ANTI-PLAGIARISM POLICY

All manuscripts submitted to Sapiens in Health Sciences (SHS) are subject to a mandatory plagiarism and similarity screening process as an integral component of the editorial workflow. Similarity checks are conducted prior to peer review and, when deemed necessary by the Editorial Team, may also be performed at subsequent stages of the editorial process.

The journal uses specialized similarity detection software, including Turnitin®, iThenticate®, and other equivalent academic integrity tools, exclusively as technical support for editorial evaluation. Similarity reports do not constitute an automatic basis for acceptance or rejection; rather, they are critically assessed by the Editorial Team, taking into account the context, nature, extent, and location of any detected overlaps.

Interpretation of Similarity Levels

Similarity percentages are interpreted as indicative reference values and are always assessed within their academic and editorial context.

Similarity up to 15%

Generally considered acceptable, provided that the detected overlap corresponds to properly cited quotations, reference lists, standardized methodological descriptions, legally reusable content, or commonly used technical terminology.

Similarity between 16% and 25%

Subject to editorial review. Authors may be requested to revise the manuscript, improve paraphrasing, strengthen citation practices, or reduce unnecessary textual overlap before the manuscript can proceed through the editorial process.

Similarity between 26% and 40%

Considered potentially problematic. Depending on the extent, significance, and location of the overlapping material, the manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected.

Similarity above 40%

Considered unacceptable and potentially indicative of plagiarism, redundant publication, or excessive textual duplication. Manuscripts within this range will normally be rejected without entering peer review. If such issues are identified after publication, the article may be subject to correction, expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate.

Unacceptable Practices

Regardless of the overall similarity percentage, a manuscript may be rejected if any of the following practices are identified:

  • Reproduction of text, ideas, data, tables, figures, images, or other intellectual content without proper attribution.
  • Plagiarism in substantive sections of the manuscript, including results, discussion, conclusions, or interpretation of findings.
  • Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without appropriate citation, disclosure, or editorial justification.
  • Duplicate submission of the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously.
  • Inappropriate reuse of previously published material under incompatible copyright or licensing conditions.
  • Fragmentation of research results into multiple publications without sufficient scientific justification (“salami slicing”).
  • Manipulation of citations or references intended to artificially increase citation metrics or academic visibility.

Procedure for Suspected Plagiarism

When evidence or reasonable suspicion of plagiarism, self-plagiarism, redundant publication, duplicate submission, or other forms of publication misconduct is identified, the Editorial Team will:

  • Evaluate the nature, extent, and context of the detected issue.
  • Request a formal explanation from the corresponding author when appropriate.
  • Assess all available evidence before reaching an editorial decision.
  • Adopt the necessary editorial actions according to the seriousness of the case.

Such actions may include:

  • Requests for correction or revision.
  • Suspension of the editorial evaluation process.
  • Rejection of the manuscript.
  • Publication of corrections or notices when necessary.
  • Retraction of published articles in cases of serious misconduct.
  • Notification of authors’ affiliated institutions, funding agencies, or relevant authorities when warranted by the severity of the case.

Originality Statement

By submitting a manuscript to Sapiens in Health Sciences (SHS), authors certify that:

  • The work is original and has not been plagiarized, fabricated, falsified, or inappropriately duplicated.
  • All sources of information have been properly acknowledged and cited.
  • Any use of previously published material complies with applicable copyright, licensing, and attribution requirements.
  • The manuscript is not under simultaneous consideration by another journal unless explicitly permitted under established editorial policies.

Failure to comply with this policy constitutes a serious breach of publication ethics and may result in editorial actions before or after publication.

Commitment to Research Integrity

Sapiens in Health Sciences is committed to preserving academic integrity, scientific transparency, and responsible research practices. Similarity screening constitutes one component of the journal’s broader commitment to ensuring the originality, reliability, credibility, and ethical quality of the scientific record.