Plagiarism Policy and AI Use Policy

Plagiarism Policy

All manuscripts submitted to Huma Barigas: Journal of Medical and Health Sciences must be original and free from plagiarism. The journal uses plagiarism detection software to screen submitted manuscripts during initial review and prior to acceptance.

Forms of plagiarism that are strictly prohibited include:

  • Direct copying of sentences or paragraphs from other works without proper citation

  • Self-plagiarism or duplicate publication of previously published work

  • Inadequate paraphrasing that retains original structure or meaning

  • Using others’ figures, tables, or data without permission or acknowledgment

Manuscripts with high similarity index or suspected plagiarism may be:

  1. Returned to authors for revision

  2. Rejected immediately

  3. Reported to affiliated institutions (for serious cases)

The acceptable maximum similarity level is generally below 20%, excluding references and generic terms, although editors may consider contextual judgment.

AI Use Policy

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used for:

  • Language refinement (grammar, spelling, readability)

  • Formatting assistance

  • Reference management support

However, AI-generated content must not replace scholarly originality or critical reasoning.

Thus, the following are not allowed:

  • Submitting AI-generated manuscripts as original academic work

  • Using AI to fabricate data, results, diagnostics, statistical output, or citations

  • Using generative tools to imitate empirical findings

Authors must ensure:

  • All ideas, analyses, and interpretations reflect human intellectual contribution

  • All data presented are real, valid, and traceable

  • Any AI assistance must be acknowledged transparently (if significantly used)

Statements such as the following may be included in the manuscript (optional):

“AI-based writing assistance was used for language editing, but all interpretations, analysis, and conclusions are solely the authors’ responsibility.”

Misuse of AI tools may result in immediate rejection or post-publication withdrawal.