Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policies

Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policy

All manuscripts submitted to the journal are mandatorily subject to similarity verification and plagiarism detection processes as an integral part of the editorial procedure. This control is conducted prior to the initiation of the peer review process and, when deemed necessary, at later stages of evaluation or publication.

The journal employs specialized similarity detection software (such as Turnitin, iThenticate, or other equivalent tools) as technical support for editorial assessment. Reports generated by these tools do not, by themselves, constitute an automatic criterion for acceptance or rejection. Their interpretation rests with the editorial team, which evaluates them using reasoned academic judgment, taking into account the context, nature, extent, and location of the identified matches.

Interpretation of Similarity Indexes

Similarity percentages are analyzed in a contextual and indicative manner, according to the following general ranges:

Similarity Index up to 15%

Generally considered acceptable, provided that the similarities correspond to properly cited quotations, bibliographic references, standardized methodological descriptions, or technical terminology commonly used within the disciplinary field.

Similarity Index between 16% and 25%

Subject to editorial review. In such cases, authors may be required to revise the manuscript, improve paraphrasing, strengthen citation practices, or reduce textual overlap before the manuscript proceeds further in the editorial process.

Similarity Index between 26% and 40%

Considered problematic. The manuscript may be returned for substantial revision or rejected, depending on the magnitude, relevance, and location of the overlapping content.

Similarity Index above 40%

Considered unacceptable and potentially indicative of plagiarism or redundant publication. Such manuscripts will be rejected without undergoing peer review. If detected after publication, the article may be subject to correction, an expression of concern, or retraction, as appropriate.

Unacceptable Practices

Regardless of the overall similarity percentage, a manuscript may be rejected if any of the following practices are identified:

 

Unattributed copying of texts, ideas, data, tables, or figures.

Plagiarism in substantive sections of the manuscript, such as results, discussion, or conclusions.

Self-plagiarism or redundant publication without proper citation or valid editorial justification.

Inappropriate reuse of previously published material under incompatible licenses.

Improper fragmentation of research results (salami slicing).

Procedure in Cases of Suspected Plagiarism

In the event of detected or suspected plagiarism, self-plagiarism, or redundant publication, the editorial team will:

• Assess the severity, scope, and context of the case.
• Request a formal explanation from the corresponding author, when necessary.
• Adopt the appropriate editorial measures, which may include:
• requesting corrections,
• rejecting the manuscript,
• publishing corrections, expressions of concern, or retractions,
• notifying affiliated institutions in cases of serious misconduct.

All actions will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and internationally recognized best practices in scholarly publishing ethics.

Declaration of Originality

By submitting a manuscript, authors declare and guarantee that the work is original, that all sources have been properly cited, and that the content fully complies with this Plagiarism and Similarity Detection Policy. Failure to adhere to these principles constitutes a serious breach of editorial ethics and may result in the corresponding editorial actions.