Citation Policies

1. Transparent Attribution
All content drawn from other sources, including the authors' previous publications, must be properly cited. Direct quotations must appear in quotation marks and be accompanied by an appropriate reference. This applies equally to the author’s own previously published work (i.e., self-reuse).

2. Responsible Self-Citation
While it is acceptable to reference one’s own work when it is directly relevant, excessive self-citation should be avoided. Citations should serve to support the content, not to artificially boost citation metrics.

3. Firsthand Use of Sources
Authors must only cite works they have read and understood. Copying citations from other reference lists without consulting the original material is considered unacceptable and unethical.

4. Avoiding Preferential Citations
Citations should be selected based on their scholarly merit and relevance. Authors must avoid favoring their own publications, those of close collaborators, or those affiliated with their institution without clear justification.

5. Exclusion of Non-Scholarly Sources
Materials such as advertisements, sponsored content, or commercial promotional materials are not appropriate for scholarly citation and should not be included in reference lists.

6. Compliance with COPE Guidelines
In line with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), citation practices must avoid manipulation. Any form of citation stacking, coercive citation, or inclusion of irrelevant references to influence impact metrics is strictly prohibited.

7. Ethical Conduct in Referencing
Manipulating citation patterns to influence metrics or editorial decisions undermines the integrity of the academic record. Such practices will be investigated and may lead to editorial sanctions or retraction of the submission.