Plagiarism Policy

The journal adheres to the principles of academic integrity and publication ethics. All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism prior to peer review.

Definition of Plagiarism
Plagiarism includes, but is not limited to:

  • Direct copying of text without proper citation
  • Paraphrasing without appropriate attribution
  • Self-plagiarism (reuse of previously published work without proper disclosure)
  • Use of others’ ideas, data, or results without acknowledgment
  • Improper citation or omission of references

Plagiarism Screening
All manuscripts are checked using plagiarism detection software provided under Contract No. 472/2025-EC-1148 (StrikePlagiarism system) at the initial editorial stage.
The similarity index is used only as an indicative measure and does not automatically determine the editorial decision. Each similarity report is carefully evaluated by the editor, taking into account:

  • Exclusion of references, quotations, and commonly used technical phrases
  • Context and structure of overlapping text
  • Nature of the research and discipline

Interpretation of Similarity Index

  • Up to 15% — acceptable level of similarity
  • 15–30% — manuscript may be returned for minor revision
  • Above 30% — requires detailed editorial assessment
  • Clear evidence of plagiarism — manuscript is rejected
    Editorial decisions are based not only on similarity percentage, but also on the nature, extent, and significance of overlap.

Editorial Procedure
If potential plagiarism is identified, the editorial office follows these steps:

  1. Initial editorial assessment
  2. Verification of similarity report
  3. Communication with the author(s)
  4. Request for clarification or revision
  5. Final editorial decision (accept, revise, or reject)

Post-Publication Policy
If plagiarism is detected after publication, the journal reserves the right to: publish corrections; retract the article; notify authors’ affiliated institutions if necessary

Ethics Statement
The journal follows the guidelines of the COPE and expects all authors to adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity.