Both research papers and non-research publications must cite pertinent and acceptable literature to back up their statements. Any type of citation manipulation, including excessive self-citation, coordinated attempts by numerous authors to collectively self-cite, needless and pointless citation of works that have already been published in the journal to which the paper has been submitted, and others, is unacceptable.

The manuscript will be rejected if the citations are manipulated, and the authors' institutions may get a complaint. Authors should also inform the publication of any attempts by peer reviewers or editors to promote such behaviors.

The following guidelines should be followed by the authors while writing or submitting their article for publication:

• The data or statement in the paper that relies on information from another source should be cited.

• Authors should not cite the derivative works. Rather than a review article referencing the original work, they should reference the original work.

• Authors must ensure that their citations are correct (i.e., that the reference supports the claim made in their publication and that they do not mislead another work by mentioning it if it does not support the argument the authors seek to convey).

• Author should only cite the reference after reading and understanding the data correctly. Do not cite another work without reading it carefully.

• Authors should avoid citing biased research articles. For instance, citing their friend’s, colleague's, or institution’s publication is inappropriate.

• Authors should consider the research work globally instead of citing all the references from one country.

• Authors should avoid citing a number of references for a single piece of information.

• Authors are not allowed to cite any advertisement or advertorial information.