Similarity and Citation Policy
1. Purpose
The African Journal of Applied Sciences and Humanities (AJASH) is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity and publication ethics. This document outlines the journal’s policy on textual similarity (plagiarism) and citation practices to ensure that all published content is original, properly attributed, and ethically produced.
2. Similarity Policy
2.1 Acceptable Similarity Threshold
All manuscripts are screened using the iThenticate similarity detection software.
Manuscripts must have an overall similarity index of no more than 20%, with no more than 5% from any single source (excluding commonly used phrases).
2.2 Unacceptable Types of Similarity
- - Verbatim Copying: Copying text without quotation marks and attribution.
- - Improper Paraphrasing: Superficial modifications in wording without proper citation.
- - Redundant Publication: Reusing one’s previously published work (self-plagiarism).
- - Translation Plagiarism: Translating text from another language without citation.
2.3 Editorial Actions
- - Manuscripts that exhibit excessive similarity will be returned to the authors for revision or rejected outright.
- - In cases of serious or deliberate plagiarism, the journal reserves the right to blacklist authors and notify their institutions.
3. Citation Policy
3.1 Citation Ethics
All sources must be properly cited, observing the following:
- - Cite Primary Sources: Whenever possible, cite original research rather than derivative reviews.
- - Avoid Excessive Self-Citation: Do not cite previous work solely to increase citation counts.
- - Accurate Representation: Citations must reflect the source's actual content.
3.2 Inappropriate Citations
- - Citation Manipulation: Intentional citations to increase impact factors.
- - Fake Sources: Citing non-existent or predatory journals.
- - Irrelevant Citations: Citing sources not directly relevant to the manuscript's content.
3.3 Reference Style
Authors are strictly required to use the journal’s prescribed citation format. Currently, the journal follows the APA7 style.
* All references must be listed in full and consistently formatted according to this style.
4. Author's Responsibility
Authors are responsible for originality and accuracy. By submitting, authors confirm:
- - The work is original and unpublished.
- - All contributions are appropriately cited.
- - The manuscript complies with ethical guidelines.
5. Policy Enforcement
The editorial team reserves the right to reject or retract any submission found to violate this policy at any stage before or after publication.
6. Contact
For queries or clarification regarding this policy, please contact the editorial office at:
editorinchief@ajash.ly


