Plagiarism Policy
Plagiarism Policy
The International Journal of Applied Science and Technology Application (IJAPSET) is committed to originality, proper attribution, and responsible scholarly publishing. All submitted manuscripts are expected to comply with the journal's similarity requirements and ethical standards.
IJAPSET Similarity Thresholds
The total similarity index must be below 15%.
Similarity from any single source must be below 3%.
Manuscripts must meet both thresholds. A manuscript that meets the overall threshold but exceeds the single-source threshold may still require revision or further editorial assessment.
Originality and Academic Integrity
IJAPSET requires submitted manuscripts to present original scholarly work and to acknowledge the ideas, findings, words, data, images, and other contributions of previous researchers appropriately.
Plagiarism includes presenting another person's work as one's own, copying text without appropriate attribution, using ideas or data without acknowledgment, and reproducing published material without proper citation or permission where required.
The policy also applies to inappropriate reuse of an author's previously published material, duplicate publication, and other practices that may misrepresent the originality of a submission.
Recommended Similarity-Checking Tools
IJAPSET recommends established similarity-checking services to support the editorial assessment of submitted manuscripts.
Turnitin
A similarity-checking service that helps identify matching text for further review and evaluation by editors.
Visit Turnitin ↗iThenticate
A similarity-screening service widely used in scholarly publishing to help assess overlap between manuscripts and existing literature.
Visit iThenticate ↗These are recommended tools. Their availability and use depend on the journal's access arrangements and editorial workflow.
Plagiarism Screening Process
Initial Manuscript Screening
Submitted manuscripts may be screened for textual similarity before or during editorial assessment.
Similarity Report Assessment
The editor reviews the overall similarity, matches from individual sources, and the nature of the overlapping text.
Editorial Evaluation
Editors distinguish legitimate matches, such as properly cited quotations and references, from potentially inappropriate overlap.
Revision or Further Assessment
Where necessary, authors may be asked to revise text, improve citations, provide explanations, or address identified concerns.
Editorial Decision
The editor determines whether the manuscript may proceed, requires revision, or should be rejected based on the report, context, and applicable ethical standards.
Interpretation of Similarity Reports
Similarity reports identify matching text; they do not independently determine whether plagiarism has occurred. The editorial team considers the context, source, extent, and nature of the overlap before making a decision.
Potentially Acceptable Matches
Properly attributed quotations, reference entries, standard terminology, and other legitimate matches may be considered in context.
Potentially Problematic Matches
Unattributed passages, copied analysis, reused results without disclosure, or extensive overlap may require further investigation.
Important: A low similarity score does not automatically prove originality, and a high score does not automatically prove plagiarism. Both thresholds and the editorial assessment must be considered.
Responsibilities Before Submission
Before submitting a manuscript to IJAPSET, authors are expected to:
- Ensure that the manuscript is original and not under simultaneous consideration elsewhere.
- Properly cite all borrowed ideas, text, data, figures, and other materials.
- Use quotation marks or appropriate formatting for verbatim text where required.
- Obtain permissions for copyrighted material when necessary.
- Disclose relevant reuse of the authors' own previously published work.
- Check the manuscript for unintended textual overlap before submission.
- Respond honestly to editorial questions about similarity reports or research originality.
Actions in Cases of Plagiarism
When inappropriate similarity or plagiarism is identified, IJAPSET may take action proportionate to the evidence and seriousness of the case.
- Request clarification or a revised manuscript.
- Require correction of citations, quotations, or attribution.
- Reject a manuscript when serious or unresolved concerns remain.
- Refer credible allegations to an author's institution or another appropriate body where necessary.
- Publish a correction, expression of concern, or retraction for a published article when justified.
- Consider further editorial restrictions where serious misconduct has been established and applicable policy permits such action.
Authors will be given a reasonable opportunity to respond where appropriate. An allegation or similarity score alone is not treated as conclusive proof of misconduct.
Questions About a Similarity Report
Authors who believe that a similarity report has been misinterpreted may provide a reasoned explanation and supporting evidence to the editorial office. The editor will consider the response alongside the similarity report, source context, and applicable journal policies. An appeal does not guarantee a change in the editorial decision.
Commitment to Original Research
IJAPSET promotes original scholarship, appropriate citation practices, and responsible research communication to protect the credibility of the published scientific record.
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