Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism, Data Fabrication, and Image Manipulation Policy

Plagiarism

  • Plagiarism includes copying text, ideas, images, or data from another source (including an author’s own previously published work) without proper citation.

  • Any reused text must be placed in quotation marks and fully cited.

  • If the study design, structure, or language of a manuscript is influenced by prior work, those sources must be explicitly acknowledged.

Data Fabrication & Falsification

  • Fabrication or manipulation of data, figures, or results is strictly prohibited. Authors must present their data honestly and transparently.

Image Manipulation

  • Image files must not be manipulated in a way that could mislead readers or distort scientific meaning.

  • Unacceptable practices include:

    1. Adding, enhancing, removing, or moving elements within an image.

    2. Combining images from different experiments without clear separation and explanation.

    3. Altering brightness, contrast, or colors to obscure or exaggerate information.

Screening & Investigation

  • All submissions are checked for plagiarism using Turnitin similarity detection software. Identified overlaps are manually reviewed by editors in accordance with COPE guidelines.

  • If plagiarism, fabrication, or image manipulation is suspected during review, the manuscript may be rejected.

  • If misconduct is confirmed after publication, the article may be corrected or retracted, and authors’ institutions or funders may be notified.

Editorial Action
Our editorial team will investigate all allegations of research or publication misconduct. If confirmed, appropriate measures will be taken, including correction, retraction, or reporting to relevant authorities.

Authors are expected to comply with the highest standards of ethical publication when submitting to JSPAE.