed under the journal’s Research Misconduct and Retraction policies. The outcome may range from correction to retraction depending on extent, significance, intent, and effect on the integrity of the publication.