The International Journal of Clinical Studies and Medical Research (IJCSMR) is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and ethical publishing. The journal has a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism and other forms of research misconduct. To ensure the originality of all published work, every submitted manuscript undergoes plagiarism screening before entering the peer-review process.

Plagiarism Screening

All manuscripts submitted to IJCSMR are screened using Turnitin to detect text similarity and identify potential plagiarism, duplicate publication, or inappropriate overlap with previously published works.

Authors are required to submit a Turnitin Similarity Report along with their manuscript at the time of submission. Submissions without a plagiarism report may be considered incomplete and may be returned to the authors before editorial assessment.

Author Responsibilities

Authors must ensure that:

• The submitted manuscript is original and has not been plagiarized.
• All sources are properly cited and referenced.
• Direct quotations are appropriately identified and acknowledged.
• Previously published material is used only with proper attribution and, where necessary, permission.
• The submitted Turnitin Similarity Report complies with the journal's plagiarism requirements.

Authors are responsible for verifying the originality of their work before submission.

Editorial Assessment

The Editorial Office will review the submitted Turnitin report and may conduct an independent plagiarism screening using Turnitin or another recognized similarity detection tool.

If the similarity index exceeds the journal's acceptable limits or if evidence of plagiarism, duplicate publication, self-plagiarism, or inappropriate text overlap is identified, the manuscript may:

• Be returned to the authors for revision and clarification.
• Be rejected before peer review.
• Undergo further editorial investigation where necessary.

Similarity percentages are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the nature and source of the overlap rather than relying solely on an overall similarity score.

Types of Plagiarism

The journal considers the following practices unacceptable:

• Direct plagiarism.
• Self-plagiarism or redundant publication.
• Mosaic or patchwork plagiarism.
• Duplicate publication.
• Improper citation or attribution.
• Unauthorized use of copyrighted material.
• Data or image plagiarism.

Post-Publication Cases

If plagiarism is identified after publication, IJCSMR will investigate the matter in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE).

Depending on the findings, the journal may:

• Publish a correction.
• Issue an Expression of Concern.
• Retract the article.
• Notify the authors' institution or funding agency, where appropriate.
• Impose restrictions on future submissions.

Commitment to Research Integrity

IJCSMR is dedicated to maintaining the integrity and credibility of the scholarly record. Through mandatory plagiarism screening using Turnitin, the submission of a Similarity Report by authors, rigorous editorial assessment, and adherence to COPE and ICMJE recommendations, the journal ensures that all published research meets the highest standards of originality, transparency, and ethical scientific publishing.