Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS)

Open Access | Bi-Annual | Double-Blind Peer Review

1. Commitment to Academic Integrity

The Journal of Modern Medical Science (JMMS) upholds strict standards of originality, authenticity, and ethical scholarship. Plagiarism in any form undermines scientific credibility, erodes trust, and damages the scholarly record.

The journal maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward plagiarism and related forms of academic misconduct.

2. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying text, data, figures, or ideas without proper attribution.
• Paraphrasing another author’s work without appropriate citation.
• Submitting someone else’s work as one’s own.
• Reusing substantial parts of previously published work without disclosure (self-plagiarism).
• Using third-party images, tables, or materials without permission or citation.
• Presenting translated content as original work without acknowledgment.

Plagiarism may be intentional or unintentional; both are treated seriously.

3. Types of Plagiarism

3.1 Direct Plagiarism

Verbatim copying of text without quotation marks and citation.

3.2 Mosaic Plagiarism

Blending copied phrases with original text without proper acknowledgment.

3.3 Self-Plagiarism

Reusing one’s previously published work without disclosure or citation.

3.4 Data Plagiarism

Using data, results, or datasets from other sources without permission or acknowledgment.

3.5 Image and Figure Plagiarism

Reproducing images, graphs, or tables without proper citation or copyright permission.

3.6 Duplicate Submission

Submitting the same manuscript to multiple journals simultaneously.

4. Similarity Screening

All submitted manuscripts undergo similarity checking using recognized plagiarism detection software.

The journal evaluates:

• Overall similarity percentage,
• Context of overlapping text,
• Location of similarity (methods, literature review, results, etc.),
• Proper citation of overlapping content.

Similarity percentage alone does not determine plagiarism; editorial judgment is applied.

5. Acceptable Similarity Threshold

While minor overlap may occur in methodology descriptions or standard phrases, excessive similarity is unacceptable.

As a general principle:

• Similarity exceeding acceptable academic norms requires explanation.
• Large blocks of uncited identical text are not permitted.
• Repetition of previously published content must be properly cited and justified.

Each case is evaluated individually.

6. Author Responsibilities

Authors must:

• Ensure originality of submitted work.
• Properly cite all sources.
• Obtain permission for reused content.
• Disclose prior publications related to the manuscript.
• Avoid fragmenting research into multiple redundant publications.

Authors are fully responsible for the integrity of submitted content.

7. Handling Suspected Plagiarism (Pre-Publication)

If plagiarism is detected during review:

1. The editorial office conducts an initial assessment.
2. Authors are notified and invited to respond.
3. If plagiarism is confirmed:
• The manuscript is rejected.
• Authors may be barred from submission for a defined period.
• Institutions may be informed in severe cases.

Minor issues may be corrected through revision where appropriate.

8. Handling Plagiarism (Post-Publication)

If plagiarism is identified after publication:

• An investigation is initiated.
• Authors are contacted for explanation.
• Depending on findings, the journal may:
• Publish a correction,
• Issue an expression of concern,
• Retract the article.

Retraction notices clearly state the reason.

9. Self-Plagiarism and Redundant Publication

Authors must disclose prior dissemination of:

• Conference abstracts,
• Preprints,
• Previously published datasets,
• Overlapping studies.

Substantial overlap without disclosure may result in rejection or retraction.

10. Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools

If AI tools are used in manuscript preparation:

• Authors must disclose their use.
• AI-generated text must be carefully reviewed.
• Authors remain fully accountable for originality and accuracy.

AI use does not excuse plagiarism.

11. Image Manipulation and Data Integrity

Image duplication or manipulation intended to mislead is treated as serious misconduct.

The journal may request original raw data or image files during review or investigation.

12. Role of Reviewers and Readers

Reviewers and readers are encouraged to report suspected plagiarism. All reports are handled confidentially.

The journal protects whistleblowers from retaliation.

13. Institutional Notification

In cases of confirmed serious misconduct, the journal may inform:

• Author institutions,
• Funding agencies,
• Regulatory authorities.

This action is taken to protect the integrity of the scholarly record.

14. Preventive Measures

JMMS promotes prevention through:

• Clear author guidelines,
• Mandatory similarity screening,
• Ethical publishing education,
• Strict peer review oversight.
• The goal is corrective rather than punitive wherever possible.

15. Appeals Process

Authors may appeal plagiarism findings by providing detailed justification and supporting documentation. Appeals are reviewed independently. The final editorial decision is binding.